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K LOO E! D INSI Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2184 guyanatimesgy.com

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Heavy winds batter upper Corentyne No

WHAT'S INSIDE:

endorsement yet for PANCAP’s P2 ‘reducing stigma’ report

See story on page 18

Topple homes, blow off roofs

Guyana eyes ACP P3 Secretary General post Govt accuses Hardt of P9 “inciting insurrection”

Indranauth Gopielall and his family (inset) ponder their next move after heavy winds flattened their Williamsburg dwelling on Sunday

Man found Infant dies after dead in ‘smash-up’ “Blacka” See story on page 3

See story on page 6

Fear grows over spread of Chikungunya virus P12

2 news

monday, july 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

No endorsement yet for PANCAP’s ‘reducing stigma’ report

C

aribbean Community ( C a r i c o m ) Governments have deferred “full consideration” of a report by the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) that critics say is designed to encourage a reorder of Caribbean society in a negative way.

“In the deliberations on the declaration, it was clearly stated that we were not yet in a position to support the going forward of the declaration in the form that it was presented and so this continues to be work in prog-

ress and at some late stage, Heads of Governments will definitely have a second look at this,” St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas said.

The PANCAP report includes repealing laws criminalising consensual sexual acts between adults and making sexual orientation a protected category for non-discrimination. But Douglas, who has lead responsibility for health matters within the quasi-Caricom Cabinet, said he did not think that PANCAP was making any recommenda-

St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas

Taruka and Paramakatoi get ATVs

Toshao and members of the Taruka Village Council receive from Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, a new ATV

A

merindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai last week delivered an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) each to the Village Councils of Taruka and Paramakatoi.

The Councils had requested equipment to support their administrative duties. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the administration tries to im-

prove water and land transportation of Amerindian communities with emphasis on providing assistance, especially in communities where school children walk miles or paddle for distances in small boats to get to school.

Transportation support is also made for agriculture ventures of the communities through the provision of tractor/trailers, ploughs and oth-

er agriculture implements.

Minister Sukhai, noting the continuous Government interventions made over time to improve the lives of the hinterland residents, in handing over the ATVs, cautioned them to use the equipment is a sustainable manner.

She pointed out that the assistance, if properly managed, can obtain multiple results over time that will fur-

ther the lives of the residents of the communities and their satellites.

During her visit to Paramakatoi, Minister Sukhai committed to providing to the village’s secondary school, for the new September school term, two complete 65-watt generators to power the 15 computers contained within its Information Technology (IT) Department.

tion on issues such as samesex marriages. He added that the declaration was taken out of context and issues such as same-sex marriage never came up.

He told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) during the just-concluded 35th Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda that the aim of the PANCAP report was to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons who are associated with HIV/AIDS. Dr Douglas said during deliberations on the document, it was said that leaders were not yet in a position to support the declaration in its current form.

Two weeks ago, 140 Caribbean organisations issued a joint statement expressing concern about regional leaders preparing to endorse several actionable recommendations on eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Specifically, the key elements of the PANCAP Declaration include eliminating motherto-child transmission of HIV; strengthening laws to drastically reduce violence; enacting overarching anti-discrimination legislation; amending the equal opportunities acts; and prohibiting discrimination in employment practices, including HIV status, disability and sexual orientation by 2015.

Laws

PANCAP has asked for governments to achieve the repealing of laws criminalising consensual acts between adults and to make sexual orientation a protection category for non-discrimination between 2015 and 2018.

PANCAP arrived at the recommendations for this Declaration after a two-day dialogue held earlier this year among several stakeholder groups throughout the Region. Though many of the opposing signatures were from Jamaica, the PANCAP agenda emanating from this dialogue has already solicited support from Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, as well as Dr Douglas.

In response to the report released by Caricom, the organisations hailing from throughout the Region – many of them faith-based – took a strong stance against what they referred to as the pushing of “PANCAP politics”.

In a press release signed by the various bodies – in-

cluding Church of the Nazarene Barbados District, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, the Pure Sex Centre, Restoration Ministries, Shekinah Medical Centre, Belize Association of Evangelical Churches, the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas, the Grenada Alliance of Evangelical Churches and Advocates Caribbean, and Horticultural Management Services – they pointed out that they were not in favour of “the manner in which these recommendations are being advanced [and that such a manner] is contrary to the Caricom Charter of Civil Society”.

Defining sexuality and marriage

“We are alarmed that the leaders of the Caribbean are pursuing a demonstrably illogical path which, with regard to sexuality, seeks to define normal without reference to design,” the organisations said, arguing that no recommendation and succeeding implementation by Heads of Government should remove or repeal laws that “protect the structure of the family, marriage between one man and one woman, the image of God, our children and the fundamental human rights of Caribbean people”.

The protesting organisations further demanded that there should also be no move toward “restrict[ing] the freedom of faith-based organisations to teach, preach and practise principles which they hold in good conscience”.

The body of organisations called on Heads of Government to have the health and well-being of society as their top priority, noting that they equally shared concerns about the impact that the HIV/AIDS pandemic was having on the physical, psychological, social and economic well-being of many Caribbean individuals and communities. They also emphasised a greater need to care for such persons as well as to demonstrate respect for the health and well-being of others.

Critical to their argument, however, was that they believed that Government should instead enable the creation of an environment that pushed the practice of abstinence, delayed onset of sexual activity, and mutual fidelity in marriage as critical to a reduction in the spread of HIV.

NEWS

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monday, july 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, July 7 from 12:30h-14:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, July 7 from 11:15h-12:45h

WEATHER TODAY Thundery rain showers are expected to prevail in the morning and early afternoon hours, giving way to heavy rain showers in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected to prevail in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly between 4.47 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:57h reaching a maximum height of 2.27 metres.

Low Tide: 05:26h and 17:52h reaching minimum heights of 0.89 metre and 0.93 metre respectively.

Infant dies after ‘smash up’ A

n infant has become the latest road fatality after the car in which he was travelling collided with a motor lorry at the intersection of Main and New Market Streets, Georgetown, on Saturday morning.

Two-month-old Austin Mathews of Woodlands Hospital Compound, succumbed to his injuries at the private medical facility on Sunday morning. The infant was rushed to the hospital and was in a critical condition from the time he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The infant’s parents, Princy and Matthew Thomas, also sustained injuries; their conditions

have been listed as stable. They both are overseas nurses who are registered to practise in Guyana.

According to information received, the accident occurred about 10:00h on Saturday morning.

The car, a Mitsubishi Lancer bearing number plate PJJ 7560, reportedly failed to stop at the intersection of New Market and Main Streets, resulting in the collision with a fullyloaded canter, which was transporting cement at the time.

As a result of the impact, the car ended up in a small trench while the canter toppled on its side, spilling the contents it was transporting. The

driver of the canter Dyall Ramkissoon told media operatives that he was on his way to deliver cement to a construction site when the Mitsubishi Lancer failed to stop at the intersection and ended up in his path.

He went on to say that he attempted to avoid a collision, but it was too late.

He insisted that he was on the right-of-way on Main Street when the collision occurred. He argued that the driver of the car should have been more careful.

When this newspaper visited the Woodlands Hospital on Sunday, doctors there warned against meeting the relatives who are still traumatised about the incident.

A doctor in the male ward told Guyana Times that Thomas did not take the news of the death of his son too nicely.

He was given sedatives which will allow him to relax and recover from the shock. The doctor also explained that the mother of the child is also in a state of shock; thus, it was not advisable to approach her for a comment.

The couple has been working at the Woodland Hospital for some time.

Little Austin was the first child for the medical couple. A post-mortem is expected to be performed on the infant on Wednesday.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

Guyana eyes ACP Secretary General post

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uyana is among three Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries that will nominate candidates to head the powerful 79-member African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) grouping.

Regional leaders, who ended their annual summit on Friday in Antigua and Barbuda said Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have all signalled their intention to submit the names of candidates for the post. It is unclear who is the likely nominee from Guyana for the post and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett could not be reached for a comment on Sunday.

Back in June, the ACP had indicated that the next Secretary General will be a Caribbean national. The tenure of the current SG Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni of Ghana ends in February 2015.

The Council of Ministers will meet in Suriname in November 2014, where they will finalise the selection of the next SG. The new SG, who will come from any of the ACP’s member states in the Caribbean, is expected to begin work in March 2015. His/ her term will end in 2020.

“The upcoming term is especially significant as it will see the last leg of ACP[European Union] EU cooperation under the cur-

rent Cotonou Partnership Agreement, which ends in 2020,” a release from the ACP has said. The Cotonou Agreement is the most comprehensive partnership agreement between developing countries and the EU. Since 2000, it has been the framework for the EU’s relations with the 79 ACP member states.

Technical expertise

The Secretary General holds executive powers and heads the Brussels-based ACP Secretariat, which is the administrative and technical body of the ACP Group.

The Secretariat provides policy guidance and technical expertise to the Organs of the Group, and monitors the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement. Appointment to the top post is for five years, and generally follows a principle of rotation amongst the six ACP regions, including West Africa (currently holding the post), East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.

The Secretary General shall in turn appoint four Assistant Secretary Generals to head various departments in the Secretariat during his or her term. The regions will nominate candidates for these posts.

The ACP is an organisation created by the

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Georgetown Agreement in 1975. It is composed of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states, with all of them, save Cuba, signatories to the Cotonou Agreement, also known as the “ACPEC Partnership Agreement” which binds them to the EU. There are 48 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, 16 from the Caribbean and 15 from the Pacific.

Its main objectives are: sustainable development of its member states and their gradual integration into the

global economy, which entails making poverty reduction a matter of priority and establishing a new, fairer, and more equitable world order; coordination of the activities of the ACP Group in the framework of the implementation of ACP-EC Partnership Agreements; consolidation of unity and solidarity among ACP States, as well as understanding among their peoples; and establishment and consolidation of peace and stability in a free and democratic society.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, jULY 7, 2014

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Caricom Day

I

f the Government has declared this day a public holiday, one on which the citizenry do not have to show up for work – or if they do, some have to be paid extra — then it behoves “we, the people” to at least reflect on what this day was supposed to commemorate. Caricom, in a nutshell represents the striving to give institutional expression to the historical oneness inculcated into those individuals who were subjected to British rule during the colonial era.

While other nations may hark back to their beginnings in an unknown, hoary past, the Caribbean’s beginning is welldocumented: we were all dragged from lands afar and forced to deal with the questions of identity – at the micro and macro levels – by struggling against a common oppression.

But while subjectively, those identities were variations on a common theme, for reasons of administrative expedience and imperial control, the politics of “divide and rule” masked the commonality.

It was not until the middle of the 20th Century when trade unionists and politicians (such as Cheddi Jagan) in the Caribbean (Caribbean Congress of Labour) and politicians and activists in Britain (Manchester, 1945 Pan African Congress) gathered, that a common political and economic future was seen as “doable”. But the British had their own priorities – which was to exploit the benefits from the colonies without the expense of governing them.

In 1958, it launched the West Indian Federation with 10 of the island colonies incorporated and the two continental territories, British Guiana and British Honduras, opting to stay out. Jagan, as the Premier of the now self-governing Guiana, critiqued the Federation as a neo-colonial device that was inappropriate for addressing the challenges that the colonies would face if they became independent.

He was proven right when Jamaica quit the Federation in 1962 and precipitated Trinidad and Tobago’s Premier Eric Williams’ famous quip, “1 from 10 leaves zero.” Both Jamaica and TT became independent in 1962 and the other colonies followed suit during the next decade. But Williams, who had been in Manchester, was committed to a common Caribbean destiny and took the lead, in pushing a more pragmatic free trade area which was launched in 1968 as CARIFTA. Five years later, on July 4, 1973, the major leaders were confident enough to launch a more ambitious venture for unity – the Caribbean Community, Caricom. Unlike what one would believe from the outrage expressed from a section of Guyanese society, about some comments being made on July 4, the day does not only concern the US independence.

It is also the day that the leaders of the British Caribbean territories sought to create “a more perfect union” to deliver on the aspirations of the Caribbean people for political, economic, and social freedom.

Even though there were challenges in each of those areas, not the least being the unwillingness of the Heads of Government to appoint an Executive Body with teeth, by 1989, the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) became the new, ambitious goal. In the words of the “Grand Anse Declaration”, the “main objectives of the CSME are: full use of labour (full employment) and full exploitation of the other factors of production (natural resources and capital); competitive production leading to greater variety and quantity of products and services to trade with other countries”.

By this time. however, the grand vision for Caribbean unity had degenerated into mere rhetoric. Very few of the leaders were willing to put their money where their mouths were when it came to executing the programme. And it was not just about unpopular moves such as the “free movement of peoples” but even those such as the “Jagdeo Initiative” that would have given the Region food security.

In 2011, the Heads of Government announced that CSME was officially “on pause”. We believe that it is high time we have a “reset” on that misguided decision.

Caricom Day, Friday, July 4, 2014, was celebrated at the 35th Caricom Heads of Government conference in Antigua/Barbuda with a flag raising ceremony. The Heads joined other participants outside the conference venue for the raising of the Antigua/Barbuda National Flag and playing of the National Anthem, and the raising of the Caricom Standard and playing of the new Caricom Song (Caricom Secretariat photo)

Dismayed by former Commissioner’s criticisms of Police

Dear Editor, I have been noting with dismay the interventions of the former Police Commissioner, Winston Felix, in his hypercritical comments on the performance of the present Administration in relation to our crime situation, and his latest in which he decries those in the present hierarchy for not having allowed the DEA office to be set up before.

This is true to form in that persons who were responsible for the affairs of our country in the past seem unable to think of the greater good of our nation, set aside their petty differences, and contribute their experience and knowledge to help to solve our problems in a cooperative spirit.

Instead, we find that more and more many such who were in the higher ech-

elons of our public service are indulging in gaining political mileage by criticising the workings of the present Administration, and doing nothing to contribute to our progress.

What amazes me is that someone who was in charge of the Police Force should continue this futile practice when we all know that the Police Force since our Independence has been notorious for a culture of

corruption and lackadaisical attitude, which was certainly the case in his time, and which was then inherited from his stint in office.

Is it not about time that we in this small nation combine our efforts at advancing its affairs, regardless of our own selfish ambitions?

Respectfully, Roy Paul

AFC’s aim is to make the country ungovernable Dear Editor, The Alliance For Change (AFC) can no longer deny that its main objective is to make this nation ungovernable and so enable A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to regain power in this country.

The AFC’s agenda and that of the United Force party in the 1961-64 period are exactly the same.

Once again, the AFC has been using the Communist propaganda in order to feebly hold on to its support in Berbice. An AFC Member of Parliament, on June 28, told Berbicians that since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is a Communist one, the US Embassy will stop issuing visas to Berbicians.

He claimed that the same thing happened in the 1960s when the PPP was in Government. This MP, indeed, has a knowledge deficit when it comes to Guyanese history, or he is deliberately trying to rewrite Guyana’s history to suit the AFC’s agenda.

In the period 196164, when the PPP was in Government there was no problem travelling to the US. In fact, many Guyanese migrated to the US in those days to escape racially instigated violence in Guyana.

This trend had continued until the US began to place visa restrictions to stem the migration flow to the US. It became increasingly

difficult for Guyanese to obtain visas during the PNC dictatorship until they had to resort to the infamous backtrack route which eventually destroyed and tore many families apart.

Now once again during the PPP/C tenure in Government, almost every Guyanese can obtain a US visa without the fabrication of volumes of documentation and without the great hassles during the PNC era.

On May 10 this year, the AFC used the same ploy when Berbicians were told that this Communist PPP Government will cause the US Embassy to take away or revoke their visas and that they will stop issuing visas to them – all hell will break loose and you will not get your visa.

Does the AFC know more about the modus operandi of the US Embassy than anyone else? Are they privy to inside information or are they making suggestions to the US Embassy? Do they want the US Embassy to act on their suggestions? I think the last question is more in line with their agenda!

Instead of spreading falsehoods, I want the AFC to provide factual evidence to prove to the Guyanese people that the PPP/C is governing this country using the Communist ideology. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

The PPP/C Government should be distinguished from

the PPP as a political party and this is what the AFC has failed to realise.

The economic policy is that of capitalism, the Private Sector is encouraged, foreign investments are encouraged, there is no price control, the forces of supply and demand are allowed to function, private property is protected and encouraged, there are many independent media houses, and there is no Central Committee making decisions, and the list goes on.

The PPP has maintained its strong working-class link and that is vital for the survival of the poor people of this country. Is this the Communism that the PPP is guilty of practising? Unlike the AFC, the PPP is not a hypocrite to the cause of the poor and downtrodden!

Furthermore, to give credence to his Communist theory, the MP accused the PPP of control freakism. But I want to submit here that the MP himself is the biggest control freak. Here is the evidence.

In February, 2012, when I was unanimously elected as the AFC’s Regional Management Committee (RMC) Chairman and another member as the Secretary, the MP wanted us to do his bidding to raise funds to repay him $4.5 million, and when we refused to do so, he called a new election behind our backs and installed a new Chairman and Secretary he

could manipulate.

He selected himself as the Vice Chairman to ensure he had control over the inflow of monies and what was going on within the RMC. The MP had no bills to substantiate the spending of $4.5 million and neither was he authorised to do so and then he rigged the elections to gain control. So who is the control freak?

Then to confirm his control freakism, the MP told his viewers on a TV programme that, if they felt he was saying something wrong, don’t call him. This man beats the late LFS Burnham by miles!

Imagine the AFC programme is a call-in one, yet the MP does not want callers to tell him that he is wrong.

Then this MP who claims to be a capitalist warned Berbicians that they should only read the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News since the Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle are not reliable sources of information.

However, the MP seems to be oblivious of the numerous apologies appearing in small rectangular boxes in both the newspapers mentioned. As a Member of Parliament, he even wants to control which media one should read.

Who is the Communist and who is the control freak?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor, Region Six

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, july 7, 2014

Black Guyanese were increasingly embracing Rodney Dear Editor, The evidence, even after a 33-year lapse, is overwhelmingly clear and conclusive that the PNC assassinated the worldrenowned Historian, Dr Walter Rodney. It came as no surprise to all Guyanese who have lived in those times but what is most revealing, disappointing, embarrassing and came as quite a surprise, is the claim made by Dr Rupert Roopnaraine in an effort to justify the killing of his leader and friend.

The volumes of evidence substantiated the fact that Dr Rodney was a real threat and that black Guyanese were increasingly embracing him. Burnham then knew that he could no longer fuel the fear of Indian dominance and that he had failed miserably to deliver on his many promises to give free milk and cassava, to feed, clothe and house the nation, and instead they had to eat less, sleep less, and work harder. Rodney provided the way out; therefore, Burnham had to ensure his removal from the political arena.

The burning questions are: Did Rodney intend to overthrow Burnham through an armed struggle? Should Roopnaraine be believed when he claimed that the WPA was amassing arms and ammunition at that time for that purpose?

We need to understand that Burnham had paid spies all over and each and every move by his political opponents was closely monitored. The Commission of Inquiry provided ample evidence that the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, the People’s Militia, the House of Israel, the Guyana National Service and the Guyana Young Socialist Movement were all involved in spying and intimidation and spreading of violence. So how come this amassing of arms and ammunition went undetected?

WPA member Tacuma

Ogunseye provided the logical answer when he said that the acquisition of arms was mainly for the security of its members as a result of the threats made by Burnham.

The acquisition was never on a large scale and the use of the word stockpiling brings to mind the stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein! He justified this position by pointing out that two WPA members Ohene Koama and Edward Dublin were murdered by the Police Death Squad during that time.

This had led to the formation of the Security Committee. He concluded that an armed struggle was not feasible and as a worldclass Historian, Rodney knew this. He further pointed out that the WPA had no funds to acquire large-scale arms and ammunitions, they had no contact with arms suppliers and that they had no close relationship with any neighbouring governments.

Then the co-founder of the WPA Eusi Kwayana supplied another hard fact to refute the “armed struggle” theory. He said that the WPA never sought power… but was more interested in resolving racial issues and upgrading Guyana’s politics.

He also claimed that the walkie-talkie was for communication purposes, since there was a lack of telephone services; it was not to be used in an armed revolution.

He confirmed that the walkie-talkie was not even in the same frequency as the Security Forces. He further stated that Rodney had no propensity for violence. Dr Rodney and four other WPA members were already charged for arson of Government property, would it not have been more politically prudent on the part of the PNC to charge him for treason since the WPA was ‘stockpiling arms

and ammunitions’, rather than to assassinate him?

Therefore, the pertinent question is: Is Dr Rupert Roopnaraine the only one who can substantiate such a preposterous yet opportunistic allegation?

Moreover, what exactly did Roopnaraine mean when he said that nothing will come out that is not already known to both parties? The only plausible interpretation based on the volumes of evidence given at the Rodney CoI is that it would be pointless to repeat the fact that the PNC regime is wholly and solely responsible for the gruesome assignation of Dr Walter Rodney on June 13, 1980 and that is the reason why such evidence will not cause a rift between the WPA and the PNC. This barefaced and treacherous admission bears testimony to the obsessive political ambition of Roopnaraine. Not only has he proven to being a traitor to the WPA’s cause and to his leader but he has, through his lies, given the PNC the justification it so badly needed that it was defending the State against a treasonable insurrection.

In other words, Roopnaraine is implicitly saying that Rodney wanted to get rid of Burnham, so Burnham is justified in getting rid of him. The evidence is overwhelmingly against this wicked proposition. Roopnaraine has found a new master, as he was unable to charter a political course independently. How can this country trust a man like Roopnaraine?

Will AFC’s Ramjattan and Nagamootoo be giving evidence at this Inquiry? I am wondering: if the roles of the PPP and PNC were reversed, would the PNC have bypassed the holding of this CoI? Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor, Region Six

Hope justice prevails in Vanessa Kissoon matter Dear Editor, The entire Vanessa Kissoon suspension episode reinforces the view that young people hardly stand a chance in leadership positions in the established “old boys club” political parties. While I don’t have all the facts surrounding Ms Kissoon’s sus-

pension, I’m not surprised that she was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation while the other party to the dispute has not been sanctioned.

This is symptomatic of the way young people are perceived and treated in all the current political parties – seen more as win-

dow dressing than actual substantive contributors to their party’s leadership and success.

I sincerely hope that this matter is resolved swiftly and justice prevails.

Regards, Clinton Urling

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I am ready to serve our nation and our local communities

Dear Editor, As a young Guyanese citizen, I strongly believe our voice should be visible and articulate in expressing concerns we share with all citizens in our country.

To say that I’m disturbed by recently unfolding events concerning Local Government Elections, corruption and domestic violence would be a vast understatement. I represent the most recent generation of young adult Guyanese, as I was born in the late 1980s.

Quite frankly, I am fed up with the current constitutionally elected representatives whose duty is to ensure my right to live and function successfully in my beautiful homeland of Guyana.

I want to speak specifically on the topic of Local Government Elections. I am 26 years old, but Local Government Elections have not been held in 20 years, a stunning acknowledgement for those in my generation who are more than eager to participate in the political and democratic processes. Sadly, the Government’s duly elected representatives stubbornly refuse to see the essential need for these local elections.

As with all Guyanese citizens, it is my right to live in a democratic society, where the youth voice is heard and taken seriously, as those rights are firmly stated in the Constitution of Guyana. Why is it that we haven’t had local elections held regularly? Arguably,

we already should have had at least four cycles of Local Government Elections.

I consider the irony of looking at foreign governments and how their polices positively impact the development for all. What about the newspaper headlines of hundreds of millions of dollars unaccounted for by officials?

I look around my community of Albouystown, contemplating what if just a few of those millions could have been used to build something assuring that my brothers and sisters in the community avoid any risks of being tempted by criminal options? Georgetown was once called the ‘Garden City’, at least I was taught that in primary school.

However, can we call it that now? At least not when it rains!

These thoughts plague my mind as I look for the best solution – a new voice of representation. I believe the best way to rejuvenate our democratic obligations and responsibilities is by holding Local Government Elections.

Furthermore, it is through that process the voice of an eager, proud, engaged young generation of Guyanese citizens will be heard. We are ready to serve our nation, bolstered by the promise of recent strong economic growth.

On behalf of my young Guyanese friends and fellow citizens, I ask all of our nation’s citizens – in particu-

lar the representatives we elect to our Government – to honour in full the intent of our Constitution’s preamble, which acknowledges the aspirations of young people and commits the Government to the responsibility of listening to the youth.

An underfunded local university is a poor reflection upon the Government’s central constitutional responsibility because education is essential to a fully functioning society, economy and 21st Century nation.

The problems of post-independence still plague us.

This generation will not, and cannot, allow the cycle to continue. I say it plainly: I care not of race, sex, creed or gender. I care exclusively about existing peacefully and developing my country.

We look around the world and we see the impact of youth on a country.

It would be such a shame to glimpse a vision that perpetuates a cycle of failure and entrenched poverty, only to realise too late – or, even worse, to never realise – that we must work and sacrifice in order for our children to grow with great promise in a country with such rich abundance of natural and native assets.

Like all my young Guyanese brothers and sisters, I am ready to serve our nation and our local communities.

Sincerely, Marvin Wray

6news

Monday, july 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Times Notebook Standing up for our country W

e are proud of the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and we salute her strength in standing her ground at the recentlyheld 4th of July American Independence celebration.

We are particularly proud of Ms Manickchand’s commitment to Guyana and her unequivocal posture in defending Guyana’s independence.

There have been relentless attacks on the Minister for speaking out against the insult and attack on the President and the Government of Guyana by the US Ambassador. D Brent Hardt has been out of line throughout his tenure as the US Ambassador in Guyana. As a diplomat, he should know better.

Reckless abuse

Guyana is not one of the dictatorial countries America has warm relations with; Guyana is a free and democratic country that has out-performed most of the countries in Caricom and America itself in terms of economic growth in the last decade. Guyana has made tremendous strides in addressing poverty and has recorded significant gains in social indicators.

As mighty as the USA is, it and Guyana are both independent and sovereign nations. We must respect each other as independent nations. America’s

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand toasts America’s independence with US Ambassador D Brent Hardt after her rebuke at the event held on July 2

big-stick diplomacy does not work anymore. Minister Manickchand’s response to the US Ambassador appropriately reminded Ambassador Hardt that efforts to wield an American big-stick today will not succeed in intimidating a proud nation.

Mr Hardt has gone out of his way to be critical of the Guyana Government and has openly taken sides with the Opposition since his arrival in Guyana. He has been anything but diplomatic on many occasions and his recent blunt attack on the President of Guyana crossed the line from careless undiplomatic behaviour to reckless abuse of his diplomatic privileges.

None of the people who booed Ms Manickchand at the US Independence ceremony ever once said anything about the US Ambassador being undiplomatic. Why the double standards? If the US Ambassador felt no constraints in taking sides in our political debates, and if he felt no restraint in being critical of the Guyana Government, why is it that an acting Minister of Foreign Affairs must ignore the insults and the criticism of her President and Government?

The truth is the US Ambassador to Guyana provoked and elicited an appropriate answer from the Guyana Government. It was

neither a rude nor an undiplomatic response; rather it was a response in kind and a deserving response. If Ambassador Hardt expected that in lecturing Guyana, we will run and hide from the big, bad wolf, Minister Manickchand appropriately corrected his misperception.

She demonstrated that she is one of Guyana’s young leaders and she further demonstrated that she cannot be intimidated. She went into the lion’s den and refused to back away. She exemplified the courage and spirit of Guyanese womanhood and follows in the footsteps of Janet Jagan, Philomena Sahoye, Gail Teixeira, Indra Chandarpal, and others.

Indignities

We must not let the behaviour of the US Ambassador taint our strong and mutually beneficial relations with America.

We must further concretize the friendships and cooperation between our countries. Guyanese have a strong link to America and our continued development as a nation depends much on America’s friendship.

We must not permit the tensions that Ambassador Hardt nurtured during his tenure in Guyana to frame the relationships that exist between our countries.

While much attention was paid to the words of

MICS to be completed by August

T

he Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which got underway in April of this year, is set to be completed

by August month-end, says United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Resident Coordinator Marianne Flach.

According to Flach, the MICS is a household survey developed by UNICEF to improve the lives of children in response to the World Summit for Children, which was held in 1990 to measure progress towards an internationally agreed set of goals regarding children.

Since the inception of MICS, four survey rounds have been completed (1995, 2000 and 2005-6 and 200910). The first round of MICS was conducted around 1995, and though Guyana did not participate, it was one of the 65 countries involved in the second round of global surveys conducted in 2000, and participated again in 2006.

This has given the country, its decision-makers and donors, quality data that has started to map out development trends for the country.

While significant progress has been made in reducing under-five mortality through better vaccination coverage and management of childhood illnesses, neonatal mortality remains a critical issue.

Too many children still die from preventable causes within the first month of life.

MICS is expected to provide the data needed to identify these trends and plan effectively to address them.

The Resident Coordinator noted that the MICS is an important monitoring tool for assessing the well-being of children, women, and their families, stating: “For Guyana to continue making progress as a lower-middle income country, sound information on child rights indicators is crucial for formulating and revising national and sub-national policies, and for monitoring to ensure the country’s progress toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and other global commitments aimed at promoting the welfare of children. Gaps

UNICEF’s Resident Coordinator, Marianne Flach: “For Guyana to continue making progress as a lower-middle income country, sound information on child rights indicators is crucial for formulating and revising national and sub-national policies…”

in data often impede Guyana’s efforts to formulate effective policies and programmes and can present a challenge when channelling the country’s limited resources to those most in need.”

Guyana is poised to address the current data through the MICS. For children, this means that critical areas which need to be addressed can be

identified and measures put in place to ensure that they are protected, have better access to quality healthcare and education, and make better life choices so that they will have a sustainable future as they grow into adults.

The survey was taken to all 10 administrative regions in Guyana and targeted an estimated 6000 households.

Government, we have chosen to ignore the behaviour of some who attended the event. The Ambassador did nothing to mitigate the inappropriate behaviour of those who booed and tried to stop Minister Manickchand from speaking. Some of the guests pulled plugs to ensure Minister Manickchand’s words would not be heard.

Indeed, the Ambassador took the microphone again to reiterate his criticism of the Guyana Government.

Harsh words are not new to diplomatic events such as these. But such events are dignified occasions, even with harsh words. The behaviour of Ambassador

Hardt’s friends made the event undignified and the Ambassador added to the indignities by doing nothing to stop the crude behaviour. In addition, taking the microphone once again contributed even more to the indignities of the night.

We applaud the courage of a young Guyanese woman. It was a timely reminder to Ambassador Hardt and to his friends that Guyana’s “massa days” are over. Like America, we cherish our freedom and stand proud as an independent nation.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Man found dead in ‘Blacka’ After he was discharged, his mother took him home.

However, he continued to smoke frequently. This led to several spats with his mother and step-father. On Friday last, there was an altercation during which he scaled the fence and ran away.

He was not seen since despite several searches along the Blacka and other areas by relatives.

No marks of violence

Dead: Terron Watts

T

hree days after running away from home, a graduate from the University of Guyana was on Sunday morning fished out of the Blacka (Lama Canal) at D Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Dead is Terron Watts, 25, a former male nurse at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Watts, formerly of Lot 42 Norton Street, Georgetown, left home on Friday and was discovered by a mentally ill man who went to the Blacka to take a swim. He resided at D Field Sophia with his mother up to the time of his demise.

According to information received, the man might have been having problems with his mother, Simone Mc Pherson, and his step father over his smoking habits.

Guyana Times understands that during studies at the University of Guyana, he indulged in smoking marijuana, and it had become a habit.

The soon-to-be father was warned several times to stop smoking or he would not be allowed to stay in the house. His parent’s threats did not deter him from smoking and ultimately he was kicked out.

He stayed at his aunt at Norton Street for three months after which he contacted his mother and requested that she take him back. He was apparently hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital as result of his constant use of marijuana.

Corretta Eastman, an aunt of the dead man told Guyana Times that she was at home when she received the news that her nephew’s body was found in the Blacka. She immediately left her home at Norton Street and went to the area only to see her nephew’s partially decomposed body.

While his body bore no marks of violence and he was described as a good swimmer, she is of the opinion that he might have committed suicide.

She recalled three years ago, while living in Smyth Street, he dressed in black and threatened to commit suicide, brandishing two bottles of tablets in his hands.

Another aunt, Abiola Clements, of Sophia, explained that she was at the shop when she saw a gathering at the Blacka but did not pay attention. She said that when her son came home, she enquired about the crowd and was told that a man’s body was found.

Being curious, she went to the scene where she was told that the body was that of a relative of hers. Upon taking a closer look, she realised that it was her nephew. She also said that he would normally go to swim at the Blacka and was indeed a good swimmer.

Watts leaves to mourn his pregnant girlfriend, mother, and other siblings. His body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a postmortem examination. The Police are conducting an investigation into the incident.

NEWS

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monDay, july 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Westmaas tells Rodney COI…

Rodney was forced to disguise self on travels – says Burnham had a unique way of punishing protestors

By Tajeram Mohabir

W

orking People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive and Hamilton College African Studies Professor Nigel Westmaas said former President Forbes Burnham had some unique ways of punishing demonstrators aside getting the “thugs” to beat them up.

Testifying recently before the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Professor Westmaas said he recalled an occasion where scores of WPA demonstrators in Georgetown were rounded-up and placed in Police vans. The protestors, he continued, were deposited at Mocha Backdam, East Bank Demerara and another to the “jungle” in Linden, where they had to make their way home by walking. Mocha and Linden then like today, were PNC strongholds.

The academic, who identified former Police Constable Robert Gates as a man who was close to Dr Roopnaraine, also told the Commission of an incident in 1979 where several WPA leaders were arrested at the Rosignol Stelling while on their way to Berbice to open a party office there.

These harassments, he said, were part and parcel of the PNC regime which declared paramountcy over the Government, with Burnham himself declaring that “just as how God was before man, the party was before the Government.”

But Attorney representing the PNCR interest at the Commission Basil Williams pointed out that the facts should not be mixed up, noting that the party did declare paramountcy over the Government, which it has legitimate control over as the party in power, and not the State.

But witnesses have contended that there was no difference during Burnham’s rule, which forced some WPA members to be on constant look out, and had to move around in disguise.

Recalling an incident in early 1980, Professor Westmaas, said him, Dr Rodney and Bonita Harris, a party member were going to Linden, to have a meeting there. He recalled going to the home of Harris, in Subryanville, Georgetown and as they were in the car that was heading to Linden, a man with a toque, saw them and slipped paint in their vehicle.

Dr Westmaas told the tribunal that it was while

Dr Nigel Westmaas

on the journey, Dr Rodney identified himself. He said the plan was for Harris to act as his mother, Dr Rodney the carpenter and him being Dr Rodney’s assistant.

He said if stopped, the excuse would have been that they are going to repair their house in Linden.

He said as they were approaching the toll booth at the McKenzie Bridge, Dr Rodney pretended to be asleep, and he as the driver related their excuse to the guards, they allowed them to pass.

They also safely travelled out of the community after meeting with their members. The meeting was not attended by Harris as she was taken to a relative’s home, but returned home with Dr Westmaas and Dr Rodney.

The WPA Executive recalled that during the troubled period, he was arrested about five times for distributing the WPA newspaper, the Day Clean, which was described by the PNC Government as “dangerous propaganda material” and for picketing. During the Burnham era, he said, freedom of the press was curtailed, pointing out that there was an instance where WPA newsprint was burnt.

Some of the persons arrested during the WPA demonstrations; he said were “collateral damage” as they were really not the persons the PNC Government wanted.

This account by Dr Westmaas was subsequently corroborated by another WPA Executive Tacuma Ogunseye, who said he knew Burnham, as the PNC leader used to meet with persons and distribute party materials in the Kitty Market.

Ogunseye, a Kitty Market vendor was charged several times for distributing Day Clean at various places. He said be-

cause of the oppression, the party acquired guns for some cell leaders to protect themselves, but Attorney Williams, inquired from him, if he was the “badman” in Georgetown, why should one disbelieve that the WPA was not working to overthrow the Government.

But the WPA Executive quickly pointed out that he never ascribed himself that title, and as the PNC Attorney tried to “tie him up”, a purple-faced Ogunseye said, “Let me tell you something.”

And before he could have let go, Commission Chair, Sir Richard Cheltenham intervened and informed Ogunseye that he can “tell him outside”, causing the gathering to erupt in laugh-

The late President Forbes Burnham

ter.

Aside from the Kitty Market vendor, Willams

also had a few minor clashes with the other Attorneys at the Commission. When Barbadian Attorney Andrew Pilgrim had finished crossexamining Ogunseye, William refused to begin his cross-examination much to annoyance of WPA Attorney Christopher Ram, who accused him of usurping the role of the Commissioners.

But Williams said he is not, as there is not rule as to when he ‘should bat’, but noted that after Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee gives his evidence in chief, he will be the first to ‘open the batting’.

Ram, who had earlier thanked several outstanding Attorneys for their representation of the WPA, remarked that while there

Dr Walter Rodney

were many distinguished Attorneys, some are more distinguished that some.

8 News

monday, july 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar updates Guyanese in Antigua on challenges back home

P

resident Donald Ramotar last week updated Guyanese living in Antigua and Barbuda about the many challenges back home, especially the struggle of Government to get the Opposition’s cooperation on a number of national issues.

Ramotar was accompanied by a team comprising Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Chief Diplomat Elisabeth Harper.

President Ramotar and his top officials were in Antigua and Barbuda, to attend the 35th Caricom Heads of Government meeting, from July 1 to July 4.

Held at the Sandals Grande Multi-purpose Centre, the Guyanese event began with President Ramotar updating those in attendance, about the current geo-political situation in Guyana.

He spoke of the current impasse with the political Opposition on transformational projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and explained that despite Government’s efforts to provide all requested

The need for projects such as the Specialty Hospital, Marriott Hotel, and Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion was also explained to the audience, many of whom asked questions related to the aforementioned and expressed satisfaction with answers given by the President and his high-level team.

Changes

President Donald Ramotar addressing Guyanese living in Antigua

documentation and information, the one-seat majority Opposition Parliament still vetoed funds to make it a reality.

The similar situation with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill was also explained by the President, who outlined that despite several interventions by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), along with widespread stakeholders’ support, there was no support from Opposition politicians for the Bill.

The President also told the appreciative audience that much has changed in Guyana. He reminded those present that when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) took office, Guyana’s economic situation was dire. “We were described as a heavily indebted poor country, we are now described as a lower-middle income country and what we are working for is to carry our country to that of a developed country status,” he said.

President Ramotar also thanked the island-based Guyanese for their moral and material support. “”Even though you’re not at home, we know that home is always within you… with your support, I’m absolutely

certain that we will achieve our goals of making Guyana a far better place where we will have a higher quality of life for all our people.”

Also addressing the audience was Minister Rodrigues-Birkett who shared information on issues raised such as the Amaila Falls Project and the quest for other sustainable energy sources, the GuyanaBrazil road and incentives for remigrants, such as duty-free concessions and onestop access for house lots.

The Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General fielded questions about the creation of a Guyanese law school, noting that the issue was being addressed as part of Caricom’s agenda, as several other Caribbean territories had similar challenges with regard to the education of their law students.

Guyana will only move towards establishing its own institution if all else fails, he added.

“If we move in that direction, ideally, it would hopefully be a law school that has the blessings of Caricom and it is part of the Caricom structure of education.”

US-based victim of Cove and John accident out of danger

U

S-based Guyanese Selwyn Carryl, of Lot 108 Middle Walk, Victoria, who was involved in an accident at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara on Saturday is out of danger and is recuperating.

A hospital official told the Guyana Times that Carryl, 36, sustained severe injuries to his back and minor injuries about his body. The father of two, who came home

on vacation, is presently in the male surgical ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Carryl’s brother, Sebastian Frank, 33, perished in the said accident involving the vehicle in which they were travelling and a route 44 minibus. Frank reportedly died while receiving medical attention at the hospital.

According to information received, Frank and his

brother were travelling in motor car PJJ 867, which was heading in an eastern direction when it collided head-on with a minibus bearing registration number BSS 3854.

Frank, an engineer, was reportedly the driver of the car.

At the time of the accident, there were four passengers in the bus, along with the driver and conductor who also reside in Victoria. None of them were seriously in-

jured.

The brothers were returning home after transacting business in Georgetown.

The minibus was heading to Georgetown. From all indications, the now deceased man was in the wrong and might have been under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred.

The Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Eyew tness Naked...

E

...pandering x-Speaker Ralph Ramkarran’s caught in a bind.

How does he deal with the US’s interference in Guyana’s internal affairs when he wants to suck up to the same country – hoping to get a squeeze? One way to do it – the mendacious way – is to speak from both sides of his mouth – but ensuring the sound from the “US’s side” is louder.

This week in his column in the Stabber, he weighed in on what he termed “the defence of Guyana’s sovereignty”. After schoolboyishly mocking Manickchand for being described by Luncheon as a “warrior” – and “feral” – he demonstrated his facility for oral gymnastics.

He brought us the post-war interference in the internal affairs of Third World countries – but blamed it on the “West”. What kind of mealy-mouthed weaselling is this?

Ramkarran goddamn well knows that it was the US – with the rest of the West as handmaidens – that did the interfering from this side of the wall in its “Cold War” with USSR. He can’t say this but can mock Manickchand for having the balls he doesn’t – to call a spade a spade. Some say Manickchand was in Hardt’s house so she shouldn’t have given him full bore. But what’s Ramkarran’s excuse – apart from demonstrating his invertebrate status?

Ramkarran then proceeded to offer a way out for Hardt’s brazen trumpeting of his local interference: “Guyana has already accepted the precedent for intervention in its internal affairs in relation to elections.

In December 1989, Cheddi Jagan, in a letter to President George H W Bush, urged his support for free and fair elections in Guyana.” This is precisely the type of false equivalence that people like Ramkarran wallow in to appear “principled” while lying through their teeth.

Jagan wrote Bush (ditto the PPP and other Guyanese like Fenton Ramsahoye) petitioning the Americans, because by then, the declassified US documents had proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was the Americans who’d thrown out the PPP and kept the PNC in office. Even to the extent of providing US$5000 monthly (Burnham unsuccessfully begged for US$10,000) to organise the PNC into a “more viable” party. (Sounds familiar, today?)

Who owns the dog can call off the dog. And the PNC had been the US’s dog for over two decades. Was Jagan supposed to call on, say, Somalia, to help with free and fair elections? ...protests The right to protest is guaranteed to citizens of democratic states. But like all rights it can’t interfere with the rights of other citizens. The right to swing your own arms end at the tip of my nose, no? And the laws of the country pretty much spell out as to how far you can go-with the Police there to remind you if you push things too far.

But nowadays protesters abroad are really pushing and it was only a matter of time before Guyana would catch up. We’re such copycats! So over in Moscow, we had the rock band, Pussy Riot (the name itself is transgressive, no?) masturbating in shop windows. And women baring their breasts in front of the Olympic Committee and outside of mosques, and in Berlin against the Ukraine fiasco.

Why the tactic?? Obviously to get attention. And publicity. Men don’t even get a second look if they bare their chests. But now comes the AFC with their new tactic that might just get Guyana on the world map for something other than Jim Jones.

Their Essequibo Councillor dropped his pants – along with his oh-too-slack bukta! ...privates For once, the Muckraker – which, of course, published the pic – tried to protect the sensibilities of the public. It placed a dot over what the councillor called his “privates”. The fella didn’t have much to keep private.

There was shock, but no “awe”.

news

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monDay, july 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Govt accuses Hardt of “inciting insurrection”

Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixiera

T

he outgoing US Ambassador was inciting an insurrection against the Government when he compared Guyana’s present-day state of affairs to a situation that was faced by his country in 1776 when it was a colony under Britain.

This is according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who last Wednesday acted in the capacity of Foreign Affairs Minister and delivered a “feral” blast to Hardt, condemning him for the “alarming” utterances that he made against the Government of Guyana.

“He went rogue, he had gone rogue on this matter and we do not believe this was supported by his administration... we believe he went rogue when he practically called for an insurrection in this country,” said Manickchand, adding that he said, “in America in 1776, when America was a colony of Britain and Britain refused to do these same things A B C D E... the American people took up arms and fought for their Independence." What are you saying? And then goes on later on to say, ‘we’ll be the wind behind your back, but you got

to do this yourself”.

However, Manickchand said the Government of Guyana and the US still share a good relationship.

During her remarks at that occasion, Manickchand had said that during the former Ambassador’s three-year tour of duty in Guyana, he contributed to a “tension-filled relationship” between Guyana and the US. In a subsequent televised interview, Manickchand declared that despite the public spat between Guyana and the US envoy, both countries still share a strong relationship and will not allow the spat to come between them.

Still friends

She said: “We are friends with the US, Guyana is friendly with the US, we consider them a partner and we believe they consider us a partner. But like any other good relationship, even in homes and families, there are things you disagree on and there are things you might not always have the same view... a disagreement cannot possibly mean that an entire relationship has broken up.”

Manickchand contended that in essence, the Guyana Government had no quarrel with the US; but in fact, the quarrel was with the Ambassador. Manickchand said Hardt had ignored all the conventions of diplomacy when he “repeatedly” dealt public blows to the Government for not holding local government polls.

The Ambassador, she said, has breached repeatedly all the norms and conventions that govern how countries relate with each other through their diplomatic channels.

The Education Minister insisted that the Government would have engaged the former Ambassador “behind

Man brutally chopped by “mentally-ill” villager

A

man is in critical condition after he was chopped several times to his face and head during an attack on Sunday by an allegedly mentally-ill man who went berserk in Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

Ronald Etwaroo, of Lot 6 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was at the time imbibing with friends at a bar in the vicinity of the Agricola Community Centre.

His attacker, Tony (only name given) subsequently turned himself in at the Agricola Police Outpost with a cutlass and a bottle of Banko in his hands.

According to information received, Tony walked into the shop about 13:30h and carried out the brutal attack on Etwaroo, claiming that the now injured man owed him $5000.

An eyewitness told the Guyana Times that another man was chopped to

closed doors” to register their disapproval with some of the remarks, but his behaviour persisted despite these warnings.

“He attacked President Ramotar, he laughed at Rohee, (and) he mocked the PPP,” the Minister said, referring to recent controversial comments by the former Ambassador who had accused President Donald Ramotar of acting unconstitutionally on

his hands after he went to Etwaroo’s assistance. His name was not immediately known, but, according to reports, he was treated and sent away. During the commotion, the eyewitness explained Etwaroo fell to the ground and Tony continued to chop him.

The eyewitness said Tony is a known character in the area and would do all sorts of jobs to get money so that he can purchase cigarettes and illicit substances to smoke.

Hospital officials confirmed that Etwaroo lost a lot of blood as a result of his wounds. He was chopped at least six times to his face and head. Upon arrival at the hospital about 14:00h, he was rushed into the theatre where he underwent emergency surgery. The Police have launched an investigation into the chopping incident.

Local Government Elections.

Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixiera, who was also part of the interview, pointed out that the relationship between the US and Guyana is strong, noting that the upcoming establishment of a local office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Guyana is proof.

“I believe that there are a number of areas where there have been good relations: there have been progress and there are also some areas where obviously both countries have different national interest and where sometimes those views collide.”

Norms and conventions

Outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt

However, she said that the issue that the Government had taken up with the Ambassador was indeed personal as he had opined on the evening that he was rebuked for his criticisms of the Government.

Teixiera articulated that “the conventions and norms that had developed between Guyana and the United

States were suddenly not in operation” during the tenure of the Ambassador, who had publicly expressed his grievances with the current Government.

Teixeira pointed out that the stinging rebuke was a last option for the Government, who had engaged the Ambassador at the highest levels after previous similar statements, but to no developmental effect.

Teixiera highlighted that his statements persisted “despite many discussions at the highest level with the President, with the Ambassador about our concerns, not only concerns but annoyance, irritation, frustration, with some of the comments he was making publicly about our country, about our Government... he proceeded so what happened (that night) was not a one-off and Government suddenly decided to be a bully in the China shop, what happened was the Government had had enough, he’d crossed the red line.”

Teixeira pointed out that

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

while Hardt was not the sole diplomat who was making public statements about the failure of the Government to hold Local Government Election; the US Ambassador was the only one to point fingers at President Ramotar.

She said too that although the relationship with the US had been very good, the relationship over the “last three years has not been easy”.

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monday, juLY 7, 2014

News

Linden female entrepreneurs benefit from empowerment workshop No confidence in de noconfidence

T

Some of the participants at the workshop hosted by the Guyana Foundation last Friday

T

he Guyana Foundation last Friday took its work to the town of Linden, where it conducted an entrepreneurship training workshop for a group of female business owners.

This highly interactive and engaging programme was held in the boardroom of the Region 10, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building.

It was conducted by one of the Foundation’s Trustees, Eric Phillips, who is a business consultant, a lecturer at the University of Guyana, and a 1990-1991 White House Fellow.

The workshop was devel-

oped in response to a request from local social worker, Kayana Amos, who contacted the Foundation while conducting a research study in Linden for a Master’s Degree Programme she is pursuing.

She shared her observation that many female entrepreneurs in the town were having difficulty growing and sustaining their small businesses, and asked the Foundation to assist.

Because women’s empowerment is one of the programme goals of the Foundation, and in recognition of the important role of female entrepreneurs,

the Foundation immediately began developing a programme to provide these individuals with training, and practical skills that they can implement.

The participants of the workshop included food caterers, shopkeepers, a craftsperson, boutique owner, and even a taxi driver. During the programme, they were encouraged to network with other businesses in Linden, to build relationships among themselves, and to think strategically and creatively in developing their businesses.

They were provided with information about com-

mon mistakes to avoid, best practices, and also had the chance to ask specific questions about scaling up their businesses.

At the completion of the programme, the participants were able to organise themselves as a group, and will be formally registering as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) over the upcoming week.

An Interim Management Committee has already been identified that would guide the group’s activities as it seeks to continue building the capacity of women entrepreneurs in Linden, while also conducting projects to help transform their community.

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, spoke to the participants, and offered his support and encouragement.

hese days every body confident bout some ting.

De World Cup football ain’t done yet and half de country confident bout who gon win. And dem fellas wearin BLUE CAPS was confident that no body woulda know that de US givin dem money.

Then de US AmbASSador was confident that he coulda tell Guyana any ting. Well, he ain’t got no confidence in that kinda tinkin any more, especially after a woman had all de confidence to pull he up in he own front yard.

De KFC on de other hand had a plan, and dem was confident bout de plan. Rum Jhaat, Nagga Man and Nogel Hugly was confident bout de plan, so dem talk bout it in de media even before dem tell dem own party.

That is when de party lose confidence in dem.

Rum Jhaat and de rest of dem was very confident to talk bout no-confidence. Dem was so confident that dem tell FLAPNU right away after dem talk to de media.

When Green Jah hear bout no-confidence motion, he and de whole FLAPNU get confidence right away.

In fact, Green Jah more confident in de no-confidence motion than de confidence whah he got in de party own Congress comin up. But by de time Rum Jhaat talk to Green Jah, Rum Jhaat he self had lose confidence in de no-confidence motion, so he had no confidence to show de no-confidence motion to Green Jah. That is when Green Jah start to lose confidence in Rum Jhaat. So both of dem end up wid no motion and no confidence in de no-confidence motion whah dem was all confident bout in de first place. Now Green Jah is confident that is was Rum Jhaat fault, and Rum Jhaat ain’t confident enuff to seh it was Nogel fault.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Dem finally get confidence to tell a man in Essequibo to tek off he clothes. But when every body see de man wid out clothes, dem understand why de man ain’t got no confidence to tek off he clothes when he deh home!

11 Caricom Day Messages monday, july 7, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Time for Caricom to PNCR will never lose show purpose – GTUC faith in Caricom

T

he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with our peoples, local and Regional, in celebrating the 41st Anniversary of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Reaching this milestone has not been without challenges, setbacks and achievements, all of which the Region’s peoples must evaluate as we move forward. Caricom today stands on the shoulders of men and women who from the days of enslavement fought for the fundamental rights of equality, dignity and self-determination. Our forebears recognised the struggle for liberty and empowerment lies through forging ties built on the oneness of strength and purpose, which continues to serve the Region well.

In 1926 when labour leaders Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and others met in Georgetown in the hallowed halls of the Legislature, they marked the first show in the early 20th century to make the aspirations of theirs and their forebears possible. These leaders committed, among other things, to chart a course for the Caribbean’s peoples; realise minimum wage legislation; forty-four hour week; old age pension; national health insurance and sickness benefits; federation; universal adult suffrage; free compulsory primary education; nationalisation; state ownership of public utilities; cooperative marketing of agriculture produce; workmen’s compensation; a standard eight-hour working day; the abolition of child labour; prison reform, peremptory challenge to jury; and the abolition of the Special Jury.

When the Caribbean Congress of Labour was founded in 1960, it worked with the Regional political establishment and civil society to make real the ground work laid by predecessors.

Another wave of leaders came in the 1940-70s and realised the West Indian Federation in 1958, though

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Caribbean Community headquarters, Guyana short lived (disbanded in 1962), it worked to make real the above mentioned.

This was later followed in 1965 by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) founded by Forbes Burnham (Guyana), Vere Bird (Antigua and Barbuda), Errol Barrow (Barbados) and Eric Williams (Trinidad and Tobago). Another milestone was achieved in 1973 by Forbes Burnham (Guyana), Errol Barrow (Barbados), Eric Williams (Trinidad) and Michael Manley (Jamaica), who were the Founding Fathers of Caricom.

Today, Caricom has within its fold 15 member states and five associate members.

The peoples of the Region can also lay proud claim to the Caribbean Development Bank, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) which includes free movement of skills, the decent work agenda, the Caricom Charter of Civil Society, the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, Universal Education, the Caribbean Examination Council, to name a few.

The people of the Region have come a far way, but still has a far way to go. As we celebrate yet another milestone in the march for self-determination, equality and dignity, it becomes ever important that as we mark our achievements, we also address perceptions that Caricom is not serving

AFC urges deepening of integration movement

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he Alliance For Change takes this opportunity to salute all peoples of the Caribbean Community on Caricom Day 2014. On this occasion, we celebrate our common identity and the unity of our Regional Village.

The integration of our nations has been a long time coming and while advances in this direction have been tremendous, there is still a lot to be accomplished.

Regional integration has long been an aspiration of the Governments and peoples of the Caribbean and

where Governments are slow to act; our people have forged ahead and welded our societies in indissoluble ways that give true meaning to the intent of the early framers of Caricom. Today, Caricom is accepted as an amalgamation of many people pursuing a single destiny while facing common challenges.

As we face the future, it must be with the realisation that we are better and stronger together and together, we can overcome the challenges that come our way.

Long live Caricom!

its people, and the prevailing hopelessness among one of our most vulnerable group, the youth.

Our Regional governments must also re-commit to making real the dreams of their predecessors and the desires of the peoples they are elected to serve.

n this the 41st Anniversary of the Regional Integration Movement, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) extendS warm congratulations to the peoples of the Caribbean Community, the staff of the Community Secretariat and to the Guyanese people, for a happy and meaningful Caricom Day 2014.

“Our party trusts that, even as we celebrate this occasion, we will all continue to commit ourselves to the strengthening and advancement of our common Caribbean home. The PNCR recognises that, within recent times, the integration process has been subject to very testing times, including the impact of the global economic and financial

crisis, which have resulted in new and additional challenges for the integration process.

It is not surprising, therefore, that important components of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) have come under critical scrutiny and challenge.

Trade frictions have emerged among important and significant states of the community. Across the region, there seems to be a renewed questioning of the integration process itself.

The PNCR, which has played a pivotal role in promoting and sustaining the movement for the development of a common Caribbean identity and a strong regional economy, is familiar with the vicissi-

tudes which have tested the resolve and commitment of the leaders of the community. The integration process has been challenged before, in various ways, but it has survived them and, as a result, is today one of the oldest integration movements in the world.

The PNCR would never lose faith in the resilience of the community, despite these trials.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the integration process and our Caribbean leaders, in the confident expectation that all obstacles and challenges will be overcome, so that the community will be enabled to play an even greater role in the lives of all of the citizens of this our Caribbean region.”

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monday, July 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Fear grows over spread of Chikungunya virus

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senior official of the Health Ministry says the Chikungunya virus is rapidly spreading, moving from Berbice and now infecting people across the country.

“The virus has moved from the Region Six, Berbice, Canje area; it has indeed begun to spread and it is just time before other parts of the country become fully affected. It has begun to spread, it is spreading and it only will get worse… just give it some time,” the official said.

Though there are only 31 confirmed cases thus far, it was noted that this does not necessarily reflect the true extent of the affected persons in the country since many may still be unaware of the virus, or may have not yet accessed medical treatment.

“The numbers will definitely be increasing; there is no doubt about that, like I said, just give it some time,” the Health Ministry official declared.

Opposition Leader David

Granger had said: “The Government knows very well what’s happening, why you think it’s fogging, it’s fogging late.”

He told media operatives at a recent A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) press conference on Friday that while some may think that a crisis is looming, the catastrophe is already here.

“Only when the Health Minister was put on the spot then he admitted that the results from lab in Trinidad started to show increasing threat,” Granger said.

Spread

Following the discovery of the first Georgetown victim, who hails from the North Ruimveldt area, Dr Ramsaran had stated that the virus was restricted to the Berbice area and the victim was infected due to the fact that he had worked in the affected areas in Berbice.

He had rebuffed claims that the vector borne disease had spread to the other regions. Previously, there were 19 confirmed cases.

Georgetown and other parts of Region Four, as well as Regions Three and Five.

According to the official, three cases have been recorded in West Berbice, Bush Lot, Bath Settlement and Number Nine Village; one each from Ithaca and Mahaicony; one from North Ruimveldt; and one from Crane, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.

The Chikungunya virus is being spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito

However, 12 other cases were confirmed on Tuesday afternoon following the return of the samples which were sent for testing at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the 150 samples which were sent to be tested for confirmation of the vector-borne disease, 12 thus far were positive. Seven of

the 12 additional confirmed cases of the vector-borne disease, Chikungunya, are said to originate from other places outside of the affected Canje, Berbice area.

According to the information received by this publication, the Chikungunya virus has made its way to other parts of the country with confirmed cases coming from the capital city,

While these cases would have been recorded out of the initial affected areas, it is still unclear whether these individuals were visitors to the areas or whether the virus has been spreading despite the efforts to restrict it to the Ancient County since the data is being analysed by Government Epidemiologist, Morris Edwards.

Overseas-based group cleaning-up Linden

From left: Laurence, Sandra and Valerie London and LIRA President Royland Lewis

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s part of its 22nd Biennial Convocation observances, the Linden International Reunion Association (LIRA) conducted several community enhancement activities within the Linden community over the past week.

The group, which consists of overseas-based Seventhday Adventist Lindeners, aims at giving back mean-

and seven high schools that are participating.”

The group has also introduced a reading programme at the National Library in Linden.

As part of this initiative, reading programmes were conducted for pre-schoolers, primary school children and a special programme entitled “The human library” was also introduced to the community.

A section of the Linden Riverwall area that was cleaned

ingfully to the community. Team members of the Association on Wednesday conducted a massive clean-up exercise in the vicinity of the Linden Riverwall, along Coop Crescent, Mackenzie. They also cleared the area of garbage and unwanted vegetation. In encouraging the upkeep of the initiative, the team encouraged persons in the community to keep the area, which is prone to littering clean at all times. Association President Raylond Lewis said the group wanted to come back to Linden and do something tangible.

“We are also here to talk about environmental information, to talk about spirituality, to talk about music, so that we can inspire people,” he noted.

In addition, the group hosted a musical showcase for children at the Linden Concert Hall and School (LICHAS). Association member Laurence London said, “We are working on a programme to assist in bringing music back in schools. We probably want to make this an ongoing programme. We have at least five primary schools

These programmes were conducted from Wednesday to Friday.

Speaking on the aim of the human library initiative, LIRA associate member Valerie London indicated that it is expected to inspire participants. “... it’s a concept that many countries are now adopting.

So they’ll find individuals in your community and they will come and share their stories so that they can inspire others. So it may be individuals who’ve had a rough life. So we wanted these people to come and talk about their experiences, to share and to empower; so it’s typically like a mentoring programme, to some extent. We are leaving the library programme, so they will be calling other people from around Linden to come in and talk about their lives and how they became successful,” she explained.

Members of the group indicated that they look forward to coming back to the Linden community where they can volunteer and contribute to the proper upkeep of the community and assist in enhancing the lives of Lindeners.

News

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monday, july 7, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

EBD Minibus Park covered with refuse, water

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he space dedicated for the Land of Canaan/ Mocha East Bank Demerara Minibus Park has been inundated with heavily foul smelling murky water for the past three days, with no response from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

When Guyana Times visited the park on Saturday morning, commuters and minibus operators were seen trying to avoid stepping into the garbage-filled water.

This publication attempted to engage some of the commuters and vendors who ply their trade in the environs; however, they were reluctant to speak, some fearful of being victimised by city officials.

Parts of the flooded East Bank Demerara Bus Park

tempt to remove the garbage that was blocking the underground sewer system.

Guyana Times understands that the man was paid by some vendors to relieve them of the mess.

The city continues to be plagued by garbage at this and several other prominent locations. In fact, two of the more established eyesores in Guyana, the Stabroek and Bourda markets continue to be major garbage hotspots.

Maria Persaud, a phone card vendor in the Stabroek Market vehemently chastised city officials for their failure to implement proper infrastructure even with the emergence of the Chikungunya virus.

All of this is happening even

This man was in the manhole at the bus park, attempting to clean the sewers

The smelly eyesore is just a stone’s throw away from the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry and close to the Central Fire Station.

One woman explained that something needs to be done about the issue. She said the vendors who sell there are to be held responsible for the current state of the park.

“Them go and sell and when them done, they leave everything and gone, all the garbage and everything... look all the food boxes and all the vegetable and suh,” said the elderly woman, while pointing to the garbage pileup in the water.

This publication noticed that one man had taken the task of climbing into a nearby manhole in a fervent at-

as Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker launched the $1 billion countrywide cleanup programme, with $500 million from that being dedicated to the capital city – Georgetown.

Whittaker had disclosed that attention would be placed on the rehabilitation of the Le Repentir Cemetery, reactivation of kokers and the desilting of drains.

Other activities, such as the clearing of alleyways, parapets, cleaning of small drains, planting of trees to reduce erosion and flooding, among others, but none is yet to be done and the Garden city continues to wallow in garbage.

“The process has already started and we will

be focusing on restoration and rehabilitation.

We will not just be removing garbage but we will also be focusing on the debushing and maintenance of cemeteries, most particularly, the Le Repentir Cemetery; we are focusing on the reactivation of de-

funct kokers and sluices and the desilting of drains and canals to reduce flooding; rehabilitation and restoration processes will be undertaken for national monuments, market areas, public parks and public open spaces; and the planting of trees on the seawalls.

In addition, parapets, alleyways and other surrounding areas will be weeded and cleared,” the Minister had said.

As it relates to the implementation and the execution of the activities, Whittaker said there will be shared responsibilities

and assigned tasks for all key stakeholders which will be allocated through the National Technical Committee, which has been set up, but at the end of the day, all reports and updates of progress will have to be submitted to the Local Government Ministry.

14 news

MONday, July 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Heavy winds topple homes ...blow off roofs on Corentyne

BY NAFEEZA YAHYA

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eavy winds and intense rainfall on Sunday battered the Corentyne Coast, toppling at least three homes, blowing off the roofs of several others and knocking off power supply in a two-hour-long pounding that kept residents for most part indoors, praying for relief.

At approximately 12:30h, the strong winds accompanied by heavy rains affected residents along the Corentyne Coast, with reports of at least two homes per village had zinc sheets ripped off. In some cases, trees were uprooted, roadside stalls upturned, utility poles knocked down, leaving most of the region in blackouts up until press time with little hope of power being restored before morning.

eight and ran out.

In the process, a piece of wood fell on the face of their three-year-old, causing a big gash to his nose that required stitches. The house was blown backwards and upturned, causing damage to all their household items. The family is at a loss as to their next move and are appealing for assistance to rebuild or repair their home

In church singing Like this family, the storm came as a surprise to many since moments earlier there was bright sunshine. In neighbouring Clifton Settlement, Sarswattie Balram, 53, and her family of four are contemplating their next move as the roof of their two-storey wooden house was ripped off and thrown onto the roof of a nearby church.

“I was in the church

singing with my two grand kids and noticed the heavy winds and rain, so we stayed and a few minutes after me hear wan big noise and a lil boy say thunder buss, when me walk out, me see the whole roof gone.”

Balram said she has been living in the home for the past 40 years and this is the first time she has ever experienced “anything like this”. She is also seeking help to rebuild as she is currently unemployed.

In Williamsburg, Corentyne, the Gopielall

The roof of a house ripped off by the storm

side, even as Indranauth went back into house to unplug the refrigerator.

He was shocked and had to retreat. Another attempt was made at shutting off the main switch by his wife and things quiet down inside the home, but the sparking still continued outside. They were forced to stand in the middle of the street in the pouring rain until the wires stopped sparking.

Meanwhile, the heavy wind also fell a lamp on their neighbour’s roof and they are scared of the consequences should power be restored to the area, and

A damaged wall in one of the homes that were affected

A damaged television set of the Gopielall family of Williamsburg

At Block Four Tain Village, a family of five, including a one-year-old, are now homeless after their two-bedroom home was upturned with them inside, causing minor injuries to their three-year-old son. According to Mulchan Raghubir, 28, he and his family were in the house when they felt the strong winds and heavy rains.

His wife told him the house was shaking “very hard” and will collapse, but he brushed it off, telling her “we have been living for 10 years and it’s still standing”.

In that very instance, the entire house started to move and they quickly grabbed their three children, ages one, three and

family is still in a state of shock as their life-long earnings nearly went up in flames after a utility pole fell on their neighbour’s home, bringing the wires on their roof and starting a fire.

All of their electrical appliances that were connected at the time, including their television set,

Total destruction: Another house where the roof was torn off by the heavy winds

One of the homes that were flattened by the strong winds

refrigerator, DVD, computer, among others, were damaged. According to Indranauth Gopielall, his children were in the living room watching TV when they felt the strong winds, and a few minutes later, they heard a bang and almost instantly, the wires in the home started to spark before erupting into flames.

He said the television set instantly exploded and everyone ran out of the home. The explosions continued in-

the pole is not removed by GPL. Several calls were made to the power company but up to press time, no one from GPL had visited.

There is also a second pole that is leaning dangerously on another house and if not fixed soon, may cause damage to the house. The families are hoping they can be compensated for the damage.

Several other families on the Corentyne also suffered significant losses.

monday, July 7, 2014

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‘Wheat Up’ cycling at Seawall Bandstand today T

Raynauth Jeffrey

op cyclists from across the country will light up the Seawall Bandstand Circuit today when the 11th annual Caricom Day “Wheat Up” race sponsored by the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) is staged by the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC).

The 12-race programme will pedal off at 09:00h with the riders set to benefit from increased prize monies due to a rise in the sponsorship by the flour company. NAMILCO has injected $500,000 into the day’s programme, a significant increase from last year’s $400,000 investment.

While the day’s activities will cater for all categories of riders, the feature event, which will be open to all cyclists, will be for 30 laps around the Seawall Bandstand circuit.

The winner of the main event will receive $30,000 and a trophy as well as a one-year supply of Wheat Up, compliments of NAMILCO. The top six finishers will receive cash prizes and

Marlon Williams

trophies, while there will be 15 prime prizes on offer.

A new champion will be crowned as last year’s winner, RBC’s Alanzo Greaves, is currently campaigning in the United States of America.

However, Greaves’ fellow Commonwealth Games teammates Geron Williams, who was last weekend crowned national road race champion, Marlon “Fishy” Williams and Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey are expected to participate.

Other races carded for the day include the 12-14/Juveniles (three laps); Juniors/Category Four (five laps); Categories One to Three (five laps); Veterans Under-50 (five laps); Veterans Over-50 (five laps); Win and Out Open (eight laps); Points race (12 laps); Mountain Bikes Open (five laps); BMX 6-9 (two laps); BMX 10-14 (two laps); and Females (five laps).

The top three finishers in these races will be rewarded with cash and trophies.

Geron Williams

Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to win Wimbledon title

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ovak Djokovic ended his Grand Slam drought and Roger Federer's hopes of a record eighth Wimbledon title with a thrilling five-set victory.

The Serb, 27, came through 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-4 to win his second Wimbledon and seventh Grand Slam title.

After letting a championship point slip in the fourth set, he won Wimbledon's first five-set final since 2009.

Djokovic had lost his previous three major finals, and will now reclaim the number one ranking from Rafael Nadal.

"After losing the fourth set it wasn't easy to go on and win the fifth set, I don't know how I did it," Djokovic told BBC Sport.

"This is the best tournament in the world and the one I always wanted to win so to be able to compete at

such a high level I am so grateful."

Federer, 32, had hoped to surpass Pete Sampras with an eighth title and become the oldest winner in modern times.

The Swiss was willed on by much of the 15,000-strong crowd throughout the final, with chants of "Roger! Roger!" ringing around Centre Court when he reeled off five successive games from 5-2 down in the fourth set.

But Djokovic recovered his nerve to fend off break points in the decider and clinch a dramatic win after three hours and 56 minutes, before kneeling on the turf and eating some grass – just as he had done after winning in 2011.

He then headed into the stands to celebrate with his team, including threetime Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, brought in by Djokovic at the start

Novak Djokovic

of the year to help end his run of 18 months without a major win.

With seven Grand Slam titles to his name now, Djokovic moves alongside the likes of John McEnroe and Mats Wilander – 10 behind Federer at the top of the all-time list.

Federer, with Becker's old foe Stefan Edberg in his corner, had served su-

perbly throughout the tournament and it almost brought him an eighth title.

The Swiss took a desperately tight first set on the tie-break after saving two set points but, after a heavy tumble early in the second, Djokovic finally broke the fourth seed with a backhand pass to lead 2-1 – only the second time in the tournament the Swiss

had dropped serve.

A huge fist pump in the direction of his player box followed when he saw out the set, and despite Federer landing 83 per cent of first serves and hitting 13 aces in the third set, the Serb took the tiebreak when Federer's forehand let him down.

Victory was within sight when Djokovic twice moved ahead in the fourth, but Federer recovered the first break with a magnificent forehand winner, and then launched an astonishing comeback from 5-2 down.

A nervous Djokovic slipped to 0-30 when serving for the title and could only watch while sprawled on the turf as Federer guided a forehand into the open court on break point.

Djokovic's return game remained potent enough to earn a championship point at 5-4, only for Hawk-Eye

to confirm that Federer's serve had kept the contest alive.

In under 10 minutes, the Serb would go from the brink of victory to an unwelcome fifth set as another edgy, error-strewn service game allowed Federer to go on and close out the fourth.

Riding a wave of adrenalin and overwhelming support in the decider, the Swiss had his chance at 3-3 but failed to convert a break point.

Federer brilliantly played his way out of three break points in the following game but Djokovic was in the ascendancy again.

With the advantage of serving first in the decider, Djokovic made it to 5-4 and was able to hit freely, earning another two championship points and raising his arms in triumph when Federer netted a backhand on the second. (BBC Sports)

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guyanatimesGY.com

monday, JUly 7, 2014

French Open: Lewis Hamilton wins classic British Graeme McDowell GP after Nico Rosberg retires retains title as Kevin Stadler falters

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ewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix to close to within four points of Nico Rosberg in the title race.

Hamilton's team-mate was leading, but being chased down by the Briton, he retired with gearbox failure.

The race was delayed for nearly an hour for barriers to be repaired following Kimi Raikkonen's high speed crash.

Up to 120,000 fans saw Hamilton win at Silverstone for the first time since 2008 – a year in which he went on to win the drivers' title.

Williams' Valtteri Bottas was second from Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian held off a charge from McLaren's Jenson Button in the closing laps as Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel won a thrilling battle with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso for fifth.

Hamilton started sixth after making a mistake in aborting his final qualifying lap, with his team-mate on pole. He was up to fourth after the first four corners when the race was red-flagged following a heavy crash involving Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

The Finn ran off the track through Turn Four and spun as he rejoined.

Williams driver Felipe Massa clipped the Ferrari as it spun across the track, and Raikkonen speared into the barriers.

The race was stopped to repair the barriers damaged by the heavy impact from the Ferrari, and Raikkonen was taken to the medical centre, where he was diagnosed with bruising to his ankles.

The race re-started behind the safety car after an hour's delay and Rosberg built up a five-second lead in the two laps it took Hamilton to pass Jenson Button's McLaren.

Hamilton conserved his tyres for a few laps, letting the lead go out to 5.7 seconds by lap nine, before starting to haul Rosberg back.

The 2008 world champion was 2.8 seconds behind by the time Rosberg made what was scheduled to be his first pit stop on lap 18 of 62. He reported "problems on the downshift" two laps later.

Hamilton stayed out for a further six laps, with the intention of having

Graeme McDowell Lewis Hamilton’s first home win since 2008 was shared with the vast Silverstone crowd

a shorter stint at the end of the race in which he could attack his team-mate.

He rejoined 5.9 secs behind after another slow pit stop, something that has afflicted him this season more often than Rosberg.

Hamilton took a second out of his team-mate on lap 27 and then a further two seconds next time around as Rosberg started to report up-shift problems.

Two laps later, going through Turn Three, Rosberg lost his gears. He cruised around as far as Becketts trying to reset the gearbox but had to pull off and retire – his first non-finish of the year.

That left Hamilton in a comfortable lead from Bottas, who had powered through the field in the first stint, moving up to third place behind the two Mercedes and Button by lap 16.

"I honestly feel I had the pace today," said Hamilton on the podium. "I was catching Nico in the first stint and was feeling pretty comfortable. I never want to see my team-mate fail like that. I was looking forward to a wheelto-wheel battle but I'm sure we'll get many in the future."

Ricciardo made up places after starting eighth by choosing a one-stop strategy, and driving beautifully to make his final set of tyres last from lap 15 to the end and take the final podium place.

Vettel and Alonso enlivened the late stages with a superlative wheel-

to-wheel battle for 15 laps before the world champion finally found a way past.

Vettel rejoined from his second pit stop just ahead of Alonso, who was on a one-stop strategy and on older tyres.

The Spaniard had fought through superbly from 16th on the grid, making a series of skilled overtaking manoeuvres, but was delayed by a five-second stop-go for having only half his car in his grid slot at the start.

Alonso passed Vettel on the German's out-lap from his final pit stop in a brave move around the outside of the 160mph Copse corner, but then had to fight off the Red Bull on its fresher tyres.

Time and again Vettel would get close into Brooklands and Luffield and Alonso would hold him off, as each repeatedly complained about the other – Vettel about Alonso's defence and exceeding track limits, Alonso just about what he saw as Vettel doing the latter.

Vettel eventually got through by holding on the inside line at Luffield, getting alongside Alonso through Woodcote and on the run to Copse and forcing the Spaniard to finally give way, in a move that matched Alonso's earlier one for skill and bravery.

McLaren's Kevin Magnussen took seventh, ahead of Force India's Nico Hulkenberg and the Toro Rossos of Daniil Kvyat and Jean-Eric Vergne.

(BBC Sports)

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orthern Ireland's Graeme McDowell retained his French Open title as overnight leader Kevin Stadler let slip a four-shot advantage on the final day.

McDowell, 34, started the day eight shots adrift of Stadler, but a final-round 67 gave him a one-shot victory.

Stadler, who finished in a tie for second with Thongchai Jaidee, missed a three-foot putt on the 18th to force a play-off at Le Golf National.

"This is a really good kick-start to my summer," said McDowell.

"I feel very fortunate.

Kevin Stadler is a great, great player. I really needed this victory. It's a special one for me."

The win, his first since this tournament last year, improves McDowell's chances of securing a place on the European Ryder Cup team in Gleneagles in September.

Stadler's overnight lead was wiped out in the space of eight holes as he struggled to cope in wet and windy conditions.

The son of former United States Ryder Cup player Craig Stadler missed from

18 inches for par on the fourth before bogeying the sixth and double bogeying the seventh.

Another bogey followed on eight and McDowell moved into a share of the lead with his third birdie of the day on the 13th, picking up further strokes at 14 and 16 to go clear.

Stadler went bogey-birdie-bogey from the 10th to fall three adrift of the Northern Irishman, but birdies at 14 and 16 drew him back into contention.

McDowell's first bogey of the day on 18 meant the pair were tied at five under with Stadler playing the 17th, but a three-putt from 25 feet on the last saw him slip into second alongside Jaidee.

Swede Robert Karlsson finished a shot further back to secure his place in the Open at Royal Liverpool this month.

McDowell's countryman Michael Hoey and Frenchman Victor Riu did likewise by finishing seventh and eighth respectively.

US Open champion Martin Kaymer started the day at three under but a 77 saw the German fall to three over. (BBC Sports)

World Cup 2014: Tim Wimbledon 2014: Stosur and Zimonjic win Krul defends penalty mixed doubles shootout antics

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etherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul has defended his antics during the World Cup shootout victory over Costa Rica.

The Newcastle player, 26, came off the bench in the last minute of extra time and saved two spotkicks as his side won 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Krul said he spoke to every Costa Rica player about to take a penalty to "try to get in their heads".

"I don't think I did anything wrong. I did nothing crazy. I didn't shout in an aggressive manner," he added.

"I told them I knew where they were going because I had analysed it. It worked."

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal said he substituted Jasper Cillessen with seconds of extra time remaining because of Krul's greater height and reach.

Cillessen, who kicked a water bottle as he came off, said: "I didn't know it was going to happen, so I was angry. I wanted to play the penalty shootout.

"It is a pity I wasn't told before, but it worked very well."

Ajax goalkeeper Cillessen, 25, is expected to start Wednesday's semifinal against Argentina.

Dutch defender Ron Vlaar is a doubt for the game because of a knee problem. (BBC Sports)

S

am Stosur and Nenad Zimonjic raced to a straight-sets victory over Max Mirnyi and Chan Haoching to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles title.

Australian Stosur, 30, and Serbia's Zimonjic, 38, prevailed 6-4 6-2 in the final match played on Centre Court in this year's Championships.

Stosur had previously won the mixed doubles with American Bob Bryan.

Victory gave Zimonjic his fifth Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, but he had not before won at Wimbledon.

The 15th seeds broke the serve of Belarusian Mirnyi in the ninth game, with Zimonjic then serving out for the first set.

Taiwan's Chan, in her first Grand Slam final, then had to save four break points in her first service game of the second set, but Stosur and Zimonjic took a fifth opportunity.

And, when Chan was again broken, this time to love, Stosur served for the match, with a Zimonjic volley converting the second match point. (BBC Sports)

Sam Stosur and Nenad Zimonjic

SPORTS

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Tour de France 2014: Vincenzo Nibali wins stage two in Yorkshire

I

talian champion Vincenzo Nibali attacked late to win stage two of the Tour de France from York to Sheffield.

The Astana rider broke clear of a group including Britain's defending champion Chris Froome and double winner Alberto Contador, who came in two seconds back.

Nibali took over the leader's yellow jersey from stage one winner Marcel Kittel, who finished 20 minutes adrift.

Estimates suggest more than 2.5 million people lined the route in Yorkshire for the first two stages over the weekend.

Britain's Mark Cavendish was ruled out of the Tour before the start of stage two after his crash on the opening day.

Belgian Greg van Avermaet finished second with Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland third, in the bunch two seconds behind Nibali.

Spain's Contador was 13th and Froome 19th, with the Briton moving to fifth overall after his sixth-placed finish in Harrogate on day one and Contador on the same time in eighth.

The route passed through Harrogate, Keighley, and Huddersfield before reaching Sheffield, taking in areas made famous by the Bronte sisters and TV series “Last Of The Summer Wine”.

The third stage will take the riders from Cambridge to London on Monday, before the race heads to France.

On Sunday, around 60,000 fans lined the road on Holme Moss, the longest and toughest of the stage's nine categorised ascents, and there were thousands more on each of the other eight.

"It was really tough rac-

Italian Vincenzo Nibali

ing and the crowds were just incredible. I had goosebumps going up Holme Moss,” said Froome, who was cheered on by many fans in Yorkshire.

"It was all about staying out of trouble and avoiding any major issues or big splits."

With five of the stage's climbs packed into the final 60 kilometres, there was always going to be a cagey opening and a break of seven riders was allowed to establish a two-minute lead from the off.

Blel Kadri, the lone man left from the seven that broke clear in the opening kilometre, had the honour of reaching the summit of Holme Moss first but he was caught on the next climb at Midhopestones and the race opened up.

Team Sky's Geraint Thomas moved to the front of the peloton, trying to keep Froome out of trouble, but he was a little unhappy with some spectators on the route, describing the ones taking 'selfies' as "a pain" as they were not only putting themselves in danger, but the riders as well.

Indeed there were incidents where riders had to push over-enthusiastic fans to the side, although given the vast numbers, those in-

stances were few.

The final climb, Jenkin Road in Sheffield, produced the most drama as many riders struggled with the steepness of the 800 metres ascent, which reached a gradient of 33 per cent in places.

Froome delivered a small psychological blow, though, when he raced clear of rivals Contador and Nibali to reach the top first.

Peter Sagan attempted to break everyone on the descent but his efforts were wasted and he then had no answer as Nibali, who won the 2013 Giro d'Italia, surged clear in the final couple of kilometres to become the first Italian to wear the yellow jersey since 2009.

"My main goal is to get a good result at the end of the Tour de France," said Nibali, who has now led all three Grand Tours.

"I don't want to lose my head but I'm delighted to get the yellow jersey after having won the red jersey at the Vuelta a Espana and the pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia.

"This victory is important for me, the team and Italy."

Despite enduring a difficult day, German sprinter Kittel will chase a sixth Tour stage win on today. (BBC Sports)

Fletcher, bowlers help...

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He was yorked by Boult for 62, but his exit didn't slow down West Indies as Darren Sammy and Andre Russell took the score past 160.

New Zealand decided to rotate the captaincy by putting Williamson in charge and although he top-scored, he failed to anchor the innings.

Brendon McCullum swung his bat around, but his soft dismissal increased the pressure on Williamson. New Zealand's other power hitters, Jimmy Neesham and Anderson didn't make an impact. Narine and Badree applied the stranglehold by not going for more than five an over.

New Zealand needed a massive 91 off the last ten but even at that stage, they still had three more Narine overs to contend with. They also had the awkward slower balls from Pollard to negotiate, and with every desperate swing and a miss from the middle and lower order, the asking rate climbed.

Sheldon Cottrell, brought in for this game, got the in-form Neesham early to give West Indies the first advantage and there was no looking back.

(ESPNCricinfo)

From page 24

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings (20 overs maximum) DR Smith b Southee 9 LMP Simmons c Anderson b Sodhi 36 ADS Fletcher b Boult 62 DM Bravo b Williamson 14 KA Pollard c Boult b Anderson 13 DJG Sammy* c Anderson b Boult 10 AD Russell not out 14 D Ramdin† not out 2 Extras: (w 5) 5 Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 165 Did not bat: SP Narine, S Badree, SS Cottrell Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Smith, 2.1 ov), 2-76 (Simmons, 10.5 ov), 3-98 (Bravo, 13.3 ov), 4-126 (Pollard, 17.2 ov), 5-147 (Fletcher, 18.2 ov), 6-148 (Sammy, 18.4 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 4-034-1, TA Boult 4-1-22-2, JDS Neesham 4-0-31-0, CJ Anderson 4-0-51-1, IS Sodhi 2-0-161, KS Williamson 2-0-11-1

New Zealand innings (target: 166 runs from 20 overs) KS Williamson* b Pollard 37 JDS Neesham c Bravo b Cottrell 7 BB McCullum c Simmons b Badree 21 LRPL Taylor b Narine 21 CJ Anderson c Sammy b Cottrell 14 L Ronchi† c Russell b Narine 12 BJ Watling run out (Sammy/† Ramdin) 1 TWM Latham c Bravo b Cottrell 3 TG Southee c Cottrell b Russell 2 TA Boult run out (Bravo) 5 IS Sodhi not out 0 Extras: (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total: (all out; 19.1 overs) 126 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Neesham, 1.3 ov), 2-40 (McCullum, 5.2 ov), 3-82 (Williamson, 11.2 ov), 4-88 (Taylor, 12.3 ov), 5-113 (Ronchi, 16.1 ov), 6-116 (Watling, 16.5 ov), 7-116 (Anderson, 17.1 ov), 8-120 (Latham, 17.6 ov), 9-126 (Southee, 18.6 ov), 10-126 (Boult, 19.1 ov) Bowling: S Badree 4-1-201, SS Cottrell 3.1-0-28-3, SP Narine 4-0-19-2, DJG Sammy 3-0-22-0, AD Russell 2-017-1, KA Pollard 3-0-19-1

22

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monday, JUly 7, 2014

Fung-A-Fat impressive in squash tourney

T

he Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with Digicel moved one step closer to crowning their senior champions when the semi-final round was held on Saturday at the Georgetown Club.

Number one seed Mary Fung-A-Fat looked in form with a tough 3-1 victory over Under-17 champion Larissa Wiltshire.

Wiltshire came out with great energy and had some brilliant rallies against the number one seed in the first set point to win it 11-9.

With both females stepping into their game and showing great retrieving skills, Fung-A-Fat prevailed to win the set point at 11-9 to even the match at one apiece.

The third set would

prove to be an entertaining one between the two and Wiltshire kept up her energy level while Fung-A-Fat displayed great fitness to win the third set 12-10.

After an injury timeout for Fung-A-Fat, who was hit with Wiltshire’s racquet unintentionally, Fung-A-Fat would close out the match with an 11-9 victory to end the match.

Under-19 champion Akeila Wiltshire knocked off number two seeded Ashley DeGroot in impressive fashion in the second women’s semifinal.

Wiltshire would come out with a blazing start and easily win the first set point 11-4 before going on to come from behind in the second set to win 12-10 in stylish fashion. Wiltshire would

Digicel Schools Football...

Mary Fung-A-Fat

then close out the match with an 11-9 win to claim the 3-0 win.

Meanwhile, in the men’s semi-finals ,overseas- based and former Caribbean Champion Richard Chin would show his superiori-

N

Washington’s 8th minute strike for Three Miles Secondary, as both teams took the half-time break with the scoreline reading 1-1.

After the break, Ashton Ward handed Waramadong the lead with his 49th minute goal, one that was doubled by Myles Albert, who scored his first of two goals in the 63rd minute, before Washington reduced the deficit for his team by one goal, completing his brace in the 71st minute.

Not to be outdone, Waramadong added a fourth goal of their own, through the spirited efforts of Albert who found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, to complete the win which not only earned Waramadong their fourth regional title, but $100,000 which will go towards a school project, while they join their nemesis in CWSS in the national playoffs which will kick off soon.

Men’s Open Richard Chin defeated Jason Ray Khalil 11 - 4, 11 - 3, 11 - 2 Alex Arjoon defeated

Nyron Joseph 11 - 8, 11 - 4, 11 - 9 Men’s Classic Plate Deje Dias defeated Regan Pollard 11 - 9, 9 - 11, 11 - 7, 11 - 7 Ben Mekdeci def Nicholas Narain 11 - 5, 11 6, 11 - 2

- 7, 11 - 9 Stephen Fernandes def eatedDavid Fernandes 11 4, 15 - 13, 11 - 9

Men’s Veterans 35 - 49 Alwyn Callender defeated Brian Yong 11 - 7, 12 - 14, 12 - 10, 11 - 1 Joe Mekdeci defeated Medhy Ramdhani 11 - 4, 11 - 4, 11 - 9

Women’s Plate Kathy Ten Pow defeated Tiffany Solomon 11 - 7, 11 6, 11 - 3 Victoria Arjoon defeated Andrea King 11 - 3, 11 - 5, 11 - 4 Victoria Arjoon defeated Alysa Xavier 11 - 9, 11 - 8, 12 - 10 Kathy Ten-Pow defeated Taylor Fernandes 9 - 11, 11 - 13, 11 - 5, 11 - 9, 11 - 8

Men’s Veterans 35 - 49 Plate Philip Fernandes defeated Gerry Mekdeci 11 - 4, 10 - 12, 11 - 4, 11 - 6 Philip Fernandes defeated Timothy Jonas 11 - 8, 11

Men’s Plate Oliver Kear-Downes defeated Joshua Abdool 11 - 3, 11 - 6, 11 - 9 Alec Melville defeated Robert Hiscock 11- 3, 11 - 9, 11 - 0

WICB Regional Under-17 Tournament begins on Tuesday

Waramadong crowned zone H champions again

ot many schools can boast of winning their regional title for four successive years, following the introduction of the Digicel InterSecondary Schools Football Championships, except for two-time defending national champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary and the school they defeated on both occasions to claim the national title, Waramadong Secondary.

On Sunday at the Bartica Secondary School ground, Waramadong, who placed fourth in the inaugural tournament when CWSS was defeated by Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) before going down to CWSS in the 2012 and 2013 finals, defeated Three Miles Secondary 4-2 to claim their fourth regional title for Region Seven.

Uriah King opened the scoring for the eventual champions in the 26th minute, nullifying Keno

ty over former junior champion Jason Ray Khalil with a dominant 3-0 win at 11-4, 11-3 and 11-2.

Defending Champion Alex Arjoon made his way to the final with a win over former Caribbean junior champion Nyron Joseph with a 3-0 win that went 11-8, 11-4 and 11-9 to end the match.

Full results of the day’s matches are as follows Women’s Open Mary Fung-A -Fat defeated Larissa Wiltshire 9 11, 11 - 9, 12 - 10, 11 - 9 Akeila Wiltshire defeated Ashley De Groot 11 - 4, 12 - 10, 11 - 9

olders Trinidad and Tobago will battle traditional sports rivals Barbados at Louidore, when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-17 Tournament opens on Tuesday here.

Jamaica face the Windward Islands at Shaw Park and Guyana meet Leeward Islands at Bon Accord in the other firstround matches of the tournament.

The Regional Under-17 Tournament – in its third year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.

TT captured the second edition of the Tournament staged last year here, by topping the points table following victories over the Leewards, Windwards, Barbados and Guyana.

Their only loss came against Jamaica. The Barbadians narrowly edged out the Windwards for second spot, with the Leewards, inaugural champions Jamaica and Guyana following.

Squads

Trinidad and Tobago:

Bryan Boodram (captain), Keagan Simmons (vice captain), Dejourn Charles, Emilo Gopaul, Kirstan Kallicharan, Brandon Maharaj, Nathaniel McDavid, Keron Persad, Jarlarnie Seales, Sachin Seecharan, Dexter Sween, Jordan Warner, Daniel Williams, David Williams Barbados: Leniko Boucher (captain), Nicholas Kirton (vice captain), Kevon Bartlett, Tashawn Boyce, Deswin Currency, Dominic Drakes, Jadeja Edwards, Yvan Grant, Tremaine Harris, Najee Holder, Hasani Newton, Limar Pierce, Shamar Springer, Dikembe Wilson Windward Islands: Darel Cyrus (captain), Christian Charlery (vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Deon Burton, Vincent Cupid, Nick Elibox, Vernelius Gabriel, Ryan John, Brian Joseph, Anil Matthew, Joshua Mann, Shane Roberts, Narun Singh, Emmanuel Stewart Jamaica: Michael Frew (captain), Javelle Glenn (vice captain), Andre Bailey, Brad Barnes, Kashawn Beale, Tyrone Daley, Javar Harrison, Rahvin Harvey, Jordan Hill, Orane Pearson, Devaraine Rowe, Orlando

Rowe, Rashini Roye, Malik Thompson Guyana: Travis Persaud (captain), Renaldo AliMohamed (vice captain), Akenie Adams, Ramnarine Chatura, Richie Looknauth Timothy McAlmont, Keemo Paul, Raymond Perez, Brandon Prasad, Ronaldo Rene, Sherfane Rutherford, Kelvin Shewprasad, Adrian

Sukwah, Ratash Umrao Leeward Islands: Ross Powell (captain), Tyrone Williams (vice captain), Dmitri Adams, Jaeel Clarke, Zubin Deyal, Karima Gore, Eseph Hodge, Kofi James, Michael Lewis, Jerrickson Louis, Cameron Pennyfeather, Jaidel Richardson, Mrinal Wadwha,and Philo Wallace

Schedule of matches Tuesday, July 8

Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Shaw Park Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago – Louidore Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Bon Accord

Wednesday, July 9

Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica – Bon Accord Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Shaw Park Guyana vs Barbados – Louidore

Friday, July 11

Jamaica vs Leeward Islands – Louidore Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – Shaw Park Windward Islands vs Barbados – Bon Accord

Sunday, July 13

Guyana vs Jamaica – Bon Accord Barbados vs Leeward Islands – Shaw Park Trinidad & Tovago vs Windward Islands – Louidore

Tuesday, July 15

Jamaica vs Barbados – Shaw Park Guyana vs Windward Islands – Mount Pleasant Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Bon Accord

monday, JUly 7, 2014

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Seven Seas Multivitamin/Dr Chase’s Joint Care road race...

23

Van Lange dominates final day of GASA trials

DeNobrega O wins 50-miler

By Treiston Joseph

Paul DeNobrega

P

aul DeNobrega returned to winning ways on Sunday, copping top honours in the Caricom 50-mile road race sponsored by Geddes Grant (Guyana) Limited through its Seven Seas Multivitamin/ Dr Chase’s Joint Care products.

DeNobrega, who last

tasted success in May during the final stage on the annual Independence ThreeStage, won from a field of 42 starters.

The race, organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, started at Wales, proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, and ended at Schoonord.

Liverpool agree Divock Origi deal and want Lazar Markovic next

World Cup 2014: Divock Origi scores late winner for Belgium

L

iverpool have agreed a deal with Lille for Belgium striker Divock Origi and are in advanced talks to sign Serbia winger Lazar Markovic from Benfica.

The Reds will pay a fee that could reach £10m for 19-year-old Origi, who is set to discuss terms this week.

And they are hoping to conclude a deal for 20-yearold Markovic, who it is understood will cost about £25m.

Both moves are taking place as Liverpool prepare to sell striker Luis Suarez, 27, to Barcelona for £75m.

Barca have indicated they are willing to meet the Uruguayan's buyout clause but talks continue about how the deal will be structured.

Liverpool are also waiting to hear from the Spanish club's winger Alexis Sanchez, a target for Arsenal and Juventus.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has not yet given up

hope of signing the 25-yearold Chilean but is still awaiting a response from him.

The Reds, who will return to the Champions League next season, are also keen to sign Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, but have had a £20m bid rejected.

Origi was part of the Belgium squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals, scoring their winning goal against Russia.

Markovic helped Benfica win the Portuguese title last summer after moving from Partizan Belgrade in the summer of 2013.

Liverpool have already signed striker Rickie Lambert, 32, and midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, from Southampton for a combined fee of £29m.

Germany Under-21 midfielder Emre Can, 20, has also moved to Anfield, joining from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £10m. (BBC Sports)

DeNobrega completed the course in a time of one hour, 52 minutes and 56 seconds (01h: 52m: 56s), finishing ahead of last year’s winner, Robin Persaud.

Marlon “Fishy” Williams finished third, followed by Michael Anthony, Mark Harris and Enzo Matthews to round off the top six finishers.

Williams and Matthews won two sprint prizes each, while DeNobrega, Persaud, Anthony and Raymond Newton claimed one each.

Anthony was the top junior, while Ozia McUally, Wasim Hasnoo, Monty Parris and Toshawanna Doris were the other category winners.

lympian Britany Van Lange dominated the pool on Sunday when the final day of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) July Sprints meet concluded at the National Aquatic Centre.

Van Lange made her mark early in the day in the female 15-17 200 metres Freestyle, winning the event over her Dorado club mate Soroya Simmons in a time of 2:16.89s, while Simmons clocked 2:24.37s for second position. Jamila Sanmoogan was third in a time of 2:31.02.

Van Lange returned to top the field in the 50 metres backstroke in 33.47s ,while capping her stellar day’s performance by winning the 100 metres Butterfly in 1:14.59s Simmons was second to Van Lange in the 50 metres backstroke with a time of 35.61, while Sanmoogan again took third in 37.24s.

Joseph deNobrega won the boys’ 200 metres 13-14 freestyle event in 2:12.81s while finishing ahead of the field in the 50 metres backstroke in 33.25s.

Hannibal Gaskin also had a good day out in the pool winning the 15-17 200 metres freestyle in 2:09.23s to finish ahead of Omar Adams 2:14.90s and Jamaal Skeete 2:37.66s for a Dorado top three sweep. Gaskin also took the 100 metres Butterfly easily in a

Britany Van Lange

time of 1:02.62s In the girls’ 18 and over category, Athena Gaskin clocked 2:43.20s to claim top honours in the 200 metres freestyle event, while registering a time of 40.75s to win the 50 metres Backstroke event.

The sprints will also be the yardstick for selection to Guyana’s Goodwill team for the event set to take place in August.

monday, July 7, 2014

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

TOP SCORES

West Indies v New Zealand, second T20, Dominica

Fletcher, bowlers help WI draw level

Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to win Wimbledon title See stories on page

F

ollowing their demoralising Test series defeat, West Indies found solace in the format they relish the most by squaring the T20s 1-1 with an all-round performance in Roseau. West Indies were guilty of not putting enough runs on the board on Saturday, but they addressed that issue by posting a competitive 165 in an uninterrupted innings. Their bowlers choked New Zealand, with the spinners and medium-pacers proving difficult to hit. Never at any stage did New Zealand pose a threat and the lack of lasting partnerships led to their downfall.

Unlike on Saturday, when West Indies struggled to gain traction either side of a rain interruption, the batsmen found momentum via a solid second-wicket of stand of 66 between Andre Fletcher and Lendl Simmons and in the last five overs, when 56 runs were scored. Simmons described the pitch as one with tennis-ball bounce, with a few balls stopping on the batsmen, but West Indies saw through an edgy beginning and ensured they kept wickets intact for a late surge.

Fletcher was lucky to survive early in his innings when he set off for a single from the non-striker's end and was sent back by Simmons; Fletcher had given up but the bowler Trent Boult missed the mark. After that, Fletcher charged down the track to the seamers and targeted the straighter boundaries. Simmons regularly shuffled across his stumps to target fine leg and third man.

Given how the batsmen struggled on Saturday, the pair showed greater intent to get on with it. Simmons moved across his stumps to Corey Anderson and scooped it for six over

The stand of 66 between Andre Fletcher and Lendl Simmons set up West Indies' victory (WICB)

fine leg and in the same over, played a glorious extra cover drive. Anderson had the last laugh against Simmons when he caught him at long-on.

Anderson caught the ball and threw it up as he back-pedalled outside the boundary but managed to jog back in and take it on the second attempt.

Boult came up with a more spectacular effort later in the innings when he had Pollard caught at deep midwicket. He plucked it one-handed, threw it up and caught the ball again with a full-length dive from

outside the boundary. Those two postcard moments were the only takeaways for New Zealand in the match. Their slower bowlers, Ish Sodhi and Kane Williamson couldn't impose themselves in the manner in which Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine managed later on.

In the first ODI, West Indies managed only a paltry 6.80 in the last five overs but a day later, they cranked it up to 11.20. Fletcher sped towards his third T20 fifty with a scooped six over long-off.

Turn to page 21

19

Lewis Hamilton wins classic British GP after Nico Rosberg retires

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