Guyana Times - Monday, August 13, 2018

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, August 13, 2018

Issue No. 3654

3 killed, 1 critical after drunken driver crashes into

parked lorry

Dead: Leroy Levans Jr

Dead: Reshi Pasha

Dead: Devindra Hardyal

Jagdeo against full ministerial control of Natural Resources Fund

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Taxi driver robbed, relieved of car by knifewielding customer

Likelihood of NIS collapse, bailout possible – economics professor

Fire leaves Essequibo couple homeless

Nandlall warns of contempt of court proceedings against AG

– owed over $2M for cases won

Super fans: Guyana Amazon Warriors supporters showcased national pride on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, as their team took on the Barbados Tridents

Police Officers in custody for allegedly killing Brazilian miner

Father of 5 drowns after saving daughter, grandson

Illegal mining in Demerara River

Linden residents call for removal of equipment

2 news

mondAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Father of 5 drowns after saving daughter, grandson

Dead: Goldsmith Farook Bacchus of La Grange, WBD

A

family outing on Saturday at Bushy Park Beach, East Bank Essequibo turned tragic when 42-year-old Farook Bacchus perished by drowning after saving his daughter and grandson from being swept away by a “big wave” in the mighty Essequibo River.

The dead man had been a goldsmith who resided at Lot 65 Old Road, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. At his home on Sunday, grieving family members were contemplating their next moves as they considered plans for burial.

Bacchus’s wife of 27 years, Chandai Singh, recalled the horror that un-

Housewife Chandai Singh and her grieving family members.

To her immediate left is her daughter and grandson whom her husband died saving (Shemuel Fanfair photo)

folded around 16:30h when the father of five lost his life. According to the housewife, her daughter and grandson were sitting on a rock when a heavy wave swept them off. Her spouse was nearby, and responding to their screams, he went to their rescue.

“When meh husband jump for them, he put them on he shoulder and tell them stay up; and then me see the wave carry he out,” she noted.

Singh explained that her son-in-law and another male present on scene jumped into the river to re-

lieve the man of the children. However, by the time they attempted to grab Bacchus, he had already disappeared. She said they did not know that the tide would have risen at such a fast rate.

Bacchus’s body was later fished out of the water, and is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post mortem.

Singh pointed out that three of her five children are attending school, and she expressed great uncertainty over the upcoming school term.

news

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mondAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, August 13 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, August 14 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, August 13 – 05:20h-06:50h and Tuesday, August 14 – 06:00h-07:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies can be expected throughout most of the day, with sunny intervals continuing in the afternoon.

Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Southerly to East South-easterly and Easterly to East North easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 05:48h and 18:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.85 metres and 2.76 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:46h reaching a minimum height of 0.39 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2018

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Jagdeo against full ministerial control of Natural Resources Fund

D

ays after the Government laid the Green Paper in the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo raised concerns over the total control of the Natural Resources Fund by the Finance Ministry.

The Green Paper sets out preliminary plans on how the Government hopes to manage the revenue from oil and other natural resources, with clear objectives of the Natural Resources Fund.

Jagdeo reminded that he had initial objections to Government’s plans for the Fund but now that the Green Paper has been made public, he finds the plans to be even more worrying.

The document states that the Finance Ministry will be responsible for the overall management of the Fund, including requested withdrawals in the annual budget proposal. “…calculating the Fiscally Sustainable Amount; drafting the Investment Mandate; entering into the Operational Agreement with the Bank of Guyana and drafting the annual report and reporting on the Fund through the annual budget,” the document said.

As such, Jagdeo said he disagrees with the Minister’s total control for various reasons, but zeroed in on Jordan’s silence on the signing bonus from ExxonMobil. “This is the same Minister who lied to the country about the US$18 million signing bonus, saying that Guyana never received it and never asked for it. He lied to Guyanese for over a year.

And it is the same Minister who will now have full control.”

Meanwhile, in the document, it sets out specific rules, including the Fiscal Rule, which caters for the development gaps, both in terms of human capital and physical infrastructure, that exist and the need to accommodate development spending via the National budget.

To oversee these decisions, the Government has recommended the establishment of a macroeconomic committee which would consist of five members, in-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

cluding a representative of the Finance Minister.

In terms of the management of the fund, a sovereign investment committee would be responsible for advising the Minister on the investment mandate but would also include a representative.

Further, the Green Paper states that the Bank of Guyana (BoG) will be the operational manager of the Fund. The Opposition Leader has already expressed deep concern about this proposal.

Although the Government has catered for a representative from the Opposition to sit on the Fund, Jagdeo has already objected to this proposal stating that politicians should not be included.

“We don’t want politicians… we, ourselves, to manage this money. This Fund has to be independently, technically managed … not by politicians again and stored at the Central Bank.

We have a problem with that model. It departs radically from best practices, like Norway and the other countries,” he had stated.

Further, Jagdeo also criticised the Government for peddling a political assessment of the oil and gas sector. “The real substantive matters are still not being addressed,” he said, while noting that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has been engaged in a lot of fluff talks with members of the public on this matter.

Referring to Jordan’s

game of the APNU/AFC. They talk about oil and gas, but it is not realistic what they are saying… they are painting a rosy picture: that oil will solve everything.

This is not so,” he added.

Jagdeo also rubbished Jordan’s statement which sought to create the impression that hotels and flights were filled and this was a direct indication that things would improve in the economy. “What about the economy that is falling apart?” he queried, while noting that 30,000 persons

A drill shop offshore Guyana

recent comments, the Opposition Leader noted that while the Minister promised billboards to announce the inflow of oil monies, he recalled that it was he who denied that ExxonMobil paid a US$18 million signing bonus to Guyana for over a year and a half.

“The truth was finally exposed after a document was leaked to the media…

People will see through this

have lost jobs since the coalition took office.

Now that the Green Paper has been laid, it paves the way for the proposed legislation on the Sovereign Wealth Fund to be laid in the National Assembly which looks at addressing two main issues: stability of the economy and saving for future generations. Advice was sought from international agencies.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Naipaul and development V

idiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, better known as V.S. Naipaul, is dead. Born on Aug. 17, 1932 in rural Chaguanas, Trinidad, he was just six days shy of his 86th birthday. Exposed as a boy to English Literature by his father, his ambition from that time was to “be a writer”.

With dozens of highly praised works of fiction and non-fiction, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2001, thirty years after winning the man Booker Prize, and being knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1989, one could say he accomplished his goal quite adequately.

As a person educated in the grammar school Queens Royal of Trinidad during the colonial period, and then winning a scholarship to Oxford University, he finished his education there, and never returned to live in the Caribbean.

But in mining his experiences in Trinidad for his early novels and non-fiction works, he offered a new perspective to life in the West Indies. For one, as a person of Indian origin born not long after the end of indentureship, he exposed to the world the oft hidden reality of the Caribbean being inhabited by diverse peoples and facing unique challenges to creating viable societies.

His acknowledged magnum opus was the semiautographical “A House for Mr Biswas”, which details the struggle of a family of Indian descent to create a life with a semblance of dignity after life in British-devasted India and indentureship in Trinidad.

The book was so insightful that it was used by Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Lucas, a giant in the field of behaviourial economics, to illustrate his approach to development, which he proposed hinges on an increase in the rate of accumulation of human capital: “The novel (A House for Mr. Biswas) begins with the story of Mohun Biswas’s birth and death, all within its first 40 pages. He is born in rural Trinidad, a grandson of immigrants who had come from India as indentured servants. As a small boy, his ambition is to become a herder of cattle like his older brothers.

“At his death, he is an unemployed journalist in Portof-Spain, living in a ramshackle house with no assets to support his wife and large family after he is gone. What life within such limits is there to sustain the reader for the novel’s remaining 540 pages? Yet, measured by the cultural distance between Mr. Biswas’s parents and his children, his life is a story of amazing progress.

“By the end of Biswas’s life, his oldest son, Anand — Naipaul’s own fictional counterpart — is a scholarship student at Oxford. Between Anand and Mohun Biswas’s parents is the entire 25-to-1 difference between living standards in India and living standards in Western Europe and the United States.

“Biswas himself is no Horatio Alger figure. His talents are modest, and his willingness to ingratiate himself with those who might advance his career is nonexistent. He passes from one mediocre, limited job to another. But his unwillingness to accept the limits of each current situation as permanent, to make the best of it, turns out to be his strength.

“Through all his misfortunes and setbacks, Mr. Biswas is able to maintain the sense of himself as a man with possibilities, with options; a man who is in a position to set limits on what he would put up with. And equally important, he lives in a society that will let him survive with this attitude.”

Lucas thus highlights Naipaul’s two great insights for poor societies such as ours to achieve “developed” status – the first stresses the responsibility of the individual, and the other, the responsibility of the society. The individual must not accept the limits of his current situation, but strive to overcome them. On the other hand, his society must not stifle, but facilitate that striving, so that the individual can create a better life.

Those who would wish to solve our economic problems by throwing money at poor people miss the concomitant point of the latter’s own responsibility to “strive”.

Twenty-one-year-old South Ruimveldt Secondary School teacher Gabrelle Cummings (in green) was on Saturday evening crowned Miss Emancipation 2018, when the pageant was hosted at the National Cultural Centre

Guyanese should ensure AFC gets a proper funeral

Dear Editor, The Alliance for Change recently announced that they would be going to the Local Government Elections 2018 alone, without A Partnership for National Unity, to prove that they are not dead. There is an old saying, “Post mortem can’t bring back the dead”, this is actually referring to the Alliance for Change trying aggressively to resurrect from an already dead political party.

The Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the PPP, Cde Bharrat Jagdeo, has shared his experiences, where AFC members publicly confessed that their principles was sold by the leadership of the AFC for a few leaders to enjoy the “good

life”.

At a meeting in Fyrish, Corentyne, at which Cde Bharrat Jagdeo was present, a longstanding member of the AFC said he was offered a portion of the road shoulders contract in Region Six in return for him remaining in the AFC, but he refused to be part of the corrupt coalition Government.

He also said all the membership of the AFC realise their mistakes and have recommitted their support for the PPP. Coalitions are traditionally very strained and unstable relationships. The most detrimental facts about coalitions is that they have to sell out the party’s principles to ensure leaders such as Nagamootoo, Ramjattan,

Patterson, Trotman et al enjoy the good life; and as such, the main reasons why the AFC is dead or highly unpopular with voters and supporters is that they cannot take a stand against the coalition leader, President David Granger, because of the danger of being ditched.

Many coalition governments have failed.

Switzerland is the only exception in Europe, with a permanent coalition Government by means of its seven-member Federal Council elected for a fixed four-year term by Federal Assembly on a party proportional basis.

Many European democracies can be measured by the average life span of governments. According to an

estimated score, Germany has been 37 months, Italy 13 months, Belgium 22 months, and the Netherlands 27 months. Guyana also was part of a failed coalition Government, and now history is repeating itself.

Politicians use the coalition name to safeguard their vested political interests, which means that the APNU/AFC coalition Government has failed to deliver on almost all its promises to the Guyanese people, but ensure that the leadership enjoys maximum benefits.

AFC is dead. Guyanese should ensure that they have a proper funeral.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

Recognising a champion: Tribute to Shiv Chanderpaul

Dear Editor, Guyanese cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a former captain of the West Indies team, will be awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws later this year by my alma mater, the University of the West Indies (UWI). It is a deserving appreciation for an unsung hero, who was denied the chance to become the leading test scorer in West Indies cricket, and “forced to retire.”

His career was unceremoniously derailed by Dave Cameron and the WICB’s whimsical and spiteful actions. The left-handed batsman scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 centu-

ries in an illustrious career of 164 Tests, to end at the second place in the list of all-time West Indies run-scorers, 86 runs short of legendary Brian Lara with 11,953 runs.

After all, this is the man who personified longevity and tenacity, surviving while 519 Test batsmen perished at the other end, and sharing a record 771 different partnerships in Tests, worthy world records that speak volumes about his durability and dependability.

Rahul Dravid, the Indian “Wall”, is next, but quite some distance behind at 453 Test dismissals at the other wicket, and 738 partnerships. Yet,

Chanderpaul has rarely been given deserving accolades, like Dravid and Tendulkar. “That guy with the most Test matches for the West Indies, playing for over 20 years, I don’t think people in the West Indies understand exactly his contribution,” the great Brian Lara acknowledges, reminding us that Shiv was instrumental in his many batting feats, and felt his compatriot deserved to go past his record for the most Test runs by a West Indian.

Many cricket pundits have told me that if their lives depended on the professional application and dedication of a batsman to combat, survive the best bowling, and keep

his wicket intact, they would choose Shiv Chanderpaul, and then Dravid. Indeed, Shiv famously faced 1,051 deliveries against India in 2002 without being dismissed, batting for 1,513 minutes. He was the consummate professional, blessed with the heart of a lion.

Brett Lee knocked him out cold when he “could not feel anything, and could not stand or move any limb,” with a fast, vicious bouncer; yet Chanderpaul refused the stretcher, and was up and running in a few minutes, and even went on to score a brave century.

Continued on page 5

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Domestic violence has once again reared its ugly head Dear Editor, Domestic violence has again reared its ugly, deadly head; this time in the deaths of a young couple.

That brutal murder-suicide took place in the Berbice village of Chesney.

Now there are many theories swirling around as to the root causes leading up to this sad affair, many of which are mere hearsay testimony.

This is a really, really

sad event, and the plethora of comments do not in any way make the situation better; rather, it makes things even worse, as the spit press takes its hold on society. What is pellucid is that domestic violence eventually leads to death, and that’s a fact that will not go away.

However, if we, as a society, collectively face it, we can possibly come up with some solutions that

might serve as a template for future cases.

So let us review these latest domestic deaths at Chesney: We are told that after years of abuse, the wife or female partner in question, Sabrina Lakhan, got a restraining order against her husband, Ramesh Ramdeen.

This meant that Ramdeen could not be within 100 feet of her without being arrested and

charged. We are told that despite the restraining order, the threats and verbal abuse on the woman continued, prompting her to make the request to a magistrate for her to go get her belongings and get out of the relationship.

Now, here is where the story becomes complicated as the danger signals keep flashing their red lights.

Why would a woman who was safe under the protec-

The coalition is failing Guyana’s workers Dear Editor, The Finance Minister was reported to have announced that the economy grew by 4.5 per cent in the first half of 2018. The Bureau of Statistics has long been suspected of being a part of Guyana’s productive sector, given its penchant for manufacturing data in the past.

The good minister is encouraged to ask the Bureau to release the data used to compile the half-year growth statistics, showing clearly the real and estimated components of this figure.

This aside, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) statistics are notoriously misrepresentative of improvements in the welfare of citizens.

Guyanese are still asking, “Where’s the money?”

The Finance Minister

apparently did not disclose, during his half-year recap, that Government’s overdraft at the Bank of Guyana increased by G$28 billion to G$54 billion during the review period, as the coalition Administration has apparently turned that institution into its personal piggy bank.

This figure increased to $60 billion as at July 25, 2018.

He also neglected to mention that the hard money that his Government is pumping into the economy to assist with building pyramids (projects which do not increase our productive base) has contributed to higher prices for some major construction materials.

And he did not mention that our international reserves declined by more than US$100 million, implying that in excess of G$20 bil-

lion has been through trade or capital flight as a result of the growing loss of confidence by the Private Sector in the direction in which the coalition Administration is taking the economy.

Are workers in both the public and private sectors benefiting from increased incomes? The Education Ministry was reportedly offering teachers $700 million on what is supposed to have cost $10 billion in salary increases.

When are workers’ salaries going to finally be adjusted to reflect a living wage?

Guyana’s workers know that the coalition Administration has the capacity and ability to pay their due salaries. It is, however, their deliberate policy not to pay these salary in-

creases, because they have other priorities than responding to workers’ pressing welfare needs.

The coalition Administration is using the money it is supposed to pay workers to build the pyramids referred to earlier, so it can tell the nation about development while Granger stands and tells people to invest in bicycles, boats and buses.

The man is clearly not aware the he and his Administration are now responsible for the lack of jobs and underemployment that are resulting in the idle activity that prevails across the country, not to mention the Private Sector’s loss of confidence.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

Recognising a champion...

Such was his dedication to his craft that he is the only international batsman I know who used dark stickers below his eyes, as anti-glare patches used to reduce light entering the peripheral area of the eyes, so that he could bat and field without being affected by the sun’s glare. Such attention to minute detail in his improvement and comfort as a cricketer defines the man appropriately called “Tiger.”

Shiv has been the rock and anchor of the West Indies since 1994, an unlikely yet worthy Atlas, and has been one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished yet unsung heroes. Chanderpaul’s first Test century came in his 19th match, a testimony to his application and determination, after scoring as many as 15 half centuries in the previous 18 matches. He spent most of the initial phase of his career under the shadows of the legendary Lara, and became a lone warrior after Lara and Sarwan had retired.

With a humble background from Unity, a small fishing village in Guyana, Shiv became the people’s star of David and Goliath vintage, whose struggles and ultimate successes reflected their daily struggles to overcome the odds, the proverbial underdog defeating social and economic barriers that suppressed them.

His batting stance has been described as being ‘cr-

ab-like’ and ugly to watch, but those who tolerate this degrading and unfair assessment palpably fail to appreciate that he honed his technique to make the very best of what God gave him, and made up for deficits overwhelmingly in other areas.

It is this single-minded dedication and adaptability that made him the champion and master he is today.

Shiv did not have the genius of Rohan Kanhai or Sir Gary Sobers; the power of Sir Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge or Clive Lloyd; the dominance of Roy Fredericks; the technique of Alvin Kallicharran; or the finesse of Carl Hooper, Lawrence Rowe or Ramnaresh Sarwan, but the statistical achievements he accumulated that determines how a batsman is measured -- runs, centuries, averages -- surpassed theirs.

This is not to say he was better in the wider context by which batsmen are assessed, but it ensures that one cannot deny his status among the greats of the game.

Those who are critical of his doggedness fail to appreciate that he was often the lone warrior in many lost causes at a time when West Indian cricket sank to unfathomable depths; and responsibility forced him to eschew glamour and style for dependability, audacity for attrition. Like all the great players, the breadth and depth of his achievements

provide sound rebuttals, considering that Chanderpaul has the record for the 4th fastest Test century, off just 67 balls against the worthy visiting Australians in 2002. In 2008, he hit a four and a six against the bowling of Chaminda Vaas, with 10 needed off two balls to win a One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka.

He also created history with Sarwan when they combined to help West Indies chase down a 418-run target at Antigua in 2003 against Australia, scoring 105 and 104 runs each. He was named the captain of the team to face the visiting South Africans in 2005, and celebrated it by becoming only the second player to make a double-century on debut as a Test captain, scoring an unbeaten 200 in Guyana.

Another absolutely stunning record Chanderpaul holds is that of being stumped

from page 4

for the first time after having batted in 266 innings, and he has batted with as many as 82 different Test partners.

When I interviewed him about the reason for his longevity and success, he told me, “I have an immense skill and unique gift – concentration, a divine gift bestowed

by Lord Shiva.”

Ian Bishop, now an international cricket commentator, said it best in tribute to Chanderpaul, 2008 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, “I played several Test series with him (Shiv), and have seen more esteemed teammates shrink in the face of the fastest bowling, but never Chanderpaul…That no other West Indian managed a score of more than 60 in the Tests speaks of the yawning gap between his skill, commitment and experience and theirs.”

Yours respectfully, Albert Baldeo

tive order of a court want to violate that order and get next to the object of her potential danger?

Why would she want to get into the presence of her husband who issued the threat to kill her in the first place?

These are questions which make the order by the magistrate for her to get her clothing very suspect and stupid.

By making that request to go into the home to get her clothing, it meant that Sabrina Lakhan would now come within arm’s length of the man she “loved” as well as the man who could kill her. Thus this becomes another one of those episodes or matters of the heart at play here.

He having a motive, and at this opportune time, what could possibly happen? Would he suddenly love and cherish her, or would he kill her? As the situation unfolded, we now witness that a heinous murder-suicide was the end result.

If blame is to be apportioned, that blame should be placed squarely on the magistrate, who sent that woman straight to her death.

That magistrate should have been smart enough to advise Sabrina that her clothing would be picked up by her husband’s sister (whom she Sabrina clearly had confidence in) and delivered to her, but not to go there and be in the presence of the danger, Ramdeen.

This is exactly what this magistrate did, and she would have to live with

that blunder for the rest of her life.

So the allegation by the relatives of Sabrina Lakhan that the Police are at fault for leaving her defenceless before an angry husband would not stand in a court of law. What a jury would hear is that she was finished packing and asked the Police to leave (the Police had to leave at some stage) and the eyewitness account of the sister-in- law is there to verify that. That is all that matters if ever that matter should reach the court.

I know that this is a very sad situation because another heinous crime has been perpetuated, and for this very reason, I call for the proper counselling training of all the parties involved. The magistrate ought to be so trained to know when there is potential danger in a ruling.

In this case, the magistrate should have known that she was about to set that woman up for her death. This is the sad, sick reality of the whole matter.

I do hope that from now onwards, those who dispense the law would be more careful in the decisions they make when it comes to domestic violence issues of the kind.

Let the parties stay away from each for as long as it takes. Let them stay away from each other for a cooling off period. To allow warring parties to come together is not a good thing to do. I rest my case.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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Foundation

By Maureen Healy

O

ver the last few days, I’ve gotten frantic calls from parents asking: What can you do in three or four weeks?

Meaning they recognise that back to school is coming up fast, and their son or daughter is clearly not ready for the change, potential stress and new regimen that will arrive quickly. Of course, I listen to each parent’s unique situation, but I decided to provide a few tips for returning to school with less stress for parents and their children. They are:

Plan ahead

The more a child has a “pre-paved path” for positive school experiences, friendships, and outcomes, the better back-toschool is. For example, there is an ice cream social at my local school and students (K-5) get to go and meet each other before school begins again. It is the little things like this that make a big difference. I genuinely believe every child needs at least one friend, and one activity they’re good at (from reading to soccer) so they can feel more comfort-

In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured our questions are just as important as our answers – Fred Rogers able starting the new school year.

Talk it out

Yesterday, I asked my 11-year-old client: “Are you looking forward to sixth grade?” She looked at me with big eyes. And I replied, “maybe a little nervous” and she agreed. We talked about when we do something for the first time it’s normal to feel uncomfort-

able, and a little nervous, but that doesn’t need to stop us. We discussed how she’ll change classes more, have lockers, and even participate in new after-school activities like drama and archery. I also shared what it was like when I was in sixth grade, which Rosie thought was completely hilarious – so infusing some lighter moments also helps lighten the emotional load.

Teach relaxation (or a coping skill)

Every child needs some stress relieving techniques so they can let their emotions and discomfort out constructively, which may include breathing exercises, physical exercise like karate class, or learning to meditate such as a free audio from Headspace for Kids. I’m particularly fond of breathing exercises, whether it’s blowing out birthday candles to the “hot soup breath,” to show (not tell) children they have the power to calm themselves.

One Last Tip

Summer may still be in full swing, but the time is certainly now to “pick one thing” that helps reduce your child’s stress, which they can use at home and during the school year. It may be journaling, deep breaths, saying a mantra, or learning how to talk things out with a friend or teacher when they’re feeling stressed or another big emotion. In my upcoming book, The Emotionally Healthy Child, I give plenty of examples of how to help children regain their balance and make smarter choices even when emotionally charged, but in this short article I wanted to share some quick tips so that August can be a fun, productive, and positive month setting up the new school year for success, and less stress for everyone! (psychologytoday.com)

I

was amazed how long the kids spent with these cardboard monsters. They kept on clicking and scared each other. It was fun, though a bit noisy :).

You will need: two beer bottle caps a piece of cardboard paper moment glue coloured sheets of paper for decoration

When we glued the caps we fixed them with a rubber band like that. Thus we ensure that the caps will overlap when the glue dries up.

We covered the cardboard with the coloured paper and cut eyes. We made also scary teeth.

Click-click, have we scared you, mom???? (www.krokotak.com.com)

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MONdAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Likelihood of NIS collapse, bailout possible – economics professor

G

iven the recent disclosure by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) that it stands to lose $414 million in earnings this year due to a combination of factors, including the closure of sugar estates, Economics Professor Tarron Khemraj has said that could increase the likelihood of a possible collapse.

He told Guyana Times in a recent interview that the NIS has had serious sustainability issues even two to three years ago, and this was stated in the last actuarial report. As such, he feels that with this recent news, it could only compound the sustainability of the Scheme and further decrease its viability.

“The last actuarial review predicted a negative reserve. From a general standpoint, all of these things will definitely imperil the capacity of the Insurance Scheme to have a growing portfolio. It could only be able to serve its members when it stacks its portfolio up with revenue,” he explained.

But the economics professor noted that the NIS has been getting problems from many directions, with one aspect being the treasury bills and the fact that the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) is not earning large profits. “If anything, it does

Economics Professor Tarron Khemraj

increases the likelihood of a possible collapse, where it may require a bailout sometime. It shows how everything in the economy is connected,” he added.

However, Khemraj ex-

try and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). He said, “…all the other industries…are contracting right now…dwindling contributions, which is very troubling.”

NIS Finance Controller Jacqueline Scotland, who along with other senior officers appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, revealed the information on impeding losses. Scotland disclosed that the Scheme’s current fund stands at $31.9 billion as at June 30.

It was also noted that GuySuCo is one of the largest defaulters, owing in excess of $1.5 billion to NIS. However, NIS General Manager, Holly Greaves,

NIS Headquarters, Brickdam, Georgetown

plained that NIS is expected to incur losses not only on the basis of downsizing within the sugar indus-

told the committee that the sugar company had paid off the debt, except for $250 million in accumulated in-

terest on the outstanding amount.

Greaves said the Scheme plans to take legal action against GuySuCo to recover the money. It has served a demand notice. “We intend to move to the court to get it,” Greaves stated.

NIS has also implemented a debt management section to pursue persons who owe them. But, even with this new system, there are fears about continued slippage of contribution, as against the payment of benefits. This year, NIS is expected to pay out $23.6 billion, with contributions projected to reach $23.2 billion.

With the closure of the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and East Demerara factories, which saw close to 5,000 workers being severed, NIS could see significant loss of contributions.

And with an aging population, NIS has incurred an increase in payments of at least $2 million each year.

It was disclosed in the last actuarial report that the life of the Scheme should come to an end in 2021/22 unless strategic plans for revenue earnings and expansion of the investment portfolio are effectively implemented. The NIS could move to recommend an increase in payments soon.

Illegal mining in Demerara River

Linden residents call for removal of equipment

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eeks after an alleged illegal mining operation was unearthed in the Demerara River, residents of Linden have joined in calls being made by officials to remove the two draggers which were placed at Watooka, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The operators of the equipment were instructed

by Police to remove them until relevant documentation is provided; however, Chairman of Region 10 Renis Morian indicated that this was not done.

To date, Morian noted, the miners have not produced an Environmental Impact Assessment, which he reiterated is a necessity for such activities.

Residents and officials,

including Chairman of the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development (LCICD) Victor Fernandes have since expressed concern over mining activities in the region's waterways, citing health and environmental risks as reasons for their disapproval. Fernandes said while development is necessary, it must not be at the expense of the people.

"As the voice of the Private Sector... our concern majorly is environmental, which is everybody's concern. The environmental issues are genuine concerns for us and I think members of this community, we would like to know what are the environmental considerations in the first place in terms of issuing licences," Fernandes told the media. turn to page 10

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MONdAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Nandlall warns of contempt of court proceedings against AG – owed over $2M for cases won

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Former AG Anil Nandlall

AG Basil Williams

ormer Attorney General Anil Nandlall has warned that contempt of court proceedings will be filed against his successor, Basil Williams, even as the Judicial Review Act continues to languish despite a court order.

Nandlall made this pronouncement in his recent writings, in which he slammed Williams for dragging his feet to implement a law that would give ordinary citizens the power to review court rulings against them.

“That in 2018, the AG is resisting the implementation of a modern Judicial Review Act, unanimously passed by our Parliament since 2010, is an outstanding testimony to the authoritarian mentality of (the) entire Government. Hitherto the Act, Guyana’s judicial review law and procedure is over a century old.

The prerogative writs pro-

cedure, which still obtains in Guyana, was abolished in England before World War II and replaced with a Judicial Review Act.” “It is common knowledge that I wrote the AG to bring the Act into force when the Civil Procedure Rules were promulgated. He refused. The Guyana Bar Association’s similar request was also refused. The Guyana Bar Association’s similar request was also refused. In my own name, I launched proceedings compelling the AG to bring the Act into force. Rather than complying, he defended the proceedings.”

The former AG also noted that the Judicial Review Act would allow for compensation to be paid to persons.

And Nandlall made it clear that the AG’s appeal of the ruling forcing him to implement the Act does not give Government the right to drag its foot on the matter.

“While the application

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

for the stay of execution is dismissed, the appeal remains pending. However an appeal does not operate as a stay of the judgement appealed against. And if the violation continues, contempt of court proceedings will be launched,” Nandlall warned.

Besides this, Nandlall reminded that the court’s 15page ruling had awarded costs against the Attorney General in the sum of $150,000.

According to Nandlall, this brings the sum the AG’s Chambers owes his office in excess of $2 million in court awarded costs for cases he won and Williams lost.

In Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George’s ruling in June, she had ordered the AG to enforce the Judicial Review Act (JRA) by July 31, 2018, when she ruled on the legal action brought against the State by former Attorney General Anil

Nandlall.

In its response to the ruling, the Bar Association had said the implementation of the Act remedies a lacuna in the new Civil Procedure Rules of 2016, which contain procedures contemplating remedies under the Act. “In the absence of this Act, litigation in this vital area of the law has been stymied and fraught with a number of procedural hurdles, some of which were laid bare in the recent Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling in the case of the Medical Council of Guyana vs Jose Ocampo Trueba, CCJ Appeal No 2018/001, where the Honourable Court declared that prerogative remedies were no longer available in Guyana,” a statement from the Council had detailed.

The legal body further outlined that it had previously raised the matter of the implementation of the Act at a meeting with Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams during a July 22, 2017 meeting, and then again by way of letter dated November 15, 2017, requesting the urgent implementation of the Judicial Review Act. “The implementation of the Judicial Review Act is of vital importance to good public administration in a democratic society, allowing citizens ample remedies against the State, and levelling the playing field. The Bar Council looks forward to the speedy implementation of the Act,” the statement noted.

The National Assembly had passed the Bill, and it was assented to by then President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2010. However, it was never operationalised.

Last year, Nandlall moved to the court to have the following issues addressed: a) Whether the Minister had discretion to bring into force the Judicial Review Act after the promulgation of Civil Procedure Rules; b) Whether the Minister had a duty to issue the order to bring into force the JRA; c) and whether the court can compel the Minister to fulfil his duty.

In December 2017, Chief Justice George had granted an Order Rue Nisi of Mandamus, directing the Attorney General to show cause why the said Order Nisi should not be made absolute.

After reviewing all the affidavits files by both sides, and legal arguments, Chief Justice George made the Order Rule Nisi absolute, and directed the Legal Affairs Minister to bring the Judicial Review Act into force.

The court also ordered Williams to pay to the applicant $100,000 in costs.

AG Williams has since appealed the High Court decision.

Remembering…

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…our Indigenous Peoples

ast Thursday was recognised by the UN as “International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples” and this year the theme is about their “migration and movement”. In Guyana, there’s been an ever increasing noticeable movement of Indigenous peoples from the hinterland to the coastland which hasn’t been commented on enough.

For the past three centuries, after the Dutch decided the Indigenous peoples weren’t suitable for plantation labour, most don’t appreciate the implications of that singular act. While we were called the “Land of Six Peoples”, one of those “peoples” – the Indigenous ones – never really mixed or mingled with the others.

All the Indigenous Peoples were exposed to were missionaries determined to “civilise” them by converting them to Christianity and “western ways”! Much of their own culture, including their Indigenous spiritual practices, were wiped out in this “civilising” mission. Thus today, when some talk about reviving the “old ways”, those ways are really being reinterpreted through western lens. As that old Greek fella Zeno said, you can’t dip your toe twice in the SAME river!!

While that may be the story of all the other five peoples, it’s most noticeable with the Amerindians since the western scorn for their way of life has been drummed into the hearts and minds of those on the coastland – who were exposed more thoroughly to western “education”.

Remember that nasty incident at the “elite” Mae’s Schools in Georgetown when that Indigenous kid who’d moved to “town” was told to show up in traditional wear, but was turned away because being in a grass skirt was too “primitive”?

Another point about the movement of Indigenous peoples from the hinterland to the coastland is it brings home the sordid fact that even those in the latter locale who complain about “the shithole” with clapboard houses they live in, should appreciate it’s still attractive enough to pull those people here!! In every survey that’s been conducted over the past centuries – into the new millennium – the Indigenous peoples have stubbornly been relegated to the “poorest of the poor”.

But it’s of more than passing interest that those who purport to be championing the cause of the “poor and the powerless” have never directed their suggestions for doling out the oil money directly to the Indigenous peoples. Even though they’re the paradigmatic example of the “poor and the powerless”. They’re veritably, “invisible peoples”.

But it is said “time longer than twine”. Because of the changing demographics where Indian and African Guyanese have pretty much the same numbers, Indigenous peoples now hold the balance of power in the land. Just look how the politicians will be courting them!!

They should insist on writing their own ticket though!!

…elections troubles

GECOM invited a UN team to assess possible risks following the 2020 elections. After the PNC rigging years, our elections have been marred by violent PNC protests since the first free and fair elections of 1992! It took a call from US President Clinton to have Hoyte call off the Hamilton Green-led goons who’d stormed the elections centre.

The PNC refused to accept the 1997 elections and that precipitated another round of violence that escalated into “Buxton Freedom Fighters” leaving hundreds dead. So it wasn’t surprising the UN assessment team predicted there will be myriad 2020 post-elected challenges – chief among them being “non-acceptance” of the results!!

But that doesn’t take a genius to figure out, does it?

Right off the bat, there’s the outrage of Granger’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair!! He’s confirmed the worst fears of being a PNC “toothless poodle” by using his casting vote to push the PNC line in every decision of a supposedly “balanced” Commission.

So why’s the UN waiting until AFTER the elections to sanitise matters?

…Lombard Street

For decades, Lombard Street was our Red Light District in Georgetown. And was accepted as such by the powersthat-be. The villages weren’t so liberal!

But the 27 “strippers” nabbed at a joint in Covent Gardens suggests changing times!!

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

News

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mondAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fire leaves Essequibo couple homeless

A

fire suspected to be electrical in origin destroyed the home of Farouk Khan at Maria’s Lodge Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast on Saturday, while he was out with his wife.

Based on reports received, Khan operates a

trucking service, and was at the Charity Stelling when he received information that his house was on fire.

His son Javid Khan, who lives two houses away from the destroyed house, reportedly saw smoke emanating from his parents’

home and rushed to the scene. He had to break the locks to the door in order to access the home. His intention was to salvage household items, but the entire upper flat of the home was already engulfed in flames.

The Guyana Fire Service were summoned, but by the

Taxi driver robbed, relieved of car by knife-wielding customer The aftermath of the fire which occurred on Saturday

time they arrived on scene, the house was already destroyed.

The elderly Khan told Guyana Times that all his children have moved out of the home, and it is now occupied by only his wife and him. He disclosed that he

The man who attacked and robbed Ramnarine

T

he motor car belonging to Deendyal Budram, a taxi driver attached to the Munish Taxi Service located at Nonpariel, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was hijacked on Saturday evening by a lone attacker who also relieved the owner of his cash and personal belongings.

Based on reports received, Budram was approached by a man who was clad in a white T-shirt and black short pants at about 19:00h requesting to be taken to Friendship, ECD. Upon reaching the village, he was directed to a dead end road.

While there, he further told Guyana Times that as he turned the vehi-

cle around, he was held at knifepoint by the passenger who was seated in the front passengers’ seat of the car.

“He hold me shirt front and pull out a knife and he tell me that I must give he everything,” the traumatised man relayed.

Fearful for his life, he took out $13,000 cash which was in his pocket along with his smart phone and handed it to the perpetrator. A seemingly unsatisfied carjacker then pushed Budram out of the Silver Grey Raum bearing registration number HC 6506 and drove away.

The man then walked to another branch of the taxi service at Buxton and related what took place. He also called his employer.

The traumatised man then went to the Vigilance Police Station where he made a report.

The Police have since obtained CCTV footage from the Nonpariel base which is being used as they continue their investigations.

Just a few weeks ago, another employee of the said taxi service was also attacked and robbed at Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The victim, Ramnarine, was requested by a customer to be taken to Ruimveldt but was attacked and robbed of his valuables.

That matter was also reported but no one was arrested even though CCTV footage was obtained.

had taken all his savings to build a home in which he and his wife could be comfortable, and he estimated his losses to be in the millions.

As of now, he is expected to seek refuge at one of his sons’ home.

According to the Guyana Fire Service, the fire was electrical in origin. The power company has only recently changed the cycle from 50 to 60, and residents have since been complaining of experiencing electrical problems.

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MONdAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mid-Year Report 2018

Despite improvement in PSIP, Govt still faced with constraints

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he Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report 2018 has revealed a slight improvement in the pace of implementation of the Public-Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

According to the report, this improved from 23.6 per cent on average to 31.8 per cent at the first half of the year.

However, it was noted that there were several constraining factors that continued to stymie further progress in implementation of key programmes, many of which were listed.

Inadequate leadership, the report stated, is further complicated by a limited pool of evaluators and qualified contractors. The absence of procurement by a limited pool of qualified contractors also lend to the issue, but the absence of procurement planning was another contributing factor. The inabil-

ity to attract qualified engineering and procurement specialists was listed as another major constraint.

“Cabinet is in the process of addressing the weak management across budget agencies undertaken the [Public Investment Management Assessment] PIMA, an action plan has been drafted and implementation of project appraisal systems is anticipated to improve the pace of implementation in future years,” the report stated.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has long criticised Government for slow implementation of PSIP and at one time promised to write the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) in Washington, DC, over the alleged corrupt practices of the David Granger Administration in relation to this.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Jagdeo said these practices have led to a stagnation of the PSIP. He further pointed out that even in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)-controlled administrative regions, the implementation is low. At the

national level, PSIP, he said is being under-implemented.

“If you look at the PSIP, it is an abysmal failure. Now we are seeing that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) is working with the Government to improve

the performance of the PSIP, and this could see the possible setting up of a ‘delivery unit,” Jagdeo had disclosed.

A statement from the IDB local office on Wednesday indicated that, in an effort to support Government’s endeavours to improve effectiveness and accountability in the delivery of public services to citizens through the implementation of the PSIP, the international financial institution has engaged the services of a top consulting firm specialised in this area to provide necessary support.

According to the IDB missive late last year, most Governments place too much emphasis on policy and less on the importance of effective project implementation. As such, it was noted, the delivery unit model was a simple but rigorous approach, in which there is a systematic process through which system leaders drive progress and achieve results – in this case specifically of capital projects carried out.

The IDB said this model was characterised by its emphasis on defining a set of limited clear priorities and goals focused on outcomes for citizens, and rigorous data-based monitoring of progress and coordination among involved parties.

Through implementation of these principles, the model aims to clarify what success means for the Government, and thereby increase the

speed of delivery of benefits to citizens.

In February, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had urged senior public service officials, mainly Permanent Secretaries (PSs) and Regional Executive Officers (REOs), gathered for the opening of a Public Policy Analysis Management and Project Cycle Management Training Programme, to step up their game and make more effort to become efficient in handling Government’s affairs on a daily basis.

Harmon had said the role of these senior public officials, who are decision makers and senior technicians within the Public Sector, was one which was important to the Government.

“And as you are well aware, there is cause to have serious conversations with PSs and REOs with respect to the manner in which we were handling our responsibilities… We have to step up our game and become better,” he asserted.

He continued, “The Ministers of the Government lay out policies and you are responsible for administration. So, do not see yourself as pen pushers and paper pushers. You have an important responsibility in ensuring that the projects which have been identified and for which budgetary allocations have been made, that they are carried out.”

Linden residents call... from page 7

Linden resident Gomar Wilson said he is dissatisfied with the situation, noting that if it continues, the people will take action. As such, he has issued calls for the equipment to be removed, noting that some residents are not in support of the mining activity.

Wilson added that if it is not removed by the end of the month, there will be consequences. Another resident, Oscar Hector cited health concerns, noting that residents, including those in Indigenous communities depend on the river’s water for their livelihood.

Taxi driver Robert Greene in voicing his concerns believes environmental laws and procedures should be followed as it relates to mining in the Demerara River.

He further stated that if miners are to come into the community, they must get clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and if such is not done, then the operations can be deemed as a violation.

Meanwhile, Divisional Manager of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Rawle Friday explained that should there be any water mining mishaps, approximately 18,000 residents who

depend on the water system can be adversely affected.

Friday said the GWI would have taken interest in the mining activities, given the risks of contamination.

Further, he added that in Linden, there are three water treatment plants which extract water from the Demerara River and there is no capacity to deal with contamination caused by harmful chemicals. These plants, he noted, serve around 18,000 people collectively.

Officials have already noted that residents, mainly in Indigenous communities along the river, stand to be affected by the mining operation. Already, there is some amount of activities occurring in the river.

A number of persons, including nine Brazilians were questioned and released by Police in connection with the activity which was shutdown weeks ago by Police and regional officials.

The Regional Chairman noted that upon inspecting documents presented by the miners, he realised that some of the Brazilians were overstaying their time in Guyana which by itself is a criminal matter. In addition; those who were legal did not have the necessary work permits.

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mondAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 killed, 1 critical after drunken driver crashes into parked lorry

Dead: Leroy Levans Jr

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n the wee hours of Sunday morning, a car in which four friends were travelling crashed into a parked lorry at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, killing three of those friends and leaving the fourth in a critical state.

The dead men have been identified as 33year-old Leroy Levans Jr of Nismes, WBD -- a father of one, who had been preparing to go on vacation in the United States later this month; 25-yearold Devindra Hardyal, also called “Slice”, and 20-yearold Reshi Pasha, both of La Grange, WBD. The fourth occupant of the car, 22-year-old David Bourne of Goed Fortuin, WBD, has been admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), after initially being treated at the West Demerara Regional Hospital for the injuries he sustained.

Levans, driver of the ill-fated vehicle, and Hardyal were reportedly pronounced dead on the spot, while Pasha took his last breath a few hours later.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the four men had been partying at Stanleytown, WBD prior to the accident. They then left the party to take Bourne home at Good Fortuin. Allegedly speeding at the time of the horrific accident, the vehicle became uncontrollable and collided with the parked lorry.

This publication understands that Sunday’s accident was not the first such incident involving a parked vehicle in the village of La Grange.

At the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Levans’s father, Pastor Leroy Levans, told Guyana Times that this loss of his son will have a great impact on him, since he is into cash crop farming. He explained that, sometime ago, his son had ventured off and established his own construction and maintenance business to support himself and 9-year-old daughter.

Pastor Levans told this publication that Leroy Levans Jr leaves to mourn his daughter, mother, father and a sibling. “These

Dead: Reshi Pasha

Dead: Devindra Hardyal

The completely wrecked car at La Grange, WBD

things come as a test to your faith,” he declared.

This newspaper also met briefly with relatives of the late Reshi Pasha, who related that they were still trying to come to grips with the loss of this young man. Guyana Times was told that he had been brought up by his aunt and uncle, who would advise him to spend more time at home. The aunt, Jaiwantie Pasha, said the late Reshi had two other siblings, and she related that her son and her now dead nephew had grown up like brothers.

Meanwhile, relatives of the late Devindra Hardyal have said he had fathered a young daughter who is dependent on him.

They were especially in a state of distress since Farook Bacchus, who perished by drowning while trying to save his daughter and grandson, had been a relative of theirs (see story on page ).

Hardyal’s grandmother, Saviram Bacchus, related that she had taken care of him since he was three years old. She noted that her grandson had been planning to marry the mother of his daughter in December.

Hardyal’s sister, “Marsha”, explained that she would often tell her brother to remain at home, but on that fateful night, his friend had collected him to go on a “lime”.

She added that the four males who were involved in the accident would often hang out on the road together. “Me ain’t got no more body; it’s just me and he alone. My mother go away and leave us, and my father (committed suicide),” the grieving sister pointed out.

It has been alleged that the four men had been

drinking heavily at the party before leaving for the Goed Fortuin.

One relative suggested that the men may have been heading to a popular night spot in Pouderoyen, WBD to continue the drinking spree.

When this newspaper visited Bourne’s Goed Fortuin, WBD home, his relatives were not available to comment on the tragic incident. (Shemuel Fanfair)

The parked lorry that was involved in the accident

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mondAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police Officers arrested Patterson sets record straight for allegedly murdering on importation of stone Brazilian miner

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wo Police Officers have now been taken into custody after they allegedly murdered a Brazilian miner in Puruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and attempted to get rid of the body on Saturday.

The Brazilian miner’s name was given as 37-yearold Estevão Marquês Costa.

Based on reports received, the two officers – a Subordinate and a Constable – who are stationed at the Kurupung Police Station, abandoned their post on Friday.

Guyana Times understands that the men reportedly left on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to patrol the area but for some reason left their jurisdiction and via a boat went to a landing in Puruni.

Upon their arrival there, the Police Constable reportedly exited the boat and went to a shop a short distance from the landing while his subordinating officer reportedly waited in the boat.

However, soon after, the man heard a loud explosion and without hesitation, he made his way in the direction of the sound.

He came into contact with

Estevão Marquês Costa, the now dead man

the Constable who related that the miner discharged a round at him and in retaliation, he returned fire.

Nevertheless, the Police stated that two other officers who were in the area investigating another matter turned up at the scene and reportedly took possession of the .30 carbine rifle which was used by the Constable.

The Divisional Commander was contacted and upon orders that two police ranks were arrested and placed in custody. A team of

Officers have since been dispatched to Puruni to further investigate the matter.

On the other hand, an eyewitness told a different story. It was reported that the two Police ranks went to raid a mining camp belonging to the now dead man’s mother. Upon seeing the Police, Costa who was an undocumented miner attempted to escape and it was at this time, the Constable cocked his gun and fired two shots hitting Costa to his head.

After shooting the man, the two Police ranks reportedly panicked and made efforts to get rid of the body.

The eyewitness reportedly told detectives that the two Police ranks attempted to burn the man’s body but the other miners created a scene.

All the while the mother held onto her son’s body. The ranks eventually relieved the woman of the deceased after which they wrapped it and placed it in the boat they arrived in at the location.

It was reported in a section of the media that the Police dumped the man’s body on a beach on their way to Bartica.

P

ublic Infrastructure Minister David Patterson recently issued statements via his Facebook page to clarify statements made in an article published on Saturday, August 11, in the Guyana Chronicle newspaper.

According to the article titled “Chinese contractor granted permission to import stone”, it states that at least two local contractors have complained of not receiving orders to supply stone for the East Coast of Demerara road widening and improvement project, which is being undertaken locally by CHEC, despite having the capacity to do so.

The Minister’s post described the entire article as the result of “the untruthfulness” of the local suppliers who expressed concern as well as poor journalism.”

According to a report by the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Minister further expressed his disappointment in light of providing a comment to the reporter prior to the publishing of the article, yet the said article was written without context which he sought to provide through his Facebook post.

Given the nature of

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

funding for the project, the Minister said it is essential that delays and cost overruns be avoided hence, the decision to allow the import of stones by the Chinese contractor given the fact that adequate supplies were not available locally.

“To finish on schedule, the project required at least 15,000 tonnes per month, at best the suppliers whose product made the specifications were only supplying about 6000 tonnes monthly, additionally the project needs about 250,000 tonnes

overall,” Minister Patterson explained.

He assured that local stone producers were engaged prior to his permission being granted to the contractor for the stone import.

“It must be noted that while there are seven stone producers countrywide, only three had the capability at that time to produce the specified stone; of the three, the largest producer’s stone did not make the specifications (stone specifications do not only have to do with density but also size, moisture content, etc).

Interestingly, it was agreed

by ALL, based on a recommendation by the stone producers to allow the contractor to import 50,000 tons of stones over a three-month period; this would have allowed the local producers to up their production (if possible) and seek to have their stone meet the required specifications (if possible), it would also allow the contractor to continue working without delay,” Minister Patterson further explained.

Currently, contractors are on schedule to complete the expansion project. turn to page 14

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Scenes from Hero CPL Match #6

14 news

MONdAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Balance of Payments shows steep hike ...as Mid-Year Report warns of economic consequences for Guyana

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he first half of 2018 has seen Guyana's Balance of Payment deficit take a sharp leap forward, when compared to the same period for 2017 and even the Finance Ministry's MidYear Report is warning of the consequences.

The report, which was laid in the National Assembly only days ago, details that Guyana for the first half of the year recorded a deficit of US$139.8 million. This is in contrast to the corresponding period for last year, when the deficit was just US$46 million.

"Guyana's Balance of Payments deficit increased further as a result of a significantly higher deficit on

the current account, which more than offset a surplus on the capital account.

The weakening of the current account, from a deficit of US$79.2 million to a deficit of US$194.1 million, was due to higher deficits on the merchandise trade and services accounts, notwithstanding increased net unrequited transfers,” the report states.

“The negative balance on the merchandise trade account widened to US$218.0 million during the first half of 2018, from US$112.2 million, in the first half of 2017, attributed to stronger growth in total import payments, which rose by US$137.8 million over the

review period.

Growth in imports was driven by an overall expansion in all major categories, intermediate goods

by US$92.6 million, capital goods by US$41.1million and consumption goods by US$3.6 million.”

According to the report, the total value of imported capital goods was driven by increases in all sub categories except agricultural machinery. IN fact, the report notes that this decreased by US$5.6 million.

“Within the overall category, substantial growth was recorded for mining machinery, “other capital goods” and industrial machinery, which expanded by US$13.9 million, US$10.6 million and

US$9.7 million, respectively.”

“The expansion of imports of consumption goods was mainly due to significant growth in food for final consumption and other durables, which increased

by US$9.2 million and US$8.2 million, respectively over the reporting period. Further growth in this category was limited by a reduction of US$22.8 million in the value of ‘other non-durable’ goods imported.”

The report warns that global risks, such as rising commodity prices, climate change and turbulent international trade relationships, do pose a threat to the stability and progress of Guyana’s economy. And it warned that increased importation will put a

strain on the country’s foreign reserves.

“Specifically, the issue of climate change, which brings with it unpredictable weather patterns, has the ability to adversely affect the agriculture and mining and quarrying sectors, and, consequently, restrict production.

On the other hand, while commodity prices are expected to strengthen, in 2018, this will have mixed effects.”

“On the positive side, rising prices offer favourable prospects for the exporting Sectors – gold, rice, timber and aluminium.

However, the increased importation of Intermediate goods, especially fuel and lubricants, and consumption goods, could likely offset the gains from export

earnings. This could put a strain on Guyana’s international reserves, reinforcing the urgency with which economic diversification and resilience – Strengthening must take place,” the report states.

Balance of Payments is statistical data on a country’s fiscal transactions, including imports and exports. To therefore record a deficit, Guyana would have had to spend more on imports, among other things, that it derived from exports.

According to the 2017 Macro-economic Report, Guyana’s overall Balance of Payments in the last fiscal year showed a deficit of US$69.5 million.

This is a hike when compared to US$53.3 million the previous year.

Linden residents benefit from HERO health fair

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esidents of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were recently treated to a free health and wellness fair, organised by the Health and Relief Organisation (HERO) in collaboration with the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

The activity which was hosted at the Amelia’s Ward bus park at Mackenzie saw scores of residents benefiting from medical services by the US-based organisation, headed by Dr Collie Oudkerk.

Speaking on behalf of Oudkerk, Pharmacist Susana Gim explained that the activity is conducted by a team which makes biannual visits to Linden and Georgetown.

“We usually do a health fair just to do blood pressure screening, blood sugar screening and cholesterol screening just to refer them to clinics and just to provide healthcare to person that have a hard time getting to it,” Gim explained.

Patients who received less than favourable results were referred to one of three community health centres

A doctor attending to one of the residents

for further medical checkups.

“We are around 15 people. We usually have a mixture of physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners”.

The HERO programme was initiated in 2000 and has since received an overwhelming response from members of the Linden community.

Patterson sets record...

In an earlier interview, Technical Services Manager at the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nigel Erskine informed DPI that the extension of the four-lane section from Better Hope to Annandale is now 60 per cent complete. He also said the plan is to complete the four-lane section by the end of the year and proceed with the upgrade of the two lanes from Annandale to Bellfield subsequently.

“Ongoing works include the extension of the bridges, construction of drains which is about 90 per cent complete; the construction of 400 metres of revetments at Triumph of which 250 metres have been completed as well as the extension of the culverts to accommodate the four-lane road,” Erskine explained.

When completed, the four-lane section will have a median in the centre

from page 12

equipped with streetlights.

Sidewalks will be built along populated villages, seven bridges and 12 culverts will be widened, and 11 traffic signals will be installed at busy intersections along the roadway. The approximately eight-inch finished surface will comprise asphaltic concrete and have road safety features including warning signs, road markings and pedestrian crossings.

15

monDAY, August 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What are your views on the recent decision taken by teachers to strike for salary increases?

Amar Rajaram “If the teachers don’t want the salary, they can do the honourable thing and resign. The Education system is full of teachers who are not fit and proper to teach our children. For example, there’s a secondary school teacher I know who is always under the influence of drugs in and out of the classroom.”

Kester Whyte “I think it highlights an issue (inadequate remuneration) that has been ongoing since before I was born, and one

Walter Narine “Teachers should be compensated well in any country because they are the

Javed Khan “Teachers are what keep the world going. Most (if not) all jobs require educational skills, which you will learn in school. Teaching creates all other professions. Say one teacher teaches one class of twenty- five students every day for a whole school year. Once these kids are all done in school, they can all grow up

Andy Kalamadeen “Teachers do deserve more, not taking away anything from them; but we have a lot of young teachers who are impatient and neglect students, and are far more disrespectful than the students.”

of the biggest among them in education. Teachers have always had a problem with wages, which gets frustrating considering the sheer scale of what they have to put up with on a day-by-day basis. It gets to ridiculous degrees considering the number of cases of delayed payments of said salaries. As usual, this is not a cut and dry situation, and real work has to be put in to find a consistent and effective solution that benefits all parties. Also, (this is) a way for all supporters to play a stronger role, as our teachers need all the support they can get.”

Yusuf Lumelino “I personally think teachers are the backbone of our future and they deserve not only a raise of salary but more benefits generally.”

second set of folks who impart knowledge in us apart from our parents. Although striking is democratic and the most influential bargaining tool used by all, I do not subscribe to striking in the new school term.

The kids need the moulding after a long vacation.

“Also, remember this increase might not look like a lot, but multiply the increase by the number of teachers we have in the system, and then ask how the Government will find it. I think that an increase should be given over a fiveyear period in increments.”

Leah Isaacs “Teachers do have the right to strike because of needed increase on their salaries, but one may also consider that if not all, most public servants are in the same boat as them.

However, the increase can and should be gradual, in conjunction with the growth of the economy. Thus, if and when the economy grows and expands, salary will increase and teachers and all other public servants or workers (will benefit) alike. And life would be better for everyone as a whole.”

to 25 amazing presidents, lawyers, volunteers, engineers, chemists and much more!

Whoever thinks that teachers don’t need a raise must be a bunch of idiots. Teachers truly keep the world going. Teachers should make much more than a minister, because at one point in that minister’s life, he/ she had a teacher that made them able to be where they are now.

“It’s very sad to learn that teachers have decided to go on strike on August 27 because the Government refused to honour the pay increase proposals made by GTU. Teachers ought to be compensated well for the difficult job they’re doing.

Without them society will collapse. I am in full support of their decision to go on strike actions.”

Ian Campbell “Given that there is an obvious unreasonable spread of income throughout Guyana, inequitable distribution of wealth is apparent. However, I totally agree 100% with the striking teachers. Given that teaching and medical practitioners are the basis of life, they should be better compensated. It is utterly ridiculous and disrespectful that some teachers get US$300 a month in 2018. Shame!

Shame! Shame!”

Rajiv Rajpat “As a young trade unionist, it is my personal view that the

Eon Newlon “To each their own; some work smarter while others work harder. Guess that’s their way of expressing their frustration over their takehome salary after the tax man and expenses hit them on the monthly; backed with the stress of trying to keep it together in the classroom, dealing with the good, the bad and the ugly students behaviour-wise.”

Robin Vimla “They right! Teachers should be the highest paid workers, because without teachers you can’t get doctors, lawyers, politicians, judges and much more.

“Teachers getting next to nothing in Guyana, and in Germany they are the highest paid Government workers.”

GTU and its membership have taken the brave step of standing up and defending their rights to bargaining with the strict use of industrial actions. It is time that the working class of this country stop taking nonsense from employers - be it the Government or private sector. Rest assured, my fellow comrades, we are in this struggle together.

“We, as workers, need to stand up and demand what we deserve. Long live the working class! Long live the struggles!

Solidarity forever!”

Dabriah Frank “I think it’s something good for them to do. They need better payments.”

Joseph Thompson “My take on the teachers’ strike for better wages is that the Government need to look into the teachers’ demands.

Without teachers, our children have no future; they are the ones educating our future men and women.”

16 news

monDAY, august 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ABC countries, Germany among target markets for tourists – GTA

...consultant to be contracted for marketing and communications strategy

By Jarryl Bryan

I

n the Caribbean, specifically the Eastern region, the World Bank last year calculated tourism to account for roughly 52 per cent of earnings on average.

Even without festivals, other parts of the Caribbean are famous for their scenic tourist destinations.

New Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Brian Mullis hopes to leverage the increased focus on Guyana, with the oil and gas sector being an international topic of discussion, while ironing out a strategy to effectively market Guyana as a tourist destination.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Mullis stressed the importance for the tourism authority to have a master plan for marketing local destinations worldwide and that this plan be used as a reference for implementing tourism policies.

“Right now we are working off a five-year strategic marketing plan that was developed in 2015, so you would see things like recent announcements on the launch of our first new website in over 10 years.”

“We’ve just launched phase one; we’re in the process of launching phase two. We’ve also recently announced that we’ve secured market representation in two of our three core markets and one of our investment markets,” Mullis added.

According to the Tourism Director, the United States and Canada are those two core markets, with the United Kingdom being the third. He also referenced Germany as one of those priority markets. The concentration of their efforts in these countries, he noted, is based on the large streams

of tourists emanating from them. “(These tourists) are very interested in authentic adventure culture and nature-based experiences and the demographics that we are targeting, in addition to the traditional demographics in the Diaspora, are those people that come to destinations like Guyana to spend more money and stay longer and are typically open to the types of travel that we have, which are well aligned.”

These different things, Mullis related, include more emphasis on digital, social media marketing. He noted that once they can boost their success with the core markets, the intention is to target other markets from the Caribbean and South America.

One of the initiatives on the card is for a consultant to soon be contracted, via competitive tender, to formulate a marketing communications strategy and action plan. In addition, it is the intention to build capacity within the GTA and its destination to marketing divisions

Historical tension

But Mullis acknowledged that there has been historical tension between the GTA and tourism operators. Asked directly whether he has met with local operators in order to hear and address their concerns, he had this to say.

“During my first few weeks, I held an open house and had a number of meetings, one on one and small group meetings, just to get to know individual players at an interpersonal level, build relationships with them, build trust, foster transparency, and open communication,” Mullis explained.

According to the Director,

Tourist arrivals are on the rise, according to the Mid-year Report GTA Director Brian Mullis

he did this to attain a clear understanding of the challenges faced by the sector.

Without this understanding, Mullis noted that it would be more difficult to overcome them.

“The challenges are not unique. Emerging destinations around the world face the same challenges. But the context and the details are unique and with that information we can form solutions that will be contextualised to Guyana’s needs in order to overcome those challenges. One of the expectations, historically, is that the GTA, its sister agencies and the tourism sector have not worked closely together.”

“But the reality is in the Government…there are a lot of agencies that touch through them. This is international best practice. You find it in any leading destination, the tourism Private Sector and agencies like the GTA are working more closely together and aligning goals and objectives, then we can achieve a lot more than we can achieve individually.

So we’re actively working towards that.”

He further explained that from his understand-

ing, the expectations of the tourism Private Sector are that the GTA more actively market Guyana and that the Private Sector begin to see some economic benefits as market demand and awareness of what Guyana has to offer to tourists grows.

In addition to more market benefits, Mullis said that people want to see more training opportunities. With that in mind, the agency recently completed a training needs analysis to better understand how to address current capacity needs.

“It also became clear that our licensing system has not been working well. It was developed many years ago and many aspects of it are somewhat antiquated, given that the travel and tourism sectors are evolving on a year in year out and the industry looks very different today that it did when those regulations were first developed in 2002 and thereafter, when the GTA Act was established.”

“So we have to look at revising that system entirely and we’ll be going through a stakeholder con-

sultation process, probably starting late August, early September, to get feedback on the system that we’ve developed and be able to bring something to the sector that is much more accessible, user friendly and tied to tangible benefits that the sector can take.

But Mullis acknowledged expectations that the coming oil boon will be leveraged by the GTA to bring more tourists to Guyana. And while he believes tourism will benefit from the economic growth that will accompany the sector, he noted that tourism can also align well with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

“I think that if we look at the GTA’s expectations, my expectations as Director are that we’ll strengthen the GTA so that it can be the best organisation that it can be in the areas of marketing and communications, licensing and capacity building and product development facilitation, which we play a major role in.”

“Part of my mandate is also to raise funding to support tourism product devel-

opment, capacity building related initiatives, so that’s something I’ve been actively focusing on,” he stated.

Mid-year Report

The recently released 2018 Mid-year Report does paint a favourable image of the sector. It states that in the first half of 2018, tourist arrivals increased by 18.3 per cent to 134,347 visitors, when compared to the same period in 2017.

“This outturn was attributed to national events, sporting events, meetings and workshops, held during the review period.

Of the visitors for the first half of 2018, those from the Caribbean and United States of America accounted for the largest share, of 48.6 per cent and 30.3 per cent, respectively.”

“This increasing trend of visitor arrivals will continue in the second half, with the hosting of Caribbean T20 cricket, ICC (International Cricket Council) Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup and at least two international conferences,” the report states.

Kwakwani woman charged for attempted murder of reputed husband gets bail

S

amantha Henry of Potville, Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) was on Friday placed on $50,000 bail by Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Kwakwani Magistrates Court after being remanded on July 20 on a charge of attempting to murder her reputed husband, Hemant Deonarine.

The accused is scheduled to return to court on August 17 for continuation of her case.

RECAP

Henry faces an allegation of attempting to murder 39-year-old Hemant Deonarine on July 12 last, reportedly slashing him to his neck with a broken bottle during a heated argument at their home at Potville.

She was not required to plead to the indictable charge of attempted murder. According to Police information on the case, the

Samantha Henry

accused and the victim, who is an operator, lived together and have four children. On the day of the incident, they were reportedly consuming alcohol at their home, along with the sister of the accused, who was visiting at the time.

The trio were reportedly intoxicated when Henry reportedly accused Deonarine of having an intimate relationship with her sister. A

heated argument ensued between the two, and it reportedly ended up in their bedroom. The sound of a bottle being broken was reportedly heard, and Deonarine exited the bedroom bleeding profusely from a wound on the left side of his neck.

Neighbours summoned the Police, and responding officers rushed Deonarine to the Kwakwani Public Hospital, where he reportedly became unconscious. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he was admitted a patient in the Male Surgical Ward in stable condition.

The accused was arrested and escorted to the Kwakwani Police Station, where she was told of the allegation and placed in custody.

She allegedly admitted under caution that she had slashed her reputed husband with a broken bottle; and she said it was because she had seen him hugging her sister.

mondAY, august 13, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Arms depot blast in Syria’s Thousands rally to demand Romanian Govt’s resignation Idlib province kills 39

T

On Sunday, rescuers in Sarmada used bulldozers to remove the rubble and pull out trapped people

A

t least 39 people – including 12 children – have been killed in a blast that brought down a building in Syria’s mainly rebel-held North-western province of Idlib, reports say.

The building in the Sarmada town is said to have contained munitions belonging to an arms trafficker. Dozens of people are still missing, a monitor and correspondents say.

Idlib is the last major rebel-held area, and is ex-

pected to be the next target for Syrian armed forces. In recent months, the Syrian Government, backed

by Russia and Iran, has made major advances in its offensive against a number of rebel and jihadist groups across Syria.

On Sunday, rescuers in Sarmada used bulldozers to remove the rubble and pull out trapped people, an AFP correspondent in the town near the Turkish border reported.

Meanwhile, the UK-

based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that there were still dozens of people missing.

Some reports suggest the number killed could be higher.

Most of those in the building are believed to have belonged to the families of jihadist fighters who have taken refuge in Idlib after being driven out of other areas of Syria. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known. (Excerpt from BBC News)

housands of Romanians rallied for a third day running on Sunday against the Social Democrat Government in anti-corruption protests, demanding Prime Minister Viorica Dancila step down.

The protests in Bucharest and in several other major cities were peaceful, in contrast to the first night of demonstrations on Friday when riot Police fired tear gas and used water canon on a huge rally in central Bucharest, with hundreds of people needing medical attention.

About 15,000 people rallied in front of the Government headquarters in the capital on Sunday, whistling, blowing vuvuzelas and shouting “Corruption kills! Resignation!”. They also chanted “Thieves, thieves,” waving Romanian, US, NATO and European Union flags.

Peaceful rallies have re-

People attend a protest in Bucharest, Romania August 10, 2018, in this image taken from social media. Picture taken August 10, 2018

peatedly been held since the Social Democrats took power in early 2017 and tried to decriminalise several graft offences.

Earlier this year, ruling party legislators pushed changes to the criminal code through Parliament, drawing concern from the European Commission and US State Department. The

changes are being challenged in the Constitutional Court.

Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea was sentenced to three and a half years in prison by the Supreme Court in June for incitement to abuse of office, a ruling which is not final as it is pending an appeal. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Indonesia plane crash: Venezuela ‘drone attack’: Maduro would accept FBI help to investigate Boy, 12, survives

V

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has said he would allow US FBI agents into the country to help investigate the alleged assassination attempt against him a week ago.

The President said he believed that the people involved had fled to Florida, Peru and Colombia. The US has indicated it will cooperate with investigations, but it has not made a known offer for an FBI visit.

The Venezuelan leader regularly accuses the US of wanting to overthrow him.

The two countries have long had a tense relationship. When Maduro was re-elected in May, the US

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has said he would allow US FBI agents into the country to help investigate the alleged assassination attempt against him

increased its sanctions on Venezuela, saying the vote had not been free or fair.

However, in a televised

2 killed in hippo attacks in Kenya’s Rift Valley

A

tourist has been killed by a hippo bite while taking pictures on the edge of Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Rift Valley, just hours after a fisherman was mauled to death by one of the animals in the same area.

A second tourist was injured in the incident on Saturday night and received treatment in the local hospital in Naivasha, North-west of Nairobi, the Kenya wildlife service said in a statement.

“The man was bitten on the chest and his injuries were serious and he died minutes after he was retrieved from the lake,” said Rift Valley head of criminal investigations Gideon Kibunja.

In the same area, a

Kenyan fisherman was attacked by another hippo a few miles from where the tourists, both from China, were attacked on Saturday, a police official said.

The deaths bring to six the number of people who have been killed by hippos around Lake Naivasha so far this year.

Wildlife service spokesman Paul Udoto said the circumstances are not clear in which the two tourists were attacked. He said attacks on tourists were rare because they are usually protected by guides.

He said hippos and lone buffalos pose the greatest danger to humans and there have been many attacks in which civilians and even rangers have lost their lives.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

address late on Saturday, President Maduro surprised many by saying he would accept US help to investigate

the alleged plot. “If the US Government offered, or confirmed its offer, of FBI cooperation to investigate, I would accept it,” he said.

Maduro said there were “terrorist” cells in Florida, which had masterminded the plan and needed to be dismantled. He also called on the Peruvian Government to extradite suspects living there.

The incident happened when Maduro was speaking at military parade on August 4, 2018. Video footage showed the startled President looking upwards as loud explosions went off, and dozens of soldiers disbanding their formations to run away. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Canada institutes new measures in processing permanent resident applications for C’bean nationals

T

he Canadian immigration agency – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has instituted new measures in processing permanent resident applications for Caribbean and other immigrants.

“We know that applying to immigrate to Canada is a life changing event, and we understand how frustrating it can be when applications take longer than expected. That’s why we have made changes to improve the experience for some permanent resident clients,” said IRCC in a statement.

“Now, clients will have a more accurate idea of how long processing of their immigration application may take for several permanent resi-

dent business lines,” it added.

On July 31, 2018, IRCC said it began using an improved method to estimate processing times for some new permanent residence applications. It said the processing times are projected, “and tell applicants how long we expect most applications to take under normal circumstances if submitted today.”

With this change in effect, IRCC said it is able to better estimate how long some new permanent residence applications will take, based on several factors, including the number of current applications waiting to be processed and the volume of admissions allowed each year under the multi-year immigration levels plan. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Papua accident

Rescuers walked for two hours to reach the site of the crash and carried the boy down on a stretcher

A

12-year-old boy has been found alive in the wreckage of a plane crash which killed eight people in Indonesia.

Photos from the scene show the boy conscious and looking at the camera.

He was found with the wreckage on a mountainside near the border with Papua New Guinea on Sunday morning. The Swiss-made Pilatus aircraft he had been travelling in lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday afternoon, shortly before it was due to land at Oksibil airport.

The plane, owned by private charter Dimonim Air, had been travelling from Tanah Merah, about 40 minutes flight south, to Oksibil in the province of Papua

when it went down.

It was carrying nine people, including two crew members. According to news agency AFP, nearby villagers heard a “loud roar followed by an explosion”.

An investigation into the cause of the crash will be carried out, officials said.

Planes are one of the only ways to get around Papua province, a remote and mountainous region which is extremely difficult to navigate. However, its rapidly changing weather conditions mean it is not an easy place to fly.

Three years ago, a Trigana Air twin turboprop plane came down near to Oksibil, killing all 54 on board. (BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, august 13, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

Say what’s on your mind

(March 21- and honour your promises.

April 19) Not everyone will agree with

you, but you will gain respect for standing up for your beliefs.

Just because you want to TAURUS make some changes doesn’t (April 20- mean that others should folMay 20) low suit. Do your own thing and allow everyone the freedom to do as they please.

dilbert

You have the right idea, GEMINI (May 21- but you may not have the June 20) support you are looking for.

Expect to face emotional setbacks due to someone else’s interference.

Look at the possibilities and consider how to utilize (June 21- your skills, improve your poJuly 22) sition and persuade others to jump on board. There is plenty to gain if you make the right move.

CANCER

Peanuts

Look at what you’ve accomLEO plished and what’s left to do.

(July 23- Personal improvements, disAug. 22) cipline and hard work will impress family and friends. Accept inevitable change and make what transpires work for you.

You need a break. Try VIRGO something different or visit (Aug. 23a place you’ve never been beSept. 22) fore. Changing things up will give you a new perspective on what’s possible. Networking will lead to an opportunity.

Calvin and Hobbes

Surround yourself with LIBRA (Sept. 23- positive people. You need Oct. 23) encouragement, not criticism, to help you reach your goal. Personal improvements will boost your morale. Help those who help you.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Words alone cannot help SCORPIO you get things done. Make (Oct. 24a move and work hard until Nov. 22) you have taken care of business and earned the right to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

An emotional situation SAGITTARIUS should be taken seriously.

(Nov. 23Decipher what’s being imDec. 21) plied before you respond to someone. Having your facts straight will help you avoid emotional distress. Take a pass on a joint venture.

solution for last published puzzle

CAPRICORN You’ll learn quickly if you (Dec. 22- attend a lecture or listen to an Jan. 19) expert. Knowledge is power, and assessing situations and applying what you know will help you make better choices.

Handle partnership matAQUARIUS ters openly and honestly. If (Jan. 20- you or someone else has a Feb. 19) problem, address issues headon and prepare to make positive changes that will get things back on track.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Express your feelings by taking action and doing what’s right. Make a difference to someone you care about by offering physical help. Don’t lend or borrow cash or possessions.

monDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018

19

Broad, Anderson and Woakes batter India E

ngland completed their total and utter domination of India in the Lord’s Test with a win in just 170.3 overs making it the third-shortest Test in the country over the last 100 years. On officially the fourth day of the Test, with the threat of weather around, England added 39 to their overnight lead of 250 before bowling India out for 130, their seventh score under 200 in their last eight innings in England. As had been the case throughout the Test, the weather was with the hosts: overcast enough to aid swing but not wet enough to save India.

Injury was added to insult, quite literally, with Virat Kohli struggling with a back issue and R Ashwin and Hardik Pandya taking nasty blows on their fingers.

Kohli didn’t take the field on the day, and batted with apparent discomfort. Once again, Ashwin was India’s top scorer. Once again there was no respite from the four-pronged England seam attack, with Stuart Broad joining the party with one of his spells from hell: 7-4-7-4 leading to tea, including the

the back, took painkillers, but kept batting out of his crease and lunging forward.

Curran tried to counter it by getting the keeper up, while Broad got a short leg in. Broad’s method worked and he followed it with another lethal inswinger to remove Dinesh Karthik. With the second of his wickets, Broad entered the top 10 wicket-takers of all time. He couldn’t eventually add to his seven five-fors in a single spell, though.

wicket of Kohli as the final nail. James Anderson was already there, securing his 100th wicket at Lord’s, 550 in all, and ending up with a nine-for for the match.

Given England’s choke hold on Indian batsmen and the weather forecast, it was a surprise they even batted on. Sam Curran added quick runs, but his wicket brought an end to the innings.

Immediately, Anderson got down to the business of scything through India’s batting. These were tough batting conditions, but

England had a better bowling attack for the conditions, they selected a better XI and they won the crucial toss.

M Vijay secured a pair with an inside edge, and KL Rahul fell to one that seamed back in. India’s openers now average below 13 in overseas Tests this year. The openers didn’t last long enough for Kohli to be allowed to bat at his usual station - he had to serve 37 minutes for not taking the field in the morning. Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara struggled for more

than 12 overs before Broad got on a roll. After threatening Rahane’s edge regularly with movement against the slope off length balls, he ended an over with a full and wide sucker ball, drawing the edge. Pujara fought on for 87 balls, but he got a lovely inswinger - late movement its feature - to be bowled once again after getting in in tough conditions.

Since making his debut, no Indian batsman has been bowled as many times as he has.

Kohli struggled with

Those difficult batting conditions were now compounded with uneven bounce. Both Pandya and Ashwin took bows on their fingers. However, they soldiered on, taking every scoring opportunity, taking India past 100 before Chris Woakes returned to get rid of Pandya. Anderson went through Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami before Woakes made sure India didn’t go past his individual score of 137. (ESPN cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

India 1st Innings – 107 England 1st Innings – 396/7d India 2nd Innings M Vijay c †Bairstow b Anderson 0 KL Rahul lbw b Anderson 10 CA Pujara b Broad 17 AM Rahane c Jennings b Broad 13 V Kohli (c) c Pope b Broad 17 HH Pandya lbw b Woakes 26 KD Karthik † lbw b Broad 0 R Ashwin not out 33 Kuldeep Yadav b Anderson 0 Mohammed Shami lbw b Anderson 0 I Sharma c Pope b Woakes 2 Extras 12 (b 6, lb 6)

TOTAL 130 all out (47 Overs, RR: 2.76) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (M Vijay, 2.2 ov), 2-13 (KL Rahul, 6.1 ov), 3-35 (AM Rahane, 18.6 ov), 4-50 (CA Pujara, 26.5 ov), 5-61 (V Kohli, 30.3 ov), 6-61 (KD Karthik, 30.4 ov), 7-116 (HH Pandya, 42.1 ov), 8-121 (Kuldeep Yadav, 43.4 ov), 9-125 (Mohammed Shami, 45.1 ov), 10-130 (I Sharma, 46.6 ov) BOWLING: JM Anderson (125-23-4), SCJ Broad (16-644-4), CR Woakes (10-2-242), SM Curran (9-1-27-0) Result: England won by an innings and 159 runs Man-of-the-match: Chris Woakes

Barcelona beat Sevilla to win World Cup winner Spanish Super Cup in Morocco

Ronaldo

hospitalised with pneumonia B Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has now won a record 33 trophies with the club - one ahead of Andres Iniesta

M

arc-Andre ter Stegen saved a last-minute penalty as Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-1 to win the Spanish Super Cup in Tangier, Morocco.

Pablo Sarabia put Sevilla ahead when the video assistant referee gave a goal which had been ruled out for offside.

But Gerard Pique levelled from close range and Ousmane Dembele then fired Barca into the lead.

Sevilla had a late penalty when Ter Stegen fouled Aleix Vidal but he held Wissam Ben Yedder’s weak spot-kick.

Barcelona have taken part in nine of the last 10 Super Cups, but this was the first to take place over just one leg and in a foreign country.

Sevilla, under new boss Pablo Machin, were impressive and led after Sarabia received Luis Muriel’s pass and placed it past the goalkeeper early on with a goal eventually awarded following a VAR review.

Barca equalised late in the first half when Lionel Messi’s free-kick hit the post and the back of goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, and Pique turned home the rebound into an empty

net.

Sevilla then hit the crossbar from Franco Vazquez’s looping header as both sides pushed for victory.

But it was Dembele who sealed the game when he lashed a shot home from 20 yards via the underside of the crossbar in the 79th minute.

There was more action to come, with Ben Yedder’s miserable penalty, but Barca - who handed debuts to Clement Lenglet, Arthur and Arturo Vidal - win for the sixth time in nine years. (BBC Sport)

razil World Cup winner Ronaldo is in intensive care in Ibiza suffering from pneumonia.

The 41-year-old former striker tweeted that he was taken ill on Friday but hopes to be discharged on Monday.

Ronaldo scored 62 times for Brazil, including both goals when they beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final.

The former Real Madrid forward, who also played for Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan, thanked his fans for their love and well wishes.

A spokesperson for Can Misses Hospital, where Ronaldo is being treated, said she was unable to give any information for privacy reasons.

The striker scored both goals as Germany were beaten 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama

Ronaldo was on holiday in Ibiza, where he owns a home.

The striker’s career ended seven years ago when he hung up his boots up after two years with Corinthians in Brazil.

Ronaldo won two La Liga titles with Real and the Uefa Cup with Inter.

He was part of the Brazil squad who won the 1994 World Cup - although he did not play - and helped them reach the 1998 final.

He picked up the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world in 1997 and 2002. (BBC Sport) Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil

20

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monDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018

GT Beer/Keep Your Five Alive Futsal Final…

Richardson’s triple settle Tiger Bay reach.

Tiger Bay talisman Deon Alfred, who had been kept quiet all night suddenly found some space to lash home in the 28th minute to make things a little interesting, but Phillips would have none of it as he restored a three-goal advantage shortly after for a 5-2 lead.

With fans exiting the arena, rightly understanding the difficult task Tiger Bay faced to orchestrate a victory Alpha Fletchman’s 36th minute effort provided a flicker of hope which was quickly extinguished by Richardson’s back to back goals shortly before

K

rated futsal and street kings are back.

He was supported by braces from the tireless Jermin Junor and Eusi Phillips.

However, Tiger Bay’s Orin Moore brought the packed house down as early as the opening minute of play when he uncorked a thunderbolt to beat the Sparta custodian to his right.

Despite being rattled by the early goal, Sparta Boss slowly found their groove with Richardson and Junor coming close to finding the equalizer.

It was Junor, whose quickness and powerful strike on goal finally found

its target in the 17th minute, before the overlapping Phillips gave them the lead two minutes later.

To emphasise their dominance, Junor booted in on the stroke of halftime to give his team a two-goal cushion at the break with the large crowd growing increasingly anxious for the restart of what to that point was pulsating action.

The final period provided no ease for Tiger Bay as Sparta Boss attacked with menace and it was the superior skill of Richardson that sunk the hearts of the Bay’s supporters when he fired in from close range three minutes into the period to actually put the game out of

lengers.

They took home $500,000 and the championship trophy, while Tiger Bay won $250,000 and a trophy.

Richardson was voted the finals Most Valuable Player.

Complete Results

Sparta Boss-7 vs Tiger Bay-3 Sparta Scorers Gregory Richardson-23rd, 37th and 39th Jermin Junior-17th and 20th Eusi Phillips-19th and 29th Tiger Bay Scorers Orin Moore-1st Deon Alfred-28th Alpha Fletchman-36th

Dindyal’s fifty spurs Windies U15 to opening win

Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart hands over the MVP trophy to Gregory Richardson in the presence of GT Beer Manager Jeoff Clement (left) on Saturday

nown for his exceptional skill and wizardry, Gregory "Jackie Chan" Richardson rolled back the years with a masterful display to lead Sparta Boss to a resounding 7-3 win over Tiger Bay in the final of the GT Beer/ Keep Your Five Alive Futsal Tournament which ended on Saturday, at the National Gymnasium.

Richardson, who spearheads one of the most lethal strike-forces in the shorter format, virtually hypnotize the Tiger Bay, slamming in a hat-trick of goals in the 23rd, 37th and 39th minutes to send an ominous warning to future opponents that Guyana’s most highly deco-

the final whistle sounded.

It meant that following a host of consistent performances, but without a title for some time, Sparta Boss’s dominating performance must have sent shivers down the spines of chal-

W

est Indies Under-15’s tour of the United Kingdom got off to a winning start as the visitors defeated Hertfordshire by two wickets in the first of five scheduled encounters.

Hertfordshire took first strike and were bowled out for 239 in 49.4 overs thanks to a spell of 3 – 43 from Johan Layne, Andrew Rambaran’s 2 – 29 and a wicket each from Rashad Worrell and Tariq O’Neale.

In reply, Guyanese Mavendra Dindyal top scored with 51 batting at number three along with a solid knock of 48 from Nimar Bolden at the top of the order steered Windies to the target of 240, achieved in the 47th over.

Ackeem Agustine and Worrell also assisted with the bat posting 26 and 20, respectively, as they pushed their side closer to victory.

Windies are pitted to face Hampshire Under-15 in today’s encounter.

GFF appoints Brazilian national as Coaching Education Director T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced the appointment of Wilson Toledo to the position of Coaching Education Director, effective August 12, for a period of one year.

This appointment is as a result of GFF’s President, Wayne Forde’s, visit to Brazil in July 2018 and GFF’s subsequent partnership with professional clubs based in the neighbouring country. Toledo, who will begin his assignment by joining the Golden Jaguars’ “Train and Play” in Brazil, has a varied scope of responsibilities including the following: supervising, guiding and directing the Coaching sessions of the Elite Clubs in order to improve the quality of Coaching at the Elite League level, developing a Coaching internship programme with the Football Federation of Brazil and other professional Football

GFF’s Coaching Education Director Wilson Toledo

Clubs and institutions, and developing the player exchange programme with Brazilian professional and semi-professional Football Clubs.

Among his priority areas of focus are developing coaches’ understanding of methodology and delivery of football-specific fitness, edu-

cating elite coaches on training loads and periodisation to ensure players are able to deliver peak performance at all stages of the league, and educating coaches on implementing and delivering position-specific strength and conditioning practices within Elite League Club macro, meso, and micro cycles.

In an invited comment, Wilson said his years of experience will benefit Guyana’s football development: “The President has clearly described the vision of the GFF Executive Committee and their ambition to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World cup. I believe they have a comprehensive strategy for the development of Football in Guyana and I am eager to take up this challenge. I bring many years of International professional football development and academy programme that will certainly benefit the game in Guyana."

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Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (centre) with Georgetoen Softball Cricket League executives and sponsors at the launch of Prime Minister Softball Cup 2 on Sunday at Everest Cricket Club

D

espite the inclement weather on Sunday morning, the highly anticipated launch of the now annual Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup went ahead as planned at the Everest Cricket Club ground. The event marks the first step towards the three-day tournament which is set to bring together top softball teams from Guyana and North America battling for cash and other incentives.

Speaking at the significant ceremony, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan who represented Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said sport in any form may be used as a public security tool. “Sport helps people to understand the need for open spaces, the need to get fit which means no smoking, no drinking which is healthy,” Ramjattan said.

The honourable minister told the gathering of softball cricketers and enthusiasts, “Young people that are involved in sport take their minds off the negatives and so it [sport] is important since a lot of persons involved in sport have more or less become law abiding citizens by taking themselves off the drugs, guns crimes which helps in the long run to make our societies safer.”

In 2017, Prime Minister Nagamootoo made a sponsorship pledge of G$300,000 which was once again done this time by Minister

Ramjattan who also spoke of the tourism benefits the country may generate from such a tournament.

Also speaking from the head table was President of the GSCL, Ian John who reflected on the inaugural edition and at the same time boast of the anticipated growth of the 2018 tournament, “last year we had just two overseas teams but so far seven teams already confirmed their trip to Guyana and that number is expected to increase as we get closer [to the tournament].”

Added to that, there is an increase in the winning purse in both categories with the All Stars set to pocket $700,000 while the winning Masters team will win $600,000. Like last year, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Open Category will ride away with a Hero Motor Cycle compliments of Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales.

In the Masters Category, the MVP will once again win a 55-inch television set compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre who like Rose Ramdehol are repeat sponsors.

Also present at the launch were Sarah Persaud of Hero Motor Cycles and Rawl Nedd of Banks DIH Limited who both spoke of their companies’ deep commitment to the success of the tournament.

There we 20 teams in 2017 with Regal Masters rising above the 11

other masters teams and Speed Boat powering away from the other seven teams to the titles and G$500,000 and G$600,000 respectively.

So far, the GSCL have confirmed that there are 24 teams that will suit up in the two categories from October 19 to 21. In the Open Category; Regal All Stars, Farm XI, Success XI, Boots All Stars, Corriverton Spartans, Die Hard All Stars, Bartica Rangers, Ontario Softball Cricket Association and defending champions Speed Boat will battle for G$700,000.

In the Masters Over-45 category, the winning purse is G$600,000 where defending champions Regal Masters, Wellman Masters, HS Masters, R.R Masters, Fishermen Masters, Parika Masters, Success Masters, Tropical Spring Masters, Albion Masters, Florida/Guyana Hope, Impact Masters (Canada), NYSCL Masters (New York), Rebel Masters (New York), New York Hustlers (New York) and Better Hope Masters (New York) are set to lock horns.

Another feature of the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup is that Florida Guyana Hope, a charitable organization out of the USA will be distributing various supplies to the value of US$20,000 to various individuals and organizations over the 3-day period.

Mohamed’s Enterprise/ExxonMobil futsal…

Figgy Green Jags to battle Germans in finale

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fter six nights of action at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) hard court, the finalists of the New Era Entertainment organised fifth annual Mohamed’s Enterprise/ ExxonMobil futsal tournament has been decided.

On Saturday night in Linden, semifinal action unraveled with Figgy Green Jags silencing Quiet Storm 14 - 8 compliments of Colwyn Drakes who score half of a dozen goals while Germans

United held off a strong challenge from Goodfellas to prevail 4-3.

In the first semi, Quiet Storm drew first blood as early as the fifth minute but Jags fired in three quick goals between the ninth and 12th minutes and continued piling on the goals. At the end of the first half Jags led 9-2.

It was much more of the same in the second but Quiet Storm played with more intent behind behind outscoring their opponents 6-5 but

it proved futile.

In the second semifinal Germans led by two at the half but had a scare from a determined Goodfellas team that had the urge for victory after equalizing late in the second half through Runic Velloza.

However, with a minute to play, Ryan Noel became the star of the night after he was successful with a powerful strike near the midfield line to get Germans into the final.

Germans and the fans’

favourite, Figgy Green Jags will contest the final this Sunday at the MSC hard court.

Tournament winners will cart off with $600,000 while the runners-up will receive a $250,000, third $100,000 and fourth place $50,000.

The sponsors of the tournament include Mohammed’s Enterprise, ExxonMobil, Bakewell, Cell Smart, PPDI, Sankar’s Auto Works and Bumper to Bumper Services.

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monDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018

Brathwaite powers Patriots to big win

Carlos Brathwaite

C

arlos Brathwaite brought back memories of his 2016 ICC World Twenty20 final heroics with a six-laden cameo that helped fire St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to a commanding 42-run victory over defending Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions Trinbago Knight Riders at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Brathwaite, who hit England’s Ben Stokes for four successive sixes to propel West Indies to glory in Kolkata two years ago, this time hit three Hero Maximums in three balls off Dwayne Bravo and five in all during an explosive cameo.

His 41 in just 15 balls was the key to lifting the Patriots beyond 200, and for good measure he then

removed the in-form Colin Munro with the ball as the Knight Riders end their first home leg of the 2018 Hero CPL with only one win from three games.

Munro had made half-centuries in each of the Knight Riders’ first two games and looked on course for another until he picked out Evin Lewis at deep square-leg on 35.

By then the Knight Riders had already lost Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn – bowled by a googly in a wicket-maiden from precocious leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane (1/17 from three overs) - and Brendon McCullum for just 10 runs between them. With nobody to reproduce Andre Russell’s heroics from the night before, there was no way back for Trinbago from

56/4.

D e n e s h Ramdin then fell to Jeremiah Louis to leave the Bravos to try and rescue something for the home side. When Dwayne hit Louis down the ground for six it ended a 42-ball boundary and only served to emphasise just how strong the Patriots’ stranglehold on the game had become.

He fell soon after in desperate search of another boundary, while Darren also holed out having never truly got going in a stop-start innings of 41 from 38.

Brathwaite picked up a second wicket when Ali Khan picked out Anton Devcich right on the boundary edge, and some late hitting from Kevon Cooper (42* off 22) did nothing more than restore a modicum of respectability for the Knight Riders.

Heavy rain in Trinidad during the day had left the outfield saturated and made life difficult for bowlers and fielders throughout the evening, with frequent replacement balls needed due to them either being sent over the stands or becoming too slippery for the bowl-

ers to control.

Ali Khan, one of the breakout stars from the first week of action, made another stunning start with two wickets in the first four balls of the Patriots’ innings. First the dangerous Evin Lewis miscued a pull shot to midwicket before Dwayne Bravo produced a moment of magic at slip, diving full-length to his left to pluck t h e

ball out of the air one-handed and send Tom Cooper packing for a single.

Chris Gayle was circumspect as he and Devon Thomas set about rebuilding from that double setback, but was then dismissed just as he threatened to cut loose.

Having hit Dwayne Bravo for successive sixes, Gayle fell to Kevon Cooper in the very next over as he sliced an attempted leg-side heave to Ali Khan at long-on. After dropping Russell to such cost 24 hours earlier, the American this time made no mistake.

Thomas, meanwhile,

was batting beautifully and reached a classy 28ball half-century – his first in T20 cricket – with successive fours off Dwayne Bravo.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, though, with Anton Devcich, Thomas himself and Mahmudullah all departing. But that brought Ben Cutting and Brathwaite together for an explosive conclusion to the innings. In all, 56 came from the last three overs of the innings with Brathwaite the chief destroyer until he too fell to the persevering Ali Khan, whose 3/23 did not deserve to come in a losing cause.

SCOREBOARD

Chris Gayle

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings CH Gayle (c) c Ali Khan b Cooper 35 E Lewis c Narine b Ali Khan 0 TLW Cooper c DJ Bravo b Ali Khan 1 DC Thomas † b Narine 58 AP Devcich lbw b DJ Bravo 15 Mahmudullah b Narine 16 BCJ Cutting not out 25 CR Brathwaite c Narine b Ali Khan 41 JS Louis not out 0 Extras 12 (b 1, lb 1, nb 4, w 6) TOTAL 203-7 (20 Overs, RR: 10.15) Did not bat: S Lamichhane, SS Cottrell Fall of wickets: 1-1 (E Lewis, 0.2 ov), 2-3 (TLW Cooper, 0.5 ov), 3-69 (CH Gayle, 8.4 ov), 4-108 (AP Devcich, 12.4 ov), 5-120 (DC Thomas, 13.5 ov), 6-141 (Mahmudullah, 15.6 ov), 7-201 (CR Brathwaite, 19.5 ov) BOWLING: Ali Khan (4-0-233), ST Gabriel (2-0-29-0), SP Narine (4-0-24-2), KK Cooper (4-0-47-1), DJ Bravo (3-0-521), Fawad Ahmed (3-0-26-0)

Trinbago Knight Riders Innings CA Lynn b Lamichhane 6 SP Narine c Devcich b Cottrell 4 C Munro c Lewis b Brathwaite 35 BB McCullum c Louis b Cutting 0 DM Bravo c Cutting b Louis 41 D Ramdin † c Gayle b Louis 6 DJ Bravo (c) c Cottrell b Cutting 10 KK Cooper not out 42 Ali Khan c Devcich b Brathwaite 2 Fawad Ahmed not out 5 Extras 10 (lb 1, nb 1, w 8) TOTAL 161-8 (20 Overs, RR: 8.05) Did not bat: ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-5 (SP Narine, 0.3 ov), 2-32 (CA Lynn, 3.4 ov), 3-34 (BB McCullum, 4.3 ov), 4-56 (C Munro, 6.5 ov), 5-71 (D Ramdin, 9.6 ov), 6-95 (DJ Bravo, 12.5 ov), 7-115 (DM Bravo, 15.3 ov), 8-125 (Ali Khan, 16.6 ov) BOWLING: SS Cottrell (4-0-341), CR Brathwaite (4-1-19-2), S Lamichhane (3-1-17-1), BCJ Cutting (4-0-43-2), Mahmudullah (1-0-5-0), JS Louis (4-0-42-2)

CONCACAF Nation’s League countdown

Golden Jags’ “Train and Play” commences in Brazil

G

uyana’s National Senior Men’s Team, known as the “The Golden Jaguars”, has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and commenced a two-week period of encampment in preparation for their first match of the Concacaf Nation’s League on September 8, 2018 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

The encampment, which began today, will see the 23-man player squad and 17-man technical staff engaged in both on and off-field activities and the team playing four warm-up matches against high quality opponents prior to their first match against Barbados.

Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said the camp, being held at Hotel Porto Real – Mangaratiba RJ, enables the team the “opportunity to train at top class facilities with all the appropriate recovery and rehabilitation facilitates.” Other potential benefits of the national encampment include: The Head Coach and Staff getting an in-depth look at Guyana-based players to see who

GFF's Executive Committee Member and RFA President Rayan Farias with the first batch of Golden Jaguars to arrive at Lethem en route to Brazil

could potentially join the Nations League squad in the upcoming Gold Cup 2019 qualification cam-

paign; an opportunity for the players to understand the methodology of the new staff as we look to

imbed the GFF’s National Playing Philosophy into the Senior Men's squad and the opportunity for

the Guyana-based Development Coaches to gain first-hand experience operating in a senior professional level.

Greenwood added that the camp will also potentially foster “GFF networking opportunity with our close neighbours in Brazil, which will open the door for collaboration with the Brazilian Federation and professional clubs for player and coaching exchanges, as well as future camps with various GFF Age Group squads.”

Head Coach Michael Johnson said the camp will include activities aimed at developing a “winning mind-set and drive for excellence” among the players.

Guyana has been matched against Barbados, Turks and Caicos Islands, French Guiana and Belize and will play host to Barbados and Belize in September 2018 and March 2019 respectively while Turks and Caicos Islands and French Guiana will host Guyana in October and November 2018.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018

Hero CPL 2018 Match 6

23

Hope, Reifer seal a winning start for the Tridents launched Nurse for a huge Hero Maximum but was bowled off the bottom edge next ball to leave the inexperienced Rutherford in charge of an increasingly daunting chase.

With big hits needed, Rutherford was guilty of losing his shape and trying to hit the ball too hard. His strike-rate dipped below 100 as Holder gave up just four runs from his final over to leave the Amazon Warriors needing an unlikely 53 from the last three overs.

Rutherford did manage to clear the ropes in the 18th over to reduce the target to 39 from the last 12 balls, but Reifer returned to settle matters once and for all with three wickets in four balls over to end with remarkable figures of 5-20. Chris Green was caught at cover before Jason Mohammed holed out to deep point and a frustrated Rutherford gloved a slower ball through to Pooran.

Wahab completed the formalities, knocking back

Luke Ronchi watches as Shai Hope hits a 6

B

arbados Tridents made a winning start to their 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign as Shai Hope’s maiden T20 half-century and a five-wicket haul for Raymon Reifer secured a 30-run win over Guyana Amazon Warriors.

After seeing both openers dismissed early, Hope plundered 88 from just 45 balls and shared a 105run partnership with Australia superstar Steve Smith (41), before wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran smashed three sixes in an unbeaten 45 from 27 to lift the Tridents to 185-4 from their 20 overs. It was a total that always looked beyond the Amazon Warriors, who end the first home leg of their Hero CPL campaign on a losing note after victories over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Stars.

After Chadwick Walton fell to what looked a harsh lbw decision against Jason Holder, whose back-of-alength delivery looked set to clear the bails, Shimron Hetmyer briefly threatened something special as he raced to 22 from eight balls with two sixes and two fours.

But he fell into a Tridents trap when he slapped Reifer to Martin Guptill at wide long-on the ball after Luke Ronchi had skied a simple catch to Ashley Nurse. At 40-3 with such key men dismissed, it was always going to be a long road back.

Sherfane Rutherford and Shoaib Malik steadied the ship, but it was slow going with 44 balls eaten up to take the partnership to 50.

The acceleration did eventually come from Shoaib, but there was by now just too much for the Amazon Warriors to do.

Shoaib did pass a significant landmark during his 30-ball 38, becoming only the fourth man in histo-

Sherfane Rutherford (L) and Shoaib Malik

ry to reach 8000 career T20 runs and sit alongside shortform legends Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum and Kieron Pollard.

The Pakistan veteran

Sohail Tanvir’s off stump in the final over as the Amazon Warriors came up well short.

It was a comfortable

SCOREBOARD

Barbados Tridents Innings (20 overs maximum) DR Smith c Shoaib Malik b Green 6 MJ Guptill c Emrit b Sohail Tanvir 0 SD Hope c Hetmyer b Paul 88 SPD Smith lbw b Imran Tahir 41 N Pooran † not out 45 JO Holder (c) not out 3 Extras 2 (lb 1, w 1) TOTAL 185-4 (20 Overs, RR: 9.25) Did not bat: RA Reifer, I Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, AR Nurse Fall of wickets: 1-1 (MJ Guptill, 0.3 ov), 2-11 (DR Smith, 1.6 ov), 3-116 (SPD Smith, 13.1 ov), 4-155 (SD Hope, 17.5 ov) BOWLING: Sohail Tanvir (4-0-401), CJ Green (4-0-24-1), Imran Tahir (4-0-24-1), RR Emrit (40-47-0), KMA Paul (4-0-49-1), Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings (target: 186 runs from 20 overs) CAK Walton lbw b Holder

6

L Ronchi † c Nurse b Reifer 10 SO Hetmyer c Guptill b Reifer 22 Shoaib Malik (c) b Nurse 38 SE Rutherford c †Pooran b Reifer 48 CJ Green c Holder b Reifer 12 JN Mohammed c DR Smith b Reifer 0 Sohail Tanvir b Wahab Riaz 0 KMA Paul not out 2 RR Emrit not out 1 Extras 16 (b 4, lb 3, w 9) TOTAL 155-8 (20 Overs, RR: 7.75) Did not bat: Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-10 (CAK Walton, 1.6 ov), 2-40 (L Ronchi, 4.3 ov), 3-40 (SO Hetmyer, 4.4 ov), 4-124 (Shoaib Malik, 15.3 ov), 5-151 (CJ Green, 18.2 ov), 6-151 (JN Mohammed, 18.4 ov), 7-151 (SE Rutherford, 18.5 ov), 8-154 (Sohail Tanvir, 19.2 ov) BOWLING: Mohammad Irfan (40-24-0), JO Holder (4-0-41-1), RA Reifer (4-0-20-5), AR Nurse (40-34-1), Wahab Riaz (4-0-29-1)

Raymon Reifer (left) receives the Man-of-the-Match prize from Mark Chinapen

opening win for the Tridents, but they could hardly have made a worse start.

Martin Guptill arrived in the Hero CPL on the back of a 35-ball hundred for Worcestershire against Northants in England’s T20 Blast but departed without scoring in the first over of the night here as he drilled Sohail Tanvir to mid-off where Rayad Emrit took a ripping one-handed catch.

And Dwayne Smith fell in the next over as he picked out Shoaib at cover off Aussie off-spinner Chris Green.

That brought Steve Smith to the crease, and he and Hope set about turning the innings around. Hope was the aggressor, taking a four and a big six over midoff from the final over of the Power Play.

Smith got himself going with a couple of boundaries in the ninth, bowled by Emrit, first walking across his stumps to hit to leg in trademark style before lacing a cut shot that bounced back off the boards at point.

The innings really sparked to life, though, at the end of the 11th and

start of the 12th. First Hope launched the otherwise-unhittable Tahir for two successive Hero Maximums to finish over 11 before Smith picked off Keemo Paul for back-to-back fours through the off-side to start the next.

Hope went through to a half-century – his first in T20 cricket - from 30 balls with three fours and three sixes, and the loss of Smith plumb lbw to Tahir for 41 didn’t slow him down.

In an innings that belied his T20 inexperience in just his 10th match, Hope continued to play strong but controlled shots, particularly down the ground. The 150 came up with his sixth Hero Maximum of the night, smoked over wide long-off and forcing the Carib Girls to take cover.

Spinners Tahir and Green gave Guyana some control, both men returning figures of 1-24 from their four overs, but the seamers all went the distance with Tanvir, Emrit and Paul all recording economy rates in double figures from their four-over spells.

Hope fell a dozen short of a hundred when he holed out to Hetmyer off Paul, but Pooran picked up the baton and propelled the Tridents beyond 180 with three sixes in the final over.

monDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hope, Reifer seal a winning start for the Tridents

W

Pg 23

Raymon Reifer and Martin Guptill celebrate the dismissal of Shimron Hetmyer

Shai Hope hits a 6

GT Beer/Keep Your Five Alive Futsal Final…

Richardson’s triple settle Tiger Bay Pg 20

GT Beer Brand Manager Jeoff Clement (2nd left) hands over the winning cash prize to Sparta Boss Captain Sheldon Shepherd in the presence of Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart (left) and teammates following their win over Tiger Bay in the final

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