Guyana Times - Monday, August 5, 2019

P15

32 women of Parishara trained in catering, preservation of food Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4006

THE BEACON OF TRUTH monday, august 5, 2019

PRICE

Sole-sourced Harbour Bridge study

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Public Procurement Commission calls in Auditor General See story on page 3

P2 Persons responsible for burning welder’s body still to be charged

Sheep rustling rampant in P12 Tuschen, EBE

– over alleged misuse of DHB asphalt fund, unaccounted-for millions

Forestry sector declining at rapid pace – Ali

– residents complain of heads of sheep missing

Deadly piracy attack

CoI begins public hearings today P13

Page 7

...Ministry, GFC officials to meet today Linden to Lethem trail

Commuters continue to grapple with deplorable roads

See story on page 9

GRA cancels VAT on airfares for interior locations

…loggers contribute to present situation – Regional VC

P12

Handyman critical after being chopped in home invasion Body of missing teen pulled from Pomeroon River Page 14

Page 2

Shopkeeper P8 slapped with illegal gun, ammo charges

2 news

monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Persons responsible for burning welder’s body still to be charged

T

he people who reportedly found the decomposed body of Yogindra “Steve” Ramkarran and burnt same one month ago without an investigation being conducted are yet to be charged.

The body of Ramkarran was found on July 4 and set alight by his co-workers after they were allegedly instructed to do so by their boss.

Police had acknowledged that while Ramkarran’s cause of death was unknown due to the fact that his body was burnt before an autopsy could have been performed, the sawmill owner and a few others were hauled in for questioning into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

However, despite repeated claims by the employees involved that they were instructed by their boss to burn Ramkarran’s body, the sawmill owner continues to deny such allegations.

Following the revelation, acting Crime Chief Michael Kingston had said that a file had been sent for legal advice on the way forward in relation to the matter.

Bur when contacted over the weekend, Kingston related that action is still to be taken pending the necessary advice.

“No, I have not seen back

Acting Crime Chief Michael Kingston

that file but I do have a set of files on my desk that I am going through. I don’t know if the file is in this bundle. I do have a set of files on my desk when I check it I will see”.

He had explained that upon receiving the report about the discovery of the man’s body, a detective was deployed to the area to investigate.

But, due to the distance, it took some time for the police to arrive at that location.

“Indeed, the body had begun to decompose. So, the police left to go and get assistance and when he returned with the assistance,

that is what they had done [burn the body]. The police had no involvement in the burning of that body, none at all, the men in work said they were acting on the instruction of their employer [to burn the body] but he denied this.”

As a result of this, the workers who burnt the body, along with their employer, were arrested and taken into Police custody for the mandatory 72-hour holding period as investigations were underway.

“We are seeking legal advice. It is a matter of, it is one of these strange matters that we never really had to deal with before, so we had to seek legal advice. The file is presently with the legal adviser at the Director of Public Prosecutor’s chambers.”

The acting Crime Chief stated that although it has been alleged that the ashes from the decomposed body belonged to Ramkarran, the necessary testing needs to be conducted to confirm same.

The body was not completely burnt to ashes and, therefore, samples of the remains will be tested at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) to confirm the identity of the dead person.

“We had a crime scene team that went up into the

area, we took whatever bone sample was there and samples were also taken from the relatives. That is basically for DNA purposes, we will utilise the services of the (GFSL) lab unless they tell us that they are incapable. But for now, we will utilise the services of the lab and a file has already been compiled and sent for legal advice on this matter.”

Thirty-four-year-old welder, Ramkarran of Number 72 Village, Berbice, was discovered dead by his colleagues about 100 feet from his camp. it was reported that the now dead man was allegedly consuming alcohol at a shop a short distance away from the camp on July 3 and after the business closed, he left to return to the camp.

Yogindra “Steve” Ramkarran

However, he was not seen again until his co-workers found his body the following morning. A photograph that was taken by a colleague showed what appeared to be a stab wound to his chest.

Meanwhile, the now dead man’s sister, Somwattie, and other relatives are holding out that the man was murdered and his body was burnt to cover up evidence.

Body of missing teen pulled from Pomeroon River

O

ne day after 17-yearold Jafaun Benjamin, called Eber, reportedly drowned while swimming in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), his body was on Sunday afternoon recovered.

Police stated that the teen’s body was retrieved around 15:00h by a search party at Teneze Ferme, Lower Pomeroon River, a short distance from the landing where persons in the area saw him go under on Saturday.

His body was taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary to await a post-mortem. The teen was said to have been a labourer of Moruca and Grant Teneze Ferme, Lower Pomeroon River.

According to the Police report, Benjamin left his home in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), to work on a farm at Lower Pomeroon, where he consumed alcohol on a regular basis.

His employer, Carl Roberts, told investigators that he went to the backdam on Saturday morning, leaving Benjamin at home. He noted that at approximately 14:30h, he was informed that the teen had been drinking earlier on the farm and had gone into the Pomeroon River for a swim.

The man said he was fur-

ther told that the teenager swam to the deeper part of the river, where he was seen “fighting up” in the water before disappearing. This was reportedly witnessed by two females on the farm.

A search team was formed by persons in the area, but the teenager was not located.

Just one week before Benjamin’s drowning, a boat capsized in the same river, and although the passenger was rescued by a passing vessel, the boat operator, who was also intoxicated, drowned.

Kendol Rodriguez of Kabakaburi Village, Upper Pomeroon, went missing after he fell overboard. His body was not discovered until some 48 hours later.

It was reported that Rodriguez, the boat captain, was transporting Joseph Thomas, a sawman, when

the boat capsized.

Reports are that on the night before the fateful trip, Thomas and Rodriguez had attended a wedding celebration and had been consuming alcohol for hours.

Around 02:00h the following morning, the duo left the wedding house to return to their homes via a 15-horsepower boat owned

by Rodriguez.

However, according to Thomas, they were in the vicinity of Siriki Village, when Rodriguez “suddenly began to swerve from left to right”, causing the boat to capsize and both men to fall into the river.

The sawman told the Police that he managed to hold on to a side of the overturned vessel during the commotion, but did not see what happened to Rodriguez.

news

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monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, August 5 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, August 6 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, August 5 – 07:10h-08:40h and Tuesday, August 6 – 08:00h-09:30h.

Sole-sourced Harbour Bridge study

Public Procurement Commission calls in Auditor General

– over alleged misuse of DHB asphalt fund, unaccounted-for millions

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail throughout the day, interrupted by thundery showers in the midmorning. Light to thundery rain showers are expected in the late afternoon and evening.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to Southerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:40h and 20:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 13:37h reaching a minimum height of 0.56 metre.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

A

day of reckoning may be approaching for those who may have misused funds from the Demerara Harbour Bridge

Commission’s previous report on the sole-sourcing of LievenseCSO, will be forwarded to A u d i t o r G e n e r a l D e o d a t Sharma so that he can take the relevant action.

Corbin noted in her letter that as per Article 212 of the Constitution of Guyana, the Commission is authorised to liaison with and refer matters to

saturday, AUGUST 3, 2019

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Then Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson (third right) receiving the completed feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge from Ariel Mol of LievenseCSO back in 2017

A section of the correspondence written by PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin

(DHB) Asphalt fund, with the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) forwarding a report on the matter to the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG).

Former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had written the PPC in June of this year to draw its attention to the use of the asphalt fund accounts to source millions for the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Reports indicate that in 2017, $215.3 million was used from the fund, while in 2018 a further $74 million was withdrawn. The original sum approved by Cabinet for the contract was $161.5 million. It is understood that the contract price for LievenseCSO, the Dutch company that was handpicked by the Government to carry out the consultancy, was actually $148 million.

According to PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin in a letter seen by this publication, a copy of Teixeira’s letter, together with the

the Auditor General and the Guyana Police Force.

“In this regard, the Commission will support any request for the Auditor General to review the matter of these additional payments to LievenseCSO, as this may be very easily achieved during the regular financial audit of the company’s 2018 accounts,” the Chairperson wrote. Her correspondence was copied to Sharma.

Teixeira’s letter

In Teixeira’s letter, she had called for the PPC to again investigate the feasibility study for the New Demerara River Crossing in light of new revelations that the cost was racked up by $131 million more than what the PPC had investigated and found to be the cost in its August 2018 report.

Turn to page 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, august 5, 2019

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

Emancipation and elections

T

he Guyanese nation has just observed the 181st anniversary of the end of slavery, “Emancipation Day”. Since 1938, there has been much discussion and argumentation over the reasons why Britain decided to make that seminal decision. In the background, of course, were the episodic acts of rebellion by the slaves themselves, that condignly reminded the authorities of the precariousness of their rule in slave societies. There was also the famous thesis, defended by Eric Williams, that rather than humanitarian sentiments in Britain, the clinching factor was the decision that free trade, rather than the sugar-inspired mercantilist trade system, was more appropriate for industrialising Britain’s prospects.

Be that as it may, Emancipation was the seminal act that formed the country we inherited in 1966 as “Guyana”. During those 128 years, the freed slaves and former European ruling class witnessed the arrival, first of the Portuguese, then the Indians and Chinese, to join the Indigenous Peoples to form our “Land of Six Peoples”. It is to our credit that, very early in our post- Emancipation history, there were individuals who recognised that for emancipation to deliver the freedom it implied, there was more needed than the removal of shackles on the sugar plantations; people needed the right to constitute their own government.

Towards the end of the 19th century, there were sustained efforts for the franchise – which up to then had been restricted to the planter class and the governing elite - to be expanded to allow the slowly growing middle class to have a voice in selecting the members of the legislature that ran the colony.

The Labour Movement, which was launched in the first two decades of the 20th century to agitate for improvement in wages and working conditions, was a key player in raising the consciousness of the masses of Guyanese, who were mostly ordinary labourers. It proved to be the incubator of overt political parties, since “bread and butter” issues commanded the attention of its constituency.

It was not until 1947, however, that the franchise was significantly expanded, following the release of the Moyne Commission Report, which had been embargoed during WWII. The struggles of the sugar workers in the Caribbean – including Guyana – were the seminal events that led to the Commission, and its conclusion that economic and social changes would also have to include political changes in the administration of the colonies. It was not coincidental that the most significant election in that election was won

by Dr Cheddi Jagan in the sugar-dominated East Demerara Constituency. Modern politics was ushered in with the announcement of universal franchise and the formation of the PPP in 1950. The aroused Guyanese people used that franchise to vote in the PPP in 1953 with an overwhelming majority that stunned even the neophyte politicians, much more the colonial powers.

Unfortunately for Guyana, we became caught up in Cold War politics, and we lost the power to select our own rulers – the most powerful right in the post-Emancipation era – when the British Government suspended the Constitution and removed the PPP from office. But the “coup” served to educate the populace to the importance of the Constitution in running the affairs of the state. Even the mighty British Crown could not do as it wanted, but had to suspend the Constitution to perform an act that was therefore understood by the Guyanese people as not sanctioned by the Constitution.

In the following years, Forbes Burnham was to split the nationalist PPP and introduce ethnic politics into Guyana when he finagled the African Guyanese section under the umbrella of his PNC. To be installed into power, he supported a change in the Constitution to introduce a new electoral law; and to remain in power, he acted outside the Constitution, even the one he wrote in 1980 to rig elections.

Today, his successor as PNC leader, David Granger, is defying the Constitution and the highest court of Guyana to delay elections that were mandated by the Constitution for March 21, 2019.

He is betraying the meaning of Emancipation.

African comedienne Emmanualla and her team arrived in Guyana on Sunday and were at KFC’s Vlissengen Road location for a photo op and autograph signing with her fans. The comedians are in Guyana for three shows titled “Emmanualla for Emancipation”(Chris Jones

photo)

Venezuela: The political standoff fuelling an economic collapse T he man backed by the Western world to save Venezuela from dictatorship and economic ruin is running late.

A charismatic 36-year-old former student leader with more than a passing resemblance to Barack Obama, Juan Guaidó is rallying support in the rural Andean foothills, his progress slowed by enthusiastic crowds of supporters.

Weary of two decades of Hugo Chávez’s Bolivarian Revolution, families line the streets to glimpse the man who is challenging Chávez’s heir, President Nicolás Maduro.

As Guaidó’s convoy of armoured SUVs approaches a square in the town of Valera, sirens blaring, the emotion rises.

A lanky, white-shirted Guaidó descends from his car and fights his way through the crowd, aided by a phalanx of bodyguards sporting @juanguaido T-shirts.

“If I have to descend to hell to finish off this dictatorship, I will do it with the blessing of you all,” he bellows from the back of a pick-up truck. “Venezuela will be rescued, whatever the cost. I ask you to trust in the route we have set out?.?.?.?an end to the usurpation, a transition government and free elections.”

Minutes later, Guaidó finishes his speech and his convoy roars off, sirens wailing, to his next appearance in a gruelling 14-hour day. The crowd returns to a daily struggle for survival: queues for petrol, power cuts, intermittent running water and salaries paid in near-worthless currency.

That day in Venezuela’s western state of Trujillo was an apt metaphor. Despite strong popular support, ample bravery and international backing, Guaidó’s “people power” revolution is also behind schedule.

While the political stalemate in Caracas drags on, the implosion in the economy and the humanitarian disaster is only gathering pace.

“Venezuela is in a state of perverse equilibrium,” says Luis Vicente León, director of Datanálisis, a polling and market research firm in Caracas. “We are in a catastrophic deadlock where neither side can defeat the other but their conflict can destroy the country.”

While the situation is inherently unstable and could change at any time, ana-

A queue for petrol in Valencia, Carabobo State, Venezuela (AFP)

lysts say that neither Guaidó nor Maduro seems able to deliver a knockout blow.

“Maduro is not popular but he is effective,” says a senior Western diplomat in Caracas “He controls an apparatus of repression and while he may not know how to govern, he has one weapon that works – repression.”

In the meantime, the stalemate is destroying what is left of Venezuela’s economy. An oil power so wealthy it boasted a Concorde service to Paris in the late 1970s has deteriorated so dramatically that more than four million citizens have fled. Twenty years of mismanagement have lent Venezuela’s economic data an outsize, almost absurd dimension. The central bank says inflation hit 130,060 per cent last year. The economy has shrivelled to less than half its former size in the space of a few years. The effect of tightening US sanctions this year has only added to the pain.

Queues for fuel outside the capital can stretch around blocks and along the side of highways. Drivers sleep inside their vehicles during a wait to fill up which can last two days and nights.

When they reach the pumps, guarded by armed Police, the precious fuel is dispensed free of charge: hyperinflation has rendered the officially fixed fuel price so low that there is not a banknote small enough to pay for a full tank.

The Organisation of American States (OAS) estimates that if the exodus continues at its current rate, eight million Venezuelans will have left their home-

land by the end of next year, around a quarter of the population and a larger number than the migrants who left Syria during its civil war.

For those who remain, protest against the Maduro regime is increasingly dangerous. Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for human rights, reported last month that nearly 7000 people had been killed in the past 18 months in confrontations with security forces, and said many appeared to be extrajudicial executions. The Government flatly rejected the report.

Maduro and his ministers rarely appear in public these days, preferring stentorian communiqués in robust revolutionary language. Interview requests to senior officials were not answered.

Amid the crumbling economy, US officials insist that Guaidó’s victory is a question of time. “The pressures keep growing and we are helping that along,” says one senior official. “I don’t see how they can survive. I really cannot believe they make it to the end of the year.”

That is not necessarily how it feels on the streets of central Caracas, where special efforts are made to keep fuel, power and water supplies going and a vague semblance of normality endures.

Asked about the failure of the April uprising, Guaidó smiled and changed the subject. Instead, he stuck closely to a script: the country is behind him and sooner or later, his campaign of non-violent protest will succeed. (Excerpt from Financial

Times)

To be continued

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, august 5, 2019

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

No-Confidence Motion should be given Government REOs hijacked budget from RDCs its full legal effect under the law

Dear Editor, Confidence in Government was lost on December 21, 2018. The NoConfidence Motion (NCM) should be given its full effect under the law.

The People have a right to replace Government, which is merely their servant. Neither Government nor any third party (eg, GECOM) has the authority to obstruct the full effect of the NCM. Yet, Government continues to do anything to deny the NCM its full legal effect.

This includes the call for or applause of House-to-House Registration which is not an Article 106 (6) and (7) requirement to install a new Government.

A new Government must be installed immediately to avoid further exposure of the State to both foreign and domestic threats.

Having a fallen Government at the helm of the State puts Guyana’s security and general welfare at significant risks.

This is the essence of a NCM which seems to have gotten lost with all the unnecessary talk of registration. The security of the State is paramount, and it trumps the so-called readiness of GECOM. The State

can collapse anytime, with or without GECOM. Having the fallen Granger Administration at the helm of Guyana invites instability. It is asking for intrusion against the State from foreign forces, and also domestic assault from within by armed groups.

The arrival of thousands of Haitians with no allegiance to the State, when Guyana has a fallen regime in office, is a recipe for further internal danger. Until a new and stable Government is installed, these arrivals should temporarily cease.

In the interim, civil society and the media must continue to put pressure on both Government and the Opposition to ensure that the NCM is given its full legal effect.

As it is, Government’s actions have created irreparable injury to the State and democracy and may have destroyed future use of a NCM as a parliamentary convention. It is now fashionable to disregard substantive constitutional law. Here are a few examples.

1. Instead of fresh elections “within three months,” the President replaced that in Article 106 (6) and (7) with elections in the “shortest” time possible. He has

“hammered out” new law without any “role” from the legislature. No one knows what his law means.

2. The formal detailed request by the Leader of the Opposition for the President and Cabinet to resign is cast aside with a handful of words: the request is being “examined.” Waiting for the President and Cabinet to resign is like waiting for Godot. That is, waiting for someone who never shows up.

3. The Hon Minister of Security contradicts the President and is blunter. He openly dismissed that part of the Constitution which requires resignations as “legal fiction.” In other words, it is not a real request. Maybe the law needs to be in boldface font.

It is a terrifying time to be a diplomat in Guyana, to witness coalition-flavoured democracy. Diplomats with vested interests in Guyana must be gravely concerned about the clear and present dangers posed by this coalition regime.

They should also pressure State actors to give the NCM its full effect under the law.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

Dear Editor, The recently held National Conference of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) was another forum where the rhetoric of David Granger and Ronald Bulkan was portrayed to convince stakeholders that technically, the development of the various local organs is basically to increase rates, taxes and revenue collection on residents in order to develop their communities.

The deception of the decentralisation of governance and putting more powers in the hands of citizens to participate in the development of their communities is another episode of the dramatic skills that is portrayed by this APNU/AFC coalition Government throughout its tenure in Government.

The restoration of Local Democracy is a farce that is being used as a mantra by David Granger to mislead the people.

The Minister of Communities is using taxpayers’ monies to give stipends to overseers and then use these officials to undermine the NDCs and the Regional Executive Officers for the various RDCs are also being used to undermine the elected Regional Democratic Councils.

Recently the Budget proposals for 2020 was hijacked

GECOM must halt House-toHouse Registration Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the main stakeholder responsible for conducting elections in Guyana, is on the verge of losing confidence from the people of Guyana if it doesn’t put a stop to Houseto-House Registration and start preparing for Regional and General Elections by September 18, 2019.

To begin with, I have seen that the Government’s Commissioners of GECOM are determined to have H2H Registration, saying that the National Assembly has already approved money for H2H Registration. However, I would like to draw to your attention that after that approval, the Government was faced with a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) on December 21, 2019, where it was defeated by a “majority” and as such, GECOM, by all means, should have started preparations for early elections as stipulated by the Constitution.

In addition, the initiation of H2H Registration is also questionable due to the fact that it was directed by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), whereas it should’ve been a decision made by the Commission, and at that time, GECOM was without a Chair.

Furthermore, whilst some are questioning the

validity of the current voters’ list, the CEO of GECOM clearly stated that the current voters’ list can be updated by having a period of Claims and Objections, which allow for those who are not registered to get registered and to remove names of dead persons, which in my opinion, is the right path to traverse due to the limited time available.

Moreover, I would like to highlight to the general public that the H2H Registration can disenfranchise people from making the voters’ list by: i) Guyanese by birth who live abroad but are still citizens, ii) persons who may not be present at home at the time of the visit by the enumerator. For example, persons may be currently on vacation in another country or due to the fact that there is a lack of employment on the coastal areas of the country, there may be thousands working in the interior.

I would like to further bring to your attention that H2H Registration is to create a National Register of registrants 14 years and above, and not a voters’ list.

It, therefore, means that H2H Registration is an unnecessary activity aimed at disenfranchising eligible Guyanese and delaying tactics since based on GECOM’s timetable, H2H Registration

will run into 2020, which will clearly lead to a non-adherence to the CCJ’s ruling and Article 106 (6), which states “The Cabinet, including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Article 106 (7) says “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less

than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

In conclusion, I am calling on all Guyanese to boycott the illegal activation of H2H Registration, which is clearly designed to delay elections and deprive Guyanese of their democratic right to elect a Government of their choice.

Sincerely, Ranjeev Singh

by the REOs, some of these proposals were either determined by illegal or enclosed meetings or by the REO themselves. The RDCs are mandated to be the agency to ensure that people’s rights and voices are represented in the budget proposals, unfortunately, this is the new form of democracy that is being established by the APNU/AFC coalition Government. Before 2015, budget proposals of projects used to be generated through community meetings between the RDC and residents then set in priorities of urgency, and approved by the RDC at a duly constituted meeting of the council, not a meeting by the REOs. The Constitution of Guyana emphasised the importance of Local Government, Chapter 71 (1) “Local Government is a vital aspect of socialist democracy and shall be organised so as to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live”.

While the Constitution dictates that there must be as many persons involved, this caretaker Government is secretly responsible for the destruction of local democracy.

Politicians and political officials are employed at the Regional Democratic Councils’ headquarters to undermine every aspect of administration. The two new NDCs that were formed since 2018 are still not functional. That’s the reality of local democracy, subvention from Government is being given based on rates and taxes collections from residents.

The main objective of the APNU/AFC coalition Government in respect to local Government is to divert the blames of incompetence and non-fulfilment of promises on the local organs and to pressure Guyanese with the additional burden.

This APNU/AFC coalition Government is losing billions of dollars through bad negotiations, corrupt deals, tax write-off, sweetheart settlements, corruption, incompetence, Ministers’ extravagance etc, but is trying to enforce rules and regulations that would squeeze an ordinary Guyanese for a few cents. Guyanese must unveil this two-faced Government.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

The ABC countries should be more specific Dear Editor, The ABC countries need to be more specific with the PNC-led APNU/AFC (illegal + expired in the sense that General Elections should have already been held since March 2019) coalition Government to call General Elections without further delay in keeping with the 90-

day constitutional mandate, in the same tone and openness like when they called on the PPP/C – Donald Ramotar Administration – to hold General Elections when Parliament was prorogued in November 2014.

Faithfully yours, Paul Ramrattan

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monday, august 5, 2019

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Foundation

What sleep is and why all kids need it S

leep is more important than you may think. Can you think of a time when you didn’t get enough sleep?

That heavy, groggy feeling is awful and, when you feel that way, you’re not at your best.

So if you’re not too tired, let’s talk about sleep.

Why you need sleep The average kid has a busy day. There’s school, taking care of your pets, running around with friends, going to sports practice or other activities, and doing your homework. By the end of the day, your body needs a break. Sleep allows your body to rest for the next day.

Everything that’s alive needs sleep to survive. Even your dog or cat curls up for naps. Animals sleep for the same reason you do – to give your body a tiny vacation.

Your brain needs zzzzzs Your body and your brain need sleep. Though no one is exactly sure what work the brain does when you’re sleeping, some scientists think that the brain sorts through and stores information, replaces chemicals, and solves problems while you snooze.

Most kids between 5 and 12 get about 9.5 hours a night, but experts agree that most need 10 or 11 hours each night. Sleep is an individual thing and some kids need more than others.

When your body doesn’t have enough hours to rest, you may feel tired or cranky, or you may be unable to think clearly.

You might have a hard time following directions, or you might have an argument with a friend over something really stupid. A school assignment

that’s normally easy may feel impossible, or you may feel clumsy playing your favourite sport or instrument.

One more reason to get enough sleep: If you don’t, you may not grow as well. That’s right, researchers believe too little sleep can affect growth and your immune system – which keeps you from getting sick.

The stages of sleep As you’re drifting off to sleep, it doesn’t seem like much is happening . . . the room is getting fuzzy and your eyelids feel heavier and heavier. But what happens next? A lot!

Your brain swings into action, telling your body how to sleep. As you slowly fall asleep, you begin to enter the five different stages of sleep: Stage 1 In this stage of light sleep, your body starts to feel a bit drowsy. You can still be woken up easily during this stage. For example, if your sister pokes you or you hear a car horn outside, you’ll probably wake up right away.

Stage 2 After a little while, you enter stage 2, which is a slightly deeper sleep. Your brain gives the signal to your muscles to relax. It also tells your heart to beat a little slower and your breathing to slow down. Even your body temperature drops a bit.

Stage 3 When you’re in this stage, you’re in an even deeper sleep, also called slow-wave sleep.

Your brain sends a message

to your blood pressure to get lower. Your body isn’t sensitive to the temperature of the air around you, which means that you won’t notice if it’s a little hot or cold in your room. It’s much harder to be awakened when you’re in this stage, but some people may sleepwalk or talk in their sleep at this point.

Stage 4 This is the deepest sleep yet and is also considered slow-wave sleep. It’s very hard to wake up from this stage of sleep, and if you do wake up, you’re sure to be out of it and confused for at least a few minutes. Like they do in stage 3, some people may sleepwalk or talk in their sleep when going from stage 4 to a lighter stage of sleep.

REM REM stands for rapid eye movement. Even though the muscles in the rest of your body are totally relaxed, your eyes move back and forth very quickly beneath your eyelids.

The REM stage is when your heart beats faster and your breathing is less regular. This is also the stage when people dream!

While you’re asleep, you repeat stages 2, 3, 4, and REM about every 90 minutes until you wake up in the morning.

For most kids, that’s about four or five times a night. Who said sleep was boring?

Dream a little dream You’re walking down the street and you pass a monkey eating a donut. Suddenly you’re in school – but why does your teacher have such big teeth?

No, this isn’t a scene from a scary movie – it’s a dream!

People dream during REM sleep, the period that follows the deepest stage of sleep. Everybody has dreams, although some people have a tough time remembering them. When you wake up can affect whether you can remember your dreams. If you wake up during REM sleep, you might remember everything about your dream.

If you wake up during another stage of sleep, you might not remember a thing.

No one knows for sure why people dream. Many scientists today think that dreams are linked to how our brains organise memories and emotions. Some scientists think that dreams are your brain’s way of making sense of what happened during the day.

Others think that dreams allow your brain to sort through the events of the day, storing the important stuff and getting rid of the junk. Some scientists say that dreams are a clue to what you’re worried about or thinking about.

How to catch your zzzs For most kids, sleeping comes pretty naturally. Here are some tips to help you catch all the zzzs you need: Try to go to bed at the same time every night; this helps your body get into a routine.

Follow a bedtime routine that is calming, such as taking a warm bath or reading.

Limit foods and drinks that contain caffeine. These include some sodas and other drinks, like iced tea.

Don’t have a TV in your room. Research shows that kids who have one in their rooms sleep less. If you have a TV, turn it off when it’s time to sleep.

Don’t watch scary TV shows

or movies close to bedtime, because these can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep.

Don’t exercise just before going to bed. Do exercise earlier in the day – it helps a person sleep better.

Use your bed just for sleeping – not doing homework, reading, playing games, or talking on the phone. That way, you’ll train your body to associate your

bed with sleep.

If you have a hard time falling asleep for more than one or two nights or have worries that are keeping you from sleeping, tell your mom or dad. They can help you solve your sleep problems. In fact, just talking about it with them could help you relax just enough (yawn) that you’ll be ready to sleep. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

(kidshealth.org)

Kitchen science: How to make a cloud in a jar

G

ather your materials and an adult to help.

You will need a glass jar with a lid (although a snug dish will work); hot water (boiling works even better – please have the adult handle hot water); an aerosol spray (we used hairspray) and ice cubes.

Directions

Start by having your adult boil the water then pour it into the jar –about 1/3 of a cup.

Quickly spray the hairspray into the jar. The spray gives the water vapour a surface to condense into tiny cloud droplets. Some experiments use a match instead. Both work, but boiling water was enough of a risk for one experiment.

Pop the lid on with the ice and watch the cloud form.

When you are ready to lift the lid and let the vapour out! (notimeforflashcards.com)

news

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monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Forestry sector declining at rapid pace – Ali

...Ministry, GFC officials to meet today

PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

P

residential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Irfaan Ali has laid the blame for the financial difficulties that the Guyana forestry sector is facing at the feet of the coalition Government.

With more responsibilities added to its mandate, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is currently strapped for cash and employees have been complaining of not receiving their salaries.

But according to Ali, an economist, this is as a direct result of the contraction of the forestry industry post2016 caused by over two million hectares being removed from production forest.

“This has been as a clear consequence of Government action and measures. This driving factor has seen the fall in production and export levels within the forest sec-

tor and operators struggling to make a profit. Revenues from export and production comprise the main financing streams of the GFC,” he pointed out.

The PPP Presidential Candidate noted that the impacts of this has seen the inability of the GFC to meet core costs such as payment of staff salaries and field expenses.

“Staff are feeling the brunt of the effect by having their salaries paid late.

In actual fact, this is no fault of the GFC but rather has been as a result of direct Government policy that has directly and negatively affected the sector,” he said.

The economist explained that reducing production forest by over two million hectares, which is a third of productive area allocation pre-2015, most certainly has a negative impact on forest sector performance, and

in the process, the Forestry Commission has been collateral damage.

Added to this, he noted, is the state of hinterland roads which has plagued forest concession holders.

“It’s the worst it has ever been with no clear plan on continued upkeep.

This frustrates forest operators and the trickledown effect is poor sector performance and low revenues for GFC. The Government has built up so much, the idea of green economy, the GFC is central to this ambition, yet the GFC is being neglected and not supported at all

by Government. Ironically the sector is being shrunk without any plan to build back up its capacity,” the Presidential Candidate stated.

Ali went on to highlight that Guyana’s international reputation on forest and environment has made it stand out as a country that has prioritised forest protection and strong forest management. In fact, he noted that Guyana’s relationship with the United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU) and Norway, all exemplify shared goals on natural resources. These, he added, are all suffering owing to GFC being stifled.

“It’s a shame what has happened to the GFC and the forest sector and Government must own up to its responsibilities in causing this. Unless pro-

Public Procurement Commission...

From page 3

In addition to two varying time periods emanating from the Public Infrastructure Ministry for the duration of the feasibility contract, Teixeira pointed out that new information reveals that the cost of the study had, in fact, been racked up to a whopping $293.4 million.

“The cost of the feasibility study for the New Demerara River Crossing/ Bridge was far in excess of the original figure given…

US$709,091, or GY$146.3 million, and far in excess of the figure approved by Cabinet…of $161,514,420 to be used from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Asphalt Plant Accounts) to cover costs of the feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River.

“In fact, the feasibility study cost the taxpayers $293,439,182, or approximately US$1.4 million. This is $131,924,762 more than what the PPC had investigated and found,” she outlined.

According to Teixeira, further checks also found that there was no appropriation for the MPI in the 2016 Budget for a feasibility study for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge crossing, nor were any funds allocated to the DHBC for such purposes by way of a subvention or grant in that year.

Previous probe

The Procurement Commission had previously conducted a probe into the award of the feasibility study and design contract and had flagged Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson for requesting from Cabinet that the $148 million contract be sole-sourced instead of being processed through the Procurement Board, as the law says should be done.

As a result of that finding, the Opposition in August of last year asked the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to investigate the PPC’s findings. Just one

day before the Alliance For Change (AFC) executive congress of June 15, 2019, Patterson was cleared by SOCU, who said in a statement that it had obtained legal advice on the matter and that no corrupt act was found.

“There was no misuse of funds. There is no evidence that a criminal offence has been committed, and there is no evidence of any collusion between Arie Mol/Lievense CSO and the personnel from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,” the police said in the brief statement.

Patterson went on to reclaim the General Secretary position of his party.

The Guyana Forestry Commission's head office, Kingston, Georgetown

active steps are taken by Government up revitalise the industry which will have a trickledown positive effect on GFC, the future for the forest sector and GFC staff is uncertain,” Ali asserted.

Earlier this year, Government had announced the restructuring of the Forestry Commission to bring it into alignment with Government’s green agenda plans and modernisation. A Task Force was subsequently established to oversee the restricting plans.

Guyana has an area of 214,970 km2, of which nearly seventy-five per cent is covered with natural vegetation. Of this area, approximately four-fifths is classified as State forests under the jurisdiction of the GFC. According to the Ministry back in April, the Task Force will include the technical and administrative talent and personnel of the Natural Resources Ministry, the Board, and the Commission who will examine the structure and functioning of the GFC to

make recommendations to Minister Trotman. He, in turn, is mandated to present a report to Cabinet.

However, the GFC staff were against such action since they felt that the APNU/AFC coalition Administration was using this move to conduct a “witch hunt” and advance its political agenda –

something, which Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had denied.

Nevertheless, the Minister is expected to meet with officials of the GFC including Board Members, and union and workers representatives, today to discussion assistance to the Commission.

8 News IN THE COURTS Minibus tout gets 2 years for robbery M monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

inibus tout Ernie Reid was on Friday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts on a charge of armed robbery.

At first, the 26-year-old, of Lot 185 ‘B’ Field Sophia, Georgetown, denied the charge when it was read to him, but the Police contend that on July 31, 2019, at Parade Street Georgetown, while armed with a knife, Reid robbed Connor Haynes of an IPhone.

Prosecutor Christopher Morris told the court that on the day in question, Haynes

Ernie Reid

was walking on Parade Street when the defendant came from behind and held him at knife point. Reid attempted to relieve the victim of his phone, but Haynes held on to his instrument.

Reid then threatened to injure Haynes if he did not hand over the mobile device, thus the victim complied with Reid’s demand.

However, during his attempt to make good his escape, Reid was caught by public spirited citizens, and the phone and knife were found in his possession.

Following the Prosecutor’s narrative, Reid

changed his plea and offered an explanation for his actions.

“I was working a bus because the conductor get lock up. So we headed to Eve Leary, but I left, and while walking down Parade Street, I see the man. I don’t know what fly in me head, but I snatch the man phone.

I didn’t mean to do it, but I got financial problems; and I didn’t use the knife I just had it on me.”

Following his statement, the magistrate sentenced Reid to two years’ imprisonment for the robbery.

matching ammunition.

Kyte was told of the offence and, under caution, admitted to ownership of the items found. He was thus arrested, and later charged.

When given opportunity to address the court, Kyte explained, “I was a ranger at my father’s place. Recently, we were robbed, and they carry away all our gold; so I purchased the gun to protect

my father’s interest and myself.”

He also said he has been working in the interior for the past seven years, and is about to get married.

After admitting to being in possession of the illegal gun and ammunition, he was found guilty of the offence, and will today (Monday) be sentenced accordingly.

Shopkeeper slapped with illegal gun, ammo charges

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icoldio Kyte, a shopkeeper of Nutmeg Street, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared on Friday before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer a charge detailing that on July 30th last, at Meloge Landing, Cuyuni River, he had in his possession a 12-gauge shotgun and matching ammunition while not be-

ing the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.

Police Prosecutor Adduni Innis related to the court that on the day in question, at about 11:15h, Police, acting on information received, went to the location where Kyte resides and operates his business and carried out a search. In the bedroom area of the establishment, they found the gun and

Haitians…

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…mystery here are all sorts of red herrings being dragged across the trail of the disappearing Haitians in Guyana. The SN finally editorialised about the phenomenon - which they’d studiously ignored up to then - to claim that some of them are en route to USA. Now, your Eyewitness has said it before, but will now have to say it again: Why, in God’s name, would the Haitians join a Copa flight originating in Panama and come to Guyana to then trek through our mud trails to get to Brazil, travel through that country’s highway into Colombia, and then return to Panama to proceed up the rest of Central America to get to the USA??

Haitians may be poor, but they aren’t stupid!! Another red herring is the Govt insisting that Haitians HAVE to be allowed entry to stay up to six months, because Haiti’s part of CariCom. That’s just not true. In addition to a return ticket – which they evidently have – they’ve got to show enough money to live in Guyana for that time. But from what we’ve learn from reports on their movement, most of them barely have enough money to buy food while being transported Ato other locations!! Something’s not regulah!!

The Ministry of Citizenship was carved out specially for Winston Felix, who’s a former Commissioner of Police. There were always questions about this move…but we’ll leave that for now. However, it strains your Eyewitness’s credulity to snapping point when Felix insists he doesn’t see anything suspicious about those busloads of Haitians arriving and never leaving!!

And the suggestion that they used their voodoo powers to teleport themselves is preposterous! They could’ve done that right in Panama -- or Haiti for that matter -- without forking over US$1700 for the Copa flight!

Even if the PPP were politicking about the Haitians being given ID cards and even passports, didn’t Felix wonder if some of his staff might be on the take and were supplying those documents? Didn’t he hear his Commander in Chief declaring there were bad apples in the GPF, and calling for them to be weeded out? But what has thrown your Eyewitness for a loop is the nonchalance Felix has displayed in “explaining” that Guyana is “just” being used as a jumping-off point for other destinations!

Don’t the logistical capabilities, shown by the persons who receive the Haitians and arrange for their transportation to hotels and then to our borders, suggest to Felix that this is an organised operation?? And that since both Suriname and Brazil demand visas, which are unavailable in Haiti and Panama, the Haitians are entering these countries illegally, since they certainly get visas here??

Increasing our borders’ porosity isn’t good for our security, no? …and the race question You regular readers know your Eyewitness regularly waxes lyrical about Haiti’s historical role in overthrowing the yoke of slavery against an imperial power, France. And their success put the fear of the devil in the planter class in the British West Indies, certainly speeding up the plans to abolish slavery here. But what does that have to do with “racism”, if we call for us to control our borders?? Or have health concerns with cholera and AIDS ravaging Haiti?

Was Barbados “racist” for, earlier this month, reinstating the requirement for Haitians to get visas to enter “Little England”?? The Bajans were quite candid in explaining the Haitians were raising their people’s ire!! But what does this have to do with Felix turning a blind eye to his staff in immigration being corrupted by the human smuggling bands that are bringing these people in?? Doesn’t he care that the EU came down hard on Suriname for facilitating that trade into French Guiana?

And will soon be doing the same with us?? …and French Guiana France runs its overseas territories as “departments,” with social services at the same level as France’s. This attracts impoverished immigrants from Brazil, Suriname and Haiti.

The Haitians are the worst off – and yet they keep coming.

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

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monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Handyman critical after being chopped in home invasion

The house that was invaded by bandits

A

handyman is battling for his life after he was chopped at least 12 times during a home invasion on Sunday morning at his Angoy’s Avenue, Berbice home.

The injured man has been identified as 30-yearold Rene Anthony Juman of Lot 162 Angoy’s Avenue New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

He is now nursing a frac-

by the men who immediately started to assault him with a crow bar. The father explained that he heard strange sounds and as he was about to investigate, he too was attacked.

“One reach in the bedroom and choked me and then the other one came in and said, ‘We don’t want him, let’s go for the mother’,” Ishmael recounted, noting that his wife was taking

Rene Anthony Juman

tured skull after he was chopped to his head and a broken shoulder.

Four of his front teeth were also knocked out by the bandits. Based on information received, at approximately 01:45h, two men entered the house through a door that was left open.

At the home later on Sunday, the injured man’s father, 50-year-old Mohamed Ishmael explained that on Saturday, his son went to his workplace to collect his wages and then returned home. However, owing to the heat, the young man fell asleep in the hammock leaving the door open.

The men entered the premises by scaling a side fence; then they walked up the stairway and climbed onto the verandah’s roof to make their way into the verandah.

Juman was awakened

in all that was happening around her.

Ishmael, who is currently undergoing dialysis treatment, explained that the intruders left him in the bedroom and went to his wife’s room. The bandits reportedly used a crowbar to break open the door to get access to the man’s wife, Bibi Ali. She received one lash to the head as they demanded cash and other valuables.

“They didn’t take anything; all they ask my wife for is for the money. We had no money, according to my wife. I really don’t deal with money because of my sickness and I don’t see too well,” Ishmael noted.

According to the former mechanic, at the time of the home invasion, there were five smartphones in the house which were visible, but the bandits did not take any.

Juman, who had his salary in his possession at the time of the attack, was not robbed of the money. In addition, the gold chain he was wearing was not taken.

The entire ordeal lasted

about 30 minutes, Ishmael reported. He told Guyana Times that the two armed men were wearing masks, but he was able to recognise one of them from his voice.

“After they recognised like my son is dead – because he fall down flat and remained there – apparently, the tall one panic and he jump on the sink and get away, but before, he called the short one by his name and that is how my wife recognised the other one,” Ishmael further related.

The bandits are said to be residents of the community. Up to press time, Police had not made any arrest.

Meanwhile, the severely injured man was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, but the family was told that x-rays could not be done on him, given the lack of films.

This situation, his father stated, forced his wife to demand that her son be discharged and taken to a private medical facility in Georgetown, but he was later taken to the Georgetown

An injured Mohamed Ishmael

Public Hospital.

When contacted, Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen explained that doctors were trying to stabilise the injured man before transfer-

ring him to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment, but family members were impatient.

Juman remains in the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

10 news CH&PA seeks contractors to construct core houses in Sophia E monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ven as homeowners in the Government’s housing scheme in Perseverance, Providence, East Bank Demerara, are anxiously awaiting repair works to their homes, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is pushing ahead to develop yet another community, this time in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

In an advertisement placed in one of the daily newspapers on Saturday, the CH&PA informed that it is seeking to pre-qualify contractors for this project.

“The Central Housing and Planning Authority intends to prequalify contractors for the construction of core houses in Sophia housing area, Georgetown.

It is expected that invitations for bid will be made in August 2019. Invitations for bids will be done in lots,” the advertisement said.

Further, it explained that “Prequalification will be conducted through prequalification procedures specified in the InterAmerican Development

Bank’s (IDB) Policies for the Procurement of Works and Goods financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, March 2011, and is open to all bidders from eligible source countries, as defined by the

Policies”.

This is so given that the IDB is funding the Reformulation of the Road Network, Upgrade and Expansion ProgrammeAdequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme.

In November 2018 when applications were opened for core houses, it was reported that this project was

designed to specifically benefit households which live on lots valued at $92,000 or less and were regularised or developed by the CH&PA, applicants must also be earning $75,000 or less per month.

The homes were expected to be completely concrete and not more than

400 square feet. Upon completion, a sanitary block, as well as electrical and plumbing works, would be conducted.

Applicants under this programme were required to deposit $100,000 to se-

cure further funding from the Government.

But even as this is ongoing, residents in one of the newly developed housing schemes in Providence are patiently awaiting repairs to their homes.

Just last month, Guyana Times visited the area where residents complained of faulty foundation works and leaking roofs among other things.

Some persons said they have been waiting several months for contractors to rectify the faulty works, some of which they were forced to fix themselves owing to the long delay.

One resident told this publication that persons would have complained to CH&PA several months ago and despite commitments to rectify the issue, they are now fearful that the oneyear defect/liability period will expire before the issues are remedied.

That resident, Seeta Singh, had detailed that there appears to be a leakage in the zinc sheets which is causing her plyboard ceiling to swell and fall off both inside and outside of her home.

Another resident, who also lives in the area, complained that his window frames are falling off and he is fearful for his safety. At that time, he said his home was visited by a contractor about two weeks ago, who promised to fix the default but showed up informing him that he had “run out” of materials.

Richard Coddet, another resident in the area, told this publication that he had been living in his home for about three years now and is still experiencing troubles because of faulty foundation and roof works.

“From the inception when we got this home, we encountered a lot a lot of problems but at the end of the

day, overall, we are grateful because we are happy to have a home. We had leaks, we had cracks, we still have cracks and the house seems to be sinking because of the foundation,” he explained.

Government had paused the distribution of lands and had instead embarked on an initiative which

forced Guyanese into buying pre-built houses.

This newspaper understands that not many persons are comfortable with the idea of purchasing the houses, as they prefer to oversee the construction process of their own homes for various reasons.

Under the previ-

ous Administration, over 100,000 house lots were distributed and over 200 core houses were made available to underprivileged families, while a programme for professional groups provided 200 teachers, nurses and policemen with fast-track access to loans for home construction.

Bar owner freed of assault charge

S

avita Persaud, proprietrix of a popular drinking bar in Station Street Kitty, Georgetown, was on Friday freed of an assault charge after the matter had been tried by Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 33-year-old Persaud and 25-year-old Revelana Smith, called ‘Ducky’, of William Street Kitty, Georgetown, had been on trial for allegedly assaulting each other at the East La Penitence Police Station on April 23, 2019.

Smith was, four days ago, sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of the charge.

Persaud later led her defense in the matter, and was cleared of the offence.

In handing down her decision, Magistrate Mc Gusty declared that, based on the injuries she had seen on the parties, and given their respective explanations, she was of the opinion that Persaud was merely defending herself during the altercation with Smith.

Accordingly, she dismissed

Savita Persaud

the case against Persaud.

On their first court appearance, each woman had pleaded guilty to the charge read to her. However, the magistrate had entered a not-guilty plea on each woman’s behalf following their respective explanations of what had transpired.

According to Smith, she was attending a church service at the Berbice Penitentiary when she

asked Persaud to find out what time the vehicle was coming to transport them to court, and Persaud started calling her names. This, she said, led to an altercation between them, but the matter was addressed by the matron of the prisons.

Smith said further that when they arrived at the East La Penitence Police Station, Persaud approached her, and they started to fight after Persaud again used obscene language against her.

Persaud, however, indicated that she was only trying to defend herself by scratching the other woman’s face after she was attacked.

Smith had previously been charged with attempted murder, after she had allegedly cut off the finger of a policewoman and had dealt the woman several chops to her head and hand during a fight over her ‘child father’.

Persaud is currently in prison, facing five charges before the courts. In June last, she was sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment for human trafficking.

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monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt mum on findings of BoI report into arbitrary firing of PSM staff

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he special Board of Inquiry (BoI) report on the arbitrary firing of staff at the Public Service Ministry by Minister Tabitha SaraboHalley has already been reviewed by President David Granger but to date, the Government’s lips are sealed about its findings.

Over three weeks ago, this special report was officially handed over to the State Minister, Dawn Hastings-Williams, who in turn presented the document to President David Granger for his review, but both Minister HastingsWilliams and the Ministry of the Presidency remain mum on the matter.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon on Saturday told Guyana Times during a telephone interview that it is the State Minister who would be in a better position to divulge any information on the findings of that report or to comment on the next step.

He, however, confirmed that the report was seen by the President recently.

“I think the President has given his guidance. The Minister of State would have had it. So you will need

Public Service Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

to speak with her [Minister Hastings-Williams] about it.”

Since the BoI report was initially handed over to Minister Hastings-Williams weeks ago, attempts by this publication to contact her in this regard have proved futile.

One week ago, Harmon had stated that although he was not provided with a copy of the report or has not yet been briefed as to its findings at that time, the staff from the Public Service Ministry that are involved in the matter are still employed by the Government.

“It [report] was completed and it was sent to her [Minister HastingsWilliams] and then I think she passed it on to the President. So, I don’t know whether the President has completed his reviewing of it. I cannot say specifically.”

He noted that until a decision is made in relation to the BoI report, the staff remain on administrative leave.

Almost a month ago, Minister Sarabo-Halley defended the firing of staff members from her department shortly after she would have assumed office, saying that there was evidence at her disposal to warrant dismissal.

“I think that the evidence that was before me suggested that something needed to be done and the investigation would bear whether or not that was rational,” the Minister stated at a recent press conference.

She, nevertheless, did not reveal any bit of evidence that she referred to but noted that the investigation will soon wrap up with the findings.

On May 31, 2019, the personnel staff and chief accountant at the Public Service Ministry were sent

tion are still employees of the Government as the decision by Minister SaraboHalley to terminate their services has been halted.

Scholarships

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams

packing by Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley shortly after she was appointed to that post.

When the news broke about the arbitrary firing of personnel staff and the chief accountant, the Government initially denied firing them but one week after, Director General Harmon confirmed that indeed, the workers were sent home.

But he said higher authorities had since intervened and the dismissed staff were eventually sent on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. He had maintained that the staff in ques-

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had alluded to the fact that the fired workers were initially targeted and arbitrarily dismissed after they revealed that the children of a Government Minister received payments amounting to over $20 million in the last two years.

One of those revelations is that the children of Minister Simona Broomes

had allegedly received over US$86,000 in 2018, monies that were transferred from the Department of Public Service. Then again, this year, another transfer of millions reportedly took place.

Given the controversy around that situation, the Public Service Department has made a decision to publicise all scholarships to ensure “transparency”. It was confirmed that both children of the Minister in question received grants to study overseas, but SaraboHalley could not state if the monies were transferred to their personal accounts.

12 news

monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GRA cancels VAT on airfares Sheep rustling rampant in Tuschen, EBE for interior locations – residents complain of heads of sheep missing

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he Government of Guyana has inked an agreement with the Air Services Limited which will reverse its 2017 decision to impose taxes on flights to interior locations.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a public notice said it, “wishes to advise air service operators that no VAT shall be charged on airfares to transport passengers or goods to/ from airstrips listed below”.

A few of the 54 listed locations are located in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

They include Achiwib, Aishalton, Annai, Baramita, Chenpau, Dadanawa, Iwokrama, Kamarang,

Kato, Monkey Mountain, Orinduik, Paramakatoi and Waramadong.

Although the notice did not inform when the new decision takes effect and when it was made, it pointed out that, “Pursuant to the Agreement, VAT is also exempt from airfares to transport passengers or

goods to any other rural airstrip, provided that satisfactory evidence is submitted to the company that the passenger is living in the rural area”.

Effective from February 1, 2017, the Government had implemented a 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on local airfares.

This move was highly criticised by locals from all walks of life.

On Saturday, this publication contacted Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Roraima Airways Inc Captain Gouveia, who also serves as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on the matter.

Gouveia said he was unaware that the taxes had been removed but lauded the change. He said, “As far as I know the Government introduced taxes on interior flights and that is still functioning today. I don’t know of any agreement to waive it [but] I think it will be a good thing”.

The PSC Chair further explained, “I think interior development is very very crucial and the Government got to be able to contribute to make air transportation affordable and accessible to all of the people in the hinterland and so putting taxes on interior flights is actually a big deterrent to Hinterland development”.

He said he is happy to learn that the Government finally decided to review their decision in this regard given that prior to their decision there was never VAT on Interior flights.

“Since they introduced VAT and start charging VAT on hinterland flights and Kaieteur flights for example when you take people to Kaieteur Falls now there is 14 per cent on Kaieteur flights which is crazy but it is what the Government decided to do,” he posited.

Nevertheless, Gouveia pointed out that he welcomes this move regardless of if it is implemented at present or in the months to come.

H

arilall Deonarine, a 37-year-old Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo resident, is the latest victim of a suspected sheep rustling ring which has been prowling residents in sections of the East Bank of Essequibo and West Coast of Demerara for a number of months.

Deonarine reported that he awoke on Sunday morning at around 05:30h to find his sheep pen broken into.

Inspections conducted saw 10 sheep missing.

“I didn’t hear anything because the pen part off from the house…when we check, like they jump over from the back and stole, entered the pen, we didn’t hear anything though” Deonarine relayed.

The upset man is calling on the police to investigate, noting that he was robbed of his livelihood.

“This is how I make my living. Its sickening man, something gotta be done to catch these people” Deonarine stated.

Just days ago, another Tuschen family lost several sheep at the hands of the same set of thieves.

Sixty-three-year-old Mohan Chotilall told Guyana Times that he tied his sheep to graze on a nearby plot of land at around 09:30h on the morning of Saturday, July 29, but upon returning, they were all missing.

“This thing here happen in broad daylight, these men brazen. I saying men because

some people who they steal from saw them. Is only today I seh alright, I ain’t hear about one of the robbery in lil while so let me carrying out that four and let them graze and baps, all four gone, all me find was the ropes,” Chotiall related.

The man explained to this publication that several other persons in the area have made similar reports to the police. “Whoever doing this, they selling them. They have to be rich because is a lot of sheep them stealing so far,” the man said. He is calling on the police to thoroughly investigate the matter.

In June, a De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara (WCD) pensioner had a similar experience when thieves entered her backyard and made off with her sheep.

This publication has previously reported that the 67-year-old woman had said that at about 18:00h, she secured the sheep but retired to bed just before midnight. However, the following morning, she journeyed to the back of her house to take her sheep to graze but noticed that the door to the pen was opened.

Upon inspection, she found that 15 sheep were missing. The woman had expressed her anger over the situation since the sheep were her livelihood and had called on the police to assist her to properly investigate the matter.

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monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Deadly piracy attack

CoI begins public hearings today T he one-man Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the April 2018 pirate attacks on several fishing boats with Guyanese fishermen off the coast of Suriname will commence public hearings today in Berbice.

The CoI was appointed by President David Granger to investigate the circumstances surrounding the piracy attacks that resulted in the death of several Guyanese fishermen on April 27, 2018, in the Surinamese waters.

Then on July 2, 2019, Dr Rishi Thakur was sworn in to lead the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the attack where at least 20 fishermen were beaten, chopped and thrown overboard.

Dr Thakur, who has the power to summon witnesses, will investigate and present the findings with respect to the piracy attack. He is also tasked with determining the identities of those killed, the motive for the attack and possible prosecution of those culpable.

In addition, the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the probe include the role of State agencies with respect to security of the firemen.

The findings have to be submitted to President David Granger by September 2, 2019.

According to a notice from the Ministry of

Dead: Tilacknauth Mohabir

Dead: Gowkarran Outar

the Presidency, the public hearings will commence today. The first set of sessions will be held at the Number 68 Primary School, Corentyne, from August 5 to 10, 2019. Then it will move to the GuySuCo Training Centre in Port Mourant from August 12 to 17, 2019.

The hearings will start at 09:00h and run until 15:00h.

Persons wishing to provide information or give evidence to the Commission are advised to make themselves available at the venues on the day of the hearings. Persons can also visit the CoI Secretariat at the CuySuCo Training Centre to speak with members of the Commission.

In April 2018, four fishing boats with a total crew of 20 were attacked during the two-day period. Five

of the fishermen survived after being chopped and thrown into the ocean. The bodies of only three of the missing men have since been recovered.

On the one-year anniversary of the incident earlier this year, survivors and family members of the missing are still finding it very difficult to cope.

One of the survivors, Dhramdeo Persaud, called “Achie Boy” had told Guyana Times that he still has nightmares. He said many nights he wakes up screaming after reliving the incident in his dreams.

Survivors of the attack had reported being burned with hot oil, attacked with cutlasses and forced to jump overboard with anchors tied to their bodies at Wia Wia Bank just off the French Guiana coast in the Atlantic Ocean.

Persaud received several chops to his right hand, both legs and his head before being told to jump into the cold water. He swam until he was rescued.

Three of the survivors including Persaud had reported seeing the alleged mastermind as one of the attackers.

In fact, he had told this publication that he does not want to discuss the incident, having received threats. Another survivor refused to say anything other than, “I am alright, I don’t want nobody to publish anything about me”.

Meanwhile, family members of those missing are finding it difficult to cope even one year after. This is compounded by the fact that over the past year, several relatives have also reportedly been threatened.

In fact, in January, a 16-year-old daughter of the alleged mastermind of the piracy attack was arrested at the Springlands Court in relation to threats made to relatives of the deceased and witnesses in the trial.

Since the attack, four bodies have been discovered. The bodies of Mohabir and Mahesh Sarajoo also called “Cobra” are the only two that have been posi-

Survivor: Dhramdeo Persaud

tively identified after the deadly piracy attack.

One other body which was found in Surinamese waters is still to be identified via DNA testing while the body of Gowkarran Outar also called “Gavin” was found on the Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, on May 10, and was positively identified by a tattoo on his chest.

Eleven of the Guyanese fishermen are still missing and are believed to have also died.

Since the attack, two men have been taken before the courts in Guyana; Nakool Manohar called “Fyah”, the alleged mastermind, of Number 43 Village Corentyne and his co-ac-

cused Premchand Persaud aka “Sinbad”.

Under the Piracy Act 2008 Chapter 14, it states that where an act of the offence is committed outside of Guyana, the person committing the offence may be dealt with in respect of the commission of the offence as if the offence had been committed at any place within Guyana or its territorial waters.

The two are accused of the murder of Tilacknauth Mohabir called “Caiman”.

It is alleged that between April 26 and May 3, 2018, while at sea, Manohar and Persaud murdered Mohabir.

The Preliminary inquiry is still ongoing.

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monday, august 5, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

GPF continues outreach programme …distributes hampers to elderly in Crane, WCD

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF), in continuing its outreach programme, met with residents of Paradise, West Coast Berbice (WCB) over the weekend.

The residents were given the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding issues affecting them, chief among which is noise nuisance.

The clamping down of noise nuisance is, however, being presently addressed by the Force, which recently trained 31 ranks to tackle the issue.

Previously, 50 were trained in the said area during a two-day session on Noise Management Training.

The Paradise residents were told of their rights and the best way forward in reporting and dealing with the issue.

Additionally, as part of the Force’s Crime Prevention Strategy, the team of police took the opportunity to share valuable crime prevention tips with the citizens.

The residents were reminded to always lock doors

Images from the two sessions of the outreach programme

while in or out of the house, use other means available like an individual’s voice to identify who is at the door before opening it, and to immediately report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

“If you see something, say something. Take time to familiarise yourself with building evacuation and fire safety plans, keep items such as chequebooks, wallets, cash, jewellery, etc out

of plain sight. Secure them properly. Do not keep large amount of cash in homes or on person. Always be aware of the environment and to report any sighting of persons climbing over a fence to gain entry to property”, the ranks told the residents.

In addition to the tips, contact numbers for the Station Sergeant and the Officer-in-Charge of the Number 3 Sub-Division were provided to aid in fast-

er and confidential passage of information.

The residents expressed satisfaction at seeing the police on foot visiting the communities and thanked them for sharing the crime tips.

In the meanwhile, On Thursday last, ranks of the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station visited the Crane Housing Scheme where hampers were distributed to several elderly couples and single mothers of the com-

munity.

The team, led by Inspector Chandradatt Kooldeep along with Sergeant Deon Parris, Rural Sergeant Maxine Rose, Constables Brayan Fraser, David Abrams, Ulric Ceaser and Neighbourhood Police Donnette Brammer presented the hampers to Errol Noble, 84, and his wife Joycelyn Noble, 63, of Crane Squatting Area and Paulette Williams, 41, a single mother of six of Crane Old Road,

West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The recipients of the hampers expressed thanks and appreciation for their hampers and urged the Police Force to continue to do their outstanding work.

The Crane Village is currently being used as a pilot project for “Team Policing” and thus far, much progress has been achieved since its commencement on April 15, 2019.

Linden to Lethem trail

Commuters continue to grapple with deplorable roads …loggers contribute to present situation – Regional VC

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raversing the Linden to Lethem trail is proving to be too time-consuming and even dangerous given the current rainy season coupled with the damages being done by loggers whose heavy-laden trucks destroy the pathways.

This is according to Regional Vice Chairman (VC) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Singh, who on Sunday told Guyana Times that previously, on a regular day, a trip from Lethem to Linden would average between 12 and 15 hours.

But, at present, given the deplorable state of this route, it takes almost twice

as long to travel to and from those locations.

“Now it is taking 20 to 24 or 25 hours. I drove out of town a few days ago, a land cruiser took 20 to 22 hours.

I even had to pull about four minibuses that had trouble on the road with my vehicle,” he stated.

According to the Regional VC, the Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC) is conducting some work on the trail but is not enough.

Singh further stated that in light of the numerous complaints by persons travelling that route along with complaints by the bus operators, his Regional Office had both spoken and written to the Natural

Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, some six weeks ago about the pressing issue but there has been no feedback.

Singh pointed out that Minister Trotman has responsibility for the forestry sector and that is why the Regional Office of Region Nine sought his assistance.

“We noticed the loggers’ large trucks pulling lumber damaging the road. Most of the times, several minibus operators complain that these trucks climb up the hills but because of the weight and quantity of their loads and the road being wet, they would sometimes roll down back the hill and block off the whole roadway.

This causes trouble, minibuses cannot pass so we’re asking that loggers ease up with heavy loads during rainy seasons but there has been no satisfaction.”

Just two months ago, several minibus operators plying the Lethem and Mahdia routes complained bitterly to this publication about the deteriorating conditions of the trail which they are forced to use to transport passengers and goods as a means of earning their daily bread.

The bus operators described the trail as a “death trap” and bashed the Public Infrastructure Ministry for paying zero interest in conducting long-term repairs to that trail which is the only access to those areas.

The condition of the Linden to Lethem trail

The trail has been in a deteriorated state for years and worsens during the rainy seasons after which minor substandard repairs are done on certain patches and the problem continues to recur.

A route 72 bus driver, Keith Daniels, had stated that he was forced to park his minibus due to the condition of the road since the risk of making a trip is way more than its gains.

“To be honest, since Wednesday I ain’t make a trip. The last trip I make last week I had to come and take my bus to the mechanic and spend a set of money

which I didn’t even make.

This trail just getting bad to worse. Destroying people bus. The Government need to do better than what they are doing. The small man punishing in this place. You struggling to get load to go up and when you do, you are faced with that trash for a road. We got families to feed and we gotta pay mortgage and even pay for the same bus that destroying in that mud. This could be fair,” he argued.

Meanwhile, another driver, Kendall Richardson, who also reached out to this newspaper, called for the Government to put mea-

sures in place for urgent and long-term repairs and maintenance of the road.

At that time, he had said that the drivers are suffering since they are forced to use the road in the present state as best as they can in getting passengers into and out of Mahdia just for an income to take care of their needs. He stated that at times, the buses get stuck and are left to wait for several hours until a truck or pick-up passes for them to seek assistance in getting their bus pulled from the mud.

This, he said, is unacceptable and called on Government through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to come up with a plan to commence repairs on the road soon.

Mayor of Mahdia, David Adams in an invited comment said that the trail is in its usual state, however, vehicles are still able to traverse.

He explained that during the rainy season, some attention needs to be paid to the trail on a particular stretch between Mahdia and Mabura, which is in dire need of repair.

He noted, however, that there are no plans in place for such rehabilitation works by the Council.

“Getting in is very difficult and some works have to be done in the short term to offer relief to those traversing,” he said.

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monday, august 5, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

32 women of Parishara trained in catering, preservation of food

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hirty-two (32) women of Parishara, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), are now trained and certified in catering and the preservation of food including fruits and vegetables. The women also learned etiquette and basic table setting skills.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the women are members of the Parishara Organic

through the Government’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme which allows groups to access funding for income-generating community ventures.

Addressing the graduation ceremony held at the Parishara Primary School, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Honourable Sydney Allicock explained that the programme is part of a larger initiative to em-

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock viewing some of the food items prepared by members of the Parishara Organic Food Processors which were on display

Food Processors which already produces nut butter from cashew nuts and flour from cassava, sweet potatoes and eddo. The training was made possible

power Indigenous people.

He added that from this training exercise, the women can establish their businesses or even seek employment.

“Our Government is for everyone… We believe in providing opportunities, we believe in partnership… We have major developments across Guyana and this is one of our key focus points because it allows our people to live a healthy life leading on to a good life.”

These skills, he said, will be in demand once the Linden to Lethem road is completed and the Lethem aerodrome is upgraded into an international hub.

Villagers are also planning to construct a guesthouse and create tourism activities around Nappi Lake.

Minister Allicock, therefore, urged the women to develop the skills learnt during the course so when these facilities become available they would be fully equipped to deliver quality service to visitors.

He commended the Ministry of Social Protection, headed by the Honourable Amna Ally, for initiating such a programme which has allowed the Indigenous people to access funding to empower themselves.

More than 277 households benefitted from income-generating activities under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock; Community Development Officer (CDO), Vincent Henry; Toshao of Nappi, Guy Fredericks; Senior Councillor of Parishara, Roy Andrew and the members of the Parishara Organic Food Processors group

Development (SLED) programme in 2018. An estimated 1264 persons including women, young people and entrepreneurs were the beneficiaries.

C o m m u n i t y Development Officer (CDO), Vincent Henry explained that the programme has been “life-changing” for many in Region Nine. In the South Rupununi, the Maruranau Woman’s Cooperatives purchased a minibus with their funds; Sand Creek Youth

Cooperatives are in the process of constructing over 60 shade houses and a building for preservation of fruits and vegetables; in Shulinab, the women are producing dried fruits and vegetable with their solar dryers; while Patarinau will be establishing a ranch and constructing a butchery.

Other villages that benefitted from the programme included Hiawa, Moco Moco, Aranaputa and Aishalton.

Leader of the Parishara

Organic Food Processors, Erlene McDonald said that her dream was to work towards establishing a training programme to empower women in her village, many of whom are single parents. She commended the Government for its continued support towards the development of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana.

The women also had on display several food items they had prepared and preserved.

Orealla leading the way in eco-tourism

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he Amerindian settlement, Orealla, situated 50 miles up the Corentyne River, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), is no doubt leading the way in eco-tourism. The village is home to two tribes of Guyana’s indigenous people; the Arawaks and Warraus.

With about 2000 residents, Orealla is one of the cleanest places in Guyana and maybe the only community which has a weekly clean-up campaign where residents must take part as a form of employment for the family.

The breathtaking sunrise over the stillness of the

A day in Orealla, wrapped in the arms of nature, not only allows you to listen to the chirping of the

Corentyne River produces a desire to go through the day trying to get as close as possible to nature.

birds and whistling trees, but also the hospitality of its people.

The Arawak are the ones

who first arrived at the settlement from neighbouring Suriname in 1918. They had escaped the deadly flu virus which had threatened to wipe out most of the natives of a village called Epora, situated on the Suriname side of the Corentyne River, during World War l. Today, Epora continues to strive as a community but not with many inhabitants.

But in Orealla where a few families migrated, they survived by farming and fishing. The men built houses from trees in the community and established small farms around them which the women attended to as the males went out hunting.

One of those persons who grew up in the village knowing that his parents survived the deadly flu attack on Epora 97 years ago is

Fredrick Hendricks.

Now the oldest resident of Orealla, he remembers those days. “Back then my father and uncles will go and hunt and sometimes take months before they return.”

He said the men would return to the village with preserved slaughtered meat.

Their return to the village was a time to rejoice.

“Some of the meat my father would pack in a boat and all the cassava and pineapple from the farm… me and my two sisters and brothers would go with him to Corriverton” (a town 50 miles up the Corentyne River).

According to Hendricks, it would take them, including his mother, about one week to get to Corriverton in the family’s canoe. The produce would be sold and the family would take a vacation and return to the village when all earned monies were exhausted. The vacation lasted for between one to two weeks.

Back home, almost a month after they left, the cycle would start again. Meanwhile, one of Hendricks’ granddaughters, Ingrid D’Veir, said to this day, the people of Orealla continue to be big spenders whenever they have money.

“They don’t save; they will go on a spending spree until all their money is finished.”

Unfortunately, the natives of Orealla have not preserved their agglutinative language which is referred to as the Arawakan languages. Today, they speak English, and much better than those living in the urban areas in Guyana.

These days, most of the men earn their money by working in the logging industry. They are, however, only allowed to get employment if they participate in the weekly village clean up exercise.

The village also has a food processing factory, where about five women have gained employment in processing and packaging some of the fruits produced in the village. From the factory comes jams, jellies, guava cheese, and many by-products of cassa-

va. In supermarkets in urban communities, especially Corriverton and New Amsterdam, those products are fast sellers.

Orealla “The Land of Chalk” has everything a tourist would enjoy – nature walks, sightseeing and friendly people. On a visit, you may be able to behold a jaguar in its natural habitat while enjoying the sweet succulent juice flowing from a fresh mango picked by a Squirrel Monkey hovering above on a limb.

The peace and tranquillity experienced on any nature walk will be interrupted temporarily by the cry of a bird escaping from its predator.

One is left in awe as they marvel at the array of birds, magnificently coloured, decorating the sky.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, AUGUST 5, 2019

Regional

Trinidad: Police intelligence Peru orders Army to secure port in face of protest against mining project report names “big fish”

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lose to 40 prominent businessmen – from south, central and east Trinidad –who are linked to major drug and human traffickers, gun runners, gang leaders and murderers fuelling the multimillion-dollar criminal enterprise in the country, have been named in a police intelligence report.

These businessmen, who are being protected by some members of the T&T Police Service on their payroll, are among 100 people of interest identified in a confidential 2019 Police intelligence report obtained

by Guardian Media. This newspaper has withheld the names in the report owing to the sensitivity of the matter.

The report is the culmination of months of probing and surveillance by specific intelligence-gathering units within the T&T Police Service and the exercise was undertaken to “identify persons of interest who

T&T Police Commissioner Gary Griffith

were allegedly involved in criminal activity using the guise of legitimate businesses or have directors in these businesses that are inclined to criminal activity,” as the Police Service attempts to tighten its rein on the nefarious underworld activities which have been fuelling the spiralling crime levels in T&T. These businessmen have formed symbiotic relationships with the underworld to rake in millions and are contributing to the rising homicides and increased

lawlessness now pervading the country.

The eye-opening report identifies people who have registered businesses which they are using as fronts to run lucrative human trafficking and prostitution rings.

Guardian Media, in its special investigation on sex slavery done in May, had identified several complicit law enforcement officials who have aided and abetted these businessmen.

The businessmen pay hitmen to execute people who interfere with their business and illicit operations, hire gang leaders in particular areas to provide security on various projects, or move contraband and assist with other activities.

But now, these illicit activities and the specific businessmen behind them have been documented by the Police and their names have been submitted to the Police hierarchy for action.

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eruvian President Martín Vizcarra on Sunday authorised the Army to maintain order at a key mining port, a day before an expected new round of protests against Southern Copper Corp’s US$1.4-billion proposed Tia Maria mine.

Vizcarra, in a resolution published on the Government’s news site, authorised the armed forces to support Police in controlling any further protests in the province of Islay, where the project is planned. The document said any new protests could affect operations at the Matarani Port Terminal.

On Monday, local social organisations were expected to begin a new round of actions against Tia Maria.

Matarani is used by major copper miners such as Cerro Verde, Antapaccay de Glencore and Constancia de Hudbay, according

Demonstrators clash with Riot Police during a protest against Tia Maria mine in Arequipa, Peru July 22, 2019

to the private Peruvian Association of Maritime Agents.

Islay residents have protested since mid-July with partial road blockades. Tia Maria opponents say they fear the mine would interfere with farming and pol-

lute water supplies, even though Southern Copper says it plans to build a desalinisation plant to ensure the environment is protected.

Peru is the world’s second-largest copper producer. (Reuters)

Haiti's only emergency medical Probe ordered into shooting helicopter service suspends operations of Honduran migrant

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exican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday instructed officials to investigate the killing of a Honduran migrant in the northern city of Saltillo to determine the role of officials in his death.

The man, who was in Mexico with his eight-yearold daughter, was shot and killed at a train station on Wednesday by a member of a State Police unit, Coahuila state officials said.

The killing was the lat-

est in a series of recent incidents near the US-Mexico border that have prompted activists and migrant shelters to condemn a crackdown on migration.

Mexico’s Government is trying to tighten its borders under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican goods entering the United States if Mexico does not halt a surge in migrants from Central America.

“The killing of a

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Honduran migrant in Saltillo is very unfortunate,” Lopez Obrador said at his daily news conference.

Coahuila Police have recognised their responsibility in the incident, but further checks should be made, he added.

“I have ordered an investigation, because there was a version that maintained that it had to do with migration agents who acted against the migrant,” Lopez Obrador said, without providing details. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentine Judge suspends delivery apps, protects workers' rights

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elivery apps are thriving in Latin American countries.

The digital platforms are helping people find

jobs.

But the work can be dangerous and many end up working for long hours for low income and few

benefits. So an Argentine Judge has suspended delivery apps and put in place protection for workers' rights. ( Al Jazeera)

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aiti's first and only emergency medical helicopter service is scheduled to cease operations this month.

“Ayiti Air Anbilans”, an American NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), has attributed its decision to “insecurity” in Haiti, adding that service will end on August 15.

Ayiti Air Anbilans started operating in the Frenchspeaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country in January 2014 with “Air Methods Corporation”

(AMC), the world leader in medical air transport.

“The socio-political instability and growing insecurity in Haiti in recent months no longer allows the NGO to provide sufficient security guarantees to its helicopter suppliers, who decided at the risk, not to renew their contract with “Ayiti Air Anbilans,” said the company's Executive Director Nada Marjanovich.

The company said that since starting operations, it has been able to “offer

the Haitian population and foreign visitors a worldclass medicalised helicopter transport service from anywhere in Haiti to the best emergency care available in Port-au-Prince and other cities in the Dominican Republic, or to the United States via a jet service.”

However, Marjanovich said talks have been held with representatives from the Government and Private Sector and the company was moving in the direction of restoring services in the future. (CMC)

Jamaica: St Thomas youngster cuts off 6-year-old boy's penis

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16-year-old boy from White Horses in St Thomas, Jamaica, allegedly cut off a six-year-old boy's penis on Friday, the Jamaica Observer has reported.

The teenager is now in Police custody.

According to the Jamaica Observer, details surrounding the incident are unavailable at this time.

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monday, august 5, 2019

17

Around the World

Dozens killed in 2 US Pakistan calls for Trump mediation on Kashmir mass shootings

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t least 29 people have been killed and dozens wounded in two mass shootings within 13 hours of each other in the United States.

The first assault occurred on Saturday morning in the border city of El Paso in Texas, where a gunman killed 20 people at a Walmart store before surrendering to the police.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the gun assault appeared to be a hate crime, and Police cited a “manifesto” they attributed to the suspect, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, as evidence that the bloodshed was racially motivated.

A four-page statement posted on an online message board and believed to have been written by the suspect, called the Walmart attack “a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas”.

A state prosecutor said they would seek the death

penalty for the suspect.

Across the country, a second gunman dressed in body armour opened fire in a central district of Dayton, Ohio, early on Sunday, killing nine people and wounding at least 27 others.

Police officers who were

on routine patrol nearby arrived on the scene in less than a minute and shot the attacker dead, likely preventing a much higher casualty toll, Police and the city’s Mayor said.

Assistant Police Chief Matt Carper identified the suspect as 24-year-old Connor Betts, a white male from Bellbrook, Ohio, and said his sister Megan Betts, 22, was among those killed.

The attacks came less than a week after a 19-yearold gunman killed three people and injured 13 others at the popular Gilroy Garlic Festival in California before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sudan crisis: Military and Opposition sign constitutional declaration

Gen Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (right), Sudan’s Deputy Head of the Transitional Military Council, and protest leader Ahmed Rabie shake hands after signing the constitutional declaration

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udan’s ruling Military Council and main Opposition coalition have signed a constitutional declaration which will pave the way for the formation of a transitional Government.

Opposition Leader Ahmed Rabie and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Daglo signed the deal.

A governing body of six civilians and five generals will oversee a three-year

transition period.

Sudan has been in turmoil since the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir in April.

A formal signing ceremony of the document will be held on August 17 with the Prime Minister and other key officials announced soon after.

Mediators from the African Union and Ethiopia witnessed Sunday’s signing of the constitutional declaration.

“We turned a tough page of Sudan’s history by signing this agreement,” Gen Dagolo, popularly known as Hemeti, told reporters.

Both sides signed a power-sharing accord in July, but demonstrators have been waiting since then for

more details.

Protests first broke out in December after Bashir’s Government imposed emergency austerity measures.

He was then overthrown by the military in April after prolonged protests outside the Defence Ministry in Khartoum.

The document outlines the terms of a three-year transitional period agreed last month by the Military Council and Opposition leaders.

The power-sharing deal envisages a governing body also known as the Sovereign Council of six civilians and five generals.

The Council will then appoint a Prime Minister and a civilian transitional Government. (Excerpt from BBC News)

as region remains tense

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ensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have the potential to blow up into a regional crisis and it is the right time for US President Donald Trump to mediate, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday.

Khan’s comments come a day after Pakistan accused India of using illegal cluster bombs, killing two civilians and wounding 11, in the disputed Kashmir region. India denied it had used such weapons.

India’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Khan’s remarks.

In July, Trump told reporters that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him during a meeting in Japan if he would like to be a mediator on Kashmir.

India denied Modi ever asked for any mediation.

India has long rejected any suggestion of third-party involvement in tackling Kashmir and, reacting to Trump’s offer last month, said it would deal with Pakistan only bilaterally.

Trump last week reiterated his offer, saying he would intervene if asked, and “it’s really up to Prime

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan

Minister Modi”.

Muslim-majority Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has long been a bone of contention between the two. Tensions flared after a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into an Indian police convoy on February 14, killing 40 paramilitary police, and leading to aerial clashes between the two nations.

India accuses Pakistan of funding armed militants, as well as separatist groups in India’s portion of the region.

Islamabad denies the Indian accusation, saying it provides only diplomatic and moral support to a separatist movement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hong Kong Government: Protests are pushing city to “extremely dangerous edge”

Iran seizes another tanker in the Gulf, State media say

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ran has seized another foreign tanker in the Gulf, Iranian State media say.

A Revolutionary Guard Corps commander was quoted as saying it was “smuggling fuel for some Arab countries”.

The commander said the tanker was carrying 700,000l of fuel, adding that seven sailors had been detained. Later reports said the captured ship was Iraqi.

The reported incident comes amid high tension af-

ter the US tightened sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.

The sanctions were reimposed after Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran has previously accused ships of smuggling fuel. On July 13 the Iranian coastguard detained the Panama-flagged MT Riah.

The Revolutionary Guards’ Sepah News site said at the time that the ship was seized during naval patrols aimed at “discovering and confronting organ-

ised smuggling”.

Also last month, Iran seized British-flagged tanker the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it had collided with a fishing vessel.

The US has blamed Iran for two separate attacks using explosives which damaged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman in May and June an allegation Tehran has denied.

Fars news agency reported that the operation to seize the ship was carried out last

Wednesday near the Gulf island of Farsi.

The tanker was taken to Bushehr and its fuel handed over to the authorities, the agency added.

Later the official Irna news agency quoted the Revolutionary Guard Corps as saying the tanker was Iraqi.

BBC Arab Affairs editor Sebastian Usher said that though the cargo is relatively small the seizure will inevitably raise tensions further in the region. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Israeli army in no rush to go fully robotic

I

srael, a world leader in hi-tech, is around 30 years away from its ambition of deploying robot forces, and for now will choose between three prototypes of semi-automated armoured vehicles to cocoon its troops in battle, defence officials said on Sunday.

Israel has long eyed a future robot army as a means of reducing the use of soldiers on its combustible fronts with Gaza, Lebanon

and Syria, just as its air force has increasingly relied on pilotless drones.

The country draws most of its military personnel from teenage conscripts.

An unveiling of Israel’s newly-developed operating suites for ground fighting vehicles made clear it plans to keep soldiers at the controls, albeit entirely insulated from the outside: Hatches battened, the cabins will have smart-screens, fed by

outside cameras and sensors, instead of windows or ports.

The prototype suites, designed by Israel’s top three defence firms as they compete for an army tender, include artificial intelligence systems billed as spotting enemy fighters and directing the vehicle’s counter-fire at them automatically.

Asked why Israel was not eliminating human involvement entirely and operating the vehicles remote-

ly, Rotem told reporters: “At the end of the day, it is the man in the vehicle who takes the decision. You need someone who thinks more than a machine.”

The Defence Ministry, he said, was separately devoting “a lot of discussion” to a potential robot army of the future.

“Our vision (is), 30 years from now, a lot of autonomous capability,” he said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Police said more than 20 people had been arrested since Saturday for offences, including unlawful assembly and assault

H

ong Kong’s Government said violence and illegal protests were pushing the city to an “extremely dangerous edge”, as Police fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse hundreds of anti-Government protesters on Sunday and Beijing said it would not let the situation persist.

The Chinese-controlled city, an Asian financial hub, has been rocked by months of protests that began against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China and have developed into calls for greater democracy.

A general strike aimed at bringing the city to a halt is planned for today. Many flight departures were shown as being cancelled today and a source and media reports said this was due to aviation workers planning to strike.

In a strongly-worded statement late on Sunday, the

Government said the events of the day showed once again that violence and illegal protests were spreading and pushing Hong Kong toward what it called “the extremely dangerous edge.”

Such acts had already gone far beyond the limits of peaceful and rational protests and would harm Hong Kong’s society and economic livelihood, it said.

After the peaceful demonstrations finished earlier on Sunday, protesters blocked roads in the town of Tseung Kwan O in the New Territories, set up barricades and hurled hard objects including bricks at a police station.

Police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters after a separate rally in the island’s Western district where thousands of people gathered to urge authorities to listen to public demands.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, august 5, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY’S WORD

solution for SATURDAY’S puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t let a change of heart disrupt your life.

Whether it’s you or someone else who wants a change, it’s best to move forward with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Speak up about your plans. Not everyone will like what you decide, but at least you’ll flush out opposition and encourage suggestions that can help you make beneficial adjustments.

Look at the whole scenario, not just what you want to see. If you are honest with yourself and others, it will be easier to make the right choice.

Listen to complaints and do your best to make adjustments that will keep everyone happy without going over budget or jeopardising your reputation, status or position.

Take part in events that will broaden your awareness. Engage in discussions that will give you a better understanding of what’s possible and what isn’t.

Romance is highlighted.

You may be able to keep a secret, but someone you share it with won’t.

If you want to surprise someone or make a change without interference, do so without letting anyone else know about it.

Make a difference by putting your energy into something gratifying, helpful or useful, instead of trying to please someone who doesn’t appreciate what you do for him or her.

Take an innovative approach when dealing with people who are not easily persuaded. A change can be made if you go about it the right way. Choose to be productive, not pushy.

You can reach your goal and advance or improve your lifestyle if you are reasonable, stay within budget, and rely on your skills and experience.

Romance is highlighted.

Keep your emotions hidden. You’ll accomplish the most if you are reasonable, organised and prepared for whatever roadblock you encounter. A joint venture will fall short of what’s promised.

Don’t change what’s working for you. Look for an alternative way to solve any problem you face. An open mind, a willingness to work and positive negotiations will pay off.

Your input will be welcome by most; however, someone you are in a relationship with may not agree with what you do or with whom you associate. Walk away from temptation.

monday, august 5, 2019

19

Smith, Wade hundreds set up Australia for victory push F

or the second time in four days Steven Smith wrote himself a place in Ashes folklore, while Matthew Wade completed a comeback story of his own as Australia enjoyed utter dominance with the bat to leave them as the only team with a chance of victory at Edgbaston.

Smith became just the fifth Australian to hit twin centuries in an Ashes Test as his match took on even greater proportions of greatness. Wade then cantered to a career-best 110, his third Test hundred and first for six-and-a-half-years, to set up Australia’s declaration late in the evening session, after some fun from James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, leaving England needing a notional 398 in 97 overs.

Rory Burns and Jason Roy made it through seven demanding overs under gloomy skies with Nathan Lyon given the new ball on a responsive surface. There was more than enough to put a smile on his face at the potential of what’s on offer. Meanwhile, by surviving to resume in the morning, Burns put himself on the list of players who will have batted on all five days of a Test barring a washout. England would probably take that, but the forecast was largely fine.

Well before the openers emerged a draw was England’s best hope before heading to Lord’s, which was a quite remarkable change of fortune from midway through the opening day when Australia were 122 for 8 and starring at another Edgbaston horror show. It was Smith, with help from the tail, who turned the tables then and on Sunday

it was Smith who pulled Australia into a strong position before Wade made it impregnable.

Smith did the groundw o r k alongs i d e Travis Head, w h o made a compact half-cent u ry, in a stand of 130 for t h e f o u r t h w i c k e t which took Australia from 15 behind to 115 in front.

However, when Head edged Ben S t o k e s , England having waited 23 overs for a breakthrough on the fourth morning, there was still plenty of work to do. The stand of 126 between Smith and Wade deflated England’s depleted attack. Stuart Broad had started promisingly, but Moeen Ali had a day to forget, which gave Joe Root a massive problem as he lacked control and wicket-taking threat on a surface aiding spin.

Moeen had been handed the first over of the day and it included the opening delivery grubbing at Smith as well as a full toss that flew over his head that he tried to swat away and seemed annoyed that he hadn’t. There was the occasional promising sign, such as when one spun sharply to beat Head, but Moeen couldn’t string together consistent overs.

Root and Joe Denly bowled 26 overs between them, with Denly’s legspin at times

F

looking the most threatening of England’s options and he should have had Head stumped on 46 but Jonny Bairstow couldn’t stay low in his stance to gather the ball. That was not overly costly in terms of runs, but with the ball not swingi n g a n d t h e pitch s l o w

Steve Smith scored twin centuries in the match

fourth time a b a t s man has made two scores over 140 in a Test. Having started the day on 46 the half-century arrived early and any thought England would have found a magical formula overnight went out the window.

He went to lunch on 98 and in the second over after the break drove Broad imperiously through the covers.

This time the celebrations were a touch more subdued: he was just back doing what he loves.

When Smith fell Australia’s lead was 241 and England might have had one final hope if the new ball had scuttled the lower order, but there was not enough left in the tank of the seamers. Root was back on with the ball six overs old, which allowed Wade and Tim Paine to pretty much do as they pleased.

Where Smith had been methodical in everything he did, Wade was more attacking from the outset - the method which has served him so well during prolif-

ic domestic and Australia A form. He took advantage of some friendly half-volleys from Denly to get his innings going and did not have to contend with the swing that troubled him on the first day. Early in his innings he was bringing out the reverse sweep although Root did beat him on occasion, which rather went to highlight Moeen’s problems.

On 69, Wade was saved by the DRS when given lbw to Broad, another poor decision from Joel Wilson given it was the hard new ball and had struck Wade above the pad. It was fitting that such an enterprising century was reached with a reverse sweep and Wade embraced his captain, and Tasmania team-mate, Paine in a moment of significance for both men who find themselves in positions they could scarcely have imagined.

The pair added 76 in 13 overs as England largely

3

abandoned hope of bowling Australia out. Stokes hurled himself into a big-hearted seven-over spell and eventually had Wade caught at deep backward square leg, then Paine fell in the next over to a ripping offbreak from Moeen that spun through the gate. While that was a boost for Moeen, it probably did more good for the Australian dressing room.

The leather-chasing wasn’t over either as Pattinson avoided a pair and enjoyed the freedom to play his shots. One, in particular, will have given him great satisfaction when he launched Nottinghamshire team-mate Broad high over long-on and he also clobbered the last ball of the innings into the stands. It was a chastening day for England, but what happens on Monday could have an even greater bearing on the series. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st Innings 284 all out England 1ST Innings 374 all out Australia 2nd Innings 487/7d CT Bancroft c Buttler b Ali .

7 DA Warner c †Bairstow b Broad 8 UT Khawaja c †Bairstow b Stokes . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 SPD Smith c †Bairstow b Woakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 TM Head c †Bairstow b Stokes 51 MS Wade c Denly b Stokes 110 TD Paine (c) † b Ali . . . . . 34 JL Pattinson not out . . . . . 47 PJ Cummins not out . . . . . 26 Extras (b 11, lb 2, nb 6, w 3) 22 TOTAL 487/7d (112 Overs, RR: 4.34) Did not bat: NM Lyon, PM Siddle Fall of wickets: 1-13 (David Warner, 2.6 ov), 2-27 (Cameron Bancroft, 9.1 ov), 3-75 (Usman Khawaja, 18.2 ov), 4-205

(Travis Head, 52.6 ov), 5-331 (Steven Smith, 85.1 ov), 6-407 (Matthew Wade, 98.2 ov), 7-409 (Tim Paine, 99.4 ov) Bowling: SCJ Broad (22-2-911), CR Woakes (13-1-46-1), MM Ali (29-1-130-2), JE Root (12-1-50-0), BA Stokes (22-585-3), JL Denly (14-1-72-0) England 2nd Innings (target: 398 runs) RJ Burns not out . . . . . . . 7 JJ Roy not out . . . . . . . .

6 Extras . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 TOTAL 13/0 (7 Overs, RR: 1.85) Yet to bat: JE Root (c), JL Denly, JC Buttler, BA Stokes, JM Bairstow †, MM Ali, CR Woakes, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson Bowling: PM Siddle (2-04-0), NM Lyon (3-0-7-0), JL Pattinson (2-1-2-0)

: Marquez records 50th win to extend lead in Czech Republic

ive-time and reigning champion Marc Marquez recorded a 50th MotoGP win and extended his overall lead with victory at the Czech Republic Grand Prix.

Having dominated qualifying, Spaniard Marquez

Czech Republic Grand Prix results

1. Marc Marquez (Spa/Honda) 39 mins 24.430 secs 2. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/Ducati) +2.452 secs 3. Jack Miller (Aus/Ducati) +3.497 secs 4. Alex Rins (Spa/Suzuki) +4.858 secs 5. Cal Crutchlow (GB/Honda) +6.007 secs

Overall standings (after round 10 of 19) 1. Marc Marquez (Spa/Honda) 210 2. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/Ducati) 147 3. Danilo Petrucci (Ita/Ducati) 129 4. Alex Rins (Spa/Suzuki) 114 5. Maverick Vinales (Spa/Yamaha) 91

England lacked inspiration.

Chris Woakes only bowled seven overs in the day but was the man to finally dislodge Smith for 142, driving at the second new ball to leave his match tally 286 runs - just the

Marc Marquez leads Andrea Dovizioso (EFA)

broke clear of Italian Andrea Dovizioso to become only the fourth rider to achieve 50 premier class wins.

Australian Jack Miller took third, as Britain’s Cal Crutchlow finished fifth.

A sixth win of the season for Marquez, 26, increases his advantage over Dovizioso to 63 points after 10 rounds.

The race, in Brno, had been declared wet and was subsequently reduced to 20 laps following a downpour that delayed the start by 40 minutes.

Next in the battle for the championship is the Austrian MotoGP, which takes place 9-11 August in Spielberg. (BBC Sport)

20

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monday, august 5, 2019

Hamilton wins F1’s Hungarian GP after chasing down Verstappen

A

fter the disappointment and disarray of Hockenheim, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes enjoyed a remarkable, redemptive comeback at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This time – in the natural amphitheatre of the Hungaroring – sunshine, driver and team all burned brightly, with the latter’s stagecraft magnificent to behold as Hamilton beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to first place.

The race was gripping, tense and almost impossible to call until the final laps and even Hamilton had doubted whether he could pull it off but when the world champion and Mercedes are this good they are irrepressible.

This was yet another masterclass from the British driver and his team. Mercedes had taken a gamble but in doing so called the race to perfection, returning one of the best victories this season – no small praise given they have won 10 of the 12 grands prix. The race had hung in the balance but although Verstappen had led almost throughout, Hamilton, on fresher tyres, swept past the 21-year-old Dutchman with three laps to go to take the flag. Mercedes’ decision to pit their driver a sec-

ond time gave Hamilton a decisive advantage he exploited brilliantly.

Knowing that overtaking is tricky through the twisting corners of the circuit, he believed his team would have to play a strong strategic game to ensure he could gain places and they proved more than up to the task. The team and drivers had been through an extensive debrief after performing poorly in the German Prix at Hockenheim a week earlier and duly came back with a display of precision execution, with Hamilton at the sharp end, delivering with a clinical drive.

“I don’t really make a lot of mistakes, the last one [in Germany] was a massive off-weekend for me,” he said. “These two weeks the team have been really great and supportive in allowing me to recover and giving me the best support group possible.”

Hamilton also acknowledged what a team effort it had been.

“The guys are very calm when they talk about the strategy like the one today. ‘No, no, I truly believed you could do it,’ they told me. But I am sure they were nervous as hell that it wasn’t going to work. But collectively we made it happen.”

Hamilton’s 81st career win is also his seventh at the Hungarian GP and he has eight wins from 12 races, his best start to a season. His position looks almost unassailable, leading his teammate Valtteri Bottas by 62 points.

Verstappen is a further seven points back in third and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who was third here, trails the Dutchman by 25 points.

The race unfolded in an almost classical three-act structure into which the protagonists threw so much effort that even Verstappen emerged smiling after his suitably theatrical engagement with Hamilton. “I think Lewis was on fire,” he said.

Verstappen held the lead from pole and with Hamilton immediately up to second from third at the expense of Bottas, they were nose to tail until the first stops, a teasing, tense scene-setter.

Red Bull pitted their man first, on lap 25, with Mercedes following six laps later. Hamilton immediately attacked. He flew after Verstappen, taking almost two and a half seconds out of his lead in two laps. He had caught him by lap 34 and his pace was superb. He

climbed all over the back of Verstappen, who defended stoutly.

With Hamilton harrying, on lap 39 they went wheel to wheel through turns one to four, in a thrilling battle. Hamilton went wide in a brave bid to pass on the outside of turn four as Verstappen held his place.

This was clean, gripping racing but not enough for Hamilton to win so Mercedes rolled the dice in the final third. They pulled him in unexpectedly for a second stop to take the medium tyre on lap 48.

It was a bold move. Red Bull could not respond to pit Verstappen without losing the lead so he had to stay out while Hamilton set off to make up the 20 seconds he needed to catch him.

Hamilton had the fresher rubber but Verstappen track position, either might yet have won it. However once in clean air, he pumped out fastest laps and, with Verstappen’s tyres gone, had caught up by lap 66 of 70.

Verstappen had given his all but was powerless while Hamilton, relentless, was not to be denied.

He swept past round the outside of turn one a lap later to take the lead and the win.

“I was really proud of how I delegated my work throughout and collectively with the team we did

an exceptional job,” Hamilton said.

“This morning they said a two-stop would not happen and when they called for it I wondered if it would work.

“A gamble is always a good thing. It felt like a big gamble. It was collectively a bold, risky strategy call, then it was doing the job at the end of the day. I had to do those laps to chew out the gap he had on me.”

Ecstasy and relief seemed to vie for dominance as Hamilton climbed from his car; both had turned to exultation by the time he reached the podium with an earto-ear grin.

As he goes into F1’s summer break he and Mercedes delivered the perfect adieu. Only seven days after their season low, Hamilton and his team are soaring once more.

Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari. Carlos Sainz took an excellent fifth, his second in a row for McLaren, in front of the second Red Bull of Pierre Gasly. Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Räikkönen was seventh. Bottas was eighth with Lando Norris ninth for McLaren in front of the Toro Rosso of Alexander Albon. (The Guardian)

Lewis Hamilton wins the race (Photograph: Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Inter Milan boss Conte hopes to tie up deal for Lukaku

I

nter Milan boss Antonio Conte hopes to finalise a deal for Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku in the coming days.

The Italian club have been c h a s i n g L u k a k u during the transfer window and have reportedly returned with a fresh bid of around £65 million ($79 million) as they try and get the deal over the line.

The Belgium striker has not played a single minute of United’s pre-season campaign and Conte is hopeful he can bring the 26-yearold to the San Siro.

“We continue to work on it in the best possible way,” he said after his side drew 1-1 at Tottenham in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

“I understand

there are that need but at

some gaps to be filled the moment I am very hopeful that this will happen.

“At the same time I’m working with a great group of players that gives me lots of satisfaction.”

A complication to Inter’s chase of the former Everton striker is a reported swap deal between United and Juventus that could see Argentina attacker Paulo Dybala move to Old Trafford in exchange for

Lukaku.

“Honestly I can’t know, I don’t know,” the former Chelsea boss said.

“I’m reading (about) this swap in the papers.

“For sure Lukaku, we are talking about a good player, a striker that in the past I tried to buy when I was Chelsea’s coach.

“We’re t a l k i n g about two big clubs, Juventus and Inter Milan, but honestly I don’t know.

Only my way is to work with this group of players, to try to improve this group and instil the right mentality.” (AFP) Romelu Lukaku has not played a single minute of United’s pre-season campaign (AFP)

Manchester City edge Liverpool on penalties in entertaining Community Shield

Manchester City’s Rodrigo lifts the Community Shield surrounded by teammates after the win over Liverpool at Wembley (EPA)

M

anchester City won the Community Shield on penalties after edging Liverpool in an entertaining game in front of a raucous Wembley.

Georginio Wijnaldum’s penalty was saved by City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, before Gabriel Jesus scored the winning kick.

The meeting between two outstanding sides did not disappoint.

City’s Raheem Sterling finally scored his first goal against his old club when he turned home David Silva’s flick-on from close range.

The woodwork was hit three times in quick succession in the second half, as Sterling struck the post in a one on one, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk shot against the

underside of the bar and team-mate Mohamed Salah hit a post.

The Reds drew level when Joel Matip headed home Van Dijk’s cross.

At that stage, Liverpool looked the most likely team to win, with Salah having at least three chances - most remarkably when his header was sensationally cleared off the line by a Kyle Walker bicycle kick.

And so the game went straight to penalties, with City scoring all of theirs.

A game whose competitive status is often questioned - and might end up meaning little as the season goes on - was nonetheless an entertaining start to the top-level season. A curtain-raiser if you will. (BBC Sport)

monday, august 5, 2019

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Fit-again Narine keeps it simple on return

A

100 per cent fit Sunil Narine is happy to be back bowling for the West Indies and had an immediate impact on the first T20 against India in Fort Lauderdale despite his team’s four-wicket loss.

Defending a paltry 95, the West Indies were in trouble but Narine with figures of 2-14, from his four overs, showed great control and the ability to still take wickets.

“Sunil’s four overs very important, he showed his experience, brought us back into the game. Great bowling effort,” said Narine’s skipper, Carlos Brathwaite.

“Always good to be back in maroon.

Being able to perform for the country is a proud moment,” said Narine after his efforts.

The mystery spinner has been troubled with a finger injury and the workout in Lauderhill was a good way to test where he was.

“Fitness is there, finger is now 100%,” said Narine.

Now, the spinner says his goal is to find consistency.

“T20 I’m trying to stay on for as long as I can.

Let’s see how it goes. We still have to play positively, start well in the Powerplay, whether we’re batting or bowling,” explained Narine.

That positive intent, Narine believes, is the key to winning games again for the West Indies.

“We’ve to start winning matches. No new thing at the moment, just enjoying my cricket.

Hopefully you can see good performances in the near future.”

Sunil Narine was economical in both T20s against India

Everton sign Italy striker from Juventus E verton have signed Juventus’ 19-year-old Italy international forward Moise Kean on a five-year deal.

Kean has scored eight times in 21 games for Juve, who he joined aged 10, and has struck two goals in three Italy matches.

He becomes Everton’s fifth summer signing, joining for an initial fee of £25.1m that could rise to £27.5m.

“I am very proud and honoured to wear the Everton shirt. I will give my best to this team,” said Kean.

“I was convinced to sign because Everton is a club looking to the future and so am I. I know about the size of the club. It has big ambition and I will work very hard to help us fulfil what we want to achieve.

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Moise Kean is Everton’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window (Getty Images)

“I am used to winning and I want to bring this winning attitude to the team.”

On signing Kean, Everton manager Marco Silva said: “A striker

was one of our priority signings this summer.

“Moise is strong, fast, with many good qualities as a striker and he is just 19 years old. He has talent and he is ready to work, ready to improve our squad and gives us different solutions.”

How Balotelli, Ronaldo and Mancini have helped Kean On Friday the club signed Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin on a five-year contract for £25m.

Andre Gomes has made his move from Barcelona permanent for more than £22m, fellow midfielder Fabian Delph has joined from Manchester City for up to £10m and goalkeeper Jonas Lossl has arrived from Huddersfield Town.

Everton’s record signing is midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who arrived from Swansea for £45m in 2017.

The Toffees have sold midfielder Idrissa Gueye to Paris St-Germain for about £30m, as well as winger Ademola Lookman to RB Leipzig for £16m. (BBC Sport)

Tom Brady: New England Patriots quarterback agrees new US$23M deal T

om Brady won his sixth Super Bowl in February to eclipse the record he shared with Charles Haley Legendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has agreed terms on a contract extension that will keep him at the franchise until he is 44.

The two-year extension is expected to be announced in the coming days.

It will increase his sala-

ry from US$15million (£12.34M) this year to US$23M (£18.92M), according to NFL.com.

In February, after claiming a record sixth Super Bowl ring, Brady had said he had no intention of retiring.

Speaking last week Brady said: “I am trying to do the best I can do today and let those things [contract negotiations] work themselves out.”

Brady has played in nine Super Bowls and won six.

He has the fourth best record in NFL history in passing yards with 70,514, though he is likely to pass Brett Favre (71,838) and Peyton Manning (71,940) this season. (BBC Sport)

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monday, august 5, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Akeem Wilkinson upsets ‘big guns’ to clinch Rodrigues Memorial title For winning this race, Akeem Wilkinson of Team Evolution walked away with silverware and a hamper sponsored

by Ricks and Sari Argo Industries

The outstanding cyclists and officials stand together after the presentation ceremony

By Brandon Corlette

T

eam Evolution’s Akeem Wilkinson produced a record-breaking effort on Sunday to win the 41-mile Regan Rodrigues Memorial Road Race in a time of one hour, 37 minutes and 55 seconds.

This race -- which pedalled off at 8:30h from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, to proceed to Bushy Park at Parika and then return to the point of origin for the finish -- saw participation from all the country’s top cyclists, and a furious battle for supremacy at the finish.

Seven riders sprinted it out in a tense finish that had the large gathering captivated in excitement and drama, but Wilkinson managed to edge Berbician cycling ace Curtis Dey into second position

and Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) President Horace Burrowes into third position as he scoured the recesses of his endurance to produce the win.

Alonzo Ambrose came in fourth position, while the veteran Lear Nunes rode in fifth position as Linden’s Jornel Yearwood pedalled in sixth position.

Jamaul John, cycling champion of the 2018 Regan Rodrigues Memorial race and the 2019 National race, has been dethroned; while cycling mega-stars Michael Anthony, Briton John, Romello Crawford, Andre ‘Padlock’ Green, Walter Grant-Stewart and Paul De Nobrega have all failed to cop top positions in the senior (open) category of this race, which was won by Wilkinson.

The 2019 Junior Cycling Champion, Berbician Ajay

Gopilall, emerged as the top junior wheelsman; while Jason Sampson, who placed second, and Gopillall’s Trojan Cycling Club team mate Jonathan Ramsuchit, who placed third, were the top junior riders.

GCF President Horace Burrowes again dominated the veterans’ category, while longstanding riders Lear Nunes and Kwame Ridley rode in second and third positions respectively.

Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Michael Anthony won two sprint prizes; while McKay, De Nobrega, Briton John, Greene, Marlon Williams and Christopher Griffith each won a sprint prize.

A special prize was awarded to 2019 National Veteran champion Andrew Spencer of Team Evolution.

Addressing the media after his breakthrough race, Wilkinson

Albion CCCC 2nd Division 10/10 tournament postponed to September 8

T

he Albion Community Centre Cricket Club’s 2nd Division 10/10 tournament which was slated for play yesterday, Sunday August 4, 2019, has been postponed to Sunday September 8, 2019.

This decision was taken mainly because regular downpours were experienced overnight and more such downpours had been forecasted for yesterday. All tickets purchased remain valid.

Eight teams will be participating in this tournament, the finale of which is slated to be played under international-standard floodlights. The teams are Fyrish Cricket Club, Chesney Cricket Club, Jai Hind Cricket Club, Tamarind Root Cricket Club, Belvedere United Cricket Club, Hamid Xi Cricket Club, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and the Kendall’s Union Sports Club.

The winning team would receive a trophy and $50,000, while the run-

ner-up team would receive a trophy and $30,000. Outstanding performers would also be recognised: a trophy will be awarded to the batsman with the most runs across the tournament, and the bowler with the most wickets in the tournament would be awarded.

A “player of the final” would also be awarded a special trophy.

The primary purpose of the Albion CCCC is to develop and promote the game of cricket for the benefit of its members and the citizens of Guyana as a whole. The Albion CCCC aids in the promotion of cricket development among cricket clubs in the Albion community and outlying areas.

The fixtures for September 8 are as follows: Round 1: Tamarind Root vs Kendall’s Union Round 2: Chesney vs Albion Round 3: Fyrish vs Belvedere United Round 4: Hamid Xi vs Jai Hind

expressed surprise at his efforts during this race, especially because he had had a long hiatus from cycling.

“I was off the bike for a while, but coming back in this race, I managed to get into the seven-man break-away at the finish, and I was fortunate to win it”, he disclosed.

He added that the race was not altogether difficult, but the conditions were a bit windy.

This race, organised by Hassan Mohammed, was hailed a success; and a record-breaking one at that, because the top cyclists had clocked in approximately four minutes earlier than in last year’s race.

All outstanding cyclists were presented with respective trophies and items from Ricks and Sari Argo Industries.

Regan Rodrigues

Having come into this world on February 21, 1948 and departing therefrom on August 4, 2004, the late Regan Rodrigues had been a former President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and of the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club.

However, he had been more known in the sporting fraternity as a racing car driver, and had been conferred with several racing championship honours as a racing champion. He had also been known as a sports enthusiast.

This race, in honour of his memory, was sponsored by Ricks and Sari Argo Industries Limited.

The hectic cycle season will continue on August 10-11 with the Junior Championships in Bartica, followed by the August 18 race slated to pedal-off in Essequibo.

Albion groundsman Roger McDonald awarded at RHTY&SC Awards Ceremony H ead curator of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC), the wellknown grounds-man Roger Mc Donald, has been awarded at the sixth Annual Awards Ceremony of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), which was held this past week at the St Francis Training Centre at Port Mourant, Corentyne.

McDonald has received the RHTY&SC Lifetime Sports Award for his outstanding contribution to development of cricket in Berbice.

A humble and affable person, McDonald has been curator at the ACCCC for nine years, but had also plied his trade at the Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club (BCCCC) for 15 years prior to his stint at Albion. Thus McDonald has 24 years’ experience as a curator.

Speaking with this daily publication, McDonald detailed some priceless moments when he was recognised for his significant contribution to cricket.

“I was awarded in 2008 by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), and in 2005 I was voted Champion Worker at Blairmont”, he disclosed.

His career began under the urging of Levi Nedd, current President of the Guyana Volleyball Association in Guyana, whom McDonald described as always having been a supportive boss.

Nedd has therefore played a significant role in McDonald’s development.

McDonald noted that his very good friends: Adrian Amsterdam, and Bungar Singh whom he described as the country’s best grounds-man, have passed on a great wealth of knowledge to him.

He has also expressed deep gratitude to the Hilbert Foster-led RHTY&SC for recognising him, and thanks the entire management and

ACCCC Head Curator Roger McDonald receiving his deserved award at the RHTY&SC Awards Ceremony

executive membership of the Vemen Walter-led Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) for their input into his development.

At the awards ceremony, held under the sponsorship of Sentinel Security Limited, the Berbice Cricket Board was named the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Association of the Year, and West Indies players Shimron Hetmyer and Erva Giddings were respectively named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year. (Brandon Corlette)

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monday, august 5, 2019

2019 India tour to West Indies…

Krunal, Rohit take India to unassailable 2-0 lead over Windies I

ndia sealed the T20I series in Lauderhill to throw open the possibility of experimenting when the two sides meet in the third and final match in Guyana on Tuesday. Unlike Saturday where both sides scrapped on a sluggish surface, this was a more even contest, India throwing more punches with the bat to clinch a seesaw battle brought to an end by streaks of lightning.

R o h i t S h a r m a ’s contribution - a 51-ball 67 - left the biggest mark on the game; an innings where he once again showed T20 batting was as much about timing and finesse as it is about the big hits.

His sparkle allowed India some legroom despite a middleorder wobble.

A blaze of sixes towards the end from Krunal Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja lifted them to 167 for 5, which looked good enough for the first six overs of West Indies’ chase.

Then, Rovman Powell announced himself as India’s bowlers briefly switched off.

He raised a 30-ball half-

century to keep West Indies in the hunt, even as Nicholas Pooran’s struggle for timing proved to be an obstacle.

Then they lost both Pooran and Powell in the same over to Krunal. This doublestrike not only set West Indies back m o m e n ta r i l y b u t

despite K i e r o n P o l l a r d ’ s presence, it threw them 22 runs behind the DLS par score when lightning stopped play with the score on 98 for 4 in 15.3 overs.

Contrasting fortunes of India’s openers There was some moisture and earlymorning swing for the fast bowlers, but Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas struggled for rhythm. Rohit put the first ball to the fine-leg Rohit Sharma pulls during his half-century

boundary carry

and looked to on his World Cup form.

He trusted the pace and bounce to hit Cottrell for two boundaries in the fourth over: first a walk-across flick over midwicket and the second a lofted inside-out hit over extra cover.

At the other end, Shikhar Dhawan struggled for timing in front of square. As a result, he was largely trying to use the pace to pick runs behind the wicket. Occasionally, he was beaten for pace looking to uppercut. He could not generate power while hitting through the line and run scoring seemed a struggle.

However, Rohit’s blazing form - he became the most prolific six-hitter in T20Is allowed Dhawan to play himself in. India still had a firm footing as the Powerplay brought them seven fours and a six; they raced to 52 for no loss. Dhawan fell out of desperation in the eighth when he was bowled while attempting a hoick across the line to a full Keemo Paul delivery.

Krunal, Jadeja’s slobberknocker of a finish Virat Kohli kicked on seamlessly, but Rishabh Pant did not give himself an opportunity to make a splash in the end-overs, picking out short third man attempting a cheeky upper cut off his fifth delivery. Manish Pandey, perhaps batting out of position - a bulk of his T20 success has come batting in the top four -

was out playing a ugly heave soon after.

West Indies suddenly were looking at restricting India to 150. Job well done, yes? Krunal had other ideas. On 7 off 9 and struggling to adjust to the slower variations, Paul presented him with a juicy full toss which he flicked over deep midwicket for six. With his confidence restored, he used the depth of the crease to convert an attempted yorker into a half-volley to muscle the next ball over long-on.

Jadeja then ended the innings with a flourish - the final over being nailed for 20 - when he bisected long-on and deep square for the third six. India had an above-par score.

The Powerplay stifle West Indies were walking on a tightrope, denied any room to cut or pull. Bhuvneshwar Kumar cleverly stuck the ball into the wicket with his slower variations and had Evin Lewis jabbing one that he brilliantly held on his followthrough in the second over. West Indies’ decision to take a left out of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ book and promote Sunil Narine also came a cropper as he was deceived in flight to be bowled

by Washington Sundar, not before he’d consumed 12 balls for his four. After four, they were tottering at 9 for 2.

The Powell muscle Powell displayed brute force and utter disregard for the bowling, perhaps with little option left. A batting strategy t h a t can sometimes border on the reckless b ro u g h t h i m rewards as he cleared the short

Rovman Powell returned to form with a well-constructed fifty

straight boundaries effortlessly to give two rookies Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini the jitters. Saini, Man of the Match on debut on Saturday, was taken for 27 off three wicketless overs. As Powell blazed past fifty, West Indies had begun to mount a serious threat, needing 85 off 42.

Up until this point, Pooran struggled to rotate strike and bring out the big hits, pottering to 19 off 31. He had to go for broke, he tried and fell in the process as Pandey made the pop up boundary catch look coolly nonchalant. Two balls later, Powell played all around a full delivery and was stone dead. As the weather closed in, West Indies didn’t do themselves any favours. Not even the presence of Pollard and Shimron Hetmyer meant much from there on. (ESPNcricinfo)

3

SCOREBOARD India Innings RG Sharma c Hetmyer b Thomas 67 S Dhawan b Paul . . . . . . . . 23 V Kohli (c) b Cottrell . . . . . . 28 RR Pant † c Pollard b Thomas . 4 MK Pandey c †Pooran b Cottrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 KH Pandya not out . . . . . . . 20 RA Jadeja not out . . . . . . . 9 Extras (lb 3, w 7) . . . . . . . . 10 TOTAL 167/5 (20 Overs, RR: 8.35) Did not bat: Washington Sundar, B Kumar, KK Ahmed, NA Saini Fall of wickets: 1-67 (Shikhar Dhawan, 7.5 ov), 2-115 (Rohit Sharma, 13.5 ov), 3-126 (Rishabh Pant, 15.1 ov), 4-132 (Virat Kohli, 16.2 ov), 5-143 (Manish Pandey, 18.3 ov) Bowling: O Thomas (4-0-27-2), SS Cottrell (4-0-25-2), SP Narine (4-0-28-0), KMA Paul (4-046-1), CR Brathwaite (2-022-0), K Pierre (2-0-16-0)

West Indies Innings (target: 121 runs from 15.3 overs) SP Narine b Washington Sundar 4 E Lewis c & b Kumar . . . . . . 0 N Pooran † c Pandey b Pandya 19 R Powell lbw b Pandya . . . . . 54 KA Pollard not out . . . . . . . 8 SO Hetmyer not out . . . . . . 6 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 5) . . . . . 7 TOTAL 98/4 (15.3 Overs, RR: 6.32) Did not bat: CR Brathwaite (c), K Pierre, KMA Paul, SS Cottrell, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Evin Lewis, 1.2 ov), 2-8 (Sunil Narine, 2.6 ov), 3-84 (Nicholas Pooran, 13.2 ov), 4-85 (Rovman Powell, 13.5 ov) Bowling: Washington Sundar (3-1-12-1), B Kumar (2-0-7-1), KK Ahmed (3-0-22-0), NA Saini (3-0-27-0), KH Pandya (3.3-023-2), RA Jadeja (1-0-6-0)

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets”…

Gold is Money claim Georgetown title

Part of the action on the final night of the Georgetown segment

G

old is Money went home $500,000 richer after their match against Albouystown ‘B’ in the Georgetown finale of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ tournament, played on Saturday night at Jubilee Park.

Prior to this finale, Sophia battled Broad Street down to the proverbial wire to claim the third place spot, and Leopold Street convincingly won the Plate Championship of the event in a match against Sparta Boss.

According to the organisers, these six teams have advanced to the National Championships, which will be staged on August 9 – 10 at Jubilee Park.

Jermin Junior’s 5th minute goal for

Gold is Money was the deciding factor on Saturday. Albouystown ‘B’ had no answer for it. It meant that when the regulation time whistle sounded, Albouystown ‘B’ had to concede they were the losers, and had to settle for the runners-up prize of $300,000.

The third-place playoff was also closely contested. Neither Sophia nor Broad Street could convert passes, and the match was pushed into a dreaded penalty shootout. That became a nerve-racking event that had its fair share of misses, but Sophia emerged victorious with a 1 – nil result.

Sophia thus carted off the $200,000 third place prize, while Broad Street had

to settle for the $100,000 fourth-place prize.

Playing undefeated on the final night, Leopold Street sank Sparta Boss 2 –nil in the Plate final to win $60,000; having wrecked Tiger Bay 5 – nil in the semifinal round.

Sparta squeezed past Back Circle 2 – 1 to make it to the final.

Meanwhile, the other teams that qualified for the National Championships are: Beacons (Bartica champions); Melanie ‘B’ (East Coast Demerara winners); Brothers United (West Bank/ East Bank Demerara winners); Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions).

Shemroy McArthur receiving, on behalf of his team, the third place prize from a Guinness representative

monday, august 5, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2019 India tour to West Indies…

Krunal, Rohit take India to unassailable 2-0 lead over Windies

Shikhar Dhawan is bowled by Keemo Paul

Page 23

Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran added 76 runs together

Akeem Wilkinson upsets ‘big guns’ to clinch Rodrigues Memorial title

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets”…

Gold is Money claim Georgetown title

Page 22

Number one! Wilkinson enjoying the monumental moment of his finish (Brandon Corlette photo)

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