Guyana Times - Monday, July 22, 2019

Grove-Diamond NDC honours its NGSA top students P12

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3992

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONday, JUly 22, 2019

PRICE

Illegal House-to-House Registration See story on page 3

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Magistrate orders counselling for woman who stole money from P8 husband Bids out for construction of new Police Divisional P12 Headquarters

Local courts have duty to uphold CCJ ruling – Jagdeo

…Opposition applies for injunction to halt process today …confident of order being granted

PSC demands suspension of House-to-House Registration ...reminds Chief Elections Officer exercise clashes with 3 months’ election deadline

Former AG blasts Govt attempts to spin CCJ ruling

P7

Diamond P14 Insurance opens new Essequibo branch

See story on page 13

...says GECOM never verified President’s claim that voters' list bloated

"Whistle" killed, several injured in drive-by shooting

Bandits rob nursing students at New See story Amsterdam on page 11

Page 2

– ransack room, steal cellular phones, tablet before escaping

Region 1 health facilities yet to receive medical P2 supplies – hospitals, facilities never received antivenom for snake, scorpion bites for 2019

2 news

monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police to address “Whistle” killed, several injured in drive-by shooting issue of children

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ne man was killed while several were injured following a drive-by shooting on Sunday evening at Williamstaad Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt.

Dead is Leon Duncan, 29, of Festival City, while his brother, Shaquile Duncan, Orande Gordon and Lance Simon were shot and injured.

Based on information received, the now dead man, along with the three other men, was at the corner of the street playing a game of cards when an unmarked car pulled up alongside them and the oc-

Dead: Shaquile Duncan

cupants opened fire.

Guyana Times under-

stands that the men then exited the car, stood over “Whistle” and opened fire.

He was reportedly shot several times. He, along with others, was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His brother, who was reportedly shot to his leg along with Simon and Gordon, were admitted to the medical facility. The Police are on the hunt for the car as they launched an investigation.

Back in 2017, “Whistle” was charged for the attempted murder of Ceon

Nedd and Geoffrey Farrell.

He reportedly discharged a loaded firearm at the men with intent to commit murder.

In 2018, he was slapped with several armed robbery charges. He was accused of robbing Shezeena Hoosein and Nikel Pikerson. He was also charged for assaulting two Peace Officers who were executing their duties.

Among other charges faced, he was remanded to prison for the shooting incident that took place in the Privilege Nightclub, injuring two persons back in 2017.

Region 1 yet to receive 2nd shipment of drugs, medical supplies

–hospitals, health centres never received anti-venom for snake, scorpion bites 2019

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utlying health facilities in Region One (Barima-Waini) are yet to receive the second shipment of medicine and medical supplies for the year.

This is according to Region One’s Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, who during a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Sunday said that it is already seven months into 2019 and that region has not benefitted from a replenishment of necessary medication and supplies.

“In fact, we have had our first shipment of drugs and medical supplies earlier this year. We have not gotten another one as yet. Our outlying health facilities are still reporting that they are awaiting receipt of drugs and medical supplies so to get things done.”

This, he noted, is putting a strain on the health services being provided in that region.

However, in relation to the issuance of anti-venom in that region, the Regional Chairman stated that they are yet to receive the anti-venom from the Public

Mabaruma Regional Hospital, Region 1

Health Ministry. This issue was raised following the death of a two-year-old child in Mabaruma, who was stung by a scorpion.

“The Ministry would have said that they would have provided anti-venom to registered or licensed health facilities across the country but that is far from the truth. Our hospitals here don’t have anti-venom to treat any snake or scorpion bite, we don’t have that medication to our disposal here in the region. Even in our first shipment earlier this

year, that was not one of the drugs or medical supplies that would have come to the region so to speak.”

He further explained that authorities from Region One are scheduled to meet with the central health administration today to “iron out” these issues which are of major concern to his region.

On Wednesday last, 2-year-old Romero Lucian was reportedly stung by a scorpion at his home located at Kobarimo Hill, Mabaruma, North West District, Region One.

The child was taken to the Mabaruma Hospital.

Whilst there, the relatives were told that there was no treatment for the sting and that the child would have to be air-dashed to Georgetown. He succumbed moments after being admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The post-mortem performed on the body of the toddler proved that he died due to the collapse of his respiratory system, which was a direct result of the scorpion sting.

“washing vehicles” at traffic lights

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hildren positioning themselves at traffic lights along major roadways in Guyana, either to “wash vehicles” for a small fee or to solicit monies is a major concern that urgently needs to be addressed.

This is according to Traffic Chief Linden Isles, who – during a telephone interview with Guyana Times – stated that although these young children may not be obstructing traffic, the matter has to be dealt with.

As such, he noted that while there was a Schools Welfare Department, under the auspices of the Education Ministry, that should be looking into such matters, the Traffic Department was willing to work along with the unit to address the issue.

“What we can do is that we can have a word with the Schools Welfare Department about the very issue. Then we can see to come up with the best solution that can work to help these schoolaged children to not be on the roads doing such. But it is really the Schools Welfare Department that handles issues with school-age children and such,” Isles explained.

However, in recent years, it is not only school-age children who frequent the traffic lights’ locations so that they can solicit monies from drivers and passengers but also the elderly.

Quite recently, persons have once again complained about “hot-spot traffic light begging” locations, such as Lamaha and Vlissengen Road, where mothers, along with their young children, beg for cash handouts from persons inside vehicles.

At the DSL junction, heading towards the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), there is usually two to four homeless persons waiting for the traffic lights to turn red and even at the Eccles stoplight, EBD, drivers are

Traffic Chief Linden Isles

often greeted by at least one other person on a regular basis.

Additionally, at the Demerara Harbour Bridge junction on the East Bank Highway, it is a similar scenario.

According to some drivers, such situations continue unabatedly and are spreading along the major roadways in Guyana.

“They need to do something, whatever Ministry or Department that deals with these children and homeless folks need to try and get these people off of the road. Think about if there are careless drivers and accidents occur, these people can also be injured, or worse they can die. Even though they wait for the red light and may not be committing crimes for money they can lose their lives due to careless or drunk drivers too,” a taxi driver told this publication.

In light of this, drivers are of the opinion that a law should be put in place to eliminate this growing trend thus giving the Police the authority to remove these persons if agencies responsible are failing to do so or cannot legally do so.

news

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monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, July 22 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, July 23 – 09:00h-10:30h.

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

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

High Tide: 07:46h and 20:11h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.39 metres.

Low Tide: 13:44h reaching a minimum height of 0.77 metre.

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Illegal House-to-House Registration

Local Courts have duty to uphold CCJ ruling – Jagdeo ...Opposition applies for injunction to halt process today …confident of order being granted

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is confident of successfully securing an injunction to bar Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, from pursuing House-to-House Registration, which commenced on Saturday.

“I am reasonably confident,” Jagdeo said on Sunday when asked about the likelihood of securing an injunction against Lowenfield.

He went on to explain that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), through its lawyer, had told the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that the earliest date early elections could be held if they conduct fresh registration is after December 25, which is when the new Official List of Electors (OLE) is expected to be ready.

The Trinidad-based regional court on July 12 had ordered that elections be held in accordance with Article 106 of the Constitution, that is, within three months. That threemonth period commenced on June 18, 2019 after the Court ruled that the NoConfidence Motion was validly passed on December 21, 2018.

According to the Opposition Leader, that order was binding on GECOM, which was a party to the proceedings.

“Mr Lowenfield‘s pursuit of House-to-House Registration, using an order secretly gazetted and dated June 11, which was overtaken by the ruling of the CCJ, and against the advice of GECOM’s legal officer is contemptuous of the CCJ’s order,” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader pointed out that the CEO has taken it upon himself to make this decision all on his own and in the absence of a functioning Elections Commission.

“He has done so without the involvement of the Opposition, which is a major stakeholder. This activity is being done, unverified by the scrutineers from the Opposition. Can we allow the action of a single individual, by ignoring the order of the country’s highest court and the Constitution, to put at risk peace and stability in Guyana? The local courts have a duty to uphold the ruling of the CCJ. And everyone, including the international community and excepting a few in Government, is clear what those orders are. That’s why I am optimistic,” Jagdeo contended.

In a video message on Saturday, the Opposition Leader first indicated his intention to approach the courts today to stop the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

conduct of fresh registration, which would delay the hosting of constitutionally mandated early elections.

He explained that the exercise was being carried out based on an order made by the unilaterally-ap-

pointed former GECOM Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, shortly before he demitted office.

Patterson had to step down after the CCJ found that the President breached

the Constitution by unilaterally appointing him as Chairman of the elections body.

Further, Jagdeo indicated that given the circumstances under which Houseto-House Registration is being conducted, his Party and supporters would not cooperate with the exercise.

“This activity has started and people are worried about it. And they want to know if they should register or not. Well, we in the PPP have decided that over the weekend we will not be complying with this activity, since on Monday (today), we will go to the courts to seek an injunction against this illegal activity, which is done in contravention of the CCJ. So, we will not

be cooperating. We will try to stop the activity; we’ve briefed the international organisations. Many have expressed concern over this approach GECOM has em-

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

barked on … so, we will stop it through international pressure and through the courts, which have an obligation to uphold the CCJ orders,” he had stated.

House-to-House The House-to-House exercise, which was last conducted in 2008, will see enumerators in teams of two to three, going from door to door in various communities across Guyana.

The enumerators will present forms to registrants to complete, as well as take fingerprints and pictures.

In an advertisement

by GECOM, it is stated that these enumerators work from 15:30h to 18:30 h during the week and from 09:00h to 16:00h on weekends and holidays.

The exercise is intended to produce a new National Register of Registrants database and Official List of Electors.

Turn to page 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, JUly 22, 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

GECOM’s defiance

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mmediately after the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) was passed on Dec 21, 2018, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in charge of the Government’s business in the National Assembly, spoke to the press in the presence of all the other members of the APNU/AFC Government.

He said, “Guyanese must understand that the democratic process is sometimes unpredictable. You may have results that are not planned for…but the outcome has to be accepted…It may be a surprise to some, it may be a shock to others, it may be welcomed by some, and others may rejoice over the results, but that is how democracy works, and we are fully committed to the rule of law.”

Nagamootoo was fully au fait with the implications of Art 106, which commanded that the President and Cabinet resign immediately and elections be held in three months, having himself brought an NCM in November 2014 against the then PPP Government, which was sidestepped.

The following day, according to a local newspaper, “Senior officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were late yesterday locked in planning meetings for elections, which are now constitutionally due within the next three months. Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, told (the newspaper) that he was meeting with his staff to derive a strategy for the earlier-than-expected polls.”

The following day, PRO of GECOM, Yolanda Yarde, elaborated: “For us at GECOM, it’s our constitutional mandate to conduct General and Regional Elections, as well as Local Government Elections. If that is the decision: that we will have to conduct elections within a short period, then we will have to ensure that those elections are held as required, because it’s our constitutional mandate. I’m sure that our Standard Operating Procedures will click into gear, and we will be prepared to execute elections at a time we have been asked to do.”

The PRO recognised the constitutional order under Art 61 which specifies that the President must proclaim a date for elections, which at that time was supposed to be March 21. The decision by the Government to challenge the validity of the NCM in the courts after it was affirmed by the Speaker of the National Assembly as valid should not have changed the schedule of the GECOM Secretariat, especially after the High Court affirmed the decision in January 2019.

During that time, the President’s unilaterally appointed GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, had been ailing, but it was upon his return from an extended sick leave that the posture on the readiness of GECOM for elections took an ominous turn.

In the first week of February, the CEO then announced that it would take 148 days to bring off an election, and claimed that nothing had been done by GECOM since late December, since he was waiting for a “green light” from the Commission. The Commission, however, was now firmly echoing the Government’s line, with Chairman Patterson reflexively voting with the three Government Commissioners to constitute a majority.

And this was the delaying pattern that would characterise the Government’s refusal to countenance an early election, which pattern would be repeated after the Appellate Court had reversed the High Court’s decision, and then after the CCJ had reversed the Appellate Court’s decision on June 18th 2019. By this time, seven months had elapsed and GECOM was nowhere closer to being election ready.

The CCH gave clear orders that the Constitutional timeline must be followed. To wit, the Government’s Judicial recourse can be viewed as placing on “pause” the 3-month calendar of Art 106, which was removed on June 18 with their definitive ruling. The President should have then proclaimed Sept 18 as the elections date, and he and the Cabinet should have then resigned, along with dissolving parliament; and GECOM should have worked for the earliest elections date.

With GECOM’s Secretariat now following an order made surreptitiously by the illegally appointed Chairman on July 11, for H2H registration, they are clearly contravening the Court’s order.

The PPP’s writ for the CEO to be cited for contempt is apropos.

An injured anti-explosive dog is pictured ahead of a military parade to commemorate the 209th anniversary of Colombia’s independence in Bogota, Colombia

Lowenfield was not legally directed to commence House-to-House Registration Dear Mr Lowenfield, We have asked several times for a meeting with you. We write now as a result of GECOM having officially announced the commencement of Houseto-House Registration as of July 20, 2019. We have sought legal advice on this matter and it is our understanding that you have not been legally directed by the Commission to proceed as you are doing and that to conduct House-to-House Registration is unlawful.

We have also noted that GECOM’s internal counsel has advised that GECOM would be in contempt of the ruling of the CCJ to carry out any instruction in this regard from former Chairman James Patterson, whose appointment by the President has been ruled to be flawed.

You must also be aware that you are also taking this approach when there is a clear constitutional requirement to hold elections within three months of the validation of the No-Confidence Motion. The effect of GECOM’s action on electoral democracy and broader democratic governance cannot be lost on you.

We wish to remind you that the Private Sector Commission has been an accredited elections observer since 2001. We have met and closely followed GECOM’s decision and activities all these years, meeting with Chairpersons and CEOs of GECOM, including yourself and former Chairman Patterson.

You will be aware of the fact that the PSC participated in the consultations involving civil society, political parties and the in-

ternational community in 2008 to undertake Houseto-House Registration for the establishment of the current National Register of Registrants Database (NRRD). The decision to conduct House-to-House Registration was inclusive and respectful of all national actors and the subsequent exercise involved full involvement of political parties’ scrutineers in house-tohouse visits.

There has been, in this instance, a total absence of consultation with the political parties’ scrutineers and, therefore, political parties’ scrutiny of the exercise of registration you have now presumed to conduct, essential to establishing a credible NRRD. We cannot have a credible database if these elements are completely absent from the current houseto-house exercise you are embarking on.

GECOM’s present conduct is a complete break from its history of inclusivity and respectful engagement with all the relevant stakeholders. GECOM is failing to meet its duty to communicate, provide facts and justify its actions to the public. You must be aware that undertaking House-toHouse Registration without proper consultation and ventilation of the alternative approaches with stakeholders undermines your credibility and trustworthiness as an elections agency and your credibility and trustworthiness as Chief Elections Officer.

Quite apart from the fact that, as we have pointed out, you are proceeding to conduct this registration unilaterally, unlawfully and in contempt of the fact

that GECOM is without a Chairman and is not meeting as a Commission, we know that GECOM has not conducted a field test of the existing NRRD. GECOM is not, therefore, in a position to state with credibility that some 200,000 entries on the NRRD do not belong there.

This advice to the President begs the question not only of why would anyone tell the President that but also why would a register under your custody since the 2015 elections, one that gave us a credible election in 2015 and has gone through cycles of Continuous Registration, has suddenly become so corrupted.

We must remind you of your statement to observers in 2015 when the size of the voters’ list was 570,787. Asked about this list size, you said GECOM had opened more registration centres and was more efficient at registering persons, many of whom were also able to get birth certificates and requisite documents to register.

GECOM, at that time, admitted to a lag in removing deceased persons and those who migrated permanently, but you personally assured us, and we know this to be true from our experience, that the procedures for voting, with the presence of political parties’ scrutineers etc, made it practically impossible for anyone to double vote or vote as an imposter.

You confirmed that GECOM staff and parties’ scrutineers are given folios at every polling station with the particulars of voters registered at that station, including photographs.

Thus, while it was ideal to keep the register scrubbed, you were not concerned then that the size of the list would undermine a free and fair election.

Indeed, the 2015 election with a voters’ list of 570,787 electors and 412,012 valid votes cast gave us credible National and Regional Elections. In 2018, the voters’ list of 573,923 that was generated from our continuously updated NRRD also gave us a credible Local Government Election. You nor anyone else expressed concerns about a bloated list and credibility of an election on the basis of the list size relative to our population as recorded in the 2012 national census.

We have had two voters’ list above 500,000 that gave us two credible elections.

Now you are attempting to reason that a list of similar size cannot give us a credible election and that the only remedy is the most extreme of options – House-toHouse Registration to create a brand new NRRD. You have ignored the fact that the existing NRRD has been continuously maintained and has not expired. You have, instead, inexplicably, discounted the reasonable statutory option of Claims and Objections for an election to bring the register up to date for constitutionally due elections.

You are also aware of the policy decision taken for cycles of Continuous Registration, which include Claims and Objections periods being undertaken to update and maintain the database so that it would be in a condition to produce a voters’ list whenever necessary.

Continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, JUly 22, 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

Caricom, it’s time for a paradigm shift!

Dear Editor, Some readers might find it is interesting, while others might find it appalling to learn that throughout its existence, Caricom has selectively remained silent on the political plights of Guyana. While from time to time, individual leaders have broken their silence and spoken out against the Burnham-Hoyte-led Governments, such utterances have been far apart.

Interestingly, they found their collective voice in the wake of post-1997 elections unrests.

However, questions have arisen as to the true motive of this odd potpourri of leaders who are yet to dance in unison, to send the ‘three wise men’ to Guyana. The team had

brokered, among other conditions, an unconstitutional shortened term of office for President Janet Jagan, vis-a-vis the Herdmanston Accord. Guyanese are now left to ponder Caricom’s muteness despite numerous calls across the media and by leaders in light of the current political and legal quagmires.

Clearly, Mr Granger and his APNU/AFC Administration have continued to poke fun at the CCJ. The ‘cat and mouse’ game continues as Granger speaks with a forked tongue. On one hand, he says he is committed to upholding the decisions and orders of the CCJ; on the other, he has not only defied those very orders, but has attempted to reinter-

pret and write his own orders.

With regards to the appointment of the GECOM Chair, he has insisted on submitting a list of names in what he referred to as integral to his active participation in the consensus-dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition. Similarly, he stated that he has accepted his caretaker or interim Government role but refused to accept the resulting constitutional and CCJ-reinforced limitations on such a role.

Further, the GECOM proposed House-to-House Registration is yet another clear defiance of the CCJ orders. The CCJ concluded that the process that led to Patterson’s appointment was flawed, and, therefore,

unlawful. Patterson’s subsequent resignation is a testimony to his acceptance of the decision/order.

It follows, therefore, that many of Patterson’s decisions as Chair of GECOM were flawed/unlawful. However, while we cannot rollback those that have been acted upon due to completion or timelapse, we must put a halt on all those proposed/future actions, with Houseto-House Registration being at the core. GECOM is also in defiance of the CCJ orders which stated that it should be ready for elections by September 18.

Meanwhile, Caricom remains selectively mute.

Their tight-lipped posture may not only signal acquiescence of Granger and his

Administration’s flouting of the CCJ, but may also torpedo the CCJ’s future as the court of last resort for the entire region.

Critics and supporters alike understood that the CCJ represents a manifestation of aspirations to promote the building of ethical legal processes by fostering due process and the rule of law, among other ideals. Today, this very Court, born out of a collective desire to concretise self-determination, national and regional politics, economic integration, and human rights obligations, is being severely undermined by Granger and his Administration.

In a nutshell, Caricom must, out of necessity, step off the fence. Regional

Lowenfield was not legally...

In fact, evidence will show that GECOM took the policy decision for cycles of registration specifically because it wanted to be in a position to hold elections at any time. Ten Continuous Registration exercises were carried out since 2008. In 2018, you carried out the 10th Continuous Registration and Claims and Objections period prior to the Local Government Elections in 2018. In 2017, the ninth ‘Claims and Objections’ was carried out in a non-election year.

GECOM has been continuously refreshing the NRRD, which does not expire.

You have not professionally justified this attempt at this extreme and dangerous action you have taken. The exclusive and non-transparent way you are going about it will not produce a credible NRRD. In fact, experience shows that such an exercise would take far more

than the three months you have scheduled to properly include registrants.

In 2008, the whole process took one year, with six months of registration followed by fingerprint crosschecks etc, before ID cards could be issued. You are undertaking it during school holidays and the wet season, additional factors that will present challenges.

Undertaking a complete revamp of the NRRD in such a relatively short span of time before an election will more than likely disenfranchise voters, particularly domestic migrant workers, persons abroad for medical, school and other reasons.

Evidence and experience indicate that you are not going to be able to create a credible voters’ list within a year by scrapping the existing NRRD and creating a new one.

The laws were amended in 2005 to introduce a con-

tinuous cyclical registration process using the database created in the 2001 Houseto-House Registration as the base. House-to-House Registration is the very antithesis of Continuous Registration. They cannot coexist. To break the cycle and discard the database is, therefore, clearly illegal.

Names can only be removed from the National Register in accordance with the Act, for example by death, insanity etc.

In 2008, when it was decided to conduct another

Hous- to-House Registration after the 2005 Amendment, the law was amended in 2007 to permit that exercise. It could not have been lawfully done without that amendment.

The Private Sector Commission calls upon GECOM to immediately suspend the House-to-House Registration exercise until a Chairperson of GECOM has been named and can inclusively and respectfully decide the best way forward.

It is the responsibility of GECOM and the

leaders cannot continue to be mute; through conscience-viagra, they must voice their disapproval of Ganger and his Administration’s blatant disregard for the CCJ. Granger’s ‘cat and mouse game’ snubs the CCJ, defies logic and signals a political degenerative process. These actions clearly contravene the democratic goals and ideals of Guyana and the region as a whole; they derail national and regional progress and prosperity, and ultimately, the rights and well-being of the people. Caricom, it’s time to shift your paradigm!

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh (Barrister and Solicitor)

from page 4

Government to canvass the positions of all the political parties for a decision that is in the best interest of the country. The ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice must be respected.

In the meantime, we call on you as Chief Elections Officer to discharge your duty professionally and objectively and provide information to the public to correct misinformation about the voters’ list and voting process.

Our country’s commitment to democratic princi-

ples, respect for the rule of law and free and fair elections must rest on a truly independent electoral agency. GECOM’s conduct at this moment in our history will be consequentially long into our future. Every employee of GECOM must withstand public scrutiny regarding their impartiality. We trust you understand that this is being closely monitored in the public’s interest.

Sincerely yours, Capt Gerald Gouveia Chairman

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monday, JUly 22, 2019

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E

motional eating is when people use food as a way to deal with feelings instead of to satisfy hunger. We’ve all been there, finishing a whole bag of chips out of boredom or downing cookie after cookie while cramming for a big test. But when done a lot – especially without realising it – emotional eating can affect weight, health, and overall well-being.

Not many of us make the connection between eating and our feelings. But understanding what drives emotional eating can help people take steps to change it.

One of the biggest myths about emotional eating is that it’s prompted by negative feelings. Yes, people often turn to food when they’re stressed out, lonely, sad, anxious, or bored. But emotional eating can be linked to positive feelings too, like the romance of sharing dessert on Valentine’s Day or the celebration of a holiday feast.

Sometimes emotional eating is tied to major life events, like a death or a divorce. More often, though, it’s the countless little daily stresses that cause someone to seek comfort or distraction in food.

Foundation

People learn emotional eating patterns: A child who is given candy after a big achievement may grow up using candy as a reward for a job well done. A kid who is given cookies as a way to stop crying may learn to link cookies with comfort.

It’s not easy to “unlearn” patterns of emotional eating. But it is possible. And it starts with an awareness of what’s going on.

“Comfort” foods

We all have our own comfort foods. Interestingly, they may vary according to moods and gender.

One study found that happy people seem to want to eat things like pizza, while sad people prefer ice cream and cookies. Bored people crave salty, crunchy things, like chips. Researchers also found that guys seem to prefer hot, homemade comfort meals, like steaks and casseroles. Girls go for chocolate and ice cream.

This can make you wonder: Why does no one take comfort in carrots and celery sticks? High-fat foods, like ice cream, may activate chemicals in the body that create a sense of contentment and fulfilment. This al-

most addictive quality may actually make you reach for these foods again when feeling upset.

Physical hunger vs emotional hunger

We’re all emotional eaters to some extent (who hasn’t suddenly found room for dessert after a filling dinner?). But for some people, emotional eating can be a real problem, causing serious weight gain or cycles of binge eating.

The trouble with emotional eating is that once the pleasure of eating is gone, the feelings that cause it remain. And you often may feel worse about eating the amount or type of food you did. That’s why it helps to know the differences between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

Next time you reach for a snack, check in and see which type of hunger is driving it.

Physical hunger:

comes on gradually and can be postponed can be satisfied with any number of foods means you’re likely to stop eating when full doesn’t cause feelings of

guilt

Emotional hunger:

feels sudden and urgent causes very specific cravings (eg, for pizza or ice cream) you tend to eat more than you normally would can cause guilt afterward

Questions to ask yourself

You can also ask yourself these questions about your eating: Have I been eating larger portions than usual?

Do I eat at unusual times?

Do I feel a loss of control around food?

Am I anxious over something, like school, a social situation, or an event where my abilities might be tested?

Has there been a big event in my life that I’m having trouble dealing with?

Am I overweight, or has there recently been a big jump in my weight?

Do other people in my family use food to soothe their feelings too?

If you answered yes to many of these questions, then it’s possible that eating has become a coping mechanism instead of a way to fuel your body. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

M

anaging emotional eating means finding other ways to deal with the situations and feelings that make someone turn to food.

For example, do you come home from school each day and automatically head to the kitchen? Stop and ask yourself, "Am I really hungry?" Is your stomach growling? Are you having difficulty concentrating or feeling irritable? If these signs point to hunger, choose something light and healthy to take the edge off until dinner.

Not really hungry? If looking for food after school has just become part of your routine, think about why.

Then try to change the routine. Instead of eating when you get in the door, take a few minutes to transition from one part of your day to another. Go over the things that happened that day. Acknowledge how they made you feel: Happy?

Grateful? Excited? Angry?

Worried? Jealous? Left out?

Tips to try

Try these three tips to help get emotional eating under control:

Explore why you're eating and find a replacement activity.

For example: If you're bored or lonely, call or text a friend or family member.

If you're stressed out, try a yoga routine. Or listen to some feel-good tunes and let off some steam by jogging in place, doing jumping jacks, or dancing around your room until the urge to eat passes.

If you're tired, rethink your bedtime routine.

Tiredness can feel a lot like hunger, and food won't help if sleepless nights are causing daytime fatigue.

If you're eating to procrastinate, open those books and get that homework over with. You'll feel better afterwards (honestly!).

Write down the emotions that trigger your eating

One of the best ways to keep track is with a mood and food journal. Write down what you ate, how much, and how you felt as you ate (eg, bored, happy, worried, sad, mad) and whether you were really hungry or just eating for comfort.

Through journaling, you'll start to see patterns emerging between what you feel and what you eat. You'll be able to use this information to make better choices (like choosing to clear your head with a walk around the block instead of a bag of chips).

Pause and "take 5" before you reach for food

Too often, we rush through the day without really checking in with ourselves. We're so stressed, overscheduled, and pluggedin that we lose out on time to reflect.

Getting help

Even when we understand what's going on, many of us still need help breaking the cycle of emotional eating. It's not easy – especially when emotional eating has already led to weight and self-esteem issues. So don't go it alone when you don't have to.

Take advantage of expert help. Counsellors and therapists can help you deal with your feelings. Nutritionists can help you identify your eating patterns and get you on track with a better diet.

Fitness experts can get your body's feel-good chemicals firing through exercise instead of food.

If you're worried about your eating habits, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you reach your weightloss goals and put you in touch with professionals who can help you get on a path to a new, healthier relationship with food. (kidshealth.

org)

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monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former AG blasts Govt attempts to spin CCJ ruling -says full page ad showing what orders Court refused ‘deceptive’ -questions quality of legal advice being received by President

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full-page advertisement taken out by the Attorney General’s Chambers and appearing in sections of the media on Sunday has been denounced by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall as a transparent attempt to misinform the public about what happened at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The advertisement, titled “What PPP/C applied to the CCJ for vs what the CCJ ruled”, compares the various consequential orders the PPP had requested from the CCJ on the No Confidence Motion cases, including a prayer that the CCJ order elections be held

by September 18, and various snippets of the regional court’s ruling.

Former AG Anil Nandlall

CCJ can be ignored by the Government,” he declared.

The Government had, among other things, sought for the regional court to grant an order that would allow the President, Prime

order against her husband, only for the Magistrate to refuse to grant it because actual bodily harm is already a crime, and for the husband to then believe he can continue his assault because a restraining order was not granted.

“There is no other way of describing such line of reasoning other than to say that it is an expression of unparalleled dunce-ness,” Nandlall wrote. “This type of reasoning characterises the quality of legal advice the President receives, which has now culminated with the President convincing himself that the CCJ judgement has conferred upon him a right to submit names to the Leader of the Opposition, which must

Part of the advertisement taken out by the AG Chambers

Nandlall noted that the AG used “politically convenient and selective” parts of the judgements out of context in order to suit the Government’s agenda and justify their ignoring the intent of the CCJ ruling.

“The clear objective of this advertisement is to demonstrate that the specific orders sought by the Leader of the Opposition and Zulfikar Mustapha were refused by the CCJ. However, the author deceptively omits the parts of the judgements which say emphatically that those orders were not granted because the Constitution itself specifically and adequately provides for what must happen when a No-Confidence Motion is passed in the National Assembly.

“Further, the advertisement also deceptively omits to inform the public of the reliefs which the AttorneyGeneral & his bandwagon sought at the CCJ, and that none (was) granted,” Nandlall said.

“It is clear that the author wishes to portray that because the specific orders prayed for were refused, then the judgements of the

Minister, Ministers and Cabinet to remain in office until a new President is sworn in after elections are held. In their submissions, the Government side had cited Article 106 (7) of the Constitution to defend this position. The CCJ did not grant this order.

In describing the Government’s advertisement, Nandlall used the analogy of a domestic violence victim approaching the court for a restraining

(then be) included in the final list of six names to be submitted to the President for the appointment of a Chairman of GECOM. “In other words, the President is insisting upon submitting names to himself for appointment by him.

The very thing he did in respect of the appointment of Justice Patterson, which the CCJ ruled was flawed and in contravention of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution,” Nandlall added.

Attorney General Basil Williams

What the CCJ actually said

When CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, read the court’s final ruling on the matter during the consequential hearing on July 12, he had said that when the No Confidence Motion was passed on December 21, 2019, Article 106 of the Constitution had immediately been activated.

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution 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.”

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) states: “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.”

“Upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that ‘notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and that an election shall be held 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’,” Justice Saunders had told the court, during which time Attorney General Basil Williams had personally been in attendance in the Trinidad-based courtroom.

Further, the CCJ President had noted that with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) also responsible for the conduct of elections, it therefore means that the elections body also “must abide by the provisions of the Constitution.”

He had gone on to point out that elections should have been held on March 21, 2019 following the December passage of the Opposition- sponsored motion, but that process was

President David Granger

on "pause" pending legal proceedings.

That process, Saunders had added, was no longer on pause following the court’s June 18, 2019 ruling which upheld the validity of the No Confidence Motion, and thus the need for fresh elections had been triggered.

This means that General and Regional Elections would have to be held on or before September 18, 2019 to be consistent with the three months’ constitutional deadline.

When it comes to the CCJ’s failure to issue consequential orders setting an election date, Saunders had said that it was not the regional court’s role to do so; but rather, this must be up to the politicians in Guyana, whom the court trusted would act responsibly.

The parliamentary Opposition has so far accused the Government of holding on to power illegally, and doing anything but acting responsibly.

8 News

monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Magistrate orders counselling for woman who stole money from husband

“I

was hungry so I pick up the money to buy things to eat. I took the money and buy twopiece chicken for both of us because is six years we living together,” were the words of 40-year-old Leah Cadogan of John Street, Lodge, Georgetown, who was slapped with two simple larceny charges.

The first charge stated that on July 8, 2019, at 36 John Street, Lodge, Georgetown, she stole $10,000 cash from Angelo Lupe, her spouse.

It was further alleged that on July 16, at 36 John Street, Lodge, Georgetown, she stole one phone valued $25,000, property of Angelo Lupe.

The woman pleaded guilty with an explanation to the first charge and denied the latter charge. The unrepresented woman in her explanation stated that she was hungry and as such, she collected the money to purchase food.

The woman said in relation to the phone, “He get three phones and the day he

forgets his phone home and while I was taking it to him, somebody robbed me. The person took away his phone and my iPhone also”.

After listening to the woman, the presiding Magistrate enquired if the VC would like to proceed with the matters but he responded in the negative and told the court that he would like for his spouse to stop “smoking” and get the necessary help.

The woman, upon hearing that, stated “smoking

does make me feel happy because this man and his family does stress me out. When I ready to stop smoke, I will.

I don’t want no one making that decision for me.”

When asked by the Magistrate if she works, the teary woman stated “I am a cosmetologist but nobody ain’t want hire me. I does go and wash for some people every two weeks and they does pay me.”

Magistrate Daly dismissed the matters against the woman and ordered that she undergo counselling.

$17M Maternity Waiting Home commissioned in Annai

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Annai Maternity Waiting Home

xpectant mothers in the North Rupununi will now benefit from the best care as the new Yvonne Jacobus Maternity Waiting Home was officially commissioned in Annai on Sunday.

Named after Yvonne Janet Jacobus, a midwife of the North Rupununi for over 50 years, the $17 million building is expected to house seven mothers at a time.

The home comprises individual rooms, a kitchen,

washroom, bathroom facilities, a sitting area and hammocks on the porch for the expecting mothers. The establishment will be manned by a doctor from the Annai Health Centre who is expected to conduct regular check-ups.

The building is funded through an Inter-American IDB loan to target interventions in reducing Maternal deaths in Regions Three, Four, and Nine.

Speaking at the ceremony, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said that the facility was built following an evaluation to determine where maternal deaths were prevalent in Guyana.

“No woman should lose her life giving birth… We recognise also that coupled

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

with all of those medical things that have been happening (high blood pressure and haemorrhaging) is that of access to health services,” Minister Lawrence said. turn to page 11

Form…

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…versus substance with PNC our Eyewitness is really getting tired of this political carousel we Guyanese have been on for the past sixty years or so. He’s reminded of that classic 1990s movie with Bill Murray, “Groundhog Day”. You know, the one where he’s a schmuck stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same experiences every day for god knows how long. In our time loop, Guyana has always been full of “potential” at the beginning of each era, but end up right where we started – down and out, panhandling for our daily bread. You’d think that, like Bill Murray, they’d use the loop to straighten out their act for the greater good, wouldn’t you? But not in our mudland!!

Granger and crew are dangling the prospect of oil starting to flow next year under the noses of John Public, and promising the days of wine and roses are nigh upon us. But think about this: Weren’t we once the largest supplier of bauxite in the world – especially of the refractory grade, which made the kilns that fired the factories of the world?? What did the Guyanese people get from that, except big holes in the ground??

Billions of dollars – American greenbacks, not our Monopoly money – were earned from our gold. What have we got, excepting big lakes of cyanide and polluted rivers?

And let’s not get started with our sugar, when we don’t even have a refinery after 400 years!!

So your Eyewitness is quite jaded about the “black gold” from the bottom of the Atlantic “solving” our dystopian time loop, okay?

Granger has perfected the schtick he expects will make him and his PNC stick around for the foreseeable future. He commits the most blatant excesses in every area of national life to destroy any opposition to his party, but explains them away with his doe-eyed, hang dog look, which his followers – and quite a lot of the folks under his jackboot - just lap up!!

Examples: He and the PNC had severely criticised the PPP for “politicising” the Public Service when appointing “contract workers”, but there are MORE contract workers than under the PPP ever, but no one utters a squeak!!

Army officers are appointed like commissars to every Government agency, but no one’s troubled about what this authoritarian mindset signifies for democratic governance and regime change.

He shut down 4 sugar estates and threw 7000 mostly PPP supporters on the streets, and not a dog barked. He violated the Constitution and unilaterally appointed the GECOM Chair to “fix” the elections.

And in the face of the CCJ’s rulings, continues to stick his middle finger at the Constitution and the Guyanese people, while smirking beatifically!! …and PNC dictatorship The TUC’s another entity getting away with murder, by uttering platitudes while ultimately coming down on the side of the unfolding PNC dictatorship. This weekend, it asserted: “We are yet to see, 34 years after Burnham’s passing, any vision, any development that matches his era. We are yet to see, 22 years after Jagan’s passing, the willingness to sit and negotiate with his opponent across the table.”

Now, what the hell does this mean?? What did Burnham “develop” when he plunged us precariously just above Haiti as the worst basket case in the hemisphere?

Isn’t development ultimately about people to this “worker” organisation?? The couple of roads built by the Americans as a sop to the PNC supporting them with ethnic riots is supposed to make the TUC forget Pollydore’s wail that not “an iota” of their proposals was included in Burnham’s Constitution - which legalised his dictatorship??

And Jagdeo’s supposed to roll over and play dead, like Jagan did for 28 years?? …with no PNC substance One ex-PPP supporter - now slavishly supporting Granger - described what he claimed were PPP rigging techniques during their term of office.

Well, the PNC’s now in office. Don’t folks need to know how they rigged elections in 1968, 1973, 1978, 1980, and 1985??

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

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monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pomeroon coconut company fined for dumping waste in river

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined a Pomeroon coconut company $1 million for dumping shells and husks into the tributaries of the Pomeroon River.

Fat Boy Coconut Ventures, which is managed by Alphonso and Sons

daily dumping of the shells and husks. As such, the EPA has been called in to address the issue for the past two years.

The shells and husks are a major contributor to flooding and more so, it poses a hazard to the waterways, since residents rely on the river for their liveli-

tions were imposed. The company has agreed to pay the fine within 30 days, which comes to an end on July 31.

The company has now embarked on a new initiative to recycle the coconut shells. This comes weeks after the agency hosted a two-day meet the public event which was specially organised in recognition of the fact that most of the agency’s business was conducted by business persons and complainants.

The event was part of

the agency’s 23rd anniversary celebration and the World Environment Day and was deemed a huge success since more than one hundred people visited the booth and interacted with agents of the EPA. The EPA, as the country’s leading regulatory agency, has the responsibility to ensure that the public is informed about environmental issues to promote public participation in matters of environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

Local Courts have duty...

This means that everyone, regardless of whether they were registered before or not, must register anew at their place of residence between July 20 and October of this year.

Disenfranchised

Charity wharf which sits on the Pomeroon river

Enterprise, has reportedly dumped an estimated 15,000 coconut shells into the canals that flow into the Pomeroon River.

Residents along the communities in the Pomeroon River have condemned the

hood.

Officers of the EPA had since visited the area and had warned of the consequences if they do not desist from dumping the waste.

This reportedly continued and as such, the sanc-

The requirement for proof of residency has alarmed overseas-based Guyanese to the point where a court case was filed by an overseas-based Guyanese against House-to-House Registration, on the basis that it would disenfranchise her.

In her court filings, Bibi Zeenatoun, a retired teacher and citizen of Guyana, had sought writs of prohibition and injunction and a conservatory order against GECOM. Her fixed date application explained that she worked in the United Kingdom from 1980 until her retirement in 2014. She then acquired property and maintained a residence in that country. Besides her citizenship, however, she has family ties to Guyana that include an adult son and his two children.

from page 3

According to the application, Zeenatoun “fears that she will be excluded from the proposed exercise of Houseto-House Registration and thereby, in effect, be de-registered and in consequence thereof, and she will be unlawfully denied her statutory and constitutional right to be registered and to vote”.

“The applicant’s right to vote will and can be protected if the respondents were to engage in Continuous Registration as provided for in Section 6 (1) of the National Registration Act, Cap 19:08,” the application

advised.

Order

There has also been much debate on whether the exercise can go forward since the former Chairman who signed the order, Retired Justice Patterson was found by the CCJ to have been unconstitutionally appointed.

Additionally, GECOM has said that House-toHouse Registration will take 90 days, further delaying elections that should have been held since March 21.

10 NEWS

monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Competency critical to work in petroleum, other sectors – Energy Director

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he Department of Energy continues to engage stakeholders across the country to ensure that they obtain a good understanding of the opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship both within the petroleum sector and in other fields.

During a series of stakeholder engagements, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe noted that while job opportunities abound, training, skills building, certification and competency are critical to capitalise on them.

The Department reiterated this point in its recent engagements at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church, Retrieve, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana Oil and Gas forum held at GITC and the Guyana Youth for Tomorrow (GYFT) symposium, both held in Georgetown and at the Third Annual Hindu Youth Convention, which was held at the Golden OM Dharmic Youth Organisation, New

Some of the young people at the Guyana Youth for Tomorrow (GYFT) symposium

Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

“Within the industry, there are certain takeaways that we must hold to. One is that you must ensure that you are qualified and certified. Why is this important? It is important, because the industry has very high standards,” Dr Bynoe said in his presentation titled “The advent of oil and its impact on our communities” at the GYFT forum.

The Energy Director also encouraged the young people to pursue their passion

and to ensure that they are competent in any field that suits their interest. He noted that Guyanese were capable of providing training as well as ancillary services to the industry, which will become necessary in fields as varied as catering, tourism, and engineering as the oil sector emerges.

“It’s not just about oil and gas; it’s about all the other supporting services that are required.

Guyana is yours, consume it. Guyana belongs to us all, occupy it … Advise your friends and families to plan

for careers not only in oil and gas. Your careers have to be beyond oil and gas.

Yes, I said there might be opportunities therein, but there are opportunities outside, what we call the multiplier effect,” he said.

In this vein, the Energy Director cautioned young people to utilise their smart phones and the Internet to research the skills set and certification required in their particular field, so that they are not duped by unscrupulous persons.

In response to concerns about acquiring job experience as new graduates, Dr Bynoe encouraged the young people to consider volunteering, both to gain experience and to obtain a broader perspective of careers within their areas of interest.

“Volunteerism is about gaining the experience and the expertise before you can start calling for your price. Too often, people come through the door and the first thing they ask is… how much are you paying?

That cannot be the mentality that we’re going forward with … The careers chosen

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe at the Calvary Temple Church in Retrieve, Linden

will take time and, therefore, we need to manage our expectations. You’re not going to become an expert because you just graduated from law school. You’re not going to become an expert, because you just graduated from med school. You’re not going to become an expert, because you just graduated with an economics degree.

These things take time,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training (C-TVET) plans to implement a new records system in its institutions

from September. C-TVET Officer – Standards and Curriculum, Seon Hamer said the Council is embarking on this initiative in response to concerns expressed by its graduates.

Additionally, echoing sentiments expressed by the Energy Director, Hamer also encouraged the youth to develop their skill set and to keep learning. “We have to be engaged in continuous training and continuous upgrading of our qualifications so that we will continue to be relevant in the employment sector,” he said.

Reg 8 RDC trying to create level playing field for contractors – Chairman …after accusation of favouritism surfaces

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he Regional Democratic Council of Region 8 (PotaroSiparuni) having been accused of being a political entity controlled by the Coalition Government and of giving contracts to only APNU/AFC supporters, Region 8 Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks told this publication that the regional administration is working to establish a tender board process in an effort to be fair to contractors and thus create a level playing field for all parties.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Fredericks

alition is in power, so this is our time. So they are looking at it as (that) they should be getting (all the contracts) because they supported the Coalition. We tried to work it out in a way that both sides will benefit,” he said.

According to Fredericks, the new initiative will see a level playing field being created regardless of party support.

“Also, what we have to look at is that some of those residents also do not meet the approval of council for contracts, so they decided to go alleging things that they cannot even prove,” he not-

these very persons’ documentations are short of business registration and other important things; so, even though they bid, they cannot be approved because their applications are incomplete, and that is a problem which leads to their bids being rejected,” he explained.

Fredericks is, however, optimistic that the new process being undertaken would help to streamline those concerns by residents in regard to the awarding of contracts.

Meanwhile, some residents had also accused the

A section of the community of Madhia, Region 8

related that some residents in the region believe that, because they are supporters of the coalition Government, they should be the only ones benefiting from regional contracts.

“What we find is that some residents are saying okay, that PPP was in power one time, and now the co-

ed.

The Regional Chairman also said that for some of the contracts that are being awarded, some contractors’ documents are not upto-date, and as such, they cannot be approved by the council.

“What we have to deal with too is that some of

regional administration of stifling People’s Progressive Party- owned businesses in the region, thus creating hardships for those business operators. In response to these claims, Chairman Fredericks said he is unaware of any such occurrence, but noted that business has declined in the

Region Eight Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks

region overall.

“There is not much employment and income coming through in any form.

Even bus drivers crying out because business is not like before. So, to boycott any one area or business, I don’t see it like that, because people shop wherever they want to.

I don’t really buy this claim too much, because it is not much evident,” he said.

The RDC has been ac-

cused of awarding contracts only to APNU members and supporters. This has led to the creation of much tension and confrontation in the region. Councillors and residents have, on several occasions, expressed dissatisfaction with the Council’s mechanism in awarding contracts, and have complained bitterly of discrimination against non-APNU supporters.

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monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tourism Authority working with GRA to lower travel costs – as expense cited as major challenge for domestic tourism

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he expense Guyanese incur to travel and see beautiful destinations in their own country has often been cited as a challenge to domestic tourism and as such, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is working to correct the situation.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, GTA Director Brian Mullis acknowledged that this was a major challenge. He noted that the tourism body was working along with stakeholders and other Government agencies, particularly the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to try to bring prices down.

“I think the most commonly cited challenge includes the cost of travel in Guyana. It is prohibitively expensive for many people (including) residents of Georgetown, expats, etc.

I think that problem is multi-faceted. But it has to do with the enabling environment to offer tax concessions that make travel more affordable,” Mullis said.

dations will be based on business feedback,” he disclosed.

“So while the policy was never approved at the highest levels, we continue to develop the sector. And without a roadmap, how can you know where you need to go and how you’re going to get there? So, we engaged stakeholders across the sector to create a strategic action plan. And we’ve been implementing it for the past few months. We update it twice annually, to ensure we rec-

GTA Director Brian Mullis poses with the award

“We are actually working with GRA on the existing concessions, because many of them are not highly accessible to the sector. So we’ve been trying to see how we can make them more accessible, more user friendly, more attractive.”

Mullis noted that moving forward, they would maintain consultations with stakeholders to ensure that priority recommendations can be implemented to im-

$17M Maternity Waiting...

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock noted that these were steps towards preserving the life of Indigenous women.

“This will not be the only activity that we will collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health on; we will continue to join forces to put together many other initiatives that will benefit the Indigenous peoples of Guyana,” Allicock said.

Both he and Minister Lawrence commended the work of Nurse Jacobus and stated that the naming of the home in her honour was most fitting given the

legacy she has left behind.

Expectant mothers who are already being housed at the facility commended the initiative, noting that it was more convenient for those mothers who wish to have their deliveries done at the Annai Health Centre instead of embarking on a rough and lengthy journey to the Lethem Regional Hospital.

Annai Toshao Zacharias Norman also said he was pleased with the prompt response by the Government since the suggestions for the establishment of a waiting home and the provision of an am-

prove the GTA’s tourism policies.

“Each year, starting last year, we began getting all the stakeholders together to identify what are the priority recommendations to improve policy. Because what’s happened in the past is different groups have been putting forward their recommendations that have been in silos versus a coordinated, collaborative effort. So for 2020, our priority recommen-

from page 8

bulance made at the last National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting have been fulfilled.

Also attending the commissioning of the waiting home were Public Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Colette Adams; Regional Executive Officer Carl Parker; North Rupununi District Development Board Chairperson Jaqueline Allicock; Regional Health Officer, Dr Naail Uthman, many villagers of Annai and Doctor-in-Charge of Annai’s Health Centre, Dr Gillian Joseph, who chaired the ceremony.

ognise what is working and what is not working.”

Guyana has been making strides when it comes to eco-tourism. Earlier this year, the country was named the number one “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world from a selection of the finest destinations.

The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany.

The second annual “Best of Top 100” Awards is a se-

lection of the finest top 100 destinations selected by a panel of experts, who review sustainability success stories submitted by destinations worldwide.

The newly-created “Best of Ecotourism” category was added in 2019 and pitted Guyana against very wellknown and experienced ecotourism destinations, such as Sierra Gorda in Mexico, Tmatboey in Cambodia, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

Bandits rob nursing students at New Amsterdam -ransack room, steal cellular phones, tablet before escaping

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wo female students residing at the Nursing School in New Amsterdam, Berbice, are now traumatised after two bandits entered their bedroom and relieved them of their valuables.

The two students are 24-year-old Wendy John and 29-year-old Eliza Edwin, both of Region Eight.

Reports are that at about 01:30h on Saturday morning, the two female students were asleep in the bedroom which they share when they were awoken by the perpe-

trators.

The two suspects were said to have been dressed in dark clothing and had cloths tied around the lower parts of their faces to conceal their identities. One of the men brandished a handgun.

According to a source, the men grabbed a Samsung Galaxy S8 phone valued at $101,000 and a Samsung Tablet 4 valued at $43,000 belonging to Wendy and one Samsung J2 valued at $37,000 that belonged to Eliza.

After snatching the

items, the men ransacked the bedroom, in search of more valuables. However, during this time, one of the students raised an alarm, which prompted the men to escape through a window.

Shortly after, the police were contacted and although the scene was dusted for fingerprints, none were found. A search for the two suspects in the compound proved futile.

An investigation has been launched into the robbery and a manhunt is on for the two suspects.

12 news

monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bids out for construction of new Police divisional headquarters “These geographical and demographic factors place a burden on the Force’s organisational, operational, administrative and human capabilities. Officers, in this regard, are selected, trained, appointed, promoted and tasked to command the Force’s manpower and manage its resources in order to fulfil the complex tasks of maintaining public security in this complex country, and in this varied landscape. Officers are paid more to do more, not as reward for past efforts, but as a promise of what they are capable of doing. The Force Police HQ Eve Leary

I

n keeping with plans to decentralise the Guyana Police Force (GPF), preparations have commenced to construct five new divisional headquarters in various administrative regions across the country.

The Public Security Ministry has invited sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the construction of the new headquarters at Anna Regina, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), and Fort Wellington, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

This was budgeted for in the 2019 Budget. In fact, Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his presentation had stated that this year will see the Police Force focusing on consolidating existing facilities and the ex-

pansion of services to cover larger areas.

“To better plan and execute its mandate, the GPF has undertaken to harmonise its divisional boundaries with those of the administrative regions in a phased manner, with a view to ensuring that each region has at least one divisional headquarters,” he stated.

To this end, the Minister disclosed that nearly $700 million has been earmarked to, among other things, construct new divisional headquarters in Regions One, Four, Five and Eight.

The issue of decentralising the Police Force was first mentioned by President David Granger back in 2017. Addressing members of the country’s premier law enforcement agency, the Commander in Chief had stated that the Police Force will adopt the same divisional structure as the 10 administrative regions so that each capital town

will have a Police headquarter. This, he noted, will allow the assigned Divisional Commander to be able to have a more close-knit relation with the Regional Administration.

In fact, the Head of State reiterated these plans at the GPF’s Annual Police Officers’ Conference back in January this year.

“Police divisions are being restructured to correspond to governmental regional divisions; Commanders for regional divisions will no longer be forced to endure the urban discomfort of Eve Leary but will be live and work in more pleasant hinterland regions; I’m sure they’ll look forward to that,” he stated.

While acknowledging the Force’s inadequate capacity, as well as lack of resources to proper police hinterland regions, President Granger, nevertheless, emphasised the need for the police to be in those areas.

Grove-Diamond NDC honours NGSA top students

is not merely one for shine shoes and soft raiment. It is not an organisation only for desk-bound clerks and land-lubbers. Officers have to get out of their offices into the regions and Divisions,” the President had asserted.

Persons interested in bidding for the construction of these five new divisional headquarters can inspect the Bidding Document(s) and obtain further information from the Finance Department at the Public Security Ministry in Brickdam, Georgetown, between 08:30h and 15:30h from Monday to Friday. The

Bid Document can also be uplifted at a non-refundable fee of $5000.

Bids should be addressed to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and deposited in the tender box at the NPTAB’s office in the Finance Ministry’s compound no later than 09:00h on July 30, 2019.

The bids will be opened at 09:00h on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 in NPTAB’s Boardroom in the presence of those bidders or their representatives who choose to attend the opening.

Rose Hall Town to observe 49th anniversary in grandeur

T

he town of Rose Hall will observe its 49th anniversary with a one-month celebration which was launched on Friday.

Town Day 2019 is a collaborative effort of the Rose Hall Town Council and several businesses and will run from August 25 to September 28.

At the launch, one of the organisers, Dauren Deonarine explained that a total of 18 events will be executed during the onemonth celebration, which was opened with a clean-up campaign and on July 31,

there will be a candlelight vigil.

On September 1, a fitness walk has been planned along with a 5-a-side football competition while an art competition for students is organised for September 5.

“As the Mayor did mention, we are catering for everyone at Rose Hall Town Day anniversary 2019; even for the little children, so on September 5, we are proposing an art competition for students within the surrounding communities,” Deonarine explained.

Among the feature

events will be a health fair on September 25, but before that, an auto vehicle show is scheduled for the Area H Ground.

On September 20, which is the Town’s anniversary, an award ceremony, street fair, and exhibition-career fair have been organised. The curtains will come down with an international concert on September 20.

Initially, the Rose Hall Town Anniversary Organisation had submitted a proposal for similar activities and the Council had asked for a meeting with the two sides, but according to the Town’s Mayor, Chattergoon Ramnauth, the Anniversary Organisation refused to sit with the other promoters.

“Both of them were invited and only one turned up; the other one never turned up and never sought to get in contact with us,” Mayor Ramnauth explained.

Proceeds from the event according to Deonarine will be used to repair streets in the Town and erect signs.

NBTS introduces new measures to make blood transfusions safer

N The NGSA students and representatives of the Grove/Diamond NDC at Saturday’s prize-giving ceremony

T

he Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), for the first time, hosted an award ceremony to give recognition to students and schools in the catchment area for their exemplary performance at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

The ceremony was held on Saturday at the Diamond Community Centre and saw parents, residents and officials from the NDC gathered to recognise the efforts of those students.

The event was organised

by Councillor and Head of the Sports and Education Committee of the NDC, Chattergoon Jadoopat, who said that the initiative was taken to highlight the efforts of the students and schools who worked hard to secure a spot at the top schools in the country.

He noted that the initiative also serves as an encouragement to the students to continue to strive for even greater accomplishments as they embark on their secondary education and be-

yond.

At the event, seven schools from the NDC were recognised and the two top students of each of those schools were awarded prizes. Also receiving a prize was Stefani Rafeek, who also secured a spot in the country’s top 100.

She also hails from the Grove/Diamond area.

The Diamond/Grove NDC wished the students well in their future endeavours and also encouraged the schools and teachers to continue working towards success.

ational Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), which is housed in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital, has introduced im m uno-ha ematological testing and Hepatitis B core antigen which will improve the quality of blood offered to patients, especially expectant mothers, who will be able to access safer blood, thanks to these measures.

Patients, more so pregnant women, stand to receive uncontaminated blood because of the implemented measures, since the “risks of blood infection are always there”; the new tests have significantly lowered the chance of transmitting transfusion diseases, according to NBTS Director, Dr Pedro Lewis.

The immuno-haematological tests take advantage of the body’s immune sys-

NBTS Director, Dr Pedro Lewis

tem, in order to fight germs or foreign substances: the immune system produces antibodies which are proteins that can bind to a specific germ or substance, just like a key fits into a specific keyhole. They “catch” the germs or substances, neu-

tralise them, and attract other immune cells.

Dr Lewis stated that the new leap in expertise by the NBTS was made possible through ongoing networking involving the Public Health Ministry, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), and the GuyanaArgentina collaboration.

The NBTS conducts a wide array of tests, including those for HIV I and II (HIVI is the most widespread worldwide and HIV2 is found mostly in western Africa); Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV1 and 2) infections associated with certain rare diseases of T lymphocytes (T-cells); Hepatitis B and C; Chagas Disease; Malaria; Filaria and Rapid Plasma Regain (RPR) used to test for the presence of syphilis.

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monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PSC demands suspension of House-to-House registration ...reminds Chief Elections Officer that exercise clashes with 3 months’ election deadline ...says GECOM never verified President’s claim that voters list bloated

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC), one of several accredited elections observers, has written a stinging letter to Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, upbraiding him for starting an unsanctioned, unverified, House-toHouse Registration exercise.

According to PSC Chairman Captain (retired) Gerry Gouveia in the letter addressed to the CEO, House-to-House Registration is usually preceded by GECOM consulting with important stakeholders, such as elections’ observers. The PSC noted that its repeated attempts to meet with the CEO have been disregarded as GECOM presses on with preparations for the exercise.

“We write now as a result of GECOM having officially announced the commencement of house-to-house registration as of 20th July, 2019. We have sought legal advice on this matter, and it is our understanding that you have not been legally directed by the Commission to proceed as you are doing, and that to conduct houseto-house registration is unlawful.

“We have also noted that GECOM’s Internal Counsel has advised that GECOM would be in contempt of the ruling of the CCJ to carry out any instruction in this regard from former Chairman James Patterson, whose appointment by the President has been ruled to be flawed.”

In his letter, Gouveia reminded Lowenfield that there is a constitutional requirement to hold elections within three months of the validation of the No Confidence Motion. The PSC also pointed out that, in

PSC Chairman, Capt. Gerry Gouveia

scrutineers, and therefore political parties’ scrutiny of the exercise of registration you have now presumed to conduct essential to establishing a credible NRRD. “We cannot have a credible database if these elements are completely absent from the current house-tohouse exercise you are embarking on,” the PSC continued.

“GECOM’s present conduct is a complete break from its history of inclusivity and respectful engagement with all the relevant stakeholders. GECOM is failing to meet its duty to communicate, provide facts, and justify its actions to the public.”

The PSC made it clear that undertaking House-toHouse Registration without proper consultation and discussion of any alternatives with stakeholders undermines GECOM’s credibility and trustworthiness as an elections agency, as well as the credibility of officials at the secretariat.

National Register

While President David Granger has repeatedly said that the voters list is bloated with 200,000 excess voters (a line repeated by party

“We cannot have a credible database if (scrutineers) are completely absent from the current house-to-house exercise you are embarking on. GECOM’s present conduct is a complete break from its history of inclusivity and respectful engagement with all the relevant stakeholders. GECOM is failing to meet its duty to communicate, provide facts, and justify its actions to the public,” PSC. 2008, the last time Houseto-House Registration was done, the PSC had participated in consultations involving civil society, political parties, and the international community.

“The (2008) decision to conduct House-to-House Registration was inclusive and respectful of all national actors, and the subsequent exercise involved full involvement of Political Parties’ scrutineers in house-to-house visits. There has been, in this instance, a total absence of consultation with the political parties’

a credible election in 2015 and has gone through cycles of continuous registration, have suddenly become so corrupted?”

The PSC reminded Lowenfield of his own words back in 2015, when he had sought to allay the fears of observers about the voters list having 570,787 regis-

time credited this number to GECOM having opened more registration offices and having improved its systems.

“GECOM, at that time, admitted to a lag in removing deceased persons and those who migrated permanently, but you personally assured us, and we know this to be true from our experience, that the procedures for voting, with the presence of Political Parties’ scrutineers etc. made it practically impossible for anyone to double vote or vote as an imposter.

“You confirmed that GECOM staff and parties’ scrutineers are given folios at every polling station with particulars of voters registered at that station, including photographs. Thus while

supporters and Ministers), the PSC pointed out that GECOM never conducted a field test on the National Register of Registrants’ Database (NRRD) to verify if this was even true.

“GECOM is not, therefore, in a position to state with credibility that some 200,000 entries on the NRRD do not belong there.

This advice to the President begs the question not only of why would anyone tell the President that, but also why would a register under your custody since the 2015 elections, one that gave us

House-to-House Registration began on Saturday with teams travelling across Guyana to register persons

trants.

According to the PSC, Lowenfield had at that

it was ideal to keep the register scrubbed, you were not concerned then that the

In the hot seat: GECOM CEO, Keith Lowenfield

size of the list would undermine a free and fair election.

Indeed, the 2015 election with a voters’ list of 570,787 electors and 412,012 valid votes cast gave us credible National and Regional Elections.”

The PSC also noted that two Local Government Elections were also credibly held after and amid numerous cycles of continuous registration and claims and objections. The PSC therefore questioned the reasoning for GECOM bypassing Claims and Objections -which would maintain the three months’ deadline for early elections -- and jump straight to the other extreme of creating a new list through House-to-House Registration.

It was also pointed out that persons who may not be at home, or are unavoidably out of the jurisdiction, would end up being deregistered.

In view of all these circumstances, the PSC has demanded that GECOM suspend the house-tohouse exercise -- which has been pushed by both the Government and its three nominated commissioners: Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman -- until a new and credible GECOM Chairman

is appointed to arbitrate on, and decide, the way forward.

“It is the responsibility of GECOM and the Government to canvass the positions of all the political parties for a decision that is in the best interest of the country. The ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice must be respected”, the PSC contends.

“In the meantime, we call on you, as Chief Elections Officer, to discharge your duty professionally and objectively, and provide information to the public to correct misinformation about the voters list and voting process,” Gouveia wrote, adding that GECOM would be closely watched.

The PSC’s letter comes as pressure continues to mount on the Government to comply with the Constitution amidst attempts by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger to find a new GECOM Chairman.

Recently, representatives of the international community had urged the country’s political players to act swiftly and in compliance with the Constitution, as ordered by the CCJ. This has followed similar urgings from other private sector bodies and sections of society.

14 News

Monday, JUly 22, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Pakera/Heaven residents accuse Govt of neglect R

esidents of Matthews Ridge, Region One (BarimaWaini), have accused the coalition Government of neglect, noting that prior to the elections, it made countless promises to them in return for their votes but four years after, they are yet to see any of those promises fulfilled.

Following the Local Government Elections (LGE), a representative from the Pakera/ Heaven Hill Constituency in Matthews Ridge is yet to be sworn in on the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

The representative, Wayne Williams, was expected to be sworn in since December 12 last but this was not done.

Guyana Times understands that Williams did not show up at the swearing-in ceremony and has never shown interest. As a result, residents have inquired the reason for not replacing Williams but they have not received a response.

“They aren’t responding to our concerns. We asking all the time because the residents are suffering. No one remembers Matthews Ridge. It appears that we don’t even exist. When we see Ministers and so visiting Region One, it’s always Mabaruma, Moruca or Port Kaituma and those places but never here. This is unacceptable. The residents are very dissatisfied because we give them a fair chance.

We know what we have to do in the upcoming elections,” a resident

The community of Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini)

told Guyana Times.

Residents of Matthews Ridge outlined a number of issues that continue to affect them on a daily basis. The high unemployment rate, land titling issues, lack of access to potable water for some residents, lack of proper electricity and discrimination by APNU officials if complaints are levied against them are among the issues the residents complained of.

Some of the residents who reached out to Guyana Times during the weekend said that community meetings are rarely held in Matthews Ridge and there is no other means to voice their concerns.

They admitted that the

Government holds meetings in the community but only for their supporters.

Marcia De Freitas, a resident, related that there are no employment opportunities in the community and as such, youths are forced to go into the mining areas to seek work.

She added that after the Manganese Company was reestablished, residents were happy as they felt that they would have benefited in some way, however, this was not the case.

“Only a selected few can get jobs at Manganese Company and that is only the family and friends of the people that work in the office there.

A random person can’t apply for a job there and get through. People there are handpicked,” she said.

Further, De Freitas alleged that in the case where an opportunity may arise for employment, it is almost impossible to be successful since the persons in charge have multiple portfolios and manage multiple positions.

She alleged that the Head Teacher of the Matthews Ridge Nursery School, Shondell St Just, is also the Head of the Power and Light Company at Matthews Ridge as well as the Chairman of the school feeding programme.

“This is so unfair. If one person has 4 positions in this small place,

where there is no opportunity to gain employment, then how anyone else can have a chance? A free for all kind of setting going on up here. And St Just is the big boss up here. She and one of her associates alone running the power company.

And sometimes for months they not reading meter or anything… residents have to be running all over trying to locate her to pay their bill because they do not operate out of an office; we have to find her at her home or school or wherever she is in the village to pay our bill. When residents are having issues with electricity supply, St Just can never be located easily,” a frustrated De Freitas related.

Another resident, who spoke anonymously fearing victimisation, said that residents of Pakera receive no water while residents of Heaven Hill and Hell Hill get drinking water at least three times a week.

She added that the community recently received a visit from officials of the Guyana Water Inc, which committed to drilling a well for the community, however, no work has yet commenced.

“APNU/AFC need to think about our people. They only thinking about themselves and doing everything to hold on to power and they are doing a poor job. It’s gonna turn back on them though. We have already decided exactly what we will do and we are anxiously awaiting the upcoming elections,” the resident said.

Diamond Insurance opens new Essequibo branch

D

iamond Fire and General Insurance Inc on Saturday evening commissioned its fifth office on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. The new office was opened at Barakat’s Hall, Henrietta, and will offer specialised services for all of the general insurance needs.

The comprehensive service, tailored to fit your needs will include third party insurance, machinery insurance, which covers combines, tractors, boilers and others. It also caters for contractors, marine and aviation.

Executive Chairman of the Board at Diamond Fire and General Insurance, Komal Samaroo said that the aim of the new branch in Essequibo is to cater to the needs and wellbeing of the people.

Samaroo noted that the establishment will add to the development of the county while encouraging the residents to take advantage of the services that will be provided.

“I would like to encourage everybody in Essequibo

to really look at themselves, look at your assets, look at the things you do and the risk that you are exposed to and reach out to our staff and engage them so that they can help you to structure the best insurance product to fit your need… we are bringing here, a service that seeks to ensure that Essequibo progresses to

even greater heights as you and your individual lives and business aspire, build and grow” Samaroo said.

Regional Chairman, Davanand Ramdatt echoed his appreciation to the management of the insurance company, especially for their coverage of contractors, who according to him, is the backbone of Essequibo.

The Chairman shared his enthusiasm over the continued growth and development of the county, adding that Diamond Insurance will not only bring about greater competition but will also create much-needed jobs in Essequibo.

“Our region as a budget agency spends close to 4 billion annually and so who

are some of the beneficiaries apart from our resident?

They are contractors and suppliers so it is pleasing to know and to have heard that this company will also be in a timely way processing documents that are necessary for our contractors…This business is coming at a crucial time, the economy is not as it once was but I know for sure that there is tremendous potential for growth and development. We strongly believe that this business will add to the competitiveness and will provide job creation. Having read the banner, it says “enduring service, trust and protection”.

Ramdatt noted that while agriculture is important and will remain important to Essequibo, the county is looking to build tourism.

Also delivering brief remarks, Head of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce (ECC), Sueann Sewnarine encouraged businesses in the county to get acquainted with the insurance company and to benefit from their “top-notch” services.

She welcomed the group

to Essequibo and urged the company to continue working to further develop the county.

“As the key advocacy body for business on the Essequibo Coast, we stand supported with Diamond Insurance and will certainly welcome the group as a member of the ECC as we collectively work towards development in this region…This initiative by your company is commendable as the group seeks to branch off its operation outside of the Region Four district. Certainly, this move will see greater competition on the Essequibo Coast and allow for citizens to benefit from a top-notch insurance company, something the ECC always appreciate and we must always strive on raising our standards” Sewnarine said.

Diamond Insurance has been in existence for over 20 years and has branches at Lamaha Street, Queenstown, Georgetown; Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice; Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice; West Public Road, Corentyne Berbice.

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15

monday, JUly 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

I SAY...

What the people say

Should children be allowed into movie theatres after hours to view Rated R films?

Quacy Paddy “As long as the children are going into the theatres after hours, it means that the parents are not teaching them discipline. I was brought up knowing that after certain hours, it’s big people time.

So, you ain’t even have to think about asking to go out a particular hour because you know it is big people time. So, it comes down to parenting and I wouldn’t support taking children in the theatre after hours much less to watch a Rated R movie. Yes, they could be exposed to Rated R at home or their friend could have a phone but I would not be the one responsible for that. And for me, if they’re doing it behind my back, therefore, they know to themselves it’s wrong. So, therefore, I’ve done my job with teaching them right from wrong. I don’t think children should be allowed, after hours as well, that’s a no.”

Leslyn Thompson “Stricter surveillance needs to be put into place by the movie theatres themselves because children just walk in without it being a problem and that is very strange. Only in Guyana can such things happen.”

Shania Gill “The only way children should be allowed to go watch the movies, like after hours, is if there is some parent or guardian with them. Otherwise, they shouldn’t because they are children after all.”

Vickanand Deokie “No, they shouldn’t. Although R ratings suggest that children aged 17 and under can view such movies under adult or parental supervision, many of these movies contain contents of adultery, intimacy, adult humour, explicit language, violence, etc. While this is common in society and may prepare a child for adult life, it is also harmful because they may not see it as entertainment but rather, a way of life. We should educate our children with good morals, standards, human biology, discipline and to use their minds to think for themselves rather than to have them copy adults and their portrayals.”

Denisia Liddell “No children should not be allowed in theatres after certain hours.

The movies should specify what is child-friendly and what is not.”

Sherryl Johnson “Movies that are Rated R is strictly not for children under 17, and it is my opinion that cinemas should not allow these youths to view it since they know the rules and especially if the case is after hours. And on the other hand, adults should not allow their children to either view these kinds of movies at home or anywhere else.”

Shaunell Wilson “I’ve always wondered why I saw young children sometimes being led by their parents to see adult films in movie theatres. It is appalling to me. What needs to be done is proper supervision needs to be put into place at the movie theatre to stop this.”

Andrew Khan “Nope, they shouldn’t be allowed to watch Rated R movies after hours. It also depends on what age category is involved. Let’s say the parent came from out of town to watch a movie and is a single parent and it’s an adult, then it’s optional to carry that child into the theatre.”

GWI announces plans to drill new well at Moco Moco I n its quest to create equity between the coastland and the hinterland, the Guyana Water Incorporated on Thursday revealed plans to drill a potable water well in the village of Moco Moco, located in Region 9.

During their visit to a number of communities in the Region, GWI Managing Director Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, Executive Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal; and Region 9 Manager John Yow met with Moco Moco Toshao James George to discuss the way forward.

Jailal explained that works, which will commence in approximately two weeks, will include drilling a well and laying transmission and distribution mains.

He explained that groundwater is a safer and more secure source of water, and it can be easily pumped to the community, since electricity is readily available there.

Dr. Van West-Charles

tem will be installed to supply power to the network.

Toshao Russian Dorrick thanked GWI, and noted that the new network would significantly improve their everyday livelihoods.

proposed that the community provide the manpower, with the guidance of GWI to get the job done. He asked the toshao to identify persons who could be trained to service and maintain the system.

Toshao George welcomed the news, noting that it’s a step in the right direction for his village, and saying that it is a dream come true.

Over 551 persons residing in Moco Moco and Moco Moco Settlement will benefit from this project.

Sand Creek

Massara

In Massara, a section of the community did not have access to potable water, and the residents were practising rainwater harvesting.

However, GWI has since run 2.7km of pipelines to interconnect the entire system and provide service connections to residents.

Works were also conducted to increase storage capacity for the community, allowing them 6 hours of water supply per day, com-

GWI officials pose with Moco Moco Toshao James George and Health Centre staff

pared with 2 hours or, in some cases, no water access.

Massara Toshao Arnold Bartholomew said the residents of Section Two are satisfied now that the pipes are in their yards. He said his

household is also benefiting, and he is pleased, as a leader. Bartholomew thanked GWI for the work done.

Yupukari

GWI connected pipelines

and installed 25 service connections from an existing network to the western part of the community. Works were also done to ensure water is pumped faster to the well, and a photovoltaic sys-

Upon carrying out checkup visits at Sand Creek, Dr. Van West-Charles registered his dissatisfaction with plumbing that existed at the Health Centre. He assured that GWI will work to rectify it, so that there is access to potable water throughout the centre, so that work can be conducted in sanitary conditions.

Additionally, he noted that works are progressing on the network in the community, and he would ensure that all systems are functioning properly prior to commissioning.

Sand Creek Toshao Maxie Pugsley expressed his gratitude to Dr. Van WestCharles for his constant visits to see that works are carried out satisfactorily.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

Monday, JUly 22, 2019

Regional

US accuses Venezuela of aggression Murders in Mexico in skies over Caribbean surge to record in

A

Venezuelan fighter jet "aggressively shadowed" an American intelligence plane over the Caribbean Sea, US defence officials said Sunday, slamming the manoeuvre as "unprofessional".

US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said the Russian-made Venezuelan SU-30 "Flanker" took off from an airfield 320 kilometres (200 miles) east of Caracas on Friday, following a US EP-3 at an "unsafe distance...jeopardising the crew and aircraft".

"The EP-3 aircraft, flying a mission in approved international airspace, was approached in an unprofessional manner by the SU-30... The US routinely conducts multi-nationally recognised and approved detection and monitoring missions in the Region to en-

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during the plenary session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on July 20, 2019 in Caracas, Venezuela

sure the safety and security of our citizens and those of our partners," it added.

SOUTHCOM said in a

separate post on Twitter the action demonstrated Russia's "irresponsible military support" to Venezuelan

President Nicolás Maduro's "illegitimate regime”.

It also revealed Maduro's "recklessness and irresponsible behaviour, which undermines int'l rule of law and efforts to counter illicit trafficking", it added.

The nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly Head Juan Guaidó declared himself acting President in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

The Opposition Leader is recognised by the United States and more than 50 other countries, but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader.

The US has accused Russia of propping up Maduro as the crisis deepened by supplying military aircraft, including the SU30. (Excerpt from AFP)

1st half of 2019

M

urders in Mexico jumped in the first half of the year to the highest on record, according to official data, underscoring the vast challenges President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador faces in reducing violence in the cartel-ravaged country.

There were 14,603 murders from January to June, versus the 13,985 homicides registered in the first six months of 2018, according to data posted over the weekend on the website of Mexico’s national public security office.

Mexico is on course to surpass the 29,111 murders of last year, an all-time high.

For years Mexico has struggled with violence as consecutive governments battled brutal drug cartels,

often by taking out their leaders. That has resulted in the fragmentation of gangs and increasingly vicious internecine fighting.

Veteran leftist Lopez Obrador, who took office in December, has blamed the economic policies of previous Administrations for exacerbating the violence and said his Government was targeting the issue by rooting out corruption and inequality in Mexico.

“Social policies are very important – we agree they’ll have positive effects. But these positive effects will be seen in the long term,” said Francisco Rivas, director of the National Citizen Observatory, a civil group that monitors justice and security in Mexico. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexico says dodges bullet on 'safe third country' Puerto Rico Governor talks with US after stemming migrant flows

M

exico said on Sunday it averted the so-called “safe third country” negotiations with the United States it desperately wanted to avoid after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised Mexican efforts in reducing US-bound migrant flows.

But Pompeo, while praising Mexico’s efforts, said there was still “more work to do”.

Pompeo met with

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Sunday in Mexico City amid heightened bilateral tension ahead of a July 22 deadline on a deal that removed tariff threats on Mexican exports.

An agreement reached in June laid out that if the United States deems that Mexico has not done enough to thwart migrants by the deadline, the two countries would begin talks over changing rules to make

most asylum seekers apply for refuge in Mexico, not the United States.

Ebrard said considering the advances Mexico had made, it was not necessary to “initiate any type of negotiation on a safe third country agreement between Mexico and the United States”.

Pompeo, however, was less definitive. He praised the progress made by Mexico in helping cut apprehensions on the US south-

ern border by almost a third last month, but added: “We’ve got a long way to go yet. There’s still much more work to do.

“As for the next set of actions, I’ll talk with the President and the teams back in Washington and we’ll decide exactly which tools and exactly how to proceed,” Pompeo said at a news conference in San Salvador, the last leg of a short Latin American tour. (Excerpt from Reuters)

says will not seek reelection, but refuses to resign over chats

Brazil's Bolsonaro says Government may cut worker protections to boost job creation

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Sunday that the Government may look at making it less expensive for employers to fire workers, as it seeks fresh ways to stimulate a weak economy.

Employers in Brazil contribute to a fund called FGTS, which employees can draw from in certain circumstances such as buying a home, loss of employment or serious health problems.

Currently, if an employer fires a worker without just cause, they are liable to pay the individual up to 40 per cent of the total contri-

butions made by the company for that worker to date.

Additionally, since 2001 em-

ployers must also pay a further 10 per cent levy to the Government.

“Look, the value (of the FGTS fine) is not in the Constitution,” Bolsonaro told reporters. “What I’m trying to offer the worker is this: fewer rights and jobs, or all their rights and unemployment.”

Brazil’s economy is struggling to emerge from a crippling recession and Bolsonaro’s Government is focused on passing through Congress a pension overhaul that it has said would prop up public finances and kickstart growth.

the Crime Stoppers programme.

He was speaking at a press conference at the National Security Ministry in Port-of-Spain on Sunday afternoon.

Describing the recent upsurge in murders as “unacceptable”, Young said all but one of the over 24 murders in the last week were

committed with illegal firearms.

“We are launching an initiative, but we require assistance from citizens, we will be offering rewards for information that lead us to locate caches, stashes, from one upwards, if we successfully search and recover illegal firearms, we are prepared to offer rewards for that,”

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

Last week, Bolsonaro said the FGTS fine was designed to prevent firms from firing workers, but argued it had instead made them unwilling to hire.

On Saturday, Bolsonaro said Brazil’s federal government would need to cut its budget by 2.5 billion reais (US$667 million) as weak economic growth continues to squeeze revenue.

The Government is imminently due to announce details on the release of cash from the FGTS funds and a workers’ social contribution fund known as PIS/Pasep.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T Govt to pay for illegal guns

N

ational Security Minister Stuart Young has announced a new initiative in which the Government is prepared to pay citizens who provide information which leads to the seizure and conviction of firearm offenders.

Young said the Government would fund the payment to tipsters through

Young said.

He said the details of the initiative would be announced in the next “few days”.

Young also said Cabinet approved TT$2.8 million for an improved radar for the Coast Guard to lock down the borders to stop the flow of illegal firearms into the country. (Trinidad Guardian)

P

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello

uerto Rico’s Governor said on Sunday he would not seek re-election next year, but refused to step down after nine days of sometimes violent protests demanding his resignation over vulgar chat messages.

A day before a planned general strike and more demonstrations in the US island territory, Ricardo Rossello said he respected the wishes of Puerto Ricans and would not run for another term in the November 2020 elections.

He also said he would resign as head of the New Progressive Party (PNP), but would remain as Governor until the end of his term in January 2021.

“I know that apologising is not enough. It is only my work that will help restore the confidence of those sectors on the way to true reconciliation,” Rossello said in

a Facebook Live video.

It remained to be seen whether Rossello’s actions would satisfy Puerto Ricans demanding his resignation.

The profanity-laced and vulgar messages published July 13 have unleashed simmering resentment over his handling of devastating 2017 hurricanes, alleged corruption in his administration and the island’s weak recovery from bankruptcy.

Rossello’s decision not to resign was met with outrage on Twitter, where Puerto Ricans vowed to take to the streets today to demand he quit.

In the online chats published on July 13, the centre-right governor and his top allies referred to politicians, celebrities and ordinary Puerto Ricans in misogynistic, homophobic and vulgar terms. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, JUly 22, 2019

17

Around the World

Hong Kong Police fire rubber bullets, Portugal wildfires: Huge tear gas as protests descend into chaos blazes force evacuations

H

ong Kong Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas in running clashes with protesters late on Sunday amid chaotic scenes as anger over an extradition bill morphed into a fresh front against what many see as a broader erosion of freedoms by Beijing.

Thousands of protesters descended on China’s representative office in the city, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, just hours after the latest demonstrations to rock the Asian financial central.

Millions have taken to the streets in the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former

Riot police fire tear gas, after a march to call for democratic reforms in Hong Kong, China July 21, 2019

British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago.

Black-clad activists, many wearing masks, defied Police orders and marched beyond the official end-point of a rally that took place ear-

lier in the day as they made their way toward the Liaison Office, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing.

Some protesters pelted eggs at the walls of Beijing’s Liaison Office, while others spray-painted graffi-

paign for the leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from the CEO of services company Bosasa.

A statement issued on Mkhwebane’s behalf said she welcomes the President’s decision but stands by the report and will seek to assist the courts in arriving at the “correct conclusion”.

Mkhwebane, who began the investigation after a complaint from South Africa’s Opposition, on

Friday said that she found the President had “deliberately misled” Parliament and violated the executive ethics code in regards to the donation.

Ramaphosa initially told Parliament that the money received by his son Andile was obtained for services he had provided, but he later corrected this by saying the payment was actually a donation towards his campaign.

The remedial actions Mkhwebane recommend-

ti as they kept up pressure on the city’s beleaguered Government to heed their calls for an independent inquiry into complaints of Police brutality during recent demonstrations, among other demands.

Sunday’s protest, which had proceeded peacefully along the police-mandated route, is the latest in a series of rallies that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into political crisis.

More demonstrations are planned over the coming weekends, posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012.

For Xi’s Communist Party in Beijing, stability is an overwhelming priority. (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa's Ramaphosa seeks review of 'flawed' graft watchdog report

S

outh African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday said he will seek an urgent judicial review of what he described as an irretrievably flawed report in which the country’s graft watchdog said he misled Parliament over a campaign donation.

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s report followed an investigation by the watchdog into a 500,000 rand (US$35,878.56) donation to Ramaphosa’s 2017 cam-

ed included the Speaker of the National Assembly to demand publication, within 30 days of receiving the report, of all donations received by Ramaphosa.

She also instructed the chief prosecutor to investigate whether Ramaphosa’s campaign had laundered money in its handling of donations.

Ramaphosa’s supporters accuse her of acting as a proxy for Zuma’s faction, which she has denied. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensions

I

ran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker an act the UK Government has called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil passageway.

The "UK Government should contain those domestic political forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK Foreign Secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour".

Iran, which says the

Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]

seized tanker risked maritime safety and has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

said Iran's actions were taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, Director-General of the

Hormozgan province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

Stena Bulk, the Swedenbased operator of the Stena Impero, said the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and international regulations". (Excerpt from Al

Air strikes kill 11 in Syria's Idlib: Observatory

A

ir strikes killed at least 11 people in rebel-held northwestern Syria on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported, and the Syrian State news agency said the army had repelled an attack by militants in the area.

In central Syria, State media also said that a train carrying phosphate was derailed by a bomb blast east of Palmyra, causing injuries among the crew.

It did not identify the perpetrators of the attack.

Islamic State militants are

still active in central Syria.

The Observatory said Syrian Government airstrikes killed six people, including a child, in the village of Urum al-Jawz in western Idlib province. Four more people, including two children, were killed in strikes on Kfarouma in the south of the province.

A Russian airstrike killed a civil defence volunteer in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, the Observatory said.

The Observatory said the deaths increased the number of civilians killed by

the Syrian Government or Russian bombardments in the northwest to 682 since late April. It said 53 civilians had been killed by rebel attacks on State-held areas in the same period.

Some 1500 combatants on both sides have been killed in the same period, it said.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the Syrian army had repelled an attack by militant groups who had targeted army positions protecting the village of al-Qasabiya in southern Idlib. (Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 800 firefighters have been deployed

H

undreds of firefighters have been deployed to central Portugal where several wildfires have forced people to flee their homes.

One person has suffered serious injuries. At least seven firefighters have also been hurt.

Helicopters and planes have been used to douse three blazes in the mountainous Castelo Branco region, where one village has been evacuated.

On Sunday officials said two of the fires had been brought under control.

The fires started on Saturday afternoon and were fanned by strong winds that made them more difficult to contain. "We are ready for a difficult day," Belo Costa, a civil protection official, told reporters early on Sunday.

Hundreds of vehicles, including four bulldozers, have been used to tackle the fires. Army soldiers have been deployed.

Several major roads are closed.

A person who suffered first and second-degree burns was taken by helicopter to a hospital in the capital, Lisbon.

Temperatures in the Castelo Branco region are expected to reach 31C (88F) on Sunday. Six regions in central and southern Portugal have been placed on maximum fire alert.

Wildfires are an annual problem in Portugal.

The country is warm, heavily forested, and affected by strong winds from the Atlantic.

Dozens of people were killed in huge fires there in 2017. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Several killed in twin attacks in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan

The Tehreek e-Taliban Pakistan armed group claimed responsibility for the attack in Dera Ismail Khan

A

t least eight people have been killed and more than 30 wounded in twin attacks in the northwestern Pakistani town of Dera Ismail Khan, according to Police.

Gunmen on motorcycles first attacked a police post in the west of the city, killing two policemen early on Sunday, District Police Chief Saleem Riaz said. The four attackers fled the scene.

Later, a female suicide bomber detonated her explosives when the policemen's bodies were brought to a Government hospital.

"In addition to those killed in the [firing], two policemen and four civilians were killed in the hospital explosion," Riaz said.

At least 30 people were wounded from the force of the explosion at the District Headquarters hospital, he added.

The Tehreek e-Taliban Pakistan armed group claimed responsibility in

an emailed statement, saying the attack was "in revenge" for the killing of a Commander by Police in Dera Ismail Khan.

The statement also said the suicide-bomb attacker was a man, naming him as Abu Obaida Ghazi, in contradiction to the initial police reports that it was a female bomber.

Pakistan has been battling the Tehreek e-Taliban Pakistan and its allies since the group was formed in 2007, aiming to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law on the country.

A series of military operations have weakened the group, displacing it from its erstwhile headquarters in Pakistan's northwestern tribal areas, which Dera Ismail Khan neighbours.

Overall violence has dropped from its peak in 2009, but sporadic attacks against security and civilian targets do continue to occur, however. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, JUly 22, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Look past the obvious and into the future with optimism. You may not be able to get everything you want initially, but once you begin, new options will open up.

Don’t waste time conTAURUS vincing others to get in(April 20May 20) volved in something you want to pursue. Put your energy where it counts in order to reach your potential.

Emotions will take GEMINI charge, causing confusion (May 21- and stress if you let an inJune 20) dulgent person manipulate you. If something doesn’t feel right, know enough to walk away.

dilbert

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

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A journey will lead to personal growth and a better understanding of the people around you. Whether it’s through observation, collaboration or communication, you will learn much that is valuable.

Open up about your feelings. Ask questions and find out where you stand before making a move that may be unnecessary. Information is power; exercise your rights.

You’ll get more done if you join forces with someone who shares your concerns and wants to make a difference. Stick to your plan and don’t stop until you are finished.

Observe from a distance, where you will get a clear picture of what needs to be done. If you get too involved in the nitty-gritty, you will lose sight of your objective.

Don’t let anger or revenge consume you when you hold the key to your own happiness. Do what’s best for yourself and let your success be your answer to rivals.

Little by little you will make headway. Don’t get discouraged or let someone tempt you to take a shortcut that isn’t in your best interest. Trust in yourself and your capabilities.

Alter your life for the right reasons, not because of an emotional setback that someone inflicts on you.

Keep your personal matters to yourself and avoid interference.

Make changes that suit you, not the ones that are being inflicted on you by someone else. Consider the possible consequences of your actions.

You have a clear shot at success. Don’t let someone intervene and take advantage of you. Set your sights on your target and use your intelligence and charm to get what you want.

monday, JUly 22, 2019

19

Yates wins stage 15 as Thomas gains time

"I felt better than yesterday but I needed to try to pace it when it all kicked off," Thomas told ITV4.

"It's a difficult one, tactics wise - I wanted to go, I had the legs to go but I

B

ritain's Simon Yates claimed his second Tour de France stage win as defending champion Geraint Thomas clawed back time from leader Julian Alaphilippe on an enthralling stage 15.

Yates, who also won stage 12, wasn't gokicked clear of Simon Geschke ing to chase with 8.6km left to ride to victory down Egan on the Prat d'Albis.

[Bernal] with Thomas stays second overall but Alaphilippe on my gained 27 seconds on Alaphilippe wheel." after a late attack distanced the After a frantic first Frenchman.

50km of racing, a large Yet Thibaut Pinot was the big- breakaway group congest winner among the overall taining Yates got clear contenders. but were whittled He backed up his stage 14 win down over the next two by repeatedly attacking his rivals climbs. and finished second on the day to Geschke attacked move up to fourth overall, now just with 3km to go on 15 seconds down on Thomas. the penultimate Alaphilippe fought hard to lim- climb, the Mur it his losses and retain the yellow de Peguere, jersey but showed his first signs of b e f o r e weakness in the mountains, with Y a t e s the final week set to be one of the closest races in years.

Egan Bernal again looked more comfortable than Thomas on the steeper sections, the Simon Yates young Colombian gaining 31 celebrates after seconds on his Ineos teambreaking clear to win mate.

joined him at the summit and they worked together to increase the gap to a chasing group containing Romain Bardet and Nairo Quintana.

Y a t e s showed his strength by bursting

away from Geschke and building up an assailable lead on the Prat d'Albis to deny the surging Pinot and Mikel Landa, who had launched a long-range attack with about 40km to go.

A second stage win, just three days after his maiden victory, marks an impressive return to form for Yates after a disappointing Giro d'Italia and has helped Mitchelton-Scott enjoy a successful Tour despite twin brother Adam fading further from contention on Sunday.

"I'm very proud of what I did

there - it was extremely hard from the start to the finish but I raced aggressively and I managed to pull it off," he said.

"That took a lot of effort and I'm very tired now but there might be more chances, we'll see."

The Deceuninck Quick-Step rider, who had no team-mates left on the final climb, was able to follow Pinot's first attack that dropped Thomas, only to pay for that effort when the Welshman reeled him back in and passed him.

The Frenchman was visibly exhausted at the finish and repeatedly said he was just "happy to have one more day in yellow", perhaps acknowledging that a lead of 1:35 will not be enough with three tough stages in the Alps to come.

There are just 39 seconds covering Thomas in second to Emanuel Buchmann in sixth in the race to replace Alaphilippe in yellow.

Ineos at best have two options to play, at worst a leadership conundrum and Thomas not wanting to risk bringing Alaphilippe back to Bernal means he has lost costly time to Pinot.

Pinot, who looks the best climber in the race, has now made up the time he lost to Thomas in the crosswinds on stage 10 and his Groupama-FDJ team are getting their tactics right.

After Monday's rest day, the Tour resumes on Tuesday with a flat stage around Nimes that should end in a bunch sprint finish. (BBC Sport)

Stage 15 result

1. Simon Yates (GB/Mitchelton-Scott) 4 hrs 47 mins 4 secs 2. Thibaut Pinot (Fra/Groupama-FDJ) +33secs 3. Mikel Landa (Spa/Movistar) same time 4. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger/Bora-Hansgrohe) +51secs 5. Egan Bernal (Col/Team Ineos) same time 6. Lennard Kamna (Ger/Team Sunweb) +1min 3secs 7. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Ineos) +1min 22secs 8. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/Jumbo-Visma) same time 9. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) same time 10. Richie Porte (NZ/Trek-Segafredo) +1min 30secs

General classification after stage 15

1. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/Deceuninck Quick-Step) 61hrs 0mins 22secs 2. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Ineos) +1min 35secs 3. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/Jumbo-Visma) +1min 47secs 4. Thibaut Pinot (Fra/Groupama-FDJ) +1min 50secs 5. Egan Bernal (Col/Team Ineos) +2mins 2secs 6. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger/Bora-Hansgrohe) +2mins 14secs 7. Mikel Landa (Spa/Movistar) +4mins 54secs 8. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +5mins 9. Jakob Fuglsang (Den/Astana Pro Team) +5mins 27secs 10. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Education First) +5mins 33secs

stage 15 (Getty Images)

Peaty breaks 57-second The Open 2019: Lowry’s Royal barrier and 100m breast- Portrush win seals 1st major I stroke world record

Britain’s Adam Peaty gestures after becoming the first person to swim the 100m breaststroke in under 57 second (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

A

dam Peaty has broken his own world record in the men’s 100 metre breaststroke at the World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. Peaty, 24, smashed the previous record of 57.10 seconds he set at last year’s European Championships to win in 56.88.

In doing so, the Britain achieved one of his career goals of becoming the first man to break the 57-second barrier in the event.

Peaty finished close to two seconds ahead of China’s Yan Zibei, who finished the first semi-final in second place in 58.67, with fellow

Briton James Wilby third in 58.83.

“There’s no other word except for ‘incredible’,” he said. “Obviously I’ve been chasing that for three years now, ever since I touched that wall in Rio [in 2016] I was like, I could go faster.”

Uttoxeter-born Peaty swam the first 50 metres in 26.63 and the second in 30.25, both quicker than his previous world record splits of 26.75 and 30.35. He has now swum the event 1.4 seconds faster than anyone else in history and has set the best 16 times ever recorded in the 100m breaststroke. (The Guardian)

reland's Shane Lowry claimed a first major championship win with a dominant six-shot victory on 15 under par amid raucous scenes at The Open.

Lowry started the celebrations early, his arms aloft as he squeezed through the crowds who swarmed the 18th fairway at Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush.

"This feels like an out-of-body experience," said the 32-year-old.

Lowry held his nerve in the wind and rain to shoot a one-over 72, with Tommy Fleetwood second on nine under.

England's Fleetwood briefly threatened but a double bogey on the 14th effectively ended his challenge as he finished with a three-over 74.

"I can't wait to wake up on Monday morning and find out what it's going to feel like then.

It's just going to be incredible," added Lowry who was mobbed before he reached the green on the last hole.

Thousands of partisan fans lined the 18th to cheer Lowry's victory procession and as he turned to embrace

his caddie Brian 'Bo' Martin after hitting his second shot to the green, hundreds flooded the fairway ahead of him.

Lowry and Martin were shepherded through the crowds and under a rope by marshals to allow them safe passage.

There will also have been a sense of redemption for Lowry following his final-round capitulation at the US Open three years ago when, like on Sunday, he started with a four shot lead but a 76 saw him fall away as Dustin Johnson won.

American Tony Finau carded a one-over-par 71 to end third o n

seven under, his best finish at a major.

An up-and-down round for England's Lee Westwood saw him card a two-over 73 for a share of fourth that guarantees him a place at next year's Masters.

He finished six under overall alongside world number one Brooks Koepka who struggled to a 74. (BBC Sport)

Shane Lowry celebrates British Open win with wife and daughter

20

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monday, JUly 22, 2019

Pacquiao rolls back years in splitdecision win over Keith Thurman M

anny Pacquiao knocked down Keith Thurman in the first round and persevered for an exciting split-decision victory Saturday night, adding a third straight win to his career resurgence after turning 40 years old.

Pacquiao (62-7-2) dropped his previously unbeaten opponent with a combination late in the first round, and the Pac-Man dominated the opening rounds with a combination of flair and power that recalled the incredible prime of the only eight-division champion in boxing history.

Thurman (29-1) showed remarkable tenacity in rallying through the middle rounds, repeatedly testing Pacquiao’s chin with big shots. Neither fighter managed another knockdown, but they pushed relentlessly in front of a sellout crowd at the MGM Grand Garden that repeatedly chanted the Filipino senator’s name from the moment he reached the ring.

“It was fun,” Pacquiao said. “My opponent is a good fighter and boxer. He was strong. ... I think he did his best, and I did my best.

I think we made the fans happy tonight because it was a good fight.”

Manny Pacquiao (right) says he has no plans to retire after defeating Keith Thurman

Two judges scored the bout 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Glenn Feldman scored it 114-113 for Thurman.

The Guardian also scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao.

Pacquiao appeared to be declining as recently as two years ago, when he lost a listless decision to Jeff Horn. But while his political career flourished, Pacquiao returned to the ring a year ago and put together solid back-to-back victories over Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner.

Thurman represented

another major step up in competition to rejoin the welterweight elite – and Pacquiao bolted out of the gate to show he was worthy of this matchup between two fighters who owned versions of the WBA welterweight title.

Both fighters started quickly with a series of good-looking exchanges, but Pacquiao changed the bout in an instant. He moved forward to land a left to the body and a right hook that sent Thurman to the canvas with 25 seconds left

in the first round.

Thurman got up comfortably while the ecstatic crowd roared, but Pacquiao kept up his superior work for the next two rounds, repeatedly rocking Thurman with a variety of shots. Even when Thurman put together a solid fifth round, he was stunned several times in the final minute and left with blood on his face.

But Thurman gathered himself and soundly beat Pacquiao through the middle rounds, forcing Pacquiao

to show off his durable chin.

Pacquiao reversed the momentum in the 10th with a series of big shots, including a punch to the body that sent Thurman stumbling away in obvious pain.

“I knew it was close,” Thurman said. “He had the momentum because he got the knockdown in round one. ... I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe. My conditioning, my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao’s tonight.

Tonight was a blessing and a lesson.”

Thurman called for a rematch, and the crowd vocally approved.

Nearly 25 years after a 16-year-old Pacquiao stepped onto the scales for his pro debut with rocks in his pockets just to make the 105lbs minimum weight, the 40-year-old politician showed he could have several years left in his day job.

Thurman had been eager to retire Pacquiao, but he couldn’t hurt the ageless wonder.

Thurman has held a version of the WBA 147lbs title for six years, but he had fought just once since March 2017, when he edged Danny Garcia to earn two welterweight belts. He sat out the next 22 months with injuries, and he looked

rusty and tentative at times in his comeback victory over Josesito Lopez last January.

But Thurman embraced his guaranteed $2.5m payday and the chance to take on Pacquiao, and he pumped up the promotion with a series of bold statements about Pacquiao’s age, ability and motivation.

He even managed to irk the normally placid Pacquiao, who acknowledged that even his mother hadn’t liked Thurman’s trash talk.

Before the bout, Floyd Mayweather got into the ring to wish both fighters good luck. The retired superstar watched intently from the crowd in the same arena where he beat an injured Pacquiao four years ago. Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, has said he hopes Mayweather will come out of retirement for a rematch with Pacquiao.

On the undercard, Cuban welterweight Yordenis Ugás battered previously unbeaten Omar Figueroa Jr for a decision victory featuring three identical 119107 scorecards. Caleb Plant also defended his IBF super middleweight title with a dominant third-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Mike Lee. (The Guardian)

Netball World Cup 2019: New Zealand beat Australia by one goal in final N

ew Zealand stunned holders and 11-time champions Australia to win the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.

The final was tense throughout and came down to the dying seconds and just one goal, as the Kiwis prevailed 52-51.

It was the Silver Ferns’ fifth world title but their first since 2003 as they finally ended the Diamonds’ dominance.

England clinched bronze with a 58-42 victory over South Africa in their playoff match earlier on Sunday.

The Roses’ win was routine compared with the drama which followed between the Trans-Tasman rivals who were competing against each other for the sixth consecutive World Cup final.

In a final that was evenly poised at half-time, New Zealand came out firing in the third quarter as they powered into a seven-goal lead with the 8,000-strong crowd behind them.

Australia reached the final unbeaten, defeating the Silver Ferns in their last group game by a single goal, and they brought the score

New Zealand players celebrate on the podium after winning the Netball World Cup (Reuters)

back to that margin in the fourth quarter as Liverpool prepared for a spectacular finish.

But then they wilted under the pressure. With three minutes remaining, a mis-

take between the usually reliable shooter Caitlin Bassett and wing attack Kelsey Browne left the Diamonds flustered and New Zealand secured the turnover.

The Silver Ferns held their nerve and ran the clock down to snatch the trophy from their long-time rivals.

It gave a number of players the perfect send off,

with Kiwi veteran defender Casey Kopua and international centurions Laura Langman and Maria Folau likely to bow out as world champions.

Kiwi coach Noeline

Taurua, who took charge 11 months ago, suggested that her more experienced players were central to the victory. She said: “Our fossils stood up and led from the front.

“I was actually quite speechless. Every day was going to be a challenge for us. To do the final is massive for the Ferns, for the sport and the community at home.”

Australia coach Lisa Alexander chose to start captain Bassett after resting her for the semi-final against South Africa and she said after their defeat: “There are hundreds of things you could change to make a difference but I’m proud of our efforts. We just didn’t bring our A game.

“We’ll look at everything but you don’t have a kneejerk reaction on a one-goal loss. It shows how close world netball is.”

The Diamonds have now lost back-to-back major finals following their defeat by England in the Commonwealth Games in 2018, which also ended 5251. (BBC Sport)

monday, JUly 22, 2019

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21

Australia retain Women’s Ashes after drawn Test with England

T

his match could have changed at 12.38pm today, the moment Heather Knight chose to make a game of it: the first time England had been in control since Knight lost the toss on the first morning. By opting to declare just four balls after England had passed the followon target, Knight attempted to breathe life into what was looking like inevitable stalemate.

“We got a couple of wickets after lunch and we’ve got an outside chance,” the England coach Mark Robinson said of England’s tactics after close of play. “We were trying to bowl them out for 120 and have a crazy chase on the last evening.”

That the Test did ultimately finish in a draw – the captains shaking hands an hour before the scheduled close with the visitors 375 runs to the good – can therefore be placed squarely in the hands of Australia’s conservatism.

While on the back of this result Meg Lanning’s side have now retained the Ashes, they had said all along that they want to win this match: “It’s not in the Australian way to play for a draw,” was the verdict of Rachael Haynes at stumps on the first day.

Faced with the opportunity in the evening session to put their money where their mouth is, they firmly declined, refusing to declare and dangle a carrot even when the target was almost certainly out of England’s reach.

“When it got to a point where we felt we couldn’t win the game, we weren’t going to throw it open to England to give them a chance,”

Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning celebrate as England’s Natalie Sciver is bowled by Jess Jonassen (Reuters)

Lanning, Australia’s captain, said at stumps. “The pitch wasn’t really deteriorating as we thought it would so we just didn’t think there was enough time to be able to bowl them out. We came into the Test match 6-0 up and were in a position to make that decision.”

By contrast England, criticised for seemingly shutting up shop after scoring just 19 runs in the last hour of play on the third evening, had earlier done an about-turn in a display of intent that finally enabled them to wrest back the initiative.

Laura Marsh will for ever

be remembered for her stultifying effort to save the 2013 Wormsley Test, when she scored 55 off 304 balls; here, after Anya Shrubsole was stumped charging down the pitch to Sophie Molineux in the fifth over of the day, she marshalled the volte-face, joining Nat Sciver in taking on the Australian spinners as the pair added 42 for the eighth wicket. When Sciver eventually departed 12 runs short of three figures, chopping a ball of Jess Jonassen’s on to her own stumps, Sophie Ecclestone also got in on the act, getting a measure of revenge against Jonassen by dispatching her

over the top in a 19-ball ninerun cameo.

Marsh’s dismissal – trapped lbw by Jonassen – eventually brought on the declaration, but the 32-yearold offie (who might well have sat out this match in favour of Kate Cross had the pitch not been expected to turn) was then handed the ball by Knight immediately after lunch. Her second ball was a ripper that bowled Alyssa Healy through the gate; four balls later, Rachael Haynes was also walking off, trapped leg before.

Australia were 15 for two, 130 runs ahead.

Suddenly, England

experienced something they had not felt in three days: hope. They were all smiles, up in Australia’s faces, four fielders gathered around the bat under helmets, as Ecclestone went hoarse from appealing. She finally struck half an hour before tea, Beth Mooney departing courtesy of a stonking catch

by Tammy Beaumont at short leg, having added 25 runs from 33 balls. Along the way the debutante Kirstie Gordon had added Lanning to her list of scalps after she hit a full toss straight to Georgia Elwiss at cover. Walking off, the usually unflappable Lanning looked like she wanted to punch a wall. She had the last laugh in the end.

“Our challenge has been we haven’t been able to settle quick enough,” was Robinson’s verdict on the series so far.

“That’s been our undoing.

What’s cost us is not being able to settle quick enough and get enough composure.

“The key is keeping things in perspective. We’re playing a very good team who have got momentum – you’ve got to give them a lot of credit that once they’ve got their noses in front, they’ve kept them there.”

Sadly, the final-day spectacle looks likely to add fuel to the fire of those who argue that women’s Test cricket, now played only biennially between England and Australia, is dying on its feet. Both teams have been vocal in their support for the format over the past four days.

Both Robinson and Lanning reiterated that support at close of play. The real problem on day four was that only one team played like they meant it.

(The Guardian)

Gareth Bale: Real Madrid forward 'very close' to exit – Zinedine Zidane

R

eal Madrid forward Gareth Bale is "very close to leaving" the Spanish club, says boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Wales international, 30, was left out of Real's 3-1 pre-season defeat

by Bayern Munich in Houston, USA. Speaking after the game, Zidane said: "We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.

"I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done."

Bale, who has three years left on his Real contract, has won the Champions League four times since his £85m move to Madrid from Tottenham in 2013 - a world record deal at the time.

He has been linked with Premier League sides Manchester United and Spurs, German champions Bayern and also a move to the Chinese Super League.

In response to Zidane's comments, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett told AFP: "Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid."

Injury problems have limited the Welshman to 79 La Liga appearances

"I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done" – Zidane

in the past four seasons. He played 42 matches for Los Blancos last term, half of those as a substitute.

Bale was booed by home supporters at times last season, though his agent said in March the player was "very happy" and wanted to "play all his

career" at the Bernabeu club.

"I have to make decisions. We have to change," Zidane added. "The exit is the coach's decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation.

"The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will -

and it's a good thing for everyone."

Bale ended last season on the bench as Real endured their poorest domestic campaign in 20 years, with 12 defeats, 68 points and a third-place finish 19 points behind champions Barcelona. They were also knocked out of the Champions League by Ajax in the last 16.

Zidane returned to the Bernabeu in March to become the club's third coach of the season.

At the time, Barnett told BBC Sport that the Frenchman's appointment was "bad news" because he did not want to work with Bale and the two men disagreed on playing style. On Sunday, Barnett told BBC Wales: "We're working on a few things. Gareth is a Real Madrid player but if he does leave it will be his own decision, not Mr Zidane's."

As well as four Champions Leagues, Bale has won one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and three Uefa Super Cups and Club World Cups during his time at Real.

He has scored more than 100 goals for the Spanish side but has reportedly been nicknamed "The Golfer" by his team-mates, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also said Bale did not attend a team meal because he did not want to miss his bed time. (BBC Sport)

22

monday, JUly 22, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Guinness "Greatest of the Streets" – Georgetown…

Sparta Boss, Tiger Bay record commanding wins T

he second night of the Georgetown segment of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets saw eight victors emerge from the fixtures which were closely contested at the Berlin Tarmac.

Claiming the first victory on Saturday night was LA Ballers, who defeated John Street 2–1.

Andre Hinds put John Street ahead in the 6th minute, and they stayed ahead until the 19th minute, when Jaleel Hamilton scored a Guinness Goal [GG] (counts as two) for LA Ballers, to take them to victory.

Tiger Bay then romped to their second victory with a 4-0 whipping of Albouystown ‘A’. Jason Fredricks and Keoma Gravesande each scored once in the first half, while Solomon Austin recorded a 19th minute GG. Lennox Cort’s 8th minute goal was the decider for Albouystown ‘B’ who needled Alexander Village in the match that followed.

Back Circle shot down Rising Stars 2–1 with goals from Adrian Aaron and Jermain Beckles, even though Jorrell Tyrell drew first blood

Action on night two of the Guinness Greatest of the Street Georgetown segment at the Berlin Tarmac

for Rising Stars in the 5th minute.

Leopold Street claimed a 1–0 win over Future Stars, with the lone goal coming from the boot of

Okeene Fraser.

In game 6, North-East defeated Sophia 3–2, as Kelvin Moore’s GG and Shaquille Browne’s 7th minute

strike overshadowed Sophia’s GG scored by Joshua Kamal.

In the penultimate game of the night, Sparta Boss blew away Charlotte Street 4–1 with goals from Ryan Hackett (14th), Sheldon Shepherd (16th) and Curtez Kellman [GG]. The opposition’s lone goal was scored by Windell Allison in the 4th minute.

The final game of the night saw Broad Street battle to a nil all draw before prevailing 4–3 on penalty kicks.

On Friday night, North-East defeat Rising Stars, Albouystown ‘B’ won against Charlestown, LA Ballers defeated Broad Street, Leopold Street sank Albouystown ‘A’, Tiger Bay needled Future Stars, and the same result played out in the match which Gold is Money won against John Street.

Sophia and Sparta Boss were the other two victors on Friday when they defeated Back Circle and Alexander Village in respective games.

The group stage, which will last for three nights, will end on July

26. The top two finishers from each pool will advance to the quarterfinal round, and subsequent semi-finals on July 27. The grand finale is set for August 3 at a venue to be announced.

The eight teams who fail to advance from the group round will contest the Guinness Plate Championship.

Winner of this Georgetown leg will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth place finishers would settle for $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

The Georgetown leg winner will also earn an automatic berth in the National Championships in August.

To date Beacons (Bartica Champions), Melanie ‘B’ (East Coast Demerara winners), Brothers United (West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winners), Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions) have secured automatic berths to the national championships.

National Race of Champions round 2 Persaud and Sukhram are Lusignan Open 2019 Champions Points gained despite

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ine-time Male and Female Guyana Open Champions, Avinash Persaud and Christine Sukhram, performed at their expected skill level to emerge champions in the exciting Department of Tourism’s 2-day International Lusignan Open 2019 tournament, held on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 & 21.

Sukhram, playing in her first tournament for the year, admitted that after only one day of practice -on Thursday -- her first 9 holes in the tournament on Saturday were not the best. However, she recovered for the second nine, and led the Ladies Flight by a clear 6 strokes at the end of Day 1.

“I felt I had the game when we started the second day, so I decided to just play safe; and so I was able to win,” Persaud explained. “Since I heard the Lusignan Open was going to be played, I determined that I would win it. I am convinced that there is no local player who matches my gross score at the moment, so I feel certain of winning any tournament where the winner is determined by the gross score,” she said.

In the Ladies Flight, the gross places were: 1st - Christine Sukhram (171); 2nd - Joaan Deo (184), and 3rd - Shanella London (187). For the same flight, the net places were: 1st - Sukhram (149); 2nd - Deo (157), and 3rd - London (158). Winner of the Ladies Best Net for Day 1 was Christine Sukhram (75).

In the Men’s category, the ‘A’ Flight, dubbed the championship flight, gross winners were: 1st – Avinash Persaud (154); 2nd -Chandra Lekhraj (162); and 3rd - Kassim Khan (163). In the same flight, net winners were: 1st – Lekhraj (144); 2nd - Khan (145); and 3rd - Monnaf Arjune (147). Winner of the Day 1 Best Net in this flight was Monnaf Arjune (69).

In the Men’s ‘B’ Flight, the gross winners were: 1st – George Bulkan (171), who was tied with 2nd place William Walker (171). 3rd was Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud (172). In the same flight, net winners were:

rain interjection J

Avinash Persaud and Christine Sukhram

1st - Haresh Tewari (139), tied with 2nd place winner Deoram Dinanauth (139); and 3rd – Patanjilee ‘Pur’ Persaud (140). Winner of the Day 1 Best Net in this flight was Haresh Tewari (66).

In the Men’s C Flight, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners were the same in both gross and net scores.

Winners were 1st – Guillermo Escarraga (181/139); 2nd – Pope Emanuel London (192/150) and 3rd – Maxim Mangra (198/156). Winner of the Day 1 Best Net in this Flight was Guillermo Escarraga (70).

On Day 1, Longest Drive was won

by Avinash Persaud, and Nearest the Pin by Monnaf Arjune. On Day 2, Longest Drive was again won by Avinash Persaud, and Nearest the Pin by Kevin Dinanauth.

The LGC was on Sunday graced with the presence of members of the Chinese Embassy, including the Ambassador, who promised to return to play.

Regrettably, Donald Sinclair, Director General of the Dept of Tourism, was unavailable for

the day’s prize-giving ceremony.

However, the Honourable Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities, willingly filled in to assist in the presentation of trophies to winners.

A special note of thanks was also given to the MACORP team headed by its CEO, Guillermo Escarraga, who have been the driving force behind the maintenance of the Golf Course. Lusignan Golf Club’s distinct appreciation and sincere gratitude are expressed to Director General, Dept of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, and the Department of Tourism of the Ministry of Business, for their ready and willing sponsorship, as well as for outstanding contributions received from MACORP/Guillermo Escarraga; ISG; BANKS DIH/Clifford Reis & Ramesh Dookhoo; ANSA MCAL/ Troy Cadogan; BULKAN TIMBERS/ George Bulkan; BRUSTERS/Paton George; OASIS CAFE/William Walker; MASSY/ Lekhnarine Shivraj; Nexgen Global/Nadia Kalika; Global Auto Spares/Hardeo ‘Curry’ Ganpat; Rommel Bhagwandin; Guyana Beverages Viva Water.

ust a few races could be staged when the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC’s) National Race of Champions was held at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday.

Heavy showers early put the brakes on the much-anticipated event.

The anxiously awaited Motul Time Attack series also fell afoul of the inclement weather, with none of the competitors getting the opportunity to demonstrate the power of their machine.

However, among the winners in the completed races were the usual high-flyers, with Raymond Seebarran (Street Tuner) Motilall Deodass (Choke Starlet Cup), Shan Seejattan (Sports Tuner and Group 2), Andrew King (Group 4) and Matthew Vieira (Superbike) all recording victories.

There will be valuable points for these winners, especially in the Choke Starlet Cup, Miracle Optical Street Tuner, and Prem’s Electrical Sports Tuner, since the respective championship winners will pocket $500,000 each when the championship concludes this November at the GMR&SC International Circuit Meet.

Rookie biker Dowayne Caesar continued his good form, notching a win in the only completed ‘B’ Class Open race.

Unofficial results of the completed races are below.

Street Tuner race 1

1. Roopnarine Dasarat 2. Raymond Seebarran 3. Azad Hassan Starlet Cup race 1 1. Motilall Deodass 2. Anand Ramchand 3. Vishal Sawh

Sports Tuner 1. Shan Seejattan 2. Adrian Fernandes 3. Mohamed Ahmed Note: Raymond Seebarran was disqualified from this race Group 3 1. Haniff Mohamed 2. Anand Ramchand Group 4 1. Andrew King 2. Christopher Lall Group 2 1. Shan Seejattan 2. Haniff Mohamed 3. Roshan Ali Superbike 1. Matthew Vieira 2. Kevin Persaud 3. Rene Tucker Street Tuner 1. Raymond Seebarran 2. Roopnarine Dasarat 3.

Vicky Persaud

Matthew Vieira finished atop the superbike event

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, JUly 22, 2019

23

Kohli to lead India squads for West Indies tour – Bumrah rested for T20Is, ODIs

V

irat Kohli will lead the Indian team for the Test, ODI and T20I series in West Indies, starting on August 3, the Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Sunday.

Rishabh Pant has been selected as the first-choice wicket-keeper in the limited-over squads after MS Dhoni had made himself unavailable for the tour.

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from the limited-overs leg of the West Indies tour but has been included in the Test squad, with the likes of Khaleel Ahmed, Navdeep Saini included in the limited-over squads.

Among the batsmen, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer have been included in the side after their brilliant run for India A while

Shikhar Dhawan has made a return to the ODI and T20I teams after suffering an injury during World Cup 2019.

Dhawan, whose World Cup 2019 was cut short due to an injury, has been included in the limited-over squads while Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Hanuma Vihari and Umesh Yadav have made a return to the Test squad.

Rookie leg-spinner Rahul Chahar is the only new face across three formats for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Rajasthan leg-spinner Chahar has been rewarded for his consistent show in the IPL and domestic cricket with a berth in the Twenty20 squad. He is younger cousin of seamer Deepak, who is also in the T20 squad.

From the World Cup squad, the prominent player to be dropped is Dinesh Karhik while Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested as a part of workload management programme.

India’s squad for 3 T20Is: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (WK), Krunal Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini India’s squad for 3 ODIs: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kedar Jadhav, Mohammed

India will play three-match Twenty20 International (T20Is) and as many One-Day Internationals (ODIs), followed by two-Test series against West Indies

Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Navdeep Saini India’s squad for 2 Tests: Virat Kohli (Captain),

Grenville Felix Memorial Race 2019…

Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, C Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK) Wriddhiman

Saha (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav (NDTV Sports)

India A’s tour of the West Indies…

Briton John conquers all Visitors sign Speaking to this reporter after the race, champion rider Briton John said he was delighted with his polished performance. He explained that it was a difficult race because of the numerous attacks; there were two breaks going up and two heading back, he noted.

John said it was not until the final four or five miles in the race before he realised that he had the race proverbially in his pocket. He added that the roadway used was fast and the race was a smooth one overall.

After the race, the cyclists gathered at the Grenville Felix residence for the presentation ceremony. They were

Briton John easily won this year’s event

off victorious ODI series with 8-wicket win

By Brandon Corlette

B

riton John overcame a field of highly competitive racing cyclists to reign supreme in the much anticipated sixth annual Grenville Felix Memorial Cycle Race held in East Berbice on Sunday.

He completed the gruelling 60-mile circuit of the race --from East Canje to Number 51 Village, Corentyne and back -- in a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, 37 seconds, to finish the race with ease minutes ahead of his fellow city cyclists.

Defending 2018 Felix Memorial Champion and 2019 National Cycling Champion, Jamaul John, finished in second position by outsprinting Linden’s Michael Anthony (third) and Team Evolution’s Paul De Nobrega (fourth).

Ajay Gopilall, Guyana’s 2019 Junior Cycling Champion, finished in fifth position, while Kemaul Moses rode in sixth position.

Apart from Gopilall, the other Berbicians among the top finishers were Romello Crawford, who rode in seventh, and Andrew Hicks, who

Ruturaj Gaikwad

I Jamaul John finished ahead of Paul De Nobrega and Michael Anthony (Brandon Corlette photos)

came in eighth position.

‘Sprint boss’ Anthony took two sprint prizes, as did De Nobrega and John. Hicks and Andre ‘Padlock’ Greene took one sprint prize each.

In the Veterans’ category, Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) President Horace Burrowes reigned supreme, while Paul Choo-Wee-Nam rode in second position and Alexis Mendes came in third.

In the Juveniles’ category, Flying Ace rider Mario Washington dethroned Steve Bhimsen (second) and Jeremiah Joseph (third).

In the 12-14 category, Linden lad Mark Lewis of the Bauxite Cycle Club emerged champion, with Aaron Rajnarine (second) and Shazim Yakub third. Maria Washington was the lone female cyclist competing.

The event commenced at 13:15 hrs in scorching sunshine from Felix’s birthplace, Betsy Ground East Canje, and the wheelsmen raced down the Berbice roadways towards the turning point at Number 51 Village Corentyne, before returning to East Canje for the finish.

treated to food and beverages before commencement of the official presentation ceremony.

Always well supported, the Grenville Felix Memorial Race continues to be an impressive event in the Ancient County. It is sponsored by the Felix family, and is usually organised by Flying Ace Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts.

New Amsterdam Mayor Winfred Haywood, gracing the auspicious event with her presence, has described the event as successful.

ndia A beat West Indies A by 8 wickets in the final unofficial ODI of the five-match series at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua on Sunday.

Batting first, West Indies posted 236 in 47.4 overs then India easily raced to 237 – 2 in 33 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (99) and Shubman Gill (69) came up with a blistering start to the chase and Shreyas Iyer (61*) and Manish Pandey saw the chase through.

In the first innings, Navdeep Saini (2/31) was the pick of the India A bowlers. He took two wickets and had the best economy rate.

The Chahar brothers picked up two wickets each too, while Krunal Pandya was at his economical best.

Khaleel Ahmed, the other pacer in this match who will have a role to play in

the series between India and West Indies, returned disappointing figures of 1/41 in 6 overs.

Sunil Ambris made a solid 61 at the top of the order for West Indies while Sherfane Rutherford (65) recovered another middle order collapse. Khary Pierre contributed a well needed 35 down the order and was left unbeaten when the final wicket fell.

India A had won the first three matches batting first.

They were put under pressure of a target of 299 in the fourth ODI. Axar Patel stood out in the narrow loss with his unbeaten 67-ball 81 in that defeat, the only defeat for India A on this tour so far.

The two teams will now meet in the first unofficial Test on July 24. (India Express)

monday, JUly 22, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Grenville Felix Memorial Race 2019…

The outstanding cyclists at the presentation ceremony (Brandon Corlette photo)

Page 22

Briton John conquers all Persaud and Sukhram are Lusignan Open 2019 Champions

Page 22 From left: Patrick Prashad for William Walker, Monnaf Arjune, Haresh Tewari, Kevin Dinanauth, Maxim Mangra, Max Persaud, Avinash Persaud, Aleem Hussain, Christine Sukhram, Guillermo Escarraga, George Bulkan, Kassim Khan, Joaan Deo, Pur Persaud, Shanella London and Pope Emanuel London. Stooping from left are: Deoram Dinanauth and Chandra Lekhraj

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” – Georgetown…

Page 22

Sparta Boss, Tiger Bay record commanding wins

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