Guyana Times - Tuesday, July 2, 2019

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

Issue No. 3972

Deep-water harbour in Guyana would reduce time, transport cost – US Ambassador

THE BEACON OF TRUTH tuesday, july 2, 2019

PRICE

Essequibo Coast

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Shooting of Nations’ principal

taxi driver dies

P10

in Police lock-ups …died from asphyxiation – PM results

Int’l help sought by local cops – acting Crime Chief See story on page 11

World Bank scores Guyana zero for electricity reliability Page 7

Drug usage in schools

Police record reduction in reports – Senior Superintendent

…says students caught reluctant to give up drug dealers

P10

Tuschen accident

Dead teen’s family calls for full probe P7 The environs of the Georgetown Public Hospital were flooded on Sunday as heavy downpours hit Guyana’s coastal regions (Dexter Ceres photo)

Guyana’s traditional Manufacturing of

sectors can bring tremendous benefits – Ali …says oil and gas is not the only “saviour” Page 9

by-products in sugar sector takes hit – PSC report Page 3

…declines by 23% for 2018; rice milling also shows decline

Caretaker Govt directives

Ignore 2020 budget circular – Jagdeo tells agency heads

Page 2

Presidential P10 Guard found unconscious at Mandela Avenue Former national boxer stabbed P11 to chest

2 news

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caretaker Govt directives

Ignore 2020 Budget circular – Jagdeo tells agency heads

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is urging officials of the various Government agencies, who last week received a circular from the Finance Ministry to submit their 2020 Budget proposals, to ignore the document.

“Just ignore them, ignore the thing … I think they

should just go through the perfunctory exercise,” Jagdeo stated during a press conference last week.

However, he did recognise that these public servants were being pressured into going along with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s illegal acts.

“It’s not the public servants we gotta go after because they are being pressured. We should go after the Director of the Office of Budget (at the Finance Ministry) for sending out a circular like this and the Treasury Secretary,” the Opposition Leader noted.

Asked whether any action would be taken against those officials who initiated the process, Jagdeo said, “They would have to say why they’re not opposed to this issue (and) why they sent out a circular of that nature.

Unless, their hoping it would

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

be helpful to us at the public level if the Government changes.”

However, the Opposition Leader made it clear that should the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) get into office, it would not start with a budget circular such as the one sent out by the Finance Ministry.

Construction worker remanded for ganja trafficking

A

construction worker, who was allegedly caught with 35 grams of marijuana, was charged and remanded to prison on Friday.

Thirty-eight-year-old Keith Abel of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, denied the charge which stated that on June 26, 2019, at Water Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 35 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

He appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Abel told the court that

the officers found the narcotics in a stand close to where he sells groceries. Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds of the prevalence of the offence and the pen-

alty the charge attracts.

The prosecutor further stated that the defendant gave three conflicting addresses to the police and the court.

Abel was remanded to prison and the case will continue on July 19, 2019.

Instead, he noted that the Party would seek to remove excess expenditure in order to save taxpayers’ money.

“The first PPP Government would immediately start from zero. Every expenditure made by this (coalition) Government will be reviewed and we will cut the excesses. The ministerial travels, the rental of buildings, the dietary, a whole range… We believe we can save a good $20-$30 billion and pass it on back to people through lower taxes and restoration of the benefits like the $10,000 grants and so on.

So we’re not gonna work with Jordan’s framework for no budget,” Jagdeo contended.

Despite affirmation that the December No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against the coalition Government was validly passed and the fact that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has said the Administration should be in caretaker mode, preparations have commenced for 2020’s Budget.

In a move that is in implicit violation of the CCJ’s ruling, the leaked circular, dated June 21, 2019, instructs department heads, Permanent Secretaries, regional executives and heads of constitutional agencies to make submissions to the Ministry and complete aspects of Budget preparations, with a deadline of August 7, 2019 to hand in their Budget proposals.

The Budget agencies were given between August 19 and September 27, 2019 to consult with the Ministry on their submissions. October 10 was named as the date to present the constitutional agencies’ budgets to the National Assembly.

Finance Secretary Michael Joseph

The circular, which was signed by the Ministry’s Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph, also named November 25, 2019 as the date to present the overall budget in the National Assembly. Affixing his signature to the circular, Joseph noted in the correspondence that it was penned under the delegated authority of the Finance Minister, pursuant to Section 13 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. The CCJ ruled on June 18 that the Government was defeated by a vote of no confidence, meaning early elections must be called. But just three days later, the Finance Ministry issued the circular for Budget debate in November, which is beyond the proposed date for new elections as proposed by the Opposition in a concession to the exigencies of the appeal by the Government to the NCM’s passage.

According to Jagdeo, this is a recent move in a series of acts by the coalition Government and its Ministers to defy the Trinidad-based re-

gional court’s ruling.

“This is what we see manifested every single day – either it’s “forget the decision of the court” like some of them said – “we’re going along with our own business, forget what the Constitution says”, etc,” the Opposition Leader noted.

In several parliamentary democracies, such as New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, etc, there are explicit “Caretaker Conventions” and in those that have not, the practice is to follow the precedents in these jurisdictions. A fundamental tenet in these conventions is that only routine functions of the Government must be maintained and there can be no initiative that will bind any new incoming Government to policies with which they do not agree.

Caretaker Conventions

There is a convention on Caretaker Governments used in New Zealand. Section 6.21 states that “On occasion, it is necessary for a Government to remain in office for a period on an interim basis, when it has lost the confidence of the House, or (after an election) until a new ministry is appointed following the Government formation process”.

It continues that “during such periods, the incumbent Government is still the lawful executive authority, with all the powers and responsibilities that go with executive office. However, Governments in this situation have traditionally constrained their actions until the political situation is resolved, in accordance with what is known as the convention on Caretaker Government”.

news

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tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Manufacturing of by-products in sugar sector takes hit – PSC report

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

Tuesday, July 2 – 04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, July 3 –05:00h-06:30h.

…declines by 23% for 2018; rice milling also shows decline

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, July 2 – 16:40h-18:10h and Wednesday, July 3 – 17:10h-18:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Cloudy conditions are expected until mid afternoon followed by sunny intervals. Cloudy skies are expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

G

Closed Rose Hall Estate

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

High Tide: 16:26h reaching a maximum height of 2.61 metres.

Low Tide: 09:58h and 22:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 metre and 0.62 metre.

saturday, JUNE 29, 2019

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

uyana’s manufacturing sector has had its share of ups and downs for the past year. This is according to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) 2018 annual report, which found that despite a marginal overall improvement, all is not well with manufacturing.

According to the report, the manufacturing sector accounted for 3.3 per cent or $22.9 billion of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018. This is a reduction compared to the sector’s share of 3.5 per cent ($22.4 billion) the previous year, although an increase in dollar terms.

“The manufacturing sector improved marginally during 2018. Growing by one per cent compared to the 4.2 per cent during the previous year … it is quite apparent that much of the sector’s growth was ascribed to an improvement in the light manufacturing sector, which grew by 5.2 per cent in 2018,” the report noted.

It added that Guyana’s main manufacturing sub-sectors include rice milling and value-added production in the sugar industry and other light manufacturing. Not unsurprisingly, however, manufacturing in sugar has taken a significant hit.

“Manufacturing in the sugar industry declined significantly in 2018 by 23.78 per cent,” the PSC report states, before adding that “rice milling during 2018 declined marginally by 0.5 per cent”.

Among some of the manufactured products in Guyana the report pegged were bottled rum, Malta, wine, shandy, Vitamalt and beer. When it comes to edible items, it referenced baking fat, margarine, ice cream and cereals, among others.

In terms of industrial goods, the report identified livestock feed, detergent, paint, putty, acetylene and oxygen.

Since the Government decided to downsize the sugar industry, it has been heavily criticised for that decision which has put thousands of sugar workers out of a job.

Among the criticisms levelled at the Government has

Closed Enmore Estate

been the lack of a social impact assessment before the closures.

In December 2017, some 181 workers from the Rose Hall Estate lost their jobs when the entity closed its doors. Most of those who were transferred to the Albion and Blairmont Estates were from the East Bank of Berbice.

But the closure has also had an impact on local manufacturers like the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), which has already expressed concerns about developments regarding the state of the sugar industry, and the potential downsizing of sugar production.

DDL has long had a relationship with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) given its dependence on the sugar estates for molasses, one of its raw materials, and has been a significant source of cash flow to the sugar company for its operations.

In 2017, it had said that its molasses requirement for 2018 was 70,000 tons. In contrast, GuySuCo had at

the time set a sugar production target of 115,000 tons at the three estates earmarked to remain in operation, with molasses production being pegged at 52,000 tons.

In light of this shortfall, DDL had said it was actively exploring its potential role in the future of the sugar industry, and had executed a high-level technical and economic feasibility study on innovative approaches to use the existing sugar assets to meet the current and future needs for molasses for an expanding distilling industry.

Fast forward to 2019 and in March of this year, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo had revealed that his company had to import 14,000

tonnes of molasses last year for its rum operations owing to the shortfall in sugar production.

At one point in the running for the Enmore Estate, the company was forced to pull out after considering the costs to rehabilitate it.

Continuing the woeful business news, DDL’s annual report had revealed that Demerara Rum Company would be liquidated in 2019.

At present, Government is in the process of seeking private buyers for the Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon Estates. In fact, talks have progressed to the point where the Government is optimistic of a deal for the Rose Hall Estate by this month.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 2, 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

Drug use in schools

H

ead of the Police Narcotics Branch, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, on Monday announced welcoming news that there has been a reduction of the alarming problem of drug usage in schools here.

Just under nine months ago, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) had made public that the use and sale of the drug ‘ecstasy’ was discovered in five schools. Known as a recreational drug, it has harmful side effects, including addiction, and can cause altered sensations.

CANU’s announcement might have come as a surprise to many, and is extremely worrying. What is clear is that some young people have been, and are being, exposed to a drug that also affects the brain and has reportedly been used as a date rape trap.

Sadly, drug use in some schools is reportedly not new.

Unfortunately, young minds are involved in cigarette smoking and consumption of alcohol and other substances that are far more harmful. Some are bold enough to capture the effects through unsavoury activities they engage in afterwards, as is evident from videos that circulate.

While both the GPF and CANU must be commended for making the discovery and alerting the destiny of the nation’s young people, concerns are raised over how long this situation might have been ongoing; whether the schools were aware of its existence; and whether they have the capacity to aid in identifying drug sales and use within. The drug trade tends to operate within a network, and at this point it may be difficult to know how extensive that network may be in the schools, and whether the actual use is confined to the five schools already identified.

Another reality is that young people will, unfortunately, experiment with harmful things. This is where the Education Ministry will have to be more innovative in devising mechanisms to build capacity among teachers, so that they can be able to spot any possible sign of students being affected by drugs. Once again, this will not be easy, given the innovativeness of those involved. That aside, there must be some signs, including changes in students’ behavioural patterns and performances, depending upon the extent of usage. This is not just for ecstasy, but for other drugs as well.

The teachers will need to be supported in this fight, and it may very well demand a relooking of policies at a higher level for the implementation of effective combating mechanisms.

This would need some urgency, given that some young people, who represent the future, are involved. It will take the involvement of all: parents, teachers, the Education Ministry and law enforcement, to fight this fight.

Crucial is sustained education on the harmful effects of drug use, for which the media should be encouraged to be a part of. The fight has to be national, given what’s at stake.

Maybe this could be the opportunity for the establishment of a structured school-monitoring mechanism with specific responsibilities. This has been touted before, though for other reasons, where trained personnel could either be stationed at, or make visits to, schools to gauge any related effects.

This will have to be thoroughly thought out, for there is the possibility that teachers could feel that part of their responsibilities is being usurped. They generally look for signs that could indicate a shift in behaviour, and try to find a way of having it resolved. With what is now in the news, it begs the question of whether the situation has in some way moved beyond the remit of teachers; be it a lack of capacity, or awareness, or frankly being afraid to intervene.

This Government came into office with a strong security portfolio, and the Security Minister’s comments, though factual, not only underscores that failure, but hint at a lack at optimism in dealing with the issue. Granted that the borders are porous, one would want to believe that surveillance has been heightened at ports of entry.

The issue again highlights the need for intelligence gathering to be strengthened so as to aid agencies in curbing the situation.

Beyond these shores, in some schools in the USA, metal detectors were compulsorily installed following an upsurge of attacks on students by students in what was described as gang-related violence. That was after the situation had festered and grown. It may not be a farfetched measure to implement routine searches here to nip the problem in the bud.

These women from the 31 Special Force Squadron at the finish line of the Guyana Defence Force’s Quarterly Fitness Competition, which was conducted at the Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (GDF photo)

Venezuela: Outrage over the death of detained Navy Captain – Opposition Leader Guaidó and the US blame Maduro's Government for the death of navy officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo

T

he death in custody of a Venezuelan navy captain has sparked outrage, with his lawyer alleging he died as a result of torture.

Rafael Acosta, 49, was arrested on Wednesday over an alleged plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro.

Captain Acosta appeared in a military tribunal on Friday, but fainted before proceedings to charge him with treason and sedition began.

He was taken to hospital, but died early on Saturday, officials said.

According to his wife, Waleska Pérez, the navy officer with the rank of corvette captain was seized by members of Venezuela's intelligence service and the military's counterintelligence agency on the afternoon of June 21 in Guarenas, a city 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of Caracas.

On June 27, Venezuela's Prosecutor General released a list of names of 14 Venezuelans – among them six members of the Police and military – who he said had been arrested the previous day for allegedly taking part in a plot to kill President Maduro. Captain Acosta's name was on the list.

On June 28, Captain Acosta appeared before a military tribunal at Fuerte Tiuna military base in the capital, Caracas.

According to Venezuelan human rights lawyer Tamara Sujú, who lives in exile in the Czech Republic, Captain Acosta was taken into the courtroom in a wheelchair and was showing "serious signs of torture".

"He didn't speak, he only asked his lawyer for help.

The Government said Captain Acosta had been charged with "grave acts of terrorism, treason and attempted assassination of the President"

He could not hear or properly understand. He was asked to stand up, but couldn't," Sujú wrote on Twitter [in Spanish].

"When asked whether he had been tortured by the DGCIM (military counter-intelligence agency), he nodded but he could barely get words out. He just said 'help, help'. He was already in a critical state," Sujú, who has been campaigning for the rights of Venezuelan prisoners, added.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino released a statement saying that Captain Acosta had fainted as he was being taken before the military judge.

The statement says that the Judge ordered the Navy Officer be transferred to a military hospital, "where despite receiving due medical attention, he died".

Captain Acosta's defence lawyer, Alonso Medina Roa, said his death was "the result of the savage torture he fell victim to".

"We have been denouncing this, but the complicity of the institutions allowed it to go this far," Medina added.

Captain Acosta's wife said that "they tortured him so much that they killed him".

What was he suspected of?

The Government of President Maduro said Captain Acosta had been charged with "grave acts of terrorism, treason and attempted assassination of the President".

However, statements released by the Attorney General's office and the Defence Ministry said Captain Acosta had not yet been charged when he was transferred to hospital.

Communications Minister Jorge Rodríguez said his arrest was linked to an alleged plot to kill President Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores and the head of the Governmentrun National Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello.

According to Rodríguez, Captain Acosta was tasked with blowing up the communication antennae at Fuerte Tiuna military base and placing explosives in a key tunnel and highway as well as breaking into the vault of the central bank to steal hundreds of rifles kept there.

The plot was allegedly planned for June 23 or 24, officials said. Civilians and members of the security forces have been arrested in connection with this latest alleged attempt to overthrow President Maduro.

The US State Department condemned "the killing and torture” of Captain Acosta who "died while in the custody of Maduro's thugs and their Cuban advisers".

The Lima Group, a regional body made up of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada, called Captain Acosta's death an "assassination".

The European Union said Captain Acosta's death was "another stark illustration of the arbitrary nature of the judicial system in the country and of the lack of guarantees and rights for those under detention".

Opposition politicians in Venezuela said the Captain's death in custody was "an abominable event" which words could not describe.

They have called on United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to investigate it.

Venezuela's Attorney General said Capt Acosta's death would be investigated.

President Maduro has intensified a crackdown on the Opposition since a failed military uprising against him in April led by Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó.

Since the failed rebellion, described by Maduro as part of a US-orchestrated coup, many Opposition Members of Parliament have lost their parliamentary immunity and some have been arrested.

While Guaidó's parliamentary immunity has been lifted, he has so far not been jailed, even though he recently said he did not rule out the use of military force to oust Maduro from power.

Amid the worsening crisis, some four million people have fled Venezuela since 2015, according to the UN.

(BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 2, 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

Let United Nations manage elections Dear Editor, It does not appear that the two sides, President Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo, APNU/ AFC and PPP, will reach an agreement (consensus) on appointing a GECOM Chair or set a firm timeline for elections. On June 18, the CCJ had urged the two sides to come to an agreement by June 24 on orders the court should issue and

they failed to meet. On June 24, the court extended the deadline to July 1 (date for written submission of suggestions for consequential orders) and the sides still failed to meet, much less discuss the issues. The court had stated that they could try until July 12 when the court will issue its orders on what must be done. The court’s orders are final. The two

sides should try to resolve this political problem. The ABC countries should put pressure on both sides to meet and honour the Constitution.

There is much distrust between the sides. Both sides are fearful of fraudulent elections. My conversations with Guyanese reveal they also fear that election results may not reflect the will of the vot-

ers. A poll I am conducting in Guyana reveals a very racially polarised nation.

Governing Guyana will not be easy unless election results are accepted by both sides. The country will not make progress after elections unless both sides feel the outcome reflects the will of the voters and that every eligible voter’s name is on the list.

Since it has become a

Holding David Granger accountable for everything under his tenure Dear Editor, Political influences are paramount in the establishment of all the State Commissions under the APNU/AFC coalition Government. These State Commissions are important to the growth and development of this country and to ensure impartiality, patriotism and independence is a priority in all decisions.

While there is no room on any constitutionally established grounds for interferences with the functioning of these Commissions, President David Granger ensured that he chose commissioners and chairpersons on State Commissions that would be "political loyalists" to him, and not impartial commissions that would be beneficial for Guyana.

If Guyanese were to examine all the State Commissions, we would notice that a pattern has been

established where David Granger has been using his henchmen to manage these commissions in order to ensure that he is guaranteed his desired outcome on any decisions, for example, the GECOM, GLSC, Police Service Commission etc. Many of these commissions are not functioning or don't even protect the interests of the ordinary citizens of Guyana. The Public Utilities Commission is a living example that refused to be practical and reasonable when they increased the water rates for the Guyanese populace.

The recent exposures by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo of land grabbing by cronies of the APNU/ AFC coalition Government that was facilitated by the Chairman of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission which can cause Guyana billions of dollars in the future is an-

other important example.

The media is a sword arm in democracy and must ensure that the protection of democracy is paramount in any society since it's main intention is to reach and address a large target group or audience. The media of today in Guyana is playing an outstanding role in creating and shaping of public opinion and strengthening of our society, but because of political partisan of reporters, they prejudice their integrity in relating to the public.

What is puzzling to the public is the reason or reasons why everything that takes place under the former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s stewardship or sometimes not even under his stewardship is being reported as the sole and only person responsible, but the media does not hold Granger responsible for what happens un-

der his stewardship. This is troubling for democracy and the media might be encouraging the start of a new dictatorship.

The most recent being the headline in Kaieteur News "Jagdeo granted 20 acres weeks before leaving office" but refused to put a headline when Jagdeo exposed Granger giving away lands proposed for deepwater harbours in Guyana.

Maybe a headline "Granger granted land proposed for deepwater harbours to cronies", might be fairer and balanced.

Guyanese must urge the media to be fairer and balanced in the dissemination of information and the protection democracy.

The media must also hold David Granger responsible for everything that's being done under his tenure too.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

controversial political issue that does not lend itself to an easy solution, may I suggest that both sides meet and work out an agreement for the United Nations to manage (run) the elections? It will save Guyanese the expense of organising the elections.

The UN was in charge of holding elections in several polarised societies when the contending parties

could not reach an agreement on a way forward.

The UN will ensure that free and fair elections are held in Guyana and that no one is denied the right to vote. The UN’s SecretaryGeneral and its security forces will make sure a credible election is held and the results accepted.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Would reasons have to be

provided by OL too?

Dear Editor, From a layman's point of view, if the interpretation is for both sides to submit names for the GECOM Chair post, does it now mean the Opposition

Leader will have to provide reasons for rejecting the name(s) of the other side too?

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

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tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

Page

Y

Foundation

Quick! What's the body's biggest organ?

ou might be surprised to find out it's the skin, which you might not think of as an organ. No matter how you think of it, your skin is very important. It covers and protects everything inside your body. Without skin, people's muscles, bones, and organs would be hanging out all over the place.

Skin holds everything together. It also: * protects our bodies * helps keep our bodies at just the right temperature * allows us to have the sense of touch

Don't miss your epidermis

The skin is made up of three layers, each with its own important parts.

The layer on the outside is called the epidermis (say: eh-pih-DUR-mis). The epidermis is the part of your skin you can see.

Look down at your hands for a minute. Even though you can't see anything happening, your epidermis is hard at work. At the bottom of the epidermis, new skin cells are forming.

When the cells are ready, they start moving toward the top of your epidermis. This trip takes about 2 weeks to a month. As newer cells continue to move up, older cells near the top die and rise to the surface of your skin. What you see on your hands (and everywhere else on your body) are really dead skin cells.

Bye-bye skin cells

These old cells are tough and strong, just right for covering your body and protecting it. But they only

stick around for a little while. Soon, they'll flake off.

Though you can't see it happening, every minute of the day we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of our skin.

So just in the time it took you to read this far, you've probably lost about 40,000 cells. That's almost four kilograms (nine pounds) of cells every year!

But don't think your skin might wear out someday.

Your epidermis is always making new skin cells that rise to the top to replace the old ones. Most of the cells in your epidermis (95%) work to make new skin cells.

And what about the other 5%? They make a substance called melanin (say: MEL-uh-nun).

Melanin gives skin its colour. The darker your skin is, the more melanin you have. When you go out into the sun, these cells make extra melanin to protect you from getting burned by the sun's ultraviolet, or UV, rays.

That's why your skin gets tan if you spend a lot of time in the sun. But even though melanin is mighty, it can't shield you all by itself. You'll want to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, such as a hat, to prevent painful sunburns.

Protecting your skin now also can help prevent skin cancer when you get older.

The dermis is under the epidermis

The next layer down is the dermis (say: DUR-mis).

You can't see your dermis because it's hidden under your epidermis. The dermis contains nerve endings,

blood vessels, oil glands, and sweat glands. It also contains collagen and elastin, which are tough and stretchy.

The nerve endings in your dermis tell you how

ever thinking about it.

things feel when you touch them. They work with your brain and nervous system, so that your brain gets the message about what you're touching. Is it the soft fur of a cat or the rough surface of your skateboard?

Sometimes what you feel is dangerous, so the nerve endings work with your muscles to keep you from getting hurt. If you touch something hot, the nerve endings in your dermis respond right away: "Ouch! That's hot!" The nerves quickly send this message to the brain or spinal cord, which then immediately commands the muscles to take your hand away. This all happens in a split second, without you

by bringing them the oxygen and nutrients they need and by taking away waste. These blood vessels are hard to see in kids, but you might get a better look if you check out your grandparents' skin. As the dermis gets older, it gets thinner and easier to see through.

The dermis is home to the oil glands, too. These are also called sebaceous (say: sih-BAY-shus) glands, and they are always producing sebum (say: SEE-bum).

Sebum is your skin's own natural oil. It rises to the surface of your epidermis to keep your skin lubricated and protected. It also makes your skin waterproof — as long as sebum's on the scene, your skin won't ab-

Dermis = lots of blood vessels

Your dermis is also full of tiny blood vessels. These keep your skin cells healthy

sorb water and get soggy.

You also have sweat glands in your dermis. Even though you can't feel it, you actually sweat a tiny bit all the time. The sweat comes up

through pores, tiny holes in the skin that allow it to escape. When the sebum meets the sweat, they form a protective film that's a bit sticky.

An easy way to see this film in action is to pick up a pin with your fingers.

Then wash your hands well with soap and water and dry them off completely.

Now try to pick up that pin again. It won't be so easy because your sticky layer is gone! Don't worry — it will be back soon, as your sebaceous and sweat glands create more sticky stuff.

The third layer is subcutaneous fat

The third and bottom layer of the skin is called

the subcutaneous (say: subkyoo-TAY-nee-us) layer. It is made mostly of fat and helps your body stay warm and absorb shocks, like if you bang into something or fall down. The subcutaneous layer also helps hold your skin to all the tissues underneath it.

This layer is where you'll find the start of hair, too. Each hair on your body grows out of a tiny tube in the skin called a follicle (say: FAHL-ih-kul).

Every follicle has its roots way down in the subcutaneous layer and continues up through the dermis.

You have hair follicles all over your body, except on your lips, the palms of your hands, and the soles of your feet. And you have more hair follicles in some places than in others — there are more than 100,000 follicles on your head alone!

Your hair follicles rely on your sebaceous glands to bring on the shine.

Connected to each follicle in the dermis layer is a tiny sebaceous gland that releases sebum onto the hair. This lightly coats the hair with oil, giving it some shine and a little waterproofing.

Keep it clean!

Unlike other organs (like your lungs, heart, and brain), your skin likes a good washing. When you wash your skin, use water and a mild soap. And don't forget to cover scrapes and cuts with gauze or a bandage. This keeps the dirt out and helps prevent infections. It's just one way to be kind to the skin you're in! (kidshealth.org)

Skin can warm and cool you

Your skin can help if you're feeling too hot or too cold.

Your blood vessels, hair, and sweat glands cooperate to keep your body at just the right temperature. If you were to run around in the heat, you could get overheated. If you play outside when it's cold, your inner temperature could drop. Either way, your skin can help.

Your body is pretty smart. It knows how to keep your temperature right around 98.6°F (37°C) to keep you and your cells healthy. Your skin can respond to messages sent out by your hypothalamus (say: hy-po-THAL-uh-mus), the brain's inner thermometer.

If you've been running around on a hot day, your blood vessels get the signal from the hypothalamus to release some of your body's heat. They do this by bringing warm blood closer to the surface of your skin. That's why you sometimes get a red face when you run around.

To cool you down, sweat glands also swing into action by making lots of sweat to release body heat into the air.

The hotter you are, the more sweat your glands make!

Once the sweat hits the air, it evaporates (this means that it changes from a liquid to a vapor) off your skin, and you cool down.

What about when you're ice-skating or sledding? When you're cold, your blood vessels keep your body from losing heat by narrowing as much as possible and keeping the warm blood away from the skin's surface. You might notice tiny bumps on your skin. Most kids call these goosebumps, but the fancy name for them is the pilomotor (say: PY-lomo-ter) reflex. The reflex makes special tiny muscles called the erector pili (say: ee-REK-tur pee-LEE) muscles pull on your hairs so they stand up very straight.

7 World Bank scores Guyana zero for electricity reliability news

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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The World Bank report

aking account of the energy sectors in 190 countries ranging from developed to developing, the World Bank has ranked Guyana at an unflattering 165 position when it comes to reliable electricity supply.

This is contained in the bank’s Doing Business 2019 report, which was recently released. While Guyana

was ranked at 134 out of 190 countries when it comes to facilitating business, its score in the energy sector was much worse.

On a scale of 0 to 100, Guyana was scored at 45.91 when it comes to getting electricity, while the cost as a percentage of income per capita was $421. On a scale of 0 to 8, when it comes to reliability of electricity supply

and transparency of tariffs, Guyana scored 0.

During a recent engagement at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC’s) Annual General Meeting (AGM), United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch had observed that war-torn countries like Iraq, the West Bank and Gaza received a better ranking when it comes to doing business than Guyana.

But it gets worse, as, in fact, these countries received a better ranking when it comes to electricity supply as well. For instance, Iraq was rated at 61.73 out of 100 for getting electricity, though its cost per capita and reliability of supply were worse and similar, respectively, compared to Guyana.

When it comes to the West Bank and Gaza, these countries were scored at 74.16 out of 100 in terms of electricity accessibility. They also received a 5 out of 8 in terms of reliability of supply and transparent rates, though the World Bank found their electricity inordinately expensive on a per capita basis.

In the Caribbean, nearby Trinidad scored 84.30 out of a 100 in terms of access to electricity, while the cost per

Tuschen accident

Dead teen’s family calls for full probe

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he pedestrian, who was killed along the Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) Public Road in the wee hours of Sunday morning was on Monday identified as 17-year-old Azeez Mohammed of Lot 63 Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), by family members.

The teen was reportedly killed by an allegedly speeding motor vehicle whilst attempting to cross the public road.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Samantha Mohammed, sister of the dead teen, explained that her younger brother had left home at about 17:00h on Sunday to attend a wedding ceremony at Tuschen along with his cousins. The distraught sister related that according to eyewitnesses, her brother left the location and whilst returning he met his demise.

“Apparently he left the wedding house and cross over the road to go urinate, but while he making his way back over, a car with full speed hit him down….when he hit him down he drove a distance away and stopped, he drove back then pick up my brother and took him to the hospital,” the grieving sister related.

According to Mohammed (Samantha), after her cousins realised the now dead

Dead: 17-year-old Azeez Mohammed

teen was missing, they began searching for him, during which they were informed about the accident.

A visibly distraught Mohammed related that a police report was made, hence they are pleading for justice for their younger sibling.

“We went to the station and they say they have to investigate the matter and will get back to us…he is my small brother and he can’t just hit him down just like that, we are all human beings,” Mohammed stated.

Police reports have since indicated that the driver of the motor vehicle is a police rank, who was proceeding along the Tuschen Public Road when Mohamed allegedly ran into his path and

was struck down.

Mohamed was picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home while police investigations are still ongoing.

This is the third joint services rank to have recently struck down a road user, as 61-year-old Colin Crawford of Lot 111 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was last Monday killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a Police Constable.

According to reports, the policeman was proceeding south along the eastern side of the western carriageway in the vicinity of Stoby’s Jewellery at McDoom when Crawford was seen standing on the western side of the eastern carriageway, close to the median that separates the eastern and western carriageway on that road.

The injured man was picked up by the Police Constable with the assistance of public-spirited persons and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention. He died some three hours after the accident.

At the time of the accident, a breathalyser test was conducted on the Police Constable and no trace of alcohol was found in his system.

capita was just $199. When it comes to reliability of supply, the twin-island republic scored 6 out of 8.

In Barbados, the island scored 65.12 out of 100 for access to electricity and 6 out of 8 in terms of reliability.

The cost per capita, meanwhile, was $61.3. Jamaica also scored better than Guyana, not only in its ease of doing business, but also its electricity supply. The island scored 64.96 in its 0 to 100 score for electricity access, with a cost per capita of $203 and a reliability score of 5 out of a scale of 0 to 8.

Meanwhile, the United States, with a population of over 300 million, received a score for its citizenry’s access to electricity of 82.15 out of 100. On the other hand, the individual cost per capita is $22.9.

The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which was initiated under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, could have been generating about 50 per cent more electricity than the entire GPL supply at the time in 2012. But the project was scrapped by the coalition administration who had controlled the National Assembly by a oneseat majority. Before assuming office, the APNU/AFC’s refusal to endorse AFHEP

forced the main developer, Sithe Global, to walk away from the project. APNU and AFC claimed they were awaiting an evaluation from the IDB, which was in receipt of US$80 million from Norway that was specifically committed to AFHEP. But with no developer, the IDB declared an investigation was moot and the coalition Government had since ducked AFHEP, citing technical and financial concerns.

Energy

The unreliability of power is a major bugbear to not only ordinary citizens but also business and the manufacturing sector. It was identified by the US Ambassador during her address to the PSC as a particular problem for businesses.

Over the past month, the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) service has been heavily criticised by ordinary citizens. This is because of regular power outages,

maintenance work and announcements that there are issues with the interconnected system.

GPL had subsequently announced that it will be looking to arrange power purchase agreements with a number of private firms that generate their own electricity. This includes seeking an agreement for power from the Hope Windfarm project.

This is according to GPL’s Chief Executive

Officer, Albert Gordon, who was at the time hosting a press conference last month.

Gordon admitted that there are challenges with arranging the agreement with the Hope Windfarm project.

It was announced subsequently that a power purchase agreement had been concluded with the Giftland Mall. The agreement is for the business to supply five megawatts of power. Meanwhile, it had also been announced that similar discussions were ongoing with Banks DIH.

8 News

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

DNA testing equipment being used to pursue 2 cold cases – Crime Chief

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nvestigators from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Cold Case Unit are aggressively pursuing two unsolved murders with the aid of the recently acquired testing equipment at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL).

Crime Chief (ag) Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston on Monday confirmed that focus is being placed on two of the several cold cases at this point.

“We have a few that we are working on but I am not prepared to speak on them at this point in time. We are looking at two at the moment and that is all I would say on it,” he told this publication.

On Wednesday last, new equipment funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was commissioned at the GFSL which is housed at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The equipment is said to boost in the fight against crime in Guyana since it now enables the lab to conduct critical tests which it was never able to do despite being officially opened some five years now.

Director of the $1.049 billion facility, Delon France at the recent commissioning ceremony had said that the laboratory is now a national pioneer for human identification using

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing and it enables for testing of “three main things: DNA testing for comparison or matching evidence to a suspect, paternity testing, family mapping or family testing where you can use the family DNA to identify a suspect even if we don’t have that particular suspect’s DNA. We can match a crime scene to a family member and then we can narrow it down through investigation of who actually committed the crime”.

When the building was first commissioned, it had four departments including toxicology, documents, trace evidence and chemistry with six non-analytical departments namely security, quality system, information system, facilities operations, evidence and administration departments.

Acknowledging that the wait for such services was indeed a lengthy one, the Director informed that four persons are being trained to use the long-awaited equipment. In addition, a number of training sessions are also on the schedule for crime scene personnel of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

In April last, the now-suspended Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves, had told this publication that the Guyana Cold Cases Unit was probing five murder cases that have been pending for a number of years.

Alves had explained that these cases were being pursued by both the Cold Cases Unit and the Major Crimes Investigations Unit (MCIU).

The most recent cold case to be solved in Guyana is that of the murder of businessman Ramzan Alli, which occurred at Coldingen Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), between July 11 and 12, 2009.

His then wife, Milaimi Alli, was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) recently for the 2009 murder of the businessman. She appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a murder charge.

The charge stated that Alli, while being in the company of another, murdered her husband Ramzan Alli at Coldingen Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), between July 11 and 12, 2009.

Investigators reportedly received new information that alleged Alli paid her then lover $7 million to kill her husband, which led them to reopen their investigation into the murder of the fuel dealer in March 2009.

Thirty-eight-year-old Zaheed Mitchell of Foulis, ECD, was also recently charged for his involvement in the murder of Alli.

Taxi driver leads defence in illegal gun, ammo trial

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ne week after Kacey Chapman was told to lead his defence against the illegal guns and ammunition charges, he took the witness stand to give his testimony into the matter.

Last year, Chapman was charged alongside Sheldon Andrews and Adam McDonald with two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and two counts of illegal possession of ammunition. The charges against Andrews and McDonald were dismissed after the prosecution failed to prove the case against them.

However, Chapman was called upon to lead his defence as sufficient evidence was found against him regarding the charges.

The charges against Chapman alleged that on November 26, 2018, at High and Princes Streets, Georgetown, he had a .32 Taurus pistol in his possession while not being a licensed firearm holder. It was also alleged that on the same date, he was in possession of a 9mm Glock pistol without being the licensed firearm holder.

The two final charges stated that on November 26, 2018, at High and Princes streets, Chapman had in his possession 12 live 9mm rounds of ammunition and 7 live rounds of .32 ammunition, without being a licensed firearm holder.

Chapman, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Adrian Thompson, was called to the witness stand as the defence took over the case before Magistrate Rondel Weaver at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Chapman in his address to the court said that he was driving motorcar HC 6573 around the city when he

Kacey Chapman

was stopped by a lone darkskinned man, who he later identified as McDonald, and asked if he (Chapman) was working. Chapman related that he observed that McDonald had a black haversack on his back.

He went on to say that after he told McDonald that he was working, McDonald told him to take him to “the Gumdac music place”.

Chapman claimed that upon arriving at Gumdac, McDonald, who was on the phone at that time, directed him to the Infinity Gas Station on High and Princes Streets. In the vicinity of the said gas station, Chapman said that he was once again directed by McDonald to stop next to a white car at the side of the road.

Chapman claimed that after parking the car at the said location, McDonald told him to “hold on” after which he left, leaving his haversack on the back seat of the car as McDonald was yet to pay him for the drop. He related that as McDonald was walking to the white vehicle, he noticed other vehicles along with the police vehicle heading in their direction in a line. He stated that after McDonald noticed the police vehicle, he began to hastily walk north towards another

street.

“The police stopped beside the car and the door opened on the right side and the driver and another rank jumped out and ran and chased behind him [McDonald] and he began running away,” Chapman further stated. However, McDonald was subsequently caught and brought back to the car.

During the time when all of that was happening, Chapman said he noticed Andrews walking along the road. “I saw Sheldon walking and ask where his car was cause I know he does wuk taxi at Confidential Cabs,” Chapman stated. In his response, Andrews reportedly told Chapman that he just came off of work at Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). “It all happen in two minutes,” Chapman claimed.

Chapman testified that the police then turned their attention on him and Andrews, and told them to submit themselves to a search. As the police were searching the car, Chapman said, he observed that they took out a black plastic bag from the haversack, which was on the back seat of the car at the time.

He said that apart from the plastic bag, he noticed that a cap, a pair of boots and a jersey were found in the haversack. The police then reportedly tore open the plastic bag and wrapped in a black jersey were the two firearms. During that time, according to Chapman, McDonald was acting like he wasn’t in the car and telling the police that he isn’t acquainted with the two men, referring to himself and Andrews. “Adam McDonald came into the car with the haversack,” Chapman adamantly ended his testimony.

Thompson then asked Chapman if he was videoing the police as they searched the car. “A colleague of Sheldon was passing same time and he video the thing,” Chapman replied. The video, which Chapman had readily in possession, was subsequently shown to the prosecution and the magistrate.

Replying to the question of whether he had knowledge that firearms were in the haversack, Chapman said, “I have no knowledge that a firearm was in the haversack”.

Prosecutor Simone Payne then took over and cross-examined Chapman.

She asked him how long was he working as a taxi driver and how long he has known Andrews to which he replied four years and eight months respectively. Payne contended that Chapman was not stopped by a passenger nor did someone get into his car.

Chapman in response stated that he was stopped and McDonald entered his car.

He admitted that he was alone in the car when it was parked near the Infinity Gas Station and recalled part of his story of McDonald telling him to wait for him. Payne further contended that Chapman had knowledge of the firearms that were in the haversack. “I didn’t know.

How can you work taxi and drive around with firearms in the car?” Chapman retorted. In conclusion, Payne asked Chapman how long he spoke to Andrews and he replied, “I didn’t talk to him long, just asked him where his car was and then we were intercepted by the police while the two others ran after McDonald”.

The defence has one more witness.

The case was adjourned for July 8, 2019.

Missing the point…

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…on land giveaways our Eyewitness returns once again to the land giveaway scam pulled by the PNC for its favored few.

Notice that none of the lands were given to ordinary supporters - the vaunted “small man” Burnham promised to transform into the “real man”. In fact while two of the big ones received several ACRES at Mocha on the EBD, the denizens from the Lombard St shacks were turned away from the same location!!

The avoided issues are insider knowledge for profiteering; and preferential treatment for jumping the 30,000 applications backlog line - not whether government officials or PNC supporters can apply for land. Of course they can! So the Director of the Ministry of the Presidency’s statement that the patrimony of Guyana belongs to all Guyanese is quite fatuous. The question is whether ordinary folks are allowed an equal opportunity to get their fair share of that patrimony!!

Your Eyewitness dealt with the protestations and fulminations of SARA and ACDA’s Eric Philips so today he turns to the two parties - one fella who works out of the Office of the President and the husband of another - who received lands at Bohemia, in lower Corentyne near the Berbice Bridge.

The insider’s husband blatantly lied about receiving the Bohemia grant, so there’s nothing more that can be added to that bit of graft. The other one chose to respond in another newspaper - which from the beginning, refused to treat the revelations by the Opposition Leader seriously.

It wasn’t surprising their puff piece didn't pose any tough questions on the two identified issues. The fella admitted that the CH&PC had asked for bids on the lands below Crab Island - where the Berbice Bridge ends on its eastern side - after Minister Trotman had announced he’d be putting up a US$500million oil support facility on the island.

These lands were very strategic and their values would’ve skyrocketed as the need for providing ancillary services rose.

The fella claims that Bohemia is far away from these lands that abut the mouth of the Berbice River to the Atlantic Ocean. What he didn't say was all those lands and some all the way to and including Bohemia - are owned by folks who have transports that were recorded all the way back in the 1920’s!! The lands form one of the largest coastal swamps in Guyana - and the CH&PC had the temerity to claim the private transports don't extend to the Atlantic.

Since the CH&PC will be stuck in litigation on the other lands your Eyewitness suspects the allocated lands are between the Government School on the Public Rd. at Bohemia and the Atlantic - and thus the nearest state lands.

Just a mile away!! …on the President’s arrogance Some commentators are attributing Granger’s outrageous take on the Constitution and of the CCJ’s instructions on the need for he and the Opposition Leader to take a “consensual” approach to selecting the new GECOM Chair - that HE can also submit a list of candidates!! - as a “misinterpretation”. It’s nothing of the sort!! It’s simply another gambit in the series of gambits by Granger and crew to thumb their noses at not just the PPP opposition - but also the courts, including the CCJ. This gambit falls right in the league of the one where the PNC asserted that 33 wasn't greater than 32 to form a majority of 65!! Now it’s said every dog must have his day in court - but that assumes that the dog also has a valid case!! Surely the Courts cannot entertain cases that are clearly filed on concocted grounds - as delaying tactics to suit their agendas! You can bet your bottom dollar the PNC has a lawsuit in mind, on the list!!

Vexatious? …on land use Before leasing lands, the applicant has to convince the CH&PC their proposed use fits in with what the land’s been zoned for.

It’ll be interesting to enquire into the proposed use for the Bohemia lands.

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

news

9

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s traditional sectors can bring tremendous benefits – Ali …says oil and gas is not the only “saviour”

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ith the right investment opportunities and economic environment, Guyana’s traditional sectors can thrive to provide more employment and other benefits, rather than a sole dependence on taxation to garner capital.

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali shared this opinion during a recent interview on the creation of jobs, where he assured that under his Government, economic sectors will not be neglected. It was explained that the prospects of oil is not the “only saviour” since traditional sectors are opportunistic with assistance from Government.

“We need a Government that has ideas and vision and not a Government that seems to be barren on ideas and think that taxes is the only solution in terms of raising capital. Also, this thing that oil and gas as the only saviour out there or opportunity that is ahead for Guyana. Oil and gas would bring tremendous opportunity for Guyana but there is great opportunities in all the traditional sectors and also

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

in newer sectors with a little tweaking,” he stated.

Ali expressed that draconian measures on Government’s end have seen downward spiralling of most of these sectors. This is due to the lack of incentive regime for investments among other unfavourable moves that was noticed especially in the mining sector. In five years, he informed that the industry has declined by approximately 40 per cent, with an average 15,000 persons directly affected.

“These are sectors that has performed well for

Guyana. In 2014, we had approximately 3000 dredges in the mining sector.

Each dredge would have employed about five persons directly [apart from the] suppliers, manufacturers, those who supply food…You’re talking about 15,000 jobs in 2014. Today, only approximately 60 per cent of those dredges are in operation,” the Presidential Candidate related.

He added that the significant decrease was as a result of the draconian measures that the APNU/ AFC Government “brought

EBD gang charged for breaking and entering Attorney’s home

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group of men, who were arrested after Police busted the gang that has been breaking into new homes on the East Bank of Demerara, have been charged.

The four men appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Friday and were placed on $200,000 bail each after denying the charge of breaking and entering the Providence, EBD home of an attorney-at-law.

Charged were Nigel Clarke, 50, a security guard residing at Plantation, Providence; Shawn

Chung, 36, a taxi driver of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara; Avinash Wright, 25, a labourer of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and Raul Poulis, 40, a shopkeeper of Craig Village, East Bank Demerara. They were all arrested last Tuesday.

The four men appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Friday.

They were slapped with the breaking and entering charge, which stated that they broke into the home of Laurian Bancroft, 38, a lawyer of Plantation, Providence, East Bank Demerara some-

time between June 20 and 24.

The prosecution is contending that the men stole 20 sacks of Mortar Skill Sets worth $40,000 and three toilet bowl sets worth $180,000.

They are also accused of stealing one welding plant valued $20,000, a cone drill press valued $100,000 and one chop saw valued $50,000, property of Roy Singh, a contractor of Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

More charges are expected to be filed against the men shortly. The case will continue on July 30, 2019.

down on the mining sector that caused persons to hold back on investments. There was no capital investment, no reformation in the sector and the small and medium-sized miners were disseminated”.

For the mining sector to flourish again, he added, tax concessions and the two per cent royalty rate are some factors which must be considered. He lamented on the numerous documentations that stymie small miners from conducting their operations.

“We have to look at tax concessions that would benefit the small and medium scale miners, help them in mining equipment, retooling themselves in the industry.

We have to revert to the two per cent royalty rate…The level of documentation that small miners have to get before they actually go into operation has created tremendous hardship for their own growth and development.”

Ali posited that Guyana’s hinterland road infrastructure has also been at its worst for the past two years.

This has been coupled with the skyrocketed cost for fuel, which has seen little assistance from Government.

“Then we have to look at

the land management and allocation system and address the issue of high fuel costs. The costs for fuel in some of the areas that our miners are mining now is totally non-competitive. In the past, there was a particular method that was used to assist miners in this regard. We have seen that the Government has shy away from this and then look at the state of the hinterland roads,” he asserted.

Two months ago, persons commuting the LindenLethem road called on Government to urgently intervene and repair certain sections which were impassable.

Sections of the road — at Fairview in Region Nine and Kurupukari in Region Eight — were completely impassible, with some sections being inundated when there is heavy rainfall.

Manufacturing

For the manufacturing and business sectors, he said that grants and special funds will be injected to stimulate activities by linking entrepreneurs with the necessary resources. Zerorated exports will also encourage stakeholders to invest.

“We’ll look at the zero rating for all exports, industrial parts, and special incentives to invest in particular areas. We have to look at a special fund to stimulate innovation and new businesses. We’ll have to increase grants through small and medium-sized enterprises and a lot of this has to come through entrepreneurial training.”

Ali stated that the present situation has caused many small businesses to close their operations because of the incapacity to handle shocks from a decreasing disposable income.

“Small businesses are closing down. Medium businesses are closing down. If you look at the stats, you will see that in the last three years, we’ve had $29 billion in non-performing loans.

Non-performing loans has grown by $12 billion in three years and 60 per cent of that is in the business enterprises and most of these are the small and medium business that does not have the capital formation to withstand these shocks. You’re seeing that the disposable income of our people is being sucked up,” the Presidential Candidate explained.

10 news

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Shooting of Nations’ principal

Drug usage in schools

Int’l help sought by local Police record reduction reports – Senior cops – acting Crime Chief in Superintendent

Crime Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston

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uyana’s law enforcement officials are awaiting feedback from their overseas counterparts in relation to a request for assistance in solving the shooting incident of Director and Principal of School of the Nations, Dr Brian O’Toole, which occurred over five months ago.

This is according to Crime Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, who, in a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Monday, said a lot of work has already been done by local Police, but there is need for foreign assistance in this matter.

“Every bit of information that Mr O’Toole came to us with…was checked out, and he was given a feedback.

Every person -- even to the

last person that he pointed fingers at -- we would have arrested…(and)questioned…in detail,” the acting Crime Chief said.

“We would have contacted our foreign counterparts and asked them to check some further information for us; but, like every other thing, we have to wait on them to give us a response,” Kingston explained.

He said that, in relation to the shooting incident, Dr O’Toole would have been privy to the progress of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in solving the crime committed against him.

“The fact is that we have a file, we have a file on the matter; a very thick one too, because we had questioned a number of persons, and we also sought legal advice on the matter and we were advised to do some additional work,” the acting Crime Chief detailed.

In a recent letter to the editor, Dr O’Toole lamented that although a lot of time had elapsed since he had been shot, he was not aware of anyone being arrested for the crime.

“Reports have been made by me to the Police about a certain individual who is accused of being a prominent drug dealer in at least five schools. Persons have approached me to say that this sad young man has threatened them that, if they come forward to identify him, they

School of the Nations’ Director and Principal, Dr Brian O’Toole

‘will regret it.’ All this has been given to the police,” his letter stated.

According to Dr O’Toole, this is the same individual whom he believes was involved in the shooting, since “there are, of course, more ways to be involved than pulling a trigger.”

He also made reference to reports that were made to the American Embassy several weeks ago, about a certain young man residing in the USA, who admitted to making the first post, back in January last, to blow up the school in question.

“According to the Police report (that) we were given, the same boy was interviewed – his defence was simply ‘it was only a joke.’

Four hours after that posting, I was shot and narrowly missed being murdered. He then posted again, asking

for immunity and promising to give all the information about the shooting if he was given ‘protection’. And then, a few weeks ago, we were given a recording from the same boy, clearly laughing at the shooting,” Dr O’Toole added.

Dr O’Toole also said he had heard nothing further from the local Police or American Embassy, although five months have passed since the shooting incident had taken place.

On January 27 last, Dr O’Toole was shot three times as he was returning to his Bel Air, Georgetown residence, hours after he had held an emergency meeting with parents and guardians of students attending his school about violent threats made on social media to injure students and teachers of that school.

Earlier this year, the now suspended Crime Chief, Deputy Police Commissioner Lyndon Alves, told Guyana Times that Police had questioned four persons -- both current and former students -- in relation to Dr O’Toole’s shooting.

However, subsequent to that incident, several threats against that school appeared on Facebook. They were made by “Kira” (meaning killer), which is the alias of the main character in “Death Note” – a Japanese manga series that was later adapted into films.

Presidential Guard found unconscious at Mandela Avenue

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inston Cooper, a 32-year-old Police Constable attached to the Presidential Guard Service, was found in an unconscious state on the Mandela Avenue Public Road, Georgetown on Monday at around 05:30h.

The constable, of Lot 761 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he is currently nursing head

Injured: Constable Winston Cooper

and other injuries about his body.

Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman was unable to provide further details on the matter, but Guyana Times was told that Cooper is suspected to be a victim of attempted robbery, since it is more than likely that he was approached by bandits who demanded his valuables, and may have been beaten for failing to comply with the request, a

source has said.

Cooper’s backpack, which was found near his body, had his Police uniform inside, and sources say his assailants may have fled the scene after realising that he is a cop.

Other reports conversely suggest that the Presidential Guard may have been a victim of a hitand-run accident.

Investigations are, however, ongoing.

…says students caught reluctant to give up drug dealers

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ine months ago the alarming problem of increased drug usage in schools was a major concern for parents, teachers and other stakeholders, there has been a reduction in reports of incidents of this sort.

This is according to Head of the Police Narcotics Branch, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, who, during a recent interview with Guyana Times, said that for the past three months there has been a decrease in reports by schools about students engaged in using illicit substances.

“They (reports) are down, or there is a drop. We are not getting (many) reports from the schools. Sometimes it is the Education Ministry that will call us, or sometimes the head teachers call us in. So, for the second quarter, as it stands right now, there has been a reduction,” Simon explained.

He said that in cases where the schools directly make contact with the Police for assistance or involvement in addressing the use of illegal drugs among their students and/or on their premises, there is a system that has to be followed; since, ideally, the Education Ministry is the agency responsible for notifying the law enforcement agencies in this regard.

“This system (direct contact with the Police) is that the teacher has got to be present, (as well as) the parent and the student. Then we look at if (the situation) is one that warrants counselling and so forth…we cannot prosecute any child anymore, so definitely straight counselling. We try to work them to see if they will give up, if an adult is involved, if they will give up the source,” Simon said.

Reluctance

Simon said investigators

Police Narcotics Branch Head, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

are not always successful in getting the students to divulge relevant information so that they can pursue and eventually nab the guilty adults involved, but some students are helpful when questioned.

“Some are reluctant in giving up the names of the persons, but there are some who do cooperate. Some parents of the children who are caught or involved tend to clog up, and there are some who say to their children that they should tell the truth. So, basically, it is some amount of reluctance and some amount of cooperation, and I would say it is about 50/50 from all the cases we have had so far to deal with,” he added.

In September 2018, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) made it public that the use and sale of the drug ecstasy had been discovered in five schools. Known as a recreational drug, ecstasy’s harmful side effects include addiction and altered sensations.

At that time, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, speaking on the issue, was quoted as saying that law enforcement agencies were “losing the battle” now that drugs have ended up in schools.

NEWS

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tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo Coast taxi driver dies in Police lock-ups …died from asphyxiation – PM results

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taxi driver, who was arrested for driving under the influence and placed in the lockups was found dead at the Suddie Police Station.

Dead is Lallbachan Bachan of Lot 21 Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Reports are the 39-yearold man’s lifeless body was found at 06:10h on Monday.

He was arrested on Friday last after two arrest warrants were issued for him for driving under the influence of alcohol. Following the discovery, Bachan was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police in a statement

said that the body bore no marks of violence. The police

also said that Bachan was the lone prisoner in the cell.

Meanwhile, speaking with Guyana Times, the dead man’s 68-year-old mother, Maharanie Bachan, said that she visited the Suddie Police Station on Friday to take food for her son, but she was not allowed to see him.

“When me was at the station on Friday to take food for me son, the police take the food from me and they did not allow me to see he but me hear me son ah cry out fuh pain he saying that he nah feeling well but the police just ignored he,” the grieving mother said.

According to the woman, she last saw her son, who was a former ambulance

driver at the Suddie Public Hospital, on Sunday.

She said that when he was taken out of his cell for it to be cleaned on Sunday, she was able to see him for five minutes.

On Monday his sister said that the family was told of her brother’s death and they went to see his body at the mortuary.

She reported that she saw swelling on her brother’s forehead and minor injuries on his hand and feet.

Bechan leaves to mourn his wife, Samantha Bachan, and their four children.

Meanwhile, a post mortem has been conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh on Monday and the cause of death was given as asphyxiation.

worried that they could take it away tomorrow and nothing we can do”.

The MMA-ADA had evicted several cattle owners from lands. The area, located at Blairmont, covers 1360 acres and had been used by farmers to rear hundreds of cattle.

However, the farmers re-

ments could not be found.

Receipts seen by Guyana Times demonstrate that payments were made by all of the farmers for lease applications, some dating back years ago.

Another farmer, Pooran Balmukund, had also explained that a permit to conduct cattle grazing was also

ing a livelihood is at stake.

Over the years, the farmers have developed the lands, establishing pastures and constructing fences around the property. It was explained that they have no vacant property to relocate the animals and if new persons are given access to the lands, the structures will be demolished.

On Sunday, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament, Harry Gill in a letter to the editor said that in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), lands that were used by cattle farmers of the Shieldstown Cattle Rearer’s Co-op Society in an area known as Rampoor for over 20 years, were taken away by the MMA-ADA and were allegedly given to a close associate of the Government.

He also called for a fullfledged investigation into the matter.

Dead taxi driver: Lallbachan Bachan

MMA-ADA remains silent on reallocation of lands – cattle farmers Former national boxer

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eeks after cattle farmers from Region Five (Mahica-Berbice) raised concerns over the issuing of new leases by the Mahaica-Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) to lands which they utilised, there has been no response

A part of the land that was taken away from cattle farmers

from the organisation.

The concerned farmers told Guyana Times that they are still awaiting a response to know whether consideration is being given for them to access the land.

Speaking with this publication, Krishna Sookdeo stated, “We hear nothing so far.

After the injunction, the people didn’t get to go back into the land but there is no case up to now. They didn’t say if they will give us our land or a part of it. Right now, we are

ceived a notice from the agency earlier this year, indicating that they have to vacate the lands since new leases were issued to other persons, some of whom are not even cattle farmers. Without the lands, their daily operations will be severely challenged.

Sookdeo had initially told this publication they would constantly apply for leases to be granted. However, during the next engagement, the Authority would advise them to reapply since those docu-

issued with the notice but upon visiting the agency, they were told the document was irrelevant. As such, it was mandatory for them to vacate.

“MMA just serve us a notice to remove from the land.

They also give us a paper with permission to graze cattle. When we went at MMA, the paper had no value. They told us this don’t have no value anymore,” the man stated.

Many of them cried that their only means of earn-

stabbed to chest

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ormer national boxer Gladwin Dorway sustained stab wounds to his chest following an altercation with a known character at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara on Sunday at about 21:15h.

Guyana Times understands that the suspect had appeared in the vicinity of Dorway’s home and had hurled several threats at him. A short while after, Dorway left his home but encountered the suspect just one street away, and another confrontation ensued. This newspaper was told that the suspect then whipped out a knife and stabbed the 31-year-old Dorway once to his chest before making good his escape.

Persons in the area came

Former national boxer Gladwin Dorway

to the former boxer’s assistance, and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where his condition is listed as critical.

Police investigations are continuing.

12 News

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Deep-water harbour in Guyana would reduce Paramakatoi dorm flooding Region finally conducts time, transport cost – US Ambassador

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nited States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch has pointed to the need for a deep-water port in Guyana, something she described as an infrastructural gap.

The Ambassador made the call during an event which was hosted last week at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

According to the Ambassador, such a port will aid in reducing the time it takes to transport goods and moreover the costs attached to doing so.

A deep-water harbour is a fixed or floating structure that is built at strategic points in a country to serve as a hub for the transport of goods. It is known to be a major source of aiding in economic growth as it links the country to several others.

The port is useful in not only shipping items to that country cheaper, but serves as a gateway for other countries’ goods to pass through as well.

With approximately 80 per cent of the world’s merchandise trade carried by ships, maritime transport remains by far the most common mode of international freight and transport.

Last June, a credible source at the Public Infrastructure Ministry told Guyana Times that Kurupukari village along the Essequibo River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was one of four possible locations to develop the port.

Other potential locations for the establishment of the

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

port include the Berbice and Demerara Rivers.

Guyana Times was told that a team of engineers visited Kurupukari back in April 2018, to conduct a study on the possibility of a bridge being erected across the mighty Essequibo River at the settlement, the site of crossings via ferries.

According to the source, the bridge would mark the first phase of the development of the long-awaited deep-water port.

The source at that time had reliably informed that the bridge was necessary to accommodate “proper linkages” of the regions.

The source also noted that the Ministry’s team visited the Takutu Bridge, which links Lethem with Brazil, since the new bridge is likely to have a similar design.

Since feasibility studies were being conducted, the source was unable to say how much such a project would cost.

The subject Minister,

David Patterson was unable to give an update on the major project when contacted on Monday.

In June 2018, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) said that as early as the first quarter of 2019, the Government of Guyana will have a clear idea of where to site the deep-water port and an even better understanding of what is required to make the Guyana-Brazil land transport link a reality.

It went on to state that the Government has been partnering with the IDB via a Technical Cooperation Agreement to advance the Guyana-Brazil land transport link and deep-water port.

“At present, three companies have been engaged and are working simultaneously to help move various aspects of the project into fruition.

The results of the three studies to help the Government of Guyana make a determination will be completed by early 2019,” the IDB release

stated.

Further, the deep-water port location optimisation studies are being conducted by the Maritime and Transport Business Solutions (MTBS).

The MTBS will, therefore, have the responsibility of preparing business case scenarios for four of the potential sites identified for the project, as well as undertaking financial and economic option analyses and subsequently developing a proposal and preliminary design for development of the selected option.

“Land grabbing”

Only recently, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that there seemed to be a rush by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency to give out prime lands at strategic locations where there lies a possibility to develop shore base facilities.

The Opposition Leader also revealed that areas where some of the lands were given out were earmarked for prime development, adding that the land grab” was taking place in strategic locations – locations for possible shore base facilities, deep-water harbours, and other major infrastructural developments”.

Lands have been given out at Bohemia, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) and parts of the Demerara River.

Brooklyn teen who sustained 3rd-degree burns to genitals awarded US$32.5M

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Brooklyn teen who suffered third-degree burns and traumatic injuries to his genitals when he was struck and then pinned under a school safety van in 2014 has been awarded $32.5 million by a jury.

Manuel Lassalle was in the crosswalk between Coney Island Ave. and Ditmas/18th Ave. in Brooklyn on November 11, 2014 when city worker Ameerah Bonaparte hit him with the van.

The boy, who was 13 at the time of the incident, was dragged nearly 100 feet and stuck underneath the vehicle for almost five minutes — during which he was burned by the hot engine and exhaust system — before he was freed by a passing tow truck driver.

Lassalle, who was legally crossing the road shortly after school finished for the day, sustained second- and third-degree burns on 9% of his body, including on his genitals.

“This young man, who is in college now, has permanent scars (and) required

Manuel Lassalle, pictured on a stretcher at the scene in 2014, was dragged 98 feet on the roadway and pinned underneath a van for almost five minutes before a tow truck happened to pass by and free him (Todd Maisel/New York Daily News)

three surgeries to the scrotum area to try to repair the damage when he was burned by being stuck underneath this vehicle for four to five minutes after it dragged him 98 feet,” the boy’s attorney Sanford Rubenstein said.

“Not only does he have permanent scarring, physical injuries, he also has emotional injuries for what hap-

pened to him.”

The jury awarded $1 million in damages for medical malpractice for what it determined was a series of botched surgeries performed at Jacobi Medical Center, resulting in the need for corrective surgery.

“The pain and suffering (are) unimaginable that this young man suffered,”

remedial works after media reports

Rubenstein said.

In a statement, the city law Department called it “a tragic incident,” but added that “we respectfully disagree with the jury’s verdict, which we believe does not reflect the correct apportionment of liability under the circumstances. We are exploring the city’s legal options.” (NY Daily News)

Children housed at the North Pakaraimas Secondary School Dormitory sweeping out floodwaters

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ays after Guyana Times reported about the flooding situation faced by students living at the Paramakatoi dormitory, the issue has been rectified.

The issue of flooding at the Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) dormitory was as a result of the wall which was broken but not fixed, thus causing rainwater to pour into the building.

Chairman of Region Eight, Bonaventure Fredericks when contacted said that the problem at the dorm was corrected. He explained that the dorm, which is located at the foot of a hill, was flooded after a concrete wall that was built to prevent water from entering the building broke.

“What happened was that the wall give away and all the water went inside as it had nowhere else to go.”

Fredericks noted that emergency works directed by the regional office were done and a new concrete wall was rebuilt to avoid a recurrence.

Meanwhile, this publication also received reports of a leaky roof creating discomfort for students at the Cato Primary School also in that region, however, the Regional Chairman in response to questions stated that the leaks are minor and due to constant rainfall. He went on to say that it is not having any major effects on the students. “Those leaks are not serious. It’s just a few holes on the zinc but it’s not a major problem,” he said.

The Paramakatoi dorm was completely flooded last week for several days as a result of the persistent heavy rainfalls. The issue, residents had said, had been affecting them since 2017 and no efforts were being made by the Administration to remedy the problem.

A housekeeper at the dorm told Guyana Times that she and the children occupying the dorm were awoken by floodwaters gushing

into the building.

She said they were forced to get out of bed and pack up books and clothing and whatever else they could have in an effort to avoid further damages. “The water was already coming in…by the time I get up, I woke the kids to pack up their bags and books and so on because everything would have damaged completely. All their shoes and so were floating away,” she said.

The frustrated woman explained that they have raised concerns on this issue at several meetings with those in authority, however, no intervention was made.

“Every time they call a meeting we bring it up…two years after, we still bringing it up and we’re still waiting on action. This is hard on us and these children here suffering. Nobody cares…I really believe this present Administration doing a poor job for the Amerindian people. It is clear they have no regards for us. Now you see them running around trying to bribe people to buy votes but we see right through them. We will not be fooled or misled. They care about no one but themselves,” she added.

She further said that the regional officials were fully aware of the problem while adding that they oftentimes claim that they have to await the intervention of Central Government to address it.

However, the Chairman maintained that the flooding was only as a result of the collapsed wall.

The housekeeper made calls on the authorities to put necessary measures in place to execute the much-needed works to ensure that the facility is not affected by heavy showers in the future.

The dormitory accommodates approximately 400 students from across the region and even some from Region Nine communities in close proximity.

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tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Assuria opens new branch in Corriverton Region 1 water woes to end soon

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ssuria Insurance Company has opened its latest branch in the bordering town of Corriverton, Berbice, making it the company’s seventh branch since opening up business in Guyana seven years ago.

The company now has branches in Vreed-en-Hoop, Rose Hall Town, Giftland Mall Turkeyen, Parika, Diamond, Linden and Corriverton to go with its head office in the capital city.

In April last, the company was given the license to start selling Marine and Aviation policies which are now being offered at all eight locations.

General Manager Yogindra Arjune told Guyana Times that Corriverton was the next option for expansion.

“We already have a clientele in the Corriverton area so we thought it would be fitting to be as close as possible to provide services we have available to our customers. We have a branch in Rose Hall and that has been servicing our clients in Corriverton but we need to be here [Corriverton] to give the service and to make sure that our customers are comfortable. We also need to grow our clientele in Corriverton.”

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Assuria Insurance Company’s new branch at Corriverton, Berbice

Previously, the Rose Hall Town branch serviced New Amsterdam and Corriverton.

“Rose Hall Town is in the middle of the three towns, that is why we went to the Rose Hall Town first so the next thing we will be looking at will be New Amsterdam.

Those areas are where most of the banks and insurance companies are and so we would also like to be there,” the General Manager said.

While refusing to mention the investment the company made in opening the Corriverton branch, he said the company prides itself on ensuring that its clients have a unique area and are comfortable while doing business with the company.

“Insurance is already a difficult thing to sell and we want to make sure that persons doing so have a comfortable area. Our office has different colours. We think colours bring out the best in people. It does cost a lot more than just opening an ordinary office but we believe our clients deserve the best. When you come, you must be impressed with not just our products but also the surroundings.”

In January 2016, Assuria General (GY) Inc was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certification from Kiwa Nederland BV. As a result, Assuria has achieved the notable distinction of be-

coming the first and still the only financial institution in Guyana to be accredited with the ISO 9001:2008 certification which was updated to ISO 9001:2015 in 2018.

The Corriverton branch will be managed by Shama Latchman who has 30 years’ experience in the industry.

She said it is expected that the branch will make a major impact on the community of Corriverton.

The new Manager noted that Motor, Fire and Marine insurance has already done the company well in Corriverton. “I think in the very near future Assuria is going to be the number one insurance company in Corriverton.”

University hosts workshop with focus on source of mental health disorder

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he American University of Peace Studies hosted a mental health workshop on Saturday at the University’s Sheriff Street, Georgetown Campus where members of the public were invited to obtain knowledge on mental health disorder and how it affects the lives of victims and people around them.

The Mayo Clinic states that mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions; disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behaviour.

Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours.

The one-day workshop was conducted by the University’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Eton Simon, and had a great turnout of persons who wanted to gain insight on mental health issues. Dr Simon in his address spoke of the importance of focusing on the root causes and source of mental health as failure to do so will allow for those suffering from mental health issues to face illations as human beings which will lead to a break down in society. This, he said, is dangerous as it can result in conflicts, suicide and other harmful activities because societies are all wrapped up in the symptom consciousness.

Dr Simon emphasised the need for society to have a shift in consciousness and

place more emphasis on the bigger picture as this will save lives and the world.

The latest information provided by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) suggests that the challenges of mental health in Guyana consume more resources than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) combined. This is an idea of the extent of the problem.

While mental health issues have been dealt with from a reactionary standpoint over the years, Guyana’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, in a recent interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> stated that a more holistic approach is needed to tackle mental health, which has become an unpalatable pill to swallow.

“What we have started to do is started to develop the Primary Healthcare Integrated Mental Health Programme. So our efforts, with support from PAHO, have been to implement training on the mental health treatment gap. It is a module that PAHO developed that allows us to train the primary care doctors who are general practitioners on measures for mental health intervention.”

He explained that the Public Health Ministry is aggressively pursuing tackling the issue of mental health challenges in Guyana and, therefore, the focus is no longer on only deploying

social workers and psychologists in every region by 2020 to tackle the growing problem of mental disorders. The Ministry now has a much broader goal.

Presently, there are some voluntary groups which assist the Public Health Ministry in relation to providing much-needed services in addressing mental health issues, however, there are now more psychologists available to help Government-run health facilities in identifying and treating mental disorders.

According to the CMO, focus will still be placed on the capacity development of communities to tackle the growing problem of mental health issues and this includes the Gatekeepers’ Programme that armed communities with lay counsellors who took proactive action to not only prevent the act of suicide but also address various forms of abuse.

According to PAHO/ WHO, half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause.

Suicide has been identified as the second leading cause of death among 14-29-year-olds while the harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents has been pointed out as a major issue in many countries and can lead to

risky behaviours such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving.

PAHO/WHO is of the view that much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and to manage and recover from mental illness.

esidents of Region One (Barima-Waini) communities are soon to benefit from access to potable water after the many challenges they faced as a result of the prolonged dry weather pattern.

The Guyana Water Incorporated visited the area last week and commenced enhancement works as well as drilling of new wells in some communities. Region One Chairman, Brentnol Ashley said he welcomes the work and expressed hope that it is completed within the stipulated time thereby offering permanent relief to those residents who continue to suffer from the lack of access to water in those communities. The regional administration is involved and supports the interventions being made by the water company.

Over the months, residents have complained about the hardships they were faced with without access to water. Their springs were dry and they were also unable to use the river as an alternative means since GWI issued a statement prohibiting the use of the river water for consumption due to contamination.

A team from GWI, headed by its Managing Director Dr Van West-Charles, visited sites where the works are to be done. The spring which supplies the community of Mabaruma has been cleaned and refurbished and an overhead tank activated.

In Port Kaituma, a new well has been drilled and the laying of pipes is nearing completion. Further enhancement works to be completed in that community include the construction of a discharge - the connection of two wells to the transmission line - and the interconnection and installation of gate valves, which are used

to control the water supply network. There will also be disinfection of the pipelines before the new wells are activated. Some 540 residents of that community will benefit from improved water access.

The only source of water for those residents is the Port Kaituma River which stands the risk of contamination from mining, agricultural and other activities and as such the drilling of this well is a move to transition 50 per cent of Port Kaituma to groundwater supply. This includes the school, hospital and the entire Fitsburg area.

Hinterland Services Director of GWI Ramchand Jailall acknowledged the hardships that were being faced by those residents as a result of the dry spell and as such, noted that the new wells are being drilled at a depth of about 230 metres and additional drilling pipes are being mobilised to advance the deeper drilling.

Other Region One communities where wells are being drilled include Kamwatta, White Water and 1-4 Miles.

The team also visited Matthews Ridge where residents depend on a spring using gravity feed for water supply. During the inspection, it was discovered that this was not an adequate supply of water and as such, measures are to be put in place for the drilling of a well in that community.

Meanwhile, Dr Van West-Charles committed to all works being completed within two months and pointed out that while some communities were not targeted in this exercise, provisions will be made in the company’s 2020 budget.

He reiterated the company’s efforts in ensuring safe water for all in keeping with its Sustainable Development Goal.

14 news

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPF celebrates 180th anniversary

President David Granger on Monday morning attended the Guyana Police Force’s 180th anniversary Drum Head Service, at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary. The Force’s anniversary is being observed under the theme, “Serving and protecting our nation through collaboration and dedication”

234 students trained in first aid, home nursing care

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collaboration between the Public Health Ministry and the St John’s Association saw 234 young persons being trained in the area of first aid-CPR and home nursing care.

The students were all trained within a four-month period. They now have skills which will be used to assist persons through volunteerism.

Speaking at the simple ceremony held for the students, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence urged them to use the skills acquired to make their facilitators proud.

According to Lawrence, the training provided was crucial since Guyana is in need of such healthcare providers.

“It is refreshing that we can witness an association of such longstanding giving quality service through training without money being the

motivational factor and I say bravo to you… This certification will afford you the opportunity to be of service to others which I exhort you to render with dignity and respect….” Lawrence encouraged.

The Minister added that first aid training is oftentimes overlooked but is, however, important to saving lives.

“I will be requesting of them [St John’s Association] to partner with the Ministry of Public Health to have us do television programmes so we can teach our people, nationally, basic CPR.” The Health Minister also lauded the training provided in the area of home nursing, stressing her particular interest in care for the elderly…I am very committed to the care of our elderly who are our priority so we laud this programme which will provide solid and sustainable

outcomes for our senior citizens who deserves our best” she commended.

Recognising that the graduation was only the beginning for the new healthcare providers, Lawrence charged them to think strategically about their futures.

“I wish you to consider your career path and future.

This is the first fundamental step of your accomplishment but do not stop here, you have the unique opportunity to craft an excellent career in health so examine your options, select your area of interest and develop your potential in the health sector.”

St John’s Association Guyana is a vibrant, humanitarian, voluntary organisation providing quality first aid training, first aid services and healthcare to communities, seeking at all times to promote health awareness and safety practices.

After brain surgery, 11-year-old girl learns to walk again

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ne of Aneacia Neita’s worst fears after her daughter Gabrielle Fennell removed a tumour from the centre of her brain in 2017, was that she would have lost her memory.

But two Fridays ago, when the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results were released, Gabrielle secured a place at the much sought-after Ardenne High School in Kingston, Jamaica.

Following the brain surgery on November 7, 2017, Gabrielle, who celebrated her 11th birthday last month, spent the next 21 days in intensive care at the Nuttall Memorial Hospital in Kingston.

Gabrielle who wrote with her left hand prior to the surgery had to learn how to write with her right hand because she had developed weakness on that side of her body.

The Jamaica Observer was told that when she returned to school months after the surgery, her teacher at the time no longer had to write notes and take a picture of it and send to the child’s mother, because Gabrielle had insisted she did not want to be left behind.

Post-surgery, she also had to learn how to walk all over again.

Gabrielle’s story is one of sheer determination not usually seen in one so young.

Barely two months after she began attending Portmore Missionary Preparatory School in St Catherine, Gabrielle had a fainting spell while heading to class on October 23, 2017.

She received medical attention at the nurse’s station.

Her mother was summoned to school and took her to the pediatrician.

By this time, her daughter’s heart rate was irregular and she was subsequent-

ly referred to a cardiologist whereafter an ECG and echocardiogram were done, she was said to be fine. But before the end of the week, Neita said, her only child began complaining that she was seeing everything twice.

Luckily enough, Fennell had a pair of glasses that she had never worn, having been told that she had slight astigmatism — a common vision condition that causes blurred vision.

“She had them from August and she had never worn them, but to my surprise over that same weekend she was in the glasses.

She fell asleep in them, it was like she could not operate without the glasses and I felt that something was wrong,” Fennell told the Observer.

On October 30, 2017, her pediatrician recommended that Gabrielle undergo a CT scan. When the scan was completed the technician told Neita that he would have to consult with the doctor, before giving her the result.

Even though the technician reassured her that it was a regular procedure, Neita said she felt something was wrong. After consulting the doctor, the technician told Neita that he had to do the scan again but this time with contrast.

The mother became more anxious. Her fretting got worse when the child’s doctor wanted to see her.

“Any smart person knows that if the doctor wants to see you in person it is not good news,” Neita said. She was right.

When she returned to the doctor’s office, she was told that a very huge tumour was growing inside Gabrielle’s brain and they were not sure if it was cancerous. At that point, she said she blanked out.

Aneacia Neita congratulates her daughter Gabrielle Fennell last week Tuesday at Portmore Missionary Preparatory School in St Catherine (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

“What came to mind was the worst case scenario but then at that moment, it was as if God sent an angel to me. When I was leaving the doctor’s office there was this parent who was there.

It was the first time I was seeing her but when I was leaving she said: ‘Mommy, I want to have a word with you. I don’t know what you are going through but God sent me here to give you a message today and he said to tell you that everything is going to be alright’.”

“Those words are what I rest on for the entire journey,” she continued.

Unable to secure a date to do an emergency magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure the same week, the mother managed to secure a date the following week. When she received the results, Fennell’s pediatrician recommended her to a neurosurgeon.

She was not comfortable with that first neurosurgeon, believing that he appeared pressed for time and did not examine her daughter thoroughly.

“When I came out I was furious. I searched the Yellow Pages and called Dr Roger Hunter who answered the phone himself.

I explained everything to him. He said that was a large tumor and told me ‘you cannot wait, you have to come and see me today’,” she further explained.

The consultation lasted for two hours. During the examination, it was revealed that Gabrielle’s eyes were crossed and her balance was off, among other things.

“Dr Hunter showed me the scan and told me that he could have gotten out everything. The previous neurosurgeon said he was not sure [if he could have removed the entire tumor].

Dr Hunter examined everything and set the appointment for November 4, because he said it was urgent and based on the size, a simple sneeze could kill.

“The Friday, which was the third of November, we did the pre-blood work and everything in preparation for the surgery. Her father

had indicated that he did not want it on Saturday and that he needed some more time,” she said.

November 7, 2017, was the longest day of Neita’s life, according to her. The surgery lasted for 12 hours and 18 minutes.

The Observer spoke with Dr Hunter who said that when he met Gabrielle days before the surgery, she was exhibiting signs of very high pressure inside her head. He concluded that very large tumor was inside the ventricles of Gabrielle’s brain. “...This was causing tremendous displacement of the surrounding brain and obstruction of fluid consequently causing a severe rise in the pressure inside her head, affecting her vision and also causing severe pain and general unwellness, and so we had to act quickly and promptly,” Dr Hunter explained.

Noting that Gabrielle speaks and write quite well, Dr Hunter said children with such conditions as tumour would normally have to sit out an entire grade.

“It was absolutely remarkable how she was able to adjust with all the healing after surgery to be able to sit her PEP exam, a completely new exam and gaining highly proficient throughout the core subject areas and a 97 on the ability test is simply remarkable. I am very proud of Gabrielle’s achievement and the difficulties she had to overcome.

I’m humbled to have served her, “ the doctor said.

Principal Etta Walker of Portmore Missionary Preparatory School was equally impressed with Gabrielle’s progress.

“When I got the PEP results last week and I look where she was placed, I was really rejoicing and saying ‘God you are great’. I

said to her, ‘you are a miracle child’. When her mother showed me the video of her learning to walk again after the surgery, that was something and you know, look at her today. I am proud of Gabrielle and I know she will do well,” Walker gushed.

“This is to show us that you can’t put a limit on God. It doesn’t matter who you are or what stage you are, or what age, sickness will come but faith is what is going to pull us through,” she said, adding that the school family had never left Gabrielle an inch.

Even though Gabrielle has not fully recovered, her sixth grade teacher, Nicole Richards said the child does not want to be pitied.

“I often have to remind myself that she has some challenges because she does not act that way. She is always volunteering; she doesn’t let anything hold her back. She’s quite a resilient student, she is very motivated and always want to do her best,” Richards noted. Prior to the surgery, Gabrielle was involved in gymnastics and dancing.

Despite the fact that she was not placed at her first choice, she said she was happy with her placement at Ardenne High, one of the island’s top schools.

Admitting that she had been looking forward to sitting the Grade Six Achievement Test, she said she was upset when the announcement was made to replace the exam with the PEP. But after sitting the first paper, the seemingly shy student said it was manageable. The final paper was “a relief”.

The soon-to-be high school student said her mom was her inspiration throughout her ordeal. (Jamaica Observer)

news

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tuesday, JUly 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Horrifying” conditions at Texas migrant facility – US Congresswoman

M

igrants held at a border patrol station in Texas were being kept in “horrifying” conditions that included psychological abuse and being told to drink out of toilets, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said after a visit to the facility with other US lawmakers on Monday.

A delegation of lawmakers from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus were touring the border patrol facilities following reports from a government watchdog that immigrants were being housed in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

First-term Democratic Congresswoman OcasioCortez wrote on Twitter after leaving the main border patrol station in El Paso that she had seen women in cells with no water who had been told to drink out of toilets.

“After I forced myself into a cell w/ women&began speaking to them, one of them described their treatment at the hands of officers as “psychological warfare”,” she wrote.

“This has been horrifying so far.”

Reuters could not independently confirm her account. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees Border Patrol, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her statements.

Conditions at US facilities holding migrants along the US-Mexico border have become a flashpoint in recent weeks after an internal Government watchdog warned of “dangerous overcrowding” at the El Paso facility in May. In June, immigration lawyers raised alarm over squalid conditions facing hundreds of

US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after she and other members of Congress toured two Border Patrol stations following reports of migrants kept in inadequate conditions, July 1, 2019

children at another facility in Clint, Texas. The lawmakers visited both Texas facilities on Monday.

US President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his Administration, but officials say a renewed crush of mostly Central Americans arriving at the border has strained resources.

Facebook group

The Border Patrol also came under fire on Monday following a report by the nonprofit news site ProPublica that said offensive content had been posted on a private Facebook group for current and former CBP officers.

Posts included jokes about the deaths of migrants and sexually explicit comments referencing Ocasio-Cortez, a representative from New York, the news outlet reported.

After leaving the El Paso facility, Ocasio-Cortez wrote in a tweet, “I see why CBP officers were being so physically & sexually threatening towards me” – an apparent reference to the

Facebook group.

CBP condemned the Facebook group and acknowledged that it may include a number of the agency’s employees.

Matthew Klein, Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, called the social media activity “disturbing” and said it violated the agency’s code of conduct. Klein said the matter had been referred to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General, which has jurisdiction over the CBP. According to a screen shot published by ProPublica, the Facebook group had 9500 members.

“These posts are completely inappropriate and contrary to the honour and integrity I see – and expect – from our agents day in and day out. Any employees found to have violated our standards of conduct will be held accountable,” US Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost said in a statement.

Border Patrol agents have expressed their own concerns about conditions at facilities, according to documents

published Monday from the DHS Inspector General that supported the watchdog’s May report.

The documents revealed US agents feared riots by migrants being held in overcrowded and unsanitary cells and were “embarrassed” and “frustrated” by the detainees’ conditions at El Paso.

The documents bit. ly/2XgmO5b were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request from website MuckRock and first reported by NBC News on Monday. They showed DHS inspectors had found on a May 7 visit here that more than half of the 756 immigrants being held at the El Paso facility were kept outside, and those inside

were in cells packed at five times their capacity.

Border Patrol agents “remained armed in the holding areas because of their concerns with the overcrowding that potentially could result in volatile situations”, the documents revealed.

Government inspectors saw migrants standing on toilets because there was not enough room in cells and other examples of unsanitary conditions leading to concerns about illness among the agents, the documents said.

CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the documents.

The US Government responded to the report in a letter to the watchdog included in the supporting

documents. The situation “represents an acute and worsening crisis” and the surging numbers of migrants were overwhelming the agencies, the letter said.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said in a statement on Monday he would be travelling to El Salvador for a two-day visit to discuss “the root causes of irregular migration” and would meet with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez in Honduras.

He travelled to Guatemala last week for meetings that included discussions of a “third safe country” agreement, which could potentially limit who could apply for asylum in the United States. (Reuters)

Exxon quarterly profit to feel pinch of weaker natural gas, chemical earnings

E

xxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) said on Monday lower natural gas and chemical margins in its second quarter would offset improved crude and refining operations, pointing to flat profits sequentially and down from a yearearlier.

The US oil major said in a securities filing bit. ly/2RL5hMp it expected improved crude prices to boost second-quarter profit by $400 million to $600 million. However, natural gas NGc1 prices which have dropped to multi-year lows in the face of tepid demand, were expected to offset it by an equal measure.

RBC Capital Markets analysts in a note said the magnitude of weakness across refining, chemicals and natural gas and the lack of sequential improvement, “leaves us heading into

another disappointing quarter for Exxon’s earnings momentum.”

Jennifer Rowland, analyst at Edward Jones, expects second-quarter upstream earnings to be weaker compared with a year ago. She lowered the brokerage’s profit estimates to 88 cents per share from 95 cents previously. That is below Wall Street’s mean estimates of 97 cents and the year-ago quarter’s 92 cents a share.

“We have to be more patient with their turnaround plan,” said Rowland.

Exxon said weaker margins in its chemical business is expected to reduce second-quarter profit by $100 million to $300 million over the first quarter.

It also estimated a potential gain of $200 million over the first quarter from a lack of

impairment charges.

The company is scheduled to release its results on July 26.

Rowland expects refining and marketing to return to profitability due to higher margins while chemicals should continue to post weaker results given lower margins and scheduled maintenance. In April, the company reported firstquarter profit that slumped 49% to $2.4 billion and missed analysts’ estimates due to a weakness across its major businesses.

Exxon shares, which have risen about 12% this year to Friday’s close, ended the day off 7 cents a share at $76.56 compared with a 0.1% rise in the S&P 500 Energy index .SPNY as a result of oil prices that steadied as OPEC extended supply cuts until March 2020 during a meeting in Vienna. (Reuters)

supplies, dragging on output. UK manufacturers have recorded the sharpest drop in factory output for more than six years amid mounting concerns over Brexit, as growth in consumer borrowing eased to the lowest level in more than five years.

The monthly snapshot from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply showed that activity levels in the UK manufacturing sector dropped to the lowest level since February 2013 in June, as firms scaled back their orders due to existing high stock levels.

Firms had previously rushed to stockpile goods and materials ahead of the original Brexit deadline on 29 March before Theresa May agreed to push back the date until the end of October. After providing a boost to economic growth, manufacturers are now either adequately stocked or may run down their supplies,

dragging on output. The slowdown could reflect weaker demand among consumers to borrow money to buy goods and services, holding back the economy.

Borrowing rose by £822m in May, below economists’ forecasts for growth of just under £1bn.

The weaker expansion could, however, allay concerns at the Bank over an unsustainable consumer credit bubble. Households had driven up their borrowing at growth rates of more than 10% as recently as 2016, racking up a debt mountain bigger than the one seen before the financial crisis.

Households have over recent months gradually been able to rebuild their finances, as inflation fades and wage growth accelerates to the fastest pace in more than a decade, enabling them to spend without taking on as much debt. (The

TT ranked one of best C’bean UK factories report worst month investment locations in 6 years amid Brexit fears I nvesTT has received the award for “2019 Top Investment Promotion Agency” at World Forum.

The Trade Ministry, in a release, reported the award for the 2019 Top Investment Promotion Agency in Central America and Caribbean was presented to InvesTT at the 2019 World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment in Sydney, Australia.

“InvesTT, the national investment promotion agency (IPA) and a state agency of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, continues to proudly maintain its rank amongst the best IPAs in the world.”

InvesTT received the internationally recognised award twice before, the first time in 2015, just two years after the IPA’s establishment and the second in 2017, the ministry noted.

InvesTT’s chairman Philip Knaggs, who collected the award on behalf of the IPA, described it as an important milestone for TT. “Being ranked as the

U

Big win: Conway Inc President Adam Jones-Kelley (left) with InvesTT Chairman Philip Knaggs at The World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment in Sydney, Australia

best IPA in the region clearly shows that our country has made great strides in creating a business environment that is attractive to foreign investors. TT is truly ‘Open for Business.. We actively seek and welcome investments from across the globe.”

InvesTT is involved in

promoting the country’s investment opportunities, sourcing investments and growing GDP outside the petrochemical sector.

The ministry reported recognition was also accorded to TT as a top investment destination. The country ranked as one of the top “Global Best to Invest” locations in the Caribbean.

(T&T Newsday)

K manufacturers have recorded the sharpest drop in factory output for more than six years amid mounting concerns over Brexit, as growth in consumer borrowing eased to the lowest level in more than five years.

The monthly snapshot from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply showed that activity levels in the UK manufacturing sector dropped to the lowest level since February 2013 in June, as firms scaled back their orders due to existing high stock levels.

Firms had previously rushed to stockpile goods and materials ahead of the original Brexit deadline on 29 March before Theresa May agreed to push back the date until the end of October. After providing a boost to economic growth, manufacturers are now either adequately stocked or may run down their

Guardian)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, July 2, 2019

Regional

Ice 1.5m thick carpets Wife of deceased Venezuela Navy Captain demands UN probe part of Mexican city

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T

he wife of a Venezuelan Navy Captain who died after being detained on conspiracy accusations said on Monday the United Nations should investigate the cause of his death, amid widespread accusations he was tortured to death.

The Government of President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend confirmed the death of Rafael Acosta, who was detained for alleged participation in a coup plot, without providing details on the cause of death or commenting on the torture accusations.

Acosta’s wife Waleswka Perez, human rights activists, and political leaders have accused Maduro’s Government of torturing Acosta to death and refusing to clarify the circumstances under which he died.

Perez demanded that the Government hand over Acosta’s body and called for an independent UN inves-

Navy Captain Rafael Acosta [BBC News]

tigation into the incident, which has been condemned by the United States as well as the Lima Group of Latin American nations.

“I request international support for an independent forensic examination by the United Nations to determine the cause of death of the father of my children,” she wrote on Twitter.

Venezuela’s information ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The office of UN human rights chief Michelle

Bachelet, who recently visited Venezuela to review the rights situation, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bachelet at the end of her visit in June said two UN rights experts would remain in the country to follow up on rights issues.

Alonso Medina, a lawyer representing Acosta’s family, said authorities had detained two officials from military intelligence agency DGCIM, which was holding Acosta. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ix suburbs in the Mexican city of Guadalajara were carpeted in a thick layer of ice after a heavy hailstorm.

The ice was up to 1.5 metres (5ft) thick in places, half-burying vehicles.

Civil protection machinery was deployed to clear streets in the city of five million located north of the capital, Mexico City.

Local officials also reported flooding and fallen trees, but no one is thought to have been hurt. The storm hit very quickly, between about 01:50 (06:50 GMT) and 02:10 local time, when the air temperature dropped suddenly from 22 Celsius to 14 Celsuis.

The city had been basking in temperatures of more than 30C. It has been hit by hail storms before, but seldom this heavy.

Hailstorms form when warm, moist air from the surface rises upwards forming showers and storms.

Temperatures higher up, even in summer, can get well below 0C and so ice crystals form along with

Six suburbs in the Mexican city of Guadalajara were carpeted in a thick layer of ice after a heavy hailstorm

something called "supercooled water" which then grows into pellets of ice.

In severe thunderstorms, air can rise rapidly and is able to hold up these hailstones and allow them to expand in size. Eventually they get too heavy and fall to the ground.

In warmer parts of the year, such as in Guadalajara which has maximum temperatures of around 31-32C in June, more moisture is available, contributing to the formation of hailstorms.

Temperatures this month have been higher than normal with Torreon, to the north of Guadalajara, reaching highs of 37C. The authorities say 200 homes have been damaged and dozens of vehicles swept away in the city and surrounding districts.

State Governor Enrique Alfaro described it as incredible, according to AFP news agency.

"Then we ask ourselves if climate change is real. These are never-before-seen natural phenomena," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T: Cops under probe for linking SORT to ammo find JamAir to launch domestic service

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ive Police Officers, including two senior officers, of the Central Division are now the subject of a Police investigation after they allegedly tried to fabricate evidence against four senior members of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT).

The incident comes on the heels of an investigation by the elite unit concerning allegations of bribery and leaking sensitive information against Central Division officers.

SORT is one of the units appointed by Police Commissioner Gary Griffith to lead high-profile investigations. The unit has been successful in recovering kidnap victims, and uncovering

large amounts of guns and drugs. It comprises Police and soldiers whose identities are usually concealed.

Senior Police investigators said the Central Division officers went to the premises of Sanitec Limited, located at Las Lomas No 2, in Central Trinidad on June 24 to search for arms and ammunition.

The officers searched the premises and later found ammunition shells that were sorted into at least 10 containers, three of which were in a truck and the remainder in an industrial container.

Investigators say the Central Division officers questioned at least eight of the employees as to how

they had come into possession of the spent shells and whether there were any live rounds of ammunition on the premises. A senior employee took the Police Officers to an office and showed them 12 rounds of live ammunition.

After photographs were taken of the premises and shells, the senior employee told Police that the company had been contracted to retrieve and dispose of the bullet casings from the shooting range in Chaguaramas.

The senior employee also explained to the Central Division officers that the company had been contracted to transport the shells to its premises where they would be sorted and incinerated. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

El Salvador takes blame for migrant drowning

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l Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has said his country is to blame for the death of a father and daughter who drowned while trying to reach the United States.

Bukele told the BBC his Government had to fix the issues that forced people to migrate in the first place.

Bukele, who took office a month ago, promised he would work to make El Salvador a safer and better place.

The bodies of Óscar Martínez and his daughter Valeria, who drowned in June, were buried in El Salvador on Monday.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele

About 200 relatives and friends attended the private funeral in the capital, San Salvador.

A photograph of them lying face down in the water of the Rio Grande shocked the world and reignited President Bukele said the father and his

23-month-old daughter had been fleeing El Salvador, not the United States.

"People don't flee their homes because they want to, people flee their homes because they feel they have to," he told the BBC in the capital, San Salvador. (Excerpt from BBC News)

from Ian Fleming airport to MoBay

J

am Airlink Express will on Wednesday launch its scheduled domestic service between the Ian Fleming International Airport in Bascobel, St Mary and Montego Bay. The flight will serve the Ocho Rios area and its environs.

The move comes af-

Transport and Mining Minister Robert Montague

ter Transport and Mining Minister Robert Montague earlier this year announced his domestic air services initiative – to restart scheduled domestic flights in Jamaica.

JamAir currently has scheduled services between Kingston (Tinson Pen), Montego Bay and Negril.

(Jamaica Observer)

Surinamese imprisoned on drug charges

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Surinamese man will be spending some time at Her Majesty’s Prison at Dodds in Barbados after he was unable to pay his fine following his arrest over the weekend.

Bryan Desire Pollack, 42, of Slora Willy Cario #29, Paramaribo, Suriname, appeared at the District C Court before Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch where he pleaded guilty to charges of possession of cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and importation of cocaine.

On the charge of possession of cocaine, he was con-

victed, reprimanded and discharged. On the charge of trafficking cocaine, he was fined Bds$5000 forthwith or 18 months in prison. On the charge of possession with intent to supply cocaine, he was reprimanded and discharged. On the offence of importation of cocaine, he was fined Bds$10,000 forthwith or 18 months in prison.

The fines were not paid and he was handed over to prison officers. The weight of the suspected cocaine is 364 grams with an estimated street value of US$18,200.

On Saturday, June 29, 2019, Pollack arrived at the Grantley Adams

International Airport on a flight from Trinidad and Tobago.

He cleared Immigration but was intercepted by the Police who had reason to interview him.

As a result of this interview, he was taken to Customs where a search of his luggage was conducted. This search revealed six packages of a white substance wrapped in transparent plastic, concealed in the handle of a suitcase belonging to Pollack. As a result of this discovery he was arrested and taken into the custody of the police and subsequently charged for the mentioned offences. (nationnews)

Desalination plant offline again

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he Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has advised persons in the St Michael, St James and St Thomas areas who were affected by water outages over the past few days, that another issue has surfaced

at the Ionics Freshwater Desalination Plant, which has again resulted in the plant having to be taken offline.

Work to correct the issue has begun; however, it will take some time for repairs to be concluded and

pumping to resume.

The BWA is, therefore, advising that water outages may continue. It said water tankers would continue to assist residents in the affected areas as a temporary measure. (Excerpt from nationnews)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

17

Around the World

6 killed, 105 wounded in evict protesters who Taliban attack in Kabul stormed Parliament T

Hong Kong Police

P

olice firing tear gas have evicted protesters who earlier stormed and ransacked Hong Kong's Parliament.

Activists had occupied the Legislative Council (LegCo) building for hours after breaking away from a protest on the anniversary of Hong Kong's transfer of sovereignty to China from Britain.

After midnight (16:00 GMT), hundreds of police secured the building following a warning to protesters to clear it.

It follows weeks of unrest in the city over a controversial extradition law.

Hundreds of thousands took part in the earlier protest - the latest rally against a proposed law that critics fear could be used to extradite political dissidents to mainland China.

Dozens of demonstrators smashed their way through the glass facade of LegCo.

Demonstrators spray-painted slogans throughout the legislature building

They were joined inside by hundreds more after police vacated the building during the evening.

Inside, they defaced the emblem of Hong Kong in the central chamber, raised the old British colonial flag, spray-painted messages across the walls, and shattered furniture.

Protesters clad in plastic helmets and brandishing umbrellas retreated from a baton charge by riot police, who quickly overcame the makeshift barriers in front

of the building.

Inside, diehard protesters were pulled forcibly outside by their fellow occupants in an attempt to completely clear the building.

Within an hour, the streets around the building were clear of everyone except the media and police.

Officers then began searching the rooms of the LegCo building for any possible stragglers.

No arrests have yet been reported. (Excerpt from BBC News)

accumulation of more enriched uranium than permitted under the deal was not a violation of the pact, however, since it was exercising its right to respond to a unilateral US withdrawal from the agreement last year, after which Washington reimposed punishing sanctions on Tehran.

Since the US withdrawal, Washington and Tehran have been embroiled in an escalating war of words, with fears of a possible US-Iran conflict heightened by the downing of a US drone last month by I ran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), after which US President Donald Trump called off retaliatory

attacks at the last minute.

Amid the increased friction, Iranian officials had warned that Tehran was set to breach the limit, saying the remaining signatories to the nuclear deal - Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China and Russia - had not done enough to protect Tehran from the bite of economic sanctions.

European allies who support the nuclear deal have argued Trump's decision to quit the accord was a mistake that has strengthened Iran's hardline faction, weakened its pragmatists and raised the prospect of open conflict in the Middle East. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

aliban Islamist fighters killed six people and wounded 105 others by blowing up a truck bomb at morning rush hour near an Afghan Defence Ministry compound in Kabul on Monday.

The attack, which ended a period of relative calm in the capital, came as US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad held a seventh round of peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar, aimed at bringing the 18-year-old war to an end.

After the blast, five gunmen took up positions in an unfinished building nearby, shooting at rescuers and fighting a battle with security forces for seven hours before themselves being killed.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

About 100 wounded people were taken to hospital, the Health Ministry said.

“Clashes ended with the death of all five attackers,” said Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

“Four civilians and two po-

Smoke rises from the site of a blast and gunfire in Kabul, Afghanistan July 1, 2019

licemen were killed.” He said more than 210 people had been rescued during the operation.

Fifty-one children in two schools near the blast site were hurt by flying shards of glass, the Education Ministry said.

The Pashto-language Shamshad TV, whose office was near the blast site, said one of its security guards had been killed and several employees had been hurt in the blast, which sent a

plume of black smoke rising over the city and shook buildings.

The area has a cluster of military and Government buildings, as well as an office belonging to the Afghan Football Federation, whose chief, Yosuf Kargar, was among several staff who were injured, according to spokesman Shafi Shadab.

President Ashraf Ghani called the attack on civilians a crime against humanity.

izen of the country to conserve water so that we can collectively solve the problem,” Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Modi’s water resources minister, told reporters.

Water is typically scarce in the summer, but the situation has been particularly grim this year in western and southern states.

India had its driest June in five years due to a delay in monsoon rains, raising fears for crops and the broader economy.

Modi has also promised to supply piped water for all homes in the countryside by 2024, setting a tough target at a time when hundreds of millions don’t have access to clean water.

About 200,000 Indians die every year due to inadequate clean water, the National Institute for Transforming India Aayog said in a report last year, citing data by independent agencies. Modi is the Chairman of NITI Aayog.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Iran nuclear deal: Tehran India sends out 250 civil servants exceeds enriched uranium limit to try to tackle water shortages

I

ran has exceeded the limit on the amount of enriched uranium in its stockpile set out in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the United Nations' atomic watchdog has confirmed.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that its inspectors had verified the 300kg cap had been breached.

The announcement came after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told the semi-official ISNA news agency earlier on Monday that Iran had "crossed the 300-kilogramme limit".

Zarif later said Iran's

Nigerian pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo steps aside over rape allegations

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flamboyant pastor in Nigeria has stepped aside from his church after a celebrity photographer accused him of raping her twice before she turned 18.

Biodun Fatoyinbo denied the allegation by Busola Dakolo, who is married to popular musician Timi Dakolo.

He said he was taking "leave of absence from the pulpit" because it was the "right thing to do".

Dakolo's allegation went viral on social media, with some saying it had triggered Nigeria's #MeToo movement.

The social media campaign has led to thousands of people sharing their stories of sexual abuse and harassment since 2017.

Preacher Biodun Fatoyinbo said he was seeking a leave of absence from the pulpit

But women in socially conservative Nigeria have so far avoided speaking out, fearing a backlash or stigmatisation.

Nigeria has a huge Pentecostal Christian population and Pastor Fatoyinbo is the head pastor of the popular Commonwealth of Zion Assembly church in the capital, Abuja.

His church is one of the biggest and fastest growing in the country, especially among young people, says the BBC's Joshua Ajayi in Lagos.

In a video circulating on social media since last week, Dakolo said she was raped by the pastor at her father's house early one morning, and the second time on a secluded road.

Her allegation led to protests on Sunday at different branches of Pastor Fatoyinbo's church.

Protesters held placards saying: "Thou shall not rape."

The pastor said he was "absolutely innocent", but had decided to step down from the church after seeking "spiritual counsel" from Christian leaders around the world. (Excerpt from BBC News)

I

ndia is sending more than 250 civil servants to some of the driest areas of the vast country as part of efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government to tackle water shortages.

India’s monsoon, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall, turned patchy in the first month of the season that began on June 1.

“Other than the efforts of the Government, it’s the responsibility of every cit-

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Japan resumes commercial whaling, but days could be numbered

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s five fishing boats set sail from a port in northern Japan before dawn on Monday, it marked the end of an era.

After 31 years, Japan has officially resumed commercial whaling.

The Government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first announced the country's withdrawal from the international convention on whaling last December, ending its membership of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Introduced by the IWC in 1986 to protect the world's last remaining whales, the ban on commercial whaling nevertheless allowed Japan an annual whale quota for "scientific reasons."

That this was only a charade seemed obvious, with the alleged objects of scientific inquiry ending up on refrigerated supermarket shelves instead of laborato-

After 31 years, Japan has officially resumed commercial whaling

ries.

Even after the International Court of Justice in 2014 declared the killing of whales in the name of science illegal, Japan continued whaling. Travelling as far as the North Atlantic or even to the Antarctic, home to the world's largest populations of whales, Japanese fleets killed about 500 whales last year.

With the resumption of commercial whaling, Japanese boats will not be allowed to venture further

than 200 miles (321km) off the country's Pacific coast.

But some environmentalists are still concerned because of the low whale stocks in Japan's coastal waters.

Rather than breathing new life into the whaling industry, said Patrick Ramage, Director of marine conservation for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Abe has instead found a very "Japanese-elegant way" of allowing the industry to die out on its own. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

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tuesday, July 2, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

If you do your own thing and avoid getting involved in someone else’s business, you’ll feel much better at the end of the day regarding what you’ve accomplished. Choose peace over discord.

Get together with an TAURUS old friend or sign up for (April 20something that will lead to May 20) knowledge, a new skill or an exciting acquaintance. Don’t argue over something pointless.

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Someone will disappoint you if you share a secret.

You’ll avoid interference if you don’t share your plans.

Don’t take a risk or follow what someone else is doing.

Learn from experience.

CANCER

If you channel your emotional energy in a positive manner, you will enhance a relationship. How you help and handle others will be crucial to your success.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

SUDOKU

Reflect on what’s happened in the past and rethink how you should move forward. Listen to others, discuss issues and decide what’s doable. Don’t make a change just because someone else does. Concentrate on personal upgrades.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Acknowledge or pay attention to what someone else is going through.

Listen more, criticize less and offer solutions, not cash, if you want to make a difference.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Take your time. A joint venture isn’t something you should jump into quickly. Don’t accept things at face value. You are best off investing in personal gains and improvements.

SCORPIO

What you do will be more important than what you say. Engage in something that will be a learning experience or will bring you closer to the people you care about most.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You can think big, as long as you don’t go overboard. Make plans based on your budget, ability and available time. Romance should be a priority.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

A lifestyle change will affect your relationships with the people you deal with daily. Consider what’s best for everyone before you proceed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Do something exciting, take on a physical challenge, strive for good health and spend more time with a loved one. A personal gain is within reach.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Participate in something you feel strongly about.

Taking a stand will make you feel good and will bring you in touch with people who share your beliefs.

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

19

Wimbledon 2019: 15-year-old Gauff ousts Venus Williams F

ifteen-year-old American qualifier Cori Gauff caused a stunning upset by defeating five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round.

World number 313 Gauff beat Williams -

Novak Djokovic

24 years her senior at 39 - 6-4 6-4.

Fellow American Williams had won four Grand Slam titles - including two at Wimbledon - before Gauff was born.

“It’s the first time I have ever cried after winning a match,” said Gauff, who previously said Venus and sister Serena were her “idols”.

“I don’t know how to explain how I feel.

“I definitely had to tell myself to

stay calm, I had to remind myself that the lines are the same lines, the courts are the same size and after every point I told myself ‘stay calm’.”

Wimbledon 2019: Emotional Cori Gauff, 15, reflects on beating ‘hero’ Venus Williams Gauff will play Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova - 15 years her senior in the second round.

Williams turned professional 10 years before her opponent was born, with Gauff being the youngest player to qualify for the main Wimbledon draw since the Open era began in 1968.

She previously said the Williams sisters inspired her to first pick up a tennis racquet.

Osaka stunned by Putintseva

Second seed Naomi Osaka has been dumped out of Wimbledon in the first round, losing 7-6 (7-4) 6-2

to Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.

Japan’s Osaka, the US and Australian Open champion, has suffered a dip in form in recent months and struggled throughout her match on Centre Court.

Osaka told journalists she felt like she was “about to cry” after the match.

“There are answers to questions that you guys ask that I still haven’t figured out yet,” said the 21-year-old.

Osaka, who became the first top-two seed to lose in the opening round at Wimbledon in the women’s singles since Martina Hingis in 2001, was 3-1 up in the first set before she was broken back and edged out in the tie-break.

She was then broken in the fifth and seventh

games of the second, before her 38th unforced error gave the world number 39 victory.

Djokovic starts defence with win

Top seed Novak Djokovic started his defence of the Wimbledon men’s title by beating Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets as the pair opened up the tournament on Centre Court.

Inside the 15,000-seater arena, the 32-year-old Serb was never in serious trouble during a 6-3 7-5 6-3 win.

Gauff was born in 2004 - 10 years after Williams turned professional

Djokovic is aiming for a fifth Wimbledon title and a 16th Grand Slam.

The world number one will play American Denis Kudla, who beat Tunisian Malek Jaziri, in the second round.

Tradition dictates the defending men’s champion opens up the play on Centre Court on Monday, with four-time champion Djokovic earning that honour again after beating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson on the same court 12 months ago.

As usual, anticipation crackled in the Centre Court air during the final moments before the players arrived, as those fortunate enough to have tickets for one of the nation’s greatest sporting events - and sit in the pleasant SW19 sunshine - waited in excitement.

Durant chooses to go his Rashford signs own way with move to Nets new contract to

W

ith his decision to join the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant ended an era in Golden State while advancing a trend of the NBA’s elite players forging their own paths with new teams.

Durant will now team up with fellow All Star Kyrie Irving, who will depart Boston after just two seasons, leaving behind a Warriors franchise he helped lead to three consecutive NBA Finals.

Durant, 30, is expected to miss most if not all of next season while recuperating from a ruptured Achilles suffered during this month’s NBA Finals defeat by Toronto.

On paper, Golden State had more to offer Durant than any other team.

The Warriors could have rewarded Durant with a five-year, US$221 million super max contract – far more than the US$164 million he will receive from the Nets. They also provided the stability of a championship pedigree as Durant rehabs his injury. Golden State have played in the last five Finals and the presence of Stephen Curry and exceptional coaching and ownership offers promise of a competitive future.

None of those factors were apparently more valuable than Durant’s freedom to choose his own path.

And in that regard he is following something of a trend.

LeBron James helped pioneer the way by leaving Cleveland to form a super team with Miami, returning to the Cavaliers fol-

lowing a fouryear run with the Heat, before settling with the Los Angeles Lakers this past year.

James’ new running mate, Anthony Davis, forced his way from the New Orleans Pelicans in order to join the Lakers.

Even reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard could soon be choosing a fresh destination over Toronto. Durant previously made a splash in free agency by moving from Oklahoma City to the Warriors three years ago.

The decision will perhaps leave the Warriors with a question mark hanging over them as they enter the 2019-20 season.

In response to Durant’s move, the team on Sunday acquired All Star guard D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade deal with the Nets that will send championship stalwart Andre Iguodala packing. With shooting guard Klay Thompson also missing considerable time with a knee injury, for the first time in a long time the Warriors may not be calling the shots in the Kevin new season.

Durant (Reuters)

2023 with Man United

M

anchester U n i t e d striker Marcus Rashford has signed a £200,000-a-week contract to commit him to the club until June 2023, with the option to extend for a further year.

The England forward, 21, joined United as a seven-year-old and rose through the youth ranks, making his senior debut in February 2016, aged 18.

“This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person,” Rashford said.

“So it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt.”

“Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven.

“I will be giving everything I have to help get this club back to where it belongs and deliver the success that our fans deserve.”

Wythenshawe-born Rashford has made 170 appearances for the Reds and won 32 caps for England.

United manager Ole

Gunnar Solskjaer, who was appointed permanent boss at his former club in March, said Rashford is “one of the most talented English players of his generation”.

“He is an outstanding player; blessed with natural pace and energy,” Solskjaer added.

Rashford is the third piece of major business for Solskjaer in the close-seaon transfer market, following the arrivals of Swansea and Wales winger Daniel James and rightback Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. (BBC

Marcus Rashford

Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

Hurting India run into spirited Bangladesh W

ith their unbeaten streak in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 halted by hosts England, the Indian team will be looking to make quick amends against a spirited Bangladesh side.

India’s 31-run loss on Sunday, 30 June, was only their third defeat in ICC World Cup matches this decade. While the loss did not have any bearing on the second-placed side’s position in the points table, the Indian team needs to win at least one of their last two games to make a smooth entry into the top four. Against England, chinks in India’s gameplay came to the fore; a lacklustre performance by the spin department, coupled with the approach of the middle-order in a failed chase, will be a point of contention as they aim to quickly regroup.

Bangladesh’s hot-andcold tournament has now come down to them needing wins in both their remaining games, and then hoping for a favourable outcome from New Zealand’s next fixture.

While their batting unit has shown stomach for fight, consistently posting high scores, the bowling department has let them down in crunch situations. The side will be buoyed by the possible return of Mahmudullah in the

India’s skipper Virat Kohli and Bangladesh’s skipper Mashrafe Mortaza during the toss ahead of the second warm-up match between the two sides

middle-order, who is recovering quickly from his calf injury, and is expected to make it to the playing XI. Shakib Al Hasan has been the case throughout the tournament, Bangladesh will be heavily banking on their talismanic all-rounder to see them through.

Currently ranked third in the tournament’s run-getters’ list, Shakib’s experience will be key for Bangladesh in a must-win game against

an Indian side that is expected to come back hard. His unflappable batting in the middle overs, coupled with his wily left-arm spin, could be crucial in a potentially high-scoring game.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian opener, has peaked just at the right time, posting three centuries so far, despite coming off a patchy run of form ahead of the tournament.

Against England, he might not have been at his fluent

Argentina take on Brazil in Copa America semifinal

B

razil defender Thiago Silva believes Argentina’s Lionel Messi could be saving his best form for Wednesday’s Copa America semi-final.

Hosts Brazil meet Argentina in Belo Horizonte (01:30 BST) (20:30 EST) for a place in Sunday’s final.

Messi has scored once in the tournament - from the penalty spot - and has said he is not playing at his usual level.

“He is the best player in the world and he still could spring to life,” said Paris StGermain defender Silva.

Argentina have reached four of the last five Copa America finals but have not won the tournament since 1993, and have struggled to hit top form in Brazil.

They opened in Brazil with a 2-0 defeat

by Colombia in Salvador before Messi’s penalty earned a 1-1 draw with Paraguay.

Argentina only advanced to the quarter-finals after beating Qatar 2-0 before they saw off Venezuela by the same score.

Messi, 32, had three shots during the last-eight win over Venezuela, none of which hit the target.

“The truth is I’m not having my best Copa America,” said the Barcelona f o r -

ward, who has yet to win a major international title with Argentina.

“It’s always very difficult for us because we want to do something different and attack and teams pack out the middle of the pitch.”

Brazil are eyeing a first Copa America title since 2007 but Silva remains wary of the threat Messi still poses.

“We will have to be especially focused on him when we have the ball and when we don’t,” added the former AC Milan player.

“Sometimes he can be at walking pace during a game but he’s always looking for space to launch a counterattack.

“It’s a privilege to be able to face him again and we’ll have to try and put the brakes on him.”

The other semi-final is between holders Chile, seeking a third successive Copa America title, and Peru in Porto Alegre on Thursday (01:30 BST) (20:30 EST).

The Brazilian Captain, Dani Alves (left) and Argentine Captain Lionel Messi will be on the opposing sides of the field today

(BBC Sport)

best, but ensured that he occupied one end, anchoring India towards the target alongside Virat Kohli.

Rohit’s only World Cup game against Bangladesh came in the 2015 quarter-finals, where his 137 took India through to the next round.

Given his recent form, India will be banking on him to come up with something similar in Birmingham.

It’s expected to be sunny in Birmingham on Tuesday,

with hardly any chances of rain. After witnessing 300plus scores in both innings of the England-India game, the Edgbaston surface could produce another run-heavy match.

Squads

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Abu Jayed, Liton Das (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Mithun (wk), Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek

Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal India: Virat Kohli (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav (ICC)

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Rapinoe ready for “huge task” against England

The USAWNT (left) takes on England for a spot in the final

U

nited States match-winner Megan Rapinoe said they face a “huge task” after setting up a Women’s World Cup semi-final against England on Tuesday.

Rapinoe scored twice as the defending champions beat hosts France 2-1 in Paris on Friday to reach the last four.

England had beaten Norway 3-0 in Le Havre 24 hours earlier.

“We face a very good English side, who have some good players. They’re one of the big girls of the game,” said Seattle Reign winger Rapinoe.

“They strolled through their quarter-final and had an extra day, so have got some rest in their legs. We’ll enjoy this tonight. All eyes towards England tomorrow.”

Rapinoe is now the joint top scorer in the tournament with five goals - alongside teammate Alex Morgan, England’s Ellen White and Australia’s Sam Kerr.

The 33-year-old is the first player ever to score twice in consecutive Women’s World Cup knockout games, having also scored both in the 2-1 win over Spain.

England, who have never won a major women’s tournament, are in their third consecutive semi-final, having lost in the last four at the World Cup in 2015 and at Euro 2017.

In their way will be the world’s number one-ranked USA team, who have won a record three World Cups, including four years ago.

They have reached at least the semi-final in all eight World Cups.

Managed by Portsmouth-born Jill Ellis, they have won their past 10 games in World Cups, a joint record, They have only lost once in 43 matches, a friendly defeat against France in January.

But Phil Neville’s side will take hope from a 2-2 draw with hosts USA in the invitational SheBelieves Cup in March, which England went on to win. (BBC Sport)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, July 2, 2019

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VACANCY

A glimpse of the action in the National Senior Championships

H

aving had some much-needed practice and a chance

to gauge their abilities against the topmost level of local competition in ath-

E

Z

eeburg Cricket Club’s (ZCC’s) senior players Yutesh Dhanpaul and Balbiner Shivpersaud, having been drafted into the Commonwealth Cricket League in New York, have helped their team to its 7th win in the league: a defeat of the inform Pasban Cricket Club in another 30-over affair played at the Courtland Park in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Reliable as always, Dhanpaul and Shivpersaud took their team over the line with scores of 49 and 56 runs respectively.

With the match reduced to 25 overs a side because of a late start dictated by inclement weather, West Coast Warriors

Yutesh Avi Dhanpaul was awarded for his 49

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at 24.79s, while Natrena Hooper’s 24.93s afforded her third place.

Arinze Chance embraced his chance to shine on the podium by completing the 400M event in 46.42s to take gold. He was followed

by Brian Roman (48.15s) and Revon Williams (49.20s) respectively in second and third.

Keliza Smith emerged as the alpha female in the 400M event after clocking 59.50s to take gold. Tiea Lowe (1:04.21) and Makeba Maxwell (1:07.32) -- Mercury Fast Laners club members -came in second and third respectively.

It came as no surprise to the spectators when, in the 800M event, Police Progressive Youth Club’s Joanna Archer crossed the line first in 2:13.84. Running Brave’s Kissanna Glen was close behind, clocking 2:14.61, while Aaliyah Moore (PPYC) finished third with 2:23.27.

Devaughn Barrington

of the Guyana Defence Force won the male version of the 800M event with a time of 1:51.45s. Anfernee Headecker and Samuel Lynch took second and third respectively in 1:54.03 and 1:57.63.

In the 3000M steeplechase event, GDF’s Odwin Tudor cruised to victory in 10:02.53, outperforming Royston Fordyce (PPYC), who clocked 10:16.18, and Cleveland Thomas, who clocked 10:33.19 for third place.

Natrena Hooper outperformed Chantoba Bright to take the Triple Jump gold with a leap of 12.71m.

Bright’s jump of 12.47m was only good enough for second best, while Princess Browne’s jump of 12.32m afforded her third place.

These Guyanese athletes, local and foreign, will now shift their focus to this weekend’s Aliann Pompey Invitational, and it remains to be seen whether the status quo would be changed.

Super-sub Mattocks Shivpersaud, Dhanpaul fires Jamaica into hand WCWCC 7th win Gold Cup semis

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letics during the recently concluded National Senior Championships, Guyana’s top athletes will now be turning their full attention to the Aliann Pompey Invitational meet, which is scheduled to be held at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Saturday, July 6th.

On the last day of those National Senior Championships, the most anticipated event was the Men’s 200M race, which was comfortably won by Emanuel Archibald in a time of 20.92s as he represented the University of Guyana.

Daniel Williams, with a time of 20.94s, had to settle for second place, while Arinze Chance’s 21.53s was only good enough for third.

In the female version of this event, Kenisha Phillips outsprinted the competition to take gold in 24.19s.

Jovanna Gustave’s second place finish was recorded

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21

Cricket Club (WCWCC) won the toss and decided to bat first.

Their strategy was to capitalise on the present condition of the pitch before further

degradation should occur through the vagaries of the weather.

Once again, things got off to a flyer as Shivpersaud laid the foundation for his side’s

win with a 5th consecutive halfcentury (56). His countryman Dhanpaul supported with a workmanlike 49.

From there it was smooth sailing for the Warriors, as they kept the scoreboard ticking by smashing boundaries at regular intervals to end their innings on 254 for 7.

Vickash Dhaniram and Rajendra Khan scored 40 and 33 runs respectively at the bottom of the innings, while Pasban CC’s Thair Mohamad ended with figures of 3-30.

Needing a mammoth 255 for victory, Pasban never got things going, and lost wickets at regular intervals as they found themselves being pegged back and forced to go on the defensive.

Lokesh Karkee attempted to carry on, but was able to score only a resistant 21, while no other Pasban player could make any significant contribution.

Hemchand Harrinarine rampaged through the Pasban lineup to finish with 5-21 as Pasban resistance petered out at 112.

xperienced campaigner Darren Mattocks held his nerve from the penalty spot to book Jamaica’s place in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup as they triumphed 1-0 over Panama in a battle of attrition at the Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

In a game that saw few quality chances created by either side, Mattocks came off the bench to first win the spot kick and then convert it in the 75th minute, sending Jamaica through to the final four for a third consecutive tournament. Only minutes after on to the field Mattocks headed a hopef u l

long ball into the area off the outstretched arm of defender Michael Murillo.

After a brief dispute over who would take the spot kick, the forward wrested the ball away before placing it on the spot and

firing past Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejia. The goal was Mattock’s fifth overall in the competition. With defenders dominating the play for most of the afternoon, Panama had missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Abdiel Arroyo broke through on goal but blasted a shot into the side netting at the near post from close range in the 26th minute.

The result will mean the Jamaicans will face the United States in the next round after the defending champions narrowly got by Curacao 1-0 in the day’s other game.

(Sportsmax)

Darren Mattocks

22

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

NYSCL/New York Independence Cup 2019…

Regal Masters stumble at final hurdle after batting meltdown A John Ramsingh in New York

Panday (04) in the second over, brilliantly caught by Eric match-winning sixth-wicket Thomas keeping up to Kippins. partnership of 65 runs between Sahadeo, who was later Erapalli Sahadeo and Nandalall named Man of the Match, then Doodnauth, combined with a fourjoined Rishi Singh in the middle, and they wicket haul from Navin Narine, handed put on 47 important runs, which although the New York Softball Cricket League scored at a slow rate, gave Regal Masters (NYSCL) Masters a fighting 5-wicket some hope. victory over 2018 champions, Regal There were further grounds for Masters, in the final of the NYSCL/ optimism when Ramesh Narine got New York Independence Cup 2019 the breakthrough in his first over -competition, played on Sunday the ninth of the innings -- as he last at the Baisley Pond Park in the induced Singh, who had made southeastern part of Queens, New 22 of the 53 runs scored at the York. expense of two wickets, to offer This match lived up to a regulation catch off the top edge its billing as being highly to backward point. competitive, and At this, the halfway stage, it was Erapalli Sahadeo drives prospects swung even-steven at 60-2, with NYSCL through the off side in multiple Masters still needing 71 runs on his way to a matchdirections from 60 balls to dethrone Regal; winning half-century before the but after the resumption of play, outcome was finally settled in the champions hit back with a triple-blow. fading light in front of a large and vocal crowd In the 11th over, Ramesh Narine clean that was highly in favour of the home team. bowled Faizul Ulla (05), before knocking over Ravi When Doodnauth swept Throy Kippins for Sahadeo for a duck with the next ball. Incoming a boundary off the first ball of the 19th over, batsman Abdul Hafeez survived the hat-trick NYSCL Masters had completed the shocking task ball, but was not so lucky in the next over, losing of beating a very clinical Regal Masters unit by his leg stump to left-arm spinner Laurie Singh -five wickets, with 11 balls to spare. also for a duck, and when the score was at 66-5.

Doodnauth finished on 26 not out (3x4), while At this stage, Regal Masters and their the more attacking Sahadeo, who had brought supporters felt their spin twins Narine and Singh up his half-century in the match-changing 18th had it all wrapped up; but Sahadeo found a over, was left not out on 50 (3x6; 2x4). useful partner in Doodnauth, and they watched Set 131 to win from 20 overs, to be made on these spinners carefully. With 38 runs needed a tricky but hard pitch situated on a slope with from 24 balls, Regal Masters’ captain, Mahendra big outfield, NYSCL lost opener Karramchand by

Avery Trim returns as Mackenzie Sports Club President

Hardyal, opted for pace, but that decision had a Abel and Lloyd Ruplall then tried to repair backlash. the damage, but were held up for about an hour Over number 17, bowled by David Harper, because of the onset of rain when the score was cost 23 runs. It comprised two no-balls, three at 66-5 after 11 overs. After the break, Abel was wides, one four, and a six. In the context of caught at cover for 36 (3x4) in the 12th over, the game, it was very expensive, and left the before Eric Thomas and Ruplall put together the equation at 15 runs to win from 18 balls. best partnership of the innings.

The experienced, fleet-footed The pair put on 55 before Mahendranauth Parasnauth then commenced Thomas was bowled in the final his final over, only to be dispatched for 11, over of the innings for 38 (4x6; leaving the hosts with 12 balls to get just 1x4), leaving Ruplall not out on a four runs and a maiden title, which was patient 19 (28 balls) and Regal easily done at the start of the next over.

Masters at 130 for 7.

The main wicket-takers were Narine, Navin Narine was the pick with 3/17; Singh, with 1/14; and Kippins, of the bowlers with 4-10, with 1/27. while Ricky Edwards (1/19), Regal Masters had earlier had a Kumar Chickery (1/26) and start-stop innings, with steady bowling, Faizul Ulla (1/30) were the bad shot selection, and rain creating drama. other wicket-takers.

Throughout the tournament, the Guyana side In the other categories won the toss and batted; in the final, the trend of this tournament, which continued, but not the luck. started last Friday, defending Uniss Yusuf and Eion Abel got the men in champions SVC All Stars beat green-and-yellow off to a good start, reaching NYSCL All Stars in a repeat of 42 without loss halfway through the fifth the 2018 Open finals, while over, before disaster struck. In Navin Narine’s Toronto Blizzards beat NY first over, Yusuf attempted his trademark Hustlers to take the Pro title sweep shot and was bowled for 15 (2x4); (over-50). and two balls later, Kippins also attempted The other Guyanese team, Eric to sweep and was easily taken at short Fishermen Masters, were Thomas backward square for a duck. knocked out at the semifinal smashes They were quickly followed by stage when they were bowled one over Ramesh Narine (01), Harper (02), out for 69 in replying to 228the top at and Mohendra Arjune (02); and 7 made by Regal Masters. They Baisley the champs had suddenly lost lost by 159 runs in this, their Pond Park, five wickets for 12 runs, and were debut participation in the NY Queens, reeling at 54-5 after nine overs.

Independence Cup. NY on Sunday

GNRA Smallbore/Orinduik Development Inc. 4-Stage Action Pistol Shoot…

Melville, John and Cox are Class winners

Re-elected President Avery Trim sits at centre, and is flanked by first Vice President Aubrey "Shanghai" Major, and second Vice President Robert Langevine. Other committee members are also present

T

he Mackenzie Sports Club has finally held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections, after being recalcitrant for a decade.

Last Saturday, at the MSC Lounge, incumbent president Avery Trim was unanimously returned to the helm for another two years. Popular promoter Aubrey 'Shanghai' Major will serve as First Vice President and Robert Langevine as 2nd Vice President.

The new General Secretary is Joseph Chapman, who was previously the Assistant Secretary. Keith Semple is the club’s Public Relations Officer.

The new Treasurer is

Ms. Kellyann Quow, the lone female on this new executive; while Norris Simon is the new Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

The Committee Members are: Nelson McKinnon; Audwin Rutherford, Member of Parliament for Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice); Compton London; Troy Roberts and John Trim.

Chapman, Trim and Semple were absent from the meeting, being all out of the country at this time; but they had signalled their interest to serve by way of letters sent to the meeting.

The new executive body will be holding its first executive committee meeting on Thursday afternoon at the MSC Lounge.

The top shooters display their prizes after the competition

W

hen the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA), Smallbore Section held the Orinduik Development Inc.-sponsored Four Stage Action Pistol Shoot on Sunday last at the Timehri Ranges, Chad Melville, Stefan John and Jason Cox emerged as respective champions of Classes A, B and C. All four stages of the shoot were contested with a fixed time frame and limited ammunition. Melville accumulated 253 points, comprising of scores 67, 76, 50 & 60 made from the four stages to take the top spot in the A-Class.

In second position with a mere two points less was Azaad Hassan (69, 80, 39, & 63); while the third position was occupied by Satya Dayaram on 231 points (57, 74, 47 & 53).

John’s 225 points (53, 72, 53, 47), which earned him the top spot in the B-Class competition, had placed him well ahead of the second-placed Suruajbali Persaud, who managed 201 points (64, 67, 40, 30), and third-placed Brian Backer, with 189 (56, 61, 35, 37).

Ruling the roost in the C-Class was Jason Cox, with a score of 188 (49, 60, 45, 34), which placed him in first position. He was followed by Michael Tang, who ended with a similar overall score (51, 46, 50, 41), and Shawn Smith, with 168 (59, 57, 10, 42).

Ghanaian sprinter set for AP Invitational

G

hana’s top sprinter Joseph Amoah will be heading to the Aliann Pompey Invitational meet, set for July 6 at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, WCD. Amoah is having an outstanding 2019 season. He recorded a season’s best time of 10.01s in the 100 metres event in Texas on June fifth -- when he also produced another season’s best of 20.08s in the 200 metres event.

Guyana’s national record in the men’s 100 metres event is 10.12s (Adam Harris) and in the 200 metres event, it is 20.14s

(James Gilkes).

With just about one week before the Aliann Pompey Invitational meet is staged, Guyanese stars in these respective events would best serve their own interests by using that time to get themselves in better form to face the Ghanaian superstar.

The 100m clash should make for an interesting event, with Emmanuel Archibald and Winston George recently running 10.26s and 10.36s respectively at the National Senior Championships on June 29.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

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Pooran ton in vain as SL snatch 23-run win A

t the end of the 46th over, West Indies needed 30 runs to win with Nicholas Pooran batting on 118. Even as the other three batsmen had batting credibility ranging from limited to none, Sri Lanka were running short on resources. There was one over left for Lasith Malinga to bowl, but all the other pacers were bowled out. Jeffrey Vandersay had a few overs up his sleeve, but his legbreaks against Pooran was always going to be a risk too much for Sri Lanka. With

limited options left, the ball was handed over to Angelo Mathews to deliver the 47th, the veteran who last bowled in December 2017. In Ian Bishop’s words, “To say he is rusty, is going to be an understatement”. But he started his run-up, hobbling more than charging in -- somewhere in between - and with the wind taking the ball away from the batsmen, he angled the ball away from Pooran.

Lit up by the freebie on offer, he went for a hard slash only to get a faint nick to the ‘keeper.

Sri Lanka went up in appeal, West Indies went down in the chase.

With only Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Shannon Gabriel left, it was a task beyond reach. They eventually finished on 315 for 9, losing the inconsequential encounter by 23 runs.

While Sri Lanka did win the contest by posting their highest total of the tournament - 338 for 6, it was also possibly West Indies’ most sensible batting performance, even if in defeat. On paper, and as evidenced in their warm-up clash against New Zealand, it was a team that was quite capable of posting 400.

However, a one-dimensional a t tack t o

Nicholas Pooran

their batting proved ed 83 runs in only 58 balls, to be their undo- with Allen stroking a quicking several times. fire half-century. It was his On Monday (July dismissal, which gave West 1), however, led by Indies the first of their two Pooran’s century, jolts in the death overs.

West Indies made a Having played a delivery strong fight to chase off his pads to the fielder at down the massive short fine leg, he wasn’t intarget, and till terested in Pooran’s call for three overs before a quick single. the chase eventually ended, they had an edge over their opponents.

Having lost Sunil Ambris and Shai Hope early, Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer revived their innings with a 49-run alliance.

It wasn’t the usual bangbang approach with which they went on. However, both of them fell in quick succession and West Indies were left reeling at 84 for 4 in the 18th over.

Pooran, however, resurrected the innings with three successive half-century stands in company of Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite and Fabien Allen. While he played the primary role in the first two, Allen took over the mantle of the aggressor in the third. Pooran, too, had started off slowly and timed his acceleration well Avishka Fernando celebrates his century as the innings progressed.

It was the Allen-Pooran Pooran, batting on 99, was stand that shifted the mo- too late to realise his partmentum in favour of West ner’s disinterest and conIndies. To end that partner- tinued his run towards the ship and enter the tail ear- striker’s end and forced ly, Karunaratne even used Allen to go for the risk. In up all his best resources and doing so, Allen found himwas left founding when the self short and left the ground last three overs started. fuming.

However, the duo addPooran farmed the strike

well and took the necessary risks for the next three overs before falling to Mathews.

Earlier in the day, Avishka Fernando’s maiden ton powered Sri Lanka to 338 for 6 after they were put in to bat. On a surface where the ball came along well, West Indies’ five-pronged pace attack didn’t provide enough of a threat.

If any-

thing, they splurged on the extra runs, conceding 5 noballs and 5 wides.

T h e foundation of the innings was laid by the opening duo, who stitched a 93run partnership, with Kusal Perera stroking a quickfire half-century. Lahiru Thirimanne, who returned to the side, came out to bat at No 6 and provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 33-ball 45. (Cricbuzz)

3

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka Innings (50 overs maximum) FDM Karunaratne (c) c †Hope b Holder 32 MDKJ Perera † run out (Cottrell/ Brathwaite) 64 WIA Fernando c Allen b Cottrell 104 BKG Mendis c & b Allen 39 AD Mathews b Holder 26 HDRL Thirimanne not out 45 I Udana c Holder b Thomas 3 DM de Silva not out 6 Extras (b 4, lb 5, nb 5, w 5) 19 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 6.76) 338-6 Did not bat: JDF Vandersay, CAK Rajitha, SL Malinga Fall of wickets: 1-93 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 15.2 ov), 2-104 (Kusal Perera, 18.1 ov), 3-189 (Kusal Mendis, 31.5 ov), 4-247 (Angelo Mathews, 39.1 ov), 5-314 (Avishka Fernando, 47.2 ov), 6-327 (Isuru Udana, 48.6 ov) BOWLING SS Cottrell (10-0-69-1) O Thomas (10-1-58-1) ST Gabriel (5-0-46-0) JO Holder (10-0-59-2) CR Brathwaite (7-0-53-0) FA Allen (8-0-44-1) West Indies Innings (target: 339 runs from 50 overs) CH Gayle c Vandersay b

Rajitha 35 SW Ambris c †Perera b Malinga 5 SD Hope † b Malinga 5 SO Hetmyer run out (de Silva) 29 N Pooran c †Perera b Mathe ws 118 JO Holder (c) c sub (BMAJ Mendis) b Vandersay 26 CR Brathwaite run out (Udana) 8 FA Allen run out (Rajitha/Uda na) 51 SS Cottrell not out 7 O Thomas lbw b Malinga 1 ST Gabriel not out 3 Extras (b 3, lb 2, nb 2, w 20) 27 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 6.3) 315-9 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Sunil Ambris, 2.2 ov), 2-22 (Shai Hope, 4.6 ov), 3-71 (Chris Gayle, 15.2 ov), 4-84 (Shimron Hetmyer, 17.5 ov), 5-145 (Jason Holder, 28.2 ov), 6-199 (Carlos Brathwaite, 34.3 ov), 7-282 (Fabian Allen, 44.1 ov), 8-308 (Nicholas Pooran, 47.1 ov), 9-311 (Oshane Thomas, 48.3 ov) BOWLING SL Malinga (10-0-55-3) DM de Silva (10-0-49-0) I Udana (10-0-67-0) CAK Rajitha (10-0-76-1) JDF Vandersay (7-0-50-1) FDM Karunaratne (1-0-7-0) AD Mathews (2-0-6-1)

ExxonMobil Under-14 tournament

North Ruimveldt trample Annandale; St Mary’s strike gold N

orth Ruimveldt Secondary put on a show on Saturday last to seal yet another win and keep their streak clean in the second edition of the ExxonMobil Under-14 Boys’ tournament.

North Ruimveldt Multilateral squad came out blazing on Saturday to take a win over Annandale Secondary. Orlando Dickie netted a hat trick with goals scored in the 11th, 13th and 19th minutes; Akeem Perreira secured a brace with two successful strikes in the 8th and 15th minutes, and Jevon Pluck contributed one for the 6-0 win.

St. Mary’s enjoyed a 4-1 win over Plaisance, thanks to a double by Delon Eastman (8th, 10th), one from Tyrese Jeffery (13th), and an own goal. The Plaisance consolation goal came off the boots of Alex Ramotar in the 22nd.

Lodge Secondary overcame Ann’s Grove after a brace from Tyrese Boodhoo (12th, 23rd) and a goal from Joseph Harry (3rd) allowed them to secure 3 goals, whereas Ann’s Grove scored one, which was struck

by Akeem Gouveia.

St. John’s College secured their first win of the tournament by silencing East Ruimveldt 3-1. Daniel Xavier was outstanding for St John’s with two goals in the 1st and 11th.

Marian Academy did well to rebound from a loss last week to trample Uitvlugt Secondary 3-0. Daniel Lowe (12th) Malick Barrer (13th) and Ariel Innis (15th) produced a team effort to propel Marian to their first win.

The 3-0 score was the same for Caramel Secondary in their victory over President’s College. Shem James (3rd), Nephi Allicock (33rd) and Ian Daniels (36th) each found the back of the net for the win.

An own goal on Queenstown’s part made the difference in their encounter against Dolphin Secondary, which they lost 3-2.

Jude Charles (17th) and Ronaldo Forde (36th) added one each to the own goal, making Dolphin’s tally three, while Tushawn Valenzuela (31st) and Jason Titus (33rd) scored for Queenstown.

A lone goal from Jitzah Martinez (33rd) enabled Cummings Lodge to defeat Brickdam Secondary. And New Campbellville Secondary edged past Richard Ishmael Secondary by a 2-1 margin.

In draws for the day, Golden Grove and Charlestown played to a one-all game, thanks to goals from Quintin December (8th) and Krischan Mc Lenon (16th) respectively.

Additionally, Tucville Secondary and Saint Stanislaus College played to a 2-2 draw. Dwayne Kelman (7th) and Jamal Embrack (36th) scored for Tucville, while Jasiah King (15th) and Shalam Ault (34th)

scored for Saints.

The ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 tournament will continue this Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

tuesday, JUly 2, 2019

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

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Pooran ton in vain as SL snatch 23-run win ExxonMobil Under 14 tournament

North Ruimveldt trample Hurting India run Annandale, into spirited St Mary’s Bangladesh strike gold

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