Guyana Times 10 July, 2018

Ghana investors interested in Guyana’s oil industry P16 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3619

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Reg 10 officials test PAC Chairman’s patience ...unpreparedness leads to expulsion from hearing guyanatimesgy.com

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

President Granger asks media to be “tolerant” P9 ...says busy schedule reason behind no press conferences

Page 3

Security guard accused of pulling gun on Minister Broomes Page 7

…after confrontation in parking lot

Teen stabbed to death at Soesdyke ...CPG member, friend in custody

4 escape from NOC

P11

Page 2

5 injured as fire truck crashes into daycare centre

Guyana hosting Caribbean ICT Roadshow P15

Page 12

EU experts peg City Hall rehabilitation at US$4.3M

– National Trust cites higher figure P13

Five first responders attached to the Guyana Fire Service have been hospitalised after the fire engine in which they were travelling veered off the road and crashed into a daycare centre under construction at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara

No health centre Govt living quarters must turn away 132 buildings occupied, Page patients but only 26 occupantsPage 9 12 – Minister paying rent Lawrence …SARA called in to evict freeloaders

Thief caught taking a nap in victim’s bed ...jailed for 24 months

P8

Man remanded for beating Childmother with hammer P8

2 news Teen stabbed to death at Soesdyke tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…CPG member, friend in custody

A

teenager was in the wee hours of Monday found dead in the vicinity of a wedding house at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) with stab wounds to his body.

Ricardo Singh, also called “Cardo”, of Lot 63 Avenue A & B, Diamond New Housing Scheme, EBD, was reportedly stabbed sev-

eral times, including once to his abdomen.

Based on reports received, the 15-year-old former Diamond Secondary School student and his friends left their respective homes on Sunday with the intention of “taking a lime” at the Linden-Soesdyke Highway Junction but instead went to the wedding

house, which was close-by.

However, while there, a gang of men allegedly attempted to relieve one of the teen’s friends of his gold chain and cash, resulting in the now dead teen intervening. His friend whom he was helping reportedly ran away leaving Singh behind.

The young man, who would have been celebrat-

ing his 16th birthday on Thursday, was subsequently found in a nearby trench with his intestines protruding. He was picked up and taken to the Diamond hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

At the home of the young man on Monday, his mother, Elaine Singh, was being consoled by relatives and

Dead: Ricardo Singh

friends.

She related that her son left home just after noon on Sunday to meet his friends.

He was riding his pedal cycle. The grieving mother related that as night fell, she called her son several times on his mobile phone, but her calls went unanswered.

His father also attempted to call but to no avail.

The devastated woman recalled her son’s friend visiting their home at about 08:00h and related that the young man was stabbed.

“He (the friend) tell we that he was wearing a gold chain and had money and some people tried to rob he, but meh son went to his assistance … He also tell we that after they run, they thought my son was behind them, but he was nowhere around …,” the grieving mother related.

She maintains that something is not adding up. “If they know that my son get stab since midnight or just after midnight, why they wait till 8 o’clock to tell we? Is whole night I didn’t sleep because I was worried

about my son… He didn’t tell we where he going, so I get worried,” she stated.

Upon receiving the news, the teen’s father contacted the Police and subsequently visited the Lyken Funeral Home where he positively identified his son.

The woman noted that the friend with whom her son had gone to the wedding was later taken into custody.

She told Guyana Times that her now dead son would normally go out with his friends, but would return home by nightfall.

Another scenario

Meanwhile, this publication was reliably informed that the young man was misbehaving at the wedding and the Police were called in to intervene. However, at the time, members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) were patrolling the area and as such, they reportedly arrested the young man. He was placed in the back of the motor vehicle and as it took off for the Timehri Police Station, he reportedly jumped out.

A woman who asked to remain anonymous explained that from all indications, the members of the CPG used excessive force on the young man. She indicated that after the young man jumped out of the vehicle, it kept going.

Upon the discovery of the young man in the trench, the Police were contacted. A CPG member and another man were arrested and are assisting with the investigations.

Pensioner remanded for ganja possession

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pensioner on Monday morning told Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to “legalise it” after a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking was brought against him.

Sixty-eight-year-old John Lovell, of Lot 31 Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), denied that he had 1361 grams of cannabis in his possession.

The narcotic was reportedly found hidden in a haversack, which he was car-

rying when Police ranks swooped down on him.

However, Lovell, in a bail application on his own behalf, told Magistrate Ann McLennan that it was the 21st Century and Guyana needed to legalise marijuana.

He further told McLennan that a trial would prove his innocence in the matter. He was, nonetheless, remanded to prison until August 7. The case will continue at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

news

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Tuesday, July 10 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, July 11 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

Reg 10 officials test PAC Chairman’s patience

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 10 – 14:20h-15:50h and Wednesday, July 11 –15:25h-16:55h.

By Jarryl Bryan

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

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Storms accompanied by thunder will prevail during the day and evening interspersed with light rain showers and cloudy skies. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South south-westerly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 14:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.

Low Tide: 07:53h and 20:14h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.72 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, July 7, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

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FREE TICKET

MONDAY, JULY 9, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS 09 20 22 23 26 LUCKY 3 0 4 9 Afternoon Draw

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

...unpreparedness leads to expulsion from hearing Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence pointed out that “accounting is an exact science: you don’t guess or say next week; it’s an exact science. The Chairman is asking for the date, you cannot go back and give him the same answer.”

“Ask one of your officers to provide the information.

E

ven though Region 10 Regional Executive Officer (REO) Orrin Gordon walked with regional staff and his predecessor, they were unable to account for bypassing the lowest bidders for contracts and unprepared to answer questions leading to their expulsion from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Instances of the lowest bidders being rejected by the Region 10 administration were put under the microscope by the Committee.

It is understood that the Regional Tender Board allegedly awarded millions of dollars in contracts to neither the lowest nor competitive bidders.

According to former REO Gavin Clarke, the other companies were bypassed because they performed poorly on their evaluations.

But the sitting quickly went south when Clarke could not provide the criteria used to evaluate these companies despite repeated requests from PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali. “In some cases you awarded to the sixth and seventh lowest bid. Can you explain to PAC the reasons not to have awarded the contract to sometimes up to the sixth lowest? For example, the Mackenzie Primary School repairs and maintenance work?” Ali asked.

“Mr Chairman, on review of the evaluation report, along with the tender minutes, it was revealed that the sixth lowest bidder was awarded having obtained the highest evaluations score of 84 per cent,” Clarke responded.

This did not bring much clarity to the issue, as Ali was trying to ascertain on what grounds the other companies were marked down.

But despite repeated requests for specifics, Clarke continued to give general responses and percentages to Ali and the Committee.

“The fifth lowest bidder obtained 74 per cent,” Clarke began, but was promptly stopped by Ali, who informed him that “percentages does not help us! The reasoning, what were the factors in the evaluation score? What were the criteria?”

The Chairman even went so far as to outline examples of criteria to Clarke, such as National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance and experience, but to little avail. This prompted the Chairman to question whether attempts were being made to mislead the Committee.

Absent evaluation report

As Clarke had made reference to an evaluation report, it was thought that this could improve the process and so Ali requested it.

After being asked repeatedly for the report and a thor-

signed, you cannot say? Did you walk with the contract?”

When Gordon replied in the negative, Ali turned to the auditors who provided the date December 16. But when the Region 10 REO could not say when the final payment was made after being asked by the Chairman, things had gone too far.

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

ough search of his desk, Clarke eventually claimed not to have come with it. Ali then asked Gordon if he had seen the report. At first, the REO fumbled.

“REO, there’s no need to guess, you know! Your former REO is saying he had no criteria like that. REO, can you tell me the criteria?”

Ali asked. Gordon related that there were issues with personnel, tools, and experience in the companies who received low scores.

“So you saw the evaluation report, you saw the criteria; you saw the percentage at each criterion?” Ali further asked. Gordon responded in the affirmative.

Ali, therefore, instructed the auditors present in the chambers to check for these reports.

More tension would follow when Gordon was questioned over the overpayment of $394,962 to a contractor for the construction of a fence at the Coomacka Nursery School. Gordon could not even provide the Committee with the date the contract was signed. He merely gave estimations.

Committee Member,

Predecessor and successor: Former REO and Engineer Gavin Clarke is followed by REO Orrin Gordon

If they don’t, then let them get up, go outside, and call the office, and get the date, and just ask the Chair if we can hold on the question while you get the answer.”

When they returned without this information, Ali exclaimed: “This has to be unacceptable. You’re coming here and a simple question like the date a contract was

“Sir, sir, you’re testing my patience personally…

You can’t look down at a paper, say you don’t have that and then proceed and just dismiss me like that. You were asked to bring all the information. I am feeling for the PS. You guys know the type of questions; you will sit out there and get your act together!”

4

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, july 10, 2018

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

Equality T

he norm of equality has become the mantra of the age. But in Guyana it has become a very complex issue, which has to be demarcated very carefully so that it can be inculcated and achieved. Even in economic terms, as Thomas Piketty has shown, most of the world has moved further away from this goal, and we must ask ourselves why. There are numerous reasons for this condition, but one important one is that "equality” is one of those laudatory words which are constantly invoked, even though its users are not clear as to what it means.

Now, almost everyone will agree with the statement: we are all equally human, but what does that mean? Isn’t it a tautology? We are not equally tall, strong, intelligent or beautiful; so whither equality? For the term to have any content, we have to choose any area of endeavour or personal attribute or treatment, and then discuss whether or not we are all equal in terms of the identified criteria.

Two things or persons can be said to be equal only with some specific property that we have identified. Equality, from this perspective, has therefore to be contingent on the context or criteria wherein we speak: equality is a triadic relationship. We may talk about three types of equality – those pertaining to personal characteristics, to treatment, and to distribution. The last two categories are relevant to politics.

There are some theories of equality that are purely formal; they specify no substantive content, simply a formula or policy. For example, when Aristotle stipulated that equals were to be treated equally and unequals unequally, there was no description as to what constituted “equals”. As such, once the rule was followed; for example, that only Greek men were “equal”, one could claim there was equality. Statements such as “equality before the law” also fall under this category: no questions arise as to what was the content of the law. Formal equality only demands consistency.

It is generally accepted that, in any society, some inequalities will be morally permissible. Differences in ethnicity, interests, aptitudes, intelligence, and conception of the good are some that seem to have general approval.

In Guyana, these are questions that have to be debated and agreed on. Normally, the rewards or punishment from one’s efforts (desserts) are also seen as permissible, even if not equally distributed. Once those that are not defensible have been identified, then the state/society has to decide what to do about them. Items identified from the latter category at some time or place have been political power, opportunity for scarce resources, welfare or social position, social position/class, economic resources, welfare etc. In general, some stress political equality, while others focus on economic equality: Conservatives and Libertarians balk at increased governmental intervention, while Socialists/ Marxists/liberals expect the state to intervene to mitigate inequalities.

In Guyana, questions of the equality of social status and political and economic parity are intensely contested between the ethnic groups in the society.

As we indicated, we can only have substantive equality when there is a specific criterion identified by which policies can be assessed. For instance, in terms of “equal treatment” or opportunity, there can be formal equality if the law states that offices are open to anyone who is qualified. In this instance, one is being told that all existent inequalities of talent, birth or station etc. are morally permissible. Substantively, this may not have any effect on the concrete circumstances, since there is no stipulation that all applicants should have equal life chances. The question would be for society or the state to decide whether the stillsurviving inequalities are, or are not, morally permissible. If the latter is decided on, then there may be affirmative action programmes or other compensating policies initiated.

In Guyana, where there have been historicallydetermined structural conditions that undergird some inequalities, there may be the need for affirmative action programmes to rectify these imbalances.

The Linden blue lakes are a sight taken for granted by Lindeners, but are a tourist attraction for many persons. People would venture to Region 10 just to look at the lakes. The lakes, a reminder of the once dominant bauxite industry, now serve as a picnic site or as the ideal location for a photoshoot (Subhash Haimraj photo)

Guyana did better under Jagdeo’s presidency Dear Editor, Much has been said since Charles Ramson Jnr declared that he would be running for the position of PPP/C presidential candidate. I must note that his doing so was with a great level of ‘confidence’ – some would say arrogance – and I do not agree with him on trying to decide who his competitors should be when he went through his list of qualities in a candidate.

But that aside, the issue, Editor, is whether he is the right person for the job.

To this question I must say no. Why? Simply because he has no experience in management; no executive experience.

Editor, Guyana, in the past seven years, has had two presidents without Government experience – Donald Ramotar and President David Granger. Neither of them served Guyanese well. The PPP/C and APNU/AFC debates internally on this issue are another matter,

particularly relative to acknowledging and confronting this fact.

Much has been said about past president Bharrat Jagdeo. Now he cannot run for a third term, but there are lessons in the process that led to him being chosen as the PPP/C presidential candidate in 2001 and 2006. The fact is that he was a Junior Finance Minister, then a Senior Finance Minister. He was in Cabinet and he had served in the public service before his ministerial posts. When he was elected as President, he had experience in both the public service and executive management. At the PPP level, he was also a member of the Party’s Central Committee, and later the Executive Committee.

Charles Ramson Jnr, on the other hand, is not a member of the PPP Central Committee. He has no significant experience in the public service. He has no experience in Government management. He never

served in Cabinet. He has bitious, and he projects himno executive experience. self as a leader; but the fact What is the worst that could is that he has no execuhappen if he allowed himself tive experience, and that is to work up to these things? much needed.

Look at the presidencies We do not want to reof Ramotar and Granger live the pitfalls we saw unagainst Jagdeo’s. It is true der the Ramotar presidenthat the debates – both the cy. Nor do we want a repeat factual one and those that of what we are seeing now, border on the illogical – which is a badly performwhich have been playing ing economy, no jobs, more out in the letter pages of the crime, big borrowing, wastnewspapers about Jagdeo ing of taxpayers’ dollars, will continue. But the facts and increase in the costs will not change. When you that regular Guyanese, like look at the big picture, what me, have to pay. we saw under a Jagdeo Charles Ramon Jnr presidency (the debatable needs to give himself some points aside) was a better more time; earn some exGuyana. Guyanese did bet- perience, and maybe then ter. The country did better. he will have a better appreGuyana was put on the map ciation for what it takes to for certain major issues, in- manage the Presidency. cluding climate change. As At the end of the day, I said before, the debates on even if the PPP/C says it the man can continue, but will push young people the facts – the numbers on into leadership positions, economic growth, wealth Guyanese still need to know creation, housing progress, that they have a dependable etc. – will not change. leader.

I say all of this to back up my point: Charles Ramson Sincerely, Jr. is young; yes, he is amErin Northe

Govt support should not end after severance payments Dear Editor, Several sections of the media reported that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, announced about the outstanding redundancy pay to the thousands of workers made jobless by the callous, heartless decision to close several sugar estates in recent times.

Minister Harmon is reported to have said that the Government already has identified the source of funding to meet the illegally withheld payments to the beleaguered workers. We expect that the Government will soon ad-

vise the workers when their payments would be available.

The State Minister, according to the press, was also seemingly critical of our move to the courts on this matter. But it seems that, hadn’t we pursued such a course, the Government wouldn’t have awoken from its seeming deep slumber and finally decide to address the matter. Again, it confirms that our decision to go to court was the right decision.

While pleased to hear about this latest development, we indeed hope that

the Government’s support does not end there. With the GuySuCo Alternative Livelihood Programme and Sustainable Communities Programme from all indications suffering a still-birth, there is strong need for a realistic programme to support the workers and their families at what is possibly the hardest and toughest time in their lives. It is dismaying for us that, on to this day, the Government has not seen it necessary to visit the hard-pressed communities. It seems to us that the Government wants to wash its hands

after the outstanding payments are made.

We sincerely hope this is not the case, but the indications do not give us much hope.

The suffering workers can be assured of the GAWU’s commitment to press the Government to give focused attention to address and ensure relief to the plight of the affected workers and their dependents.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine GAWU

guyanatimesgy.com

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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

Has Guyana Prize helped emerging writers living and writing in Guyana? (Pt 2) Dear Editor, One of my major concerns is the quality of writing that has won the Guyana Prize. I have read all these books with a great deal of interest. Some of them, like “Essequibo”, Martin Carter’s Selected Poems, are great poetry that deserved the prize.

Then I read some really vulgar and immoral works that are loaded with ‘cuss words,’ sexual overtures, and hardcore material

that’s mind boggling to the real academic. My questions are these: how can we teach such books as literature to our young students in schools and university?

What literary criteria were used to give these immoral books a prize?

One of Mr.Creighton’s four-time Guyana Prize winners, Harold Bascom, wrote the following: ‘’Dear Minister Norton, there is a way for you to go down as the most effective Minister

of Culture Guyana has ever had; and it will redeem you from being regarded as having been a mere political appointee with the least interest in culture—a square peg in a round hole.” (July 1, 2018 Kaieteur News) That is a very disgusting and derogatory statement to the Hon Minister of Culture, Dr. George Norton, so the Minister and our current administration must do the honourable thing and scrap the Guyana Prize for

These critics are fooling no one Dear Editor, The debate on the presidential candidate of the PPP is dominating the newspapers. What I find interesting is that critics of the PPP are advocating a particular process to be used to determine the presidential candidate.

What is even more interesting is that these same people will be in the front lines, criticising whoever is voted in as the presidential candidate, as we saw in the last Elections.

These critics are fooling no one.

I have read the com-

ments of Ralph Ramkarran, and he advocates for the PPP to have a new system to choose its presidential candidate. But he is not a supporter of the PPP; his comments echo the arrogance of the Facebook crowd calling for all sorts of things – all of them being people who will not support the PPP, regardless of what position it takes. The PPP could select a ‘Ghandi’ or a ‘Mandela’ (hypothetically speaking, of course) and the critics will not support the Party.

That is the reason why Guyanese, particularly PPP

supporters, have seen – and should continue to see – past the façade being put up by the critics who are analysing the position of the PPP. The Party should continue to operate in a manner that does not allow detractors to influence its democratic decision-making process, wherein the 35 members of the Party’s Central Committee who were elected by the Congress vote on a presidential candidate.

Regards, Baldeo Mathura

GECOM is not responsible for creation of new NDCs

Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has noted that, in some sections of the media, there are accusations that the Commission has demonstrated a “lack of concern at the creation of new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.”

That creative function does not fall within the remit of GECOM. That call falls within the mandate of the Minister of Communities, Hon. Ronald Bulkan, and the statutory duty so to do is his and his alone.

Chapter 28:03, section 38a of the Local Authorities Act states that “each Local Authority area shall be divided into constituencies for the purpose of electing members of the Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.”

In accordance with the Local Authorities Act, the Minister shall, by order, identify the Local Authority Area where the election shall be held, and state for each Local Authority Area: i. the number of members for each local authority is provided and that such number is an even number; ii. the number of members to be elected by the proportional representa-

tion component shall be 50 percent of the number so named; iii. The number of members to be elected by the constituency component shall be 50 percent of the number so named.

The role of GECOM is clear, as prescribed by section 38a (5) of the Act. It states that “the Elections Commission may, by order, combine or subdivide one or more electoral divisions to form a constituency (a group of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body) for the purpose of electing members of that Local Authority.”

It is against this backdrop that GECOM would like to caution that it is not responsible for the creation of new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and its mandate is primarily the conduct of elections, once it has been announced and the date has been set.

The Local Authorities Act is clear in the distinction of the role of the Minister and the role of GECOM. Identification of Local Authorities falls within the ambit of the Minister, and GECOM determines the constituencies and conducts the elections.

Sincerely, Yolanda Ward Public Relations Officer

Literature until further notice, and demote the Prize Secretary and the incom-

petent Guyana Prize Board with immediate effect.

Regards, Rev Gideon Cecil

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tuesDAY, JUly 10, 2018

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Foundation

Water safety

ools, lakes, ponds, and beaches mean summer fun and cool relief from hot weather. But water also can be dangerous for kids if parents don’t take the proper precautions. Nearly 1000 kids die each year by drowning.

And most drownings happen in home swimming pools. It is the second leading cause of accidental death for people between the ages of 5 and 24.

The good news is there are many ways to keep your kids safe in the water – and make sure that they take the right precautions when they’re on their own.

Don’t assume that a child who knows how to swim isn’t at risk for drowning. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skills. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach to provide “touch supervision”.

Invest in proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests) and have

Keeping kids safe Kids need constant supervision around water – whether the water is in a bathtub, a wading pool, an ornamental fish pond, a swimming pool, a spa, the beach, or a lake.

Young children are especially at risk – they can drown in less than two inches (six centimetres) of water. That means drowning can happen where you’d least expect it -- the sink, the toilet bowl, fountains, buckets, inflatable pools, or small bodies of standing water around your home, such as ditches filled with rainwater. Always watch children closely when they’re in or near any water.

If you’re not a swimmer yourself, it’s a good idea to take lessons and learn how to swim. And kids over four years old should learn, too (check for classes taught by qualified instructors). Kids who are younger (but older than age one) also might benefit from swimming lessons, but check with your doctor first.

kids wear them whenever near water. Check the weight and size recommendations on the label, then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly.

For kids younger than five years old, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head support – the collar will keep the child’s head up and face out of the water. Inflatable vests and arm devices such as water wings are not effective protection against drowning.

Don’t forget the sunscreen and reapply often, especially if the kids are getting wet. UV sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing also can help provide sun protection.

Kids should drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to prevent dehydration. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, especially when kids are active and sweating. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or nausea are just some of the signs of dehydration and overheating.

Water temperature is important, too. Enter the water slowly and make sure it feels comfortable for you and your

kids. A temperature below 70°F (20°C) is cold to most swimmers.

Recommended water temperatures vary depending on the activity and a swimmer’s age, as well as for pregnant women. But in general, 82°-86°F (28°-30°C) is comfortable for recreational swimming for children (babies are more comfortable when the water is on the warmer side of this temperature range).

August vacation time is here, let’s keep kids safe Body temperature drops more quickly in water than on land, and it doesn’t take long for hypothermia (when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it) to set in. If a child is shivering or has muscle cramps, get him or her out of the water immediately.

At home and at the pool Water safety begins in the home.

The bathroom is full of dangers for youngsters. Never leave a young child unattended in the bathroom, especially while bathing – even if the child appears to be well propped in a safety tub or bath ring. Put away hair dryers and all other electrical appliances to avoid the risk of electrocution.

Hot water also can be dangerous, particularly for kids younger than five, who have thinner skin than older kids and adults, so can burn more easily.

Just three seconds of exposure to hot tap water that’s 140°F (60°C) can give a child a thirddegree burn.

You can reduce the risk of

scalding by turning the water heater thermostat in your home down to 120°F (49°C) and by always testing the water with your wrist or elbow before placing your child in the bath.

Outside the home, being aware can help prevent accidents. Find out where the water hazards in your neighbourhood are. Who has a pool or hot tub? Where are the retaining ponds or creeks that may attract kids? Tell neighbours who have pools that you have a young child and ask them to keep their gates locked.

Home pools Having a pool, pond, spa, or hot tub on your property is a tremendous responsibility when it comes to safety.

Hot tubs may feel great to adults, but kids can become dangerously overheated in them and can even drown — so it’s best not to let them use them at all. Having a fence (one that goes directly around the pool or spa) between the water and your house is the best safety investment you can make and will help prevent pool-related drownings.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fences should meet these standards: Fences should stand at least four feet (130 centimetres) high with no foot or handrails for kids to climb on.

The slats should be less than 4 inches (110 millimetres) apart so a child can’t get through, or if chain link, should have no opening larger than 1¾ inches (50 millimetres).

Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, and the latch should be out of kids’ reach.

You can buy other devices, such as pool covers and alarms, but these haven’t been proved effective against drowning for very young children, so fencing remains your best measure of protection.

Making kids water wise It’s important to teach your kids proper pool and spa behaviour, and to make sure that you take the right precautions, too. Let kids know that they should contact the lifeguard or an adult if there’s an emergency.

Kids shouldn’t run or push around the pool and should never dive in areas that are not marked for diving. If the weather turns bad (especially if there’s lightning), they should get out of the pool immediately.

Above all, supervise your kids at all times. Don’t assume that just because your child took swimming lessons or is using a flotation device such as an inner tube or inflatable raft that there’s no drowning risk. If you’re at a party, it’s especially easy to become distracted, so designate an adult who will be responsible for watching the children. If you leave your child with a babysitter, make sure he or she knows your rules for the pool.

Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies, so take a cordless phone with

you when you’re watching kids during water play. A quick-dial feature keyed to 911 or your local emergency centre will also save additional seconds.

If you receive a call while supervising kids, keep your conversation brief to prevent being distracted.

Once you’ve installed all your safety equipment, review your home for water hazards and plan what to do in an emergency. Learn CPR (other caregivers should learn it, too) and make sure you have safety equipment, such as emergency flotation devices, that are in good shape and are close at hand when boating or swimming.

Post emergency numbers on all phones and make sure all caregivers are aware of their locations. After your kids are finished playing in the pool for the day, be sure to remove all pool toys and put them away.

Children have drowned while trying to retrieve playthings left in the pool.

Keep water safety a priority, even after the swim season is over. Pools with covers are not safe; many kids try to walk on top of pools and may get trapped underneath a pool cover.

If you have an aboveground pool, it’s wise to always lock or remove the ladder when the pool is not in use. (Excerpt from

kidshealth.org)

Water safety outdoors

F

irst, teach kids never to swim alone. Using the buddy system means there’s always someone looking out for you. Make sure your kids understand that swimming in a pool is different from swimming in a lake or the ocean – there are different hazards for each.

Here are some tips: At lakes and ponds Don’t let kids swim without adult supervision – lakes or ponds might be shallow near the bank, but increase in depth sharply farther out from shore.

Ponds and lakes may hide jagged rocks, broken glass, or trash.

Make sure kids wear foot protection; even in the water, they should wear aqua socks or water shoes.

Watch out for weeds and grass that could entangle a leg or arm.

Most boating accidents, particularly among teens, are related to alcohol. When you and your family are boating, assign a designated driver who won’t drink. Be sure teens know about the dangers of alcohol, on and off the water.

At beaches Teach kids to always swim when and where a lifeguard is on duty. They shouldn’t swim close to piers or pilings because sudden water movements may cause swimmers to collide with them.

Unlike the calm waters of a swimming pool, the beach has special dangers like currents and tides. Check with the lifeguard when you arrive to find out about the water conditions.

Don’t allow kids to swim in large waves or undertows, and tell them never to stand with their back to the water because a sudden wave can easily knock them over.

Teach kids that if they’re caught in a rip current or undertow, they should swim parallel to the shore or should tread water and call for a lifeguard’s help.

The stings of jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-wars can be painful, so tell kids to watch out for them in the water and to tell an adult right away if they’re stung.

Whether at the lake or at the beach, teach your child to get out of the water during bad weather, especially lightning.

(kidshealth.org)

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Security guard accused of pulling gun on Minister Broomes …after confrontation in parking lot

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wo security officers attached to the Massy Store at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) are now in hot water after one of them allegedly pointed a shotgun at Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes on Sunday evening.

Reports are the Minister’s driver stopped at the entrance of the store to access the New Thriving Restaurant which is housed in the upper flat of the building.

While there, two security guards approached them and a confrontation ensured.

The Minister went as far as to identify herself as a Minister of Government, but the security guard alleged-

Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes

ly cocked his shotgun and reportedly threatened to shoot

if the driver did not remove the vehicle from what he described as a restricted area.

Guyana Times was told that the security guard stated that based on the manner in which the duo were dressed, it seemed as though they were about to commit a robbery.

“Apparently, the Minister’s driver parked her vehicle on a tarmac area which is not to be used by customers,” a Police source explained.

Nevertheless, the Minister is holding out that the driver drove into the tarmac area to allow her to exit the vehicle after which he was heading to the parking lot. The guard, according to reports, refused to listen to their explanation.

2015 execution

Accused denies killing Atlantic Gardens businesswoman

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ichard Stanton, formerly of Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, on Monday denied that he was the person who had murdered Atlantic Gardens businesswoman Patricia Sanasie, who was shot outside her home on January 12, 2015.

The High Court trial of the accused commenced before Justice Brassington Reynolds, and the defendant told the court that he was not guilty of opening fire on 43-year old Sanasie at her East Coast Demerara home.

Killed execution style, Senasie was riddled with five bullets by a reportedly “big built gunman” who exited a Toyota Raum. The shooting occurred at about 18:45h on that fateful day as the woman went home from church and was about to open her gate. She was a passenger in a car, and was murdered in front of her daughter, who was also in the same car.

At the opening of Monday’s trial, the 12-member jury was informed that the defendant was charged some three months later, in April 2015,

Murdered businesswoman: Patricia Sanasie and that he remained silent when investigators at Golden Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara accused him of murder. This was disclosed

by Police Detective Corporal Kester Cosbert, who was the first witness called by the prosecution, which comprises Tiffini Lyken, Seeta Bishundial and Narissa Leander.

Cosbert recalled that he had gone to the Dynasty Night Club on April 24, 2015 at 17:45h, and had arrested Stanton, who was wanted for murder at that time. Under cross-examination, the witness told the court that Assistant Superintendent

of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar was in charge of the Major Crimes Department.

Cosbert said that when he arrested the defendant, he was acting on direct instructions received, and that he was not in possession of a crime file relating to the accused. He said that when he arrested the suspected killer, Stanton did not have a firearm or ammunition in his possession.

According to reports back then, Senasie, a former Director of Studies at the Academy of Professional Studies, was shot to her chest, abdomen, neck and groin, and was pronounced dead after she had been transported to hospital.

A similar execution attempt had been made on the life of Mrs Sanassie’s husband, Deokarran Sanasie, just one year before her death; and she, along with her brother Vishnu Persaud, had been implicated.

Similarly, when she was killed, her relatives blamed him. Nevertheless, it is Stanton who is answering for the woman’s murder. He is being represented by attorney Mark Waldron.

This newspaper was told that Broomes, without hesitation, contacted the Police, who quickly responded and confiscated the weapon that was used to threaten her. The guards were also taken into

custody on Sunday, but were subsequently released on their own recognisance.

However, in surveillance footage seen by this publication, after the minister’s driver and the guards began to argue, Broomes jumped out of her vehicle and removed the restricted area signs. This led

to a further confrontation.

The matter is being investigated and once completed, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Efforts to contact the Manager of Massy for a comment on the issue proved futile.

Investigations are ongoing.

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS Man remanded for hitting 'child mother' with hammer Snake oil…

A

father of five was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman slapped with three offences: discharging a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition and wounding.

Forty-seven-yearold Marlon Dominic of Lot 73 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied that he used a hammer to hit his children’s mother, Samantha Ricky, to her face on July 6, 2018 at West Ruimveldt.

On the same day at the same location, he reportedly discharged several rounds

Marlon Dominic

at Huran Medowzi with intent to maim, disfigure, dis-

able, or to cause actual bodily harm to him.

He also denied having a 9mm spent shell in his possession which was allegedly found when ranks swooped down to arrest him.

In court on Monday, Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris disclosed that Ricky and Dominic were arguing when he picked up the hammer and struck her to her face, splitting her nose and seriously damaging her forehead.

According to the Prosecutor, Dominic then proceeded to the home of Medowzi, who was asleep in a hammock and fired a shot

in his direction.

He then allegedly pointed the gun and ordered Medowzi not to move.

However, according to the Prosecutor, a frightened Medowzi decided to run which prompted the defendant to fire several shots at him.

The man hid in a clump of bushes and then proceeded to the Police Station when Dominic left to file a report.

The prosecution’s application for bail to be denied was upheld and Dominic was remanded to prison.

The case will continue on July 30, 2018.

50 months’ jail for silver chain thief Thief caught

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bandit, who was previously jailed, was on Monday jailed yet again, this time for 50 months for robbing a man of his silver chain and other items.

Kennard Persaud, 29, admitted to stealing the chain, a cellphone and $500 from Ryan Dari on July 6, 2018 at

Brickdam, Georgetown.

According to the prosecution’s case, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was in a Route 42 minibus, seated in the front seat, when Persaud, along with others, approached him and demanded that he hand over his valuables.

Dari complied, giving

the men the items following which they escaped. The VC subsequently reported the matter and Persaud was later apprehended and found with the chain in his possession.

Before jailing him, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan advised the thief, “Thou shall not steal.”

taking a nap in victim’s bed ...jailed for 24 months

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home intruder was on Monday jailed for 24 months after he broke into a Charlestown, Georgetown home, removed a quantity of household appliances, and then decided to take a nap in the owner’s bed.

Paul Narine admitted to breaking and entering the home, but had no valid explanation as to why he decided to sleep in the Virtual Complainant’s bed.

The 48-year-old man admitted that he was asleep in the bed of Onica Stanford on July 8, 2018 after stealing two gas cylinders, one radio, one electric bottle, a fan and a DVD player valued in total $51,000, in the company of Ishwan Singh, who was jointly charged.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris told the Court that Narine and Singh entered the woman’s premises, and when she returned home, she found Narine asleep in her bed wearing her mother’s sneakers and her house ransacked with the items mentioned in the charge missing.

The Police were called in, and the man was arrested. Singh was picked up after residents reported seeing the two with the gas cylinders. Singh, of Albouystown, Georgetown, has, however, denied the allegation and has been granted bail in the sum of $70,000. The case will continue on July 30, 2018.

Narine was jailed by city Magistrate Judy Latchman for 24 months.

N

…on gas power

ow that we in the Caribbean are moving closer to legalising ganja, we’ve got to be on the lookout for some Government flunkies jumping the gun and puffing on spliffs while pontificating!! Case in point is Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who keeps making statements that clearly aren’t grounded in reality.

Remember him promising the new Demerara Harbour Bridge by 2020?? Everyone had a good snicker at that, since that would’ve given him only 2 years. And unless he was planning on another floating pontoon structure, he was clearly delusional, or high!! Well after the Chinese Ambassador derided his plans for a drawbridge type of Bridge as “so 19th century”, he’s back to the drawing boards!!

Anyhow, he’s promising us a 200MW gas-fired generator -- obviously to placate a restive populace whom he’d promised “no blackouts!” two years ago, but who still experience blackouts at a level not seen (pun intended!) since the first PNC iteration!! So what’s this hot air about gas-based power? Patterson says he plans to use the excess gas Exxon will produce as a by-product from its oil production – and which contractually belongs to Guyana.

Now, what’s Exxon ACTUALLY been saying? Firstly, that it’s not drilling into any GAS FIELDS, but OIL FIELDS which have some associated gas coming up with it.

Secondly, once it separates this gas in its FPSO, it has first dibs on using as much as it wants to operate the facility. Thirdly, it’ll be using whatever remaining gas to pump back into the oil fields to push out as much oil as possible. It makes the not unreasonable point that more oil means more revenues for Guyana!!

So what to make from Patterson’s gaseous effusions?

Well, over a year ago, Trotman said Exxon said there’d be an excess of 50 million cubic feet of natural gas daily, and this would be used to fuel a 200MW generator – to run an alumina plant!! Well, that WAS LAST YEAR. This year? Exxon hasn’t confirmed any excess gas of that magnitude.

But even if there were, there are some questions that Patterson studiously avoids answering: What’s the cost of constructing and maintaining the 150-mile pipeline to bring the gas ashore? What’s the cost of the plant to convert it into LPG for storage purposes? And then the cost of the plant to reconvert it back to gas? Then what about the cost of the actual combined cycle power plant (CCPP)…this can range from US$200 million to US$400 million.

But most pertinently, what will be the cost of the transmission lines to move this 200MW into the national grid and into the homes of consumers?

Inquiring (un-stoned) minds want to know!!

…on medical supply

If there’s anything that shows this Government don’t give a damn about what people think, it’s their blatant corruption in the supply of medical supplies – even as their own people report massive countrywide shortages that are unleashing death on the poor and powerless.

First, of course, was the $600+ million contract to ANSA McAL for which there’s never been any explanation.

Then there was the quarter-billion-dollar bottom house for storing non-existent pharma!

Now comes news about a sole-sourced contract for $367 million in medical supplies from an individual in NY who’d been identified as a PNC financier two years ago, when there was a scandal in the supply of fertiliser! It’s rather pathetic there’s been no PNC soul searching on sole sourcing!! OK… these people are contemptuous of the general populace…but do they think the media will roll over and play dead?

There was only the gentlest of raps on the knuckles for the previous pharma indiscretions and corrupt practices.

Let’s make sure, dear reader, at least someone goes to jail this time!!

…on Williams’ “third term”

In the three-way fight for the PNC Chairmanship, how come no one’s protesting that Basil Williams is pursuing a “Third Term”?

If democracy – according to the CCJ - forbids this practice, isn’t the PNC democratic?

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

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No health centre must turn away President Granger asks media to be “tolerant” patients – Minister Lawrence

... says patient complaints will be investigated

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

mediately. When the person has been told that there is no drug or medical supply, we also investigate internally, to see whether a request was made, and where that was requested, or when was the last time they (were) supplied. No centre should be saying they don’t have anything,” Lawrence declared.

“They can pick up the phone (and) call the next centre or the hospital within their district,” Lawrence pointed out. “That is how it works, but some staff are not

Linden Hospital Complex to stage a sit-in protest.

According to LHC Public Relations Officer Toshanna Alicock, the Hospital’s CEO, Dr Farouk Riyasat, had reassured the staff that their issues were being addressed at the bi-monthly section heads’ meeting, and management was pursuing all possible avenues to have the issues rectified.

The same issue occurred at one of the public hospitals in East Berbice, Region Six. Just over a day after this episode, Lawrence had

G

overnment is getting tough on health centre staffers who have been turning away patients because of alleged drug shortages. Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has made it clear that centres can always call the Public Health Ministry and request supplies of drugs.

Asked on Monday what she was doing about reports of patients being turned away, Lawrence was adamant that this practice needs to be brought to an end. According to the minister, such complaints are being investigated at internal and external levels.

She said that various measures, including increased impromptu visits and regular check-ins with centres, are being implemented by the Ministry of Public Health.

“Whenever we get a complaint, we investigate im-

doing that. So we have some staff who are designated to call up various institutions to ensure that they have the critical drugs, these medical supplies, and we have instituted a lot of impromptu visits.”

The issue of shortages of various medications has been raised throughout Guyana at various intervals.

As recently as in April, this issue prompted staff at the

announced that the Public Health Ministry is modernising delivery systems to address this sore point.

That included the hiring of a consultant who has worked with The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a plan for the retrofitting of Guyana’s medicine and medical supplies distribution system.

...says busy schedule reason behind no press conferences

I

n defending why he has not held a press conference in months and why there were fewer formal engagements with the media, President David Granger has said that his schedule was a major factor.

“My heart is in the right place, but right now, I’ve had a really difficult period of public engagement and overseas travel,” the President told the media on the sidelines of an event on Monday.

“This time last week I was in Montego Bay, the week before I was in Da Nang, Vietnam. It could be a very challenging period and soon as I get the opportunity I will engage with the press, but I’ve been travelling quite a lot … I’m asking the media to be tolerant,” the President said.

He noted that he also has to deal with several local issues. “It could be a challenging period and as soon as I get the opportunity, I would engage with the press, but I’ve been travelling quite a lot and then to deal with domestic issues – the sugar industry, we have to deal with the petroleum industry, I have to deal with crime and security,” he explained.

The Guyana Press Association and other groups, including the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), have urged Granger to meet with the press.

President David Granger

These groups have also criticised Government for its silence on a number of matters of national importance, calling on the President to toughen up and face the entire local media corps.

The GPA had acknowledged that the President was not averse to speaking with the media on the sidelines of public events or during his “Public Interest” televised programme; however, the Association believes that accountability to the Guyanese people would be best served through press conferences.

Public officials under the coalition Government have gone mute for a while now. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has responsibility for public infor-

mation, is also unavailable to the media and does not host press conferences to update the media or the public on what is going on with his office or the Government.

Political analysts and commentators have noted that there was a new culture seemingly developing whereby Ministers of Government were abusing and assaulting the media directly when displeased with a specific line of questioning, coverage of an event or editorial position of a newspaper on a particular matter.

After two years in office, President Granger held a press conference in December 2017, only the second since the coalition came into Government in May 2015.

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 escape from NOC

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our female inmates of the New Opportunity Core (NOC) escaped from the youth correctional facility on Monday, and are currently on the run.

The escapees are aged 15, 16 and 17. Two are from the Linden Squatting area, and were charged for wandering and unlawful wounding; they were sentence to serve one and two years respectively at the NOC. Another is from Third Avenue, Bartica, and was charged for wandering and sentenced to three years. The fourth, a 17-yearold of Pamela Backdam in Mahdia, was also charged for

wandering and sentenced to three years.

Based on information received, the four were in the compound of their dormitory when the main gate was left open. It began to rain, and the teens, left unattended, used the opportunity to dash for freedom. Checks were subsequently made, and it was discovered that the four were missing. The Police were summoned, and a search has been launched for the four teenagers.

Investigations are ongoing.

This is not the first time that inmates have escaped from that juvenile facility.

The New Opportunity Corps

The New Opportunity Corps houses youths between the ages of 10 and 18 after they hae been sentenced to spend time there by the courts in order that they could participate in correctional programmes lasting up to three years.

Most of them housed there have been sentenced for petty offences, such as wandering, minor assault and theft.

However, over 50 percent of the more than 100 inmates are at the NOC for wandering.

There are separate dormitories for males and females. However, understaffing and general favouritism

are being blamed for illegal relations, according to a source at the facility.

Apart from condoning illegalities, the source also accused a senior official of inviting friends into the NOC compound after hours to participate in parties.

Several accusations of rape have been levelled against both ministry officials and NOC staffers in the past.

Since the Coalition Government came into power, responsibility for the NOC has been assigned to the Social Protection Ministry.

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 injured as fire truck crashes into daycare centre

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The toppled fire truck

ive men attached to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have been hospitalised after the fire engine in which they were travelling veered off the road and crashed into a day-

care centre under construction at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara.

The injured men have been identified as: vehicle driver Section Leader Troy Gravesande, 45, and fire-

men Adrian Benjamin, 24; Quinton Damon, 36; Errol Hyman, 42; and Bryant Bobb, 20.

Based on reported received, fire tender PRR 1635 had responded to a

fire at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and was returning to the Leonora Fire Station, at about 14:30h, when the accident occurred.

Workers from a mechanic shop opposite the daycare centre ran to assist the men, pulling them from the blazing vehicle and rushing them to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where they were admitted.

At time of the incident, workers were not on site, as construction of the daycare facility had ceased as a result of the inclement weather.

Residents of the area have reported that the fire truck was heading at a fast rate around a turn when the driver lost control and the vehicle toppled, crashing into daycare center under construction.

An investigation has been launched.

Govt living quarters

132 buildings occupied, but only 26 occupants paying rent …SARA called in to help evict freeloaders

Echillibar Villas: One of the Government’s living quarters

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he Auditor General found in 2016 that out of 300 buildings owned by the Region Four Administration, 132 were occupied. However, only 26 of these occupants were actually paying rent, and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) has since been called in to assist in the eviction of those not paying rent.

The matter came up before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, and Regional Executive Officer Pauline Lucas was asked to account for the matter.

The Auditor General had noted that occupants included individuals from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and TOPCO. Committee Chairman Irfaan Ali observed that if the tables were turned, squatters would have been thrown out. He therefore expressed dissatisfaction with the situation.

Lucas revealed that in addition to the guidance from the Auditor General’s findings, she asked SARA to get involved in the matter since last year.

Committee Member Nigel Dharamlall made the observation that instead of going to the Attorney General, she approached SARA. He therefore questioned why the AG Chambers were not approached, as the entity with responsibility for legally defending the state.

“SARA first came to me,” the REO replied. “SARA came to me for assistance. I needed assistance, and that is why I asked them. SARA came to examine some buildings in my region. They

wanted a list of all the buildings, and I furnished them the information; and during the discussion, I asked for assistance.”

But when Dharamlall asked for an update on SARA’s involvement, Lucas revealed that there has been no progress on the matter.

She noted that there have been several instances when she discussed the matter with them.

According to Civil Service Law, 2004 public service rules, “Government quarters provided to public servants as a condition of service, eg in the case of hospital staff where presence on a hospital compound may be required on a continuous basis, shall be free of rent.”

It goes on to state that: “in lieu of quarters, a house allowance may, with the approval of the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry, be granted to a public servant who is entitled to free quarters but for whom quarters are not available.”

It is understood that for unfurnished quarters, an employee who does pay rent is required to pay 10 per cent of his or her salary, while the requirement for a furnished apartment is 12 per cent of that employee’s pay.

When Auditor General Deodat Sharma flagged the issue in his report in 2016, he could not verify that they were entitled to rent free accommodation.

He had therefore recommended “that the Regional Administration take steps to ensure all outstanding amounts for rent are collected and deposited into the Consolidated Fund.”

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU experts peg City Hall rehabilitation at US$4.3M – National Trust cites higher figure

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he European Union (EU) on Monday handed over a detailed restoration plan for the deteriorating City Hall. The work is estimated at US$4.3 million (GY$894 million), but the National Trust of Guyana has cited a high figure --G$1 billion.

It is expected that work will be done on three building City Hall owns.

The Comprehensive Restoration and Conservation Management Plan for City Hall came under a $64 million European Union- funded project which was formed out of collaboration between the Georgetown Mayor & City Council (M&CC) and the National Trust of Guyana.

It has special focus on the physical and structural state of City Hall and the City Engineer’s Building.

Minister with responsibility for Culture, Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton, formally received the dossier, which has several thousand pages. The document meticulously details City Hall’s res-

Minister with responsibility for Culture, Dr George Norton, receiving the dossier from EU Ambassador Jernej Videtič

toration plan, and it is being seen as timely since the 1889 Gothic revival structure is falling apart.

“The onus is on us to preserve and cherish all that it has to offer. When City Hall is restored to its breathtaking glory, we must never allow any of our other cites to deteriorate in such a manner ever again,” the minister appealed.

Cardinal International Development Director Andrew

A deplorable section of City Hall

McLoughlin, who contributed to the restoration projection, has said that once the scheduled is followed, rehabilitation should be completed by 2020, and he estimated that it would cost around US$4.3 million to restore City Hall.

It was, however, the National Trust Head, Nirvana Persaud, who said that when other costs are factored in, the figure could reach GY $1 billion.

She once again appealed to local operatives, including the private sector, to support the restoration initiative.

“We do not yet have funds to implement this plan. We have to work together to raise the funds that we need, and a lot of the material and expertise [is] all here,” she said.

Meantime, Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana, Ambassador Jernej Videtič, observed that stakeholders should look towards correcting the errors that had led to the structure’s current state.

“Now is not the time for blame-sharing and reliving the mistakes of the past, but the people in the driver’s seats have to take full responsibility, or City Hall will crumble if they don’t,” the EU Ambassador pointed out.

GEA hosts consultation on Hosororo hydropower project

T

he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has recently held a public consultation with residents of Mabaruma in Region One and other stakeholders as part of the process to ensure they are aware of what the Hosororo Hydropower Project entails, and what benefits can be derived by the community.

During the community engagement, Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley expressed satisfaction that the project was being resuscitated.

According to Ashley, initiatives like these would aid the transformative process of the region. “I am happy that this is going to become a reality,” he said.

He added that the Regional Democratic Council fully supports the project, and also urged technical support from GEA to allow for the sustainability of the project.

Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma, told the gathering at the consultation that the Hosororo Hydropower Project site has been of interest for several years, and the project is also serving as a capacity build-

GEA CEO dr, Mahender Sharma, facilitating a presentation that outlined elements of the project

ing exercise for the GEA, as it allows the hydro power support engineers of the Agency to gain knowledge and experience of hydro power development.

Further, he stated that the hydropower project was the most economically feasible when compared to solar and diesel, while he highlighted that “…while it would cost US$0.50 to produce a kilowatt-hour from diesel and US$0.36 to produce a kilowatt-hour from solar, hydropower would cost US$0.31 to

produce a kilowatt-hour of energy…”

Sharma extended thanks to grant financing for the Project; this cost would be reduced to US$0.21/kWh”.

Though the Hosororo hydropower plant will contribute only eight percent of Mabaruma’s energy demand (approximately 64MWh a year), Sharma noted, the supply “would help the township diversify its energy mix, provide energy security, and reduce the use of fossil fuel”.

Turn to page 15

The building has suffered much neglect over the years, even though millions of dollars have been allocated to facilitate repairs, including some $20 million in 2012.

Town Clerk Royston King told the gathering that the City Council has made at-

tempts to restore City Hall and other structures within Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that money could be sourced from Central Government, as information disclosed is that funding could be factored into the

Culture Department’s 2019 budget as Dr. George Norton is moving to engage Cabinet on allocations for restoration.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has received digital copies of the dossier.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Demolition of St Rose’s High School begins

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emolition works at the St Rose’s High School on Church Street, Georgetown commenced on Monday with the tearing down of the aged wooden section and other relevant adjoining areas of the building, which was in a state of disrepair.

When Guyana Times vis-

Demolition works begin at the St Rose’s High School

ited the site, workers were busily breaking down sections of the building and clearing the area to make room for the construction of the new structure. While some parts of the building will be saved, this exercise will take approximately four weeks to complete before moving on to the next phase.

Prior to the demolition works, information from the institution’s Board of Governors revealed that the works were scheduled during the August vacation to minimise accidents since students would not be present at the worksite.

The destruction of the timber building will be con-

ducted under the guidance of PD Constructing Inc. The reconstruction project is expected to take place immediately after the demolition exercise by Courtney Benn Contracting Services Ltd, and will last for an additional 24 months.

The intended new replacement structure will in-

corporate many aspects of the original school building’s design and will integrate the design of the Marian and other wings of the property. This includes the retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.

In February of this year, a $16.9 million contract was approved by Cabinet for the

demolition of the St Rose’s High School. At that time, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had stated that the tearing down of the old building would have commenced during the Easter vacation.

However, these plans did not materialise and the works were postponed to the longer school break.

Prize for Literature fallout

Matter to be addressed by Cabinet – Norton S ocial Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton, holder of the portfolio for culture, youth and sport, has accepted that he has responsibility for the prestigious Guyana Prize for Literature.

Speaking to the media on Monday, he observed that he would be updating Cabinet on the matter, as opposed to formally responding to the ongoing issue.

Minister Norton indicated that he has taken issue with the public disclosures in the press, and observed that he would not be engaging letter writers.

“Every day, in response to a report, other areas are being unearthed. So I don’t want to give a half-answer or half coverage of the whole issue, but what I will do is report to cabinet on the pres-

ent situation,” he promised.

The prestigious award was supposed to be held in July of 2017, with March 31, 2017 being the deadline for submissions. Guyana Times had reported that Government did not release funds to the Guyana Prize for Literature Committee, which halted the hosting of the event in 2017, but Secretary to the Committee, Al Creighton, later explained that the submissions were still being judged, and promised the awards ceremony would be hosted later in 2018.

In recent disclosures to the press, persons are in fact questioning whether the award recipients are mostly overseas-based writers, as opposed to writers who reside locally. Another issue raised was that writers

Flashback: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (fifth from left) is flanked by the 2015 Guyana Prize for Literature awardees from (left to right) Subraj Singh, Stanley Niamatali, Maggie Harris, David Dabydeen, Barbara Jenkins, Eddie Baugh and Al Creighton who represented Harold A Bascom

submitted entries one year and would judge the following year and would win the award in “a monotonous revolution”.

However, Minister Norton maintained that he would not respond to disclosures in the various letters published in the press. “I

have a mandate to respond, to bring everybody up to date, but what happened is the persons who will give me the information are already responding to these letters, and I don’t want to do that.

I am waiting to get as much information as possible,” he stressed on Monday.

After reports about withholding funding in the media surfaced, Minister Norton denied that this was so, but he had alluded to the “financial implication” of hosting the event.

The Guyana Prize is awarded to writers of Guyanese nationality in

several different categories. These categories include Best First Book of Poetry, Best First Book of Fiction, Best Book of Poetry, Best Book of Fiction and Best Book of Drama.

Additionally, the Guyana Prize also awards Books of Poetry, Fiction and Drama in separate categories for Caribbean writers.

The Guyana Prize was established in 1987 to provide encouragement for the development of good creative writing among Guyanese in particular, and Caribbean writers in general. The Prize is for published books, and is open to works by citizens of Caribbean countries: Caricom States, the Commonwealth Caribbean, and the Netherlands Antilles.

news

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tuesDAY, july 10, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana hosting Caribbean ICT roadshow

…digital state will provide a medium for connectivity – Granger

T

he Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) on Monday commenced the first day of its week-long road show in Guyana, which was designed in collaboration with the Public Telecommunications Ministry, to raise awareness on the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The roadshow, held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Innovation: The Engine For ICT-Enabled Development” at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, saw the inputs of various entities within and beyond the ICT sector.

Addressing the gathering at Monday’s proceedings was Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, who

Students performing at the launching of the ICT roadshow

underscored the importance of ICT to the development of Guyana, which allows for entrepreneurial activities.

“We continuously read and see how this sector is becoming the engine for growth.

In the Caribbean Region, the past two decades has been a period during which we’ve

seen the introduction and rapid spread in the use of mobile phones, personal computers, tablets, the Internet…” she said.

She noted that those countries that have capitalised on these information and communication technologies have seen significant social

GEA hosts consultation...

He said the project is one of very low environmental impact, since structures such as a powerhouse were already in place from the project’s first attempt in the 80’s.

During the question-and-answer segment of the consultation, the residents put forward a number of queries, including questions related to job opportunities, access to the site for

recreational purposes, and the sustainability of the project.

In response, Sharma explained that a number of jobs would be available for residents during and after construction, including surveyors, drivers, masons, supervisors, electricians, and accountants. He said residents would still be able to enjoy the use of the area as a recreational spot, while every

From page 13

effort would be made to ensure that the project does not again become defunct.

Supervision of the project during the construction phase will be conducted by GEA’s Engineers, along with their counterparts from the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECI) and the Mabaruma Power and Light Company (MPLC).

and economic development.

As such, they have also undergone beneficial economic transformations.

“I’m certain that I’m preaching to the converted, and informed when I tell you that countries that have harnessed fully the potential of information and communication technologies have attained significant social and economic developments.”

Meanwhile, President David Granger, who declared the event open, posited that the digital state would provide a medium for connectivity and promote innovation.

“The digital state will trigger economic transformations, support a knowledge-based industry by diversifying the economy away from pressure of reduction, moving manufacturing and building greater economic resilience,” the President said.

While there are some challenges attached to ICT development in Guyana such as the topography of the hinterland regions, the roadshow is expected to assist in bridging these gaps via discussions and interactions with persons in remote communities.

Meanwhile, CTU Secretary General Bernadette Lewis emphasised the role and impact that these technological advancements would have on the lives of persons with disabilities.

“There will be sessions to raise awareness and demonstrate ICT tools for the blind and for the deaf. The roadshow’s future casting sessions will present many cutting-edge technologies,” Lewis stated.

The roadshow will run until this Saturday. It is extended to other areas such as Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and will cater for everyone, including youths and persons with disabilities. Some of the activities that will be hosted throughout the week include an e-agriculture workshop, community outreaches, a cyber-security workshop and an ICT youth fair.

The event was launched in 2009 to commemorate the CTU’s 20th anniversary and has been hosted in multiple Caribbean territories throughout the years.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, july 10, 2018

News

Mexico will not intervene in Venezuela, Nicaragua crises – incoming Minister

Ghana investors interested in Guyana’s oil industry T

M

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon with executive members of the JKB Oil Ventures Limited of Ghana

inister of State, Joseph Harmon was paid a courtesy call by an investment company based in Ghana.

The team comprised J Kofi Bucknor, Richelle Case, Emman Samson, and Sudeep Mondal of JKB Oil Ventures Limited.

The delegation was accompanied by Mark B Duncan of EnerMech Mechanical Services Incorporated, the oil company’s consultant. The brief meeting took place in the Minister of State’s Office, Ministry of the Presidency.

During the discussions,

Minister Harmon said that the Government was on the verge of improving the quality of life for citizens in Guyana and informed the visiting delegation of President David Granger’s vision to ensure that Guyana’s oil wealth benefitted not only Guyanese but the wider Caribbean Region as well.

“Guyana is a land of great potential … but that potential [was] never realised. Now we are on the cusp of realising that potential… to provide a good quality of life to our people,” he said.

Bucknor noted that “there are two areas that are

of our interest: services for the oil and gas companies buttressed by robust training initiatives and also the infrastructure that needs to be developed around the oil and gas sector. We believe that it is very important to … spearhead an initiative to build a port facility on shore to service the industry on shore, so that we can capture a lot of the revenues and a lot of the training opportunities in country,” he said.

Following the initial 2015 oil find, Guyana has become a hotspot for foreign investors.

Haiti fuel protesters’ anger turns on President Moise

President Jovenel Moise has urged protesters to “go home”, but with some lawmakers joining in the calls for his resignation, his position seems far from secure

A

nger at a fuel price hike has turned into violent demands that President Jovenel Moise step down.

At least four people have been killed in three days of protests against a steep hike in fuel prices imposed by the Haitian Government on Friday. Protesters set alight cars and blocked roads in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other towns.

The double-digit hike in the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene was part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to increase Haiti’s Government revenue. It triggered widespread anger and in some areas, such as Delmas, protests descended

into looting.

Even though the Government announced a temporary suspension of the measure on Saturday, that seems not to have quelled protesters’ anger with many demanding that President Jovenel Moise step down.

The Government argues that fuel subsidies are costing the Government too much but many of those protesting said they were fed up with not being able to afford basic goods, such as rice and cooking oil, and that the 38 per cent increase in petrol would make it even harder for them to make ends meet.

But while some of those in looted supermarkets grabbed food , others seemed to make off with whatever they could.

In Petion Ville, smoke could be seen rising from burning cars and barricades while looters carried away their stash.

Police arrested some alleged looters who had entered a bank office in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

But in other areas of the capital law enforcement seemed to be absent.

Protesters, who say the suspension of the price hike is not enough, have threatened to start a two-day national strike on Monday.

President Moise has urged protesters to “go home”, but with some lawmakers joining in the calls for his resignation, his position seems far from secure.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

he next Government of Mexico, led by leftist Presidentelect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will not intervene in the internal affairs of other nations, such as crisis-ridden Venezuela and Nicaragua, the country’s future Foreign Minister said on Monday.

Mexico’s current Administration has taken a lead in regional efforts to pressure socialist Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro into restoring democracy in the South American country, and has worked closely alongside the United States to stem north-bound Central American migration.

However, incoming Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in a radio interview on Monday that Mexico would now adopt a hands-off policy toward other nations. Lopez Obrador, the landslide winner in the July 1 vote, is due to take office on December 1.

“Mexico will follow a respectful foreign policy of non-intervention...and right now, we don’t expect to abandon that policy,” he said.

“That does not mean that we’re not concerned about the situation in one country or another, in this case Venezuela. We’re going to look into it and see how we can design, or help

contribute, in the best way.”

Ebrard added that the non-intervention policy would extend to Nicaragua, which has seen clashes between the Government and protesters that have left hundreds of people dead.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be in Mexico on Friday and will meet with Lopez Obrador, Ebrard said, in a bid to build a working relationship that has become strained by US President Donald Trump’s calls to build a border wall between the two countries and threats to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Lawyer tapped as new Brazil Labour Minister – President’s office

B

razilian President Michel Temer on Monday named an attorney to replace the former Labour Minister, who was removed from his post this month due to a corruption investigation.

Lawyer Caio Luiz de Almeida Vieira de Mello will serve as Brazil’s new Labour Minister, according to a statement from the President’s office.

According to the AP, Brazil’s Labour Minister was suspended Thursday by a Supreme Court justice as part of an investigation into fraud.

Helton Yomura cannot enter the Labour Ministry’s offices or have contact with its staff, said Joana Dantas, a ministry press officer.

Yomura’s removal is another blow to President Temer’s Administration, which has already seen several Ministers resign amid scandal. Temer himself has faced allegations of corruption twice, but Congress voted both times to spare him a

Former Labour Minister Helton Yomura’s removal is another blow to President Temer’s Administration

trial while he remains in office. He denies wrongdoing.

Late Thursday, Temer appointed his close ally Eliseu Padilha to serve as interim Labour Minister, according to the official government gazette. Padilha will continue serve as chief of staff.

In Thursday’s operation, federal prosecutors allege that civil servants and lawmakers manipulated the registration procedure for

unions. In all, Police were executing 10 search warrants and three arrest warrants, but would not say who they were for.

Yomura denied any wrongdoing.

“Minister Helton Yomura, even without knowing what acts he is accused of, vehemently denies any accusation of a crime or irregularity,” his defence team said in a statement.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Catholic Church supports CCJ decision on unconstitutionality of mandatory death penalty

A

rchbishop of Port of Spain and Apostolic Administrator of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown, Reverend Charles Jason Gordon, has welcomed the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) decision that declared as unconstitutional and a violation of the right to life the mandatory death sentence for a conviction of murder in Barbados.

But he said more needed to be done to scrap the death penalty from the statute books.

The CCJ ruled on the unconstitutionality of the mandatory death sentence late last year, in a pair of unrelated death penalty cases from Barbados – filed by lawyers for Jabari Sensimania

Nervais and Dwayne Omar Severin. The Trinidad-based CCJ held that Section 11 of the Constitution, which gives the right to protection of the law, was enforceable, and that the mandatory death penalty breached that right as it deprived a court of the opportunity to exercise the quintessential judicial function of tailoring the punishment to fit the crime.

“The CCJ’s decision is a step in the right direction, but does not remove the death penalty from the laws in Barbados, so there is still some work to be done,” Archbishop Gordon said in a statement of support for the CCJ decision.

“Every life is a precious gift from God. We are all created in the image and like-

ness of God and thus have inherent dignity. The taking of one life does not, therefore, justify the taking of another.”

In 2016, Archbishop Gordon and the other Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) appealed to “politicians and citizens in our Region to abolish capital punishment or the death penalty and embrace a restorative justice approach to crime and violence . . . . A restorative justice approach focuses on holding the offender accountable in a more meaningful way and helping to achieve a sense of healing for both victims and the community. It embraces socialisation, rehabilitation and reconciliation, rather than retribution and vengeance”.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

tuesDAY, july 10, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Boris Johnson quits as UK Foreign Secretary amid Brexit crisis

T

he United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has become the second Cabinet Minister to quit, as bitter divisions over Britain’s departure from the European Union, or Brexit, deepen a political crisis threatening Prime Minister Theresa May’s Government.

Johnson’s departure on Monday came a day after David Davis, the British Minister in charge of Brexit negotiations, also stepped down amid disagreements over the country’s strategy.

The two resignations

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson

leave May badly exposed and raise questions over whether she will stand firm in her commitment to pursuing a “business-friendly” Brexit, or will be faced with more resignations and calls to quit herself.

“This afternoon, the Prime Minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary,” May’s spokesman said in a statement.

“The Prime Minister thanks Boris for his work.”

Later on Monday, May named Jeremy Hunt as Foreign Secretary. Earlier

in the day, the prime minister’s office announced the appointment of Dominic Raab as Brexit Secretary.

Johnson, a former mayor of the UK capital of London and a polarising figure, was a leading spokesperson for the campaign calling for Britain’s departure from the EU in advance of a June 2016 referendum.

He has always supported a so-called “hard Brexit”, which supports relinquishing access to the bloc’s single market in exchange for full border control. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Migrant separations: Toddlers facing court cases alone

T

he Trump Administration is expected to miss a July 10 deadline to reunite young migrant children who were separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says.

After viewing a list of the 102 children under the age of five in the Government’s

care, the ACLU said “it appears likely that less than half will be reunited” by then.

But despite mounting legal and social pressure, immigration authorities have offered little information about reunification or what comes next.

Lawyers have begun to speak out about the conditions, describing migrant

toddlers clambering on court desks during hearings, forced to appear in court alone while their parents are detained.

During a hearing on Monday, Department of Justice Attorney Sarah Fabian said 59 children should be reunited with their parents by the deadline.

Fellow Florence Project

attorney Maite Garcia currently represents four- and six-year-old siblings from Mexico whose mother is in custody, awaiting her asylum hearing.

The six-year-old is blind, but has been working with Garcia since her younger brother is nonverbal - “in part because he’s traumatised”, according to Garcia.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Erdogan sworn in with new powers, names son-in-law as Finance Minister

P

resident Tayyip Erdogan appointed his son-in-law as Turkey’s Finance Minister in a new Cabinet on Monday, hours after he was sworn in with sweeping new powers at the head of a country he has dominated for 15 years.

The lira, which has lost nearly a fifth of its value against the dollar this year, dropped nearly three per cent to 4.74 to the dollar minutes after the Cabinet announcement.

Erdogan named his son-in-law Berat Albayrak as Treasury and Finance

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, July 9, 2018

Japan floods: At least 100 dead after record rainfall

Tens of thousands of rescuers, including Police and soldiers, are taking part in search operations

A

t least 100 people are thought to have died after record rainfall caused flooding and landslides in western Japan, a Government spokesman says.

Dozens more are report-

17

ed to be missing and electricity supplies have been hit.

Since Thursday, parts of western Japan have received three times the usual rainfall for the whole of July. Two million people

have been ordered to evacuate as rivers burst their banks.

“We’ve never experienced this kind of rain before,” a weather official said.

Rescuers restarted their search through the mud for any survivors or the bodies of those killed on Monday morning.

An official in Okayama prefecture told AFP news agency that water levels were gradually receding and that emergency teams may be able to access the worst-hit areas on foot.

The heavy rains began with a typhoon last week that was followed by days of record-breaking torrential rain. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Minister. There was no place in the Cabinet for former Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, who was seen as the main market-friendly Minister in the previous Government.

The lira has been battered by concern about Erdogan’s drive for lower interest rates and by comments in May that he planned to take greater control of the economy after the June elections.

Assuming the new executive presidency he has long fought to establish, Erdogan earlier took the oath of office in Parliament before addressing international leaders gathered at the presidential palace in Ankara.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cave rescue: 4 more boys rescued by Thai Navy divers

D

ivers have rescued four more boys from a vast cave system in northern Thailand on the second day of a complex operation.

The Thai Navy Seals leading the rescue operation have confirmed that eight boys in total have been extracted.

Four boys and their football coach remain inside the caves. Rescuers will try to free them on Tuesday.

The group became trapped on June 23 after heavy rains caused flooding, and was found last week by divers.

Four boys were brought out safely on Sunday, but the mission was paused overnight for air tanks to be replaced.

On Monday, air ambu-

A

from BBC News)

Trump denies US opposition to WHO breastfeeding resolution

Years of research has found breast milk to be healthier than other substitutes

U

S President Donald Trump has defended US efforts to reportedly undermine a World Health Organisation (WHO) measure in support of breastfeeding.

A New York Times report claimed US officials fought against language that all Governments should “protect, promote and support

Police: Texas toddler dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound two-year-old boy in Houston has died after shooting himself in the head with an unsecured gun that he found inside his home, according to Texas police.

The parents of the child – Christopher Williams Jr – were home at the time of the afternoon shooting, police say.

Police believe a 9mm handgun found at the scene is owned by the boy’s father.

It was unclear if the parents will face charges.

Several US children accidentally shot and killed themselves in recent days.

lances were seen departing from the area around the cave system and ambulances were seen arriving at the hospital in the nearby town of Chiang Rai. The boys have not been seen in public, but have been pronounced to be in reasonable health.

The rescue operation is complicated by sections in the cave involving diving – sometimes in very confined spaces –- and climbing.

The BBC’s Dan Johnson, at the scene, says it is a careful, delicate operation fraught with risk. But he adds that this daring, dangerous and complicated exercise is delivering success against difficult odds, and relief is starting to break the tension of the situation. (Excerpt

The Houston Police Department (HPD) say they are trying to determine how the boy – nicknamed “Junior” – accessed the gun before the shooting around 12:50 local time (17:50 GMT) on Sunday.

In a news conference HPD Special Victims Captain David Angelo appealed to gun-owning parents to take precautions.

“You need to secure the weapons, whether it’s a trigger guard or some sort of safe to keep the weapons secured so nothing like this happens in the future,” he said, calling the death “a tragic, tragic incident”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

breastfeeding”.

The report alleges that the US threatened countries over the resolution, which eventually passed.

A government spokesperson called the reports “patently false” on Monday.

On Twitter, Trump “called out” the Times and said the “US strongly supports breastfeeding”.

According to the Times report on Sunday based on interviews with dozens of meeting participants, US negotiations in Geneva objected to the resolution encouraging breastfeeding around the world and allegedly resorted to intimidation tactics to bully other countries into dropping it.

American officials allegedly sought to remove the language pushing for global government support of breastfeeding practices and attacked countries that were in favour of it.

Ecuador had planned to introduce the bill, but according to the newspaper, backed out after they were threatened with punishing trade measures and the withdrawal of US military aid. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, july 10, 2018

ARCHIE

Physical and mental challenges will motivate you to (March 21- step up and take a leadership April 19) position. Your ability to outmanoeuvre rivals and your undying stamina will be hard to beat.

ARIES

Don’t feel you must make TAURUS a snap decision just because (April 20- someone else does. Dig deep May 20) and find out exactly what’s entailed before you make a commitment. Better to be safe than sorry.

dilbert

An emotional incident can GEMINI (May 21- ruin your day. Try to be paJune 20) tient with loved ones who depend on you for assistance.

Delegate jobs if you are running out of time.

Get out and do things that inspire you to get going with a (June 21- creative project. Someone you July 22) encounter will make an impression that will affect the way you move forward.

CANCER

Peanuts

Do your best to pitch in LEO and help. The difference you (July 23- make will influence the way Aug. 22) others treat you. A partnership will spark your interest.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Size up a situation that VIRGO could cause a work-related (Aug. 23problem for you and make Sept. 22) some adjustments. Your insight will ward off a setback.

Personal improvements will help stabilize your life.

Calvin and Hobbes

Spread a little joy to lift LIBRA (Sept. 23- your spirits. Taking short Oct. 23) trips, visiting old friends or learning something new will encourage personal growth.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Keep things moving forSCORPIO ward by not taking on too (Oct. 24much or letting things overNov. 22) whelm you. You are best off taking care of what’s necessary and giving yourself time to rejuvenate.

Don’t let your storytelling SAGITTARIUS get you into a fix with some(Nov. 23one you include in your verDec. 21) sion of events. A physical challenge should be handled with caution.

solution for last published puzzle

If you want something, CAPRICORN you must be willing to do the (Dec. 22- work yourself. The satisfacJan. 19) tion you get digging in and accomplishing what you set out to do will boost your confidence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t give in to someone putting pressure on you. Set the record straight by making it clear what you will and won’t do. Counter with something practical.

Check your emotions at the door when getting together with relatives or peers who don’t always share your opinions. Listen, but don’t feel obliged to share your point of view.

tuesDAY, JUly 10, 2018

19

Wimbledon 2018…

Federer, Nadal progress ominously into quarters

A

ndy Murray is back at Wimbledon – for what should be a fascinating stint in the BBC commentary box – but a corner of his heart surely will beat nostalgically to have stayed in the fight as he witnesses his career-long rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, trample over dazzled opposition into the quarter-finals. It is very much an old boys’ reunion here – with the Swiss and the Spaniard still performing heroics while the wounded Scot, unsure still of his match fitness, can only look on with a microphone in his hand. He will do proper commentary on Wednesday as well; what a treat it would be were he to ambush either of them coming off court after their quarter-finals – presumably as winners.

Murray posted on Facebook on Monday, “live in the BBC studio tomorrow with Tim Henman and trying my hand at commentary on Wednesday … what could possibly go wrong?”

On the evidence of Federer’s fourth straightsets win in a row, in an hour and 45 minutes over poor Adrian Mannarino, 6-0, 7-5, 6-4, the Swiss looks the best bet to go all the way

for a record ninth title.

He next plays Kevin Anderson, who beat Gael Monfils 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2), 5-7, 7-6 (4).

But it is equally likely the man trying to stop him will be Nadal – in a re-run of their 2008 classic, with any luck – after a workmanlike 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win over Jiri Vesely, who saved two match points (one with his eighth ace) in a rare battle of bandana-wearing lefties.

First up on Centre Court in glorious sunshine on Monday, Federer took two minutes longer to beat Mannarino than Kyle Edmund did to defeat Alex Bolt a week ago, but the intensity of the 16-minute first set raised the demolition to another level.

It was the crowd’s guilty pleasure to witness such elegant and irresistible slaughter, loving it as theatre, simultaneously wishing it would never end. Only the whirlwind

collapse of Nick Kyrgios on Saturday was as short as this, and the Frenchman, a very decent player, must have thought he was hurtling through space backwards.

Federer allowed him five points in the first s e t

but, when he dumped a backhand volley for 30-40 in the fifth game, he conceded his first break point of the tournament. Two minutes later he bagelled Mannarino – then, curiously, a contest broke out.

The first two games of the second set took as long as the whole first frame.

Mannarino held serve for the first time. Ten minutes later he held again. By the time they got to 4-all, after 57 minutes, a cloud arrived.

Federer sparked up – and it left. However, 43 minutes after winning the first set in just over quarter of an hour, the great man was serving to stay in the second. Struggle does not become him; he struck his eighth ace, held to 15, broke Mannarino in the 11th game, did a little airskip to celebrate and shouted “C’mon!”

As journalists left to return to the writing area, a steward bade everyone goodbye with

“Thanks for coming.” Had Mannarino followed us out of the arena? Not yet.

He continued his estimable, doomed, fightback in the third. But, an hour and 42 minutes after his torment had begun, he looked up to see Federer serving for his 16th appearance in the quarter-finals. He started as he finished, polishing off the third faster than a Cabinet minister takes to resign.

He has not lost a set here since 2016. Was his form now as devastating as his near-flawless run to his eighth title last year? “I feel like these streaks just happen,” he said, as if anyone in the room could possibly identify with such a sentiment. “You can’t plan for them because one point can change the outcome of a set.

If you break it down, it could be one shot, really. That’s not something you can always control. Of course, if you give yourself maximum chances, you’re playing well, you have super focus, then these streaks are possible.”

Roger Federer after his victory over Adrian Mannarino at Wimbledon on Monday

Spain appoint ex-Barcelona Coach as manager T he 48-year-old former Spain midfielder replaces Fernando Hierro, who stepped down as interim boss on Sunday.

Hierro - who is not returning to his role as sporting director - was placed in temporary charge of the team after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup. Enrique has been out of management since leaving the Nou Camp last June.

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales said: “The decision was unanimous.

I like his commitment and he has turned down better-paid jobs in order to coach Spain.

“He’s a coach who has all the requirements the federation was looking for.”

He takes charge of a team that were knocked out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage on penalties by hosts Russia.

Enrique, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, won the La Liga, Spanish Cup and Champions League treble as Barca manager in 2015.

His first game in charge will be a Uefa Nations League game away to England at Wembley on 8 September.

The RFEF announced his appointment on Monday and also named Jose Francisco Molina, a former Spain keeper, as their sporting director. (BBC Sport)

Nadal resides nearby and, the temperature cooled a little in the afternoon, he confirmed his stellar run is sparkling still, taking just under two hours to account for the unseeded but determined Czech Vesely.

Nadal said immediately afterwards, “It was an important victory. Since 2011 I have not been in the quarter-finals. I’m happy to be where I am and I’m playing well. He started to play better from the baseline in the third and I made a couple of mistakes in the game I lost my serve.

“But I came back straight away. In the 5-4 game I was playing with the wind, which always helps.

Every day is a different story but these are very positive matches for me, as I haven’t played on grass for a year.”

Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, secured his place in the quarter-finals with the minimum of fuss. The former world No 1 saw off Karen Khachanov in an hour and 49 minutes, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to set up a clash with Kei Nishikori. Juan Martín del Potro was leading Gilles Simon when play was suspended for bad light. (The Guardian)

My Raikkonen remark was “dumb” – Hamilton

L

ewis Hamilton says he was "dumb" to imply Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen might have deliberately collided with him at the start of the British Grand Prix.

Hamilton had referred to "interesting tactics" immediately after the race, in which Raikkonen hit the back of his Mercedes and spun him on the first lap.

On Instagram on Monday, Hamilton said: "Kimi said sorry and we move on. It was a racing incident and nothing more."

Hamilton said "sometimes we say dumb" things and "we learn from it".

The Briton said his immediate post-race remarks were down to the exhaustion he felt after such a demanding race.

"I lost nearly 3kg [in body fluids] trying to get back to the top for you and my team," he said, addressing his 6.7 million followers on the social media platform.

"I barely had any energy at the end to stand, let alone talk.

"If you can't understand and appreciate that, then I fully understand. However, [it] was nothing to do with anger, [I was] literally just exhausted both mentally and physically.

"Thank you to everyone for the incredible support this weekend. We win and lose together. Onwards and upwards."

After the race, Hamilton had pointed out that twice in three races a Ferrari driver had collided with a Mercedes on the first lap. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, JUly 10, 2018

Team Sky with Britain’s Chris Froome in second position strains during the third stage of the Tour de France on Monday

MC Racing won the team time trial on stage three of the Tour de France to put Greg van Avermaet into the race lead as Chris Froome made up time on several key rivals.

Belgium’s Van Avermaet was part of the BMC group that clocked 38 minutes 46 seconds on the 35.5km route in Cholet.

The 33-year-old takes the yellow jersey from stage-two winner Peter Sagan.

Team Sky were second fastest, four seconds down on BMC, to help four-time winner Froome climb the standings.

The Briton is 18th overall - 55 seconds behind Van Avermaet - but has restored parity with most of the overall contenders after losing time in a crash on stage one.

He said he was “really happy” with Team Sky’s performance, despite missing the chance to put Geraint Thomas into the race lead.

The Welshman is third overall, three seconds behind Van Avermaet.

“It was a strong effort from everyone,” added Froome.

“I’m feeling good and looking forward to the next few days.”

Quick-Step Floors finished third on the stage, seven seconds adrift of BMC, while Adam Yates’ Mitchelton-Scott squad were two seconds further back, putting the 25-year-old Briton 20th overall,

five seconds behind Froome.

Before the Tour, BMC, Team Sky and MitcheltonScott would have targeted this stage as an opportunity for their respective leaders Richie Porte, Froome and Yates to put time into rivals whose teams are weaker against the clock.

After all three fell on stage one and lost 51 seconds to Romain Bardet, Tom Dumoulin,

Greg van Avermaet in yellow as BMC Racing win team time trial

Mikel Landa, Vincenzo Nibali and Rigoberto Uran, all three teams made amends superbly.

Mitchelton-Scott went out first and set the mark at 38.55, Team Sky shaved five seconds off that next up before BMC, starting fifth, laid down the eventual winning time.

Movistar could manage only 10th place, surrendering almost all of the lead Landa and

Stage three results

1. BMC Racing (US) 38mins 46secs 2. Team Sky (GB) +4secs 3. Quick-Step Floors (Bel) +7secs 4. Mitchelton Scott (Aus) +9secs 5. Team Sunweb (Ger) +11secs 6. EF Education First-Drapac (US) +35secs 7. Bora-Hansgrohe (Ger) +50secs 8. Astana (Kaz) +51secs 9. Katusha-Alpecin (Swi) +52secs 10. Movistar (Spa) +53secs

Alejandro Valverde had over Froome and ensuring Nairo Quintana falls even further back after his crash on stage one.

Bardet’s AG2R La Mondiale team and Nibali’s BahrainMerida outfit tried to limit their losses but could not prevent Porte, Froome and Yates erasing their leads in the standings.

World time trial champion Dumoulin and his Sunweb team put in a strong ride to move him into seventh, 40 seconds ahead of Froome, while Education First’s Uran had a solid day to move into the top 10.

BMC’s owner and financial backer Andy Rihs died in April and the team are yet to secure a major sponsor for next year, leading to uncertainty over whether the team will

continue.

There are also reports that team leader Porte has already agreed a two-year deal with Trek-Segafredo, but the American outfit shrugged off those concerns to continue their recent dominance in team time trials.

“It’s a fantastic day to win the stage with the team like that, especially with the passing of Andy Rihs this year, so that’s a special feeling,” said Australian Porte.

Having dropped stage one winner Fernando Gaviria early on, a ragged but rapid QuickStep tried to put Philippe Gilbert into yellow, with the Belgian going into the stage with a two-second gap over compatriot Van Avermaet.

But once those crucial seconds elapsed, Van

Avermaet could celebrate a return to the yellow jersey, having worn it for three stages during the 2016 Tour.

Sagan was never in contention to defend the jersey and was dropped by his Bora-Hansgrohe team-mates, falling to three minutes behind Van Avermaet.

Tuesday’s stage four is expected to end in a bunch sprint, with the race travelling 195km from La Baule to Sarzeau.

In his stage-by-stage guide for BBC Sport, Mark Cavendish said: “There is nothing of great difficulty and there’s a nice fast run-in to the finish.

“It does drag slightly uphill in the last kilometre but with it being a straight road and not coming in off a corner it should mean a bunch sprint.” (BBC Sport)

General classification after stage three

1. Greg van Avermaet (Bel/BMC Racing) 9hrs 8mins 55secs 2. Tejay van Garderen (US/BMC Racing) same time 3. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Sky) +3secs 4. Philippe Gilbert (Bel/Quick-Step Floors) +5secs 5. Bob Jungels (Lux/Quick-Step Floors) +7secs 6. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/Quick-Step Floors) same time 7. Tom Dumoulin (Ned/Team Sunweb) +11secs 8. Soren Kragh Andersen (Den/Team Sunweb) same time 9. Michael Matthews (Aus/Team Sunweb) 10. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Education First-Drapac) +35secs Selected: 18. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +55secs 20. Adam Yates (GB/Mitchelton-Scott) +1min

Who will be the 1st World Cup finalist?

– tournament powerhouses collide today

H

aving both secured their seats at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ table until next weekend's fight for medals, France and Belgium now have to see who will be pursuing gold and who is left searching for bronze. A potentially career-crowning Final is as little as an hour and a half of football away.

The pair arrived with high hopes but outsiders had their doubts about whether the two extravagant jigsaws comprised of stupendous talent could be pieced together in time for a true assault on the Final.

While defensive doubts have arisen – against Argentina and Japan respectively – both have stood firm, with Belgium now enjoying their best major tournament since Mexico 1986.

The Red Devils will be without a key – if less flashy – part of their puzzle against France, with Thomas Meunier picking up a second booking prior to them being wiped for the semi-finals.

Les Bleus will however be buoyed by the return of Blaise Matuidi, after sitting out a suspension of his own.

Les Bleus impressed against Argentina through offensive flair, and against Uruguay by their unit’s solidity. Now, they need to beat the most spectacular team of the tournament so far. Belgium’s biggest threat: E d e n Hazard. France’s solution: Ngolo Kante. This clash between the Chelsea

team-mates (and two of the best players of the competition) will likely be key to the result.

Roberto Martinez may be willing to switch to a classic 4-4-2 approach, without Meunier to call upon, to adapt to the French. If so, Nacer Chadli may start on the right, with Yannick Carrasco returning on the opposite flank. The Red Devils are looking readier than ever physically, psychologically and in their football to prove that their “golden generation” moniker is justified.

France haven’t met any side more often than Belgium, having played them on 74 occasions. However, they have only met twice at the World Cup, with their last meeting coming in the third-place match at Mexico 1986, and have played each other in just eight friendlies since.

Possible line-ups France: Hugo Lloris; Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard; Ngolo Kante, Paul Pogba; Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud.

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Toby Alderweireld; Yannick Carrasco, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli; Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku?. (fifa.com) Marouane Fellaini

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Goal Scorers

Dolphin Secondary Kezia Parkinson Niomi Williams South Ruimveldt Secondary Latesha Sutherland (2) Amanda McKenzie New Campbellville Secondary Alicia Maynard

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South, Charlestown consistent in ExxonMobil girls’ tournament

he under-14 girls who were afforded the opportunity of being a part of a new tournament continue to prove why girls should be more involved in the sport, as they concluded yet another exciting round of matches on Saturday.

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confident T&T U-17 cricket team will open their challenge for a third successive West Indies U-17 title, when they come up against Barbados from 9.30am at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, South Trinidad.

The team which is led by Antonio Gomez has expressed confidence, that T&T can retain the title for a third successive time, having won it in 2016 and 2017.

In other matches Guyana will battle the Windward Islands at the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Balmain and the Leewards will play Jamaica at Gilbert Park.

All matches get underway at 9.30am.

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Windies U-17 Championship bowls off today

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sports

a win in the previous round, South Ruimveldt were quick to produce two goals within the first 20 minutes of the encounter. The half-time break seemed to be fruitful for the Dolphin ladies, as they found the back of the net twice in succession to level the score at 2 all.

With defences tightened and strikers out for blood, it was the South Ruimveldt team which eventually got the upper hand with a surprising late goal to win the match up.

On the other half of the playing field, New Campbellville Secondary was locked in a nil all encounter

with Tucville Secondary for the entire first half. It was Alicia Maynard who ultimately netted the lone goal of the match to hand another win to the New Campbellville side.

After suffering a loss to the dominant Charlestown team in the previous round, the East Ruimveldt girls were hungry for a win when they met with Vergenogen Secondary. East Ruimveldt showcased improved offensive and defensive tactics, hence it was not surprising when they cruised to a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Charlestown Secondary administered a

East Ruimveldt Secondary Gilana King Tamara Mendonca Charlestown Secondary Tynesha Thorne 10 Donna Lowe 19 Annera Alim 24 Akilah Koster 39 thrashing on an unstable Uitvlugt team. Yet to lose a match in the tournament, Charlestown seemingly had an easy time against this West Demerara side, all of their players pitching in to orchestrate a 4-0 victory against Uitvlugt.

4th Roy Fredericks Cup slated for July 21

B

lairmont Centre Cricket Club will be hosting the fourth annual fundraiser, Roy Fredericks’ Floodlight Cup Revolution, at the Albion Community Centre on Saturday July 21.

The cricket competition will be a day-and-night affair, and leading cricket clubs in Guyana have already confirmed their participation. Apart from competition in the shortest version of cricket, volleyball and dominoes competitions are also on the cards.

The day’s activities are expected to commence at 09:00 hrs and conclude at 22:30 hrs, with the seven teams competing for the Roy Fredericks Cup 2018, a symbol of supremacy in cricket.

Two-time defending champions, Blairmont Blazer, will be hard pressed to retain their crown. They are expected to

The Blairmont Blazers team that claimed the third edition’s title of the Roy Fredericks Cup

face stiff challenges from other teams, such as Albion Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Young Warriors, and Upper Corentyne Association.

The late Guyana and West Indies star batsman Roy Frederick started his cricket career at the Blairmont Centre Cricket Club (BCCC), and he later went on to play with the

Demerara Cricket Club. BCCC executives and members have named the BCCC main pavilion after this great son of the soil.

Fredericks played 59 tests, scoring 4,334 runs at an average of 42.49. He blasted 8 centuries and 26 half centuries during that time.

Fredericks gained international fame for his scintillating 169 scored at Perth against Australia, playing against

the likes of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. This tournament has, since 2015, been a tribute to Fredericks, and it has become one of the club’s major fundraising events.

The club’s executives and members are seeking sponsorship for the event, and would welcome any contribution toward its success.

Proceeds will go towards the intended purposes of maintaining and developing the cricket club. The club’s main project is to build an indoor cricket facility for club members and other non-members to utilize during the rainy season.

For more information in regard to this tournament, interested persons are kindly asked to contact BCCC Assistant Secretary Ameer Rahim on 6262563.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, JUly 10, 2018

Karatekas blossom at National Junior Tournament

The turnout and competition were phenomenal during the tournament

A

n action packed evening of karate culminated at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday when the National Junior Karate Tournament was staged.

The event, which saw competition in only Kata and Kumite events, had participants ranging in age from 6 years old to 17 years old.

Jose Rodrigues

2nd

Jian Hong Zhang

3rd

Anas Hussain Male 6-8 Years - Kumite

1st

Idress Hussain

2nd

Jose Rodrigues

3rd

Anas Hussain Female 6-8 Years – Kata

1 St

Amara Nandan

2nd

Emily Santana Leon

3rd

Claire Persaud Female 6-8 Years - Kumite

1st

Clear Persaud

2nd

Amara Handan

3rd

Amaya Jairam

standing was Jayanti Ram, who won both the kata and kumite events in the female 15-17 years category.

Judging by the crowd reaction, the fight of the night

was the final bout in the 1517 years male 55+ kg, which saw Shemar Parkinson closely defeating Trevon Miller to win gold in the Kumite.

The evening ended with the medals presentation, which were done by the president and 1st & 2nd Vicepresidents of the Guyana Karate Federation.

Full results:

Male 6-8 Years – Kata 1st

An upset was registered in the 12-14 years male category when Shamar Francis topped the category after winning both the kata and kumite events. Also out-

Male 9-11 Years – Kata 1st

Jeremy Hargobin

2nd

Abdullah Hussain

3rd

Diego Denobrega

Female 9-11 Years - Kumite 1st

Piya Parasram Male 12-14 Years – Kata

Male 9-11 Years - Kumite -40 Kg 1st

Najeeb Mohamed

2nd

Reshaun Ulla

3rd

Abdullah Hussain

1st

Shamar Francis

2nd

Matthew Gurahoo

3rd

Sruti Jairam

Male 12-14 Years - Kumite -45 Kg

Male 9-11 Years - Kumite 40+ Kg 1st

Johathan Ng-A-Fook

2nd

Amar Jairam

Male 12-14 Years - Kumite 45+ Kg 1st

Doodnauth Jairam

1st

Kristian Cameron

2nd

Sruti Jairam

2nd

Kevin Bradford

3rd

Shaquan Norville

3rd

Shakeem Walcott

Female 12-14 Years – Kumite

Female 15-17 Years Kata

1st

Jasmin Hodge

1st

Jayanti Ram

2nd

Rachael Ramlall

2nd

Aaliyah Seeram

3rd

Jessica Callender

1st

Shamar Francis

2nd

Kevin Fraser

1st

Jayanti Ram

Male 15-17 Years - Kumite 55+ Kg

3rd

Shailendra Haripersaud

2nd

Rebecca Ramlall

1st

Shemar Parkinson

2nd

Trevon Miller

3rd

Andes Roberts

Female 15-17 Years - Kumite

Female 12-14 Years Kata

Female 9-11 Years – Kata

Male 15-17 Years - Kumite -55 Kg

Male 15-17 Years Kata

1st

Hannah Farinha

1st

Shakeem Walcott

1st

Chelsea Benjamin

2nd

Rachael Ramlall

2nd

Trevon Miller

2nd

Aarti Ramgolam

3rd

Taissa Denobrega

3rd

Shamar Parkinson

3rd

Alyssa Ramotar

Global T20 Canada…

Guyana Wrestling Association to open Coach Estwick confident Wi new avenue for sport ndies B will continue dominance C T

here is now a body to govern and promote wrestling in Guyana. Dubbed the Guyana Wrestling Association (GWA), this entity was formed in June 2017 and has gained affiliation with United W o r l d Wrestling in February 2018.

United World Wrestling governs wrestling worldwide. It encourages the development of all wrestling styles, promotes the sport in all countries, and provides support and technical assistance to all affiliated members.

President of the local association, Marcello Small, has said the GWA’s mission is to coordinate, promote, and develop the sporting activity of Wrestling in Guyana, in order to achieve the highest standards possible in the sport.

Small indicated that while it’s a huge task ahead, he believes it’s achievable, since wrestling is an Olympic sport and this will now give Guyanese the opportunity to participate and compete in something new.

Guyana will now have the opportunity to compete in Wrestling at the national, regional and Olympic levels.

According to a release from the Association, the next step in the coming months will be to embark on training coaches. Interested persons can contact the Wrestling Association on telephone number 673-9221, or search for the Guyana Wrestling Association on Facebook; or email the Association at guyanawrestlingassociation@gmail.com for more information.

oach of the West Indies ‘B’ Team, Roddy Estwick, is fully confident this team will continue to dominate proceedings at the ongoing inaugural Global T20 Canada tournament as they head into the second stage on Tuesday.

Having topped the points table with eight points from five matches, the West Indies ‘B’ Team can churn out more triumphant performances, according to the former Barbadian speedster Estwick.

West Indies “B” won four successive games before their winning streak was stopped by the Chris Gayleled side Vancouver Knights on Sunday at the tournament’s venue, Maple Leaf ground, King City, Toronto.

The Caribbean boys will engage the Montreal Tigers who ended up at the bottom of the points table in the six-team competition, which began on June 28 and will conclude on July 15 with championship fixture.

“I [am] proud of the performances so far,” declared

Roddy Estwick

Estwick. “We came in as the underdogs, but the guys are proving everyone wrong.

Obviously, as a young team, there is still room for improvement, but every game is a learning experience,” Estwick revealed.

In the first match, West Indies “B” defeated Montreal Tigers by two wickets, while they beat Edmonton Royals by three wickets in the next game.

They continued to be prolific in every department of their game, trouncing

Winnipeg Hawks by nine wickets and then thrashing Toronto Nationals by a handsome eight-wicket margin. The loss against Knights was by a 35-run margin.

“I think those four games were great to see. The players just went out there and played their natural game.

This is a talented bunch of guys, and I am not too surprised at their impact; so I am confident they will continue to do well,” Estwick, who featured in 20 first-

class matches ranging from 1983 to 1986, commented.

Skipper Anthony Bramble also spoke enthusiastically about his team’s outstanding run, and is understandably upbeat about them getting to the final and ultimately winning the championship at the historical event. The first prize is a trophy and US$500,000.

“I think we are playing good, and we will maintain that. We have to stay focused, because at the other stage the competition will be stiffer,” the Guyanese first-class wicketkeeper/ batsman related.

Bramble further stated that the level of dynamism in the camp is astounding, and everyone is motivated to create a huge impression.

Meanwhile, the second-placed team Knights will confront the fifthplaced Toronto Nationals, while third-placed team Edmonton Royals will do battle with fourth-placed Winnipeg Hawks, before Qualifier 1 starts on Thursday.

(Ravi Madholall)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, JUly 10, 2018

23

Afridi pumped and ready for CPL return A

fter making his CPL debut back in 2015, world class all-rounder Shahid Afridi is highly anticipating his return to the “biggest party in sport”, come August.

Afridi shared a little of his expectations for the tournament, and what he plans to add to the mix of superstar players.

Back in 2015, Afridi was a part of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots team, this time around, the all-rounder will join forces with the likes of Andre Russell, Ross Taylor and Rovman Powell in the Jamaica Tallawahs line-up.

Despite knocking 5 sixes out of the park in his debut year, Afridi is of the belief that he underperformed in 2015. “I think my first experience was not that good, because I didn’t perform well. But still I think it’s an honour for me to be part of CPL. I think that atmosphere is very good, and whenever I was there

with the Pakistan team, I enjoyed. I think the islands are very beautiful. St. Lucia, where I played a few times for the Pakistan side, is one of my favourite places, so that’s why I love to play there. The atmosphere is very good; the people, they want to see us there as well,” he said.

Stating that he considers himself a bowling all-rounder, Afridi admitted that he is not always consistent with the bat.

“I always consider myself as a bowling all-rounder. I think (that) in batting I’m not that consistent, but in bowling I am very consistent; and when I started my cricket, I started as a bowler. So I think I feel good, and if you look into my performance, I’m always very consistent with my bowling,” he explained.

As such, Afridi is expected to bring some attacking bowling to the Tallawahs side.

Aside from that, the former Pakistan player disclosed that he is excited to play, especially in the USA, a venue he has never played at before. “I heard that we are playing three games in America, and I have never played any game in America; but let’s see. I don’t know how is the ground, or how the pitch will behave, but I’m very excited to play in America,” he noted.

On a different note, Afridi is rallying for his former team, Pakistan, to participate in the World T20 on basis of their strong performance against Windies recently. This is something Afridi was delighted to see, and he was full of praise for Cricket West Indies

for making it happen.

“I must thank the (West Indies) Cricket Board. I think they really support us, they really support our cricket. I think they really done a great job, especially all the players. Really, it’s a big thing for us, because we want to see cricket back in Pakistan, and I’m always thankful to them (for) the way they supported us,” Afridi explained.

The next big global T20 tournament will be the World T20, and Afridi thinks Pakistan are moving in the right direction.

They have made it to the number one ranking in the format; have won nine successive T20I series; and have experience of success in ICC events, having won the Champions Trophy in England last summer.

“I think it’s still a long way to go, and I think the way our boys are playing is very good. All the youngsters, they’re doing a great job; and Inshallah, we’re hoping they’re going to do well for Pakistan,” Afridi declared.

Asked if he fancied having a go at playing in that tournament, he was unequivocal in his response. “No! Not at all! I’m done! I enjoyed my cricket for Pakistan, I’m playing just my league cricket, and I’m enjoying myself,” he said.

The Jamaica Tallawahs will be playing three matches in Florida this year, taking on Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents at the Central Broward Regional Stadium in Lauderhill on 18, 19 and 22 August.

BCB releases programme for NAGLICOsponsored “Reds” Perreira visit

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NAGLICO Chairman Imran McSood Amjad

lans are in place for the legendary International Cricket Commentator and outstanding Sports Administrator Joseph “Reds” Perreira to successfully visit the Ancient County of Berbice during the period Thursday July 19th to Sunday July 22nd, 2018.

Perreira will be a guest of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) during his visit, which is being specially organised

by BCB President Hilbert Foster and the Angela Haniff-led Special Events Committee.

The visit is being sponsored and co-sponsored respectively by two overseas based Guyanese: Imran Mc Sood Amjad, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAGLICO, and Vernon

Thorne.

The main objectives of the historic visit are to get club officials to understand their roles as administrators, to strengthen club structures, to inspire young cricketers, and to establish a working relationship between the BCB and all clubs across the Ancient County.

Perreira will arrive at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle on July 19 at 14:00 hours, before leaving to meet with junior cricketers from the West Berbice area at the Blairmont Cricket Ground at 16:30 hours. Later in the evening, he is scheduled to have dinner and discussion with the BCB President and some of his executives.

On Friday 20th July, he will visit the historic Port

Mourant Cricket Ground, before paying courtesy calls on the Chairman of Region Six and mayors of the towns thereof.

At 13:00 hours, he will be involved in the presentation ceremony of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club’s 28th Annual Cricket Academy, before visit the Albion Cricket Club, where he will speak to dozens of members.

Later in the evening, he would be the Guest of Honour at a Cocktail Reception.

Saturday 21st July, 2018 will be a hectic day, with meetings scheduled with BCB executives and Umpires’ Associations; while, from 13:00 hours to 16:00 hours, he will spearhead the hosting of an Administrative Seminar with all Clubs in Berbice at the St. Francis Training Centre.

On Sunday, July 22nd, Perreira will officially declare open the BCB 2018 Cricket Academy at 09:00 hours, before hosting a special educational session. A total of seventy Berbice Under-15 to Under-19 players will be part of the Academy, which will be sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh.

During Perreira’s visit, both the BCB and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS will honour him for his outstanding contribution

to Cricket in Guyana and the West Indies.

The BCB hereby expresses gratitude to Imran Mc Sood Amjad of NAGLICO and to Vernon Thorne, for

their sponsorship of the venture. The BCB would also like to remind all cricket clubs in Berbice that it is compulsory for them to send two representatives to the

Seminar on Saturday 21st July. Failure to do so would result in them being unable to play in any BCB tournament.

tuesDAY, JUly 10, 2018

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