Guyana times 15 july, 2017

79,000 visas P14 processed in past year – US Ambassador ... says bilateral relations better than ever

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

Issue No. 3272

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, July 15, 2017

PRICE

Inmates attempt to set fire to Lusignan Prison See story on page 9

… 6 remain on the run, over 60 reported sightings – Police

GTT Mobile Money app accessible … service charge of for UG loan payments $100 attached Page 12

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Jailbreak/fire

Ramjattan P2 must be held accountable – PPP … says President’s comments “irresponsible”

Foiled bank robbery

Republic Bank employee jailed

P8

…Policemen, others remanded

Jailbreak

P11

Prisoners’ records burnt

… being reconstructed … facility without computerised system

Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith (centre) and GTT CEO Justin Nedd display the signed MoU on Friday following the historic agreement

3 die in Soesdyke/Linden Highway accident See story on page 3

ExxonMobil opens business development P7 centre

…as proposal to expand operations being explored

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jailbreak/fire

Ramjattan must be held accountable – PPP … says President’s comments “irresponsible”

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) forthrightly condemns a statement made

by President David Granger in which he noted that Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, should not be blamed for last Sunday’s fire that completely destroyed the Georgetown Prison and a conflagration at the same penitentiary in March 3, 2016.

The President’s comments were part of an in-

terview he gave to the State newspaper and published on Friday.

In a strongly worded statement, the PPP reminded that 17 prisoners were killed during the 2016 fire and a prison officer lost his life following last Sunday’s uprising, while some of his colleagues were injured.

That incident also resulted in a number of inmates escaping and who, at this point in time, remain on the run.

The Party in a state-

ment on Friday evening said these horrific incidents occurred under the President’s stewardship, with the latest precipitating the failure to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry which was established to probe the 2016 incident, among other things.

According to the PPP, it is against this background that it finds the President’s comments as “irresponsible” and one which lacks any notion of sensitivity to the

unspeakable fear that has gripped the country.

The PPP said it is not oblivious of “Government’s obsession to shirk from its responsibility.”

Additionally the Opposition lashed out, pointing that the excuse of a lack of funds for important national endeavours, including prison reform, is most “laughable when billions were, and are being spent on non-priority areas including, Jubilee Park.”

Large-scale manhunt

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday said the PPP/ Civic would encourage the law enforcement agencies to engage in a “large-scale manhunt” for the eight prisoners who escaped from the penitentiary during the fiery unrest.

The former President said his party would give its continued support to the Joint Services, unlike what had obtained when the present ruling Administration had served in the Opposition during the 2002 escape of five prisoners from the Georgetown Prison – which led to the creation of violent gangs and serious crime for many years.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

Jagdeo also reiterated that the PPP/C would continue to fully support the security forces as they move to restore law and order in the country.

Saying the issue should be treated with more seriousness, Jagdeo referred to statements made by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who claimed that because the Government has had to pump sums of money into the sugar industry, it had to defer implementing various capital projects intended to tight-

en security at all prisons, as were recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which stemmed from the previous incident.

“Ramjattan has to take responsibility for what’s going on. He has to take responsibility just like in the past, when they used to call on PPP/C Ministers – when there was a problem in the sector – to resign. Well, I’ve seen lots of public calls for Ramjattan to resign. Maybe he should consider it, or Granger (President) should consider firing him at this point in time,” he added.

Jagdeo said unlike his party, which while in Government was accused of lacking security experience, the now coalition Government is “overladen with national security experience,” given the number of former Army officials who serve in senior capacities in Government; but they have failed to respond effectively to the crisis; and days later, they are still struggling to get things in order.

The Opposition Leader expressed hope that there will be an emergency session of the National Assembly to have a full debate on the situation, so as to ensure continued public safety.

3 die in Soesdyke/Linden Highway accident

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hree persons are now dead in what has been described as a horrific accident on the SoesdykeLinden Highway. The accident occurred sometime around 19:30h on Friday on the Kairuni Public Road, Linden Highway.

One of the dead men has been identified as 30-yearold Malroy Rose, called “Fowly”, of Lot 64 Block 22 Wismar, Linden. He died while receiving treatment at the Linden Hospital Complex. Rose was employed as a mechanic at Dead: Malroy Rose Bosai Minerals (Guyana) the vehicle; Rayon Wilson, Inc. 35, was admitted with multiUp to press time, the ple traumatic injuries about identities of the other two the body. Twenty-nine-yeardead persons were still un- old Junior Hudson also sufknown. fered multiple traumatic inMeanwhile, the driver of

juries; however, he is said to be in stable condition.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the men were travelling in a motorcar, bearing registration number PHH 9398, heading to Linden, when they slammed into a low bed trailer truck, bearing registration number GPP 2993, which was parked on the road shoulder.

Police in a statement late Friday evening said the driver of the lorry related to investigators that he was proceeding South along the eastern side of the road when his vehicle developed mechanical problems. This resulted in him pulling over to the corner of the road and while in the process of effecting repairs under the front of the lorry, he heard an impact at the rear of the lorry.

Police said the driver further related that upon investigating, he discovered the car had collided into his truck. He further related that the car had five male occupants – all of whom appeared seriously injured.

With the assistance of passersby, all except one who was motionless, were rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where two were pronounced dead on arrival. The other succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, July 15 – 09:00h-10:30h and Sunday, July 16 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

PSC blames dismantling of prison sentence board for jailbreak, fire

Saturday, July 15 – 08:15h-09:45h and Sunday, July 16 – 09:10h-10:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while thundery showers are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between East North-easterly and easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 08:39h and 21:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.51 metres and 3.57 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:10h and 14:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.74 metre and 0.73 metres.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

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FRIDAY, JULY 14,2017

DAILY MILLIONS 01 03 06 11 25 LUCKY 3 4 4 5 Afternoon Draw

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Members of the Private Sector Commission during a briefing by Minister Khemraj Ramjattan at Georgetown Club on Friday

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he Security Liaison of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia, believes that the dismantling of the National Commission on Law and Order and the suspension of the Guyana Prisons Service Sentence Management Board by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan led to last Sunday’s jailbreak and fire that flattened the Camp Street Prison.

The businessman expressed this opinion on Friday afternoon during a briefing session the PSC had with a team of Government officials following last Sunday’s events. The team was led by Minister Ramjattan and included Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Prison Director (ag) Gladwin Samuels and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.

During the session, the authorities briefed the audience on the events of Sunday evening and efforts that are being undertaken to contain the situation. They also fielded questions from the audience, which included representatives from the PSC, the various chambers of commerce across the country, the manufacturing associations as well as civil society among others.

Among the concerns raised was the effect the Public Security Minister’s decisions had on subsequent national events. Gouveia, who was on the Sentence Management Board for the past eight years and chaired same, questioned why Sunday evening’s incident occurred, pointing out that the Sentence Management Board not been suspended for an entire year back in 2015 and the Law and Order Commission not disbanded, then they would have provided the security authorities with the relevant information to prevent not only Sunday’s events but the March 2016 prison riots at the Camp Street Prison as well.

“There are some things that happened even before all of this happened that I believe could have made a tremendous amount of difference and we need to reactive and energy back into them… (because) they would have been a lot more in tuned with

the intelligence of what is happening inside of the prison,” Gouveia said.

cers to be fed with a lot of information, which could have also been used to prevent

spond to the statements made by the PSC representative; however, he mumbled something before storming off.

Both the Sentence Management Board and the Law and Order Commission were established under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) regime.

Back in May 2011, then Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee established the Guyana Prison Service’s Sentence Management Board which was tasked with, among other things, setting up a database documenting each prisoner along with the skill that he/she possesses, level of academic qualifications, and other pe-

A drone image showing the full extent of the damage to the Georgetown Prison at Camp Street

According to the PSC’s security liaison, the disbanded Law and Order Commission used to meet monthly with the Security Minister, the Police Commissioner, the Prison Director and representatives from civil society to discuss issues of public safety and public security.

“It was an opportunity for the Minister and his offi-

these incidents from happening. The Minister probably have his own reasons why he ended the life of these commissions but we’re urging him give meaning back to those law and order commission,” Gouveia posited.

Following the meeting on Friday evening, Minister Ramjattan was approached by media operatives to re-

culiarities.

Meanwhile, the National Commission on Law and Order was established back in 2004 as part of a unilateral decision by the Caribbean Community. It dealt with high levels of violent crime and allowed a more inclusive partnership between Government and stakeholders.

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saturDAY, july 15, 2017

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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Positive signs for West Indies Cricket

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ricket stakeholders, particularly fans in the region, have welcomed the news recently publicized: that a formal resolution between players and Cricket West Indies Inc (CWI) is closer in relation to the strict selection criteria which had to be satisfied before players were considered to participate in the limited format of the game.

It has been reported in the media that significant progress has been made in relation to negotiations between players and the board a few days ago, after an amnesty was proposed by WIPA, the players’ union. Now that a resolution is imminent, top players such as Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle could soon be available for selection to participate in the limited-overs section of the tour to England, which starts in a few weeks.

It has also been reported that CWI has cleared Darren Bravo to play in all formats of cricket, after the batsman had apologised to the board and its president, Dave Cameron, over a Twitter outburst.

Currently, West Indies selectors follow a stringent policy of considering only those players who participate in the domestic 50-Over competition – a policy that goes back to 2010. This criterion had ruled out a number of senior players, including Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. It could be recalled that none of these players was part of West Indies’ most recent series against Pakistan, which they lost 2-1, falling further behind in their race to be among the top eight teams in the ICC rankings, in order to qualify directly to participate in the 2019 World Cup. Both Jimmy Adams, Director of Cricket, and Johnny Grave, CWI CEO, have previously expressed their desire to change the policy, with Adams labelling it “unsustainable”.

Several other stakeholders, including Chairman of the Caricom Cricket Governance Sub-Committee, Dr Keith Mitchell, had said there are serious issues to be resolved regarding the future make-up of the West Indies Test and One-Day International teams. Dr Mitchell, who is also the Prime Minister of Grenada, had advocated for a review of the current selection criteria.

Most of the players mentioned earlier have, over the years, opted to play for international T20 franchises, for which they are paid huge sums. However, now that CWI has shown an inclination to relax the rule, the selection panel will have a wider pool of players from which to choose representation on the team. One may even want to predict that this would result in better performances of the team, since the West Indies will be fielding a more experienced and competitive team for all formats of the game.

It is anticipated that the hardline stance taken by the board would be formally relaxed when the new round of central contracts is introduced in October, with a new range of white-ball contracts also adding to the players’ security and flexibility. Certainly, this is an indication that the management of West Indies Cricket is taking a more accommodating approach with respect to the administration of the game; which would only result in better relations between players, the board, and the players’ association.

Gayle, who marked his international return after 15 months during the one-off Twenty20 International against India in Kingston last week, was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying that “things have been steadily improving”, and playing for the 2019 World Cup, for which West Indies may have to qualify, is still a burning desire.

With the side having slipped to 9th in the ODI rankings (they are 8th in the Test rankings and 5th in T20), it is almost impossible for them to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup ahead of the ODI rankings’ qualification cut-off date in September.

Many believe that the availability of some of the top players, who had in the past proven themselves to be a force to reckon with, is a significant step in the right direction. This is encouraging news for West Indies Cricket stakeholders and fans, as they have become very frustrated over the constant spats between players and the administrators of the game, which no doubt have had a tremendous negative impact on the team’s performances.

A birthday cake for the President presented by members of the Guyana Police Force Band and Joint Services Choir. President David Granger celebrates his 72nd birthday today

Gratitude to Joint Services

Dear Editor, I want to express my profound gratitude to the Police, along with the firemen, the prison officers and the soldiers who did their duty to the nation over the last few days.

They moved 1018 prisoners less the escapees (whatever is the real number because even the Minister remains clueless on the final count at the time of this letter). It was a volatile situation and that has an explosive potential. The fact of the matter is, this is not over and thus the time to castigate this inept and incompetent Granger Administration is not now.

As a Guyanese, I will support all action taken to contain the runaway convicts and bring back order to the nation but observing the performance of President Granger and his time does not make me hopeful at all. So operationally, the Joint Services deserve full

commendation for a job well done.

But on the policy front, I want to put Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and President David Granger on notice; your failure at all levels will be exposed but now is not the time.

Now let me highlight a major contributor to the over-population of the remand system; the Granger Administration remains very reluctance to support a bill proposed by Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington called the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015 – No. 17 of 2015. In a newspaper publication, Government spokesperson Joseph Harmon unequivocally said: “that the matter of decriminalising the possession of marijuana is not a matter which is engaging the immediate attention of his Government.”

Carrington has told the

media in 2015 that his intention was to replace jail time for smoking weed with a big fine or community service. Let me go on record and state that I support this position by Carrington unreservedly. If the “dread” wants to smoke his weed by the joint so what, let him clean some drains rather than languish in the prison system.

But, Editor, do you know we have a bigger social illness in Guyana called alcoholism that is more dangerous to the social structure of the nation? I was advised by a top doctor in Guyana that more people are dying from “cirrhosis of the liver and other internal organ failures because of the abuse of alcohol” in Guyana other than cancer – which is associated with smoking)? So if you want to ban smoking, then you must also ban rum drinking.

Based on my last bit of research on this matter

in 2016, there were over 200 young boys in the prison system for “smoking a joint”; all because the hands of the Magistrates were tied; they have to follow the stupid law. This Granger Administration refuses to do the right thing by implementing the wisdom of Carrington.

Thank you Carrington for piloting this Bill in Parliament and shutting it down is an oppressive and out-dated act by a group of expired and hypocritical minds who are bent on suppress the necessary changes needed to ease the pressure on the prison system.

The youths have seen what they have in office today and I know they will do something with these geriatric politicians at the ballot boxes come 2020; they are no good for Guyana.

Sincerely, Sase Singh, MSc – Finance, ACCA

Situation at Bartica Post Office Dear Editor, Bartica, one of the latest municipalities in Guyana – the beach at the band stand and other areas, the black water that once you get in you don’t want to get out; the beautiful houses, the supermarkets, the well maintained roads, pavements and the drainage system, the entire community is so clean you can even smell the cleanness. The municipality’s market is also well laid out and clean.

You can say that the Regional Democratic Council and the Town Council are doing a reasonable good job.

I am not from Bartica, just like the thousands of other persons who pass there en route to other areas

for mining, logging and the quarrying industry or those who spend holiday or visit other tourist resorts, like Tiperu Falls, White Water and Baganara among others.

The Police station, the RDC building, the Guyana Revenue Office, the National Insurance Building, the hospital, the commercial banks, and the Guyana Gold Board Office are all within walking distance from each other, not forgetting the many hotels.

However, my main focus and concern is the Bartica Post Office. The office is housed and cramped in a building, like so many other business and offices including the Guyana Gold Board.

Persons using the services

of the post office are made to wait for hours, standing in long lines particularly at the end of the month, when public servants are being paid – our senior citizens would present themselves to receive their old age and National Insurance Pensions also public assistance, that many of them heavily depends on.

I see no reason why the Guyana Post Office Corporation and the Social Services Ministry collectively cannot provide seating accommodation for not only our pensioners but for all other persons that use the very, very important services that the Bartica Post Office provides.

There was a time when Barticians and all other per-

sons utilised the services of other money transfer agencies but unfortunately these services are no longer available, as a result, the services of the post office become more relevant and demanding.

Yes, it is time for a new building to be constructed to house the post office, so it can be adequately staffed and persons can be seated while waiting. It will be unfair of me not to say that the staff at the post office is courteous and capable and very efficient, the problem is space and clerks to deal with the large number of persons using the service.

Sincerely, Archie W Cordis Former AFC Councillor

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Armed forces of Privatising garbage collection Venezuela will unaffordable, unsustainable not obey Maduro Dear Editor, Beatrice Rangel, a former Chief-of-Staff to former Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez has said that a desperate President Nicolás Maduro may well order military intervention into Guyana as a means of trying to divert attention from his internal troubles but not a single platoon of the armed forces of Venezuela will obey that order. “It is not going to happen, the military is too fragmented,” she said, in response to questioning by myself, in capacity as a former Guyanese diplomat about such a possibility during a forum on Thursday here entitled “Voices from Venezuela” – put on by the Council of the Americas.

Rangel had earlier argued that the Venezuelan President is desperate and is being “propped up” by a number of international criminal organisations, including the Russian and Chinese mafia and the Colombian drug cartels which are currently directing the Maduro regime’s every move. She criticised the international community’s lack of action on brokering a solution to the crisis in the once oil rich Latin American republic, saying that the violence which is likely to erupt this Sunday, may force it to act. The Opposition and the Government are scheduled to hold votes this month; the Opposition holding a referendum on Maduro’s leadership this Sunday and Maduro holding a vote for a constituent assembly on July 31.

This could be the bloodiest day in Venezuela’s recent history, Rangel said, pointing out that this may be the occasion for the Organisation of American States (OAS) to invoke the Inter-American Democratic Charter and request the United Nations (UN) Security Council to address the crisis in Venezuela.

Rangel said the OAS resolution, which fell short of passage by three votes at the recent General Assembly in Cancun, Mexico, was a result of threats and scare tactics carried out by Venezuela’s mafia connections which forced countries such as neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago to abstain on the resolution out of fear. She said these groups had been terrorising Trinidadian fishermen off the coast of Tobago, making life difficult for Tobagonians. However, a representative of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s non-govern-

mental organisations participating in the forum later told me that Rangel’s analysis was flawed and that his country’s abstention had to do with future joint exploitation of oil and gas resources that are to be found in the maritime space of the two neighbouring countries.

Asked about the role of the oil industry, Rangel said that is a complicated architecture of relationships and accused Venezuela’s State oil company PDVSA of helping to finance and facilitate companies and interests whose access to finance and financial institutions has been cut off as a result of US sanctions placed on them. She cited as an example a reported recent telephone conversation between Maduro and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Putin suggested that Maduro may want to ensure he operates within the Constitution and to which Maduro responded that such advice could force him to ask Russian oil interests to leave Venezuela.

As for a solution to the crisis in Venezuela, Rangel said the international community has to broker a deal but in the process of negotiation has to recognise that it is not dealing in an environment of traditional negotiations and therefore has to be tough, offering Maduro the option of peaceful exile or imprisonment. She also argued that there will have to be the emergence of a new political entity to counter balance the current Opposition. The new political party would have to be one that would represent the interests of the working and middle classes that supported the late Hugo Chávez.

The forum also heard from a number of other presenters from Venezuela, including Jose Domingo Mujica, National Coordinator of the Electoral Assembly of Education; University Professor Juan Manuel Raffle; and journalists Marianela Balbi and Nathan Crooks; Venezuela Bureau Chief, Bloomberg.

President of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) Mike Mc Cormack and President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana, Dr Troy Thomas were among participants from Caribbean Community member states in the forum.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

Dear Editor, Well, news coming out of City Hall reveals that the folks there have had an epiphany. Finally, after more than two decades, and billions of dollars later, they have realized that privatizing the process of garbage collection -- a municipal function -- is unaffordable and unsustainable. What a moment of sudden inspiration, revelation, and recognition by the fabulous four.

For decades, if not centuries, the municipality collected all of the garbage in our capital themselves, starting with animal drawn carts and progressing all the way to modern compactors.

It was the most cost effective and efficient way of providing this service. Georgetown was immaculate, and there were no avenues for municipal officials to benefit from inducements that could be offered by contractors.

But suddenly, just like the toilet rentals, we heard from municipal officials that it was more feasible to contract out refuse collection rather than do it themselves. How preposterous!

And so the general rates of Georgetown have been literally and figuratively thrashed over the years.

Now, in a remarkable pivot, we hear that the Council will be seeking to boost their capacity to better deliver the service themselves, and that a team has been set up to look at all the details of their new plan -to have their own garbage trucks, even if they start with one or two come 2018.

Are they serious? One or two garbage trucks to clean the city? What has happened to the numerous garbage trucks they had, including the many that were donated to them by the Government?

And will the team looking

into this plan investigate why the Council just recently sold approximately one dozen garbage trucks and allied equipment they had -some in working order -- to the garbage contractors dirt cheap if the plan is to provide the service themselves?

Then the Mayor was reported to have said that several things would have to be put in place before this could happen, including the M&CC having their own workshop and employees to maintain the vehicles. Is this lady unaware that the Council have had their own workshop almost fifty years now? Is she oblivious to the fact that the workshop has a considerable staff that is paid by the Council each month?

But the biggest question to be answered is: Why were the two prominent garbage contractors starved of payment for two years, caus-

ing the outstanding balance to run up to more than three hundred million dollars? And why were the other contractors, who are their friends and who never went through a tender procedure, not subjected to the same privation, but instead are paid up to date for weeding parapets, clearing drains, and building bridges etc?

Public office is supposed to be a public trust. Over the years, there have been clear signs that rampant corruption exists at the highest levels of the Georgetown Municipality. Corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance. It must be gotten rid of. Both the municipality and the citizens of our capital must come together to achieve this national objective.

Sincerely, Mateo Phelepe

Escapees unlikely to get political coverage this time Dear Editor, Please allow me to express my condolences to the family and friends of the late prison officer Odinga Wickham, who unfortunately died after being shot during the recent prison fire/jailbreak.

This gentleman should not have died, especially given what has transpired not so long ago and had resulted in the deaths of 17 persons; and of course in 2002, when prison escapees fled the same prison, leav-

ing their own trail of bloodshed.

The media are reporting that the Joint Services, including members of the army, are in search of the escapees.

This is good. I recall that, in the past, some protested when others called for members of the army to seek out criminals using Buxton as a hideout, and they receiving support from certain political quarters and elements in Guyana.

The army’s presence there

was both good and bad, in what was a complex situation.

In any event, perhaps political coverage may not be given this time. This is very instructive. Come what may, this issue of coverage for escapees is quite undying, at least for those who wish to see the nexus between politics and prisoners (and their associates).

Time would tell if villagers anywhere would oppose the Joint Services in

defence of the escapees, as had occurred in 2002 et cetera.

In those days, the Police were portrayed by certain political forces as the enemy of the people.

Meanwhile, no one really talked about the role of those very political forces in what occurred in 2002 and thereafter. Perhaps in 2002 the Camp Street Prison was a political tool.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

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Foundation

13 ways to boost your daughter’s self-esteem

— How to help girls build confidence based on what they can do, not what they look like

By Juliann Garey

In a culture saturated with digitally altered images of impossibly thin women, raising girls with high self-esteem can be daunting indeed. But as parents, you have great influence—both by what you say and what you do.

Here’s some advice from experts Catherine SteinerAdair, EdD, a clinical psychologist, school consultant and creator of the “Full of Ourselves”, a social-emotional programme for girls; Anea Bogue, MA, author of 9 Ways We Are Screwing Up Our Girls and How We Can Stop and the creator of REALgirl, an empowerment programme for girls, and Mary Rooney, PhD, a clinical psychologist who specialises in adolescents.

Model body acceptance

Moms have a huge impact on their daughters’ body image. Don’t ask, “Do these jeans make me look fat?” or obsess out loud about food or put your appearance down. Avoid what Dr Steiner-Adair calls the “morality of orality”— talking about food and yourself as “good” or “bad.” As in: I was bad today: I had pizza. So I’m not going to have dessert.

Make your daughter media literate

“Watch TV with her and talk about what you see,” says Dr Steiner-Adair.

“Help her develop a critical

eye through which to decode and filter media messages.”

Don’t raise her as a “pleaser”

Encourage her to stand up for what she needs and wants. “Create opportunities for her to use her voice,” Bogue advises. “Ask ‘What do you want?’ Let her make a choice and then honour that choice.”

Start team sports early

Research shows girls who play on teams have higher self-esteem. “There’s a very common correlation, in my experience,” says Bogue, “between girls who play team sports and girls who suffer less with low self-esteem because they are looking to other girls for their value, and within, as opposed to looking to boys for validation.”

Moms, don’t borrow your daughter’s clothes

“You want to let her have her own style, her own look,” says Dr Steiner-Adair.

“Especially, and this is a really hard thing, if you have a mom who by society’s standards is prettier or thinner than her daughter.”

Direct your praise away from appearance

“I think that we need to make a very conscious effort to balance our compliments about a girl’s appearance with compliments about who she is and what she DOES in the world,” says Bogue. “Challenge yourself to match every compliment you give about your daughter’s appearance with at least two compliments about something non-appearance based, and do the same for other girls who cross your path — your daughter’s friends, nieces, etc.”

Help her build skills that are independent of appearance

“Get her involved in activities that build a sense of confidence, rather than focusing on looking good and acquiring things,” Dr Rooney suggests. “Sports, theatre, music, art. Anything really that can help girls express themselves through words or creativity or activity rather than through their appearance or what they’re carrying around.”

Speak up about your daughter’s school curriculum

Does it include a fe-

male perspective? “Imagine if you were putting together a family history,” Bogue says, “and you only asked the men about their memories, about their perspective. Think about all of the information that would be lost.”

food or looks. Do not let that go down in your house. It’s really harmful.”

say, ‘If I would do it with my son, I should be prepared to do it with my daughter.'”

Dads: Don’t treat your daughter like a damsel in distress

Make sure she knows you love her no matter what

“When fathers treat girls as though they are these fragile, helpless, little beings, ” Bogue says, “the message is, ‘Your role is to look good so a man will sweep in and save you.’ Instead, give her the opportunity and the tools—to change her own tire, to use her voice and speak up for herself, to play sports, to be able to brush herself off and get back up. I think it’s a good measure to

She needs to know that you’ll love her “no matter how her appearance might change or how she dresses or how she might perform at something,” says Dr Rooney.

“Because even though kids are so reliant on their peers for feedback when they’re in their teens, what her parents think of her matters just as much as it ever did.” (childmind.org)

Praise your daughter for her efforts rather than her performance

“Focus less on the outcome and more on efforts and the development of new skills,” says Dr Rooney.

Mastery is what builds confidence, and learning to tolerate failure fosters resilience.

Be careful about what magazines you have in the house

“Research suggests,” says Steiner-Adair, “that after 15 minutes of looking at a fashion magazine, mood shifts from curiosity and enthusiasm to comparing yourself and putting yourself down.”

Don’t trash talk other women

“And don’t let the boys and men in your household do it either,” adds Dr Steiner-Adair. “Don’t let kids tease each other around

By Kelly Baker

B

eing a teenage girl has always been challenging and today the pressure is only intensifying thanks to social media, and the Internet.

It's terribly important that girls learn how to be happy and comfortable within their own skin before even considering changing their appearance, or they will struggle to understand that they have more to offer than just their appearance.

Here are some tips from Clinical Child Psychologist, Dr Anna Cohen, of Kids & Co, for parents so that they can help to build up their girls' self-esteem and body confidence.

Be a positive role model

Be happy with your own body as this will rub off on your teen. Show appreciation for your body and what it can do by demonstrating healthy behaviours. If you are dieting or complaining about something not fitting, it will encourage your teen to focus on these things as well.

Also, highlight other role models that have shunned the idea of the ideal body or look yet have gone on success (such as actress Leah Michelle who was told early on in her career that she 'did not have the right look' for television).

Encourage physical activity

Getting girls involved in sport, arts and other mentally stimulating activities will give them a sense of accomplishment and a way o f identif y i n g themselves away from their appearance.

Exercise also aids in relieving anxiety and stress, helping eliminate any negative feelings.

Listen carefully

Acknowledging your teen’s feelings and showing that you empathise with them will build up their ability to be open with you. Being able to openly discuss body changes and concerns will help instil important values surrounding body image. It will also help them understand that these feelings are something everyone feels at some point.

Make healthy living a family culture

Encourage healthy eating and behaviours within the family by cooking nutritious meals and participating in activities such as walks and visits to the gym. This will make for a happier, healthier household that focuses on lifestyle changes (rather than appearances).

Further, achieving those lifestyle-related goals will help boost girls' self-esteem. (honey.nine. com.au)

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saturDAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ExxonMobil opens business development centre …as proposal to expand operations being explored he added.

ExxonMobil, its contractors, the broader oiland-gas industry, and the Government would be able to

utilise the CLBD for sourcing local vendors and services.

Now that it has opened the CLBD, for which it is providing funding, ExxonMobil

will, over a three-year period, work with DAI Global to transition the CLBD into the hands of Guyanese management.

‘Red eye’ outbreak in Region 2 …no eye drops at hospital – health official

E

The ribbon-cutting exercise marking the opening of the CLBD on Thursday

xxonMobil has opened its Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), to provide support to existing and potential new suppliers and other stakeholders wishing to develop local companies.

Located on the third floor of the IPED building on South Road, Georgetown, the CLBD will offer customised coaching to entrepreneurs, in addition to financial support and business networking opportunities. It is understood that the initial focus will be on local vendors serving key sectors of the oil-and-gas industry.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman revealed that he has urged ExxonMobil to expand the services offered by the centre. During his remarks to attendees of the CLBD opening on Thursday, Trotman encouraged the public to visit, and become acquainted

with, the CLBD’s operations.

“We have a large body of businessmen and women and corporate entities that ask the question every day: ‘How can we be a part of what is happening?’ This centre is the first of its kind, and I have urged Exxon and its partners to take it beyond the confines of this building,” the minister disclosed.

Minister Trotman said he has strongly recommended that the CLBD hold workshops throughout the ten administrative regions, to inform the citizenry of the opportunities on offer. Goods and services that form areas of opportunity include marine operations, safety equipment, fabrication, inspection, civil construction, warehouse; and last but not least, catering.

According to CLBD Project Director Patrick Henry, the CLBD would conduct courses such as finan-

cial management alongside IPED and other partners, among other initiatives.

“The Centre has a supplier registration portal,” Henry related to the media.

“And we ask that businesses come in (and) register in the portal. From there, we’ll do assessments of businesses. We’ll run training classes to help them in areas like understanding the offshore oiland-gas sector, and see what opportunities they have,” Henry said.

“We’ll help them in areas such as safety, health, and the environment. (We’ll give them) an overview to understand what that means for the oil-and-gas sector as well as other sectors.

And then we’ll conduct courses through our partners. (Courses) like financial management or supply chain management training, which allows them to access the opportunities upcoming,”

D

ue to the lack of drugs and essential services at the two public hospitals on the Essequibo Coast, healthcare delivery in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has been on the decline, and residents have been made to shoulder the financial burden of providing for their health-care needs.

This is according to the Chairman of the Region Two Health and Sanitation Committee, People's Progressive Party Councillor Arnold Adams, whose comments came in light of residents being turned away from the hospital’s pharmacy, since no eye drops are available for patients suffering from viral conjunctivitis (Red Eye).

Region Two Health Officer Afarah Khan, confirming an increase in the number of Viral Conjunctivitis (Red Eye) cases reported in the region over the past few weeks, told Guyana Times in an interview that Suddie Hospital staff have, since the start of

June, reported a high number of Viral Conjunctivitis cases; and as at Thursday last, the number of such cases had risen to the hundreds.

She cautioned that residents must be mindful of the presence of the bacteria around them, as the infection spreads easily throughout the household; and she urged that necessary precautions must be taken to prevent contracting the disease.

Lack of drugs

Khan disclosed that the Suddie Hospital does not have the requisite eye drops to treat the virus because the Public Health Ministry (MPH) has not provided the hospital with any; but she noted that the region was able to procure some by means of its health budget.

Against the backdrop of there being an increase in cases of the virus, Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams, has confirmed that there is

a major drug shortage at the region’s hospitals.

Several residents suffering from the disease have expressed dissatisfaction at the untimely manner in which the Public Health Ministry is procuring drugs. One single mother has said that she is "broke" (has no money) and cannot afford to purchase drops for her child's eye.

She said she had gone to the hospital with the hope she would receive the drops, but was surprised to instead be given a prescription and told to purchase the item.

"The poor are suffering.

I went to the public hospital cause I couldn't afford to go to a private pharmacy, but I was told that they don't have drops," the young mother related.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Viral Conjunctivitis making the rounds include a gravel and sticky feeling in the eye, severe redness of the eye, and pain if the infection is prolonged. (Indrawattie Natram)

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saturDAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Foiled bank robbery

Republic Bank employees jailed … 2 Policemen, others remanded

Profiling…

F

T

Shawn Grimond

Jamal Haynes

Keron Saunders

Anfami Blackman

wo Republic Bank employees along with two Policemen and three others who attempted to carry out a daring robbery on the facility were on Friday slapped with several charges including attempted robbery and illegal possession of a firearm with matching ammunition.

Those charged are former Republic Bank employees, Jamal Haynes and Shawn Grimond; along with Keron Saunders; Police Constables Anfami Blackman and Gladstone George who all stood before Chief Magistrate Ann

McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Haynes, who was also shot during the robbery, had six charges brought against him to which he admitted to four.

He admitted to being in possession of a 9mm pistol along with matching ammunition for which he was sentenced to four years and fined $90,000 for each.

His sentence for these offences will run concurrently.

Haynes further admitted to holding Tendulkar Singh hostage on July 4 at Republic Bank, Water Street,

Georgetown and was fined $100,000 or a default of six months imprisonment.

The accused also admitted to attempting to rob the said bank, for which he was jointly charged along with Saunders, Blackman, George and Grimond. For this offence he was jailed for two years.

However this sentence will run consecutively to the other sentences, and as such, he will spend a total of six years in prison.

Haynes denied the final two charges brought against him, that of discharging a loaded firearm and of robbery which includes the hijacking of a motorcar.

That robbery charge alleged that he on July 3, at Sparendaam, East Cost Demerara, while being in the

company of others robbed Ryan Anthony Mayers of a car valued at $2.9 million, a cellphone and $19,000. He was remanded to prison on that offence and is to return to the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts on August 10 for that matter.

During the attempted robbery, Elton Wray, an agronomist, was shot dead by Police.

On Friday his cousin, Keron Saunders, had two additional charges read to him – the first charge detailed that on July 4 at Water Street, he had in his possession ten 9MM rounds of ammunition without being a holder of an ammunition licence and also on the same day at the same location, he was found to be in possession of one Taurus pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence. continued on page 11

…of Buxton?

ears that the four escapees who fled into the East Coast backlands will morph into another Criminal Gang – like the one from Mash Day 2002 – weren’t exactly damped by the decision of the Joint Services to scour the backlands of Buxton.

Buxton, of course, was the chosen redoubt of the bandits who promptly launched a “war of resistance” against the Guyanese State.

Dozens of dead Policemen later – not to mention innocent citizens mowed down like pesky weeds, businesses robbed and burnt to the ground, several mass massacres and their own cohorts dying like flies – the last of the gangs were killed in bloody shootouts with the Police. And that was less than a decade ago!!

But it wasn’t just the gratuitous violence used in the latest prison breakout – or the meticulous planning and execution of the plan – that evoked the violent déjà vu. There WERE those elements – but the clincher was the stark fact that one of the members of the last gang standing – “Fine Man” Rawlins’ – was among the four escapees who planned and staged the dramatic caper!

So the search of Buxton and its backlands isn’t just a hunch by the Police or their hasty profiling of Buxton. It’s just a matter of connecting the dots. One dot is the released taxi-driver hostage being able to make his way from Land of Caanan back to Annandale with directions from the bandits. So why couldn’t the bandits themselves do the same and get to Buxton – just one village East.

And why Buxton? That’s another dot! Ten years ago – while there might’ve been some villagers who were forced to go along with the depredations of the bandits on neighbouring communities – even more villagers worked hand in glove with the bandits.

How many times didn’t they form cordons blocking the security forces in hot pursuit from entering “the Gulf” of South Buxton?

The youths – the mainstay of the bandits as lookouts and snitches – are now young men in their prime. The escaped bandits know many of them welcome the siren calls of easy money and the “glamour” of the wild side. The coke-filled and women-surfeit parties held by the bandits in the Gulf have become the stuff of legend to that demographic.

And just as the nihilism of the 2002-2008 bandits was excused by the sophistry of some “political sophisticates” in the words of Eusi Kwayana, one has already set the stage by asking “how come there’re no children of the rich and powerful scion among prisoners”!!

So that excuses the poor becoming bandits!

…for visas

Even as the US State Department announced they’ll need additional data on applicants for visas –- visitors or immigrant – their local Ambassador assures there will be no change in the new “open door” policy for Guyanese. His statement that 7000 immigrant visas were issued last year isn’t surprising.

The “papers” from relatives were already filed and the pull factors – if not economic at least the familial ties – are still very strong. So why not pull up stakes for “the land of the free and the home of the brave”?

But it was the next number that was more interesting – there were 72,000 visitors; visas processed and “more than half issued”. The year before, Guyanese thought the 39,000 applicants were astronomical…but this has now almost DOUBLED!!

One out of every 10 Guyanese applied for a visa!

And ‘more than half” again were “lucky’ – around 40,000!!

What’s going on? Last time the increase was explained as “increased prosperity”.

With our economy tanking, what’s it now?

…by prison garb?

Your Eyewitness is hip to the new sensitivity against profiling folks. Their “human rights” being sacrosanct and all that.

But surely allowing prisoners to wear civvies rather than black and white stripes is a bit much??

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

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saturDAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jailbreak

Inmates attempt to set fire to Lusignan Prison

…protest inhumane conditions

… 6 remain on the run, over 60 reported sightings – Police

T

he continued housing of over 500 Georgetown prison inmates at a temporary holding facility next door to the Lusignan Prison, on the East Coast of Demerara, is quickly becoming a violation of their human rights, since they are in an open area exposed to heavy rain and the blazing sun. To protest this, the prisoners early Friday morning attempted to set fire to the wooden Lusignan Prison.

The facility where the prisoners are housed is a grassy area surrounded by a high wall and the prisoners are sleeping under tents provided by the Civil Defence Commission and use portable toilets.

a generator which provided lighting for the area. The generator was unsupervised in the compound. Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, confirmed the attempted arson at the facility, saying tragedy was averted since there were firefighters outside of the Lusignan Prison.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, said the attempt was not successful due to the presence of the Police and firemen. When asked about the conditions in which the inmates are being kept, Samuels said that the photos circulating on social media are not showing the complete picture.

The swampy area which is a mosquito breeding haven in the holding area

escapees sightings. Thus far, all information has borne no fruit.

A photo posted on Facebook by a prisoner shows how they are sleeping on the grass in the holding area

the asphalt cannot be laid but we are working to have them move to suitable conditions in the shortest possible time,” Samuels added.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had earlier said they are working around the clock to have a tar-

with several others for the 2008 mass killings at Bartica.

The other escapees were also imprisoned for murder.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud reiterated the State’s commitment to capturing the prisoners, as well as protecting the

Barricaded area

Because of relatives of the inmates flocking the Lusignan Prison, the authori-

within the barricaded area.

They are subjected to questioning and searches every time they have to go beyond the barricaded area.

When this publication visited the area on Friday, the authorities were observed col-

‘Making a hustle’ – this woman set up a stall at the barricaded area selling every essential for the prisoners

More photos from inside

Owing to heavy rainfall over the past few days, the holding area has become swampy. On Friday morning at about 02:00h, prisoners filled soda bottles with pieces of clothing and materials from the tents to make lamps, which they hurled at the Lusignan Prison wooden building.

They accessed fuel from

Additional photos from inside

One of the portable toilets

“Just the centre of the ground is under water, the four corners are high and the prisoners have over 200 pallets to protect them from whatever. There is a lot of water and it is even too much for us,” he lamented.

“The new area we are building the rain created some setbacks because we can’t weld and the laying of

Some of the garbage dumped at the side of the road

macked area prepared and equipped with sheds to house the prisoners. He noted that they would be conforming to all the human rights conventions they have signed onto.

Six still on the run

The public is now being advised to be on the lookout for six prisoners after Police were able to account for two prisoners.

Explaining the mix up, Ramjattan said there was “massive confusion” in the aftermath of the prison break.

In addition, the Minister noted the destruction of records also created complications. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud also stated that two went to visit their mothers but were now back in custody.

“There was massive confusion in relation to the prison, the inmates, the fire, so many things, transportation, the hustling of getting a place to put those persons and managing to do that in a ground that was walled at Lusignan, the burning of the records created problems too, with numbers and names, creating difficulties and challenges and so we did come up with some figures as to how many people were indeed the escapees,” Ramjattan elucidated.

Police have issued wanted bulletins for Mark Royden Durant, Uree Varswyck, Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander, Cobena Stephens, Cornelius Thomas and Desmond James.

Durant, also known as “Royden Williams” and “Smallie”, was charged along

remaining prisons and prisoners. He noted that a manhunt is underway for the escapees.

The Commissioner was also asked about a general location for the prisoners.

“We know that four are together and the other two, we have reason to believe that they are separate and they may be in Georgetown,” Persaud said.

Police sources have also said that to date, there have been over 60 calls informing of

Leaving the barricaded area

ties brought forward their barricade to Track A – the village where the Lusignan massacre occurred in January of 2008 – to ease the flow of persons to the prisons.

However, this move has inconvenienced persons living

lecting food items from relative who were dumping plastic bottles, bags and containers at the side of the road. Some of the plastic bags are being carried away by the wind and contributing to an unsightly area.

10 news

saturdAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GGDMA up in arms over incomplete interior roads

T

he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has expressed its deep disturbance over the condition of roads in the interior regions and the length of time it is taking Government to commence rehabilitation of those roads.

The organisation has called for the speedy awarding of contracts, which it believes would aid in the immediate commencement of work.

“These deplorable roads have added downtime and hence increased the (operational) cost to miners, who now have to pay double to have their fuel and other supplies delivered to their camps. Additionally, many

One of the impassable roads and deplorable conditions that obtain in hinterland communities

of our miners’ trucks and other equipment are being severely damaged due

to these roads. This once again puts additional financial pressure on the miners

(in the form of) unnecessary maintenance cost,” the GGDMA said on Friday.

It said one would believe that “sane thinking” should be the way forward, to ensure that the proper infrastructure is in place for the Gold and Diamond Mining Sector, which has been the backbone of Guyana’s economy over the past decade.

Unfortunately, the organisation has said, this is far from the case, as all that seems to be happening is that fees and taxes levied by Government agencies are being increased, and

there are no proper incentives for the miners.

The GGDMA has said that miners have already been paying billions of dollars in royalties to the GGMC when they sell their gold, and the organisation wants to know why some of that very money is not being used to maintain the roads leading to the mining areas.

“Why was the cost of maintaining these roads not properly reflected in the 2017 Budget?” the GGDMA questioned, even as it called for greater collaboration be-

tween the GGMC; the ministries of Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure and Finance; and the Hinterland Infrastructure Committee [HIC] to have better roads available for our miners.

In his 2017 budget presentation, made late last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had allocated some $2.5B towards the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of hinterland roads and bridges. However, there has thus far not been any work done in this regard.

Essequibo power outages

Charity residents regain power after 9 days

...fluctuation continues

A

fter nine days of power outage, residents of the PomeroonSupenaam community of Charity (Region Two) are breathing a sense of relief at having received electricity, compliments of a generator installed in the community by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), to bring temporary relief to residents.

Charity residents had been left without electricity since June 7, when the generator sets at the Anna Regina Power Station developed mechanical problems.

According to Elwin Marshall, the GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for technical matters, the company will be moving two of its units from Fairfield to the Anna Regina area. He explained that the communities stretching from Supenaam to La Union are supplied electricity in 60 cycles and the company is tasked with converting the south feeders into 60-cycle receptors. That feeder, he explained, will be fed by three units, two of which have been sourced from the Fairfield area.

He explained that the 50-cycle receptors are currently under maintenance, and the Wärtsilä Caterpillar set is currently supplying the North West feeder. Once the maintenance is completed,

Chairman of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce (ECC), Deleep Singh

expectedly by Saturday, the affected communities are expected to enjoy a regular supply of electricity.

At the moment, a ‘Wärtsilä 2’ plant has been switched on to provide power to the Charity areas, but even as this is happening, several other sections of the Essequibo Coast are without electricity, Marshall explained.

The power company plans to dispatch to the Essequibo Coast three electricity-generating units each having the capacity to supply 5.1 megahertz of power. The power from those units will be solar-generated, but the units are designed to generate pow-

er from either solar or wind.

Marshall has said that because of the current situation Region Two is experiencing, the company would be speeding up the process for an early commissioning of these 3 units.

The company is also exploring the possibility of converting rice husk into fuel for power-generation.

Suffering Representing the Essequibo Coast in general, Chairman of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce (ECC), Deleep Singh, said residents have for too long suffered because of the power outages. He, however, expressed gratitude to the company for providing the region with power after a long time.

He said residents cannot ‘live’ without power for long, as many businesses depend on it for their survival.

"When the current is off, everything goes: internet, water, banking services, everything! Everything shut down!

We can't afford this," Singh expressed.

He said the ECC will be monitoring the situation and will be making the necessary recommendations; and if the trend continues, a picketing exercise will be organized and the intervention of Central Government will be sought.

(Indrawattie Natram)

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saturDAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jailbreak

Prisoners’ records burnt

… being reconstructed

… facility without computerised system

W

hile making ministries, agencies and even Government vehicles internet-ready is one of the Government’s declared goals, it has emerged that Guyana’s prison service is bereft of a computerised system of record keeping.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, revealed during a recent press conference that much

of the prisoners’ records were destroyed when the Camp Street Prison was gutted in last Sunday’s fire.

“As it relates to computerisation, I must say we have commenced that process. As it relates to back-up of that system, it is not as functional as it should be; but its budgeted for in terms of enhancing the capabilities,” Samuels said.

“All prisoners, upon admission to the prison, will be admitted with a warrant that would have specific information as it relates to the person,” Samuels explained. “A number is assigned to that person, and a photograph is taken, which will match the description documented on the warrant.”

Samuels noted that the only information in the pris-

Republic Bank employees...

Meanwhile, when given a chance to speak, Haynes, the bank employee explained that he was not the mastermind and was unaware that Wray, who was killed during the shootout, was planning to rob the bank.

He revealed that he was told that they were going to rob someone who was going to be making a large deposit but it was only until they arrived at the financial institution that he realised that they were going to rob the bank.

He explained that on the morning of the incident, the guns were given to them by Police Constable Blackman, who was wearing a disguise and who subsequently transported them to the scene.

Haynes further stated that after the robbery did not go as planned, he surrendered and yelled to the Police “I am a staff, do not shoot” but took

his colleague hostage as Police Officers and security continued to shoot at him.

He added that he was able to evade Police for a short while and made his way to the Arcade, Water Street, Georgetown but was however apprehended.

Haynes told the court that the gun that was in his possession was given to him by Wray but had no bullets and as such he did not use it.

However, contrary to Haynes claims, it was reported by Police that Haynes and Grimond, knew that businesses would have deposited substantial amounts of cash into the chutes during night deposits.

As such, the plan was hatched for the robbers to grab that money which would have been emptied into a canister by a female employee.

However, things went

from page 8

awry when the trio broke into the bank on the morning in question, without knowing that they had received a text message from Grimond who was already at work informing them to hold off since the employee who was supposed to open the canister was not at work.

At around 07:30h on July 4, Police received a report of a robbery on RBL and responded promptly. The bandits engaged the officers in a shootout which resulted in the death of 23-year-old Wray.

Haynes was also shot as he attempted to evade the lawmen. Saunders subsequently surrendered and was taken into Police custody.

The others were all implicated in the robbery by Haynes and were later arrested by members of the Major Crime Unit.

The burnt out Camp Street Prison Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels

on storage which was not destroyed by the fire relates to the documented remand records. He noted that the warrants are also stored separately.

According to Samuels, officials were able to establish the identities of prisoners who escaped by utilising the separately housed records. During the interim, there was uncertainty as to how many prisoners had actually escaped.

“We managed to retrieve almost 85 per cent of the records; and as we checked, (we were able to retrieve) about 97 per cent of the warrants.

The warrant is a clear description of the person, offence, age, and where the offence was committed,” he

explained.

“There is some biological data that we would capture from (questioning) the person,” he related. “As a result of that, once the warrant is there, the necessary records can be reproduced.”

Government was forced to relocate a number of prisoners from the Camp Street Prison on short notice because of the fire. Hundreds were moved to a fenced pasture at Lusignan, ECD; 83 were removed to the Mazaruni Prison; 90 were removed to the New Amsterdam Prison; 48 were moved to Timehri Prison; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan revealed that he granted early release to 57 inmates; while, through the efforts of the magistrates who descended on the Lusignan Prison to grant bail en masse to lessen the num-

bers incarcerated, 26 prisoners were placed on self-bail.

Minister Ramjattan had defended the releases by stating that those released on self-bail were so recommended by the prison authorities.

The Ministry on Friday released the names of the 57 who were released on selfbail.

The coalition Government had, in its inaugural budget in 2015, allocated a whopping $21B to the security sector, $11.9 billion of which went to supporting the operations of the disciplined services: the Guyana Prison Service, Fire Service and Police Force.

The sum of $24.6 billion was in 2016 announced by the Government ostensibly to develop and modernise the security sector, inclusive of the prison service.

12 news

saturDAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Students can make UG payments Food security problem likely if hinterland floods continue – CDC using GTT Mobile Money app

S

hould flooding persist in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) communities, food security there could possibly become a problem, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, has cautioned. He said that while some parts of the region have seen a reduction in flooding, there are still some areas that are of serious concern. “The water went down to some degree, but after some level of consistent rain, the water in the North (Rupununi) is reducing a bit while the water in the South (Rupununi) is increasing. The water around the Lethem area has decreased (in volume), and there is some movement (of water) from the Takutu (river) into the Rio Negro (river). The situation in (the) Rupununi (communities) remains the same,” Colonel Ramsarup told Guyana Times.

He said there is still little that can be done in terms of bringing relief to suffering residents of the affected areas, as it all depends on the capacity of the rivers and the situation in regard to rainfall in Brazil.

“We are in talks with Brazil, but the situation remains the same,” Ramsarup said. Residents of Boa Vista in Brazil, who were also threatened by the flooding there, have been evacuated and taken to higher ground. Ramsarup said most of the farms in the area remain under water.

However, farmers are trying to reap as much produce as possible, to process the farine and cassava bread that are staples of their diet. “I am not certain

Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup

of the stage of the crops, because all are not ripening at the same time. The problem is that, if this problem continues, there is (the likelihood of a security problem developing) in a couple of weeks,” Colonel Ramsarup declared. He said some areas already have a food security problem at the moment, particularly those satellite villages situated a couple of miles away, where residents have gone to get away from the flooding. He said the regional authorities are trying to ensure that additional farine and cassava bread are made available to the affected villages, but while this is happening, the CDC is continuing to distribute food items and disinfectants to the affected communities.

A number of shallow wells in the affected communities have been contaminated by flood waters, but in the Lethem area, water is being delivered

to residents. Colonel Ramsurup informed the media last week that the CDC had contacted the Brazilian Government to determine what could be done about the situation, but it is already known that it is difficult to rectify the situation in the region.

According to the Colonel, it was found that the water in the Rio Branco was rising because of heavy rainfall occurring in the north of Brazil. “We advised farmers there to reap all the crops that can be reaped. We advise that they take all the crops to the mills and ensure that we could utilise as much farine and cassava bread as possible,” Colonel Ramsarup detailed. He assured that there is no shortage of food in the region, but said if the situation persists, it may lead to that.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had said that the flooding in the region could not be rectified by Guyana, as it was being caused by the continued “backing up” of the rivers bordering Guyana and Brazil.

While there continues to be bright sunshine in the region, the Ireng and Takutu rivers have been backing up from some 25 feet; and Minister Holder has said the Amazon also seems to be backing up in the Rio Negro, which is backing up into the Rio Branco, which is backing up into the Ireng and the Takutu rivers.

Region Six

In regard to flooding in Region Six, Colonel Ramsarup has said reports show that the water has been receding at a significant rate, bringing some relief to farmers, particular those that rear cattle.

… service charge of $100 attached

Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith (centre) and GTT CEO, Justin Nedd

P

rospective and current students of the University of Guyana can now say goodbye to long lines for paying fees, since they can now make those payments using the GTT Mobile Money Guyana app. However, they will be subjected to a $100 service charge for the transaction.

On Friday, at the Turkeyen Campus, Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and GTT’s Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paving the way for the introduction of the service.

Griffith said one of the central reasons any university exists is to serve its main constituency, which are the students. He noted that the introduction of the online payment service assists in the delivery of service mandate of the university.

“For me this is more than a simple milestone, this is

a milestone of enhancing the delivery of quality services; it is also the opportunity to do the enhancement of the partnership with GTTallowing us to access the technology that is available with a business enterprise that has reputational value,” Professor Griffith said.

In order to access the Mobile Money Guyana Services, you would have to download the app from the Google Play Store or the BlackBerry app store. Upon completion, you would have to visit any GTT office or a MMG agent to sign up. A pin, just like your bank account, protects the MMG wallet.

Students desirous of using the MMG app to make UG payments can begin doing so since it is up and running. They can also choose from over 140 agents countrywide to be registered.

The VC said the students utilising the MMG service

would be benefiting in the form of additional financial savings, convenience and a faster turnaround time for their applications and processing of fees.

“One of the things that will be captured is the opportunity for the partnership between GTT and UG to have other tangible elements. Part of what we are looking for in the partnership is to enable GTT to give to the university and its students additional benefits.

I have asked that some of the additional benefits go to sports, medical services so there are a number of things from the vantage point of GTT are win-win and from the vantage point of UG are win-win,” he said.

Utilisation of that method of payment would also guarantee cash security since one would not have to withdraw large sums money from the bank to make the payments. continues on page 13

Republic Bank donates over $1M to steel pan programme

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epublic Bank Limited (RBL) has donated the sum of $1.066 million to the Ministry of Education’s (MoE’s) steel pan training programme known as the ‘Republic Bank’s Right Start PanMinors Music Literacy Programme’.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Education Ministry, at a handing over ceremony hosted on Friday in the Boardroom of the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture Youth and Sport, subject minister Nicolette Henry declared that the donation comes as much-needed support to the MoE and its mission.

“It is great that our children get opportunities because corporate citizens like Republic Bank offer tangible support, such as finances which would help our children to move forward positively,” Minister Henry posited.

She said she is looking forward to continuous partnership between Republic Bank and the Government of Guyana.

Republic Bank’s Information Technology

Education Minister Nicolette Henry receiving the cheque from the Bank’s Information Technology Manager, Yonette Greaves. Also in photo are Director of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall, and a bank representative

Manager Yonette Greaves made the presentation and explained to the gathering the objectives of RBL’s contribution to Steel Pan development in Guyana. “This donation is part of our ‘Power to make a Difference’ programme at the bank,” she relayed.

A similar donation will be made by Republic Bank to Education authorities in Bartica, Ms Greaves explained.

Director of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall, expressed gratitude to RBL and pointed out the importance of the Steel

Pan Programme.

The Education Ministry’s Steel Pan Training Programme was launched in 2010 as an initiative to develop the steel pan art form in Guyana while ensuring that the art form is given life in a period when it had become dormant. More than 900 students have to date graduated from the programme.

Republic Bank’s Right Start Pan-Minors Music Literacy Programme in Georgetown is set for July 10- 28, while the Bartica leg will follow from September 4-15.

news

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saturDAY, july 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana, Spain to foster closer Trotman meets with US energy supply company trade, investment ties

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Friday received a courtesy call from Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America, Fernando Garcia-Casas, and Ambassador of Spain to Guyana, Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez.

During their brief discussions, Spain’s role in holding the European Union (EU) together was recognised by Minister Harmon, who said that a strong EU would better serve the interests of the people of the Caribbean region, and more particularly Guyana.

Garcia-Casas expressed his country’s interest in fostering further collaboration with Guyana in the areas of trade and investment, and added that Spain is looking to explore new areas of cooperation, including in the areas of eco-tourism, infrastructural development, agriculture, and energy gener-

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Halliburton’s President Jeffrey Miller (second left) along with Minister Raphael Trotman and team

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, being gifted with a book by Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America, Fernando Garcia-Casas, as Ambassador of Spain to Guyana, Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez, looks on

ation by offering expertise and developing projects.

The Guyanese Minister of State and the Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation committed the two countries to regular consultations.

Minister Harmon also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations

with Spain, and expressed confidence that efforts to strengthen and develop areas of collaboration will be actualised.

The governments of Guyana and Spain established diplomatic relations on October 12, 1979, and collaborate primarily in the areas of culture and oil exploration.

team from the Natural Resources Ministry including Minister Raphael Trotman and a group of technical officers from the Petroleum Department on Friday met with President of Halliburton, Jeffrey Miller, at the Ministry’s head office, Upper Brickdam.

Halliburton, one of the world's premier oil and gas supply and services companies, is seeking to open offices in Guyana to offer its upstream oilfield services to oil and gas companies, as Guyana moves towards becoming an oil producing country.

Miller emphasised the

high prospects seen in the Guyanese market and the room for them to develop over the coming years.

Halliburton’s interest in investing in Guyana through capacity building for local vendors and education support through local universities was also highlighted.

Minister Trotman welcomed what was described as a high-level visit and noted the need for local content to be an important consideration for all companies entering the Guyanese markets.

In response, Miller shared Halliburton’s philosophy of having persons work wherever they live, and that of

building the capacity of locals over time to develop the expertise and technical skills needed to service the industry.

Halliburton was founded in 1919 and offers energy services internationally, ranging from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling and formation evaluation and well construction and completion. It has operations in some 70 countries around the world and has provided services to some of the largest oil and gas companies in the world including ExxonMobil here in Guyana and elsewhere.

Suicide a worrying issue for Region UG upgrades campus, curriculum for new semester 2 - Regional Chairman

... 35 attempted cases, 5 deaths

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ental health issues have been one of the social ills affecting Region Two, according to Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, who disclosed that a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to tackle the scourge.

He made this declaration at the statutory Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting held earlier this week, during which People's Progressive Party Councillor and Chairman of the Region Two Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams, presented his report under ‘health’ and disclosed that 35 persons had attempted suicide between January and March 2017, with five of them succeeding in the venture.

During his presentation, Adams declared 35 is a high number, and the issue of mental health needs to be addressed. He called for a Mental Health Unit to be establishment within the region, and for this unit

to provide such services as psychiatric, social work and counselling.

"We need a place where people can go and confine themselves. Having a Unit established will be a plus for Region Two," Adams said.

The RDC meet was informed that a psychiatrist visits the region only once per month, and this is not sufficient to address mental health issues.

In responding, Ramdatt said a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to tackle the issues. He said that, over the years, various non-governmental organisations had indicated their interest in this regard, but there need to be continuous sessions of treatment offered to patients, and implementation of decisions made in this regard.

He added that Government also has a part to play in addressing the issue, by implementing the necessary policies. Ramdatt said Caribbean Voice person-

Students can make UG...

The service would also be of convenience for foreign students according to the VC. There are students from over 33 countries attending UG and of the 8600 students approximately, 60 per cent pays cash.

“At GTT, we are focused on the customer and doing more and this is just another step in doing more. What the Mobile Money app allows you to do is to pay several university fees. It eliminates the cue. With Mobile Money you are able to pay your application fees, your dormitory fees, your processing fees,” GTT CEO,

from page 12

Justin Nedd, said.

He explained that more than 20,000 persons are using the MMG service and its growing and with this initiative it will continue to grow.

However, there are strict rules governing the service since it is almost identical to the banking service. There are limits from $500 minimum to $60,000 maximum per transaction; in addition, the daily cap is $100,000.

The Mobile Money Service was introduced in 2012 and can be used to pay bills and purchase GTT cellphone credit. It is also available on the Digicel network.

nel had indicated their willingness to work with persons in Region Two to tackle the scourges that affect that region.

The region, he said, has a working suicide group, but group members have been inactive for quite some time.

From the RDC level also, a regional conversation was done, wherein persons had made recommendations to the RDC on how to tackle the issue.

Five persons: Christopher Cross from Onderneeming, Chovindra Lall, Shalini Danpat, Shendal George and Govin Narine, have been recent victims of suicide. They were all suffering from relationship issues, and decided to end their lives.

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he University of Guyana (UG) is modernising its campuses in preparation for the September semester. In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said works have already started to outfit lecture theatres with air conditioning units. He explained, “We’ve got to try to create the physical environment that is more hospitable to working and to studying and to doing research.”

UG has also boosted its ICT connectivity on all its campuses through an agreement that was recently signed between the University and the Public Telecommunication Ministry.

“They can expect full Wi-

Professor Ivelaw Griffith

Fi on this campus wherever they go and that is a important achievement,” Professor Griffith added. Better dormitory facilities will also be available when the semester begins at the end of August.

Incoming students at the University can also expect “curriculum innovation”.

UG’s academic board has recently approved several new programmes which include an associate degree in mining geology, master’s programme in agro business, master’s programme in psychology, post graduate programme in health sciences on radiology, and a bachelors in environmental sciences.

“There’s a list of new degree programmes baccalaureate (Bachelors) and post grad. There are some new degree programmes coming on board as well in the next academic year,” Professor Griffith said. These improvements are all part of the University’s rebranding to modernise its campuses and curriculum.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

79,000 visas processed in past year – US Ambassador

… says bilateral relations better than ever

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n light of uncertainties among Guyanese following the election of Donald Trump as the United States President back in November 2016, US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway has reassured that his country is still committed to bilateral relations with Guyana.

In fact, he disclosed that the US Embassy has processed some 79,000 visas over the past year with less refusals being recorded.

“Our Consular Section processed more than 72,000 Non-immigrant and 7000 Immigrant visas this past year. The improving economic situation over the last few years has led to our refusal rate coming down significantly from a high of well over 50 per cent five years ago,” he said to a reception gathering on Thursday evening at the Marriott Hotel.

The event was hosted to celebrate the US’ 241st independence anniversary which was held under the theme “US-Guyana Relations Strong.”

On this note, the Ambassador added that “only a very small percentage of Guyanese abuse their (non-immigrant) visas by staying illegally” in the North American country.

He also mentioned that over the past year, the Embassy’s Consular Section and the Regional Security Office worked with local

law enforcement to obtain the first successful prosecution for visa fraud in Guyana, which resulted in an Internet Café vendor being imprisoned.

The diplomat went on to point out that his country’s policy to Guyana, its Government and its people has not changed as the US continues with many of its ongoing programmes, while adding new ones as they go along.

“The fears that we were disengaging or even forgetting about Guyana were quite simply misplaced fears. Bilateral relations could not be better… a lot is going on and there is more to come,” he indicated.

Assistance

According to Holloway, his Government spend around US$30 million in and on Guyana through bilateral and regional foreign assistance, with remittances from the North American nation amounting to US$225 million annually.

The Ambassador outlined some of the areas where the US Government has been lending assistance to Guyana, especially in the areas of the emerging oil and gas sector. These included technical assistance to the Natural Resources Ministry to support the development of a strong regulatory framework in preparation for oil,

A section of the gathering at the reception held to celebrate the United States 241st Independence anniversary at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday

support for Guyana’s candidacy for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and support for efforts to improve fiscal transparency and capacity building in tax administration, as well as assistance for the telecommunications and civil aviation sectors.

He continued that the Embassy has several youth development programmes on-going such as USAID Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) project and the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) programme.

In addition to partnerships on the health and education front, the US diplomat also highlight-

System to strengthen air safety operational by September

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ast year, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had announced several plans to bolster safety in the aviation sector including the operationalisation of four Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems.

Director General, GCAA, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Egbert Field told Government Information Agency (GINA) that, to date, three of those ADS-Bs have been placed at the air traffic control towers at Kaieteur, Annai and Kamarang. The fourth one being set up at Port Kaituma is still under construction, Field said.

An ADS-B system is a surveillance system in which an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked.

The ADS-B systems took some time to be installed as they were awaiting the acquisition of the simulator to become operational. Field explained that the completed systems are powered by independent solar panels and are connected to the simulator. He noted that sever-

Director General, GCAA, Egbert Field

al operators are already connected to the simulator and will be tested shortly.

“We are looking at the first week in September to start testing the system.

The equipment (simulator) has on board a number of aircraft already.

Roraima’s fleet of aircraft is fully equipped and other operators are installing the equipment at this time, even Trans Guyana Airlines and GDF (Guyana Defence Force). We hope that in days to come, we will have the almost more than 80 percent of the fleet of 60 something

aircraft on the registry and the system would be fully operational,” Field is quoted as saying.

The Director General is confident that the ADS-B system for Port Kaituma will be completed shortly.

He pointed out that the authority is currently resolving some issues with the contractor for this project after which the location will be fully solarized and completed for the fourth tower to be constructed.

Air traffic is increasing rapidly, the Director General explained and the ADS-Bs will help with better spacing of aircraft in the air, “The system also allows air navigation to have the traffic management system, be used as a minimum safe altitude for short term conflict resolution.”

The GCAA recently commissioned its US$85M state-of-the-art simulator with features such as position for tower, ground and radar controllers, three pseudo-pilots, also 180 degrees display with ability of 360 degrees in 72 monitors, and recording and playback of audio and video for training exercise.

ed assistance rendered by his Administration in the area of security. He spoke of the many exchanges on the military side as well as the successes of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) here by training local officers and equipping them with the relevant information to launch investigations.

Strategic partner

Meanwhile, in his remarks at Thursday’s reception, President Granger acknowledged that the United States has been a reliable and strategic partner to Guyana since the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries 51 years ago.

The Guyanese leader said his country holds its friendship with the US with great importance. He noted that this strong, reliable and strategic partnership paved the way for bilateral cooperation in the areas of culture, defence, economic development, education, governance, health, justice improvement and security cooperation.

President Granger’s speech focused on the collaboration between the two countries in the area of security. On this note, he highlighted that both countries face the common threat of transnational crime, which, he said, can be countered only through international cooperation.

“International terrorism and trafficking in persons and in illegal weapons and narcotics represent national security threats to our states and to the hemisphere. They weaken the security of small states, undermine public institutions and erode licit economies.

International security cooperation is critical to combating these threats; cooperation is imperative for human safety; cooperation is vital to preserving the Caribbean as a zone of peace; cooperation is necessary to maintaining the integrity of criminal justice systems and to dismantling criminal networks,” the Head of State said.

Having partnered at the regional level within the framework of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the Guyanese President outlined that he is looking forward to deepening this collaboration under the Caribbean 2020 strategy – a multiyear initiative aimed at increasing the security, prosperity, and well-being of the peoples of the United States and the Caribbean.

Additionally, President Granger mentioned Government’s ‘green’ state agenda, noting that Guyana is eager to learn from the United States, which is considered a global leader in renewable energy technologies.

Annual children summer camp!

Early Savers attached to the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry Limited’s (GBTI) annual Summer Camp, which focused on artistry, concluded on Friday. In photo the children, ages 7 to 15, along with the Guyana Women Artist Association displays their craft making skills

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Prison escapee calls girlfriend in NA K

elly Ann Martin, a remanded prisoner at the New Amsterdam Female Prison and reputed to be the girlfriend of convicted Bartica massacre felon Mark Royden Williams, also called ‘Smallie’, is now being treated as a high-profile prisoner after Williams had reportedly contacted her on Wednesday with a promise that he was going to assist her to escape from lawful custody.

A resident of ‘B’ Field Sophia in Demerara, Martin faces a series of charges, among which is an allegation that she had a CS smoke grenade on her person without being the holder of the relevant licence.

The forgoing information was supplied to this publication on Friday by Commander of ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, who said this fe-

male prisoner has allegedly received telephone calls on two occasions after the Camp Street jailbreak and fire last Sunday; thus all precautions are being taken to prevent Martin’s breakout.

“Usually, (prisoners) are taken the day before to court, so we will have to treat her as a high-profile prisoner using our standard operating procedure for high-profile prisoners or the movement of high-profile prisoners,” Amsterdam said.

Martin was on Thursday scheduled to appear in a court in Demerara, but she was not allowed to depart the New Amsterdam Prison. Magistrate Pernita Singh visited the New Amsterdam Prison and further remanded Martin.

According to Amsterdam, “We know that the entire court system, especially on the East Coast,

Mark Royden Williams, also called ‘Smallie’

was disrupted because of what transpired on Sunday. They actually had to open six courts at the Lusignan Training Centre. There they dealt with those prisoners who were there at Lusignan. So the actual court system is not regular. She is in there on several offences: narcotics the grenade and ammunition… She is remanded on the grenade and ammunition charges, (but) she had her bail reduced on the narcotics charge.”

Security has been beefed up in Berbice. This, the Commander told media operatives at a press conference in his office on Friday, was one strategy being used to prevent the escapees from getting into the division which he commands.

“So far, we have had a few reports of sightings of the wanted men. (The reports) have all been checked out, but of course with

no success. The joint services are helping us to provide security at the New Amsterdam Prisons on a 24-hour basis,” the commander explained.

The New Amsterdam Prison is currently housing 81 prisoners who were transported from Lusignan in two batches. This was done to ease the congestion at the Lusignan Prison.

On Thursday, Magistrate Pernita Singh reduced the bail of some remanded prisoners who were housed in the New Amsterdam Prisons, while others were sent on their own recognisance. This process saw 20 prisoners being released from the New Amsterdam Prison.

According to Amsterdam, the entire division, including the New Amsterdam Prisons, could be considered as being calm.

Lusignan residents reliving the fear of 2008

The memorial arch erected in honour of the 11 victims of the Lusignan massacre

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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he events of January 26, 2008, still haunt the residents of Lusignan, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), and now they are even more fearful following the escape of notarial criminal Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie”, from prison on Sunday. The residents are calling for increased protection to prevent Williams and his cohorts from returning to ‘finish the job.’

At around 02:00h on January 28, 2008, at Track ‘A’ Lusignan, now dead criminal, Rondel “Fine Man” Rawlins led a gang of approximately 20 men who invaded the homes of five families shooting them without reason. Forty-eightyear-old Clarence Thomas, his 12-year-old daughter Vanessa Thomas and his son Ron Thomas; 32-yearold Mohandai Gourdat and her two sons, four-yearold Seegobind Harrilall and 10-year-old Seegopaul Harrilall; 22-year-old Shazam Mohamed; 55-yearold Shaleem Baksh; Seecharran Rooplall, 56, his wife Dhanrajie Ramsingh, 52, and their 11-yearold daughter Raywattie Ramsingh, all lost their lives in the carnage.

It is believed that Williams, from Friendship-

Buxton, ECD, was a part of the gang and was apprehended in June of 2008.

He was charged along with James Anthony Hyles for the massacre and was later acquitted in 2013.

However, the Caribbean Court of Justice, in Trinidad, heard arguments on the appeals challenging the decision to retry Williams and Hyles for the murders. Attorneys Roger Yearwood and Nigel Hughes represented Williams and Hyles, respectively, while Senior Counsel Sir Fenton Ramsahoye, and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack represented the State.

Now in 2017, “Smallie” is on the run along with Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander, Uree Varswyck, Cornelius Thomas (a Trinidadian) along with four others. They are armed and considered dangerous.

Following the fire on Sunday, which flattened the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown, over 1000 inmates were transported and are being housed at the Lusignan Prison. The prison is located less than one mile from the village where the massacre occurred.

When this publication visited the community, residents expressed their fears over the convicted criminal being on the run.

The husband of victim Mohandai Gourdat and father of her two sons – four-year-old Seegobind Harrilall and 10-year-old Seegopaul Harrilall –related that he is fearful over the new developments.

“Right now we scared bad about what is going on here, we can’t rest in we house. People are going to sleep at their families,” he said.

The man related that he was working in Trinidad

when the incident occurred and some nine years later, he is still battling to move on.

One family, which spoke on the condition of anonymity, related that they have been unable to sleep since Williams’ name was released as an escapee.

The woman said that her two daughters are afraid for their lives, adding that the fear is affecting her daughter’s mental wellbeing.

“When that (massacre) happen, me and my husband hear the very first bullet and when we go by the window. One of the boy (who died), Shazad Mohamed, he alarm went on. I prayed for my daughters to remain asleep because I didn’t want them wake. We stand up and count them bullet this, we deh through the window and as soon as them man drive off if you hear noise and from that noise me husband walk out and join to see and them people take ambulance and so and carry them people to the hospital,” she recalled.

The father of the house said that the fragile village cannot afford to have another such incident and that he is hopeful that the authorities have a long-term plan for the protection of the residents and that they are actively pursuing the escapees.

Upon traversing this area, this publication observed residents peeking out their windows but refusing to engage in conversation. During the 2008 attack, 48-year-old Clarence Thomas, his 12-year-old daughter Vanessa Thomas and his son Ron Thomas all received multiple gunshot wounds while his other son along with his wife Gowmattie Thomas survived. The woman hid behind a curtain and watched as her children and husband were riddled with bullets. Their house was the first to be attacked.

“I started to go to relatives (since the jailbreak), I can’t sleep, I am afraid,” the fearful woman related.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017

Regional

Peru ex-President Ollanta Humala Oscar Pérez, fugitive and wife put in pre-trial detention Venezuelan pilot,

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he former President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, and his wife, Nadine Heredia, have turned themselves in after a judge ordered that they be placed in pre-trial detention.

They face 18 months of detention while money-laundering charges are prepared.

The accusations stem from Brazil’s expansive anti-corruption probe, known as Operation Car Wash.

The couple, who co-founded the left-wing Peruvian Nationalist Party, have denied the charges. Peru’s prosecutor’s office made the request on Tuesday, and a judge ruled in its favour on Thursday.

Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, at the Nationalist Party HQ in Lima on Thursday

The couple have been under investigation for three years for allegedly accepting money from

Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to bankroll Humala’s election campaigns.

He is also accused of taking money from late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavéz.

Prosecutor Germán Juaréz accused Humala of “morally wounding society” by running on a campaign that used “illicit money”.

The prosecution also said it feared the pair would flee the country unless they were jailed.

Earlier this year, the same judge, Richard Concepción, ordered the pre-trial detention of another of Peru’s former presidents, Alejandro Toledo, over bribery allegations, but he refused to turn himself in. He is now believed to be in the United States. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

T&T Govt goes to court to recover CL Financial bailout money

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he Trinidad and Tobago Government has gone to the law courts to recover more than TT$23 billion (US$3.4 billion) it invested to bail out collapsed insurance giant CL Financial.

It petitioned the High Court on Tuesday to have the company liquidated. Finance Minister Colm Imbert said the move was in the country’s best inter-

est, disclosing that attempts were afoot by the company’s stakeholders to take control of the board.

“Being the custodian of public money and (given that) so much of the public money has gone into this arrangement, we felt we had no choice as Government but to seek to protect the public purse, to protect taxpayers’ fund and to make this application for CL Financial to

be put into liquidation,” he said.

Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference, Imbert revealed that the Government had only recovered about TT$7.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) while it had put in at least TT$23 billion (US$3.4 billion).

According to Imbert, the bailout was supposed to have been completed after three years, and the as-

sets of CL Financial and its subsidiary CLICO should have been disposed of by 2012 in order to repay the Government.

Imbert expressed concern that there was” reluctance on the part of the other shareholders to continue the original agreement and to sign another extension to the shareholders’ agreement.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

reappears at vigil

Oscar Pérez is currently being hunted by the Venezuelan authorities for the attack

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rogue Venezuelan policeman who used a stolen helicopter to fire on government buildings has re-emerged at an opposition vigil. It was Oscar Pérez’s first public appearance since the attack.

He has been on the run since the incident, with the government accusing him of terrorism and of working for foreign powers.

Venezuela has been shaken by often violent protests in recent months and is in economic crisis. Video footage shows Pérez, 36, in the middle of a group of masked demonstrators mourning the deaths of those killed in the demonstrations. He called for another general

strike on 18 July against the Government, a date he called the “zero hour”.

Perez also urged Venezuelans to back a symbolic vote organised against government plans to rewrite the Constitution.

During the helicopter attack several shots were fired and grenades dropped on the Supreme Court. Noone was injured. Pérez was a member of the police force for 15 years.

Colourful details have emerged about his past, including an acting role in the 2015 film, Suspended Death, which tells the story of elite police officers rescuing the victim of a kidnapping. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuela must respect Opposition rights at protest – UN PAHO seeks new solutions

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he United Nations on Friday urged Venezuela to not interfere with a major Opposition protest planned this weekend against the Government’s divisive plan to rewrite the Constitution.

“We urge authorities to respect the wishes of those who want to participate in this consultation and to guarantee people’s rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” the UN human rights office said in a statement.

The Opposition-led National Assembly is organising a symbolic vote on embattled President Nicolás Maduro’s bid to hold a July 30 election for a new assem-

bly tasked with drafting a new Constitution.

The Opposition has staged waves of protests against Maduro, including a demonstration on Monday in Caracas during which dozens of protesters and some security force personnel confronting them were injured.

Opposition lawmaker Freddy Guevara has said Sunday’s event “will be the biggest act of civil disobedience in Venezuela’s history”.

“It is vital that the government takes steps to ensure that the security forces... do not use excessive force against demonstrators,” the UN rights office said, adding that it had received reports of thousands

to improve C’bean health care delivery

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of demonstrators being detained in previous rallies.

With the crisis in Venezuela intensifying and Maduro under fire for what

critics call his authoritarian moves, the UN refugee agency warned that the number of asylum applications from the country has soared. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Former Bahamas Minister charged with extortion and bribery

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ormer Bahamas minister of the environment Kendred Dorsett was charged in a Magistrate’s Court on Thursday with extorting $120,000 from Johnathan Ash. Dorsett was also charged with accepting

bribes in the same amount.

He was charged with four counts of extortion, four counts of bribery and one count of misconduct in public office. It is alleged that Dorsett committed these crimes between March 1 and

May 9.

Before the charges were read, the former minister sat in court with his eyes closed and his hands folded.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded to prison.

Dorsett’s attorney, Wayne Munroe, intended to apply to the Supreme Court for bail on Thursday.

Dorsett’s wife, Tamela, was among those in court.

The case was adjourned to August 31. (Caribbean News Now)

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says it is looking for innovative community-based solutions for health care delivery issues related to infectious diseases in Central America and the Caribbean.

On Thursday, PAHO said that it is collaborating on this initiative with the International Training and Medical Research Centre (CIDEIM) of Colombia, ICESI University of Colombia, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR).

PAHO said the call seeks to identify social innovation projects in health that empower indigenous communities, improve health and well-being, and address conditions and root causes that contribute to death. The call for solutions closes on July 31.

Submissions can be done through the Initiative

for Social Innovation in Health website, a global partnership of associates who are passionate about finding and advancing innovative community solutions in health.

PAHO is part of this partnership, which, in 2015 identified 23 examples of social innovation in health in 15 countries around the world, including two in the Americas.

In Central America and the Caribbean, as in other regions of the world, PAHO said thousands of people do not have access to affordable and quality health care, adding that medications, vaccines and medical devices do not always reach those who need them.

But PAHO said communities in the countries of the region are finding solutions to strengthen health care and make it affordable to the population. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

saturDAY, july 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Russia, mulling expulsions, says Trump Jr meeting: too many US spies work in Moscow Russia lobbyist confirms attendance R

A

former Soviet counter-intelligence official attended a meeting last year with senior aides to President Donald Trump and his son, it has emerged.

Rinat Akhmetshin, now a lobbyist, told AP news agency he was present at the encounter in Trump Tower.

Donald Trump Jr was promised damaging material on Hillary Clinton at the meeting, his emails show.

Trump Jr has only previously acknowledged that a Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, was present.

The president's eldest son has played down the 9 June 2016 meeting since it was reported this week.

But the Senate Judiciary Committee has asked 39-year-old Mr Trump Jr to publicly testify.

It is one of several congressional panels that along with federal investiga-

Controversy surrounds Donald Trump Jr's meeting with Natalia Veselnitskaya

tors - is looking into claims that Russia meddled in last year's US election in a bid to help Donald Trump.

The president's son-inlaw, Jared Kushner, and election chairman, Paul Manafort, also attended the meeting, which has emerged as the firmest evidence yet of non-diplomatic interac-

tions between Trump campaign aides and Russian figures.

During a news conference in Paris, France, on Thursday, Trump said that "most people would have taken that meeting".

"Zero happened," the president said. (BBC)

Turkey dismisses thousands more Police, civil servants and academics

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urkey dismissed more than 7,000 police, civil servants and academics on Friday, the eve of the anniversary of last year's attempted coup.

The latest decree is part of a crackdown triggered by the failed coup, which Turkey says was organised

by US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, a for-

mer ally of President Tayyip Erdogan. Gulen denies the allegation.

In all, Turkey has sacked or suspended more than 150,000 officials, and arrested some 50,000 people from the military, police, judiciary, academia and other sectors.

The latest decree dismissed 2,303 police, includ-

ing some from senior ranks, alongside 302 academics from universities across the country. The decree also stripped 342 retired officers and soldiers of their ranks and grades.

More than 240 people, most of them civilians, were killed last July when rogue soldiers tried to overthrow Erdogan's Government.

ussia said on Friday that too many American spies operated in Moscow under diplomatic cover and said it might expel some of them to retaliate against the United States over Washington's expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats last year.

The warning, delivered by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, reflects rising frustration in Moscow over the Trump administration's refusal to hand back two Russian diplomatic compounds which were seized at the same time as some of Russia's diplomats were sent home

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova

last year.

Barack Obama, US president at the time, ordered the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies in

December, along with the seizure of the two diplomatic compounds, over what he said was the hacking of US political groups during the 2016 presidential election, something Russia has flatly denied.

President Vladimir Putin decided not to retaliate immediately at the time, saying he would wait to see what the new administration of Donald Trump would do.

Zakharova complained on Friday that US officials were not issuing visas to Russian diplomats to allow Moscow to replace the expelled employees and get its embassy back up to full strength. (Reuters)

Trump Administration to appeal travel ban ruling to Supreme Court

T

he Trump administration will appeal to the Supreme Court to block a US district judge's ruling on President Donald Trump's temporary travel and refugee ban, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Friday.

The ruling by US District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu said the ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority countries cannot stop grandparents and other relatives of US citizens from entering the country, and also opened the door for more refugees to enter.

"The Supreme Court has had to correct this lower court once, and we will now reluctantly return directly to the Supreme Court to again vindicate the rule of law and the Executive Branch's duty to protect the nation," Sessions said in a statement. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump

Air Canada plane 'missed Nigerian chief fakes own kidnapping aircraft by 30 metres'

A

Nigerian traditional chief in the state of Lagos has been suspended after he confessed to faking his own kidnap.

val chief for the disappearance.

Kidnappings for ransom are common in southern Nigeria.

Nigeria Police paraded Chief Yusuf Ogundare (right) and his bother Mohammed Adams (left) after their arrest

Lagos state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the incident was "an embarrassment to the state".

He said in a statement that investigations had found that Chief Yusuf Ogundare had conspired with his family to frame a ri-

The governor ordered the chief to stop performing his chieftain duties immediately - to "stop parading [yourself] as Baale of Shangisha with immediate effect".

Chief Ogundare was reported to have been kidnapped on 5 July and re-

(Reuters)

leased by his captors six days later.

His brother, Mohammed Adams, who was paraded alongside him after their arrest, had reported Chief Ogundare missing and alleged that they had both been kidnapped by people who wanted to sell land to the chief.

Eye-witnesses told police that they had seen the chief "frolicking" around the south-western cities of Ibadan and Ilorin.

According to the governor's statement, the chief's alleged captors dropped him off in the Alausa area on 11 July in a "suspicious manner", alerting police who were on patrol in the area to investigate the matter.

Kidnappings have been on the rise in Nigeria.

The BBC's Didi Akinyelure in Lagos notes that Police recently celebrated the arrest of a kidnapping kingpin but in another high-profile case, a group of children abducted more than six weeks ago have yet to be released. (BBC)

Air Canada said it was investigating the incident and was "cooperating with the authorities".

A

n Air Canada flight with 140 people on board came within 30 metres (98 feet) of other aircraft at San Francisco's airport as it prepared to land, a report says.

Days after news that Flight AC759 from Toronto was involved in a near-miss it has emerged just how close it came to crashing into four planes on a taxiway.

The incident on 7 July

occurred after the pilot "inadvertently" headed for the area where jets were due to depart. He was ordered to pull up and the Airbus 320 circled and landed safely.

As the plane approached the taxiway, which runs parallel to the runway, it is estimated that it flew just 30m above two aircraft waiting to depart, a preliminary report

by Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB) said.

After receiving a warning, the pilot pulled up and the plane rose about 60 metre above a third jet and about 90 metre above a fourth, the TSB said. Flight AC759 had already travelled almost 400m over the taxiway before aborting the landing, the board's report added.

The pilot then made another successful approach.

No injuries were reported.

(Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, july 15, 2017

ARCHIE

Personal physical improvements will boost your (March 21- morale and give you the push April 19) you need to move in a direction that you find interesting and enjoyable. Romance is highlighted.

ARIES

Indulgence will be your TAURUS downfall. Don’t feel the need (April 20- to keep up with someone if it May 20) means you must overspend or be excessive in any way.

dilbert

A partnership will develop GEMINI (May 21- if you participate in an event June 20) or cause you believe in. Your input and experience will give you a strong voice and will result in popularity.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Test the waters, but don’t jump in without knowing exactly what you are getting into. Someone will mislead you if you are too trusting.

Exaggeration is apparent.

Taking day trips, attending self-help or self-improvement retreats or spending time with someone you find mentally, physically and emotionally stimulating will lead to personal accomplishments and satisfaction.

Romance is favored.

Don’t overspend on someVIRGO thing that promises the impos(Aug. 23sible. If you want to make physSept. 22) ical improvements, start small and work toward a healthier lifestyle. Participate in a challenging activity.

Self-help methods and LIBRA mental and physical improve(Sept. 23- ments will encourage better reOct. 23) lationships with the people you care about most. Do your best to please, but not at the expense of letting someone take advantage of you.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Discipline will be required SCORPIO when dealing with seniors (Oct. 24or children. Don’t let anyone Nov. 22) take advantage of you or put you in a position that will infringe on your privacy or productivity.

You’ll have insight into SAGITTARIUS what others are thinking, do(Nov. 23- ing or saying. Use whatevDec. 21) er information you gather to your advantage. A trip, interview or personal change looks promising.

Protect your assets, posCAPRICORN sessions and emotions. A (Dec. 22- situation that is unstable Jan. 19) should be handled with care.

Back away if you feel someone is being too aggressive.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

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

Express your feelings and AQUARIUS plans about how you want (Jan. 20to make your life better and Feb. 19) your domestic situation more inviting. Much can be accomplished if you work as a team player.

Don’t feel the need to folPISCES low the crowd. If something (Feb. 20March 20) doesn’t appeal to you or it is not within your budget, you should walk away. You don’t have to join in to fit in.

saturDAY, july 15 2017

Gold Cup champions held in dour draw

M

exico and Jamaica played out a 0-0 stalemate in Group C action on Thursday.

Defending champions Mexico and Jamaica played out a dour goalless draw at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Denver.

M u c h was expected of the Group C clash on Thursday – a repeat of the 2015 Gold Cup final which Mexico won 3-1 – but it did not deliver.

In fairness, Mexico were without stars Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela, Hirving Lozano, Giovani dos Santos and Andres Guardado following the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Erick Torres, however, did come close for the Mexicans, hitting the post in the first half in the only highlight of the match.

The stalemate leaves Mexico and Jamaica level on four points after two matches, a point clear of El Salvador, who beat Curacao 2-0.

Orbelin Pineda was re-

warded with a start after coming off the bench and scor-

i n g in the 3-1 win over El Salvador.

Unsurprisingly, Juan Carlos Osorio – serving the second of a six-game suspension – and Mexico rotated the squad as they so often do.

Moises Munoz replaced goalkeeper Jose Corona, while Jesus Action in the Jamaica versus Mexico game Molina a n d Williams, Jermaine Johnson Torres came in for Jorge and Omar Gordon dropped Hernandez, Ricardo Reyes out as Michael Binns and and Angel Sepulveda.

Cory Burke were included Darren Mattocks was in the line-up. also named in Jamaica's The first half was uninstarting XI following his spiring and relatively dull, goalscoring exploits as a failing to reach the heights substitute against Curacao. that many expected preFellow scorer Romario

game.

Neither side created any real clear-cut chances, though the best opportunity fell to Torres and the Mexicans.

It took 23 minutes but Torres glanced a header into the far post, with Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake well beaten.

That moment lifted the crowd into life but it was not enough to spark the players on the pitch as scores remained deadlocked at half-time.

The second half was much livelier early on, with Blake called into action eight minutes after the interval.

Blake was forced into a low diving save to deny Elias Hernandez from distance as he pushed the shot away for a corner.

There were decent moments in possession for Mexico and Jamaica, but both lacked the quality and decisiveness in attack.

M

team on the planet at $4.2 billion and Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees came in second at $3.7 billion.

Below is a look at the top 10 overall sports teams with teams from the NFL, MLB, NBA and the soccer world all making the top 50 and seven soccer teams were in the top 50.

Four Premier League teams made the list with Manchester City at 35th with a value of $2.083 million, Arsenal in 43rd at $1.93 billion and Chelsea in 45th at $1.84 billion. Bayern Munich were the only other soccer team to make the top 50 at 15th with a value of $2.71 billion. (Yahoosport)

Forbes’ top 10 most valuable teams 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Dallas Cowboys – $4.2 billion New York Yankees – $3.7 billion Manchester United – $3.69 billion Barcelona – $3.64 billion Real Madrid – $3.58 billion New England Patriots – $3.4 billion New York Knicks – $3.3 billion New York Giants – $3.1 billion San Francisco 49ers – $3 billion Los Angeles Lakers – $3 billion

C

ONCACAF has fined French Guiana an undisclosed sum of money and suspended the player Florent Malouda, who is deemed ineligible to play in the Gold Cup. The decision by the Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee followed French Guiana fielding Malouda in their game against Honduras on July 11. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

As a consequence of fielding Malouda, who was confirmed by the Disciplinary Committee to be ineligible to play in the Gold Cup 2017 according to the applicable regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has levied sanctions and fines against the French Guiana Football League

Should she prevail on Saturday, she would surpass Serena as the oldest Wimbledon women's singles champion in the professional era and the oldest since Charlotte Sterry in 1908.

While those following her remarkable resurgence she also reached this year's Australian Open final, losing to Serena - leaf through the record books picking out the key numbers, Williams, as she so often does, remains in her own serene world.

"I feel very focused still.

There's still a lot to be done. I have one more match that I'd like to be the winner of. I have to go out there and take it," said Williams, who reached her first major final 20 years ago in New York.

"But I like to take courage in the fact that I've been playing well this tournament

(SportsMax)

Man United named most valuable team in the world anchester United are sitting atop the soccer world once again. At least, in terms of financial value off the pitch the Red Devils were named the most valuable soccer team on the planet by Forbes Magazine, as they moved ahead of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid with Man United worth an estimated $3.69 billion.

That’s an 11 percent increase, the biggest rise in the top 10, on last year and they’re the third most valuable sports team overall.

The NFL dominated the top 50 list with 29 teams included as the Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports

L

ONDON (Reuters) Venus Williams will try to become the oldest woman to win Wimbledon for 109 years on Saturday although, ominously for her the last time a 37-yearold reached the final, it was a Spaniard who ruined the script.

While it was Conchita Martinez who defeated Martina Navratilova in 1994, standing in the way of Williams and a sixth title, an almost unthinkable 17 years after her first, is the tall and powerful Garbine Muguruza.

"I think it's very impressive.

I think not everybody can do that," the 23-year-old, 14thseed Muguruza, who shot to fame two years ago when losing to Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final, said on the eve of the match.

19

(LGF) and has suspended the player ruled ineligible.

Specifically, the Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanctions and fines, which took immediate effect: The French Guiana national team is ruled to forfeit its Gold Cup match played against Honduras on July 11, 2017, and the official result is ruled a 3-0 victory for Honduras. The French Guiana Football League is fined an undisclosed amount, and Florent Malouda has been suspended for two official matches, during which he will also serve a concurrent stad i um ban.

(SportsMax)

" F o r and this y e a r, me it's and all these moments incredible. I have led to this." don't think I By a twist of fate could be 37 and Martinez will be in playing at that Muguruza's corner Stage winner level." on Saturday, as she Romain Bardet is It is a has been for the third in the general testament to past fortnight in classification her durability the absence of her and strength regular coach Sam of character Sumyk, whose wife not to mention is expecting a baby. a thoroughbred grasscourt Martinez remains the game that is surpassed only only Spanish woman to win by her sister who has seven Wimbledon. But Muguruza, Wimbledon crowns - that like Williams, has dropped Williams still is at a level only one set to reach the others can only dream of. final and on Thursday There have been times produced a superb display since her last Wimbledon of controlled aggression to triumph in 2008 against thrash Magdalena Rybarikova Serena when it seemed the 6-1 6-1. older of the two Williams She also has the belief sisters would hang up her of knowing she can beat a racket.

Williams in a grand slam final She has a plethora of off- - having overpowered Serena court interests, including to win the French Open last her own fashion label, and year. Since then, her form has has been battling Sjögren's been patchy. "I definitely want syndrome, an auto-immune to be the one who takes the illness diagnosed in 2011 big one," Muguruza said. which often leaves her With both players boasting fatigued and suffering with similar weapons - big serves joint pain. and clubbing forehands, the Her love for the sport outcome could depend on remains as strong as ever, who shakes off the inevitable though, and when she steps final nerves more quickly. on Centre Court on Saturday Of the 42 grand slam she will do so as the popular matches in which Muguruza favorite, having produced has won the first set she has a vintage performance to lost only two, while Williams end the run of British hope has won 232 of the 250 in Johanna Konta in the semi- which she has taken the final. opener.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, july 15, 2017

Pooran free to play for Windies once again N

icolas Pooran is now eligible for selection by Cricket West Indies selectors following successful discussion between the players’ representatives and the board.

Nicholas Pooran was suspended by CWI in relation to a decision taken by the player not to play in the Professional Cricket League at the start of the 2016-2017 domestic season, although he was selected by a domestic franchise team. He featured in the Bangladesh Premier League instead, after having been granted a NOC by CWI. The matter was resolved following bilateral good faith discussions

during which both parties decided to settle this matter amicably. Both parties agreed that they are both committed to the development of West Indies Cricket.

According to a statement from CWI, “The time period of the suspension has since expired and the player is therefore now eligible to play in all three forms of the game for West Indies.”

Pooran was a member of the President’s XI vs Afghanistan in St Kitts last month.

Philander and Morris thwart England Special version of Usain Bolt Hublot watch set for big money charity auction

I

nternational watch makers Hublot will release a special version of the 45mm Big Bang Unico Yellow Gold Usain Bolt the signature time piece of the world’s fastest man.

The special version will be a one of a kind timepiece encased in sapphire and created for Only Watch, a biennial charity auction of unique pieces created by the top brands, with proceeds from the event going towards research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The disease is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy.

DMD is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Symptom onset is in early childhood, usually between ages 3 and 5.

B o l t ,

who is himself treated on occasion for a mild case of scoliosis, expressed delight at being associated with the project.

"I'm thankful to have full use of my muscles and to have been able to run fast and set so many records. I’m happy to support Only Watch and help in the scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases,” said Bolt, the threetime Olympic triple gold medallist and Hublot ambassador.

The unique piece will be auctioned off along with another version of the watch, which features a yellow gold-coloured calfskin leather strap. The watches will be shipped together with a Boltsigned Puma T-shirt, with the highest bidder getting a chance to meet the sprinter.

The auction is scheduled for Saturday, 11 November 2017, 2:30pm Geneva time (7:30am Jamaica time). (SportsMax)

S

outh Africa recovered from a four-wicket burst by England to leave the second Test delicately poised after the first day at Trent Bridge.

Stuart Broad (3-47) and Ben Stokes each struck twice to reduce the Proteas from 179-2 to 235-6.

But Vernon Philander made 54 in an unbroken partnership of 74 with Chris Morris to leave the visitors 3096.

Hashim Amla (78) and Quinton de Kock (68) put on 113 while James Anderson took his 300th Test wicket in England.

In helpful conditions, England were thwarted by some determined South Africa batting in the morning session before Amla and De Kock dominated the afternoon.

The post-tea burst looked to have put England on top, but Philander and Morris saw off 10 overs with the second new ball to put South Africa in position to reach a total in excess of 350.

On a slowish pitch, England did not always exploit the available movement in the air and off the seam until some loose South Africa batting allowed the home side back in.

From the first ball after tea, De Kock played a waft at Broad and was held at first slip by Alastair Cook, then Amla inexplicably hooked a bouncer from the same bowler straight to deep

backward square leg.

Stokes then saw Du Plessis brilliantly caught down the leg side by a flying Jonny Bairstow, with Temba Bavuma edging behind when attempting a leave.

England were on the charge, only to be halted by Philander, promoted to number seven, and the recalled Morris.

Absorbing the pressure and driving when given the opportunity, the seventh-wicket pair were largely untroubled in the evening sunshine.

Anderson had Dean Elgar well caught by Liam Dawson at point on an attritional morning, while Broad got Heino Kuhn to play on to his stumps just after lunch.

Until then runs were not easy to come by, but De Kock, elevated to number four, sparkled with some wonderful strokeplay.

The left-hander played drives on both sides of the wicket and cuts behind square in a 59-ball half-century.

Amla, dropped on 56 low by Cook at first slip off Stokes, was more circumspect, but played elegant cover drives of his own and a loft down the ground for six off the left-arm spin of Dawson.

Their third-wicket partnership rattled along at more than 4.5 runs per over and they looked set to take the game away from England before both played poor strokes. (BBC)

Vernon Philander drives through the covers during second half-century of the series

Ervine's highest Test score frustrates new skipper Chandimal

A

brilliant unbeaten century from Craig Ervine helped Zimbabwe frustrate Sri Lanka after Dinesh Chandimal's reign as Test captain had started so well in Colombo on day one.

Chandimal replaced Angelo Mathews as skipper after the all-rounder stepped down following a humiliating one-day international series loss to

Zimbabwe this week.

The wicketkeeper-batsman could not have asked for a much better beginning to his tenure, Rangana Herath striking twice as the tourists were reduced to 38-3 after Graeme Cremer won the toss at R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

Zimbabwe were still in trouble on 195-6 in the oneoff Test, but recovered to 3448 at stumps after Ervine came to their rescue with a magnificent 151 not out – his highest

score in cricket's longest format.

Cremer might have been rueing his decision to bat first after Herath cleaned up Regis Chakabva (12) with an arm ball before removing fellow opener Hamilton Masakadza (19).

Debutant Tarisai Musakanda's (6) first spell at the crease proved to be shortlived, Lahiru Kumara getting the number three caught behind following a review after he was initially given not out

by Ian Gould.

Sean Williams (22) also failed to make it through to lunch, but Ervine stood firm after getting off the mark by reverse-sweeping Herath to the boundary and went on to bring up his half-century in the same over that he struck Dilruwan Perera for six over midwicket.

Sikandar Raza (36) offered support for the composed Ervine in a much needed sixth-wicket stand of 84, which Herath ended by trapping the

all-rounder leg before.

Malcolm Waller also added 36 before becoming wily spinner Herath's fourth victim and Ervine raised his bat to celebrate a second Test century after sweeping his 146th ball for a single.

The left hander was still there at the close, having struck a six and another 13 boundaries in a vital knock, with Donald Tiripano 24 not out after the pair put on 62 to torment Sri Lanka in the evening session. (SportsMax)

sports

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31st Annual Sir Garfield Sobers Int’l School Cricket

St. Joseph’s, School of the Nations suffer losses

S

t.

Joseph’s High and School of the Nations suffered losses as action in the 31st Annual Sir Garfield Sobers International School Cricket Tournament continued on Thursday.

At Bridgefield, Lodge School beat St Joseph High (Guy) by 57 runs while at Bank Hall, Bryanston School (UK) defeated School of the Nations (Guy) by 8 wickets.

Despite a solid half century by Queinton Samson, who scored 55 St Joseph’s managed just 146 runs from 26 overs replying to 203-

9 made by Lodge School of Barbados.

The following are the scores from that match; Lodge School 203-9 in 40 overs (Rashone Williams 37, Tennyson Roach 28, Demarco Alleyne 26, Shemway Harris 24, Jonathan Dowrich 24, Kwame Small 14 not out, Jamali Lynch 11, Kennard Moonsammy 3-48, Nkosi Beaton 2-17, Jeremiah Scott 2-31) St Joseph High 146 all out in 26 overs (Queinton Samson 55, Dodi O’Selmo 25, Jeremiah Scott 17, Timothy McAlmont 17, Ryshon

21

Teams set for Summer Time KO Tapeball O

Jeremiah Scott

Williams 3-26, Akeel Hoyte 3-44, Shemwayne Harris 2-19, Jamali Lynch 2-30).

Meanwhile, School of the Nations was dismissed for a paltry 88 in 34.3 overs after taking first strike, with just three of their batsmen making it to double figures.

The scores in that match reads: School of the Nations 88 all out in 34.3 overs (Mark Ramsammy 25, Vishal Persaud 15, Mark Baptiste 11, Hector Maclean 5-11, Alex Chetwood 3-6) Bryanston 89-2 in 12.3 overs (Owen Morris 44 not out, Max Truman 38).

n this Sunday at the National Culture Centre Tarmac is The Summer Time Knock Out Tape Ball Work Place Extravaganza will bowl off on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

The event will feature 11 players per side, who will vie for trophies, medals and cash incentives.

In order to participate in this event each team will pay an entrance fee of $6,000.

All teams are asked to walk with their flannel balls to last them throughout the competition which bowls off at 9:00h.

The best uniformed team will receive a prize along with the bowler with the most wickets and the batsman with the highest score in the final. In addition any batsman who, hits five or more sixes in an over and any bowler responsible for a hat trick in a single over will win prizes.

There is also a side attraction for spectators, who will engage in a one versus one match between intervals for cash prizes.

Interested teams could contact James Lewis on Telephone Numbers-628-1656 or 666-5857 Noble House Seafood, Demerara Harbour Bridge, Qualfon, Presidential Security, GPHC, Craig NDC, Felix Austin Training College, PSM, Guyoil, Election Commission, Supreme Court Marshalls and Ministry of Education are among the teams already registered for the event.

National Cilic ends record-breaking wait for U-17 begins Wimbledon final appearance encampment A today W

ith Guyana participating in the Under 17 Central America & Caribbean Basketball Championships (CentroBasket), which is scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from July 26 to July 30 of 2017, the final squad will begin encampment today.

The selection of the Guyana U17 Basketball team has been finalized to play in the Championships. The trials which lasted for a week concluded on July 8, with twelve players being selected from the squad by Head Coach Lugard Mohan and the assistant coaches.

Returning to Guyana to play in the CentroBasket Championship is United States based Guyanese Kevon Wiggins, who is a 6’0 starting Guard at the Evander High School in Bronx New York. Wiggins was the leading scorer for Guyana in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 2016 tournament.

Guyana will also benefit from the coaching expertise of Kenneth Avent from the United States of America.

Avent is a player development specialist, with FIBA

and is also a USA Basketball Licensed Coach and Youth Development Specialist.

Avent will be joining the team on July 14th.

Other countries participating in the CentroBasket U17 Championships are Jamaica, Bahamas, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands.

Guyana has been drawn in Group A, with Mexico, Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

The team will be encamped from 1424 July, 2017.

Training sessions will be conducted twice daily at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from Saturday, July 15.

The team will depart Guyana on July 25 and return on August 1, 2017. The Guyana delegation will consist of: Nigel Bowen, Tramine Brown, Kelmar Carmichael, Akeem Crandon, Shamar France, Roydon Glasgow, Jether Harris, Andrew Johnson, Jermaine King, Kevon Wiggins, Anthony Yanson and Jahleel Young.

The coaching staff will be led by Lugard Mohan, Head Coach, Kenneth Avent, Assistant Coach, Andrew Hercules, Assistant Coach/Manager, and Jonas Anestal, Physical Trainer.

t the 11th time of asking Marin Cilic finally booked a Wimbledon final spot after a four-set victory over Sam Querrey on Centre Court.

Marin Cilic succeeded where Andy Murray failed by outmanoeuvering Sam Querrey to reach his first Wimbledon final at the 11th attempt Querrey had beaten the defending champion at each of the last two editions of the grass-court grand slam, defeating Novak Djokovic in the third round last year before eliminating Murray this time around, although the world number one had been carrying a hip injury.

Cilic proved a tougher obstacle, however, as the Croatian came from a set down to win their semi-final 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-5.

An encounter that had everything kept the Centre Court crowd gripped in the London sunshine, as both players showed they are more than just big servers with some enthralling rallies during nearly three hours on court.

In the end it was Cilic who prevailed to reach his second grand slam final, and he will hope for a repeat of his previous appearance – when he beat Kei Nishikori to win the 2014 US Open – on Sunday, with Roger Federer or Tomas Berdych his opponent.

Five years ago Querrey and Cilic produced the second longest match in Wimbledon history as the latter won a five-set marathon 17-15 in the decider after five hours and 31 min-

utes on court.

And another epic encounter looked likely from the outset, as the two strong and powerful warriors traded blows without ever really threatening the other's serve, some service games passing in the blink of an eye.

In between a number of aces there were some impressive rallies, though, with Cilic's backhand firing missiles cross court and Querrey's forehand unerringly accurate.

That is why it was such a surprise in the first-set tiebreak that Cilic's backhand faltered after an untimely delay due to a spectator needing medical attention at 6-6, the Croatian firing two wayward strokes to hand his opponent the lead.

Early indications suggested it had wounded Cilic as another backhand was screwed wide early in the second, but he quickly wiped out the errors that had not been there in the first set.

Instead it was Querrey under pressure, and a looping forehand from the American opened the door for his rival. A revitalised Cilic finally accepted the invitation with a crisp, flat backhand down the line.

Levelling the match proved a mere formality from there and the momentum stayed with the Croatian as he continued to apply pressure on Querrey with a string of booming groundstrokes.

Another piece of Querrey's armour was removed in the third game of the third set as he was pun-

Marin Cilin is set to make his first Wimbledon final appearance

ished for a careless volley.

There was a brief return to form – including a sensational drop volley at the net – to force another breaker, but a poor backhand, followed by a meek forehand, gave Cilic a 2-1 lead.

Match over you may have thought, but not just yet. Back came Querrey with some stinging forehands that had Cilic on the back foot, and the Croatian placed a backhand into the net to slip a break behind.

He would not be denied that maiden final appearance at the All England Club, though, as three fiveset matches in succession seemed to catch up with Querrey. Tired shots from the 24th seed allowed Cilic to level at 4-4 and, under pressure for a second time to serve to stay in the match, Querrey crumbled – a double fault followed by two long groundstrokes enough to end his Wimbledon adventure. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Williams snatches Silver saturdAY, july 15, 2017

– World U-18 Championships

G

uyana’s Daniel Williams ran his personal best time in the Men 400 metres Final at the World U-18 Championships 2017, in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday to capture a silver medal.

The scintillating performance has sent the local athletic fraternity into celebration mode just ahead of today’s Alian Pompey Invitation meeting at the Lenora Track and Field Facility.

Williams, who specializes in the 400 Metres race, further enhanced his already growing reputation on the international stage when he ran his personal best time of 46.72s to finish the race behind Jamaican Antonio Watson.

The Jamaican won in a time of 46.59s. Coming in third to cop bronze was Colby Jennings of Turks and Caicos who also ran a personal best time of 46.77s.

Speaking to Guyana Times

Sports, AAG (Athletics Association of Guyana) President, Aubrey Hutson was quick to congratulate Williams on his success and maintained that the Association’s investment in the training of coaches, and camps for the athletes have been paying off.

“The AAG is happy that we are seeing results from one of our athletes at this high level of competition”, Hutson said.

The president explained that Williams has been one of the athletes that the AAG has been backing in recent times and noted that his accomplishment in the World U-18 Championships is like a “Cinderella story” as the athlete had not initially qualified for the finals but was later included due to Panama’s Antonio Grant being disqualified for lane infringement.

Williams who had communicated with the AAG before his 400m

Daniel Williams

final run, was hoping to be placed in his favourite lane two and in the end got his desire.

The race was nothing short of

exciting as Williams began steadily and kept with the lead pack only to step on the gas in the final 50 metres to find himself dipping in at

the finish to take silver.

Asked about the AAG’s plans for Williams, Hutson revealed that upon his (Williams) return, the association will have a sit down with the athlete, his coach and his parents to discuss the best possible course of action to ensure that the athlete has a smooth transition from a junior athlete into a world class senior athlete.

“Guyana should be proud as he is representing our nation and he is flying the Golden Arrow Head abroad” Hutson urged.

Williams now joins Kadecia Baird, who won a World Junior silver medal in 2012, as the only two athletes to gain a World medal at any level for Guyana.

Guyana’s other athlete at the Championship is Long Jumper Chantoba Bright who will be in action Sunday.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

Rowley claims Chase Academy win CARICOM mulling Georgetown North Zone final legal challenge of WICB stewardship Digicel Schools Football Tournament

tors are calling the goal of the tournament thus far, Garrett struck the ball from deep within his own half towards the Morgan goal area, where the bewildered opposition’s custodian could only watch as the ball bounced over him and into the back of the net to seal the victory for Chase in the 68th minute.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sports Garrett explained that while the Morgan’s side is no stranger to his team, it was an intense game and he com-

The North Zone champions, Chase Academy

A

spirited Chase Academy side led by their outstanding captain Jeremy Garrett beat a lethargic Morgan’s learning Center team 4-2 to win the North Georgetown Zone for a fourth consecutive year.

Despite playing on a soggy and wet GFC (Georgetown Football Club) ground Chase were aggressive from the onset and led by their fleet-footed wingers, launched frequent attacks On one such occasion through a piece of skillful trickery from Stephon Reynolds, a Morgan defender unwittingly conceded a penalty. Captain Garrett calmly buried the spot kick to send Chase into the lead in the sixth minute.

The Morgan defenders were slow to react and seemed to move at a snail’s pace as Chase continued attacking and had the lion’s share of possession.

It came as no surprise when Reynolds dribbled past two defenders just outside the box and hit a low shot towards goal which the Morgan custodian fumbled, resulting in the ball trickling between his legs and into the net to in the 28th minute.

Going into the halftime break the score remained the same, however a resurgent Morgan side emerged in the second half and it took only three minutes to pull one back.

After a Morgan player was fouled on the right wing, Orin Moore took on the free-kick responsibility and struck a thunderbolt of a shot to beat Chase’s goalie at his near post.

Yet another foul by Chase resulted in a second free-kick being awarded to Morgan. This time Moore’s right-foot shot went low under the wall and past a motionless Chase keeper.

It was game on at 2-2

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

T

A Digicel representative hands over new kits to Chase Academy’s captain Jeremy Garrett while his teammates look on

then, a visibly shaken Chase side rallied and were awarded a free-kick of their own in the 51st minute, Morgan’s keeper did well to keep the resulting freekick out but unfortunately the ball fell into the path of Adrian Aaron who gleefully fired it home to restore Chase’s lead at 3-1.

In what some specta-

mended his teammates for rallying in the second half to clinch the game.

The next stage of the tournament which is the overall regional quarter-finals will be held within the next two weeks and Garrett expects his sternest opponents to be Annai.

rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley claims CARICOM could bring a legal challenge to Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) longstanding stewardship of the game in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean leadership bodies have been at sharp odds since the West Indies team controversially pulled out of a 2014 tour of India, causing several regional leaders to question the efficiency and effectiveness of the cricket body. A subsequent independent review panel commissioned

by CARICOM recommended the dissolution of the

board, calling it “antiquated”, “obsolete” and “anachronistic”. The CWI, however, rejected the proposal after informing CARICOM that they were a private body. Rowley claims members of the body are ready to test the premise.

“The CARICOM Secretariat was told by the CARICOM leaders, ‘go and get legal advice on this very fundamental point: where did West Indies Cricket Board or whoever it is get this asset called West Indies Cricket Inc and who really owns West Indies cricket’,” Rowley said. “And until we are prepared to address that issue, what is going on now will continue and get worse and worse until what I predicted (West Indies’ relegation into a Division Two) is likely to happen.” He continued: “We got a legal view.

The Secretariat indicated that one of our Trinidad lawyers gave a legal opinion that there is an arguable case that West Indies Cricket is a public good a n d therefore there is a role for the region’s leadership to get involved because the game is destroyed and that could be argued in any court of law.” (SportsMax)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, july 15, 2017

23

Federer battles past Berdych to stand on the brink of Wimbledon history O nly Marin Cilic stands in the way of Roger Federer and history after the Swiss fought past Tomas Berdych in the last four.

Roger Federer stands on the cusp of a historic eighth Wimbledon title after outbattling Tomas Berdych in a keenly contested semi-final.

The Swiss maestro has been in ageless, irresistible form over the past fortnight at SW19 and his quality told in the key moments of a hard-fought 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory on Centre Court.

In truth, Berdych - who has experience of beating Federer on this stage having overcome the great in the 2010 quarter-final -

did little wrong but the Czech's nerve failed him when it mattered most.

Australian Open champion Federer – who is still yet to drop a set this tournament – by contrast kept his composure to progress to Sunday's final against Marin Cilic, where victory will see own the most men's singles titles outright, with his current tally of seven matched by Pete Sampras.

Federer's movement, footwork and timing were a joy to behold in the early stages and he had already had a sniff at Berdych's serve in the sixth game, a thumping forehand followed by an exquisite overhead volley giving him a 4-2 lead.

Inexplicably, though, Berdych - who had struck the ball well without making too many inroads - levelled the set, as Federer toiled with the new balls and a costly double fault tied it at 4-4.

Berdych deserved credit for his resolve, but it ultimately counted for little as Federer masterfully controlled the breaker.

Federer landed a sublime forehand on the line but two break points were spurned early in a slog-fest of a second set that both players struggled to control.

It needed a crunching forehand from Federer to save two break points at 3-3 and that proved crucial as he again dominated the tie-break, three forehand winners

in a row leaving Berdych always playing catch up.

Berdych sensed an opportunity in the third when he had two break points in game six, but Federer nailed three aces from his next four serves to snuff out the danger.

It proved another key turning point as a forehand volley brought up break point for Federer in the next game, which was duly taken thanks to a Berdych error.

And Federer safely saw out the remainder of the match to reach an 11th Wimbledon final and earn his opportunity at history. (SportsMax)

IAAF U18 Champs

Russell breaks own record en route to gold

Froome survives danger as Sky execute perfect plan, Barguil wins F

OIX, France (Reuters) - Chris Froome remains in contention for a fourth Tour de France title after Team Sky put the pressure on their rivals with a perfectly executed plan in Friday's 13th stage, won on Bastille Day by France's Warren Barguil.

The plan could be a double-edged sword, though, now that Froome's team mate Mikel Landa has emerged as a potential Tour winner himself.

Italian Fabio Aru, who kept his cool despite quickly finding himself without any team mates to help him, retained the leader's yellow jersey and finished in the group of favourites with Froome and third-placed Romain Bardet, all 1:48 seconds off Barguil's pace.

"I was always composed," said Aru, whose Astana lieutenant Jakob Fuglsang abandoned on Friday after sustaining wrist and elbow fractures in a crash two days ago.

A day after Froome showed a rare sign of weakness on the final slope, Team Sky sent Spain's Landa in front when twice champion Alberto Contador attacked early on.

Landa finished fourth behind Contador and Colombian Nairo Quintana, who is back in contention in eighth place overall, 2:07 behind Aru. "Beating Contador is something huge for me because he's always been my idol," said Barguil.

"I had great legs today after a tough stage yesterday."

Aru leads Froome by six seconds overall with last year's runner-up Bardet in third place, 25 seconds behind the race leader and Colombian Rigoberto Uran in fourth, a further 10 seconds back.

Landa is now fifth, 1:09 behind Aru, and Team Sky's management will need to make clear who the leader is after the Spaniard, whose contract expires at the end of the year, finished ahead of Froome on Thursday.

The situation is reminiscent of 2012,

when Bradley Wiggins won the Tour but came under pressure from Froome, who had to be restrained by Sky's team managers on a mountain stage when he appeared stronger than his leader.

Asked if he felt stronger than Froome, Landa said: "I don't think so, Chris has won three Tours de France."

Froome appeared to struggle in the last of three climbs in the punchy 101-km stage, but he still managed to attack his rivals in the final part of the Mur de Peguere, a punishing 9.3-km ascent at an average gradient of 7.9 percent.

"Landa is a real threat now for the overall title in Paris, it's a great card for us to play, especially since Astana don't have the numbers to control the race," said Froome.

"I'm very happy. That's a perfect position for us especially going into these (tough) stages coming up, he could be a card for us to play again."

Sky never had to chase on a day of danger for them as Landa, who appears to be in top shape despite riding the Giro d'Italia in May-June, was in front with Contador.

The leading duo were caught by Barguil and Quintana just before the summit of the Mur de Peguere and the Frenchman, who strengthened his grip on the polka dot jersey, proved the stronger sprinter.

In the final descent, Uran, Bardet and also Ireland's Dan Martin and Froome all attacked as they tried to leave Aru behind, but the Sardinian maintained his composure and stayed close to his opponents for the yellow jersey.

"At some point I stopped counting the attacks," said Aru. Saturday's 14th stage, a 181-km ride from Blagnac to Rodez, suits the breakaway specialists.

The overall contenders are expected to be in proper action again next Wednesday and Thursday in the last two mountain stages in the Alps.

Roger Federer

The Celtics and 76ers will play a 2017-18 regularseason game in London

I

t was expected and Jamaica's De'Jour Russell duly obliged.

The 17-year-old Jamaican won the 110m hurdles in record fashion at the 2017 IAAF U18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday.

The tall and powerful Russell, who set a new championship record of 13.08s in the semi-finals on Thursday, was even more devastating in the final winning in 13.04s. Russell did fall short of World U18 record (91.4cm) of 12.96 set by compatriot Jaheel Hyde in 2014.

Such was the margin of victory that second placed Hao Hu Lu of Taipei was more than three-tenths of a second behind in 13.41. Russell was more than half-second ahead of Thomas Wanaverbecq of France, who claimed bronze in 13.55.

It was Jamaica's second gold medal on the day as just minutes earlier Antonio Watson won the 400m in a personal best 46.59. Jamaica also has two bronze medals from the 100m sprints courtesy of Tyreke Wilson and Kevona Davis. (Sportsmax)

Joel Embiid’s 76ers and Al Horford’s Celtics will square off in London next year

T

he Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are scheduled to play a regular-season game at London’s O2 Arena on Jan. 11, 2018 as part of the ongoing NBA Global Games series, according to multiple reports.

The regular-season game between the Atlantic Division rivals will mark the fifth straight year the NBA has hosted at least one game in London and the eighth ever regular-season game in England’s capital.

After playing preseason games across the pond from 2007-10, the NBA first hosted a back-to-back set between the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets in London in March 2011. For the first time, the league sent two teams not from the East Coast over this past January — the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers — and it resulted in a 28-point blowout.

But ex-Pacers forward Paul George launched his signature Nike PG1 shoe in London, and ex-Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari did sport some pretty sweet knee-high British flag socks, so all in all, good times abroad.

The NBA also hosted two games in Mexico City this past January between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns and the Suns and San Antonio Spurs, resulting in much better fanfare than when Mexico City Arena filled with smoke in 2013 or Rajon Rondo’s 2015 suspension.

The league has also discussed expanding to and/or hosting a midseason tournament in Mexico City in the future.

In 2015, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “I believe it’s our manifest destiny to expand” to Europe, although “we have a long way to go” before that is feasible from a logistical standpoint. Considering sustainable NBA cities like Seattle are currently without a franchise, expansion abroad seems unlikely, especially with player rest being a hot-button issue. Still, Silver suggested during his trip to London in January that the NBA aims to increase the number or regular-season games played internationally. (Yahoosport)

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

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Williams Muguruza poses snatches formidable Silver – World U-18 Championships

Pg 19

venus williams

final hurdle for resurgent Venus

Pg 22

Garbine Muguruza

Digicel Schools Football Tournament

Chase Academy win

Pg 22

Georgetown North Zone final Chase’s captain Jeremy Garrett is a picture of concentration

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