Guyana times

144th Session of Synod

Anglican women can now be P14 ordained to priesthood in Guyana

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2892

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

PRICE

Flooded communities

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 5 residents block roads Page 9

Parking meter fiasco

Process dripping with suspicion P2 – Rohee …Jagdeo says Govt concerns hypocritical

Mechanic shop P11 robbery

Shot teen still critical – as protest actions are launched for Govt's assistance Residents of Bush Lot, Number 30 Village, Trafalgar and Union Region Five protested by blocking roads on Monday for Government's intervention in their flooded communities. In photo residents of Number 30 Village are seen blocking the roadway

Businessmen implicated in illegal fuel racket Page 14

1 dead, 1 injured in Houston accident

Plane wing explodes at Eugene F Correia Int’l Airport – 1 injured Page 7

Page 5

City Hall gives itself green light Govt/Fedders Lloyd hospital limbo “They were for parking meter project warned” – PPP General Secretary Page 3

...Govt satisfied with authenticity of company – Bulkan

Page 10

Mother, male friend in custody after 3-year-old molested P5 CAL not budging despite CJIA 21-day P7 ultimatum

Man jailed for causing death of Nigel Hughes’ P8 mother

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Berbice woman Process dripping with wanted for fraud suspicion – Rohee …Jagdeo says Govt concerns hypocritical T T Parking meter fiasco

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has joined with all Guyanese in rejecting the “selfish and anti-people measure by a few hard-nosed, hard-ears bureaucrats at City Council” to have parking meters installed in Georgetown. The Party said the plan must be shelved and be left to “rest in peace.”

The party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee said on Monday that the Council has been totally dismissive of the outright rejection by the overwhelming majority of citizens of Georgetown, and their representative organisations as well as members of City Council.

He said some members of the Council have become enthralled by the magic of the parking meter as a means of making money at the expense of citizens of Georgetown.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Rohee said that his party has also noted the total lack of transparency in the public bidding and tendering process of the choice of vendor of the parking meters: “The process is dripping with suspicion. More so, since the address of the head office of the vendor in Manhattan is non-existent, this smacks of the trail of the vanishing vendor.”

The party, he told the news conference, objects to the $500 per hour parking fee and finds that an 08:00 to 16:00 hours Monday to Friday employee, who owns a car and works in the city, will have to foot a $4000 per day or $80,000 per month parking bill.

“The PPP finds this unacceptable and it must be rejected by all right-minded Guyanese.”

According to him, the Granger administration cannot escape responsibility for this “catastrophic debacle” on the part of their “satraps ensconced at City Hall.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change Government is being hypocritical in all of this, as it is now crying foul at the City Council, when it has been doing the very same thing.

“The parking meter issue is another fiasco sanctioned by this government… the city council has hand-picked a few contractors, given them work with no bills of quantity, prepared no public

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

tendering process… how can they then lecture the City Council on lack of transparency, when they have been doing the same thing,” he told Guyana Times Monday.

He said the government, while in opposition, campaigned on the grounds that the PPP/C lacked transparency in its actions and that it was corrupt.

“They promised to do a better job and what we are seeing is a systematic violation of all of our tendering procedures and all the tenets of good governance,” Jagdeo said.

he Guyana Police Force on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Kadesiya Adams for questioning in relation to embezzlement committed at Singers Guyana Inc on April 21, 2015 at its Corriverton, Corentyne office.

The last known address for the 21-year-old woman was listed as Lot 155 Eliza and Mary Avenue, Number 78 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Guyana Times understands that the woman was a cashier at the household store.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Kadesiya Adams is asked to contact the Police

Wanted: Kadesiya Adams

on telephone numbers 3332151-3, 333-2191, 333-3876, 911 or at the nearest Police Station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Soesdyke man slapped with causing death charge

Dead: Ann Mohamed

A

man charged with causing death by dangerous driving was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Rupert Douglas, 26, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on January 30, 2016 at Coverden Public Road, EBD he drove motor car PTT 1892 in a manner dan-

Rupert Douglas

gerous to the public thereby causing the death of Ann Mohamed.

The prosecution told the Court that on the day in question, Mohammed was a pedestrian when the defendant’s motor car slammed into a parked pick-up truck which in turn struck the woman. She was reportedly pinned and died on the spot.

Douglas was granted $300,000 bail. He will return to Court on July 11.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 21– 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, June 22 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 21– 17:00h-18:30h and Wednesday, June 22 – 05:20h-06:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy to light rain showers can be expected throughout the day. Light cloud cover and light rain showers can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 04:50h and 17:18h reaching maximum heights of 2.66 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:51h and 23:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS c

06 13 19 22 25 26 17 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Monday, June 20, 2016 Daily Millions

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

City Hall gives itself green light for parking meter project

– Govt satisfied with authenticity of company

L

ess than a day after Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan said that the parking meter project for the city will have to be placed on hold, Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase Green on Monday announced that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) it will be going ahead with the project.

Over the past weeks, stakeholders have expressed concern over the possibility of the project being a shady deal aimed at exploiting the city populace, after doubts were raised about the authenticity of the company, Smart City Solutions Inc, which is collaborating with National Parking Systems (NPS) to install solar-powered parking meters in critical areas of Georgetown.

The Guyanese-born director of NPS and SCS, Kamau Cush, during an interview with Guyana Times just over a week ago, had insisted that his companies are legitimate and have been doing business on the international scene for a number of years.

He claimed that his companies have worked in Panama, Argentina, Peru and Mexico City, among others; however, checks by this publication at those locations turned up empty as there is no mention of either company.

Further checks on search engine www.whois.net revealed that the NPS website (http://npsgreatcities.com/) was registered on April 8, 2016 through www.godaddy. com a website hosting company in the US. This was about the same time fresh discussions about the installation of parking meters in Georgetown surfaced.

But at the press conference Monday, Mayor Chase-

Mayor Patricia Chase Green at the press conference Monday

Green, who recently returned from Mexico where she was accompanied by M&CC Town Clerk Royston King as well as Councillors Oscar Clarke and Junior Garrett, said they were satisfied with the contractor, who had funded the trip.

According to the Mayor, Smart City Solutions is part of an international consortium and is implementing the parking meter project at zero cost to the city.

“I along with Councillors Oscar Clarke and Junior Garrett, Town Clerk Royton King are satisfied with the bona fides of Smart City Solutions,” she declared.

The Mayor clarified that NPS is an agency known to the Council, but has partnered with Smart City Solutions forming a consortium that is based in Mexico City. It was pointed out that at no point was it mentioned that the office of the partnering agency was located in New York, USA, specifically in Manhattan.

Moreover, Chase-Green noted that during the visit, the team was able to verify the consortium’s five years’ operating in Mexico City; the first to install parking meters in Lima, Peru; installation of meters in Panama, and also

confirmed that the consortium is a distributor of parking meters equipment.

The mayor noted that these along with other information were handed over to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan during a meeting prior to the press briefing on Monday.

Among those documents were the contract signed by the City and Smart City Solutions, which he had requested weeks ago when the controversy arose.

When contacted, Minister Bulkan told his newspaper that he too was “satisfied” with the documentations presented to him. In addition, the team presented the Communities Minister with documentations that support the right of the City Council to go ahead with the project in keeping with Chapter 28:01 of the Local Authority

Laws.

On the other hand, the mayor sought to rubbish accusations that were being peddled in the media, stating that such reckless statements serves only to frustrate the progress of Georgetown: “It is my strong view that there is a group of individuals who wished to snatch this project and all of its benefits from this council and citizens for their own private enterprise and personal gains… this will not happen under my watch.”

There have been concerns raised by several members of the Council, including Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, who claimed they have been sidelined by the deal, noting among other things that the contract was not made available to them.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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TUESdAY, june 21, 2016

Views Emu on the run Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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Editorial

International Day of Yoga

For the second year, since the International Day of Yoga (IDOY) was launched, Guyana appears to be well on its way to commemorating it in style. On Sunday, obviously attempting to accommodate those who work or attend school today, the official day, several groups across Guyana did not just talk about YOGA, but actually practised it.

And this is a crucial difference about IDOY. It is based on a philosophy of life that privileges action over mere thinking about action. A 5000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice, it originated in India, and is meant to transform both body and mind. The word "yoga" is of Sanskrit origin and its affinity to the English word "yoke" make obvious the former's common origin with the latter: they both mean "union with". Yoga is both a state of connection and a collection of techniques that allow us to connect to anything. There are thus many kinds of "yoga" all eventually leading to an experience of deeper truths about the nature of reality.

The type of "yoga" that IDOY promotes is more properly called "Hatha Yoga", which includes the various postures (asanas); some of which most persons are now familiar with because of the phenomenal popularity of yoga in the West in recent years. But Hatha Yoga also includes breathing techniques (pranayama); purification techniques (shat karmas); energy regulation techniques (mudra and bandha) all of which are opened to adepts after they become familiar with the basic postures.

While these postures are a way station to deeper realisations, in and of themselves in modern parlance, they were a series of "exercises" that utilise every muscle group of the human body and induce profound effects on several internal organs. For instance, at the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) IDOY's function at Leonora on Sunday, they announced a programme to be launched later this year called "Yoga for Diabetes". In conjunction with a diet regimen and lifestyle changes, specific yoga techniques will be taught to individuals having a diabetic condition, which would stimulate the pancreas to produce some insulin in addition to providing general bodily exercise.

IDOY was the result of a call by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the UN General Assembly not long after he captured the imagination of world leaders after his election to office in May 2014.

On September 27, of that year, he declared: "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise, but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. " Following on PM Modi's proposal, on December 11 in 2014, the UN General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This day – the day of the annual Summer Solstice – was chosen because in the words of Modi, "the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world." It is the beginning of summer in this hemisphere.

The logo of IDOY is also deeply symbolic. It has two hands in the famous "namaste" pose which represents "the union of individual Consciousness with that of universal Consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. Brown leaves symbolise the Earth element, green leaves symbolise Nature, blue symbolises the Water element, brightness symbolises the Fire element and the Sun symbolises the source of energy and inspiration. The logo reflects harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga."

In the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, "This year’s observance of the International Day of Yoga highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last year by all 193 United Nations Member States."

An emu runs to escape an approaching wildfire as it burns near Potrero, California, June 20, 2016 (Reuters/Mike Blake)

Mocha needs help Dear Editor, I call upon the government to expeditiously address the challenges faced by residents living within Mocha/Arcadia. We have been living under deplorable conditions, somewhat as if we are a neglected community.

For several years, villagers have been commuting on either damaged, or damage and narrow roads. At the state it’s in now, we can no longer fill the holes with solid waste. It would require major repairs or complete reconstruction, and in the case of those that are too narrow, expansion.

The fact that it’s impossible for any rescue services to respond efficiently to my community makes me very concerned. Sadly, there are

senior citizens who have had to walk great distances because buses refuse to traverse the damaged roads, the situation is the same for school children and the working class, both in the evening and throughout the day.

This brings me to the second issue at present: street lights. There are not enough street lights installed throughout the village.

There are many petty crimes that are not reported to the relevant authority, most they happen in the dark of night. I believe, and studies have shown that street lighting reduces crime and traffic accidents by a considerable amount and it is therefore necessary to have it for these reasons.

I also believe that there

is a need for the construction of a Youth Friendly Space particularly in the New Housing Scheme of Arcadia; this should include a library and research centre, a play park, a community stage and sporting facilities that can host Football, Basketball, Tennis, Netball and Cricket tournaments. But more importantly, it should house a Skills Training facility, and built with sufficient space to house community-based organisations and cultural groups.

To whom this may concern, to those who are proud Cabinet members of the Government; to all politicians; and to those who are privileged members of the elite communities, this is my humble plea to you fellow

countrymen: “Do not turn a blind eye on things you know are wrong, stand for what is right. The solution to division is treating all equally, despite their socio-economic status, ethnicity or religion. ” In closing, I’d like to invite President David Arthur Granger to visit the community of Mocha/Arcadia once during the day to see the neglected condition of our roads, the drainage system surrounding the community, and lack of recreational facilities. And, once during the night to see how necessary it for us to have street lights both on the Mocha Entrance Road and throughout the village.

S i n c e r e l y , Ja'asriel Bishop

Dear Editor, The Viraat Sabhaa (Guyana) condemns the merciless slaughtering of innocent lives in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A, which occurred on Sunday 12th June, 2016.

The Viraat Sabhaa like other Hindus considers Life as a Divine Gift. A human body is only assumed as reward of multitudes of meritorious deeds. Everyone has the right to live a full life; no one has the right to snatch away the gift of Life from another. Life is livable only to the extent when one could see himself in every other being.

The Shree Mad Bhagavad Gita, which is the main scriptural injunction for the Hindus, advocated the Principle of non-injury (Ahinsa) and detachment.

The Gita emphasised in no uncertain terms that man should not be a source of an-

noyance to his fellow creatures and at the same time be free from envy, perturbation and fear.

Hinduism advocates the principle of oneness that God exists or pervades in every being (animate or inanimate). The Upanishads, one of the most ancient Hindu scriptures mentioned that there is one God existing in all being. He is the inner soul of all beings, the governor of actions, dweller in all people and witness of all.

not the answer to Life’s problem.

The world at large has been witnessing multitudes of violent criminal experiences. Even in our own country, we face the perils of domestic abuse, issues within families, fatal and senseless killings. These sad experiences severely hinder every aspect of Human development.

The Viraat Sabhaa like other religious groups in Guyana enjoys a friendly relationship with every strata of society and is convinced that harmonious relationship will continue to exist amongst our people and the coherence experienced, will not dissolve into anything that is adverse to our existence.

The Viraat Sabhaa encourages peaceful consultation wherever there are opposing ideas.

The Sabhaa embraces

the principle that the world is one family and to hurt someone is to add to our own self-injury.

The Viraat Sabhaa believes that humanity exists where there is full preservation of life. The extinction of human civilisation is influenced by greed and hate.

The Sabhaa expresses sincere sympathy to all those affected by the unnecessary assault of the violators. The Sabhaa hopes that disaster of this nature will never adversely affect our country, and that there will be continuous appreciation by our citizens to appreciate humanity and life as a whole.

Viraat Sabhaa (Guyana) condemns slaughtering of innocent lives

It is with this view, the Viraat Sabhaa support the principle of non-injury, especially when pain is being inflicted upon innocent people by someone or persons who believe they can escape the rebounding law of nature. The Sabhaa believes that there will always be disagreement which would influence confrontation but violent confrontations are

Sincerely, Rabindranath Persaud President of the Viraat Sabhaa (Guyana)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Local Government Commission

1 dead, 1 injured Govt, Opposition nominees to be known this week in Houston T accident

By Shemuel Fanfair

Dead: Paulette Josiah

A

former member of the X Factor Dance Troupe was on Monday morning killed, while another person was injured following a vehicular accident in the vicinity of Houston, Greater Georgetown.

Dead is 21-year-old Paulette Josiah of Lot 127 CC Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The name of the injured person was not immediately available.

He is reportedly a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to reports, Josiah was the pillion rider on a CG motorcycle when it was reportedly struck from behind by another vehicle.

The young woman sustained injuries and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she died while receiving medical treatment.

While information remains sketchy about the fatal accident, Josiah’s aunt told Guyana Times on Monday night that the woman left home on Sunday for work. She reportedly worked at an East Bank gas station.

The grieving aunt ex-

Correction

G

uyana Times inadvertently published in its Monday 13 June edition, under the headline, “PNC was afraid of WPA –Alexander” that Vincent Alexander is an executive member of the People’s National Congress. Mr Alexander is in fact a former executive member.

plained that she was at work when she received a telephone call from a relative informing her of the accident.

She immediately rushed to the Hospital, but by that time, the young woman had died.

The family, Josiah’s aunt added, did not know much about the accident and were looking for answers. During the brief telephone conversation, the aunt noted that the young woman might have left work and gone out with friends and was apparently heading home when the accident occurred.

She noted that the family members have to revisit the police station today for an update as to what really transpired.

The woman related that family members were in a state of shock over the death of the young woman. The mother of the dead woman, Guyana Times understands, is devastated.

“Every time, she look at Paulette photo she faint... she staring at the walls as if she is lost,” a family friend related.

Josiah was the eldest of four children and was described as a hardworking and determined young lady.

The Police have launched an investigation into the accident. It is not clear if anyone was in Police custody assisting with investigations.

he management of local democratic organs will soon fall under the watchful eye of a Local Government Commission (LGC). This comes after months of delays, and repeated calls, for the body’s establishment as Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan will no longer issue directives on local government matters, rather, this will fall under the perview of the LGC. In light of his announcement that LGC will now be operationalised by early July, the Communities Minister told this publication Monday that nominees for the Government side will be known by Wednesday.

Bulkan however pointed out that he has not heard word from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on their nominees for LGC posts: “We have not received a response from him (the Opposition leader) as yet.”

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told this newspaper on Monday

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

that the PPP/C nominees will soon be chosen.

“I suspect this matter will be dealt with tomorrow or alternatively on Friday, our nominees will be selected.”

The opposition leader further related that he could not reveal the names of the nominees as the matter is under discussion among party members: “Once we discuss the matter conclusively, we will release the names.”

PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had earlier this month contended that although Minister Bulkan was “constantly reminded”, the Opposition Leader had not received a formal letter.

“The Leader of Opposition by law, the President by law shall appoint a certain number of people. The Act talks about the minister responsible for local government triggering this. The Minister of Communities has to trigger the action to write the Leader of the Opposition to say according to section so and so of the Act, we require the following, I’ve raised this matter over and over again,” Teixeira had explained at a party press conference.

At that time, she noted that three sittings had passed but there were no moves on the matter: “There seems to be no haste on the government’s side to get the motion into the Parliament.”

It was after the return of Local Government Elections (LGE) that tensions and controversy surrounded the establishment of some of the local democratic organs.

Even before that ensued,

Mother, male friend in custody after 3-year-old molested

A

Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) mother is now in custody following the discovery that her 3-year-old daughter was sexually molested.

This newspaper was told that the child is hospitalised.

The woman was taken into custody along with a male friend after she reported to the Springlands Police Station that her infant was bleeding profusely from the vagina.

According to reports, the mother made the report on Saturday and she and her male friend were arrested on Monday.

At the time the report was made the woman’s husband along with their two other children, was at sea working. The father of the child is a fisherman.

According to Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam, the mother of the child had not given Police the name of

any suspect who may have committed the act, and as such she was taken into custody.

Amsterdam said following investigations, the woman’s siblings provided information which led to the arrest of the man. He said it was revealed that relatives reported that the man had some interactions with the child’s mother earlier in the day.

The investigations are continuing.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan

government had promised that the LGC would be functioning from early 2016.

The commission will be tasked with monitoring and assessing the performance of the local government organs, administer disciplinary action, and implement policies such as tax collection.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016

Page

guyana-times.com

Foundation

By Debbie Pincus

By Shelley Preston

M

y toddler thinks she can do anything – until she can't. “Mommy do it!” she demands, thrusting the offending object my way.

Daddy also gets flustered quickly, like the time he let the f-bomb fly while fussing with three different TV remotes. Now our daughter has a new weapon to deploy when a video takes more than two seconds to load.

Did my daughter inherit his temperamental ways?

Can parents pass on traits that aren't in the D N A , like sense of humour or style?

Child psychologists say yes. It's called modelling, where a child learns by observation and imitation.

And like the genes that provided our daughter's hair and pixie nose, it contributes to who our children become, says George Holden, PhD, a psychologist at Southern Methodist University and author of Parenting: A Dynamic Perspective. “When you observe a behaviour in your child, ask yourself, ‘Where did that come from?’

In many cases for young children, it came from a parent.”

Kathy Kane of Denver sees modelling played out in a more positive way. Her

five-year-old son, Patrick, has had plenty of opportunities to watch his mom paint and draw, and has picked up on her artistic sensibility.

“He'll stop and tell me how beautiful something is, or point out cloud shapes,” notes

Kane, adding that “according to his teacher, Patrick is well developed in writing his letters and shapes.” Not a bad by-product.

Does this mean we can direct our children to pick up our interests? Yes, with limits, says Margaret Tresch Owen, PhD, director of the Centre for Children and Families at the University of Texas.

“Show enthusiasm or recognition for an ability you like,” she says. But if your child has no interest in becoming the next Picasso,

leave it be.

As for those not-sogreat traits: When Jackie Candelaria of Orlando sees her youngest child lashing out at his older brother, she thinks he's acquired her occasional hotheadedness: “I've told him that Mommy doesn't always handle things the best way.” Good move: Awareness of your actions –and a willingness to t a l k

about them – a r e the best ways to stop the cycle, says Owen.

In a calm moment, she suggests saying, “I showed you a side of myself yesterday that I don't feel good about.”

“Letting your child know the difference between appropriate and questionable behaviour will help him make better decisions about expressing raw emotion,” explains Owen.

As for our four-yearold, my husband and I have become more conscientious about our behaviour.

Because in the long run, patience is more important than her red hair and pixie nose, although patience isn't nearly as cute. (Parenting.com)

H

ave you ever noticed that when things aren’t going right, particularly with your children, your knee-jerk reaction is to do more of something – not less? If they are not listening to you, you most likely raise your voice, rather than lower it. If they are struggling with something difficult, you jump in with loads of ideas, rather than keeping quiet or offering only one or two ideas.

In truth, however, a softer voice would probably be more effective in getting their attention, while offering fewer of your own ideas would motivate them to devise their own solutions.

In our culture, there is a strong assumption that when our children are struggling it means they need more: more attention, more time, more focus, more love.

Johnny seems a bit daydreamy lately, so perhaps he needs more attention from his parents. Jessie isn’t doing well enough in school this semester, maybe she needs more focus from teachers and parents. Or Emma seems to have low self-esteem, so maybe she needs more love, acknowledgement, and approval.

Stop over-giving, over-praising, and over-sharing

Maybe for some children and for some parents, this is true some of the time – but most of the time it is not. Often, giving more of those things is a sure way to impair our children. Even though we react this way out of love, we can be causing the very opposite result of what we intend.

From Day 1, we’ve been conditioned to over-function for our children. By overdoing, over-giving, and overpraising, we are contributing to their ultimate dependence on these things.

As a result, now Jessie believes she can’t manage her schoolwork without lots of help from her parents.

Emma can’t feel good about herself unless she gets others’ approval and acknowledgement, while Johnny doesn’t know how to regulate himself without getting others’ time, focus and attention. We have unwittingly encouraged dependence rather than self-reliance. Children get addicted.

And sometimes we parents get our own validation by feeling useful and necessary through over-doing for our children. But in the end, they learn helplessness rather than resilience.

Tolerating our children’s pain

We hear all the time that in order to be a good parent, partner, or friend it is important to fulfil others’ needs and be empathetic to their feelings. Yes, that is important, but only up to a point.

For example, 13-yearold Nicole was very anxious about going on sleepovers at friends’ houses. Her parents empathised with her pain and struggle so much that they ran to pick her up as soon as she texted them with any indication of her discomfort. They would bring her home and hug her and listen to her express her sadness about “failing” again. They would do whatever they could to make her feel better and assure her that she had not failed, she was just not ready.

Is it possible that what Nicole really needed was to become more responsible for herself? Her parents could have encouraged her to challenge her fear, manage her anxiety, and regulate her own emotions.

If Nicole’s parents acknowledged her struggle and pain without rescuing her from it, Nicole could finally

have grown up and become a more self-reliant and responsible person. This, of course, requires the parents to tolerate her pain. Although it can be very hard to do, it is only when parents can raise their tolerance level for their child’s pain that their child can be motivated to do the same.

When more is the answer

So is more ever better than less? Of course.

Think less about fulfilling your children’s needs and more about helping them be responsible for their own. For instance, “I am not running back to school so that you can get the homework books you forgot – you will have to find a way to find out what is due tomorrow or make it up.”

Think less about your children’s feelings and more about helping them function at their best.

“You may not feel like saying you are sorry to your cousin, but I am holding you accountable to do the right thing.”

Think less about buying into their whining and complaining and more about helping them manage and regulate themselves. “I know that you hate doing your chores, but when I ask you to do them I expect them to get done. You can be unhappy about it, but please find a way not to drag others down when you are unhappy.”

Be there for your kids in the ways they actually need you, but move out of their way otherwise. And learn to know the difference.

Letting go

When you are told by teachers, in-laws and friends that your children seem to need more from you –attention, time, focus, acknowledgement, approval – stop and think hard about it. Do they really? Are you actually neglecting them? If so, then of course you should do more of what they need from you.

(Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Duty-free fiasco

CAL not budging despite CJIA 21-day ultimatum

T

rinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) remains firm in its position not to flout Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, despite a 21-day ultimatum delivered by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) regarding duty-free items purchased by outgoing passengers at Guyana’s main airport.

The CJIA threatened to terminate its agreement unless the carrier rectifies a situation where the passengers are forced to relinquish the duty-free items in Trinidad.

“Accordingly, take notice unless CAL remedies its aforesaid default and comply with the said notice of June 15, 2015 within 21 Days of this notice to remedy default, CJIAC will be at liberty to proceed to cancel the air carrier agreement under article 9.3 thereof,” the airport management’s said in a letter to the airline last week The letter also highlighted that passengers, under CAL and CJIA security supervision, would be allowed to have their duty-free items

secured in their checked luggage.

It was noted that before an agreement was made, numerous discussions were made involving local law enforcements, duty-free concessionaires and Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority, Caribbean Airline personnel and representatives.

But in a response, CAL, which has been flying to Georgetown since 2007, said that while Guyana remains an important destination and the airline remains committed to its Guyanese custom-

7

Plane wing explodes at Eugene F Correia Int’l Airport – 1 injured

O

ne man is confirmed injured following the explosion of the right wing of a Britten Norman Trislander aircraft at the hangar of Roraima Airways at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast

Monday afternoon, stated that the company would be assisting the engineer with his medical care.

“An investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway by both

Cheddi Jagan International Airport

ers, it must comply with all regulatory directives of the sovereign states into which it operates, as do all other international airlines.

It pointed out that one such regulatory body is the TSA, which governs the security processes and conducts audits for all carriers flying into the United States of America.

The airline added that in light of screening rules which are in accordance with TSA measures being applied at any Last Point of Departure (LPD) to the United States, and a recent TSA audit, a restriction on the entry of transit duty free into the sterile holding areas of all transit airports has been imposed.

“Consequently, customers departing from Guyana or any other Caribbean des-

tination with duty free items who are connecting on flights to the United States on any airline cannot enter the sterile holding area of any airport through which they transit en route to the United States,” the airline indicated.

The Trinidad-owned airline said that while it sought to balance its regulatory obligations with its customers’ desire to make duty-free purchases, this proved to be challenging as it resulted in items remaining unclaimed at the final destination, as well as damage to fragile

items.

“Customer comfort and convenience are top priorities of Caribbean Airlines and we continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation and Airport authorities, to achieve a workable solution to ensure we remain compliant with the TSA regulations and provide quality service to our valued customers,” the statement added.

Last week David Patterson, the Guyanese Minister with responsibility for the aviation sector, explained the genesis of the controversy.

“The issue stems from duty free concessions. There has been a long-standing issue with Guyanese whereas when we travel to Trinidad, we deplane and go through the security checks in Trinidad. What is being implemented now is that when you go through, you’re asked to take out your baggage, and when you take out your baggage it will include the duty-free concessionaries from Guyana. Currently, the regulations are that you cannot carry anything over ten fluid ounces,” he related.

He explained that it became an issue of national interest after travellers complained that when they pass through security in Port of Spain, they are unable to carry their purchases from Guyana; particularly alcoholic beverages even though it is in compliance with the regulations. As such, these passengers lose their products at security after it is rejected during screening.

He went on to point out that even though similar issues arise at other airports, those airports usually make

accommodations for these passengers.

Minister Patterson added that on several occasions, the CJIA approached the airline with several suggestions in attempts to resolve the conflict; however, these suggestions were ignored and the issue was left unresolved.

“What is being suggested is that Guyana, CJIA and Caribbean Airlines reach some form of accommodation that if you bought products in Guyana legally, verifiably and it comes in a sealed package, the airport would collect it from you and return it as you deplane at your final destination,” he explained..

This proposal, the minister revealed, was put to Caribbean Airlines and they attempted to implement it but in the end they refused to proceed.

“We do believe that Guyanese travellers have rights as well and we believe that what applies in any other airport and any other airline should apply to us. We do believe that we can have a resolution; unfortunately none has been reached so far,” the minister stated.

Minister Patterson pointed out that the decision to present CAL with an ultimatum was made after months of deliberations by CJIA’s board, as none of the proposals made by the airport were finding favour with CAL. He further expressed hopes that CAL will seek to resolve the issue within the stipulated timeframe so as to avoid further conflicts.

In 2013, Guyana granted the Trinidad-based airline “flag carrier status” with CAL transporting over 350,000 passengers to and from Guyana annually.

The Trislander involved in the explosion

Demerara on Monday.

Head of the local airline, Captain Gerry Gouveia, speaking with Guyana Times shortly after the explosion, confirmed that the injured engineer suffered burns to his hand and fractured ankles. He was taken to a private medical institution where he was admitted for treatment. His condition is listed as stable.

Gouveia described the incident as a maintenance accident. He noted that it took place during a routine examination of the aircraft. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.

Roraima, in a statement on

our Maintenance Quality Department and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA),” the company added.

Gouveia said the company was arranging for counselling for the maintenance team and all team members who were affected by the explosion.

Guyana Times understands that a woman who was nearby at the time of the explosion suffered shock and trauma.

Meanwhile, the company stated that while the temporary inability to use the aircraft was difficult at this point in time, its flight operations would not be significantly disrupted. (Bhisham Mohamed)

City Hall gives itself ...

However in response the Mayor clarified that an informative session was held with the incumbent council pertaining to the contract for the parking meter project, which was undertaken by previous Council and so the current members were brought up-todate.

Furthermore, ChaseGreen said: “We took a deliberate decision not to share the contract because we wanted to secure investment.” This, she stated, was because of bad experiences with sharing contracts, proposals and initiatives, only to have them taken from the Council.

She went on to say that it was unfortunate that individuals have taken upon themselves to use social media to express reservations about the project. She was referring to the Deputy Mayor and added: “If any member was actively involved in the matters of the council and reading

FROM PAGE 3

their minutes and updating themselves with the minutes, they would have recognised that the announcement was in there and they agreed and adopted those minutes so I found it very strange when persons can say to the media, they were not involved or they did not know.”

The Georgetown Mayor noted the contracted consortium has already deployed a technical team to Guyana to conduct various assessments.

She further stated that the parking meters are being procured to be shipped to Guyana in time for the September 1, 2016 roll out.

Additionally, Chase-Green noted that with the consortium standing the full cost of installation and operationalisation of the project, the M&CC will be receiving 20 per cent of gross earnings along with other benefits which includes the job provision for some 100 persons.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Man jailed for causing death of Nigel Hughes’ mother

By Kizzy Coleman

J

uliano Seunarine, the driver who was charged with causing the death of Christobel Hughes, the mother of former Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Attorney Nigel Hughes, was on Monday jailed for four years.

The sentence was handed down by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan following the conclusion of the trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

When he was charged in August 2015, Seunarine pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on August 15, 2015 at Pike and Lamaha Streets, Kitty, Georgetown, he drove motor pick-up PPP 4641 in a dangerous manner to the public thereby causing the death of Hughes.

In handing down her decision, Magistrate McLennan explained that

Dead: Christobel Hughes

at the time of the accident, the defendant, based on evidence presented, was under the influence of alcohol. The Magistrate stated that the Court has concluded that Hughes died as a result of the accident.

As such, she added, the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the offence.

McLennan added that

the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The defence in a plea of mitigation petitioned for leniency, pointing out that the defendant, who is 28 years old, is the sole provider for his family, including an ailing mother.

The Court heard that the defendant since the incident has spent two months in prison while being on remand.

After listening to the defence, Magistrate McLennan sentenced Seunarine to spend four years in prison.

This decision was met with a loud outburst from his family and relatives who were present in court and began crying.

According to reports, on the day in question around 23:15h, the defendant drove motor vehicle PPP 4641 on Pike Street, and, as he approached Lamaha Street, he

T

Mohanlall of $15,000 and immediately thereafter used personal violence against him.

Mohanlall, a security guard, was working the night shift when he was attacked by the teens and robbed.

The teenagers’ mothers were present in court.

As a condition of bail, the teens are expected to report to the Suddie Police Station every Saturday. The case will continue on July 1.

A

teenager was on Monday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Teon Williams, 18, of Lot 1 Chapel and Durban Streets, Georgetown, initially pleaded not guilty to the charge of robbery and was granted $125,000 bail.

It was alleged that on September 17, 2015 at Sussex Street, Georgetown,

Fixing what's broke...

B Juliano Seunarine

failed to stop, colliding with motor vehicle PMM 6763.

As a result of the impact, Hughes received multiple injuries to her body and died while being rushed to the hospital.

A breathalyser test was conducted on Seunarine by Police Officers, which revealed that his alcohol level was 161 micrograms when the legal limit is 35.

Riverstown teens charged Teen to serve 4-year jail for robbery with violence sentence for robbery

wo teenagers from Riverstown Village on the Essequibo Coast were slapped with a robbery with violence charge to which they pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The duo, Seewnarine (only name) and Joseph Wilson were granted $40,000 bail each.

It is alleged that on June 14, 2016, they robbed Kowsal

Eyew tness

he robbed Verma Wilson Thom of two passports along with $145,000 in cash.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman, in presenting the prosecution’s case, stated that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC), a teacher, was visiting Georgetown for a conference when she was robbed.

According to the prosecution, Thom was on her way to the conference when the defendant rode up on a black BMX bicycle and tried to snatch her gold bangle from her hand. He was unsuccessful in doing so, but turned around and snatched her bag which contained the items.

Magistrate McGusty said that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Williams was guilty of the offence.

After the sentence was handed down, Williams’ mother took to the streets to vent her frustration, screaming that her son was innocent of the offence.

...in local govt

rian Hunt, up to recently Deputy Head of Mission at the US Embassy, took the time to deliver some home truths to the political players in Guyana just as he departed our shores. As one who was involved in almost every political initiative during the three years...one can safely say his opinions were "informed". In his sweeping desiderata for Guyana, he advised "decentralisation" of the powers of central government.

Was he...gasp!!...calling for "Federalism"?? Wasn't that what those discredited troublemakers from ROAR were calling for until they were blue in the face? They'd sounded like the fella from yore who was crying in the wilderness for years about "one who was to come". Was Brian that "one"?

After all, we've just had the first Local Government Elections in Guyana in 23 years. And this was what both sets of politicians (forget about the AFC – they're dead as a Dodo) had been swearing would deliver "decentralisation", nuh? So, surely Hunt couldn't be talking about that arrangement, since he'd been intimately involved in getting that consummated.

Naaah! Even in the short time since the elections, Hunt had ample time to figure out that nothing substantive will change in the distribution of power under the present arrangements. Just look how Georgetown’s Town Clerk – a creature of the Minister of Communities – has been throwing his weight around. And all the ELECTED local councilmen and councilwomen's opinion hasn't been worth a bucket of warm spit! Notwithstanding his title, the Minister of "Communities" is still a part of CENTRAL Government – where ALL powers still reside.

Another clue on change would've been the "Local Govt Commission" that was supposed to change the locus of power away from the Minister of Communities into the hands of the members of the Commission. This is now supposed to be in place by next month. But what exactly will change? The Minister of Communities is appointed by the President – and so will the MAJORITY of the members of the Local Government Commission!

As we say in Guyana, it’s six of one or half a dozen of the other!!

So, we return to what looks like Hunt's cryptic endorsement of Federalism for Guyana. You see, Hunt, like all Americans, understood "decentralisation" to mean "federalism" for 240 years. That is from America's birth in 1776. Hunt knows that only in "federalism" are the powers of the local organs of Government enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution spells out the specific powers of every level of government.

And if anyone from "above" tries to stick their nose where it doesn't belong...the courts can cut it off!

Off with their noses!!

...in education?

The Learning Channel was a wonderful innovation the last administration introduced to utilise modern telecommunications technology to deliver our education curriculum to our students in the far-flung hinterland. And as a bonus to this on the coast. The TV part wasn't that new...but the transmission certainly was. "Uplinking" and "downlinking" signals made it seem as if we'd caught up with the Star Trek generation of "Beam me up, Scotty!"

But one thing the PPP didn't do was to use the channel to peddle Government propaganda. And let's not get into that tedious discussion to parse the difference between "propaganda" and "information", bottom line is , the name "Learning Channel" describes perfectly what the initiative is all about. For our children to be assisted in "learning" their schoolwork.

Did the Minister of Education agree to this subversion of his responsibility to shape our youngsters' pliant minds?

But more to the point, didn't the Ministry of Information learn anything from their attempt at subverting the Chronic?

...in governance

The phrase "abolishing winner-takes-all politics" has been around even longer than this country's been independent. So why hasn't it been put into place yet?

Because some folks aren't convinced they won't then "lose corn and lose husk"!

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Flooded communities

Barama rape case

Region 5 residents block roads – as protest actions are launched for Govt's assistance

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he weeks-long flood situation in many areas in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica) appears to be volatile as over 200 angry residents took drastic measures to highlight their plight. Residents of Number 30 Village, Trafalgar and Union were first to vent their frustrations over the flood crisis.

According to reports, on Monday residents gathered at a section of Number 30 Village, and with the use of trailers, blocked a major access road, which caused a 45-minute traffic delay.

Guyana Times was told that the residents and farmers are especially angry since their area has been once again flooded, mere days after the water had receded.

The Guyana Police Force had to be summoned to prevent the situation from further escalating.

This publication also learnt that Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) General Manager Aubrey Charles had to rush to the area and explain to the angry crowd what measures were being implemented to alleviate the flooding.

This newspaper understands that this contributed

No 1 accused tells court sex was consensual

– 2 deny being at location

T

Traffic was held up for 45 minutes as residents protest on Monday

to the restoration of order in the area. However, later in the day, Police were once again summoned as the situation flared, but this time in Bush Lot, where the road was also blocked. Police removed the encumbrance.

Guyana Times was previously told that several clogged drains and weeds were contributing to the flooding there.

The Regional Administration had called on the MMA to clear those drains to bring relief to the area. Attempts on Monday to garner a comment from the MMA general manager proved futile.

Earlier on Monday, Guyana Times had received reports of major flooding in Lovely Lass, one of the ar-

eas where the flooding had decreased. One farmer said that his entire pasture was inundated, which is threatening his livestock.

Meanwhile, this newspaper was told that many persons in the flooded communities, especially farmers, are demanding that they receive compensation to help them to get back on their feet.

It was only recently that this newspaper reported that in Union and Lovely Lass, most of the water had receded while it was pointed out that the Mahaicony riverine communities remained inundated. However, recent heavy rains have caused a return of flooding.

There have also been

media reports of vandalism to some of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) water pumps.

It was on Saturday and Sunday that affected residents in Moraikobai in Region 5 received food hampers from the CDC. These hampers were given to 160 flood-affected families.

It had been pointed out that the installation of radio sets in the village is part of the CDC’s efforts to establish early warning systems.

These radios will be used for warnings and forecasting as part of future monitoring of flood conditions.

The flood situation in Region 5 has been occurring at intervals for almost two months.

he three men accused of raping a 17-year-old girl on the Barama Complex all took to the stand to give sworn testimony in the presence of a mixed jury and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the High Court on Monday.

Paul Abrams of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara; Claude Craig of Barama Quarters, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, and Holston Melville, called “Pumpkin”, are all on trial for the alleged rape which occurred at the Barama Land of Canaan Complex.

Craig is represented by Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Kezia Williams, while Abrams and Melville are both represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos.

Abrams, the number one accused, on Monday told the Court that the sex was consensual, while his co-defendants pleaded not guilty and denied being at the location. Senior Counsel De Santos concluded his submissions, while Attorney Hughes and State Counsel Siand Dhurjon are expected to present their submissions today.

According to reports,

the teen was raped by Abrams, her supervisor, while she was working the night shift with him.

Abrams allegedly asked for help and then led the teen into a room and had sex with her without her consent.

After the accused was finished, he allegedly locked the teen in the room and returned with a friend who reportedly sodomised her after which the third accused allegedly went in and did the same.

The Police were summoned and charges were later filed.

10

guyana-times.com

tuesDAY, june 21, 2016

News Govt/Fedders Lloyd hospital limbo

“They were warned” – PPP General Secretary P eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee said the hot water Government has found itself in with the India-based contractor Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited could have been avoided, had it heeded the advice of the masses.

He said Government has been failing to take advice from anyone, and, as usual, only realises its mistake “when scandals hit them in their face”.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Friday announced that Government was once again putting the multibillion-dollar Specialty Hospital Project on hold, since it was found out that the contractor was blacklisted by the World Bank. The Administration, he said, will be discontinuing the arrangement with the construction company.

The company was selected by Government, after the former contractor, Surendra Engineering Inc, was fired by the former PPP/C Administration in 2014. Following that dismissal, the new Administration came under fire for selecting Fedders Lloyd without carrying out the requisite procurement process. Government’s contention was that the compa-

An artist’s impression of the Specialty Hospital

ny was the second-ranked bidder after Surendra, so the move was very much appropriate.

Rohee, at the press conference on Monday, said the “fiasco” could have very well been avoided.

“The PPP has been warning the Government about the contractor, about going down that road.”

Government, he said, has been going down the road of sole sourcing and ignoring the views of others that the Project should be returned to tender.

“I hope they have learnt their lesson from that,” Rohee told this publication on Monday.

“It appears that Government has been go-

ing down the path on matters totally oblivious to what people have to say in the country. They feel that they have all the answers, not listening to anyone and the only time they listen is when they come under enormous pressure and when scandal hits them in their face, like this matter,” he added.

The information on the Indian company was communicated to Government by the Indian High Commission here via a letter dated June 2016. “(The letter said), among other things, the contractor Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited was not eligible to continue the Project because it was de-

barred or disbarred by the World Bank for projects until 2020 due to its procurement policy,” the Minister related.

He further stated that the Indian Government expressed preference for a fresh tendering process to be conducted to select a new India-based contractor to execute the project.

Harmon pointed out that this new development has resulted in the Project being once again put on hold to facilitate a new tendering process for a new contracting firm prepared to complete the project for the remaining US$13.8 million.

“The tendering process, as we are aware, actually takes quite a while – several months it takes – to be completed and while this process is undertaken, the loan sum continues to be eroded by inflation, interests and fees,” the Minister of State outlined.

He explained that in light of this development, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Public Health have been requested by Cabinet to make “certain enquiries” of the Indian Government before a definitive course of action is taken by Guyana on the Specialty Hospital Project.

Fears sweeping across the mud land: Are they real or imagined?

T

he late US President Franklin D Roosevelt once said that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Roosevelt was, of course, addressing the common economic and social difficulties that emerged out of the Great Depression in 1930 and was urging Americans to be strong in times of despair. The rest is now history.

In Guyana, we have our own fears which can be aptly labelled as Guyana post-independence depression since this regime wormed itself into power over a year ago. Unlike Roosevelt, there is no sound vision to put the people’s mind at ease. Within one year, the once prosperous Berbice, for example, has become the most woe-begotten county in Guyana by a gang of despots and their loyal minions.

These individuals have inflicted a blot on rural happiness by using Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine their machete-wielding political mentality to cut the lifeline of agriculture that once fed Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

To recall, when the coalition regime was the opposition, it used a scissors to the budget. Now, it is using a chainsaw to the budget, especially in its non-supporting base. Undoubtedly and unfortunately, witch-hunting has become a norm for this regime.

The consequence is that Berbice and Amerindian communities, for example, have sadly become economic deserts.

There is a real fear that the PNC style of dictatorship will return to this country not by creeping steadily through the night but by high-handedness in broad daylight. My hope is that this regime does not continue to pull wool over the eyes of Berbicians and Guyanese; it is already gloomy in Guyana.

Then there are political fears. At one level, the lives of President Granger as well as former President Jagdeo and members of the PPP/C Cabinet have been threatened on social media by Indian fanatics.

At another level, ordinary persons, especially from opposition, are careful as to how they express their feelings and frustrations for fear of retaliation. There seems to be no in between these extremes. You are with the regime or not. You do well or not. You receive decent treatment from the regime or not.

Then there is this media fear. The most extreme recently is the grenade throwing incident at the Kaieteur News, Guyana’s national tabloid. I join everyone else and condemn this cowardly act. But let me ask this: Why would anyone want to attack a newspaper known for sensational and scandalous reporting?

Trouble is, the average Guyanese is not good at separating propaganda from responsible journalism. Take a look at Guyana’s educational system if you do not believe me. It has hit rock bottom, the worst in the English-speaking Caribbean by any measurement.

There is a larger problem here, folks. Our Ministers are responsible for fears sweeping across Guyana and the maddeningly slow progress. I strongly believe that many Ministers were brought into the mantle of leadership without a clear understanding of the basic concepts of leadership, accountability and transparency. Some of them do not understand or refuse to understand what a conflict of interest is. I am not going to insult the Ministers. But I question their knowledge of Guyana’s constitution. I also question the ability of the lawyers in the current regime to pass the Bar examination in the United States.

For the unaware, the Bar Examination is a test intended to determine whether a person is qualified to practice law in a given jurisdiction. I admire my lawyer Mirza Sahadat, my former classmate, and former Judge in Berbice, for passing the Bar exam.

He is a rarity in Guyana.

The Ministers’ only credential they have to occupy the political positions they serve is party loyalty and affiliation.

Many are simply intellectually lazy. President Granger said lazy man work would receive lazy man pay. I say lazy Ministers must receive lazy salary. I know that the latter will not happen but the President must be reminded that there ought to be a uniform approach towards all public servants including his Cabinet and himself.

I am guided by belief that government must deliver or step down. Government should not only make promises but also produce in forms of progress and development during most difficult circumstances. The current regime seems to be locked in the mode of promises while problems have surfaced in the month of June such as corruption and controversy within the Georgetown City Council, which has questioned the entire purpose of the local elections.

But if we have to look for some model to address our problems, a peek into what Roosevelt said nearly three quarters of century ago may be worthwhile rather than running/flying to various countries.

It is laughable to read that the Mayor of Georgetown and her clique went to Mexico to learn how to set up parking meters in the city. This act has revealed ineptitude rather than vision. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

tuesDAY, june 21, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

Health Ministry receives US$206,000 Mechanic shop robbery Shot teen from IDB to fight Zika Virus ... funds will be utilised for consumables still critical and other treatments – Dr Norton

A

s Guyana improves its strategic approach in combating the mosquito borne Zika Virus, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has received a sum of US$206,000 from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for this cause.

Although the number of persons who had fallen victim to the virus remains at a recorded 12, with other suspected unrecorded cases, the Health Ministry says it’s bent on ensuring that Zika does not become a pandemic in Guyana and that the figures are reduced.

During an interview with Minister of Health Dr George Norton, he related to Guyana Times that his ministry is resolute in its goal of eliminating the Zika Virus from Guyana especially since the cases have not spiralled.

The Health Minister outlined that the money received will be used primarily on consumables and other treatments that can decrease the effects of the virus but not get rid of it completely, since there has been no found cure.

According to the Minister, the Health Ministry has al-

ready reserved US$50,000 for consumables while another US$50,000 is budgeted for the treatment.

Treatment he said will involve the dispensation of medications from overseas companies that specialise in the production of Zika virus drugs.

These drugs, he explained, are expensive to procure but highlighted that the IDB funds will aid significantly in the provision of the drugs.

Currently, when persons test positive for the virus, they are usually isolated and treated with basic drugs that doctors have found to be effective in reducing the symptoms. Additionally, the use of fluids are prescribed.

Norton noted however,

that when the treatment becomes available in the near future, a more comprehensive approach will be taken to systematically rid the virus from the victims. With the cure not yet discovered, doctors are trying to at least relieve victims from the symptoms.

According to the minister, at present the status of the virus in the country has not changed much but each week five samples are sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing. Thus far, all these have returned negative besides the 12 already recorded cases.

Dr Norton informed that there has been a visible improvement in fighting the virus, “but the Ministry will

not rest until it becomes dormant in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, he said that the standard strategic measures remain intact with fogging campaigns, distribution of mosquito repellents and nettings, and the use of media to disseminate information pertaining to the virus.

Furthermore, a number of medical personnel have been sent to Trinidad to be part of the training in Zika fighting, Dr Norton noted.

These persons will be trained specifically in the area of testing of samples in Guyana. The equipment for this has already been made available, according to the minister.

The first case of the virus was recorded in January of this year while at the same time, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added Guyana to the list of countries likely to face the severe impacts of the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

Due to the close proximity of Guyana and Brazil, which has been severely infected with the disease, a greater effort from the government was exerted into fighting the virus.

T

he 15-year-old high school student Jamal Lewis, who suffered a gunshot to his face by armed bandits on Sunday afternoon, was yesterday said to be fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

The mother of Lewis of Wren Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, told Guyana Times that she was informed that an update on her son’s situation would be provided by the doctors in 24 hours.

According to the Police, the robbery occurred at approximately 14:00h on Sunday at a mechanic shop where Lewis was employed.

The employees were robbed of cellular phones and a

small amount of cash.

Police spokesman Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan reported that Lewis had a scuffle with one of the bandits during which one round from the suspect’s firearm struck Lewis in the face. The perpetrators then escaped in a silver Spacio.

The entire robbery was captured on surveillance cameras of the Green Ice Taxi Service, which is housed on the same property of the mechanic shop.

The footage was handed over to Police where it was observed that the Spacio had circled the area twice before committing the robbery.

Investigations are continuing into the matter.

12

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYA 1. Step 1 - Know the company that you have an interest in being a part of. You will gain the advantage of knowing how to tailor your application to suit the nature of the company. No human resources manager wants to be looking at a résumé that contains a vast amount of qualifications or experience irrelevant to their company. Most likely they will think you are not fully committed to the work force, because if you were you would have researched the company; hence, tailor the application to portray that you will be an asset to the company.

2. Step 2 – this step should not be optional unless given instruction to do otherwise. Type your applications and be creative but do not elaborate.

Typing your application letter and résumés indicate your competence with technology and more so when you are creative.

3. Step 3 – Your résumé should include at all times • Name • Address – does not have to incorporate your lot

number, a street name is close enough.

• Date of Birth.

• Education – Educational institutions you have attended.

• Qualifications – list all of your grades along with all of the courses you have taken.

• Experience – It is critical to have experience to

go hand in hand with your qualifications. An employer likes to see that an employee can

•

•

apply their knowledge gained.

Interest – If you are smart you will add this fea ture and make your interest similar to the na ture of the company, but try not to make it obvi ous that is what you are doing. Ensure that your interests are genuine as well.

References: The indication of references on résumés shows that you are ready to work and have persons to testify to your attributes promptly especially if it is a former employer or a head teacher.

4. Objective -Including an objective clearly outlines what you are aiming to achieve at the company and how you will impact the company. This should not be lengthy but concise and direct.

5. Diction/Grammar – do not overload your résumé and cover letter with almost all of the words from an encyclopaedia. Your letter should be practical, feel free to utilise a few uncommon words but be conscious when to draw the line.

6. Never lie on your résumé – It is never wise to lie on your résumé. The lies can probably get you selected as a candidate to be interviewed, but what will happen next when you have to submit proof of your qualifications? Be truthful and confident about what you have achieved and let your interviewee know you are continuously working to better yourself in all areas, mainly academics.

1. Dress appropriately for the working environment.

This will reflect how serious you are about the job.

2. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview.

3. Be courteous to every staff you meet on your way to the interviewer.

4. Always make eye contact, especially when you are making a point.

5. Be attentive and then ask questions.

6. Do your research prior to the interview and walk with your questions.

7. Display confidence and sit upright.

8. Only be seated when you are asked to sit.

T

9. Ask for clarification if anything misunderstood.

10. Thank your interviewer for th interview regardless if it was in you favour or not.

he Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) Limited chooses to be the leader in its business.

MACORP’s focus is to be the undisputed leader in supplying sustainable integrated solutions for the mining, forestry, agriculture, construction, energy and industrial sectors of Guyana, with a clear sense of permanence in time. Its work is carried out with excellence and due regard to the interest of all stakeholders.

MACORP was founded in 1994 by GECOLSA, a well-known Caterpillar dealer in Latin America with operations in Colombia, The Bahamas and some other countries with related businesses.

It is the only authorised Caterpillar dealer in Guyana.

Through all its years of operation in Guyana, MACORP has been very active in the country’s development, providing technical support and equipment to the most important productive sectors – mining, agriculture, road construction, basic industry, marine, forestry and electric power generation.

13

21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

would portray your lack of responsibility.

4. Do not ask about salary and benefits before the interviewer does.

5. Do not appear desperate for a job and would take anything.

6. Do not be unprepared for the most common questions, “Why do you want the job and why should we hire you?�

7. Do not chew gum or have mints in your mouth while speaking.

8. Do not accept phone calls while at an interview, moreover allow your cellular phone to ring.

ation if anything is

1. Do not talk badly about previous employers or employees.

nterviewer for the ss if it was in your

2. Do not speak to the interviewer too casually and seem relaxed. It would appear as though you are not serious.

3. Do not be late for the interview. It

9. Do not take family nor friends with you to an interview.

10. Do not wear sandals nor flat slippers to a job interview. Avoid wearing shoes that expose your toes, they are not considered professional in a working environment.

14

guyana-times.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016

News

144th Session of Synod

Anglican women can now be ordained to priesthood in Guyana

The 144th Synod session of the Anglican Diocese in Guyana voted for the ordination of women on Monday

B

reaking hundreds of years of tradition, the Anglican Diocese in a historical session has approved the ordination of women to the priesthood.

This was a unanimous decision taken during the 144th Synod session of the regional Anglican Diocese, which includes Suriname and French Guyana. The highest decision-making forum of the Anglican Church in Guyana got underway with a Grand Mass at St George’s Cathedral on Sunday.

However, the historical moment was made on Monday when the members unanimously voted to allow the ordination of women in the Diocese of Guyana.

This means that the door is now open for women to be trained for the priesthood in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Last year, Bolivia be-

came the first Diocese in the Anglican Province of South America (formerly known as the Southern Cone) to ordain women as priests. Also in 2015, the Reverend Susana Lopez Lerena, the Reverend Cynthia Myers Dickin, and the Reverend Audrey Taylor Gonzalez became the first women Anglican priests ordained in the Diocese of Uruguay.

The ordination of women in the Anglican Communion has become increasingly common in certain provinces since the 1970s. However, there are some provinces and certain Dioceses that continue to ordain only men.

The first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Communion was Florence Li Tim-Oi, who was ordained in 1944 by Ronald Hall, Bishop of Victoria, Hong Kong, in response to the crisis among Anglican Christians in China caused

by the Japanese invasion.

To avoid controversy, she resigned her licence after the end of the war but kept her priestly orders.

The service on Sunday was attended by Marin Porter, Diocesan President, Brotherhood of St Andrew; Joan James, Diocesan President, Mother’s Union; Henrietta Edwards, the Clergy of Diocese among others.

This is the first Synod since the consecration of the Right Reverend Charles Davidson as the eighth Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana.

In the Bishop’s address to the hundreds in the gathering, he reiterated the importance of our individual responsibility in making sure the body of Christ continued to be vibrant and avoided the negative influences present in our everyday lives.

West Dem Police donate gear to Vergenoegen Sports Club

Businessmen implicated in illegal fuel racket

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ormer Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chairman Vickram “Vic” Oditt and another man are accused of inducing a local businessman to smuggling fuel from Venezuela, by pretending that they have the relevant licences to do so.

This was revealed in court documents filed by the businessman, Augustine Jackson, after Oditt and his business partner, Pradeep Abdool, both representatives of Potaro Fuel Supplies, claimed that Jackson owed them monies.

The two were granted an interim injunction by High Court Judge Diana Insanally, preventing Jackson’s vessel MT Pollux, which is known and registered as MT Melissa J, from departing Guyana until he lodged US$347,700 and $17.5 million, along with his passport, with the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

However, Jackson, Director of AJ Marine Inc, in an affidavit to discharge the injunction, said that in January 2016, while he was in Guyana, he received a telephone call from Oditt, who informed him that he would like to enter into a business arrangement with him which would involve the use of his motor vessels, MT Pollux, also known as MT Melissa Jay, and MV Sno Pac, to transport and trade in fuel and fuel products from destinations in the Caribbean and South America to Guyana.

He said that he was led to believe by the duo during the negotiations that they were issued with the relevant licences to deal with, import, possess, transport and sell fuel both in Guyana, as well as, the other destinations with which they intended to trade as is required by the laws of Guyana and the laws of those States.

“However, it was only when I was preparing to sail from Port Georgetown to Trinidad that I learnt that the Applicants/Plaintiffs nor their servants or agents were

Vickram "Vic" Oditt

possessed of the licences required by law, the Guyana Energy Agency Act, to trade in, deal with, import, possess, transport and sell fuel both in Guyana as well as the other destinations. In short, I realised that the Applicants/ Plaintiffs from the inception have been, and were, inducing me into an arrangement

ing to disclose to the court the Partnership Agreement because they would have been obligated to produce the requisite licences.

“Additionally, the Applicants/Plaintiffs, in their attempt to mislead and withhold information from this Honourable Court, they scrupulously, deliberately and cunningly avoided any mention whatsoever of the nature of the business which they paid these huge sums of money to me for and upon which we were going to embark,” Jackson stated.

He observed that despite the sole purpose of the business being to trade in fuel, the word “fuel” was not mentioned at all in the entire application.

The businessman wants the court to discharge the injunction on the grounds that he has 11 crew members, including six Venezuelans who

“I realised that the Applicants/Plaintiffs from the inception have been, and were, inducing me into an arrangement to smuggle fuel across international borders into Guyana, a serious criminal enterprise, of which I was not prepared to be a part.” to smuggle fuel across international borders into Guyana, a serious criminal enterprise, of which I was not prepared to be a part,” Jackson stated.

The businessman said that he was aware that not only could he be jailed if found guilty of any of the criminal offences he was likely to commit if he participated in the venture, but also his vessels would have been seized.

“I also realised that the entire transaction, including the Promissory Notes, the Partnership Agreement and the business arrangement which I had entered into are all tainted by and contaminated with serious criminal illegality,” he stated in his affidavit.

The businessman also accused Oditt and Abdool of fail-

are now stranded in Guyana as a result of the injunctions.

He highlighted that his vessel had the potential to earn approximately US$350,000 per month and, as such, urged the Court to quickly discharge the injunctions, as he would “suffer financial ruination” if it did not.

“There is no legal basis for the Applicants/Plaintiffs to restrain the said vessel; they have no lien or encumbrances of any kind against the said vessel,” the businessman stated.

Jackson said he was willing to remain in Guyana to defend claims by Oditt and Abdool that he owed them.

He is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall.

Colombian serial killer confesses to 20 murders D Division Commander Stephen Mansell handing over the gear to Club President, Pastor George Stewart in the presence of Club members and Police ranks

A

s part of efforts to keep youths engaged in constructive activities under the Social Crime Prevention Programme, Police ranks in D Division (West Demerara) on Monday donated sport gear to the Vergenoegen Sports Club.

This donation was done in light of a request made by the Club, which has been adopted by Police, to the Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent of

Police, Stephen Mansell and his team during a visit two months ago.

Commander Mansell had committed to assisting the Club and made good on this promise on Monday when he handed over a quantity of sport gear to Club President, Pastor George Stewart.

Before handing over the gear, the Commander urged Club members to care for the items that were given to them, which he hoped would

assist greatly in their activities.

Pastor Stewart expressed gratitude to the Police for the donation. He remarked that the footballs and cricket bats, pads and keeping gloves were a timely gift.

This is another community-based initiative undertaken by the D Division, aimed at targeting early school leavers and unemployed youths through sports.

A

Colombian man being held over the disappearance of a woman in January has confessed to murdering her and 19 other people, prosecutors say.

Maria Gladys Arango, 51, disappeared after going to meet someone in the town of Guarne, in Antioquia province.

Police managed to trace her last steps to a farm owned by 44-year-old Jaime Ivan Martinez Betancurt.

Under questioning, Martinez admitted killing Arango, his wife and two children and at least 16 other people.

The motive for the killings, which are thought to have happened over the past 10 years, is unclear. Most of the victims are thought to have been women.

Police said that when they arrived at Martinez's farm they found Arango's jewellery neatly stowed away in a plastic box.

Forensic experts are carrying out tests on human remains found buried in the grounds of the farm.

After initially denying having had anything to do with Arango's disappearance, Martinez told Police he had strangled his family

in November.

Neighbours said Martinez had moved to Guarne, east of the city of Medellin, three and a half years ago.

They said they were suspicious of him, especially after they did not see his wife or seven-year-old daughter and five-year-old son for months.

Police said Martinez used his wife's mobile phone to send messages to her family in her name, pretending she had left him with the children and moved to another area of the country.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

lawmakers convene in US election: Trump UK tribute to murdered politician fires campaign boss W hen slain British lawmaker Jo Cox made her first speech in Parliament last year, she said that despite diversity in the area of northern England she represented, people had "far more in common with each other than things that divide us".

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he campaign manager for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been fired.

A campaign spokeswoman said Corey Lewandowski would no longer be working on it and said the team was grateful to him "for his hard work and dedication".

Speaking on CNN, he did not deny being fired, replying "I don't know" when asked why he was let go.

He oversaw the New Yorker's unlikely triumph in the primary contests.

The exact reason for Lewandowski's departure was not yet clear, but he denied it was to do with his abrasive style.

His departure comes as the businessman faces strong resistance from senior members of his own party over his strident tone, hard-line immigration policy and falling poll numbers.

Lewandowski was not escorted from the building as some reported but accompanied by a "friend from the campaign", he told CNN, saying it had been a privi-

That comment by Cox, a mother of two young children who was murdered in the street last week by a man heard shouting "Britain first", was repeated by many lawmakers paying tribute to her life in a rare specially convened parliamentary Corey Lewandowski (left) has left the campaign for reasons that are unclear

lege to work on the team.

He also denied he had not been getting along with top Trump strategist Paul Manafort and the Trump children.

Lewandowski has had a contentious relationship with the press. Earlier this year, he was charged with battery after allegedly yanking a female reporter out of Trump's way after a campaign event. The charges were dropped.

One Trump cam-

paign staff member told NBC News that the campaign was not briefed on Lewandowski's firing and that right now there was "bedlam in the Trump campaign. No one knows what is happening".

Republicans have started to distance themselves from Trump following his personal attacks against a Hispanic federal judge overseeing two lawsuits against him. (Excerpt from BBC News)

NATO's Stoltenberg: EU sanctions on Russia should remain

T

he European Union should keep in place the sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Reuters on Monday, a day after the German Foreign Minister said they should gradually be phased out.

"My assessment is that one should not remove the economic sanctions before Russia has changed its behaviour. I believe there is a broad agreement about this in the EU," Stoltenberg said in an interview.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

was quoted on Sunday as saying the EU should gradually phase out the sanctions if there is substantial progress in the peace process and if Russia showed it was doing its part in implementing the Minsk peace plan for Ukraine.

Steinmeier was quoted in a separate article as saying that NATO exercises in eastern Europe could worsen tensions with Russia, warning against what he called "sabre-rattling and shrill war cries".

Stoltenberg told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in Germany that NATO was actively seeking

to avoid an escalation with Russia, while standing firm against its aggressive behaviour.

"The Cold War is over and we want it to stay that way," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying. "But we must react to a Russia that has tripled military spending since 2000, that is behaving far more aggressively, and that has used military force to change borders in Europe."

Stoltenberg said plans to deploy a new NATO force in Poland and the three Baltic nations were aimed at preventing conflict, not provoking it. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India overhauls foreign ownership rules

I

ndia has announced a radical overhaul of its foreign ownership rules to attract more overseas investment.

Airlines and some defence industries may now be 100 per cent foreign owned – up from 49 per cent and 74 per cent respectively.

And for overseas retailers there's respite from a rule that required 30 per cent of what they sold to be Indian sourced.

The BBC's Simon Atkinson in Mumbai said it was the biggest signal yet

that the country was serious about attracting more foreign investment.

The move will be welcomed by brands like IKEA and Apple which see India as the next big market, he added Investment rules in pharmaceuticals and food production have also been relaxed.

The new rules were introduced "with the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India" the Government said in a state-

ment.

"With these changes, India is now the most open economy in the world for FDI [foreign direct investment]."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last announced major reforms in November 2015.

The local sourcing rules have been relaxed for up to three years – and for another five years if the company can prove that "state-of-art" and "cutting edge" technology is involved. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

session on Monday.

Prime Minister David Cameron, Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and lawmakers from all parties praised 41-yearold Cox as a woman who fought hard for causes from women's rights to refugees.

"Out of the deep darkness of Jo's death must now come the shining light of her legacy. So let us build a politics of hope not fear, respect not hate, unity not division," said Labour lawmaker Stephen Kinnock, who shared an office with Cox. Parliament had been recalled from campaigning for

Thursday's European Union referendum, and Kinnock criticised a poster from one of the "Leave" campaigns showing a photo of refugees walking through a field in Europe under the slogan "Breaking Point".

The head of that campaign, UKIP party leader Nigel Farage, accused proEU campaigners of trying to exploit Cox's death to discredit the "Leave" cause and accuse its activists of fanning racism.

Cox's constituency in the northern English county of Yorkshire has an ethnically diverse population. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Bahrain strips Sheikh Isa Qassim of nationality

B

ahrain has stripped a leading Shia spiritual leader of his Bahraini nationality following a request from the Interior Ministry.

The Bahrain News Agency quoted the Interior Ministry on Monday as saying that Sheikh Isa Qassim had played a key role in creating an "extremist" sectarian atmosphere and working to divide Bahraini society.

After the decision was announced, several hundred Qassim supporters gathered outside his house in the mostly Shia village of Diraz, carrying posters and chanting religious slogans.

Sayed Alwadaei, director of advocacy at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, said in a statement that the decision would escalate tensions and may lead to violence.

Hezbollah, the Lebanese

Sheikh Isa Qassim has been accused of working to divide Bahraini society [AP]

Shia group, said the decision would have "grave consequences", while Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, gave a warning of armed resistance to Bahrain's rulers.

In a statement published by Fars news agen-

cy, Soleimani said: "The Al Khalifa [rulers of Bahrain] surely know their aggression against Sheikh Isa Qassim is a red line that crossing it would set Bahrain and the whole region on fire, and it would leave no choice for people but to resort to armed resistance.

"Al Khalifa will definitely pay the price for that and their blood-thirsty regime will be toppled."

However, Saudi Arabia's senior council of religious leaders, who follow a conservative Sunni ideology that is at odds with Iran's Shia leadership, welcomed the actions taken by Bahrain.

A Bahraini Interior Ministry statement said Qassim had endorsed "the theory of theocracy" and had used his sermons to serve foreign interests, an apparent reference to Iran. (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Afghanistan: 14 Nepali security guards killed in Kabul

A

wave of attacks in Afghanistan has killed at least 23 people, with the Taliban claiming responsibility for at least two of the blasts.

On Monday morning, at least 14 Nepali security guards were killed after a suicide bomber hit a minibus in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, along the main road to the eastern city of Jalalabad, Police said.

The attacker was on foot, Police said, as they reported multiple casualties among the passengers who worked at the Canadian embassy.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, saying it was "against the forces of aggression" in Afghanistan.

Less than three hours later, another attack in eastern Kabul targeting a politician killed at least one person, injured the Member of Parliament and wounded

The last attack in the Afghan capital on April 19 left 64 dead and more than 340 wounded

five others. The Taliban also claimed that attack.

A security official said a magnetic bomb planted in the vehicle of MP Ataullah Faizani was detonated in the Chel Siton area.

A third attack – a motorcycle bomb blast at a market in the remote north-eastern province of Badakshan – killed at least eight people and wounded 18, and it is feared the death toll will rise. There was no immedi-

ate claim of responsibility.

Al Jazeera's Qais Azimy, reporting from Kabul, said after the first attack that "Afghan Police told us they have reports that this kind of attack could happen again".

The bus bombing was the first attack in Kabul since the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on June 6. More than 24 ambulances rushed to the scene. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Republic Bank concludes 8th City Hall yet to begin Youth Apprenticeship Programme consultations with squatters

The graduating class of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Youth Apprenticeship Programme along with Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry and Managing Director of Republic Bank Richard Sammy

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he Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd on Monday evening highlighted the excellent work done by the 31 participants in their Youth Apprenticeship programme at the Savanah Suite, Pegasus Hotel.

Among those in attendance were Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry and Deputy Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson.

Even though every participant was awarded for their efforts a few of them stood out. Shamira Ramsuchit copped both the best allrounder and most effective presentation prizes while the best business proposal prize was won by Treshana Vancooten. Jada Mclennan walked away with the most improved apprentice, while Ashana Lakenarine won the most disciplined apprentice and Lancelot Barker gained the most congenial apprentice.

The other apprentices were Bobby Vaughn, Chetwantie Ramdayal, Chidanand Ragobar, Christina Kanden, Collis Trotman, David Alexis, Devon Powley, Harish Desouza, Jasmattie Lall, Jason Singh, Jenica Allicock, Kaila Joseph, Katijah Dundas, Kevin Dias, Kinisia Porte, Leah Dodson, Mesha Singh, Monesha Forsythe, Nigel Grenville, Odeshwar Mobin, Saudia Nurmahamad, Shailendia Mallaya, Shania Stuart, Shechem Williams and Stephanie Jones.

All 31 apprentices walked away with the National Vocational Qualification Certificate Banking Operation Level one.

Managing director of Republic Bank Richard Sammy thanked the apprentices for their commitment and dedication in upholding the principles of the programme, which he highlighted as “professionalism, dedication and integrity.”

Woman found with cocaine strapped to body pleads guilty — to be sentenced today

T

he woman who was intercepted at the Eugene F. Corriea International Airport with cocaine strapped to her body on Wednesday last pleaded guilty to the offence of trafficking when she appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Angelica Forde and her husband James Forde appeared before Magistrate Zamina Ally-Seepaul.

They were both charge with trafficking in narcotics.

It was alleged that on June 15, 2016 at the Eugene F. Corriea International Airport, Ogle, they had in their possession three kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

However husband James Ford pleaded not guilty.

The woman told the court that her husband was not involved as he was unaware of what she was doing.

Despite her claims her husband was still refused bail and is to return to court on July 25, 2016.

The woman returns to court today for sentencing.

According to reports, the woman was scheduled to board a LIAT flight for Barbados and then another to travel to the United State.

The woman was seen acting in a suspicious manner and upon inspection was found with the narcotic on her person.

However, investigators believe that the woman’s husband, who is a taxi driver, was instrumental in encouraging her to carry the drugs.

Sammy said he is confident that with the experience gained from October, 2015, to the completion of the programme, these 31 apprentices are now capable of working in any professional environment in Guyana and even the Caribbean.

The valedictorian Shamira Ramsuchit gave an emotional speech, thanking her new friends and rolemodels that she would have gained over the months the programme ran for. She highlighted her enthusiasm for participating in the programme and welcomed the knowledge she would have developed and experiences gained. Most notably, a trip to the Baganara Resort to build team cohesion, in addition to a visit to a specialty hospital for disabled children.

This is the eighth time Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited has conducted training of this nature and magnitude which continues to add to the development of youth in Guyana.

The Council is taking time to consider the way forward on squatting within the city environs

W

ith the matter of squatting being a topical issue for many years at the level of City Hall, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is yet to decide what methods will be used to eradicate squatting across Georgetown.

Although a feasible approach has not yet been confirmed, the entity is looking to have the situation addressed in the near future so that squatting is reduced.

Even as the Councillors are presently mulling an advantageous solution for both the city and the squatters, they have not yet affirmed whether or not squatters’ houses will be dismantled.

This was according to recently-elected Councillor of Constituency Five, Akeem Peters, who has responsibility for Sophia, Liliendaal North and South, Pattensen/ Turkeyen, North/South and Central Sophia.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Monday, Peter noted that while the Councillors were definitely seeking to regularise squat-

ting in general, a definite solution has not yet been derived, but City Hall is currently holding discussions on this.

He disclosed that these discussions would not only be held at the level of City Hall, but would expand to include the squatters themselves.

According to Peters, knowing that there is an evident land shortage across the city specifically and how difficult it is to acquire housing lots, the Council is taking time to consider the way forward.

In this way, he noted, the decision to regularise the situation will not only be favourable to the country’s aesthetics but also for the squatters.

Reiterating that the squatters will not be left out of the decision-making process, Peters related that subsequent to meetings at City Hall, further consultations will be made with these persons to have their input. It is unclear when these consultations with the squatters will be held.

Prompted to pronounce on whether there is consideration to dismantle the squatters’ houses, Peters explained that it was not up to one Councillor to decide and it would be a collective decision.

Nonetheless, it was assured by Peters that the Council, after making its assessments, would be looking to initiate the best solution to address the issue and the concerns of the squatters.

Prior to the Local Government Elections this year which saw a new Council being sworn into City Hall, the previous Administration had announced that it would be doing all in its power to stamp out squatting.

It had been made clear that there was no tolerance for squatting and City Hall would immediately begin to consider ways in which this could be eliminated.

However, there had been no update on what decisions had been made to curb the situation even though squatting was still illegal in Guyana.

National School of Music receives state-of-the-art pianos

By Rennella Bourne

M

inister within the Education Ministry with responsibility for culture, youth and sport, Nicolette Henry on Monday handed over two Steinway & Sons pianos to the National School of Music.

A brief ceremony was held at the National School of Music for the presentation of the smaller piano, the Upright Model K52, while the larger piano, Model D9’: Concert Grand, which is slated for concert performances, was presented at the National Cultural Centre.

Minister Henry was pleased to present the two grand pianos to the musical institution that was without a piano ever since the school was commissioned in November 2011.

Henry relayed that the filling of this musical gap was all part of Head of State David Granger’s vision to give Guyanese the resources required for development.

“I have learnt that despite that we have a National School of Music, people still have to be travelling overseas for piano lessons, and not everyone can afford to travel to take lessons,” she noted.

According to Remington Ally, proprietor of Remmy’s Piano Service Inc, the company the pianos were ordered through, they are made of carbon fibre which is the latest technology utilised in the production of pianos that can “almost last forever with care”. He said that the material can withstand humidity and the issue of sticky keys, which is caused by moisture, would not be a problem in these brand name pianos.

Minister Nicolette Henry and National School of Music Administrator Andrew Tyndall watch Remington Ally, proprietor of Remmy’s Piano Service Inc, play a song on the Steinway & Sons concert piano

The administrator of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall, expressed his gratitude for the new instruments.

“The Minister was present here some time back…she was informed that we were getting the best piano tutor in the world for free, but we could not have accommodated the tutor because we had no piano. It was then the Minister asked for a proposal to be sent to her which was done immediately and now here we are at a handing over ceremony of pianos,” Tyndall remarked.

He disclosed that the National School of Music had plans to open branches around the country, but it was continually faced with human resources challenges.” We have to get accredited music teachers to teach our students, but we

are limited in that aspect; however, we are working hard to develop each student that attends the music school.”

“Ideally at a National Music School, we should be accepting students from a Grade Five level, but we cannot put that as a criteria right now. This is because limited exposure is given in the school’s curriculum of music. We have students coming in as beginners, they are willing to work to improve their abilities,” added Tyndall.

The National School of Music usually holds after-school programmes with students that feature tutoring in four instruments: the guitar, keyboard, steel pan and violin.

The National School of Music will be hosting “an end of semester concert” that is slated for July 24, 2016.

17

news

TUESDAY, june 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Deadly Prison Riot CoI Report

Disorderly behaviour continued months after riot ended

Friendship 2nd phase sea defence project commences

Contractors working on the Friendship sea defence project

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Camp Street penitentiary

T

hough the riots at the Camp Street Prison lasted for three days in March, the terror of disorderly behaviour reigned until May where prisoners continued to threaten the lives of prison officers.

This was highlighted in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report into the deadly prison riots which claimed the lives of 17 inmates.

Commissioners pointed out that during the March 2-4 riots, inmates were using “long heavy logs to break down the door” of a section of the Prison made of wood, which had housed the condemned and other prisoners.

“During this entire time, the prisoners were demanding that President Granger come to speak with them in the Prison Yard,” the report noted.

It was further pointed out that the Guyana Prison Service and Police Force attempted to control the situation but were unsuccessful in their attempts due to a “mass number of angry and violent inmates” who were threatening and advancing towards officers.

“Tear smoke was used by the Police to disperse the mob but same was picked up by the prisoners and thrown back to the riot unit. This dazed the ranks and they began to retreat causing the defence to be weak,” the report pointed out.

However, many prison officers in their testimonies to the CoI which ended on May 9, had denied ever seeing tear smoke being used during the ordeal.

When Fire Chief Marlon Gentle was under cross-examination by attorney Glen Hanoman, he was questioned to disclose his knowledge of tear smoke canisters and whether they are “flammable or pyrotechnic”.

Gentle had responded that, pyrotechnics were not his

expertise. However, when he was later questioned by Commissioners, the Fire Chief had recalled incidents in the 1997 riots and onwards, where the canisters were used.

The CoI report has also highlighted that instructions were indeed, given for the riot unit to use shotguns. Several rounds were discharged, “causing pris-

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle

oners to be subdued”. It was stated that this is what led to the end of the three-day standoff.

The CoI report continued: “The Police and Prison Officers then began taking control of the situation and started to lock the prisoners down back in the divisions and Holding Area. A physical check was made of all prisoners and the tally was found correct. During the incident a number of inmates were injured as well as officers and efforts were made to render medical assistance to them.”

It was after these events that Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of State Joseph Harmon met with inmates at the Georgetown Prison Sports Club where a “gentleman’s agreement” was reached.

In the aftermath

of the three-day riots, Commissioners observed that: “prisoner’s discipline” had become “out of control”.

“They literally took over the Prison Yard. A number of them were accused of walking with long sharpened instruments threatening officers, smoking marijuana openly and using their cell phones in officers’ presence,” an excerpt of the report revealed.

“Prison Officers were prevented from retrieving [mobile phones] as prisoners with sharpened instruments threatened them and retrieved the parcels. Many officers reported sick, making the prison vulnerable to major security breaches. An emergency Joint Services meeting was held by his Excellency, President Granger who directed that order must be maintained within the Georgetown Prison…normalcy was restored when a Joint Services Operation Restore Order was done to search the entire prison and transfer ringleaders on May 14, 2016.”

The Commission observed that “serious psycho-social trauma” can arise from the incidents surrounding the riots and have recommended grief counselling for staff, inmates and their families.

“From evidence from both prisoners and officers many were observed to be highly traumatised by the events of both March 3 & 4, 2016,” the CoI report noted.

When Chief Prison Officer Roddey Denhart testified on April 28, he disclosed that one prison officer was “chocked and robbed” in the compound of the Georgetown penitentiary. He had also testified that another inmate placed an improvised weapon, a spear, on the chest of another warden.

he second phase of the sea defence project at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, that will extend the project by 120 metres, has commenced.

The extension starts from Friendship and heads north.

Senior District Engineer, Sea and River Defence Department, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Maitland Stewart told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the first phase of the project commenced in 2014. He said 375 metres of rip-rap defence were done on the defence adjacent to Garden of Eden.

The team of workers, Stewart pointed out, has already cleared the area and is ready to commence work.

The project will see the continuation of rip-rap sea defence with timber pilings being used to stabilise the structure and a rock armour slope: “The contractors will use a timber revetment; a timber toe, then they’ll come up with the armour layer, armour surface protection, then do the earthen embankment.”

Toe pilings are sharpened poles driven next to the upstream face of the mudsills of a dam to prevent water from seeping under the

foundation. Armour toes are rocks used for river revetment.

The project is being funded to the cost of $50 million from the ministry’s 2016 budget, and is expected to be completed within six months.

The extension comes in wake of the loss of the natural sea defence. “We have lost most of the natural defences such as mangrove … due to erosion … so we’re putting in a new permanent structure and rip-rap is the most plausible solution for the condition we’re in right now,” the engineer explained.

18

guyana-times.com

tuesday, june 21, 2016

ARCHIE

Emotions will spin out of control. Don't lose your com(March 21- posure when dealing with April 19) people who can affect your status, reputation or position. Back away from a power struggle.

ARIES

Learn as you go. If you ask TAURUS questions, you'll get answers (April 20- that will help you formulate May 20) a strategy. Partnerships will be important to any personal or professional changes you make.

dilbert

Gaining monetary freeGEMINI dom should be your intent.

(May 21June 20) It's difficult to get ahead if you are falling behind financially. Don't buy in to a fastcash scheme and don't pay for others.

You can alter your fuCANCER ture if you follow your heart (June 21- and make a change. Love, roJuly 22) mance and relationships are highlighted. Don't be afraid to embrace something or someone new.

Peanuts

Helping others will make LEO you feel good, but don't let (July 23anyone take advantage of Aug. 22) your generosity. Use your intelligence, and know when to back away. Personal change should be a priority.

Calvin and Hobbes

Let your heart lead the VIRGO way.

You'll face opposition if (Aug. 23you refuse to give in to deSept. 22) mands or ultimatums. A work-related function could be eye-opening. Romance is featured.

You must rely only on yourLIBRA self if you want things done a (Sept. 23specific way. Keep careful track Oct. 23) of your expenses to ensure you don't go over budget. Don't let domestic problems spoil your professional productivity.

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD – ALLUDING

SUDOKU

Average mark 20 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 33 or more words in ALLUDING? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY'S WORD – SHUFFLED flue flush fuel fuse lues luff lush duel dues duff duffle dulse

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

ters at home and work will be acknowledged. Celebrate your achievement. Don't be afraid to indulge in some romance.

Do your own fact-finding.

SAGITTARIUS Good results will ensue if you (Nov. 23- are careful about how you Dec. 21) spend your cash. A change at home will lead to greater security.

(ALLUDING: uh-LOOD-ing: Making an indirect reference.)

self shed shelf sled slue sued held huff used feud fled flesh

You'll have everything unSCORPIO (Oct. 24- der control. Your astute and skilful way of handling matNov. 22)

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Your persuasive tacCAPRICORN tics will pay off. Don't worry (Dec. 22- about someone who heads in Jan. 19) a different direction. You are best off surrounding yourself with people eager to help you fulfil your dreams.

An important relationAQUARIUS ship will need nurturing.

(Jan. 20Discussions regarding plans Feb. 19) will help set the stage for changes that will ensure a happy home and give you room to focus on your professional goals.

Don't expect everyone to PISCES (Feb. 20- like your decisions. Set your March 20) goals and don't look back. It's you who has to feel content with the outcome. Celebrate with people who support your choice.

tuesDAY, june 21, 2016

19

Sran and Bumrah wreck Zimbabwe as India level series K

uch mat karna [Don’t do anything],” screamed MS Dhoni.

Zimbabwe were 57 for 5 at the time and they were gifting their wickets away.

Left-arm fast bowler Barinder Sran picked up three in a single over and recorded the second-best figures by a debutant in T20I cricket. His 4 for 10 sprung the trap on Zimbabwe, Jasprit Bumrah’s 3 for 11 made sure they couldn’t even think about escape and India levelled the series 1-1 with their first 10-wicket victory in T20 cricket.

If a team is kept to 99 for 9, it is common to think that conditions had been bowlerfriendly. But a 1 pm start in Harare with not a cloud in sight reduced the chances of swing. The pitch was being used for a third time on the tour, which gave the team batting first a slight advantage. Zimbabwe gained that advantage when the coin fell in their favour. If they had put up a big enough total, the natural wear and tear of the surface could have made the chase that much more difficult.

Instead, Zimbabwe were 35 for 4 after the Powerplay on the same deck they had

made 170 on only two days ago.

India gave the new ball to two debutants for a second time in as many matches and Sran made sure to extract as much as he could from it. Only one delivery in his first spell of three overs was pitched short.

His first wicket was excellently constructed. Zimbabwe could not find a single run off the bat in nine balls. Chamu Chibhabha came on strike.

He had found eight of his 10 runs through boundaries.

Sran sensed that the batsman would go for a release shot and bowled his offcutter. The batsman mistimed his swipe over mid-on and Ambati Rayudu snapped up an excellent catch over his shoulder while running towards the boundary.

Hamilton Masakadza got his first run off his seventh ball with a fearsome drive through the covers and moved into double figures with a thump down the ground. To the next ball he faced - an inswinger, pitching on a good length - he heaved across the line and lost his middle stump. Sran welcomed the new batsman Sikandar Raza with a wide slip and he obliged

by steering his second ball to that fielder. Tinotenda Mutumbodzi fell for a golden duck, though replays indicated he was incorrectly adjudged lbw by umpire Russell Tiffin. The batsman was struck above the knee roll and Hawk-Eye suggested enough of the ball had pitched outside leg stump.

Nevertheless, Sran had three wickets in an over and Zimbabwe were on course for a terribly underwhelming performance. Not even one of their batsmen could reach a strike-rate of 100 - only the fourth time that has happened in T20I history.

Peter Moor, brought in for the injured Richmond Mutumbami, top-scored with 31 off 32 balls. His presence would have given Zimbabwe hope but Dhoni played a mean trick.

Knowing the opposition was in recovery mode - in other words fearful of losing any more wickets - he called on his spinners to rush through the middle overs. Yuzvendra Chahal deceived an advancing Malcolm Waller in the flight, and refused Elton Chigumbura the leverage he so desperately wanted.

With the score at 73 for 5 after 14 overs, panic set in

Hamilton Masakadza played all across a delivery from Barinder Sran

on Zimbabwe. India preyed on that by bringing back their premier fast bowler.

Bumrah. Moor never saw the slower delivery coming and was caught at point, Chigumbura’s stumps were bulldozed a few minutes later, and with all their specialist batsmen dismissed, the best Zimbabwe could do was play out the 20 overs.

Bumrah, now, has 24 wick-

ets in 2016 - the most by any bowler this year.

The chase was straightforward. Mandeep Singh cruised to his maiden T20I fifty, but he could have been caught in the fifth over if Malcolm Waller, rushing forward from deep square leg, and Taurai Muzarabani, running back from short fine leg, had communicated better. In the end the ball fell

between them and trickled for four. The India opener offered another chance on 22 when he pulled straight to Donald Tiripano, the fielder on the square leg boundary, who parried over the rope for six. It was just that kind of day for Zimbabwe. They struggled with the basics from start to very early finish. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Historic season ends in epic Finals collapse for Warriors

T

he Golden State Warriors closed out a record-smashing season with an even more epic playoff collapse on Sunday, falling 93-89 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Seven of the NBA Finals.

After storming through the regular season with a record 73 wins from 82 games, the Warriors penned another unwanted mark in the NBA record books on Sunday when they became the first team to squander a 3-1 Finals lead.

Until the Cavaliers no team in 32 tries had ever come all the way back from 1-3 down to win the NBA Finals.

To make it sting just a little bit more, the Cavs capped the greatest comeback ever in the NBA postseason at Oracle Arena, a virtual fortress where the Warriors had lost just four times all season.

Sharp-shooting Stephen

Curry, the NBA’s first unanimous most valuable player, struggled all series and in Game Seven again failed to deliver the type of scoring that had become his trademark, when a “Curry flurry” would put so many games out of reach.

“At home in the fourth quarter, I felt like we could go for that dagger punch and didn’t really put any pressure on the defense,” Curry said after the game. “That’s something that is tough to kind of swallow with the opportunity we had in front of us.”

Possibly still hobbled by lingering injuries he picked up during the lengthy playoffs, Curry never looked comfortable against the Cavalier defense, which sent multiple defenders at him and chased him off the three point line.

Cleveland also frequently set screens to switch him onto the Cavaliers LeBron James, ensuring Curry

Warriors season ends in disappointment

would get no rest on the defensive end of the court.

“We’re stunned,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr

said after the game. “We thought we were going to win. I was extremely confident coming into tonight.”

So too did a confident Warriors fan base who had not seen their team drop three consecutive games all season long.

Without starting center Andrew Bogut, who suffered a knee injury in Game Five, Kerr elected to start Festus Ezeli, a surprising move announced just before tipoff.

The stage appeared too big for the untested big man, who failed to score and was ultimately limited to just over 10 minutes of playing time.

Kerr turned to backup center Anderson Varejao, but like Ezeli he was unable to score against the Cavaliers big men. Varejao and Ezeli combined for just one point and one rebound.

The Warriors were nearly saved by the aggressive play of All-Star forward Draymond Green, who made

six three pointers, electrifying the crowd and helping push the Warriors to a seven point lead at the half. Green finished with 32 points.

But no one else was to able to match that kind of offensive production, including Curry, who scored 17 points, as Golden State were unable to claim the backto-back championships that had seemed all but certain after seizing early control of the best-of-seven series.

“So win or lose, you appreciate the stage we were on and just that back and forth that we live for,” said Curry. “So, yeah, it stung.

It sucked to watch them celebrate, and we wish that would have been us.

“But at the end of the day, you congratulate them for accomplishing what they set out to do, and it will be a good image for us over the summer and all next season to remember so that we can come back stronger.

“That’s all you can do.”

20

guyana-times.com

tuesDAY, june 21, 2016

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Futsal Tournament…

Igloo Hockey Festival deemed a sweet success Beterverwagting B are new

East Coast champions

T

he first ever Igloo Hockey Festival staged by the GCC Hockey Team at its home ground at Bourda came to a close last Sunday evening with some exhilarating hockey in all age groups.

When the dust was settled however, the favourites of the senior tournament, the Hikers and the Pizza Hut

By Akeem Greene

B Action in the boys' 14 game

Mens' champions Hickers

GCC ladies took their familiar spots on the podium. The host club reaped the benefits of its GCC Academy for juniors by securing victories in five of the nine divisions with the Hikers picking up three and Saints capturing one.

After a long day of skills on display at various levels, the greatest show of the festival came down to the final match being a men’s matchup of the Hikers versus Bounty GCC.

The teams burst out of the starting blocks with a GCC goal in the opening minute through Kareem McKenzie and an equalizer from the Hikers Shane Samuels immediately after. The teams traded goals once again in the second and third minute respectively before GCC surged ahead by 5-2 six minutes into the match.

It was at this stage of battle that Hikers Captain Robert France seemed to come alive as he and teammate Aroydy Branford drew their

side level and then up by two just before half time.

The second half saw a herculean effort by veteran GCC striker Kevin Spencer who amassed six goals in the match, but the Hikers answered each of Spencer’s goals with one of their own.

The final whistle came all too early for GCC and the excited spectators in attendance, leaving Hikers victorious with 10 goals to the GCC 9.

The highly anticipated women’s final unfortunately did not live up to anticipation as the Pizza Hut GCC returned to pre-tournament form and routed the Hikers by 8-3 after the two had drawn 5-5 on the previous afternoon.

Gabriella Xavier remained the main GCC attacking threat while younger sister Rebecca Xavier also put in a sterling performance in defence.

The full results of all division finals are as follows:

Under 10 mixed - Hikers defeated the GCC Thunderbolts by 1-0 in a penalty shootout Under 14 girls – GCC Warriors defeated Saints by 7–1 Under 14 boys – Saints B defeated Phoenix by 5-4 in a penalty shootout Under 17 girls – GCC Spartans defeated Old Fort Shooting Stars by 4-2 Under 17 boys – GCC Rebels defeated Saints by 10-0 Under 21 girls – Hikers defeated Old Fort by 6-4 Under 21 boys – GCC Venom defeated Saints by 8-6 Open Ladies – Pizza Hut GCC defeated Hikers by 8-3 Open Men – Hikers defeated Bounty GCC by 10-9

Telephone: 661-7404 (Secretary)

E-mail: triciafkou@hotmail.com

Fax: 226-9786

Health Walk held by Police Youth Group and A Division

T

he members of Central Georgetown Police Youth Group collaborated with the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ division on Saturday morning for a health walk from the Square of the Revolution (Cuffy) to the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

The walk was held under the theme “Molding And Fusing The Youth For A Healthier And Brighter Future” with ‘A’ Division Commander Mr. Clifton Hicken leading the warm down.

Additionally, in keeping with the strategic management plan (Social Crime Prevention) of the Guyana Police Force to strengthen relations with the public and reduce crime, Commander Hicken established a youth group at East La Penitence Primary School.

Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden welcomed the children and parents and reiterated the importance of

eterverwagting (BV) B were crowned champions of the East Coast Demerara Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Futsal Tournament on Sunday at the Haslington Market Tarmac after edging North Haslington 1-0 in extra time.

With a boisterous crowd support for both teams, BV B looked to take the early offensive play but the home side were relentless in making sure their defence was not breached.

By all accounts it seemed that the game would need penalty kicks to decide the winner, but Stephen Miller managed to get the ball inside the box after he pounced on a loose ball and gave it simple tap from the left side in the 39th minute.

The win means BV B pock-

et $250,000 and the championship trophy and more so, they will be representing East Coast at the National Playoffs. On the other hand, runners-up North Haslington collected $150,000 and the second-placed trophy.

The third place playoff between Melanie A and Plaisance B was also decided by a lone goal with Melanie B winning 1-0 thanks to a Rondel Assanah shot on target in the 30th minute. Melanie A received $100,000 and fourth placed Plasiance $50,000 and the respective trophies.

After three days of intense matches, Banks DIH Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste expressed pleasure with the large attendance of the matches and the level of skill demonstrated by players.

“As you know this tournament was scheduled to be

sometime in March but because of the Jubilee celebrations we extended the time; the response has been tremendous, last year we could not have asked for a better turn out but this year it was even better,” Baptiste explained.

The Guinness Brand Manager added, “It was competition from day one, all the teams that took part played hard, especially BV B who won the tournament”.

The focus now shifts to the national play-offs which be held at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac on Wednesday and Friday to selected the team that will represent Guyana at the Regional Champions in St. Lucia.

The play-offs will feature three teams from Georgetown, two from Linden, two from West Demerara and one from the East Coast of Demerara.

Guyana darts team step up Americas/ Caribbean Cup preparation

T

he Guyana National Darts Team intensifies its training ahead of the Americas/Caribbean Cup to be held in Barbados from Saturday, July 9th.

In an effort to take a competitive team to the tournament, the association has summons those selected to a weekly training session. Training takes place at the Malteenoes Sports Club Pavilion three times per week, only Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 17:00 Hrs and 20:00 Hrs. A total of thirteen players, eight males and five females along with a coach and manager are allowed on each team.

However, due to the financial situation of the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) they are taking the minimum requirement of eight males and four females.

Last time Guyana participated in an international competition in 2014, they managed a few accolades in the Bryden’s Cup also held in the Land of the Flying Fish.

National Champion Sudesh Fitzgerald, who is the cap-

Sudesh Fitzgerald

tain of the current team, was Guyana’s top player. He combined with a foreign player to win the mixed doubles category.

The Guyana Darts Team reads; Jamwant Bhupan: Manager/ Coach, Sudesh Fitzgerald (captain), Luis Merlano, Marvin Yaw, Lallchand Rambharose, Nicholas Seetaram, Adrian Damon, Terence Joseph, Mary Correia, Jaswantie Hiralall, Victorine Chandro and Melissa Smartt.

Bhupan and Rambharose have represented Guyana at the said tournament while Fitzgerald won the Caribbean and South American Masters

in 2008 which qualified him to represent Guyana at the PDC World Darts Championship in London in 2009.

In 2008 he reached the semfinal in the World Darts Federation Americas Cup singles. Miss Hiralall won the ladies single in 2008 in the Bryden’s Darts Festival, which is held annually in Barbados.

The team will depart Guyana on July 8 and return on July 18. This tournament is held once every two years in the Caribbean and also in Florida.

Countries participating this year are, hosts Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica Bahamas, Turk and Caicos, Florida, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Belize and Canada.

In an effort to raise funds to assist with their preparation and departure, the GDA will be holding a ‘fish-fry’ on Monday July 4 at Malteenoes Sports Club at Thomas Land. The association is also seeking corporate Guyana’s assistance.

Manager Jamwant Bhupan can be reached on telephone number 603 0956 for further information.

GBTI Independence Golden Jubilee Open...

Resaul is Boys' Open Singles Champion

H

Participants on their way to Eve Leary Ground

maintaining discipline and working together to improve the society. He also pleaded with the community to make use of time.

In his closing remarks, Commander Hicken spoke about the importance of establishing youth groups within the communities and the effects of Project Impact Albouystown. He stated that he believes that this is a “vulnerable period” for the youth and promised to ensure that necessary resources are made available to the now

fourteen youth groups within Police ‘A’ Division so that the youths can develop various skills and refocus their energies positively. He further encouraged stakeholders to become part of this initiative. The Commander spoke of the programmes within the group that will teach the children life skills, create role models, young entrepreneurs and develop young talent. He later declared the East La Penitence Police Youth Group open.

eimraj Resaul defeated Keenan Persaud on Sunday to win an inaugural Boy’s Open title as action in the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Jubilee Tourney continued on Sunday at GBTI Recreational Facility.

As both players faced off with the chance of winning their first title in this category at stake, it was Persaud who took the lead winning the first set.

It began with Resaul’s powerful serves and topspin ground strokes giving him a two points lead into the first set at 2-0, after breaking and holding serve.

Serving down two games, Persaud repeated his rival’s trend by holding and break-

ing serve to level at 2-2.

Resaul sought to hinder Persaud’s resurgence by securing his service game to lead at 3-2. Unfortunately, there was no stopping the Persaud train, as his rallies forced Resaul to make on-forced errors, enabling him to secure four consecutive games to capture the set at 6-3.

However, with a set to claim victory, Resaul turn in a superb display on the court to dent Persaud’s hope, winning the next two sets to achieve the title.

Resaul altered his technique to take on his opponent. At advantage of 3-1, Resaul denied Persaud the opportunity to gain traction in the set by breaking service to rise to a 4-1 lead.

Persaud’s visibly frustrated demeanor was the perfect storm for Resaul to use to his advantage, whisking away the two games needed to hold the set at 6-1.

At game set and match, Resaul was crowned Boy’s Open Singles champion at 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 over Persaud.

In the day’s other results; Mens’ Doubles Quarter Finals- N. Fenty/ L. Leycock defeated M. McDonald/ K. Persaud 6-1, 6-2 and K. Gobin/K. Gobin loss to B. Dalip/ K. Abrams 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Men’s Open Doubles semifinals Leacock and Fenty defeated Resaul and Kalekyezi 6-3, 6-1 and in semifinals two A. Downes/ H.Panday thump K. Abrams/ B. Dalip 6-0, 6-0.

YELLOW PAGES tuesDAY, june 21, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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21

sports GFF/Stag Elite League Finale

Alpha take revenge on Slingerz to lift title

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Stag Elite League Finale Champions Alpha “The Hammer” United celebrate their triumph at the Leonora Stadium

By Delvon Mc Ewan

P

rior to his team’s appearance in the Finale of the Stag Elite League, coach of the Alpha United Wayne Dover said his only expectation is for his team “to win and retain the status as the number one side in the country.” And that is exactly what they did on Sunday night as they defeated Slingerz 3-0 on penalty kicks.

Played at the Leonora Stadium in front of a vocal gathering of spectators, Alpha prevailed over their opponents thanks to their custodian Richie Richards who was spectacular in saving three shots during the penalty shootout.

In the first 90 minutes Richards also barred some powerful shots to ensure the game remains in the balance.

However, in the second half, Slingerz could have opened the score tally, but Tishard Joseph missed a penalty.

A hard fought battle ended goalless in 120 minutes of play, prompting a penalty shootout

to decide the champion.

In their first three attempts, Dwight Peters, Andrew Murray Jr. and Delon Lanferman found the back of the net for Alpha against the diving Vincentian goalkeeper Winslow McDowell. On the other hand, Morello, Tishard Joseph and Devon Millington of Slingerz shots were all saved

by Richards.

The game was not played without the referees having to make some tough decisions as several players were issued yellow cards during the game for each side Devon Millington 38? & Murilo Barbosa 113?

(Slingerz FC); Anthony Abrams 26?, Colin Nelson 72?, Kris Camacho 79?, Delon Lanferman 110? & Delon Lanferman 120+? for Alpha.

The third place playoff was an exhilarating treat for the eyes of the spectators who witnessed the return of Gregory Richardson to the Pele FC team. However, his side went down to Fruta Conquerors 2-3.

Eon Alleyne gave the

Tucville side the lead in just a mere five minutes into the first half. However, seven minutes before stoppage time in the first half Gregory Richardson equalised.

In a similar start to the first half, Dennis Edwards scored Conquerors second goal four minutes after the break.

Jermine Junor then seal the deal in the 69th minute, giving Conquerors a 3-1 lead. In the final minute of play Devon Charles scored a consolation goal for Pele.

Alpha “the Hammer” United pocketed $4,000,000 for winning the League Finale round while Slingerz FC received $2,000,000 for their second place finish and an extra $1,000,000 for topping the points table in the Finale stage of the inaugural Stag Elite league.

Fruta Conquerors collected $1,000,000 and $500,000 went to Pele FC for finishing third and fourth respectively.

Hinds defends Castrol Father’s Day road race title

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Hassan Mohamed, third from right, and Seon Daniels to his immediate right pose with some of the winners

O

rville Hinds continued his rich vein of form by defending his title at the 17th annual Father’s day 50-mile road race held on Sunday in West Demerara region.

The Lindener, Hinds braved the wet conditions and proved strongest in the race that started in front of the Wales Police Station and proceeded in and out of Schoonard, down the West Demerara Public Road to Uitvlugt where the cyclists turned back to finish by the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Team Evolution leader finished the race in One Hour

20 Minutes 53 seconds ahead of Junior Niles, Paul DeNobrega, Michael Anthony, Raynauth Jeffrey and Stephen Fernandes in that order.

Silvio Innis and Michael Anthony each won two Prime prizes while Orville Hinds, Alonzo Ambrose, Raynauth Jeffrey and Junior Niles won one each.

Team Coco’s Junior Niles won the veterans category followed by Stephen Fernandes and Paul Chho-Wee-Nam placed while England-based Claire Fraser-Green won the female category in One Hour 44 Minutes 37 Seconds ahead of Christine Matheson

Another Lindener, Jornel Yearwood won for juniors in an upset win ahead of Andrew Hicks and Brighton John.

Richard Charles won the Mountain bike category with Stephan Gobin riding in second.

The event which was organised by National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed and Castrol Brand Manager Seon Daniels who were present to distribute the cash and trophies to the respective winners.

Cyclists will now shift their focus to the Guyana Cycling Federation Time Trial and Road Race on June 25 and 26.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

tuesDAY, june 21, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Guyana Amazon Warriors begin week of encampment

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana Amazon Warriors began their preparation for the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Monday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence under the watchful eyes of Head coach Roger Harper and Assistant Coach Esuan Crandon.

Despite the rainy weather, the team conducted physical conditioning sessions under the guidance of Strength and Conditioning Trainer Clinton Jeremiah and Physiotherapist Jason Pilgrim, as they got down to business in their pursuit of a maiden title.

Regional players, Rayad Emrit, Orlando Peters, Steven Katwaroo and Jason Mohammed, along ICC Americas player Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan were present alongside the local players for the first session of the week long pre-tournament camp.

Barbadian Dwayne Smith, Pakistani Sohail Tanvir and Australian Chris Lynn, are expected to join the squad today.

International stars Martin Guptill and Adam Zampa will be joining the team later this week.

Zampa is playing in Barbados in the Tri-Nation Series. The New Zealander Guptill, who succeeded Denesh Ramdin as the Warriors’ Captain, is in England participating in the NatWest T20 Blast for county side Lancashire.

The dashing right-handed opener who has been in sublime form in recent months will play six group games for the county side after which he will leave after the team’s final home match on June 24 to join the Amazon Warriors.

On the other hand, the unavailability of the Australian leg-spinner Zampa, is due to his commitments for country in the on-

Paul Wintz (left); Steven Katwaroo (centre) and Christopher Barnwell engage in training sessions at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence

going Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series involving the West Indies and South Africa; the series is slated to finish on June 26 in Barbados.

West Indies Under-19 players Keemo Paul, Tevin Imlach along with Akshaya Persaud and Romain Muniram also took part in the sessions in keeping with the Warriors’ developmental programme; the camp is ex-

pected to conclude on June 25.

On Wednesday and Thursday the Warriors are expected to engage in match simulations drills under the artificial lights, while on Friday and Saturday they will play practice matches against a local select side.

The Warriors will be in search of their first title win this year after com-

ing up short in two finals, one against the Jamaica Tallawahs in the inaugural tournament and then against the Barbados Tridents the year after.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will begin their campaign on the road when they play the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park on June 30.

There are four home

matches beginning on July 7 with a clash against the Jamaica Tallawahs at 19:00 Hrs then the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots on July 9 from midday.

The highly anticipated match against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders will occur on July 10 also from 19:00 Hrs while the final home match is against the St. Lucia Zouks on July 12 from 19:00 Hrs. Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad: Martin Guptill (Captain) Sohail Tanvir, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Rayad Emrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammed, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan , Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Digicel on board again for National Squash Championship T

elecommunication giant Digicel, in partnership with the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), on Monday launched the annual Senior National Championship, which is set to serve off on June 29.

Officials of Digicel and the GSA met at Digicel’s head office in Kingston where information pertaining to the tournament was divulged to the media.

Set to run until July 3, the competition is set to attract the country’s top squash players, with action set for every evening at the Georgetown Club squash courts.

According to president of the GSA, David Fernandes,

several overseas-based players are set to compete in the Men’s category, which is expected to be the showpiece of the event.

Among the top overseasbased players set to take the courts are former national champion Kristian Jeffrey and Alexander Arjoon.

The tournament will also feature a strong Women’s category with the likes of Ashley Khalil and the Wiltshire sisters, as well as the junior players preparing to compete in the Caribbean Junior Championship later this year.

There are six categories to be contested; Men’s Open,

Women’s Open, Novice, Veteran Men’s 35-49 years, Veteran Men’s Over-50 and Veteran Women’s.

Meanwhile, Digicel has been sponsoring the tournament since 2014, and according to Communications Manager, Vidya BijlallSanichara, the partnership has been a rewarding one for both parties.

She said the company will once again pump a substantial amount into the tournament, as it is keen on supporting events that promote sport and youth.

The Digicel Senior Championship is the flagship event on the Guyana Squash Association’s annual calendar of events.

From left: Robin Lowe, Garfield Wiltshire, GSA President David Fernandes and Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall- Sanichara

Archery competition planned in observance of Olympic Day

G

uyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) will on Thursday recognize the significance of Olympic Day with the hosting of an Indoor Archery Competition at the National Gymnasium.

According to a press release from the president of GSSF Vidushi Persaud – McKinnon, June 23rd every year, millions of people across the world get active to celebrate Olympic Day. She went on to say that in Guyana, the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation/Archery Guyana will commemorate this day by hosting an Indoor Archery Competition among their registered members.

Olympic Day was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. The goal was to promote participation in sport

Flashback! Permanent Secretary Alfred King officially launching Archery Guyana on August 24, 2015

across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability. President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Thomas Bach had opined: “Every year, Olympic Day allows the whole world to unite behind the Olympic dream.” Guyana is no different.

According to the release, archery made its Olympic debut at the Olympic Games from 1900 to 1920, becoming, in 1904, one of the first

Olympic sports to include women. In keeping with the objectives of establishing sports shooting and solid foundations and promoting the growth of the sport, the GSSF on July 31, 2015 was accepted as a permanent member of the World Archery Federation.

Archery Guyana was officially launched on Monday 24th August 2015, with the GSSF using the opportunity to showcase what it has

achieved thus far. At the Official Launch of Archery Guyana, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth & Sport, Mr. Alfred King, congratulated the GSSF for the bold initiative, noting that the sport was a natural fit for Guyana, given the vast use of the equipment used for Archery by the Amerindians.

He went on to state that apart from boxing which

has given Guyana a taste of Olympic glory in the past, he is optimistic that Archery once fully practiced and established will take Guyana to another Olympic meet.

Chairman of the Archery Committee, Mr. Nicholas Hing, reported that everything is all set for Thursday’s Indoor Target Archery Competition which will be conducted under the strict safety rules which are a standard of the World Archery and its affiliated organisations.

The GSSF, as an affiliate of WA, aims to uphold its standards and rules at all times. At the Olympic Games, archers shoot at targets 70 metres away. The target is 1.22 metres in diameter and marked with 10 concentric rings. Individual archers compete in head-to-head matches in single elimination after being ranked from

1 to 64 during qualifications.

In each contest both archers shoot 12 arrows and only the winner moves on. Teams are made up of three archers, and team events follow the same competition format as individual events.

This event however, will be an indoor event with a much shorter shooting distance, and limited to just two hours (17:00h – 19:00h).

The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation/Archery Guyana thanks the National Sports Commission for its support of the National Gymnasium as a Facility for the Federation to currently host two Practice Sessions per week for Indoor Archery.

The Board announced that once the weather clears up, plans will resume for regular Outdoor Archery Practice Sessions. For more info visit the website: www. guyanasportshooting.com

guyana-times.com

tuesdAY, june 21, 2016

Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series

23

MoH/Petra Organisation/ Busta Soft Shoe Football....

Australia eye final Tournament moves into spot in must-win game round of 16 phase against West Indies

Both West Indies and Australia are looking to win the match and book their place in the final but they are also looking at the weather in Barbados

T

he wash-out between Australia and South Africa in Barbados on Sunday has left all three teams still in with a chance of reaching the tri-series final. Two round-robin games remain - West Indies against Australia on Tuesday and West Indies against South Africa on Friday. Should Jason Holder’s men defeat Australia on Tuesday, the final will be settled - West Indies would play South Africa, and Australia would go home.

But if Steven Smith’s team prevails, Australia will be guaranteed of a place in the final and West Indies and South Africa would play off for the other spot on Friday.

And despite South Africa’s two bonus points, it would be a straight shoot-out, because the tri-series rules state that number of wins takes precedence if teams are equal on points. A West Indian win on Friday would put them level with South Africa on points, but with one more win.

The upshot is that this game is must-win for Australia, but not for West Indies. Like all three sides in this tournament, Australia have been up and down throughout. The likely presence of Mitchell Starc is a potential key - his workload has been managed throughout the series and Australia have only lost the matches

in which he did not play. His ability to swing the white ball could well turn a chase - West Indies’ preferred option is always to bat second.

It has been a tough tour so far for Glenn Maxwell, who made 0 and 3 in the first two games before being dropped. Maxwell was recalled against South Africa in Bridgetown on Sunday.

He is expected to retain his place and Australia need something from him, not only with the bat, but also in the field. Their fielding was sloppy in St Kitts, and Maxwell might be just the man to lift that with his sharp work.

Nearly 16 years ago, Marlon Samuels first played Test cricket against Australia. He was still a teenager, and was viewed as a young man of great potential. Say what you will about Samuels’ career, one thing is undoubtedly true: he has rarely shown his best against Australia, averaging 21.06 against them across formats. But if the old cliché is true, that you’re only as good as your last innings, the Australians had better watch out, for Samuels plundered 92 against them to help West Indies to a win in St Kitts. It was Samuels’ highest score against Australia in any format.

In Sunday’s wash-out, Maxwell, Mitchell Starc and

Scott Boland came in for Travis Head, Adam Zampa and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Maxwell and Starc are likely to retain their places but Boland, with little cricket behind him, is expected to make way for this must-win clash. Australia’s selectors must decide whether to go for pace and bring CoulterNile back, or perhaps more likely, recall the impressive young legspinner Zampa, who was left out against South Africa only because of the wet conditions.

The West Indies selectors have dropped Jerome Taylor from the squad, forcing at least one change to their XI. Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and off-spinner Ashley Nurse both must be hoping for an ODI debut in this match. Including Nurse would leave Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite as the only pace options, so Gabriel would appear the more likely debutant.

West Indies squad reads; Jason Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels.

Australia squad reads; Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa and John Hastings.

The Kensington Oval surface is generally good for batting, but was a little tacky on Sunday, when there was rain around. The forecast for Tuesday does suggest that there is the possibility of rain again, although it looks more promising than Sunday’s weather.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Blyden outstanding on debut but not good enough for team victory

F

ormer junior intercounty player and professional cricketer Travis Blyden has once again stamped his authority in an overseas league as he turned in an all round performance for his new team, Pioneer Cricket Club on Sunday at Wilkinson Park.

The petite all rounder bagged 3-33 from eight economical overs of leg spin, before returning with the bat to hammer 90 from 72 deliveries in a losing effort for his club against Island Wide Cricket Club (IWCC).

Batting first in a game reduced to 40 overs due to ground preparation, IWCC

Travis Blyden

reached 265-9 when their

overs expired, with Blyden, making his debut in an American League match, being their main tormentor claiming three wickets.

The right handed batsman, who recently ended a satisfactory stint in Trinidad and Tobago South League where he skippered Evergreen Sports Club and scored 527 runs while taking 27 wickets across three formats, then returned to play a scintillating knock which included eleven boundaries as his team folded for a paltry 165 in 36 overs.

Blyden next assignment is on Sunday in another 50 over game.

T

he Ministry of Public Health/Petra Organisation/Busta Soft Shoe Tournament has now moved to the round of 16 phase after the round-robin segment was completed last Saturday at the Santos Training Area, Brickdam.

Defending champions, Sparta Boss clinched their spot in the knock-out phase in a trilling match against Sophiathat ended 4-3.

Shemroy Arthur gave Sophia the lead in the fourth minute but the champs equalised in the 14th minute as Sheldon Shepherd scored, slotting home from the left side. Sophia would then retake the lead three minutes later when Desmond Cottam nettedwith a powerful strike into the top right hand corner.

It was all even again, as Gregory Richardson netted in the 22nd minute and one minute later to give Sparta Boss the advantage.

However, Sophia refused to go down quietly, as Dwayne Lowe scored in the 27th minute but it was Sparta Boss’ Eusi Phillips who snatched the dramatic win in the 38th minute.

In other results, Broad Street defeated Ministry of Public Health 4-1.

Leon Richardson, Jimmy Gravesande, Devon Johnson and Jamal Cozier scored in the 18th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd minute respectively.

Preliminary action on the “Stop Gender based Violence Soft Shoe Tournament” at the Ministry of Public Health Ground, Brickdam

Also on the score-sheet but on the losing side was Trevor Lewis in the third minute.

Meanwhile, Albouystown thrashed Young Ballers 5-0.

Kemo Scott netted a hattrick in the seventh, ninth and 12th minute while Roy Samuels and Lennox Cort scored one goal each in the fifth and 20th respectively.

For Queen Street, Alpha Fletchman, Darren Harris and Omallo Williams scored in the third, 12th and 29th minutes while an own goal in the 13th minute added to the score line.

Similarly, Bent Street and Kitty Weavers battled to a scoreless draw while Alexander Village and Leopold Street played to a 0-0 stalemate.

West Front Road and Queen Street Tigerbay battled to a high scoring 4-4 stalemate. Jermin Junior recorded a double for West

Front Road in the 16th and 22nd minutes while Nathaniel Nagaloo also scored twice in the ninth and 28th minute.

The winner of the event will collect $300,000 and the championship trophy while the second placed side will receive $200,000 and the runners-up accolade.

On the other hand, the third placed side will receive $100,000 and the respective trophy while the fourth place finishers will pocket $50,000 and the corresponding title.

On the individual side, prizes will be awarded to the event’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Highest Goal Scorer.

Matches will continue on Sunday June 26 At the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue from 19:00 hrs.

Final Points Standings Group-A Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts Channel-9-Warriors (Q) 3 2 1 0 7 3 +4 6 Campbellville (q) 3 1 1 1 7 8 -1 4 West Back Road 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1 4 Laing Avenue 3 0 1 2 5 7 -2 2 Group-B Team Kitty (Q) Globe Yard (q) Bent Street 2 Cross Street

GP W L D GF GA GD Pts 3 2 0 1 6 3 +3 7 3 2 1 0 7 7 0 6 3 0 1 2 4 5 1 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 1

Group-C Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts Sophia (Q) 3 2 1 0 7 4 +3 6 Holmes St. Tiger Bay (q) 3 2 1 0 6 4 +2 6 Sparta Boss (t) 3 2 1 0 8 7 +1 6 California Square 3 0 3 0 0 6 -6 0 Group-D Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts Queen St. Tiger Bay (Q) 3 2 0 1 8 4 +4 7 West Front Road (q) 3 1 0 2 11 6 +5 5 Broad Street (t) 3 1 1 1 6 5 +1 4 Ministry of Health 2 0 2 0 0 7 -7 0 Group-E Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts North Ruimveldt (Q) 3 1 0 2 9 7 +2 5 Alexander Village (q) 3 1 0 2 6 4 +2 5 Leopold Street (t) 3 1 0 2 3 2 +1 5 Festival City 3 0 3 0 3 8 -5 0 Group-F Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts Albouystown (Q) 3 1 0 2 10 5 +5 5 Tucville (q) 3 1 0 2 8 5 +3 5 North E/La Penitence (t)3 1 0 2 6 4 +2 5 Young Ballers 3 0 3 0 2 12 -10 0 Key (Q)-Group Winner (q)-Group Runner-up (t)-Third Place Qualifier

tuesdAY, june 21, 2016

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

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Guyana Amazon Warriors begin week of encampment

Pg 22

Guyana Amazon Warriors players doing some basic stretches at the start of their week-long encampment at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence ahead of CPL 2016 (Marceano Narine Photo)

Igloo Hockey Festival deemed a sweet success

Pg 20

Women’s champions GGG Pizza Hut

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Futsal Tournament…

Pg 20

Beterverwagting B are new East Coast champions The victorious Beterverwagting B team along with Banks DIH Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (third from left)

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