Guyana times 21 june 2017

First Lady urges students to capitalise on learning experience P16

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Issue No. 3248

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Ministerial “Code of Conduct” gazetted …no penalties, vague time frame for officials to take action Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mabaruma without P2 electricity

…residents in darkness for over 5 weeks

Jagdeo P9 condemns land CoI for lack of consultation

Old Year’s Day murder

GTT “bringing the heat” to Amazon Warriors team

See stories on Pages 12&22

With “The Biggest Party In Sport” set to begin on August 4, telecommunications company GTT is bringing the heat with the announcement of it being the main sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Caribbean Premier League. In photo, GTT CEO Justin Nedd is flanked by the players of the Amazon Warriors, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and performers at the partnership launch on Wednesday

Access to Aishalton cut off, creek overflows Page 7

…as floodwaters rise in Region 9

Presidential powers still too much – WPA …calls for fast-tracking of Page 9

overdue constitutional reform

Pomeroon woman stabbed 6 times by reputed husband Page 7

P10

Albouystown man jailed for 60 years

RDC 10 P2 annoyed by Bulkan’s noshow

4 arrested in separate drug P10 busts

Cap on CSEC subjects P11

Manickchand criticises “threat” to limit students

2 news

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mabaruma without electricity …residents in darkness for over 5 weeks

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prolonged power outage continues to disrupt the livelihood of the residents of Mabaruma, the administrative centre for Region One (BarimaWaini), as the regional capital has been without electricity for more than five weeks.

This disruption in power supply is as a result of the disintegration of the district’s electrical supply system, which stemmed from a malfunctioning generator.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, a crankshaft and a series of bearings attached to the generator have been damaged, causing the halt in the operations of the crucial machinery. With the engine out of order, the community of Mabaruma is forced to endure the very prolonged blackout as there is no alternative means of generating electrical energy.

In an interview with

A section of Mabaruma, Region One

this publication, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley expressed regret on the regional administration’s behalf.

Ashley indicated that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has made several attempts to source a replacement for the dilapidated crankshaft, but has faced difficulties in obtaining the mechanical part within or around the region. However, the administrative body managed to

acquire the piece from a remote engineering entity, which led to a further delay while awaiting transport to Mabaruma.

Nonetheless, the new crankshaft arrived in the Region on Friday following which an engineer was employed to commence the resuscitation of the generator.

The Regional Chairman conveyed to this newspaper, “We are currently concerned as an RDC for the

people’s well-being and the Administration is being asked to ensure that power is being restored.”

Ashley went on to say, “We are working assiduously to restore the engine, but have been faced with some minor obstacles. An engineer is now working on the matter.”

As such, the RDC is looking forward to the restoration of electricity within the coming days.

Mabaruma relies solely on the power station of the Council to provide electricity. With the district’s supply down, residents are left counting their losses following the devastating five weeks of no electricity.

As such, they are calling on authorities to make every effort to ensure the speedy restoration of electrical power, noting that they have already suffered thousands of dollars in losses.

RDC 10 annoyed

by Bulkan’s no-show

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

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he failure of C o m m u n i t i e s Minister Ronald Bulkan to meet with the Chairman and Councillors of the Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Democratic Council (RDC) to discuss pertinent issues was met with an unfavourable response, as outlined during the hosting of the Council’s most recent statutory meeting.

Regional Councillor Gordon Callender alluded to the Council that Councillor Denise Belgrave, in an extended motion which was passed in the Council recently, would have asked for a discussion between Councillors and the Minister. Councillor Belgrave, in putting forward an extension and conclusion of the motion which was initiated by Councillor Charles Sampson, had requested that the Communities Minister be invited for serious discussions with the RDC, the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) and Community Development Councils (CDCs) on various concerns and issues affecting the Region. However, it was noted that the visit was yet to take place. Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who described the situation as “sad”, noted that it was only an “invitation”, as he pointed out that a “directive” could not be sent to the Minister by the Council.

“The truth of the matter is…we are as a Council, and I know for sure that the (Linden) Town Council feel the same way, I know for sure that the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council] at Kwakwani feels the same way, that after all this length of time we’re sitting here, we can’t have the visit of the Minister of Communities.”

“It’s not that when the Minister come anybody want to attack the Minister, but you want to feel that assurance that our minister is standing with us, supporting us and the issues that we will raise, if at his level he can’t deal with those issues, deal with the issues at Cabinet level,” he said.

The RDC had strongly rejected a decision taken by Permanent Secretary (PS) within the Communities Ministry, Emil McGarell to rotate its lone civil engineer.

Councillors had lashed out, stating that the absence of four staffers who were sent on administrative leave a year and a half ago following fraud allegations has already had damning effects on the Council’s works output. As such, a motion was put forward by Councillors Sampson and Belgrave, requesting, among other things, that the staff be reinstated immediately and for the Communities Minister to engage various administrations across the Region.

Prior the motion, Morian read to the Council a letter sent to the administration, addressed to Clive Peters, the lone civil engineer of Upper Demerara for his reassignment to Region One (Barima-Waini), with effect from May 22. Councillors argued that to now have the engineer transferred amidst all the “confusion” was adding ‘salt to the wound’. The decision to transfer the lone engineer was, however, reversed, as highlighted by Morian during the most recent statutory meeting, but other issues still remain.

The Regional Chairman also stressed the lack of representation from the Communities Ministry in dealing with several issues at Coomacka.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, June 21 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, June 22 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, June 21 – 14:15h-15:45h and Thursday, June 22 – 15:20h-16:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery to heavy showers can be expected during the day, while light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North-easterly to East South-easterly between 2.23 metre and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 01:27h and 14:24h reaching maximum height of 2.62 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:54h and 20:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, June 17, 2017

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TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 02 03 17 23 26

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wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ministerial “Code of Conduct” gazetted …no penalties, vague time frame for officials to take action

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he long-awaited ministerial Code of Conduct has been gazetted by the coalition Government, but despite the concerns raised by Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) when it reviewed the draft, some of its most critical recommendations have been ignored.

After reviewing the document earlier this year, one of TIGI’s main recommendations had been for penalties the State could impose for specific breaches

by Ministers and officials to be incorporated within the Code of Conduct. According to the anti-corruption advocate, the Code was silent on these penalties.

But while the Code lists transgressions such as taking and soliciting bribes, exhibiting discrimination while discharging one’s duties and using public property for unofficial purposes, the Code remains completely silent on what form penalties, if any, will take.

At the time, TIGI had complained that while there was focus on breaches of the Code, the President, David Granger, and the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, were identified as the relevant authorities for administering disciplinary action.

Since the Code was silent on specific penalties for breaches, TIGI had warned that this left these two officials with the responsibility to determine the penalties.

TIGI had noted that instead of leaving this to the will of the very people the Code would govern, specific penalties for some breaches should be laid out.

“This will improve public confidence in the process.

The Code itself needs to be fleshed out in much greater detail, and we strongly recommend taking guidance from model legislation such as the UNCAC.” But the amended Code of Conduct makes no mention of any disciplinarians. In fact, Article 12, which TIGI

said made mention of the President and his Minister, has been removed.

No timeline

Other problems that TIGI identified with the draft were the absence of a specific time limit for resolving conflicts of interest involving Ministers and public officials in Article Four.

It had noted that phrases like “as soon as practicable”

the few changes that were made in accordance with input from the transparency advocate was expanding Article Eight, which deals with sexual misconduct of public officials.

TIGI had expressed criticism of Article Eight, saying that it only referenced sexual misconduct while performing official duties.

According to TIGI, “this is an unnecessary and un-

The Code is expected to cover Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders

could lead to abuse.

This advice has gone unheeded by the Government, with Article Four (1) stating “that public officials would not allow private interest or the pursuit thereof to conflict with their duties or improperly influence conduct”.

“Provided that any such conflict that tends to interfere with the proper discharge of his or her public duties shall be reported to the Integrity Commission for guidance on a resolution as soon as practicable in favour of the official duties of the person in public life.”

And while TIGI had warned the Government against leaving it up to the conflicted Minister to avoid conflict of interest situations, Article Four (3) states that public officials will “take reasonable steps to avoid, resolve and disclose any material conflict of interest, financial or non-financial, that arises or is likely to arise”.

It seems that one of

desirable restriction.” The organisation had made it clear that sexual misconduct, whether on or off duty, must disqualify anyone from continuing to hold the post of a public official.

In the gazetted version

of the Code, Article Eight (1) states that no public official shall “pursue a course of conduct which amounts to offensive sexual comments, gestures or physical contact or such conduct of a criminal nature under the Sexual Offences Act.” Part two of Article Eight goes on to prohibit sexual misconduct while a public official engages in official duties. In addition, it prohibits an official from using their authority for “sexual gratification”. Again, however, the Code does not specify any steps the Government would take against such deviants, independent of criminal proceedings under the Sexual Offences Act. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

World Refugee Day 2017

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he United Nations’ Refugee Agency launched the #WithRefugees petition, in June 2016, to appeal to governments to help refugees as best they could.

World Refugee Day is commemorated every year on June 20, which is a day identified to bring awareness of the crisis facing millions, including women and children, across the globe as warlords pursue their various destructive agenda to decimate their enemies, inevitably and invariably with terrible consequences for the social fabric that protects and promotes the wellbeing of mankind.

On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly, in Resolution 55/76 decided that, from 2001, June 20 would be celebrated as World Refugee Day. In this resolution, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

African Refugee Day had been formally celebrated in several countries prior to 2000. The UN noted that the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on June 20.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees is celebrated in January each year, having been instituted in 1914 by Pope Pius X. Displaced peoples around the world are trekking on long and dangerous journeys, seeking sanctuary from their own war-torn home countries. Oftentimes the gruelling journeys take tolls that ensue in the loss of family members, rape and sexual molestation of the vulnerable – children, women, and even men. Many times refugees are robbed of their sparse belonging by other migrants.

The refugee situation has assumed crisis proportions and host countries are overwhelmed, with overburdened social services and economies that are in regression because of the influx of a parallel population that is a constant drain on overburdened taxpayers. The cultural differences are also straining relations between even the most liberal nations and their migrant population, which is currently becoming renowned for what some describe as being parasitic and problematic, causing severe dislocations to the cultural and general wellbeing to legitimate citizens of host countries.

Women and children in some locales are complaining of sexual abuse, men and the elderly are being attacked in their own home territories; then there are the terror attacks, which justify, perhaps, the fear and the negative reaction of citizens to any kind of invasion of their homeland by migrant from other countries.

It is being rightly said that most of the refugee groups comprise of young, able-bodies men who should stay in their homelands to fight against their oppressors so that their families could return to familiar homes and cultures.

US President Donald Trump rode into the White House on a promise to his constituents that he would minimise the radical individuals and terror groupings; as well as migrants with a criminal history.

Some countries are banning refugees for fear of murderous radicals infusing the groupings of genuine refugees who merely want a safe haven for themselves and families.

Displaced by famine, war, and/or oppression, by the end of 2016, more than 65 million people worldwide were forced to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution, data published by the UN Refugee Agency reveals. That’s an average of 28,300 people per day, almost 20 people every minute.

The plight of the refugee is caused by their own leaders, power-drunk, corrupt despots who have no compassion or human tendencies to mercy and these are the ones who should be made to flee into exile, not allowed to create a wave of people fleeing from their own homelands into often alien and contentious situations in host states.

The international flower festival on Nevsky Prospekt during Russia Day celebrations, Saint Petersburg, Russia

(The Telegraph)

Bankruptcy within party’s political culture Dear Editor, The recent remarks by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) of not being consulted by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition puts them behind the eight ball, so to speak. Respectfully said another way, to be part of a governing regime for two years without any knowledge as to their role, points to a creeping bankruptcy within WPA’s political culture.

The People’s National Congress (PNC) is simply being itself. The WPA and others were warned about a coalition with the PNC but they argued for it. Indeed, certain Alliance For Change

(AFC) advocates including its then party leader and a certain well-known newspaper columnist berated others for raising PNC history.

Voters were told that this is a different PNC. Voters were also told not to listen to those who preached about “rear view” politics.

The coalition even used former US President Barack Obama in a political advertisement to suggest that the past was dead.

However, this did not stop the PNC itself from announcing recently that under David Granger, it was implementing Burnham’s vision and policies.

The WPA should never have united with the

PNC. But having done so for the love of country, as one of its Executive members once stated, the WPA should have resigned when the Walter Rodney CoI was prematurely ended.

I for one grew up reading the WPA paper during those long Burnham days. I lived next to one of its loyal foot soldiers in Grove who worked tirelessly to sell that paper. The one defining characteristic of the WPA has always been its refusal to be disrespected.

What the PNC did with the aforesaid COI exceeded disrespect. It sent a message. The PNC stood its ground, the WPA did not. Having failed to do so,

the WPA’s shield has been pierced.

It explains, for example, why the PNC wilfully selected June 13 to announce the demotion of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine as Education Minister. It is to disrespect the WPA and its legacy. This PNC insensitivity is nothing new. This same PNC insisted on May 26 being the date for Guyana’s independence when that date is associated with the racial atrocities that occurred against Indians in Wismar in 1964.

In politics, the past is never dead.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

Concern about GECOM Chair and fairness of next election Dear Editor, In travelling around Guyana last week for a NACTA poll and socialising at various public functions as well as in open markets, concerns were raised by voters about the lack of appointment of a chairperson for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and whether the next general election will be free and fair.

A large majority (63 per cent) of respondents are upset with President David Granger for not choosing someone for chair from the two lists of nominees provided by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. They said the President needs to urgently appoint someone

from the lists provided by the Opposition Leader as mandated in the Jimmy Carter formula. Most respondents said they were certain the President would have chosen someone from the second list, a s

five of the six nominees meet the criteria established by the Head of State. Voters want the President to ap-

point someone who will not condone electoral fraud as committed between 1966 and 1992; the last time the People’s National Congress governed the nation.

Large majorities of respondents of the poll say they are fearful the election will not be above board, and that the appointment of a (neutral) chair is critical for holding a free and fair election. Almost every supporter of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

and the Alliance For Change feels the next election will be rigged and they want measures put in place to prevent rigging. Respondents say there should be observers at every polling station to prevent skulduggery, like stuffing of ballot boxes and the impersonation of voters.

It is generally felt that if the election is free and fair, and Bharrat Jagdeo is the PPP candidate, he will win the presidency and a parliamentary majority should he decide to run. Jagdeo is the most popular and likeable political figure in the country.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Meeting with President Granger Lobbying CXC to

Dear Editor, Representatives of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) met with President David Granger and his team on June 14, 2017 and discussed the APA’s concerns on the recently established Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Lands.

Though called at short notice, the APA was able to quickly put together a team to meet with the President and the organisation appreciates the resulting constructive dialogue that took place in this meeting, as well as the President’s acceptance of the APA’s proposal that the CoI suspend further action on Indigenous lands until adequate consultation has occurred with Indigenous peoples and representative organisations such as the National Toshaos Council.

Over the past five months, the APA has been consistently expressing its concern first about a move to establish a joint lands commission and then later the actual establishment of the Commission.

Among the concerns listed by the APA is the inappropriate linkage between Indigenous land rights and ‘ancestral lands’ for Guyanese of African ancestry while acknowledg-

ing the Government’s prerogative to establish a CoI to investigate ‘ancestral lands,’.

Other concerns include the seeming duplication of activities between the CoI and revision of the Amerindian Act which would address many of the same issues and in the most appropriate manner, and the Guideline pertaining to the demarcation and titling of Indigenous lands, which adopted by the ALT Project Board and endorsed by the wide range of stakeholders, governmental and otherwise, who were part of its development. The APA was also very concerned by possible delays in the approval of titles for Indigenous lands that had been attributed to the CoI, including those previously approved by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and pending signature by the Office of the President. We continue to hope that these and other pending titles will be processed expeditiously and transmitted to the communities who are eagerly awaiting news of the same.

In February, the APA first wrote to the Board of the Amerindian Land Tilting and Demarcation Project then to President Granger asking for a meeting to talk about

the very concerns listed above. On May 4, President Granger met with the APA through its Executive Director, Jean La following which she again documented the APA’s concern in a letter to him. The APA’s Executive Committee had been meeting in Georgetown during the end of May and therefore sought another with President Granger but this did not happen. However, when President Granger said he could meet with the APA on June 14, the organisation seized the opportunity to do so. The APA has always recognised that Indigenous rights issues are not the domain of one organisation or group alone and has also consistently sought to have discussions with like-minded representative groups and individuals and to present common positions that come from multiple sources when possible.

In our meeting, the President acknowledged that his Government had overlooked some issues in seeking to address the long standing matter of Amerindian land and went further to state that these issues could be corrected or improved.

In having the meeting with

the APA the President said he hoped “to discuss how the Inquiry could proceed in an acceptable manner to Indigenous people and to all Guyana”. In making his fivepoint proposal, he noted that he would also have to meet with the National Toshaos Council and other organisations to not only inform them of these proposals but also to listen to their concerns and other proposals they may make.

The APA, recognising that it could not make decisions on behalf of those who do not form part of its constituency, took note of the President’s proposal and made a request for the suspension of all CoI activities related to Indigenous land until there is more dialogue with all parties concerned and until all agree on the way forward. President Granger agreed to this, and the APA therefore looks forward to all being engaged in resolving issues of concern and to common positions in moving forward.

Regards, Jean La Rose, Executive Director, Amerindian Peoples Association

Renewing invitation to Rohee

Dear Editor, I write to dismiss Clement Rohee’s proposition in his letter of June 20, that “Vincent Alexander was parachuted into the Ministry of Education, unbeknownst to the WPA, to understudy Minister Roopnaraine.”

Having been relieved of the position of General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and consequentially of the press coverage now enjoyed by Jagdeo, Rohee has taken to letter writing and pontificating on the inner workings of political parties, other than his own. It is however quite apparent that his postulations

are sometimes unfounded, presumptuous and even mischievous, as will be made obvious from what I have to say.

Alexander’s sojourn at the Education Ministry was at the direct and personal request of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. Hence, I was appointed as Technical Facilitator, a pre-existing position to the Minister. As a consequence of his removal and as a matter of ethics, protocol and best practices, his removal, in my judgement, automatically brings my sojourn to an end, and so shall it be. I was not parachuted into the Ministry by some

other force nor was I under studying Dr Roopnaraine.

This, however, has no bearing on unrelated appointments that I hold in the education or other sectors; that is Chairman of the National Accreditation Council.

May I take this opportunity to remind Rohee and the public that as of 2007, I have not been a member of any po-

litical party nor an aspirant to office in any political party.

May I take this opportunity to renew my invitation to Rohee, now that he is no longer General Secretary of the PPP, to have non-partisan discourse on matters of national interest.

Yours truly, Vincent Alexander

offer subject focused on research

Dear Editor, Children should be allowed to focus on subjects for which their developed abilities are capable.

Children are generally smart, but in Guyana this brilliance is influenced by the attention placed by parents on their children’s academic performance, in addition to being undermined by disparities in the quality of education across

schools. For example, senior seco n d a r y schools generally have better teachers, so that children of equally capable mental capacities in junior secondary schools may turn out ‘not as brilliant’. This rationale also applies to primary schools.

This said, every child should be allowed to focus on those subjects likely to provide the best outcome for their careers. Naturally there are core subjects.

However, if a child is brilliant, but still wants to pursue a vocational career, the child’s creativity will

very probably result in him/ her becoming an entrepreneur, versus a doctor, lawyer, etc.

If the child is brilliant but is not interested in vocational subjects, then the child should not be forced to write these additional subjects, as they become a source of unnecessary stress.

Further it is probably widely noted in the Caribbean education system the fatigue and distress presented by the School Based Assessment (SBA) component of CXC exams for children w r i t ing large numbers of subjects. The Education Ministry could consider lobbying CXC to offer a single subject focused on research, versus the current arrangement where students engage in research in almost all CXC subjects.

Alternatively, they could explore testing at GCE. Guyana needs to put itself first and stop being trapped by someone else’s ideas.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

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Foundation

Identify a study spot ou may need to sit with your child while she’s doing her work or at least be nearby to help her stay on track. She may need a quiet location away from brothers and sisters or she may do better in a room near others. You can help her experiment. But once you find what works best, keep her in that location. You will not do her work for her, but you may need to review her work and ask her if a certain paragraph makes sense to her, for example.

emotions in check by recognizing that it’s your child’s anxiety at play rather than his laziness. Your job (and how you will be most helpful to him) is to not react to his anxiety or your own.

Recognise that sometimes your child’s feelings of shame, inferiority or anxiety can be misinterpreted as a lousy attitude, lack of motivation, and irresponsibility. Often the cover up for these vulnerable emotions can take the form of acting out, shutting down, avoidance, and defiance. Remember that what is happening now may look very different as your child matures and develops.

In the meantime, in a positive relationship, lend him your brain by helping him with the structure and habits he can’t pull off on his own. And calm yourself by understanding the bigger picture of what is going on now.

Break it down Decide together whether or not it will be helpful to your child for you to help him break down his assignments into small pieces and organise on a calendar what he should get done each day. You can get him a big wall calendar or a white board. You might also get extra help from his teacher or get a tutor for him if that’s in your budget.

Teach life balance Remember to always keep the big picture in mind. Rather than go crazy over your child’s grades, help her to balance her life with friendships, other activities, volunteer work and family activities.

Get involved with her school affairs when you can and take an interest in her school projects.

Be kind but firm Try your best to be a parent who is kind, helpful, consistent and firm versus punitive, overfunctioning and controlling.

For every negative interaction with your child, try to create ten positive ones. Try to put the focus on supporting and encouraging him instead of worrying and nagging. When you start to believe his grades are a reflection of you or your parenting and that you are responsible for his outcome, you will be on his case—and it will be harmful and ineffective.

Don’t futurize When we see our child seeming to have no interest in his life, it’s easy to start fast forwarding into the future.

When he acts like he doesn’t care about anything except video games and his friends, we worry that he won’t be successful or even functional on his own. This ramps up our anxiety and our fear. But here’s the truth: none of us have a crystal ball or can really see into the future. Focusing on the negative things your child is doing will only bring the spotlight on them, and may set you both up for a power struggle. Instead, focus on your child’s positive traits and help him work on those in the present. Is he outgoing, helpful, or good with animals? Focus on all the things that go into a developed, successful person, not just academics and grades and help your child develop in social, creative, and emotional ways.

Parents are often so worried about their child falling behind that they end up in a power struggle with their childs over it, but nothing gets better. They go round and round, just fighting about the grades and the work. But if you as the parent can calm down and understand that this is not just a bad attitude and an unmotivated child – and that you can’t force them to be motivated – then you can actually start meeting your child where he is and helping where he needs help. Remember, your goal is to stop the reactivity and solve the problem. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

By Debbie Pincus

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Lack of motivation or anxiety?

Recognise that so much of your child’s lack of motivation (or what looks like irresponsibility) might be his own anxiety or shame about academics and schoolwork. Most people have anxiety about doing certain things and avoid them like the plague. Childs may not be able to explain all of this to you because it’s not always on a conscious level for them. Here’s a typical scenario. Let’s say your child tells you he doesn’t have homework when he actually does.

This will stir up your anxiety. When you react to it by yelling or criticising, your child will manage his anxiety by distancing from it—and from you—more. While a little anxiety can motivate, too much blocks your child’s ability to think and to have access to the part of the brain that helps him with motivation. Keep your

BY DR LORI DESAUTELS

R

ight now, students across the nation are embarking upon a series of tests following intense days and weeks of test preparation accompanied by anxiety and worry from both parents and educators. Many of these test participants are English as a second language (ESL) learners with a wide diversity of learning potential, social and emotional challenges, strengths, cultures and interests. Among these young learners, there are many who put themselves to bed in the evening, get themselves up and ready for school, and do not have breakfast, arranged homework times or adult support to guide their school days. Researchers from many higher education institutions are sharing the knowledge that “how” we are currently teaching and “testing” is the exact opposite of how the brain is wired to learn. Dr John Medina, developmental molecular biologist with the University of Washington School Of Medicine speaks of brain rules, principles for how the brain naturally learns, processes and retrieves information. We did not have this research 30 years ago, but we do now. We are discovering that we are not wired to sit for long periods of time learning in sedentary po-

sitions, as many traditional schools and classrooms require. Emotion drives attention and learning. As biological beings, we are wired to pay close attention to every stimulus in our environment. The brain always processes meaning before detail.

Testing vs stressing

To formulate our response to these discoveries, here are some of the questions that we should be asking ourselves during testing season: * Have we created meaningful associations in our testing environment? * If a child or adolescent does not perform well on a test, why not? * Do we know and understand where the errors were? * Was there anxiety in simply taking the test that immobilized the parts of the brain that think, problem solve and discern with logic and fluidity?

Many of our students are walking through our classroom doors in a chronic survival mode, where everyday stress is a waking part of their lives. We know that stress shuts down learning – there is a definitive cognitive collapse. Perceived stress is as individual as our thumbprints, and its direct impact on the our brain’s limbic system directly affects our ability to learn and remember.

Placing emotional connections into the content being taught helps to alleviate the stress response in children and adults. When we weave emotion into the content standards through stories, our own enthusiasm increases as well as that of our students. (www.edutopia.org) TO BE CONTINUED

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wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pomeroon woman Access to Aishalton cut off, creek overflows stabbed 6 times by …as floodwaters rise in Region 9 reputed husband T …air-dashed to city hospital

Doctors rushing Trecia Griffith to the ambulance

A

29-year-old mother of three from Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) had to be airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after she was stabbed by her reputed husband.

Reports are Trecia Griffith, of Noon Grant, Lower Pomeroon River, was stabbed six times about her body on Monday. She was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where her condition was listed as critical.

However, on Tuesday, after her condition worsened, Griffith was air-dashed to the city.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the woman and her 28-year-old spouse were imbibing on Monday with friends when an argument erupted. The woman’s reputed husband

had accused her of having an extramarital affair with one of his friends. Reports are the woman denied the allegation, but her reputed husband allegedly pulled out a knife and dealt several stabs to her body. She received stab wounds to her abdomen and neck.

According to sister of the injured woman, Synetha Hoyte, her sister’s reputed husband was trying to slit her throat when another man intervened, lashing him with a chair.

"My sister had several, several stab wounds; we thought she would die. She is talking, but we are very fearful, she has a two-yearold child,” she related.

The woman pointed out that her sister had endured the abusive relationship for years.

The suspect was taken into Police custody.

he Regional Administration of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is monitoring flash flooding in the Kabanawau area cutting off access to Aishalton Village, according to Regional Chairman Brian Allicock.

In a phone interview, Allicock said that owing to heavy rainfall, the creek was flooded and as a result, the Kabanawau Bridge was impassable.

“The heavy rain flooded the creek and now the bridge is under water and no vehicles can access it and that is a cause for concern, because most people use that bridge to get goods and produce in

This youngster uses instinct and memory as he, with the help of his bicycle, tries to navigate the Kabanawau Bridge

and out of Aishalton, so it now means that access is cut off from that village,” he in-

These youngsters use the day off from school to take advantage of the high water level

formed.

This newspaper was told that children from the village of Chiridkanau were unable to attend school on Tuesday, since the bridge was impassable. Since the beginning of the May/June rainy season, several villages have experienced major flooding and some are still trying to rebuild after the floods. The hard-hit communities were mostly limited to Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) as the floodwaters washed away houses, but, fortunately, there were no casualties.

One such village is Chenapau in Region Eight. Water levels in the Amerindian village rose to approximately 20 feet in some areas and the Potaro River remains flooded owing to the heavy rains the Region is currently experiencing.

Residents complained that following the initial relief supplies, the Government has yet to offer any addition-

al supplies to the community, as they are still battling to recuperate. Farms in the village were washed away, and residents were finding it difficult to restart, since there were limited job opportunities and they were still being denied access to the generations-old trail in the Kaieteur National Park, which they use to get to their farms and to fish and hunt.

Approximately two weeks ago, roadways in Mahdia, Region Eight were washed away as a result of floods.

There are also frequent reports of flooding in and around Georgetown and other parts of the coast.

Floodwaters at Kabanawau

8 news

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Law books allegations

2 witnesses testify as trial commences

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he courtroom of Magistrate Fabayo Azore heard the testimony of two witnesses on Tuesday as the trial of former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall commenced at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Nandlall was arraigned on a charge instituted by members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which stated that between May 15 and May 29, 2015, while being a bailee (custodian), he fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit 14 Commonwealth Law Reports, valued at $2.3 million — which he allegedly unlawfully retained after demitting office in 2015.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall (centre)

In court on Tuesday, Legal Affairs Ministry Accounts Clerk Daniel Persaud gave evidence, disclosing that the only law reports that he was aware of were those received by the

Ministry after Nandlall had demitted office in 2015.

He told the court that he recollected receiving a phone call from the then Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Legal Affairs

Ministry, Melissa Tucker, on June 2, 2015 after which he visited her office with the “Intermediate Use Book”.

The court also heard that the PS had in her possession the law reports about which Persaud made entries into the book, recording the description, serial number, etc.

Persaud then related that he transported the said books to the Ministry’s library and handed over the books to the librarian, Lana Best, who signed for them A former stores clerk at the Legal Affairs Ministry also appeared to give evidence. The court heard that she held the position for 15 years and has since retired.

The case will continue on July 11.

Tall tales…

I

…and integrity

f there was anything to that Pinocchio story, PM Moses Nagamootoo’s nose should be reaching further than his outstretched hands by now when it comes to the Integrity Commission he’s supposed to’ve launched over a year now. You remember the Integrity Commission, don’t you Dear Reader?? Yeah…that institution the PNC refused to participate in for a decade and a half because they said Bishop Randolph George, head of the Anglican Church, wasn’t a “fit and proper” person to head it!!

So since then, even though it was the law of the land that all Members of Parliament report their income and assets to the Integrity Commission, the PNC MP’s refused to do so. So, who cared they were breaking the law – certainly not them! But when they slinked into Government leading the “APNU/AFC coalition”, suddenly they became all hot and sweaty about a “Code of Conduct” for their MP’s and Ministers. NOT the Integrity Commission.

Raphael Trotman, then in charge of “Governance”, announced the Code would be built on a foundation of the Ten Principles of Public Life – accountability, dignity, diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility and transparency!! That took months to compile!! During which time, of course, such “accountable” acts like collecting of private funds by a Minister of Government for constructing Jubilee Stadium slipped through the absent Code of Conduct net.

Then “Governance” was handed off to Nagamootoo (who should’ve had it in the first place, under the Cummingsburg Accord). What to do about the Code of Conduct? You couldn’t very well implement it when warehouses had to be set up by Government Ministers, Ministers had to get scholarships when they were on their jobs and so on. But Nagamootoo – with 50 years of experience at this sort of thing – came to the rescue!!

Like Christopher Columbus of yore, he discovered the Integrity Commission to which he would yoke the Code to that Commission. But hold it! That needed legislation to mesh the institutions. So the Code was passed to the Parliamentary Drafting office for “Drafting” – NOT stalling!

And that’s where it stood while mega pharma contracts were hived off illegally to foreign companies who built arches and donated fridges…and suchlike.

But now, two years later, Nagamootoo glided down from the mountain top and burning bush and announced the combined “Code of Conduct and Integrity Commission” is nigh upon us! While he didn’t have two engraved stone tablets, he assured us it will address, “issues of bribes, discrimination, gifts, conflict of interest, use of official influence, handling of classified information, use of public property, sexual misconduct and entertainment.”

Does “use of official influence” exclude helping sonsin-law?

…at Culture Ministry

Over the last couple of hundred years, there’s been an ongoing debate about what’s usually purveyed as “culture”, is actually elitist “high culture”. There’s since been a sustained movement to rope in the more massbased “culture of the people” into the swing of things.

In Guyana, it seems the Culture Department in the Education Ministry has taken its mandate rather seriously.

This was first exhibited at the Jubilee celebrations when the Ministry – under the direct direction of its Minister – introduced the “culture of confusion” that permeates every Guyanese mass event – from weddings to bus parks.

At the ongoing Public Account Committee’s (PAC’s) hearings we now see the mass “culture of corruption” has also been taken up by the Culture Department of the Ministry. Quite blithely, the PS announced that somehow the employment of 50 persons slipped off the radar when it came to following the proper hiring procedures. But of course, it didn’t…really.

They just introduced the “common touch” of hiring “we own” into the Ministry!

…and fishy stories

Once again, we’re hearing that tilapia will be the salvation of GuySuCo. Didn’t Burnham and the PNC try this back in the day when they were trying to make sugar workers redundant?

That’s when the GNS failed to break GAWU’s 177-day “recognition” strike!!

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

news

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wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo condemns land CoI for lack of consultation T he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is again chiding Government over its “unilateral” move to establish a land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into land titling in Amerindian communities.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday spoke for the “voiceless” Indigenous Guyanese who would be subject to the presidential investigation of them receiving land titles.

Jagdeo said his Party

condemned the move by Government, as it would drive a much wider wedge among the people. He said there was no need to appoint a single commission for the Amerindian communities and African ancestral lands.

“We believe that the Government doing it in this fashion (in a single commission) would drive a wedge, because it may look as though we are trying to balance interest here.”

The Opposition Leader said his travels

to Amerindian communities across the country have garnered utmost disagreement on the ongoing CoI. He said it, therefore, came as a surprise when Government announced in the National Assembly last week that the CoI was established after consultation. He called that a blatant lie.

He lashed out also at the talks in Parliament about the rights the Head of State has to establish CoIs. He said, however, that there was no need for

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

any noise to be made about that, since, at no time – in this case in particular – was that fact challenged.

What is being challenged, he said, is the “efficacy or the lack of common sense of putting together two issues that may cause conflict between people of two different ethnic backgrounds in Guyana”.

Last Friday, the political Opposition pressed through a motion calling for the immediate suspension of the CoI that was established by President

Granger.

Government, however, maintained that the Inquiry would move ahead.

In fact, Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Keith Scott said the Amerindians were greedy for requesting security for the lands they own. He opined that sovereignty now belonged to the State, governed by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Presidential powers still too much – WPA …calls for fast-tracking of overdue constitutional reform

W

anting a reduction in the powers of the President, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) said it is time Government moves to fasttrack constitutional reform.

The WPA said on Monday that it is dissatisfied at the pace with which Government is moving in dealing with constitutional reform; a major plank of its 2015 elections campaign manifesto.

Executive member, Dr David Hinds said his party has always fought for consti-

tutional reform, and had its hand in the inclusion of that part of the coalition campaign manifesto.

“We feel that constitutional reform is critical to everything that we are doing, because constitutional reform has to do with where the State (for example) is reconstructed. It has to do with the allocation of power; it has to do with the whole question of ethnicity and the sharing of power in this country”.

He said the WPA feels strongly that the President

WPA Executive Member, Dr David Hinds

GA-FDD warns against misleading “vinegar” labels

T

he Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has circulated a public advisory warning against products incorrectly labelled as vinegar. This is in an effort to inform importers and local manufacturers that solutions produced by the diluting of concentrated acetic acid must not carry the label of vinegar.

The GA-FDD pointed out that according to the law constituted by the Regulation Division, vinegar is the name given to a solution or liquid obtained through the process of acetous fermentation of an alcoholic substance. As such, it should contain no less than four per cent and no more than 12 per cent of acetic acid. Therefore, solutions Labels showing the difference between the misleading and correct prepared by diluting con- label centrated acetic acid must As such, the GA-FDD is likely to create an erronebe accurately tagged as seeks to remind citizens of ous impression regarding its “Diluted Acetic Acid (Food the repercussions of mar- character, value, quantity, Grade 4-12) rather than composition, merit or safety keting incorrectly-labelled “vinegar” . is guilty of an offence.” products by alluding to the This advisory coincided Moreover, the GA-FDD is law that is Guyana’s Food with observations made by also calling on consumers to and Drug Act, which states: the Department which intake precautions when pur“Any person who labels, dicate that locally manuchasing such items by exampackages, treats, processes, factured as well as importining the label so as to avoid sells or advertises any food ed products currently being being misguided regarding in a manner that is false, sold on the market are cardetails of the products. misleading or deceptive or rying the misleading label.

has too much power.

According to him, despite some modification to the Constitution in 2001, presidential powers are still too much, and the party wants to see a modification of those powers.

“So there are some things that we feel need to be done immediately and constitutional reform should be put on the table as a central plank”.

Hinds said governments come and go, but it is important that there are rules of engagement. He said there is need for rules of engagement that will assure Guyanese that their security is guaranteed constitutionally.

“So we will argue in the [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU for a kickstart of the process and make good on our promise”, Dr Hinds promised.

He reminded of the committee headed by Nigel Hughes which submitted its report to Prime Minister

Moses Nagamootoo since last year, but nothing has yet begun to take shape.

“We are very clear, that having put in the manifesto… we in the WPA have fought in every manifesto for constitutional reform”.

The report submitted by the Hughes committee is still sitting before Cabinet and the process appears to have been stalled. This has led to public speculation that Government has lost interest, although some $80 million was allocated to the process.

The agreement made in the Cummingsburg Accord regarding constitutional reform reads that the President should be elected by a majority of electors; that there should be separate elections for the presidency and National Assembly; Executive powers should be shared between the President, Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

The Cabinet should comprise members of the par-

ties which have achieved at least 15 per cent of the vote at the national elections; the supreme organs of democratic power should be the President and the National Assembly; and the Prime Minister shall be the person who secures the second highest votes in the presidential elections.

It promised too that the Executive powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister should be increased to include some executive powers and responsibility over the Cabinet; the members of the Cabinet would be subject to the approval of, and removal by, the National Assembly and the immunities of the President would be reduced.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017

News Old Year’s Day murder

Albouystown man jailed for 60 years

By Shemuel Fanfair

S

teve Allicock was on Tuesday sentenced to 60 years imprisonment for murdering Wendell Tappin on Old Year’s Day back in 2009. There was absolute silence in the courtroom as the 12-member jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict for the December 31, 2009 stabbing to death of Tappin at Hill Street, Albouystown.

It was contended that on the day of the killing, Tappin had an altercation with three members of the Allicock family before he was stabbed and chopped.

Steve Allicock, a 35-yearold father of seven, begged for the court’s mercy, main-

Guilty: Steve Allicock

taining his innocence. He reiterated that he was nowhere near the scene of the crime.

4 arrested in separate drug busts

The busts, which unearthed cannabis as well as cocaine, took place at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and subsequently at New Amsterdam, Berbice

T

he Guyana Police Force has reported that two intelligence-led operations carried out on Monday into Tuesday morning have resulted in the arrest of four males following the seizure of a quantity of narcotics.

The busts, which unearthed cannabis as well as cocaine, took place at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and subsequently at New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to the Police, a sting operation was conducted sometime around 17:00h on Monday, during which the ranks went to a house at Tucber Park, New Amsterdam. While there,

they discovered nine taped parcels of compressed marijuana, amounting to a total of 4.5 kilograms. Three men were subsequently arrested.

Meanwhile, about 03:30h over at Parika Seadam, Police conducted a search of a shop on Tuesday morning in the presence of the 47-yearold owner. During the search, the ranks found a quantity of cocaine pellets inside a hammock, in which the proprietor was seen resting. The drug amounted to some 31.3 grams.

The four suspects have been taken into Police custody and are being processed for court.

State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy reminded the court that Allicock’s knife pierced Tappin’s heart, who was just 33 at time of his demise. She asked for a sentence to commensurate with the actions of the accused.

As there were no mitigating factors offered by Defence Counsel Maxwell McKay, presiding Judge Navindra Singh handed down the 60-year sentence, and ordered deductions for time Allicock spent on remand. All the while, several of the Albouystown man’s family members were seen weeping in court.

Allicock’s father, Leonard Allicock, who was himself acquitted for Tappin’s murder in September 2014, questioned this jury’s assessment, and exclaimed that the prosecution’s case was filled with discrepancies. Meanwhile, Wendell Tappin’s mother, Sylvie Kishore, however indicated that justice was fairly served.

“Finally I get justice after nine years [and] I am satisfied,” the mother remarked.

She highlighted the impact the death of her son has had on the family as Wendell had a son at the time of his demise and his

wife was pregnant with another child.

“That child doesn’t know his father but he’s very brilliant in school and is doing very well,” Kishore expressed outside the High Court.

Her son suffered multiple stab injuries, evidenced by wounds of varying depths. The pathologist gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds.

Following the stabbing in 2009, Tappin was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Six witnesses testified throughout the trial, including Dan Tapppin, who placed Steve Allicock at the scene of the stabbing. Allicock’s uncle, Randolph Allicock and father, Leonard Allicock had all been charged with the murder of Tappin.

Leonard Allicock appeared before Justice Diana Insanally, and was acquitted of the murder of Tappin, after a jury had unanimously found him not guilty of the crime. State Prosecutor Hardy led the State’s case with assistance from Tamica Clarke and newly admitted State Counsel, Seeta Bishundial.

Baigan seeds S

atiricus didn’t mind the rain. While he remembered his old primary school rhyme on the hurricane season claimed “June – too soon”, he wasn’t surprised Guyana was getting a drenching from Bret.

The fellas had a fall-back plan which never failed them – to retire into the maws of the Back Street Bar. So that’s where they were, recovering from their enforced Father’s Day sabbatical!

“Suh wha’ guh aan wid yuh guv’ment, Sato?” Bungi said as he leaned over the table to he heard over the rain on the roof.

“What you mean?” replied Satiricus with feigned innocence.

“Na play schupid wid me, bai,” Bungi retorted. “Yuh know damn well ah talkin’ ’bout how dem chrow out Roop Na Rain!”

“Not his problem, Bungi!” butted in Hari, with a wide smile. “Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat, still in place!”

“That’s right, old friend,” Satiricus said. “My leaders in the KFC are still VP’s you know!”

“Dem a “VP” a’rite – Very Pathetic!!” sniggered Bungi.

At the surprised looks from his friends, he added with a blush, “Me l’arn da fram me da’ta!”

“I’m impressed!” confessed Hari.

“What you mean by that?” asked Satiricus – with some heat, this time. “Well, at leas’ de WAPA fella dem mek some naise w’en Prezzie put de lash pan Roop Na Rain,” answered Bungi. “Wha’ Nagga Man an’ Rum Jhaat do w’en Prezzie pull out all dem teet’?”

“Bungi, that’s not fair!” complained Satiricus. “My leaders are still holding the jobs they were promised!”

“Fram wah me a see” replied Bungi. “Dem GET Larwah and dem a still hol’ Larwah!!”

“Don’t answer that, Sato,” said Hari placatingly. “But why don’t you suggest to Nagga man and Rum Jhaat to also meet Prezzie?”

“Yeah!” chortled Bungi. “Den abee guh see who gat mo’ seed dan baigan!”

Voir dire continues before courts

US deportee accused of trafficking cocaine in Banko Wine

C

ustoms Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Officer Aggrey Reynolds appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to give a witness statement in the ongoing voir dire (preliminary examination), to determine the admissibility of an alleged caution statement made by a cocaine trafficking accused.

The statement was made

by Dennis Jones to Police Officer Joseph Innis during the investigation following his arrest in connection with a package bound to Toronto, Canada, which allegedly contained a quantity of cocaine

concealed in several bottles of Banko Wine and packets of baking powder.

Following the witness’s testimony, Special Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford under cross-examination sought to establish that the caution statements made by the accused were freely and voluntarily given.

The witness related that he was at all times in the room when the alleged statements were made and Jones had reportedly affixed his signature willingly. Reynolds contended that the accused was granted a meal and phone call upon request, and

he was at no point in time coerced to sign the caution statements to secure same.

It is alleged that on January 20 last, at the Georgetown Post Office Corporation (GPOC), the 63-year-old resident of Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, had 10.618 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Jones had pleaded not guilty to the charge. He remains incarcerated pending the outcome of the proceedings. Jones was previously sentenced to four years’ imprisonment in 2012 for a sim-

ilar offence of trafficking cocaine, but in soap powder.

Media reports indicated that he was busted when he attempted to ship the cocaine to an African state.

The Prosecutor had disclosed that there was video surveillance footage from the Post Office, and Jones was reportedly found hiding in the ceiling when investigating ranks went to his home, prior to his arrest.

Moreover, the accused was reportedly deported from the United States of America for drug trafficking. The accused returns to court on June 28, 2017.

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Cap on CSEC subjects

Manickchand criticises “threat” to limit students

F

ormer Education Minister Priya Manickchand criticised the proposal to limit the number of subjects pursuable by Guyanese students sitting the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) Examinations, dubbing the application a “threat by the Granger Government.”

In an interview with Guyana Times, the Member of Parliament responded to the call for change within the secondary educational system, noting that it is a misinformed decision, impeding on the rights students and their families.

The former Education Minister is of the view that the threatened ban has “not been informed by sense, statistics or the reality of where we are as a country or indeed a world.” As such, she posited that the banning students from writing as many subjects as they preferred is dictatorial and archaic.

In her objections, Manickchand went on to question the motive for such a direction, adding that it will only prevent students from exploring their personal potential. By doing so, she noted that Government send the message that they have no regard for the rights of children to make informed choices nor of the capabilities of children.

In her contention, the former Education Minister further indicated that of the ten to twelve thousands students sitting the CSEC examinations each year, less than two per cent actually pursue a total of about 15 subjects or more. With that, she questioned the extent of research conducted prior to this release of this projection, hinting that enough was not done in considering the possible effects.

As such, Manickchand recommended that Government do more research on the issue before solidifying the decision.

Moreover, the education activist pointed out that a rigid assessment system is generally employed by public schools in establishing the capability of each student before registration for the examinations. This therefore means she added, that a vetting process is conducted whereby the administration of the institutions review the student’s performance over the years and advises on the appropriate number of subjects.

The parliamentarian underlined her dismay in the potential outcomes of this proposal, noting that it will not only have a negative effect on the students and their families but also stands in the way of maintaining the country’s repu-

‘Toothless’ ministerial Code...

FROM PAGE 3

A committee was appointed in 2015 to review and strengthen the draft Code of Conduct. Last year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had stated while handing over the document to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo that the Commission had reviewed similar documents from Africa, Europe and other parts of the Caribbean.

But TIGI has been critical about the overall lack of specificity in the language used to craft the Code, leaving loopholes open for Ministers and others governed by it to escape sanctions. It had noted that “this lack of specificity appears as low commitment to integrity in public office and it can ultimately impede the effectiveness of the Code and erode public confidence”.

Articles

The Code of Conduct is made up of 11 Articles. Article One prohibits public officials from taking bribes, while Article Two focuses on discrimination. Article Three prohibits public officials from accepting “any gift, benefit or advantage from anyone, (except) personal gifts from a relative or friend”. This provision, it states, does not apply to gifts received on behalf of the State.

Article Five states: “No

public (official) shall use his or her official influence in support of any scheme or in furtherance of any contract or proposed contract or other matter in regard to which he or she has an interest.”

Article Six has provisions for ensuring confidentiality. It prohibits public officials from disclosing any information that is classified as privileged or confidential, to any unauthorised person. Article Seven prohibits officials from using public property such as money, equipment, supplies or services for unapproved purposes.

Article Nine prohibits public officials from accepting “lavish or frequent entertainment” from any person or entity that the Government has or may have dealings with. This, the Article notes, includes invitations to sporting events and concerts.

Article 10 prohibits officials from using their office in an improper manner for personal gain, while the final article forbids anyone in public life from having outside employment “except with the written consent of the relevant authority”.

Signing off on this code, which is expected to cover Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders, was Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

tation of producing the region’s top performers. “It is sad that at a time when our country and our students have been continuously topping the Caribbean at CSEC, getting the scholarships giv-

en out by CXC… that this Administration would seek to dash the hopes of our young people,” she lamented.

“While most other countries are seeking to establish programmes to address their academically gifted children, our Government is bizarrely threatening to impose an environment where brilliance and high academic aspirations by our young people and their parents are to be seen as something to be ashamed of, to hide, and to stifle,” Manickchand noted.

The former Minister’s position is backed by widespread criticism from sections of society as it is the majority opinion that the decision limit the avenues made available to students does not align with the best interest of the country’s youths, especially in the age of technology advancements.

Ever since the ap-

Former Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

pointment of the new Administration two years ago, former Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine had expressed intentions on the Ministry’s behalf to place a cap on the

number of subjects students are allowed to pursue through the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), primarily at the CSEC level. However, just days after the removal of Roopnaraine which saw the elevation of Junior Minister Nicolette Henry to the senior office, the Education Ministry has officially announced (through a circular disseminated to public second schools) that they exploring the possibility to implement this new system.

If executed, this limitation will bar students of senior secondary schools, including the sixth form institutions, from writing an excess of 10 subjects, while students originating from junior secondary schools will not be able to pursue more than six CSEC subjects.

12 news

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GTT “bringing the Tropical Storm Bret heat” to Amazon Trinidad battles with flooding and power outages in some parts Warriors team

W

ith less than two months left before the biggest party in sport – the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – kicks off in August, the official song of the Guyana Amazon Warriors was launched on Wednesday at the Presidential Suite of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The tune, which will be blasting on radio and television stations over the coming weeks leading up to and during the 5th edition of the CPL tournament, was revealed at an event hosted by local telecommunication giant GTT, the newest sponsorship partner of the warriors’ team.

The track saw the collaboration of two local music stars – Calvin Burnett and Drew Thoven. Both the lyrics and the music of the GTT sponsored song capture the hype and energy that patrons can expect at the games come August.

In fact, Chief Executive Officer of GTT, Justin Nedd, said through this new venture, the company will be bringing the heat and good party vibes not only to the Guyana Amazon Warriors team but the entire CPL tournament as well.

“We promise noth-

…Prime Minister criticised for lax response

F

Calvin Burnett performing the Amazon Warriors song at the launch on Tuesday

ing short of excitement for CPL in Guyana 2017.

GTT and the Guyana Amazon Warriors will blaze these stands and the grass mound on the match days in full party mode… so GTT’s intention is to bring the heat, the passion and real fun, party vibes to the CPL and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, during the four matches to be played at the Guyana National Stadium,” Nedd teased.

Meanwhile, Marketing and Media Officer and Assistant Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, John Ramsingh, promises major giveaways through a serious of promotions and competitions to be held over the coming weeks.

“Together with GTT

we plan to unveil a number of promotions and competitions where the people of Guyana will have a chance to participate and get the opportunity to win free tickets to the games or even win a GTT special prize. In the coming weeks leading up to the games, you will be provided with all the details of these initiatives,” he said.

In addition to witnessing the music video at Tuesday’s launching event, those gathered were also treated to live performance by the dynamic duo.

CPL 2017 promises much excitement and thrills during the five-week tournament, which kicks off on August 4. Guyana will be hosting four matches which will be held from August 17-21.

ollowing Tropical Storm Bret, which hit Trinidad and Tobago over Monday night into Tuesday morning, severe flash flooding and power outages are reported in several parts of the twin-island republic. However, Guyana may still be feeling the effects of the storm.

Cloudiness with occasional to frequent light to moderate showers and possible thundery showers are in the forecast for today as Guyana continues to grapple with heavy rainfall and flash flooding in some parts.

Over in T&T, the country is now assessing the damage Bret caused, since several communities, especially in the east and south of Trinidad, are still under water. Biche Village, in the east, was in complete darkness up until press time, since the roads were impassable and several utility poles have been taken down by the storm.

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Corporation

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar making her way to flood-hit communities

pours and strong winds in some areas. Several persons took to social media to share their experiences of “Bad Bret”.

An aerial view of a flooded area in Trinidad

(T&TEC) advised residents that they are facing sever challenges to restore power in several areas, adding that a total of 204 areas are still without power.

As of 05:00h on Tuesday, the storm warning had been lifted, but the island experienced heavy down-

The T&T Hydromet Office issued a warning to residents informing them that the Caroni River – the island’s biggest river, is on the verge of toppling its banks, and urged them to prepare for the eventuality of additional flooding.

However, several per-

sons also took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the lack of response from Prime Minister Keith Rowley.

They noted that although several areas are flooded, the PM refused to close government offices and urged citizens to go to work.

They also criticised Rowley’s silence on the extent of the damage the nation suffered. However, the Office of the Prime Minister, late Tuesday afternoon, issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm and noted that they were working to address the situation in a timely manner.

The statement also thanked the various utility companies and the first responders for their service in ensuring the citizenry was adequately protected and provided for.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar visited several of the flood-hit communities and provided relief supplies to residents.

(Lakhram Bhagirat)

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wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017

Regional

Venezuelan teenager shot dead No deal: OAS at anti-government protest stumbles again on

A

Venezuelan teenager taking part in an anti-government protest has been killed in Caracas, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed.

Fabián Urbina, 17, was shot as security forces and demonstrators clashed in the Altamira neighbourhood.

Interior Minister Néstor Reverol spoke of a possible “improper and disproportionate use of force” by the security forces.

He said that a number of officers were being investigated. Reverol also condemned “the violence and the calls for an uprising made by the Venezuelan opposition”.

Rights ombudsman Tarek William Saab tweeted [in Spanish] that two members of the National Guard had been detained over the “undue use of a firearm”.

There have been almost daily anti-government protests in Venezuela for the past 80 days as the country’s

Venezuelan vote

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A picture taken by a Reuters photographer shows a member of the National Guard pointing what appears to be a gun at protestors

economic and political crisis has worsened. Many of the marches have ended in violence as protestors threw petrol bombs and stones and Police fired tear gas.

More than 70 people have been killed in protest-relat-

ed violence since 1 April, according to figures released by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office.

A list published by the information ministry puts that number higher and suggests most of those killed were taking part in anti-government

demonstrations.

But among the dead are also members of the security forces, people caught up in the violence, and a group of men who were electrocuted when a bakery was looted.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

special meeting summoned by the Organisation of American States (OAS) to discuss the more than two-month-old turmoil in Venezuela collapsed without a resolution on Monday.

The discussion in Cancun, Mexico ended in deadlock after the hemispheric body failed to get the two-thirds majority of the 34 member states to support a hemispheric proposal denouncing the violence which has left at least 70 people dead, and more than 1300 injured.

It had also urged the Nicolás Maduro Government to “reconsider” the formation of a constituent assembly to rewrite the Constitution.

Twenty states voted to pass a draft, but 23 votes were needed to approve

the statement. Eight countries abstained from voting while five rejected the draft.

Venezuela, which has already served notice of its intention to pull out of the OAS, attended the talks, but only for short while.

Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez walked out of the talks, and claimed that more OAS members who she didn’t name were considering following Venezuela’s lead.

“Not only do we not recognise this meeting, we do not recognise any resolution coming out of it,” Rodriguez said.

Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Morales, the acting chair of the meeting, said Ministers would resume discussions at a later, unspecified date.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Germany seeks UN Security 2 Dutch Journalists Council support from Barbados kidnapped by Colombia’s ELN

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ermany is seeking Barbados’ support for its candidacy for the United Nations Security Council 20192020. During a courtesy call last week, Germany’s special envoy, Peter Linder, put the case in support of the candidacy to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Darcy Boyce, who was deputising for Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.

Linder urged a favourable vote from Barbados on the matter and Boyce agreed to convey the request to Stuart. Linder said

that Germany was placing great emphasis on issues of international peace and security, as well as climate change, and he stressed Germany’s commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Boyce welcomed Germany’s commitment to the agreement, noting that the Caribbean had already seen the negative effects of climate change and was spending “a vast amount of money” to secure its coastlines.

International peace and security was also very high

on Barbados’ agenda, he said, particularly because of the island’s dependence on tourism and international business for its economic survival.

He drew to the attention of the special envoy the difficulties Barbados has encountered with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in respect of maintaining its status as a clean jurisdiction, despite its compliance with all the regulations pertaining to financial services. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

T&T and Grenada cleaning up after Tropical Storm Bret

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here were reports of roofs being blown off, fallen trees and power lines, and flooding in some parts of Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada as Tropical Storm Bret passed overnight, before moving along the North-eastern coast of South America.

There were no reports of any injuries or fatalities, according to information coming from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) in Trinidad and Tobago. Schools and some private sector operations remain closed today, as the country cleans up following Bret’s passage.

In Grenada, Director of Operations at the National Emergency Operations Centre Kemron DuFont said more rains were expected throughout the day but work and school should resume as normal on Tuesday.

Forecasters say the storm, the first since the June 1 offi-

The ELN has been responsible for several high-profile kidnappings in Colombia

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wo Dutch journalists have been captured by Marxist ELN rebels in a conflict area of Northeastern Colombia, the military said. The leftist guerrilla group, which neither confirmed nor denied any kidnapping, said on Twitter on Monday that they were looking into the case.

“This morning, reporter Derk Johannes Bolt, 62, and his cameraman Eugenio Ernest Marie Follender, 58, both Dutch nationals, were stopped” in El Tarra, Norte

de Santander, by presumed ELN rebels, Police said in a statement.

Bolt and Follender work for the Dutch TV programme Spoorloos, which traces lost relatives. In May 2016 in the same El Tarra region ELN rebels kidnapped a ColombianSpanish journalist and two Colombian TV reporters.

The reporters were handed over days later to intermediaries.

The Government ombudsman’s office via Twitter

demanded the “immediate liberation of the two Dutch nationals being held,” and said it will try to help solve the situation.

Meanwhile police specialists in kidnapping and extortion headed to the region in an attempt secure the release of the two men.

The ELN, Colombia’s second biggest rebel group, is in peace talks with the government to put an end to more than five decades of war in the Andean nation.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brazilian Ministers to visit Haiti The heavy rains from Tropical Storm Bret flooded roads and other areas in Trinidad

cial start of the Atlantic hurricane season – following on the heels of the out-of-season Tropical Storm Arlene which formed over the central Atlantic Ocean in April – will be nothing more than a depression by today. But not before producing up to four inches of rain over the Windward Islands and the northeastern coast of Venezuela through today.

By 08:00h, Bret, carrying maximum sustained winds near 45 miles per hour, was about 20 miles East Northeast of Isla Margarita in Venezuela and expected to continue its journey into the South-eastern Caribbean Sea. Tropical storm watches remain in effect for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

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wo Brazilian G o v e r n m e n t Ministers are due to arrive in Haiti on Thursday to attend the ceremonial opening of the Bon Repos Community Hospitals built in honour of Zilda Arns, a Brazilian paediatrician, the founder of the Pastoral Care of the Child, who died in Haiti during the 2010 earthquake.

The Brazil Embassy here said that Ricardo Barros, Health Minister; and Osmar Terra, the Social Development Minister,

will pay a two-day visit to the French-speaking Caribbean Community country.

They will join Public Health and Population Minister, Marie-Gréta Roy Clément, at the ceremonial opening of the hospitals. Barros and Clement will also sign an agreement that will provide US$20 million from Brazil to the Haiti Reconstruction Fund.

“This project concerns the strengthening of the management of health services and the health sys-

tem in Haiti, including until 2020, the support of the operations of three community hospitals of reference (HCR) built by the Brazilian Cooperation in Carrefour, Beudet and Bon Repos,” according to the Brazilian Embassy It said that during his stay, Barros will donate 5000 doses of human rabies vaccine to the Government and will also attend the opening of the 30th meeting of the Tripartite Steering Brazil-Cuba-Haiti Committee. (Antigua Observer)

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Belgian troops French Defence Minister resigns shoot person at over inquiry into misuse of funds Brussels station after blast – Police F rance’s newly appointed Defence Minister Sylvie Goulard has resigned from Government after a Magistrate launched a preliminary investigation into allegations her party misused European parliament funds.

Goulard, who only took up her post in Emmanuel Macron’s administration a month ago, stepped down on Tuesday. She is the second

A soldier cordons off an area outside Gare Central in Brussels on June 20, 2017, after an explosion in the Belgian capital

B

elgian troops patrolling Brussels Central Station "neutralised" a person after a small explosion on Tuesday, a police spokesman said, adding that there were no other casualties and the situation was under control.

He could not confirm media reports that the person had been wearing an explosive vest and it was not clear whether the person shot was still alive. Prime Minister Charles Michel urged people via Twitter to follow instructions from the authorities.

The station and adjacent historic downtown area, including the baroque Grand Place city square were packed with tourists and locals on a hot summer evening, were evacuated as po-

lice set up a security cordon, witnesses told Belgian media.

Het Laatste Nieuws tabloid newspaper quoted what it said were witnesses saying a man shouted "Allahu Akbar" in Arabic before a small explosion. Soldiers ran toward the spot, saw wires protruding from the man's clothes, and shot him.

That account could not be independently confirmed.

The city has been on high alert for more than 18 months since Brusselsbased Islamic State militants carried out attacks in Paris that killed 130 people there in November 2015 and later bombed Brussels airport and the city's metro in March last year. Those bombings killed 32 people.

An F15E fighter plane shot down the drone near Tanf, in southern Syria, the US military said

A

US jet has shot down an Iranian-made drone operated by forces backing the Syrian government in the south of the country, American officials say.

The drone was thought to be armed and threatening US-led coalition troops on the ground, officials said.

It was shot down near Tanf, an outpost of the USled coalition. This is the latest incident in the skies over Syria, after the US shot down a Syrian fighter plane on Sunday and another drone earlier this month.

The F-15 plane downed the drone around 00:30 on Tuesday North-East of Tanf, according to a US military statement.

The incident underscores

the growing tensions in the region as a battle develops for the control of eastern Syria, BBC defence and diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says.

In another development, the US military announced officially that coalition forces had killed the top cleric of so-called Islamic State (IS), Turki al-Binali, in an air strike in Syria last month.

IS supporters have also reported his death.

Military officials who spoke to CNN described it as a Shahed 129, a model unveiled by Iran in 2012.

It is said by the Iranians to have a range of 2000km (1,240 miles) and be capable of carrying bombs and missiles. (Excerpt from BBC News)

be one of his government’s first pieces of legislation.

On Monday, Richard Ferrand, Territorial Cohesion Minister and the General Secretary of Macron’s fledgling political party La République en Marche (La REM – Republic on the Move) resigned after he was put under preliminary investigation for nepotism and financial impropriety.

The departure of Ferrand, a close friend of Macron, was sold as a promotion; he will lead the REM parliamentary group. Since becoming France’s youngest President at 39, Macron, a former investment banker, has seen his party win a convincing majority of 350 seats in the 577-seat Assemblée National, the lower house of parliament, in Sunday’s second-round legislative vote.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Deadly car bomb attack rocks Somalia’s Mogadishu A t least 15 people have been killed after a suicide car bomber posing as a milk delivery van detonated at a district headquarters in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, Police said.

The death toll may rise, as some of the at least nine wounded were badly hurt in the explosion at Wadajir district headquarters in Mogadishu, Captain Mohamed Hussein told The Associated Press.

Most of the dead were civilians, Hussein said. A column of white smoke was seen above the capital and some houses were rattled by the blast, DPA news agency reported.

Al-Shabaab said they

(Excerpt from MSN)

Syria conflict: US jet ‘downs Iranian-made drone’

high-profile minister to go in less than 24 hours.

President Macron has pledged to clean up French politics and public life after a series of scandals that have damaged voter confidence in their elected representatives. A “moralisation bill” that bans politicians from employing family members and obliging them to declare their personal interests when in office is expected to

The blast comes less than a week after al-Shabab gunmen carried out an overnight siege on a popular restaurant in Mogadishu

were behind the blast. The blast comes less than a week after al-Shabab gunmen carried out an overnight siege on a popular restaurant in Mogadishu, killing at least 31 people.

Al-Shabab was forced out of the capital and other major urban areas in Somalia by national and African Union multinational forces, but it continues to carry out deadly bombings and

attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere.

Targets have included hotels, military checkpoints and the presidential palace.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indian Govt: pregnant women should shun meat, eggs and lustful thoughts of sex

I

ndia’s Government is advising pregnant women to avoid all meat, eggs and lustful thoughts.

Doctors say the advice is preposterous, and even dangerous, considering India’s already poor record with maternal health. Women are often the last to eat or receive health care in tradi-

tionally patriarchal Indian households.

Malnutrition and anaemia, or iron deficiency, are key factors behind India having one of the world’s highest rates of maternal mortality, with 174 of every 100,000 pregnancies resulting in the mother’s death in 2015. That’s better than five

years earlier, when the maternal mortality rate was 205 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, but still far worse than China’s 27 per 100,000 or the United States’ 14 per 100,000, according to UNICEF. The Government booklet, titled Mother and Child Care, smacked of religious

dogma and ignored widely accepted medical evidence that pregnant women benefit from eating protein-rich meats and can safely engage in sex, doctors said.

It says pregnant women should also shun “impure thoughts” and look at pictures of beautiful babies to benefit the foetus. (Excerpt from The

Guardian)

Hitler bust among Argentina’s biggest haul of Nazi artefacts found in secret room

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n a hidden room in a house near Argentina’s capital, police believe they have found the biggest collection of Nazi artefacts in the country’s history, including a bust relief of Adolf Hitler, magnifying glasses inside elegant boxes with swastikas and even a macabre medical device used to measure head size.

Some 75 objects were found in a collector’s home in Béccar, a suburb north of Buenos Aires, and authorities say they suspect they

are originals that belonged to high-ranking Nazis in Germany during the Second World War. “Our first investigations indicate that these are original pieces,” Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich told The Associated Press on Monday.

Among the disturbing items were toys that Bullrich said would have been used to indoctrinate children and a statue of the Nazi Eagle above a swastika.

Police are trying to determine how the artefacts entered Argentina and came to be in the room hidden behind a library in the house, she said. The raid that found them was carried out on June 8.

The main hypothesis among investigators and members of Argentina’s Jewish community is that they were brought to Argentina by a high-ranking Nazi or Nazis after the Second World War, when the South American coun-

try became a refuge for fleeing war criminals, including some of the best known.

As leading members of Hitler’s Third Reich were put on trial for war crimes, Josef Mengele fled to Argentina and lived in Buenos Aires for a decade.

He moved to Paraguay after Israeli Mossad agents captured Holocaust mastermind Adolf Eichmann, who was also living in Buenos Aires. Mengele later died in Brazil in 1979.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

16 news

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prequalification integral to ensuring contractors Ramsammy’s Ruminations Trotman and Broomes, supply safe drugs – former Minister purveyors of doom, ... designed to weed out counterfeit drugs, unsuitable companies

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ith reports surfacing that the Government intends to stop prequalifying contractors supplying drugs and medical supplies, one observer is warning about the dangers of not ensuring that companies are thoroughly screened; in particular for such critical supplies.

According to Member of Parliament and opposition point man on health, Dr Frank Anthony, prequalification is a vital system to ensure that only quality drugs make it to consumers – in this case the Guyanese public.

“You have to be assured of the quality of the drugs and one of the things that pre-qualification does is to allow you to verify whichever company is supplying (the drugs) and to ensure that you’re getting the right quality,” Dr Anthony emphasised.

Anthony noted the threat posed by counterfeit drugs, which might be available at a cheaper than average cost and thus, lure procuring entities. He said that with prequalification, one benefit is that sample batches of drugs can be taken from the company and subjected to tests to ensure quality.

In light of this, Dr Anthony emphasised the importance of prequalification, noting that to not prequalify drug suppliers will risk poor quality drugs leaking through the system.

“There are other disadvantages with it and that is the reliability of suppliers. Over the last two years the Government would have gone to procure from different kinds of people and by its own admission they were saying that some of these suppliers have been unreliable,” Dr

Parliamentarian Dr Frank Anthony

Anthony observed.

“So I’m not sure what would be gained by not prequalifying. In fact if you go to many of the World Health Organisation procurement documents, they actually recommend that companies be pre-qualified for the supply of essential medication.”

On Thursday last, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) held its first press conference since the elections in March of its President, Deodat Indar. At the press conference, it was revealed that Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence had given the Chamber assurance that the prequalification system would be discontinued.

The GCCI Head recalled that issues related to public procurement practices had been a concern of the Chamber. According to Indar, the Minister related to the Chamber that the system was being redesigned in order to accommodate everyone.

Already, the Administration has moved doggedly away from prequalifying drug suppliers, with

millions of dollars being paid to drug suppliers who were not prequalified and in some cases, not even put through a competitive, public tendering process.

On May 8, the parliamentary Opposition had fielded questions in the National Assembly to the Ministers of Public Health and Communities. All questions had been related to public procurement practices being used by the Government for drugs and medical supplies.

When a response came from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, it was revealed that nine out of 10 regions in Guyana did no public tendering for drugs and medical supplies between January 2016 and February 2017.

In addition, all regions indicated that no prequalification process was followed.

This was all done in the name

have been expended.

He said that when the Public Health Minister was asked about the amount of money spent on drugs and medical supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital for January and February 2017, it was revealed that some $2 billion has already been expended.

This represents almost 77 per cent of the total allocations for the year. However, Edghill pointed out that among the questions to the Ministers was whether any of the companies were pre-qualified. The former Junior Finance Minister noted that the answer was “no”.

Pre-qualification is an important part of ensuring quality assurance when works are done or goods supplied for the Government. In this instance, contractors are usually invited to apply to NPTAB so that

Many factors determine the quality of drugs, including storage

of emergencies.

GPHC

In the case of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill noted that 77 per cent of the total allocations for drugs for the Georgetown Public Hospital

they can be pre-qualified or placed on a shortlist for future projects according to World Health Organisation standards. In the case of drugs and medical supplies, companies are expected to have adequate warehouse facilities, staff, security, in addition to appropriate certification and an emphasis on sanitation.

First Lady urges students to capitalise on learning experience F

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, attended the opening ceremony for the fourth Buxton Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme at the Friendship Primary School.

The programme, which is a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady and the Social Protection Ministry, is expected to run for 13 weeks.

The First Lady told the students that they were fortunate to be benefiting from this training programme and encouraged them to capitalise on the opportunity and to learn all that they can. “In this world, technology does not stand still. You keep moving, you keep changing and you keep learning. The key element to take away from this is that this course is preparing

First Lady Sandra Granger is pictured with the participants of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme as well as facilitators and Coordinator of STEM Guyana project, Karen Abrams

you for the world of work.

I want you to enjoy these weeks… [You] can do anything you put [your] mind to,” Granger said Meanwhile, Information Technology (IT) Technician and Co-ordinator of Science,

Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana Project, Karen Abrams, who delivered the charge to the participants, encouraged them to seize the opportunity given to them.

“You are now given access to opportunity… You have the opportunity to learn all these things that are very important fundamentals. From this stage you will be able to take those tools and use them to solve problems within your communities. Don’t just complain about the problem.

Use the tool of technology that you have access to [and] create solutions,” Abrams is quoted by the Government Information News Agency (GINA) as saying.

The participants are between the ages of 16–25 and the sessions will be held three days per week; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each participant will be awarded a certificate of successful completion, which is accredited by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

T

trying desperately to deflect the truth

he Leader of the Opposition refused to descend into the gutter in response to the unwarranted, baseless and repugnant attack from Raphael Trotman which was followed by a vile social media video by his Junior Minister, Simone Broomes.

Instead, Bharrat Jagdeo repeated his and the People’s Dr Leslie Ramsammy Progressive Party's (PPP) concerns relating to the Petroleum Bill and, in general, the downward economic and political spiral Guyana is experiencing at this time.

With mounting failure, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) and its Ministers are wildly flailing like a beached whale, desperately seeking machinations to conceal their failures and kerfuffle the people. Last Wednesday in Parliament, Minister Trotman knew he had no answers and sought to hide his limitations and his and APNU/AFC's failure, first by trying to muzzle Jagdeo, and, then by spewing venom and hate towards him.

The truth is they are in complete awe of, and intimidated by Jagdeo. They know that together they cannot equal Jagdeo's accomplishments. They know that the most admired and respected politician in Guyana is Jagdeo.

Broomes has an embarrassingly undistinguished tenure as a Junior Minister so far. She sought to score points with her bosses by heaping insults on the Leader of the Opposition. But her stupid, blithering video merely succeeded in bringing the inquisitive glare of public attention to herself and humiliated herself and her colleagues in APNU/AFC. Worst, she brought disrepute to the 11th Parliament in her clearly reprehensible rip-off of Allison Hunt. Now this public glare is forcing people to ask what Broomes has accomplished as a Junior Minister.

Broomes at the Social Protection Ministry in 2015 illegally issued a circular to the Public Service Permanent Secretary to halt interviews to fill vacancies because she wanted to handpick candidates for those positions. During that time and until January 2017, as a Junior Minister, she rented a fancy house for $500,000 per month. In addition, as a Junior Minister in Natural Resources, in a conflict of interest scandal, Broomes egregiously owns three mining permits within lands that the Akawaio Village of Tasserene have applied for an Absolute Grant under the Amerindian Land Titling Programme. As the Junior Minister in the Social Protection Ministry, she LIED when she denied this fact. She maintained this LIE when she became Junior Minister in the Natural Resources Ministry, even as proof was provided. Then at a press conference with Trotman, she LIED again, insisting she had sold those permits.

This is the totality of her accomplishment as a Junior Minister in APNU/AFC. In that LIE, Trotman and APNU/AFC are complicit. Yet, people like Trotman and Broomes dare to question the legitimacy and the accomplishments of Bharrat Jagdeo.

APNU/AFC is now heaping all its hopes and aspirations on Exxon and oil. But APNU/AFC and Trotman inherited Exxon and oil from Jagdeo and the PPP. The Demerara Harbour Bridge replacement began under Jagdeo. Both these major development initiatives were further advanced under Ramotar. When Jagdeo cautioned that oil is not a panacea, he has proof – none of the developing countries with oil has eliminated poverty and become developed countries. Far from being a messenger of doom, Jagdeo is being a LEADER of SUBSTANCE. In his vision, oil will bring prosperity in a country where agriculture, bauxite, gold, manufacturing, ICT, entrepreneurship etc collectively are permitted to prosper.

Trotman, Broomes and APNU/AFC inherited an economy which has been out-performing most of the economies in Latin America and the Caribbean, increasing from under US$300 (1992) per capita to almost US$4000 (2015), an increase of more than 1300 per cent; a country which have had nine years of successive economic growth and a country which took an external death of over 900 per cent of its GDP (1992) and reduced it to under 50 per cent. In just two years, these purveyors of doom have stalled the economy and put 10,000 people out of a job. They took a country where foreign direct investment (FDI) was flowing freely and today FDI has grounded to a halt. Rice is under assault. Sugar is being closed. Business has stagnated. In the meanwhile dictatorship is rapidly extending its tentacles, taking a hold once again in our country and there is metastasising corruption. To prove social cohesion, APNU/AFC boasts there is one non-AfroGuyanese PS out of 16.

The ugly, repugnant displays this past week by Trotman and Broomes represent their inability to engage Jagdeo and the PPP in a constructive dialogue to move Guyana forward.

It was a desperate effort to hide their story – purveyors of doom.

news

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wednesDAY, june 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tackling suicide

Mental Health Unit to roll out suicide Surveillance System … to train teachers to identify children with psychological trauma

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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he Public Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit is expected to begin piloting its National Self-harm Surveillance System (NSSS) in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) at the beginning of July, according to the Unit’s Director, Dr Util Thomas.

“That is going to be piloted on July at three main hospitals in Guyana – the Suddie Hospital, Region Two; the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Region Three; and New Amsterdam Hospital, Region Six. The reason for that is that Region Two has the highest suicide rate (in the country), Region Six the second and Region Three the third,” she revealed.

Dr Thomas said the Unit chose the three regions to pilot the programme because of the high numbers of suicide cases and that is just one way of combating that social ill. The NSSS would mandate hospitals to report all cases of suicide and attempted suicide to the Unit within one week of its occurrence. She said once reported, attempted suicide cases would be monitored and persons would be psychiatrically evaluated to ensure all bases are covered.

“With each and every case we are going to make sure that you see a psychiatrist at least one time. You are going to see a psychologist and you are going to see a social worker because there will be stresses associated with why you doing that and then we are going to track you until you are no longer considered high risk,” Dr Thomas informed.

Poor coping skills Persons try to hurt themselves for various reasons but according to Dr Thomas, the Unit has discovered the major cause for suicide and self-harm cases in Guyana – poor coping skills. She explained that the Unit observed that most cases arise out of impulsive reaction to triggering incidents.

“Some of these people have a temporary situation that’s

occurs within that hour and they get angry and because of the films they were looking at or because they have the model from somebody (who would have committed suicide) they think that is the way to solve the problem, they do that same kind of thing,” she posited.

Suicide, in Guyana, is most common among people of Indian descent and most times committed by the consumption of toxic chemicals, especially gramoxone. The suicide attempt is triggered by arguments, infidelity and domestic issues.

The Director noted that most suicide victims show no signs of depression – which is one of the major causes of suicide worldwide, rather, it stems from the victims’ inability to cope with situations they find themselves in.

“This kind of ideation or coping mechanism is popular among them or the people they are closely associated with, even though depression is one of the causes…,” she reiterated.

Remedy In order to address poor coping skills, the Mental Health Unit as a part of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 and the Suicide Prevention Plan, will be placing a lot of emphasis on educating persons and teaching them coping skills.

In addition, for those who would have lost relatives and/ or friends to suicide, they will be monitored and care would be provided, if required. “The staff have to do a report of whether the family is coping or not and if we have to do any interventions. They would have to look for signs of depression and other issues we consider as precipitators of suicide,” Dr Thomas said.

She added that staff from the Unit have access to a list of families of suicide victims who are constantly being contacted and offered various services.

She informed that the Unit would make house calls to the families to ensure that every step is being taken to prevent another suicide.

“The staff would visit and they would recommend whether the family needs to see a

and others.

There have been several cases of children cutting their wrists and posting pictures on social media and even in those instances, they are not being afforded the help they need.

To address this cry for help, the Unit will be training all teachers to identify and promptly deal with children

psychologist or get psychiatric care since everyone copes differently,” she said.

Port Kaituma man gets 11 years for uncle’s killing

A

twenty-one-year-old man who killed his aunt’s husband over a simple query was on Tuesday sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by High Court Judge Navindra Singh. The accused, Herman George, of Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) was accused of chopping his uncle, Michael Williams, called “Smokey” to death on March 29, 2012 in the Essequibo county. He pleaded not guilty to the capital offence of murder but guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when the charge was read to him.

According to the facts of the case, George was 16 years old when family circumstances forced him to leave secondary school in Fourth Form and pursue work as a miner in the interior.

State Prosecutor Tamica Clarke related that shortly after, his uncle inquired of him why he was working in the interior at such a young age. The query was said to have angered the then teenaged George so much that he chopped his aunt’s husband to the back of the head with a cutlass. Clarke appealed for a commensurate sentence to

be issued against the accused.

George’s defence counsel, Mark Conway told the court that his client had an unfortunate upbringing.

Conway further noted that the accused is still very young and can still contribute to society and his family. George declined to address the court when asked by the Judge if he had anything to say. The accused appeared to be of ill health when he stood from the prisoner’s dock. Guyana Times was informed that George contracted Tuberculosis while incarcerated.

logical trauma,” Dr Thomas informed.

She added that the Unit will be advocating for the introduction of a mental health aspect of the school curriculum. The Unit already began training peer educators to deal with discrimination against children suffering from mental illnesses.

International Day of

Mental Health Unit Director, Dr Util Thomas

Psychiatric trauma Worldwide, 10 to 20 per cent of children and adolescents experience mental disorders, with half of all mental illnesses beginning by the age of 14. If untreated, these conditions severely influence children’s development, their educational attainments and their potential to live fulfilling and productive lives.

Children with mental disorders face major challenges with stigma, isolation and discrimination, as well as lack of access to health care and education facilities, in violation of their fundamental human rights.

In Guyana, because of the stigma attached to mental illness, children suffering from those illnesses are prevented from accessing critical care. They are thrown into the school system without the proper care and are bullied; sometimes they become the bully and are discriminated against. That aside, the school system lacks guidance and welfare counsellors and the welfare officers are too few and would act too late in most cases.

Teachers do not receive any training to deal with children suffering from psychological and psychiatric trauma and quite often, those who suffer become neglected. Neglecting children going through mental turmoil often leads them to inflict harm upon themselves

suffering from psychological/ psychiatric trauma.

“We are going to tackle self-harm in schools from September and what we have is training for teachers in Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). It is training for teachers to be able to identify when a child has a psycho-

T

(HINDUS for SELFLESS SERVICE) E-mail: hssguyana@gmail.com

wenty one days flew by so quickly, didn’t it? We will certainly miss this column and having your company. We hope that over these past days you have seen the serious health benefits of yoga and how important it is for us to get in shape. We trust that these few days have helped you to appreciate your physical as well as spiritual surroundings.

We would like to wish everyone a happy World International Day of Yoga and hope that you would have done some form of yoga today whether if it’s for five minutes –we appreciate that you would have done something and for those who have not done anything yet…please it is not too late. Actually it is NEVER too late.

We would like to tell you that International Day of Yoga (IDoY) has been adopted to fulfill the following objectives: • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

To let people know the amazing and natural benefits of yoga.

To connect people to the nature by practicing yoga.

To make people get used of meditation through yoga.

To draw attention of people worldwide towards the holistic benefits of yoga.

To reduce the rate of health challenging diseases all over the world.

To bring communities much close together to spend a day for health from busy schedule.

To enhance growth, development and spread peace all through the world.

To help people in their bad situations themselves by getting relief from stress through yoga.

To strengthen the global coordination among people through yoga.

To make people aware of physical and mental diseases and its solutions through practicing yoga.

To protect unhealthy practices and promote and respect the good practices to make health better.

To let people know their rights of good health and healthy life style to completely enjoy the highest standard of physical and mental health.

To link between protection of health and sustainable health de-

• •

velopment.

To get win over all the health challenges through regular yoga practice.

To promote better metal and physical health of people through yoga practice.

Regular practice of the yoga in the morning provides outer and inner relief by keeping away from the countless ailments at the physical and mental level.

Practicing postures or asanas strengthens the body and mind as well as creates the feeling of well being. It sharpens the human mind, improves intelligence and help in high level of concentration by steadying the emotions and feelings.

The feeling of well being creates helping nature within us and thus enhances the social well being. Improved concentration level helps in meditating and provides calming effect and inner peace to the mind. Yoga is like a practical philosophy which develops self-discipline and self awareness within us through regular practice.

Yoga is very safe, easy and healthy way to get fit whole life without any problems. It just needs regular practice in right way of body movements and breathing. It regularizes the connection between three components of our body such as body, mind and soul. It regularizes the functioning of the all body organs and prevents the body and mind to get disturbed because of some bad situations and unhealthy lifestyle. It helps in maintaining the health, knowledge and inner peace. By providing a good health it fulfils our physical needs, through knowledge it fulfils our psychological needs and through inner peace is fulfils the spiritual need thus it helps in maintaining the harmony among all.

Be a part of the largest Yoga Experience in Guyana. Come find out how Yoga can work for you and your lifestyle. Remember Yoga is not a “my business” or “your business”... it is everyone’s business so grab some friends and let’s make this year an even bigger event that last year. Make yourself a number of trillions of persons who will be observing International Day of Yoga and of the many that will be coming out to celebrate this day on June 25, 2017 at the Guyana National Stadium from 16:00hrs to 17:30hrs (04:00- 05:30hrs).

ADMISSION: FREE!!!!!!

HSS INVITES YOU TO OUR THIRD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATIONS. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE GUYANA NATIONAL STADIUM, PROVIDENCE, EAST BANK DEMERARA, JUNE 25 FROM 4PM TO 5:30PM. LET US MAKE THOUGHTS BECOME A REALITY. LET US BE FIT. “TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES, EMPOWERING THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017

ARCHIE

Participate in an event that brings you joy. The con(March 21- tribution you make will lead April 19) to rewards and help you pursue a dream. Romance and personal growth are highlighted.

ARIES

A friend or colleague will TAURUS offer sound advice. Consider (April 20- your options and how you can May 20) best use his or her suggestion to avert any problems that you face.

dilbert

Work on fixing up your GEMINI Consider having (May 21- space. friends over or making changJune 20) es that will lead to greater convenience or comfort.

Romance is in the stars.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Ward off others’ demands by having a tight schedule in place and an excuse not to take on someone else’s responsibilities. Stick to what you know and do best.

Stay calm, even if you face an unpredictable situation. Avoid making assumptions or taking action if you are unprepared. Use intelligence, not brawn, if you want to avoid an argument.

Work from home if possiVIRGO (Aug. 23- ble. What you accomplish on Sept. 22) your own will far outweigh what you will get done surrounded by others. A creative and comfortable setting will spark your imagination.

Control your emotions LIBRA and your reaction when deal(Sept. 23Oct. 23) ing with temptation or indulgence. Learn from experience. Think twice before you open a door that you closed a long time ago.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Test your skills and put SCORPIO your creative imagination to (Oct. 24work. There is plenty to be Nov. 22) discovered if you aren’t afraid to follow your heart and to do things your way.

Control your spending.

SAGITTARIUS You may want to impress (Nov. 23- someone by showing how genDec. 21) erous you can be, but don’t go into debt or let emotional or physical indulgence ruin your day.

YESTERDAY’S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t let uncertainty preCAPRICORN vail. Find out if the people (Dec. 22- you are dealing with have a Jan. 19) different perspective on what you are trying to accomplish.

Present what you have to offer.

Limit what you can spend AQUARIUS and what you are willing to (Jan. 20do. Discipline will help you Feb. 19) gain respect as well as confidence. Personal improvements will turn out well.

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

Get involved in something PISCES that you enjoy doing. The (Feb. 20March 20) contacts you make will boost your morale and enthusiasm.

Children will offer interesting insight into a situation you face.

wednesDAY, june 21, 2017

Kumble: Untenable Kohli relationship behind India resignation

A

rift between India captain Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble resulted in the former leg spinner stepping away from his role as head coach.

Anil Kumble has revealed an “untenable” relationship with captain Virat Kohli was behind his decision to resign as India head coach.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday that Kumble had decided to step down despite the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) endorsing an extension to his contract.

A strained relationship with Kohli, who the former leg spinner claims approached the BCCI to express his concerns about Kumble’s continuation in the role, was at the heart of his decision to leave the national-team set-up.

Kumble said in a statement posted on Twitter: “I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as head coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff.

“Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday [Monday] by the BCCI that the captain had reservations with my

Champion Murray falls in opening round as top 3 seeds exit

T

Andy Murray was defeated by Jordan Thompson

Anil Kumble resigned as India’s Head Coach following their ICC Champions Trophy final loss

‘style’ and about my continuing as head coach.

“I was surprised since I had always respected the role boundaries between captain and coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on.

“Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table. These need to be valued for the partnership to be effective.

“I see the coach’s role akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in the team’s interest.

“In light of these ‘reser-

vations’, I believe it is best I hand over this responsibility to whomever the CAC and BCCI deem fit.”

The announcement of Kumble’s resignation came just two days after India were thumped by rivals Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval.

In the build-up to the tournament, Kohli said there were “no problems whatsoever” between himself and Kumble despite reports of a rift.

The BCCI’s general manager of cricket operations MV Sridhar will oversee India’s tour of the West Indies, which gets under way with the first of five one-day internationals on Friday.

he top three seeds withered in the baking Queen’s Club sunshine with five-times Aegon Championships winner Andy Murray following Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic through the exit door on Tuesday.

By far the biggest shock was number one seed Murray’s abject 7-6(4) 6-2 defeat to Australian world number 90 Jordan Thompson -- a late call-up who only knew he was playing shortly before stepping on court against the defending champion.

Second seed and world number three Wawrinka, runner-up at the French Open nine days ago, went down 7-6(4) 7-5 to Spain’s Feliciano Lopez while another young Australian, wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis, accounted for Raonic 7-6(5)

Cycling: Lappartient to oppose Cookson for UCI presidency

E

19

uropean Cycling Union president David Lappartient will stand against Britain’s Brian Cookson for the presidency of the sport’s governing body (UCI), he said on Tuesday.

The 65-year-old Cookson, who took over in 2013, faced criticism during a difficult period for the sport, including doping scandals, and his younger challenger, the vice-president, is promising “fundamental changes”.

“I have great passion for cycling and have clearly demonstrated it through my vision, my a ch i e v e m e nt s , my leadership capabilities, and my commitment to make cycling a sport of the 21st century,” Frenchman Lappartient said in a statement on his website (www.ourpassion.org), 24

hours before the deadline for entering the race for the presidency.

“I want to make UCI a strong and well-respected federation by improving its governance and regain its capacity of influence in the Olympic movement,” Lappartient added.

“We must be unshakable when dealing with technological fraud, doping or the potential manipulation of results related to sports betting.”

Cookson responded to the chal-

lenge later on Tuesday saying that he had restored “integrity and credibility to the UCI” during his time as president.

David Lappartient

“I note that so far David Lappartient has not set out very much detail in his plan or any vision he may have beyond his well known personal ambition for the role,” Cookson said in a statement.

“I look forward to debating what matters for the future of cycling over the coming months.”

The election will take place on Sept. 21 during the UCI road world championships in Norway.

7-6(8).

Temperatures, which had reached 38 degrees on court during the day at the west London club, were still sizzling when Murray took to court for his first grasscourt match of the season, having reached the semi-finals of the French Open.

Initially he had been scheduled to face fellow Britain Aljaz Bedene but 23-year-old ‘lucky loser’ Thompson stepped in after Bedene withdrew with a wrist injury.

Murray had lost only one match on grass since the summer of 2014 -- to Roger Federer in the 2015 Wimbledon semi-finals -but looked uncomfortable on the slick surface as the errors flowed from his racket, especially off the forehand.

Having taken a close first set Thompson, who reached the final of the Surbiton challenger event last week, raced through the second to the general surprise of the 10,000 crowd.

“Andy’s the world number one -- I’ve looked up to him and that’s definitely the biggest win of my career. I took each point at a time. I didn’t expect it to be winning in straight sets,” he told the BBC. “I was sitting around yesterday hoping to get a match.

Here I am, I got in the draw and I was so lucky to be here.

I don’t know if I can say my immediate thoughts.”

Murray looked flat and admitted it was a “big blow” in his build-up for Wimbledon where he will be aiming to defend the title he won for a second time last year.

“It has happened in the past where guys haven’t done well here and gone on to do well at Wimbledon,” said the Briton after the end of a 14-match winning streak on grass.

“There is no guaran-

tee that I won’t do well at Wimbledon, but it certainly would have helped to have had more matches.

“He played better. I didn’t create loads of chances.”

After his defeat by

Jordan Thompson

Rafa Nadal in the Paris final, Wawrinka added Paul Annacone to his coaching team as a grass court specialist. The American previously coached Federer and Pete Sampras, who between them have taken 14 Wimbledon titles.

But Wawrinka was below his best on Tuesday as Lopez produced some deft touches to support his big serve.

“I came here with a lot of confidence and tennis is a lot about confidence,” Lopez told the BBC. Raonic said he would spend time on the practice court and in the gym after his defeat by Kokkinakis.

It was the Australian’s first win over a top 10 player as he began the long road back from playing only one match in 2016.

A series of injuries over the past two years had sent his ranking to 993 from 69.

“I’ve been out of the game for so long, it’s huge for me,” the 21-year-old, now ranked 698, said.

“I’m trying to look forward now and get myself going week by week, and I can’t wait to play my next round.”

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

WEDNESdAY, june 21, 2017

Blatter calls Webb

"breathtaking scoundrel" F ormer FIFA president Sepp Blatter has described former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb as the “most breathtaking scoundrel of all”.

Webb is currently under house arrest in the United States where he faces sentencing for corruption, money laundering and bribery having admited to the charges under a plea deal. The Caymanian was one of 14 officials charged

by The US Department of Justice in 2015, a list that also included former CONCACAF and FIFA Vice president Jack Warner. A subsequent wider investi-

Jeffrey Webb

gation of the world football governing body itself had threatened to expose then president Blatter who was reportedly involved in a scandal where US$100 million was paid to FIFA officials. Later that year an

independent FIFA Ethics Committee ejected Blatter from office and banned him from taking part in any FIFA activities over the following eight years. The ban has since been reduced to six. The former world football boss, however, still had plenty of criticism for Webb a man he has found to be particularly deceptive.

“Jeffrey Webb had tears coming down his face, saying: I am humbled, I accept it; I promise I will do that,” Blatter told football journalist David Conn for his new book on the corruption scandal. Blatter stating he believed that the former

CONCACAF president was perfect for the role of the next FIFA president, accused Webb of being a hypocrite.

“How can you be misled by that or by yourself to say this man is a correct man? I was already thinking that he could be tomorrow the president of FIFA, a good person, a strong man,” Blatter said.

Webb is due to be sentenced on 11 July for crimes relating to the bribes and kickbacks he received for TV deals with two US based companies while he served as the CONCACAF president. (Sportsmax)

West Indies lose to Pakistan by 5 wickets in World Cup warm-up N ian Abidi scored an unbeaten 81 to guide Pakistan Women to a five-wicket win over the West Indies Women in a warm up match at Grace Road in Leicester on Tuesday.

Set 247 to win, Abidi and Bismah Maroof (75) mounted a 141-run fourth wicket partnership that rescued Pakistan from 68 for 3.

Abidi struck eight fours in her 86-ball match-winning innings as Pakistan eased to 249 for 5 with two overs and two balls to spare.

Maroof hit nine fours in her knock that lasted 80 balls as she and Abidi repaired the early damage caused by Shamilia Connell and Captain Stafanie Taylor, who each took a wicket as Pakistan stumbled to 63 for 3 after 16.5 overs.

Connell returned figures

of 2 for 39 and Taylor 1 for 29. They were the only wicket takers for the West Indies who struggled to make further inroads after their early success.

Earlier, a half century from opener Felicia Walters and solid knocks from Merissa Aguilleira and Deandra Dottin helped the West Indies women to 246 for 7.

Walters scored a 93ball 59 that included nine fours as she and Hayley Matthews, who scored 32, put on an opening stand of 49 before Matthews was run out. The West Indies middle order struggled with Captain Taylor (14) and Chadean Nation (7) failing to build on the solid start.

However, Dottin smashed five fours in a 26-ball 32 to prop up the Caribbean side. Aguilleira scored a patient 43 off 50

C

2011 and 2014. Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing.

The 32-year-old signed a new contract with Real until 2021 last November and has a release clause of one billion euros ($1.11 billion).

“I haven’t spoken with Cristiano, I learnt about it because of what came out in the newspapers. I don’t have any solution but Cristiano, like everyone else, has a contract and is a Real Madrid player,” Perez told radio station Onda Cero on Monday after earning a third consecutive mandate at Real.

“I’m sure he will speak to us about what has happened (with the tax case), which has obviously affected his credibility, and we’ll see what happens.”

Ronaldo, Portugal’s alltime leading scorer, is the latest in a long line of soccer players in Spain -- among

Principles of Chess I

n order to be a better chess player one must understand certain principles especially in the Opening. These include:

1. Develop your pieces effectively:

Development literally Jessica Clementson means “to improve by expanding”. To develop your pieces in chess is to activate them, expanding your position by moving each piece off of its original square and into the game.

2. Complete your development

A "lead in development" means that you have more pieces taking part in the game than your opponent. If a player is "behind in development", that means he/ she has more pieces sitting at home and less pieces developed (in the game).

3. Don't Move a Piece Twice in the Opening

All the minor pieces are in the game! Our fourth rule immediately following the basic concept of developing your pieces, is a tip that goes hand in hand with good development principles. Before moving a piece a second time in the Opening: not one, not two, not three, but all of your minor (Knights and Bishops) pieces should be developed and working together in battle.

4. The Exception to the Rule!

The West Indies Women

balls to help propel the West Indies to a strong finish. The veteran Trinidadian in partnership with Afy Fletcher (18) and Shanel Daley 24 not out from just 12 balls carried the West Indies from 170 for 5 to 247 for 7.

Bowling for Pakistan Sana Mir picked up 2 for

46 while there was a wicket each for Asmavia Iqbal, Kaniat Imtiaz and Sadia Yousuf.

The West Indies are yet to win a match as they continue preparations for their World Cup campaign.

(Sportsmax)

Real President Perez "not contemplating" Ronaldo departure

ristiano Ronaldo has not spoken to Real Madrid officials about a transfer away from Spain and he is not expected to leave the European champions during the close season, club president Florentino Perez said on Monday.

The prolific striker scored twice to fire Real to a 4-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final earlier this month but his future at the club was thrown into doubt last week when Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that he wanted to leave Spain after being accused of committing tax fraud.

Spanish prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against the player accusing him of defrauding tax authorities of 14.7 million euros (12.87 million pounds) by hiding his image rights income between

Checkmate

Florentino Perez

them Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar -- to be caught up in cases over tax or transfers.

Ronaldo is with Portugal at the Confederations Cup in Russia and has not said anything about his future since the A Bola story was published.

Asked about potential clubs Ronaldo could join,

Perez said: “I’m not contemplating Ronaldo leaving.”

Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United in 2009 for a then world record fee of 96 million euros and is their all-time top scorer with 404 goals in 394 games. He has won three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two King’s Cups in his eight years in the Spanish capital.

“I haven’t learnt very much about the situation, he’s at a very important tournament at the moment in the Confederations Cup and until that ends I’m not going to disturb the atmosphere of his team,” added Perez.

“He has a contract and he needs to complete it. All we know is that he’s unhappy with the treatment he has had from the press, who have claimed that he is a tax cheat.” (Reuters)

Though we must always be careful when finding exceptions tovery sound, very important principles – as with every rule, there will be opportunities to break it with good reason. You should consider moving a piece twice whenever a large amount of material can be won like winning the Queen and likely the game. The same idea might apply if another piece was undefended and “free for the capture”.In chess terms, these types of easily won pieces are known as“hanging” or “loose”…

5. Keep Your Queen Safe

The false impression that to bring your Queen out early for a chance at a “quick mate” is a bullet-proof plan. Though it is necessary for every chess player to know the basic checkmates, it isn't necessary that every player practice bringing their Queen out early.

Normally an early development of the Queen leads to disaster. Because the Queen is worth so much more than the minor pieces, getting “mixed up” with the little guys early is very risky for the “First Lady”.

Develop Toward and Control the Center

With the basic concepts of development understood, it is important to learn the when, where and why we should develop our pieces. The most important area of the board to control, whether by physical occupation of the pieces or by threats, is the center of the board. Beginner's should memorize it: “Pieces do better in the center!”

“A Knight on the Rim is Grim”

Though all pieces are better when attacking from and toward the center, we can see a huge difference between a Knight on e5 and a Knight on a1. The e5-Knight controls eight squares, compared to two squares by its white counterpart.

Next week we will continue on some other concepts you should know.

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sports

21

Local hockey benefits from clinic O

ver the past two weeks local coaches, nationals and junior players would have benefitted from the expertise of Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Coach Shiv Jagday, who visited Guyana from June 7–20 to conduct two weeks of training.

Among the topics covered during his two week stay here in Guyana were core basic skills like Stance, Footwork and First touch in addition to Passing and Receiving, Running with the ball, Triangle play, Team concepts and using mini hockey as a tool to develop the game in segments.

Fifty boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 19 attended the junior sessions while thirty five coaches attended the coaching sessions.

“There is so much natural talent waiting to be groomed in the correct way. As I said since my first visit, there is great athleticism, intelligence and adaptability among the Guyanese athletes. They just need more discipline, structure in

sport and in life and to develop a routine where training is concerned. The attitude cannot just be to train whenever the mood suits,” Jagday said.

President of the GHB, Philip Fernandes was high in praise of the training program run by the coach and considers it of great value to Guyana’s hockey.

When Jagday first came to Guyana, Fernandes was the junior national hockey captain.

Fernandes indicated that the GHB is in discussions with Jagday in order to make his visits an annual feature with a long term plan for developing even stronger junior and senior teams in four years’ time.

While Jagday hails originally from India, he has plied his trade mostly in Canada for the past 40 years.

After a successful stint in the 1980s as the Canadian men’s national team coach where he led Canada to its most successful international period of two Olympic appearances, two World Cups

Shiv Jagday chat to players during the clinic

and two Pan American gold medals, Jagday branched out into developmental coaching worldwide.

His first such assignment was to Guyana in 1988 at the invitation of then President of the Guyana Hockey Board of Control, Chris Fernandes.

Coach Shiv, as he is affectionately referred to, has since visited Guyana five more times

Under-fire De Villiers:

“I don’t need to prove anyone wrong”

to conduct Olympic solidarity courses which have impacted on many of the country’s national players of the recent past.

Jagday undertook the responsibility of the USA junior national program from 1998 to 2005 before developing two training academies for hockey in California and Vancouver. He also spends his time in Melbourne,

Australia and Punjab India where he has helped to establish a regional training institute that has seen 9 players from Punjab selected for the current Indian national team. With Jagday now being semi-retired, he made contact with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) to offer his services for free in his effort to give back to the sport.

Federer revels in milestone 1100th ATP Tour win

I

ncreased criticism of AB de Villiers’ South Africa leadership is not of concern for the explosive batsman.

AB de Villiers insists he has nothing to prove despite heading into South Africa’s Twenty20 series against England on the back of a disappointing run of form.

The Proteas failed to progress from their group in the ICC Champions Trophy, losing their last two 50-over matches against eventual winners Pakistan and runners-up India.

It was a disappointing campaign and followed a 2-1 one-day international series defeat against England, leading to heightened scrutiny over De Villiers’ role as captain – the 33-yearold made just 20 runs in his three Champions Trophy outings and went for the first golden duck of his ODI career against Pakistan.

However, the Proteas skipper insists he is “full of energy” and is eager to get back to scoring runs and leading the team forward as soon as possible.

“It was a tough few days after the Champions Trophy, to go through that phase of reflecting and to hear some of the criticism.

It’s never easy but I have always been the kind of guy to see the positive in that and see opportunity to improve,” said De Villiers ahead of the first T20 against England in Southampton

Roger Federer

R

AB de Villiers

on Wednesday.

“These three matches give me that opportunity as a player and as a captain for the team.

“I don’t feel like I need to prove anyone wrong or prove something to someone. I just want to go play.

I feel like a youngster starting my career again.

“I am really full of energy and love playing. I just want to score some runs again and captain the team to a few good wins.

“I feel like I am playing very well. I had a couple of bad dismissals [at the Champions Trophy]. The first game I tried to take it

on a bit. The second game I don’t know how the ball went up in the air like that.

The third game I felt like I was going to get 200 off five balls so I got run out.

“There’s nothing wrong with my form. The results are not showing.

“I am ready to move on. I know I am still a good player, I know the team can still achieve amazing things and it’s important for me not to think about what happened in the past. I am not going to spend too much energy thinking about the last 10 or 12 tournaments I have played in.” (Sportsmax)

oger Federer enjoys continuing to reach landmarks in the latter stages of his career, having racked up a 1,100th ATP Tour win on Tuesday.

After clinching his 1,100th ATP Tour win at the Gerry Weber Open on Tuesday, Roger Federer said that such landmark moments have become of greater significance to him.

Federer cruised past lucky loser Yuichi Sugita 6-3 6-1 in the first round, providing the perfect response to a shock defeat against Tommy Haas in Stuttgart last week.

Only Jimmy Connors has accumulated more Tour-level wins than the Swiss with 1,256, and the 18-time major winner – whose second-round opponent will be Mischa Zverev, a 6-4 6-4 winner against Lukas Lacko – is looking forward to adding to his tally.

“It [the milestone] was mentioned in Stuttgart but I had forgotten about it. I appreciate these numbers way more than ever before. I think I can embrace them more,” said Federer, who is considered a top contender for an eighth Wimbledon title one month before he turns 36.

“It’s a big number and I’m very happy to have a chance to

hopefully add some more wins to that number.

“I played some good tennis, some nice points. I played the way I wanted to play: aggressive, took charge from the baseline and served well.

Overall, I’m very happy.

“I had never played him.

And playing against me, all are always very motivated. That doesn’t make it easy. But I’m very satisfied. That was a good start into the Gerry Weber Open.”

Third seed Kei Nishikori came up against Fernando Verdasco for the third time in 2017 and maintained his 100 per cent record against the Spaniard, coming from a set down to win 6-7 (7-9) 6-3 6-4.

Alexander Zverev found things more routine as he easily saw off Paolo Lorenzi 6-3 6-2 to set up a meeting with 2011 champion Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Robin Haase faces a secondround clash with Dominic Thiem after downing David Ferrer 3-6 7-5 6-3, while there were also wins for Roberto Bautista Agut, Bernard Tomic and Lucas Pouille.

Ivo Karlovic fell to Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets as Florian Mayer and Karen Khachanov also advanced.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, june 21, 2017

GTT, the new face of Guyana Amazon Warriors ‒ signs signature sponsorship deal with team Warriors Song”, which is a musical collaboration between two local music stars Calvin Burnett and Drew Thoven.

The league will run from August 4 to September 9 and the Warriors will have four home games during the period of August 17 to 22.

The Warriors have been one of the most consistent teams in the league reaching three of the four finals to date.

The Warriors have six newcomers in their squad with Afghanistan leg spinning sensation Rashid Khan heading the list that in-

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) is now the signature sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the fifth edition of the gala Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

This was disclosed by GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd yesterday while speaking at a festive ceremony held at the Presidential Suit of the National Stadium, Providence.

“Our sponsorship of the Amazon Warriors is an expression of GTT’s understanding of the Guyanese heart and passion for sport especially cricket.”, the CEO stated.

While there was no disclosure on a cost of the sponsorship, the agreement is expected to see the company have the main branding rights for the team as they seek to improve spectators’ experiences at the Stadium.

“GTT and the Guyana Amazon Warriors will blaze the stands and the grass mound on match days in full party mode. We want everyone to embrace what it means to be an Amazon Warrior”, Nedd added.

The CEO also disclosed their “Future Amazon Warrior” in 15 year-old Berbician Seon Glasgow.

GTT will immediately provide full sponsorship for his participation in the Sir

Garfield Sobers Schools Tournament in Barbados in July.

Glasgow has been selected to be part of the Electra Sports Academy that will be representing Guyana at the tournament.

“We will also pursue Seon’s training with the Guyana Amazon Warriors team here in July in preparation for the CPL Games in August,” Need disclosed.

Likewise, Amazon Warriors, Marketing and Media Officer and Assistant Operations Manager, John Ramsingh revealed that the partnership with GTT would provide more hype among other things. “Our partnership with GTT is aimed at providing more information,

more hype, more opportunities to get a chance to see these matches live and even a chance to interact in person with the International, Regional and your own local players”.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones was most enthused about the proceedings since it exemplifies his contention that “government and government alone cannot undertake the development of sport since corporate support is needed.”

Jones congratulated GTT on the venture and assured that there is willingness to lend whatever support is needed to make the Amazon Warriors successful.

The company also unveiled, the “Amazon

back in action after hiatus

The Busta Cycling Road Race will see top cyclists competing for top honours in Berbice

T

Tanvir, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Australian middle-order batsman Chris Lynn, Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder Rayad Emrit, Trinidad and Tobago batsman Jason Mohammed, Guyanese trio Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Steven Jacobs and Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/batsman Steven Katwaroo.

The finals of the tournament will take place at the new Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago from September 5 to 9.

GTT’s CEO Justin Nedd signing a ceremonial bat in the presence of Amazon Warriors representative Ashmine Jailall (Carl Crocker Photo)

Busta Cycling Road race

he usually up tempo Busta Cycle road race is back after some years in hiatus. The event, which was held annually in Berbice and sponsored by the Guyana Beverage Company, was off the radar for a few years. This was mainly due to the absence of General Manager Robert

cludes destructive Jamaican wicket-keeper/batsman Chadwick Walton who played for the Tallawahs in the last four seasons.

Big-hitting ICC Americas opener Steven Taylor will also suit up for the Warriors, along with Barbados all-rounder Roshon Primus and the Guyanese pair, batsman Gajanand Singh and fast bowler Keon Joseph, who was a replacement to Ronsford Beaton in the 2013 squad but did not play a match.

The retained players are Pakistani all-rounder Sohail

Selman who had returned to his native Trinidad and Tobago. Now that Selman is back in the Land of Many Waters, the event has been returned to the Cycling calendar.

The race is scheduled for Sunday July 2nd and Guyana’s top cyclists are expected to don their cycling

gear and head to Berbice for the grand two-wheel event.

The 60-mile race, organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC), will see the riders pedaling off from the front of the beverage company’s Berbice office at Palmyra, to the No. 51 Police Station and back to the starting point.

The coordinator for the race will be Randolph Roberts, who is the founder of the FACC. The Guyana Beverage Company is a subsidiary of the Trinidadian based SM Jaleel Company.

The presentation ceremony is slated for this week at the Company’s office.

The company whose headquarters is based in Trinidad has a number of subsidiaries throughout the Caribbean. It distributes a number of beverages including the popular Busta soft drinks, Fruta, Tampico, Viva, Island Mist water, Kool Kids, Cran Water and American Classic among others.

From left: Steven Jacobs, Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Keon Joseph

Eastman, Williams sparkle at 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in NY

Hamzah Eastman (left) took third spot in the 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in NY

G

uyana’s Hamzah Eastman and National Champion Geron Williams turned in good performances placing second and fourth respectively in the 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in New York on Sunday.

Coco’s Cycling’ Eastman came in second behind Thomas Gibbons who won the Harlem Skyscraper Classic.

Stephen Hall came in third while Geron Williams was fourth, two other Guyanese riders Stephano Husbands and

Shaquel Agard participated but finished 20th and 24th respectively.

The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic was created in 1973 by David Walker—a former New York Police Officer and NYPD Community Affairs Officer in Harlem’s 25th Precinct.

The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic was designed as a community event focused on bicycle racing and safety programs for youth.

Within three years, the race became one of the premiere attractions of the United States Cycling Federation. Each year the race draws over 400 United States Cycling Federation (USCF)—(now known as USA Cycling) licensed cyclist from the greater NYC area, national and international riders, as well as hundreds of community participants.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNesDAY, june 21, 2017

23

Senior players won’t Pakistan's success play for West Indies was imminent – Darren Sammy U

Says Delvon McEwan

nless the current selection policy of Cricket West Indies changes, former West Indies captain Darren Sammy does not see some of the region’s current stars playing for the regional squad any time soon.

Sammy, who was a guest on the Tuffers and Vaughan Show on BBC, said he doesn’t see the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels, or Keiron Pollard donning West Indies colours again.

“With the current administration, I don’t see that happening,” he said of the CWI selection policy that requires Former West Indies Captain Darren Sammy players to participate in domeslook after their family,” said Sammy, who betic competitions to be eligible to represent the lieves the structure of regional cricket needs West Indies. to change.

The challenge facing the players, Sammy “The way we structure our cricket, we’re explains, is that the domestic competitions of- not going anywhere,” said Sammy. ten clash with the international T20 tourna“I’m very scared we will be relegated to ments like the Indian Premier League where be playing against Ireland and Scotland. It’s the players stand to earn a lot more money very sad for us. If you really have West Indies than playing for the West Indies. cricket at heart you will have the right players “I can’t tell a player not to play in a league for all the formats playing and helping you get when it could make them financially stable to to tournaments.” (Sportsmax)

Mickey Arthur

glorified as it is the strategic approach of an administration (the Pakistan Cricket Board) which assisted in paying dividends. .

Nevertheless it has not come without challenges. Within this period the PCB tried to influence the ICC and territories in an effort to return cricket to Pakistan and there were also match fixing scandals involving local players among other issues. On a more positive side, they had risen to the number one spot for the first time in Test cricket in August of 2016 and less than a year after won the CT. It is nothing less than remarkable that Pakistan could have shrugged off the negatives and stuck to their plan. The administration wanted fit and discipline players who could produce positive results. In April and May of 2016 they employed former Test player Inzamam-ulHaq and Mickey Arthur as Chief Selector and Head

GBTI Tennis Open

Fraser defeats Klautky to retain Girls’ title

A

s Guyana’s premier tennis tournament, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open nears its conclusion, Kalyca Fraser defeated Sarah Klautky to retain the Girls title.

Played at the bank’s recreational facility at Bel Air Park, top seed Fraser proved to be too good for Klautky who she defeated in straight sets 6-1 6-1. Earlier in the tournament Fraser secured victories over Sekai Jones and Alana Chung while Klautky took care of Margaret Subryan in the first round and edged Nathalie Ramdyhan in the semi-finals.

Leyland Leacock and Godfrey Lowden fashioned similar victories as they took the titles in the Men’s Over 35 and Over 45 categories respectively in straight sets.

Leacock’s win over his older opponent Andre Lopes was, however, a much closer affair as the players both displayed grit in trying to outlast each other in lengthy rallies. The first set went to a tiebreak where Lopes committed several costly forehand errors which allowed Leacock to win 7-3. The latter served consistently and though surprised by the occasional winner from Lopes was able to clinch the title in straight sets 7-6(7/3) 6-4. Both players are in line to capture two medals as they are competing in Doubles finals as well.

In the Men’s 45 Finals, Alexley Almeida’s streak of coming back from a set down was halted by Berbician Godfrey Lowden who completed a straight sets win,

T

he platform for Pakistan’s recent success at the 2017 Champions Trophy was imminent and was orchestrated by administrative changes and executed by players who were instructed to adhere to new regulations en route to this accomplishment.

In doing so, the players managed to defeat arch-foes India by 180 runs in the final to capture their first title since the tournament was introduced in 1998. This was to the amazement of the cricketing world, defying all odds of pretournament prediction which were never in their favour. In fact Pakistan commenced the tournament with the worst ratings among the eight teams that were involved.

However, the players should not alone be

Inzamam-ul-Haq

Coach respectively. Ever since the pair has formed a formidable unit that apparently is responsible for Pakistan’s achievement in the past 12 months, having to make some tough decisions that received mixed reaction especially their cricketcrazy homeland.

Noticeably talented batsman Umar Akmal was sent home prior to the start of the CT because he did not reach the required fitness level.

At the start of the tournament I opined that Pakistan could be destructive with the ball because of the condition in England and the quality of their bowling. However, that department alone would not have won them the title. At that time it was unimaginable that they would emerge champions and although they are in my top three favourites across all formats, my expectation was not a top four placing, especially after viewing their performance in the Caribbean prior to the CT. In addition their batsmen are not by any means among the best in the world, but they manage to execute at a timely manner. Fielded well and their bowling affected opposition batsmen.

In analyzing Pakistan’s performance I would clearly conclude that team work and proper planning worked in their favour. It was not for the outsiders to recognize but the players and administrators had a plan and they worked towards it. The administrators prepared the environment and the players led by Sarfraz Ahmed executed well. Those who were unfit or unprepared were not included. Maybe there is something that the West Indies can take away from all of this.

Maybe this is the direction that administrators in the Caribbean should follow if they are to achieve success in the near future. Revamp the entire system.

Negative narrative on abortion Kalyca Fraser (right) defeated Sarah Klautky to win the Girls’ title of the GBTI Tennis Open

but not without some drama at the end. In the first set Lowden steamrolled Almeida 6-1.

Almeida threatened to make the second set a three set affair yet again as he slowed the pace and took it to tie-break.

Leading 8-7 with set point, he suffered a dubious call and lost composure and lost the set eventually at 11-9. It was a deserving win for Lowden who has been a stalwart over the years and still has the game and fitness to take on all players.

In the Boys 18 category, the expected showdown between top players Heimraj Resaul and Jordan Beaton did not materialize after Resaul had to forfeit due to an injury. Jordan who benefited from the walkover took full advantage of the opportunity of being in the final and completed a 6-2 6-1 win to take home the title over Joshua Kalekyezi who was also debuting in the 18s’ final.

The 14-year-old Kalekyezi , originally lived in Uganda.

In Men’s 35 Doubles

action Andre Lopes/Sandeep Chand all but clinched the title with their third victory in the round robin format when they overcame the first time pairing of veterans Godfrey Lowden/ Ronald Murray 6-1 6-3.

Lopes/Chand played their best match of the tournament with consistent serving and strong net play and never allowed Lowden/Murray to gain any momentum.

In other matches played Afruica Gentle/Christy Campbell booked a place in the Ladies Doubles finals with a comfortable 6-1 6-0 victory over Kalyca Fraser/Sarah Klautky and will face Shelly Ramdyhan/Fiona Bushell.

Matches continue until Wednesday when the tournament will culminate with the Men’s Final which pits top seed and favorite Anthony Downes against Daniel Lopes in a rematch of last year’s finals.

Presentation of prizes will follow.

revelation changing ‒ Richards Ross

F

our-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards Ross believes the narrative surrounding her revelation of an abortion she had before the 2008 Olympics is becoming more positive.

The 32-year-old retired 400-metre runner recently released a memoir called ‘Chasing Grace’ in which she revealed that she had an abortion the day before she left the United States for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She was favoured to win gold but ended up third and cried openly as she collected her medal. Initially she blamed her loss on a tight hamstring but in the book she revealed that after having the abortion, her doctors had advised her not to compete for 14 days.

She also revealed that she knows of several female athletes who have had abortions. Her revelations went viral and generated a mix of reactions. Richards Ross, who is pregnant, said the early negativity has given way to more positive feedback.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards Ross

“When it was first put out there, there were mixed emotions. There are people who had that kneejerk reaction and said many negative things and I knew that was going to happen,” she said.

“I was very prayerful before sharing that experience before the 2008 Olympics, but now I feel like there has been a shift, and there are so many women who have been in the same situation who have lived with a lot of shame and guilt.”

Speaking to SportsMax.tv during the launch of her book

at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston on Saturday, Richards Ross revealed that people had begun to find her revelation and the story behind it cathartic.

“People who I don’t even know have reached out to me and said ‘thank you’ because I know how difficult it was for me, so I can only imagine how difficult it was for women who don’t have the support that I have, how hard it is for them,” said Richards Ross.

“So my heart in writing and sharing this was just to be honest because I do feel like a lot of times pretend like life is perfect and we know it’s not.

Life is tough. Life is challenging, sometimes its knocks us on our butts. So I wanted people to know that I have had those human experiences and I have felt defeated. I have felt the shame and guilt that comes with that stuff, but God restores and ultimately that is what I want people to know; is that even in your valley God is there with you.” (Sportsmax)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 22

GTT, the new face of Guyana Amazon Warriors ‒ signs signature sponsorship deal with team

GTT CEO Justin Nedd (third from left) and Guyana Amazon Warriors representative Ashminie Jailall (centre) pose with a signed bat after the symbolic partnership is sealed. They are flanked by Guyana Amazon Warriors Assistant Operations Manager John Ramsingh (right front); Assistant Coach Esuan Crandon (back right) and local Warriors Shimron Hetmyer (left), Steven Jacobs (second left), along with Keon Joseph, Veerasammy Permaul and Assad Fudadin

Pg 21

Local hockey benefits from clinic Coach Shiv Jagday guiding two players through a demonstration as the others look on

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