Guyana times 6 10 2017

Grand Coastal wins Hotel of the Year award P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3237

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Flash floods hit Mahdia Page 10

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Guard hut scandal

PS in hot water as P7 investigation launched …disciplinary actions not ruled out – Harmon

Motion to revoke Land CoI to be P2 debated on Thursday

... residents stranded, roads under water The main access road leading to Mahdia, Region Eight, (Potaro–Siparuni) was submerged on Friday morning as floodwaters reached threatening levels as the Madhia Creek overflowed its banks

Miner chopped UG students to death at Omai remanded for Landing narco trafficking Page 8

Page 2

US$30M Skeldon Co-generation Plant a ‘ticking time bomb’ – operator …requires US$2.5M to restart, US$17M more to fix Page 3

11 containers of used tyres P9 “slipped” through system – Statia

GCCI raises concerns about Govt Procurement practices P13

Police shoot at suspected bandits in high-speed chase P13

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Miner chopped Motion to revoke Land CoI to be debated on Thursday to death at T Omai Landing

A

miner was on Friday morning chopped to death during an argument at Omai Landing, Essequibo River. Dead is Carlos Wong, 46, of Half Mile Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Reports are Wong and the two male suspects had a misunderstanding over a water pump, when one of them, who was armed with a cutlass, chopped him to his right hand.

As a result of the chopping, it is believed that the man bled to death. After the chopping incident, the two men fled the scene.

The man was picked up and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Police are hunting the two men.

Meanwhile, the Police in a release in May reported that a total of 35 murders were recorded up

to the end of April when compared to 53 during the same period in 2016.

This saw a 34 per cent decrease.

Of the 35 murders, 20 were as a result of disorderly behaviour, four as a result of domestic dispute, five stemmed from robberies under arms and three were as result of execution style killing. The Police are yet to determine the circumstances surrounding the remaining three.

Fourteen of those murders were committed in A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank) followed by 10 in F Division (Interior locations); six in B Division (Berbice) and four in D Division (West Demerara). One of the heinous crimes was committed in C Division (East Coast Demerara).

For the entire month of May and up to June, several other murders were committed.

he 65th Sitting of the National Assembly, slated for Thursday, will feature heated debates in regard to the motion to revoke the Amerindian Land titling Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Moved by the Parliamentary Opposition and listed under “private member’s business” on the Order Paper, the motion is premised on the belief that the commission’s mandate can undermine the legitimacy of Amerindian land rights and lead to the dispossession of present and future Amerindian land titles.

The motion highlights that, under the Amerindian Act 2006, Guyana already has a legal framework to address Amerindian land rights and communal land titling. In addition, it recognises that many Amerindian communities have been able to acquire communal titles.

Warning that establishing the CoI “appears to put Guyana on a collision course with its international rights and obligations”, the motion suggests that the National Assembly should invite the President to revoke the CoI. Since announcement of its establishment, this CoI has been opposed on several fronts, including by representatives of Guyana’s indigenous population.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had announced

Peoples, The Amerindian Action Movement, South Central Peoples Development Association, and the National Amerindian Development Foundation, have all protested the merging of the two issues under one blanket.

UN

Chairman of the National Toshao Council, Joel Fredericks, and Vice Chairman Lenox Shuman

that the CoI would seek to resolve all the issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint, or communal ownership of lands acquired by free Africans, and Amerindian land titling claims. But the National Toshaos Council (NTC) had, on March 28, argued that the two issues are unique and need to be addressed separately.

“While we support reparations and repatriation of African lands, and addressing that issue with a great degree of urgency, the Indigenous lands’ issue cannot, and should not, be viewed in the same light; nor can it be addressed under the same framework,” the NTC had emphasised.

The NTC had called for the establishment of two separate entities to deal with the two different issues, as it voiced its refusal to cooperative with the cur-

rent lands CoI. The NTC also complained of “severe” lack of consultations on the matter; an assertion which President David Granger has denied.

The Head of State told reporters that the statement was “inaccurate”. He said, “The proposal to establish a body was announced by me in August last year at the National Toshaos Council meeting.”

To support his claim of having consulted with the indigenous people, President Granger also alluded to the fact that Attorney David James, a former Legal Adviser to the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), is a Commissioner on the CoI. But even the APA has come out in criticism of Government’s land CoI. Other organisations, including the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous

The NTC has argued that it was not consulted on formulation of this CoI, and its members feel that their rights, as set out in Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), were violated.

Article 19 of the UNDRIP reads: “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions, in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.”

The CoI set up by the President is chaired by Reverend George ChuckA-Sang and includes David James, Carol Khan-James, Professor Rudolph James, Lennox Caleb, Paulette Henry and Belinda Persaud.

The final report of this CoI is expected to be handed over to the President on or before November 1, unless an extension of time is granted.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 10 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, June 11 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 10 – 16:50h-18:20h and Sunday, June 11 – 05:10h-06:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers with light cloud cover can be expected throughout the day, while light showers with light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

US$30M Skeldon Co-generation Plant a ‘ticking time bomb’ – operator

… now requires US$2.5M to restart, US$17M more to fix

T

he Skeldon Cogeneration Plant is a ‘ticking time bomb’ that currently requires US$2.5 million in immediate expenditure as a stop gap measure in order to restart the 30MW bagasse fuelled component of the facility and an additional US$17 million in order to fix the deficiencies identified a few months after the generators were turned

to members of the media, indicated that the facility had to be shut down in December 2016 owing to safety concerns.

It was explained that apart from the badly deteriorated state of the facility – six years into its 25-year life span – the boilers being used at the facility are simply not for use in Guyana’s conditions.

has eroded to a point where it now poses a safety hazard and risks an explosion.

Speaking to the design of the facility, it was pointed out too that the boilers were not even protected from the elements including the salted air – there is no roof in place.

Other visible deficiencies on the boiler were evident at the furnace doors where the

Winds: East North-easterly and South-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 04:43h and 17:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.63 metres and 2.51 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:43h and 22:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.58 metre and 0.72 metre respectively.

A section of the may deficiencies identified at the plant

on.

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saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The Co-generation Plant was purchased from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for an announced price of US$30 million by Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) – a special purpose company owned by the Government’s holding company, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

The damning state of affairs was laid bare on Friday by Skeldon Energy Inc’s Chairman, Lloyd Rose, who had moments earlier wrapped up a guided tour of the facility in Berbice for subject Minister Jaipaul Sharma, and members of the media.

Investigation

Minister Sharma has since indicated that based on the preliminary assess-

It was explained too that because of the design of the boiler, coupled with the types of bagasse being supplied,

insulation was almost completely burnt out as a result of the heat.

Options

Rose said it was not a case

Media operatives examining a section of the plant during the tour on Friday

the circumstance has posed a difficulty where the ash blocks the air vents and disrupts the balance of air and fuel in order to ensure consis-

ATCOM

Briefing members of the media following the tour, Rose said safety issues and the problems with the boiler

The exterior of the US$30 million Skeldon Co-generation Plant

ment, he will be recommending to the Cabinet Counsel of Ministers, a full forensic investigation into the facility.

Rose in providing a brief

gy for first crop and the reason for that is we had to embark on major repair works,” he said.

According to Rose, the company (SEI) has the US$2.5 million for the emergency works in order to restart the Co-generation Plant and the works should be completed by the end of August.

Rose said SEI has contracted a South African firm, ATCOM (John Thompson’s).

According to the SEI Chairman in January, the company will be looking to commence a US$17 million overhaul of the boilers, essentially installing one to replace the malfunctioning two.

Asked about the finance of the US$17 million operation since Government has already indicated a shortfall in revenues, Rose spoke to a number of options.

He was adamant that from projections in SEI’s business plan, the company can be viable if all conditions are met.

tent generation.

During the guided tour of the boilers it was observed that the piping used to circulate the pressurised steam

are what primarily led to the more than six-month closure.

“The main problem we have to deal with, we have not been able to provide ener-

where SEI was looking to ask Government for the US$17 million, since the company is exploring other options.

He said SEI can either secure the money through a commercial loan, a buyer’s credit arrangement, a third party equity investor, and divestment or possibly even raised from the GRIF funds.

The SEI Chairman made it clear however that several of the options being explored are contingent Government vesting the assets over to SEI –something still to be done since the company was incorporated in February 2015 and the finalisation of the sale in April of that year.

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma, indicated to media operatives that he was invited to the facility at the behest of the Board of Directors and was motivated further by the increasing negative reports emanating from Skeldon. turn to page 11

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SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017

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

The PAC hearings The information coming out of the present hearings being conducted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been quite revealing; and once again justifies previous calls for stronger action to be taken against accounting officers and other public officials who knowingly operate outside of proper accounting practices and procurement laws.

So far, during the hearings to query the 2015 Auditor General’s Report, there have been several examples which show that tax payers’ money is being spent with little regard for transparency and accountability.

For instance, in one of the hearings, the Committee was told that the Public Security Ministry has, for more than a year, paid three members of staff their full salaries despite the fact they have not been on the job – after being suspended as a result of suspected involvement in a multimillion-dollar scandal.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary told the Committee that the three staffers were sent on administrative leave since March 2016, but they have not been interdicted; so payment continued, since the investigations have not been completed.

As expected, this disclosure was met with disbelief by Committee members, who voiced their discontent over the fact that taxpayers’ dollars were being used to pay the staffers for doing nothing. While the PS has indicated that reports on the matter from the Guyana Police Force and the Audit Office have been sent to the Public Service Commission (PSC), one wonders what the real reason is for the matter taking such a long time to be resolved. It is unacceptable that such an investigation has been rolled on for over a year.

Then there has been the case of the Ministry of the Presidency purchasing a luxury vehicle for the Prime Minister. The PAC heard that not only was the vehicle delivered almost one year late, but 100% of the $13M total was actually paid up front with two cheques, using money that had been allocated for the previous year.

One Committee member said that although the vehicle was purchased for the Prime Minister’s use, the rules of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) ought not to have been flouted.

Based on the findings of the AG Report, the PM’s Office had, in December 2015, requested an advance of G$11 million from the Contingency Fund, stating the reason for the advance as being to offset a part of the Government Information Agency’s (GINA’s) debt to the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL). Part of that money was used for the debt, but a portion of that sum was also used for another purpose, and that constituted a breach of the financial regulations.

Based on the fact that the payment of GINA’s debt to GNNL does not constitute an emergency, but rather a routine expenditure, the Contingency Fund should therefore not have been used; this expense should have been budgeted for in the annual budget.

The use of millions of dollars to sole-source drugs and medical supplies for the Ministry of Public Health in “emergency situations” engineered by the Government has also been under the microscope for some time now. This, by itself, needs a detailed investigation, as it is clear that several of the country’s procurement laws were breached.

There are several other examples of the Contingency Fund being abused, and financial transactions being conducted under highly questionable circumstances. The Government will have a stern test ahead of them when the consideration of the 2015 AG Report is completed; and they will have to submit, in writing, a commitment to either adopt or reject the AG’s many findings and recommendations.

We have noted that, already, the Government has adopted a defensive stance in regard to the report, with Finance Minister Winston Jordan being heavily critical of some of the findings. In fact, Jordan went as far as to state that the AG’s interpretation of what counts as emergency spending “doesn’t count under the law.”

It is clear that, in spite of the rhetoric from Government, corruption is still entrenched in Guyana, and much effort will have to be made to ensure the system is rid of such practices. The Coalition Administration must not only talk about tackling corruption, it must take concrete steps to address the issue head-on.

A member of the national Police assists a fellow Policeman whose leg caught on fire during clashes with Opposition activists demonstrating against the Government of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas (The Telegraph)

Saddened at GECOM chairmanship fiasco Dear Editor, I was jolted into motion by the recent decision of the President to reject the second list of nominees for the GECOM chairmanship. I was genuinely saddened at this move, and now solidly believe our nation is being governed by a man seriously out of step with reason; who seems more interested in playing games with our nation’s future than on furthering the significant gains made by the last administration.

Before I go any further, please allow me to say as deliberately as I can that this nation owes the Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and he stands like a colossus among the pygmies in Government,

who are bent only on playing their racist politics. I will remind him that “Great spirits generally find violent opposition from mediocrity”.

When the PPP rose to power in 1992, I prayed that the PNC would never return to power in my lifetime; so you could imagine my chagrin and great disappointment when they foisted themselves on the Guyanese people after the elections of 2015. At that time, I told a few people to keep two words in mind: “colossal failure”, which was what the APNU/AFC Govt was going to be. And I felt this way because they (the PNC party) have not shed themselves of their propensity to thuggery and violence, and I’ve always seen their relationship to the truth, as char-

acterized by the element of expedience. Their continuing vilification of the PPP, in spite of that party having delivered Guyana from the abyss, is disgraceful; and although I would forgive those who are too young to understand Guyana’s recent political history, I cannot fathom those bent on political revisionism and blatant intellectual dishonesty.

Broadly speaking, the 28 years’ rule of the PNC was characterized by failure, whereas the 23 years stewardship of the PPP was one not only of success, but of a virtual rebirth in almost every sphere of Guyanese life; and for those who question this assertion, I would invite them to cast themselves back to 1992 and think of what our objective condition

as a nation was at that time.

Simply put, Guyana was virtually a hellhole. The PPP first had to stop the haemorrhaging in the economy, then begin the long process towards rebuilding every dilapidated sector; and this with one arm tied behind its back, since the PNC was always obstructionist, and ALWAYS chose to act more like a petulant child than to partner in development with the government of the day.

I will urge the opposition and the international community to remain vigilant, in order to ensure there is no engineering of our electoral process; which will push the next general elections beyond 2020.

Sincerely, Mark Agard

Spending taxpayers’ dollars recklessly Dear Editor, It is my wish to add my humble view into the recent debacle at the Education Ministry, a matter which has attracted wide public attention by virtue of its very serious nature, wherein taxpayers’ hard earned dollars have been both recklessly and fraudulently expended.

The Permanent Secretary seeks to direct attention to blaming technical officers for faulty costing matters, and to downplay the gravity of the matter. This entire episode is the height of barefacedness, and the PS is seeking to justify fraudulent misappropriation of public funds. The fact is that tax payers’ money was

misappropriated to fortify the personal and private property of the PS, which is separate, distinct, and opposed to the case of being spent on a govt-owned property.

Whatever home problems the PS is getting at nights has absolutely nothing to do with the Ministry’s work programme; and, for that matter, do not form part of the approved budget to build a guard hut at his private residence. That’s also saying that every officer in the Govt service should have Govt funds expended to build guard huts and other security facilities at their personal and private residences.

From the news reports,

another of his colleagues at the head of the PSM, his personal friend, is seeking to cleverly excuse and perhaps justify such blatant misappropriations by asserting that PSs work hard and are entitled to that, because they are often away from home; which is really very comical.

In effect, he is saying that PSs are entitled to steal or commit fraud because they work hard.

It is a fact that they get a security allowance in-built as part of their remuneration package; but to go outside of that and to do a double-take by charging to the Govt’s votes his personal and private expenses, which en-

hance his own property value, is entirely another matter.

This colleague is obviously deliberately obscuring and confusing cases wherein such top officers live in, or occupy, Govt buildings; in which case they can safely build guard huts or whatever, but this is directly opposed to their personal and private property.

Quite frankly, that PS of the PSM is not even the competent authority to make any pronouncement on such accountability matters; that authority should be either the Accountant General, the Auditor General, or the Secretary to the Treasury.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

saturDAY, june 10, 2017

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News

GRA leases land at Liliendaal for new head office W

ith the structural defects of the Camp Street building worsening, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has decided the time has come for it to secure its own space and has since leased several acres of lands to build its new head office.

According to Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, the Authority has outgrown the Camp Street building, which was formerly owned by the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) Limited. He not-

ed that the GRA now has a complement of 1200 staff members, of which close to 900 are stationed the Camp Street building.

“So we have to get our own building and build our own building,” he said at press conference on Thursday.

To this end, the GRA Head revealed that the agency has acquired 10 acres of lands at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, which would be sufficient to accommodate the capacity of the Revenue Authority and its busy public traffic. The

The GRA building on Camp Street

Competent professional Dear Editor, It was with utter disgust that I read that the Board of the Georgetown Hospital has removed Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Johnson from his post. To add insult to injury, the Board has appointed the newly installed former army officer to act in that position.

Firstly, I would like to state categorically that Alan Johnson is an honourable and competent professional who not only has the experience and knowledge to be an excellent Hospital Administrator, but is also a kind, honest, trustworthy and caring individual in the performance of his duties.

I say this boldly because I

worked with Alan at the hospital for a number of years.

As one of his colleagues, I have seen Alan perform his duties with distinction and honour, and he is one whom I have tried to emulate while I was at the Hospital. He is a very principled man, and would do only what is right for the hospital.

I recall seeing the former Board doing the same thing to the former Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan. Without hesitation, I can proclaim that both Michael Khan and Alan Johnson are two of the most qualified, competent and experienced hospital administrators in our country. They both had the hospital’s best

Spending taxpayers’...

Another point worthy of note is that there is no other PS who has taken Govt funds to build guard huts or whatever at their private and personal homes. The matter of the elaborate toilet facility rental even further compounds the matter in terms of its gravity.

A further point to consider is that the DPS Finance, who also signed as a party to this fraudulent misappropriation, also had a direct responsibility in preventing this type of criminal abuse of public funds, but instead chose to willingly be part and parcel of its perpetration; hence the obvious question that comes to mind is: “In what way(s) did she benefit in real terms?”

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from page 4

It is somewhat interesting/admirable how swiftly the new administration moved to take the needed action against the previous Govt’s Minister of Public Service, and also the former Legal Affairs Minister, as well as a former PS at the OP; but it remains to be seen now if that is a principled position in terms of handing this matter to SOCU for the appropriate criminal legal action. So far, most people are of the view that the new administration will do the right thing in not ignoring this by virtue of its serious nature. Thus it remains to be seen.

Sincerely, Concerned citizen

interest at the top of their responsibilities.

With this move by the Board to remove Alan Johnson from the position of Chief Executive Officer, the GPHC will see a rapid decline in the quality of its services to the Guyanese public.

The new Deputy Chief Executive Officer is new to hospital administration.

There are too many complex parts in the puzzle of hospital administration For the Board to believe that a freshman would be able to navigate the murky waters.

This is irresponsible. It’s like taking a freshman law student in college and giving him/her the responsibility of lecturing to the final year students on Constitutional

Law. The only result would be abject failure. The Board of the hospital has now embarked on that journey.

I am appealing to the Board to reinstate Alan Johnson as the Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

If they are not humble enough to do that, then I suggest that they ask Mr Alan Munroe, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr Madan Rambaran or Dr Shiek Amir to be the captain of this ship until good sense prevails.

Sincerely, Charles Sugrim, CPA Former Director of Financial Services Georgetown Public Hospital

lands that were acquired were previously earmarked for the construction of a hotel by Indian hotelier – Sun and Sands Hotels.

The sod was turned in 2014 for the construction of the hotel but it was subsequently reported that the company failed to fulfil payments to the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) for the 12 acres of lands and as such, the project has been stalled.

But according to Statia at Thursday’s press conference, the GRA has acquired the plot of land through a lease agreement with the Lands and Surveys Commission. Pointing out that he is not concerned about how the lands got back into the hands of the Commission, the GRA Boss noted that they secured the lands for 50 years.

Moreover, he noted that currently, they are trying to get the architect’s design of the building completed to

submit to Cabinet for its approval.

“It may not be completed on my stint but I would like to assure you, we would soon have a building that would house the GRA,” he posited.

With regards to the Camp Street building, Statia went on to outline that the build leaks heavily and as such, the GRA recently obtained Cabinet’s approval to construct a structure over the current roof of the building so as to stop the leakage.

“The building that we inherited or we’re in, if you go in you’ll see that it has sunk; it’s been sinking all the time. Some days when it rains you have as much as three inches of water in some rooms. And as a matter of fact, I passed instructions for them to bore the sides to drain the water out,” he told reporters.

The Commissioner General added that in order to determine the extent of the building’s defects, they had a team from the Public Infrastructure Ministry conduct an assessment and highlight what needs to be done. They also asked the persons who are actively involved in the construction of the building some 20 years ago.

Industrial Fabrication Inc (INFAB) has been contracted to carry out the works on the $57 million project and according to the GRA Head, the contractor is now making preparations to commence construction in two weeks’ time.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017

Page Foundation Toddler reading time (Continued from Friday)

H

ere are some additional reading tips: * Read whatever books your toddler asks for, even if it’s the same book every night for weeks and weeks (and weeks and weeks). * Read slowly enough for your toddler to understand. * Read expressively, using different voices for different characters and raising or lowering your voice as appropriate. * Choose board books or cloth books that are durable. You can let your child use these books independently without having to worry about pages getting ripped. * Use puppets, finger plays (like the “Itsy Bitsy Spider”), or props while you read. * Encourage your toddler to clap or sing when you read rhythmic, sing-song books. * Talk about the illustrations. Point to items and name them. Then ask your child to name them with you and offer enthusiastic praise. * Ask open-ended questions – “Why do you think the lion is going into the woods? What do you think will happen next?” This encourages your child to think about the story and to ask questions. * Substitute your child’s name for the name of a character in the book. * Have fun! Show your child that reading is enjoyable.

Sitting still not required

Trying to read to a toddler who just won’t sit still can be frustrating. It’s important to be patient and keep trying.

Find a book or a few pages that are of interest. If you can’t do that, don’t force the reading but be sure to try again later.

Remember that toddlers love repetition – if your child seems uninterested in books, you may need to find a favourite and read it over and over again.

Some busy toddlers like to stand up while you read to them. Others like to look at a page or two before moving on to something else. Keep the book out – children might want to return to it later, which you should encourage.

Don’t worry if your child can’t sit still for an entire book – toddlers’ attention spans will get longer soon. You might want to keep reading even if your child moves around. Before bedtime, allow your child to touch and play with favourite toys while you read aloud. The sound of your voice will be a soothing reminder of your bedtime routine and that books are a part of it.

You may find that your child sits still better while colouring or playing with a favourite toy while you read. Don’t assume that because your child isn’t looking at you or the book that he or she isn’t interested or listening.

You want your child to have positive associations with reading, so if you are feeling tense or your child is resisting, consider setting the book aside and returning to it later.

Remember that reading to your child is just one way to encourage emergent literacy. You also can talk to your child throughout the day, sing songs together, play rhyming games, and make up your own stories together. Don’t forget to provide paper and crayons so your child can practice writing.

You may also limit TV and video game time. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under two years old not watch any TV and that those older than two watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.

Choosing books for toddlers

Toddlers want to feel included and competent; choose books they can follow along with, especially those with repetitive text so they can fill in words.

Maintain your toddler’s interest by choosing books with small amounts of

text on the page and books about topics that you know are of interest.

For younger toddlers (12 to 24 months) you’ll want sturdy board books with pictures (especially photos) of children doing the things they do every day.

Books about bedtime, baths, or mealtime are all good choices; so are books about saying hello or good-bye. Keep active hands busy with lift-the-flap pages and textures to feel.

Toddlers from 24 to 36 months are beginning to be able to turn paper pages, so this is a good time to expand beyond board books. They’re also beginning to understand the mechanics of reading and like books that are repetitive and easy to memorise so that they can “read” along.

By now you will start to know what your child’s interests are – whether trains, trucks, or stuffed bears, find books about these things of interest. Children this age also like books about children, families, and animals.

Toddlers love to look at homemade books, scrapbooks, or photo albums full of people they know (try adding simple captions). Poetry and songbooks are good choices for this age group too. You may find that story time turns into sing-along time.

Keeping books available

Read-aloud time isn’t the only opportunity children should have to spend time with books – toddlers love to choose and look at books on their own. Keep books in a basket on the floor or on a low shelf where your child can reach them easily and look at them independently. Keep some books in the car and always have a few handy in your bag for long waits at the doctor or lines at the post office.

Visit the library or the bookstore and let your child select books to read at home.

Many libraries and bookstores have toddler story times that children enjoy. And let your child see you reading – he or she is sure to imitate you. (KidsHealth.org)

When should children learn to read, write, and do Maths?

BY ANNIE STUART

A

t one time or another, most parents wonder how their child is stacking up in school. Part of answering that is knowing when children should learn to read, write, and do different kinds of math?

Ross A Thompson, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California at Davis tells WebMD there is a wide range of normal variation in many areas for young children. This can make it difficult, he says, to tell if a delay is really a problem. Thompson also says that measuring children against defined age benchmarks sometimes raises undue anxiety in parents.

Still, general milestones can be helpful to parents as a guide. Missing a milestone doesn’t always mean a child has a learning deficit or dis-

ability. It may simply mean that you need to make some changes in the classroom or at home to help your child learn and reach his or her full potential.

When children learn reading: Milestones that matter

Pat Wolfe, EdD, education consultant, former teacher, and author of Building the Reading Brain, says you can tell by kindergarten-age whether children are likely to have trouble with reading. “Can they hear rhyming words? Do they know that squiggles on a page stand for sounds when they talk?” These are key pre-reading skills that lay the foundation for reading.

Often children start reading in the first grade. During that school year, watch for these signs of reading difficulty:

* confusing letters * connecting the wrong sounds with letters * skipping words, not remembering words, or frequently guessing at unknown words, rather than sounding them out If your child is having trouble reading by the end of first grade, begin by talking with her teacher to find ways to resolve the problem.

Ages four to five: learning pre-reading skills

Children learn to: * substitute words in rhyming patterns * write some letters * pronounce simple words * develop vocabulary

Ages six to 10: learning to read

Children learn to: * read simple books by mid-first grade and know about 100 common words

* understand that letters represent sounds, which form words, by mid-first grade * enjoy a variety of types of stories and talk about characters, settings and events * remember the names and sounds of all letters and recognize upper- and lowercase by second grade * read independently and fluently by third grade * sound out unfamiliar words when reading

Ages 11-13: “reading to learn”

Children learn to: * read to learn about their hobbies and other interests and to study for school * comprehend more fully what they’ve read * read fiction, including chapter books, and nonfiction, including magazines and newspapers (Webmd.com) TO BE CONTINUED

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saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guard hut scandal

PS in hot water as investigation launched

…disciplinary actions not ruled out – Harmon

S

hould the allegation prove true after thorough investigation -- that Permanent Secretary Vibert Welch of the Education Ministry had used public funds to build at his private residence a guard hut which cost more than $500,000 to construct -- he could find himself seriously immersed in proverbial hot water.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, responding on Friday to queries on the issue, said the matter had come to his attention, and he had sought and received an explanation from the Public Service Ministry.

He said Government has steadfastly advocated cost-cutting, and that each public official needed to ensure that the dollars allocated by the state under his/her charge should

PS Vibert Welch

be made to “go as long as they can”.

“All employees of the state in the public sector… are required to act in accordance with the law. And anybody, once they step outside of that (obligation), they are ex-

posing themselves to be sanctioned or disciplined,” Harmon told reporters.

Harmon said once an investigation is done and due process is followed, “then any person within the state sector that acts outside the law will be subject to discipline.”

The story was broken earlier this week in another section of the media that more than half a million dollars had been expended by the Education Ministry (MoE) to construct a guard hut at Welch’s Bent Street, Georgetown residence.

The report stated that the structure is approximately five feet in width, five feet in length, and about eight feet in height. It already has all its electrical components in place, and judging from its appearance, it had recently been painted. According to the

Rice vendor wins Samsung Galaxy S8 from GTT

S

ection D of Bourda Market, Georgetown, was in an uproar on Friday morning as vendors surrounded rice vendor Kapildeo Ramnauth.

Ramnauth of Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, is the first winner of a Samsung Galaxy S8 in the GTT Top Up and Win Father’s Day promotion.

“I have always been a GTT customer and never won anything. I am so happy today,” Ramnauth said smiling, as he opened his new $239,999 value phone.

His fellow market vendors were also elated for his win. “I have been topping up and I am hoping to win the Jamaica trip,” another vendor quipped.

Three persons will win Samsung Galaxy S8 smart-

GTT’s Public Relations Officer, Nadia DeAbreu hands over the Samsung Galaxy S8 to Kapildeo Ramnauth

phones in the GTT Father’s Day Top Up and Win promotion. In addition there will be one winner of an all-inclusive trip for two to the beautiful Ocho Rios Resort in Jamaica.

All prepaid customers who top up $1000 or more electronically are eligible for

the weekly Samsung Galaxy S8 draw while all customers who top up $1000 electronically by June 18 are eligible to enter the draw to win the all-inclusive trip for two to Jamaica, compliments of GTT and Fly Jamaica Airways.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

report, the contract was awarded to Linden Ogle, listed among the contractors who had submitted proposals for the construction of the hut.

The MoE is also reportedly paying $20,000 per month to rent a toilet for

the security guards.

The report has said that Welch has since distanced himself from the project, declaring that he had played no part in awarding the contract or formulating the methodology that was used to arrive at its seemingly exorbitant price. Welch said that all he did was to sign off on the documents after the relevant technical persons, including the engineer and the Chief Works Officer, would have given their approval.

PS Welch has explained that his signature of approval was needed, since he is the accounting officer, and all disbursements of funds have to be approved by him.

This project was reportedly endorsed by PS of the Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson, four days ago.

Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service Reginald Brotherson

Meanwhile, Welch is embroiled in another guard hut scandal which reportedly cost $1 million.

This hut was allegedly built while he was serving as PS for the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry.

8 news

saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

UG students remanded for narco-trafficking Inanities…

A M vishkar Rambarran and Michael Sukhu, two Civil Engineering students of the University of Guyana, were on Friday arraigned before the Georgetown Court 10 Magistrate, jointly charged with allegedly trafficking 254 grammes of cocaine on the Grove public road, East Bank Demerara on June 8th.

Investigating ranks had reportedly busted them with the narcotics allegedly contained in several transparent packets stashed in the glove compartment of the vehicle in which they were travelling along the Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Defence Counsel Patrice Henry, in an application for bail that was overruled, contended that his clients had

Avishkar Rambarran

“no knowledge” of the presence of the narcotics in the car, which he added had been rented and did not belong to them. He also alleged that the rented car had been fingered as the motor vehicle used in a recent robbery, this being the sole reason for the police pursuing the vehicle. Moreover, he said the UG students are close acquaintances, are both 20 years of age, and both reside on the East Coast of Demerara.

But Police Prosecutor Adoni Innis related that, upon being busted, the men pleaded with the ranks to be released and given aa second chance, while explaining that the operation was “just a lil hustle”. The men have been remanded, and the case will continue on June 26.

Charlestown woman remanded for narcotics in bin

A

42-year-old woman of Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown was charged and remanded to prison for trafficking over one pound of marijuana.

Yonette Bascom was arrested after Police swooped down on her premises and reportedly busted her with the illicit drug.

Bascom appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to

answer to the charge which stated that on June 5, 2017, she was in the possession of 470 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The accused denied any knowledge of the charge but the Prosecution nonetheless objected to bail considering the gravity of the offence and the penalty attached to such a crime.

The woman’s attorney argued that the narcot-

ic was at no point in time discovered on the person of her client, further contending that the drug was found on the lot which accommodated two houses in an attempt to establish that the premises housed multiple occupants; any of whom could have been the legitimate owner of the said narcotics.

Reports are Bascom’s home was searched af-

ter Police ranks, who acting on information, visited her residence. She then allegedly granted permission to the officers’ request to conduct a search in her house which led to the discovery of a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, concealed in a black plastic bag in a bin.

Bascom returns to court on June 22.

Security guard charged for B&E at workplace

C

arl Rodrigues, a security guard accused of breaking and entering the Texila American

University at Providence, East Bank of Demerara, was on Friday released on $80,000 bail after denying

the charge of larceny.

It is alleged that the accused on June 3, broke into the University and stole one

Carl Rodrigues

laptop and a visual printer, totalling $148,000 in value.

Rodrigues told the court that he resides in South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, with his wife and six children. The court heard that the laptop was recovered and is currently with Police.

Rodrigues returns to court on June 16.

In addition, the court of Magistrate Fabayo Azore dismissed a case of larceny against a pump attendant after the Virtual Complainant took to the witness box and gave a sworn statement to the effect that he no longer wished to pursue the matter. It is alleged that Kimberly De Souza in the company of others broke and entered the store room of Winston Merclyn on Regent Road, Bourda Georgetown, stealing therein a quantity of items, valued at $253,000.

…on oil ark Twain has some good advice for some politicians in this Govt: “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.” Take PM Nagamootoo, who -- exulting as “acting President,” with Granger over in Europe -- took a question as to why the Government wasn’t releasing the details of the production contract with ExxonMobil.

Now, all he had to do was admit he didn’t know the details; no one would’ve even thought he “appeared stupid”. Everyone knows by now that such matters are over his “authority grade” (not “pay grade”; that’s well taken care of, thank you!!), even though that was one of the conditions of the Cummingsburg Accord. That Accord was, of course, trumped by the Nassau Accord between Granger and Trotman. Like that well-known character of Caribbean fame -- the cuckolded husband -- folks assume he’d be the last to know he was “getting blow”!

But, of course, Nagamootoo being Nagamootoo, he just HAD to say something to show he’s in the loop.

Most cuckolded husbands also like to pretend they JUST KNOW their wives’ whereabouts! Nagamootoo claimed the details of the oil contract couldn’t be released because of the Venezuela border controversy!!!

“We have a situation right now with Venezuela, and we have entered into the last six months of a very delicate process involving the United Nations; and we have to, in this final six months, decide if there is no resolution that the matter should go to International Court of Justice.”

Is Nagamootoo for real?? We’ve already rebuffed the Venezuelans’ misguided objections to Exxon’s drilling and producing oil. We have a contract, don’t we??

What could possible exacerbate their “controversy”??

Surely Nagamootoo’s government hasn’t transferred sovereignty over the area to Exxon, have they?

But hold it!! Something just struck your humble Eyewitness. Did they?? And that’s the crux of what’s bothering Guyanese and Guyanese institutions like TIGI. What exactly have they given away to Exxon?

To just boastfully announce royalty payments have been increased from 1% to 2% is just adding salt to our wound. Every Third World oil country gets 5% to 15%! Whatever Janet Jagan might’ve signed away to get Exxon to sign on the dotted line back in 1999 is now a moot point.

That contract had expired and the Government renegotiated a NEW contract. Whatever happened in the past was GONE…DONE…FINISHED…KAPUT! So what’s the maximum Exxon can claim as “cost oil” so that nothing is left as “profit oil”?? What’s the rate of taxation on Exxon’s profits?

Guyanese just don’t WANT to know; they have a RIGHT to know! …on “illusionary economy” This administration mightn’t know squat about getting the economy going, but they’re certainly creative with their excuses. In their first budget, 2016, Trotman went all medical as he assured Guyanese that while the budgetary measures were “bitter”, “good medicine tastes bitter”. Segueing to preventative medicine, he averred: “We all remember that vaccination we get at an early age of infancy – the closer to birth the better. I refer to the one that made us scream in pain and anger…We all bear the mark on our arms, and today thank our parents and healthcare workers who administered it.”

Well, the Guyanese people have certainly been “screaming in pain and anger” because the economy continues imploding as the “bitter medicine” and “vaccine” proved useless.

Now Minister of State Harmon has another explanation for the moribund state of affairs - his government inherited an “illusionary economy”!! “And what the **** is that?” you ask, dear reader?

It’s like that three-card monte game they have for suckers at fairs: now you see it and now you don’t!! …and vanities PS Welch was criticised for a $500,000, 5’ x 5’ guard hut he built at his home, and now for a $1M one at his Ministry. Why? He obviously cares about ordinary workers, like guards.

Make him PS of the Labour Ministry!

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

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saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM chairmanship

Leave President, Opposition Leader to deliberate … Harmon tells commentators

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger during a previous meeting. Also in photo are former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Attorney General Basil Williams

A

s the deliberations continue between Government and the Opposition over the appointment of a Chairman for the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), Minister of State Joseph Harmon suggested that citizens give the two parties an opportunity to decide what is really “fit and proper”.

Harmon was responding to queries about the state of affairs regarding the meeting between Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger.

The two are set to meet on Monday.

Harmon said the consultation between the President and the Opposition Leader

is not premised on any consideration other than their own deliberate judgement.

He said the High Court deliberation is for an interpretation to be given to what is fit and proper; an interpretation which is seeking to say that the President has to act in a certain way.

“There is nothing in the law that seeks to fetter the discretion of the President in these matters, that the law requires the President to consult with the Leader of the Opposition and that consultation has been extensive. The President has said that he is prepared to sit with the Opposition Leader and work with him until we have such time

that they have a person that is fit and proper for the role of Chairman.”

Harmon said the President and Opposition Leader should be given an opportunity to explore. “As citizens, I think we should give these two gentlemen the opportunity to explore all of the possibilities for them to find a person for that job”.

He said the President is acting within the confines of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

The Opposition Leader on Thursday said he will be meeting with the Head of State. turn to page 10

11 containers of used tyres “slipped” through system – Statia

F

o l l o w i n g Government's announcement of a ban on the importation on used tyres, dealers moved to import some 11 containers of tyres in order to bypass the new restriction.

This was revealed by Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. He explained to reporters at a press conference on Thursday that with the ban on the importation of used tyres taking effect on April 1, the importers were given a long notice beforehand.

To this end, the dealers had ordered bulks of used tyres ahead of the restriction date, which came in afterwards.

“There were actually 11 containers, I think, that slipped through that came in late after then and they put a fine on the tyres in those 11 containers. So I think we put $600 per tyre; I had first put $1000 but he wrote and appeal, and we say ok we will reduce it,” Statia said.

On this note, the Commissioner General pointed out that the Revenue Authority is not expecting to see an effect in terms of revenues as a result of the ban anytime soon.

“As far as I could see, you would see a reduction in revenue probably until the new year because the guys have

restocked and have brought in as much used tyres as they could. So you would not see any effect on the revenues or any effect on the ban until probably next year,” he said.

The April 1 ban on the importation of used tyres was enforced for dealers, while the GRA had allowed a two-month extension period for vehicles that were bought with used tyres before that date.

Importers of vehicles with used tyres that are not in conformity with the 6mm and over standard will be fined for each category of tyres. This includes a $10,000 fine for motor cars, vans, and minibuses; and $15,000 for SUVs and pickup vehicles.

Moreover, it was reminded that the import duty

charged on new tyres was reduced from 30 to 15 per cent effective February 1, 2017.

However, even as Government forges ahead with the implementation of the new law, the Guyana Used Tyres Association continues to protest the move, staging several picketing exercises to get the Government to reverse the ban but to no avail.

In fact, the Association had even submitted a petition with over 100 signatures in support. According to information supplied by the dealers, used tyres cost between $3000 and $5000, whereas new ones would be more than two times that price, as they lament the impact the ban will have on the livelihood of used tyre dealers.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017

News

Flash floods hit Mahdia ..residents stranded, roads under water

has stopped and the water is running off fast,” he added.

he community of Mahdia, in Region Eight (Potaro– Siparuni), having been subjected to continuous heavy rainfall overnight on Thursday, woke up on Friday to find that the Madhia Creek had overflowed its banks and snaked its way through the community, completely submerging the roadways and partly submerging yards.

More than 400 homes

Gounga said floods of this magnitude are expected whenever it rains heavily during the May-June rainy season. As a result, the Region 8 Administration could only keep close watch and advise residents to take precautions if the rain persists.

However, residents told this newspaper that this has been the worst flooding they

T

Regional Executive Officer Gavin Gounga

A house under water

The street completely under water

have been affected, and road access to the airstrip has been completely cut off. No

Government and the CDC are monitoring the situation in Region Eight, and would provide assistance if required.

“Flooding at Mahdia, we are looking at that situation; and as you know, we have a National Watch on Weather and all Emergencies, (which) is being done through the Civil Defence Commission, and they will give me a situation report and their reaction to it,” Harmon informed.

major damage has hitherto been reported in the community, but the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the

Region 8 Administration are closely monitoring the situation.

Acting Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Gounga has said the water is receding and residents can expect relief within a short period. “It is just a roadway, and part of the roadway in (the) low-lying area that was covered.

There is no rain, so the water is receding,” he said.

“I was informed by the residents that it poured heavily during the night, and that is the reason for the flooding. But we are monitoring the situation, and at this time we are not really (alarmed), because the rain

Thanks to elevation, this house was saved

have experienced in more than 20 years.

State Minister Joseph Harmon, at his weekly post-cabinet press briefing, explained that the

“Mahdia, we will see what information comes. The Civil Defence Commission has propositioned supplies to some of these areas; Mahdia being one, Orinduik

being one. And so…anything that occurs in those areas which requires heavy lifting….there is what we call ‘pre-dumping or a forward logistics base established in these areas’, where initial response can occur,” he added.

Last month, several villages in Regions Seven and Eight were washed away by severe flooding. Water had been recorded at twenty feet high in some areas, but, fortunately, no life was lost.

Villagers are still battling to rebuild lost infrastructure, and require immense support to bring their lives back to some normalcy. The CDC and other stakeholders are working to assist those communities.

Leave President, Opposition Leader to...

FROM PAGE 9

He said despite his disagreement with the President’s decision, the offer to meet must be taken at face value as an attempt at a collaborative approach in solving the problem.

The Opposition Leader also rejected recent speculations published in the public domain purportedly sourced to him as positions adopted in light of the President’s refusal of his nominees.

According to Jagdeo, “I do not conduct negotiations or discussion of a critical nature in the media… Nor will

I telegraph my position.”

The former President prefaced his remarks to the media by openly rejecting the interpretation offered by President Granger.

According to Jagdeo, “I totally disagree with the President’s interpretation.”

Granger in his rejection of the list said all of the persons did not meet with the criteria as set out in the Constitution.

Those on the second rejected list by Head of State Granger are retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy;

retired Justice William Ramlall; Attorney and former Magistrate, Oneidge Walrond-Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar; and businessman, Gerald Gouveia.

Granger, in his rejection letter to Jagdeo on Friday last said, “I have examined the Curriculum Vitae of the six persons in light of the criteria defined in my letter to you… I have found the list to be unacceptable within the meaning of the Constitution and of those criteria.”

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saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

WBD man slapped with ammo Govt to table Tobacco possession charge Control Bill on Thursday A … M&CC clamps down on Stabroek Market resident of Wales, East Bank Demerara (EDB) was on Friday granted bail when he appeared at the Wales Magistrate’s Court charged for being in possession of ammunition.

Eric Scott, 25, of Bagotville, Wales, East Bank Demerara (EBD) denied the charge read by Magistrate Clive Nurse.

That charge alleged that he in January 2017 at Bagotville Public Road, West

cigarette vendors

A

s Government prepares to table the Tobacco Control Bill of 2017 in Parliament on Thursday, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has already started making moves to remove cigarette vendors from the Stabroek Market Square.

The M&CC, through its City Constabulary Department, on Thursday informed cigarette vendors at the market square that they would no longer be able to vend in the area; rather if they prefer to vend they must do so on moving carts.

Vendor, Eros Thompson told Guyana Times that he has been vending in the area for approximately 17 years and noted the removal of his vending stand interferes with his livelihood. He added that he was told that he would be unable to vend in the area since the orders came from President David Granger.

“They tell we that we must register when we out here, we go and we register, we get ID and when is time to get a spot for we they can’t find it. One of the officers give we a lil piece of spot to sell and now they turn and tell you that you can’t sell out here and that order come from the President that no

US$30M Skeldon...

from page 3

He reminded that the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), Professor Clive Thomas, had already pronounced that the Cogeneration Plant is a ticking time bomb.

Minister Sharma suggested that in order to allay fears being peddled that the negative reports were in fact an attempt to discredit the facility; he decided to take the offer to see first-hand the level of damage to the facility.

He lamented the fact that the facility was poorly designed from the get-go.

Another glaring discrepancy raised with the Minister was the fact that the co-gen plant was never actually commissioned which means it was never officially certified.

He questioned too, why the defects were not addressed by the original contractors since the defects would have been identified during the defects liability period.

He labelled the entire affair “corruption to the highest”; something he will not tolerate as a Minster.

A cigarette vendor at Stabroek Market

vending around the market square,” the angry man related.

He questioned the M&CC’s plans for the vendors since they cannot find a stable spot for the vendors.

The vendor alluded to the fact that they were moved from the area last year and had to return to the same spot only to be removed, with nowhere to go, again.

Thompson said the livelihood of approximately 12 vendors are affected by the M&CC move and called for it to be revisited.

On Thursday, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence will read for the first time, the Tobacco Control Bill of 2017 in Parliament. The Bill provides for the adoption and implementation of the tobacco control policies in accordance with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco

Control (WHO-FCTC).

The WHO-FCTC is the first international public health treaty negotiated under WHO auspices and was developed in the recognition that a global strategy was needed to confront a global epidemic that countries cannot address through domestic legislation alone.

The treaty requires countries to comprehensively ban advertising on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion within a five-year period; health warning to cover at least 30 per cent of packaging within three years; increased taxes on tobacco and a ban on public smoking.

The Bill also seeks to regulate the tobacco industry; its products and sales; to protect public health policies from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry and to provide for other related matters.

Bank Demerara (WBD) he was found to be in possession of two rounds of .32 ammunitions.

His representing Attorney Bernard Da Silva argued that his client is indeed the owner of the car in which the ammunition was found.

However, on the day in question, the defendant parked his car on the road which made it accessible to anyone. He also explained to the Court that the ammu-

nition was not found in the presence of his client as it was found when Scott was at the time in the interior.

The court was informed that the defendant’s vehicle was towed away by Police Officers who were in possession of the vehicle until his client’s return from the interior.

Da Silva said that the car is also used occasionally for private hire. He was released on $75,000 bail. The case will continue on June 30.

Problems identified with Linden water rehabilitation programme

E

xecutives of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) have alluded that despite investments to improve the Linden Water Supply system, a number of issues still remain.

In 2009, GWI signed a Technical Cooperation along with the then Government with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a consultancy firm to provide designs for the rehabilitation of production and distribution system in Linden.

However, issues with the plants at Linden were outlined during the presentation on an update of the 'Linden Water Supply

Rehabilitation Programme' to officials of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) Democratic Council, including Chairman Renis Morian and Councillors last Thursday.

GWI Managing Director Dr Richard Van West-Charles, Director of Operations Dwayne Shako, Director of Project Implementation and Partnership building Jailal Ramchand along with key engineers, including Deon Anderson, who heads GWI's Water Quality Department were among other executives present to engage in the discourse.

Dr Van West-Charles

said he is aware that the situation with respect to water in Linden and Region 10 is still not an optimum one, hence he sited the importance of having a frank, open and transparent discussion with the governance of the Region and its people.

He noted that there were mistakes and flaws with the plants which were constructed, hence, he said the expectation of the project had not been met.

He noted however that GWI is now seeking to make changes to seek to resolve the issues, which, in essence will require additional investment in an effort to ensure adequate water supply.

12 news

saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Luxury vehicle fiasco

Fight over passengers lands conductors in court

‘Mind-boggling’ taxpayers involved in similar cases – GRA Head A B usinessman Brian Tiwari, owner of BK International, was sometime last month found in possession of a 2014 luxury vehicle that had an outdated number plate; and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Godfrey Statia has revealed that there are several similar cases within the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Statia pointed out that the Guyana Revenue Authority has detected more than a thousand vehicles on the roadways with wrong number plates, or dual number plates, or number plates that belong to older vehicles.

He noted that sometimes the number plates of vehicles that had crashed and were written off were put on new vehicles by their owners in an effort to avoid paying the relevant taxes.

“Mr BK’s case is not the only case I’ve seen.

Unfortunately, that one got in the news, but trust me, that is not the first and would not be the last… And believe it or not, some of the things that we’ve found (would) boggle your mind.

Because there’re some tax-

GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia

payers – who you don’t even want to hear their names – who’ve been involved in that,” the GRA boss disclosed.

To highlight the prevalence of this situation, Statia revealed that, earlier this year, a GRA vehicle was involved in an accident and a staff member had replaced it with another vehicle as a cover-up.

“The staff (member) went to Suriname and brought (a vehicle) over, changed it, put on the number plate and sprayed it back. My staff!

So both himself and his fa-

Businessman Brian Tiwari

ther were dismissed for that same reason. So (this cover-up to evade paying the relevant taxes) is all around, and we need to understand the society in which we live.

We could only do so much,” the concerned GRA Head remarked.

Outlining that vehicles are coming into Guyana not only from Suriname, but Brazil as well; and they are not being registered, he told Guyana Times that GRA officers now have to go to the various warehouses of the vehicle dealers to conduct checks.

He said that in efforts to put an end to this practice, GRA staffers have been working along with the Police to collect information relating to those vehicles that have been written off.

Customs officers had reportedly seen Tiwari’s 2014 model SUV on Main Street, Georgetown a few weeks ago, and had become suspicious, since it carried a registration number that was issued a decade ago. The officers called and informed their supervisor, who instructed them to take the information of the vehicle and the matter would be dealt with on the following Monday, since it was late Friday and they had no access to the GRA database.

Investigations that followed revealed that the registration number on the vehicle had been issued to Tiwari, and he had probably placed the number plate of an older vehicle on the SUV, which was unregistered.

The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2008 (Act Number 12 of 2008) was amended nine years ago to insert a new section – 106 A – in the Principal Act, Chapter 51:02. This new section primarily deals with cases of false number plates, and it came about following number-related crimes at the time. The offence attracts jail time and a mandatory fine of $1 million for those found guilty of this offence.

Asked why the Police had not been called in to probe the Tiwari issue, Statia unapologetically declared that the GRA should not have to be doing the job of the GPF. He reminded that that was why he had gone to court in regard to the SOCU matter, and opined that the Police themselves should have been doing the same checks or making the same observations his officers had made to detect breaches of the law. “My officers are not traffic cops,” he asserted.

conductor attached to the route 42 minibus was on Friday charged for allegedly battering another conductor with a broken beer bottle during a row over a passenger.

T r o y Castello admitted first instance to Troy Castello the charge read by Magistrate Leron Daly, which stated that on May 18, 2017, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Virtual Complainant (VC) Tennesse De Cunha.

However as the matter was adjourned for deliberation, Castello managed to secure legal representation, who interjected before sentencing and explained that her client wishes to change his plea to not guilty as he did not understand the serious penalty attached to the offence.

The court heard that the conductor is a resident of Kuru Kururu on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, where he resides with his fiancé and a child of tender age.

Castello reportedly has another child on the way.

Reports are on the day in question, the VC’s bus was about to depart the minibus park when the defendant robbed him of a passenger, leading to an argument. It was during this altercation that Castello bashed the VC to the head with a beer bottle, shattering it and causing him to suffer injuries to the left side of the face and a laceration just below the eye.

De Cunha, who made an appearance with his left hand in a cast, spoke to Guyana Times and related that he also suffered severe

damage to the tendons in his left hand during the scuffle.

Castello was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to return to court on June 23.

Meanwhile, yet another fight over a customer landed one in court and another in the hospital in a critical condition.

Ron Walker denied the allegation which stated that on June 2, 2017, at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm to Jailall Sohanlall.

Attorney Darren Wade in an application for reasonable bail related that his client is a porter by trade and a father of one, who resides at Kuru Kururu on the Linden/Seosdyke Highway.

Moreover, he stressed that it is important to note that the defendant appeared before the court on his own, having explicitly understood his responsibility to attend the hearing and face trial.

Reports surrounding the incident remain sketchy, nonetheless Guyana Times was told that the injured party was readmitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and is scheduled to undergo surgery today.

Magistrate Daly granted bail to the sum of $150,000 and the matter will continue on June 23.

One charged for Uitvlugt bar shootout

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wenty-one-yearold Jifon Gulliver was placed before Magistrate Roshelle Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court to answer the charge of robbery under arms. His three accomplices are still on the run.

Gulliver of Lot 231 Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), denied the charge of robbery under arms and was granted $150,000 bail by Magistrate Liverpool and will make his next court appearance on July 26. On June 7, 2017, at about 01:00h, Gulliver along with three other accomplices entered the Colombian

Gold Night Club located at Uitvlugt, WCD. They proceeded to purchase one beer each along with cigarettes before leaving.

Two other men were drinking at the bar and as they were about to leave, the quartet returned and opened fire at the men. One of the men was injured during the ordeal. They relieved the men of their cash and other valuables and made good their escape with a licensed firearm belonging to one of the victims.

Gulliver was apprehended on Thursday and the trio remains at large. Police investigations are still ongoing.

news

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saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GCCI raises concerns about Govt’s procurement practices

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oncerns harboured

by Guyana’s business community in regard to the health sector were recently highlighted when senior representatives of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met with Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

GCCI President, Deodat Indar, accompanied by Vice President Timothy Tucker and other senior officials, raised many issues at that meeting, ranging from concerns in regard to the importation of food and drugs, to procurement practices, to the GCCI representation on the Board of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

And GCCI Vice President Timothy Tucker, raising issues relative to the operation of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAF&D), lamented that

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence being joined by senior representatives of the GCCI

following a previous meeting between the GCCI and the Director of Food and Drug, Marlan Cole, some issues were left unresolved.

Tucker noted that complaints were made by members of the GCCI about the uneven dispensation of the powers of the Office of the GAF&D Director, and indicated that the compa-

nies voicing their opinions on the matter later felt as though they were being targeted.

Minister Lawrence, in response, said, “The “buck stops with me.” She reassured the GCCI representatives that she is responsible for the Food and Drug Department and, as such, would be zooming in on

Grand Coastal wins Hotel of the Year award

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Day receiving the award from THAG’s President, Andrea De Caires

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he Grand Coastal Hotel has bested a number of Guyana’s prestigious hotels to cop the 2017 Hotel of the Year award at this year’s Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President’s Awards held on Saturday last.

The ceremony and reception which was held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown

brings together hotels, resorts, eco-lodges, tour operators and logistic tourism companies from across Guyana to honour key players in Guyana’s hospitality and tourism market.

By copping the award, Grand Coastal Hotel, which offers a unique service experience in Guyana’s hospitality industry, has now been recognised as a high-quality

service provider.

Presenting the award to Grand Coastal’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Day, was the President of THAG, Andrea De Caires.

In accepting the award, Day said his company is thrilled with the recognition it received.

“To receive this accolade from our peers in the industry, THAG, is very rewarding. We are thrilled to be recognised for the level of service we painstakingly strive towards each and every day.”

Grand Coastal is a 43room boutique hotel located on the East Coast of Demerara.

Founded in September 2001, Grand Coastal Hotel is ranked as one of the top three hotels in Guyana.

The Hotel has also copped the TripAdvisor Certificate for Excellence three years in succession and currently serves over 200 clients; both on the local and international level and employs 64 people in the Greater Georgetown area.

Police shoot at suspected bandits in high-speed chase … 1 arrested

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olice in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) on Friday evening arrested one person following a shootout at Victor Street, Lodge, Georgetown. The incident occurred just before 20:00h.

While details are sketchy, Guyana Times was told that the Police reportedly thwarted an attempted robbery which resulted in an exchange of gunfire between the lawmen and the alleged perpetrators.

No one was injured during the shootout, however, it was reported that one woman,

a nurse, who was nearby, after hearing the gunshots jumped into the nearby canal for cover. She was subsequently assisted out by Police Officers.

When this newspaper visited the area, residents were tight-lipped about what transpired, only saying that “the Police opened fire.”

While it is unclear how many gunmen there were, it was also related to this publication that the Police managed to arrest one of them.

matters emanating therefrom.

When Tucker raised the issue of revision of the regulations for the importation of goods, the minister consented for the GCCI to review the Food and Drugs Act and to make recommendations, along with other stakeholders. She even pledged that the Public Health Ministry would pursue the GCCI’s recommendation on matters that would have a negative impact on the business community.

While on the topic of public procurement practices, the president of the GCCI noted that com-

plaints have been received from member companies that public procurement tendering for the provision of supplies was not done on a frequent basis, and he requested that suppliers be pre-qualified.

The minister, however, pointed out that the pre-qualification process would no longer be used, as the Public Health Ministry is currently redesigning the bidding process. She relayed that everyone who is bidding for a contract would have to go through the same process, and would be given a fair chance.

She noted that no sys-

tem is perfect, but she promised that the Ministry of Public Health would be reviewing the process every six (6) months with a view to improving the system.

Indar also alluded to the impending Tobacco Control Bill, pointing out that the bill appears oversized.

Responding, the minister noted that the bill would be tabled in Parliament on June 15, and she suggested that the GCCI submit their official comments in writing to her office.

The GCCI also requested that one of its members be afforded opportunity to sit on the Board of the GPHC. Justification advanced was that the private sector should be represented on many state boards. The minister was urged to consider this request. At the end of this encounter with the GCCI, Minister Lawrence pledged continued commitment to the country’s leading private sector body, and even suggested regular meetings on a quarterly basis.

The GCCI welcomed the opportunity to voice its concerns with the Public Health Ministry, and both parties agreed to review the highlighted matters within the next month.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 10, 2017

Regional

Ancient Aztec temple and ball court unearthed in heart of Mexico City T

he remains of a major Aztec temple and a ceremonial ball court have been discovered in downtown Mexico City, shedding new light on the sacred spaces of the metropolis that Spanish conquerors overran five centuries ago, archaeologists said on Wednesday.

The discoveries were made on a nondescript side street just behind the city’s colonial-era Roman Catholic cathedral off the main Zocalo plaza on the grounds of a 1950s-era hotel.

The underground excavations reveal a section of what was the foundation of a massive, circular-shaped temple dedicated to the Aztec wind god Ehecatl and

A new Aztec discovery of the remains of the main temple of the wind god Ehecatl, a major deity, is seen during a tour of the area, located just off the Zocalo in downtown Mexico City

a smaller part of a ritual ball court, confirming accounts of the first Spanish chroniclers to visit the Aztec imperial capital, Tenochtitlan.

“Due to finds like these,

we can show actual locations, the positioning and dimensions of each one of the structures first described in the chronicles,” said Diego Prieto, head of Mexico’s

main anthropology and history institute.

Archaeologists also detailed a grisly offering of 32 severed male neck vertebrae discovered in a pile just off the court.

“It was an offering associated with the ball game, just off the stairway,” said archaeologist Raul Barrera.

“The vertebrae, or necks, surely came from victims who were sacrificed or decapitated.” Some of the original white stucco remains visible on parts of the temple, built during the 14861502 reign of Aztec emperor Ahuizotl, predecessor of Moctezuma, who conquistador Hernan Cortes toppled during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

No inhumane treatment, T&T Health Minister says after man dies outside hospital

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rinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh is seeking to clear the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) of any wrongdoing amid public outrage surrounding the discovery of the lifeless body of a man at the hospital’s entrance, 24 hours after he received medical attention.

The incident captured

the public’s attention after a video circulated on social media on Tuesday, showing the man identified as 62-year-old Christopher Phillip writhing in pain on the grass along the pathway leading to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

The video was recorded by one of the two women who attempted to help

the ailing man. One of them told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper that Philip was asked to leave the compound but he could not do so because he was unable to move.

In a preliminary report to the Senate, Deyalsingh reported that Phillip was treated twice on the same day, but he left of his own volition. He was adamant

that it was not a case of inhumane treatment.

“There is no guilt here, no process to be fixed.

Protocols were followed and unfortunately something happened in the intervening period between Tuesday evening and Wednesday when he then came back and presented (himself) on the lawn,” the Minister said.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

US looking to T&T for peaceful solution in Venezuela

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he United States Friday said it is hoping Trinidad and Tobago could help find “a unified regional approach” to the situation in Venezuela.

A statement issued by the US Embassy here said that the Venezuelan situation where Opposition supporters have been taking to the streets over the past few weeks demanding the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro, had been discussed between Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley and visiting Acting Assistant Secretary Francisco Palmieri.

According to the statement, the two officials “discussed the situation in Venezuela, and our interest in finding a unified regional

approach to help Venezuela find a peaceful, democratic, and comprehensive solution to its current problems.

“The entire region should be concerned by the erosion of Venezuelan democracy, by the detention of hundreds of political prisoners, and by the Government’s policies, which have created a critical lack of basic medicines and access to food,” the statement said. Last week, Trinidad and Tobago called for the removal of the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, over his non-neutral position on the political situation in Venezuela. At the same time Port of Spain also warned the 15-mem-

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culturally accepted. “I think, culturally, we have become accustomed to seeing children in places that they are not supposed to be, especially during school hours, and, for some reason, it is considered to be normal. We should not buy from them, because we would be supporting child labour. However, that is the dilemma we face, because they are doing it out of need in a lot of the situ-

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verfishing and the degradation of coral reefs across the Caribbean and Pacific islands are pushing many fish, including food sources like tunas and groupers, towards extinction. This is according to two regional Red List reports published on Thursday by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Coral reefs.

The Conservation status of marine bony shorefishes of the Greater Caribbean Red List report includes assessments of 1360 marine bony shorefishes – a group that includes most fish species found near the shore across 38 Caribbean countries and territories.

The report says that approximately five per cent of marine bony shorefishes in

the Caribbean are threatened, due to overfishing, invasive lionfish predation and the degradation of coral reefs and estuaries, which provide habitats and feeding grounds for many species.

Species threatened by overfishing are commonly associated with reef habitat.

The report on the conservation status of marine biodiversity in the Pacific Islands of Oceania includes assessments of 2800 marine species across the 22 island states and territories of Oceania, from Papua New Guinea to the Cook Islands – a vast, species-rich but largely unexplored area.

The report shows that 11 per cent of all assessed marine species in the region are threatened with extinction, including fish that are important food sources.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

LIAT pilots’ strike ‘unreasonable’, says Browne

The now two-day-old strike has affected LIAT flights in and out of Barbados.

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley (left) and Acting US Assistant Secretary Francisco Palmieri

ber Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping of the possibility of destroying “itself as an honest broker with

respect to any involvement in assistance to Venezuela and its internal problems”.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Jamaicans urged to reject culture of child labour amaicans are being encouraged to reject the culture of child labour and, instead, report suspected cases to the relevant authorities. The call comes from Director of the Child Labour Unit in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Marva PringleXiminnies.

She argued that the issue of child labour in Jamaica, in some cases, has become

C’bean fisheries threatened by overfishing, reef decline

ations, but the best thing to do would be to advise the authorities,” she said.

Pringle-Ximinnies was speaking against the backdrop of World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL), which will be observed on Monday, June 12 under the theme ‘In Conflicts and Disasters – Protect Children from Child Labour’.

She pointed out that while Jamaica may not be

as vulnerable as other countries that are being affected by conflict, the people are not exempt from the effects of natural disasters, which have displaced several families.

She said the displacement of families can lead to child labour, as it “threatens economic security, in terms of providing adequately and being able to work”.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

S

everal flights in and out of the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) were either cancelled or delayed Thursday afternoon, as a strike by pilots employed by regional carrier LIAT persisted for a second straight day with one shareholder Government branding the action “unreasonable”.

At the start of the day, it looked as if the carrier’s operations were back on track following Tuesday’s system-wide disruptions, with GAIA flights operating on schedule on Thursday morning. However, by 18:00h, the carrier reported that four flights out of Barbados – including two to Trinidad, one to Guyana and another to Tortola – had to cancelled, while others were delayed, leaves scores of passengers stranded. At issue is pay and members of

the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots’ Association (LIALPA) are refusing to operate the airline’s ATR 72 series aircraft. While describing the protests as “unreasonable”, the Gaston Browne-led administration warned that the current strike would ultimately harm the people of the Caribbean and “undermine the probabilities of attracting more governments to share the burdens of providing for our own air links.

However, LIALPA have accused LIAT management of failing to honour a salary arrangement agreed to back in January 2017. And during a meeting in St John’s Wednesday, the pilots’ union rejected a new proposal tabled by management that would see its members receiving salary increases with respect to the ATR 72 from July 19, 2017. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)

saturDAY, june 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

UK leader May seen fighting for survival after election failure

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ritish Prime Minister Theresa May faces a slew of criticism after a failed election campaign left her short of a parliamentary majority and fighting for survival as the clock ticks down to the start of Brexit talks.

May's gamble that she could capitalise on Britons' desire to quit the European Union and perceived weakness in the Opposition Labour Party backfired on Thursday as voters stripped her of her parliamentary majority.

The surprising outcome, which sent the pound tumbling, forced May to form a minority Government, leaving her reliant on a small group of Northern Irish parliamentarians, just nine days before Britain is due to

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the country after Britain’s election at Downing Street in London, Britain June 9, 2017

begin negotiating a deal to leave the EU. Britain's typically rightwing press savaged May over the election outcome, questioning whether she will be able to remain in power after a result that leaves her

reliant on uniting rival factions within her party to deliver Brexit.

"May stares into the abyss," said The Times' Saturday edition while the Daily Mail led with "Tories Turn On Theresa".

The Telegraph said senior Conservatives including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, interior minister Amber Rudd and Brexit minister David Davis were taking soundings over whether to replace her.

"As I reflect on the results I will reflect on what we need to do in the future to take the party forward," May said on Friday in a televised statement.

Several lawmakers demanded the resignation of May's top advisers, who have been widely blamed for a disastrous policy to make the elderly pay more toward their care and a campaign seen as too insulated from ordinary voters and too focused on attacking her opponent. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Japan passes landmark Criminal gang arrested bill for Emperor Akihito for selling Apple users’ to abdicate private data in China

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apan's parliament has passed a one-off bill to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate, the first emperor to do so in 200 years. The 83-year-old said last year that his age and health were making it hard for him to fulfil his official duties.

But there was no provision under existing law for him to stand down. The Government will now begin the process of arranging his abdication, expected to happen in late 2018, and the handover to Crown Prince Naruhito.

Akihito, who has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer, has been on the throne in Japan since the death of his father, Hirohito, in 1989.

In a rare address to the nation last year, he said he was beginning to feel "constraints" on his health

which were making it hard for him to fulfil his official duties.

The emperor is constitutionally barred from making any political statements, so he could not say explicitly that he wanted to stand down as that would be considered comment on the law. The newly passed law says that on abdication, the emperor's 57-year old son, Naruhito, will immediately take the Chrysanthemum Throne, but that neither he nor his successors would be allowed to abdicate under the law.

The government is yet to set a date for the abdication, but the bill says it must take place within three years of the law coming into effect.

The handover is widely expected take place in December 2018. (Excerpt from BBC

A

massive underground criminal operation run by employees of an Apple “domestic direct sales company and outsourcing company” to steal and sell the private data of Apple users has been uncovered in China, according to authorities.

Chinese law enforcement detained 22 people on suspicion of infringing the privacy of Apple users and illegally obtaining their digital personal information, according to local Police in southern Zhejiang province.

The authorities did not specify whether the data belonged to Chinese or foreign Apple users. Of the 22 suspects, 20 were employees of companies who worked with Apple, who allegedly used internal systems to gather users’ names, phone numbers, Apple IDs and other personal data, which was then sold

as part of a scam worth more than 50 million yuan (£5.8 million).

A coordinated effort, following months of investigation and involving police across the Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces, saw the 22 suspects apprehended, their “criminal tools” confiscated and their online network dismantled.

The suspects worked in direct marketing and outsourcing for Apple in China, and allegedly charged between 10 yuan (£1.15) and 180 yuan (£20.76) for pieces of the illegally extracted data.

The sale of personal information is common in China, which implemented a controversial new cybersecurity law aimed at protecting the country’s networks and private user information on June 1.

Suicide bomb blast kills 20 in Musayyib market

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t least 20 people have been killed and 34 wounded after a suicide bomber detonated explosives at a market in the Iraqi town of Musayyib, South of the capital, Baghdad, according to Police.

"A suicide bomber blew himself up in Musayyib market, causing 20 civilian martyrs," an Interior Ministry spokesman told the AFP news agency.

A Police Officer and a medic at a local hospital said at least 34 people had been wounded in the blast. The attack took place just hours after a bomb exploded in the holy city of Karbala, just east of Musayyib, wounding several.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group claimed the attacks in a statement on its Amaq web-

News)

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Qatar has been isolated by land, sea and air in a coordinated diplomatic move taken by other countries in the region

Tayyip Erdoğan, approved new legislation – rushed through the Turkish parliament the day before – for increased military cooperation with Qatar, including

the potential deployment of Turkish troops.

Turkey’s Hurriyet newspaper reported that the initial deployment would be a military assessment team

(Excerpt from the Guardian)

arriving in the coming days to consider reinforcing a 90-strong mission already based in Doha.

On Friday, Qatar’s Foreign Minister described the blockade as a violation of international law and said there was an attempt to mobilise international opinion against the Gulf emirate.

“These procedures that were taken have clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law. They will not have a positive impact on the region but a negative one,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told a joint news conference with his German counterpart during a visit to Germany.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

site. Musayyib, about 60km South of Baghdad, has been hit by several attacks in recent years.

At least 22 people were killed and 50 wounded in 2014 when a mortar struck a busy area of the town.

Less than two weeks ago, two blasts in the space of 12 hours ripped through Baghdad, killing at least 27 people and wounding more than 100 others.

ISIL, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the first suicide car bomb attack, which took place in the district of Karrada. Last July, ISIL claimed an attack that killed nearly 300 people in the worst attack to hit the capital in 13 years of war.

Further North, Iraqi forces are currently fighting to retake the last ISILheld areas of Mosul. (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Donald Trump ‘100%’ willing to testify about Comey conversations

Trump said he would be “glad” to tell the same thing to special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian meddling in the presidential election

Qatar crisis grows as Arab nations D draw up terror sanctions list

audi Arabia and its Gulf allies have sanctioned a dozen organisations and 59 people it accuses of links to Islamist militancy – a number of them Qataris or with links to Qatar – escalating the diplomatic crisis in the region.

The publication of the sanctions list comes amid increasing efforts by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain to diplomatically and physically isolate the tiny but wealthy Gulf state of Qatar, which has been subjected to a series of co-ordinated measures in the past five days.

The move was announced as Turkey’s President, Recep

15

onald Trump has declared he is “100 per cent” willing to testify under oath about his interactions with James Comey, insisting the former FBI Director was untruthful during his testimony on Capitol Hill.

The US President vehemently denied allegations that he asked Comey to pledge loyalty and drop an investigation into a senior aide. But Trump refused to confirm or deny that recordings of the pair’s conversations exist.

The remarks came a day after Comey testified under oath that the President lied about his firing and the FBI, in an effort to undermine the agency’s investigation into possible collusion between Trump aides and Russia.

“No collusion, no obstruction, he’s a leaker,” Trump told reporters in the White House rose garden on Friday. “We were very, very happy, and, frankly, James

Comey confirmed a lot of what I said, and some of the things that he said just weren’t true.”

But later in the joint press conference with the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Trump was challenged by ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl.

First Karl asked about Comey’s claim that Trump asked him to let go an investigation into National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. “I will tell you, I didn’t say that,” the President replied. “And there’d be nothing wrong if I did say that, according to everybody that I’ve read today, but I did not say that.”

Trump also denied seeking a pledge of loyalty, as Comey claimed had happened when the men dined at the White House in January. Karl then asked if Trump would be willing to speak under oath to give his version of those events. (Excerpt

from The Guardian)

16 news Cardiac awareness promoted through film screening “B saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

orn Blue” certainly reached into the raw depths of the soul, leaving viewers overwhelmed with emotion and compassion after witness-

at Cara Lodge on Quamina Street, Georgetown, by the Public Health Ministry in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission on Wednesday. The event

Chairperson of the event and Head of the Cardiology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), Dr Mahendra Carpen, welcomed the atten-

Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland among the gathering for the screening of “Born Blue”

Students of the St Roses High School performing a folk song

ing the struggles of children born with cardiac illnesses.

The screening of the locally filmed and produced documentary was hosted

was to raise awareness of the prevalence of cardio-vascular diseases as well as the courses of treatment available in Guyana.

dants, who showed in numbers despite the inclement weather, as star of the show and co-Director of Guyana Programme to Advance Cardiac Care (GPACC), Dr

GPSU vows to advance workers’ rights … as Union observes 94th anniversary

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n honour of its 94th year in existence, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has vowed to uphold the principles of transparency and democracy, while declaring that it will do more to bargain for the rights of workers.

Thursday marked 94 years since the inception of the Union and its recently re-elected long-time President, Patrick Yarde, said the GPSU will continue to struggle to advance its motto: “Justice for the Public Employee”.

“Our mission was always principled and executed with transparency and in a democratic fashion, leaving a legacy which was noble, decent, enlightened and one that we can forever be proud of,” Yarde expressed. He added that the organisation was able to rebuff “countless assaults” which were inflicted upon the Union.

He added that the founding fathers laid a solid foundation in protecting the rights of initial members, having recognised that many other public service workers also needed their support.

Yarde outlined a number of proposals the Union has for the coming year, which includes modernising the Sports Complex and recreational facility for members, their families and surrounding communities.

The GPSU stated that it will also fight for collective bargaining and collective agreements, noting that it will call on Government to honour its commitment and complete the 2016 negotiations for salaries, wages and allowances as it strives for better wages for workers.

The GPSU further com-

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

mitted it will never give up the struggle for ‘sweeper cleaner entitlement’ to decent work and fair treatment, adding that it will advocate security of tenure for all Public Sector workers.

The Union stressed that it will seek amendments to the Pensions Act to make it more relevant to workers. The GPSU added that its rules are constantly reviewed to ensure relevance to the prevailing environment is maintained, while at the same time fending off the Union from undesirable and unwarranted involvement.

“Constitutional changes were made to allow more meaningful involvement of women and youths and engagement in human rights and race relation activities nationally, regionally and internationally,” Yarde pointed out.

Yarde highlighted that the GPSU had advocated and pursued a campaign of good governance, noting that it was a course of action which proved “costly, demanding and very challenging”.

“This involvement did

bring about positive changes. The Union expected that with this change of governance, urgent attention would have been given to pending matters in recognition of the price paid and sacrifices made. This has not happened. Even though President Granger’s conduct and respect for the Union, the Constitution of Guyana and the rule of law is refreshing and outstanding, the Union is still confronted with ongoing resistance from elements which it contributed to being placed in positions of authority who now deliberately attempt to hurt and undermine the Union,” the GPSU noted.

Controversy

Highlighting the controversial moments that surrounded the integrity of the ballot for the recent elections for the Executive Council for the term of office 2017-2021, Yarde stressed that the issues will be ironed out “swiftly and thoroughly”.

He added that the GPSU desires “harmonious relationships” that will be used to “decently and effectively” contribute to the national work environment in an enlightened manner and in the nation’s interest.

Much controversy erupted at the recent GPSU elections and the Police had to be called in over the refusal of election officials to provide the voters list to supporters of Yarde’s challenger.

Tension was high at the GPSU headquarters on Shiv Chanderpaul drive, Georgetown as the Union’s Presidential Candidate, Gregory Gaspar and his supporters cried foul over the process.

Debra Isaac presented an overview of the foundation and the film to be screened.

She proudly announced to the applauding audience that the documentary was aired nationally in Canada and won an award at the Las Vegas Film Festival.

The doctor said the programme was made possible through the long standing partnership between Guyana and Canada and highlighted the circumstances under which she came to Guyana in 2012 when she was invited by the then Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran.

Dr Isaac underscored the unfortunate situation in Guyana was such that persons rarely sought medical attention early, often coming in too late. News of their arrival spread like wildfire around the country as thousands flooded the GPHC laboratory to conduct tests with cases of suspected illnesses.

Guyana Times heard that the GPACC, to date, has successfully executed some 120 surgeries in children within 24 months, thus far.

The ceremony proceeded with a musical rendition by the Choir of St Roses High School arousing laughter and thunderous applause from the audience with the performance of a string of folk songs and national songs.

Delivering the featured

address at the screening was Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, who noted the importance for such an event which is aimed at raising awareness of Guyana’s cardiac programme in the public health sector and attracting support by way of funding from the business community. On this note, she highlighted that cardiac care is costly, nonetheless encouraging stakeholders in the Private Sector to invest extensively in this aspect as she expressed her optimism that sufficient funds may be garnered to assist persons; more specifically children, who run the risk of cardiac illnesses.

Also speaking at the screening was High Commissioner of Canada, Pierre Giroux, who indicated that such events embody Canadian values and commend the relationship shared between the two nations, especially in the fight against cardio-vascular diseases, while highlighting that the partnership is invaluable to Guyana in many ways.

“The screening of “Born Blue” will highlight the work of GPACC. It also showcases that there are interventions in trying to change the course of cardio-vascular diseases, here in Guyana, especially for the most vulnerable in society, children,” the High Commissioner stated.

As the High Commissioner concluded his address, the 40-minute film captured the rapt attention of viewers who sat in silence from start to finish, with the occasional intervention of heartfelt sniffles sounding across the room.

The 2016 filmed documentary portrayed the heart-wrenching stories of children born with cardiac illnesses, as hopeless parents coped and accepted their conditions in the absence of cardiac specialists and affordable healthcare in Guyana, prior to the establishment of the GPACC. Co-star of the film, Dr Rodrigo Soto, took to the camera to express the passion of being a surgeon, and his grown attachment to the patients as being the primary inspiration which kept him going, despite having only a few hours of sleep per day. The doctor emphasised the need to be focused in such a time where there was absolutely no room for error, knowing that there were persons counting on them to win the battle of life and death.

Overall, the documentary did not fail to arouse tremendous emotion from the majority of audience who placed themselves in the shoes of the parents of the ill-children as reality struck; realisation dawned that life is indeed unpredictable.

Kidney patient seeking assistance for second transplant

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eena Sultan of Charlotte Street, Georgetown had undergone a kidney transplant surgery in India nearly 8 years ago, but is now experiencing remission and is seeking public assistance to offset the expenses associated with a second kidney transplant surgery she is required to take.

In an interview with Guyana Times, the 38-yearold mother of one related that she had had a kidney transplant surgery done in India in 2008, after she had been diagnosed with renal failure, but she went into remission about a year ago, and currently relies on dialysis to remain alive.

She indicated that she needs dialysis at least three times a week, but severe re-

Patient: Reena Sultan

percussions attend this temporary treatment, and she sometimes even considers “giving up” as a result of the pain.

The ailing woman and

her husband told this publication that her entire family is sympathetic to her plight, and a nephew would be donating a kidney for this second transplant. Several relatives were tested, but her nephew has been the best match. Her 17-year-old son had also offered to donate a kidney, but he is not yet of age.

The woman is accordingly pleading with the public for assistance to afford her a new lease on life. The overall cost of her surgery is about $5 million, but the cost of her dialysis has already left the family strapped for cash.

Those wishing to contribute to Sultan’s second kidney transplant are being kindly asked to place their donations in Republic Bank Account number 298-935-8.

news

17

saturDAY, june 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Yello media group launches services in Guyana

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

Oneness and Wellness – The Yogic way The Yello Guyana team at the launch of the services

Y

ello Media Group on Thursday celebrated its arrival to Guyana, as the multinational Caribbean entity officially launched three new services to the Guyanese market.

The event hosted at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown saw the launch of a brand new mobile application, as well as an online search engine and a comprehensive printed directory.

These services are as a result of collaborative efforts between the Caribbean group and local companies to commence operations in Guyana.

Their Guyanese partners include the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and GuyEnterprise.

Delivering the feature address at the launch was the Chief Executive Officer of the Yello Media Group, Collin Francis, who was delighted in the establishment of their Guyanese arm. Francis relayed that, “With investments being made to improve the digital infrastructure and promote commerce, Guyana stands at the dawn of real opportunity and exponential growth.”

The CEO further pointed out that Yello has the potential to significantly influence the local market by stating that, “We are focused on ensuring our products give your businesses the edge it needs to be efficient, to take advantage of that growth.”

Francis went on to say,

“This is why we’ve hired and trained local resources, who can be advisors on solution, be it print, digital, mobile or online. This is why we have invested in platforms to help connect your businesses to wider economic platforms.”

Formerly known as Yellow Pages, the company has rebranded with a commitment to provide a wider reach through its new identity. Yello through their partnership with GTT provided citizens with access to a new stylish directory, which now includes a wider range of information and with easy to read fonts. Consumers can uplift their updated edition at any GTT branch across the country.

At the same time, the new findyello.com features a clean and modern homepage, universal search across all markets offered by the entity, various forms of payment for products and services, editorial content, business details and rating and reviews options as well as other contemporary features to improve lifestyle in the 21st Century.

The Yello Guyana app is now available on Play Store and can be downloaded free of cost.

The services were launched under the theme, “We know Guyana,” highlighting the company’s dedication towards offering customised services for citizens across Guyana.

Fundamentally, the word “health” comes from the root word “whole.” What we call, “feeling healthy,” is that we have a sense of wholeness within us. If we are free of diseases medically, that is not health. If we feel like a complete human being in our body, mind and spirit, that is when we are really healthy. There are any number of people who are medically healthy, but not healthy in the real sense because they do not experience a sense of wellness within themselves.

If one has to experience this sense of wholeness and oneness, it is important that one’s body, mind and above all, one’s energy, functions at a certain level of intensity within themselves. Physically, as per medical terms, a person may be healthy, but energies may be lethargic, and they may wonder why things don’t happen in life the way they should, both inside and outside. This is simply because he is not taking care of the wellbeing of his energy.

When it comes to health, no human being gets to live in perfect conditions. The pressures of life, the food that we eat, the air that we breathe, the water that we drink, all these can affect us in many ways. The more our activities are in the world, the more we are exposed to many things that can throw our chemistry off balance and create health problems. But if the energy in our system is properly cultivated and kept active, these things will not have much of an effect.

Medical science is always busy studying disease. I think they should take time to study health rather than disease because human nature has always been like this: wherever the problem is, that is where you put your attention. Right now, there is a disease, that is a problem so you put your attention there. This is a very rudimentary way of thinking and functioning in the world. But unfortunately, that is how the world is functioning right now – if there is a problem you attend to it, if there is no problem you don’t attend to it.

In yoga, when we say health, we don’t look at the body or the mind, we only look at the energy – the way it is. If your energy body is in proper balance and full flow, your physical body and mental body will be in perfect health. There is no question about it.

Keeping the energy body in full flow is not about doing any kind of healing or things like that. This is about going to the foundations of your energy system and activating it in a proper way, building a foundational yogic practice that establishes your energy in such a way that your body and mind are naturally fine.

Energy – The Fundamental Basis

For every physical or psychological situation that you go through in life, there is fundamentally an energy basis, which also manifests as a chemical basis. In a way, modern allopathic medicines have become just chemistry. For every problem that arises in your body, you are just trying to take in some medicine – a chemical – and come to some kind of balance. If you use a chemical to bring down one aspect or enhance another, there is also a side-effect to this. For this side-effect, there is an antidote. For the antidote, there is another antidote. It is an endless chain. Whatever is happening on the chemistry level in your body is controlled by the way your energies function. Because a man has got excess acids within him, you put some alkaline medicine into him. But why does he have excessive acids? Because of the way his mind, his body, and above all, his energy functions.

The body does not need medicine; it is only the disease which demands medicine. So, depending upon the type of ailment you have, accordingly the treatment should be given. If you have an infection, there is nothing better than allopathy. With the advance of medical science, we have been able to contain so many infections. Almost every infection that can arise today, you have some solution for it. But look at the simple ailments which man is creating for himself, like diabetes, blood pressure, migraine headaches or whatever else that he causes from within. Today, there are so many kinds of specialists, and a lot of money and time is being spent on just managing these chronic diseases for people within certain limitations. Please see, medical science is not offering any solution. It is only offering to manage the diseases and is never really talking about freeing people from those diseases.

So, if you have chronic ailments, allopathy is not a good thing to start with. For an emergency, allopathy is the best. If you are in an emergency state, do not go to an ayurvedic doctor. You go to an ayurvedic doctor only when you have time to recover. When your problems are ongoing and evolving, then ayurveda and other systems are very effective means of treatment.

Ayurveda – The Science of Life

Ayurveda means – ayur means life span, veda means the scripture about how to keep your full stretch of life span. Ayurveda comes from a completely different dimension of life and a completely different understanding of what life is. In the ayurvedic system, the fundamental understanding is that this body, the way it is today, is an accumulation that we gathered from the planet.

Whatever the nature of the planet, whatever the nature of the five elements which make the planet, are very much manifest in this physical body.

Fundamentally, this whole body is just a play of five elements. Whether it is the individual human body or the larger cosmic body, essentially, they are made of the pancha bhutas or the five elements – earth, water, fire, air and space. What you call as “myself” is just a mischief of these five elements. If you want to handle this physical body in such a way that the most productive result has to be produced by your life – which is a combination of time and energy – it is very important that everything that you do about this body has a relationship with the planet on which you are walking.

Ayurveda says that every root, every leaf, every tree bark found on this planet has medicinal value. We have learnt how to use only a few. The rest of them, we are yet to learn how to use. What this statement is trying to say is, health is not something that falls upon you from the sky. Health is something that has to grow from within you, because the body is something that grows from within you. The input comes from the earth but it grows from within you.

The essence of ayurveda is such, we understand that if we go deep enough into this body, this body is not an integrated thing, it is a continuous process which involves the earth upon which you walk. If this relationship does not come through, these subtle systems of medicine which work from within, will fail to work. Without taking care of the whole system, just trying to do one aspect of it may not be very fruitful.

A holistic system does not mean just treating the body as a whole. A holistic system means treating life as a whole, which includes the planet, what we eat, what we breathe, what we drink – all of that. Without attending to all those things, the true benefit of ayurveda will not be seen. If ayurveda becomes a living reality in our lives and our societies, people can live like gods.

Sadhguru is a yogi , visionary, and a prominent spiritual leader. An author, poet, and internationally-renowned speaker, Sadhguru’s wit and piercing logic provoke and widen our perception of life. Learn more about Sadhguru at isha.sadhguru.org. For more info: Kenya@ishafoundation.org

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. “TRANSENDING BOUNDARIES, EMPOWERING THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL” The homepage of findyello.com

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 10, 2017

ARCHIE

Positive changes are heading your way. Taking a trip or (March 21- discovering information that April 19) leads to a move will brighten your day. Celebrate your good fortune with a loved one.

ARIES

Personal

time

spent

on

TAURUS self-improvement is favored.

(April 20- Start a new diet or fitness rouMay 20) tine that will improve your

dilbert

health and emotional well-being. Celebrate your accomplishments with someone you love.

Time spent getting to GEMINI (May 21- know someone better or sharJune 20) ing your ideas or intentions will help you make an important decision regarding lifestyle changes. A commitment can be made.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Charm, a friendly push and a tempting offer will result in an interesting encounter with someone special.

Don’t sell yourself short. Go after what you want.

You’ll be caught in a situation that could affect your reputation. If you are too quick to make a move, you will be forced to deal with emotional repercussions. Keep the peace.

Push for what you want, VIRGO (Aug. 23- even if it means doing a little Sept. 22) extra work. A personal project that will improve the way you look or do things will turn out well.

Emotional madness will LIBRA take control of you, leading (Sept. 23Oct. 23) to a dispute if you aren’t willing to compromise. Be careful how you handle partners or people who can make your life miserable.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Set up a rigid routine SCORPIO that will help you gain inner (Oct. 24strength and encourage you Nov. 22) to budget wisely. A sense of discipline will help you avoid someone who is a bad influence.

Physical fitness is encourSAGITTARIUS aged. Sign up for an activity (Nov. 23- that will challenge you. It will Dec. 21) help ease stress and keep you from making a hasty decision for the wrong reason.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Personal changes look CAPRICORN promising. A physical im(Dec. 22- provement or changes to your Jan. 19) surroundings at home will add to your confidence and comfort. Romance is highlighted.

Speak up about the way AQUARIUS you feel and make sugges(Jan. 20tions that will help resolve isFeb. 19) sues that bother you. Altering your lifestyle will ease stress and help free up some extra money.

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

Uncertainty regarding PISCES your position, reputation (Feb. 20March 20) or plans will leave you in a quandary. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into making a decision.

saturDAY, june 10, 2017

Record-setters Shakib, Mahmudullah keep Bangladesh hopes alive B

angladesh knocked New Zealand out of the ICC Champions Trophy and kept their hopes alive thanks to Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah each struck centuries as their incred-

However, the movement Southee had been able to generate disappeared after New Zealand reduced Bangladesh to 33-4, Shakib As was the case against and Mahmudullah sealing a five-wicket win that means England, Williamson’s disthey will progress if England missal sucked momentum beat Australia in the Group from New Zealand and after Taylor fell, Mashrafe Mortaza played his joker card - the returning Mosaddek Hossain (3-13).

8-0-43-2, Rubel Hossain Mashrafe had forgotten 10-0-60-1 (1w), Shakib Al Hasan his spinner’s name at the 10-0-52-0 (1w), Mosaddek toss but Mosaddek’s perHossain 3-0-13-3 formance grabbed the spotBangladesh innings (target: 266 runs from 50 overs) light as Neil Broom (36) Tamim Iqbal lbw b Southee 0 and Corey Anderson (0) Soumya Sarkar lbw b Southee 3 fell in the same over before Sabbir Rahman c †Ronchi he returned to oust Jimmy b Southee 8 Neesham for 23.

Mushfiqur Rahim† b Milne 14 After the Black Caps Shakib Al Hasan b Boult 114 ended their innings with Mahmudullah not out 102 regular wickets, Southee beMosaddek Hossain not out 7 gan the Tigers’ dig in simiExtras: (lb 2, w 18) 20 lar, phenomenal fashion.

Total: (5 wickets; 47.2 overs) 268 Tamim perished lbw Did not bat: Taskin Ahmed, wasting the Tigers’ review Mashrafe Mortaza*, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman - before Sabbir Rahman (8) Fall of wickets 1-0 (Tamim Iqbal, and Soumya Sarkar (3) were

SCOREBOARD New Zealand innings (50 overs maximum) MJ Guptill lbw b Rubel Hossain 33 L Ronchi† c Mustafizur Rahman b Taskin Ahmed 16 KS Williamson* run out (Shakib Al Hasan/Mosaddek Hossain) 57 LRPL Taylor c Mustafizur Rahman b Taskin Ahmed 63 NT Broom c Tamim Iqbal b Mosaddek Hossain 36 JDS Neesham st †Mushfiqur Rahim b Mosaddek Hossain 23 CJ Anderson lbw b Mosaddek Hossain 0 14 MJ Santner not out

AF Milne b Mustafizur Rahman 7 10 TG Southee not out Extras: (w 6) 6 Total: (8 wickets; 50 overs) 265 Did not bat: TA Boult Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Ronchi, 7.1 ov), 2-69 (Guptill, 12.5 ov), 3-152 (Williamson, 29.6 ov), 4-201 (Taylor, 38.4 ov), 5-228 (Broom, 43.1 ov), 6-229 (Anderson, 43.3 ov), 7-240 (Neesham, 45.6 ov), 8-252 (Milne, 48.3 ov) Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 101-45-0 (1w), Mustafizur Rahman 9-0-52-1 (3w), Taskin Ahmed

ible record ODI stand for Bangladesh ensured a victory over New Zealand that kept their ICC Champions Trophy hopes alive and knocked out the Black Caps.

New Zealand appeared on shaky ground after posting 265-8 at Sophia Gardens in a match both sides had to win, and Shakib (114) and Mahmdullah (102 not out) combined magnificently for a partnership of 224 to undo Tim Southee’s (3-45) inspirational bowling performance for Kane Williamson’s side.

Trent Boult (1-48) had lamented a struggle to find swing at the tournament in the build-up but his bowling partner Southee caused Bangladesh significant problems, accounting for the in-form Tamim Iqbal for a second-ball duck.

0.2 ov), 2-10 (Sabbir Rahman, 2.3 ov), 3-12 (Soumya Sarkar, 4.4 ov), 4-33 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 11.4 ov), 5-257 (Shakib Al Hasan, 46.3 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 9-1-45-3 (4w), TA Boult 10-0-48-1 (4w), AF Milne 9.20-58-1 (3w), JDS Neesham 4-030-0 (1w), MJ Santner 10-047-0 (2w), CJ Anderson 3-0-19-0, KS Williamson 2-0-19-0

A finale on Saturday.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be left to rue another failure to build on impressive displays from Williamson (57) and Ross Taylor (63).

Martin Guptill belted an early maximum into the River Taff, but his and Luke Ronchi’s opening partnership lasted just seven overs before the wicketkeeper-batsman (16) mistimed to mid-on and Guptill was gone for a flighty 33 when he was trapped in front to Rubel Hossain (1-60).

Williamson and Taylor have been the backbone for many a Black Caps innings and they once again steadied the ship with an 83-run union that was only broken when the skipper set off for a suicidal single and was run out.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah

undone by Southee and Mushfiqur Rahim (14) was clean bowled by Adam Milne (1-58) to leave Bangladesh floundering.

However, the white ball’s stardust soon faded and the Black Caps struggled to make anything happen as Mahmudullah and Shakib calmly played the Tigers right back into contention.

A six over the leg side brought up Shakib’s ton, and he motored Bangladesh towards the finish line with successive fours before Boult bowled him.

Mahmudullah then reached three figures with a launched shot over square leg for four, with Mossadek (7 not out) fittingly hitting the winning boundary to cap a memorable triumph.

Z

19

Ibrahimovic to leave Manchester United

latan Ibrahimovic’s Manchester United career will not be extended beyond this month, despite his highly successful 2016-17 season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be offered a new contract

by Manchester United after he was excluded from the club’s list of retained players published by the Premier League.

The striker will leave Old Trafford when his deal expires at the end of June and will be available for any potential suitors on a free transfer.

United signed Ibrahimovic on a one-year deal in 2016 but manager Jose Mourinho confirmed last November that the club was keen to take up an option to extend those terms by a further 12 months.

However, no agreement was reached and Ibrahimovic suffered a serious knee injury in April that cast further doubt over whether he would be kept on at the club.

The 35-year-old sustained ligament damage in the Europa

League quarter-final secondleg win over Anderlecht and is not expected to be fit to return to action until January next year.

United’s reported pursuit of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata prompted further claims this week that Ibrahimovic’s time at the club would be brought to an end, despite him having scored 28 goals in all competitions to help his side to EFL Cup and Europa League triumphs.

The former Sweden captain scored the winning goals in the Community Shield clash with Leicester City and the EFL Cup final against Southampton, while he hit 17 in 28 appearances in the Premier League.

Napoli have been linked with a move for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star after he admitted in February that he would relish the opportunity to play for the club before he retires.

Moves to the Chinese Super League or MLS have also been suggested. (Sportsmax)

Wawrinka ends Murray challenge in five-set thriller

W

awrinka ends Murray challenge in five-set thriller Andy Murray's hopes of a return to the French Open final were dashed as Stan Wawrinka moved a match from regaining the title.

Stan Wawrinka came from behind to knock world number one Andy Murray out of the French Open and claim a place in the final in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros.

Murray entered the second grand slam of the year in dreadful form but had found his stride in Paris, and twice held a one-set advantage over the third seed.

But Wawrinka ultimately proved too dogged of an opponent to overcome, the 2015 champion typically devastating off both wings in reaching his fourth grand slam final with a 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 triumph.

He edged a fourth-set tie-break to force a decider and used that momentum to race into a 5-0 lead, a position from which Murray had no hope of recovering as Wawrinka, who has never lost a grand slam final, set up a showpiece with either nine-time champion Rafael Nadal or Dominic Thiem.

Murray enjoyed success with the

Stan Wawrinka

backhand drop-shot in the early going and used it to set up a break point in the third game.

But Wawrinka promptly snuffed out that chance and broke for a 5-3 lead with a passing shot, only for two errant forehands in the next game to relinquish that advantage.

Wawrinka started the tie-break with a double fault and when a fore-

hand clanged off the net cord to give Murray a 4-2 lead his luck appeared to be out.

He recovered to put himself in position to take the set at 6-5 but was defied by some brilliance from Murray, who earned a set point with a sublime backhand lob and took the opener when Wawrinka netted a second-serve return.

Turn to page 21

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

SATURDAY, june 10, 2017

Australia's last chance to get their campaign started

W

hich was the only undefeated team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup? It wasn't Spain, for although they finished the tournament as champions, they lost a game to Switzerland in the group stage.

No, the only side that went through the 2010 World Cup unbeaten was New Zealand, who drew all three of their group matches but failed to progress to the knockouts. It is a piece of trivia that pops up frequently in quizzes, but why is it relevant to the 2017 Champions Trophy? Because it is just possible that Australia could find themselves the answer to a similar question. If their final group match against England is washed out, and should England then fail to win the tournament, Australia would emulate the All Whites in 2010 in achieving an equally underwhelming exit.

Such has been the frustration for Australia throughout this competition. Since they secured victory over Sri Lanka in a warm-up game at The Oval, Australia have had three games washed out: one further warm-up, and two matches in the tournament proper. Their third match, against England, is at Edgbaston, where not a single game has yet been played in this tournament without being affected by rain. The forecast for Saturday suggests rain in the morning and in the evening, which could allow enough time during daylight hours to complete a match - if the Met Office knows its stuff. Then again, if the past couple of days in the UK have proven anything, it is that the art of prediction is difficult, even for the experts.

The scenario in Group A is simple. England are through to the semi-finals no matter what, and

so too will Australia be if they beat England in this game. In the event of Australia losing or the game being washed out, then the winner of Bangladesh-New Zealand progresses alongside England. So for Australia this is a must-win game; for England, a victory would continue their winning momentum into the semi-finals, but their real incentive must surely be the chance to eliminate their oldest foe before they've even got started in the competition.

Who would you say is the leading ODI wicket taker of the past 12 months? Mitchell Starc? Kagiso Rabada? Nope. The answer is Liam Plunkett, the England fast bowler who is enjoying a career renaissance nearly 12 years after he made his debut for England.

Plunkett is still only 32, with potentially several years of international cricket ahead of him, and

in the one-day format he is peaking. Over the past year Plunkett has taken 43 ODI wickets, more than any other player (although Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, currently in the West Indies, might have overtaken him by the time this game starts). And a pair of four-fors to start the Champions Trophy means Plunkett is in fine form heading towards the business end of the tournament.

Despite the wet weather, most of the Australians who have been selected in the first two games have either had a chance to bat or a decent spell with the ball, or in the case of Matthew Wade, kept wicket for nearly 90 overs. The exception is Glenn Maxwell, whose entire contribution so far has been a solitary over that cost nine runs against Bangladesh. If Plunkett has experienced a career renaissance over the past year, Maxwell

9 French Open titles more than enough for 1 man, jokes Nadal

D

espite being on the brink of history, Rafael Nadal cut a relaxed figure during his post-match news conference at the French Open.

Rafael Nadal has joked that nine French Open titles are more than enough for one man as he prepares to face Stan Wawrinka for a historic 10th win at Roland Garros.

Nadal ruthlessly saw off Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Court Philippe Chatrier on Friday to move one match away from becoming the first player to win 10 titles in the same grand slam in the Open Era. But reflecting on his chance to further cement his status as the 'King of Clay', Nadal seemed pretty content with his current Paris haul.

"I think I don't make more history.

It's enough. Nine are more than good!" he quipped.

"Another thing is today is not the moment to think about that. It's a moment [in which] I have to be very happy.

"I've played a very good event, all the matches playing well. Today was not an exception.

"I started a little bit more nervous today but then I played well."

Asked whether a 10th Roland Garros crown would be his greatest achievement, Nadal added: "I don't know. Nine or 10 is only 10 per cent more.

"It's true that 10 is a beautiful number, but actually my favourite is nine.

But for sure, if it becomes 10, that will be my favourite.

"The thing that I am most proud about in my career probably is the 2013 year. That year was amazing because I had so many problems with my knee, so I was not able to practice at all.

"I finished the year being world number one, winning here, winning the US Open, so that's the thing that I am most proud of.

"Nine here is probably difficult.

I always say the same thing - if I do it, somebody else is probably going to come and do it, because I don't consider myself very special.

"But it's obvious that you need to combine a lot of things, and a lot of things have to be put together to have that record.

And if it’s 10, even more.”

"You need to be lucky, you need to play well, you need to be healthy for those two weeks, so it's a lot of things.

"I am not the right one to say, but to play 10 finals here is some-

thing difficult."

Nadal insists his liking for the number nine does not come from his French Open tally.

"It has nothing to do with the fact I won the French Open nine times," he explained. "It's because nine is actually is my favourite number.

"But don't get me wrong, I would prefer 10 over 9, no doubt!" (Sportsmax)

Rafael Nadal

has found himself at something of a career crossroads in the same period, struggling to hold his place in Australia's side and in one case even being dropped by Victoria. And yet in the same time he has struck maiden centuries in Test and T20 international cricket. Maxwell has curiously been overtaken by Travis Head in Australia's spin-bowling plans of late, and thus will be desperately waiting for a chance with the bat to - again - prove his value.

England appear unlikely to make any changes, with struggling opener Jason Roy strongly backed to retain his position. Jake Ball, under scrutiny following an expensive outing against Bangladesh, bounced back superbly against New Zealand, stepping into Chris Woakes' new-ball bowling boots to claim the Man of the Match award.

(Cricinfo)

Windies deserved Champions Trophy wildcard – Lloyd F

ormer West Indies captain Clive Lloyd would love to have seen the regional team be the beneficiaries of a wildcard entry for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.

The West Indies, champions of the tournament in 2004, missed out on making the cut for the current edition after falling outside of the world’s top eight ranked teams by the September 30, 2015 deadline. The team’s failure to do so marked the first time since the tournament’s inception year in 1998 that the maroon caps will not be part of the event.

Questions have since been raised in several quarters regarding the West Indies’ absence, with several arguing that the regional team are a huge miss.

Among the suggestions proposed for the future is the implementation of a wildcard rule, which, similar to the sport of tennis, would allow organisers leeway in terms of the teams invited to the tournament.

“It could have been an ideal situation. If you have won the competition, you

Clive Lloyd, former West Indies Captain

should be automatically chosen,” Lloyd told Ahmedabad Mirror.

“Yes, the wildcard rule would be great. This is because people like the brand of cricket the West Indies play. They won the T20 competition only last year,” he added.

The West Indies are currently 9th in the One Day International rankings and also face the prospect of missing out on automatic qualification for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. (Sportsmax)

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sports

21

US-based Guyanese hockey player pays courtesy call on Minister Henry

A

lysa Teresa Xavier, 24-year-old former student of Queen’s College, may appear like the ordinary modest girl, but she is the kind of child a father and country can be proud of; and not only because she graduated from that august educational institution with ten subjects at the CSEC. Her love was always for hockey, but she was also an ace cricketer, and probably has the record for hitting the most sixes out of the Eve Leary ground in her Guyana school days.

Understandably, she hails from a family of sportsmen and women, of which Anthony Xavier, current administrator of Hockey, is a former National Volleyball player, while several of her siblings also have a love for hockey.

Originally one of eleven siblings from Subryanville, Georgetown, Xavier started playing hockey at age eleven (11), and started keeping goal at age thirteen (13).

- NHFCA Senior All-Star Team 2016.

- Three-time Defensive Player of the Week for 2015 and 2016.

- Scholar-Athlete Citation for maintaining at least a 3.0 scholastic average while participating in Field Hockey (2016).

- English 111 project "just writing- nothing more nothing less" was selected and published in the textbook College Composition at Miami University.

- Panam elite team- 2013.

- Runner-up Player of the Year (Guyana) 2013.

Inspiration

Great promise

“Alysa showed great promise from an early age, exceeding the expectations of others; and rose through the ranks quickly to make the Guyana National Hockey team,” said Phillip Fernandes, her former coach and current president of the Guyana Hockey Board.

Fernandes said Xavier is still the youngest player -- at age 14 -- to have made the National team to date; and was, for several years, the number one goalkeeper of the Guyana National Team for sojourns in and out of Guyana.

In 2013 she was selected to be on the PANAMERICAN All-Stars team, a first for Guyana, and she remains the lone Guyanese to have thus far been selected.

She is now a US-based Field Hockey Goal Keeper who is holding her own, and is also a recent graduate of the Miami University, Ohio.

Through links established by the Guyana Hockey Board, she was offered a Hockey scholarship to the Miami University, Ohio in 2013.

There has since been no looking back for this young woman. Academically, Xavier has excelled

Alysa Xavier and Sports Minister Nicolette Henry

in Kinesiology, maintaining an above 3.0 grade average over the four years prior to her graduating in May with a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

She was no less brilliant on the field, and her efforts, along with those of other teammates, ensured that Miami University's team won MidAmerican Conference Championships in 2013 and 2015.

Some of Alysa’s accolades include:- MAC Champions 2013, 2015, - MAC Goalkeeper of the Year 2015 & 2016, - NCAA Statistical Champion (Goal save percentage) 2015.

- All- MAC 1st Team, 2015&2016.

French Open 2017

Simona Halep meets Jelena Ostapenko in women's final

S

imona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko will meet in Saturday's French Open final with a first Grand Slam title on the line for both women.

Third seed Halep, who lost to Maria Sharapova in the 2014 final, began this year's tournament as the favourite.

Victory on Saturday would see the 25-yearold Romanian replace Angelique Kerber as world number one.

Latvian Ostapenko, who turned 20 on Thursday, is ranked 47th and has yet to win a title of any kind.

She has ensured a top20 place with her run to the final and made history as the first Grand Slam finalist from Latvia.

This year's tournament saw a quarter-final line-up without any former Grand Slam champions for the first time since 1977.

"Of course, this match is

Simona Halep (left) has won 15 titles in her career while Jelena Ostapenko has yet to win one

really important, and I will not hide the heaviness that it has," said Halep.

"Of course it's going to be a great thing if I can win. But I would like not to think too much, because it puts more pressure on me."

Halep has been widely viewed as the player with the experience and form to clinch a title seen as there for the taking in the absence of Serena Williams.

The American is awaiting the birth of her first child, while former major winners Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova also missing.

When defending champion Garbine Muguruza, top seed Kerber and claycourt contenders Svetlana Kuznetsova and Sam Stosur lost before the quarter-finals, it left the draw wide open. (BBCSPORT)

“This kind of inspiration is needed among our youth, and I commend this young woman for her outstanding exploits; (which) project a positive light on herself, the sport (of Hockey) and the country (in general),” Minister of Education, responsible for Youth, Culture and Sport, Nicolette Henry, said of Xavier on Thursday when she paid the minister a courtesy call.

Ultimately, Xavier aspires to be the best goalkeeper in the world, while being a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

Her strides in Hockey have been many, as have been her exploits; and her “forever” coach, who is the President of the Guyana Hockey Board, says what she has done is a first for Guyana, and the GHB is aspiring to secure similar opportunities for other prospective hockey players who are as determined and committed as Xavier is. “She has made us proud,” Fernandes said.

Though not where she wants to be eventually, she believes that “anything is possible if you work hard for it”. She notes that while life may not be always smooth sailing, giving up should not be an option.

“For the first two years on campus, it was tough coping, but then it came easy afterwards ...operating outside your comfort zone always leads to greatness, and that makes the difference between winners and quitters,” she revealed.

Alysa can be found on Facebook by simply looking for her name.

Wawrinka ends...

FROM PAGE 19

Murray's serve quickly came under pressure in the second set, saving a break point in a nine-minute game to hold for a 3-2 lead.

Yet his next service game saw him hand Wawrinka three break points, and only one was required as the Swiss nailed a trademark backhand.

Wawrinka then held and a second set in which he hit 18 winners came to an end as a second-serve forehand return sealed a double break.

The tone for a frenetic third was set when Murray sent a forehand wide Wawrinka forging a 3-0 lead.

Murray broke back but immediately squandered another service game with a terrible backhand at the net. His powers of recovery were on show again, though, as a cross-court backhand got the set back on serve.

Two break points went begging for Murray as Wawrinka impressively rattled off four successive

points to hold, but he could not stave off a further three in the penultimate game of the set as a netted volley proved decisive in handing the Scot the third.

Both players offered up their share of the spectacular as each proved more solid on serve in a fourth that did not feature a break point.

An ill-advised Murray drop-shot gave Wawrinka a 4-2 lead in the tie-break and it was one he did not surrender - a scorching forehand return off a second serve levelling the match once more.

That same forehand did the damage as Wawrinka broke in the first game of the decider and followed that up with a hold to love.

Wawrinka took advantage of a clearly tiring Murray to go 5-0 up and, though he did not succeed in dishing out a bagel, his charge could not be halted as he raced through the decisive set in style - fittingly wrapping things up with a fierce backhand. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

SATURdAY, june 10, 2017

Digicel’s Schools Football Championships…

Essequibo Islands, Parika Salem to kick-off tournament on Monday C

The highly anticipated Digicel Schools Football Tournament will make its return on Monday

ome Monday, the Digicel Schools Football Championships will kick-off at the Track and Field Stadium at Leonora with Essequibo Islands Secondary School clashing with Parika Salem Secondary School from 15:00 hrs.

At launch of this tournament last month, it was revealed that more than 160 school would be vying for top honours and the chance to have one million dollars go towards a school project of their choice.

Second place finisher will play for $700,000, third $400,000, and fourth $350,000 .All money won will go towards a school project of the winner’s choice.

The top regional winners of the straight knock-out tournament will be awarded $100,000 each.

Digicel Head of Customer Care, Sherwin Osborne, told the gathering

that the u n der-18 tournament will cater for students born on or after August 1, 1999. He implored teams to submit the relevant documentation to substantiate the ages of their players.

“This year, we will not host a game unless each player has their documents, which must be submitted 24 hours before the game. We don’t want to field a team that is not eligible to play in the tournament,” Osborne explained.

The defending champions are Chase Academic Foundation, with other winners being Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School (2012-2015) and Government Technical Institute (2011). The tournament will last for approximately six weeks, with the finals set for July 30 at the aforementioned venue.

Tokyo 2020

Mixed-gender events added to Olympic Games M

ixed-gender events in athletics, swimming, table tennis and triathlon have been approved for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the IOC has an-

nounced.

The Games will include a 4x400m mixed relay in athletics and a 4x100m medley mixed relay in swimming.

IOC president Thomas Bach said the Games will be "more youthful, more urban and include more women".

Swimming will also include two further new events - a men's 800m and women's 1500m freestyle races.

Tokyo will have five more sports than Rio, taking the total to 33, but the existing sports have been given 15 more events.

Cycling has gained two new events, for men and women, and basketball will have a three-on-three event.

The introduction of freestyle BMX and the madison to the cycling programme make that sport the third largest at the Olympics in terms of medals, with 66 up for grabs.

Other additions include a mixed relay in the triathlon and a mixed doubles in table tennis.

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance U-19 3-day inter-county

Entire 1st day of second round matches abandoned

T

he entire first day of the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Hand-In-Hand Insurance Under-19 Inter-County three-day tournament was abandoned due to wet outfields from overnight and early morning rains in the city.

The matches were scheduled to get underway at two venues at 10:00h.

However, both grounds were affected by the rain.

The match is expected to get underway at 10:00h today, with reigning champions and favourites, Demerara, taking on the Under-17s at Everest Cricket Club Ground, while Berbice and Essequibo are set to battle at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

The teams are as follows: Essequibo: Mark Williams, Sachin Persaud, Kurt Lovell, Adrian Campbell, Mark Ramsammy, Joshua

The situation at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary on Friday afternoon subsequent to the abandonment of the game

Jones, Quintin Sampson, Beesham Moses, Leslie Allen, Sheldon Charles, Mahindra Persaud, Chanderpaul Mohabir, Kellin Davis, Joel Fortune, Azeem Habib; Loaknauth Persaud (Manager) and Andy Ramnarine (Coach).

Berbice: Adrian Sukwah, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Veramootoo Senwasane, Javid Karim, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Karan Arjpaul, Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vankenic, Steve Deonarine; Michael Newland (Manager) and Adrian Amsterdam (Coach).

Demerara: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain); Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (Vice Captain); Joshua Persaud; Raymond Perez; Navendra Persaud; Ramnarine Chature; Richie Looknauth; Keshram

Seyhodan; Stephon Wilson; Sagar Hatharamani; Dwayne Dick; Kishna Singh; Garvin Bodwah; Dambuka Nqgando; Darshan Persaud; Mark Jeffers; Kennard Moonsammy; Mark Ramsammy; Himanauth Dindyal; and Omar Hussine (Manager), Rayon King (Coach) and Dhanpaul (Assistant Coach).

Guyana Under-17: Alex Alvin Algoo, Sachin Stefan Singh, Orlando Jailall, Junior Alvin Sinclair, Kevlon Alston Anderson, Kevin Imran Christian, Robin Williams, Lance Rusell Roberts, Alphius Malcolm Bookie, Rajendra Singh, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Romanno Nedd, Pradesh Ballkishun, Kelvin Umrao, Mark Gary Rankin, Gevon Shemar Schultz, Reyaz Khan, Qumar Tychicus Torrington; Nazeer Mohamed (Manager) and Orin Bailey (Coach).

"We have taken a really important step forward in terms of gender equality," said IOC sports director Kit McConnell.

Rio 2016 champion swimmer Adam Peaty said on Thursday the introduction of mixed events for Tokyo 2020 would make the Olympics "more fun".

He told BBC Sport: "It's something that would make things [at the Olympics] a little bit more fun.

"Obviously it's very serious, but it's great to mix things up from what they've been for so long as it adds a little spice and they're great to watch."

The IAAF welcomed the introduction of mixed relays but says it could be difficult to implement.

It said in a statement: "We should not expect the athletes entered to compete in the men's and women's 4x400m relays, from which the participants for the mixed relay will be naturally drawn, to compete in a third round of heats and finals for the mixed relay without allocating the appropriate space and time in the programme or enabling teams to bring additional athletes."

IAAF president Sebastian Coe said: "Athletics is the number one sport at the Olympic Games so we want to work with the IOC to drive effective and meaningful change.

"We will also work with the IOC on how best to introduce a mixed relay event in Tokyo following the huge success it enjoyed in IAAF world relays and Nitro Athletics this year." (BBCSPORT)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, june 10, 2017

23

RAN South Zone Final…

Green Machine, Calypso Warriors battling for championship glory

By Akeem Greene

T

he St Stanislaus College Ground on Carifesta Avenue is set to come ablaze with glory from 16:00 hrs today, when Guyana’s national rugby team, Green Machine, engage the Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Warriors in an intense physical battle with the Ruby Americas North (RAN) South Zone title being at stake.

The winner would advance to the North versus South play-off, a match that will be away to Mexico on July 1.

With the game moved from its normal venue of the National Park field due to the inclement weather, the new venue could make the game even more intriguing, with the usual gusty winds set to play a crucial factor, given the proximity of the ground to the Georgetown Sea Wall.

What makes this matchup even more interesting is that both teams are coming off convincing wins over Barbados last month, with Guyana winning 34-26 and Trinidad 36-16.

Guyana Times Sport spoke to both camps prior to this highly anticipated encounter, and both sides are cognisant of what is at stake.

“We are pretty ready for them.

We have been working on certain tactics — to work the big guys out and see how long they can last. We will [be] very mobile, and attack them rather than sit and wait for them to come to us”, Green Machine Captain, Ryan Gonsalves, has stated.

Head Coach Kenneth GrantStuart disclosed that the team is ready for the task at hand.

“The team is ready. I am trying to keep them as far away from these off-scene distractions [as possible], so they can be more focused on their game come Saturday. In terms of

Dwayne Schroeder physicality will be needed

the stuff we have been doing since Barbados, we have been looking at a lot of our plays and (identifying) weakness and trying to correct them; and we are adding a few more players to strengthen us”, he revealed.

Calypso Warriors’ Assistant Coach Brendan O'Farrell is wary of the threat the locals pose, since Guyana defeated his side 2318 last year in the Twin Island Republic to win the title.

“The season has been one game apiece. We both played Barbados and won, and tomorrow [today] will be very close; which it has been over the last couple of years, with Guyana having the upper hand.

But we are looking forward to it”, the Trinidadian revealed.

He added, “We know each other very well. On the day, it is who wants it the most”.

Unlike Guyana, the visitors have been exposed to predominantly dry weather, and O'Farrell con-

Patrick King will be a vital member of the team

tends that the soggy conditions will be a challenge. “It will affect us. We won’t be accustomed to the heavy pitch. We have been train-

ing on very dry ground in Trinidad, but hopefully we (will) get over that quite quickly”, he said.

Given the history between the

sides, this coach has predicted that a victory today could invigorate the sport once more in his homeland.

“It [a win] will build a lot of spirit in Trinidad. Guyana have won the championship for the last two years, and it will be nice for us to get back up there, and it will do a lot for the morale of Trinidad Rugby at the moment. We went through a bit of slump, but we are getting back there,” he revealed.

Guyana Squad reads: Jason Tyrell (Loose head), Rickford Cummings (Hooker), Rondel McArthur (Tight head), Dwayne Schroeder (Lock), Ahmad Isaacs (Lock), Jamal Angus (Blindside), Richard Staglon (Openside), Vallon Adams (No.8), Ryan Gonsalves (Scrum Half), Peabo Hamilton (Outside Half), Avery Corbin (Wing), Claudius Butts (Centre), Trayton Braithwaite (Centre), Patrick King (Wing), Ronald Mayers (Full back), Cyon Kitt (Front Row), Cloyd Prowell (Front Row), Allain Crawford (Res), Dillon Downer (Res), Godfrey Broomes (Res), Blaize Bailey (Res), Grantly Williams (Res), Keon David (Res), Joseph Rahaman (Res). Reserve: Toby David Team management officials: Elwane Chase (Manager), Kenneth Grant- Stuart (Head Coach), Oslen Ollivierre (Assistant Coach), Aruni Shamnarine (Physiotherapist), Neil Barry (Physiotherapist), Joshua Griffith (Physiotherapist) Match officials appointed: David Sherwin (Cayman Islands) – Referee; Kevin Murrell (Barbados) - Assistant Referee1; Clifton Garrett (Guyana) - Assistant Referee 2; Sabola Gray (Guyana) - 4th Official; Andrea LashleyAtherly (Guyana) - 5th Official; Jason Brewer (Barbados) - Match Commissioner; Terrence Grant (Guyana) - Scorer

“Clash of the Veterans” GFF extends condolences to Jamaican Football Federation at football tournament the passing of President Burrell resumes this weekend I T Fixtures n a statement to the media, the President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde sent out a message of condolence to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) on the passing of its President, Captain Horace Burrell.

In a letter to JFF’s General Secretary, Raymond Grant, President Forde said: “The football family of Guyana was truly saddened to hear of the loss of your dear President, Captain Horace Burrell. Please allow me, on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation and on my own behalf in my capacity as President, to extend my deepest sympathy to his immediate family and the football family of Jamaica as you navigate through this period of grief. The "Captain” was a valuable asset to football in the CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA and we mourn his loss with you as friends. Again, we extend our deepest sympathy to you and his family during this time of mourning.”

Captain Horace Burrell passed away in the United States on Tuesday. Prior to his passing, he served as a Senior Vice President of CONCACAF, former Vice President of the CFU, member of the FIFA Disciplinary

The late Captain Horace Burrell

Committee and as a Vice President of the Jamaica Olympic Association

he Clash of the Veterans" Round Robin tournament will be back this weekend after a brief mid tournament break. The tournament which features several former national football players will be back in action on Sunday, June 11, at the Education Ministry Ground from 10:00h.

Dubbed "The Clash of Veterans", this inaugural tournament will feature veteran football teams from Georgetown, the East Coast of Demerara and the West Bank of Demerara; such as Pele FC, Beacon FC, Santos FC, Wales FC, Rastas FC, Thomas United FC, Plaisance FC, Park Rangers FC and Newtown Masters.

The clubs are led by Dion Barnwell, Chris Barnwell, Anthony Stanton, Gordon Braithwaite, Mortimer Stewart, Floyd Cadogan, Rawle Jones, Terrence Lewis, among others.

The teams are playing for trophies and cash prizes. On Sunday there will be two exhibition games featuring the Under-15 boys and senior men teams.

Game 1: Rastas FC vs Beacon FC @ 11:00hrs Game 2: Plaisance FC vs Thomas FC @ 12:00hrs Game 3 : Santos FC vs Park Rangers FC @ 13:00 hrs Game 4 : Wales FC vs Pele FC @ 14:00hrs

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

RAN 15s South Zone Final…

Green Machine, Calypso Warriors battling for championship glory Pg 23

Recordsetters Shakib, Mahmudullah keep Bangladesh hopes alive Pg 19

Mahmudullah celebrates a famous victory, New Zealand v Bangladesh, Group A, Champions Trophy

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