Guyana Times, 16 August 2017

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

Issue No. 3303

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana has a chance to experience real growth – Minister

Wakapao P14 man killed by falling tree

– which he was cutting at the time

Despite challenges

Govt maintains economy P3 performing well

Page 9

Second phase of Kitty seawall sinkhole repair on stream P10

Mother of 3 critical P14

– knocked down by speeding car at Success

Captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, Martin Guptil presented a complimentary ticket to a student of the St John’s Bosco Orphanage on Tuesday. At left is Allision Parker, Public Relations Officer of GTT, one of the sponsors of the event and team (Carl Croker photo)

Boyfriend remanded Sleepin investor for Canje teen’s denies knowledge of SOCU probe murder – says ‘vendetta’ afoot

Page 11

Page 15

Mystery aircraft seized in Region 9

Brazilian, Venezuelan IDs found onboard Page 16

... aircraft origin still to be determined – Crime Chief

12-year-old Linden girl reportedly raped by taxi P15 driver

Soesdyke fatal accident victim P7 remains unidentified

─ Cop’s file with DPP

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 16 – 12:00h (noon)-13:30h and Thursday, August 17 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 16 – 11:20h-15:50h and Thursday, August 17 – 12:50h-14:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with sunny weather expected in the afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 11:25h and 23:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.28 metres and 2.37 metre respectively.

Low Tide: 04:48h and 17:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 0.96 metre respectively.

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Despite challenges

Govt maintains economy performing well ─ admits inheriting ‘growing economy’

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lthough minimal growth was recorded over the past year in the local economy, Government has maintained that they did favourably well given the insurmountable challenges that they were faced with since assuming office in 2015 and things will only get better with time.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said on Monday that growth in the economy cannot only be assessed by the per cent average but goes beyond that.

He said a lot has to do with the increased activities and benefits that trickle down to the people and the advancement and investments made overall.

Another important factor to be considered is the Government’s determination to implement transformative programmes and policies that includes the restructuring of many economic sectors. “If we can go slowly but sustainably, I think at the end of the day, we will be better off,” he stated.

Jordan said boasting about a 4.5 per cent growth rate is good, but only if all the traditional sectors continue to flourish. “It has nothing to do with the new Government coming into office. It means poor prices, poor supply. Unsustainable polices means unsustainable economy,” he added.

The Finance Minister admitted that it is not easy managing an economy where there were thoughts of perceived stability and sustainability but only to find that “the situation is far from reality”.

However, Jordan admitted that the coalition Government inherited an economy that was growing, and recalled that the growth rate in 2012 was 4.8 per cent.

In 2013, this figure climbed to 5.2 per cent largely due to rice production growth rate, and by 2014 growth plummeted to 3.8 per cent.

“By the time election came around in 2015, growth plummeted again to 3.2 per cent which was expected in an election year because people were pessimistic. Having slowed, by 2016, growth rebounded to 3.4 per cent and as a result of this, we projected growth at 3.8 per cent for this year,” he stated.

With the dim performance of sugar, however, Jordan told media operatives that Government has been very cautious and have since revised the growth rate to 3.1 per cent. “There isn’t anything we can do about sugar. It will take us a long time to get sugar right and when we do, it will not be like the heavy days in the 70s when we had sugar production of 355,000 tonnes etc,” he added.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Had sugar performed well continually throughout the year, and the fact that rice has done exceptionally well, the country would have surpassed the 3.8 per cent growth rate, he posited.

Declining reserve

Responding to media reports about a declining economy, the Finance Minister said the reserves are not static. Rather, they move up and down and at any time there will be a certain number.

“Reserves could be 600 today and tomorrow its 570.

But by the time you ask the question next month, it gone back to 620. We can’t be fast and loose with these numbers,” he argued.

At the end of 2012, reserves at the Central Bank were US$862.2 million. Of that amount, US$160 million roughly came from the

International Monetary Fund disbursements. “So even though we were not on a disbursement per say, US$160 million came from the IMF disbursements.”

In 2014, reserves plummeted to US$665.6 million but in 2015 it went to $598.5 million. Consistent with growth performance of the economy, reserves in 2016 had gone back up to US$615.7 million.

Jordan therefore contends that the reserve figures are not only in keeping with international standards but this does not in any way affect the country’s economic performance.

“In terms of nominal numbers you can see at any point in time, the reserves will be moving upwards and downwards.

But what is key, if we want to talk about reserves, is how many months of imports can that reserve allow us? Now the benchmark is three months of import cover. Our half-year reserves are US$574 million and that is equivalent to 3.4 months of import coverage.”

The Minister also defended Government on its

reportedly excessive spending and debt collection. He said that while debt is expected to continue rising, Guyana is within the international standard limit.

Opposition Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, recently highlighted that even with increased production in the key traditional sectors, data compiled in the recent mid-year Finance Ministry Report has clearly showed that the economy is eroding at a fast rate.

Ali pointed out that as foreign exchange tanked, imports will become relatively expensive. “Overall, imported goods would become relatively expensive, hence stoking inflation in the process,” he contended.

Ali noted that net foreign reserve plummeted from US$633 million in June 2016 to US$574 million in mid-2017; the lowest ever recorded in over seven years.

The Opposition MP said it is also worthwhile to mention that net foreign revenue to external debt ratio had increased from 172 per cent in mid-2016. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

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

Giving hope

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he world has changed and the social dynamics have degraded alarmingly, with the juvenile population paying a heavy price. Fallout of the low threshold of the moral levels of current day society includes the high statistics on incidents of teenage pregnancy.

Often, when a school-aged girl falls prey to the raging libido of adolescence and becomes pregnant as a result, both expectant mother and child are shunned by peers, school authorities, society in general, and sometimes even their own families; and this consequently spells poverty and the direst future for mother and child. However, awareness of the plight of these misled young girls is gaining momentum, and constructs are being put in place to facilitate their empowerment, to enable a good life and a future of promise for mother and child, with education being the key component.

In November of 2010, the then PPP/C Administration initiated a programme whereby pregnant teenage girls were re-integrated into the school system. The Government’s project was supported by the United States Embassy, which donated a quantity of baby and hygiene kits to 20 teenage mothers who had been allowed and facilitated by the Ministry of Education to continue their academic studies.

The assistance -- which included diapers, blankets, bonnets, socks, soaps and towels -- was in support of the Ministry of Education’s programme to afford school-aged victims of teenage pregnancy an opportunity to continue their secondary education.

The students were placed at the schools they last attended. However, if they indicated discomfort, they were placed at another school of their choice.

Those above 16 who did not desire to continue academic studies were enrolled at the Adult Education Association, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, or the Sophia Training Centre.

Young expectant mothers came to the attention of the Schools’ Welfare Department following the officers of that department undertaking outreach visits to health clinics, schools and communities.

Girls were interviewed to assess their education level as well as to ascertain what plans they had for their future as parents.

Parents of the young mothers were also interviewed in an effort to make the initiative a holistic rehabilitative effort, with educational sessions done with the teenage expectant mothers with the focus on empowering them to have a future that provided financial security for both mother and child.

These sessions covered several areas, including life skills, building self-esteem, literacy and numeracy, parenting and child care, skills training, stress and anger management, and basic Information Technology.

The objective of the programme was to identify the needs of the targeted individuals; collect, collate and disseminate information on their experiences; empower them to perform their roles as parents; and provide services to enhance and support their well-being.

These efforts were aimed at helping the young mothers to adjust to their new roles as parents.

A representative of the Ministry of Education said the Government had recognised that drastic changes in people’s lifestyles over the past three decades precipitated such occurrences in the social dynamics, and the programme to re-integrate teenage mothers in schools was one of the measures it had taken to ensure a progressive society for the vulnerable.

The Ministry official averred that education is a basic human right, and a child who had become pregnant at 14 should not lose that right.

Head teachers were encouraged to develop a sense of appreciation for teenage parents, as some are victims of broken homes and various other unfortunate circumstances.

According to the Ministry official, the findings of a research done countrywide on the subject revealed that teen mothers have an interest in continuing their education, but need various forms of intervention and support to succeed in this area. These include an education environment that respects and understands their situation.

Then Education Minister, Shaik Baksh, noted that the quest to raise a literate population and enable every citizen an opportunity to be marketable had been demonstrated by the Government’s interventions to improve the quality of life of every citizen, inclusive of the disadvantaged population.

However, it is wise to introduce counselling sessions into the school system to prevent such occurrences as teenage pregnancy, because the cost in dislocated lives of families and the young mothers themselves is too high.

Fast bowler Sohail Tanvir and specialist batsman Gajanand Singh of the Guyana Amazon Warriors interacting with youngsters as the team made dreams come true when they visited the St John’s Bosco all Boys Orphanage at Ben Profitt Drive, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara

GuySuCo has a compulsion to deceive this nation Dear Editor, I refer to the letter by Ms Audreyanna Thomas that appeared in the SN of Aug. 12, 2017 under the title “Molasses would be the preferred raw material for ethanol production in Guyana” in response to the ongoing conversation on ethanol in Guyana.

Editor, in that letter, GuySuCo concludes on molasses as the preferred feedstock for ethanol; and, if used, ethanol production would be limited to11.7 million litres. In essence, the Corporation is saying that cane-to-ethanol is not a preferred feedstock, and even if molasses is used, ethanol output would be low.

Essentially, the Corporation is saying “NO” to ethanol production in a very descriptive way. The Corporation also uses numbers conveniently in some sections of its argument to articulate its position, then conceals them in other sections. For instance, reference is made that one tonne

of cane =70 litres ethanol at best, and one tonne of molasses = 260 litres of ethanol. This shows that molasses produces more ethanol than cane, but hides the fact that one tonne of molasses is made after processing between 25 and 33 tonnes of cane at GuySuCo’s mills (using molasses % on cane of 3-4). Therefore, if we take the same amount of cane that makes one tonne of molasses and make ethanol instead, we would get between 1,750 and 2,310 litres of ethanol (25X70 = 1,750 or 33X70 = 2,310) as opposed to 260 litres.

The Corporation further advances its arguments using studies conducted some 8 to 13 years ago. A pertinent question is: how relevant are those studies to present day and future conditions?

GuySuCo, in its current shape and form, cannot operate a viable ethanol facility using molasses as feedstock. Therefore the Corporation has two prob-

able options: (1) Increase molasses production, which translates to increased cane production; or (2) convert cane directly to ethanol. Option 1 is not possible, as the Corporation’s policy is to downsize operations, which is being implemented at this instant. This policy position is articulated in the State Paper on Sugar.

Option 2 will not be pursued either, as there is zero commitment to conduct a study to confirm or dispute the viability of cane-to-ethanol.

It is an established fact that the bio-ethanol demonstration plant at Albion is not a commercial producer.

Its objective, capacity, and very name explain that fact.

I maintain that the CEO of GuySuCo stopped operations of the bio-ethanol demonstration at Albion.

However, Ms Thomas claims that this information is misleading and inaccurate, and the plant operates continuously in the cropping period.

If that is so, I urge Ms Thomas to share with this

nation the following specifics: (1) How many hours did the plant operate per crop respectively in 2016 and 2017?

(2) How many tonnes of molasses were used by the plant per crop in 2016 and 2017 respectively?

(3) How many litres of hydrous and anhydrous alcohol were produced per crop in 2016 and 2017 respectively?

(4) What was the average per cent alcohol for hydrous and anhydrous per crop in 2016 and 2017?

(5) How many litres of hydrous anhydrous ethanol were distributed to estates?

(6) How many litres of anhydrous ethanol were blended with gasoline per crop in 2016 and 2017?

(7) How many litres of E-10 blend were used in 2016 and 2017?

(8) What was the consumption rate on vehicles that used it?

Yours sincerely, Sookram Persaud

Is there an ‘unholy conspiracy’ between Gaming Authority and Guyana Lotto Company?

Dear Editor, Machines which bear strong resemblance to machines that are in casinos have suddenly appeared in certain bars around the city, and in certain locations outside of the city.

They bear the logo of the Guyana Lotto Company.

The sudden appearance of these machines requires some explanation. Who, or which, agency authorised the public use of these machines? The Guyana Lotto Company, as far as I am aware, is authorised only to

conduct a national lottery.

It is difficult to classify the games on these machines as part of a national lottery.

It is public knowledge that regulations made under the Prevention of Gambling Act permit casino licences to be granted for the operation of casinos.

However, these licences are only to be granted upon the satisfaction of some stringent requirements. Firstly, there is a quota per region.

Most importantly, to qualify for a licence in Region 4, one must have a 150-room

new hotel facility.

Are these machines now in bars intended to defeat these legal requirements and permit backdoor casinos? Is this done with the authority of the Gaming Authority, or is there an unholy conspiracy between the Gaming Authority and the Guyana Lotto Company?

I am informed that the Head of the Lotto Company is the spouse of the Chairman of the Gaming Authority’s partner in his private law practice. Does this relationship have any-

thing to do with it?

There are also reports that the Chairman of the Gaming Authority is part owner of a ship – The Jubilee – that was recently held by the Guyana Revenue Authority with a huge quantity of illegal fuel.

The public needs to know the outcome of this matter.

Is it proper for this person to continue as Chairman of the Gaming Authority?

Yours faithfully, Theophilus Morgan

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News

Broadcast Bill

Govt yet to face broadcasters' concerns – Nandlall – calls on Govt to deal with substantive issues

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he Broadcast (Amendment) Bill has been passed in the National Assembly, but former Attorney General Anil Nandlall is asserting that the Government is yet to deal with broadcasters’ concerns. This includes the impact the Bill, if enforced, would have on a number of rights, including property rights.

According to Nandlall, the one-hour imposition on broadcasters to carry Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) free of charge has an impact on property rights of the broadcasters. He noted that since these media outfits are in the business of selling airtime, this free onehour imposition amounts to expropriation of their money.

“It is trite law that property includes money. So this free one-hour imposition by the State will amount to compulsory acquisition of private property without compensation and therefore, violates Article 142 of the Constitution.”

“Some media operators estimate their loss will be nearly $1 million per month as they sell one-hour airtime for $30,000,” he said.

He noted that there are other facets of the Bill which render it “draconian, oppressive and resultantly unconstitutional.”

“For example, the regime of new fees, unlike what the Prime Minister says, would cost broadcasters much more as they now have to pay, not only a fixed fee, but a fee for every zone in which they will

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

be licenced to broadcast.”

“So, a radio station with which I am familiar now pays an annual fee of $2.5 million to broadcast. When the Amendment comes into force, and if that radio sta-

tion is licensed to broadcast to the same spectrum reach which it now enjoys, its fees will be increased to nearly $8 million, annually, because of the zoning system which the amendment imposes.”

He stated that the Constitution should not allow such conditions to be imposed upon broadcasters, who are guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms by it.

“The Constitution would regard these conditionalities as undue fetters which would make the true enjoyment of the civil liberties it guarantees, as illusory. They will be struck down as unconstitutional. I believe that I have provided sufficient grounds for the Government to proffer some answers.”

In addition, Nandlall crit-

icised the Prime Minister, who championed the Bill, for glossing over the more troublesome aspects of the Bill.

Part two of the Bill sets out that broadcast agencies will be mandated to broadcast public service programmes for a total of up to one hour daily. Broadcast agencies will be airing these public service programmes free of cost and as requested by the Government between 06:00h and 22:00h.

The Bill also states that the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) reserves the right to direct a broadcaster to broadcast emergency notices for any length of time. This can even be done during peak or prime advertising time.

A broadcaster will have the right to file a complaint with

the GNBA within 24 hours of being asked to broadcast a programme free of cost if, in the agency’s judgment, it is not considered a public service broadcast programme.

But there is a warning for broadcasters daring to oppose the legislation: the Bill states that any broadcaster the GNBA finds to have “arbitrarily refused” to broadcast a public service broadcast programme without lodging a complaint has committed an offence.

Even before its passage, broadcasters have already come out in opposition to the new proposed measures.

Using its seat majority, however, the Government had forged ahead with its passage over the opposition from the other side of the House.

New rice variety still being pursued – GRDB head

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he Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is still pursuing the creation of a new variety of rice which is expected to bring better yields to rice farmers across the country.

Although tight-lipped on the entire developmental process, GRDB General Manager Allison Peters has said the new variety is being closely monitored by scientists at the research station.

“There is a variety that the plant breeder is working on. We don’t want to show our hand before it is ready, because, you know, seed paddy and developing a new variety takes several seasons. It’s at a stage where we are cultivating it in farmers’ fields, and we are looking at how it’s behaving in those fields; but we can’t tell you (that it will be ready by) next season, (and) we can’t tell you the season after; but it’s soon,” Peters said.

A GRDB team recently held an outreach in Region Six, where they discovered

that farmers were using a Brazilian variety of rice commonly known as ‘100 day’ to produce paddy. The farmers praised the Brazilian variety, highlighting that it requires less field maintenance, less attention, and has a shorter yielding period. Moreover, the overall results are usually better when compared with local varieties.

Ms Peters told the farmers that the Brazilian rice variety is an illegally imported brand, and it has serious implications for the local rice crop.

According to the Department of Public Information, the new variety of rice being developed locally is likely to eliminate the farmers’ need to smuggle into Guyana brands of paddy from other countries; as it promises greater yields, with less risk of paddy bug infestation and other crop diseases.

The GRDB had, earlier in the year, projected that this new variety could be expected by 2018.

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Foundation

How to raise a child of character

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f you have a deep faith and keep the rituals and calendar of your religious tradition, then you’ve probably given a lot of thought to your child’s spiritual development and have it all mapped out. If, on the other hand, you wonder how to put what you believe into words and aren’t sure what tradition you want to pass on to your kids, this article is for you.

All humans have a spiritual dimension. You don’t have to believe in a supreme being to teach your child the great spiritual lessons. Whatever your beliefs, you probably want your children to know that life is sacred, that nature deserves a certain reverence, that their presence in the world contributes to joy and goodness, that things have a way of working out (not always as we expect), that the greatest joy usually comes from sharing with others, and that while we don't always get what we want, we can always choose to make the most of what we get.

Some ideas for nondenominational (and even Godoptional, if that's your preference) spirituality:

1. Trust

Even if your spirituality does not include a Supreme Being, children need to feel that the universe smiles on them. Einstein said that the most important decision each person makes is deciding whether or not this is a friendly universe.

People who feel safe in the world are more emotionally and physically healthy, as well as more willing to reach out to others. Of course you need to teach your children

how to keep themselves safe, but the knowledge that some people are not to be trusted should not keep them from trusting people in general.

One implication of this is that young children should not be exposed to TV news, which has been proven to make anyone who watches it feel less safe and more likely to over-estimate the chances of threatening occurrences.

the mysteries of the universe, children are asking us to help them integrate this information into their world view. It's fine to say you don't know the answer to everything, to wonder together, to grieve, and to

teacher or neighbour, and, of course, each other.

Information is also useful, given judiciously and matter-of-factly in an age appropriate manner: “Some kids don’t have a back yard to play in like we do,

2. Love of nature

People who feel connected to nature are healthier physically and emotionally.

You might even argue that the natural wonder and magic children find in nature is the beginning of spirituality.

A spiderweb glistening with dew, the rising moon, a waterfall, kittens being born, even a simple green shoot breaking through the earth reminds us of the miracle that is life.

3. There is always something each one of us can do to make things better

When children encounter tragedy or evil and feel powerless to help, they grow into cynical teens and adults. But when they feel empowered to make a difference, they grow strong in their own inner compass about what's right, and are more likely to stand up for that. Life is full of opportunities to help children feel empowered rather than despairing, just by how we answer their questions. But in our rush to move our children through the schedule, it's easy to see their constant questions as a nuisance. And often we don't know how to answer.

Whether trying to make sense of the human heart or

need silence in our lives.

(Continued from Tuesday)

6. Take time for what really matters

Try to build in enough time so that you can stop rushing your children past the wondrous moments of everyday life. Marvel at the sun glittering on the snow. Stop and smell the roses. Bless the rainbow. Don’t feel you have to turn it into a science lesson, reducing the sacred whole to mechanistic parts. Just notice that daily life is full of miracles, and appreciate them together.

7. All humans benefit from time for reflection

If your tradition includes prayer, teach your child to listen as well as to talk

search together for answers.

4. Gratitude

Gratitude is a time-honoured spiritual path that works regardless of your beliefs about the nature of the divine. Regularly experiencing gratitude makes us happier.

When we're struggling emotionally, gratitude heals. And gratitude somehow seems to open the door to the life we want. The deeper our gratitude, the greater our ability to receive, and the more we get out of life.

Of course, children rarely understand their many blessings, and guilt is not an effective teacher. Modelling is the best strategy, simply noting aloud, frequently, how lucky we are to have this beautiful day, this bountiful meal, this reliable car, such a terrific

while praying. And whether you regularly pray or not, all families need walks in the woods or looking up at the moon or even a car ride on a sun-warmed morning to sit quietly together, soaking in the wonder of life.

8. You can do hard things

Children need to understand that most things that are worth doing are hard.

Most moral choices cost us – that's why they're moral choices. That's okay. You can do hard things. Figure out what support you need and give it to yourself, so you can be your best self and be proud of your actions. (Excerpted from ahaparenting.com)

that’s why we cherish it and take good care of it.”

5. Limit technology noise so you can hear the stillness

Many of us use background TV and radio as a way to avoid being alone with ourselves.

But there's a stillness at the core of our being that connects us to something greater.

Children, even more than the rest of us, need quiet time to simply be present with themselves. Music is a wonderful part of setting the mood in your house, but if radio voices that your child is not listening to are intruding on the peacefulness of your home, she has to work to block those voices out, which increases her tension level. And if the voices are talking about issues that are disturbing to your child, the tension escalates. All of us

Summer jobs

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hile I’ve mentioned quite a bit about volunteerism, one summer activity I have yet to talk about is perhaps the most productive – a summer job. Summer jobs provide an avenue for personal development, including but not being limited to, confidence, ability to work and communicate with others as a part of a team, better time management, and increased professionalism, all whilst allowing you to earn a little money.

Now, I understand that spending one’s free time working might not exactly be an appealing concept, and I’m not saying that you should work every summer or even all summer, but there are some unique benefits to be had from living the working experience.

For students straight out of high school, looking to move on to college, summer jobs can Ashley Anthony be a great way to experience working with others outside of a school experience. You are given responsibilities and it requires a significant amount of maturity and independence to complete these efficiently. Time management comes in when the onus is on you to determine which tasks are most important, which can be done together to reduce time wastage, and how to complete the most within a day. Time management improves with practice, and is an extremely valuable skill in higher education, where students are expected to almost be self-reliant. Confidence is built when you put yourself into a new environment and realise that despite the challenges you are able to overcome, and succeed.

Even if your summer job is working as a cashier, every new skill mastered brings some feeling of accomplishment: even if that skill is learning how to hold your tongue with a particularly loud customer. Furthermore, part-time jobs are something to add to a resume in the future. Although they might not be related to your field of study, it’s definitely better than nothing, and they show that you have had experience working in a professional environment before. Jobs can even help you discover things about yourself that you didn’t know. Maybe you work exceedingly well under pressure, you’re inventive, or maybe you love working with numbers, but you’ve never known because you’ve never been in a situation where these things were required of you.

Finally, summer jobs can introduce you to people of all walks of life: different ages, different communities and different beliefs. It’s good to meet people and interact with them so that you can learn about new perspectives, and challenge your own ideas and stances about issues.

Having said all of this, it’s still completely okay if you’d prefer to spend the time at home with family, friends, or even a caring pet. But there’s also nothing wrong with giving it a chance. You might like it more than you expected.

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Soesdyke fatal accident Govt to accelerate housing drive victim remains unidentified ─ Sunset Lake among owners of large unused land taken to court

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─ Cop’s file with DPP

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he late pedestrian who over the weekend was fatally struck down by a vehicle driven by a police rank while escorting an injured colleague to hospital remains unidentified.

A reliable source disclosed on Tuesday that the case file is with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who will soon determine if charges would be laid against the police constable whose vehicle had struck the pedestrian in the wee hours of Sunday morning while the victim was crossing the Public Road at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The pedestrian had sustained severe head injuries, and was picked up and placed in another vehicle with the previously injured police rank, and both were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. But en route to the EBD facility, medical personnel had pronounced the unidentified man dead.

Guyana Times understands that, once the DPP consents, the policeman will be charged in the new week.

The first accident occurred

The Allion motor car, PPP 8497, that struck the pedestrian at Soesdyke, EBD

on the Timehri Public Road, EBD when Constable Gavin Gentle lost control of his motorcar, PTT 5444, and it crashed into a utility pole.

The constable implicated in the pedestrian’s death had arrived on scene and was in the process of transporting Constable Gentle for medical attention in his privately owned motorcar, Toyota Allion PPP 8497, when he struck down the man.

It was claimed by police that just before the fatal accident, the Allion motor car of the implicated constable was being escorted by

a police vehicle with flashing lights and sounding siren. According to information received, the driver of PPP 8497 had allegedly swerved from the pedestrian, who was said to be in the centre of the road, but he was struck down by the constable’s car. The driver of PPP 8497 had been detained, and tests reportedly revealed that no alcohol was traced on his breath.

The dead man’s body is currently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

Investigations into both matters are continuing.

n an effort to provide more Guyanese with affordable homes, Government, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) of the Communities Ministry, is continuing with its housing drive, constructing several houses at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara; Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara; HopeExperiment, West Berbice; and Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Lelon Saul, has disclosed that, before yearend, the authority hopes to engage private developers with the intention of building more homes in the areas identified.

While he could not immediately state how much of the authority’s budget has already been spent on construction of these houses, he did say the money would all be spent before the end of the financial year.

“What I can assure you (is that) the (sums of money) that are allocated for the

Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Lelon Saul

actual construction, we anticipate (that) by the end of the year most of it will be spent or committed,” Saul said, while explaining that the contract for the construction of 40 duplexes at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara was due to be opened on Monday at the CH&PA’s Tender Board.

Government has committed to forge ahead with its programme of establishing cohesive communities in which serviced lots; other social infrastructure and ame-

nities, including green spaces, parks and recreational facilities, are provided to ensure an improved quality of life.

In 2016, Minister Valerie Adams Patterson, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, had said that infrastructure works in existing housing schemes, including the installation of electricity and provision of potable water, will continue.

The Government had announced that, as part of expanding Guyana’s housing drive -- which actually started under the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration -- more focus will be placed on ensuring that young people acquire their own homes.

Large unused land

CEO of the CH&PA, Lelon Saul, has said the authority has moved to take the owners of large unused properties to court, including a company closely linked to Bai Shan Lin - Sunset Lake. turn to page 9

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wednesDAY, august 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Remanded on illegal gun, ammo charges

Accused fish depot bandit implicated in multimillion-dollar robbery

By Paula Gomes

M

oments after being remanded by Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman for the illegal possession of one 9mm pistol and matching live ammunition on Monday, Marvin Blackman was arraigned before Georgetown Court Two Magistrate Leron Daly on an indictable offence detailing that on May 20, 2017 at Craig Village, East Bank Demerara (EBD), while in company of others and being armed with a handgun, he robbed Dai Su Cheng of one minibus valued at $2.3 million, fish glue valued $25.7 million, and cellular phones and a quantity of cash to the total value of $28,780,000.

Guyana Times had previously reported that Feyoud Amin, Winston McKenzie and Andre Vieira were in early July arraigned before Magistrate Judy Latchman in relation to the same matter, and were remanded to prison.

Remanded: Marvin Blackman

These three men were also arraigned before Magistrate Latchman on Monday, and were further remanded when the magistrate maintained her position in regard to their being placed on bail, as the prosecutor argued that no special reasons had been advanced by defence counsel for them to be considered for bail.

Prosecutor Harris in-

formed Magistrate Daly’s court that the four suspected bandits will soon be jointly charged with the offence.

Blackman had committed the named offences while being out on bail pending the “Wild Caught Fresh Fish Depot” robbery trial and a series of other armed robbery charges, which are presently ongoing before the courts.

Blackman was late last year charged along with two others – Jason Brotherson and Neesan Benny – for allegedly robbing Shane Robin of $560,000 in cash and fishing equipment to a total value of $2,560,000, on December 2, 2016 at Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara.

According to media reports, on the day in question, one bandit was shot

by Police while another was apprehended and a third made good his escape following the burglary.

The injured bandit was shot to both of his legs by Police ranks who respond-

ed to the report of a robbery at the fish depot at about 00:45h. Blackman was apprehended at the site, and according to reports, ranks of the Guyana Police Force found him hiding in the ceiling.

Blackman was remanded to prison until August 28, 2017.

Blackman is the son of slain waitress Deborah Blackman, who was shot in April 2014 when bandits stormed the Delicious Chinese Restaurant on D’Urban Street, Georgetown.

This matter is being heard before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who according to media reports had recently rebuked Defence Counsel Melvin Duke (who represents prime suspect Shelton George) for failing to properly notify her of his desire to have an adjournment in the murder Preliminary Inquiry (PI), thereby causing a delay in the process of dispensing justice.

Timehri woman arraigned for selling car in joint ownership ….while (joint) owner vacationed overseas

N

icole Munroe denied the charge when it was read by Magistrate Judy Latchman:- that between April 29, 2017 and May 30, 2017, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, she allegedly obtained from virtual complainant (VC) Quincy McEwan $700,000 cash by falsely pretending that she

was in a position to sell motor car PPP 2321, knowing same to be false.

According to defence Attorney Tiffany Jeffrey, the forty-seven-year-old accused is unemployed but has a fixed place of residence at Timehri, on the East Bank of Demerara. She also is a first offender with no previous or

pending matters before the courts.

Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, in briefing the court on the facts of the case, revealed that Munroe and a named third party, Michelle Francis, are joint owners of the controversial motor car which was reportedly sold to the VC unknown to Francis,

who was out of the country at the time.

Upon her return to the country, Francis made a report to the Police, causing the defendant to be arrested and charged with the present offence. Bail was fixed at the sum of $150,000, and the case stands adjourned until September 4, 2017.

Chickens…

Y

…roosting in Charlottesville

our Eyewitness wonders why some are surprised at what played out at Charlottesville, with white nationalists openly marching to protest the removal of the statue of General Robert E. Lee. After all, who was Robert E. but the general who led the Confederate troops to defend their “right” to own slaves.

The moment you understand that fact, everything should fall into place.

Can you imagine folks insisting that Africans should’ve continued being chattel property of whites, and being willing to fight a Civil War to defend that “right”? Well, Lee was invited to join the forces fighting to free the slaves -- the Union Army -- but REFUSED, and the rest, as they say, is history.

But that history obviously isn’t settled, is it? If Lee and the Confederate Army were DEFEATED by the Union Army, how come statues of Lee were allowed to be erected, and so many parks and public buildings are named after him? Not to mention, the Confederate flag is flying over so many of the said institutions into the present. This is tantamount to allowing statues of Hitler being erected in Germany after WWII, and having the Swastika of the Third Reich flying over public buildings there!!

When you come to think of it, what was allowed to take place in the South was WORSE than that. In Germany, the millions of Jews that Hitler and the Nazis gassed weren’t American citizens; but the African slaves that Lee and his South wanted to keep in slavery were!

But that Lee: he himself owned slaves, and the records show he was a particularly nasty sort.

Fast forward to the future, and you should also understand the depth of the racism that still resides in the hearts of so many white Americans. And it’s not only in the South; that is merely the lightning rod, because of the symbols of racism that were allowed to stand for so long. In the North, these symbols were never erected, but the racism was there - in the hearts of so many. And that is even more insidious, because it thus became structural: framed in the everyday actions of those in power, and even those in the streets.

And it is ultimately this racism that lies at the heart of Trump’s ascension to the American presidency. This is the demographic -- now dubbed the Alt-right -- that made the racism respectable. First they came for the Muslims, then they came for immigrants; but the tip-off was they only came for the non-white immigrants.

Now with Charlottesville behind them, it’s OK to come after African Americans --who were their targets all along!

…roosting on the Hezekiah Doctrine

Your Eyewitness is also surprised so many Guyanese are upset that Government isn’t releasing the details of the oil contract with Exxon. After all, didn’t Trotman explain that decision based on the “Hezekiah Doctrine”??

Remember that, you inattentive reader, you!? Pressed a year ago, Trotman recounted the story of King Hezekiah exposing the riches of his nation to the Syrians, after which the prophet Isaiah accosted him for exposing all his possessions, telling him that all will be lost.

Trotman let on -- Wink! Wink! -- that he, being a modern-day Isaiah, would’ve advised our King…sorry, President… David, that revealing the details of the Exxon contract would’ve alerted our enemy, the Venezuelans, to “all our oil possessions”, and precipitated those Venezuelan hordes to scale our Walls of Ankoko!

But hold it! Doesn’t Venezuela already know about the size of the reserves? And the 2% royalty? And the 50% of “profits”?

What’s the secret?

…roosting in garbage

Town Clerk King just revealed the City can sue the contractors now that they’ve stopped collecting garbage, demanding they get paid the $300 million they’re owned!!

Seems Cevons and Puran didn’t read the fine print of the contract! Which obviously was inspired by the Meters Contract!!

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

News

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wednesDAY, august 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Emerging oil and gas industry

Guyana has a chance to experience real growth – Minister

A

s Guyana prepares for production of oil in 2020, there has been much debate about whether the country struck a good enough deal with US oil giant ExxonMobil and what could have been done to secure a better deal, given the enormity of the oil find in this South American country.

The question in relation to whether Guyana secured a good or bad deal was avoided by Senior Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Monday, when he was asked the question at a press conference. He said while the deal has already been made, Guyana still has a chance to experience real growth.

“We can discuss this over and over, but I believe the positive that you can take away is that we now have resources coming to Guyana that can finally put

Guyana on the path to sustained high-end development, where two per cent and three per cent can become things of the past.”

The Minister noted however, that it also depends on how well the country uses these resources, lamenting that it is a complete waste of time to argue whether or not Guyana may have received a good or bad deal. He said that what is now important is for Guyanese to look to the future with hope for development.

Jordan stated clearly, “It is not for me to be happy or unhappy.” However, he said Cabinet has the ultimate and collective responsibility to approve documents and the ExxonMobil contract was discussed and a determination was made as to what percentage of profits Government should get.

The Minister point-

ed out that the coalition Government did not have full control over what kind of deal Guyana secured, because the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government were the ones who initially negotiated the contract with

ExxonMobil and accepted a one per cent royalty fee.

“With all this issue about good deal and so on, you are making an assumption that

we renegotiated the contract. That contract was already in place; we inherited that contract,” Jordan affirmed.

Asked whether he thinks it was a badly negotiated deal, Jordan deflected from the question and was quick to point out that the then Government may have negotiated based on what was available to them then. “At the time when this deal was put together by the last Government, you have to ask what cards did we hold. Did we know anything was under there?” he further questioned.

Guyana is poised to make huge profits from the oil industry, with the country projected to produce an es-

timated 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Annual profits, based on an average price of US$50 per barrel, could reach some G$45 billion annually, Guyanese financial analyst, Sasenarine Singh has said.

Singh said this figure was based on his assessment of the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Guyana, which stated that the revenue-sharing agreement sets the Government’s share at 50 per cent of “profit oil”.

The IMF has further stated that 75 per cent of total oil revenues will initially be allocated for cost recovery, and the Government’s share will be 12.5 per cent. Singh said based on his understanding of how the oil recovery mechanism would work, this can be the status quo for approximately 10 years.

The IMF has however

warned the country against any excessive borrowing or an exorbitant increase in public spending ahead of the signalled start of commercial production in 2020

by ExxonMobil and its partners offshore Guyana in the Stabroek bloc.

The international body welcomed the authorities’ plans to establish a comprehensive framework for managing oil wealth, and stressed the importance of having a transparent and rules based framework in place before oil production starts.

Exxon’s oil find in Guyana has attracted international attention, with a number of seminars being held over time. In addition, assistance is being provided by the IMF to boost Guyana’s administrative capacity to handle the expected inflow of revenue.

Man admits threatening to “pay someone to kill” neighbour – gets 2 weeks suspended sentence

A

resident of La Grange, West Bank Demerara, was late last week handed a conditional imprisonment sentence of two weeks when he appeared before West Demerara Magistrate, Rushell Liverpool.

Jaitoon Baksh admitted that on August 1, 2017, at La Grange, he made use of

threatening language toward his neighbour, Armin Cook, saying that he would “pay someone to kill” her.

He made the death threats during a drunken tirade during the afternoon period of the day in question. According to Cook, it was a normal occurrence for her neighbour to utter such remarks whenever he

Govt to accelerate...

Saul has said that for the most part, the terms and conditions of the agreement of sale between these property owners and the CH&PA were not being adhered to, and legal action has been filed against Sunset Lakes, whose directors have since changed hands. Saul notes that it is now up to the court to make the decisions.

“The principals have changed because they sold the company. The fact is there are new directors of the company, and it is the company that we are pursuing,” he

consumes alcohol.

“We were taking two drinks and I did not know what I was saying,” the accused admitted during his arraignment at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Cook noted that on a previous occasion, Police ranks came to his La Grange premises and warned him to refrain from

from page 7

stated.

While the CEO did not completely rule out Government regaining those lands, he did point out that the judicial system is “slothful” and the matter may take some time.

The Chinese Development Bank had earlier this year asked Guyana not to dispose of lands once held by Bai Shan Lin Forest Developers Inc, since it is looking to secure finance to recapitise loans owned by that company. Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

told the Parliament in April that there are no activities ongoing on the two concessions formerly belonging to Bai Shan Lin Forest Developers -which total 180,000 hectares -- since the agreements were not renewed after their expiry last year.

The total size of the concessions, including joint ventures, is 680,000 hectares.

It has also been reported that the five joint ventures that Bai Shan Lin had ‘illegally’ entered into with local companies were revoked and the lands seized.

his behaviour but when the ranks left, “he cuss up”, the

woman pointed out.

Magistrate Liverpool

before handing down her decision expressed that drinking was “no excuse” for such behaviour. She therefore told the accused that his two-week suspended sentence will be in place for one year. Should Baksh repeat a similar offence, he will be incarcerated for the said period in addition to possible additional penalties imposed by the presiding Magistrate. He was released and ordered to keep the peace.

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wednesdAY, august 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Second phase of Kitty seawall sinkhole repair on stream

T

he second phase of the Kitty seawall sinkhole repair project is 20 percent completed, and the entire project is expected to be completed by year-end.

This is according to Sherod Parkinson, senior engineer of the project, who, in an interview with the Department of Public Information, explained that the one-month-old project has entered its second phase.

This stage includes work on the Sandel Place end of road (Vlissengen Road), where a box culvert is being built for effective drainage. “With good weather, the second phase should be completed in the next two weeks,” Parkinson declared.

The sinkhole came into being last December after three pipes feeding the Kitty pump station failed. Repairs subsequently began in January 2017.

The project has three phases: the first entails works on the seawall road; the second deals with the section of road going towards Vlissengen Road and Carifesta Avenue; and the third will see construction of a roundabout at the junction where Carifesta

The Magnificent Five

S

Works being carried out on phase two of the Kitty seawall sinkhole project on Vlissengen Road

Avenue, Rupert Craig Highway and Vlissengen Road meet.

A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a centre island.

Geoffrey Vaughn, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of

Public Infrastructure, has said the completed repairs would enable drivers to reach their destinations effortlessly, and reduce the amount of traffic travelling on the East Coast, Carifesta Avenue, or in the vicinity of Kitty.

atiricus was quite excited. Here it was, he’d always been hearing about the “Magnificent 7”, those seven mysterious gunmen who’d gone into the poor town to rescue the inhabitants after that dastardly robber baron had slaughtered so many folks.

They’d tried to prevent him stealing their yellow gold in the ground. But here it was, our own Guyanese “Magnificent Five” had just ridden into the heart of Texas to take on that nefarious robber baron Nexxon, who was threatening to steal the black gold under our seas.

“Well, you have to understand: they didn’t ACTUALLY ride into Texas,” Satiricus explained to the fellas at the Back Street Bar. “They flew first class.

But it’s the bravery that counts!”

“Suh leh me anderstaan dis,” began Bungi slowly as he chugged his beer. “Dis “Magnivicent Five” fly all de way to Texas fuh do wha?”

“Well, to let nasty Nexxon understand that we have people who will protect our interests!” said Satiricus sternly.

“Did they renegotiate the royalties,” asked Hari.

“Or the profit split?”

“You don’t understand international negotiations, Hari,” said Satiricus. “Our Magnificent Five just wanted to make a point.”

“An’ wha’ da pint?” asked Bungi, querulously.

“That even though it took SEVEN American gunslingers to save that Mexican mining town,” said Satiricus proudly, “we only needed FIVE gunslingers to go into Texas to take on the oil barons!”

“Suh if abee na get mo’ money fuh abee ile, how da help abee?” Bungi persisted.

“It’s the SYMBOLISM, Bungi,” said Satiricus, rolling his eyes. “Our Magnificent Five flew in first class, slept in their 5-star hotel, went to their airconditioned oil baron headquarters, and came out undaunted.”

“Well, I heard they came out noticeably heavier after their five-course lunch,” pointed out Hari sourly.

“That’s the point, Hari,” said Satiricus. “Even after all that, our Magnificent Five still didn’t choose to become illegal immigrants! They returned home!”

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wednesDAY, august 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sleepin investor denies knowledge of SOCU probe – says ‘vendetta’ afoot

C

lifton Bacchus, the owner of Sleepin and a prospective investor in the casino business, has hit back against reports that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has him under investigation for money laundering.

Bacchus denied he was ever approached by SOCU. He stated that the reports, which first appeared in the State media on Tuesday, were deliberately sensationalised and suggested that someone was carrying out a vendetta against him.

“SOCU has never made any contact with me, to date, whatsoever. As far as I am aware, SOCU has not made contact with any person close to me in relation to the Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc.” Sleepin’s Church Street branch has been making preparations for quite some time to set up a casino. Under the law, only three casinos are allowed in each region in Guyana. For Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Ramada Princess has one, while another has been earmarked for

SOCU head Sydney James

The Sleepin hotel

“I read with absolute shock the blazing and bold headlines.

There was a special effort and a deliberate intent to sensationalise that story. From the article, I learnt for the first time that I, my company and a number of associates are subjects of a money laundering investigation being conducted by SOCU,” the businessman said in a statement responding to the reports.

the Marriott Hotel at Kingston.

Sleepin has sought the third one.

With a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) made with the previous Government being cast aside by the coalition Government, after being rejected initially by the Gaming Authority, Bacchus had reapplied for a licence.

Noting that this application is currently being processed,

Bacchus asserted that additional financial information was requested and is being provided to go along with his application to the Gaming Authority.

Bacchus was adamant that the documents he submitted to the Gaming Authority establish the source of his capital financing. According to the businessman, his sources of finance include loans from local commercial banks and an overseas investor, which were secured by mortgages.

“These documents are all filed as of record with the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority.

Copies have been submitted to the Gaming Authority. If SOCU requires them, I will gladly supply copies to them. However, as I

indicated, they have never made contact.”

“In the circumstances, it is clear to me, that some highly placed person, in Government, is executing an agenda of malice and vendetta against me with the intention of tarnishing my reputation, stigmatising my business and jeopardising my investments. I am fortified in this view because the Government’s newspaper is being used to do so.”

According to the businessman, the situation is causing irreparable damage to the perception of Guyana being open to investment. Bacchus expressed the hope that this was not an official position of a government being uninterested in job creation but interested in publicly humiliating investors.

“After all, which investor will want to invest in a country in which they will be exposed to this level of embarrassment, trauma and reputational damage?”

In the report, SOCU head Sydney James was quoted as saying that Bacchus and “a number of associates” have been under investigation since July 2016. He had also related that information for financial and other assets was sourced through court orders. In addition, he had said that statutory agencies were approached for “pertinent” information.

This was contained in a letter he wrote in response to a letter from head of the Gaming

Sleepin owner Clifton Bacchus

Authority, Roysdale Forde. It was reported that in the letter, Forde had requested information on the businessman, as it was reviewing his application for a licence.

It is understood that in order to qualify for a licence, casino operators must prove that they are financially sound. The failure to provide certain documents had been used by the authority as justification for the initial refusal.

Bacchus has always maintained that his enterprise is solely funded by above-board sources.

SOCU has faced much criticism from the political Opposition that it has not operated in an objective manner, but has rather gone after persons due to political affiliations with the previous Administration.

12 news

wednesDAY, august 16, 2017 | gu

Amazon Warriors team Plaisance Orphanage … GTT takes CPL craze to St John’s Bosco Boys Home

W

The Guyana Amazon Warriors meeting the students of the St John’s Bosco Orphanage

ith Guyana set to host the local leg of the “Biggest party in sport” main sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors – GTT – on Tuesday took the Hero CPL craze to a Plaisance orphanage, as the

full Warriors’ squad joined in on a visit to the institution.

This is after being home for just about one day, but nevertheless the Guyanese team took time off from their hectic schedule to visit the St John’s Bosco

Orphanage in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

During their time at the institution, scores of young enthusiasts attached to the boys home were given the opportunity to interact with not only local players but international cricketers

as well, as they took the fields for a short game of “bat and ball.”

At the end of their interactions, the students present at the ‘meet and greet’ were awarded with tickets to witness the Warriors in action as they take to the Providence National Stadium for the CPL playoffs in Guyana, which will commence on Thursday.

Allision Parker, Public Relations Officer of GTT, was present at the event and indicated that her company is proud to be organisers of what now stands as an unforgettable experience for both the students and players. At the same time, Parker pointed out what turned their attention to the St John’s Bosco Orphange. On that note, she posited, “This is something I’m sure they will remember the rest of their lives and we are indeed happy to be here.”

Continuation on GTT’s contribution to the orphanage through this initiative, the PRO further highlighted that, “There will be 25 of them at the game. I understand that the school has 40 students but 25 of them will be at the games because 25 are in residence right now.” This is compliment of GTT. Meanwhile, one of the star players of the local squad, Sohail Tanveer, thanked GTT for organising such a memorable encounter and expressed delight on his team’s behalf for inviting the Amazon Warriors to participate in the visit to the orphanage.

Moreover, the left arm pace bowler hailed the St John’s Bosco Orphanage for their great work in catering for the lesser fortunate Guyanese youth and extended well wishes to the boys attached to the home.

“We are very thankful to GTT for organising such a beautiful event. We all enjoyed out time

Members of the Warriors squad playing cric

here with the kids,” relayed the Pakista eter.

Tanveer went on to say that, “It’s a ganisation for the orphan kids and I’ happy to be a part of this event.”

Bursting with excitement from his e with the Guyana Amazon Warriors wa dent of the home, who conveyed his app to GTT and the local team for the time the institution. The young man also tha collaborating parties for affording them portunity to be a part of the games.

The St John’s Bosco Orphanage is c

st 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

am visits e

news

India pledges continued support to Guyana – during independence anniversary celebration

A

s the Republic of India celebrated its 71st independence anniversary, the country has pledged its continued support towards Guyana’s development.

The promise was made on Tuesday by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, when dignitaries and Indian nationals converged at the Indian Culture Centre in Bel Air, Georgetown to celebrate the country’s independence anniversary.

ure here, India/Guyana bilateral relations have seen all-round improvement in the political, cultural, educational, economic and educational spheres. Regardless of the political parties in power, India’s relation has been strong over the years since Guyana became independence in 1966. India has been playing a significant role as a reliable partner to Guyana by committing itself particularly towards the development of its programmes,” Mahalingham said.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam

squad playing cricket with the boys of the St John’s Bosco Orphanage

ayed the Pakistani crick-

say that, “It’s a great orhan kids and I’m really his event.” ement from his encounter zon Warriors was a stuconveyed his appreciation eam for the time spent at ung man also thanked the or affording them the opf the games. o Orphanage is currently

the home of 42 boys between the ages of five and 15 and has, over the years, seen the support of local phone company, GTT. This partnership between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and GTT is one in a line of activities which will be undertaken by the local squad while on home turf for this year’s CPL tournament.

The students of the St John’s Bosco Orphanage will be joining the games on Saturday, as the Guyana Warriors face off against their longstanding rivals, the Trinbago Knight Riders, in what promises to be a heated showdown.

13

A section of the gathering on Tuesday at the Indian Cultural Centre

According to the High Commissioner, who spoke on behalf of the country’s Prime Minister, India has over the years been a major player and partner in Guyana’s development.

“During the less than three years of my ten-

According to the Indian High Commissioner, India has committed to provide a US$81.5 million soft loan in its line of credit and US$9

million grant for various projects, such as the building of link roads between the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara; the upgrading of three primary

hospitals and the setting up of a centre of excellence in Guyana. He said his country has already partnered with Guyana in the past in building the Cricket Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

He said trade and economic relations between the countries have deepened significantly and have also seen broaden relations particularly in the mining, forestry, education and pharmaceutical sectors.

India’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15, as a national holiday, commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom.

14 news

wednesDAY, august 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother of 3 critical – knocked down by speeding car at Success

P

ulmattie Ramotar of Lot 290 Sixth Street Success, East Coast Demerara was on Tuesday morning run over by a speeding car on the village public road as she reportedly was attempting to cross the East Coast Demerara thoroughfare on her way to the Mon Repos Market.

Rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital with injuries to her head and other parts of the body, the 52-year-old mother of

three is said to be in an unresponsive and critical condition there.

Relatives of the injured woman relayed to this publication that medical examinations and scans were administered to her head as doctors attempted to determine whether her brain had been damaged.

The driver of the allegedly speeding car has been taken into police custody, where he remains as investigations continue.

Wakapao man killed by falling tree – which he was cutting at the time

T

wenty-three-year-old Kevin Fredricks of the Lower Pomeroon village of Wakapao in Region Two has been crushed by a huge tree he was felling at Glenhorse, Lower Pomeroon on Monday at about 11:15hrs.

Reports are that Fredricks, who only one week ago obtained employment as a “saw man” with businessman Clinton

Alphonso, sustained injuries to his shoulders, arms and lower body when the tree fell on him. He was discovered in an injured state by his uncle, Marlon France, and was immediately rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity, where doctors pronounced him dead.

His body is presently at the Suddie Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

(Indra Nathram)

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wednesDAY, august 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Boyfriend remanded for APNU/AFC’s obsession

Canje teen’s murder

– ‘we are all equal but some are more equal than others’

I

n George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the premise that all are equal, but some are more equal is promoted as a political model for democracy.

It was, of course, a repugnant concept intended solely to consolidate an authoritarian State. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government since May 2015 seems particularly obsessed Dr Leslie Ramsammy with this preposterous political model.

While preaching equality and national unity, they sow discord and division, practice overt discrimination and position a small cabal as the appointed beneficiary of the State’s largess.

This past week the constant bombardment of the citizens of Guyana with reprehensible statements from APNU/AFC’s Ministers continued without any sign of abatement. Ridiculous and obscene statements are not rare for this Government. Not a day passes without a particularly obnoxious statement from an APNU/AFC Minister. One thing is certain – each of their heinous statements seems to unapologetically promote the Orwellian concept that all are equal, but some are more equal.

Consider the recent insult of the Guyanese citizens by Minister Jordan, the Finance Minister, this past week, when he asserted that it “makes no sense for Guyanese to continue lamenting on whether Guyana may have a good or bad deal with Exxon”. These are his words and reflect absolutely the perspective of APNU/AFC. In different words, Minister Trotman, Attorney General Basil Williams, Prime Minister Nagamootoo and others have essentially lectured the nation, instructing us all to accept the Exxon Deal, as negotiated by a small group. They argue that even if the deal is inimical to the interest of the Guyanese people, it should be of no concern to the citizens. To them, the only people who have a right to know the deal and whether the deal is good or bad are the people Granger and his Cabinet have selected.

The rest must accept the consequences, good or bad. This is the essential argument of the Orwellian concept of “we are all equal, just that some are more equal”. But it is also the classical line of dictators, old and new. It is no different from how the old People’s National Congress (PNC) and Burnham operated in Guyana before 1992. It smacks of unaccountability and is a tantrum aimed against those who have called for transparency. Negotiating a deal for Guyana means that those who were entrusted with the responsibility must inform the citizens of its contents before it becomes a reality. There is not only a moral and legitimate responsibility to publish the deal; there is a legal expectation that the citizens must be aware of how this is a deal on behalf of Guyana and not just a cabal. This is modern Guyana trying to consolidate a free and democratic country, not Animal Farm.

This Jordan nonsense and diatribe is consistent with the statement by the President himself several weeks ago when the Chief Justice pronounced that Granger’s interpretation of the Constitution in respect to the selection of the GECOM Chairman was wrong. The Chief Justice did not make up the argument. She listed and read the arguments proposed by AG Williams and others and by the former AG, Anil Nandlall. She declared that the Constitution is clear and that the Leader of the Opposition has the authority and the only authority to select a group of fit and proper persons which list may include or exclude Judges and that the next chair can only come from the list proposed by the Leader of the Opposition. Granger’s response was that the Judge made per pronouncement based on her interpretation and that he will act in accordance with his interpretation. In other words, the Judge may be an equal citizen, but Granger is above the law and, therefore, more equal.

Let us not neglect the statement by Minister Keith Scott that too many of the security guards in the country are elderly people. This might very well be true. But Scott and his colleagues in APNU/AFC have no moral right to bemoan this fact. This Government is totally one that is made of mostly old, geriatric men. The Cabinet is dominated by old men, men who have long surpassed the old-age pension eligibility age. The President has a number of retirees working for super salaries as advisors. Heads of important agencies and departments are being recruited from among retirees with allegiance to the APNU/AFC machinery, even as younger, more professionally qualified people are being discarded.

Truth is this is a dictatorship and every statement emanating from their mouths further consolidate APNU/AFC’s premise of governance – the Orwellian steaming garbage: we are equal, but the APNU/AFC cabal is more equal.

Dead: Parbattie Lakhpal, also called ‘Rosanna’

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he prime suspect in the Number Two Canje teenager’s murder was on Tuesday remanded when he appeared before a Berbice Magistrate, where he was arraigned for the capital offence.

The accused, 25-yearold Ryan Singh, was not required to plea to the indict-

able charge when it was read to him at the Sisters Magistrate’s Court, on the East Bank of Berbice by Magistrate Alex Moore.

It is alleged that on July 29, 2017, at Number Two Village, East Canje, Berbice, he murdered 16-year-old Parbattie Lakhpal, also called “Rosanna”.

The defendant, who was not represented, will have to return to court on September 26, when the prosecution is expected to report on the progress of the file. The case has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

The teenager’s lifeless body was discovered by a visitor to the home at Lot 369 North Number Two Village, Canje, lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

An autopsy performed on the body gave the teen’s cause of death as shock and hemorrhage as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

The duo reportedly met over Facebook and the murder accused subsequently moved in with Lakhpal who was 15 years old at the time.

Neighbours reportedly complained to Lakhpal’s mother that Singh was abusing her daughter every time they were alone.

It had been reported that Singh and the now dead girl had frequent fights and three days before her demise, the girl’s mother demanded that he leave the home. Singh was unemployed and was not required to pay a rent.

Guyana Times understands that the 25-year-old Singh was “put out of the home” because he reportedly had not been making attempts to find a job.

Singh was arrested

by Police authorities in Nickerie, Suriname last week and subsequently handed over to local law enforcement authorities in Guyana.

Remanded: 25-year-old murder accused, Ryan Singh

Meanwhile, outside of the court, Singh told reporters that he did not commit the act and that the dead girl’s mother should go and look for the real killer.

Asked why he fled to Suriname, Singh said he was working there.

As he was being taken away, he told the mother of the dead teen, “Love you, Mums”.

Taxi driver busted with 5 pounds ganja – taped parcels found on back seat

A

taxi driver of Kuru Kururu, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is being processed for court after a mobile police pa-

trol, acting on a tip-off, intercepted his vehicle on the Friendship Public Road, EBD at about 18:20hrs on Monday and found more

than two kilos of compressed marijuana therein.

According to the police, the four taped parcels of compressed cannabis,

weighing approximately five pounds, were in a box on the back seat of the vehicle. The driver was the lone occupant of the vehicle.

Bandits terrorise, rob Coffee Bean customers A t around 12:00h on Tuesday, two armed men stormed the Coffee Bean Café on Church Street, Georgetown, and robbed two men of over $2 million in cash and valuables, after apparently trailing them from Scotia Bank.

The men were also gun butted during the incident.

The Police said that around 11:00h, two men; one Guyanese and a Malaysian, left Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, and ventured into the capital city to transact business. The men went to Scotia Bank, withdrew a sum of $1.2

million, and then ventured to the Coffee Bean Café to grab lunch when they were accosted while waiting on their order.

While waiting on their lunch, the suspects approached and held them at gunpoint and robbed them of their wallets and phones.

One of the bandits then dealt one of the victims a blow to his head with the gun and took away the car keys after which they proceeded to the car and took out the said $1.2 million.

The two men were relieved of five cellular phones valued $555,000 and $1.25

The entrance to the Coffee Bean Café on Church Street

million along with various documents. The Police said they were unable to identify the perpetrators who made

good their escape in a waiting car.

Police investigations are ongoing.

12-year-old Linden girl reportedly raped by taxi driver

P

olice in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are on the hunt for a male suspect in relation to the alleged rape of a 12-yearold girl, which took place on the evening of Saturday, August 12.

Reports are that the 12 year-old girl, who reportedly attended an event with three of her friends, caught a taxi referred to as a ‘$100 dollar car’ or ‘short drop car’ at Co-op Crescent,

Mackenzie, around 22:00h in an effort to get to her home at Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

However, upon reaching the area, the taxi driver reportedly passed the stops where the child and her friends were expected to get out. The three friends who were seated in the back seat reportedly forced their way out of the car, leaving the victim who was seated in the front seat and who was wearing her seat belt at the

time, inside.

The victim was reportedly taken to a ‘back road’ area at Lower Kara Kara by the taxi driver where she was forced out of the vehicle and sexually assaulted. The suspect reportedly then dropped the victim off at the Kara Kara Bridge where she was left to walk home. Family members of the victim, who were said to be looking for her after her friends alerted them as to what transpired, then

took her to the Police station, thence to the Linden Hospital for medical examination. The results of the medical examination proved that the victim was sexually assaulted. Police reportedly took statements in relation to the matter.

However, the suspect has been eluding the lawmen. Officers are said to have visited the home of the suspect and an area where he frequents but he remains in hiding. (Utamu Belle)

16

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wednesDAY, august 16, 2017

News

Mystery aircraft seized in Region 9

Brazilian, Venezuelan IDs found onboard ... aircraft origin still to be determined – Crime Chief

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he multi-taskforce investigative team dispatched to investigate circumstances leading to abandonment of an illegal twin engine Beechcraft aircraft on an illegal airstrip in Region 9 (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) has discovered identifying documents belonging to the states of Brazil and Venezuela, and is working to verify the authenticity of those.

Regional and international counterparts have also been contacted to verify the origin of the aircraft.

Acting on information, a team from Police ‘F’ Division visited the area on Sunday and discovered an airstrip

Force, the Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other related agencies has been deployed to the area to conduct an initial investigation.

Harmon noted that this initial assessment is an effort to gather evidence that would assist in investigating the circumstances which have led to the aircraft being abandoned on an illegal airstrip.

He also declared that Government expects a full investigation into this serious national security issue.

According to ‘F’ Division Commander Ravindradat Budhram, having received

The cockpit of the aircraft

that was 5,400 feet long and 45 feet wide. It appeared to have recently been repaired.

Interestingly, this strip had been discovered and destroyed by the GDF only a few years ago. The aircraft landed while the ranks were making their way back to the airstrip. They reported that they saw some persons running into the bush.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told this publication police are trying to verify the origin of the aircraft, and whether any criminal records are associated with the identifying documents found on the aircraft. Although initial reports had stated that the illegal twin engine Beechcraft is of Colombian origin, new information surfacing has indicated that it is registered to Brazil’s third largest bank, Banco Bradesco. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has reported receiving this information, and is working with its Brazilian counterparts to determine whether the plane is indeed registered in Brazil.

State Minister Joseph Harmon, in a statement issued late Monday night, said a team comprising members from the Guyana Defence

from an unnamed source information that the airstrip was being utilised, investigating ranks visited the site, and were leaving the area when they observed an aircraft circling some distance away. The aircraft landed while the ranks were making their way back to the airstrip, and ranks have reported seeing some persons running into the bush.

Following discovery of the plane, a Joint Services team mounted an extensive search for the men who had been observed fleeing, and that search continues.

Budhram noted that a search of the area unearthed three abandoned camps in which canned food and other items were found.

Additionally, sixteen10-gallon containers which are suspected to have contained aviation fuel were also discovered. During the search of the aircraft, several pieces of communication equipment, including cellular phones, flashlights, a quantity of dried rations, medical supplies and an identification card were discovered.

Increasing airspace coverage Government

has

said

The twin engine Beechcraft aircraft

that because of the vast land and air space, Guyana is particularly vulnerable to transnational security threats, and work is ongoing with both local and international partners to build capacity and strengthen security in relation to monitoring the airspace and landmass.

“The Government is extremely concerned. We are concerned that these aircraft are utilising our large gaps in the security coverage in the hinterland areas; but we are looking carefully to see how we can have a proper coverage of those areas,” Harmon said.

The Minister of State also said Government recognises that there are those who, over a period of years, have taken advantage of the lack of adequate resources to properly monitor those areas.

Harmon also declared the administration is taking this

Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) global plan for the seamless transition of flights through the world’s airspace.

At the launching of that initiative, then Transport Minister Robeson Benn had said the project is a significant achievement for the transport sector, more so the aviation sector, as the demands have been growing over the years.

He also said the project provides a more advanced means of air surveillance and air safety.

In October 2015, then Director General of the GCAA, Chitranie Heeralall, told an Aviation Conference that Guyana would begin monitoring its entire airspace the following month, but would be unable to spot illegal aircraft, since a radar system is required to so do.

Government had said a radar system was too expensive to acquire and maintain.

FLASHBACK: GDF ranks removing the plastic lining from one of three dugout trenches near the suspected illegal airstrip

matter very seriously, and is making every effort to better equip the security forces and strengthen its capacity to secure Guyana’s territory.

The GCAA had, in 2014, installed the Automatic Dependence Surveillance Broadcast Project (ADS-B) as part of the International

Harmon also called on Guyanese citizens to play their part in ensuring that illegal activities are reported to the relevant authorities, regardless of the location in which they take place. He noted that it is illegal for any aircraft to land or be in Guyana unless permis-

sion of the Government and the GCAA had first been obtained.

“While we have large expanses of land in the Rupununi that can be used for airstrips, it is illegal to have these airstrips. We should see ourselves playing an important part in our country,” Minister Harmon said.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing, and the aircraft is said to have suffered some mechanical difficulties. The GCAA is working to repair those and have

ployed from Georgetown to conduct investigations in the area, and those investigators had been able to determine that the registration number was bogus.

Moreover, investigators had discovered during interviews with nearby residents that the aircraft had been sighted circling the area on numerous occasions in the past.

Additionally, a number of residents shared information to the effect that “suspicious activity” involving the presence of motorcycles or ATVs

Inside of the aircraft

the aircraft flown to the city.

Just two weeks ago, an illegal airstrip was unearthed about five kilometres West of Santa Fe, Rupununi, Region Nine by members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who were patrolling the area.

The ranks were conducting a reconnaissance mission when they stumbled upon the seeming newly built airstrip. Following a closer inspection of the perimeter of the airstrip, several dug out trenches covered with black plastic and dried branches were found.

Upon removing the plastic and branches, several items were found concealed in the holes, including a chainsaw and fuel drums.

In addition, a ¼ drum of aviation fuel was found at the site.

At least 12 abandoned camps were also found in close proximity to this airstrip. These camps were reportedly used by farmers over a period of time.

In September 2016, a Joint Services patrol discovered an illegal aircraft hidden just off the Yupukari Airstrip in Rupununi. It had United States registration: N-767-Z. A team of investigators from the GDF, GPF, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority was de-

frequenting the area at midnight was taking place.

It was reported that a leak was discovered in the fuel tank of the aircraft.

This, investigators believe, may have caused the aircraft to land in Guyana.

However, it has been reported that one of the local law enforcement agencies was aware of the aircraft at least three weeks before the disclosure was made. It was reported that the security officials were monitoring the aircraft to see if anyone would return to salvage it.

Meanwhile, President David Granger has established a one-man Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe the discovery of the illegal aircraft. Retired Brigadier Edward Collins is to investigate, examine, advise and report on all aspects under which the foreign aircraft had entered the country. During the CoI, public meetings were held in several villages, including Katoka, Kaicumbay, Yupukari and other villages. The CoI proved that the aircraft had entered Guyana illegally.

The illegal twin-engine Cessna aircraft was subsequently flown from Yupukari to Lethem initially, before it was flown to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where it remains to date.

wednesDAY, August 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Trump loudly insists both sides St Lucia to impose to blame for Virginia violence visa restrictions on Venezuelans U S President Donald Trump loudly insisted on Tuesday that both left- and right-wing groups used force in the aftermath of a white supremacist rally and that all of the facts were not yet in about street clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Trump, taking questions from reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, reverted to his initial comments on Saturday blaming “many sides” for the violence, but on Monday had explicitly condemned the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups.

“They came at each oth-

President Trump answers questions about his response to the events in Charlottesville in New York

er with clubs... it was a horrible thing to watch,” Trump told reporters at what was supposed to be an announce-

ment and news conference on his administration’s infrastructure policy. He said left-wing protesters “came

violently attacking the other group.”

Trump has faced a storm of criticism from Democrats and members of his own Republican Party over his initial response to the violence around the rally in the Southern college town of Charlottesville. His remarks on Tuesday began a new round of outrage.

Saturday’s violence erupted after hundreds of white nationalists converged in Charlottesville to protest plans to remove a statue of General Robert E Lee, commander of the pro-slavery Confederate army in the US Civil War. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuban resort upgrades medical tourism services

T

he famous Varadero tourist resort in the western Cuba province of Matanzas has upgraded its international healthcare centre now offering specialized medical services.

The cutting edge technology providing the new services

includes a biochemical analyser providing fast lab tests, digital X-ray and ultrasound equipment.

Other facilities recently opened include an alternative medicine centre, where patients can benefit from massages, take physical exercise,

and receive dietary and anti-stress advice.

A dentistry clinic also offers patients images of the treatment they are being administered. This centre offers all procedures, including prosthesis and maxillofacial surgery.

More complex services now on offer include hemodialysis for visitors who require this treatment.

The tourist resort has over 40 hotels, which provide doctors and nurses, drugstores and medical emergency services. (Caribbean News Now)

T

he St Lucia Government says it is considering imposing visa restrictions on Venezuelans visiting the island as a result of the political situation in the South American country where Opposition forces are seeking to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

“I don’t think that we should make it any easier than the logistics already have for Venezuelans to come here,” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told a news conference, making reference to the increasing number of Venezuela nationals in prison here.

Chastanet said he has asked the Ministry of Immigration to prepare a document in relation to the visa restrictions for consideration by Cabinet.

“Barring any impediment, we will impose it,”

Chastanet said, adding that he remained “deeply concerned” about the security threat to St Lucia and the region from the Venezuela situation.

“If in fact the government is continuing to struggle to maintain law and order in Venezuela, we have seen an increase in the production of drugs coming out of Colombia, people are short of cash and therefore people are bringing drugs and bringing arms to sell in St Lucia and other Caribbean Islands,” Chastanet said.

However, he reiterated St Lucia’s position against foreign intervention in Venezuela.

United States President, Donald Trump, said last Friday that he would not rule out a “military option” to quell the chaos in the South American country.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Modi tells India: Fugitive Brazil singer held in Paris over deadly fight ‘Use resolve to oust Britain 70 years ago F to now end terrorism’ rench Police have arrested Brazilian singer Valterson Ferreira Cantuaria in Paris in connection with a deadly fight.

The singer, better known by his stage name “Toddy Cantuaria”, is suspected of punching an Argentine tourist outside a nightclub in Rio de Janeiro in March.

The tourist, 28-year-old Matías Sebastian Carena, fell to the ground and hit his head. He later died of the head injuries he had sustained as a result of the fight.

Rio police suspect Cantuaria of delivering the blow which knocked Carena out.

The punch-up in the fashionable Ipanema area of the city was captured on CCTV. Local media reported at the time that the fight had broken out in a nightclub

Rio police have been searching for four suspects in connection with the death of Matías Sebastian Carena

over the price of cocktails.

The CCTV footage shows a man punching Carena, who falls to the ground.

Another kicks him, while a third hits him with a crutch.

Rio police issued arrest

warrants for four suspects, among them Cantuaria, who was part of Brazilian band Karametade.

Before he could be arrested, Cantuaria fled to Madrid and from there to

Paris.

Cantuaria is expected to be extradited to Brazil soon where he will go on trial and could face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty. (BBC News)

Saudi Arabia to reopen border with Iraq after 27 years

S

audi Arabia plans to open the Arar border crossing with Iraq for the first time since 1990, according to Saudi local news media and officials.

Abdul Aziz al-Shammari, Saudi charge d’affaires in Baghdad, said on Tuesday “the crossing that will open soon will be dedicated to the transportation of goods”.

The Mecca newspaper reported that Saudi and Iraqi officials toured the site on Monday and spoke with Iraqi religious pilgrims, who had access to the crossing only once annually during

The border was closed after Baghdad and Riyadh cut ties in 1990 [File: Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters]

the Hajj pilgrimage season.

Sohaib al-Rawi, the governor of Iraq’s south-western Anbar province, whose staff was on hand for the ceremonies, said the Iraqi government had deployed

troops to protect the desert route leading to Arar and called its opening a “significant move” to boost ties.

The border was closed after Baghdad and Riyadh cut ties following Iraqi

President Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. The announcement follows a decision by the Saudi cabinet on Monday to establish a joint trade commission with Iraq.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are both wooing their northern neighbour in an effort to halt the growing regional influence of arch-foe Iran.

The Sunni-led Arab Gulf countries have hosted influential Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr for talks with their crown princes in recent weeks, rare visits after years of troubled relations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pleaded for resolve to make an India that was self-reliant and free of nepotism

I

ndia has marked the 70th anniversary of its independence with a military parade and a prime ministerial address from Narendra Modi on corruption, Kashmir and violence in the name of cows.

Indians filled the streets around the Red Fort in old Delhi and monuments in the city’s newer imperial quarter as the nation of 1.3 billion celebrated the anniversary of the day in 1947 when India threw off British colonial rule and the union flag was lowered across the country.

In its place rose the Indian tricolour, a flag flying in abundance on Tuesday, above rickshaws and buildings, and painted on the faces of revellers.

Modi began the day with a traditional address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, challenging Indians

to summon the same conviction they showed during the campaign to evict the British, to tackle the country’s present challenges.

“A collective resolve of the citizens was visible during 1942 to 1947 across the country, which forced the British to quit India within a span of five years,” Modi said in his early-morning address.

“We will have to exhibit the same resolve from now on… to the year 2022.

“Together, we will make an India free of terrorism, communalism and casteism…”

The urgency of that mission was underscored this past week with the deaths of at least 85 children at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh after its oxygen supplies were cut because of unpaid bills, a tragedy Modi said had united the country in “crisis and grief”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, august 16, 2017

ARCHIE

Taking on too much or doubting someone who is sup(March 21- posed to share the brunt of April 19) the work will cause anxiety.

Channel your energy into physical activities that will help ease stress.

ARIES

Participate in events that

TAURUS promote networking. The more (April 20- time you get to spend with peoMay 20) ple who have something to of-

dilbert

fer, the better. Communication will lead to unusual alternatives and positive change.

Don’t be disillusioned GEMINI (May 21- by what others do or say.

June 20) Make your life better by putting more muscle behind the changes you want to make at work or to your personal space.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep private matters a secret. Someone will take advantage of information you share and make you look bad if you aren’t careful. Personal improvement is encouraged.

Don’t exaggerate or brag.

Someone will double-check your story and make you look bad. Stay focused and do what you say. Being prompt and precise will help you excel.

Look at the big picture VIRGO (Aug. 23- and use charm and diplomaSept. 22) cy instead of making assumptions and overreacting. It’s in your best interest to get along and to get things done.

You can spin things in LIBRA your favor if you show dedica(Sept. 23Oct. 23) tion and the ability to reach your goal without outside influence or help. Own what you do to gain respect.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Emotional problems will SCORPIO surface at home or work if (Oct. 24someone isn’t being honest.

Nov. 22) Get your facts straight before you point a finger at anyone.

Avoid taking on too much.

Emotional situations will SAGITTARIUS depend on how you handle (Nov. 23- matters. If you channel your Dec. 21) energy into activities that require physical exertion, you will lessen the likelihood of getting into an argument.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

A meeting, interview or CAPRICORN business trip will have hid(Dec. 22- den costs. If you are negotiJan. 19) ating or signing a contract, read the fine print first. An unusual attraction will surprise you.

Fixing up your home or AQUARIUS purging some of the posses(Jan. 20- sions you no longer use or Feb. 19) need will help you unclutter your space, giving you room to explore new possibilities.

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

Limitations will set in if PISCES you let your emotions take (Feb. 20March 20) charge, resulting in misleading discussions. Reassess your relationships and consider who is a good influence and who isn’t.

wednesDAY, august 16, 2017

Bolt called up for Man U Legends vs Barca – but faces fitness race after hamstring injury

19

Injured Tevez to return to China after Argentina treatment

W

orld's fastest man Usain Bolt could immediately fulfill one post-track and field ambition after being invited to make an appearance for Manchester United Legends against Barcelona Legends on September 2 at Old Trafford.

A well-known supporter of the Red Devils the sprinter has continually spoken of his desire to suit up for the team following his retirement from athletics. Inclusion in the squad to face Bara next month could go a long way in chasing away the blues of a farewell from the sport that did not quite go as planned.

Bolt still faces one major obstacle, however, and that is recovering from a strained hamstring. The 30-year-old sustained the injury during last week's 4x100m relay final at the London IAAF World Championships. Bolt pulled up soon after taking the baton on the final leg as he looked to anchor Jamaica to a gold medal.

Once adamant that he would pursue a career in football once he hung up his spikes the sprinter has been more conservative in recent interviews, stating that he is now just looking forward to a long deserved break.

However, perhaps potentially lining up alongside the likes of Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs could help rekindle those desires, an encounter with someone like former Brazilian and Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho could, however, extinguish them entirely. (SportsMax)

Carlos Tevez

C

Usain Bolt

arlos Tevez has been granted a return to his native Argentina for treatment on a calf injury, but only after agreeing in writing to return to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua before the end of the month.

Speculation has been mounting in local media that the former Manchester United and Juventus forward was attempting to orchestrate a move back to Boca Juniors, who sold the 33-year-old to

Sharapova awarded main Upul Tharanga to lead draw wildcard at US Open Sri Lanka in ODI series F against Indian cricket team

Sri Lanka Test captain Dinesh Chandimal (L) with Upul Tharanga during a practice session

S

enior batsman Upul Tharanga will lead a 15-man Sri Lanka squad in the the five-match ODI series against India that begins in Dambulla on Sunday. Tharanga endured a horrendous Test series against India, scoring only 88 runs in six innings, in which Sri Lanka were routed 0-3. The upcoming series will be the left-handed batsman's first in charge of the team after Angelo Mathews gave up the ODI captaincy post the 2-3 loss against Zimbabwe at home in July.

While Mathews is still part of the squad, seasoned pacer Lasith Malinga has

also made a comeback.

There are two other changes from the Sri Lankan squad which featured in the last three ODIs against Zimbabwe.

Pacer Nuwan Pradeep and all-rounder Asela Gunaratne are out due to injuries and their places in the side has been taken by young fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara, who both featured in the Test series against the Indians.

Upul Tharanga has called for support from his countrymen ahead of what should prove to be anoth-

er tough outing against the higher-ranked India.

"Every team goes through a rough patch," he said.

"This is something that happens in cycles to every team and every nation no matter how great a cricketing nation they are. The support of our fans plays a big role in lifting the morale of the team. "We play for our country and our goal is to bring pride to our family of 20 million in this nation - so your support is something that matters greatly to us," Tharanga added.

Sri Lanka last played India in an ODI series in November 2014-15 (in India) and were blanked 0-5.

The Islanders, however, upset India in their group game at the Oval in the recent Champions Trophy.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Upul Tharanga (captain), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando. (HindustanTimes)

ormer world number one Maria Sharapova will make her first grand slam appearance in over 18 months after she was awarded a main-draw wildcard for the upcoming U.S. Open, organizers said on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Russian, who returned from a 15-month doping ban earlier this year, was denied a wildcard at the French Open, then missed the grasscourt season, including Wimbledon, with a thigh injury.

Sharapova tweeted on Tuesday: "Thank you, @ usopen. This is so so special. #goosebumps".

Sharapova tested positive for the drug meldonium in 2016, which had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned substances list in January of that year. The winner of five grand slam titles, including the 2006 U.S. Open, said she was unaware of the change.

"Her suspension under the terms of the tennis anti-doping program was completed and therefore was not one of the factors weighed in our wild card selection process," the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said in a statement. "Additionally, Sharapova has volunteered to speak to young tennis players at the USTA National Campus about the importance of the tennis anti-doping program and the personal responsibility each player has

to comply with the program's requirements."

Sharapova's U.S. Open preparations have been disrupted by an arm injury suffered during her first-round win over Jennifer Brady at the Stanford Classic earlier this month.

Maria Sharapova

The world number 148 was forced to withdraw from the Rogers Cup and this week's Cincinnati Open as a precautionary measure before the final grand slam of the year.

Other wildcard recipients on the women's side were Americans Taylor Townsend, Kayla Day, Sofia Kenin, Ashley Kratzer, Brienne Minor and France's Amandine Hesse. The U.S. Open runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows, New York.

Both the men's and women's singles champions this year will earn $3.7 million.

(Reuters)

Shenhua for 11 million euros ($12.93 million) in January.

He has played just 11 times in the league for Shenhua, scoring twice, with his fitful performances blamed on the injury that first occurred in April.

Tevez asked Shenhua to allow him to return to his native Buenos Aires for further treatment.

"According to the request from Carlos Tevez to our club, after discussion, we now approve his request," Shenhua said, according to the South China Morning Post.

"He's permitted to go back to Argentina and receive treatment at the Clinica Jorge Bombicino and he must rejoin the team on August 30 and participate in training."

Tevez signed a two-year contract with the CSL side in January and according to media reports earns wages in the region of $800,000, making him one of the highest paid players in the world.

However, a clause in the deal that saw him move from Boca Juniors states the Argentinian club must repay more than half of the transfer fee should the striker not complete two seasons with Shenhua.

Tevez has not played in the last two games and will now miss Wednesday's first leg of the Chinese FA Cup against second division Shanghai Shenxin and Saturday's meeting with league leaders and defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande.

"He didn't go back to enjoy a holiday, he went back for the rehabilitation of his muscles," David Wang, a Spanish translator working with Shenhua, was quoted as saying by the SCMP. "The rehabilitation process requires two weeks, but it will take two days to go and two days to come back.

"As the players are required to report to the club on August 28, Tevez won't have enough time to do the rehabilitation, so the management of the club suggested him to leave a few days before the break and allow him to come back two days later." (Reuters)

20

Denesh Ramdin does a victory leap after his side's thrilling defeat of the Patriots

A

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

dramatic late surge from the Trinbago K n i g h t Riders took them to a stunning four wicket victory against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and sealed their place in the play-off stage of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Chasing an imposing 159 to win the Knight Riders had been reduced to 89 for 5, requiring a further 70 from just 36 balls, but

Ramdin pulls off stunning heist as TKR defeat Patriots

an unbeaten 59 from Denesh Ramdin took them home with three balls to spare.

A dramatic last five overs saw the match swing to and fro. Ramdin, who had been dropped on just one by Brandon King, begun the assault by taking 16 off the 15th over bowled by Tabraiz Shamsi. Following a tight 16th over from Hasan Ali, the pressure increased once more. Back to-back fours from Dwayne Bravo off Carlos Brathwaite and a slapped six off Hasan kept the Knight Riders in the hunt. A brilliant direct hit to run out Dwayne Bravo from Hasan Ali threatened to derail the comeback but a six from Ramdin the following ball turned the match once more.

The penultimate over was bowled by Brathwaite and after Javon Searles had clubbed two boundaries, Ramdin struck a third to leave the Knight Riders requiring just three off the last. Ramdin hit the third ball of the over for a straight four to complete a stunning turnaround.

The Knight Riders had been brilliantly restricted by the Patriots for the first two-

thirds of the innings. Both Sunil Narine and Brendon McCullum were dismissed in the Powerplay and after six overs they had only 42 on the board. More tight overs followed and when Colin Munro, Darren Bravo and Shadab Khan were dismissed in quick succession as they looked for quick runs hope looked to be lost for the Knight Riders.

Ramdin, however, had other ideas.

Earlier in the evening, after winning the toss and electing to field, the Knight Riders kept the Patriots very quiet in the Powerplay with some accurate bowling and well-executed plans. With Gayle opening the batting the Knight Riders adapted their spin-strategy and started with two overs of full and fast pace bowling. They then turned to Narine who nearly had Gayle caught sweeping before dismissing him next ball with a sharp turning off break that took his outside edge. At the end of the Powerplay, the Patriots were 34 for 1.

The Knight Riders tight bowling was matched by their fielders in the eighth over when a superb throw from Searles was brilliantly collected at the base of the stumps by

Kevon Cooper, running Mohammad Hafeez out by inches.

The Patriots threatened to get going in the ninth over when they took 21 from Shadab’s second over with King striking a spectacular six against the spin over mid-wicket. His innings was short-lived, however. The first ball after the drinks break he charged Narine and was caught at slip. Shamarh Brooks had worked hard for his 37 but never looked fluent and when he was bowled attempting an audacious paddle sweep off Shadab the Patriots had slid to 95 for 4 after 13.2 overs.

An explosive final five overs brought the Patriots 49 runs and elevated them to the highest first innings score at Queen’s Park Oval this season of 158 for 7. The Patriots strong finish owes a lot to Brathwaite who dared to take on the sixteenth over bowled

by Narine, scoring six, two, four and one which alleviated some pressure on the remaining overs. A sparkly cameo from Nabi of 17 off 8 balls capitalised on the good work of Brathwaite. In the end, it was not quite good enough. (SportsMax)

Ambrose doubts Woods had 5 drugs in system at time of DUI arrest: report Windies will win F a single match ormer world number one golfer Tiger Woods had five different drugs in his system when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in May, according to an ESPN report on Monday.

ESPN, which cited a copy of the toxicology report, said Woods had Hydrocodone, the generic form of a painkiller branded as Vicodin;

Hydromorphone, a painkiller known as Dilaudid; Alprazolam, a mood and sleep drug known as Xanax; Zolpidem, a sleep drug known as Ambien; and Delta-9 carboxy THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in his system.

It is not known if Woods had prescriptions for all of the medications. Medical marijuana is legal in Florida.

A request made by Reuters to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for a copy of the toxicology report was not returned.

Woods, who is second on the all-time list with 14 major titles, checked into a clinic in June for treatment to help deal with prescription drugs.

He said last month he had completed treatment.

"As I previously said, I re-

Dangerous to write off West Indies, says Atherton E Curtley Ambrose

W

est Indies bowling legend Curtley Ambrose has serious doubts the team will be able to win a single Test match during the upcoming tour of England.

The number eighth ranked Windies will take on the third ranked England in three Test matches, five One Day Internationals and one T20 encounter beginning on Friday.

Despite optimism from the team’s head coach Stuart Law ahead of the series, Ambrose has expressed his doubts. The team is lacking several of its more experienced players and have a dismal record in recent series, especially in the longest format of the game. The West Indies are currently on a six consecutive Test series losing streak, with their last win coming back in 2014 against Bangladesh.

“I am concerned with the way we are playing,” said 53-year-old Ambrose told BBC sports.

“I am hoping they can at least win one Test or compete, but, as a realist, I am not too sure they will,” he added.

The former fast bowler who once formed part of a lethal partnership with Courtney Walsh believes the absence of the team’s most notable names continues to be a factor in its struggles.

“I still believe if we had all those names, our cricket would be better. Look at the Twenty20 squad. We have them players available and they have always been a force.

According to the Cricket West Indies board, you have to be available to play all the first-class games in the region to be eligible for the Test team. I don’t have a problem with that, but Cricket West Indies need to be more lenient with their players if they want their best team.” (SportsMax)

ngland are fancied to defeat West Indies over three Tests but former captain Michael Atherton has warned Joe Root's side about complacency.

Although fresh from a heartening 3-1 series win over South Africa, England must not take West Indies lightly, says former captain Michael Atherton.

England made a promising start to life under Joe Root, defeating the Proteas heavily at Lord's, The Oval and Old Trafford, although they did fall to a crushing defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Next up for Root's men are West Indies, who are shorn of much of their best talent and arrive for the three-match Investec series with a relatively raw and inexperienced squad.

But Atherton, who played 115 Tests for England and 54 as skipper, knows it would be unwise for the hosts to expect an easy ride.

"It's not the strongest West Indies team I've seen, for sure, but it's very dangerous to write off anybody in international cricket," he told Omnisport, speaking on behalf of Investec.

"The last time England played West Indies they were held to a 1-1 draw, albeit in the Caribbean. Their away record has been particularly poor so no question England will start as strong favourites for the series.

"You look at the West Indies team, they've got potential in the seam bowling - Shannon Gabriel has shown in recent times he's got pace and potential, Kemar Roach is coming back, Alzarri Joseph, Jason Holder, so there's potential there in the bowling. The batting looks short on experience, you'd say."

A lot has been made of England's struggles to find a settled batting line-up, with three of the five spots in the top order still up for grabs heading into the West Indies series and the Ashes tour to Australia, starting in November.

Michael Atherton

Tom Westley and Dawid Malan did little in their two Tests against South Africa to solve those issues, while Keaton Jennings has been dropped following his troubles as opener, with Mark Stoneman given a chance against West Indies in his place.

"They'll want, by the end of this series, to have a settled team," Atherton said. "They'll be desperate those three guys - Stoneman, Westley and Malan - get some runs in this series and say to the selectors, 'we are the guys to go to Australia'. "It's a fantastic opportunity for someone like Stoneman, who's three matches away from a tour to Australia, which is the pinnacle for any player." (SportsMax)

Tiger Woods

ceived professional help to manage my medications," Woods said in a statement.

"Recently, I had been trying on my own to treat my back pain and a sleep disorder, including insomnia, but I realize now it was a mistake to do this without medical assistance.

"I am continuing to work with my doctors, and they feel I've made significant progress. I remain grateful for the amazing support that I continue to receive and for the family and friends that are assisting me." found Woods Police stopped on the side of a Palm Beach-area road in his Mercedes-Benz at about 3 a.m. (0700 GMT) on May 29.

He had "extremely slow and slurred speech" after being awakened by a police officer but was cooperative and told officers he takes several prescriptions, including Xanax, according to a police report.

Woods, who had been heading away from his home, could not remember where he was going and told police he was returning from Los Angeles.

A blood test showed he had the painkiller Vicodin and the antidepressant Xanax in his system but no alcohol. He was charged with driving under the influence and improperly stopping his vehicle.

In a statement after his arrest, Woods apologized to fans and blamed the incident on prescription medication he was taking to manage pain from a recent back surgery.

(Reuters)

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he Guyana Under-15 National football team went down 3-1 to Suriname when the CONCACAF Under-15 Championship continued on Tuesday at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA. Despite scoring first Guyana was forced to constantly fight off the lurking Suriname strikers who inevitably found the nets on three occasions.

The Young Golden Jaguars went ahead in the Group F match following a volley from Orville Daniels in the 18th minute.

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sponse was swift as just two minutes later, Fernando Heopel equalized after taking advantage of poor defending. Suriname took the lead in the 36th minute when Faisijo Burnett fired in the first of two goals.

In the second half Guyana was guilty of squandering several chances but their South American neighbours would seal the issue as Burnett returned in the 60th minute for his final strike. Guyana’s head Coach Bryan Joseph acknowledged that his team was “passive, disorganized and were outplayed by Suriname”.

He noted that the coaching staff tried to “wake up the boys, and get them going and motivate them.”

Joseph in looking ahead to the next match against St Lucia said that his staff will be putting measures in place to prevent a repeat of Tuesday’s performance. He expressed confidence of a turnaround come Thursday.

The loss means that Guyana, on one point after drawing their first game, are now in danger of bowing out of the Championships as they will need to win their final Group match in a convincing fashion.

Guyana’s top cyclists will clash on Saturday in the National Park

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Meanwhile Cycling Co-coordinator, Hassan Mohamed, has expressed his delight in the efforts made by corporate Guyana in developing the sport.

Mohamed pointed out that without sponsorship there would be no competition. “If there is no competition, there is no way the riders will develop.

It is because the business community has constantly invested in activities such as this that the sport is developing and we see a new winners emerging.

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21

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GHB biggest undertaking

he participation of countries from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean have been confirmed as the Guyana Hockey Board prepares to host the Pan American Indoor Championships which commences on October 14, at the refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Championships which will have both men’s and women’s participation and will serve as the Pan American Continental Qualifier for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cups scheduled for February 2018 in Berlin, Germany.

Touted to be one of the biggest since its inaugural year in 2002, eight nations will contest the women’s segment, while seven will participate in the men’s category.

Canada is among the countries confirmed to participate and has won the competition four times, making them the most successful in the men’s category.The Canadian team possesses several players who have competed in Guyana including Guyanese-born Jonathan Roberts.

Trinidad and Tobago is also likely to have a number of players in their squad who have competed in Guyana at the Diamond Mineral Water Festival.

However, they will have to contend the powerful Argentina and USA teams, both finalists in the past with the latter beating the former at home in 2008.

Barbados and Mexico are the other countries that will contest the men’s segment and while they’ve not been as successful as the other nations, the significant incentive of a World Cup berth at stake could instigate determined performances.

Host Guyana has gradually become a serious contender following inspiring performances during their three appearances at the event. Guyana placed fourth in 2005, fifth place in 2010 and their best showing, third place in the last competition held in 2014 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

While all the teams are legitimate contenders, Canada is still the country to beat judging from their overwhelming record of four golds from six appearances.

On the distaff side,

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kwandwane Brown (centre)

in addition to the seven above mentioned nations, Uruguay completes the competing teams. Uruguay has been the surprise of Pan American hockey in recent times moving up the world rankings and has made the Indoor World Cup back in 2010.

Argentina and Canada have each won the competition twice, while the Trinidadians were victors in

the inaugural Cup in 2002.

The Guyanese women have not had the experience of playing as a national team in indoor competitions, but have made positive strides at the outdoor level in the past decade.

The DMWF, however, has provided valuable understanding of how the game is played at the indoor level and this famil-

iarity will make them formidable opponents against any team, especially in front of home support.

While most of the teams may not have named their travelling squads as yet, a source closely associated with the Championships disclosed that the best known Caribbean player T&T’s Kwandwane Browne will be participating in Guyana.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

CWI Regional U-19 50-over tournament

Guyana’s quest for 4th successive title starts well G

Kevin Sinclair

u y a n a

Under-19 r e g i s tered a commanding win over Canada in their opening match of Cricket West Indies Under-19 50 over tournament yesterday in St. Kitts.

The reigning champions got their quest to a fourth successive title going with a win by a mammoth margin of 148 runs.

The Guyanese, who won the title in 2014 in Guyana, 2015 in Jamaica and 2016 in St. Vincent, scored 295-7 off 50 overs batting first before returning to limit their opponents to 147-9 from their quota of 50 overs.

Openers Kevin Sinclair, who continues to make a strong case for selection in the West Indies youth side and Raymond Perez, stroked 83 and 58 respectively to put together 116 runs for the first wicket.

They were supported by Ronaldo Mohammed (49) and Baskar Yadram (43), who batted well in the middle to push the score close to the 300 mark. Gil Akashdeep with 3-40 from eight overs spearheaded the bowling for Canada.

In their turn at the crease, Canada’s scoring was hampered by Yadram’s exploits with the ball (4-24) coupled by a firm support base including contributions from Richie Looknauth, Keshram Seyhodan and Sinclair, who snared one scalp apiece.

Guyana will play 2015 finalist, Jamaica in their next match on Saturday August 19.

Matthew Forde shines for Windies U-15 on UK tour A

ll-rounder Matthew Forde, skipper Sachin Singh and fast bowler Jayden Seales have been among the stand-out performers for the Windies Under-15 Invitational squad which has so far won two of their three matches on their tour of England.

Forde has hit a couple of half-centuries and logged tidy bowling performances while Singh has hit a half-century.

Seales has been consistent with the ball, as the Windies U15 Invitational logged wins in a Twenty20 match against London Under-15s and a 50 overs-a-side contest against Hertfordshire Emerging Players Performance before losing a 50-overs match against Hampshire Development Squad.

In the opening match last Wednesday, an unbeaten half-century from Singh and his unbroken, century, second-wicket stand with Seth Agard carried the Windies U15 Invitational to a commanding victory over London U15s. Singh, the Windies U15 Invitational captain, hit seven fours and one six in the top score of 55 not out and Agard supported with 47 not out, as the visitors successfully chased 116 for victory at Walkers. After opener Tariq Mohammed was run out early in the chase, Agard came to the crease and shared 104 for the second wicket with Singh to take the Caribbean side over the finish line with four balls remaining.

Earlier, Mohammed, bowling off-spin, as well as Seales and leg-spinner

Confident Knight Riders arrive for battle

T

rinbago Knight Riders arrived in Guyana Tuesday afternoon way ahead of their blockbuster clash with Guyana Amazon Warriors on Saturday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Entering the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, the players and management were booming with confidence given that they have qualified for the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) play-offs and their last time at Providence they defeated the Warriors.

Head coach Simon Katich in briefly addressing the media explained that they are still searching for their perfect match given that they have had lapses with their batting.

The coach was in high praise of trump card Sunil Narine who has been a “revolution in the last 6 monthts”, becoming a dangerous power hitter at top and still a menace

with ball in hand.

The Australian also viewed Colin Munro has been key to their success given the aggressive approach which can be match changing innings.

Despite the disparity between the two sides on the points table, the coach said that they will not be relentless in their quest for a victory on Saturday.

Experienced player Denesh Ramdin also indicated that the team must approach the match with great enthusiasm given that the Warriors are a serious threat at home.

Ramdin who had captained the side in 2014, said he will be using his knowledge of the Warriors to share with his new teammates.

2016 champions Knight Riders will be having several sessions at Providence ahead of their 12 noon fixture on Saturday.

Trinbago Knight Riders Squad: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Brendon

Sachin Singh

Sameer Ali each collected two wickets, as Sunbury were restricted to 115 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs.

In the second match on Sunday, Seales and Antonio Fernandes combined for six wickets to bowl the Windies Under-15 Invitational to an 11-run victory after openers George Langston and Joe Burselm gave Hertfordshire EPP a confident start.

Seales grabbed 3-21 from 9.4 overs, Fernandes took 3-40 from eight overs and Ali 2-34 from his allotted 10 overs, as the Windies U15 Invitational dismissed Herts EPP for 203 in 49.4 overs at Wormsley.

The Caribbean side snared all 10 Herts wickets for 99 practically in the second half of the home team’s innings, after Langston struck half-dozen boundaries in the top score of 92 from 137 balls and Burslem made 46 in an opening stand of 104.

After Ali trapped Burslem lbw with the last ball of the 25th over, the rest of the Herts batting failed to click, as the visitors scythed through the batting.

Earlier, Matthew Forde, batting at seven, smote seven fours in 58 from 66 balls to lead a lower-order revival before the Windies U15 Invitational were dismissed for 214 in 49.1 overs.

Between Forde,

Mohammed, batting at eight, and Seales, batting at nine, they added 90 between the 34th and 48th overs to add beef to the Caribbean side’s total, after they slipped to 114 for six.

In the third match yesterday, Forde followed up with an unbeaten 72, but the rest of the batting failed to ignite and the Windies U-15 Invitational stumbled to a 43run loss against Hampshire Development squad.

Forde, batting at eight, hit nine fours and one six from 54 balls, Agard made 42, opener Lee Solomon added 32 and Antonio Morris scored 22, as the Windies side failed to successfully chase 262 for victory in the contest at Toting & Eling.

Apart from a second-wicket stand of 65 between Solomon and Agard, there was little stability from the rest of the visitors’ batting, as Tom Prest undermined them with 4-38 from his allotment of 10 overs.

Taeim Tonge had led the Windies bowling with 4-46 from 8.4 overs, Forde supported with 3-56 from 10 overs and Agard snared 2-24 from three overs, as Cole Campbell anchored the Hants batting with four fours and two sixes in an even 100 from 121 balls before they were bowled out for 261 in 49.4 overs. (SportsMax)

GDA team event set for Friday A New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum (left) is greeted by staff at the Marriott Hotel (Carl Crooker photo)

McCullum, Sunil Narine, Hashim Amla, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Khary Pierre, Ronsford Beaton, Javon

Searles, Nikita Miller, William Perkins, Kevon Cooper, Anderson Phillip Hamza Tariq, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Robert Frylinck. (Akeem Greene)

imers are asked to be prepared as Guyana Darts Association will be hosting a team tournament this Friday, August 18 at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Pavilion, Thomas Lands.

The rivalry is predicted to be intense as top teams such as Bank of Guyana, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and Malteenoes among others have signaled their intent to compete.

Teams will pay $1000 for each player in their unit and must be affiliated to the

Guyana darts association and must have paid membership fee of $5000 yearly.

In addition each team may consist of four or more players including a female.

The event will be played as a best of seven knockout competition.

The winners will walk away with $16000 while second and third place will take home $8000 and $4000 respectively.

Action is scheduled to get underway at 19:00h.

The event is being sponsored by the GDA.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, august 16, 2017

Tanveer hoping Warriors build on momentum … we need the support of Guyanese fans, says all-rounder

By Akeem Greene

A

fter a stuttering start to the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Guyana Amazon Warriors rebounded to win their first match on Sunday against the St Lucia Stars.

Marque all-rounder Sohail Tanveer is hoping that the victory sets the tone for the rest of the tournament as they seek to qualify for the play-offs.

“We had a wonderful outing last year in Guyana, this is our home town, we own the field and hopeful we do better than in first set of matches. We have been playing good cricket but just not winning those crunch movements as we should and I think the last game we got it together and hopefully that momentum will give us lots of boost and confidence”, the 32 year-old stated.

The all-rounder is therefore calling for the locals to

Tanveer, who has been one of the team’s most consistent bowlers , is hoping that his team will make winning consistent

come out in their numbers for the team’s four home matches which get underway Thursday against the Jamaica Tallawahs.

“Hopefully we get more support because at the moment we need more support from the Guyanese fans and I hope they come out in their

large numbers”.

Though the formidable side only have one from four matches, he still thinks they can have a shot at the title. “ I still believe we have a good team, we played three of the four finals. We did not have a good start but now we will carry it on”, he said.

More so the Pakistani quelled the fears of the fans that he might miss the four home matches given that Pakistan Cricket Board sent out a circular recalling their players from the CPL and the NatWest T20 blast due upcoming international commitments.

“We have only Babar Azam at the moment heading back [to Pakistan]. I’m not sure about myself, I’m here until [August] 22 and then I will see what instruction I get from PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] because at the moment I’m not Centrally contracted so I will see how it goes”, he explained.

After battling Tallawahs, they will then clash with Trinbago Knight Riders from 12 noon on Saturday followed by Barbados Tridents on Sunday from 18:00 hrs. Their final match will be against Stars on Tuesday from 18:00 hrs.

Pitches should produce 150 plus scores for CPL matches – curator

By Akeem Greene

H

ead Curator of the pitches at the National Stadium, Providence Wasim Habib is expecting a balanced playing surface which should produce good scores for Guyana Amazon Warriors four matches.

The facility, known for its fast drying outfield, has unfortunately produced slow and difficult pitches for batting which ideally is not

conducive to the T20 version of the sport.

However last year four pitches were re-laid which corresponded in some high scores in the West Indies/ Pakistan three-match series in April.

“The re-laid pitches for the Pakistan series were very good. We had 300 in the first match which the team chased very well and then two scores over 230 which are not bad. The pitches are settling down and they may

Wasim Habib inspects one of the two pitches expected to be used for the four matches at Providence

not be so quick but it should be bouncy. I think 150 to 160 should be a good score on this pitch”, Habib explained in an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday.

Prior to departing these shores, Warriors would have played three practice matches two of that had scores below 130 and one hitting the 160-mark which gave some cause of concern.

Habib explained that the rainy weather then would have put a damp on the preparation but recently they have experienced good weather which has aided in more pristine preparation.

“We were having very bad weather at the Providence Stadium for the last three months. Rain does not miss this ground. It is an area where rain always falls and it was difficult for us to prepare the pitch during practice time and that was the reason we had low scores.

Over the last few days we have good weather and we hope it continues like this

throughout the matches”, the curator disclosed.

He also posited that dew will be factor given three of the matches will start at 18:00 hrs.

Meanwhile, Assistant Manager of the facility Mahinder Ghansham explained that they are 100% logistics wise.

Regarding the safety of patrons for the capacity crowd that is expected to rock Providence, Ghansham said recent meetings where held with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that all protocols be followed.

The Warriors first of four home matches begin on Thursday with a clash against the Jamaica Tallawahs followed by Trinbago Knight Riders from 12 noon on Saturday.

They then play Barbados Tridents on Sunday from 18:00 hrs and their final match will be against St Lucia Stars on Tuesday from 18:00 hrs.

23

Hero CPL 2017

Tallawahs extend Stars horrendous run

Andre McCarthy of the Jamaica Tallawahs plays a cut as Andre Fletcher of the St Lucia Stars looks on

D

espite half centuries from Andre Fletcher and Marlon Samuels, St. Lucia Stars horrendous run continued last evening as a spectacular knock by Jamaica Tallawahs’ Andre Mc Carthy allowed a five wicket victory for his side at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia.

Batting first Stars recorded 173-7, with Fletcher and Samuels leading the way with 84 not out and 54 respectively.

Mohammed Sami spearheaded Tallawahs’ bowling

attack with three wickets while Kesrick Williams and Rovman Powell captured two scalps apiece.

In reply McCarthy blasted an unbeaten cameo of 61 from 37 deliveries inclusive of four sixes and three fours. He was supported by CPL debutant Kiwi opener Glenn Phillips with 32 and Guyanese Jonathan Foo 22.

The tournament continues on Thursday with Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on Tallawahs from 18:00h at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

SCOREBOARD

St. Lucia Stars Innings J Charles b Mohammad Sami 13 ADS Fletcher † not out 84 SR Watson c †Sangakkara b Mohammad Sami 1 MN Samuels c McCarthy b Powell 54 DJG Sammy ( c) c McCarthy b Mohammad Sami 3 KR Mayers b Powell 1 JD Ryder c Simmons b Williams 10 S Shillingford b Williams 0 JE Taylor not out 0 Extras 7 (lb 3, nb 1, w 3) TOTAL 173/7 (20 Overs, RR: 8.65) Did not bat: TK Patel, MJ McClenaghan Bowling: Imad Wasim 2-0-5-0, Mohammad Sami 4-027-3, KOK Williams 4-0-37-2, OF Smith 4-0-40-0, GE Mathurin 3-0-25-0, R Powell 3-0-36-2 Fall of wickets:1-28 (J Charles, 4.3 ov), 2-30 (SR Watson, 4.6 ov), 3-133 (MN Samuels, 15.3 ov), 4-138 (DJG Sammy, 16.3 ov), 5-141 (KR Mayers, 17.2 ov), 6-152 (JD Ryder, 18.3 ov), 7-155 (S Shillingford, 18.6 ov)

Jamaica Tallawahs Innings LMP Simmons c Sammy b Patel 17 GD Phillips c Charles b Shillingford 32 AM McCarthy not out 61 KC Sangakkara (c) † c McClenaghan b Samuels 13 R Powell run out (Patel/†Fletcher 6 JA Foo b McClenaghan 22 Imad Wasim not out 18 Extras 10 (lb 2, nb 1, w 7) TOTAL 179/5 (19.4 Overs, RR: 9.10) Did not bat: GE Mathurin, OF Smith, Mohammad Sami, KOK Williams Bowling: KR Mayers 2.4-037-0, JE Taylor 4-0-31-0, MJ McClenaghan 3-0-39-1, S Shillingford 4-0-21-1 TK Patel 3-0-30-1, MN Samuels 3-0-19-1 Fall of wickets:1-43 (GD Phillips, 5.6 ov), 2-52 (LMP Simmons, 6.5 ov), 3-70 (KC Sangakkara, 9.3 ov), 4-93 (R Powell, 12.2 ov), 5-134 (JA Foo, 17.1 ov)

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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Tallawahs extend Stars horrendous run

Members of the Jamaica Tallawahs run onto the field in celebration after beating the St Lucia Stars

Confident Knight Riders arrive for battle Andre McCarthy of the Jamaica Tallawahs on the attack

Sunil Narine and Khary Pierre at the Marriott Hotel upon arrival Tuesday evening (Carl Crooker photo)

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