Guyana times, 30 June 2017_New

2017 NGSA results out today P 16

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

Issue No. 3257

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, June 30, 2017

IMF warns against exorbitant spending before 2020 oil

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P7 SOCU converted into PNC outfit to witch-hunt PPP officials – Jagdeo

Page 3

“No more funds” for sugar industry – EU Page 11

– wraps up grant programme with Guyana

Tumatumari Hydro Project

P15

EPA signals intention to grant approval to private company

Witness implicates “Spleen” P18 as trigger man – in Laing Avenue fatal shooting

EU Ambassador Jernej Videtič (sitting) with other representatives from the local Mission, including Head of Cooperation Christof Stock (first from left) at Thursday’s news conference

Page 16

Corentyne couple tied up, robbed at gunpoint

Contraband is “big business”

Driver with disability P16 slapped with 4 traffic charges

Page 14

– Crime Stoppers consultant

Major boost for Guyana’s aviation industry – Aruba Airlines set to fly from July Page 7

2 news

friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt accused of massive “spending splurge” – former President dubs it as ‘wasteful spending’

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overnment’s increased spending has not gone unnoticed, and one individual who has been fervently condemning this “spending splurge” says that President David Granger and his Ministers could only be best described as a cabal of bureaucratic capitalist elites.

Former President Donald Ramotar said this description best suited the current Administration allegedly, because it did not have businesses, but was using Government as a means of getting rich quickly. Ramotar said there were countless examples to point to over the coalition’s short stint so far in office.

“We saw from the very onset that this regime is more interested in giving themselves ‘the good life’.

When they talk about the

good life, they are not really interested in the ordinary people having a good life; this good life they see for themselves…,” he asserted.

Ramotar recalled that one of the first moves taken by the Government – which drew the attention of the Guyanese people – was to increase their own salaries by more than 50 per cent and also increase the number of Government ministries, which also assisted with driving up spending.

“The unproductive sector of the Government has been growing at leaps and bounds. So, a lot of these have been given. Travel allowance has gone up tremendously from US$25 per day to now US$300. And a lot of them are not accounting for this money when they go overseas,” he added.

The former Head of

Former President Donald Ramotar

State is convinced that the Government is no doubt engaged in a massive “spending splurge”, which is increasing administrative costs. He said the issue has been compounded with Government placing a cap on Ministers’ housing allowance which has been increased to $500,000.

In criticising the recent revelation about the housing allowance, Ramotar said he saw this as another critical example of how the Government is going about spending money from the public’s purse, wildly and irresponsibly, on things that could have been avoided.

He said, “Now half a mil-

lion dollars a month is a huge increase and it shows how they are using the State apparatus to enrich themselves in a very short period of time. They are amassing a vast amount of wealth in just two years. I think it is ridiculous the way everybody is going about just wasting Government’s money.”

Government has been renting a house from businessman/politician Peter Ramsaroop, for Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes, while another is being rented for Minister within the Communities Ministry, Valerie SharpePatterson. Broomes’ apartment rent is $500,000 monthly.

The issue came to light after Ramsaroop sued the Minister, the Parliament and the Attorney General over her alleged failure to pay three months’ rent.

Ramsaroop’s Attorneys contended that the Parliament Office, on Broomes’ behalf, had entered into a tenancy agreement, whose duration was February 1, 2016 to February 1, 2017.

They further claimed that in breach of this agreement, Broomes gave 30 days written notice to terminate the tenancy on September 19, 2016 and thereafter vacated and delivered up possession of the premises on or around October 31, 2016.

They, therefore, claim unpaid rent for November and December 2016 and January 2017, totalling US$7500.

Meanwhile, Ramotar also pointed to other cases where the Government has been engaged in what he described as wasteful spending. He recalled that Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams allegedly refused to use the car he inherited from the previous Government and instead requested a new vehicle, which cost Government a substantial sum of cash.

Reference was also made to the coalition Government spending millions to acquire a customised luxury Land Cruiser for Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, which was added to his existing fleet of 22 vehicles. This occurred only four months after the new Government took up office.

news

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

Friday, June 30 – 09:30h-11:00h and Saturday, July 1 – the Harbour Bridge will be closed to both vehicular and marine traffic from 10:30h to 14:00h to effect emergency works.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 30 – 08:45h-10:15h and Saturday, July 1 – 09:25h-10:55h.

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, while partly cloudy to light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North-easterly to Northeasterly and East South-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 09:16h and 21:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.36 metres and 2.30 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:47h and 15:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.89 metre and 0.87 metres respectively.

wednesDAY, June 28, 2017

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DAILY MILLIONS 02 04 08 15 17 LUCKY 3 5 3 9 Afternoon Draw

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friDAY, june 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IMF warns against exorbitant spending before 2020 oil G

uyana’s economy has been on an economic decline over the past five years, with a less than one per cent growth over last year’s 3.3 per cent, oil is being seen as the boon but will require a transparent, rulesbased system in managing the expected oil wealth.

These are among the crucial findings of the Internal Monetary Fund (IMF), following its latest round of consultations on Guyana.

That consultation was concluded in May last with the International Financial Institution (IFI) releasing its findings this past week.

The IMF has since 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.

According to the IMF, its Directors following the consultations welcomed Guyana’s continued economic growth, “the improvement in its external position, and its positive mediumterm outlook, which is supported by the expected start of oil production in 2020.”

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

It was pointed out that most “Directors supported recommendations for a moderate fiscal consolidation to slow debt accumulation and safeguard against adverse shocks before the onset of oil pro-

duction.”

This essentially meant that the Directors have cautioned against Guyana looking to take on large debts ahead of oil production.

According to the IMF, “a few Directors considered a more gradual consolidation appropriate in light of the country’s development needs.”

More generally, Directors recommended moderating the growth of current expenditures and moving ahead with the reform of public enterprises, notably the sugar and electricity companies, while providing a safety net for those affected by these reforms – essentially another warning to not significantly accelerate spending ahead of oil production.

IMF account Speaking generally to the state of the Guyana economy, the IMF in presenting its account noted that real economic activity expanded by a miserly .2 per cent over the previous year up to 3.3 per cent in 2016.

The coalition Government’s delays in public investment weighed down on activity in addition to subdued agricultural commodity prices and adverse weather help

to contribute to the performance while large increases in gold output helped growth. support

Consumer prices were said to increase by 1.5 per cent in the 12 months ending in December 2016.

The overall non-financial Public Sector deficit widened to 2.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year from 0.2 per cent in 2015.

“Despite slow-

er-than-expected economic growth, fiscal revenue increased owing to improvements in tax administration and higher mining royalties.”

While total expenditure increased by 2.8 percentage points of GDP, the increase was lower than budgeted due to delays in capital expenditure in the Government’s public investment programme.

According to the IMF findings, the macroeconomic outlook reveals a positive increase for 2017, where growth is projected at 3.5 per cent in 2017 up by .02 per cent from 3.3 per cent the previous year.

T h i s growth is p r o jecte d t o b e

supported by an increase in public investment by Government to make up for the previous year shortfalls, continued expansion in the extractive sector, and a recovery in rice production.

Inflation for the year is expected to remain at around 2.6 per cent by year-end while the national deficit is projected to widen to 7.2 per cent of GDP in 2017, due in part to the delayed capital spending from 2016 – again on the part of Government.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 30, 2017

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

Skewed policies in a new sociopolitical paradigm

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vertly, Guyana currently has a new socio-political paradigm being promoted and seemingly aspired to by Government functionaries, with ‘social cohesion’ being one of the primary planks on which the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) campaigned pre-election in 2011 and 2015.

Subsequent to their attaining office, however, a new reality has been discerned, which is the discernment of a seemingly rampant vendetta against perceived People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters, especially in the entrepreneurial– socio-economic sectors, tantamount to economic genocide.

Without considering – seemingly without caring, about the absolute devastation in the lives and actual descent into utter poverty of tens of thousands who are being, and will be affected by the downscaling and eventual closure of the sugar industry, the coalition Government, against all the pleadings and advice of experts in the field, that the socio-economic fallout will not only negatively impact the communities which were established around the sugar estates, but will also drastically affect the socio-economic dynamics of the entire country, they are relentlessly forging ahead with their dastardly plans, regardless.

The rice sector has been taking a battering, as has the entire agricultural sector, with no alleviation foreseen in the immediate or long-term future. Given the fact that under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana had achieved the MDG in food security, this is indeed an unfortunate situation, trending toward the empty market shelves of yesteryear.

Pre-2011 elections and subsequently in 2015, the coalition partners encouraged the electorate to “Vote for Righteousness”, promising accountability, transparency and a stamping-out of endemic (sic!) corruption in Government. Well, they achieved their objective, even if questionably so, and their record is there for the world to judge them – by their actions. Space does not permit the rehashing of the innumerable corrupt, even at times criminal actions that have been blatantly committed by officials of the current Government, but their twoyear maladministration of the country has taken public accountability of the nation’s spending to a new low.

Their rhetoric of pre-election promises – parroting the PPP/C mantra “Sugar is too big to fail” and promising “$9000 a bag for paddy” were merely bait to catch the votes of the traditional PPP support bases, and they succeeded immeasurably.

The approximately 33 per cent decline in the timber industry is also playing havoc with the socio-economic survival of hinterland communities, so to even the most impartial eye Amerindians and Indians seem to be suffering under a multiplicity of discriminatory strategies and policies by the current regime.

The Red House imbroglio; the GECOM impasse; ‘bondgate’; sole-sourcing; contracts awarded to friends, financiers and relatives are merely the tip of the iceberg of what easily looks like blatant discrimination and corruption.

The travails of the people are continuing and growing, with VAT on education and its ancillary prerequisites, the parking meter fiasco, et al, the lawlessness of this peopleunfriendly Government seemingly has no limit and its taxation policies have absolutely no sanity.

From financial and economic experts to the ordinary man in the street, there have been numerous complaints that the Government is visionless and bankrupt of ideas for development.

David Granger, whether it is acceptable to some and unacceptable to others, is President of the Republic of Guyana, with responsibility and a mandate to deliver optimum service to all the people of this country, irrespective of whether they voted for him or not, so as to enhance their lives and secure their livelihoods, with equity and justice.

As President, he needs to address the concerns of the victims of the skewed and destructive policies of his government.

A group of novice Buddhist monks take selfies during a religious ceremony at a temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Reuters/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

Salary administration in Sublic Service

Dear Editor, The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public Service of Guyana 2016 considered, in keeping with its Terms of Reference, the principles on which wages and salaries of the public service should be fixed. The CoI reviewed past studies and went into detail of the compensation system in the public service, including the determination of wages and salaries, current salary structure for the various levels of public servants, job grading, staff performance evaluation, and pay for performance for incremental movement within the salary scales.

The CoI recommended organisational restructuring by rationalising the status of pensionable employees and contract employees, and the ‘de-bunching’ of employees in the salary structure as the first phase. The CoI specifically recommended that contract workers on all grades holding public service positions be absorbed into the pensionable service, subject to their being suitably qualified to fill established positions. There should be a determined professional approach to identify about 75 bench mark positions, and

classify and place each position in the public service in one of the 75 bench mark positions, all placed within the 14-grade salary structure. This should correct any anomalous situation determined by objective weighting, value and worth for each job in the public service. These should be done in consultation with the recognised trade union for public servants.

Thereafter, the principles of collective bargaining should be employed in good faith in keeping with the established procedural arrangements between the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Ministry/Department of the Public Service for negotiations and final resolution.

The CoI affirms that the system of industrial relations in the public service must be informed, influenced, and functions within the norms of national legislation, regional and international labour standards.

Immediately, the CoI recommended first phase should be undertaken without delay. The CoI recommended a thorough review of the staffing level in the public service to objectively determine the requirements of the full

complement of suitably qualified staff in each office, unit, department, division, and Ministry with the appropriate organisational structure for each. Surplus staff should be redeployed as may be possible to other public agencies if suitably qualified to fill vacancies or be paid the severance benefits in keeping with law.

The existing 14-grade salary structure should be maintained with a more rational and attractive dollar value placed on the minimum, midpoint and maximum based on appropriate differentials to avoid overlapping. The benchmark for the highest public service position should be at the minimum of the salary scale no less than 10 per cent lower than a senior Minister’s salary which is set by Cabinet for itself (self-interest, conflict of interest). The CoI recommended that the salaries of the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Members of the National Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, Regional Chairmen, and Regional Executive Officers be set by the National Assembly on the recommendations of a Salary Review Commission.

The Terms of Reference of such a Commission should also include all other aspects of remuneration/allowances. Trinidad and Tobago provides an excellent example in this connection, thereby removing any actual or perceived conflict of interest and self-interest.

This first phase as outlined above, should be undertaken without delay. It provides a basis for negotiations between the Government and the GPSU executives whose mouths seem to have been muzzled by inherent conflict of interest, and other considerations, much to the discomfort of public servants.

Patrick Yarde who has been President of the GPSU for some 30 years is also now acting Chairman of the Public Service Commission. The Union membership is calling on him again to represent the substantive interests of public servants. But the conflict is that he, at the same time, recruits employees of the public service into membership of the GPSU. Oh what a tangled web of conflict of interest in full view of the public!

Sincerely, Joshua Singh

The GuySuCo puzzle is slowly coming together Dear Editor, It was quite interesting to read, on June 28, 2017, an article which reported that Government-appointed sugar salesman Wesley Kirton said that several foreign-owned companies have expressed interest in invest-

ing in the sugar industry. Mr Kirton mentioned, among other things, that there is talk about investment in a sugar refinery to tap the lucrative Caribbean market.

In a previous letter, I did share with the Guyanese public a GuySuCo document

in which the sugar company advised the Government to inform investors about the potential for sugar refining, and the windfalls that can be had in engaging in it. Clearly, from Mr Kirton’s statements, the investors have been advised, and they are natural-

ly enthused. It is saddening that the State-owned sugar company is operating in such a hand-in-glove manner, especially when that windfall rightly and correctly belongs to Guyana and Guyanese. continues on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

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

APNU/AFC Region 5 Councillor giving Govt ‘a bad name’

Dear Editor, This letter is not about politics, it is about exposing the lack of virtues of those who hold public office and still have the audacity to criticise others.

While most public figures avoid putting themselves in embarrassing situations, a few are known to thrive on reckless behaviours that contribute to their own self-destruction and fall from grace. Such is the case with the APNU/AFC Region 5 RDC Councillor Abel Seetaram.

While I have been using in my letters adjectives like “despicable” and “bad-boy” to describe Abel Seetaram’s general demeanor, I am doubtful that AFC Leader Rafael Trotman knows the character of the person who represents the Alliance For Change (AFC) in Region 5.

I am equally convinced that Minister Trotman will not condone his behaviour.

Seetaram’s latest scandal is so gross that, had he not been arrested, charged, and placed on $15,000 bail, there are some in the APNU/ AFC leadership who will denounce my condemnation of his behaviour as purely political, and may choose to ignore it.

On Saturday, June 3, 2017, the APNU/AFC Region 5 RDC Councillor was taken to the Fort Wellington Police Station on allegations made against him the night before by his neighbour, Mrs. Meenawati Jainauth -threatening behaviour and indecent exposure. In a letter that was published on May 30, I wrote that Seetaram was put in charge of the Enhancement Workers at the RDC, who slash public space and roadsides. I also reported that some of those enhancement workers were seen slashing the yard of his private residence at Number 11 Village/Woodley Park, using Government resources for private use.

The night of June 2, Seetaram got home drunk, and launched a verbal assaulted on his neighbour, accusing her of snitching on him. After reading my letter, Seetaram was apparently convinced that his neighbour was the one from whom I had gotten my information, and he got into a tirade with her.

This is unfortunate, for I had never met this lady nor knew who she was, until a few days after this incident was brought to my attention by a reliable source.

But during an interview, she recounted how terrified she was that night by Seetaram’s vulgar and threatening behaviour. She accused the irate AFC bad-boy of urinating in his yard in full view of her 16-year-old daughter;

then after she complained about it, he dropped his pants and exposed himself to the teenager.

She also alleged that he threatened to bring back the enhancement workers to violate the two of them and to burn down her house.

What kind of a low-life would disrespect a woman and her 16-year-old daughter by saying such vile things is beyond comprehension, and must be condemned.

The neighbour said she made a report at the Fort Wellington Police Station shortly after midnight, and Seetaram was brought in to the station for questioning the following day. While there, she said, Seetaram became hostile and out of control, and had nothing but disdain and disrespect for the police. At one point, in the presence of two police officers at the front desk, he said he would beat her up and pay for her.

When the case was first called, on June 14th at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, Seetaram was a no-show.

The magistrate threatened to have a warrant issued for his arrest, and scheduled the next court date for Wednesday, 28th of June. It is not clear whether he was arrested or he just “smelled the rat”, but he showed up for his court hearing, to answer two counts of assault and threatening language.

He was placed on $15,000 bail, and has to return to court on July 12.

Amazingly, Abel Seetaram was never charged with the more serious offence of indecent exposure, or endangering the welfare

of a minor. I wonder who is watching over him.

In his letters to the editor, Abel Seetaram portrays himself as a hard-working, dedicated APNU/AFC RDC Councillor whose sole objective is to faithfully serve the people of Region 5. But in reality, he’s viewed as nothing more than a drunk who exploits his position for selfish gains, and is an embarrassment to himself and those who rewarded him for adding to the AFC vote-count at the expense of the PPP/C during two election cycles.

He has now put himself in yet another embarrassing situation, which begs the question: why is the Granger Administration tolerating this behaviour from an AFC supporter hell bent on giving the Government a bad name?

Abel Seetaram has a history of complaints lodged against him at the Fort Wellington Police Station dating back a few years now.

This is all public knowledge.

A discussion with police officers there would confirm he is a notorious character who is known to disrespect and make false allegations against the police. In fact, Abel Seetaram often brags that the police can’t do him anything because he’s well connected with the Minister of Public Security.

To avoid the perception of protecting his drinking buddy, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan must do what the Prime Minister has already done… cut him loose!

Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

GuySuCo on the skids Dear Editor, In letters which appeared in the news media on June 21 and 23 respectively, Tony Vieira, a former director of GuySuCo, concluded that the Corporation was on skids and rapidly heading into the sunset, as its incompetent management has poorly and hastily introduced mechanical harvesters to increase sugar production and productivity with what is left of its reduced cultivation and a dwindling, demoralised workforce.

During his tenure as a board member of GuySuCo, Mr Vieira was involved in crafting its operational and development strategies, and evidently concurred with many of the decisions which were taken to improve management and return the Corporation to profitability.

However, because of his ambitious and confrontational style, the Board found him difficult to work with, and he was forced to resign although he was knowledgeable of the sugar industry, having spent most of his life working in various sectors of it.

As a freelancer now, Mr Vieira has stated that the Corporation is planning to get out of sugar cultivation and diversify its holdings to something entirely new, as management teams from Skeldon and Rose Hall estates have been heading a task force to diversify their sugar lands. However, Ms Thomas, GuySuCo's Senior Communications Officer, has stated elsewhere in the news media that the Corporation is not getting out of sugar, and its diversification programme will focus on sugar production for local consumption and refinement, dairy farming, livestock production, cultivation of fruit crops, seed

The GuySuCo puzzle...

The article goes on to say that among the interested parties is US-multinational American Sugar Refiners (ASR), one of its subsidiaries being Tate and Lyle. ASR was a name, I understand, being among those interested in acquiring Skeldon, but they were seeking a straw buyer to make the purchase on their behalf à la D. Rampersaud of Trinidad and Tobago.

ASR, I was also made to understand, had meetings abroad with very high Guyanese officials. One can’t help but wonder whether any pact has already been sealed.

ASR also has some interests in Booker Tate. The latter had managed GuySuCo in the past; and also, through a separate contract, had managed the design and supervision of the Skeldon factory as well as the accompanying agricultural expansion. Their ‘experts’ had

approved and signed off on all works and components delivered and installed at Skeldon. Many are aware that the current GuySuCo CEO, who, according to what I read in the press, is exorbitantly paid, was at one time a senior Booker-Tate official.

The point here is that we see the entrance of ASR into the fray at the same time when one of its former senior officials heads the Corporation.

Well, it does seem that the puzzle is slowly coming together, and the picture is becoming clearer. One can-

from page 4

not help but see what is apparently a well-rehearsed and very much laid out plan, that would see billions of dollars rightly belonging to GuySuCo and Guyanese being siphoned off to aristocrats in foreign lands.

If my memory serves me right, wasn’t national ownership of sugar in the mid70s; after independence, one of the high points of the LFS Burnham Administration?

Well! Well! Well!

Yours truly, Patricia Persaud

paddy and aquaculture.

Mr Vieira stated his agreement that aquaculture and ethanol production were excellent diversification components for GuySuCo to pursue, but he felt that the appropriate skills and expertise for technical and operational management were not available for such ventures and any half-hearted attempts at diversification without proper planning and adequate financing would lead to failure, as its existing management and staff were incompetent and weak to make any such transitions.

The APNU+AFC Party is in its third year of governance, and during this period it has failed to develop a workable plan for implementation to turn around its largest investment – GuySuCo -- from its downward spiral, although it had a number of options on the table to do so. The Corporation is heavily indebted and cannot service its obligations, and since the Govt. has no business to be in business, it should make every effort to privatize GuySuCo as soon as is possible.

Sugar is being sold on the world market at about US$0.14 per lb while it is costing GuySuCo more than US$0.40 per lb to produce. Therefore, there is no way GuySuCo could lower its production cost to make sugar profitable again, and the Govt. cannot continue to heavily subsidise the industry indefinitely. It should acknowledge that GuySuCo

does not have the finance and skilled labour force to diversify its sugar lands to cultivate other crops profitably or be involved in manufacturing. Aquaculture may appear feasible, but investors should be encouraged to develop it, and if there is money to be made, they will get involved. Wherever ethanol is manufactured, it is heavily subsidized, since it is more expensive to produce than gasolene.

Presently, crude oil is being sold on the world market at under US$50 per barrel, and the cost is projected to remain at this level for the foreseeable future. Further, contrary to Mr Vieira's claim, ethanol does not improve the performance of engines. In fact, it clogs engines’ injectors faster than gasolene does.

Finally, the next general election is due to be held in 2020. It is reasonable to assume that, for political reasons, GuySuCo will not be allowed to go under before then, and it will continue to receive large Govt subsidies while it struggles to maintain production at the current level. The APNU+AFC Govt should be aware that existing GuySuCo employees do not have either the capital or skills to convert leased sugar lands to grow other crops profitably, even if they were offered this option; although Ms Thomas feels that this proposal has merit worthy of execution.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

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friDAY, june 30, 2017

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By Laura Markham, PhD

“I

can’t believe how things with my daughter have turned around, since I started focusing on connection.”

Zoe We all crave those close moments with our children that make our hearts melt.

Connection is as essential to us parents as it is to our children. When our relationship is strong, it’s also sweet – so we receive as much as we give. That’s what makes parenting worth all the sacrifices.

That connection is also the only reason children willingly follow our rules.

Children who feel strongly connected to their parents WANT to cooperate, if they can. They’ll still act like children, which means their emotions will sometimes overwhelm their still-growing prefrontal cortex. But when they trust us to understand, to be on their side, they’re motivated to follow our lead when they can.

Researchers remind us that we need five positive interactions to every negative interaction to keep any relationship healthy. And since we spend so much time guiding – aka correcting, reminding, scolding, criticising, nagging, and yelling – it’s important to make sure we spend five times as much time in positive connection.

But we’re only human.

There are days when all we can do is meet our children’s most basic needs. Some days it’s nothing short of heroic

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation simply to feed them, bathe them, keep an encouraging tone, and get them to sleep at a reasonable hour – so we can do it all over again tomorrow!

So given that parenting is the toughest job on earth – and we often do it in our spare time, after being separated all day – the only way to keep a strong bond with our children is to build in daily habits of con-

Tousle hair, pat backs, rub shoulders. Make eye contact and smile, which is a different kind of touch. If your tween or teen rebuffs your advances when she first walks in the door, realise that with older kids you have to ease into the connection.

Get her settled with a cool drink, and chat as you give a foot rub. (Seem like going above

“Come eat your breakfast now!” or “Little Gorilla, it’s time for breakfast – Look, you have bugs and bananas on your oatmeal!”

Turn off technology when you interact with your child

Really. Your child will remember for the rest of her life that she was important enough to her parents that they turned off their phone to listen to her. Even turning off music in the car can be a powerful invitation to connect, because the lack of eye contact in a car takes the pressure off, so kids (and adults) are more likely to open up and share.

Connect before transitions

nection. Here are twelve habits that don’t add time to your day, but do add connection -- and could change your life.

Aim for 12 hugs (or physical connections) every day

As family therapist Virginia Satir famously said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.

We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”

Snuggle your child first thing in the morning for a few minutes, and last thing at night. Hug when you say goodbye, when you’re reunited, and often in between.

and beyond? It’s a foolproof way to hear what happened in her life today. You’ll find yourself glad, many times, if you prioritise that.)

Play

Laughter and rough-housing keep you connected with your child by stimulating endorphins and oxytocin in both of you.

Making laughter a daily habit also gives your child a chance to laugh out the anxieties and upsets that otherwise make him feel disconnected – and more likely to act out. And play helps children want to cooperate.

Which is likely to work better?

Kids have a hard time transitioning from one thing to another. If you look him in the eye, use his name, and connect with him, then get him giggling, you’ll make sure he has the inner resources to manage himself through a transition.

Make time for one-on-one time

Do whatever you need to do to schedule 15 minutes with each child, separately, every day. Alternate doing what your child wants and doing what you want during that time. On her days, just pour your love into her and let her direct. On your days resist the urge to structure the time with activities.

Instead, try any physical activity or game that gets her laughing. (psychologytoday.com) TO BE CONTINUED

What is the impact of cellphone distraction on successful parenting?

BY Ira Hyman, PhD

H

ave you seen them at the parks and in the coffee shops? Parents hypnotised by their phones and computers; seemingly unaware of what their children are doing. What happens to those children?

We know very little about the ramifications of distracted parenting. Given the proliferation of technology use, studying the impact on parent-child interaction seems critical.

In a just released study, Brandon McDaniel and Jenny Radesky (2107) investigated the relationship between parent technology use and child behaviour problems. First, they asked moms and dads about their own technology use. Parents noted how often various technological devices interrupted their interactions with child on a daily basis. What devices? Everything. Cell phones, computers, TVs, tablets, and videogames. Parents also rated their own problematic technology use: do they feel a need to immediately check and respond to new text messages, think often about their cellphone texts and calls, and believe they use their cellphones too much. Most parents acknowledged these devices frequently distracted them when interacting with their children.

McDaniel and Radesky called this ‘technoference’.

Technoference occurs when various technological devices interfere with social interaction. It’s a nicely descriptive term. In this study, McDaniel and Radesky were interested in technoference during parent-child interactions. It happens. Frequently. I’m sure you’ve seen it and maybe you’ve let it happen. You’ve been reading or playing with your child when your cell phone buzzes. Do you stop? Do you respond? Do you interrupt your time with your child to take that call or respond to that email?

McDaniel and Radesky reported that only 11 per cent of the parents claimed that technoference never happened.

I’m not sure I believe those parents.

But what is the impact of technoference? Do more of these daily interruptions add up to a significant impact on children? To assess the impact, McDaniel and Radesky asked the parents to rate their children on a behavioural checklist. Some of the items concerned internalizing behavioural problems – children who sulk, whine, and display easily hurt feelings. Other items addressed external behavioural problems – children who are hyperactive, are easily frustrated, and display frequent temper tantrums.

The disturbing findings can be stated simply. The more often parents reported experiencing technoference, the more behavioural problems they rated their children displaying. The strongest predictor was technoference by moms. This probably reflects a sample with moms more often being the primary care providers.

Let me be clear about something really important.

This was a single correlational study. I’d like to see the findings replicated. Even with replication, we still can’t know the causal direction. We only know that parent-child technological disruptions were related to child behavioural problems. Maybe when a child displays more behaviour problems, parents start looking for their own ways to escape and find some rewarding activities. A cell phone provides a ready escape hatch from any unrewarding social interaction. Of course, the causal direction may run the other way. When parents are more distracted, children learn to misbehave. Children really want their parents to attend to them. When their parents are distracted, the children may need more extreme behaviours to capture their parents’ attention. In this way, children learn to display behavioural problems. When the children act out, their parents will put down the phone and respond.

I’ve wondered about the effects of distracted parenting. I’ve written a lot about how cellphone and computer distraction impair a great variety of activities. Cellphone distraction can cause driving accidents; maybe even at a rate similar to drunk driving. Using your cell phone makes you unaware and at risk when walking through town. Cellphone and computer distractions impair learning in classrooms. Cellphones disrupt social interactions.

Even simply overhearing part of a cell phone conversation can be distracting.

I’m a big fan of cellphones, really. I love the easy connection to friends and family. I appreciate having all the world’s knowledge in my pocket all the time. But these benefits must be balanced against the risks and costs.

Don’t use technology while driving, walking, learning, or socialising. And really don’t be a distracted parent. The risk to your child is not worth answering that email, responding to that text, or updating your Facebook status.

(psyschologytoday.com)

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friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

SOCU converted into PNC outfit to witch-hunt PPP officials – Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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ecent news about the intentions of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to have two former senior functionaries, one a minister of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government taken in for questioning in connection with the findings of a forensic audit into the management of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has not gone unnoticed by the Opposition.

In fact, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday claimed that SOCU has now been converted into a People’s National Congress (PNC) outfit with its main objective to carry out witchhunts.

The former Head of state defended former NICIL head Winston Brassington and former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, who SOCU said it was actively seeking to question.

“It (SOCU) has been created to go after PPP officials; not drug dealers, not money launderers, not anyone else but to go after PPP people.

So, we will continue to oppose the witch-hunt,” Jagdeo declared.

Asked whether he thinks that Brassington or Dr Singh should return, the Opposition Leader said it was unfair to both men to put their lives on pause just to be questioned by the Police.

Jagdeo also argued that Government’s action in this regard has been blatant, referring to examples where members of the Government called out members of the Opposition in Parliament, warning them to look out for SOCU. He, therefore, reminded that Ministers had no line responsibility for SOCU. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who has been dragged to the courts by Government, informed the media that he was told by senior SOCU officials that they have acquired another search warrant to seize laws books belonging to Government.

But Nandlall said this move would mean that the Police were flouting a court order which prohib-

its SOCU from seizing these books. Nandlall has already been charged with larceny in connection with 15 LexisNexis Law Reports of the Commonwealth that were bought by the State for Nandlall’s own use.

In late April, the Supreme Court of Judicature issued a Conservatory Order, preventing the State and SOCU from seizing the law books.

The order was issued by Chief Justice Dawn Gregory.

Nandlall had previously stated that the purchase and subsequent acquisition of those documents were authorised by former President Donald Ramotar. The documents which were bought between 2012 and 2015 cost the Government over $2.8 million and were still in the care of the former AG. SOCU had obtained a search warrant to retrieve the law reports, but was unable to locate them, since they were locked up in a house owned by Nandlall that was being rented and it was reported then that the tenants were overseas and were in possession of the house keys.

The Legal Affairs Ministry had contended that there was no evidence of an agreement between Nandlall and former President Donald Ramotar for the purchase of the law books as part of the former’s contract and even assuming that there was such an agreement, the use of public funds in this manner is against the Financial Management and Accountability Act. It was only recently that Nandlall sued the current Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams for $125 million for what he saw as libellous and slanderous claims in relation to the said law reports.

Canal No 2 trench cleared but flooding continues – farmers suspect conservancy overtopping

T

hough the trench in Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD), has been largely cleared of overgrown weeds and moss, inundation continues in some sections which is threatening the livelihoods of many farmers. On Thursday, Guyana Times was told that the flood waters receded, fresh inundation reportedly emanated from the backlands.

South Section cash crop farmer, Dookie (only name), indicated that the latest spat of flood waters is dark in colour and from his experience; he, along with others suggested that it may be excess water from the conservancy that is spilling over into the backlands and flowing downwards.

When this newspaper visited the area late last week, it was evident that water in the front part of the

Canal was lower than the backlands. It was only last week Friday that the clearing was done at the back of the canal.

The farmers who suffered losses at the hands of heavy rains had last week urged the relevant authorities to provide assistance for them to continue farming in terms of fertilisers. Last week’s inundation was spurred on by intense heavy rainfall over a five-day period which flooded homes and farmlands in the area. Dookie told this newspaper that some 200 of his pear crops which he planted 15 months ago were threatened. He had also explained that it was only weeks ago that he invested around $1 million to excavate his drains in preparations for the heavy rainfall but his peppers and pakchoi were all destroyed.

Many of the farm-

ers blamed the local Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council for ignoring their numerous complaints and Guyana Times reported that the flooding could have been avoided if the Tender Board had facilitated the contract being awarded for drainage works in the area earlier on.

This publication was informed that previously, a former large-scale sugar cane farmer was granted monthly contracts for clearing clogged drains over the years.

However, changes in the tendering process awarded the contract to several contractors instead. It is this back-and-forth that many believed was responsible for the flooding. The farmers reported that they have not seen such water levels since the 2005 floods.

Major boost for Guyana’s aviation industry – Aruba Airlines set to fly from July

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everal airlines have applied to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to operate locally.

GCAA Director General, Retired Colonel Egbert Field said the Authority was currently in discussions with officials from those airlines and was working on their applications.

The Director General,

two airlines from the United States and three from the Caribbean Region were the latest to indicate their interest in operating airline routes within the Region between Havana and Guyana or Aruba and Guyana.

The Director General underlined that “Cubans are spending close to US$500,000 a week in Guyana’s economy and

GCAA Director General, Retired Colonel Egbert Field

in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI)/ Government Information Agency (GINA), noted that

that is a sizeable amount.

Imagine the increase when you have additional airlines flying the same route bringing passengers out

of Havana…I cannot forecast that the travelling cost will decrease, but increased competition brings the prices down and this is one of the things we’re working on.” turn to page 9

8 news

friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Man admits threatening to kill spouse ‒ woman seeks restraining order

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nother domestic violence-related matter has surfaced at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

This one involves a woman was has been left fearful for her life after her common-law husband said he would kill her.

When Weldon Anthony was arraigned on Thursday before Wales Magistrate Clive Nurse, he admitted he had so threatened Lauren Husbands, the mother of his child.

According to the facts of the case, Husbands, the virtual complainant (VC), and the defendant were at her home when an argument erupted between the two.

Sometime after the argument, Anthony angrily remarked that he would “kill” the woman.

Fearful for her life, the woman rushed to the La Grange Police Station, and told ranks that she was fearful for her life and that of her child.

Police, acting on what the woman had told them,

Weldon Anthony admitted that he had threatened to kill Lauren Husbands

quickly contacted Anthony and apprehended him because of the allegation. He appeared before the magistrate on Thursday wearing a foot shackle.

The man told Magistrate Clive Nurse that he was present at the woman’s home because he had gone there to deliver some items for his child. The woman, however, explained that she was seeking to have the court issue a restraining order against Anthony because of his threating

behaviour. The remainder of the hearing was held in-camera.

Over the last few months, several domestic violence-related incidents have arisen in courts across the country. On June 21, Berbice mother Mintie Karamchand was hacked to death allegedly by jealous ex-husband Goldburn December. The 47-year-old suspect later plunged into the Canje River, and has since not been seen.

Mother granted $15,000 bail – after heated showdown with another female

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heated confrontation between two females at Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD), has landed them before the courts.

Twenty-five-year-old Samantha De Florimonte

appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to answer to the charge that on June 23 at Westminster, she unlawfully assaulted Althea

Caines.

De Florimonte pleaded not guilty to the charge and the mother of one was released on $15,000 bail.

Meanwhile, her sparring partner, Aletha Caines was cautioned by Police for a similar offence, but she was not present at Thursday’s arraignment. Once the Police are successful in contacting Caines, the two young women will make their next court appearance on July 20, 2017.

Clueless…

T

…in business he Muckraker’s controllers have their buktas all in a knot over Exxon’s “business practices”. Your Eyewitness wonders why. They should have a talk with their owner about his “business practices” when he was “backtracking” bodies into the US. Did he cut those “poor, huddled masses” any slack when they couldn’t cough up their US$10,000 fee? Did he allow them to “negotiate”? Not in this lifetime! Those poor souls were thrown into the arms of Immigration if they lagged with their payments.

Whether we like it or not, businesses are in the business of making profit, and their social responsibilities are limited to complying with the law of the land. Any charity they undertake is to build goodwill for their business. Any business that ignores these rules will collapse into the dust. If Exxon is engaged in “sharp practices”, it’s up to the government of the jurisdiction to have laws that control those practices, so their country isn’t screwed.

And it’s for this reason this Eyewitness snickered so vigorously when he heard Trotman was going to negotiate the new Oil Production Contract with Exxon’s army of lawyers! We predicted they’d make mincemeat of him; and boy, did they ever!! Imagine this clueless poseur has the temerity to BOAST about accepting a 2% royalty on our oil production! Nowhere in the world is royalty lower than 10%!!

Trotman was a wet-dream to the lawyers of Exxon.

Negotiators who know they’re clueless about their remit have the presence of mind to hire expert advisers. But insecure fellas like Trotman, who can’t admit they’re groping in the dark, try to bluff their way through.

Can Guyanese blame Exxon for taking Trotman (and Guyana) to the cleaners? Isn’t that what the Muckraker’s owner does when he hocks his exercise books to poor schoolchildren??

In the case of governmental officials, however, businesses like Exxon have been around the block and some. They also have, as part of their negotiating kit, “incentives” for greasing the wheels -- especially in the Third World. But this is where there’s the need for transparency in negotiations, when there’s such a disparity in the capabilities of the two sides.

The IMF has again emphasised the need for transparency -- even as the EITI body is in Guyana. But that call is prospective. Who’s going to reveal what went on behind closed doors for Exxon to get that ridiculous (from Guyana’s perspective) 2% royalty? As your Eyewitness has insisted since last year, oil has peaked at US$50/barrel, and the “profits” at this price are tenuous at best, after Exxon amortises its exploration costs and adds it to production costs.

That 50% “profits” is pure “kak”! …on integrity

In his new column (because he’s been reduced to running Government media) PM Nagamootoo pontificated on “Integrity” and the “Integrity Commission”. Well, they do say the best thieves make the best policemen! But that is only if they’ve turned over a new leaf! And from his effusions, it’s clear that Nagamootoo hasn’t been turning any leaves!

Nagamootoo explained how Bishop George was the head of the Integrity Commission since 1997, and he (Nagamootoo) duly complied with filing his declaration of assets since that time until 2014. He stopped filing then, because he then discovered that the Commission was “headless” and “bodiless”. Didn’t he know Bishop George had passed away in 2006? Was he on a mountain top in front of a burning bush?

But what he’s doing, of course, is providing cover for his new PNC cohorts, who’d never filed -- even when Bishop George was the head and the full body was operational. Such “integrity”!!

When the PNC non-compliants are jailed, Nagamootoo should join them, because of that “integrity”!

…or devious?

If search warrants are granted when “it is believed matters of evidential value were used or are intended to be used in the commission of a crime”, why was one needed, since Nandall declared he had the disputed (evidentiary) law books??

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

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friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former AG representing Ashni Singh in SOCU probe

Single mother charged for abusive language

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single-parent mother from Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, had previously paid a fine for threatening language. However, Michelle Williams, 25, was involved in another dispute on what could have been a quiet Sunday. On Thursday, she appeared in court again but this time for the offence of abusive language.

The mother denied the allegations which stated that on June 25, 2017, she made use of abusive language to Diana Beckles.

The unemployed woman was released on her own

…Jagdeo reluctant to have official return for questioning ormer Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, in face of the interest directed his way by the Guyana Police Force’s Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), has secured the services of his former Cabinet colleague, former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall communicated news of this development yesterday to SOCU Chief, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Sidney James.

An official missive dispatched by the law offices of Mohabir A. Nandlall & Associates to SOCU head, Lieutenant Colonel (rtd) Sidney James, read: “Although my client is out of the jurisdiction, he always was and remains accessible, ready, able and willing to provide all, or any information at his disposal which your Unit may require.”

Recent media reports have suggested that SOCU may be looking for Dr Singh, the Finance Minister and NICIL (National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited) Chairman during the Donald Ramotar Administration.

SOCU is also reportedly focusing on the then NICIL Executive Director, Winston Brassington.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday expressed hesitancy in supporting efforts to have the two men -- both of whom are out of the jurisdiction -- return to Guyana to be at the disposal of SOCU, since that body has become a political outfit. Jagdeo told media operatives at his Church Street Office on Tuesday, “The thing is that these people can’t be there, put their whole lives on hold; because SOCU --

Winston Brassington

Dr Ashni Singh

one morning, every time the Opposition criticizes the Government -- will get a call from (Attorney General) Basil Williams or (Public Security Minister) Khemraj (Ramjattan) or (Public Health Minister) Volda Lawrence to go after Ashni Singh or Nandlall for that day.”

According to the Opposition Leader, “That is how the SOCU is operating; they getting calls, regular calls from Government (Ministers).”

He has, in fact, suggested that the Commissioner of Police has been sidelined from command of the unit that is supposed to be under his purview. “You hear ministers talking about who will get lock up.

Ministers have no line responsibility over SOCU… It comes through the Commissioner (of Police).”

Jagdeo has posited that SOCU is entirely being used by the political directorate to pursue a witch-hunt.

“It’s a pure witch-hunt.

SOCU has been converted into a PNC (Peoples National Congress) outfit to go after PPP officials; not drug dealers, not money launderers, not anyone else, but to go after PPP people.”

The Opposition Leader is adamant that the PPP

will “continue to oppose the witch-hunt.”

In seeking to qualifying his position, Jagdeo said the political direction being handed down to SOCU “is so blatant that when they (are) in Parliament, they (are) doing it all the time. Every time they get (criticized) and feel embarrassed about an issue, they say, ‘Watch out for SOCU next week! It is so blatant.”

Jagdeo has also declared his support for former NICIL Executive Director Winston Brassington by pointing to the questionable audit that was conducted by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, a pro-coalition supporter.

According to the former President, the witch hunt is persisting and the two identified victims for the weekend were Brassington and Dr Singh.

He referred to a public missive written by

Brassington in light of the media reports, “where he (Brassington) pointed out that he had responded paragraph by paragraph to Goolsarran’s audit, if we can call it an audit, because it’s more like a propaganda document.” The former President suggested that an impartial editor would juxtapose Brassington’s response with the actual audit findings presented by Goolsarran, “and then you will see how deficient his audit was.”

Jagdeo observed that, given the history of the audit and how it was handled in the public domain, “that would be the only fair thing to do.”

The Opposition Leader reminded that the audit report was first leaked to the media before it was even turned over to the NICIL staff to provide a formal response, after which there was a ceremony to publicly hand over the report to the Police.

“Why would you need to publicly hand over an audit report to the police if it was not done only for propaganda value?” Jagdeo questioned.

A

Accused: Michelle Williams

recognisance and is scheduled to appear at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on July 10.

Major boost for...

Field further said Aruba Airlines was expected to begin formal flights early in July. He explained that the Authority and the airline’s officials were currently finalising the application.

“The airline out of Aruba would like to fly to Guyana and also fly through from Havana. To date, we have Easy Sky flying from Havana to Georgetown. Aruba also wants to fly on that route, so it would benefit the economy of Guyana greatly and those Guyanese who wish to travel to Aruba and Curaçao

from page 7

to make connection with the world,” Field explained.

Aruba Airlines was founded in 2006; its network of destinations includes Venezuela, several cities in Cuba and Miami.

There is good traffic between Guyana and Cuba, and Aruba Airlines will haul in more traffic between the two countries. This increase in travel will lead to an increase in foreign currency, especially from the Cubans who travel to Guyana on a regular basis, Field stated.

10 news

friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 more pump stations for Georgetown I

n an effort to improve the drainage system in Georgetown, two additional pump stations with the accompanying outfalls will be installed in the city.

This project will be funded under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

Last year a team of Dutch engineering students from the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, visited Guyana and collaborated with local agencies to develop a model of an effective and efficient drainage system for Georgetown.

Dutch Risk The

Reduction team (DRR) had recommended in its report, submitted in January last year, that Guyana use a proactive approach to respond to flood-related issues. The team also identified short, medium and long-term measures that can be taken to better operate and manage the drainage system of Georgetown and the low-lying coastal areas.

One of the recommendations was that Government upgrade modelling capability even as the report noted that the current practice of maintaining and improv-

ing the drainage system is largely projects-based.

It was also recommended that the authorities make a long-term project plan to gradually develop the hydraulic drainage model for Georgetown. A recommendation was made too for the setting up of a simple spread-sheet type of network model for the entire drainage system of Georgetown to better understand the flow of water.

Updating media operatives on this project at a press conference on Thursday, Programme Officer attached to the EU

Programme Officer at EU Mission in Guyana, Odran Hayes

Delegation in Guyana, Odran Hayes, noted that with the Dutch researchers having identified certain bottlenecks within the City’s drainage system, Government will now have to do the corrective work.

To this end, he noted that two more additional pump stations will be needed to achieve this.

“From our side, what we are doing under the 11th EDF – the Sea Defence Programme – the Government has a target indicator to increase the drainage pumping capacity for Georgetown by four cubic meters per second.

So they will have to install two new pumping stations

with outfalls. The location is yet to be decided but perhaps on the Demerara River, that will be our contribution,” the EU representative said.

Moreover, Haynes noted that the budget support programmes such as the aforementioned usually come along with a technical assistance programme, whereby the EU would bring in consultants to advise the benefiting agency. In this case, it would be the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

One such technical assistance that the EU will be providing is legislative reform to the country’s Sea Defence Act. “So we will be working with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the CDC (Civil Defence Commission) on legislative reform and possibly updating the Sea Defence Act – it’s quite old now, going back to the beginning of last century – to bring into being a new Disaster Management Bill,” Hayes revealed.

The EU representative continued that they will also work with the CDC on developing regional and municipals Disasters Management Plan for Georgetown and the four new municipalities (Lethem, Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia).

Additionally, they are looking to establish 16 community-based Disaster Management Plan.

“So there’s quite a bit of technical assistance (programmes),” Hayes remarked. Of importance too is the move to promote gender equality. The EU Programme Officer revealed that they will be collaborating with the Public Infrastructure Ministry to encouraging young women to follow careers in engineering and science.

To this end, he added that Ministry, which has responsibility for the Sea Defence Board, has committed to have a 33 per cent women representation on the board. Currently there is 10 per cent women presence and according to Hayes, only after this is increased to one-third that the funding for this aspect will be released.

Guyana has been the beneficiary of successive EDFs, embracing a number of key projects in areas essential to the country’s human and economic development. The strategic and programming framework for the 11th EDF, which runs from 2014 to 2020, has identified climate change adaptation and risk reduction as priority areas, utilising a sum of 34 million Euros.

news

S RAIGHT Time for sugar workers to stand up against injustices

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griculture remains of crucial importance to Guyana's economy, despite its poor performance over the last few years. Sugar, in particular, accounts for some 15,000 workers, more than 6 percent of the national labour force, and is the single largest employer. These 15,000 workers pay taxes and contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation; they are not a liability to the nation, they are one of its best asset. So any offer of opportunities to the workers is not a favour being granted to them by this Granger-led PNC Administration, but a fulfillment of a sacrosanct duty.

If the workers are to roll over and accept that ridiculous and senseless “State Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry”, as presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Holder, then their actions would be construed as a sign of appeasement and weakness. This is the time for the sugar workers to escalate their awareness and stand up against the injustices being imposed on them by this Granger-led PNC Administration. Sugar workers must stand up with a sense of duty to their families, their communities, and their country. Thus they must expose and oppose all acts of wrongdoing being conducted against them by this Grangerled PNC Administration.

GAWU and NAACIE cannot pander to these agents of ECONOMIC DESTRUCTION, or else their actions will be seen by the workers as an analgesic balm to the oppressors. The sugar workers have for centuries given their sweat and blood to build and mould this nation; they are not step children of Guyana. That is why these acts of incompetence and cowardice from the players in this Granger-led PNC Administration -- especially from people like Moses Nagamootoo, Noel Holder, Clive Thomas and Errol Hanoman, who continue to falsely pass themselves off as friends of the sugar belt -- must be publicly and promptly stripped naked. If this State Paper is the best this Granger-led PNC Administration has, then the people of this administration were never equipped, in the first place, to even run a cake shop on the street corner.

The only solution to the sugar issue is one crafted with the workers as equal partners. Instead, today, this Grangerled PNC Administration has done everything in its power to discredit the sugar industry, and is even engaging in peddling wholesale untruths.

There is no other description for the "jumbie" numbers put forward by Clive Thomas on GuySuCo’s debt. I have seen nothing to date that illustrates any attempt to bring about value chain improvement in the sugar industry. Rather, this Thomas/ Hanoman Team continues to take measures that are destroying the factories, destroying the fields, destroying the other cost-reduction opportunities; and, most importantly, have actively destroyed the morale in the workforce. Instead, their only strategy today is subterfuge and deception.

Clive Thomas claimed that the GuySuCo debt is G$82 billion, but when one commences to drill down into the details, one can easily find that some G$30 billion are associated with the now collapsed Skeldon Sugar Factory and Skeldon Power Plant.

Ask yourself who made the decision to construct these facilities: the Cabinet of the then Government of Guyana or GuySuCo? The decision to borrow and spend that G$30 billion was made by the Cabinet of the then Government of Guyana. The only place for these debts are on the books of the Ministry of Finance, as part of the National Debt incurred by the Central Government. They have no place on GuySuCo’s books, and are an imposition on the workers.

Then Clive Thomas tries to sell the Brooklyn Bridge by informing the Guyanese people that GuySuCo has an immediate debt of G$82 billion, not realizing that buried in that number are another G$30 billion assigned as the value of the long-term Employee Retirement Benefits.

But the treatment and cash flow implications of this longterm Employee Retirement Benefits, according to the International Accounting Standards No. 19 and 26, are not short-term. But Thomas makes a big hullabaloo about it.

So, in reality, GuySuCo has only about G$22 billion active and current debt that has an immediate impact on the company. Aren’t G$22 billion more manageable than G$82 billion? When will this Granger-led PNC Administration cease and desist from their dark art of financial quackery?

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“No more funds” for sugar industry – EU – wraps up grant programme with Guyana

By Vahnu Manikchand

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fter finally releasing the last instalment of its sugar grant last year, the European Union (EU) has now closed the programme, which saw Guyana benefiting from some $348.5 billion budgetary support to aid in sugar sector reform.

This is according to the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtič , during a press conference on Thursday. The Ambassador noted that while the last grant was issued in 2013, it was not released to Guyana until last year after the country failed to meet the necessary indicators/criteria required.

“The last payment under the sugar programme was delayed; it was put on hold because we were waiting for the eligibility criteria to be met. So this payment was executed in October 2016,” Videtič told reporters.

However, he added that the disbursement of this last instalment brings the curtains down on the sugar grant which will officially end on September 30.

“There’re no more funds in there from this protocol…

This is it,” the EU Head of Mission asserted.

The EU Sugar Grant was established to compensate for the 36 per cent cut in preferential market price after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had ruled that the preferential market access violated global free trade rules.

A total of 1.28 billion euros were allocated for disbursement to the sugar protocol countries benefiting from the programme to help them adapt to the new market conditions. Guyana received its first instalment in 2006.

According to Ambassador Videtič , the EU grant was to support the restructuring of the sugar sector and not for a policy design. The latter, he noted, is the sole competence and responsibility of Government.

In fact, Head of Cooperation at the EU Mission in Guyana, Christof Stock, pointed out that while the monies were to support reform within the sugar sector, the EU had no actual involvement in that process. “…When we are doing budget support programme, which is to increase the ownership of the country of the programme, the money goes into the Treasury and the only influence we have is to check against the indicators – how the indicators are reached and that’s out of our responsibility. But this is a system which basically follows the Millennium Goals agreed and in order also to give those countries benefiting from budget support, the possibility to increase their ownership and to integrate the funds into their respective policy,” he explained.

On Wednesday, a local online news entity reported Chief Executive Officer of the

EU Ambassador Jernej Videtič (sitting) with other representatives from the local Mission, including Head of Cooperation Christof Stock (first from left) at Thursday’s news conference

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Errol Hanoman, had said that the company is seeking the EU’s assistance to conduct a technical study on the feasibility of producing plantation white sugar here.

However, when questioned about this at Thursday’s press conference, the EU Ambassador indicated to media operatives that he is unaware of this.

“I’m not aware of this (or) that we would be involved in anything like that,” Ambassador Videtič said.

Nevertheless, Stock explained that projects in the

field of technical assistance to governments are done on a request basis. To this end, he noted that such collaboration can be possible.

“Yes it is possible under request from Government; however, we haven’t received such a request so that’s not an issue now for us,” Stock stated.

The Guyana Government has moved to downsize and diversify the heavily indebted and cash strapped sugar industry. A move, which has since attracted countrywide protest action with many, including the parliamentary Opposition and the

largest sugar representation body GAWU (Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union), calling on the coalition Administration to reverse its decision.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder recently presented a ‘White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry’ to the National Assembly, revealing plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo.

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friday, june 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Corentyne), Thamesha Watson; Miss Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Ariell Basdeo; Miss Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Crystal Wills; Miss Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), Manisha Wong; and Miss Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Nitifah Thompson.

The event commenced promptly at 20:00h and featured Guyana’s most popular Television sensation, Joel Ghansham as co-host with last year’s Queen, Nuriyyih Gerard.

As expected, Ghansham made a dramatic jaw dropping entrance onto the stage as he hid behind a curtain held up by two boys from which he appeared to be undressing Vena Mookram during the evening gown segment and momentarily flinging pieces of clothing

M

iss Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Vena Mookram, outshone her nine other rivals to cop the coveted Miss World Guyana 2017 title, when the pageant was held on Sunday evening before a large audience in the grand ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

Setting the catwalk on fire were 10 beauties – Miss Region One (BairmaWaini), Delisha Wright; Miss Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Sharda Pramdeo; Miss Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Hemwantie Seodat; Miss Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Vena Mookram; Miss Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Joelly Valentine; Miss Region Six (East Berbice-

T

over the curtain much to the delight of the audience, before finally revealing himself to a thunderous applause and laughter in a black dress with glittering silver.

He also appeared throughout the show in two other outfits.

It was indeed a night of elegance as attendees were seen decked out in the latest style and fashion. The event, which was well attended, saw the girls’ appearing in three short segments: introduction, casual

wenty-two-year-old Gabriella Chapman who is the current Miss Bartica Regatta will be representing Guyana at the upcoming Miss Jaycees International Carnival Show slated for July 30 in Antigua.

“Gabby”, as Chapman is commonly known, is an amiable person who thrives on learning and experiencing new things. She is also a well determined and vigorous

wear and evening wear. Entertainment was provided in the form of dances and musical interludes by a saxophonist and a guitarist.

The delegates were shortlisted to five who were then asked the same final question: ‘Why

Newly crowned Miss World Guyana Vena Mookram

Miss World Guyana 2017 Vena Mookram, first Princess Manisha Wong and second Princess Ariel Ghanie

individual, yet pleasantly calm.

She grew up in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and constantly applauds her parents for bringing her up with high morals and sound education.

Graduating with nine subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and walking away with the award for Best Graduating Student in English Language, Chapman went on to serve as an English, Agricultural Science and Health and Family Life Education teacher at the Bartica Secondary School.

It was during that year she discovered her love for children. Although this discovery was made, her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer.

At that tender age, the forceful speaker developed a passion for debating and participated in countless debating competitions throughout her school life; most of which she copped the best speaker prize. At just age 12, the beauty ambassador was made President of the debating club in her school.

She is currently pursuing a degree in Communication Studies at the University of Guyana after which she will venture into her law studies.

Despite her career choice, she loves the arts: fashion,

should you be the next Miss World Guyana?

Mookram was the last to be asked and she answered with confidence.

This led to the final three spots resulting in the Queen Miss World Guyana 2017 Vena Mookram of Region Four, first princesses Manisha Wong of Region Nine, and second princess Ariell Ghanie of Region Seven.

It was an eye watering moment for many when Miss Region One, Delisha Wright serenaded the queen with her talent piece, after which the new queen crowned each of the other delegates with a smaller version of her crown.

Mookram will be representing Guyana in China in November for the international pageant where it is expected that more than 100 countries will participate.

modelling, singing, dancing, drama.

To feed her passion, she participated in four pageants, namely, Mr and Ms University of Guyana Student Society pageant 2015 where she emerged as first runner-up; the Miss Emancipation 2016 pageant where she placed second runner-up; Miss Mash Queen 2017, where she was first runner-up; and Miss Bartica Regatta 2017 where she was crowned the queen.

During her involvement in pageantry, Gabby became an advocate for self-empowerment. She strongly believes that self-empowerment came from being “hungry” – hungry to succeed, hungry to achieve more in life, hungry to do the right thing and hungry to overcome any challenges that come your way.

It is with this same self-empowered mind set Chapman is heading to the 56th annual Miss Jaycees Queen Show, “hungry” – hungry to be an ambassador for her country, hungry to be a role model in society and hungry to make Guyana proud!

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friday, june 30, 2017

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Miss United Continents Pageant

A

s yet another beauty queen gears up to represent Guyana on the international stage, overseas-based Miss United Continents has indicated that she is ready to bring the crown home for her country.

Following an online application and interview process, 22-year-old Divya Yabindranauth was selected to represent Guyana at the Miss United Continents 2017 pageant.

The aspiring engineer

who m i grated at the age of 13 is currently attached to an oil company in Texas but has taken time off from her career to represent her homeland at the international

platform.

Guyana Times Entertainment caught up with the beauty in the course of her one week visit to Guyana during which she expressed her anticipation for the international showdown.

“It’s been exciting and a bit nervous at the same time. So far it is going really good, I am super excited and I just can’t wait to meet the other girls,” relayed Yabindranauth.

The overseas-based Guyanese indicated that she h a s even

tried her hand at several local pageants but has finally been award-

ed the opportunity to represent her country. As a result, the local ambassador indicated that she is ready to bring home the crown.

“I have been eagerly waiting to compete for Guyana. As an ambassador right now, no matter what it takes, I’m gonna do it to win that crown,” Yabindranauth confidently conveyed.

The Miss United Continents Guyana went on to say that, “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to represent Guyana on the international stage and I finally got the opportunity and I’m gonna show them what a true ambassador I am.”

The Miss U n i t e d Continents Pageant was initiated in the year 2006 with the aim of unifying countries c r o s s

O

H

its and Jams Entertainment is gearing up for the Caricom weekend with two massive concerts – one for the older folks and the other for all the “Spice” lovers.

The Sun, Water and Sand (SWS) Weekend will commence on Sunday with a special concert that caters to mid-aged music lovers and will feature former member of the Bryon Lee and the Dragonaires, Admiral Bailey out of Jamaica.

He is joined by “Stitchy” One Man Band and Atlantic Stars Band out of the United States. Tickets for the event cost $1000.

Showtime is

Admiral Bailey 18:00h sharp. Also spicing things up on Sunday will be the BOOM Deejays and others. The three performers are bound to bring back memories and are expected to give epic performances.

Meanwh i l e, S W S co nt i n u e s o n

Atlantic Stars

Monday – Caricom Day – with Jamaican dancehall recording artist, singer and songwriter, Spice in the house.

Known for her energetic performances, the artiste will be rocking the stage at the HJ Water World.

The action will commence at 12:00h but the artiste is expected to make her

Spice appearance at about 16:00h.

Monday’s event will primarily be a daylight affair and will also feature deejays from the Boom Station, Stereo Sonic and Fusions International. Early bird tickets cost $1000 and $2000 after.

Tickets for both events will be available at Nigel’s Supermarket, Hot and Spicy and DAT Look Boutique.

n Monday, July 3, the Umana Yana on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown will come alive with an epic event titled “Straight Outta Texas” – the ultimate American independence celebration.

The event will commence at 16:00h and is being hosted by the Global Friendships Foundation in collaboration with American Expats living in Guyana.

Since Texas is most certainly known for its bold flavours and love of food in general, this all-American extravaganza will be offering a delicious array of tongue-tickling delights.

Keeping it Texan means keeping it simple, so this event will have in its food line-up cheeseburgers, lengthy hot dogs, colossal hamburgers, nachos, pizza, barbecue, buffalo wings, fried chicken, popcorn, fries and pulled pork.

This event will be one of the most affordable and diverse of American foods celebrations in Guyana, showcasing the bounty and delectable culinary cultures of the United States.

When it comes to drinks, the beverage bars in attendance at this US Independence Day celebration will have as their slogan “Make America Drink Again” and will stock all of the popular American cocktails such as the Martini, Manhattan, Tequila Sunrise,

the various continents.

T h i s y e a r marks the second time Guyana will be facing off against in excess of 30 beauties for this particular title.

As such, Yabindranauth is calling on citizens for support as she embarks on this journey. Miss United Continent 2017 is set for September 24 and will be staged in Ecuador.

Margarita, together with the Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan, The Mint Julep, Daquiri, Mojito, and Piña Colada. Beer, sodas, and wines will also be available.

Aside from food and drinks, the event which the organisers are describing as an urban picnic, will entertain patrons with live musical performances from the stage featuring popular American hit music and other cultural items.

Children attending this red, white and blue Texas themed party can have their faces painted and participate in a number of games such as hotdog and watermelon eating contests.

This is a Texas-themed event and therefore the dress code that is being encouraged: j e a n s ,

sundresses, bandanas, cowboy boots, tengallon hats and hair as high as the heavens, for starters, as there will be prizes for the best dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl.

The public is invited to come out in their numbers and enjoy this novel event.

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friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Contraband is “big business” – Crime Stoppers consultant

I

llicit trade is a phenomenon that impacts tobacco manufacturers, Governments and the tobacco control community, and which requires a coordinated international response.

This is according to Crime Stoppers International consultant Darrin Carmichael, who says it is becoming increasingly difficult to go after wrongdoers, as contraband is “big business”.

Carmichael stressed the need for public and private agencies to act in concert to combat the illicit trade, while delivering the feature address at an Anti-Illicit Trade Regional Conference held in Guyana on Thursday.

“Crime Stoppers International recognises that illicit trade is a growing problem worldwide, be it smuggling, counterfeiting, or tax evasion. Governments across the globe are losing billions of dollars in tax revenues. Legitimate businesses are being undermined and consumers in all our communities are exposed to unregulated, poor made and inferior products,” he said.

Carmichael says it is a growing concern that the illicit trade does not have small operators and despite the many technological advances made to go after these smugglers, there continues to be expansive and

where every government and every country is fighting it.

“In the last 10 years, the illicit trade of cigarettes has been rapidly increasing to the levels that in some countries to date, the level of total consumption is reaching 70 per cent.

This is obviously unacceptable,” he asserted.

National security

Senior External Affairs Manager for British American Tobacco (Central America and the Caribbean), Cesar Agurcia

substantial resources being invested in purchasing counterfeit devices.

He said, “Interpol states that gangs which traffic illegal drugs, weapons and peoples are also behind the illicit trade in tobacco trade and alcohol. According to the (US) Department of Justice, some of these groups have ties as well to terrorist organisations.”

Meanwhile, Senior External Affairs Manager for British American Tobacco with responsibility for Central America and the Caribbean, Cesar Agurcia, said too that the illicit trade has become a large issue in the international market and it is a growing trend

Agurcia told participants from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname that these smugglers evade taxes and the counterfeit item posed a health risk for the population, especially since manufacturers did not have any control and the products

were being made in clandestine factories.

“Illicit trade is also a national security issue. Why? Because the profit of illicit trade is being put into organised crime around the world. The big money and real profit is going into real dangerous hands. That is why it’s a national security issue in our countries,” he added.

According to the British American Tobacco official, it would be difficult to assess the illicit trade.

“There is no way to measure this because of the secrecy of these activities. But in the tobacco industry, 600 billion cigarettes are currently under the contraband scheme. And that represents a loss to Government from

come from Paraguay and Germany.

Increased taxation

In attempting to look at what may be assisting with the growth of this illicit trade, Agurcia said one of the most important factors is heavy taxation and too stringent laws. “If the taxation is extremely high, this will help contraband to grow. If taxation is really high, prices for the legal product will go up and you will leave a bigger space for the lower price segment which is being filled by contraband,” he remarked.

Using Panama as an example, the tobacco manager said that the excise tax placed on cigarettes in that country was 100 per cent of

Participants at the British American Tobacco Caribbean Anti-Illicit Trade Regional Conference being addressed by an official

about US$50-60 billion.

That money should be in Government’s hands.”

Instead, it is in very dangerous hands. Agurcia said not only was the tobacco industry suffering big time, but also the alcohol, pharmaceutical and many other similar sectors.

He said in Central America and the Caribbean market, there were more than 200 different brands of cigarettes. Most of these products are obtained from China or India, while in some cases, illicit drugs also

the retailer’s price and the legislation was too radical and drastic. “So much that it prohibits everything to the legal product. You will control the legal product but not the illicit trade.”

The levels of contraband in Panama since 2009 have been above 50 per cent and today, it is around 70 per cent of consumption. “So, for every 10 cigarettes smoked in Panama, seven of them are coming from illicit trade.

That is unacceptable in a country,” he opined.

Further, Agurcia rea-

Consultant for Crime Stoppers International, Darrin Carmichael

soned that more people were becoming attracted to this type of business. “It’s more convenient to be a tobacco smuggler or other products, than to be a drug dealer. Because the profit is as good as the drugs, a lot less dangerous probably and they don’t go to jail in most countries,” he remarked.

Normalisation of the illicit trade, according to him, is also helping to add to the problem, because more people are buying tobacco products believing that they are buying legitimate products.

In providing a picture of the illicit trade of tobacco in countries within the Region, Agurcia said that while most Caribbean countries, including Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, are below 20 per cent, countries like Suriname and Panama have rates exceeding 70 per cent in some cases.

In 2015, the volume of duty-not-paid cigarettes consumed in the world was some 463 billion sticks with an estimated value of US$40 billion. This figure has substantially increased ever since.

Every tobacco stakeholder continues to be impacted by illicit trade. Major companies and states suffer financial loss, and public health policies are usually undermined.

NEWS

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friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tumatumari Hydro Project

EPA signals intention to grant approval to private company

– ahead of Impact Assessment, Environment and Social Management Plan

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signalled its intention to grant an interim one year authorisation to Tumatumari Hydro Inc (THI), which brings the special purpose private company one step closer towards its planned rehabilitation of the Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) power plant.

This comes, however, before an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Environmental and Social Impact Management Plan (ESMP) has even been completed and submitted by the company. And the regulatory agency’s reason for doing this is reportedly because of the tight schedule to commence work. The project work is expected to commence next month.

An EIA is a study which is carried out during the planning stages of a project in order to assess what effects the project will have on the environment. Once this assessment is done, recommendations can be made to mitigate any harmful effects on the environment. It is usually carried out by independent specialists vetted by the regulatory agency.

“THI by way of letter dated July 15, 2015 to the EPA, applied for processing of Environmental Authorisation for the implementation of the project,” the Agency noted in explaining this move. “This process progressed to the half-way point, before being reformulated by the EPA, in accordance with the stipulations outlined in the EPA`s letter of February 21, 2017.”

“The restarted process has since been embarked upon, with due dispatch.

However, given the projected early implementation schedule and the nature of this project, it is not envisaged that the undertaking of an

Junction to Mahdia along the existing roadway.

A new 30km power line from Tumatumari to TRG gold mining operations at Karouni, Kaburi, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) along existing roadway will also be constructed. There are also plans to construct living quarters to accommodate visitors, personnel on duty and offices.

Impact on environment

While interim approval has been granted, there are still grey areas regardThe station at Tumatumari

EIA and the preparation of an ESMP will be an onerous, inordinately time consuming, and costly undertaking.”

In a recent advertisement, it had been announced that THI had applied seeking environmental authorisation to rehabilitate the Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant, which is located in Tumatumari, Potaro, Region Eight.

The advertisement had announced that the new project would have the existing Tumatumari Hydro-electric Power Station project redeveloped, as well as operation improvements and maintenance done.

In addition, the publication revealed plans to replace the plant’s existing hydroelectric generator units and installation of new electro-mechanical/ hydraulic controls, instrumentation, and protection and switch gears.

According to an EPA report, the agency has proposed to grant THI’s request for an interim Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), but with a life span of one year. This, the authority noted, is contingent on EPA accepting an updated Project Summary that THI is expected to submit.

The EIA is expected to enable the start of the project, including the construction, commissioning and initial operation, pending the company attaining full environmental authorisation status. The Draft Terms of Reference for the EIA and related ESMP are the immediate next steps to be addressed.

This will facilitate the engagement of the Environmental Consultants for undertaking the work, in coordination with the EPA. Accordingly, THI projects that its application for the EIA will be submitted by May 2017, given that project works will commence (on the ground) by July 2017.

Scope of work

According to the released scope of work, the project will seek to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the existing hydroelectric plant. The project will also entail replacing two existing 0.75 megawatt hydroelectric generator units with new 1.1 megawatt units, as well as the installation of new hydraulic controls, instrumentation, protection and switchgear.

It also entails minor rehabilitation works done to the powerhouse, trash

Upstream of the Potaro River at Tumatumari

screens, penstock gantry and gates and final access roadway. In addition, there are plans to replace the conductors in the existing power line, from Tumatumari to Sucre Junction (a distance of approximately eight km) and construct a new power line extension from Sucre

ing the project’s social and environmental impact that have to be addressed. The plant, which is located upstream of the Potaro River, was built some 60 years ago by a Canadian investor.

Among the areas to be probed are the social impact

the project will have on the immediate adjacent community, and others expected to receive power from the project.

In addition, further work is slated to be done on the biodiversity impact, to determine any possible negative impact during the operational phase, on flora and fauna, as well as possible endangerment of aquatic species.

Work will also be done on the impact the project would have on climate change, as well as on the noise and human waste pollution impact component. The hydrological impact of anti-flood control measures during operations will also be assessed.

Land stability and the impact of erosion will also be assessed. The EPA noted in its report that while the actual works are situated on granite bedrock, the impact on the stability of lands surrounding the project’s installation works will be assessed.

And finally, the impact of power line installation will have to be examined.

However, the regulatory agency noted that no new forest road or other road reconstruction will be required for erecting the power poles and stringing lines, as works will be effected on the easement of the existing roadway. It stated that any incremental disruption or habitat fragmentation would be minimal.

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friDAY, june 30, 2017

News

Corentyne couple tied 2017 NGSA up, robbed at gunpoint results out today F J

ifty-eight-year-old shop-owner Kamaldeo of Number 46 Village, Corentyne, East Berbice explained that he and his wife were in their shop on Thursday at about 13:30h when two men entered and told them not to move.

around me head, and cover my mouth with tape so I can’t talk,” the man said.

Kamaldeo said his wife was also tied up. The bandits then demanded money and jewellery.

According to Kamaldeo, one of the bandits sat on him

box on the wardrobe in the bedroom that had $10,000 and ah tell them that is all I get…so they get about $43,000.”

He said he and his wife told the men to take cigarettes, phone cards and anything else that they want-

Robbed: Kamaldeo

The shop where the robbery took place

He explained that one of the bandits was armed with a gun and the other with a knife. One of the men also wore a mask.

He said the bandits tied up and robbed him and his 57-year-old wife. “They take a knife and hold it at me and tape me up. They tie up me hand and foot and wrap it

and told him to remain still, while the other one searched the place and asked his wife for valuables. They were directed to a box which contained money from sales, which amounted to $33,000.

His wife also handed over two finger rings she was hearing at the time. “And ah send them upstairs to a

ed as the couple pleaded for their lives. The men opted to take a quantity of phone cards which amounted to $22,000.

Kamaldeo said the men were not satisfied with the quantity of gold jewellery they got. “They say that we is Indians so we suppose to have more gold. Me wife

tell them that she had some bangles but she take it and melt it and give them children,” the man said.

With the couple still duct-taped lying on the floor, the bandits asked whether they lived alone. “When we tell them yes, them say we got to give dem more gold or we gon dead…they start cuss up,” he related.

Guyana Times understands that the bandits left after a small boy ventured into the shop. It was the boy who was able to offer help by removing the duct tape.

Police have since visited the scene and are investigating.

ust over two months after 13,657 students wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination at schools across the country, the anticipation of those students as well as their parents will come to an end today when the Education Ministry releases the results.

According to the Ministry, the announcement of the 2017 NGSA results will be done during a press conference slated for 13:00h today at its Lot 26 Brickdam, Georgetown office.

Some 13,657 students from across Guyana wrote the National Grade Six Assessment on April 12 and 13 this year, two weeks earlier than last year.

NGSA is a placement examination offered at the end of the primary cycle to determine which secondary school students will be allotted.

During the two-day examination period, the students were assessed in four subject areas: English Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies – two on each day. Each subject consists of two papers – Paper Two was the first paper written and consisted of essay-type questions while Paper One con-

sisted of multiple choice questions.

However, prior to this, the students had to write the National Grades Two and Four Assessments back in 2012 and 2014 respectively. A percentage of the marks from all three assessments will be calculated to determine the overall performance of each student.

The overall performance is calculated by adding five per cent of each candidate’s Grade Two scores in Mathematics and English, and 10 per cent of the Grade Four score in the same subjects. This was then added to a further 85 per cent of each candidate’s score in those subjects at the Grade Six Assessment.

The combined scores in Mathematics and English were then added to the scores gained in Science and Social Studies.

Last year, some 14,500 students wrote the NGSA examination.

The 2016 NGSA top spot was taken

by Dharmic Rama Krishna’s Aryan Singh and Mae’s Schools Anthony Ferreira with a tie of 568 marks.

Serena Razack of Graham’s Hall Primary School followed narrowly behind with 565 marks.

Driver with disability slapped with 4 traffic charges

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amie Narine was arraigned on Thursday before Wales Magistrate Clive Nurse on four road traffic offences, but pleaded not guilty to every charge.

Police allege that on June 23, on the La Grange Public Road, West Bank Demerara, the 27-year-old father of two, of Long Pond, Sisters Village, drove motor car PTT 6624 in a manner dangerous to the public.

He also was accused of using the said motor car to cross double solid yellow lines.

Moreover, the police allege that Narine, currently unemployed, drove the motor vehicle while his identification was not easily distinguishable because the glass on the vehicle was so dark that neither the driver nor passenger could be identified.

After pleading not-guilty to the various charges, Narine, who lives with a disability, was released on $25,000 bail on the dangerous driving charge.

Jamie Narine was released on $25,000 bail

Pork-knocker to stand trial for wife’s murder

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nvestigations have wrapped up in the murder case against Michael London, accused of murdering his wife Shanika Elliott London, 37, at her Lot 1206 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden home on Friday May 19, 2017.

The prosecution in the case indicated that the file has been completed. London, 35, who was charged with the capital offence, made his second court appearance before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where the presid-

ing Magistrate set the date for his trial to commence on September 12.

He has been remanded to prison. It is alleged that London, a pork-knocker who was stationed at an interior location, stabbed his wife, a clothes vendor approximately 15 times about her body after he showed up unexpectedly at the home on the day in question, accusing her of infidelity.

Drenched in blood, the deceased managed to make it to the home of a neighbour where she sought help, but collapsed outside. The at-

tacker who fled the scene, reportedly left behind a bloodstained knife suspected to be the murder weapon.

The woman, who was the sister of popular disc jockey Akelo “DJ Akelo” Elliott was later pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). Following a Police manhunt for London who was a suspect in the case, he was apprehended later that evening at Moblissa, Linden Soesdyke highway where he was shot in the leg

by Police after resisting arrest. (Utamu Belle)

friDAY, june 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Trump and Putin to hold Qatar ‘ready to discuss, won’t first meeting next week compromise sovereignty’ Q U S President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week at a summit in Germany that brings two world leaders whose political fortunes have become intertwined face-to-face for the first time.

Both the Kremlin and the White House announced on Thursday that the pair will meet on the sidelines of the July 7-8 summit of G20 nations in Hamburg.

US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters that no agenda had yet been set for the meeting, which is fraught with difficulties for Trump.

Allegations that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election last year and colluded with the Republican’s campaign have overshadowed the businessman’s unexpected victory and dogged his first five months in office.

atar is prepared to work together with other Gulf countries blockading it in order to reach a resolution to a major diplomatic crisis, its foreign minister has said, stressing, however, that his country will not discuss any measures that impinge on its sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and

A combination of file photos showing Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, January 15, 2016 and US President Donald Trump posing for a photo in New York City, US, May 17, 2016

Russia and the United States are also at odds over Ukraine, NATO expansion and the civil war in Syria where Moscow supports President Bashar al-Assad.

The United States backs rebel groups trying to overthrow Assad, and Washington angered Russia by launching missile strikes against a Syrian

Government air base in April in response to what the United States says was a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of civilians.

Trump has frequently called for better ties with Russia but lawmakers in his own Republican Party are urging him to be wary of Moscow. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bandits slit throats of woman, teen in T&T

T

he community of Malabar in Trinidad was struggling last evening to come to terms with the brutal murder of a 56-year-old woman and a teenager.

Police believe the killing of Rose Mohammed, 56, and her 13-year-old neighbour Videsh Subar may have been linked to an old robbery in which the men were jailed and recently released from prison.

After slitting the throats of Mohammed and Subar at Mohammed’s Ajim Baskh Street, Malabar home, the killers stole the woman’s Toyota Voxy she used to transport school children and a television. The car, minus the TV, was found in Wallerfield about two hours after their bodies were

The teen’s grandfather, Sudesh Kalloo, wailed and called on the killers or anyone to end his life, saying he had nothing to live for any more

found.

According to Police, the killers siphoned gas out of the vehicle, doused the driv-

er’s seat and set it ablaze.

However, the fire did not last long and only the driver’s seat and parts of the steering wheel and driver’s door were burnt.

Police, however, do not believe robbery was the motive behind the killings, since the attack was too gruesome and the fact that apart from the vehicle, nothing of substantial worth was taken from the house.

Police said Mohammed was robbed eight years ago and the men responsible were held, jailed and reportedly released recently.

The double murder and those of two others between Tuesday night and yesterday took the toll to 249 for the year compared to 227 for the previous year. (Excerpt

imposed sanctions on it on June 5, accusing it of supporting “terrorism”. The allegation is rejected by Doha.

After more than two weeks, the four Arab countries gave Doha a 10-day ultimatum to comply with a 13-point demand list in exchange for the end of the anti-Qatar measures.

The demands submitted

by Saudi Arabia and its allies included that Qatar shut down the Al Jazeera net-

S

Bouterse has claimed political responsibility for the murders since he was head of the military government at the time of the massacre, but has denied any personal involvement in the killings.

He has charged that the trial is politically motivated and has previously proposed the establishment of a special commission to determine the truth behind the so-called “December Murders”. Several attempts

by President Bouterse to have the case dismissed have failed.

During yesterday’s hear-

Tribute paid to Jamaica’s first and only female Prime Minister

P

rime Minister Andrew Holness has hailed former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, for her stellar contribution to politics and to the people of Jamaica.

At a joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday to pay tribute to Simpson Miller, who is resigning as Member of Parliament for South West St Andrew, the Prime Minister noted that she has had a phenomenal career and done well in her over 40 years of service in politics.

He described her as “a metaphor of hope in the face of adversity” and as being “no ordinary woman.” Simpson Miller was also lauded by Holness for being compassionate, especially to the poor and marginalised in the society.

In his tribute, Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, Everald Warmington, said Simpson Miller’s commit-

Former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller walks out of the House of Representatives for the last time as an MP

ment to the people of Jamaica is without question. He described her as a “champion of the poor and oppressed.”

Leader of the Opposition, Dr Peter Phillips, said Simpson Miller had made a tremendous contribution to the development of Jamaica.

“Portia Simpson Miller has become for thousands of Jamaicans a symbol of our capacity to achieve greatness,” he said.

Simpson Miller said she

from Caribbean360)

was heartened by the kind words and she offered special thanks to members of her South Western St Andrew constituency, whom she described as her “armour of steel”.

Simpson Miller has served as Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew South Western since 1976, and as the country’s first and so far only female Prime Minister.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Chinese President touches down as Hong Kong braces for mass protests

from Trinidad Guardian)

ing, Eglin told the Military Court that Bouterse was behind the killings and had been in Fort Zeelandia when they were committed. The prosecutor referred to statements of union leader Fred Derby who was the only one of 16 men, who had been arrested, who was not killed.

Derby died from a heart attack in 2001, but he had given a statement in December 2000, in which he said that it was Bouterse who had presided over a tribunal that decided who would die that night. (Excerpt

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Portia bows out of politics

Prosecutor wants Suriname President locked away for 20 years for killing political opponents uriname’s military prosecutor Roy Elgin is proposing a tough prison sentence for President Desi Bouterse for his alleged role in the killing of 15 of his political opponents back in December 1982.

Elgin believes the former Army leader should be jailed for 20 years. Bouterse is accused of being responsible for the December 8, 1982 murders at Fort Zeelandia in the capital, Paramaribo, that served as the headquarters of the then military leadership.

work, close a Turkish military base and scale down ties with Iran.

In the list, the four Arab countries also demand that Doha sever all alleged ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and other groups, including Hezbollah, al-Qaeda and ISIL (also known as ISIS), and pay an unspecified sum in compensation for what they claimed to be “loss of life and other financial losses caused by Qatar’s policies”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping waits to meet Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying at a hotel in the semi-autonomous city on Thursday

T

he Chinese president, Xi Jinping, has vowed to bring “new glory” to Hong Kong at the start of a highly sensitive three-day tour of the former British colony designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to China.

In a brief speech after landing at Hong Kong’s international airport on Thursday morning, the Communist

party chief said he had come to “map out the future” of this semi-autonomous city of 7.3 million citizens.

“I’m pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again … Hong Kong has always been in my heart,” said China’s authoritarian leader, whose almost five years in power have coincided with the most politically volatile period in the city’s post-han-

dover history.

Xi’s rare “inspection tour” – his first to Hong Kong since becoming China’s top leader in late 2012 – has been timed to coincide with celebrations of two decades since it was handed back to China, on 1 July 1997, after more than 150 years of British colonial rule.

Huge crowds are expected on Saturday, with mass pro-democracy demonstrations and a 23-minute pro-Beijing firework display over Victoria Harbour planned.

Swaths of the city have been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown, with military helicopters buzzing through the skies and about 11,000 police officers – more than a third of the city’s force – being deployed in an attempt to shelter Xi from the protesters.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

18 news

friDAY, june 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Witness implicates “Spleen” GAWU maintains as trigger man – in Laing Avenue fatal shooting GuySuCo’s statement T erroneous World market price for sugar

By Paula Gomes

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is maintaining that the recent Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) announcement about a decrease in the world market price for sugar is another attempt to create another sad story and launch further assaults on sugar workers.

In critiquing the announcement, GAWU said the GuySuCo statement failed to tell sugar workers and the Guyanese public that the world market is a residual market and is far from being reflective of true cost of production globally.

“The world market price remains what it is because every sugar-producing nation offers their respective producers some form of State-support, which tends to lend to some over-production. Such government assistance is premised, among other things, on the employment directly and indirectly supported by those industries. It seems only in Guyana that we have failed to recognize this noteworthy fact,” a statement from the union said on Thursday.

GAWU further noted that GuySuCo’s sales to the various markets are contractual and are negotiated between the Corporation and the respective buyers. It noted that GuySuCo received between US$495 and US$550 per tonne of sugar it sold to the Tate and Lyle through the European Union (EU) arrangement. GAWU also maintains that prices to the US, Caricom and local markets are even higher than what obtains in the EU. While GAWU accepts that the EU reforms will pose some difficulty, the union believes that the Corporation is also well

aware of other remunerable markets that it could exploit.

“Moreover, the recent registration of the Demerara Sugar and Demerara Molasses as Geographical Indicators, and work to secure the protection of the brand in Europe offer the Corporation good opportunities for higher prices,” it added.

“Speaking about the volatility of the sugar markets also calls to attention the need for the Corporation to diversify its operations into other areas, such as electricity, alcohol, packaged sugar and refined sugar, as recommended by the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and shared by our Union and others. We found it interesting that while GuySuCo is shedding crocodile tears, we saw a news article about the interest of several “reputable” companies who are considering investing in the sugar industry. It is indeed a strange coincidence that both stories appeared not too long after each other. Maybe it is just coincidental, or maybe it is a case of there being more than what meets the eye”, GAWU has said.

GAWU President Komal Chand told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the union estimates the international price for a tonne of sugar at US$12.77; and if GuySuCo’s production is calculated by tonnage at US$12.77, it would result in a greater income for that corporation. He said this figure is based on the international market prices and reports from Czarnikow Group Limited, a company that provides sugar market services to sugar producers, consumers, and processors in the United Kingdom and internationally.

estifying under oath before City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the ongoing Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the gruesome Emancipation Day murder of Orin David Malik, Constable Anthony Blackman on Thursday testified to witnessing the entire ordeal.

Howard “Spleen” Rambarose, Jermaine “Smokey” Jeffers, Negus Lamaizon and Samuel McIntyre were earlier this year charged with the alleged unlawful killing of Malik during an altercation stemming from the payment of debts. The deceased man was reportedly riddled with bullets by his former acquaintances, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Clad in a blue t-shirt and a faded red, knee-length shorts paired with a flip-flop, the rank recounted that, on the day of the incident, two motor cars (which he described as a white new model Primo and a black Fielder wagon) and a CG motor cycle emerged from the western side of Laing Avenue. He named the driver of the motorcycle as one Romel Ross, and he identified Rambarose as the driver of the white Primo.

Blackman recalled seeing the wife of the deceased approaching the driver of the white car, after which an argument ensued.

However, he noted that from where he was sitting (some 69 feet away), he could not have heard what they were saying, but he was able to (visually) witness the entire ordeal, which lasted approximately five minutes.

He further stated that he was able to fully see the faces of all the men, whom he named as Romel Ross, Negus Lamaizon, Jermaine Jeffers, Howard Rambarose and Samuel McIntyre.

The men then reportedly left the scene and returned shortly after, when Blackman observed Malik walking over a nearby bridge and

Dead: Orin Malik

returning across at a fast rate.

Blackman said the men started to argue, and though he was unable to clearly decipher what they were saying, “I did hear something about money”, he told the court.

The men reportedly left the scene thereafter, but not before Ross shouted to the deceased “I will shoot you up!”

Blackman testified that he removed from where he was perched and entered his house at Lot 84 Laing Avenue after Malik approached him and told him “something”.

He said that a few minutes later, when he came out of the house, he swore he saw Malik with both hands in the air, as Ross stood armed with a black pistol and a second gunman, whom he identified as “Spleen”, stood with a shotgun pointed at the face of the deceased.

Malik then reportedly pushed the gun from out of his face, and as Spleen slapped him, Ross raised his hand and pointed it towards the deceased.

“And I heard an explosion sounding like a gunshot. Shortly after, I heard another explosion that seemed to come from the suspected shotgun of the number two accused,” Blackman testified.

He said he saw Malik walk to the eastern side of the street, where he fell to the ground face first as the men escaped.

Constable Blackman related that he witnessed the entire shooting from the door of the dwelling house at Lot 84 Laing Avenue, approximately 40 feet away from the crime scene. He then approached the fallen body of Malik and noticed that he was bleeding profusely from the upper part of his body, as the hysterical wife hovered over her husband’s still form.

The police rank concluded his testimony by relating that he then reported the incident to the Brickdam Police Station, where he gave a statement to which he attached his signature.

Subsequent to the lengthy testimony, the matter was adjourned to be continued on Friday at 13:00h in Court Three before Magistrate Judy Latchman, when Defense Counsel Stanley Moore will cross-examine the witness.

Magistrate Dylon Bess had discharged the matter against Lamizon and McIntyre on March 30 last because of insufficient evidence. He declared that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the men, thus they could not be committed to stand trial at the High Court.

Bess pronounced that the essential elements of murder were not proved, and that none of the twelve witnesses could positively identify the two accused individuals as the persons who had shot the deceased; thus it could not be inferred that Malik had died as a result of injuries inflicted upon him by those defendants.

The magistrate said that even though witnesses had, during the PI, placed Lamaizon and McIntyre at the murder scene, the question arose as to whether that was sufficient to convict the men of the capital offence. Finally, in the absence of the mental element to commit the men for the unlawful killing, the two men were pronounced free to go.

US approves 1st arms sale Venezuela crisis: Attorney General banned from leaving country to Taiwan under Trump

In this September 10, 2015 file photo, Taiwan's military fire artillery from self-propelled Howitzers during the annual Han Kuang exercises in Hsinchu, North eastern Taiwan

T

he State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of us$1.4 billion, the first such deal with the self-governing island since President Donald Trump took office, officials said Thursday.

The sale will anger China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory. It comes at a delicate

time for relations between Washington and Beijing over efforts to rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.

The sale to Taiwan comprises seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, according to a US official who requested anonymity to discuss the

details before they were formally announced.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around US$1.4 billion.

Nauert said the approvals did not violate the Taiwan Relations Act that governs US contacts with the island. “It shows, we believe, our support for Taiwan’s ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense policy,” Nauert said. “There’s no change, I should point out, to our ‘one-China policy.’”

Lawmakers, which are generally strongly supportive of such sales, have 30 days to object. The US is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defence. (Excerpt from Yahoo!

News)

V

enezuela’s Supreme Court has banned the Attorney General from leaving the country and frozen all of her assets.

The court, which is dominated by Government loyalists, said Luisa Ortega Díaz had committed serious errors.

Ortega, once a staunch Government ally, broke ranks in March when she said an attempt by the Supreme Court to strip the Opposition-controlled Congress of its powers was unlawful.

Critics believe President Nicolás Maduro is trying to push Ortega out. She faces a hearing on July 4 – some analysts say she may eventually be put on trial. The move comes amid growing political turmoil in Venezuela.

According to reports, the accusations against her refer to the appointment of judges. The Supreme Court recently transferred Ortega’s powers of investigation to the national ombudsman.

On Wednesday, she

strongly criticised President Maduro following an incident in which a stolen Police helicopter flew over Government buildings in the capital, Caracas, dropping grenades and firing shots.

Maduro called it a “terrorist attack” but Ortega said Venezuela was suffering from “state terrorism” due to the harsh response by authorities to anti-government protests. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Police seize cocaine worth J$9M, 2 men arrested

T

wo men were arrested in Westmoreland on Wednesday in connection to the seizure of substance suspected to be cocaine. Detectives assigned to the Narcotics Division say discovered several packages containing “white powdery substance resembling

cocaine” in a motor vehicle during an operation on the Cave main road in the parish.

Police reports are that about 18:45h, detectives stopped and searched an Audi motorcar occupied by the two men. During the search of the vehicle, sev-

en rectangular packages wrapped in brown masking tape were found inside the trunk.

The packages weighed approximately 17 pounds and the street value of the contents estimated at J$9.29 million. (Jamaica Observer)

friDAY, june 30, 2017

19

Bolt holds on to win 100 metres at final Golden Spike U

sain Bolt overcame a slow start to win the 100 meters at the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting on Wednesday as he gears up for a final world championships in London this summer.

In his second 100m outing of his final season, the Jamaican was slow out of the blocks but jumped ahead before the halfway point to finish in a time of 10.06 seconds, just edging Yunier Perez of Cuba, who ran a personal best 10.09 seconds.

Bolt, who has eight Olympic golds and 13 world championship medals, will retire after August's world championships.

The 30-year-old said he was not happy about clocking over 10 seconds for the second straight race, although he remained confident about the remainder of the season.

"I am not happy with the time but I am just getting to my running," he told the sellout crowd after his ninth and final appearance at the meet in the eastern Czech industrial city.

"I have some training to do... But I will be fine."

Bolt has become a regular at the Ostrava meet and his fans showed their appreciation at the end of the night, holding up placards to form the Jamaican flag as Tina Turner's "Simply the Best" played in the stadium.

"The biggest thing is always the crowd... That is why I keep coming back here. You guys are wonderful. Thanks for everything," Bolt said.

He later told reporters his focus was on staying healthy, including taking care of his back as he gets older. "But I did not get injured, that is key," he was quoted as saying by Czech news website idnes.cz.

With Bolt moving closer to retirement, a number of athletes could be set to emerge from his shadow.

Among them is South African Wayde van Niekerk, who broke the 300m world record earlier in the evening, rubbing Michael Johnson out of the record books for the second time in less than a year.

The 24-year-old, who beat Johnson's 400m best at last summer's Rio Olympics, recorded a time of 30.81 seconds in the rarely-run 300m, bettering the American's previous mark of 30.85 seconds set in 2000.

Van Niekerk's time also beat the Ostrava meeting record set by Bolt in 2010.

"I have been improving in each and every one of my events so it is a great step for the year and I am feeling quite confident for the rest of the year," the sprinter, who is expected to run the 200m and 400m at the world championships, told Czech Television.

"I was ready to dig deep and just get used to the feeling of the longer events. I am pleased with today."

Britain's Mo Farah held on to beat Mathew Kimeli of Kenya in the 10,000m with a time of 27 minutes 12.09 seconds.

(Reuters)

Van Niekerk McEnroe says he regrets comments on Serena Williams poised to take over track and J field – Bolt o h n McEnroe o n Wednesday said he regretted recently saying Serena

Williams would be ranked "like 700 in the

Serena Williams

world" if she had to play on the men's circuit and said he was surprised by the controversy his comments ignited.

McEnroe previously said that Williams, a record 23-times grand slam champion in the professional era, was the best female player ever but then declined to label her the best player overall, prompting Williams to ask McEnroe for "respect".

"It would have been better not to have said it. I didn't realize it would create something like this," he told reporters on an ESPN conference call ahead of the July 3 start of the Wimbledon championships, the third grand slam event of the year.

"It would have been easier to leave it. Look, she's a great player and it's apples and oranges."

But McEnroe, a seven-times grand slam winner and current ESPN broadcaster, did not retract his earlier statement about where Williams would rank if she competed against men.

"This is not something that has been earth shattering, that I feel there's a difference in the level of the women and the men," he said.

Williams, who has taken a break from tennis to have her first child, due in late August, responded testily to McEnroe on Twitter after his initial comments.

John McEnroe

"Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based," she wrote.

I've never played anyone ranked 'there' nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I'm trying to have a baby. Good day sir."

McEnroe said that Williams, a fellow American, has been great for US tennis, which has not seen a single American male player win a major tournament since 2003.

"Obviously if it wasn't for Serena, American tennis would even be in a lot deeper trouble," he said. (Reuters)

W

orld’s fastest man Usain Bolt has again heaped high praises on South African star Wayde Van Niekerk following a record-breaking performance for the sprinter on Wednesday.

Van Niekerk continued his blistering for this season after clocking 30.81 at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, smashing a 17-year-old record held by American sprinter Michael Johnson. Johnson’s previous best had stood at 30.85 seconds. Van Niekerk also removed another of the American’s longstanding marks after setting a new 400m world record at last summer’s Rio Olympics.

Bolt, who is set to retire at the sometime following this summer’s World Championships, has been left impressed by the South African and again tipped him as a likely successor to the track and field throne.

"I think he really wants to be a sprinter because he's set a personal best in the 100 metres this year,” Bolt told Agence France-Presse.

"He's shown he's ready for the challenge. He's really down to earth, he's really humble, he's a great person. He listens and wants to be good and if he continues like this he'll take over track and field." (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, june 30, 2017

Djokovic into semi–finals at Eastbourne, Kerber out

E

ASTBOURNE, England (AP) -Novak Djokovic converted his fourth match point to beat Donald Young 6-2, 7-6 (9) Thursday and advance to the semifinals at the Eastbourne International, a warmup event for Wimbledon.

The top-seeded Djokovic saved two set points, on Young's serve at 5-4 and on his own serve in the tiebreaker, and clinched victory with a return winner. ''I'm just glad the way I kind of held my composure, my nerves,'' said Djokovic, the world No. 4. ''This is the kind of match situations that I was looking forward to hav-

ing, and I'm glad it happened today and I managed to overcome that.''

Djokovic will next play Daniil Medvedev after the Russian player beat fourth-seeded Steve Johnson 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 on a day when the tournament played catch-up after rain delays early in the week.

Second-seeded Gael Monfils will play seventh-seeded Richard Gasquet in the other semifinal after they both won two matches - in the second round and then the quarterfinals - on Thursday.

In the quarterfinals, Monfils defeated Bernard Tomic 7-6 (4), 6-0 and Gasquet beat third-seeded John Isner 6-3, 6-2.

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, an Antiguan white elephant that lumbers on

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua was built before the 2007 ICC World Cup (Getty Images)

N

ew stadiums in the West Indies are mainly government properties, unlike in India where the state cricket associations own the newest properties.

The Brian Lara Coaching Academy in Trinidad that houses the new stadium that is getting ready for inauguration by hosting the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is the latest that follows the example of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium which has hosted games since the 2007 World Cup and will host Friday’s third ODI between India and Windies.

However, there are some issues. While the Brian Lara Stadium faces delays, the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, a massive structure with a huge outfield and plenty of parking space, is seeking sponsors that can take foot the maintenance cost.

The Stadium, after hosting two CPL editions, declined to host the third edition. Unlike IPL, the host stadium -- in this case the Antigua government -- is expected to pay to host the CPL and not earn from it.

Anthony Merrick, a former Leewards Islands paceman, who played against the visiting Indian team in 1983 and is now the ground’s curator says, “It is difficult to host matches like this. If the government (which owns the stadium) has to pay to host CPL matches, what is the return they’ll be getting? Nothing, since the gate money too goes to franchises.”

As of now, the board, recently renamed Cricket West Indies, is paying 10,000 USD per day for two weeks for these two games.

Switch before 2007 World Cup

The Stadium was gifted by China to the Antiguan government ahead of the 2007 World Cup. The previous venue, the famous Antigua Recreation Ground where Lara made the record Test score of 400 not out in 2004, is being used for other sports. However, an official says it’ll soon be thrown open for local and domestic cricket.

This venue at the North Sound locality has many grass banks, something the visiting English fans, Barmy Army, love. An official says the Barmy Army fans prefer to sit on the grass banks even if they’ve paid for the more expensive stands.

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is huge and has lot of parking space, which the ARG lacked, forcing the government to choose a new venue.

To meet the maintenance costs, the stadium is rented out for functions, events and parties, which sometimes are held on the ground too. Sounds familiar? (HindustanTimes)

In the women's tournament, Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep, the top two seeded players, lost in the quarterfinals.

The top-ranked Kerber was beaten 6-3, 6-4 by Johanna Konta, who was joined in the semifinals by fellow British player Heather Watson after her 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 win over Barbora Strycova.

Halep lost 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 to sixth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, who next plays Watson.

Konta plays third-seeded Karolina Pliskova, a 6-7 (7), 6-2, 6-4 winner over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Novak Djokovic

Porte not fazed by Team Sky's mind games

T

eam Sky may say Richie Porte is the Tour de France favourite but the Australian says they are just playing mind games ahead of Stage One. Richie Porte does not intend to let Team Sky's mind games affect his preparations for a tilt at the Tour de France general classification.

The BMC Racing rider was named as the favourite for the Grand Tour by Chris Froome and his Sky team-mates on Wednesday.

Porte – who was part of Froome's support team for victories in 2013 and 2015 – believes the comments were an attempt to divert focus away from themselves, though, and did not want to be drawn into a psychological battle.

Instead the Australian insisted defending champion Froome was still the man to beat in 2017, but acknowledged he had his best chance at winning the yellow jersey.

"Sky saying that I'm the favourite is just one of the games that they like to play," he told a media conference ahead of Saturday's first stage in Dusseldorf.

"At the end of the day behind closed doors they think they've got the guy [Froome] to do it. He's got

the track record.

"Chris is obviously the one with the biggest target on his back as the defending champion.

"But I don't think it's just going to be between Chris and I. There are so many good riders here, you can't just focus on two.

"To be honest I'm just looking forward to getting started on Saturday. These are the same guys we've raced year in, year out. Everybody's at the top of their form and I am too.

"My season has gone well so far but the biggest race and the biggest goal of the year are coming now. My goal is the podium in Paris and we've got the right team to achieve it.

"I've got a big opportunity here. I never had a team to support me at the Tour de France [before]." (Sportsmax)

Unrepentant Warner says World Cup favours won't stop

T

he publishing of the 'Garcia Report' has not prompted contrition from Jack Warner, who says he is not implicated in any "sleaze".

Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner says the publishing of the 'Garcia Report' will not prevent prospective World Cup hosts using gifts and other favours to land tournaments.

Warner resigned from his role at world football's governing body, as well as CONCACAF president, after being suspended in the wake of bribery allegations in 2011.

Prior to that, however, he was considered one of the global game's most powerful men - a fact borne out in England's bid for the 2018 World Cup targeting the Trinidadian to "curry favour" in their attempt to host the competition - which was awarded to Russia.

According to the 'Garcia Report', Richard Sebro - considered an "adopted son" by Warner - was found jobs at Tottenham and Aston Villa by England 2018, who were also keen to facilitate "a pre season camp (at the FA's ex-

Jack Warner

pense) at the FA technical centre" for Warner's Joe Public Football Club as well as help with "expertise with marketing/sponsorship, finance, and other administrative aspects".

An unrepentant Warner, however, says his actions - which he does not

deny - were in keeping with how football behaved around the awarding of tournaments, and says the outing of such exploitation will no rid the sport of it.

He told the Times: "I continue to sleep very soundly at nights for nothing in the report implicates me personally in any sleaze.

"Everything I asked the FA for was for other persons or entities and never for my family or me. It is also informative to note that the FA was equally disposed to give.

"Nothing in the report that I asked for was out of the ordinary in the FIFA for the last 100 years as far as bidding countries are concerned and these new found purists in world football today will do the same thing and more next time around.

"The report is an expensive much ado about NOTHING." The Garcia Report found that there was no smoking gun to prove corrupt practices in Qatar and Russia's bids for the World Cups in 2022 and 2018 respectively. (Sportsmax)

sports

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A

West Indies sink to 2nd defeat

fter India's spin attack overwhelmed the West Indies batsmen with flight and guile, Smriti Mandhana made short work of the 184-run chase with an unbeaten 108-ball 106. Her innings negated the stutter caused by the two early wickets lost in response to the pressure West Indies' bowlers created with their fast, short-pitched bowling.

Mandhana carried on from where she left off against England, bettering her 72-ball 90 with a second ODI century and a first in the World Cup. She hit 13 fours and two sixes, punishing anything short. With Mithali Raj, she steered the larger part of the chase, adding 108 runs for the third wicket, before Raj, four short of her eighth consecutive fifty, holed out to mid-off.

Raj's decision to bowl first failed to find much validation from her two frontline medium-pacers, Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey, who shared the new ball between them for the first six overs. Even though Felicia Walters looked unsure while negotiating Goswami's off-stump line, Hayley Matthews took the attack to both opening bowlers, hitting them for a combined six fours in 27 balls.

On a moist pitch with a

tinge of green, Raj turned to her spin spearhead, Ekta Bisht, in the seventh over.

The left-arm orthodox bowler struck with her first ball, forcing an edge off Walters with generous flight outside off stump. The nick was quickly pouched by Sushma Verma, the wicketkeeper, who effected three more dismissals in the game - all of them being stumpings.

West Indies' loss of their first wicket occured one ball after Harmanpreet Kaur - who already sported a heavily strapped right palm - went off the field having dislocated the ring finger of her left hand while diving at mid-off. Despite having to make up for Harmanpreet's absence from the attack by bringing on Mona Meshram, who had last bowled in an ODI in 2013, India kept a tight leash on the scoring.

Having taken 12.4 overs to add 40 for the second wicket with Stafanie Taylor, Matthews popped back a return catch to the offspinner Deepti Sharma. Taylor was run out seven balls later, and Deandra Dottin, the scorer of a 38-ball hundred in T20Is, crawled to 7 off 47 balls before holing out to long-on, to complete a wretched batting day for the two stars playing their 100th ODI. India, meanwhile, had Harmanpreet back on the field after being tend-

ed to by the physio, and she was introduced into the attack on immediately. Harmanpreet snaffled Kyshona Knight in the 35th over to leave West Indies 91 for 6. Against the collective discipline of India's spinners, led by Bisht and the legspinner Poonam Yadav, West Indies' second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth-wicket partnerships together added only 62 off 169 balls.

The reintroduction of pace, in the form of Goswami, in the 36th over, gave West Indies some respite. A slew of fielding errors further released the pressure the spinners had piled on. Bisht dropped two straightforward chances, letting off Anisa Mohammed on 0 and Afy Fletcher on 12, before the two went on to add 37 unbroken runs for the ninth wicket. Fletcher's 36 not out and Shanel Daley's 33 eventually lifted West Indies to 183. Shamilia Connell began West Indies' defence by peppering Punam Raut with a flurry of short deliveries, and she gloved the fifth ball of the innings - a well-directed bouncer - to keeper Merissa Aguilleira, failing to connect cleanly with a hook. Deepti then kept to 6 off her first 22 balls, and was bowled trying to slog Taylor's offspin in the eighth over as she succumbed to the pressure

of all the dots.

Mandhana and Raj, however, ensured there would be no more flutters in India's chase. Having motored into the nineties, Mandhana suffered a few nerves: an awkward lofted drive on 93 was followed by a poorly executed pull next ball which lobbed in the air and straight to deep midwicket, only for Knight to put her down. A few words

between overs from her batting partner Meshram appeared to calm Mandhana down, and she duly reached her hundred off her 105th ball, doing so in the same manner that had brought up her fifty against England: making room and lofting the ball over cover for four.

Two balls later, an edge wide of short third man completed India's victory.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies Women innings (50 overs maximum) H Matthews c & b Sharma 43 F Walters c †Verma b Bisht 9 S Taylor* run out (Mandhana) 16 D Dottin c Raut b Poonam Yadav 7 M Aguilleira† st †Verma b Poonam Yadav 6 Kyshona A Knight c Mandhana b Kaur 5 C Nation st †Verma b Kaur 12 S Daley st †Verma b Sharma 33 A Fletcher not out 36 A Mohammed not out 11 Extras: (b 2, w 3) 5 Total: (8 wickets; 50 overs)183 Did not bat: SS Connell Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Walters, 6.1 ov), 2-69 (Matthews, 18.6 ov), 3-70 (Taylor, 20.1 ov), 4-80 (Aguilleira, 27.3 ov), 5-91 (Dottin, 33.3 ov), 6-91 (Kyshona A Knight, 34.2 ov), 7-121 (Nation, 39.6 ov), 8-146 (Daley, 45.1 ov)

Bowling: Goswami 6-0-370, Pandey 3-0-13-0, E Bisht 10-2-23-1, Sharma 10-1-272, Meshram 4-0-20-0 (2w) Poonam Yadav 10-2-192 (1w), Kaur 7-0-42-2 India Women innings (target: 184 runs from 50 overs) PG Raut c †Aguilleira b Connell0 S Mandhana not out 106 D Sharma b Taylor 6 M Raj* c Fletcher b Matthews46 M Meshram not out 18 Extras (b 3, w 6, nb 1) 10 Total (3 wickets; 42.3 overs) 186 Did not bat: H Kaur, S Pandey, J Goswami, E Bisht, S Verma†, Poonam Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Raut, 0.5 ov), 2-33 (Sharma, 7.2 ov), 3-141 (Raj, 33.2 ov) Bowling: Connell 4-0-23-1 (2w), Dottin 4-0-25-0 (1nb, 1w), Taylor 10-1-24-1 (1w), Daley 5-0-24-0 (2w), Mohammed 6-025-0, Fletcher 4-0-18-0, Nation 1-0-9-0, Matthews 8.3-0-35-1

Middleweight and middle-aged – Benn and Collins plan rematch

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ondon (AFP) - Former world boxing champion Nigel Benn is looking for "closure" in facing the man who beat him twice, Ireland's Steve Collins, for a third time despite both now being over 50.

Benn, known in his heyday as the 'Dark Destroyer', told the BBC he and Collins plan to fight each other sometime this year and if their bout is not given the official stamp of approval by the British Boxing Board of Control they will try and get it sanctioned abroad.

Benn, who at one point held the WBO middleweight title and the WBC super middleweight crown, is now 53.

Collins, known as the 'Celtic Warrior' and who held the WBO super-middleweight belt, is a year younger with both having sons who are now professional pugilists.

However, Benn protests he is as fresh as ever and compared himself to the F Scott Fitzgerald character Benjamin Button -who gets physically younger as he gets old-

er -- brought to life on the silver screen by Hollywood star Brad Pitt.

"It's about the final chapter," Benn told the BBC. "It's about closure. I'm not angry any more and I can have everything I ever want.

"I am Nigel 'Benjamin Button' Benn. I feel like I am in my thirties."

Collins, whose sole attempt to return to the ring ended when he collapsed during sparring, said he was doing it for financial reasons.

"It's just about money, a payday which will allow me to buy some more land," said Collins, who has dabbled in acting since his retirement.

"I'm fighting someone the same age as me. There's no disadvantage to anybody.

"I get medicals every year and the most impressive part is my MRI. 'Excellent' was how the neurosurgeon described it. I'm very healthy and very fit."

British boxer Conor Benn (right) celebrates beating Bulgarian boxer Ivailo Boyanov (not pictured) with his father,Nigel Benn (left) in their Super-Lightweight boxing match at the O2 arena in London on April 9, 2016

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, june 30, 2017

Raveiro Tucker: from bartender to super biker Raging A knockouts put GDF, Republican Gym as forerunners for title Andre “Six Head” Lewis National Novices Boxing...

t the a g e of 19, Raveiro Tucker has had some experiences in life that some twice his age have never encountered.

Between his aeronautical studies and working two jobs as a bartender at the Track Restaurant and Bar, he has also set his sights on becoming one of Guyana’s top motor bikers in the not-too-distant future.

How does he manage a ‘24/7’ lifestyle? According to Tucker, by pure commitment.

“I do various stuff, and whatever I do I give it my all. I was offered to race the bike a year ago, but the guy sold it. I eventually got the bike,

and I just had to feel what racing is like; so the last meeting was a discovery race, and now is the real deal”, he told Guyana Times Sport.

The ‘real deal’ that Tucker speaks of is Sunday’s National Race of Champions. At this year’s first edition in April, Tucker made his first competitive appearance at the South Dakota Circuit and was given a rude awakening by the intense competition. Now, with the second episode on the horizon, Tucker, having realised his faults, considers himself ready to make a name for himself.

“This race is pretty unpredictable; everyone is close with the times. It’s just down to Sunday. Kevin [Persaud] is my motivation, since I want to beat him. It is really going to be a thrilling day, and fans can expect a lot from me,” he told Guyana Times Sport.

The second generation motor racing enthusiast is following in his uncle Eric Tucker’s footsteps, albeit that Tucker was a group two driver.

“I have been around racing (activities) all my life. My uncle used to race, and my favourite part of the track is the club house turn, since it is a high-speed turn, and when you come around it, you throw your body inches off the ground at a high speed.

It is a pretty good feeling,” he disclosed.

With the Yamaha YZF R6 as the machine of his choice, Tucker explained that he has done some tweaking to ensure he can perform at his optimum. Tucker also expressed much appreciation for the support of his sponsors: Ramps Logistics, El Dorado Offshore, The Track Bar, Palm Court, and Power Mining. (Akeem Greene)

While he is still learning his machine, Tucker feels he can pose a challenge to the experienced pack (photo by: Rohindra Mahase)

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

It was an intense battle from round one with all fighters

O

L-R: Raveiro Tucker, Sharima Khan, Sasha Lewis and Kevin Persaud at the presentation ceremony on Thursday

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otor bikers Kevin Persaud and Raviero Tucker and race car driver Sharima Khan have become the latest beneficiaries of Palm Court’s benevo-

lence.

At a simple presentation ceremony on Thursday at the entity’s Main Street location, these motor racing enthusiasts were each given Palm Court sponsorship for the National Race of Champions set for Sunday, July 2, at the South Dakota Circuit.

Speaking at this ceremony, Palm Court Manager Sasha Lewis explained that the entity has been supporting the sport of motorised racing in the past, and these sponsorships are a way of expanding that support base.

Lewis expressed confidence that the three racers would produce their best performance against the stiff competition expected, given that they all have been hard at work with their respective machines.

The National Race of Champions, which will be used as a warm-up for the second round of the Caribbean Motor

Racing Championships (CMRC) slated for July 30 at the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway in Trinidad and Tobago, has seen a large registration of competitors to date.

The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club president is calling on the fans to come out in their numbers to support this event. Acknowledging that numerous persons would attend the November meet to cheer for their Guyanese drivers, he is urging that the same enthusiasm be displayed at local meets, in order to encourage more drivers to compete. He himself will be competing in Group Two at the meet. He explained that when drivers participate at these local meets, it gives them a chance to become privy to any flaws their machines might have ahead of the favoured November CMRC final round.

The day’s activities, set to get underway at 08:00h, will be coordinated by the GMR&SC Club, in partnership with a number of sponsors. Admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults and $500 for children under 12.

n Tuesday night, the first night of the , it was all about knock-outs, and 7 fighters fell victim during their respective three-round bouts.

The highlight of the night was when Ishawn Khan, younger brother of Amir “Magic” Khan, knocked out Jason Mickle in the opening minutes of the third round of their 52kg clash.

On Wednesday evening, as the action continued, Vergenoegen’s Christopher Moore defeated Ryan Albert of the Republican Gym in a trade-off of blows in the 60kg Youth category.

In the Elite 52kg bout, GDF’s Delroy Murphy stopped Orin Rodrigues of the Republican Gym in the third round with three standing eight counts. But Vergenoegen continued their winning streak for the night, as Kelvin Moore defeated GDF’s Clinton Clarke on points in their 56kg bout.

As the night wore on, GDF strung together a couple of victories in the 64kg category when Delon Garraway and Kevin McKenzie defeated their opponents, Quami Cumberbatch and Darnel Jessamy respectively, to progress to the finals, which will be fought tonight.

Over in the 69kg weight class, there was an exciting matchup between GDF’s Tony Gillis and Travis Stewart from the Republican Gym, with Gillis emerging the winner on a points’ decision. His fellow gym partner, Jamal Leitch, then made light work of Mark Chester to win unanimously via points.

Joel Peters pummelled his way to a TKO win over Joseph McKenzie in their 81KG clash, McKenzie submitting in the opening minutes of the third round.

In the heavier weight division, Republican’s Germain Williams defeated army man Damieon Johnson in their 91 kg fight via points. In the same category, Aubrey Headly defeated Brian Tappin to join Williams in the 91 kg finals, set for tonight.

Heavyweights Emerson Farley and Anthonio Williams, both of the GDF, defeated their respective opponents -Oswald Yaw and Ejad Allie -- to set up an all army final in the 91+ kg category.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 30, 2017

Confident Guyana ready for Caribbean Junior Squash Championships

23

– tournament serves off on Sunday at Georgetown Club

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uyana is set to host the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships from July 1-9; and the Guyanese contestants are brewing with confidence ahead of Sunday’s opener.

At the launch of this tournament, on Thursday at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts on Camp Street, the general consensus among the local organisers was that the team can secure its 13th consecutive title.

President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), Robin Lowe, declared GASA proud to host the event, and anticipated that the Guyana players would produce a performance to make all happy, given the amount of hard work its members have been engaged in.

Event co-ordinator Tiffany Solomon explained that teams from the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will be visit-

GSA President Robin Lowe

ing Guyana to participate in this tournament; and “though many say 13 is an unlucky number, we will be seeking to do opposite,” she promised.

Benjamin Mekdeci and Taylor

Fernandes, who will be captaining the male and female teams respectively, urged their teammates to play to their best abilities and to remember the hard work they had to put in to reach this stage.

Both captains -- in their final year of competing in the junior category, since they turn 19 later this year -- are aiming to end on a high and cop respective singles’ titles.

Former marquee junior player Mary Fun-A-Fat also offered words of encouragement, stating: “You are ambassadors for your country, and must play with pride”. Fun-AFat explained that this is just the beginning, as there is even more to be achieved in the sport.

These championships have attracted sponors such as Digicel, Banks DIH under its Rainforest Water and Powerade brand, ANSA McAL, and Exxon Mobil. Banks DIH Public Relations Officer Troy Peters disclosed that the company has always supported the sport in the past, given that national play-

ExxonMobil Senior Director Kimberly Brasington

er Ashley DeGroot had once been its brand ambassador and Rebecca Lowe is currently its brand ambassador.

Peters declared that, based on

the talent he has seen displayed by some of the players, their chances of excelling in the sport are good.

ExxonMobil Senior Director Kimberly Brasington revealed that when the company was offered opportunity to be a part of the event, acceptance was immed[LM1]iate, given the team’s track record of success. She noted, “It is easy for us to give funds, but it is on you to do the hard work, combined with support from coaches and parents”.

ANSA McAL’s Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager Sean Abel also stated that that company is a proud supporter of sports, and will do what is necessary to help develop sports from a grassroots level.

The individual events will start on Sunday, while the team events begin on Wednesday. Some matches will be staged at the National Racquet Centre at Camp Road and Woolford Avenue, but the majority of matches will be held at the Georgetown Club. (Akeem Greene)

India v West Indies 3rd ODI, Antigua Michael Anthony to defend Malta Windies' last chance Supreme Cycling to stay alive in series crown this weekend I

Michael Anthony will be hoping he can defend his Malta Supreme title

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op cyclist Michael Anthony will have a tough task on Saturday as he bids to defend his Malta Supreme title against a field of in-form cyclists such as Geron Williams, Orville Hinds, Raul Leal, Shaquille Agard, Hamzah Eastman, Jamaul John and Paul DeNobrega.

These will all be looking to avenge their losses at the past weekend’s National Cycling Championships, won by Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey.

The feature event -- the 35-lap Schoolboys’ Invitational -- will be the most anticipated race of the day. Beginning at 09:00hrs, the event is expected to be well attended, coming off the heels of the massive support received at the Championship Road Race on Sunday last.

The 2017 National Road Race Champion and time trials winner Raynauth Jeffrey will not be participating in the feature 35-lap schoolboy’s invitational, but the level of competition will nevertheless be high, as riders from Team Coco, Evolution and Atlantis will be seeking glory.

National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed is in charge of the day’s events.

ndia came to the Caribbean after yielding their Champions Trophy crown but they haven't taken long to find their happy place again. They scored 300-plus in less than 50 overs in their first completed match since the defeat to Pakistan, bringing the cricket world back to the status quo.

If West Indies are to shake things up and more importantly stay alive in the series, they'll have to find a way past India's strongest suit: a top order that, by now, must be making runs as they sleepwalk. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli are racking them up with such greed that their team-mates from Nos 4 might have forgotten how it feels to be out in the middle. Over the last six games, only twice has a middle-order batsman been needed to face even 40 balls.

Both came in losing causes.

If this trend is to be exploited though, West Indies have to do something India have, recently, been excellent at: maximising their strength. Jason Holder has under his charge a set of bowlers who are not typically threatening, but at this level, they should at least maintain a constricting line and length for as much as

the 50 overs as possible. The two uncapped players they have added to the squad Kyle Hope and Sunil Ambris - are batsmen so clearly this is the best bowling attack they have and perhaps Antigua will bring them better luck.

Skill-wise, there is very little going against Devendra Bishoo. He is a wristspinner

very good cutter of the ball, but now, when he plays the pull, and the hook, the change in Shikhar Dhawan is striking. He is no longer hurried into the shot, the swivel on the back foot is smooth, and the shot itself appears effortless - signs that he is picking the length early and trusting his technique, which he says has

Shai Hope has been the only West Indies batter that has looked intent on making runs

- an essential commodity in ODIs now - but his consistency remains a problem.

Good batsmen almost mark him down for approximately one short ball an over and milk him without too much trouble. If Bishoo can rectify this, he could be what West Indies need - a wicket-taker.

He has always been a

been calibrated to play the ball a little later and therefore a lot closer to his body.

With 500 runs in his last nine innings, the adjustments are bringing rewards.

In 15 matches at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium in North Sound, the average run-rate batting first has been 5.05. That roughly

translates to an average total of 252. And barring the odd brief shower, the weather is expected to hold up well.

Considering West Indies dropped Kieran Powell and Jonathan Carter, who have played both ODIs of this series, and replaced them with Kyle Hope and Sunil Ambris, the two uncapped batsmen might just be looking at instant debuts.

West Indies squad: Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammad, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Sunil Ambris, Kyle Hope.

India tend to avoid experimenting in ODIs, but considering the potential of Rishabh Pant, who has hit a first-class triple-hundred at nearly run-a-ball, they may make an exception.

India Squad: Virat Kohli (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd.

Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Dinesh Karthik. (Cirinfo)

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Confident Guyana ready for Caribbean Junior Squash Championships

– tournament serves off Sunday at Georgetown Club

Pg 23

The National Junior Squash Team pose with representatives of sponsors Digicel, Banks DIH, ExxonMobil and ANSA McAL at Thursday’s launch of the championships at the Georgetown Club

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

Palm Court fuelling 3 racers’ endeavours

Women's 50-Over World Cup

West Indies sink to 2nd defeat

Pg 22

Pg 21 Given his determination, anything is possible for young rider Raveiro Tucker

Sushma Verma whips the bails off to catch Chedean Nation short © Getty Images

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