Guyana Times Daily August 14 2017

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, August 14, 2017

Issue No. 3301

PRICE

Early morning accidents

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Pedestrian killed at Soesdyke, cop – another cop hits utility pole; detained in stable condition at GPHC

CXC, CAPE results out – released online to Education Ministry today

Rashid Khan spins Warriors to victory over Stars

P10

Teen stabbed in scuffle on Norton Street

P10 Page 9

Sweeper cleaners fiasco P11

Govt yet to intervene

Mid-year financial report

Guyana Amazon Warriors team began its winning streak on Sunday night by securing a six-wicket win with a ball to spare against St Lucia Stars. The Warriors are set to arrive in Guyana today for a much anticipated exciting leg of the CPL tournament with four home matches to be played at the Providence Stadium (See back page)

Miner killed after GuySuCo projects increased drunken revenue from land sales argument – but closure of Skeldon Energy Inc.,

P3

Economy eroding at alarmingly fast rate – former Minister

Page 7

other factors lower projections

– reportedly beaten with a spade Page 12

Juvenile Justice Reform Bill

Child rights advocate calls for its early passage Page 11

Assassination claim CoI

Police P14 investigative methods compromised

by Public hearings – Ramkarran …internal investigation by external agency would have achieved ToR

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, August 14 – 09:30h-11:00h and Tuesday, August 15 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, August 14 – 08:50h-10:20h and Tuesday, August 15 – 09:55h-11:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunny intervals in the afternoon. Clear skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metre to 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 09:08h and 21:33h reaching a maximum height of 2.47 metres at each scheduled high tide.

Low Tide: 02:37h and 15:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.80 metre respectively.

saturDAY, AUGUST 12, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

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11 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 03 09 10 13 LUCKY 3 4 7 9 Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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

Mid-year financial report

Economy eroding at alarmingly fast rate – former Minister

By Samuel Sukhnandan

E

ven with increased production in the key traditional sectors, data compiled in the recent mid-year Finance Ministry Report has clearly showed that the economy is eroding at a fast rate.

This is according to former Government Minister, Irfaan Ali, who said it therefore means that the local Guyanese economy could experience some challenges going forward.

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

Ali noted that net foreign reserve plummeted from US$633 million in June 2016 to US$574 million in mid2017; the lowest ever recorded in over seven years.

“In other words, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government destroyed in two years what the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party] took to amass in 7 years. Even more worrisome, external debt increased by US$53 million to US$1,200 million,” he added.

The Opposition Member of Parliament said it is also worthwhile to mention that net foreign revenue to external debt ratio had increased from 172 per cent in mid2016 to 207 per cent in mid2017.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had also bashed the APNU/AFC coalition Government, saying that it remains clueless and hapless, even as the country’s economy continues on a downward spiral.

The former President had also called out the Government for refusing to concede to advice and recommendations, which could in effect help to put the country

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has been very critical of the APNU/AFC Government’s economic performance over the past two years

back on the road to recovery.

He accused the Administration of taking a laid back approach, while Guyanese continue to feel the brunt of a dilapidated economical structure.

Under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana had the fastest growing economy in the region. And from 2006 to 2014, Guyana’s economy experienced continuous, positive growth. This was the longest period of uninterrupted growth in the history of Guyana. The average growth rate was 4.5 per cent per annum.

In 2014, the last full year of the PPP/C in office, Guyana’s GDP was US$3.1 billion. That was up from US$1.4 billion in 2006, an increase of 121.4 per cent. The country’s Gross International Reserve held at the Bank of Guyana at the end of 2014 was US$665.6 million, which was equivalent to 3.6 months of imports.

It was up from US$251.4 million in 2005, an increase

Former Minister and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali thinks the economy is eroding at a fast rate

of 164.76 per cent.

The PPP/C administration had drastically reduced the huge debt it had inherited from a previous PNC regime. And the PPP/C reduced the external debt to just 39.5% of GDP. That was also a reduction from 2006 when the debt to GDP was 71.8 percent. This has been described as a good demonstration of the prudent financial management by the PPP/C and the dynamic growth of the economy.

In this year’s mid-year report, it was stated that the overall balance of payment recorded a deficit of US$46

million during the first half of 2017. According to the report, key traditional products such as sugar, timber, rice and even gold have all recorded a decline in export earnings from US$518.7 million in mid-2017 to US$503.5 million in 2016 during similar period.

At the end of the reporting period, exports stood at US$685.1 million and imports at US$808.9 million.

To offset this enormous deficit, Government turned their attention to the Bank of Guyana net foreign assets, where US$18.3 million was expended.

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

Youths stagnating

S

aturday, November 12, was “International Youth Day”; and, as usual, the UN, which launched the Day in 1999, announced a “Theme” for this year’s observation: “Youth building peace”.

But the UN had long espoused a larger role for youths in the affairs of their country and, indeed, the world towards the promotion of “peace”. In 1965, one year before we achieved independence under a Prime Minister who was a “youth” at only 32 years old, the organisation endorsed the “Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples.”

But before youths can build peace, they have to be assured that not only are their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are met, but they would be equipped with the basic accoutrements that are needed to cope in today’s globalised world.

In 1995, thirty years after their initial declaration, the UN acknowledged the foregoing observation when they adopted an international strategy—the “World Programme of Action for Youth” (WPAY) to the Year 2000 and Beyond -- which provided a policy framework and practical guidelines for empowering youths.

By that time, a new Government, led by the PPP, had replaced the PNC, which had brought Guyana and its youths to their knees, after every facet of the society and economy had been destroyed between 1966 and 1992. Ten priority areas were identified as needing to be addressed: Attainment of an educational level commensurate with their aspirations; Access to employment opportunities equal to their abilities; Food and nutrition adequate for full participation in the life of society; A physical and social environment that promotes good health, offers protection from disease and addiction, and is free from all types of violence; Human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion, or any other form of discrimination; Participation in decision-making processes; Places and facilities for cultural, recreational, and sports activities to improve the living standards of young people in both rural and urban areas.

While there were five additional areas for intervention identified in the new millennium, the first two of the above ten can serve as a good measuring rod, to evaluate if Guyana has done the minimum for its youths before demanding they play roles in “peace building”. While the PNC might have been well intentioned in promising “free education” from nursery to university, by the end of their rigged tenure, in 1992, all educational institutions had been destroyed, and most graduates of UG had migrated.

The PPP unquestionably did much to rebuild the educational institutions, but Guyana still has a far way to go before our youths can successfully navigate the global marketplace. One of the constraints towards enticing youths is the lack of employment opportunities, which was the second factor that the UN identified as needing to be addressed. It noted: “Every State should promote the goal of full employment as a basic priority of its economic and social policies, giving special attention to youth employment. They should also take measures to eliminate the economic exploitation of children; If effective solutions are not found, the cost to society would be much higher in the long run. Unemployment creates a wide range of social ills, and young people are particularly susceptible to its damaging effects: the lack of skills, low self-esteem, marginalization, impoverishment, and the wasting of an enormous human resource.”

Two years ago, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) announced in a report, “Youth are our Future: The Imperative of Youth Employment for Sustainable Development,” there was a 40% unemployment rate among Guyanese youths. The reasons submitted for the startling figure emphasise the need for the present Government to implement the policies adumbrated by the UN more than two decades ago: Lack of relevant skills; lack of experience; lack of knowledge of vacancies; limited opportunities due to health status or disability, location (i.e. rural location or general lack of transport options); stigma and discrimination due to age, ethnicity, criminal record, gender, motherhood and poverty.

Rafieya Aasieya Husain is one of the finalists in the Miss Universe Guyana 2017 National Pageant which will be staged on August 19 at the CUNY York College Performing Arts Center in the United States, where she and 10 other beautiful and confident women will compete for the coveted title and crown. There will also be a show packed with performances from Ernie Gaines (from American Idol), our very own Juke Ross, Maritza Lord, Naturally Recklez Tassa Group, Sundari, Ashton Ramdehal and Terry Gajraj

Arguments for and against overseas voting Dear Editor, My suggestion last week that we begin to reconsider overseas voting has ignited some debate and much vitriol. It should be noted that I am not the first commentator to raise this matter; former Speaker of the National Assembly, Attorney Ralph Ramkarran, did so about two years ago.

I have been called everything: from a madman to a PNC lackey, to the bearer of some secret plan to rig the next election. It’s yet another reflection of the state of our public discourse, which is generally bereft of reason and a willingness to confront difficult and complex ideas. And where there is some debate, it is often driven by age-old political fears and grudges. We tie ourselves up in political knots, and then debate and discuss ideas from that imprisoned state.

With all due respect to the views expressed, there are many arguments that can be made against overseas voting, but the three that seem to be popular are about the weakest. Here is a fact: 93 countries currently have overseas voting. There must be some benefits if so many countries continue to go that route. Another fact is that many Guyanese are already eligible to vote in our elections if they travel home and register.

Most of the opposition to the suggestion is grounded in the fear that overseas

voting would be a source of electoral fraud. This is a legitimate fear, given the fact that it was part of the electoral rigging machinery during the period of rigged election. But Guyana and the world have moved on since that time. One can never guarantee a completely fair election anywhere in the world; there will always be suspicions and charges of fraud. But to allow that fear of fraud to dictate who should or should not vote is unacceptable.

If we follow the logic that fear of fraud should prevent us from considering overseas voting, we might as well abolish elections in Guyana and many countries around the world. Can someone demonstrate to me how there is the possibility of more fraud in overseas voting than at home? In the height of rigged elections, there was far more rigging at home than overseas.

In Guyana, while there are still instances of electoral malpractice, these have not amounted to an overall corrupt system. We have returned to a system wherein our elections are generally free and fair. All our elections since 1992 have been certified as fair by the local and international monitoring agencies. There have, of course, been charges of malpractice by the losing contestants. This is to be expected in a country where the politics are extremely charged.

Where there have been

big attempts at fraud, as occurred in 2011 and 2015, those were detected and exposed. The key here is vigilance -- both at the polling places and at the centre where the votes are tallied.

I am making the point here that an electoral machinery geared to detect fraud is central to fair election, whether people are voting in Guyana or at some overseas centre.

So the big fear of fraud we hear about should there be overseas voting is grounded less in reason.

The other objection to overseas voting is the fear that it would be marred by ethnic voting. Well, we have ethnic voting at home; should we then abolish elections at home? This is another area of our politics from which we must move on. We must stop complaining and crying about ethnic voting; it’s stale. People vote interests, not issues. If people vote their ethnic interests, they are merely seeing issues through ethnic lenses. If people don’t vote along ethnic lines, they will choose some other interest - maybe gender or class, or region or generation. What makes these other interests less destructive than ethnic interests?

If we return to overseas voting, we would be granting rights to Guyanese living abroad. Since when fear of fraud and ethnic voting are disqualifications from voting at elections. If the colonials had said that they

were withholding the franchise from Guyanese because of fear that we would have ethnic voting, or that there would be fraud, where would we be today as a country?

The other complaint -about denying overseas voting -- is the other stale retort that if people don’t pay taxes in a country, they shouldn’t vote in that country.

Guyanese overseas remittances amount to an average of over US$400 million dollars per year; approximately 20 per cent of our GDP. If that's not akin to taxation, I don’t know what is. In fact, that amounts to much more than if they were paying taxes in Guyana.

And let’s not forget that there are many Guyanese living in Guyana who don’t pay income taxes simply because they don’t earn an income. So, should we deny them the right to vote?

I agree that when we have to confront big issues, like overseas voting, there must be extensive discussions, and our collective fears must be taken into consideration. I am also conscious that the political parties would not touch this issue unless they are convinced that it would bring electoral advantage to them.

But we must begin to grow up politically, and in the process, muster the courage to look at old initiatives in new ways.

David Hinds

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News

Anglican Diocese of Guyana observes 175th Anniversary – with Youth Festival on International Youth Day 2017

T

he Anglican Diocese of Guyana, which includes Suriname and French Guyana, is observing the 175th anniversary of its establishment as a Diocese in the Provence of the West Indies.

Its Youth Festival, held on the lawns of Austin House at High and Barrack Street, Kingston on Saturday, garnered much positive response from youths and agencies involved. This is the first event held among the many activities planned in observation of the Anglican Church’s anniversary.

Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Monsel Alves, expressed gratitude towards the agencies and persons whose sponsorship made the event possible. “August 27 will be our Anniversary Mass, which will be starting at 3:00 pm at Christ Church, and everyone is in-

vited … while on October 20 will be our black tie affair, dinner and ball, where we are really looking forward to that time of fellowship where we get the chance to dance and encourage each other”.

Alves added that the church has also planned to hold a family fun and sport day, slated for November11, 2017.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) and member of the planning committee, Schemel Patrick, explained that the church decided to commemorate its anniversary on this date, International Youth Day 2017, dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation, as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

The Diocese Youth Festival is being celebrated under the International Youth Day theme

The youths participating on the cook-out listening to the judges before the commencement of the competition

“Youth Building Peace”.

International Youth Day was endorsed in 1999 by the

Respecting Amerindians, while alive and in death

Dear Editor, The four-year-old male child from the Mabaruma township (Barima/Waini) who was bitten by a poisonous scorpion on Saturday, 5th August, 2017 and died the same day at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) has been laid to rest at the Mabaruma cemetery, after a decent burial on Saturday, 12th August, 2017.

Thanks a million to the Regional Health Officer (RHO) and the owners of “Wings of Humanity”, an aircraft made quick arrangements for the child’s body to be flown back to Mabaruma after the post mortem, for a decent burial.

But if it were not for the RHO and owners of Wings of Humanity, the poor Mabaruma child would have been given a “poor or criminal burial” at the Georgetown Cemetery. I was informed that there is a $30,000 pittance for

death expenses paid out by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MoIPA).

According to my understanding, the MoIPA has completed its budget for submission to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), for incorporation into Guyana’s upcoming National Budget.

I wonder what MoIPA’s budgetary line item for Amerindian death expenses looks like?

If it is not at least $8 million, Amerindians referred to the GPH for medical treatment by hinterland hospitals, if they die, will continue to be given poor burials like criminals, in Georgetown.

I do not think this is being fair to our people.

It is gross hypocrisy when we see the value and importance of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples only when they are alive, but when they die: to hell with them.

It is therefore very important that, as representatives of Guyana’s

Indigenous Peoples, we desperately need to respect them when they are alive, and when they die.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

General Assembly through a recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth.

“This event is designed just for the youths to come out, have a good time and hopefully participate in the activities to learn from the different organizations.

We will also have a cooking competition where the dish being done is MetaGee, since we are still in the month when Emancipation Day is celebrated,” Patrick is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information.

Activities start from 11:00h to 16:00h for

booth participation and exhibition, and from 16:00h to 18:00h for the cultural extravaganza, which includes music and a fashion show.

Javed Khan, a Representative of Republic Bank, one of the sponsors of the event, told the Department of Public Information that the corporation’s involvement in the Diocese Youth Festival is in keeping with the corporation’s agenda to support youth development.

“We (Republic Bank) not only believe in supporting the festival financially, but we are hoping to come on board and to interact with those present (youths) and

help them, whether to open their own account, of course with the authority of their parents, but (help) those who are hoping to further their education through us,” Khan explained.

Agencies such as Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Adolescent Health Unit attached to Ministry of Public Health, Sexual Reproductive Health Right’s Group were among attractions. While other agencies like Republic Bank, Qualfon Incorporated, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Austin Bookstore sponsored or joined the festival.

The Anglican Diocese of Guyana was founded on August 24, 1842 with the ordination and consecration of the Right Reverend William Austin as Bishop of Guyana and St. George’s Cathedral as the seat of the Bishop. The St. George's Cathedral is located in Georgetown, and is one of Guyana’s national monuments and one of the tallest wooden churches in the world, at a height of 43.5 metres (143 feet).

The Anglican Church has played an important role in the development of Guyana, especially the development of youths and education, which led to the establishment of Queen’s College, Bishops’ High School, Christ Church Secondary and St Ambrose among other primary and secondary schools throughout Guyana.

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Foundation

7 ways to fix rude teen behaviour

Positive thinking: How to foster in your child

– tips to deal with your child's attitude as she grows into a teenager

BY JULIE TILSNER (Conclusion)

"I

find that taking away a favourite activity, like their Xbox or cell phone, is the best punishment when my children talk back or mumble something rude under their breath," says San Diego mom Dana Hess, who has a 10and a 14-year-old. Whatever you do decide, she warns, follow through. "Once you don't do what you say, they'll take total advantage, and you'll lose your upper hand again."

Linda McGivern, a mom of three in Rollinsford, NH, often has to play the heavy with her son, 12-year-old Elias.

Recently, they were at a restaurant with family, talking about who was going with him to a movie later, a group of pals or a girlfriend.

"We're going together," Elias said.

"Everyone or just you and Rebecca?" his mom asked.

"What?"

"Who's going to the movie?"

"We are."

"Who's we?"

"Why don't you talk so I can understand you? No habla ingles?" Elias snarled. With that, McGivern sent him to sit out the rest of lunch in the car.

"Elias knows that he needs to speak to me respectfully or else he's going to suffer the consequences," says McGivern. "It's exhausting, but if I don't insist on this now, I'll be doing him a disservice. Can you imagine him talking to his wife that way?"

4. Reciprocate respect It's essential that you remind your child that you're a person, too. "I've told my daughter that it hurts when she screams at me or says she hates me," says Susan North-Tanaka, a mom of three in Long Beach, CA. "I tell her, 'I don't hate you, but it really hurts me to hear you say

that to me.'?"

At the same time, remember that respect is a two-way street-especially when you start to get caught up in an emotionally charged argument. "I do sometimes apologise," says Wade. "If I start to speak to my daughter before she finishes her sentence, for example, I'll say I'm sorry. I realise she's looking to be treated with respect, too, and I have to hold my own feet to the fire."

5. Let her stew When a "discussion" between you and your tween leads to screaming or hysterics (on the part of your kid, of course!), step back and wait for things to calm down.

Encouraging your child to take a break from a situation is a good way to defuse high emotions all around.

I'll stay calm and say, 'It seems like I can't talk to you right now, so go collect yourself and let's talk later,'" says Wade. "Sometimes she'll be crying so hard, she'll say, 'I can't calm down!' but a few minutes alone in her room always works. She's always in a better frame of mind when she comes out."

6. Set aside some face time Take your tween out for breakfast or invite him along to walk the dog, just the two of you. Don't push an agenda, but do let your child lead the conversation, even if he just wants to chatter on about that DS game he's jonesing for. You never know where the conversation might lead – and even if it goes nowhere, you'll get points for listening.

Along the same vein,

be ready to talk when your tween needs to.

Sometimes Anna will wander in while I'm working on the computer to lament some schism with a friend at school, say.

I'll make a pointed effort to stop what I'm doing and pay complete attention to what she's telling me. Even 20 minutes of focused conversation, I've found, does a lot of good, showing her that I do care about what she's going through and that I take it seriously.

If I'm right in the middle of something, I'll make an "appointment" to meet with her downstairs in half an hour. I'll put on the kettle (in our household, a cup of tea represents calm and comfort), and we'll talk about whatever's on her mind then.

Ultimately, experts point out, your tween will continue to come to you if he knows you're likely to listen to him without jumping in to judge unimportant details.

7. Fan the home fires As much as your child wants (and needs) to begin separating from Mom and Dad, he's still a kid and wants (and needs) to have a safety net. So provide one, as Hess did. When she felt extracurricular activities were pulling her children too far out of the family fold, she designated Tuesdays as "Family Night," meaning no friends, no activities, no computers, no texting and no video games. "The entire family hangs out and cooks together and plays games, with no outside influence," she says. "It reminds them that they're part of a family where they're okay just as themselves. They don't have to be anything else." (parenting.

BY NIRA DATTA

P

What is positive thinking? ositive thinking is a mental attitude that perceives situations in a constructive way. It does not mean ignoring the negative. Rather, a positive thinker acknowledges a situation and looks at it productively.

Positive thinking is most effective when a person encounters neutral life events, such as starting a new job, meeting a new teacher, or beginning the first day of school. In these more ambiguous encounters, our perspective carries the most weight.

Can children grasp the concept of positive thinking?

Yes. Positive thinking is an innate capacity partly due to cognitive changes during middle childhood.

In early childhood we are given simple, binary instructions on how emotions work, such as, “If I go to a birthday party, I’m going to be happy. If I’m going to get a needle, I’m going to be sad.” After the age of five, these guidelines become more complex and continue throughout middle childhood. The instructions now carry information on how the mind relates to emotion. As a result, children start understanding that a person's mind is separate from reality, so a person’s thoughts can influence how they feel.

Five-year olds can connect thought with emotion Dr Christi Bamford, developmental psychologist and assistant professor at Jacksonville University, did a study involving 90 children from five to 10 years old.

She asked each child to listen to six illustrated scenarios, which featured two characters. The characters jointly experience the same positive event (and feel good), negative event (and feel bad), or ambiguous event (and feel okay).

Afterward, one character thinks a positive thought,

com)

while the other thinks a negative thought. For instance, in one ambiguous scenario, the characters are about to meet a new teacher. One character thinks negatively, “She’s going to be mean and give us lots of homework,” while the other thinks positively, “She’s going to be fun and read us stories.”

After explaining the character’s reaction, the researchers asked the child what they thought and recorded their responses. The study showed children as young as five can understand the principles of positive-thinking: a positive thought makes you feel better and a negative thought makes you feel worse. What’s more, children are better at understanding the power of positive thinking in situations that were ambiguous.

Children get better at positive thinking as they age Children a few years older are even better at applying positive thinking. Many studies show seven and eight year olds use distraction to help cope with anxiety. When asked how they deal with the fear of receiving a needle from the doctor, they suggest thinking of a happy time, such as eating ice cream. In contrast, younger kids tend to suggest more tangible distractions, such as playing with a toy. (aboutkidshealth.ca) TO BE CONTINUED

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GuySuCo projects increased revenue from land sales – but closure of Skeldon Energy Inc, other factors lower projections

GuySuCo is considered one of the largest land owners in Guyana

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he 2017 Mid-Year Report presented to the National Assembly

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan has revealed that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has a metaphorically long and winding road ahead of it.

In particular, it can expect a decrease in revenue because of two principal reasons, being (1): the Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) was inoperable during the first crop of 2017; and (2): the sugar production target was reduced because of inclement weather, strike action from sugar workers, and factory maintenance downtime.

Nevertheless, a projected shoring up of its revenues is expected to come from a boost in the sale of land.

This report notes that, at the end of the first half of 2017, GuySuCo continued to record an operating deficit of some $6.3 billion, described in the report as “symptomatic of the corporation’s inability to adjust its operations to the changing times”.

“The $7 billion outlay to GuySuCo by Central Government by the end of the first half (of this year) is a reflection of the corporation’s continued inability to reform its cost structure and improve its competitiveness,” the report stated.

A revised revenue forecast of $27.1billion was provided for 2017, down from the budgeted $28.9 billion. But it is a pyrrhic consolation, as expen-

diture has been forecasted to rise to $35.7 billion, putting GuySuCo’s deficit at $8.6 billion.

“The industry continues to be plagued by many problems, including an increase in the prices of several inputs, such as fertilizers; and these have had a negative impact on the company’s ability to realise sufficient cash to cover its operating costs”, the Report disclosed. “The sugar industry employs over 13,000 (persons), or over 75 per cent of the total employment amongst the PEs. At the half year, GuySuCo’s employment cost was an alarming 111.5 per cent of revenue,” the report noted.

Financial woes

GuySuCo had, in 2016, advertised for sale several acres of land, including vacant properties at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where its headquarters are situated. In its tender, GuySuCo said it was looking to sell portions of its transported freehold lands situated at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown; Liliendaal; and Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

GuySuCo had, in 2015, sold to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) some 3000 acres of cane lands between Sophia and Ogle. Government previously communicated its intention to use acres of land owned by GuySuCo for housing projects and other developments. According to reports in sections of the media, GuySuCo used part

of the money it received to pay its debt to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

However, GuySuCo’s state of indebtedness is much greater. When the board of directors and the management of GuySuCo appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services (PSCES) in January 2017, it was highlighted that GuySuCo was indebted to the tune of more than $75 billion.

GuySuCo’s financial misfortunes have been exacerbated by the loss of one of its major export markets for sugar. For years, the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States had provided sugar to Europe on a quota system. In fact, more than 150,000 tonnes of sugar exported from Guyana used to go to the European Union (EU). But the EU quota management for sugar will officially end on September 30, 2017. Its loss is expected to lead to a dramatic fall in the international price for sugar, and a decrease in sugar imports from the ACP, with particular impact on Caribbean producers.

Government has been downsizing the sugar industry in a move fiercely resisted by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). Last year, the operations of the LBI Estate were amalgamated with those of the Enmore Estate in order to make both estates more efficient, according to GuySuCo. GAWU has noted that thousands of persons stand to be affected by the closure of the East Demerara Estate (Enmore), which employs some 2,200 persons spread across its field, factory, security, administrative and managerial departments.

Government also plans to privatize the Skeldon Estate and close down the Rose Hall and Enmore estates, according to well-placed sources. President David Granger has already announced that Government intends to

keep functioning only the Blairmont, Uitvlugt and Albion estates.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in his presentation of the 2017 Budget, had indicated that the status quo ob-

taining in the sugar industry can neither be sustained nor maintained. According to him, as currently structured, the industry would require Government’s support to the tune of $18.6 billion

and $21.4 billion for the years 2017 and 2018 respectively.

He had explained that, based on the CoI, it was concluded that any money injected into sugar in its current state is money wasted.

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monDAY, august 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Halted promotions

LEAKED: Police Officers hauled before CoI were on promotion list

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President David Granger

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

he instructions by President David Granger to put all Police promotions on hold until further notice took a new twist on Saturday, when a copy of the list was leaked to the media.

The list revealed that several senior officers who were hauled before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the assassination plot investigation are on that list.

A perusal of the list shows that some of the chosen ones included Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken.

He was tipped to be promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police; while current Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum had been lined up for Assistant Commissioner.

Head of Special Branch, Brian Eastman, was also listed to become a Senior Superintendent of Police; while Head of

Major Crimes, Assistant Superintendent Mitchell Caesar had been recommended for Deputy

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Superintendent.

The Commission of Inquiry was ordered by President David Granger back in July, to investigate the investigations into an alleged plot to have him assassinated.

According

Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken

to the Terms of Reference, the CoI would investigate the Guyana Police Force’s exercise of due diligence when it investigated Andriff Gillard’s claim that he was offered $7 million by businessman Nizam Khan to assassinate President Granger.

Over the course of the CoI, a number of officers were summoned and even upbraided for their work during the investigation.

Besides the senior officers, junior officers were also criticised by Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe, who was appointed by the President.

Clashes

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had appeared before the Commissioners and said on March 29, 2017, he received a call from the Public Security Ministry informing him of the alleged plot. The caller, a female, told him that Gillard was at the Ministry making the accusation. He related that he immediately made contact with Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken.

He further stated that he summoned head of the Major Crime Unit, Mitchell Caesar, and the interviewee, Gillard, who related the alleged plot and an investigation was subsequently launched. A 17-page statement was taken from Gillard and investigations progressed.

Blanhum related that because of the nature of the allegation, a decision was taken to have the Major Crime Unit investigate the matter, and he added that he received several reports of Gillard frustrating the investigation.

He also related that he did not find it strange that the men were released less than 24 hours following the commencement of the investigation. Slowe and Blanhum clashed when the CoI Commissioner asked him why the matter was not being treated as treason, but he explained that the offence was treated as incitement to commit murder although the President was involved, citing that he relied on facts and not

feelings.

When it was Hicken’s turn to appear before Slowe, he too clashed with the former Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Slowe had upbraided Hicken, noting that the failure to question Gillard on March 29 was a dereliction of duty.

In response to this accusation, Hicken said he was not allowed to get involved in matters involving CID. According to Hicken, all he had to do was verify that the right individual was being escorted to CID, a task he fulfilled. This did not sit well with Slowe.

Sinister plot?

A report in the State media had alleged that the list had contained officers who were unfit for promotion. This had been used as an excuse for the President’s move. But in the wake of the revelation that officers currently under pressure at the CoI are actually part of this “unfit” list, questions are being raised whether a plot is afoot.

During a recent press conference, former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the recent directive shows that the Government has its own plans. Tying the letter to the CoI, he had likened it to a witch-hunt aimed at getting rid of certain characters. The blocking of the promotion list, he had posited, just tied into those plans.

Earlier in the week, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Omesh Satyanand, had made known that after a meeting with the other Commissioners, it was decided that they were going to adhere to the order to halt all promotions until further notice.

Even the Chairman had expressed concern that halting the entire promotion process would be a blow to senior officers. He had noted that these officers have invested time and energy in building a career at the Guyana Police Force and were expecting their just reward.

But noting that this was the first time a sitting President had issued such a directive to the Commission, he had called for some clarity and justification as to the circumstances that led to making such a decision.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, in a letter dated July 27, 2017, wrote to the PSC informing them that the President directed that there be no consideration of promotion for members of the Guyana Police Force until further notice and should be implemented immediately.

Ignoring…

Y …the deadly impact of cigarettes

our Eyewitness is witnessing a surreal situation in this day and age: not only does the Government have to actually defend banning of cigarette smoking in public places, but it also has to seek to prevent youths from being seduced into cigarette smoking via ads directed at them!!

You’d think older folks, who’re already addicted to inhaling the carcinogenic effusion from cigarettes and destroying their lungs and various other organs, would at least want their offsprings spared, wouldn’t you? You never know!

As he’s said before, your Eyewitness isn’t even going to get into the clear and present dangers of cigarette smoking. The verdict has looooong been out - smoking kills! And this isn’t one of those sins like drinking alcohol, which can be excused as “self harm”. With cigarette smoking, those in the vicinity of the smoker are forced to inhale, whether they like to or not (…unfortunately, humans need oxygen!) the statistics show they’re at even greater risk than the smoker.

If your Eyewitness had his way, he wouldn’t just ban smoking in public, but have the police charge the law breakers with an attempted crime! Think about it. These folks KNOW cigarettes can cause death… they mightn’t know EXACTLY who around them will die…but they know that if they puff long enough, SOMEBODY’S GONNA die! What’s the difference between playing Russian Roulette -- placing ONE bullet in a revolver, spinning the chamber, then shooting at somebody’s head -- and ‘second hand smoke?? And with Russian Roulette, the least you’ll be charged with is exposing people to an unacceptable risk of death!

What also gets your Eyewitness is how folks will justify anything for money. Imagine the tobacco importer having the chutzpah to raise as a justification for not banning cigarettes in public spaces and from youths is the Government would collect less taxes!!!

Forget the pain and suffering of unwary citizens; forget the loss of breadwinners and families being plunged into despair; forget the strain on the public health system. So maybe the Government should start collecting taxes on cocaine use? That’ll certainly swell its coffers!

Returning to the inducement for youths to smoke, the local importer’s just replicating what its principals -- who produce the cancer sticks up North -- did to the Third World, starting in the 1960s.

When they couldn’t any longer duck the evidence of the connection between cigarette smoking and cancer, and usage in the North started to plummet, the cigarette manufacturers used advertisements to make cigarette smoking “cool” in the Third World.

And boy, did they succeed! Today most cigarette profits come from us, piss-poor countries.

The ads to our youths is to ensure market share doesn’t drop if SOME older folks wise up!

…inducement warnings

Just when it’s dawning on the Guyanese people that business, being a cut-throat affair, even “respectable” big whales will do WHATEVER it takes to land an “oil catch”, we hear about FIVE Ministers jetted away to visit the Lone Star state of Texas. Now why would they want to do that??

The reason offered is they want to “learn about the oil business”. Really?? It’s not like they went to inspect an FPSO to look first-hand at how oil sucked from under our seabed will be measured so we can slap that MASSIVE 2% royalty on it. And not get screwed coming (the miserable royalty “renegotiated” by Trotman) and going (revenues on oil produced).

…Police protocols

Prezzie’s once again gone out on a limb with his “perception” of the Constitution. He’s told the Police Service Commission not to proceed with any promotions.

Art 226 (1) of the Constitution clearly prohibits this. Williams’s advice again?

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

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monDAY, august 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Early morning accidents

Pedestrian killed at Soesdyke, Cop detained - another Cop hits utility pole; in stable condition at GPHC

By Shemuel Fanfair

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wo junior police ranks were involved in separate accidents along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road less than an hour apart on Sunday morning.

At about 02:30h on Sunday, Police Constable Gavin Gentle of the Bartica Police Station was proceeding south on the Timehri public road, EBD when he lost control of his motor car, PTT 5444, and the vehicle crashed into a utility pole.

The Allion motor car, PPP 8497, that struck the pedestrian

Gentle sustained injuries as a result of this collision, and one of his colleagues was reportedly

taking him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre in his personal vehicle, Allion motorcar PPP 8497, under es-

The mangled motorcar, PTT 5444, which Constable Gavin Gentle crashed into a utility pole at Timehri

Police mark the point of impact where the unidentified pedestrian was struck

The cars of the two Police ranks that were involved in separate accidents

cort of a police vehicle with flashing lights and sounding siren.

At about 03:00h, a male pedestrian was attempting to cross the East Bank Demerara public road, and was in the centre thereof when the constable allegedly swerved from the pedestrian but still struck him down. The pedestrian was picked up, placed in the motorcar and likewise taken to the Diamond Hospital.

This pedestrian was pronounced dead on arrival, but Constable Gentle was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he has been admitted in serious but stable condition.

It was not clear if Gentle sustained additional injuries as result of the second accident.

According to Police, the

driver of PPP 8497 was tested, and no alcohol was traced on his breath. He

tified.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the

The fender of the Allion motorcar was retrieved several feet from the point of impact

has nevertheless been detained, and was later seen assisting Police with their investigations. The dead pedestrian is yet to be iden-

driver was recounting to investigators details surrounding the accident.

Investigations into both matters are continuing.

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Teen stabbed in scuffle Eteringbang plane crash Pilot may have overloaded aircraft on Norton Street – aviation source

A

teenager was on Sunday afternoon rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after being stabbed in a brawl at Norton Street, Worthmanville, Georgetown.

Seventeen-year-old Cordell Whyte, of John and Durban Streets, Georgetown, is now left nursing several wounds following the incident.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, Whyte along with his friends were at the time sitting on the step of his Norton Street residence when the suspect approached with a knife and dealt him three blows about the body. The teenager was stabbed once to his back, abdomen and then to his shoulder.

This publication understands that the incident

A

Injured: Cordell Whyte

stemmed from the suspect being denied the use of a bicycle which belongs to the now injured teen.

Meanwhile, the suspect has been identified

as 21-year-old Akeemo Franklin of Lot 9 Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

Whyte, a former student of the St Johns College, remains hospitalised and has been listed as stable while Franklin is said to be on the run.

However, an investigation has been launched.

source close to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s investigative team says the recent plane crash at Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on August 8, 2017, may be due to the pilot overloading the aircraft.

The Wings Aviation plane was on a shuttling mission from Eteringbang to Ekereku when the incident occurred at around 11:00h. The pilot, Captain Dominique Waddell, was not seriously injured and is said to be recuperating. The GCAA has since launched an investigation into the incident to “ascertain the circumstances leading to the crash of a single engine CESSNA aircraft – bearing registration number 8R-GPR.” “The plane was taking off from Eteringbang and it had four drums of fuel, you already know it got a centre of gravity and when he load the plane so much from the back it shifts the centre of

Captain Dominique Waddell upon being transported to Georgetown following the crash

gravity,” the source said.

The senior source from the aviation industry is of the belief that when the aircraft took off it tilted back too much causing it to ascend ‘too steep’ and the centre of gravity shifted further, causing the plane to stall. It was further explained that when a plane stalls, it goes nose down and has a tenden-

cy to pull left and “that is exactly what transpired and concretises the fact that the aircraft was over loaded”.

Meanwhile, on July 25, 2017, Captain Collin Martin, a retired Guyana Defence Force Major, was piloting a Roraima Airways aircraft when it crashed – also at Eteringbang - killing him almost instantly.

CXC, CAPE results out – released online to Education Ministry today

S

tudents who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in May/June of this year will soon be able to uplift their grades as results will be released to the Ministry of Education today.

They will also be able to access their grades via the internet and the recently

launched mobile App “CXC Connect” on Friday.

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) announced that the results for all examinations will be released on Monday August 14 to Ministries of Education. The results will also be available to candidates online at http://results.cxc.org and on the CXC Connect Mobile App. Launched in Barbados on Thursday, CXC mobile app would became available to students on August 12. Students, who sat the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean

Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) during the May/June 2017 exams, will be able to utilise the app to access their results. Those students who wrote the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) exam would be able to access their results via the app on

August 15, 2017.

With this newly launched Connect app, not only will students be able to access examination results as soon as they are released, but via their smart phones and other mobile devices, they would be able to carry them in their pockets wherever they go.

Students, parents, and even educators have previously complained about the late arrival of examinations’ results, although efforts have been made to release grades early; this new app will reduce that waiting time to an all-time significant low.

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monDAY, august 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Juvenile Justice Reform Bill

Child rights advocate calls for its early passage W

hile Government has announced a further delay in passage of the Juvenile Justice Reform Bill, to be laid in the National Assembly, Child Rights Advocate Nicole Cole is urging Government to work expeditiously to ensure that the Bill is presented in Parliament by the new deadline.

Cole, who sits on the Rights of the Child Commission (ROCC) representing the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC), expressed disappointment that the Bill has not yet been laid in Parliament when Government had earlier promised to have it presented this month.

“We have to get this important Bill passed. If the Bill remains on the shelf, where it has been for almost 10 years now, then we will not get anywhere.

Children are still being charged for wandering, and that bothers me. That is something we need to address immediately,” she urged.

The outspoken rights advocate told Guyana Times on Sunday that the Bill contains some “rev-

olutionary ideas” that would assist with the overall protection of children. She also referred to the Bill seeking to address the abolishment of truancy and wandering as crimes.

“The revolutionary thing in this Bill is it will take into account the child’s mental health to evaluate before you institutionalise a child. It takes into account the rights of the child,” she asserted.

Cole said this is important -- so that the child gets the required care and attention that he/she needs. Further, she said it puts the family and/or relatives of these children to better respond to their children’s needs.

Asked whether she thinks the Police may target certain communities where they arrest children for truancy, the ROCC official told this publication that while she does not think that might be the case, she thinks children who fall in the poor and underprivileged bracket are mostly charged.

Overall, Cole said, the Bill helps to create a more modern system of dealing with ju-

Sweeper-cleaners fiasco

Govt yet to intervene

E

A scene from last Thursday’s protest

ven after four rounds of protests by schools’ sweeper-cleaners last week, and threats of more in the new week, Government has not yet given any official word on how it plans to appease the financial stresses of the mostly single mothers.

And while the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is unsure as to when the matter will be addressed, it has promised to continue standing with the cleaners until their cries are heard.

Last Tuesday, close to 100 sweeper-cleaners from schools in and around Georgetown began a picketing exercise outside the office of the President, calling for their full salaries, which had been cut for the months of July and August. While officials of the GPSU had met with some advisors and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency that day, there has not been any word forthcoming from Government on a solution.

The protest continued on Wednesday last, in front of the Finance Ministry and on Thursday in front of the Education Ministry’s Culture Youth and Sport

Department. On Friday, the protesters gathered in front of the Education Ministry’s Brickdam office.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Sunday, GPSU’s first Vice President Mortimer Livan said the representations made by the Union have not yielded anything positive. He did say however that during the protest on Friday, Education Minister (ag) Nicolette Henry promised to “see what she can do”.

He said until someone speaks to the Union and the cleaners, the protests will continue.

Among the many infractions the sweeper-cleaners say they face is a monthly salary way beneath the minimum wage. Some have been working for close to two decades and complained that they have not been granted any vacation leave.

Livan had said the conditions under which the cleaners work are unacceptable.

He said the situation is developing further into an economic disaster for the workers and their families, as they are on many occasions the only source of income for their families.

Child rights advocate Nicole Cole

venile justice, and will ensure that Guyana confirms with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that no one should be allowed to punish children in a cru-

el or harmful way.

“Children who break the law should not be treated cruelly; they should not be put in prison with adults. They should be able to keep in contact with their families, and should not be sentenced to death, or life imprisonment without the possibility of release,” Cole said, while quoting the UN Convention article.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who is responsible for the Bill, had said that jails are not the place where young people who have committed offences should be placed. He said the Bill will make sweeping changes to existing legislation, including raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years.

The minister has said that once the Bill is made law, magistrates and the Magistrates’ Courts will have to be trained on juvenile justice matters. Halfway houses and a number of infrastructures to take care of juveniles will also be a priority, and social workers will have to be employed in these institutions.

Some of the measures the Bill

is also expected to contain are an emphasis on alternatives to detaining delinquents. More alternative sentencing has, for some time, been advocated by rights groups and international organisations.

In 2016, a Commission of Inquiry into a deadly prison fire had recommended strong programmes for alternative community-based sentencing to be put in place, because of rampant overcrowding in the prisons and the risk of first time offenders being corrupted by hardened criminals.

The draft Bill was conceived in 2004 under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration with support and input from UNICEF. The first draft was produced in 2007 after a series of consultations and submissions by stakeholders, inclusive of the ROCC; however, progress was delayed and efforts to revive the process began in 2014.

The 11-part Bill makes provision for establishment of facilities to enable the rehabilitation and education of juvenile offenders.

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monDAY, august 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

In recent memory

Blanhum, one of the most successful Crime Chiefs – Ramkarran

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urrent Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum is one of the most successful Crime Chiefs to have served in the Guyana Police Force in recent memory.

And he has created a reputation that soars higher every time he comes under public scrutiny.

This is according to Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, who also had this to say of Blanhum: “The Crime Chief does not court the press, but every time he comes under public scrutiny, his reputation soars. He spoke truth to power, and was quite clear that the sto-

ry of the complainant Andrif Gillard was ‘inherently incredible.’ The results show that he is one of the most successful Crime Chiefs in recent memory. Even though Guyana still lives in fear of crime, there would be much public concern if there is second-guessing of the work of the Crime Chief.”

Blanhum has told the CoI into the plot to assassinate President Granger that on March 29 he received a call from the Ministry of Public Security informing him of the alleged plot. The caller, a female, told him that Andrif Gillard was at

the ministry making the accusations. Blanhum said he immediately made contact with Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken, and because of the nature of the allegations, a decision was taken to have the Major Crimes Unit investigate the matter.

Blanhum said he had received several reports of Gillard frustrating the investigation. He said GPF Legal Adviser Justice Claudette Singh (ret’d) did not recommend any charges to be made in the matter because the evidence was tenuous and there was simply nothing with which to

charge anyone.

As his testimony continued, the Crime Chief clashed with Commissioner Slowe when asked whether he had checked to ensure that a record was made of the incident in the ‘A’ Division log.

Blanhum said he is not responsible for finding out whether proper records are documented, because he functions at the executive level of the GPF and there are supervisors and other ranks below him who are tasked with those responsibilities.

He also related that he does not find it strange that Chief Wendell Blanhum

the men were released less than 24 hours following the commencement of the investigations.

Slowe and Blanhum clashed once more when the Commissioner asked the Crime Chief why the matter was not being treated as treasonous.

Blanhum replied that the offence was treated as “incitement to commit murder”, although the allegations had implications for the life of the President. He said he relied on facts, and not feelings. Based on legal advice, he said he viewed the in-

formation obtained as ‘tenuous,’ and not sufficient to base legal charges. Blanhum expressed satisfaction with the investigation.

“The Crime Chief has been rightly praised for his work in the past,” Ramkarran wrote.

He added that Blanhum was only acting on the advice of the Police Legal Adviser, former Justice of Appeal Claudette Singh, who advised that no charges be brought against the accused, Nizam Khan, since the Police have evidence to show that Gillard was making up the story.

“With such conflicting evidence in the Police file, there would have been no hope of a conviction. In fact, based on their investigations, according to the evidence of Corporal Keion Benjamin, the Police concluded that Andrif Gillard should be charged for giving false information to the police,” Ramkarran commented. Since assuming responsibility as Crime Chief, He has reopened several high profile cases, such as the execution of fashion designer Trevor Rose; the 1993 murder case of Monica Reece, and the robbery/murder of Sheema Mangar. turn to page 13

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monDAY, august 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Miner killed after Drivers threaten each other – after collision at Den Heuvel drunken argument – reportedly beaten with a spade T A 53-year-old father of one is now dead after he was beaten with a spade at the Potaro Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), following a drunken argument.

The 35-year-old suspect is in custody assisting the Police with their investigation.

According to reports, Mohabeer Gangadeen Kooblall of GAC Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, was imbibing at Potaro Backdam with his coworker when an argument ensued. F Division (Interior locations) Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindranauth Budhram told this publication that during the argument, the suspect picked up a spade and dealt h Kooblall several blows in his head and about his body.

The incident occurred on Saturday between 17:30h and 18:00h and Kooblall died immediately. Budhram said the Police responded promptly after receiving the call and the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.

The dead man’s mother, Ramdasie Ramlall, said her son called her at around 12:30h telling her that he needed to come home since he was in the area for over four months. She said that her son is a miner and a cook and that the dredge he was working on was closed for a

Mohabeer Gangadeen Kooblall and his mother in happier times

few weeks but his employer, Alvin Rambarran, allegedly refused to transport him out of the area.

“Them leff he inside to watchman (guard) this dredge and when me ask he who and he deh pon the drudge, he tell me he and a next man and me must call the boss man (since) he want come out from the bush. He nah want stay deh no more pon the water top,” the grieving 71-year-old said.

She related that later that evening, she received a call that her daughter took but they refused to divulge any information pertaining to the call.

“I hear that me son get murder. That is all and until

now me hear nothing from the boss man and me nah hear nothing about me son life and they come and say that they want he brother to go and one of me grandson to bring back he body,” Ramlall lamented.

The grieving woman said her son has been working in the mining industry for over 20 years and have been working with the Rambarran’s for over 15 years.

Kooblall was the sole breadwinner and took care of his mother. His body is being transported to Georgetown for a post-mortem examination, while Police investigations are ongoing.

(Lakhram Baghirat)

ensions flared at Den Heuvel, East Bank Demerara on Sunday afternoon when the drivers of two motor cars trade fiery barbs following a collision just after 17:00h. This publication understands that the two drivers were on the verge of a physical altercation and threatened to draw weapons on each other.

According to information obtained, the PTT 6881 motor car collided with a Toyota 212 car which was reportedly driven by the self-identified Police rank.

The supposed Policeman and the other driver were heard exchanging a series of expletives before persons at the scene intervened to calm the men down.

“You want defend yoself tall man, you bruk up my car and come telling me stupidness…he bruk me

Scenes from the collision at Den Heuvel, EBD on Sunday

car and he want beat me…

You’re a mad man or what tall man?” the self-identified police rank was heard shouting.

The two eventually calmed down after repeated interventions by persons in the area.

Blanhum one of the most...

Mashramani Costume Designer and Events Coordinator Trevor Rose was gunned down on January 26, 2014 while sitting in the back seat of a Toyota 212 motor car on the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He had fathered eight children, and the investigations are progressing according to the Police.

Former Demerara Bank employee Sheema Mangar, 20, was the victim of the brutal robbery sometime after 18:00h on September 10, 2010, as she waited for

transportation on North Road. She chased the robber, who jumped into the car that hit her down and dragged her from outside the Bedford Methodist Church, at Camp Street and North Road, to the intersection of Camp and Church Streets. She died hours later at St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

The body of 23-yearold security guard Monica Reece was dumped from a speeding pickup in the vicinity of the Geddes Grant building (now Courts) on Main Street, Georgetown

from page 12

on April 9, 1993 (Good Friday night). At the time of the murder, now Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, was Crime Chief.

He subsequently retired as Commissioner of Police. At that time there was a prime suspect, but he mysteriously vanished.

Blanhum and a team of detectives were able to crack the murder case of Babita Sarjou, in May 2016.

Since Blanhum took the post, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been solving a greater percentage of crime.

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monDAY, august 14, 2017

News Assassination claim CoI

Police investigative methods compromised by public hearings – Ramkarran …internal investigation by external agency would have achieved ToR

F

ormer Speaker of the National Assembly, Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, has said the public hearing aspect of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger has compromised the investigative methods of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), particularly those of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“The Guyana Police Force, particularly the Criminal Investigation Department, depends on confidentiality in relation to its methods and practices. Where these are exposed, it can compromise future investigations. Those with a criminal bent are certainly paying attention, to learn all they can about police methods,” Ramkarran said in a blog post.

Andrif Gillard, on March 29 last, lodged with the police a report that his neighbour Nizam Khan had offered him $7 million to kill President David Granger. President Granger, last June, launch a CoI into the alleged assassination plot, and named for-

mer Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe as CoI Chairman.

The CoI seeks to: inquire into persons, places, times, circumstances and events by and through which allegations and reports came to be made of an intention to assassinate the President; investigate the full range of the actions and responses of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to the reports, and the extent to which such actions were conducted or executed with due diligence; determine whether any person, and in particular officers of the GPF, had information before and after reports were made of a plan to assassinate the President, and whether any such officers communicated that information to a superior authority.

Commissioners will also record and report on what official action was taken on the basis of the information received, and whether there was due diligence by the officers of the GPF in investigating the plan to assassinate the President; and determine whether there was failure, neglect or omission to thoroughly and properly investi-

Former House Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran

gate the plan to assassinate the President; and determine whether such failure or omission was intentional.

The Commissioners will also seek to determine the blameworthiness for the failure or neglect of officers or persons involved in the investigation, and recommend action to be taken against persons found to be blameworthy. Steps would also be recommended to prevent the

recurrence of an incident of this sort; and if any systemic issues exist in the GPF’s competence to investigate matters of this nature, same would be identified.

The report was initially expected to be submitted to President Granger on August 18, but Commissioner Slowe announced last Friday that he had written the President requesting an extension to August 31, but is yet to receive an official response.

Slowe said he is sure the extension would be granted.

Ramkarran said the ToR suggests that the investigators should be investigated with a view to determining whether there had been a dereliction of duty, or failure to properly investigate the matter. However, public inquiries undermine investigators in the public’s eye.

“An internal investigation by an external agency such as the CoI, utilising the same or similar procedures applicable to a public inquiry, might have served to elicit the same information while at the same time protecting the Police Force,” he wrote.

He added that the investigative methods being employed by the Police have been compromised and Police investigators have been publicly undermined, but he does

not see the need to parade witnesses outside of the investigative team while revealing who are trained investigators, nor is it necessary to chastise them along with the Police Commissioner on ‘tangential issues.’

During the course of the public hearing, it was revealed that the now acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine is not a trained investigator, nor has he received any training as an investigator. During his testimony, Ramnarine told the Commission he felt the investigation was not properly done due to the interference of senior Police ranks.

According to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud’s attorney, Glen Hanoman, Ramnarine’s assessment of the investigation is not informed by experience, but springs from malice against his client and Crime Chief Wendell Blanum, since both men had reported his misconduct to the Office of Professional Responsibility.

It was also revealed that Persaud had made a call, instructing that his friend Imran Khan, brother of the alleged plot mastermind, be released on his own recognisance after he was held for disorderly behaviour.

However, when Persaud tes-

tified, he denied giving an “instruction”, but said he rather had made a “suggestion”.

Ramkarran notes that Commissioner Persaud had given evidence to defend himself against the claims, adding that the allegations are in no way connected to the investigation or investigation quality.

“The public waits anxiously for the conclusion of the CoI as to whether the investigation was adequate or not; and if so, in what areas the Criminal Investigation and Operations Departments fell down. If such is the finding, the CoI might also wish to tell us what would have been achieved if the investigation had been more thorough, having regard to the evidence by and in relation to Andriff Gillard and the independent evidence that his story is false. Investigations such as these ruin careers. Let us hope that the Police Force and its able and dedicated officers survive unscathed.

High though the crime rate, they are our first and last line of defence,” Ramkarran concluded.

The public hearing aspect of the CoI will continue on Wednesday, when Police Legal Adviser Justice Claudette Singh (ret’d) takes the stand to give evidence.

15 Social Protection Ministry launches developmental programme in underserved communities T news

monDAY, august 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

he Social Protection Ministry during the past week embarked on a series of development initiatives targeting rural-based underserved communities across Guyana. This undertaking, which seeks to provide capacity-building and employment opportunities for residents of farfetched areas, was dubbed the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme and has been implemented in two communities thus far.

Leading the way was Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, as representatives of her Ministry journeyed to Hiawa Village, Region Nine (PomeroonSupenaam) on Wednesday last and then to Moco Moco – within the same region – on Thursday to kick start this initiative.

During the first day of her visit, the Minister met with residents and potential beneficiaries in the Hiawa Village so as to iron out details as it relates to the execution and management of a sheep rearing project

Minister Amna Ally during her visit to Hiawa Village for the launch of the sheep rearing project under the SLED programme

which was launched as part of the SLED programme.

This project – valued at approximately $6.3 million – represents the first of its kind in the region and will not only provide the means of sustenance for the dwellers but also makes way for a much needed source of income for families within this area. This project was made possible through collabora-

tion between the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Regional Democratic organs, the Agriculture Ministry and the Social Protection Ministry; all of which will be providing support throughout the duration of the project.

Present during the launch on Wednesday was Andray Pearson, veterinary

“Grey Boy” in hiding

officer of the GLDA, who will be offering technical guidance to the residents and certify the viability of the land which will sustain the rearing of sheep.

Danmattie Sahoy, head of the SLED project, was also in attendance at the meeting to give guidance on the Cooperatives Act. The SLED sheep rearing project was a welcomed

addition to the community and, as such, residents were elated and committed their full support to the efficiency and sustained commitment to the initiative.

Meanwhile, when the SLED programme made its way to Moco Moco on the following day, the village benefited from the installation of a block-making machine which carries a price tag of about $3 million.

While meeting with the residents on Thursday, Minister Ally outlined the goals of the SLED project which aim to provide an avenue for the economic development of groups and communities and zoomed in on ways in which the block-making apparatus will benefit Moco Moco. On that note, she highlighted that the block-making operation is anticipated to provide an opportunity for the development of building skills of residents as well as a means of income for those residing within the community as well.

The residents were tasked with the responsibility of constructing a shed to house the block-making op-

erations as they await the arrival of the machine.

Welcoming the initiative was the Toshao of Moco Moco, George James who complemented the Minister for her efforts to assist the community.

The SLED programme, which is being implemented through the Social Protection Ministry, is a programme which gives grants to cooperatives and friendly societies to equip them to engage in sustainable, entrepreneurial ventures.

While in both of the communities, Minister Ally encouraged the beneficiaries to acknowledge the importance of their role in ensuring the success of the newly established SLED project and pledged commitment on behalf of her Ministry to the continued development of the villages and those who reside within the areas.

This marks the first phase of the Social Protection Ministry’s SLED initiative which has paved the way for similar projects to materialise in other underserved communities.

Liberalisation of telecoms sector

Police hunting former murder Telecoms authority to manage new industry accused for death threats G to Crum-Ewing’s mother

Donna Harcourt, Mother of slain activist Courtney Crum-Ewing

P

olice investigators are trying to locate Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues, the former suspect implicated in the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, because he has allegedly been making death threats to the Donna Harcourt, mother of Crum-Ewing.

She recently lodged with Police a complaint that Rodrigues had, last Saturday morning, threatened to “wipe her out”, expressing anger that she had implicated him in the killing of her son.

A senior “A” Division Police official revealed on Sunday that ranks are actively pursuing the suspect because of the nature of the remarks that were allegedly uttered. “We are sill searching, because a report was made; we have to investigate all sides of the story,” the senior Police source indicated.

Rodrigues was, up to Sunday evening, still elusive. According to reports in the media, Harcourt was plying her trade at her stall at Regent and Wellington Streets when she re-

Wanted for questioning: Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues

portedly heard Rodrigues saying if he had the will, “I would wipe you out!”

City Magistrate Judy Latchman had in early June not found sufficient evidence to commit Rodrigues to stand trial for Crum-Ewing’s murder, and had discharged the case against him. In her ruling, Magistrate Latchman had said that after she had considered all the facts presented to her, she was unable to conclude that Rodrigues had pulled the trigger of the weapon that had killed Crum-Ewing.

Crum-Ewing was gunned down as he was in the process of urging residents of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara to cast their ballots in the May 2015 General Election.

Rodrigues was arrested and charged with the murder, but was freed in September 2016. However, in April 2017, he was rearrested after the Director of Public Prosecutions had ordered that the case be reopened.

overnment continues on a mission to fully liberalise the telecommunication sector, announcing plans to set up a telecommunications authority to monitor this new industry in keeping with legislative requirements and regulations.

The Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report recently stated that negotiations with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and thereafter the authority would be established.

The report also relayed that the requisite regulations have been published for comments.

During installation of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in June this year, Public Communications Minister (MPC) Cathy Hughes had said that the liberalisation of the sector was a top priority of that Ministry.

Hughes had said the legislation which was assented to by President David Granger last year had a number of new requirements that the MPC was working through. Coupled with that, she had said, negotiations were ongoing between GTT and Atlantic Telecommunication Network (ATN), covering two tracks at the same time.

The Telecommunications Bill was first introduced in 2011.

However, it was revised in 2013 before being sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee in the 10th Parliament, and was near conclusion when that Parliament was prorogued in 2014 by then President Donald Ramotar.

When Government took the legislation before the National Assembly, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had called for the Bill to be sent to

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

a Special Select Committee for further consideration, but Minister Hughes had argued that the Bill had been long promised and was overdue.

The Mid-Year Report has stated that, as Government continues to develop capacity to catalyse the development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, work has moved forward on the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, which is expected to be completed during the second half of 2017.

The implementing agency in India – the Centre for the Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) – will by December of this year procure and deliver the necessary ICT infrastructure and course materials.

To ensure that efforts to develop the ICT sector are sustainable and effective, public engagement initiatives will be heightened in the second half of the year, the report disclosed. To this end, two Hackathons are slated to take place – one Hackathon will be a four-week competition and the

other a 48-hour competition.

In addition, Government will be hosting an Internet Week, wherein a series of workshops will be held on topics focusing on the “back-end” aspects of ICT, and will be facilitated by industry professionals.

Between 150 and 200 persons are expected to benefit. In order to bridge the ICT gap between the hinterland and the coastland, and ensure equitable provision of services, a project designed for ICT access and eservices for hinterland, poor and remote communities is expected to be funded under the Guyana-Norway Agreement.

The project proposal describing this US$17 million, five-year intervention was formally submitted to the GRIF Secretariat in the second quarter, and is expected to bolster the existing connectivity drive. During the first half, 42 additional government and educational institutions were connected to the eGovernment network.

To ensure that ICT penetrates all facets of the economy in the support of development, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) is fashioning Smart Guyana. This initiative would facilitate comprehensive integration of information systems and electronic services to improve the efficacy of all levels of government.

According to the report, this would result in smart classrooms and eLibraries for distance education and eLearning; eHealth solutions to provide remote health care for hinterland regions; CCTV and Safe City solutions to improve public security; and virtual desktop infrastructure to provide for greater e-security, better access, and lower costs for Government information systems.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, august 12, 2017

Regional

Venezuela crisis: Latin Americans condemn Trump over ‘military response’ T he South American trading bloc Mercosur has condemned President Trump for saying he was considering military action in the Venezuela crisis. Argentina said dialogue and diplomacy were the only ways to promote democracy in Venezuela. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister said Trump’s words had been hostile and disrespectful and risked destablising Latin America.

Violent demonstrations since April have left more than 120 people dead.

President Nicolás Maduro’s new constituent assembly – which can rewrite the constitution and

could override the opposition-controlled parliament – has been widely criticised as anti-democratic.

Mercosur – which includes the region’s largest economies Argentina and Brazil as well as Paraguay and Uruguay – indefinitely suspended Venezuela’s membership last week.

Other Latin American countries also condemned Trump’s comments, including Mexico, Colombia and Peru, which said Mr Trump’s threat was against UN principles.

Peru has been a fierce critic of Maduro’s Government. On Friday Peru expelled Venezuela’s

him a dictator. On Friday evening Trump told reporters the US had “many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary”.

“The people are suffering and they’re dying,” he add-

Nicolás Maduro on the BBC: “What would the Queen, my friend, say?”

ambassador after Caracas sent an “unacceptable” response to regional condemnation of its new constit-

ed. The US recently imposed sanctions on President Maduro, branding him a dictator.The White House later said that Maduro had requested a phone call with the American President.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazilian cargo ship looted after containers go overboard

uent assembly. Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has urged Maduro to resign and called

T&T boy, 12, beaten in restaurant toilet

– Cops arrest relative

C

ustomers at a fast food outlet in Curepe were left in shock and disappointment on Saturday, after the staff and security officer’s failure to assist a 12-year-old boy who was being severely physically abused by a female relative in the restaurant’s washroom.

Despite the desperate pleas of customers for the employees to help the boy, who is visually-impaired,

the workers refused to intervene and it was only after another security officer arrived at the outlet later on that he was able to get the woman to calm down.

Police later arrived and arrested the woman.

A woman customer made two unsuccessful attempts to get the staff to help the child. Another customer also could not convince the manager of the outlet to act.

One of the eyewitnesses

told the Sunday Guardian she was scared for the child’s life. Another eyewitnesses said she observed the woman being verbally abusive (speaking down and rough) to the children, about four of them from one year to 12 years, during the time they were having their meal.

Speaking with the Sunday Guardian, the boy’s mother said her son is in need of surgery on his right

eye, adding she was currently selling cotton candy to help raise funds towards the surgery. The woman said she left her son and daughter in the relative’s care while she went to run some errands before heading to a beach in the west to conduct sales. The boy was up to late last night being attended to at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mount Hope.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Crime a social problem – Barbados PM

P

rime Minister Freundel Stuart is calling for all hands on deck to deal with the crime situation in this country. As he wrapped up the near eight-hour meeting of the Social Partnership at the Hilton Hotel on Friday, the Prime Minister, who chaired the meeting, contended that it is not helpful to try to politicise the issue of crime and violence because it is a social problem.

His comments came against the backdrop of the recent gun violence taking place in this country, notably the incident on the Spring Garden Highway on Monday night and yesterday’s shooting in the vicinity of the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal.

He told labour, Private

From right: Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart; Finance Minister Christopher Sinckler; and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Darcy Boyce, listen attentively during the proceedings

Sector and Government officials gathered, that while the Police and the Judiciary are often criticised when things go wrong, that criti-

cism is seldom warranted as they are on the output end of a process which begins at the input end – within our homes, schools and commu-

nities.

Contending that the situation did not get to the point it is at overnight, and it cannot be cured overnight, Prime Minister Stuart said there has to be wholehearted commitment to deal with the challenges head-on to help make Barbados a better place, and he is adamant all persons living in this country have a responsibility to commit to that effort. With that in mind, he gave the commitment that Government will do what is needed to discharge its responsibility to ensure that Barbadians do not “live lives paralysed by fear”, and that they can go about their normal routines without feeling that they are under attack. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Russian nuclear energy official visits Cuba

I

van Dybov, President of ROSATOM America Latina (Russia’s State Nuclear Energy Corporation), met with his Cuban counterparts at the Agency for Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies (AENTA).

His visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions and identifying the potential of carrying out

joint projects in the countries of the region and the Caribbean.

Speaking to AENTA’s newsletter, Dybov said that his organization has been cooperating with Cuba for the development of nuclear technologies for two years.

He added that in the case of the Latin America they have several projects that have been successfully completed, and others in

which there are possible areas of joint work.

On the prospects for scientific, technological and commercial collaboration between ROSATOM and AENTA, he pointed out that among them are irradiation techniques.

He mentioned that they already coordinate with Peru and Bolivia for the use of nuclear technologies in the processing of agricultur-

al products, so that the implementation of these projects may benefit Cuba in the conservation of foods for consumption and export.

He described the Cuban role as active in the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America, which is why he can contribute from his position in this group to support the cooperation with ROSATOM.

(Caribbean News Now)

Port officials said 45 containers had worked loose from the ship’s deck

B

razilian officials have arrested at least 11 people caught looting containers that had fallen from a cargo ship near the port of Santos. Local people had gone out in small boats to the floating containers, taking consumer goods including bicycles and clothing.

Port officials said 45 containers had worked loose from the ship’s deck.

An investigation is under way to work out the cause of the accident. Police said the thieves had used small boats to reach the containers and had picked up air-conditioning units, other white goods, clothing,

hospital equipment and bags.

They said they had chased down two speed boats loaded with goods.

Local media said the Brazilian-registered ship, the Log-In Pantanal, unloaded 248 containers at the Port of Santos on Thursday and took 341 on board.

The company responsible for the ship said it believed the accident had been caused by bad weather. Social media videos showed the ship rolling heavily in a high sea swell.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that some of the containers had burst open on impact with the water. (BBC News)

Aruba hosts Caribbean’s largest vow renewal

A

s the sun set on Aruba on Tuesday evening, more than 160 couples gathered on the world-famous Eagle Beach to simultaneously renew their I Do’s, in the Caribbean’s largest vow renewal ceremony.

The two-hour event’s romantic décor and chic ambiance were inspired by real on-island weddings, and featured elegant white linen with pops of vibrant Caribbean colours.

Couples relished in the opportunity to celebrate their love on the world’s number three beach, while enjoying champagne, hors d’oeuvres, local music and Carnival-like festivities.

“Aruba is a culturally-rich destination, beloved as one of the world’s top beach destinations

for weddings and honeymoons,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority.

“It felt truly special to showcase our island’s defining qualities during this unprecedented ceremony – while sharing Aruba’s love and happiness with loyal and first-time visitors alike.”

Among the more than 320 participants were travel influencers and celebrity couples, including Tamra and Eddie Judge, known from Bravo TV’s ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’.

“Aruba is simply beautiful. It meant everything for Eddie and I to be able to renew our I Do’s in such a picturesque setting, in the company of our family,” said Tamra. (Caribbean360)

monDAY, August 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Victim in Virginia melee wept for social justice, her boss says H eather Heyer came to downtown Charlottesville with her friends to make a stand against white nationalists who converged on the Virginia college town to demand the city keep a statue honouring a Confederate war hero, her boss said on Sunday.

The 32-year-old paralegal wanted to send a clear message to the neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan sympathisers who planned to stage one of the largest far-right rallies in recent US history that people abhor their views in the city where she was born, he said.

But her decision to join counter-protesters on Saturday resulted in tragedy when a 20-year-old Ohio man drove his car at high speed into a line of marchers, killing Heyer and injuring at least 19 others.

A strong sense of social justice was a constant theme in Heyer's personal and working life, said Alfred Wilson, bankruptcy division manager at the Miller Law Group. The two have worked closely since Heyer joined the firm a little more than five years ago.

"Purple was her favourite co-

A vehicle drives into a group of protesters demonstrating against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Vergina, on Saturday. Inset is an undated photo from the Facebook account of Heather Heyer, who was killed when the car ploughed into a crowd (Yahoo! News

and Reuters)

lour," said Wilson, recalling that Heyer shared a duplex apartment in Charlottesville with a beloved pet Chihuahua named Violet. "She would wear purple a lot, and she would wear it every day if she could get away with it."

Heyer, said Wilson, was strongly opposed to President Donald Trump, and she also spoke out against Jason Kessler, the blogger who organised the "Unite the Right" rally that was broken up before it began on Saturday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Indian state suspends hospital chief after deaths of more than 60 children

T

he head of an Indian hospital where dozens of children died in recent days has been suspended, as officials traded blame over cash shortfalls that led to supplies of medical oxygen being cut.

The Government of Uttar Pradesh state, run by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), suspended the head of the state-run BRD medical college, Rajeev Misra, late on Saturday and ordered an investigation.

Indian media have said the deaths of more than 60 children, 34 infants among them, were caused in part by oxygen shortages after a private supplier cut the supply over unpaid bills.

Hospital officials deny lack of oxygen caused the deaths, saying alternative

supplies were found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on encephalitis and unspecified issues related to delivery of the infants.

On Sunday, JP Nadda, health minister in prime minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, visited the hospital in the town of Gorakhpur, 507 miles (800 km) east of Delhi, accompanied by the state’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. After the visit, the Chief Minister urged patience until the investigation was complete.

Nadda said a team of doctors from Delhi was working with the local authorities and the federal government was ready to send more assistance. He said Modi was also monitoring the developments. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Death toll in Nepal floods, landslides rises to 49 2 girl scouts, 3 other people die in T storms in Poland

T

hree other victims also died as a result of falling trees and 10 people were injured in separate incidents in Poland's north.

More than 170,000 people were left without power and 800 buildings were damaged in storms that hit mostly Poland's north and west, according to the Regional Crisis Management Team in Gdansk.

More storms were expected on Saturday and warnings of severe weather

conditions were issued for a number of regions amid unusually high for Poland temperatures that on Friday reached 35 to 38 Celsius.

An emergency meeting of the government's Crisis Management Team was called on Saturday and Prime Minister Beata Szydlo promised to help all those in need.

Grzegorz Nowik, head of the Scouting Association of the Republic (Poland), ordered a month of mourning for the organisation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

orrential rain battered Nepal on Sunday, causing widespread flooding and landslides and raising the death toll from three days of severe weather to 49 people, according to officials.

The toll could go higher as three dozen people were reported missing. Another 17 were injured. The heavy rain, which mainly hit the country’s southern plains, led to the evacuation of 5000 people, a Home Ministry official said.

More than 30 people were reported dead on Saturday.

Army and police personnel continued search and rescue operations, with more than 34,000 houses submerged, the official add-

A girl carrying dishes walks along a flooded area in Janakpur, Nepal August 13, 2017

ed.

"The number of dead could increase as we are still compiling the final tally," said Laxmi Pun, an aide to Home Minister Janardan Sharma, told Reuters.

The Red Cross estimat-

ed 100,000 people were affected by the disaster, with one official describing how the storm had cut off communication and electricity, adding to the challenges in rescuing people and distributing aid supplies such as

food and water to displaced people.

Monsoon rains which start in June and continue through September are important for farm-dependent Nepal, but they also cause havoc each year. (Reuters)

North Korea: China urges Trump Scientists discover 91 volcanoes below not to worsen situation

C

hina's President Xi Jinping has urged Donald Trump and North Korea to avoid "words and actions" that worsen tensions, state media say. Trump and North Korea have been exchanging hostile rhetoric, with the US president threatening to rain "fire and fury" on the North.

But China, North Korea's only major ally, has been urging restraint.

A White House statement said the US and China agreed North Korea must stop "provocative and escalatory behaviour".

A statement by North Korea's official KCNA news agency issued on Saturday said the Trump administration "had better talk and act properly," if it did not

President Trump says North Korea will be in "big, big trouble" if it acts against Guam

want "the American empire to meet its tragic doom".

Long-standing tensions over North Korea's nuclear programme worsened when it tested two interconti-

nental ballistic missiles in July. The regime was also angered by last week's UN decision to increase economic sanctions against it.

According to Chinese

state media, Xi told Trump in a phone call that "all relevant parties" should stop "words and deeds" that would exacerbate the situation.

Xi also stressed China and the US shared "common interests" over denuclearisation and maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula. A White House statement on the phone call did not mention the apparent plea to the US President.

It stressed the two men enjoyed a close relationship, which would "hopefully lead to a peaceful resolution of the North Korea problem".

President Trump has previously chided China for not reining in North Korea, saying it could do "a lot more". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Antarctic ice sheet

S

cientists have uncovered the largest volcanic region on Earth – two kilometres below the surface of the vast ice sheet that covers west Antarctica.

The project, by Edinburgh University researchers, has revealed almost 100 volcanoes – with the highest as tall as the Eiger, which stands at almost 4,000 metres in Switzerland.

Geologists say this huge region is likely to dwarf that of east Africa’s volcanic ridge, currently rated the densest concentration of volcanoes in the world.

Volcanic eruptions may not reach the surface but could melt the ice from beneath and drastically destabilise it. And the activity of this range could have

worrying consequences, they have warned. “If one of these volcanoes were to erupt it could further destabilise west Antarctica’s ice sheets,” said glacier expert Robert Bingham, one of the paper’s authors. “Anything that causes the melting of ice – which an eruption certainly would – is likely to speed up the flow of ice into the sea.

The Edinburgh volcano survey, reported in the Geological Society’s special publications series, involved studying the underside of the west Antarctica ice sheet for hidden peaks of basalt rock similar to those produced by the region’s other volcanoes.

Their tips actually lie above the ice and have been spotted by polar explorers over the past century. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, august 14, 2017

ARCHIE

Take care of business. Try not to overreact to intense (March 21- personal situations. If you April 19) let your emotions affect your work, you will not live up to your professional standards.

ARIES

An emotional situation reTAURUS garding a child, loved one or (April 20- friend will leave you feeling May 20) annoyed or frustrated. Don’t let anger take charge when you need to stay calm and act sensibly.

dilbert

Find out what’s really goGEMINI (May 21- ing on before you decide to June 20) point fingers at someone who may be an innocent victim.

Honesty and integrity will be tested. Observe and gather facts.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Do what works best for you. A creative endeavor will calm your nerves and ease your stress. Make relationships a priority. Nurture what you have to gain respect and emotional support.

Choose practicality over impulsiveness. Change can be good, but only if it’s carefully considered. Don’t let your emotions deter you from finishing a job or making wise professional choices.

Share your opinions, but VIRGO (Aug. 23- don’t force others to do things Sept. 22) your way. Acceptance and cooperation will help you discover options you haven’t thought of or considered in the past.

Emotionally fueled spendLIBRA ing won’t bring you the satis(Sept. 23Oct. 23) faction and happiness you desire. Look inward and make mental, physical and financial decisions and changes that will result in greater stability.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Creative pursuits will moSCORPIO tivate you to participate in an (Oct. 24event that will bring you in Nov. 22) contact with unique people.

Explore new possibilities and engage in discussions that promote productivity.

Take care of any responSAGITTARIUS sibilities quickly so you can (Nov. 23- move on to more pleasurable Dec. 21) pastimes. Travel, entertainment and socializing or time spent learning something new and exciting are featured.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Set a budget before you CAPRICORN begin to make changes at (Dec. 22- home. Overreacting to a situJan. 19) ation you face with a partner will not solve the problem.

Look for a creative solution to avoid an argument.

Think before you act.

AQUARIUS There will be plenty of emo(Jan. 20- tional outpourings from those Feb. 19) who oppose your opinions or plans. Listen to sound advice.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Question your current rePISCES lationships and profession(Feb. 20March 20) al position. Consider other ways to use your skills that will generate greater income.

Don’t act on an assumption.

Choose love and peace.

monDAY, august 14, 2017

19

‒ Bolt thankful for support as stellar career ends

U

sain Bolt’s storied career came to an end, an unfortunate end, as the thankful sprint king pulled up injured in his final race.

Jamaican icon Usain Bolt expressed his love for his fans after bowing out of athletics in unfortunate circumstances at the IAAF World Championships.

Seeking a record-equalling 15th World Championships medal in his farewell race, sprint king Bolt pulled up injured

during the men’s 4x100 metres relay in London on Saturday.

Having been forced to settle for a bronze medal in his final individual race – last weekend’s 100m decider – a 12th World Championships gold was on Bolt’s mind via the 4x100m relay but the 30-year-old’s career ended painfully after he failed to finish.

Bolt fell to the ground and he was later diagnosed with cramp in his left hamstring, and as the cur-

tains closed on a memorable journey, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist used social media to thank his supporters.

In a photo uploaded to Instagram, Bolt wrote: “Thank you my peeps.

Infinite love for my fans.”

While all eyes were on Bolt, Great Britain claimed a shock gold medal in a time of 37.47 seconds, with the United States and Japan second and third respectively.

Usain Bolt’s storied career came to an unfortunate end

T&T upset US in 4x400 win twin-island republic right back in the race.

Machel Cedenio, who dropped out at the semifinal stage in the individual 400 metres, earned a little bit of a reprieve for a less-than-stellar season, and ran a storming final one hundred metres to close the gap on the United States’ Michael Cherry, who was handing over to Fred Kerley, who with 43.70, is the second fastest man over the distance this year.

Cedenio had handed over to Lalonde Gordon, who at a few months short

Trinidad shock US as GB grab bronze in World Champs men's 4x400m

T

rinidad and Tobago swept past the United States in the 4x400-metre relay to earn the last big upset of the IAAF World Championships in the final event.

Lalonde Gordon stayed in the slipstream of Fred Kerley for most of the last lap, but then pushed past the American to win in 2 minutes, 58.12 seconds.

The U.S. team was second in 2:58.61.

Britain took bronze in 2:59.00.

The United States had not lost at the world championships since 2003, but the Americans did lose in the Olympic final at the 2012 London Games in the

of his 29th birthday, is the oldest man in the T&T team, showed remarkable poise in staying close to Kerley, keeping pressure on him, without expending so much energy that he had nothing left to come home.

Kerley was in trouble, tying up down the straight, while Gordon stormed past. Kerley, so tired from his efforts, that he was almost caught by Britain’s Martin Rooney.

The victory is T&T’s first gold medal in the distance.(SPORTSMAX)

Jamaicans deposed through injury, as US trot to 4x400 gold

A

same stadium.

Jarrin Solomon took the T&T team out well enough to hand over in a close fourth place, but then a remarkable run by 200-metre silver medallist at these championships, Jereem Richards, put the

llyson Felix and Phyllis Francis won their second gold medals at the IAAF World Championships by helping the United States win the 4x400-metre relay on Sunday’s final night in London.

The US victory meant they unseated defending champions, Jamaica, who suffered an injury on the second leg, run by Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby.

The competitors were competitively poised up until that point, but a 48 point split by Felix left the last half of the race, a mere formality.

The favoured Americans, with 400 champion Francis running the anchor, won in 3 minutes, 19.02 seconds,

The victorious 4x400m USA relay team

finishing about 50 metres ahead of silver medallists Britain, 3:25.00. Poland took bronze in 3:25.41.

Felix also won gold in the

4x100 relay on Saturday.

The latest medal was the 16th of her career at the world championships, going back to 2005.

The relay gold also pushed the United States’ overall total in London to 29 medals, another American record at the World Championships. (SPORTSMAX)

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Lukaku brace as United Falcao hat-trick sees thrash West Ham Monaco past Dijon

R

omelu Lukaku immediately started to pay off his transfer fee with two goals as Manchester United beat West Ham 4-0 in their Premier League opener.

The £75 million summer signing struck in each half as United justified preseason optimism with a sparkling and confident display at Old Trafford.

The Hammers were completely outplayed and could easily have trailed by more goals before substitute Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba finally put a more realistic slant on the scoreline in the closing minutes.

United took control early on and never relinquished their grip, looking a formidable force with new arrivals Lukaku and Nemanja Matic bedding in well.

West Ham’s former United striker Javier Hernandez was given a good reception before kickoff -- a welcome certainly not extended to the visitors’ on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart -- but the Mexican had little else to cheer.

He, and his teammates, were emphatically shut out of the game. United won most of the loose balls and were energetic in possession. Matic was outstanding in midfield, covering

Romelu Lukaku scored twice on his Manchester United debut

plenty of ground and laying the foundation for many of United’s attacks.

Lukaku threatened early with a burst down the left and Henrikh Mkhitaryan had a shot blocked and fired over.

Hart did well to block a Juan Mata effort after the Spaniard had been played in

by Mkhitaryan and Angelo Ogbonna managed to hack clear as Lukaku looked to pounce.

Mata then slipped the ball past Hart after being set up by a neat flick from Pogba but again Ogbonna cleared.

It came as little surprise when United took

the lead after 33 minutes.

Pedro Obiang gifted the ball to Matic and Marcus Rashford raced clear to slide in Lukaku. The Belgian finished decisively by thumping in his shot off a post.

West Ham had a rare chance on the stroke of half-time as Edimilson Fernandes forced David de Gea to parry a shot. Any hopes the visitors had of getting back into the game, however, were dashed early in the second half.

Mkhitaryan clipped in a well-weighted free kick into the box and Lukaku was gifted the space to power a header past Hart.

West Ham debutant

Marko Arnautovic looped a header onto the bar in response but United moved up the gears and threatened to force open the floodgates.

Lukaku was denied a hat trick by a brilliant block from Pablo Zabaleta and Mkhitaryan forced Hart into a good save after a tricky run.

Rashford then hit the post from distance and Daley Blind saw a shot bounce over.

The third goal finally came as Mkhitaryan teed up Martial with three minutes remaining and Pogba then added a fourth with a curling shot in the last minute.

Radamel Falcao scored a hat-trick

R

adamel Falcao scored a hat-trick as Monaco, who left Kylian Mbappe on the bench, thrashed Dijon in Ligue 1.

A Sunday Times report has claimed that Mbappe, 18, has agreed to join Paris St-Germain in a deal that could exceed £200m.

He was not missed on the pitch as Falcao prodded home an opener and

Jemerson’s bicycle kick made it 2-0.

Falcao then curled home a fine goal, and headed home in the second half after Wesley Said had pulled one back.

Mbappe, who scored 26 goals in all competitions last season, went off injured in the defending champions’ 3-2 win over Toulouse on the opening day.(BBCSPORT)

Paulinho Barca move confirmed by Scolari Women’s Rugby World Cup

England 56-13 Italy

L

uiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed Paulinho’s departure from Guangzhou Evergrande for Barcelona, claiming the Brazilian’s switch to La Liga reflects positively on the Chinese Super League champions.

Barcelona have activated Paulinho’s €40 million buyout clause after two failed attempts to sign the 29-year-old, who has excelled for club and country so far this year.

“Paulinho is a player with high individual quality, he is an outstanding player, both for his club and for the national team,” the Brazilian World Cupwinning coach said after seeing his Guangzhou side defeat Henan Jianye 2-1 on Sunday.

“The high price paid by Barcelona in order to sign him is a strong recognition of Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club.

“We wish him all the best and that he can embrace a bright future.”

Paulinho joined Guangzhou two years ago after a disappointing spell in the Premier League with Tottenham and was a key part of his club’s 2015 Asian Champions League win and successive Chinese Super League titles.

His form in the Chinese

Emily Scarratt nearly scored a hat-trick but had to settle for two tries after losing control of the ball as she tried to finish this attempt

D The Brazilian heads to the Nou Camp for a fee of €40 million after leaving China

Super League earned him a recall for the Brazil national team and he scored a hat trick in the 4-1 win over Uruguay in March, while Guangzhou currently lead the domestic league and are into the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League.

Scolari’s team will face fellow Chinese side Shanghai SIPG in the continental competition, with the first leg to be played

next week, and SIPG coach Andre Villas-Boas believes Paulinho’s switch to Spain is a positive for Chinese football.

“Losing Paulinho is a loss for Evergrande, but it is a good thing for Chinese football,” the Portuguese coach said.

“It proves that the world’s leading clubs are paying attention to the Chinese Super League.”(ESPNFC)

efending champions England made it two wins out of two in Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B as they outclassed Italy.

Emily Scarratt, Alex Matthews, Lydia Thompson and Amy Cokayne scored to help them to a 22-8 half-time lead despite several missed chances in Dublin.

They added further tries through Tamara Taylor, Scarratt again, a Danielle Waterman double, Thompson’s second and Amy Wilson-Hardy.

Italy replied through efforts from Maria Magatti and Elisa Giordano.

The Italians restricted England to a 29-15 win in the Six Nations earlier this year but they were no match for the Red Roses on Sunday.

Much like in their midweek thumping of Spain, England again produced plenty of classy moments but they also threw in a host of handling errors that prevented a thrashing turning into a rout.

The industrious Marlie Packer was outstanding in attack and defence, one minute popping up to charge through the Italian defence near the fringes of the ruck, the next winning a turnover at a ruck.

Rachael Burford prompted well in midfield and Katy Mclean pulled the strings effectively when she came on at 10 for the second half.

And when the ball went wide outside centre Scarratt and the lively back three of Waterman, Thompson and Wilson-Hardy all looked threatening and took the chance to add to their try tallies for England.

Their biggest concern may be the poor goal-kicking, with only three of the 10 tries converted as Scarratt, so assured in the rest of her game, left her kicking boots at home before handing over to Amber Reed. (BBCSPORTS)

sports

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Action in the under 17 mixed double semi-final

eam Guyana’s Badminton players excelled at the Caribbean Regional and International Badminton Championships being played at the National Racket Centre in Tacarigua, Trinidad by qualifying for four finals at the end of Saturday’s activity.

The day started with the Opening Ceremony before the games commenced.

Guyana High Commissioner Cammie Ramsaroop and members of the Guyana Consulate were present, and interacted with the Guyanese team.

Advancing to the final

were Priyanna Ramdhani in three events: Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

Tyrese Jeffrey is in the Mixed Doubles Under-17 Finals with Priyanna; and Ambika Ramraj is in the Girls Doubles Under-19 Finals.

The following is the outcome from the third day of competition.

Under-17 Girls Singles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani (GUY) defeated Chaista Soemodipoero (SUR): 21-14, 21-6 Under-17 Girls Doubles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani (GUY) and Imani Mangroe (SUR)

defeated Shania Lee and Eban Sandy (TRI): 21-3, 213.

Under-17 Mixed Doubles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey defeated the powerhouse Jamaican pair of Mikhael Williams and Shezelle Mctyson in a thrilling three-setter.

However, it was not easy sailing for the Guyanese duo, who lost the first set at 16-21, but recovered to win the next two sets at 21-12 and 24-22 respectively.

During the third match, with the scores at 20-20, Priyanna, playing a diving shot, sprained three fingers

on her left hand, but this did not stop her determination to play on and win the game at 22-20.

Under-17 Boys Doubles Semi-Finals: Tyrese Jeffrey and Akili Haynes (GUY) lost to Jamaicans Jair Naipal and Geordan Tjon Kon Joen in a thrilling three setter: 21-17, 7-21, 21-19.

Under-19 Girls Doubles Semi-Finals: Ambika Ramraj (GUY) and Shemara Lindveld (SUR) defeated Cheyanna Burnett Griffith and Krystle Clarke (BAR): 21-11, 21-8 Under-19 Boys Doubles Semi-Finals: Jonathan

Mangra (GUY) and Cesar Brito (DOM) lost to Shae Martin and Keshem Moore (BAR): 21-11, 21-14 Masters over-45 doubles round robin: Gokarn Ramdhani and Dr. Nicholas Waldron won one Match out of three against the Trinidad pairs. They were successful against Andre Lewis and Derek Singh: 21-18, 21-18. They lost to Christopher Joachim and Arnand Maharaj 21-16, 2725 and Sheraz Khan and Allan Young: 14-21, 21-13, 21-13 Points System will determine the outcome of the winners.

Heart of Oak’s ‘Teach Them Young’ 4-week football camp wraps up

M

ore than one hundred youths have been introduced to the basics of football while learning essential life skills at the Heart of Oak’s (HO) “Teach Them Young” fourweek football camp which ended on Friday in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Held annually, the camp caters for beginners of the game and exposes them to the rules, techniques and exercises.

At the closing ceremony of the camp, HO Secretary Kenrick Bowry, in his camp report, explained that the camp commenced on July 18th, one day after the scheduled start, because of the weather conditions. “(We started) with registration of 43 participants; however, to date, a total of 102 have registered, with an average attendance of 75 daily. Our coaching staff, headed by Mr Neil Humphrey, consisted of Miss Nolle Sillan, Paul John, Mark Bollers, Quincy Joseph, Colin Bowry and Sherwin Forde; also Jamal

From left: Enyce Hanif, Jamal and Shenia Adams, and Jonathan Simon

Bates, who worked as our equipment manager,” he explained.

“Participants were placed into the following sections: 8-years and under; 9-years to 12 years; and 13-years and older. I hasten to add that the youngest were three-year-old participants,” Bowry revealed.

He noted that the under-13 campers were taught

basic football techniques: of receiving, driving the ball, and carrying the ball; while the older ones were taught the basic technique along with tactics and straddles.

Meanwhile, organiser and facilitator Neil Humphrey said the main focus of the camp was discipline. “In any sport that one wants to get involved in, there is need for discipline;

even in the classroom. And when they go to work, they will have to be disciplined if they are to be successful,” Humphrey noted.

During the four weeks of instructional activity, participants were exposed to lectures on life skills, the laws of football, and the importance of exercise.

Bowry explained that participants were able to

show off their skill, as several mini-completions were held and coaches were impressed with the performance of the participants.

“Off the field, several lectures were delivered. The ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police informed us on road safety; the Fire Service advised on fire prevention; Medic Nolle Sellan instructed us on the importance of personal hygiene; Mr. Colin Bowry instructed us on the laws of the game; and Miss Jackie on the role of the Prisons Service in the community, and she also enlightened us on the career opportunities available within the Prison Service,” he explained.

Heart of Oak Football Club’s annual “Teach Them Young” football camp was open to boys and girls between 3 years old and 13 years of age. Topics covered included diet, etiquette, and basic skills needed in the classroom.

Apart from certificates, some campers received school uniforms and football gear.

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Hero CPL 2017

Narine’s 45-ball 79 keeps Knight Riders on top S

unil Narine’s career-best 79 off 45 balls, made partly possible by some horrendous fielding from Barbados Tridents, helped Trinbago Knight Riders retain their top position in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League with a two-wicket win. In a highly entertaining contest, though not necessarily for its quality, Knight Riders squeaked past the Tridents total of 152 for 9 with five balls to spare for their fourth win in five games, while Tridents suffered their second defeat.

After inserting Tridents, Knight Riders captain Dwayne Bravo opened with spin in the form of Khaya Pierre.

The left-armer dropped short in his second and third deliveries, and Dwayne Smith struck him for a four through point and a six over midwicket. Pierre then adjusted to a fuller length and had Smith, trying to slog, hole out to deep midwicket in the fifth ball of the over.

Tridents coach Robin Singh has a reputation for sending bowlers up the order as pinch-hitters, but his ploy failed with Wayne Parnell. Sent up to No. 3, Parnell lasted three balls before Ronsford Beaton had him splicing a catch to midwicket in the second over to leave Tridents on 19 for 2.

Two nights earlier, in St Lucia, Smith became the sixth player to reach 7000 runs in T20 cricket. On Saturday night, at Queen’s Park Oval, his Tridents team-mate Malik, became the seventh, get-

ting there during a 71-run third-wicket stand with Kane Williamson that repaired the Tridents innings.

Malik shone against the medium pacers, driving Kevon Cooper twice to the boundary in the sixth, before unleashing two cuts and a pull off Dwayne Bravo in the ninth. The 7000th run also brought up Malik’s fifty, with a single

off Narine. But he fell two balls later to Beaton, who bowled superbly to finish with 2 for 24. Tridents lost wickets consistently thereafter, but brisk cameos from Nicholas Pooran and Akeal Hossain ensured a furious finish to their innings.

Wayne Parnell’s yorker to bowl Brendon McCullum in the fourth ball of the chase gave Tridents an

Sunil Narine waltzed to his career-best T20 score

early lift, but it was shortlived. Tino Best set the tone for a diabolical fielding performance in the following over, with a match-defining drop.

Narine had driven Wahab Riaz’s first two balls for four when the bowler dragged his length back to induce a skewed pull back over his head. Best, at midoff, called off Pollard at midon as the ball floated gently for a simple chance, only to spill it and leave Pollard stone-faced.

Pakistan’s players may have been called back by their board, but Wahab’s team-mates had a funny way of showing how much they’ll miss him, putting down chance after chance off his bowling. Narine was on 35 in the 10th, with the score 70 for 2, when a topedged pull swirled towards Shamar Springer, who slid at deep square leg but couldn’t hold on.

Wahab cramped Darren Bravo later in the over for a caught behind, and two balls later, Pollard had Denesh Ramdin caught at long-on to even the scales at 76 for 4. But Narine continued in his adventurous ways at the other end, striking Malik down the ground for six and then a single to bring up his maiden CPL fifty, off 27 balls. He then flicked Pollard over square leg for six and four in the 13th to move to his career-best T20 score.

Wahab, and the drops, returned in the 14th.

Narine was on 62 when he skied one to long-on where Barnwell, off balance hav-

ing skidded on the slick grass, shelled the chance.

Two balls later, he put down Dwayne Bravo at deep square leg off Parnell, despite being firm-footed on this occasion.

Knight Riders needed 21 off 24 balls when wickets started tumbling. Dwayne Bravo played around a good length ball from Springer that jagged back to clean him up for 18. Shadab then dragged Parnell on in the next over for a duck, but Knight Riders still had

Narine with eight needed off two overs.

He fell on the first ball of the 19th, picking out sweeper cover off Springer. Javon Searles crunched the next delivery to the midwicket boundary, but finished the over having dragged a full toss to Parnell in the circle. It boiled down to Knight Riders needing two runs off the final over with two wickets in hand. Kevon Cooper sealed victory when he drove the first ball from Best through point. (CRICINFO)

SCOREBOARD Barbados Tridents Innings DR Smith c DM Bravo b Pierre 10 KS Williamson c Narine b Shadab Khan 30 WD Parnell c McCullum b Beaton 5 Shoaib Malik c DJ Bravo b Beaton 51 KA Pollard (c)b DJ Bravo 14 N Pooran †c DM Bravo b Cooper 18 CD Barnwell run out (Shadab Khan) 1 SK Springer run out (†Ramdin) 6 AJ Hosein c Scantlebury-Searles b DJ Bravo 12 Wahab Riaz not out 0 Extras 5 (lb 1, w 4) TOTAL 152/9 (20 Overs, RR: 7.60) Did not bat: TL Best Bowling: K Pierre 3-0-21-1, RR Beaton 4-0-24-2, SP Narine 4-0-17-0, KK Cooper 3-0-42-1, Shadab Khan 4-020-1, DJ Bravo2-0-27-2 Fall of wickets:1-11 (DR Smith, 0.5 ov), 2-19 (WD Parnell, 1.5 ov), 3-90 (KS Williamson, 11.6 ov), 4-102 (Shoaib Malik, 15.3 ov), 5-123 (N Pooran, 16.6 ov), 6-125 (CD Barnwell, 17.4 ov), 7-140 (SK Springer, 19.2 ov), 8-152 (AJ Hosein, 19.5 ov), 9-152 (KA Pollard, 19.6 ov)

Trinbago Knight Riders Innings BB McCullum b Parnell 4 SP Narine c Parnell b Springer 79 C Munro c Smith b Shoaib Malik 5 DM Bravo c †Pooran b Wahab Riaz 25 D Ramdin †c Shoaib Malik b Pollard 1 DJ Bravo (c) b Springer 18 Shadab Khan b Parnell 0 JPR Scantlebury-Searles c Parnell b Springer 9 KK Cooper not out 5 K Pierre not out 0 Extras 9 (b 1, lb 2, nb 1, w 5) TOTAL 155/8 (19.1 Overs, RR: 8.08) Did not bat: RR Beaton Bowling: WD Parnell 4-0-26-2, Wahab Riaz 4-0-30-1, Shoaib Malik 2-0-13-1, SK Springer 4-0-32-3, TL Best 2.1-0-220, KA Pollard 3-0-29-1 Fall of wickets:1-4 (BB McCullum, 0.4 ov), 2-28 (C Munro, 3.3 ov), 3-75 (DM Bravo, 9.5 ov), 4-76 (D Ramdin, 10.1 ov), 5-139 (DJ Bravo, 16.5 ov), 6-141 (Shadab Khan, 17.4 ov), 7-145 (SP Narine, 18.1 ov), 8-151 (JPR Scantlebury-Searles, 18.6 ov)

Guinness/Three Peat Promotions Cage Competition

Strong Brazilian team among 32 invited T

he quality of futsal tournaments being staged recently will certainly guarantee a high standard of play when the inaugural Guinness Cage Competition is held in collaboration with Three Peat Promotions -- commencing on August 24th at the National Gymnasium.

A release from the organisers predicts that the new and exciting format would produce a brand of football never seen before, and choosing a winner will prove to be a difficult undertaking.

With thirty-two of the top teams in the indoor format scheduled to compete, including a team made up of Brazilians, one of the world’s most powerful nations in the sport, fans could expect eight nights of riveting action for prize money totalling in excess of $800,000.

The winning team is set

‒ over $800,000 in prizes up for grabs

The National Gymnasium has become home to exciting futsal action, and the upcoming tournament will be no different

to receive $400,000; while second, third and fourth placed finishers will take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies.

A source close to the organisers pointed out that

with the dip in form of Sparta Boss, the most successful team in the smallgoal format, the door is now open for another team to step up and assume superiority.

Teams such as Linden’s

Dave & Celena All Stars, who’re the current Guinness National champions; Future Stars, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, the Brazilian combination, Tucville, Back Circle, Albouystown and Bent Street must be think-

ing of replacing Sparta Boss, undoubtedly the most dominant team over the past two years.

Another compelling reason for any team to win the tournament is the fact that they would go down in history as the winners of the inaugural event, a feat that will be etched in the annals of the competition’s history.

Teams have been engaged in serious preparation ever since the tournament was announced, and it is anticipated that from Day One the excitement will begin, as they seek to make it through the knockout phase over the two opening nights.

Among the stars on show are Future Stars’ Akeemo Anthony, Keiron Solomon and Jeremy Garrett; Broad Street’s Jimmy Gravesande and Lenox Cort; Sparta Boss’s Devon Millington, Gregory Richardson

and Sheldon Shepherd; Tucville’s Jermaine Junior and Delon Williams; Dave & Celena’s Rawle Gittens, Keon Sears, Kenard Simon, Randolph Wagner, Hubert Pedro and Jamal Pedro.

The other playing dates for the championship are August 29 and 31; September 2, 5, 7, 9; with the final set for September 16, at the same venue.

Some of the teams invited so far are: Georgetown -- Sparta Boss, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Back Circle, Future Stars, Leopold Street, Broad Street, Queen Street Tiger Bay, Albouystown, North East La Penitence, Tucville, Sophia, North Ruimveldt; East Bank Demerara- Champion Boys; Linden - Dave and Celena’s All-Stars; West Demerara - Showstoppers, Hustlers, ESPN; East Coast - BV, Melanie, Plaisance.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, august 14, 2017

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2017

G

Rashid Khan spins Warriors to victory over Stars

uyana Amazon Warriors 153-4 (Mohammad 38, Gajanand 35*, Mayers 1-22) beat St Lucia Stars 1528 (Charles 53, Watson 32, Rashid Khan 2-9, Emrit 4-35) by six wickets An assured team performance from the Guyana Amazon Warriors produced a six-wicket victory against St Lucia Stars in Match 12 of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

After pulling the Stars back from 91 for 2 to 152 for 8, a calm cameo from Gajanand Singh guided the Amazon Warriors to the target, despite a late blip which took the match deep into the last over.

After winning the toss and electing to bat the Stars innings was given a quick start by Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher.

Fletcher only lasted eight balls however, before being beaten for pace by a back of a length ball from Sohail Tanvir.

Fletcher’s demise did not seem to perturb his partner Charles who clattered a four and a six off the two balls immediately after the wicket and then hit an enormous Hero Maximum off Rayad Emrit which bounced off the roof of the stadium and down the road.

A scratchy innings of 2 off 7 balls by Marlon Samuels was ended with a top-edged pull off Emrit and a tight sixth over, bowled

by Rashid Khan meant the

Rayad Emrit celebrates the wicket of Marlon Samuels T20 / Getty)

Stars ended the Powerplay 47 for 2.

Two driven fours from Shane Watson gave the innings fresh impetus before Charles tore into some full tosses from Keemo Paul, taking the 9th over for 21. At the half way stage the Stars were 90 for 2, thanks largely to Charles who batted with typical belligerence, muscling the ball across the line, scoring 50 of his 53 runs on the leg side.

His dismissal off the second ball of the tenth over

by Rashid Khan changed the complexion of the innings. Kamran Akmal was stumped for 2 off 4 balls,

(Ashley Allen - CPL

charging down the pitch to Khan. Some tight overs and two more wickets - Watson for 32 and Kyle Mayers for 1 meant the Stars had lost 4 for 19.

More quiet overs followed as Darren Sammy and Rahkeem Cornwall struggled to get the ball away, particularly from Rashid Khan who finished with 2 for 9. With 12 balls remaining the Stars were just 122 for 6.

Those 12 balls brought the Stars 30 runs as Sammy finally found his range, slamming two sixes over mid-wicket and one straight before he was dismissed

looking for a fourth for 26 off 24 balls. The Stars finished with 152 of 8 - well below the two previous first innings at this venue of 196.

Chadwick Walton gave the Amazon Warriors chase a frantic beginning by hitting four boundaries in the first two overs. However, the Stars pulled things back in the next three overs, conceding just 15. After Walton was dismissed by a good short ball from Jerome Taylor the Amazon Warriors ended the Powerplay 42 for 1 with Martin Guptill being kept quiet on 4 off 12.

Once the field dropped back the Stars bowled accurately, giving the Amazon Warriors very few boundary balls. After a brief but unspectacular partnership, Babar Azam was caught and bowled by Shane Shillingford for 12 off 14.

At the halfway stage the Amazon Warriors required 84 more runs to win.

When Guptill was eventually dismissed, well caught at deep point by Samuels off the bowling of Mayers, the Stars will have sensed a way back into the match. Although the required run rate of 8.93 was not steep it required an acceleration that the Amazon Warriors had shown little sign of giving.

It did however eventually come with 48 required from 30 balls as Jason Mohammad and Gajanand Singh took Shillingford’s final over for 16 putting them

back in charge of the contest. A brilliantly flicked six and two slapped drives from Gajanand further reduced the equation.

Despite the boundaries the Amazon Warriors never truly pulled away and a tight penultimate over from McClenaghan ended with the wicket of Mohammad and left them requiring 8

from the last over. After only two runs came from the first three balls, bowled by Sammy, the Stars had come from nowhere to stand on the brink of winning. Roshon Primus’ heaved four and a scampered two ensured that didn’t materialise and the Amazon Warriors recorded their first victory of the season.(CPLT20)

SCOREBOARD

St Lucia Stars Innings J Charles c Babar Azam b Rashid Khan 53 ADS Fletcher c Guptill b Sohail Tanvir 13 MN Samuels c †Walton b Emrit 2 SR Watson c Guptill b Emrit 32 Kamran Akmal † st †Walton b Rashid Khan 2 DJG Sammy (c) c Primus b Emrit 26 KR Mayers c Babar Azam b Primus 0 RRS Cornwall c Rashid Khan b Emrit 14 S Shillingford not out 1 MJ McClenaghan not out Extras: 9 (lb 2, nb 1, w 6) TOTAL 152/8 (20 Overs, RR: 7.60) Did not bat: JE Taylor Bowling: Sohail Tanvir (3.0, 0, 36, 1)V Permaul (4.0, 0, 24, 0) RR Emrit (4.0, 0, 35, 4) Rashid Khan (4.0, 0, 9, 2) RS Primus (4.0,0, 25, 1) KMA Paul (1.0, 0, 21, 0) Fall of wickets:1-22 (ADS Fletcher, 2.3 ov), 2-43 (MN Samuels, 4.5 ov), 3-91 (J Charles, 10.2 ov), 4-104 (Kamran Akmal, 12.2 ov), 5-108 (SR Watson, 14.3 ov),

6-110 (KR Mayers, 15.2 ov), 7-149 (DJG Sammy, 19.3 ov), 8-149 (RRS Cornwall, 19.4 ov) Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings CAK Walton † c Shillingford b Taylor 33 MJ Guptill (c) c Samuels b Mayers 23 Babar Azam c & b Shillingford 12 JN Mohammed c Sammy b McClenaghan 38 G Singh not out 35 RS Primus not out 7 Extras 5 (w 5) TOTAL 153/4 (19.5 Overs, RR: 7.71) Did not bat: Sohail Tanvir, RR Emrit, KMA Paul, Rashid Khan, V Permaul Bowling: MJ McClenaghan (4.0, 0, 32, 1) JE Taylor (4.0, 0, 28, 1) KR Mayers (4.0, 0, 22, 1) DJG Sammy (2.5, 0, 24, 0) RRS Cornwall (1.0, 0, 6, 0) S Shillingford (4.0, 0, 41, 1) Fall of wickets:1-39 (CAK Walton, 5.1 ov), 2-64 (Babar Azam, 9.2 ov), 3-88 (MJ Guptill, 12.5 ov), 4-145 (JN Mohammed, 18.6 ov)

CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers

Cubans thrash Lady Jags 8-0 en route to topping Group D

By Michelangelo Jacobus

A

scintillating Cuban performance on the back of a helmet-trick from striker Cecil Tamayo and a brace from electrifying winger Elianne Sarmiento ensured that they eased past Guyana, scoring 8 goals without reply in the third Group ‘D’ CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualifying match played at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora on Sunday evening.

This means that they now automatically qualify atop Group D with four points and a superior goal difference to that of Barbados, who also have four points.

Needing at least five goals and a clean sheet as well, the Cubans came out with real purpose and showed good attacking intent; while the U-17 Lady Jags, to their credit, defended stoutly.

L-R: Cuba’s Elianne Sarmiento, Head Coach Lazaro Ruiz, and Cecil Tamayo

They (Guyana) were solid in defense and had one real chance of scoring in the 15th minute which they failed to convert.

However, Cuba continued threatening, and eventually broke Guyana’s resistance in the 23rd minute through the superbly skil-

ful Elianne Surmiento, who placed the ball expertly in the top corner to put her team in front.

Just two minutes later, Cuban Captain Amanda Dominguez added another through a deflected shot that trickled past the scrambling Guyanese custodian to

nestle in the back of the net.

The Lady Jags seemed as though they would not concede any other goals for the remainder of the half, but that was not to be as Surmiento rounded off a well-played team effort with a shot from point blank range to make it 3-0 in inju-

ry time (45+minutes).

As the second half resumed, it was more of the same, as there was wave after wave of attack from the Cubans, which Guyana managed to repel, until the Cuban striker Tamayo took it upon herself to trigger a second half drubbing with four goals.

The first of those four goals came in the 62nd minute when the Cuban Number 9 cut in from the left flank, dribbling past two Guyanese defenders before sweetly striking the ball past the hapless keeper to spark celebrations.

She continued her fine form in the 73rd minute when she got on the end of a through ball on the right flank, and produced the simplest of far post finishes. Tamayo, who plays with the style of a “pure striker”, completed her hat-trick in the 76th minute when she got on the end of a cross, to

fire home from point blank range.

Two minutes later, in the 78th minute, Tamayo added her fourth; while teammate Sulenys Ponce Barrios got in on the act in the 81st minute to pile more misery on the dejected Guyanese.

Cuba needed to score at least 5 goals without conceding if they were to qualify ahead of Barbados, and at the post-match press conference, four-goal heroine Cecil Tamayo said she was “proud of her team and the way they played, as they went out there and did what they had to do.” Head Coach for the Cuban outfit, Lazaro Ruis, maintained that he always believed in the team and the players. He said he was satisfied with the result, and pointed out that he would continue to work on their mistakes as they move forward in their world cup qualifying campaign.

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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Rashid Khan spins Warriors to victory over Stars

Rashid Khan

Gajanand Singh of the Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrates victory during Match 12 of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League between the St Lucia Stars and the Guyana Amazon Warriors

Cubans thrash Lady Jags 8-0 en route to topping Group D

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Electrifying Cuban winger Elianne Sarmiento (No 7) on the go against Guyana

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