Guyana Times Tuesday August 6, 2019

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UN recommends laws to address discrimination against Guyana’s Indigenous peoples Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4007

THE BEACON OF TRUTH tuesday, august 6, 2019

PRICE

Chief Justice to rule on H2H legal challenges on August 14 Page 3

…as Judiciary urged to “bell the cat”, be firm with Govt

“If GECOM says elections by Sept 18, we will abide by it” – AG Page 9

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Hairdresser robbed by motorcycle bandits P10

Temporary fix to Mahaicony sea defence breached P2 again

…claims Govt not afraid of going to voters for second chance Fly Jamaica yet to file P13 application with GCAA

Highest P10 rates of child sexual abuse recorded in Regions 7, 10 People’s Progressive Party/Civic Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali shares a photo moment with these youngsters who are part of the Upper Mazaruni football tournament at Jawalla, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

Mechanic set on fire by employer

Berbice man jumps to safety from burning house

Page 2

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GECOM’s H2H Registration staff robbed

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FITUG slams P7 Govt Minister’s comments on businesses preferring foreign workers

…says remark an insult to Guyanese working class

2 news

tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mechanic set on fire by employer Temporary fix to Mahaicony

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olice in Berbice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a mechanic, who was reportedly set on fire by his employer and subsequently died.

Dead is 47-year-old Paulder Persaud of Number 2 Village East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The incident took place on July 1, and Persaud died on July 17, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The now dead man’s brother, Leon Persaud, told Guyana Times that he spoke with his brother while he was a patient at the GPHC. According to Leon Persaud, his now dead brother demanded payments from his employer for painting work he had done.

However, an argument ensued and the employer allegedly threw gasoline on the 47-year-old man and set him on fire.

Paulder Persaud

The injured man was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital and subsequently transferred to GPHC. According to Leon, the businessman’s wife reportedly approached his brother and asked him to report to the police that the incident was an accident but the now dead man reportedly said he was not willing to lie to the police.

When he was rushed to the New Amsterdam

Hospital, Persaud told doctors there that he was burnt by his employer and the police were called. The police went to the hospital and took a statement from him.

The businessman was subsequently arrested for questioning and released.

A corporal attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in New Amsterdam was heading the investigation but has now gone on leave overseas. Following the death of Persaud on July 17, it was revealed that the device with the CCTV footage was formatted and the footage erased.

As the investigation continued, the businessman and his wife were again detained, however, after being detained for 72 hours, they were released on Friday last. The police have since sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice on the matter.

Guyanese woman found dead in Suriname

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3 6 - y e a r - o l d Guyanese woman, who had been residing in neighbouring Suriname, was on Saturday found dead in her home, located at Albina, Eastern Suriname.

Dead is Phona Sellyfan

Pherson, who resided with her husband, who is also Guyanese.

According to reports from the Suriname Herald, it is suspected that the woman was murdered.

This suspicion was raised after eyewitnesses observed the woman’s spouse leaving the home

with a bag in his possession, shortly before the discovery of the corpse. The man has since been labelled as a suspect in the matter. The Albina Police have transferred the case to the East Region investigation department for further probe.

sea defence breached again

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ess than two weeks after a temporary fix was put in place to ease flooding, a section of the Mahaicony sea defence along Prospect Estate has once again been breached owing to the high tides and the continuous rainfall experienced over the past weekend.

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma had only recently revealed that action was being undertaken to prevent another breach at the said lo-

applied for emergency funding to have rehabilitative works done on the sea defence, while others were still under threat.

Some 5000 tonnes of boulders were recently positioned along the areas of Dantzig, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to Broomhall, which were expected to serve as a temporary sea defence structure, as other weakened sections along the embankment were being strengthened.

The breached defence had also been a result of cor-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

rective works being affected by the heavy downpours, as explained by Sea and River Defence Officer within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Kevin Samad.

According to him, this can

only be addressed after the rainy season ends.

The first breach which occurred on July 6, at Dantzig, has affected over 120 farmers within the Region, after acres of rice belonging to them were destroyed by the floodwaters.

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman Vickchand Ramphal had expressed concern only recently on this issue that has been in existence for years.

He said not only were the high tides eroding away the boulders acting as sea defence, but they have been uprooting the mangroves.

As such, the lack of a permanent sea defence leaves both farming and residential areas between the Mahaica and Abary Rivers under threat.

The breached sea defence

cation and others, albeit somewhat unsuccessfully.

However in light of this, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson was quoted as stating that the Ministry has already

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, August 6 – 09:00h-10:30h and Wednesday, August 7 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, August 6 – 08:00h-09:30h and Wednesday, August 7 – 08:50h-10:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers are expected to prevail throughout the day and into the evening.

Partly cloudy skies should follow. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 08:29h and 20:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 14:26h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.

saturday, AUGUST 3, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2019

DAILY MILLIONS

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Chief Justice to rule on H2H legal challenges on August 14 …as Judiciary urged to “bell the cat”, be firm with Govt

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fter hearing arguments on Monday that the precedent exists for the court to set a timeframe for elections, acting Chief Justice Roxane George has set August 14 as the date for ruling on the legal challenge against Houseto-House Registration and related cases.

During the hearing, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall cited the 2000 Esther Perreira election petition case. Nandlall argued strongly that this case sets a precedent for the court to set an election timeframe.

At the time, Justice Claudette Singh had ordered that elections must be held

by March 31, 2001. Singh, who is now Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), had also set out limitations on the Government’s conduct, including limitations on what legislation could be tabled.

Making reference to this, Nandlall urged the court to intervene and noted that the Judiciary, as custodian of the Constitution, has a duty to act. At this point, Justice George acknowledged that the Judiciary does have an inherent power to act.

The arguments that House-to-House Registration is mandatory did not find favour with the Chief Justice. This argument emanated from Attorney General Basil Williams.

However, Nandlall pointed out and Justice George agreed, that the law says the Guyana Elections Commission may, and not shall, carry out the exercise. Confronted with his error, Williams professed that he “loves to stand in front of [Justice George] and learn.”

The Chief Justice set August 14 as the date for her rulings on the challenge to House-to-House Registration, a case brought by Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, as well as Attorney General Basil Williams’ petition to strike out Ram’s case.

Outside the court, Nandlall expressed hope that the court would be more firm with the Government this time around than on previous occasions, such as when Justice George heard the original case in January.

He maintained that while President David Granger has to set an election date, all the Opposition wanted was for the Chief Justice to set a timeframe within which the President must set a date for elections.

“The No-Confidence Motion was passed on December 21, 2018. The Constitution is clear.

The Government has refused to comply with the Constitution. They came to the court. The court ruled that the motion was valid and ordered that sections of the Constitution be complied with. They did not

Chief Justice Roxane George

comply with it. We asked the court then to fix dates for elections. The court refused. We then went to the court of appeal and the court reversed that.”

“We then went to the CCJ. The CCJ said the Constitution must be obeyed and elections be fixed within the timeframe. But the Executive is simply disobeying. That is what I’m telling the Judge. For how long will we not bell the cat? For how long will we engage in these diplomatic exchanges and we’re not speaking about the elephant in the room.

And I urge the court not to act with restraint. We are here because the court acted with restraint in January,” Nandlall added.

Meanwhile, AG Williams reiterated outside the court that these matters were dealt with before and that orders not granted by the Caribbean Court of Justice cannot be granted by the High Court.

House-to-House

GECOM is currently undertaking House-to-House Registration, which was last conducted in 2008 and will see enumerators going in teams of two to three, from

door to door in various communities across Guyana.

The enumerators will present forms to registrants to fill up, as well as take fingerprints and pictures.

It is understood that these enumerators work from 15:30h to 18:30h during the week and from 9:00h to 16:00h on weekends and holidays. The exercise is intended to produce a new National Register of Registrants Database and Official List of Electors.

This means that everyone, regardless of whether they were registered before or not, must register anew at their place of residence between July 20 and October of this year.

However, a No-Confidence Motion was passed against the Government since December 21, 2018, necessitating elections in three months.

In addition, the requirement for proof of residency has produced alarm for overseas-based Guyanese to the point where a court case was filed earlier this year by an overseas-based Guyanese against Houseto-House Registration on the basis that it would disenfranchise her. That case was later withdrawn out of the belief that GECOM would adhere to the recent

GECOM Chair Claudette Singh

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rulings which reiterated the need for elections in three months.

It is because of this that Ram brought his case against GECOM. Ram is seeking an order compelling the Commission to stop their House-to-House exercise.

Previously, Justice George had denied Ram’s application for an interim conservatory order to block GECOM from continuing its Houseto-House exercise that began on July 20.

Subsequently, GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield through Trinidadian lawyer Stanley Marcus had sought the Chief Justice’s recusal on the grounds of a statement she caused her office to send out which they contended was biased.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, august 6, 2019

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, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Local products vs huge multi-media advertising

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hether one shops in the locally-owned supermarkets or the ones that are foreign-owned, it continues to surprise many to see the number of foreign products which are enthusiastically sold as against the same type of local products. A quick glance at the shelves in most of the supermarkets in Georgetown and its environs will show that in spite of several campaigns carried out previously to encourage consumers to ‘buy local’, more foreign products are being offered to consumers, sometimes even at higher prices.

Sometime back, members of our editorial team conducted a small survey in an attempt to find out why the local products were not more in evidence on the supermarket shelves.

Supermarket managers, though not dismissing the quality of local products, claimed it was easier to stock foreign products and that consumers have a preference for such products, and as such, there is a greater turnover.

It should be noted too that many local producers claimed that the supermarkets would buy only limited quantities of their products despite the fact that their prices were competitive. The Consumers Association has said that consumers are enjoined to have ‘value for money’ and that if the local product is of good quality and being offered at a competitive price when compared to foreign ones, then the local product should be bought. The consumer advocates went on to point out that buying local products generates wealth and employment locally, and provides as much social as economic benefit to communities and the country as a whole. Shoppers and consumers are, therefore, enjoined, in their own ultimate interest to buy local once they receive value for money.

Buying local is something which all countries, even the wealthy ones such as the United States, advocate in one guise or another despite talk about globalisation and free trade.

Buying local is of ultimate benefit to the consumer himself.

And it is easy to buy local if one analyses and compares the local product with its foreign equivalent.

In doing such comparison, one should begin with food and drink. Food products produced locally are fresher and more nutritious and in most cases organically produced.

Local vegetables are much less expensive than the foreign ones. When fruits are not in season, they are often not as competitive as the foreign imports. For example, at the moment, it is better value to buy grapes or apples than avocado pears, which are overpriced. However, when local fruits are in season, they offer a much better buy than any foreign import.

In essence, while we are not advocating that supermarkets or other retailers should limit the choices to consumers in any way, many consumers would agree that some local products are as good as, or even better than the foreign ones, but yet as a result of long indoctrination they almost mechanistically buy the foreign ones.

That being said, we just cannot assume that consumers would change their attitude to local products overnight. It requires much effort from both the Government and the mainstream Private Sector to encourage persons to support local products. While there have been campaigns in the past to encourage persons to buy local, such efforts were limited; they were basically ‘food fairs’ with minimal participation from local companies and citizens.

Additionally, some analysts have pointed out that the vast majority of the local manufacturing initiatives have been undertaken at a small scale, with minimal financial investment. In most cases, there is hardly enough money allocated towards ensuring that those local products are effectively marketed.

One should also take into consideration that many Guyanese consumers are now moving in the direction of online shopping. Added to this is that consumers are being influenced by huge multi-media advertising which has proven to be a major challenge for advocates who are seeking to encourage and promote the use of local products.

Government must show that it is really serious about pushing local products by allocating the necessary resources that would seek to ensure a suitable environment is created to support the development and marketing of local products.

A Sikh devotee demonstrates his ‘Gatka’ traditional martial art skills during the ‘Nagar Kirtan’ procession marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India (AFP photo)

A simple futuristic vision for a modern Guyana Dear Editor, Below are some of my suggestions and deliberations on Guyana’s oil wealth and the way forward for a prosperous and united Guyana for all.

1. First, and of utmost importance, we need a hydroelectric power plant. In this way, the cost of everyday necessary expenses will decrease. For example, we will only have to pay 10 per cent for electricity, water, internet of what we are paying now, and we will be able to afford air conditioning, electric stove for cooking etc to drastically improve our living conditions at a very low cost. Electricity is the utmost power, not man, even though man invented it.

2. Three solidly structured bridges across the three main rivers Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo.

This will help in integration and faster delivery of goods and services and access to more lands. Government still has to collect tolls on these bridges but a small amount reasonable to the citizenry of Guyana.

3. Our own oil refinery so we can maximise on oil revenue by way of transparency and by-products.

4. All-weather roads from Georgetown to Lethem and from Crabwood Creek to Orealla 5. A piece of land, free of all charges and expenses to be given to every Guyanese aged 18-60 who is living here permanently who doesn’t own a transport title. This must be a priority and must be done urgently.

6. Duty-free concession for a vehicle to be given to each Guyanese citizen living here from the ages between 18-60.

One concession in their life-

time regardless of vehicle size and engine capacity.

7. Borders to be properly secured. Stringent measures should be put in place. This should be a top priority on the list of security measures.

8. An agriculture hub.

This is more important for after oil money we want a piece of fertile Guyana where you created a smart agricultural hub for agricultural produces strictly for export markets with the highest technology for cattle, poultry, crops, manufacturing assemble plants etc. We must create for this part of Guyana we choose, to have access to air, sea and land transportation. This modern agricultural hub with its plants etc must cater for 400,000 workers when completed and be handed over to Guyanese to own, operate and manage. Guyanese can pay back for it by way of an arrangement with Government.

Government must concentrate on collecting taxes not to own, manage or run any business sector Lastly on agriculture, most nations built their foundations on agriculture since ancient times before oil no one dreamt of and now our world’s population is growing at a fast rate – there are seven billion of us and growing on planet earth. We will have more and more mouths to feed. There is no substitute for freshly grown food but now a lot of renewable energy sources have sprung up like solar, wind, hydroelectric dam, and electric vehicles and so on so. In time, fossil fuel will be obsolete so we have an all-weather climate and land, we have to utilise the money in that direction for a sustainable future

for our children and grandchildren and future generations to come. God gave us a chance so we need to utilise the oil revenue in a bliss way so we, all Guyanese, can prosper and carve out the path for our children of the future Guyanese generation to tread on our path we have left behind for them.

9. National Assembly members should be 18-60 years old, let young and fresh and active brains take over, over 60 years, go home, retire and enjoy your golden years ahead and reminisce on your past achievements 10. The President of Guyana should be able to run for more than 2 terms. This should be left open, let the citizenry of Guyana decide by their vote 11. Income tax should reduce to 10 per cent. This way the citizenry will have more spending power and put more energy and zest into the population.

12. Citizenship. Guyanese citizens living here solely for the past 20 years and above and between the ages of 1860 must be given the right to sponsor one person in their lifetime - any foreign nationals - into Guyana with certain criteria for the potential immigrant etc, deportations for any criminal activity they may commit here etc. And the sponsors remain responsible for the immigrant until a certain number of years living here and until they gain citizenship stipulated by the Government.

The Government must not bestow citizenship to any foreign nationals, it must be left solely on the citizenry 13. Scholarships should be given to the 100 top students every year. Every sin-

gle penny should be paid by the State until they finish their studies and return to Guyana and commence work here with the State for a specific time determined by the State.

14. Banks. More foreign banking institutions should be encouraged to invest in Guyana. More competition is good for the people of Guyana. Lower interest rates and other benefits etc.

15. Rehabilitation of all public buildings into concrete structures 16. Build the bridge between Guyana and Suriname. This will be the final connectivity in the western hemisphere 17. The remaining oil blocks that are not tendered out shall remain until the Government formulates an agreement that is conducive to both parties, the Government and the potential tenants and mainly the Guyanese populace With all these things implemented, Guyanese will have a life worth living and a land of paradise on earth given our meagre population with the enormous wealth in its path furthermore, Guyanese will not need any cash incentive or handout from oil money, they will become self-sufficient and independent gradually.

Whichever Government implements these hardcore projects, they have a vision for Guyana and with these measures, the benefits of oil prosperity will trickle down to each and every single Guyanese living here. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to comprehend this.

Sincerely, Sarvanand J Persaud

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESday, august 6, 2019

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

Positions expressed by lawyers for Govt bereft of logic Dear Editor, The positions expressed by the lawyers for the Government and the Guyana Elections Commission in the application filed by Attorneyat-Law Christopher Ram, who is asking the court to issue an order compelling the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to hold elections on or before September 18, 2019, are bereft of logic.

Firstly, Basil Williams, SC, holder of the Office of Attorney General of Guyana has presented an argument to the court that the Caribbean Court of Justice has not set a “specific” date for elections, he also argues that the date and time for elections prescribed by the Constitution after the successful passage of a No-Confidence Motion has passed; he specifically states “Given that

the CCJ ruled that the NoConfidence Motion was properly carried with a majority of 33 of the 65 seats of the National Assembly on the night of December 21, 2018, the provisions of Articles 106 (7) were triggered for elections to be held by March 21” . In making this statement, the Attorney General is accepting he knows that there is a three-month timeframe imposed by the Constitution, he further acknowledges it by saying “Credible elections could not be held on or before 21st March 2019 as this was logistically impossible”. The CCJ on July 12, 2019, stated: “The Court noted that the filing of the court proceedings in January, challenging the validity of the no-confidence vote, effectively placed matters on pause. The Court reminded, however, that it had

rendered its decision on 18 June 2019.” The “pause” allowed Guyana to have a legitimate Government past March 21. How then can the Attorney General argue that “no specific date” means there is no timeframe? If we follow Basil’s logic to its conclusion, we would ask why have elections ever? All the Constitution prescribes is “every five years”, it never mentions a “specific” date.

Secondly, the attorney for GECOM is also arguing that the Constitution does not provide a timeframe for elections. He is seeking to re-litigate matters already decided by the CCJ! The Court already said “that it is not the role of the Court to establish a date on, or by which, the elections must be held. Article 106 is clear and it should be followed” and on the matter of the GECOM Chair “it was the

Court’s view that the appointment process of a new Chairman should be embarked upon with the utmost urgency in light of the CCJ’s decision in the No-Confidence Motion cases which has triggered the need for fresh general elections”. GECOM should be acting with “utmost urgency” to comply with the CCJ rulings. In house counsel for GECOM has made this clear in written opinions provided to the Chief Elections Officer Lowenfield, who, when asked by a reporter publicly: “Can the list, if refreshed, be used to conduct a free and fair election?” replied “That’s correct, always has and always will”.

There is no logic to the arguments being made on behalf of GECOM in light of the CCJ rulings and the declarations of the Chief Elections Officer. GECOM

GECOM issues should be resolved promptly Dear Editor, Please permit me the opportunity to voice my concerns in relation to the Guyana Elections Commission. The enumerators (temporary registration staff) are being paid a salary (which means NIS and PAYE will be deducted), unlike the previous Houseto-House exercise whereby enumerators were paid an honorarium (tax-free dollars). The reason I went to length to explain the above

is because GECOM’s permanent staff, when working overtime hours, are not paid the full sum of money that is due to them or the overtime worked would be given back to them hence these enumerators will not be paid any overtime.

Still, on the House-toHouse subject, the Chief Elections Officer would have stated that they would have increased registration staff to accelerate the process. Now why it is that reg-

istration staff who would have resigned are not being replaced. Instead, GECOM has instructed their registration officers to inform the chief scrutineers to reduce the staff currently at work because GECOM does not have enumerators to send them in the fields with.

I do hope these issues are resolved promptly by GECOM because staff, whether temporary or permanent, should be paid for all the hours they would

have worked and secondly, Mr Keith Lowenfield is contradicting himself because GECOM, instead of increased staffing; the amount of enumerators has deceased in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six, when they trained an extensive amount of individuals for the House-to-House exercise.

Advocate for the right.

Sincerely, Chris Singh

should be adopting a neutral stance such as that adopted by the Speaker of the National Assembly when asked to rule on the validity of the passage of the No-confidence Motion.

The Speaker validated the motion and indicated all options available to seek further legal interpretation if any was needed.

The Speaker did not participate in court proceedings and indicated clearly that he (the Speaker) would abide by court rulings. GECOM should move swiftly to adopt this position of neutrality and compliance with the rule of law expected of a constitution-

al office or body.

The Attorney General knows that a lifeline was granted to the Granger Administration by the pause due to judicial interpretation sought by the Government; everyone is aware that the threemonth clock restarted on June 18, 2019, following the ruling of the CCJ, and that the legitimate life of the Executive expires on September 18, 2019. The Attorney General may feign ignorance, but for how long and at what cost to the nation?

Respectfully, Robin Singh

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TUESday, august 6, 2019

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Foundation

Does swallowing gum cause intestinal problems?

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What happens if you swallow gum?

Does it cause intestinal problems?

– David*

lmost everyone has swallowed a piece of gum at some point.

But very few people ever have problems because of it.

Chewing gum is made up of the gum itself (called the gum base), preservatives, flavourings, and sweeteners. The human body cannot digest the gum base. But swallowed gum does not stay in the stomach or cause intestinal problems.

That’s because our bodies move most materials that can’t be digested (like gum) through the digestive system and out of our bodies in a bowel movement (poop).

In rare cases, swallowing a large mass of gum, or many small pieces of gum over a short period of time, can block the digestive tract.

Blockages are more likely to happen when gum is swallowed along with other indigestible things (like sunflower seed shells).

Although people cannot digest the gum base, they can digest the things that have been added to chew-

ing gum, such as sweeteners or even medicines (think of the nicotine gum used by people trying to quit smoking). The body absorbs these just through the act of chewing. So that’s one way chewing gum can affect a person’s health: When someone chews a lot of sugary gum, the calories can add up.

What is the digestive system?

Food is our fuel, and its nutrients give our bodies’ cells the energy and substances they need to work.

But before food can do that, it must be digested into small pieces the body can absorb and use.

The first step in the digestive process happens before we even taste food. Just by smelling that homemade

apple pie or thinking about how delicious that ripe tomato is going to be, you start salivating — and the digestive process begins in preparation for that first bite.

Almost all animals have a tube-type digestive system in which food: enters the mouth passes through a long tube exits the body as faeces (poop) through the anus A l o n g the way, food is broken down into tiny molecules so that the body can absorb nutrients it needs: Protein must be broken down into amino acids.

Starches break down into simple sugars.

Fats break down into into fatty acids and glycerol.

The waste parts of food that the body can’t use are what leave the body as feces. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. (kidshealth.org)

By Patty Palmer

I

wasn’t planning for this project to take one class period, but that’s how it turned out.

Sometimes it’s tricky gauging how long it will take children to complete a project.

I was a little off on this one.

My goal was for my first grade class to create a symmetrical coniferous tree (or a Christmas tree!) and add Henri Matisseinspired shapes for decoration. I anticipated two 40-minute class periods.

Truthfully, I’m not completely familiar with my art rotation yet. This is the second time this year that I’ve seen my 1st4th grade classes. I’m still trying to assess classes for art abilities. This particular class is a bit young so they have less interest in cutting detailed stars, triangles and spirals. By

the fifth shape, most were done.

But of course, I just realised this today.

To start the lesson, I read the book, Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter to introduce Matisse to the students.

They enjoyed the book and so did I. It’s a great book for the art room as the story is succinct and the images relate well to art projects.

Then I demonstrated how to cut a symmetrical tree. They loved this part and did super well at it. I used 12” x 16” white sulphite paper for the trees and a 12” x 18” coloured sulphite paper for the background.

After the children splatter-painted their backgrounds with white

paint, they glued on the trees.

Now the interesting part: Matisse-like shapes.

Using posters of Matisse paintings, I pointed out where Matisse used organic shapes and where he used geometric shapes.

I showed how to cut wobbly shapes, spirals and stars. They were all quite good at stars and spirals but less so at wobbly shapes. Go figure.

In the end, this lesson took 40 minutes. I could have used 50 so all kids could finish adding their colourful shapes. If I were to do this lesson again, I would either need 10 more minutes for first grade, or up the grade level. Third graders would be amazing with this project!

Enjoy! (www.deepspacesparkle.com)

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

FITUG slams Govt Minister’s comments on businesses preferring foreign workers …says remark an insult to Guyanese working class

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has become the latest to call out Finance Minister Winston Jordan over recent disparaging remarks he made about employment; noting that his comments are an insult against Guyanese workers.

While at a recent People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) press conference, Jordon had pointed out and even gave justification for the fact that foreign workers were being preferred by employers for undertaking tasks at lower rates-ofpay than Guyanese. FITUG took the Minister to task in a statement on Monday.

“By extension, the Minister, it appears, is advocating that Guyanese work for lower rates-of-pay in order to do the jobs being undertaken by foreigners. The remarks by one of the senior-most Ministers is an incredulous statement to begin with and again is yet another manifestation of the Government’s dim concern about the well-being of the Guyanese working-class.”

“It is saddening that the Minister, who is a trained economist, is advocating that his fellow countrymen and women must work for lesser pay in order to be employed. At a time when the Minister’s Government, through its policies, has engineered the retrenchment of thousands of Guyanese, and at a time where the working people and their families are having a hard time to make their meagre ends meet, [this] can only be seen as a slap in the face of Guyanese”.

FITUG pointed out that Jordan’s statement comes at the same time as local workers celebrate one hundred years since the establishment of the Trade Union Movement in Guyana.

According to the labour union, the Minister’s comments undermine the trade union struggle.

“Now, at this time, we see such an outrageous statement coming from one of our nation’s leaders. What even more bothersome for us is that, it seems, the Minister is unaware that workers must work for certain ratesof-pay as set out by the National Minimum Wage.

The enactment of such a policy was yet another means

to prevent the exploitation of the Guyanese workers.”

“Moreover, it goes against the very grain of the ILO Decent Work agenda which the Government of Guyana has undertaken to uphold and further. But the Minister’s expression undermines those commitments.

Also, it demonstrates that the workers do not have allies in the Administration and further exposes the ‘Good Life’ mantra as cheap propaganda.”

It was only recently that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo also took Jordan to task over his recent remarks. Jordan had opined at the press conference that Guyanese are demanding high wages, hence, jobs often go to those foreigners who are willing to accept lesser salaries.

“When you say they are no job, I’ve seen Venezuelans and I’ve seen Cubans, I’ve seen Brazilians, I’ve seen Nigerians and I’ve seen Haitians now getting jobs in Guyana – a country that supposedly don’t have jobs or you hear a lot of young people say, they ain’t got jobs.

I’m not speaking lies, you have Haitian Carpenters, Brazilians carpenters and plumbers and so on. So there must be jobs, the question is whether the job is paying what you want it to pay. For these [foreign] people yes, for some of the natives no,” Jordan had said.

Recent figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated youth unemployment in Guyana to be almost 23

Moreover, the survey further confirmed “a marked disadvantage for women” in the labour mar-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

per cent. To further compound this, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has found that 80 per cent of prosecuted crimes here are committed by youths between the ages of 19 and 29.

However, a new Guyana Labour Force Survey in 2018 had found the unemployment rate here to be 12 per cent in the third quarter of 2017, with high disproportions of both women and youth.

The survey was the first of its kind in Guyana in recent years and highlighted that unemployment during that period was 37,119.

This figure includes 15.3 per cent of eligible females against 9.9 per cent of eligible males, and 21.6 per cent of youth aged 15 to 24 and 28 per cent of young women.

It was also found that the total resident population, aged 15 and above, was 550,831 with the total employed population being 271,068. Of that figure, 166,873 or 62 per cent being males and 104,195 or 38 per cent being females with jobs.

ket with the proportion of women in managerial positions recorded at 37.8 per cent. Additionally, a “worrisome labour market situation of youth” was also highlighted, showing the

proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). This was recorded at 35.2 per cent and is higher for young women with 63 per cent of the total number of NEETs.

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Guyanese cricketer charged for assaulting cop

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uyanese cricketer Christopher Barnwell was on Monday taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with an assault charge.

Thirty-two-year-old Barnwell appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs and denied the charge which stated that on March

Guyanese cricketer Christopher Barnwell

23, 2019, at Thomas lands, Georgetown, he assaulted Trevor Benn, a police officer.

Reports are the two men were playing a friendly cricket match when an argument ensued. It is alleged that the argument escalated and Barnwell allegedly pushed the policeman to the ground. Persons

in the area intervened and the matter was reported to the police. Following a bail application by Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes, Magistrate Isaacs released the cricketer on $30,000 bail. The case will continue on August 19, 2019.

Barnwell, who is an all-rounder, plays for Guyana Jaguars.

en-Rust, Georgetown, the 21-year-old had 22 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case presented by Prosecutor Adunni Innis stated that at 11:45h, Police ranks from the Brickdam Police Station went to Leopold Street to carry out a raid exercise when they met Yhap and conducted a search.

While conducting a search on Yhap, the ranks found 25 small transparent zip-lock bags wrapped in a black plastic bag in his

right side back pocket.

Yhap was arrested and taken to the police station, where the narcotics were weighed in his presence.

The defendant in his address to the court stated that “It was only 21 grams and I use it for medical purposes”.

Having listened to his address to the court, a no guilty plea was entered.

The Magistrate ordered the defendant to “stay out of trouble young man” and released him on $10,000. The matter was adjourned to September 23, 2019.

Keon Yhap

Albouystown man charged for narco possession

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n Albouystown, Georgetown man, who told the court that he uses cannabis for medical purposes was on Monday released on bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Keon Yhap of Lot 137 Campbell Street, Albouystown, stood before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus and pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

The charge alleged that on August 3, 2019, at Leopold Street, Werk-

Slouching…

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…towards tyranny ooking at the detritus left in the wake of WWI, Yeats saw portents of even greater dangers ahead. He ended his poem, “The Second Coming”, by asking prophetically, “And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, /Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?” Looking over the record of the PNC-led coalition Government, your Eyewitness is driven to echo Yeats’s plaintive cry: what rough beast of governance slouches towards our beleaguered Guyana at this time?

The signs are unmistakable, and Guyanese of all inclinations and allegiances must be made aware of the dangers posed by the PNC to the future of our hard-won democracy. The danger was signalled by the remilitarisation of the Government, taking it beyond anything Burnham tried. The dictator had used the pretext of the Venezuelan threat on our western border to increase the armed forces, where we had the greatest army-civilian ratio in the world: 1 soldier with an automatic rifle to every 35 citizens!! The Police Force had been joined by the GDF, GNS, Peoples Militia; Cadet Corps in the Disciplined Forces, augmented by the armed YSM and WRSM, not to mention goon squads like the House of Israel.

Those troops, however, were never deployed to any western front to take on the Venezuelans, who had seized our half of Ankoko Island. They remained strategically positioned at Camp Ayanganna and Camp Stephenson to guard the PNC against threats in Demerara.

We must note that Granger has brought those outfits back to their old Burnhamite strength – but has now placed ex-military officers in every branch of the civilian Government. Much like the Communist Party Commissars were deployed during Communist Russia’s heyday, Granger doesn’t have to worry about the bureaucracy. With his exclusive control of the Executive branch of Government via the Executive Presidency sanctioned by Burnham’s 1980 Constitution and his army fifth columnists, Granger also controls the Legislature, which should’ve been a check on his excesses. So what’s left to prevent a tyrannical dictatorship? Just our Judiciary, with powers to interpret the Constitution as they see fit, guided by the unalterable basic structure encompassed by that document.

And it is for this reason citizens must see past Granger’s avuncular, Simon pure façade and appreciate the dangers posed by his sustained attack on the judiciary ever since he slid into office.

Here we are, the highest Court of Appeal, the CCJ, has ruled that the valid NCM has triggered Art 106 (6), which SPECIFICALLY declares, “the President and Cabinet SHALL resign”, and he’s saying that’s not so?

The problem is, the CCJ assumes they’re dealing with men of “integrity”, rather than a wannabe tin-pot dictator.

Caricom cannot allow another 28-year dictatorship beast! …anarchy Granger has obviously missed some lessons he should’ve gleaned from Burnham’s (ultimately futile) attempts to build institutions to sustain his dictatorship.

It’s rather ironic, since he was in the centre of Burnham’s machinations involving indoctrination programmes in the Disciplined Forces. But, then again, Hoyte did defenestrate Granger after 1985 when he (Hoyte) banished the Burnhamite faction, starting with Hamilton Green. Hoyte bypassed Granger for Joe Singh as head of the GDF – something Granger clearly hasn’t forgotten. GECOM Chair? Nyet!!

The lesson was that once you subvert institutions by bending and breaking the rules for one purpose, that institution will become dysfunctional in all other areas of its remit. The subversion metastasises like a cancer throughout the institution, which eventually becomes just a rogue shell.

This happened to the Disciplined Forces when they had to rig elections, and the Public Service when they had to racially exclude “PPP” supporters.

And will see the immigration services collapse by having them close their eyes to the Haitian scam that Felix is doing back-flips to facilitate! …towards greater corruption Did you see that report that the Police rank who was caught framing a Superbet location by planting ganja on the premises has been transferred?

Yep!! He was moved to the TSU!! He’ll fit right in, won’t he??

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

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“If GECOM says elections by Sept 18, we will abide by it” - AG …as panel explores fears of economic slowdown under caretaker Govt

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f the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) decides that it can go to the polls by September 18, 2019, then the coalition Administration of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) would be willing to abide by the agency’s decision.

This is according to Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, as he appeared on a live broadcasted panel discussion hosted by the American Chambers (AmCham) on Monday at the Marriott Hotel.

A member of the audience posed a direct question to the AG, asking him whether the Government is prepared to abide by whatever decision GECOM makes, and whether Williams would accordingly advise the President if GECOM says it can hold elections in the three months’ time frame. Williams maintained that they were.

“The President is on record as saying that it is for GECOM to determine the readiness for elections in Guyana; not the President,

Part of the panel. From left is former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and his successor, Basil Williams

taker status, Nandlall referred to all the things the Government cannot do.

According to Nandlall, the current status quo means that only routine contracts can be signed by the Government. And according to Nandlall, routine contracts cannot transform the economy or boost the economy.

“One thing Basil Williams has conceded is that they (Government) can only enter into routine contracts. Routine contracts cannot invigorate the economy in the manner in which

A section of the audience at the Marriott Hotel

not the Government. So, once GECOM determines its readiness, we’re good to go,” Williams insisted.

“We are ready, willing and able to have an election. The President is ready to name an election date, provided he is advised by GECOM as to its readiness,” Williams added.

Effects on economy

Meanwhile, fellow panellist, the former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, noted that the no-confidence motion has, and will have, a serious effect on the economy.

Noting that even Williams has acknowledged that the Government now has care-

we would like to see it. It cannot bring the transformational changes. Routine contracts are just routine contracts; (they’re) just to keep you going,” he observed.

“The thrust of the question is that you cannot enter into the contracts that matter. The contracts that matter are the ones that will have financing of a magnitude that will come from multilateral institutions.

(Those) we cannot do; so for how long are we going to continue this routine thing?”

Nandlall questioned.

Also appearing on the panel was former Speaker

of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran. He noted the ramifications if Guyana meanders on instead of having elections, especially on the oil and gas sector.

“Do you seriously think that a major company like ExxonMobil or its partners will seriously want to promote business, or engage in business, in a country that has a Government that is unconstitutional and is not supposed to be in office? Or a Government that has questions as to its status and stability? This is billions of US we’re talking about.

“Don’t you think ExxonMobil will want to hold back? And if they hold back, don’t you think that will do enormous damage to our economy, not only in its growth but its international stature? We’re in great jeopardy if this Government does not call elections by September 18 or talk to the Opposition and get an extension,” Ramkarran said.

Elections

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign af-

ter the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

A no-confidence motion was passed against the Government on December 21 of last year. However, elections were not held, and there has been no resignation. Instead, Government went to court, unsuccessfully arguing that the no-confidence motion was not validly passed.

The case reached the CCJ, where the regional court ruled against the Government but stopped short of issuing an order fixing an election date. Instead, CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders had said that when the no- confidence motion was passed on December 21, 2019, Article 106 of the Constitution had immediately been activated.

According to Justice Saunders when he read the ruling, there was no need for the court to gloss over the provisions of Article 106 (6 and 7), but it is in fact the responsibility of the constitutional actors to be faithful

From left American Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun, AmCham President Zulfikar Ally and British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

to the rule of law and operate within parameters of the Constitution.

Further, the CCJ President had noted that with GECOM also responsible for the conduct of those elections, it therefore means that the elections body “too must abide by the provisions of the Constitution.

He went on to point out that elections should have been held on March 21, 2019 following the December passage of the Opposition- sponsored motion, but also said

the process was on “pause”, pending the legal proceedings.

That process, Saunders had clearly said, was no longer on pause following the court’s June 18, 2019 ruling, which upheld the validity of the no-confidence motion and thus triggered the need for fresh elections.

In keeping with the constitutional three months’ provision, this means general and regional elections should be held on or before September 18, 2019.

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Highest rates of child sexual Hairdresser robbed by motorcycle abuse recorded in Regions 7, 10 bandits …limited human resources to provide help – CCPA Director

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tatistics revealed that Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) have the highest rates of child sexual abuse and while there can never be enough child protection officers to provide the necessary assistance to those affected, partnership development programmes are necessary and impactful.

This is according to Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Greene, who on Monday told Guyana Times that in Regions Seven and 10, the rate of child abuse in all forms continues to be high in comparison to other parts of Guyana.

“This is why it was deemed crucial for child advocacy centres to have been established there,” she explained.

“There will never, ever be enough but we have been doing our partnership development and we are working with religious organisations and local groups to help to provide the assistance.

Recently, a child advocacy centre launched in Region 10 with help from UNICEF help for children who are sexually abused. We have launched one in Bartica, that is in Region Seven. So the affected children are exposed to counselling and such, so there is help available.”

Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Director, Ann Greene

According to the CCPA Director, these advocacy centres are being managed and monitored by NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs), but they also work in tandem with the CCPA and the Social Protection Ministry.

“This is to help us because there would never, ever be enough human resources to work with the children and families that need help. So we have the partnership development,” she added.

In 2017, Region 10 recorded the highest child abuse cases, with 22.1 per cent of the country’s total number of reported incidents.

The CCPA had confirmed that the overall rate of child abuse in Guyana for that year was 15.8 children per 1000 of the national population of children.

“In every thousand children, 15 are being abused. If

you look at 2017’s stats data, it also means every 2 hours a child is abused; every day 11 children [are] abused. When you look at figures like that, when you give numbers, it must say something for you…in terms of the population of children. So, the rate is saying something…More people live in Region Four, so most of our abuse would be in Region Four, but [according to the] rate, Region 10 is the highest,” Greene had explained last year.

She underscored the importance of understanding “rates”, in terms of population size when looking at the number of children being abused, as she pointed out that according to the rates, Region 10 has the highest.

At that time, she had also indicated that Region 10 has the highest rate of child neglect and sexual abuse. While she noted that there is hardly any neglect reported in Regions Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni), and Eight (Potaro- Siparuni), she also stressed that there was a high rate of sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, in 2016, the highest rate came from Region Seven. Greene had also noted that these are only the reported cases, which she said was “just the tip of the iceberg”, adding that child abuse is and continues to remain “a hidden crime”.

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hairdresser of Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, was on Monday morning robbed on her way to work by two men who were riding a motorcycle.

The woman told this publication that she was walking on the roadway at about 08:00h and was about to board a taxi when the suspects blocked her path. The pillion rider jumped off the cycle, armed with a knife,

and demanded that she hand over her handbag.

Traumatised by the men, she complied and handed over the bag which contained two cellular phones valued $120,000 along with an undisclosed sum of cash

and one charger. Both men made good their escape on the blue motorcycle.

The woman said the robbers’ faces were covered.

Bystanders tried to apprehend the men but that proved futile.

Robberies land teen in court

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uacy Jupiter of Lot 173 Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

The 18-year-old admitted to robbing two persons but denied another armed robbery charge and that he had an illegal gun and ammunition in his possession.

The first charge stated that on August 1, 2019, at Louisa Row, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Robert Rollins of a quantity of items which, collectively, had a valued of $43,000.

It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, he robbed Ulric Bristol of a number of items valued $63,000.

The third charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, he robbed Roxanne Daniels of two phones and $15,000, totalling $131,000.

It was further alleged that on August 1, 2019, at Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, he had in his possession a .32 revolver without being a

Quacy Jupiter

licensed firearm holder.

The last charge stated that on August 1, 2019, at Campbell Street, Albouystown, he had in his possession four rounds of .38 ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.

Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels told the court that on August 1, Bristol left his workplace riding his bicycle at about 04:30h when he was approached by Jupiter and another man. The court heard that Jupiter placed a

gun to the victim’s head and told him to hand over his valuables.

According to the prosecutor, the victim, being fearful for his life, handed over his belongings to the defendant.

Jupiter and his accomplice then escaped on bicycles.

The matter was then reported to the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and Police acting on information went to Lot 1 Campbell Street, Albouystown, where they found the teen.

The prosecutor informed the court that a search was then carried out in the room in which he was occupying and the stolen articles were recovered and positively identified by the victims.

According to the prosecutor, Jupiter was arrested and taken to the station where he was positively identified by the victims as the person who had robbed them.

Magistrate Isaacs, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Jupiter to prison until today. She is expected to sentence him for the matters to which he pleaded guilty.

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UN recommends laws to address discrimination GECOM’s H2H Registration staff robbed against Guyana’s Indigenous peoples

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he United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recently released its 2019 report on the concluding observations on Guyana where it outlined several recommendations to address the issue of discrimination against Indigenous women across the country.

These recommendations come in light of a shadow report, which was submitted to the Committee by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) during the Committee’s 73rd session held in Geneva earlier this year. In this report presented by SRDC representative Immaculata Casimero, the local council recognised the Government’s implementation of programmes for women’s development as

an important step; however, it pointed out that the Government’s efforts often did not reach Indigenous communities.

It further made mention of the issues affecting Indigenous women

Members of an Indigenous dance troupe during Heritage celebrations

and girls within the territory as well as issues affecting women nationally.

As such, the UN Committee had incorporated the SRDC’s concerns and recommendations in the finalising of its report, and, therefore, called on the Government of Guyana to amend its laws to guarantee the rights of Indigenous women and girls, but overall the people.

Some of the main law amendments recommended by the CEDAW are: (1) Carry out nationwide education awareness-raising campaigns, including in Indigenous languages and on the local radio, about the risks and criminal nature

of trafficking as well as the available support services.

(2) Expedite the approval of amendments to the Sexual Offences Act and create dedicated sections and/or time slots for the treatment of sexual offences in courts in the hinterland, including in mobile courts.

(3) Guarantee the consultation of rural and Amerindian women and girls in the development and implementation of policy and legislative measures, including through organisations representing them, and district and village councils.

(4)Amend the Amerindian Act (2006) and other relevant laws, using a

gender-sensitive approach, with a view to ensuring that the rights of Amerindian communities to their lands, territories and resources are fully recognised and protected, in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and take targeted measures to improve access for women, especially Indigenous women and women with disabilities to the formal employment sector, among others.

Meanwhile in a statement to the media earlier on Monday, the SRDC has stated that it welcomes the Concluding Observations on Guyana by the UN Committee, noting that the document was timely and incorporated many of the SRDC’s recommendations for Government action to address discrimination against Indigenous women.

Additionally, the SRDC urges the Government of Guyana to respect its treaty obligations, to implement the recommendations made by CEDAW, and to work collectively with the SRDC, other Indigenous representative institutions, and Indigenous Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to ensure that Indigenous women can fully enjoy the rights recognised under CEDAW.

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GECOM staff conducting House-to-House Registration

n East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident was on Sunday arrested after he reportedly robbed three enumerators attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of their belongings while they were conducting House-toHouse Registration.

This was confirmed by Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the elections entity, Yolanda Ward on Monday when contacted.

Based on reports received, the three workers were performing their duties in Covent Garden, EBD, when they were confronted by the knife-wielding man, who took away their personal items.

After committing the act, the three victims raised an alarm thus resulting in residents giving chase. The man

was eventually caught and beaten by the residents. The stolen items were retrieved in his possession.

However, the man managed to escape during the beating but his identity was made available to the police, who apprehended him. He is expected to make his appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, charged with armed robbery.

This incident came days after GECOM requested Police protection for its field staff. The Commission has requested the Guyana Police Force to provide surveillance in communities and to assist with the security of the field staff.

The controversial Houseto-House Registration began on July 20 and is the subject of a legal battle before Chief Justice Roxane George.

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Rehabilitation commences on dilapidated La Penitence Market

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he La Penitence Market area is finally undergoing rehabilitation for a much-needed facelift after many complaints from vendors and consumers over the years.

The renovation was confirmed on Monday by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine during a brief interview with Guyana Times.

Vendors who ply their trade at the facility shared their satisfaction that the works have finally materialised. One such person, Pamela Khelawan explained that while the rehabilitative works would affect their trade for a couple of weeks, they would upgrade the aesthetics of the marketplace.

On a normal day, customers are greeted by makeshift shacks just a few feet away from the roadway, clustered within a small space.

“For the first couple

thing happening at all the markets except this one,” she posited.

She is most pleased that the unsanitary condition of the bazaar will be addressed, among other things, to hopefully put an end to the rodent infestation.

“We have rats coming in … because people don’t have nowhere to throw the garbage and that’s what causing it. That’s one of the biggest problems right now.

If we get a good place to put the garbage, then we mightn’t get this problem,” Khelawan told this publication.

The merchant is also hoping that better utility services can be provided once the area is completely revamped. In the past, clean water supply and stable electrical units were lacking, making it somewhat difficult to sell produce

The La Penitence Market

days, we have to get accustomed to what will be happening and so on, but I’m happy that they start. We calling for them to do something long now, ‘cause some-

and other merchandise.

Furthermore, reliable security is a necessity.

Back in April, projects were tendered for four markets to be upgraded.

La Penitence was on the list, with some $14 million set aside to commence the works.

For the Kitty Market, $25 million was pledged to

complete the project. The Communities Ministry had said that the scope of works included construction of 15 external stalls, the sanitary block, and the administra-

tive office, inclusive of a revenue collection section.

Bourda and East Ruimveldt are another two markets that are in dire need of rehabilitative works;

many of the marketplaces within the capital city have been condemned for their deplorable state. Further, petty crimes are also prevalent.

Burnt body of welder

DPP still to advise Police on way forward – Deputy Commander …says “matter is not a clear-cut one”

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hose responsible for burning the remains of the welder who was found dead near his mining camp even before Police could investigate can only face charges based on the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP still has the file that was compiled by investigating ranks, and is yet to advise Police on the way forward.

This is according to Deputy Commander of B Division (Berbice), Phillip Azure, who told this publication on Monday that although a month has passed since the welder, Yogindra “Steve” Ramkarran, was discovered lifeless and whose body was burnt by his co-workers, the police are awaiting word from the office of the DPP as to the next step.

However, Azure was unable to say how soon the file will be returned and if those involved in the incident will be charged for perverting the course of justice but he noted that due to the fact that this case is an unusual one, the police have to be properly guided before they can act.

“That file is still up for legal advice. You see some of these matters are not clear cut, we get the facts and investigate and send to the DPP for legal advice and they can give us the direction where we should go. For instance, if there is further investigation to be done, and if so then that investigation would be done,” he explained on Monday.

The dead man, Yogindra “Steve” Ramkarran, was employed by a wellknown sawmill owner from Corentyne, Berbice, and is said to have mysteriously died in the interior on July 4 but his co-workers burnt his body after allegedly being instructed to do so by their employer.

Police had acknowledged that Ramkarran’s cause of death was unknown due to the fact that his body was burnt before an autopsy could have been conducted.

However, despite repeated claims by the employees involved that they were instructed by their boss to burn Ramkarran’s body, the sawmill owner continues to deny the allegations.

Crime Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Michael

Kingston had earlier explained that when the police received a report about Ramkarran’s demise, a rank immediately left to investigate.

But due to the distance of the crime scene, it took some time for him to arrive at that location. Kingston had explained that when the police arrived, he found a decomposed body, which he was told was that of Ramkarran’s.

“Indeed the body had begun to decompose. So the police left to go and get assistance and when he returned with the assistance, that is what they had done [burn the body]. The police had no involvement in the burning of that body, none at all, the men in work said they were acting on the instruction of their employer [to burn the body] but he denied this.”

As a result of this, the workers who burnt the body, along with their employer, were arrested but were later released.

Testing of bone sample

Kingston had also stated that although it has been alleged that the ashes from

Yogindra “Steve” Ramkarran

the decomposed body belong to Ramkarran, the necessary testing needs to be conducted to confirm this.

As such, samples of the remains will be tested at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) to confirm the identity of the dead person.

“We had a crime scene team that went up into the area, we took whatever bone sample was there and samples were also taken from the relatives. That is basically for DNA purposes. We will utilise the services of the (GFSL) lab unless they tell us that they are incapable. But for now, we will utilise the services of the lab and a file has already been compiled and sent for legal advice on this matter.”

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

28 youths to explore Guyana through apprenticeship programme …engage in conservation of natural resources

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he Natural Resources Ministry on Monday welcomed its third batch of youth apprentices who will spend the next four weeks exploring Guyana’s pristine waters, mineral resources and wildlife while learning how they are sustainably managed.

The programme has seen a growing number of participating youths within the age range of 15-19. Participants were selected from all ten administrative regions after submitting essays and other supporting information for the topics that were specified.

During the launching ceremony at the Herdmanston Lodge, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman said that this initiative is geared towards involving youths in important aspects of environmental preservation.

“Through this programme, we aimed to achieve two primary objectives – to urgently involve youths in the protection and preservation of our natural resources. We believed then and still do now that if we do not actively engage young people in a meaningful way in this sector, we stand to

STEM clubs coming in September for differently-abled children

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ith the world of technology rapidly advancing, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities is striving to ensure differently-abled children are not left behind and are instead equipped with equal knowledge like regular persons.

This was revealed by the Programme Coordinator for the Council, Ganesh Singh during a recent interview with Guyana Times.

He informed that at the beginning of the new school term in September, special needs children will be taught about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes as well as robotics.

These programmes will be introduced at four special schools in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) as a pilot programme to see how the children respond. Singh explained that it will help them to develop critical thinking skills as they combine parts to make robots and get involved in computer programming.

“The STEM programme will be done at the special schools so it will be for the students who are in those schools. We are hoping that with once funding becomes available, we can do a STEM club outside of school that will cater for persons that are not within the formal school system,” Singh told

this newspaper.

In addition, he explained that programmes are also in the pipeline for older persons living with disabilities. For this initiative, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities has partnered with the Board of Industrial Training.

“That programme tentatively will commence in September and we also have skills training programmes that we are doing in partnership with the Board of Industrial Training where we are training young persons with disabilities and also even older adults. We are training them in various skills areas including website development and management, computer repairs, food processing, computer skills training and we even have some plumbing and craft,” the programme coordinator added.

Singh was keen to note that he sees Guyana heading into the technological age and is determined to not let persons with disabilities be left behind.

Persons interested in participating in the other programmes can contact the Society on 652-8975 or 2317976.

On the other hand, while the Organisation recognises the importance of developing capacity in this area, it is also very passionate about developing basic life skills for differently-abled children. turn to page 14

lose the gains we have made because there will be no one with the desire, passion and commitment to take up the cause,” the Minister explained.

Personnel Manager of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Sonya Reece explained that over 70 applications were submitted from persons across the country, hinting at the number of young persons that are interested in what Guyana has to offer.

“It have been an excellent journey. The Youth in Natural Resources Apprenticeship programme first started in 2017, an approximately four weeks programme attracting youths from all ten administrative regions in Guyana…application forms were available on the Ministry’s website, all regional offices, mines offices of the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission), forest stations of the Guyana

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and other officials flanked by the 2019 youth apprentices

Forestry Commission, Linden Technical Institute, University of Guyana, Institute of Applied Science and Technology, [Indigenous] Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Natural Resources,” Reece informed.

Last year, the youths were able to visit the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, Turtle Mountain, mining sites and other interior locations. Some previous apprentices said the experience was fulfilling and will be one of their greatest memories.

Fatima Karim, who was part of the first batch expressed, “It’s about looking at the bauxite site and seeing more than meets the eye, reaching with an inner understanding into the earth to produce something beautiful…I can’t say if it has changed me. Moreso, it unlocked something inside of me.”

On the other hand, Emmanuel Trotman, who hails from the mining town of Linden, relayed, “I spent all of my life in Linden, not really having much opportunity or reason to go beyond

the boundaries. On this programme, I got the opportunity to see so many places, faces and people of every race in just a small space of time.”

Private companies and public agencies such as MACORP, ExxonMobil, Guyana School of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Bosai Bauxite and Iwokrama Rainforest Conservation have partnered with the Ministry to provide sponsorship.

Fly Jamaica yet to file application with GCAA

I

t has been one week since new investors announced their move to take over the Fly Jamaica airline, however, an application is yet to be filed at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), even as the new owners seek to recommence flights from Guyana by September.

Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field in an interview with this newspaper on Monday said the airline is nonetheless still likely to start its operations next month.

“It may be possible depending on the magnitude of the work, if there are many changes to their former operation. So I would be unable to say or give you a definitive answer until I see what is produced and if their operations have changed,” he explained.

When it comes to the airline’s bond, Field was keen to note that this must be put in place before operations begin, especially since Fly Jamaica, under its previous owners, did not have one when it pulled out of the market.

“The bond will [have to] be set before the operations.

As a new carrier returning to the market, we will have to start all over again so a new bond will be put in place,” the GCAA Head noted.

Last Tuesday, following the airline’s announcement

to reenter the market, Field told this publication that Fly Jamaica would be required to refile an application seeking approval to do so.

He had explained that the airline must be granted approval first from the Jamaica Aviation Authority, then file its application with Guyana.

“If they are certified and approved by the Jamaican, because it is a Jamaicanbased airline not a Guyanese-based, so providing that Jamaica approved the application then they will give them the necessary permits, they will have to use that to reapply to the Civil Aviation Authority of Guyana so they will have to make an entire new application and go through the entire process for approval from Guyana also,” the Director General stated.

On July 29, it was reported that a team of investors including Jamaican aviation veteran, Glenn Logan, led by Yann LeProvost of the French-based company W&Y SAS has taken over

the problem-plagued airline.

The new owners took over on July 26 from Guyanese operators, Paul and Roxanne Reece. They

GCAA Director General, Egbert Field

have since pledged their commitment to addressing the issues affecting the airline, such as owed salaries to workers and compensation for tickets.

Fly Jamaica became crip-

pled following a November 9 crash last year. The Boeing 757 flight destined for Toronto, Canada crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, after encountering hydraulic issues.

It was reported that the flight took off around 02:10h but later returned to the airport where the aircraft crash-landed at about 02:53h.

The cash-strapped airline has since made all its workers redundant, effective from March 1, 2019.

Most of the fired former employees are still awaiting their salaries as well.

Fuming passengers too are still awaiting refunds from tickets that were booked.

In May some 46 complaints were received by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission which value about $8,316,504.

However last month, the agency said over 100 complaints were filed.

14 News

tuesday, august 6, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice man jumps to safety from burning house A

Corriverton, Berbice carpenter jumped from a window of his burning house to save his life.

Fifty-year-old Rishiram Rajpaul made the daring escape to flee the dense smoke which had engulfed the upper flat of the building situated at Lot D Line Path, Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday.

ly 21:30h during a power outage, the carpenter went into the lower flat to get a bucket of water after he realised the building was on fire.

However, when he returned, the smoke was very thick forcing him to use the window to escape. He called out to neighbours for assistance.

However, in the darkness of the night, no one initially saw the flames, but the scent of smoke caused neighbours

Rishiram Rajpaul

attention.

Residents told Guyana Times that there were repeated power outages earlier in the evening, and at the time of the fire, which completely destroyed the two-storey building, there was one.

Residents have also expressed concern over the time the Fire Department took to respond to the call for help. This publication was told that the Corriverton Fire Service, which is located a short distance away from the man’s home, took 30 minutes to arrive on the scene.

When the fire engine arrived, its pump was not functional, making it impossible for the firefighters to operate initially. However, they were able to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby house.

El Paso Congresswoman says Trump “not welcome” in city after mass shooting

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epresentative Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, had a message for President Donald Trump.

The Texas Democrat, who represents El Paso, the site of a recent mass shooting that left at least 20 people dead, said that Trump was “not welcome” in El Paso if he came to visit because of his inflammatory rhetoric about Latinos and immigrants.

The death toll in the El Paso shooting increased to 22 on Monday. There are now 24 injured.

El Paso police said the shooter published a “manifesto” before his shooting that had anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric, and authorities were investigating the attack as a potential hate crime. The suspect is a 21-year-old white man from Allen, Texas.

“Words have consequences. The president has made my community and my people the enemy,” said Escobar on

Veronica Escobar

MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “He has told the country that we are people to be feared, people to be hated.”

“I hope that [Trump] has the self-awareness to understand that we are in pain, and we are mourning, and we are doing the very best in our typical, graceful, El Paso way to be resilient,” Escobar continued. “And so I would ask his staff and his team to consider the fact that his words and his actions have played a role in this.” (USA Today)

STEM clubs coming in..

The burnt-out building

Rajpaul had used the window to flee after he awoke to find smoke emanating from the ceiling of his house.

Reports are at approximate-

to go to his rescue.

One neighbour found him hanging from the window and was able to assist him to get down. Both men made it

to safety. However, Rajpaul was not able to save anything from his home. Rajpaul suffered minor burns to his hair, eyes, and other parts of his body and had to seek medical

As such, a five-day programme recently concluded which was geared towards boosting independent living skills. Singh reported that the children who participated in that initiative really enjoyed themselves, but most importantly, they learnt a lot when it comes to taking care of themselves.

Challenges

Although the Organisation has major plans to assist persons living with disabilities, it is challenged by a lack of finances.

According to Singh, “As usual we always say financial resources is the major stumbling block for any programme that we want to implement. We do not, we cannot afford an office of our

from page 13

own because we do not receive any subvention or any money really to rent an office and pay administrative staff”.

He explained that the Organisation would usually receive funding from donors for specific projects, however, there is hardly any “assured income” at any given month.

This, he said often curtails the work of the Organisation.

news

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tuesday, august 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations New NGO commences training to help APNU/AFC shamelessly taking credit for removing APNU/ AFC's VAT on local air travel

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t is silly season, elections’ gimmicks abound. While APNU+AFC are at it, they should remove the 14% VAT on water and electricity now.

Quietly this week, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) instructed operators of hinterland air flights to discontinue 14% VAT. Deceitfully, the GRA can similarly administratively reintroduce it anytime.

When APNU/AFC introduced 14% VAT on domestic air flights as one of the new tax measures in Budget 2017, the measure was vigorously opposed by citizens who live in hinterland communities, and critics warned that development of the hinterland would be impeded.

The President, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and APNU/AFC totally ignored the Opposition PPP and all those who warned that the 14% VAT on domestic air travels was a punitive, regressive tax.

APNU/AFC argued the 14% VAT on domestic air travel was a punishment of greedy operators benefiting from high profits. They ignored the fact that mostly ordinary citizens were the ones who paid the 14% VAT, not the operators. They did not care how angry ordinary hinterland citizens were, hoping by 2020 people would have forgotten.

Suddenly, APNU/AFC is repositioning itself on a number of unpopular policies and actions it introduced since 2015. When 14% VAT was introduced for the first time on domestic flights in 2017, there was robust opposition. Those who operated domestic flights argued that the 14% VAT would increase cost for domestic air travel and create hardships for ordinary citizens who depend on air travel for access into and out of the hinterland. Not only were people who lived and worked in hinterland communities affected, but the 14% VAT for domestic air travel meant that business and development in hinterland communities faced further impediments. The arguments against the 14% VAT on domestic air travel met with a stern defiance by APNU/AFC. As pressure mounts for APNU+AFC to hold elections which were due since March 21st, APNU+AFC is desperately trying to remake itself into a political machinery which cares for people living, working and doing business in hinterland communities.

Withdrawal of the 14% VAT for hinterland air travel is one of the reimaging tactics, as APNU/AFC tries to persuade people in the hinterland that it has served them well. It wants credit for withdrawing the tax; conveniently, hypocritically, dishonestly ignoring it was APNU+AFC which introduced the 14% VAT on domestic air travel in the first place.

APNU+AFC did so in Budget 2017, which was passed in Parliament in December 2016, after being sternly opposed by the Opposition PPP, air travel operators, the Private Sector Commission, and the citizens in general; especially those who lived and worked in hinterland communities. Today, as APNU+AFC shows up in elections mode in hinterland communities, it presents itself as the political party that terminated the 14% VAT on domestic air travel, not the party that is responsible for its presence in the first place.

This is a deceitful, dishonest and wicked political ploy.

But people's memory is not as short as APNU+AFC is hopeful for. People know APNU+AFC ignored their concerns and punished them for living and wanting to work and do business in hinterland communities.

It was APNU+AFC that had introduced, similarly, 14% VAT on education and on water and electricity bills. It was a concerted effort nationally to shame it for punishing people with unreasonable taxation measures that forced APNU+AFC in withdrawing the 14% VAT on education in Budget 2018. But to this day, the 14% VAT continues on water and electricity. Today, these charlatans shamelessly and barefacedly parade themselves throughout the country, taking credit for withdrawing the 14% VAT on education, totally ignoring it was them that introduced it in the first place.

Thankfully, it did not take national public protests to shame them into withdrawing the 14% VAT on hinterland air travel, but they did not do it out of any sympathy for people. They did not do it because the removal of the 14% VAT on domestic air travel would make life easier for people living and working in the hinterland.

APNU+AFC did not remove the 14% VAT on hinterland air travels because it would facilitate development in hinterland communities, they did it because they desperately need the support of people living and working in the hinterland in the upcoming elections.

The modus operandi for APNU+AFC is to create mayhem, and then pretend they are "knights in shining armour", taking credit for undoing evil that they themselves are responsible for. They insult the intelligence of people.

No amount of skullduggery and dishonesty will help APNU+AFC as they face the reckoning of the people. But while they are at it with election gimmicks, they should also now remove the 14% VAT on water and electricity.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy August 5, 2019

youths cope with emotional issues

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new NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) called “We are Gutsy” on Monday commenced a training session for facilitators, who will, in turn, help children to better react when they are faced with tough situations.

The two-day training session, which commenced at the National Racquet Centre, at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, is geared towards helping children between the ages of three to 12 years old develop independent thinking skills and act wisely when parents or teachers are not around. The programme will also teach children core values such as respect and honesty among others.

Chairperson of the organisation, Janice Hall explained the importance of this initiative as she outlined that various facilitators are being trained so that they can continue helping young people even after the programme wraps up on Friday.

“Over the many years of my life’s existence…I have met far too many Guyanese who are broken. I use the word broken loosely mean-

Executives of the group pose with Social Protection Minister Amna Ally for a photo

ing they are not necessarily falling apart but just not able to cope with life and they are years apart [or] generations apart…if we were to take time to talk to these hurt souls in most instances, we find their brokenness can be traced back to their childhood,” she explained.

According to her, most times these “broken people” grow up with persons who have been hurt, broken and angry. This cycle, she said, continues, as one broken generation gives birth to another.

Recognising this, the Chairperson informed that the group is aimed at helping parents and guardians provide children with social and emotional skills they need to live healthy lives.

“We begin with the prem-

ise that we all need to understand ourselves before we can empathise with others…We are Gutsy aims to be a positive influence on Guyanese youth through dialogue, instruction and mentorship so as to encourage an improvement in attitudes and behaviours,” the Chair added.

Meanwhile, the Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally lauded the programme as she highlighted how various domestic issues affect children’s mental health.

Ally said, “The impact of small family norms, nuclear family systems and cognitive-driven curriculum increases distress of adolescents. This in some cases are reflected by high suicide rates and growing crime among our young persons”.

In this regard, the Minister highlighted the important role the new group will be playing in minimising the stress levels of young persons or at least helping them to control themselves.

In addition, she said she was happy to learn that some sessions will cover independent thinking, how to socialise and make new friends, empathy and how to take action when parents or teachers are absent to intervene.

“I am quite confident that this initiative will bridge communication barriers with parents and other adults. It will enable our young people to handle stressful situations effectively without losing one’s temper or becoming moody,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, another representative of the organisation, Dr Rose October, listed a few of the activities the participants will be involved in over the next few days.

She noted that facilitators will be involved in the training which winds down today while on Wednesday to Friday their lessons learnt will be tested as the teams head to Leonora, West Coast Demerara, to help build emotional and social skills.

Venezuela: The political stand-off fuelling an economic collapse Part 2

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ut a lethal combination of repression and daily privation is sapping the will of a once-feisty population. Luis Vicente León, director of Datanálisis, a polling and market research firm in Caracas, points to survey numbers indicating the Venezuelan state of mind. Forty-nine per cent feel sadness, 41 per cent anxiety, 35 per cent rage, 31 per cent mistrust and 27 per cent frustration. Most of the emotions are passive, he explains: the people are in deep shock.

And the Chávez myth dies hard, as evidenced by polls suggesting that up to a fifth of Venezuelans still consider themselves supporters. On a hilltop overlooking central Caracas lies a military fort from which Chávez launched his first attempt at taking power, a failed military coup in 1992. Now it is a mausoleum for his outsized tomb guarded by four soldiers.

Daxis Mosquera, a lawyer who volunteers her services to escort visitors, bristled at the suggestion that Chávez, “the greatest man who ever lived” was merely buried there. “The supreme commander is not buried,” she explained. “He is superimposed.”

With his legacy still superimposed on Venezuela, there are few immediate signs that Chávez’s heirs will be dislodged from power.

Nicolás Maduro’s Government might seem iso-

lated in the West, but it has plenty of support around the globe. China, Russia, Turkey, Cuba, Iran and much of the developing world stand behind it; Venezuela is President of the nonaligned movement of 120 nations.

Havana plays a central role. In return for regular shipments of Venezuelan oil, Cuba provides an estimated 2000 intelligence officers (“the central nervous system of the regime”, as one US official describes them) as well as Maduro’s personal bodyguards.

Russia provides military equipment, defence advisers and oil investment via State-controlled energy company Rosneft. China builds Venezuela’s buses and, according to a Reuters report, Chinese telecom group ZTE has a key role in producing the electronic “fatherland card”. This controls access to the subsidised monthly food boxes distributed by the Government upon which millions of poorer Venezuelans rely.

Turkey has provided strong diplomatic support to

Maduro and sells Venezuela food, as well as acting as a conduit for gold mined from the Amazon region. Iran is another strong backer.

While most Latin American nations have sided with Guaidó, left-wing Governments in Mexico and Uruguay have maintained ties with Maduro.

The other key to the regime’s survival is the Venezuelan talent for improvisation. Statistics of plunging food consumption suggest that mass starvation is

imminent. In reality, though part of the population suffers severe malnutrition, many poorer citizens have found ways to survive: scavenging rubbish dumps, tearing fruit from trees in streets and parks, growing their own vegetables and tapping the growing Diaspora abroad for money.

Regime officials and senior military and Police Officers have proved similarly inventive in the face of US sanctions. Drug trafficking, gold mining, logging and fuel smuggling offer lucrative hard currency profits which fill some of the gap.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin last week accused Maduro and his family of profiting from a Government-run food aid programme, saying they had pocketed “hundreds of millions of dollars through a number of fraudulent schemes”.(Excerpt from Financial Times)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, AUGUST 6, 2019

Regional

Colombia to grant citizenship to Brazil drug dealer dresses up as children of Venezuelan parents daughter in bungled jail escape

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C

olombia has said it will grant citizenship to more than 24,000 children born in the country to parents from crisis-hit Venezuela since 2015, as well as to those who will be born over the next two years, in a move aimed at preventing them from being stateless.

These children have been stuck in legal limbo with no identity documents or proof of citizenship in any country.

There are few Venezuelan consulates abroad and travel home is often difficult and dangerous, leaving migrant parents, including many who left without a passport, with no way to register their newborns for documentation.

"Today, we are supporting these defenceless children who want to have the right to have a nationality, and we proudly tell them that they are Colombians," Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Monday.

"Colombia has shown the world that the way of xenophobia is the wrong way," he

President Ivan Duque said children born in the country to Venezuelan parents will be given Colombian citizenship [Luisa

Gonzalez /Reuters]

told Journalists.

Venezuela is mired in one of the worst economic crises in its history, with a quarter of its 30 million population in need of aid, according to the United Nations.

More than 3.2 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2016, fleeing hyperinflation and widespread shortages of basic goods. Neighbouring Colombia has taken in the

largest number: 1.3 million.

Caracas broke off diplomatic relations with Bogota in February over Duque's support for Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself acting President in January.

Guaidó’s move was a direct challenge to President Nicolás Maduro's authority, sparking a power struggle that has ground to an impasse. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

At US-Mexico border, a bus becomes a school for migrant children in limbo

Migrant children take lessons at a bus converted into a classroom as part of Schools On Wheels programme by California's “Yes We Can” organisation, in Tijuana, Mexico, August 2, 2019

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he children crammed into the bus and sat in two neat lines, poring over notebooks at desks where once there had been passenger seats. From the overhead baggage bins, a teacher hung their exploits: coloured alphabet letters, watercolour paintings.

In the border city of Tijuana just miles from the US border, in a dirt parking lot adjoining a migrant shelter, that bus is offering a rare chance at school to Central American and Mexican children.

For most of the several dozen who have passed through the programme since

it began in mid-July, education was a distant dream in the weeks or months since their parents decided to uproot and head north to seek refuge or a better life.

Estefania Rebellon, director of the programme called “Yes We Can”, said it offers specialised bilingual education for children who tend to have low literacy and struggle with social skills.

Providing care and security are important too.

“These are children from very dangerous areas, where they have very big issues with trust,” she said. Despite a shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, over the week-

end that left 22 people dead, including eight Mexicans, she said the violence they saw in their home countries was likely worse. Police say the gunman posted a racist, anti-immigrant manifesto before the shooting.

She said it was upsetting that vulnerable people could not count on finding safety in the United States, even to run basic errands such as back-to-school shopping.

“It’s atrocious that there’s the amount of hate in this country that’s been converted into mass shootings. It’s taken innocent lives,” she said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

TTPS: Body in shark is fake news

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he Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has issued a statement debunking what it calls false news after graphic pictures began circulating of a shark being found and cut open with body parts falling out.

It reminded members of the public to be cautious of false information sent via social media, which can cause unnecessary panic and anx-

iety.

A release stated that “photos circulating on social media showing human remains inside a dead shark did not originate from Trinidad and Tobago”.

It added that “the persons seen in the photo bringing the dead shark ashore, are not members of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard” and “two fishermen: 30-year-

old Jason Baptiste and 19-year-old Justin Kissoon, still remain missing at sea”.

“Members of the public are advised to check and stay updated with TTPS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for accurate information on matters relating to crime, policing and of national interest,” the release concluded. (Trinidad Guardian)

drug dealer in Brazil was caught trying to escape from the jail where he was locked up by disguising himself as his 19-year-old daughter.

Prison authorities in Rio de Janeiro released a video showing the inmate wearing a wig, a silicone mask, a bra and a tight-fitting T-shirt.

The 42-year-old removes the items one by one to reveal a muscular physique very unlike that of his daughter.

Officials said the daughter could be charged with aiding a prison escape.

They said the 19-year-old had come to visit her father, Clauvino da Silva, at the jail

Guards said they were not fooled by Silva's disguise

in Rio de Janeiro known as Bangu 3, where he was serving a sentence of 73 years and 10 months.

The prison authorities said Silva was planning to leave his daughter behind

while he made a dash for freedom by impersonating her.

But the guards were not fooled by the homemade disguise, and after making him pose in front of the prison for photos they released to the press, the convict was returned to a cell.

It was not the first time an inmate left a relative inside in an escape attempt.

Last year, a Peruvian fugitive drugged his twin brother during a visit and left the twin to serve his sentence.

The authorities did not discover the swap until the fugitive was captured more than a year after his escape.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

CTO to highlight contributions of Indigenous people to regional tourism

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he Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) says it will highlight the contributions made by Indigenous people to the regional tourism industry when it holds its Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in St Vincent and the Grenadines later this month.

It said that the August 26-29 event will discuss how Indigenous communities across the Caribbean are accessing tourism markets and welcoming visitors to encounter their traditional ways of life.

The CTO said that the matter would be discussed during a pan-

el discussion entitled “Indigenous Conversations — Celebrating Our Past, Embracing Our Future” on August 27.

“The session will look at the changing composition of local livelihoods and demonstrate how the Region's Indigenous people have a tangible role and stake in the Caribbean tourism value chain. Indigenous communities are utilising tourism markets to embrace expanded entrepreneurial opportunities, adding new dimensions to their sources of income, and create niches that are increasingly sought after,” the CTO said in a statement.

It said that among the

speakers will be Uwahnie Martinez, the director of Palmento Grove Garifuna Eco Cultural & Fishing Institute in Belize, a private island retreat owned and operated by local Garifuna people; Colonel Marcia “Kim” Douglas of Jamaica's Charles Town Maroon Community; a representative of the Indian Creek Mayan Art Women's Group of Belize and Rudolph Edwards, the Toshao (chief) of Rewa village in Guyana, a small Amerindian community of about 300 people, mostly from the Makushi tribe, who founded the Rewa EcoLodge in 2005 in an effort to protect their land for generations to come. (Excerpt from CMC)

Jamaican on ganja charges in St Vincent granted bail

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High Court judge has offered a Jamaican man charged with possession of more than 30 pounds of marijuana, EC$20,000 (US$7400) bail after the Serious Offences Court had earlier denied his application for bail.

Justice Brian Cottle granted bail to accused Novian Travis Vaughn Mullings, charged with possession of 13,995 grams (30.85lbs) of cannabis with intent to supply. Mullings had pleaded not guilty also to the charge attempting to

export the drug.

The prosecution alleges that he had the drug in a suitcase while attempting to board a flight to Barbados at the Argyle International Airport on the night of July 28. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolton warns China, Russia not to double down on support of Maduro

U

S National Security Adviser John Bolton on Monday warned China and Russia not to double down in support of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying Venezuela might not repay its debt to them after Maduro falls.

Bolton said a democratically elected Government in Venezuela may view the two countries as hostile powers for supporting what he called the “criminal regime” of Maduro for so long, and could opt not to pay them back billions of dollars in loans.

Ongoing support for

Maduro “could affect repayment of their debt after Maduro falls”, Bolton told Journalists in Peru on the eve of a summit there on Venezuela’s political crisis.

Bolton said he would give a speech at the summit that outlines a new US initiative to find a peaceful transfer of power in Venezuela. Russia and China turned down invitations from Peru to attend the gathering of more than 50 countries.

The United States, most Latin American countries, and most Western democracies have called for Maduro to step down, recognis-

ing Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s rightful President.

In January, Guaidó invoked the Constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro’s 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

Russia and China continue to back Maduro, who has called Guaidó a puppet of the United States and retains control of most institutions.

Guaidó and his allies have repeatedly argued that China and Russia are more likely to collect on their loans to Venezuela with Maduro out of office. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESday, august 6, 2019

17

Around the World

India scraps special status Libya conflict: Drone strike kills dozens for Kashmir

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ndia on Monday revoked the special status of Kashmir, the Himalayan region that has long been a flashpoint in ties with neighbouring Pakistan, moving to grasp its only Muslim-majority region more tightly.

In the most far-reaching political move in one of the world’s most militarised regions in nearly seven decades, India said it would scrap a constitutional provision that allows the state of Jammu and Kashmir to make its own laws.

“The entire Constitution will be applicable to Jammu and Kashmir,” Interior Minister Amit Shah told Parliament, as Opposition lawmakers voiced loud pro-

Indian security personnel patrol on deserted road during restrictions in Srinagar, August 5, 2019

tests against the repeal.

Foreign Ministry officials later briefed envoys of several countries on the changes to the State’s administrative status, saying they were

aimed at promoting good governance, social justice and economic development.

The Government also lifted a ban on property purchases by non-residents,

ly breaking a brief monthlong ceasefire in the bruising trade war.

Beijing’s retaliation, the first time the yuan breached the seven-per-dollar level since May 2008 and the onset of the global financial crisis, could unleash a fullblown currency war - a dangerous new front in trade hostilities - analysts said.

The move was timed to allow markets to finally factor in concerns around the trade war, as well as weak-

ening economic growth, sources told the Reuters news agency on Monday.

Global bond markets immediately felt an impact, with Bloomberg reporting German and UK yields falling to fresh record lows after China asked State companies to suspend imports of US agricultural products.

“The fact that [The People’s Bank of China] has now stopped defending 7.00 against the dollar suggests

opening the way for Indians to invest and settle there, just as they can elsewhere in India. The measure is likely to provoke a backlash in the region.

Pakistan, which also claims Kashmir, said it strongly condemned the decision, which is bound to further strain ties between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Hours earlier the Indian Government launched a security crackdown in the region, arresting local leaders, suspending telephone and internet services and restricting public movement in the main city of Srinagar.

There was heavy deployment of security forces across the city, but no signs of protest. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Yuan devaluation draws new battle lines in US-China trade war

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nited States President Donald Trump has lashed out at China after the yuan was allowed to drop below the landmark seven-per-dollar threshold for the first time in more than a decade.

Monday’s sharp 1.4 per cent drop in the yuan came days after Trump stunned financial markets by vowing to impose 10 per cent tariffs on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese imports from September 1, abrupt-

that they have all but abandoned hopes for a trade deal with the US,” Capital Economics Senior China Economist Julian EvansPritchard told Reuters.

In a statement on Monday, the central bank linked the yuan’s weakness to the fallout from the trade war but said it would not change its currency policy and that two-way fluctuations in the yuan’s value were normal. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

In June, an air strike on a migrant centre outside Tripoli killed 44 people

A

t least 42 people have died in a drone strike in south-western Libya carried out by the forces of rebel Gen Khalifa Haftar, local officials said.

The strike hit a town hall meeting in the town of Murzuq, reports said.

Gen Haftar’s forces which are based in eastern Libya - said they targeted the town late on Sunday, but denied targeting civilians.

The country has been torn by conflict since the fall of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The airstrike left “42 dead and more than 60 injured, 30 of them critically” at the town hall in Qalaa neighbourhood, where more than 200 people were at a meeting “to settle social differences”, council official Ibrahim Omar told AFP news agency.

Local media earlier reported that the strike had

hit a wedding party.

The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) condemned the attack on social media and accused Gen Haftar’s forces of carrying it out.

It also urged the UN to “carry out an investigation into the crimes committed by Haftar’s militias in Murzuq”.

Pro-Haftar media outlets said the attack had targeted Chadian mercenaries, which is how they refer to the Tebu ethnic group which opposes Gen Haftar.

Months of fighting between the GNA and Haftar’s forces has claimed more than 1000 lives since April, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This is the second time in two months that an airstrike thought to be by Gen Haftar’s forces has resulted in mass civilian casualties.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Italy Government wins confidence vote Deadly blast outside Cairo on decree targeting migrant rescue ships hospital ‘terrorist incident’

T

he Italian Government on Monday won a confidence vote in the Senate on a decree targeting charities operating migrant rescue ships, in a victory for Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and his farright League party.

The Government of the League and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement has been riven by internal strife in recent weeks but won the vote by 160 to 57.

It would have had to resign had it lost the motion.

The decree drawn up

by Salvini, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, toughens sanctions on charity ships that seek to bring migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to Italy.

The decree had already been passed by the Lower House and so now becomes

Italy’s Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini

law just a couple of days before Parliament closes on Wednesday for the summer recess.

Confidence votes are often used by Italian Governments as a way of speeding legislation through

Parliament, truncating debate and sweeping away Opposition amendments.

The decree hikes maximum fines for ships that enter Italian waters without authorisation to 1 million euros (US$1.12 million) from a previous 50,000. It also provides for the arrest of captains who ignore orders to stay away and calls on naval authorities to seize their boats automatically.

Salvini has clashed repeatedly with humanitarian groups that pick up migrants off the coast of Libya with the aim of bringing them to Italy, preventing them from docking until other EU countries agree to take in most of them.

Salvini’s popularity has soared on the back of his uncompromising, anti-migrant position. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

n explosion in Cairo on Sunday evening which killed 20 people was terrorist-related, Egypt’s President has said.

A car drove at high speed in the wrong direction, crashing into three others outside a cancer hospital in central Cairo, causing an explosion.

Another 47 people were injured, at least three of them critically, a Health Ministry spokesman added.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sent condolences to families of those killed in the “cowardly terrorist incident”.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the Egyptian people and the families of the martyrs killed in the cowardly terrorist incident in the vicinity of the Kasr al-Aini area yesterday eve-

Parts of the National Cancer Institute in central Cairo were reduced to rubble

ning,” he wrote in a tribute to the victims on his official social media accounts.

The crash sparked a fire that forced the evacuation of nearby buildings. Images of blazing cars and plumes of smoke have been widely shared on social media.

Khaled Megahed, spokesman for the Health

Trump condemns white supremacy after El Paso mass shooting

P

resident Donald Trump says the United Statesmust “condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy” after a mass shooting in the state of Texas that authorities said appeared to be a racially motivated hate crime.

“The shooter in El Paso posted a

manifesto online, consumed by racist hate,” Trump said on Monday in a televised address to the nation from the White House.

“In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy,” he added. “These sinister ideologies must be defeated.

Hate has no place in America.”

Hours after the El Paso shooting, another gunman in Dayton, Ohio, killed nine people. Police said on Monday that there was “no indication” of a racial motive in the second attack.

Trump blamed the nexus of mental illness, violence in video games

and the internet for the deadly mass shootings. He directed the FBI to “disrupt hate crimes and domestic terrorism”, and ordered the Department of Justice to propose legislation setting the death penalty for those who commit such crimes. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ministry, said the wounded were suffering from “several burns of varying degrees”.

Some 78 cancer patients who were being treated inside the hospital have now been transferred to other facilities, he added.

The prosecutor general has ordered an investigation into the causes of the crash, while the police said they suspected it was carried out

by Hasm, an armed affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The explosion caused damage to the structure of the hospital, one witness told Reuters news agency.

Images showed investigators scouring the scene overnight while armed Police stood guard. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

18

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Take a day trip, sign up for something that will expand your mind or kick back with someone who brings out the best in you and make today memorable.

Being thorough with your plans will eliminate backtracking. Spend time with someone who encourages you to rigorously prioritise your time.

Maintain balance and integrity.

Sit tight and watch what unfolds. Getting involved too quickly in someone else’s plans will turn out to be a costly misadventure that could ruin the relationship.

Make plans with a loved one and do what you can to improve the relationship. A promise you make will encourage a positive change to your living arrangements.

Stick to what you enjoy doing and to the people whom you can trust to be reasonable and reliable.

Don’t let someone from your past disrupt your life.

Live up to your promises. Consistency on your part will play a role in the way others react to you and the support you receive. Moderation will be in your best interest.

Take an educational trip. Visit a place that will give insight into something you’d like to try.

Expand your interests and teach people close to you what you’ve learned.

Don’t let your past interfere with your future. Someone will mislead you if given a chance.

Concentrate on what you know, and trust your instincts to push you in the right direction.

Simplicity and moderation are essential if you want to avoid being compelled to make an unnecessary purchase, pay for someone else’s poor judgment or get involved in something you shouldn’t.

You’ll thrive on change, new beginnings and investment in your ideas and skills. Embrace what life has to offer and include someone as eager as you to excel.

Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you. Do your wheeling and dealing and look for opportunities that will help you enhance your qualifications and skills. Concentrate on advancement.

You’ll thrive on excitement and adventure, but do your homework before you jump into something.

Someone will lavishly embellish the facts to entice you; be careful.

tuesday, august 6, 2019

19

Australia seal crushing win in 1st Ashes Test as England collapse T

he end for England was swift, ugly and emphatic: they were bundled out for 146 by 3.15pm.

At the conclusion of a cacophonous Ashes Test all the noise came from the Australia fans in the Hollies Stand: “Same old Aussies. Always winning,” they chanted. It was a numbing defeat for Joe Root’s team, who had been ahead for two days but after five were overwhelmed by 251 runs. They have nine days to recover before the teams meet at Lord’s.

For Australia this was the best type of victory: from 122 for eight on the first day, from a first-innings deficit of 90, whereupon their class performers came to the fore. The inevitable man of the match, Steve Smith, was brilliant in both innings and on the final day Nathan Lyon exploited a dry, brown surface with the ruthless efficiency of the gnarled old pro. Four more wickets at Lord’s next week and Lyon overtakes Dennis Lillee as the third highest wicket-taker for Australia in Test cricket.

Here Lyon tormented England on a pitch behaving as it should on the fifth day of a Test; there was turn, sometimes sharp, usually slow.

Lyon knew the conditions were in his favour. Picture him rubbing his hands with glee overnight, anticipating how he was going to hound English batsmen left with nothing to play for except the draw. “This is my day; these are my conditions,” he must have been saying, a conversation that Moeen Ali has sel-

Australia celebrate after dismissing England’s Jonny Bairstow during the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston (Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian)

dom had with himself.

This was a day for Lyon to cash in. Some patience was required but not much.

Lyon’s first wicket came in his fourth over, a nerve-settler. After that he gave the batsmen no respite. e probed at pace – he has become one of the quicker spinners in the world – and as Jason Roy discovered it is not so easy to advance down the track to him; the ball is not in the air for long and it is always fizzing as it leaves his hand. On this biscuit-coloured surface there were now crumbs and more often than not the ball gripped upon them. Cameron

Bancroft at short leg was on constant alert.

At the other end the Australian pacemen scented a special victory. There was not much in the pitch for them but they tore in and were on target. Not for a second did they look betrayed by the sluggishness of the surface. On this occasion Pat Cummins, unrelenting in his well-directed pace and aggression, was rewarded with the other four wickets.

This has been a gruelling, closely fought Test, but look at the eventual margin of victory and it becomes a humiliation. If this was the most

satisfying of victories for the Australians, which has their confidence soaring, it is the most galling imaginable for England, leaving them with so many problems ahead of the Lord’s Test. The blunt yet undeniable truth is that the Australians have two pace bowlers currently on the sidelines, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who would be inked into England’s team for that match. And they have a man called Smith. England have no Anderson and are likely to pin their hopes on a debutant who will be preparing for a Test by bowling for Sussex second XI in midweek.

Moreover they have too many players out of form: Moeen, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler.

At the start there was no indication that a funereal procession was imminent. The Surrey pair bedded in without too many alarms but then Cummins surprised Rory Burns with a short delivery which jagged off the pitch towards the off-side. Burns was left fending at the ball in ungainly fashion and it lobbed gently to Lyon at cover, an odd dismissal.

Roy and Root batted sedately enough, sweeping Lyon occasionally, which seemed as effective as any statutory forward prod against the turning ball. Then Roy advanced with purpose but no handbrake. He was aiming to hit an off-break from Lyon in the general direction of the city centre and, when failing to get near to the pitch of the ball, he carried on regardless.

The ball turned between bat and pad before hitting the stumps. If Roy continues as England’s Test opener it may be necessary to become accustomed to a few dismissals like that. Until then he had looked the part, but he has yet to acquire the knack of giving the appearance that he has just been dismissed by an unplayable delivery.

It was not a good way to go and his departure settled any nerves that Lyon may have been feeling. Remaining wicketless for long on a spinning pitch can addle the brains. Lyon relaxed now. He merely raised eyebrows when Joe Denly slog-swept him for two boundaries. Then he plugged that gap at midwicket to make the batsman play with a vertical bat. Soon after Denly was caught at short leg via bat and pad. Root followed in similar fashion, though this time the catch came from the bat alone.

The procession gained in speed after lunch when it became positively indecorous.

Buttler, blocking dutifully, was skittled by Cummins; Bairstow soon fended against the same bowler and was caught in the slip cordon; Ben Stokes edged a beauty from Lyon, who polished up the other left-handers without delay. Moeen avoided his pair but his place at Lord’s is far from secure. Chris Woakes hit a few consolatory boundaries and will certainly be on patrol in the next Test. He looks one of the few England players on top of his game.

Cummins finished with four for 32 while Australia’s off-spinner, who missed a great chance of a hat-trick since it was a hobbling Jimmy Anderson who denied him, ended with figures of six for 49. The Lyon will sleep well tonight. (The Guardian)

South Africa’s leading wicket-taker retires SCOREBOARD from Test cricket S 3

Dale Steyn played 93 Tests for South Africa and had a bowling average of 22.95

outh Africa’s leading wicket-taker Dale Steyn has retired from Test cricket to prolong his playing career.

The 36-year-old fast bowler, who was forced out of the World Cup this summer by a shoulder injury, made his Test debut in 2004 and took 439 wickets.

He will continue to be available for one-day and T20 internationals.

“It’s terrible to consider never playing another Test

again but what’s more terrifying is the thought of never playing again at all,” he said.

Steyn is eighth in the all-time Test bowling list and took 26 five-wicket hauls, with a best of 7-51.

“Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much,” he added.

“In my opinion Test cricket is the best version of this game. It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally.

“I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s for the rest of my career to maximise my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport.” (BBC Sport)

Australia – 284 & 487/7d England 374 England 2nd Innings (target: 398 runs) RJ Burns c Lyon b Cummins . . 11 JJ Roy b Lyon . . . . . . . . . .28 JE Root (c) c Bancroft b Lyon . 28 JL Denly c Bancroft b Lyon . . 11 JC Buttler b Cummins . . . . .1 BA Stokes c †Paine b Lyon . . . 6 JM Bairstow † c Bancroft b Cummins . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MM Ali c Warner b Lyon . . . 4 CR Woakes c Smith b Cummins . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 SCJ Broad c Smith b Lyon . . .0 JM Anderson not out . . . . .4

Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 2) . . . . .10 TOTAL 146 all out (52.3 Overs, RR: 2.78) Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Rory Burns, 9.5 ov), 2-60 (Jason Roy, 21.2 ov), 3-80 (Joe Denly, 25.5 ov), 4-85 (Joe Root, 29.1 ov), 5-85 (Jos Buttler, 32.6 ov), 6-97 (Jonny Bairstow, 36.6 ov), 7-97 (Ben Stokes, 37.1 ov), 8-136 (Moeen Ali, 47.3 ov), 9-136 (Stuart Broad, 47.4 ov), 10146 (Chris Woakes, 52.3 ov) BOWLING: PM Siddle (122-28-0), NM Lyon (20-5-496), JL Pattinson (8-1-29-0), PJ Cummins (11.3-3-32-4), SPD Smith (1-1-0-0)

20

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tuesday, august 6, 2019

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iverpool have signed former West Ham keeper Adrian to replace Simon Mignolet, who has joined Club Bruges.

Adrian, 32, was available on a free transfer having been released by the Hammers during the summer.

He played 150 times in six years for West Ham after joining them from Real Betis in 2013.

The Spaniard will fill the gap as Liverpool’s back-up to first-choice Alisson Becker after Belgium keeper Mignolet’s £6.4m transfer to Bruges.

“I’m very ambitious, I come here to try to win everything, to try to push Ali from the first minute and to make us better,” said Adrian.

“Obviously I want to win titles. I come here to fight for all the competitions.

“We have many competitions ahead - we’re going to fight for it and try to get them.”

Adrian joins teenagers Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliott in signing for the European champions this summer.

Man City in talks with Juventus over swap

Manchester City are in talks with Juventus over a deal to sign Portugal rightback Joao Cancelo with Brazil full-back Danilo moving the other way.

There is no agreement yet but City manager Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen his options on the right.

City, who also have £45m England rightback Kyle Walker in their squad, are expected to pay a fee in addition to 28-year-old

Joao Cancelo (right) played for Juventus in a pre-season friendly against Tottenham (Getty Images)

Danilo joining Juve.

Cancelo, 25, has also played further forward as well as at left-back.

He joined Juventus from Valencia for £35m in 2018 after spending a season on loan at Inter Milan.

Cancelo was part of the Portugal squad that won the Nations League earlier this summer although he did not play.

City signed Danilo from Real Madrid for £26.5m in 2017.

He has been involved in the Blues’ back-

to-back Premier League title wins but has rarely been viewed as a first-choice.

Danilo has made 60 appearances in all competitions but only 22 league starts, the last of which came against Cardiff on 3 April.

Derby County keen for Rooney as player-coach

The former England skipper still has over two seasons left on the contract he signed with Major League Soccer team DC United last summer.

However, Rams owner Mel Morris feels

Rooney could provide the impetus required to get the club back into the Premier League.

Rooney has made no secret of his desire to go into coaching and Derby feel that could also be a factor.

It is not known how close talks are to reaching a successful conclusion but the fact they have taken place and Derby remain optimistic is viewed as a positive sign.

Derby appointed Rooney’s former international team-mate Frank Lampard as their manager last season, although he has since moved on to Chelsea.

Speaking about his managerial aspirations at last week’s MLS All-Stars match, Rooney said: “It’s something which I want to stay involved in; [my coaching badges] are going well.

“I’m obviously still a player and I want to continue to play. When the time is right I can go into coaching or management.”

Rooney is contracted to his American club until the end of the 2021 season and said: “You never know what comes up and I think by the end of the contract I will see how I feel physically and make the decision on whether I can carry on playing or whether I have to stop.”

Asked about the Rooney rumours, current Derby boss Phillip Cocu told BBC Radio Derby: “I can’t say anything about that we’re working hard to complete the team and we always try to find the best player in a certain position.

“In the world of football, we cannot speak before it is signed.” (BBC Sport)

Belgian cyclist dies following We have cleared Russell crash during the Tour de Pologne to play in Global T20 B

elgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht has died at the age of 22 following a crash during stage three of the Tour de Pologne.

Lambrecht crashed around 60 miles from the end of the race from Chorzow to Zabrze in Poland.

He was taken by helicopter to hospital where he later died on Monday.

“The biggest tragedy possible that could happen to the family, friends and teammates of Bjorg has happened. Rest in peace,” said his team Lotto-Soudal.

Race director Czeslaw Lang said: “It wasn’t a high-speed descent. It was a straight and wide road.

“He had a moment of hesitation, he left the asphalt and the tragedy occurred.

“The injuries were so serious that we called for a helicopter and an ambulance. He was transported to hospital. His heart started beating again but he sadly died during the operation.”

Lambrecht was riding in his second season at the top level of professional cycling and had been regarded as one of Belgium’s most promis-

ing riders.

He won the under-23s’ version of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race in 2017 and finished second in the U23 World Championships last year.

German Pascal Ackermann, who was given the stage victory after the win was taken from Fabio Jakobsen for an irregular sprint heading into the finish line, said “the result of the race doesn’t matter”.

“I was devastated to hear today’s tragic news and I would like to personally send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bjorg Lambrecht and everyone at Lotto-Soudal,” he added.

Alejandro Valverde, the 2018 world road race champion, added: “Deeply sorry for the loss of Bjorg Lambrecht, a cyclist who had demonstrated a lot in a few years.

“My deepest condolences to family, friends and team.” (BBC Sport)

Bjorg Lambrecht was regarded as one of Belgium’s most promising riders (Getty Images)

Canada – Johnny Grave

J

ohnny Grave, Cricket West Indies chief executive, has cleared the air regarding allrounder Andre Russell’s participation in the ongoing Global T20 Canada.

Russell had opted out of the three-match T20I series against India due to an injury, but he turned up for Vancouver Knights to play in the T20 tournament in Canada.

“We cleared him fit to play in Canada as a batsman. To monitor his fitness every day, a couple of our physios are over in the GT20.

So we’ve got that oversight with Andre and his knee,” ESPN Cricinfo quoted Grave as saying.

“But there’s a massive difference between playing in domestic cricket to international cricket. Our fans really want to see Andre Russell at a 100 per cent while playing here against India: batting at 100 per cent, bowling at 100 per cent, fielding dynamically outside the circle at 100 per cent,” he added.

Grave also said that Russell’s injuries will not probably be fully solved, and he said the player has been given time to heal and gain fitness for international level matches.

“His injuries are probably not going to be ones that are ever going to be fully solved.

Like many other sportsmen, like the Beckhams and the Ibrahimovics that have knee injuries, daily rehab is going to be part of his life for the rest of his playing career.

We hope that he just takes our medical advice, strengthens his knee and hopefully when he’s back to 100 per cent fitness he’ll be back wearing maroon,” Grave said.

Russell has had a history of injuries as in the Indian Premier League this year, he

came out to represent Kolkata Knight Riders with a shoulder injury. Cricket West Indies Chief Executive said that the main objective of team management is to get Russell back to full fitness.

“We’re positive and thinking about the best.

Our thought for the moment is we want Andre to fully recover and get back to full fitness as the dynamic allrounder, but if Andre Russell has to become just a batsman, then the selectors will select him based on his performances and on that criteria,” Grave said.

“But at the moment, I know he wants to continue. He loves bowling. He wants to be an allrounder and hopefully, he’s doing everything he can to ensure that happens by following his rehab, listening to the medical advice and taking it easy. So it’s good to see him not playing every game in Canada, managing his knee and managing his rehab,” he added.

West Indies have lost opening two T20Is in the three-match series against India. The team lost the first match by four wickets whereas they lost the second by 22 runs. (ANI)

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Romario Shepherd is a proud product of Tucber Park

he New Amsterdam-based Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) is set to host a weeklong summer camp -- its first official cricket camp in New Amsterdam, and one geared to teach the basic skills of cricketing to youngsters, although other life skills, like leadership, the importance of education, etc. would feature therein.

The camp also aims to provide children with opportunity to be part of a sporting organisation, so they can be meaningfully occupied with extra-curricular activities which can one day result in them representing Guyana and the West Indies.

The camp will be held at the Berbice High School, beginning

on August 12 and ending on August 17.

Sessions would last from 09:00 hours to noon each day. Young boys and girls aged at least 10 and living around the area are invited to participate in the camp.

Former national youth player and Berbice senior team batsman Anthony D’Andrade would be coordinating the activities of the camp. He has completed the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level 2 Coaching course held last month at the National Stadium.

The head coach is National Under-19 Coach Julian Moore, a CWI Level 3-qualified coach and member of the coaching staff attached to the national senior team.

Moore’s assistant is Tremayne Smartt, the West Indies female all-rounder who is herself a recently qualified CWI Level 2 Coach.

Tucber Park has produced Jeremy Gordon, who played first class cricket for

Guyana in 2006/07; West Indies ‘A’ and Guyana Amazon Warriors player Romario Shepherd; and Eugene La Fleur, who captained the Guyana U-19 Team in 2008.

Currently playing in the GT20 tournament, Gordon has played for Canada also.

Anthony D’Andrade, who has played in the UWI Vice Chancellor vs Zimbabwe Team match in 2010, is also on the team.

In addition to these players, Tucber Park has produced numerous national players at the junior level. Those include Garfield Benjamin and Leon Swamy, who is currently in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Parents/guardians interested in having their loved ones participate in this camp are asked to contact coordinator Anthony D’Andrade (655-4638), head coach Julian Moore (615-9239) or assistant coach Tremayne Smartt (682-2389) to register.

Pan American Games 2019

Edghill falls short in table tennis encounter

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he Guyana Contingent at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru chalked up yet another loss on the international stage, this time in the table tennis arena.

Guyana’s lone table tennis representative at these Games was Chelsea Edghill, who secured her qualification for the 2019 Games in Guatemala earlier this year. However, once Edghill got to the Pan-Am Games in Peru, she was pitted against Paola Medina of Colombia for the women’s singles’ competition.

Medina has a wealth of experience in the sport, the 30-year-old having played at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and is currently a professional player in Spain. Coming up against such an experienced campaigner, Edghill had needed to

produce a miraculous performance to advance to the next round of play. Once they had paddles in hand, Edghill went down to Medina 4-0.

The Guyanese put up a strong fight in two of the games, pushing the scores to 13, but still being unable to get past Medina’s experience. Thus she lost 11-3, 13-11, 11-9 and 13-11.

“Tough loss today, not the result I was hoping for, but the experience was great and the support of the Guyanese people was amazing,” Edghill stated in a Social Media post following her defeat.

Guyana will now be looking to their track-and-field athletes for impressive performances, if the contingent is to return home with a Pan-Am medal from this 2019 outing.

Chelsea Edghill during training in Lima, Peru

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The Rising Star team

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he Rising Stars Cricket Club has been one of the most promising clubs to have emerged as of recent. Having won consecutive T20 titles within 2019 thus far, club captain Elroy Fernandes is optimistic that this team could prove much to its detractors in the intermediate future.

Rising Stars Club has, in the past, participated in several tournaments from which it has emerged runners-up.

However, its players have never missed opportunities to

pick up individual awards in those tournaments.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Fernandes said, “One of the things that have been pushing us is the fact that we have been given a land to use as a form of developing cricket in the West Demerara area. The reason why these guys are so determined is because, when we win these tournaments, the finance we receive can be used to develop the ground we have, which in turn has benefited our cricket.

“Despite having individual players who perform exceptionally, we are not a team that promotes one person; we believe in ourselves as a team.

Our club consists of 47 cricketers. We have an ‘A’ Team, ‘B’ Team and Under-19 team. our desire is to host one of the first female T20 competitions on the West Demerara, when the ground has been completed,” Fernandes has declared.

He said his desire is to showcase the team to Guyana by having the team travel to

Some of the developmental work being done on the field

various communities, competing in competitions and dominating with ease.

He declared it his intention that, through recognition, players can play cricket at a higher level and provide for their families.

He also said that besides playing cricket, the club assists in providing employment for its players, and his belief

is that he should be able to use his platform to invest in the lives of the club’s players.

His fervent desire, he said, is that while still in its developmental process, the club would be able to upgrade its pitch to First Division standard and continue its offthe-field work by investing in the lives of its players.

22

tuesday, august 6, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

CONCACAF U-15 Championships…

Junior Jags go down to Nicaragua 3-0

T

he Guyana team (Junior Jaguars) in the CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ Championships on Monday suffered their first defeat: a 3-nil drubbing at the hands of Nicaragua.

The Junior Jaguars’ starting XI -- comprised of Dwayne Bess, Zakeel Flatts, Tyquan Brummel, Kevin Mullin, Brandon Solomon, Romel Medas, Rajan Ramdeholl (C), Samuel Garnette, Antwone Vasconcellos, Colin Henriques and Shoran James -- were off to a rocky start, and couldn’t regain their footing after an early goal from their opponents.

A fumble by the Guyana goalkeeper in the fourth minute allowed José Corrales to tuck the ball into the net for Nicaragua’s lead; and although Guyana then mounted a stronger defense, it was not enough to restrain Roger Gómez from scoring in the 30th minute.

With a 2-0 lead by the half, the Nicaraguans became more relaxed in their approach, although still keen on scoring. Osmin Salinas later added another to the tally for Nicaragua’s 3-0 win.

Still in Group ‘E’ action, the Cayman Islands also collected three points in a 1-0 fi-

The Guyana Under-15 team

nal over the Bahamas, thanks to a goal from Shameer Hendricks-Seymour in the 3rd minute (3’).

“I must say that we are disappointed in the performance today. We’re disappointed because we were let down by the players’ not believing in the process that we worked on throughout the preparation period,” Coach Brian Joseph said about the team’s performance on Monday.

In Division 1: Group A, Reigning CBU-15 Champion Mexico were held to a 1-1 draw against visiting team Israel, while Curacao and Panama shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Over in Group B, the United States pocketed their second win of the tournament with a 3-0 result over Guatemala, thanks to scores from Víctor Valdez (10’), Osvaldo Cisneros (17’) and

Windies A, India A to culminate series today

Chemar Holder is the leading wicket-taker in the series

A

fter five One Day matches and two four-day unofficial Tests, West Indies A and India A will today (Tuesday, August 6) meet to contest the third and final Test, which bowls off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from 9:30 hours local time.

India A have dominated these encounters, thus far registering a 4-1 win in the One Day series and clinching the Test series 2-0 with one match still to go. In the two unofficial Tests played thus far, India’s Priyank Panchal has racked up 180 runs at an average of 45.

He has a high score of 68, with two half-centuries to his name.

No batsman has hitherto converted any start into a century, but with the Test se-

ries between the senior teams of the West Indies and India looming, batsmen would be keen on signing off with a triple-figure score.

All-rounder Shivam Dube is second on the batting charts with 154 runs to his name, having scored two half-centuries.

Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood is the leading scorer for the West Indies ‘A’, with 129 runs to his name, scored at an average of 32.2, with one half-century on record.

Rahkeem Cornwall, who is staking a claim for a Test call-up, has also been among the runs, with 123 runs to his credit. Cornwall has been an exceptional performer at the Regional 4-Day level, and has been a constant member of the

A Team. He has two half-centuries in this series, and has an average of 41 with the bat.

West Indies A Team captain Shamarh Brooks has also registered two half-centuries, and has 118 runs to his name.

Montcin Hodge has 117 runs to his name.

In the bowling department, left-arm spinner Shabaz Nadeem has taken 10 wickets in one match, while West Indies A team player and former Under-19 seamer Chemar Holder has taken 10 wickets in two matches, having picked up seven wickets in the second match.

India’s Mohammed Siraj has nine wickets to his credit, while Krishanapa Gowtam has recorded six. Most of these players will be hungry to sign off this A Team series in a manner that would merit a Test call-up.

West Indies and India will play two Test matches, starting from August 22. The India A team would be chosen from: Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Hanuma Vihari(c), Anmolpreet Singh, Srikar Bharat(w), Shivam Dube, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mayank Markande, Mohammed Siraj, Sandeep Warrier, Shardul Thakur, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, and Umesh Yadav.

The West Indies A Team would be drawn from: Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Montcin Hodge, Shamarh Brooks, Sunil Ambris, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich(w), Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Romario Shepherd, Jomel Warrican, Chemar Holder, Shermon Lewis, Miguel Cummins, Jahmar Hamilton, and Jeremy Solozano.

(Brandon Corlette)

Rafael Ángel Jauregi (55’).

Haiti were also victorious, as a Wilgene Dambreville score in the 47’ was enough for a 1-0 win over Suriname.

In Group C, visiting Slovenia continued to impress with their second straight win, a 3-0 result against Canada; while Guadeloupe played to a thrilling 3-3 draw with El Salvador.

While Group D saw a pair of draws on the day -- with

Trinidad and Tobago playing to a 1-1 final with Barbados, and Costa Rica and visiting Portugal battling to a 2-2 draw -- Group F saw Puerto Rico emerging a big winner, pocketing a 2-0 triumph over the Dominican Republic with goals from Jensen Liquet Cruz (10’) and Raysond Rosario Diaz (62’). Martinique also appeared in the winners’ row with a 4-2 triumph over Grenada.

A brace from Keegan Caull powered Saint Lucia past Saint Kitts and Nevis 3-1; while French Guiana rode a Nicolas Baybaud brace to a 3-0 win over Belize in Group G. In Group H, Bermuda enjoyed a strong start to the tournament in a 3-0 win against Antigua and Barbuda, while Brian Velox was the hero of the day for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with a hat trick in a 4-0 win versus Aruba.

In Group I, the U.S. Virgin Islands had the most prolific output of the day with a 5-1 victory over Anguilla, thanks in large part to Amir Ottey’s brace; while Sint Maarten and Bonaire played to a 0-0 draw.

Over in Group J, Turks and Caicos Islands were impressive in posting a 3-1 win against Saint Martin, with Dale Taylor (10’), Watson Jean-louis (19’) and Cory Williams (70+4’) all finding the back of the net. In the group’s other action, British Virgin Islands earned a 2-0 victory against Montserrat, with Luka Chalwell (17’) and Oliver Brown (33’) scoring.

The Junior Jaguars will be in action again today (August 6) at the IMG Academy in Florida, as they take on the Bahamas at 11am.

Guyana Beverages Inc partners with Archery Guyana

From left: Archery Guyana’s Head Coach, Nicholas Hing; Guyana Beverages Inc’s Brand Manager Raymond Govinda and Archery Guyana’s Secretary General, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

G

uyana Beverages Inc and Archery Guyana have entered into a partnership wherein the beverage giants of Plot 4A, Area AA1, Plantation Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara will be sponsoring water products for Archery Guyana.

This development was made known at a simple press conference held at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown on July 30, 2019.

Secretary-General of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, noted that for archery and any sport overall, hydration is very important. She predicts that this collaboration between the two entities would greatly benefit Archery Guyana.

Moreover, she said that although it has been just two months since Archery Guyana has become an affiliate of the Guyana Olympic Association, the entity is hoping to participate in the upcoming Olympics.

Brand Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc, Raymond Govinda, indicated that archery is one of the sporting disciplines with which the Guyana Beverages Inc. wanted to get involved and support over the years. He declared himself happy to have made this collaboration.

Head Coach of Archery Guyana, Nicholas Hing, who was present at the presser, reiterated the need for hydration, and proceeded to give the media details about an upcoming proposed 2-day

indoor archery competition.

It was also disclosed that, overall, archery Guyana is pleased with the significant expansion of the discipline.

The deep gratitude of Archery Guyana was expressed to the General Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc, Samuel Arjoon, and to the general management of Guyana Beverages Inc. for focusing on sports’ development, and for seeking to make Oasis the official water of Archery Guyana.

The ceremony ended with a powerful charge from Govinda: “Support brands that support sports”.

For more information on Archery Guyana, interested persons are invited to check the entity’s website: www.

ArcheryGuyana.org.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, august 6, 2019

23

Playing for pride

West Indies aiming to build for T20 World Cup in 2020 – Head Coach Reifer I

ndia and the West Indies will meet for a monumental third T20 International match at the National Stadium at Providence today, August 6, 2019, from 10:30 hours local time.

Team India have already won the three-match series 2-0, and are likely to experiment with their young players who performed at the IPL in 2019.

On eve of this international match, West Indies Head Coach Floyd Reifer has disclosed that this encounter is significant because the Caribbean team is building for the T20 World Cup. Addressing the media at the Pegasus International Hotel yesterday, Reifer noted that the West Indies team’s performance has not been of the best standard.

“Fabian Allen has come into the side which we are building for the World Cup in Australia, and we are looking to expose some more talents”, Reifer highlighted.

Reifer noted that the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) would also be used as a

yardstick for selection of the T20 International team.

He shared a positive assessment of Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine’s experience in the dressing room, which has been vital on and off the field.

Team India will be making their first appearance at the National Stadium at Providence

Local star Shimron Hetmyer will be aiming to entertain his homebased supporters

Moreover, Reifer spoke of the West Indies team lacking consistency since the 2016 World Cup, losing matches in bundles.

“The team will be aiming to develop a formula for winning matches on a consistent basis,” Reifer disclosed.

Newcomer Anthony Bramble has been putting in the work, Reifer said, adding that Keemo Paul has a bright future. Guyanese wicket-keeper Bramble has not yet played a match in the series, but his presence in the third and final match would excite Guyanese supporters.

“I think Paul has a bright

future. He has all the attributes to become a great all-rounder, and he is one of the fittest players in the team”, Reifer noted.

Neither team looked keen on making changes during the second match on Sunday, but that would likely change.

While looking to next year’s World Cup - 14 months away - is not plausible, West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite did hint towards long-term planning during the toss, and as such may be looking to bring even more young talent into the fray before they move to the next series.

There is also a five-match losing streak to snap. For

India, there is the chance to reward some of the IPL’s most consistent players in what is essentially a dead rubber.

In a system brimming with competition for places, a more convenient time would likely not be found.

Shimron Hetmyer batted at No. 5 for a duck in the first game, and came in at No. 6 before the players went off in the second. At home in Guyana, West Indies could look to push him higher up the order, and have the kind of impact he had in the limited overs’ leg of the India tour last year. They’ve had two different number 4 players in the first two games, so it is not out of the question.

India will be impressed by Krunal Pandya’s integration into the senior team. The last four series in which he has played have all been in different countries, and he has produced notable performances in each of them.

However, even within that small sample size, he’s shown the tendency to follow up good performances with middling ones. With the form he showed with both bat and ball on Sunday, he has the opportunity to close out the series on a high.

West Indies will be fairly happy with their bowling performances over the two matches, and the batting has

West Indies Head Coach Floyd Reifer (Dexter Ceres photo)

improved vastly from the sub100 efforts in the first match.

They’ll be tempted to name a few changes in the top order to build on that.

Thunderstorms are forecasted for Georgetown, Guyana just before start of play, so there will not be much change in terms of potential sluggishness in the pitch. It obtained in Florida, and could obtain again on Tuesday. Having won five of their first seven completed T20I matches against India, West Indies have failed to win in the last five, dating back to July 2017.

Rishabh Pant also hasn’t made a limited overs’ 50 for India across formats in his last six innings.

Concacaf Nations League…

Rain causes abandonment of Rising Schedule confirmed for the inaugural round Stars Under-19 round 4 matches

T

he Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) on Monday confirmed the schedule and venues for the first round of groups stage matches of the 2019-2020 CONCACAF Nations League.

The first 34 matches for Leagues A, B and C, are set to take place during the September 2019 FIFA Match window.

The 20192020 CONCACAF Nations League will be played during the official F I F A m a t c h windows in September, October and November 2019. The Final Championship, previously scheduled to take place in March, will now take place in June of 2020.

At the conclusion of the group stage, the winners of each League A group will qualify to the Final Championship, which will determine the champion of the new competition. Additionally, the group winners from Leagues B and League C will be promoted to League A and B, respectively, while the teams at the bottom

of each League A and League B groups will be relegated to League B and C, respectively.

The CONCACAF Nations League began with a one-off qualifying phase. Following 68 matches, the 34 participating teams where compiled into an aggregate table, ranking them 1-34. The final standings of each team

participated in the Hexagonal Round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Russia 2018 where pre-seeded directly into League A. The CONCACAF Nations League is a new centralized men’s national team competition representing a new era of national team football for CONCACAF M e m b e r Associations.

Through this new centralized competition, all

41 Barbados are leading the points table in the tournament thus far

H

determined if they were placed into League A, B or C. The six teams that

CONCACAF Member Associations will keep the dream alive, by participating in competitive international football yearround.

(CONCACAF)

Guyana’s match for the inaugural round are:

Friday, September 6, 2019 Group B – [7:00 PM] Aruba vs Guyana - Stadion Ergilio Hato, Curacao Monday, September 9, 2019 Group B - [7:00 PM] Guyana vs Jamaica - Leonora National Track & Field Center, Guyana

eavy rain and lightning forced all three matches in Round Four of the Rising Stars Under-19 tournament at Arnos Vale, Park Hill and Cumberland respectively to be abandoned without a ball being bowled on Sunday.

The rain interruption means that a new champion will be crowned this year with defending 50 overs champions Guyana (10.2 points), currently out of title consideration.

Also with the highly anticipated top of the table clash between Barbados (15.8 points) and host Windward Islands (14.8 points) being washed out, now weather permitting on Tuesday, both teams mathematically have a chance to win the tournament based on points allocation permutations for bonus and fast bowling points, set out in the CWI tournament playing conditions (see attached).

Victory for Barbados over bottom of table Leeward Islands can see them emulating their junior counterparts who won the Under 17 tournament in Trinidad & Tobago last month.

While Windwards toppling fifth place Jamaica can give them a chance to win their first Under 19 50 overs title since 2013.

Of the maximum 6 points attainable in a game, Barbados gaining at least 5.1 match points will see them being declared the winner. For Windward Islands, they must gain at least 1.1 points more than what Barbados would have gained in their game, to be crowned champions. If both teams are tied on points, net run rate will decide the winner, as both teams will have won the same amount of matches.

The West Indies “Rising Stars” Under 19 Championship is part of the new West Indies Future Stars Programme developing the West Indies next generation of cricketers. This programme stretches from the “Future Stars” of secondary school cricket through to the “Rising Stars” of Under 15 to Under 19 age group cricket at both regional and international level for boys and girls.

At the end of the Rising Stars Under 19 Championship, 24 players will be selected to stay on for three “Best vs the Best” additional games, which Cricket West Indies will use to narrow down the West Indies U19 squad for more development activities later in the year as we build to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa in 2020. (CWI)

tuesday, august 6, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Playing for pride

West Indies aiming to build for T20 World Cup in 2020 – Head Coach Reifer

Page 23

West Indies Captain Carlos Brathwaite and India Captain Virat Kohli

Pan American Games 2019

Edghill falls short in table tennis encounter Page 23

Windies A, India A to culminate series today

Jermaine Blackwood has scored the most runs for West Indies A thus far

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