Guyana Times Tuesday July 16, 2019

P12

GBTI commences annual children’s summer camp Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3986

THE BEACON OF TRUTH tuesday, july 16, 2019

PRICE

Appointment of GECOM Chair

Caretaker President dodging meeting to finalise list – Opposition Leader

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P9 Family, colleagues demand justice for nurse found dead in Mahdia

See story on page 7 See stories on pages 3 and 9

CCJ consequential orders

Western nations call for compliance with Guyana’s Constitution

…PPP to engage diplomatic community …as ‘illegal’ Cabinet seeking Opp. nominees for State Boards rebuffed

5 charged for killing money changer, daughter See story on page 2

Mark Rufino

Paul Chan

Pensioner confesses to raping 4-yearold …jailed for 20 years Page 8

Sean Thomas

Troy Abrams

Special audit into UG’s finances P10 halted …after Education Ministry withdrew commitment to pay outside auditors

After one-year delay: new hinterland P12 students’ dormitory commissioned

Brothers remanded to prison P8 for narcotrafficking

Lloyd Sadloo

Linden to Lethem road woes

“There is need for competent contractors” – Reg 8 Chairman

$80 vat included

Page 10

2 news

Tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

5 charged for killing money changer, daughter A

lmost two weeks after money changer Aaron Latchman, called “Star Boy”, and his teenage daughter, Arianna Latchman, were gunned down during a home invasion at their Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) residence, five men were on Monday afternoon arraigned for the heinous crime.

Charged for the capital offence of murder are: 25-year-old Mark Rufino, a labourer of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); 37-year-old Paul Chan, called “Long Hair” or “Anthony”, a conductor of Lot 10 Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; 44-year-old Troy Abrams called “Rasta Man”, a vendor of Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD); 37-yearold Lloyd Sadloo, of 220 Mocha Arcadia, EBD and 41-year-old Sean Thomas, called “Yankee”, an electrician of Lot 59 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The men appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where the indictable charge was read to them. The charge stated that on July 4, 2019 at Robert Street, Better Hope, ECD, they murdered Aaron and Arianna Latchman in the furtherance of a robbery.

According to Police reports, on that fateful day, about 15:30h, the fa-

Mark Rufino (left) and Paul Chan (right) ther-and-daughter duo had just returned to their Lot 58 Robert Street home when they were confronted by armed men.

Holding the two victims at gunpoint, the alleged robbers took the duo into the upper flat of their house, where the bandits demanded money. After receiving

Remanded: Lloyd Sadloo a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash, the men then shot the duo before escaping from the scene in a white Toyota Carina 212 motor car, which was

parked some distance away.

Neighbours reported hearing gunshots and rushed to the victims’ assistance. The father and daughter were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Post-mortem examinations conducted on the bodies revealed that the father was shot thrice while his daughter received one gunshot, resulting in their deaths.

Two of the accused murderers – Abrams and Sadloo – are known characters to the Police and the courts. Abrams was convicted in 2016 for two counts of robbery committed against America Street money changers Rayburn Fraser and Osaffo Ward. In November 2017, he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the offence.

Meanwhile, Sadloo, who is said to be the alleged mastermind of the double murder, had a murder

case discharged in 2012, but was later convicted in 2016 of narcotics trafficking. Nevertheless, the convict managed to make yet another court appearance in 2018, when he was charged for several armed robberies.

Sadloo is also presently before the courts for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

The five men were all remanded to prison until August 15, 2019, when they were expected to make their next court appearance.

Watching on the sidelines, as her husband’s and daughter’s alleged killers were escorted out of court, Tracy Waheeda broke down in tears while relating what

Sean Thomas the bereaved family was going through.

“I hope they’re not gonna go back on the road free out there, so that a next family can feel what I’m feeling … but looking at them, I could just imagine what my husband and daughter went through with them,” the tearful woman said.

Dead: Aaron Latchman and his teenage daughter, Arianna Latchman

Meanwhile, a senior officer refuted reports that suggested that the men were paid by a friend of the now dead businessman to execute him. The Police arrested four of the five suspects on Thursday last. The first to be arrested was “Rasta Man”. He was reportedly arrested at Front Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, after Police swooped down on a house there. After his arrest, he took the Police to Dennis Street, Sophia and Parika, where the others were arrested.

Additionally, a motor car used by the bandits that belonged to the dead businessman was found at Front Road. During a search of the vehicle, an illegal firearm and several rounds of ammunition were found.

As the detectives worked with several leads, Sadloo was arrested after his name was called by the four men.

He was the one who reportedly provided them with the weapons that they used to murder the money changer and his daughter.

Remanded: Troy Abrams

He was nabbed in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and was described by two of the three men detained for the murders as “second in charge”.

news

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, July 16 – 04:30h and 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, July 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, July 16 –16:20h-17:50h and Wednesday, July 17 –16:55h-18:25h.

CCJ consequential orders

Western nations call for compliance with Guyana’s Constitution …PPP to engage diplomatic community

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will give way to light rain showers in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours into the evening followed by clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-easterly to North-westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

General of Caricom, Erwin LaRoque and noted that these discussions will continue with the wider diplomatic bloc, representatives of which he plans to brief today.

“I just met with the Secretary General of Caricom…and I said to him that the regional institution has ruled. I would like to have the judgement sent to all the Heads of Government of the region. So they won’t get the spin from third parties. They are very capable persons; they will read the judgment.”

The Opposition Leader

the Government to uphold the Constitution,” Jagdeo added.

Jagdeo also noted the implications if the Government continues to disregard the Constitution and the court ruling. He referenced the case Guyana has before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Venezuela, which has laid claim to a large section of the country.

Constitutional crisis

President David Granger

High Tide: 16:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 09:53h and 22:05h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.79 metre.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

British envoy Gregory Quinn

ith the caretaker Government being called out to honour the Constitution of Guyana and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rulings, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has begun engaging the diplomatic community in order to bring Guyana’s constitutional crisis to their attention.

The Opposition Leader made this announcement during a press conference at his Church Street, Georgetown office on Monday.

According to Jagdeo, he has already commenced discussions with representatives of the Caribbean Community.

Jagdeo met with Secretary

said that he is aware that the caretaker Government will frustrate the process and try to defy the judgement of the Court.

“We know now that APNU will frustrate and try to defy the judgement of the Court.

Is [the international community] prepared to accept the judgement of the highest court? Because if they’re prepared to accept the ruling… then that will determine how they relate to this

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European Union Ambassador Jernej Videtič

Government. They have to relate to the Government in a caretaker capacity and urge

He stated that the country is in a full-fledged constitutional crisis.

“We’re in a full-fledged constitutional crisis… by selectively interpreting and redefining and distorting what the Court said, it’s putting us at the risk that when we have a ruling at the ICJ and it’s in favour of Guyana, Venezuela could do the same thing….

And we’d have no moral authority to argue that they must respect the decision of the ICJ. Because here we have a Government distorting and not respecting the decision of a regional court.

They are exposing our country, but this doesn’t affect this cabal. They are there for one reason. Not for [the] country.

They don’t care how we are viewed around the world.”

Turn to page 11

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 16, 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

Country above partisan interests

T

he current political situation in Guyana is dominating the various social media sites, and young people, more than ever before, are at the centre of the debates and discussions. Young people’s access to technology, more so high speed internet connectivity, has made it possible for this level of interaction to take place much faster and on a wider scale.

Political leaders are also well aware of the opportunities made possible through this medium, and are certainly taking advantage of it. In their quest to increase following and win the hearts and minds of voters, almost every event by the major political parties is streamed live, and rebroadcasted on Facebook and other social media sites. Certainly, many citizens, both here and abroad, are paying keen attention to the current political developments, and are wasting no time is expressing their views on the trending political and social issues.

Guyana is now in unchartered territory, and it would be very interesting to see how the politics would unfold here in the coming weeks and perhaps months. Citizens are looking to see the kind of political leadership that would be provided to bring the country back in line with being a functioning democracy. On its part, the now caretaker Government has done everything to ensure that Guyana is plunged into a constitutional crisis. The administration has used all avenues it possibly can to stall the process of selecting a GECOM chair and naming an elections date within the constitutional timeframe.

No doubt, in its fight to hold firm to political power, the APNU/AFC Coalition has lost credibility and support. As it currently stands, the 90-day period for the President to call elections would expire in September, taking into account that all court proceedings ended on June 18, 2019 with the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling that the No Confidence Motion was validly passed. There will be no agreement by a two-thirds majority of the Parliament to extend the life of the Government. However, naming an elections date now depends on whether APNU/AFC Administration would finally decide to abide by the constitutional provisions and the CCJ ruling.

It was stated before, and we repeat for emphasis’ sake: The Constitution is clear on the actions that must be followed after a no-confidence vote. 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.”

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps in Clause 7 of Article 106 go on to state that, “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 after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

We believe that, in order to find a solution to the crisis, there is need for a great deal of maturity from the leader of the APNU/AFC Coalition, David Granger, to abide by the Constitution, which he swore to uphold when he took the reins of power back in March 2015. While the Opposition must take the Government to task and ensure that it complies with the constitutional provisions, it has played its part in working with the key players to find a solution to the crisis.

It is also hoped that all other stakeholders, including civil society, GECOM, the foreign missions, and the media, would work to ensure that Guyanese are given an opportunity to elect a government of their choice.

Our President, who is now a caretaker president, is expected to put country first, above partisan interests. That is the kind of political leadership that is needed at this time.

Guru Purnima is celebrated on full moon day or Purnima of the Shukla Paksh or the waxing moon in the Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar. As the name denotes, the day is dedicated to gurus or teachers. On Guru Purnima, which is celebrated today, the students worship their gurus or teachers, by offering puja and paying respect to them. Guru Purnima is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima as this day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Veda Vyasa, who is generally considered the author of the Mahabharata

Open letter to Caricom Dear Editor, If there was any doubt the Government of Guyana fell on December 21, 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling on June 18, layered with consequential orders issued on July 12, 2019, now affirms the Guyana Government was defeated in a NoConfidence Motion on that day. The facts are unambiguous, pellucidly clear and unequivocally affirmed by the CCJ. The Constitution of Guyana requires that the President and the Cabinet resign with immediate effect, the President and his Government transition into a caretaker role, the elections held within 90 days,

by September 18, in a new timeline which began on June 18, the day of the CCJ ruling. In addition, the CCJ ruled that a new GECOM Chair be appointed urgently in accordance with the Constitution.

These realities are not the imposition of a rogue court. These realities are in accordance with the laws of Guyana, its Constitution, with the CCJ merely pointing out the cold, hard facts.

As a Caribbean citizen with a deep commitment to the success and effectiveness of Caricom, given the CCJ’s unequivocal judgment, Caricom’s position is of critical importance. Caricom has been totally silent so far, nearly nine months after the NCM in Guyana’s Parliament, insisting its commitment is towards democracy in every Caricom country and, in fact, everywhere in the Commonwealth and in the world. I stood proud as a Caribbean citizen every time, and there are many such instances, when

Caricom firmly and bravely stood on the side of democracy, whenever and wherever democracy was threatened.

In view of the CCJ ruling on the NCM in Guyana, where does Caricom stand?

Mr Secretary General, democracy is threatened in Guyana as the Guyana Government refuses to adhere to the Constitution and the will of Parliament.

When a Government deliberately sabotages its own Constitution and disrespects the legal system, as the APNU/AFC Government is presently doing in Guyana, democracy is threatened.

Will Caricom maintain silence as Guyana plunges into a dictatorship?

Caricom itself, in the midst of the clumsy Government’s challenge of the NCM and its validity, insisted the legal avenues must be honoured and, therefore, it will not voice any position on the political dispute in Guyana, one of its founding members. It took this position even though the parliamentary outcome was clear on December 21, 2018. Whatever doubt the Government attempted to stir has now been dismissed by the CCJ. The CCJ left nothing for interpretation – the Guyana Government is a caretaker Government and it must follow the Constitution, holding elections within three months.

What is Caricom waiting on now?

Caricom’s silence on what is happening in Guyana brings disrepute to this body and will forever impact on its future position on various matters. First, Caricom’s future positions on any threat to democracy anywhere will seem hollow and hypocrit-

ical. How could an organisation which turned a blind eye to the sabotaging of the Constitution by one of its own members challenge undemocratic behaviour in other countries or even in another of its member states?

Caricom’s silence as the Constitution of Guyana is being railroaded potentially disqualifies Caricom from ever again being a legitimate voice against undemocratic actions anywhere.

Second, the CCJ’s own future is in jeopardy and Caricom’s silence is contributing to a perilous future for the CCJ. The CCJ is one of the most important institutions in Caricom.

The strength and integrity of Caricom are dependent on a strong and respected CCJ. If the CCJ’s rulings and orders are allowed to be ignored by a Government, as is happening in Guyana right now, then the CCJ is rendered a toothless poodle. We must not allow this to happen. At the very least, Caricom must take a stance that the CCJ ruling is sacrosanct, with no room to disrespect the institution. In accordance with Guyana’s Constitution which the CCJ affirms, the Guyana Government is a caretaker Government and will become an illegal Government after September 18.

Caricom must end its silence and forcefully call on the Government of Guyana to enforce the CCJ rulings, following faithfully the provisions of the Constitution of Guyana.

The CCJ has spoken and Caricom has no reason to equivocate. If Caricom does not support its own institution and stand by it, why should anyone want to con-

tinue with the CCJ? The deliberate and contemptuous disregard being demonstrated by the Guyana Government in regards to the CCJ’s ruling is a fatal threat to the CCJ. Why should any of the countries that presently subscribe to the CCJ continue to honour this onerous burden for an institution that is merely a paper tiger, a toothless poodle? Why would any country that presently includes the CCJ as its final court continue to honour this obligation if the Court is a paper tiger only? Why should any country which presently is thinking of using the CCJ as its final court do so if the CCJ is nothing but a talk shop?

This is Caricom’s dilemma. While you equivocate, refusing to comment and refusing to urge the Guyana Government to adhere to its Constitution, while you continue to behave as if it is business as usual in Guyana, the credibility of Caricom, the legitimacy of your institutions, are being eroded by your silence, your very thunderous silence. Your silence has caused, if not more than 50 per cent, at least 50 per cent of the Guyanese people to lose faith in Caricom.

The time has come for Caricom to stand by the principles of the Treaty of Chaguaramas and the 2001 Nassau Declaration, and speak out against the erosion of democracy in Guyana, against the deliberate perversions of the Constitution of Guyana.

This is not an option for Caricom, it is a duty-bound to stand up on behalf of democracy in Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 16, 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

There are no more God help Guyana excuses for inaction Dear Editor, Over the coming weeks, the international community will be subjected to numerous Guyanese voices pleading for swift and decisive actions to ensure Guyana remains a democratic State. It is now clear that left to his own devices, President Granger will not act in ‘good faith’; only pressure will bring about a change in approach, so, why are so many of us asking for international interventions?

Surely this is an internal affair for the people of the nation to resolve.

Make no mistake, the people will not abdicate their struggle to others, we will use every legal right enshrined in our Constitution to fight for our democracy; no avenue will be left unexplored, however, as righteous a struggle as it may be, there are other possible consequences that I (and others) hope can be avoided.

Guyanese are well aware of the measures dictators employ to hold onto ‘power’, on Saturday, July 13, the Minister of Public Security appeared on television in Berbice to remind viewers that Government has “what it takes” to ensure the stability and security if faced with protest and/or strike action.

Guyana’s early history has been one of racial violence. During the years immediately prior to independence and

for over two decades afterwards, Guyanese were constantly separated by a Machiavellian Forbes Burnham.

Divide and rule was a mantra for his Government. As his control grew, the need for violence subsided and Burnham ruled by fear and then there were the occasional suspicious deaths and/or murders; Father Bernard Darke, Education Minister Vincent Teekah and Dr Walter Rodney were among the victims. Guyana has emerged from these constant racial confrontations and is in a period close to harmony.

Younger people cannot fathom the animosities of the past returning, but the constant reminders from political actors, who seek to stir dying embers, persist. The fear of those bursting into flames is the main reason we seek international assistance in our national affairs.

We know all too well that damage done on one day of hasty action takes generations to repair.

There are no more excuses for inaction from nations, entities and persons that care about democracy, about Guyana and her people. We will be looking at those who lend aid to our struggle and those who are willing to just stand there and watch us burn.

Dear Editor, The media recently reported that the Guyana Defence Force has launched an internal investigation into the “initiation beating of a number of new officers of the Force who were recently commissioned.

The initiation usually forms part of the ‘welcome into the Force’, but this year, senior officers expressed concerns that those involved in the incident went too far. A number of the new officers had to be taken to the hospital to seek medical attention for various injuries, while a young doctor, who is a reserve officer, was likely to have undergone surgery due to injuries he sustained during training.

In response to this issue, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan stated that if the allegations turned out to be true, they must be condemned.

Firstly, if this kind of physical abuse, which is what it is, has been part of initiation then how come the Minister is not aware of it? Secondly, if the allegations are true, is the Minister saying that condemnation would be a sufficient response? Physical abuse as part of any army training is a ‘tradition’ of the past. Army regulations should be urgently updated to make it clear that

any physical abuse of recruits or other army personnel is unacceptable and perpetrators would be penalised. In fact, in the US Army, trainers have to seek the permission of recruits to even touch them. I know because I undertook that training.

Also, it is well known that globally, the army has the highest rates of suicide in any nation, and that army personnel often suffer a range of mental health issues resulting in many veterans never recovering and some often ending up on the streets. Thus, this kind of physical abuse and the resultant trauma at the very beginning of their career can catalyse mental health issues ever earlier than usual.

Incidentally, some years ago, the GDF had reached out to The Caribbean Voice (TCV) to help address suicide, but for whatever reason, subsequent follow-ups to formalise plans were met with silence from army personnel who had contacted us. We sincerely hope that if such help was not sought elsewhere then it should be given urgent priority and that overall mental health should be part of the regular annual checkup of all army personnel.

On a final note, military and paramilitary entities globally have erected a ‘‘wall of si-

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Dear Editor, With great pomp, it was announced that the appointment could be made as early as Monday.

The Opposition Leader was prepared to cooperate

with such a move.

Instead of facilitating, the call is now for certain names to be placed on the list.

It begs the questions – whose list is it and was the

announcement of a Monday appointment genuine?

It seems the OL made a mistake in being magnanimous in granting suggestions of names to be made for now it seems that if the

demand for certain names on the list is not met, the stalemate continues.

God help Guyana, please.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

This ‘comedy’ is no longer a laughing matter!

Dear Editor, The Coalition Government should be nominated for the Best Comedian Award at the next Oscar Awards Ceremony, and I am sure they will outclass all the others by miles!

Firstly, they refused to accept a matter of simple mathematics; not calculus or trigonometry, but simple arithmetic. It was a matter of simply finding the majority of 65. Even a Grade 5 student would have told them that the answer is 33, and not 34.

The erudite and learned Senior Council Mr Nigel Hughes bewildered the Attorney General, another ‘learned’ Senior Council, (and that was effortless) into believing that the majority is 34, and not 33, as is succinctly outlined in our Constitution. Even though the learned High Court Judge ruled that it is 33, they had to take it to our Appeal Court to make the 34 stand, albeit temporarily. It did appease them for a while after a much controversial decision granted in their favour; it was 2 to 1 in favour.

Maybe some judges need to be nominated into that category as well!

Our final Court of Appeal, the Caribbean Court

of Justice, ultimately made minced meat of our ‘learned Attorney General and his legal team. The decision was a historic landmark which will forever be etched in the legal annals, since it once and for all shattered the nonsensical argument that 34 is the majority of 65.

The Coalition’s team also took a sound trashing in constitutional law and jurisprudence. It not only taught Basil Williams and Nigel Hughes basic arithmetic, but gave them a lesson in a simple and literal meaning of Article 106 (6) of our Constitution.

But this scenario is not the only reason for the Oscar nomination.

Secondly, one would have thought that after the legal trashing by the CCJ, the Coalition would have sharpened up their basic English skills. But that did not materialise. It seemed as though the mindset of the Attorney General is rooted in absolute ignorance of the literal interpretation of Constitutional laws. But alas! Not only him, but ‘learned’ lawyers in the Coalition, such as Nagamootoo and Ramjattan!

These should be nominated for comedians in a supporting role! They do not seem to understand that our

lence” to prevent their transgressions from being known by the public. It is not inconceivable that the same situation exists in Guyana and whistleblowers know that they are putting their lives at risk.

Thus, any internal investigation will always be suspect and viewed with scepticism by the public. The Public Security Minister should, therefore, get the Government to set up independent investigation com-

mittees to handle issues like this as this would ensure that trust in the army (and Police with respect to other situations such as the ongoing revelations in Berbice and the claims of Police complicity in investigating sexual abuse) would not be eroded as well as to be able to weed out unsavoury practices and personnel.

Independent investigations needed

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

Constitution already provided a 3-month time period wherein General and Regional Elections must be called after the date of successful passing of the no-confidence motion (NCM). There is no compromise, unless a two-thirds majority agrees to extend this timeline, which is an absolute impossibility! The Opposition is simply not interested.

But the comical theatrics did not stop there. Ramjattan had to make himself a mockery when he told Berbicians that the President should submit a list of nominees for the GECOM Chair, and that since the Leader of the Opposition rejected Granger’s list, then Jagdeo is not acting in ‘good faith’!

He kept chattering about ‘consensuality’ and ‘hammering’ out a positive outcome, but Ramjattan failed to realise that there is an Article in our Constitution which provides for the process which must be adhered to, and the CCJ made this clear: that ‘consensuality’ should be in accordance with that Article.

Nothing outside of that was recommended, as Ramjattan wants Berbicians to believe. This man should stop thinking that he is the only ‘bright boy’ Berbice produced! Article 161(2) should be ‘hammered’ into his senses. It provided the steps in this process, wherein it is the Leader of the Opposition who must provide the names

of the nominees and, if rejected, it is the President who must, according to the CCJ, provide reasons for his rejection. It must be recalled that Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire had likewise so adjudicated.

Moreover, the President is bound to do so, having now regard for the 3-month time limit. Any attempt to stall and frustrate the speedy appointment of the Chairman is unconstitutional and against the ruling of the CCJ. Lastly, what makes this comedy more laughable is that these comedians failed to realise that house-tohouse registration, apart from being unwarranted, will not be in accordance with the 3-month time limit; therefore, any continuance with this process is in complete defiance of the CCJ’s ruling: that General and Regional Elections must be held within 3 months, as per our Constitution.

This is an election for which GECOM had since 21 December, 2018 to prepare.

It is time for Granger to select the GECOM Chairman from the list provided by Jagdeo; someone who is ‘not unacceptable’ to him, and announce the date for elections. This ‘comedy’ is no longer a laughing matter! Ramjattan should quit his asinine statements to Berbicians!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

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S

You will need: tandard 8½” x 11” copy paper Pencils Regular black pens Sharpie Ultra Fine pens (Optional) Ruler Crayons Stapler Foam board 20” x 30” x 3” X-ACTO knife Large eraser Wite-Out correction fluid Scanner or camera phone A Blogger account #1: Find inspiration for your comic The first step is to choose an overall theme for your comic.

Who are the characters? What is the setting?

There are a couple of different ways to find inspiration: First, find something your child is passionate about.

Do your kids love superheroes? Are they into ponies or fairies or monster trucks? Choose a subject or character that excites them and create a comic about that.

My daughter owns a bearded dragon lizard so she decided to make her comic about herself and her pet.

Second, you could also borrow the style of an existing work.

That’s okay!

Nearly every cartoonist has a story about their first comic being a knock-off of something that inspired them.

Do some research online to get ideas. Show your kids a few family-friendly comics and see if anything sparks their interest.

Foundation

#2: Sketch the characters Now that you know what you want your comic to be about, it’s time to sketch what the characters will look like, in both words and drawings.

Have the kids jot down notes about the characters they’ve imagined. One may be a grumpy old man, another may be a happy-go-lucky elf.

Next, draw pictures of your characters. The key is to create characters that look nothing like one another so they’re easily distinguishable on the page.

#3: Write the story Think about the overall story you want to tell with your comic series. Choose between a storyline or gag-a-day style.

A storyline or story arc is like a comic book, with each comic strip in the series carrying over to the next and building an ongoing story.

Gag-a-days are selfcontained jokes that do not carry over to the next day’s or week’s strip.

Begin with gag-a-day.

They’re easy and don’t require

a long-winded story, just something funny!

Most gag-a-days are made up of three panels: Introduction Build-Up Punchline Panel One (Introduction): Isabel: “Hi there. This is my bearded dragon, Fluffy. But he’s not a real dragon!”

Panel Two (Build-Up): Isabel: “Real dragons have wings!” [Behind her Fluffy has grown wings.]

Panel Three (Punchline): Isabel: “And they breathe fire.”

[Fluffy is

melting a chair with fiery breath.]

After you write out the story, it’s time to create the comic strip. #4: Make the borders First, create a border template so that all of your comics will be the same size and shape.

Use foam core board from an art store for your template.

Measure a 10” x 5” (25 x 12 cm) rectangle.

Use an X-ACTO knife to cut it out. [Caution: An adult should do the cutting.]

Then measure a half-inch (1 cm) inside the edges of your rectangle and cut out another rectangle 9½” X 4½” (24 x 11 cm).

Make a frame for your comic panel.

You’ll be left with a 1/2” (1 cm) wide frame. This is your template.

Next, it’s time to draw the borders for your comic.

Place the template over a standard 8½” x 11” (22 x 28 cm) piece of paper lengthwise and trace the inside

border to create

the panel.

Trace the inside border onto a piece of paper. #4: Do the lettering Lettering is the secret benefit to creating a comic by hand.

Start at the top of the panel you drew. With a ruler, lightly trace horizontal lines about a quarter-inch (.5 cm) apart. Be sure to use a pencil. These will be erased later.

Make a series of lines that cover the top third of your panel. You should end up with

about eight lines in all.

Draw lines lightly. They will be erased later.

Now your son or daughter can begin to pencil in the words. Refer to the storyline you wrote earlier.

Have them shape the sentences so they make ellipses. You’ll draw word balloons around them later.

(This may be difficult for younger kids to grasp. Don’t worry, you can reshape the words when you

make the balloons. More writing practice!)

Write words in ellipses so that you can make word balloons around them.

You can have your kids use any type of lettering you want them to practice, but I recommend that you write in block letters (all caps) for clarity.

Proofread their words together and help them correct any spelling or grammatical errors.

When they’re done, praise your children on their excellent lettering work. #5: Penciling Now let’s see some art!

Have your kids draw the characters in pencil underneath the words they’re saying.

Anything goes in the pencil stage – have fun!

Encourage them to take chances and get crazy with the faces and expressions.

While your children are drawing the pictures for their comic, the dreaded “My art is terrible!” may rear its ugly head. To boost their confidence, pick one thing you really like about the comic and praise it. “I really like how Snail-Boy is falling backwards in panel three. It makes it a lot funnier!”

Remind them that these are cartoons. They’re supposed to be silly!

Next, draw word balloons around the letters. Be sure to include a “tail” going to the appropriate character.

With a ruler draw two vertical lines separating each panel. The lines should be quarter inch (.5 cm) apart.

The space in between them is called a “gutter.”

The key to every comic is clarity. If the reader can understand what’s happening, that’s a successful comic! #6: Inking Take the border template you made in the beginning and line it up over your penciled border.

Carefully trace the penciled border with a thin black Sharpie pen.

Use long, sure strokes to keep the pen from “blotting.”

Be careful not to draw over the gutters you made between each panel.

Gutters let each panel be a separate moment in time.

Next, your kids get to show their lettering skills once again when they carefully ink over the words they penciled earlier.

Note: Make final corrections before laying down the permanent ink! Review the dialogue and edit punctuation and grammar.

If necessary, change the layout of the sentences to fit into word balloons (see our example in the middle panel of the photo above).

After the letters are done, draw and ink the word balloons. Then your kids can begin to ink the characters, background and props that they drew earlier.

Turn those pencil sketches into finished art!

Finish inking the entire comic.

If you or your kids make a mistake, don’t worry—they’re easy to fix. Use correction fluid, such as Wite-Out, to cover errors. Be sure to give it lots of time to dry before inking the area again.

Once everything is dry and complete, hold firm to one end of the paper and erase the pencil lines with a large eraser.

Use a single “brush away” motion.

Note: Never erase toward where you’re holding the paper, you’ll crinkle it or worse, tear it!

Now your children’s comic is finished! Read it together and congratulate them on a job well done.

Your child has just made a masterpiece!

To colour or not to colour.

I suggest that you keep the comic black and white.

Children tire quickly of colouring multiple comics by hand. #7: Publish your comic Create a digital file of your comic The best option is to scan the comic as a black-and-white document. (mykidsadventures.com)

news

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Tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Appointment of GECOM Chair

Caretaker President dodging meeting to finalise list – Opposition Leader

...appears wanting to repeat unilateral appointment via "nominee" ploy

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ilateral engagements are no closer to bringing caretaker President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo together for a meeting.

Instead of confirming a meeting time and date, Granger has confirmed two names for Jagdeo’s consideration to include on his list of nominees for Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman.

On Monday Jagdeo revealed that Government con-

The letters exchanged between the two sides, in which the Opposition tries to pin the President down to a meeting Retired High Court Judge, Justice Claudette La Bennett

firmed Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Chair and lawyer Kesaundra Alves and retired High Court Judge, Justice Claudette La Bennet as nominees the President has no objection to.

Both women were part of a list of eight nominees the President submitted to Jagdeo as part of the informal consultations to come up with a GECOM Chair. While

the Constitution does not allow the President to submit names, Jagdeo suggested that the President can informally suggest names of persons.

But according to Jagdeo, who hosted a press conference at his office, the parliamentary Opposition is still unclear as to which of his nominees have the President’s no objection.

“We’ll share these letters with you, to show that we sought to meet, since the President said he wants to conclude the matter by

Monday. We sought to meet, no response to that. Then out of the blue, they submitted the two names to us. We don’t know what it means for their list of eight, whether they shortlisted their shortlist.”

“We sought to remind them that once the informal process of engagement has been completed, we still have to go through the formal process. And that’s where it starts with the President writing me and informing me of the vacancy. Then I will submit the six names.”

GPHC Chair Kesaundra Alves

Jagdeo pointed out that when the President’s repre-

sentatives met his representatives last week, they shortlisted names without the President’s approval. He noted the importance of them following the process by the book, so the President does not have an excuse to reject another list.

“None of this is [by the President’s representatives] is being done with the President’s approval. They undertook to get this. They came to the meeting and said they can’t tell us what the President’s thinking. The ele-

phant in the room is whether any [names he submitted] are acceptable to the President.

Any of the 11.”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to find out for a whole week after all these engagements and until today, we are not clearer if a single one of six are acceptable… you suggested eight names and then you come back and say of the eight names, they don’t all have the President’s approval. That’s what his team said.

This is a game, to hang on to power. It’s so transparent.”

Turn to page 9

8 News

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Pensioner confesses to raping 4-year-old Porter remanded …jailed for 20 years

J

ustice Simone MorrisRamlall on Monday handed down a 20-year imprisonment sentence to a 63-year-old man, who on his first court appearance admitted to the offence of rape committed in 2016.

The charge against Gregory Ramkissoon also known as “Skeage” stated

that on January 4, 2016, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with a four-year-old child.

Presenting the State’s case in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court were Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy in association with Sarah Martin.

Meanwhile, the now convicted man was represented by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir.

Before handing down the sentence, Justice MorrisRamlall took into consideration the nature and gravity of the offence, the manner in which it was committed, and the fact that Ramkissoon

took an early plea and did not waste the court’s time.

He was given a total of 20 years’ imprisonment and will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years.

Ramkissoon was also convicted of indecent assault and sexual assault committed on the same victim.

Brothers remanded to prison for narco-trafficking

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wo brothers were slapped with a narcotics trafficking charge on Monday and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Kevon Thomas, a logger and Kevin Thomas, a labourer, both 23-year-old of Dubally, Upper Berbice Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Both men denied the charge, which stated that on July 9, 2019 at Hururu Upper Berbice River, Region 10 they had in their possession 2.38 kilograms of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield in court on Monday stated that on the day in question at about

Remanded: Brothers Kevin and Kevon Thomas

01:30 h ranks from the Kwakwani Police Station acting on information pro-

ceeded to the Berbice River.

On arrival the ranks observed a wooden boat with

four occupants and a search was carried out on the vessel. The ranks unearthed a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems in a haversack in the boat.

According to the prosecutor, the men were told of the offence and taken to the Kwakwani Police Station where the two defendants give ranks caution statements admitting to the offence.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the prevalence of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts.

The Chief Magistrate after listening to submission remanded the brothers to prison. The case will continue on August 2 at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Courts.

for breaking into Bourda Market stall

A

porter was on Monday charged and taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for breaking into a Bourda Market stall.

Forty-six-year-old Dexter Burnham was taken before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus where he pled guilty to the charge.

The charge stated that on July 7, 2019, at Bourda Market, Georgetown, he broke and entered the stall of Nandranie Sookwah and stole four bags of groceries valued at $116,000.

The prosecution’s case stated that the Virtual Complainant secured her stall and went home.

However, at about 02:55h on July 7, 2019, an eyewitness saw the defendant breaking into the stall and reported the incident at the Bourda Police Outpost. The consta-

bles arrested Burnham and he was taken to the Regent Street, Georgetown, outpost where he was identified.

In court on Monday, Burnham said, “I pleaded guilty because Mr Bristol (a constable) told me to plead guilty, is them constable breaking the stalls and blaming we. They does bring drugs and test it on we”.

The prosecutor objected on the grounds of the nature of the offence and the penalty it attracts.

The court also heard that the defendant was previously convicted for 12 months for a similar charged and six months on two other simple larceny charges. Having heard the man’s explanation, the Magistrate entered a not guilty charge and remanded the defendant to prison. The case will continue on July 19, 2019.

Man remanded for break and enter

Accused narco-trafficker on $100,000 bail

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22-year-old man who told the court during his appearance that the Police bullied him into signing a caution statement was granted bail for narcotic

trafficking.

Christopher Watts, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, stood before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and denied

the charge that stated that on July 12, 2019 at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown he had 3.3 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case stated that a raid was carried out at Watts’ home and the cannabis was found in his room in a shoe box under his bed.

According to Prosecutor Shondel Daniels, Watts admitted to the offence in a caution statement and claimed that he took the cannabis home the day before it was found. However, Watts told the court that nothing was found during the search.

“They come by me and say that they want me for some robbery, they carry me to Brickdam, but they didn’t find nothing on me,” the defendant alleged.

He was released on $100,000 bail, and the case was scheduled to continue on July 29, 2019.

C

ion Isaacs, 26, of Lot 121 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday charged for breaking and entering and larceny.

The charge, which was read by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, stated that on July 12, 2019, the defendant broke into the home of Sandra Adams and stole $1,400,000 in cash, gold,

household appliances and electrical devices.

Isaacs denied the charge and was remanded to prison.

Police Prosecutor Shondel Daniels told the court that on the day in question, when the Virtual Complainant (VC) arrived at home, she noticed a car was parked in front of her home.

According to the Prosecutor, the car subsequently drove off, but as it was moving off, she noticed the trunk which was open was packed with appliances. Realising that her home had been broken into, the VC raised an alarm and public-spirited persons chased after the car. The car eventually stopped and Isaacs was seen inside. The Police were called, and he allegedly later admitted to the theft in his caution statement. The appliances were returned to Adams.

Prosecutor Daniels objected to bail. The case will continue on July 29, 2019.

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

‘Illegal’ Cabinet’s attempts to seek Opposition nominees for State Boards rebuffed

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pronouncements made.”

Edghill went on to remind the caretaker Minister of the CCJ’s consequential orders and the Judge’s reference to the Constitution’s unambiguous provisions.

He, therefore, noted that the Minister’s actions were outside of what a caretaker government could do.

“It, therefore, follows that the Executive is now resigned and Government remains in office for the purpose of holding general and regional elections.

As a member of the resigned Cabinet, you are not authorised to pursue the matters contained in the above-mentioned correspondences to the Leader of the Opposition.”

According to the Party, there can be no appointment of members of either the Macroeconomic Committee or the Investment Committee. “As such, there will be no nominations from the Leader of the Opposition. It is our hope that your Government and you will comply with the Constitution and adhere to the rulings of the CCJ, in all matters.”

he caretaker Government’s efforts to seek nominees to various boards from the parliamentary Opposition have been rebuffed, with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) reminding it that formulating State Boards when a NoConfidence Motion (NCM) has been passed was illegal.

It was only on Friday that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) reaffirmed its position that the Government should be acting in a caretaker capacity.

Caretaker Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Its ruling on the NCM was issued since June 18.

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.”

Yet, in a letter dated July 10, caretaker Finance Minister Winston Jordan invited the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to submit a nominee to sit on the Investment and Macro Economic Committees of the

The letter PPP/C Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill wrote to caretaker Finance Minister

Natural Resources Fund.

The Fund was established in accordance with Act No 12 of 2019.

“The Office of the Leader of the Opposition wishes to remind you that this activity, which you seek to engage in, by inviting our nominations is unauthorised, outside of your constitutional

mandate, and is not properly set in law,” PPP/C parliamentarian and former junior Finance Minister, Juan Edghill, wrote in response to the invitation in a missive dated July 15 that was seen by Guyana Times.

“Act No 12 of 2019 followed as a result of a Bill that was debated in the

National Assembly after December 21, 2018, when your Government was defeated by a majority vote on a motion of no confidence. In essence, your Government and you lost the mandate to pursue such actions as you did on January 3, 2019; you proceeded even against the best of advice and public

Caretaker president dodging...

Deceit

Jagdeo also criticised Granger for his recent admonitions that the Opposition Leader acted in bad faith by resubmitting previously rejected names. According to Jagdeo, he submitted those names because of an agreement between himself and the President.

“Both sides agreed to establish a joint working group, which would shortlist the names to six and present the list to the Opposition Leader before it is presented to me. It was also agreed that the names would include [my] suggestions. I said it was up to the Leader of the Opposition to submit names of persons who had already been submitted on the previous three lists,” Granger also said on July 9 during an address to the nation, adding that they were acting based on these agreements.

“The President himself, after the meeting at his office on July 4, in response to a question from the media, said the following; ‘if I could add, the Director General was quite clear. The Leader of the Opposition is free to submit the names which have already been submitted in the three previous iterations. He has agreed to confirm that those persons

are still willing to have their names submitted.”

“Now a few days later, the President said me submitting those names was an act of bad faith. Clearly, this is an act of dishonesty,” Jagdeo said.

Claudett La Bennet

It is not the first time that Justice La Bennet’s name has appeared in the running for GECOM Chairperson.

In 2017, prior to the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson, President Granger had been adamant that he was not leaning towards appointing La Bennett.

According to the Head of State, he was still in the process of reviewing the nominees and, therefore, has not made any decision on the matter. At the time,

there were reports that the President intended to reject the lists put forward by Jagdeo and make a unilateral appointment… which turned out to be true.

But this publication had learnt from sources that the President’s choice for the post has always been retired Justice La Bennett, a former High Court Judge who once had a restraining order issued against her in 2009.

Meanwhile, a political analyst commented on the situation told this publication that it appears as if the President now wants to repeat unilateral appointment via “nominee” ploy.

Jagdeo had submitted a list for GECOM Chairperson that included retired Major General Joe Singh, who served as GECOM Chairman years ago; Environmentalist

Former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill

Earlier this year, the now caretaker Government signed the Natural Resources Fund Bill into law. The Bill sets out, among other things, a 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee that will oversee the fund.

The Committee is supposed to include representatives from the media,

Private Sector and the Bar Association. Among other things, it will oversee what decisions are taken regarding spending from the Fund, whether on social development or investments.

Following its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil had estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be five billion oil-equivalent barrels. With oil at US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion.

ExxonMobil has since revised this figure upwards after three more discoveries, the last one being at the Yellowtail-1 well in April.

More drilling is also scheduled for this year and it was only recently that its first Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel bound for Guyana, the Liza Destiny, was commissioned.

In addition, an independent assessment, or competent persons’ report, had found that 2.9 billion barrels of oil existed in the Orinduik block. All of this will represent a monetary windfall for Guyana, which will be saved and invested through a Natural Resources Fund.

McLean, businessman Ramesh Dookhoo, Retired Puisne Judge William Ramlall and Onesi La Fleur.

But in a turnaround, Granger then submitted a list of nominees of his own that featured the return of former GECOM Chairman retired Justices James

Patterson, in addition to La Bennet, Alves, Stanley Moore, Aubrey Armstrong and former Solicitor General Kim Kyte. The President also proposed known PNCaffiliates and businessmen Stanley Ming (a former PNC Parliamentarian) and Kads Khan.

Oil money

from page 7

Annette Arjoon-Martins, retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy, businessman Captain Gerry Gouveia, Attorneyat-Law Kashir Khan, former Magistrate Krishnadatt Persaud, Conflict resolution specialist Lawrence Latchmansingh; Retired Major General Norman

10 NEWS

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Special audit into UG’s finances halted …after Education Ministry withdrew commitment to pay outside auditors

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he special audit into the finances at the University of Guyana (UG) has been stalled until authorities can figure out who will stand the expense involved in conducting the probe.

Initially, the Audit Office of Guyana had contracted an independent company to conduct the much-needed and highly anticipated audit into UG – in light of allegations of mismanagement of funds.

The audit was first ordered by the Education Ministry after a request was made by the two workers’ unions at UG to have such an investigation launched.

The Ministry was going to stand the expense associated with the investigation.

However, this newspaper was told that shortly after the independent company commenced its work into the matter, the Education Ministry withdrew its request for the audit with no explanation given.

Nonetheless, the Audit Office had committed to go-

University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus

ing ahead with the probe.

But according to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, due to issues regarding lack of finances, the audit is currently at a standstill.

“So I think that because he is contracted out it might be an issue of who has to pay. When I do an audit, they do not have to pay me right, except for certain agencies but if a contracted auditor then there is a fee

involved. So I think I will have to just follow that up,” he told this publication on Monday.

Less than three weeks ago, AG Sharma had noted that the backlog of years UG did not complete its audited financial statements was a cause for worry.

“The issue [is] UG’s audited [financials] were up to 2017. They’ve now submitted financial statements

for 2015. So we still have 16, 17, and 18 due. So until you get those statements and audits up to date, you really can’t do a proper audit, unless you do a special investigation in particular areas.”

Sharma, whose agency audits Government’s public accounts on an annual basis, went on to note the importance of having those accounts up to date up to 2018. He was not convinced about the UG administration’s sincerity in clearing this backlog.

“They’ve just submitted the 2015 [report]. But we’re still awaiting 16, 17 and 18.

So I don’t think they are taking very serious steps,” the Auditor General had remarked.

UG’s administration has previously been accused of wanton spending— including hosting several events, standing the expenses of meals and accommodation for guest speakers, as well as hiring select individuals, paying them super salaries, and sending large delegations overseas, all on the

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

University’s bill. Former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith had always denied those claims.

The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) have levelled these accusations, in particular.

The Unions had joined forces to question why monies were allocated in previous budgets to entities which do not exist and what became of those funds.

They had also demanded answers from the administration on how much money was spent on nonessential events within the last two and half years — which in-

cluded, but were not limited to, the Law and Society series, the TurkeyenTain talks, and the ViceChancellor’s installation ceremony.

They had argued that while these monies were being spent, the core units of the University, which include faculties and schools, had been informed that no money is available for essential repairs and payment for stationery, among others.

In his 2016 Audit Report, Sharma had found that $209 million had been unaccounted for from the University of Guyana’s Science and Technology Support Project, funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the International Development Association (IDA) under Credit Agreement No 4969GY. However, the University had insisted that the monies were used for infrastructure projects on the campus, including a fibre optic cable to provide students with Wi-Fi. It had also noted that some of the monies were used to renovate the faculty buildings.

Linden to Lethem road woes

“There is need for competent contractors” – Reg 8 Chairman

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ven as businesses, residents and other users of the Linden to Lethem road continue to fume over the deplorable state of the road, the Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Chairman, Bonaventure Fredericks, has admitted that there is a need for competent contractors to execute these much-needed road works.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Monday, Fredericks pointed out that oftentimes, these road work contracts are awarded to inexperienced contractors who may not possess the necessary knowledge for building all-weather roads.

“We need to have contractors that are knowledgeable about road building and who knows what type of materials to use to for all-weather road. But we have people that may have a truck or two and then they just go and throw stuff and then it’s not compacted and it’s not properly done and we’re back to square one again. Just days ago, the Ministry spend $4 million to repair certain sections of the said [road] and look at the condition of it again,” Fredericks added.

He, however, noted that this responsibility of road works and awarding of contracts for such works falls primarily under the purview of the Public Infrastructure Ministry. He added that despite calls by the Regional Administration for funds to be available within its budget for executing regular maintenance works, they have been told by the MOPI that the maintenance of all roads and bridges across

The deplorable condition of a section of the Linden to Lethem road

the country falls under their Ministry.

“So if there’s any work to be done, the Ministry has to be contacted before anything can be done and this can be a very time-consuming process. We had this problem and we are still having it,” he said. “It’s kind of disturbing when we have these types of emergencies to work on and then we have to wait on Ministry to do what has to be done.

We [do] not have that type of go-ahead from our Administration to say when an emergency comes up we get into it right away, we have to wait on the Ministry and while the waiting period is on, the residents suffer and that is what I’m not too happy about… that type of slow movements that happens while people suffer,” Fredericks added.

Further, Fredericks stated that the Ministry has been selecting the contractors for those works. They also have an engineer on the ground who checks on these works when completed.

“We need to understand that even though they may have these engineers I keep

saying that some of them they may have their certificates and their diplomas and they only know the theory but now that they have to do the practical, they really can’t manage but we are the ones here who understand what’s happening. We are not getting our full value for what is being spent because I remember hearing that the Ministry spend $4 mil to do that piece of road a few days ago and look how it is now and we still not where we want to be,” he said.

Fredericks explained that the recent road works were completed by a businessman who is not a contractor but has equipment that could have assisted.

“This was a miner that does mining that they [Ministry] asked to do the work because they have the equipment; they have truck, bulldozers, excavators and they asked him to do it. He is not a road contractor. The Ministry hasn’t dispatched a team to do the work or anything of that sort,” he added.

Chairman Fredericks also highlighted that the stretch of road going to

Lethem is in a deplorable state. “It’s terrible there. I was assisting some of the very bus men traversing the road in getting their buses out of the pools they were in because I went with a 4x4 pick-up and I was able to help them,” he said.

Fredericks also pointed out that no response was received from the MOPI in relation to the recent reports of the road while adding that most of the contact with the Ministry is done through their engineer and the regional authorities have no information if measures are to be taken if the Ministry’s engineer on the ground does not re-

port to them .“So if the engineer does not report back to us we do not know what next steps are. They keep blaming the weather because, with the rainy weather nothing much can be done even though it is true to an extent people still have to live, we have to get food we have to get fuel we have to get stuff into our region. It doesn’t make sense waiting on the weather when work can be done,” he said.

On Sunday minibus operators and residents once again complained that the road is in a deplorable condition after only recently being repaired. They expressed frustration over the

situation, which continues to create hardships for them and blamed the authorities for giving road contracts to “fly by night” contractors that do not possess the relevant knowledge or equipment to do the job.

The Administration was accused of giving contracts to party people that do not even own a spade or a shovel. “They are giving these contracts to persons that don’t have tools and what happens is that the contractors receive the money to do nothing and residents are left to suffer the consequence and nobody cares,” Councillor and resident of Mahdia said.

Attempted rape-shooting

Mahdia businesswoman released on station bail …suspect under Police guard at GPHC – Commander

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he female miner, who shot a former employee thrice after he allegedly attempted to rape her, was arrested by the police but subsequently released on bail pending investigations.

This is according to F Division Commander (Interior locations) Kevin Adonis, who told Guyana Times on Monday that the Mahdia businesswoman had been taken into Police custody following the shooting incident.

However, she has been released on station bail as the probe into her alleged sexual assault and shooting

incident continue.

Meanwhile, the 36-yearold suspect, who was initially in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has not been listed as stable after taking three bullets to his arms and stomach. He is presently under Police guard at the medical facility.

Reports are on July 11, the now wounded man was imbibing at his former employer’s premises at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). Reports are at about 00:45h on Friday morning, the man sneaked into the woman’s

sleeping area and allegedly attempted to remove her underwear when she woke up and reached for her firearm, which was in close range.

The woman fired three shots towards her perpetrator. He received gunshot wounds to his stomach and arms.

The police were subsequently contacted and the woman, who is a licensed firearm holder, informed the cops that she shot the man in self-defence.

The suspect was rushed to the Mahdia Hospital but as a result of the extent of his injuries, he was airdashed to the city and taken to the GPHC.

11 Family, colleagues demand justice for news

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com10

nurse found dead in Mahdia

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cores of nurses attached to the Linden Complex Hospital, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), along with family members of Schenise Apple, who was found dead in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), took to the streets of Linden on Monday calling for justice for the nurse.

Nurses from Linden Hospital Complex protesting

Dead: Schenise Apple

Apple, who was a nurse attached to the Mahdia Hospital, was discovered hanging at the Nurses’ Hostel in Mahdia on July 2, 2019. It was alleged that she committed suicide.

The post-mortem examination released by the police on Friday revealed that Apple died as a result of asphyxiation and as such, the matter is being treated as a homicide, however, no arrest has been made as Police continue their investigations.

On Monday nurses and family members gathered outside of the Linden Hospital Complex for two hours, chanting slogans calling or justice to be served in relation to Apple’s death.

Holding placards bearing slogans such as “Better security needed”, “Nurses rights are human rights”,

“Justice for Nurse Apple” and “What affects one affects all” family, friends and nurses marched along Casaurina Drive, Mackenzie, as they shouted “Justice for Nurse Apple”, “We need justice” and “Nurse Apple need justice”.

Speaking with Guyana Times, one of the nurses related that Apple, who resided in Linden, was a qui-

investigation that goes cold or unsolved.

“We want justice for our colleague. She was sent there to do a job and she was there serving the people diligently. She should have been protected. The system failed her. She was such a young soul definitely gone too soon and we believe that if we do not stand up and demand action, nothing will be

Western nations

As the parliamentary Opposition continues to mount pressure, the international community is urging the country’s political players to act swiftly and in compliance with the Constitution, as ordered by the CCJ. In a joint statement issued on Monday, members of the diplomatic community in Guyana, including the United States,

The deceased nurse’s grandmother, Volda Daniels

was caught on video. Daniels noted, however, that justice must be served for her granddaughter as she called for staff at the hospital to also be investigated.

“Why is it the Government taking so long to hold these people?” the dead woman’s uncle questioned on Monday.

The family is also claiming that someone at the location was using the deceased woman’s

Family of Schenise Apple and nurses calling for justice on Monday during protest action in Linden

et and jovial person who did not deserve such a death.

The nurse related that the protest action was birthed by a group of nurses from Linden, who felt that action

by Police is being delayed and they were worried that this will be another murder

done,” she said.

The nurses said they will continue to protest as often as possible for as long as possible until a thorough and transparent investigation is done and justice is served.

Meanwhile, also speaking with this publication,

Western nations call...

Jagdeo expressed a willingness, however, to write the ICJ in support of the Government’s position against Venezuela on the border controversy. Already, Venezuela has shown signs of not respecting the court’s authority in the matter.

Although the ICJ fixed April 18, 2019, as the date for Venezuela to submit a Counter-Memorial on Jurisdiction, following the submission of Guyana’s own Memorial, Venezuela did not make any submission on that date.

Apple’s grandmother, Volda Daniels, claimed that the family members were not allowed to witness the post-mortem examination.

She, however, claimed that she saw what appeared to be burn marks on the woman’s neck prior to the examination.

“We want a speedy investigation, they must find the culprits...She was a quiet and decent young woman. That girl never in no story with nobody, why they do her like that? She left here, they send she so to work and now she’s dead. I’m calling on Ramjattan, the Security Minister and Health Minister Volda Lawrence, let them go to Region Eight and investigate fully ...she was working and she served this country as a young woman, she had a bright future and I think they should do something,” Daniels lamented.

The woman added that she buried her son only nine

United Kingdom, and the European Union, stated that they have taken note of the CCJ’s pronouncements on July 12.

They said it is important for the rule of law that all invoked actors abide by the CCJ’s ruling and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. The diplomats furthered urged that this adherence be done expeditiously.

“The Caribbean Court of Justice – Guyana’s Supreme Court – has spoken. It is important for the rule of law that all invoked actors abide by its ruling and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. We urge everyone to do so expeditiously,” the diplomats said in the joint communique.

This follows statements issued by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which also urged compliance with the Court and Constitution.

According to the PSC in a statement, the appointment of a new Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman must be done the

From page 3

right way. The Commission, which is the umbrella body for the business community, warned that President David Granger must not go down the road of another unilateral appointment.

“The Private Sector Commission of Guyana has noted with great concern the recent consequential order ruling following the final ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on June 12, 2019, in respect to the no-confidence vote against the Government on December 21, 2018, which was validly and properly passed,” the Commission said in the statement.

“In view of the given political and constitutional circumstances, the PSC wishes to register its position – having the highest regard for the respect of the Constitution and the rule of law and order, for the President and Opposition Leader to appoint as a matter of urgency – a Chairman for GECOM from the list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.”

months ago under similar circumstances and the family is yet to receive justice.

She was referring to Sherwin Apple, who was killed some time ago after he was implicated in the alleged rape of the Linden minor which

cellphone after her death.

Prior to her death, Apple had been working at the location for nine months.

She was initially expected to work there for a year.

Minister Lawrence has since made calls for a full

probe into the nurse’s death.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has also joined the calls.

Meanwhile, a usually reliable source from Mahdia, Region Eight, told this publication that there are reports in the mining town that the nurse was murdered and the suicide was staged. “Everyone saying that the young lady was murdered. They are saying that from how the body was discovered, it was as if it was placed there, and who would hang themselves with a towel? It just doesn’t add up,” the source opined.

Speaking with this publication, a nurse said that no one saw Apple during the day of July 2, but that was nothing strange.

“It is normal when you finish the night shift to sleep most of the day. So after no one saw her, we didn’t take it for anything,” a nurse told this publication.

However, at about 18:15h, another colleague inquired about Apple and it was then that they visited the hostel and found her body.

The police were notified and the woman’s body was removed.

12 news

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG to get new Vice Chancellor GBTI commences annual in 6-9 months – Pro Chancellor children’s summer camp

Pro Chancellor Joseph Singh

T

he University of Guyana will be appointing a new official to fill the position of Vice Chancellor but it is a process that can take anywhere between six to nine months.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Monday, ProChancellor of the University, Retired Major-General Joseph Singh explained that this comes after Professor Ivelaw Griffith declined to renew his contract to serve another tenure in that capacity. He noted that the process to select a new VC will take some time.

Consequently, the UG administration is currently under command of a Transitional Management Committee, Chaired by Professor Michael Scott to oversee operations.

Professor Paloma Mohamed has undertaken the role as Deputy Chair.

“The University indicated that the process of selecting a new Chancellor is in train and that process could take anything between six to nine months. There is a Transitional Management Committee that is in place which is Chaired by Professor Michael Scott.

Ms Mohamed is the Deputy Chair,” Singh informed.

Griffith had come under grave criticism earlier in the year after the UG Unions stated that his performance was dismal among other ac-

cusations of financial mismanagement. In February, a group of employees attached to the Turkeyen Campus picketed the ViceChancellery, calling for audits into the spending of the University as it was allegedly unable to properly account for its expenditures and more so, offer a salary increase to its staffers. This was despite the fact that tuition fees increased annually and there were additional fees for some services.

President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr Jewel Thomas was quoted as saying that the University is undergoing financial constraints which will potentially affect the University’s teaching and learning.

Thomas claimed that VC Griffith, upon taking up the post, demanded a new vehicle, an increase of allowance which is equivalent to a ministerial level, a credit card, an expense of the University and bonuses. The Union President noted that the University of Guyana cannot afford the Vice Chancellor. The UGSSA President observed that the situation cannot and should not be allowed to continue.

In another encounter, the Union President told media operatives that the University has rejected their proposal for an increase in salaries, saying that the institution has a deficit.

Thomas accused the University of wasteful spending, explaining that they have been hosting talks and events to accommodate various speakers, some of whom the University does not even know of, and funds go towards their accommodation, food and travel.

“University has a public profile, we’ve been hosting talks, events, lectures, visiting people, some of whom the University doesn’t even know of their presence, we just know that they came and they went and they cost us money but we don’t know

Former Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith

exactly what they did,” she noted.

At a meeting convened by the University Council, headed by the ProChancellor on April 15, a decision was taken to have the Vice Chancellor proceed on the routine end of contract leave.

This decision was made in view of the University’s financial situation, the absence of any circumstance that required the Vice Chancellor’s presence and it also respected long-standing procedures of the University with regard to no payment in lieu of leave for all staff. However, the Pro-Chancellor had reportedly given directives for the Council to reverse its decision so that the Vice Chancellor could be paid in lieu of leave.

Children engaging in outdoor activities during GBTI’s summer camp

T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) on Monday commenced its annual summer camp for Early Savers at their Bel Air recreational facility, where teenagers and younger children will be engaged in fun-filled activities for five days.

Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda expressed that the venture is part of their annual mission to give back to youths. Children from the Early Savers group were randomly selected to partake in craft, sports and learning activities.

“We have an annual summer camp that our Early Savers club members benefit from. It is an account

that we have for children, for infants to children that about 16 years old. Every year we do this and what we do is select account holders and we treat them to one week of summer camp,” she explained.

As part of the programme, the younger group is facilitated in the morning, followed by the teenage group in the afternoon.

This year, a sport was added to the list in the form of tennis for participants to experience all-round growth.

“They do literacy sessions, arts and craft but this year we’ve added an outdoor component which is tennis.

We’re really big on including children and ensuring that they have a holistic develop-

ment and not just indoor activities,” Binda added.

At the end of the programme on Friday, parents will be invited to view the works of the kids and also note the progress that was made in just a few days. An exhibition will display their artworks and other creative items that were made.

This is the second consecutive year that the Kids Today Leaders Tomorrow (KTLT) programme has collaborated with the bank to assist with the learning sessions.

“We have been in partnership with KTLT for about two years and we have been enjoying that partnership with them and so it will continue.”

Agricola accident

Police still to arrest suspects for vigilante beating

O

ver six weeks have passed since the truck driver involved in the Agricola, East Bank Demerara accident, which claimed the life of a sevenyear-old girl, was severely beaten by residents from the area and the police are yet to make an arrest.

However, the police are still investigating the matter, with the hope of identifying the persons responsible for the vigilante beating and burning of the driver’s truck.

Last month, A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander, Marlon Chapman publicly declared that those caught for the crimes will face the full brunt of the law.

“Yes, once they are identified we will have them arrested. Everyone who is identified for assaulting the man, we will have them arrested. Despite the circumstances, they cannot beat someone, that is against the law”, Chapman had told Guyana Times.

Videos on social media showed that the truck driver was dripping blood as a result of the beating he received. After the beating, he was handed over to the police who took him to the

Truck driver Danion Welcome

Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention.

However, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves also told this publication on Sunday that it is too early to determine who is responsible for the fatal accident while adding that investigations are ongoing.

“I will not want to pronounce on that until that investigation by the Traffic Department is completed.

That is the confusion because we pronounce without getting the facts and when the facts are revealed then persons would want to say that the police are covering up.”

Based on reports re-

ceived, on June 1, the child was attempting to cross the road with her aunt, Samantha Barry, at about 16:45h in the vicinity of the Independence Arch at Agricola.

During that time, a truck bearing registration number GWW 962 was heading to Georgetown when he allegedly swerved to avoid hitting a vehicle and ended up in the path of the pedestrians.

Upon impact, the woman was flung some distance away while the truck remained fixed on the median with the child pinned underneath. A light pole was unearthed as a result of the impact and subsequently collapsed on the roadway.

About one hour later, a forklift and crane were used to lift the vehicle and remove the child’s remains.

Her body was completely severed.

Benjamin’s aunt recalled that she had just picked up the child and held her hand as they were crossing the road to go home. However, she claimed that the truck “came from nowhere” and slammed into the child.

After

Fire

the

scene

was

cleared, there was a sigh of relief but another unexpected tragedy arose when the lorry was set alight at about 18:10h, creating a towering inferno in the middle of the roadway.

Laden with fuel, it burned for hours, blockading the flow of traffic. At one instance, there was a string of vehicles from Diamond on the EBD, to Mandela Avenue.

Pedestrians stood in disbelief as small explosions erupted from the fire. At 18:43h, the Guyana Fire Service was yet to arrive at the scene as fuel leaked onto the roadway, burning uncontrollably and threatening nearby buildings.

Nevertheless, commuters took the risk of crossing the burning truck, in what was described as one of the “most dangerous” situations.

Police presence was observed at strategic points to maintain order on two of the four lanes which were operational. One driver related that he was waiting for three hours to access the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

At 19:28h, firefighters arrived at the scene to douse the burning truck, which was completely burnt.

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Gasifier at UG to help reduce carbon footprint A gasifier was commissioned at the University of Guyana (UG) on Monday, which, once fully operational, will contribute to the reduction in the carbon footprint of the University by utilising a significant amount biomass found on campus.

This is according to Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin, who on Monday said that the machine will also be able to provide clean and renewable bioenergy to the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and potentially en-

able a significant reduction in the electricity bill to the University when fully operational.

“This gasifier is expected to produce biochar and to train students in bioenergy technology in the BSc Degree programmes in Agriculture and Forestry and in the Masters in Energy…the project which took about 3 years to develop and now in test mode, will have the capacity to produce 10-12 kilowatts of clean energy. The gasifier will be used for research in other biomass materials (eg

grass pellets, coconut shells, rice-hull pellets among other biomass sources to produce biochar and electricity),” Mohamed-Martin said.

She explained that it will also be used for training other stakeholders in organic agriculture and power generation using biomass.

Mohamed-Martin said that the “biochar used as a soil ameliorant can aid Guyana’s international commitment to mitigate climate change and contribute to the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) by storing carbon in the soil in a stable

After one-year delay: new hinterland students’ dormitory commissioned

The gasifier that was commissioned at UG’s Turkeyen Campus on Monday

The newly-commissioned hinterland students’ dormitory will provide accommodation for persons to further their education

I

n the new academic year, tertiary hinterland students will be given a chance to take up residence at a newly commissioned dormitory at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The building was commissioned on Monday by caretaker President, David Granger and is pegged at just over $186 million. The new facility can accommodate up to 120 students from the hinterland region along with housekeeping staffers, administrative employees and custodians.

Permanent Secretary of the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Alfred King explained that the building was constructed by BK Construction Incorporated but there were delays ever since the initial deadline of September 2018.

“We had some challenges and we had some extension from 1st September 2018 going to December of 2018 and that still didn’t materialise. We were able to close formally on the 3rd March

2019,” King said.

Going forward, an e-library hub will be installed to deliver information technology services to students.

During the defects liability period, structural changes will be made to some aspects of the building.

Meanwhile, Junior Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs caretaker Minister, Valerie Garrido Lowe stated that many students would have had challenges in obtaining living accommodations to study on the coastland. It is the expectation that such gaps will be bridged.

Meanwhile, Granger, who was at the commissioning, stated that this points to an upward growth in Guyana’s education system to create productive citizens.

According to him, opportunities should be equally available for hinterland and coastal individuals.

Granger stated that apart from academic opportunities, other services should be equally dispersed.

“We want to create a more equal society. We want

to ensure that hinterland residents can enjoy similar public services – birth, business and death registration; public education; public health; public information; public infrastructure; public telecommunication; public security and social security – as citizens on the coastland,” Granger added.

There are persons from over 200 hinterland communities who are stymied by geographical location to obtain tertiary education among other challenges.

For the new academic year, persons will be able to stay at the new facility until their studies are completed. This includes students currently attending the University of Guyana (UG); the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE); the Government Technical Institute (GTI); the Guyana School of Agriculture; Carnegie School of Home Economics; the ER Burrowes School of Art and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC).

form…this project is part of the University of Guyana’s major orientation towards a more robust research agenda in STEM”.

The gasifier was designed by one of UG’s professors, Dr Lawrence Lewis, and his team. Dr Lewis remarked that the mechanical design was “a few years in the making” and its output could lead to a long-term green energy solution.

Meanwhile, according to UG, the unit will now begin its test and application phase over the next 12 months and during this phase, it will be tested under different conditions and using chips from several types of wood to make the pellets that act as fuel for the unit.

There are plans for the usage of the gasifier for research in other biomass resources such as grass pellets, coconut shells and rice-hull pellets among other biomass sources to produce biochar and electricity.

The project was conducted in collaboration with ExxonMobil.

14 News

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

First Lady, UNICEF laud Unidentified pedestrian succumbed school health club programme to injuries following accident

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger has commended the Public Health Ministry’s Secondary School Health Club initiative, noting that it can serve as a method of informing teens about their sexual and reproductive health.

The School Health Club, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI), is an initiative designed with adolescents in mind, especially those in school. It engages a series of activities aimed at improving their health and wellness, and the environment.

The national programme was launched on July 10 at Camp Wesleyan on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

It focuses on capacity building for teachers and students, who will implement activities in the various secondary school health clubs. It was highlighted that training for teachers in Regions 3, 4 and 10 who would be involved in similar initiatives commenced earlier in the year.

The First Lady observed that, in her “interaction with young people around this country and in the Caribbean as well, it is obvious that many are uninformed or misinformed about their sexual and reproductive health.”

The First Lady is quoted by DPI as saying it is es-

First Lady Sandra Granger

sential for parents, teachers and community leaders to address sexual and reproductive health, domestic violence, different forms of abuse, and mental health in a manner that is relatable to young people.

Adolescent and Development Officer Jewel Crosse of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) explained that UNICEF sees the health club initiative as a vehicle that empowers adolescents to play an active role in deciding and implementing solutions to issues related to their health and wellbeing.

“The [school health] clubs will also give the students the opportunity to become agents of change; and,

as agents of change, you will be able to carry the information which you receive into your homes, communities, and the wider areas at large,” Crosse said.

It has been added that the establishment of these clubs presents an excellent opportunity to equip adolescents with necessary life skills to prevent poor health and avoid poor choices.

“Poor health and poor choice can impact negatively on growth and development, and can also affect a child’s ability to learn… We see the health clubs as being able to guide you to adopt positive behaviour,” Crosse said.

The health club is required to gear discussions and activities around topics and issues that affect students as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

At conclusion of a training exercise for teachers, earlier in the year, the Ministry’s School Health Officer, Dr Faqueeda Watson-Jones, noted that many concerned stakeholders are playing roles in the functioning of the health clubs. These range from PTAs (Parent Teachers Associations); persons from civil society in the school’s community; all government ministries, including the Ministry of Education and the Department of Social Cohesion.

A

n unidentified man, who was struck by a minibus on the La Penitence Public Road, Georgetown on Friday last, has succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports are at approximately 00:45h on Friday last in the vicinity of Twins Pharmacy, La Penitence, the man was struck by minibus BSS 2498.

Initial investigations revealed that the minibus was

proceeding along the roadway when the pedestrian dashed into its path in an effort to cross the road. He was reportedly struck by the left-side wing mirror of the vehicle, causing him to fall onto the roadway where he sustained injuries.

He was picked up in an unconscious state by the driver of the minibus and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted.

Since the accident, no relative of the now dead

man turned up at the hospital to identify him and as such, it was difficult for the doctors to proceed with any further treatment.

He remained in an unconscious state until his demise on Monday. His body is at the Public Hospital’s mortuary awaiting identification and a post-mortem.

A breathalyser test was administered to the driver, but there was no trace of alcohol in his system. He was released on station bail pending investigations.

Paramakatoi water supply system now in testing phase

GWI’s Managing Director along with technical staff from the water service provider look on as water flows from the standpipe

P

aramakatoi residents will soon reap the benefits of a project that began in 2017 to provide easy access to potable water for the community.

The project, which was initiated through the signing of a MoU between the Guyana Water Incorporated and the village council, is now at an advanced stage where testing of the water system has commenced.

GWI Head, Dr Van West-Charles, accompanied by technical personnel, on Sunday visited Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), to get a first-hand look at the recently completed water system.

According to the Department of Public Information, while there, he turned on the valve to release water into the community to commence the testing phase of the new water supply system. While meeting with residents to explain the magnitude of work the system entailed, Dr Van West-Charles said it manifested who we are as a cooperative republic, as the input from all stakeholders involved was remarkable.

He thanked Christopher Cheong, a resident hired by GWI as a Clerk of Works, for his leadership in realising the new water system.

The Managing Director noted that the project present-

ed many challenges, which engineers managed to overcome.

Two photovoltaic systems will power the water system during the day, while a generator will support the supply of power to the system. Additionally, GWI intends to set up an office in the community and provide training for the maintenance of the water supply system. This will, in turn, provide employment for residents.

Toshao of Paramakatoi, Gideon John and Deputy Toshao, Luelyn Sandwell expressed their gratitude to GWI for not giving up on the project when it seemed impossible to get done.

news

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TUESday, JUly 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Venezuela ruled by “illegitimate, inefficient” regime – Archbishop Azuaje

…as Pope Francis appeals for political dialogue in Venezuela, the head of the country’s Bishops’ Conference decries the “illegitimate” regime of President Nicolás Maduro, whose misrule has left 6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance

By Devin Watkins

T

he Bishops of Venezuela continue their fight on behalf of the nation’s suffering citizens.

Pope Francis stepped into the fray once again on Sunday, launching an appeal for the parties to sit down to find a path out of the current crisis. He also reiterated his constant prayers for all Venezuelans.

In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Jose Luis Azuaje Ayala of Maracaibo said Venezuela’s Bishops appreciate the Pope’s words in support of their people.

But, he said, many people have unrealistic expectations and “think that the Pope needs to repeat constantly not what he has said but what people want him to say”.

The Archbishop said

Pope Francis’ relationship with Venezuela, as a religious leader and head of Vatican City State, “has to be very respectful, leading the Pope to say what he has and to express his closeness with the people who suffer”.

Archbishop Azuaje said one extreme faction in the country is hoping an outside force will come to resolve the political crisis, whether it be a military intervention led by the United States or some “messiah”.

These unlikely events, he said, are not the real solution. “The path forward is simply that we – as Venezuelans, with the support of the international community – find solutions to this serious problem that we have.”

More aid needed

In April, Maduro agreed to let the Red Cross import humanitarian aid to

Archbishop Jose Luis Azuaje Ayala

alleviate massive food and health shortages.

But Archbishop Azuaje said the help provided by Red Cross, though appreciated, is “extremely limited” and reaches only a small portion of the population.

Around six million people are in need of food aid, medicines, or health care. “We need much more and better aid,” said the

Archbishop.

Speaking on behalf of Venezuela’s bishops, he decried the “inefficiency of the regime” of Maduro. “In Maracaibo, the lights go out every five or six hours.

There is no water.”

He says the Government only tries to patch up problems and is solely focused on maintaining political and ideological

control over the country.

“We continue to insist on the need for political change in the country, because without it there will be no change in the economic or social system.”

Maduro, said Archbishop Azuaje, is an illegitimate president, “because the elections were illegitimate and full of irregularities”.

The Archbishop called for a return to the Constitution to guarantee a democratic process and a way out of Venezuela’s political and economic crisis. (Excerpt from Vatican News)

Venezuela defies sanctions to sell US$40 million in gold reserves

Venezuela sold about US$40 million worth of gold last week, defying numerous US sanctions that threaten to cut off Maduro’s autocratic regime, according to people with knowledge of

the matter.

The central bank sold nearly one ton of gold on July 12, lowering Venezuela’s dollar reserves to a near three-decade low of US$8.1 billion, the people said.

While sanctions increasingly cut off Venezuela from the global financial system, Maduro has been selling gold to firms in places such as the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, reaching approximately 24 tons of gold in sales since the beginning of April.

A central bank press official did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the sales.

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control included the Venezuelan central bank in its list of sanctioned entities in April, hoping to stop the lucrative trading Maduro has been using to keep the military loyal to his regime. (Bloomberg)

Trump tweet row: Don’t take Iran nuclear deal breaches not the bait, Congresswomen say yet significant, EU says

T

he four United States Congresswomen attacked by US President Donald Trump in a series of racially-charged tweets have dismissed his remarks as a distraction.

Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib urged the US people “not to take the bait” at a Monday press conference.

Trump suggested the four women – all US citizens – “can leave”.

He has defended his comments and denied allegations of racism.

Addressing reporters, the four women – known as The Squad – all said the focus

should be on policy and not the President’s words.

“This is simply a disruption and a distraction from the callous chaos and corrupt culture of this Administration, all the way down,” Pressley said.

Both Omar and Tlaib repeated their calls for Trump to be impeached.

Their response comes after Trump launched a Twitter tirade on Sunday, telling the four women – three of whom were born in the US and one, Omar, who was born in Somalia – to “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came”.

His remarks have been widely condemned as racist

and xenophobic.

Pressley dismissed the President’s efforts “to marginalise us and to silence us”, adding that they were “more than four people”.

“Our squad is big. Our squad includes any person committed to building a more equitable and just world,” she said.

All four women insisted that health care, gun violence, and in particular detentions of migrants on the US border with Mexico should be in focus.

“The eyes of history are watching us,” Omar said, decrying the “mass deportation raids” and “human rights abuses at the border”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Hammond pledges to fight a no-deal Brexit from outside Government

British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond

B

ritish Finance Minister Philip Hammond said on Monday he would not stay in his job when the country’s next Prime Minister took over next week, and he would do everything he could to stop a no-deal Brexit.

Hammond told CNBC television he did

not want to make life difficult for either Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt, the two contenders to replace Theresa May as Prime Minister on July 24.

But he made it clear he would work to block any attempt to take the country out of the European Union without a transition deal to soften the economic shock.

“If the new government tries to drive the UK over a cliff edge called no-deal Brexit, I will do everything I can to stop that happening,” he said.

A majority of Hammond’s fellow British lawmakers voted against a no-deal Brexit earlier this year. But Johnson and Hunt have both said they are prepared to leave the bloc without an agreement if necessary.

Hammond supported the losing Remain campaign in Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum and has angered Leave supporters since then by making clear his opposition to a no-deal Brexit.

Hammond also told CNBC that Facebook’s proposed new Libra currency was potentially a positive step forward, but could become a channel for moneylaundering if not properly regulated. (Reuters)

I

ran’s recent breaches of the 2015 nuclear deal are not significant and can be reversed, the European Union’s foreign policy chief says.

“We invite Iran to reverse the steps and go back to full compliance,” Federica Mogherini said on Monday.

Iran stepped up production of enriched uranium, used to make reactor fuel but also potentially nuclear bombs, in May. It is responding to sanctions imposed by the United States since it

withdrew unilaterally from the agreement.

The breaches come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US. There has been tension with the UK, too, following the UK seizure of an Iranian oil tanker earlier this month suspected of taking oil to Syria in breach of sanctions.

Iran denies this.

The long-term nuclear deal involves Iran limiting its nuclear activities in return for the easing of economic sanctions, which have badly hurt its economy.

“Technically all the

steps that have been taken, and that we regret have been taken, are reversible,” Mogherini said, following a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.

She said none of the signatories to the deal considered the breaches to be significant, and so they would not be triggering its dispute mechanism which could lead to further sanctions.

The meeting in Brussels was focused on reducing tensions with Iran and ensuring the nuclear deal remains in place. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, JUly 16, 2019

Regional

El Salvador rape victim jailed New World Bank envoy lauds for stillbirth goes on trial again Jamaica’s economic performance

N

E

velyn Hernandez, a 21-year-old rape survivor, is set to go on trial for a second time for aggravated homicide in a case that tests El Salvador’s strict enforcement of its total abortion ban.

Hernandez, from a rural area of El Salvador, experienced a stillbirth while at home in April 2016 and lost consciousness. Her mother took her to the nearest hospital, where doctors alerted authorities of a potential abortion. She was arrested at the hospital. The newborn died of “aspiration pneumonia”, according to the autopsy, meaning that the baby breathed in amniotic fluid during birth, leading to his death.

Hernandez said she was unaware that she was pregnant at the time. Her pregnancy was the result of rape by a gang member.

In July 2017, a judge found Hernandez guilty of aggravated homicide and sentenced her to 30 years in

ewly-appointed World Bank representative for Jamaica and Guyana, Ozan Sevimli, has lauded Jamaica on its sterling economic performance noting that “Jamaica is on the move”.

Paying a courtesy call on Jamaica’s Ambassador to the USA, Audrey Marks, at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC on Thursday, July 11, he men-

Evelyn Hernandez leaves the Women’s Readaptation Centre in Ilopango, El Salvador [Rodrigo Sura/EPA]

prison. But her defence continued to assert that there is no evidence that proves Hernandez intentionally caused harm to her child.

In December 2018, her sentence was annulled by the Supreme Court after Hernandez’s legal team filed an appeal. A retrial was ordered, and is set to begin on Monday. Lawyers say the original sentence was based on prejudice

rather than evidence and medical reports.

El Salvador is one of six countries in Latin America with a total abortion ban, and the country carries out the law with an incomparable tenacity. Dozens of women have been prosecuted for abortion-related crimes since 1998 when the country rewrote the penal code to criminalise abortion in all cases. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bahamian officials nab 12 migrants in

human smuggling and drug trafficking bust

A

joint operation by Bahamas Im m igr atio n Department and Royal Bahamas Defence Force to crack down on human and drug smuggling has nabbed 13 people, including 12 migrants from Europe, East Asia and Latin American and the Caribbean.

The migrants of five foreign countries, along with

a Bahamian, were apprehended aboard a 25-foot go-fast vessel by a Defence Force patrol craft with Defence Force Marines and Immigration officials off West End, Grand Bahama last Friday.

A search of the vessel uncovered one Bahamian, five Jamaicans, two Colombians, two Chinese, two Haitians, and a Lithuanian on board

along with 7.7 kilograms (17 pounds) of marijuana.

The captain and occupants of the vessel were taken into custody and handed over to police and Immigration officials.

The Defence Force said in a statement announcing the arrests, that it “remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas”. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Trump seeks to curb Central America asylum claims

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he Trump Administration is seeking to curb migration from Central America by introducing new rules over who can claim asylum in the US. The measures, unveiled on Monday, say migrants who fail to apply for asylum in the first country they pass through en route to the US will be ineligible.

Migrants who have been trafficked will be exempt from the ban.

Mexico has rejected the measures and the American Civil Liberties Union has mounted a legal challenge.

Announcing the rule change, Attorney General William Barr said it would deter “economic migrants” from exploiting the US asylum system.

“The United States is a generous country, but is being completely over-

tioned the work being undertaken in the areas of animation and entrepreneurship, which he noted would benefit youth in particular.

Ambassador Marks congratulated Sevimli on his appointment and encouraged him to focus on two key areas which would drive growth and make a meaningful impact on the Jamaican economy and people. She mentioned the

Jamaica National Youth Corps (coordinated by the Jamaica Defence Force) and the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE) as two areas which could benefit from support from the World Bank.

The Jamaican Ambassador said she looked forward to working with the World Bank to continue the work on establishing a Diaspora Bond. (Jamaica Observer)

Former Barbados Central Bank Governor wants US dollar to replace C’bean currencies

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he former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, (CBB), Dr DeLisle Worrell is urging regional countries to seriously consider using the United States dollar as their national currency, after initially arguing that Caribbean currencies served a crucial purpose when they were first introduced, but they have now become a nuisance in today’s digitised world.

Writing in the July edition of his “Monthly Economic Newsletters”, the economist said that the one question which always surfaces in response to his call to retire all Caribbean currencies is about national sovereignty.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, (CBB), Dr DeLisle Worrell

“Most people seem to believe that sovereignty is “lost” with the retirement of the local currency. On the contrary, replacing domestic currency and deposits with US currency and deposits

gives everyone in the country wider access to goods and services.

“With domestic currency you can buy only local goods and services; with US dollars you can purchase from anywhere in the world, wherever you can get the best value for your money,” Worrell wrote, adding that the fact of the matter is that the US dollar is sovereign in international transactions “and there is nothing than can be done about that”.

He said even China, the world’s second largest economy, with 15 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the US’s 24 per cent, accepts payments in US dollars. (Excerpt from CMC)

T&T man charged with cruelty to 4-year-old

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L a v e n t i l l e , Trinidad man has been charged with cruelty to a four-year-old child, whose leg was broken during a beating.

Kerry Wilson, 41, was charged with the offence on Friday, after being arrested by officers of the Child Protection Unit,

Port of Spain Division.

Reports indicate that the female minor was at the home of the accused during the period August 30, 2016 to December 4, 2016, when he allegedly dealt her several blows about her body with his hand.

The victim was also al-

legedly hit with a belt and belt buckle, which resulted in her sustaining a broken leg and a black and blue eye.

A report was made about the incident on Sunday, December 4, 2016 and a warrant subsequently issued for his arrest.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Trinidad: 40 foreigners held during Police raid

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Thousands of migrants cross Guatemala on their way north to the US

whelmed by the burdens associated with apprehending and processing hundreds of thousands of aliens along the southern border,” Barr said in a statement.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, however, said his country would not become a dumping ground for those rejected by the US and would not return refugees to danger zones.

“Mexico does not agree

with measures that limit access to asylum and refuge,” he told reporters.

It is not clear what will now happen to asylum seekers rejected by the US at the border with Mexico.

The new regulations are the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to toughen the US asylum process as increasing numbers of Central American migrants arrive at the US-Mexico border. (Excerpt from BBC News)

entral Division police held 39 Venezuelans and a Jamaican in an anti-crime exercise in Chaguanas Sunday.

A Police release said the exercise included members of the Criminal Investigations Department, Central Division Task Force, the Special Operations Unit, the Canine Branch and the Court and Process Branch.

Police went to a bar and guesthouse on Railway Road, where they found the foreigners, who are believed to be in this country illegally.

The Police contacted Immigration Division and investigations are ongoing.

The raid on Sunday came a week after a similar raid at a brothel in Cunupia which netted 12 Venezuelan women, three Jamaican men and five Nepalese men. The owner was also arrested.

The raid in Cunupia was carried out by the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT),

who are investigating whether foreigners, in particular women, are victims of prostitution or trafficking.

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, in an earlier interview, told Newsday SORT will be taking the lead in targeting establishments dealing with human trafficking. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

17

Around the World

Monsoon floods displace South Africa's Jacob Zuma tells inquiry he's victim of conspiracy millions in India

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ore than three million people have been displaced across north and north-eastern India amid monsoon rain that has cost lives and destroyed homes.

Storms and floods have ripped through areas of Nepal, Bangladesh and India, killing more than 130 people.

At least 67 people lost their lives in Nepal in torrential rains, Police there said on Monday.

Thirty people were reported missing while 38 were injured, Nepalese Police added.

Heavy rains also caused deaths in Bangladesh, including in overcrowded Rohingya refugee camps.

More bad weather is expected in the coming days.

The Brahmaputra River, which flows through India, Bangladesh and China, burst its banks, swamping more than 1800 villages in India's north-east Assam

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A woman searches for her belongings near the debris of her house following floodwaters in Kasuarbori village in Assam [Biju Boro/ AFP]

state, Reuters reported on Monday.

Almost 2 million have been displaced in the northern Indian state of Bihar due to rising flood waters, the Government said. More than 1.7 million people in Assam fled their homes.

At least 29 people died in Bangladesh in the past week, including 18 hit by lightning and seven who drowned when their boat sank in the Bay of Bengal.

Hundreds of landslides since April have killed at least 10 people in the camps, including two Rohingya children in the past week.

The monsoon season lasts from June to September and wreaks havoc across South Asia every year. More than 1200 people died in the region amid storms and landslides last year, when India's Kerala faced its worst floods in nearly a century. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Landmine kills 11 pilgrims in southern Afghanistan

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t least 11 pilgrims including seven children were killed and on Monday when their vehicle set off a landmine in southern Afghanistan, local Government and health officials said.

The blast happened in the Khakrez district of Kandahar province at around midday, said Hayatullah Hayat, a spokesman for Kandahar’s governor.

A senior health official said 22 children and eight women were among another 34 women and children who were critically wounded.

The victims were going on a pilgrimage to a shrine

that houses the tomb of Sufi Shah Agha, a companion and relative of the Prophet Mohammad.

In Logar province in the south-east, a blast inside a mosque in the capital city of Pul-e-Alam led to the death of three Taliban fighters and 11 civilians, including three children, said Hasibullah Stanekzai, the Head of Logar Provincial Council.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the landmine blast and the explosion inside the mosque. Taliban fighters say they use roadside bombs and landmines to attack security forces, but ci-

vilians are frequently hurt or killed.

In Balkh province in the north, two children were killed in a landmine explosion on Sunday, officials said.

Years of conflict have left Afghanistan strewn with landmines, which are often picked up by curious children.

Last year, at least 1415 Afghan civilians were killed or injured by landmines and unexploded munitions.

Children made up one-third of overall casualties, and 80 per cent of those from unexploded munitions, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Italy seizes 'combat-ready' missile in raids on far right

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nti-terrorism Police in northern Italy have seized an air-to-air missile and other sophisticated weapons during raids on far-right extremist groups.

Three people were arrested, two of them near Forli airport. Neo-Nazi propaganda was also seized, in the raids.

The raids were part of an investigation into Italian far-right help for Russianbacked separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, local media said.

The missile was one of those used by the Qatari army, Italian Police said.

The Turin special police force, called Digos, led the operations, assisted by Police in Milan, Varese, Forli and Novara.

The missile appears to be a French-made Matra Super 530 F. "During the operation, an

The missile is reported to be in good condition for combat use

air-to-air missile in perfect working order and used by the Qatari army was seized," Police said in a statement.

On 3 July a court in Genoa jailed three men who were found guilty of fighting alongside the Russian-backed separatists who control a large swathe of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

In the Genoa case, two men - Italian Antonio Cataldo and Albanian-born Olsi Krutani - got terms of

two years and eight months.

The third, Moldovan citizen Vladimir Vrbitchii, got one year and four months.

More than 10,000 people have died in fighting since the heavily-armed separatists launched an insurgency in eastern Ukraine in April 2014. Skirmishes with Ukrainian Government troops continue, but the frontline has remained generally static for more than a year. (Excerpt from BBC News)

acob Zuma, the former President of South Africa, has told an inquiry into corruption allegations that he has been the victim of a "character assassination" campaign by enemies seeking his removal from power.

Zuma, who resigned last year following an internal battle at the ruling African National Congress (ANC), appeared before a State Commission on Monday to respond to allegations that he allowed cronies to plunder State resources and influence senior Government appointments during his nine years in office.

He has consistently denied wrongdoing, saying the allegations against him are politically motivated.

In his opening remarks,

South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma

which were televised, Zuma said he had been "vilified" and subjected to "character assassination" as part of a conspiracy by opponents seeking his downfall.

The commission, led by Judge Raymond Zondo, said last month that Zuma was invited to appear "to en-

able him to give his side of the story". It is investigating a web of deals involving Government officials, the wealthy Gupta family and State-owned companies.

Speaking at the start of Monday's hearing, Zondo thanked Zuma for attending, and said: "The Commission is not mandated to prove any case against anybody but is mandated to investigate and inquire into certain allegations."

Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa, reporting from Johannesburg, said Zuma sounded angry and defiant during his first day, claiming people have been spying on him and tried poisoning him because he knows too much from his days in the intelligence agencies. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

South Korea calls Japan reports of North Korea sanctions breach “grave challenge”

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outh Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday Japan’s reported accusations that South Korea had exported banned goods to North Korea posed a “grave challenge” amid a growing dispute over Japanese export curbs.

Japan has tightened restrictions on the export of three materials used in high-tech equipment, citing “inadequate management” of sensitive items exported to South Korea.

The curbs were seen as a response to a South Korean court ruling last year ordering a Japanese company to

compensate South Koreans who were forced into labour during World War II. Adding to tensions, Japan’s NHK and FNN broadcasters reported that hydrogen fluoride, one of the three materials covered by the curbs that can also be used in chemical weapons, had been shipped to North Korea after being exported to the South.

South Korea has said the reports were groundless and it has been doing a better job than Japan in keeping track of illicit exports.

North Korea was slapped with sanctions for its missile and nuclear weapons

programmes which it pursued for years in defiance of US Security Council resolutions.

“It is a grave challenge to our government which has not only been faithfully complying with the global export control and sanctions regime but also making utmost effort to develop inter-Korean ties and peace within the sanctions framework,” Moon said.

The two countries held five-hour marathon talks in Tokyo on Friday but the feud only deepened, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts of each other’s demands. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Extinction Rebellion climate protests spread across UK

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s activists erected the mast of a boat emblazoned with "act now", hundred of climate change protesters gathered in front of the vessel blocking traffic on The Strand, one of the UK capital's major arteries.

A similar boat, now a symbol of the Extinction Rebellion protests, blocked Piccadilly Circus in April when the climate activist group brought much of London to a standstill for 10 days.

The group kicked off a new round of demonstrations across the UK on Monday targeting five cities - London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol and Leeds - with creative and civil disobedience action through to Friday.

They aim to cause disruption to raise awareness of the climate crisis and urge the Government to enact policy measures aimed at achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2025. Action in each city focuses on a dif-

Extinction Rebellion Leeds unveiled a boat on Victoria Bridge

ferent theme, including "climate refugees" and rising sea levels.

In London, protesters at the Royal Court of Justice demanded the "legal system take responsibility in this crisis" and called for "ecocide" to become an internationally recognised crime.

In June, the UK was the first country to commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 - either by avoiding

emissions or offsetting them with projects aimed at soaking up carbon dioxide. But Extinction Rebellion called this target too little, too late.

More than 1000 people were arrested over 10 days in April.

As part of their strategy, the group asks volunteers to get deliberately arrested by causing maximum disruption so the issue will wind up in court. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Don’t feel that you must make a change because someone else does, or wants you to. Use your expertise and knowledge to ensure that you do what’s best for you.

You’ll be torn between TAURUS what you should do and (April 20May 20) what you want to do. Look for alternative ways to take care of your responsibilities and still have time for a little fun.

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You decide what’s good for you. Don’t let anyone interfere in your plans or hold you back from doing what you think is best. Put yourself first.

Get the facts and consider the possibilities before you jump into something that could end up costing you. You’ll have only yourself to blame if you don’t do the proper research.

Keep your opinions to yourself. If someone reaches out to you, listen to them, but avoid sharing personal information or plans for now. Poise and patience will pay off.

Change begins with you.

VIRGO Review what you’ve done (Aug. 23and put together a list of Sept. 22) what you want to pursue.

Organization and preparation will help you avoid excess and maintain control.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Take a break. Give yourself time to mull over the demands being put on you. Look for a rational way to get what you want without letting anger set in.

If you crave change or excitement, get in the groove and make it happen.

Traveling, learning and interacting with people you find interesting will be gratifying and educational.

You know the rules, but sometimes they aren’t easy to follow. Refuse to let anyone persuade you to do something you shouldn’t do or spend your money on something you don’t need.

If you don’t like something, change it. It’s your life, and putting up with something that doesn’t feel right will gnaw away at you until you take action.

Wait for the best time to make your move. Timing will be crucial if you don’t want to face opposition.

Anger will not solve anything, but precision and expertise will.

Stick to your plan and stick with people who have never let you down in the past. Making a physical change will lead to compliments. Schedule time for love and romance.

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

19

Tour de France: Geraint Thomas up to 2nd

as Julian Alaphilippe splits peloton B ritain’s defending champion Geraint Thomas moved up to second in the Tour de France after a dramatic conclusion to stage 10.

Along with overall race leader Julian Alaphilippe, Thomas benefited from a late split in the peloton that caught many race rivals by surprise.

The 33-year-old had started out from Saint-Flour to Albi the final stage before the first rest day - in fifth.

Belgian Wout van Aert edged out Elia Viviani in a thrilling sprint finish.

Speaking to ITV 4, Thomas, who is hoping to be the first rider since Miguel Indurain in 1992 to successfully defend his title as a first-time Tour winner, said: “I had a really good day in the end.

“We had a little go earlier but it was not the right conditions. We were always attentive and ready for anything.

“From our point of view we had everyone bar two guys [in the front group] so we were fully committed. There were plenty of guys turning and you

could tell behind that they had gone full out [to catch up].

“They ran out of gas and the elastic snapped. You would never expect it today. But a positional error from them and they lose a minute and a half.”

The stage had passed without incident until around 40km from the end when Rigoberto Uran’s EF Education First team attempted to take advantage of the crosswinds.

However, they and a clutch of general classification (GC) contenders, including Groupama-FDJ’s Thibaut Pinot and Astana’s Jakob Fuglsang, were caught out as Alaphilippe initiated a devastating counter.

Setting an unrelenting pace, Alaphilippe again lit up the race before Ineos took over to press home Thomas and his co-leader Egan Bernal’s advantage.

Britain’s Adam Yates, who moved up to eighth in the GC, and Movistar’s Colombian leader Nairo Quintana also finished in the leading group, one minute and 40 seconds in front of a chasing pack that also included Trek-Segafredo’s Richie Porte.

6. Jasper Philipsen (Bel/UAE Team Emirates) same time 7. Sonny Colbrelli (Ita/BahrainMerida) same time 8. Matteo Trentin (Ita/ Mitchelton-Scott) same time 9. Oliver Naesen (Bel/AG2R La Mondiale) same time 10. Greg van Avermaet (Bel/ CCC Team) same time

Belgium’s Wout Van Aert (second from right) wins stage ten of the Tour de France from Elia Viviani (extreme right) (Associated Press)

Bernal’s performance saw him earn the white jersey for the best young rider in the race, the pervious wearer, Italy’s Giulio Ciccone, being another to drop back overall.

The riders have a rest day on Tuesday before the race

recommences on Wednesday when the Tour travels 167km from Albi to Toulouse. (BBC Sport) Stage 10 result 1. Wout van Aert (Bel/Team Jumbo-Visma) 4hrs 49mins 39secs

2. Elia Viviani (Ita/DeceuninckQuick-Step) same time 3. Caleb Ewan (Aus/LottoSoudal) same time 4. Michael Matthews (Aus/ Team Sunweb) same time 5. Peter Sagan (Svk/BORAHansgrohe) same time

General classification after stage 10 1. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/ Deceuninck-Quick-Step) 43hrs 27mins 15secs 2. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Ineos) +1min 12secs 3. Egan Bernal (Col/Team Ineos) +1min 16secs 4. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/Team Jumbo-Visma) +1min 27secs 5. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger/ BORA-Hansgrohe) +1min 45secs 6. Enric Mas (Spa/DeceuninckQuick-Step) +1min 46secs 7. Adam Yates (GB/ MitcheltonScott) +1min 47secs 8. Nairo Quintana (Col/ Movistar Team) +2mins 04secs 9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Team Emirates) +2mins 09secs 10. Thibaut Pinot (Fra/ Groupama-FDJ) +2mins 33secs

UFC 240: Previewing the biggest and Former world champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker dies in accident best Fights set for Edmonton

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uly got underway in Vegas with UFC 239, but it will feature a second pay-per-view card as UFC 240 takes to Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 27.

Atop the bill is a featherweight battle, years in the making. Max Holloway comes back to 145 to defend the featherweight title against Frankie “ T h e Answer” E d g a r .

Helping to b o l -

ster the top-end, Cris “Cyborg” Justino returns to action against Felicia Spencer with a featherweight title shot on the line.

Canada will be treated to a world-class title tilt, but the card also features several action fights that will put any fight fan on the edge of their seat.

What UFC 240 lacks by way of marketable names, it makes up for with the value of ac-

Max Halloway (left) will be defending his featherweight title against Frankie Edgar

tion. July will end on a high note of fisticuffs in Edmonton. (Bleacher)

UFC 240 Full Fight Card

UFC Featherweight Championship: Max Holloway vs Frankie Edgar Cris Cyborg vs Felicia Spencer Geoff Neal vs Niko Price Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs Arman Tsarukyan Marc-Andre Barriault vs Krzysztof Jotko Alexis Davis vs Viviane Araujo Tanner Boser vs Giacomo Lemos Hakeem Dawodu vs Yoshinori Horie Gavin Tucker vs Seungwoo Choi Alexandre Pantoja vs Deiveson Figueiredo Gillian Robertson vs Sarah Frota Erik Koch vs Kyle Stewart

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legendary four-division champion and Olympic gold-medal winning boxer, Pernell Whitaker died Sunday night after being hit by a vehicle in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Whitaker was 55.

Whitaker, who boxed for 17 years and held titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight, made a name for himself by defeating Luis Ortiz to win the gold medal for the United States at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. “Sweet Pea” famously started boxing at age 9 and had an extensive amateur career prior to compiling a stellar professional record of 40-4-1 with 17 knockouts.

Known as one of the best defensive fighters of all-time, the southpaw was widely considered the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world during the mid-1990s as he racked up a 40-11 mark before losing his welterweight titles to rising star Oscar De La Hoya on April 12, 1997.

Whitaker would never officially win another fight and retired four years later.

Whitaker, a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame who was named Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine in 1989 and still holds the longest unified lightweight championship

Floyd Mayweather and Pernell Whittaker took this picture the day before he died

reign with six defenses, began training fighters in his retirement, most famously heavyweight title contender Calvin Brock and former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah.

Celebrities from around sports, including boxing, spent Monday paying tribute to Whitaker on social media. (CBS Sports)

Atletico reaction to Barcelona move “a pity” - Griezmann

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arcelona’s Antoine Griezmann said former club Atletico Madrid’s angry response to his transfer is “a pity.”

Griezmann joined Barca this week after the Catalans met his 120m euro (£107m) buyout clause.

Atletico complained Barcelona and Griezmann had negotiated the deal before the buy-out price dropped from 200 million euros at the start of July.

“We reached an agreement but finally it changed, it’s like that, you have to accept it,” Griezmann insisted.

Shortly after Griezmann’s move was confirmed, Atletico issued

a statement revealing that they had already “begun appropriate procedures” to defend their “rights and legitimate interests”.

Reports in the Spanish media over the weekend claimed Atletico planned to go to governing body Fifa to argue that Barcelona owe them more than the 120 million euros release clause.

Speaking at a news conference to announce him as a Barcelona player, Griezmann, who won the Europa League with Atletico in 2018, said: “Regarding Atletico, it’s a pity. I went to see them on purpose so they would not be caught off guard and

could prepare for the future.”

France international Griezmann, 28, who scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Atletico having joined them from Real Sociedad in 2014, met his new teammates on Sunday and will wear the number 17 shirt at his new club.

(BBC Sport)

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

The Open 2019: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy tee times announced N

orthern Ireland’s Darren Clarke will hit the opening tee shot at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, with Rory McIlroy among the early starters.

Clarke, who won the 2011 Open and has a house overlooking the course, gets play under way at 06:35 BST on Thursday.

McIlroy, who set the course record of 61 at Portrush aged 16, starts his quest to win a second Open at 10:09.

Three-time champion Tiger Woods, who won his 15th major at the Masters in April, is out at 15:10.

Woods will play with his Ryder Cup team-mate Patrick Reed and England’s Matt Wallace.

Portrush native Graeme McDowell is off at 09:14 and will be playing with 2016 winner Henrik Stenson and American Xander Schauffele, who finished joint second at Carnoustie last year.

World number one Brooks Koepka, who won the US

PGA Championship in May and finished second at both the Masters and US Open this year, is out at 13:04.

Clarke said he did not hesitate to accept his early tee time when asked by R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers three weeks ago.

“It’s Royal Portrush, it’s the first time it has been here for 68 years and I gladly accepted,” Clarke said. “Sometimes it can also be a good draw teeing off so early.”

Asked if he will have tears in his eyes on Thursday morning, Clarke added: “No. I will just be proud that we have the Open back here in Northern Ireland.

“It’s a huge thing to have it back here and it’s going to be an amazing tournament.”

US player Brian Harman has replaced fellow American Charles Howell III in the field which leaves former world number one Martin Kaymer now occupying the top place on the reserve list. (BBC Sport)

Williamson jumps 2 spots in ODI rankings

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ew Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has jumped two places in the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen after having amassed 578 runs in the recently-concluded World Cup, which also helped him bag the Player of the Tournament award.

Williamson has jumped to the sixth spot, behind only Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Faf du Plessis and Ross Taylor - all of whom hold their respective positions. David Warner (647 runs) and Joe Root (556 runs) have dropped a spot each to 7th and 8th place respectively despite a good run in the tournament.

Jason Roy entered the top 10 after scoring four fifties and a century in seven innings in the World Cup, where he amassed 443 runs. Ben Stokes, Player of the Match in the final, also made a significant jump in the rankings and picked five spots to be level with his skipper Eoin Morgan in the 21st place in the batsman’s rankings. Henry Nicholls, who was the other half-centurion in the final, picked six places and is placed at 51st.

Ravindra Jadeja, who stroked his maiden World Cup fifty in the semifinal against New Zealand, jumped 24 places in the

Kane Williamson has moved up to the sixth spot in the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen

rankings but is still outside the top 100. Jos Buttler (17), Steve Smith (29) and Alex Carey (32) jumped two spots each.

In the bowlers’ rankings, Chris Woakes and Matt Henry made good progress - by 6 and 5 spots respectively - to enter the top 10.

The list, however, continues to be headed by Jasprit Bumrah followed by Trent Boult at No. 2.

Jofra Archer made significant progress, going 13 points up in the rankings to be placed at No. 29. The young pacer picked up 20 wickets in 11 matches - third

best in the tournament - at an average of 23.05. Leftarm spinners Jadeja and Mitchell Santner jumped two spots each to 32nd and 33rd respectively.

There are no changes to the all-rounders rankings with Shakib Al Hasan leading the way followed by Stokes, Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim and Rashid Khan.

England continue to top the team’s rankings, followed by India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies. (Cricbuzz)

Juventus signing relishes the Sarri way & hopes to emulate John Charles

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aron Ramsey is relishing the prospect of playing under Maurizio Sarri at Juventus after witnessing his success at Chelsea last season.

The Wales midfielder, 28, has joined Juve from Arsenal on a free transfer.

Chelsea beat the Gunners in style in Sarri’s final game in charge - the Europa League final - having finished third in the Premier League.

“I know from this coach, from his time last year in England, he definitely likes to play football,” said Ramsey.

Sarri also guided Chelsea to the Carabao

Cup final and Ramsey, who missed the Europa League final through injury, believes he can inspire success in Serie A. “He has his own philosophy and I’m sure all the players here will adapt nicely to that,” said Ramsey.

“From what I saw last season he had a very good season for Chelsea - he got to two finals and won one of them.

“He got in the top four and that is not easy to do so it was definitely success for him there, but hopefully he can bring his philosophy and style to this team.” (BBC Sport)

Wimbledon champion Halep enjoys Romania’s adulation

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omania’s presidency and the Orthodox Church awarded Wimbledon tennis champion Simona Halep their highest distinctions on Monday while hundreds of fans cheered her home after she blitzed U.S. opponent Serena Williams at the weekend.

Halep, 27, became the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon singles title after stunning seven-times champion Serena Williams 6-2 6-2 in the 56-minute match final on Saturday.

“I played my chance. I did the best I could and

that’s why I managed to win,” a beaming Halep told reporters at Bucharest international airport, clutching her trophy and flowers as fans shouted “Bravo, Simona!”.

“I’ve been staying focused on my tactics ... Serena is the best player of all times.”

It was Halep’s second Grand Slam title following her triumph a t

Roland Garros in Paris last year.

The presidency awarded her the Star of Romania while the church gave her the Patriarchal Cross.

“I always make the sign of the cross and believe in God because nothing can be done without the help of God,” Halep said last year after winning in Paris.

(Reuters)

Simon Halep

Casillas given coaching role at Porto 2 months after having heart attack

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orto goalkeeper Iker Casillas has been given a role on the club’s coaching staff as he continues his recovery from a heart attack suffered two months ago.

The Portuguese side say Casillas’ role is to “ensure the connection between the players, the coach and management”.

The Spain World Cup winner, 38, suffered “an acute myocardial infarction” during training in May. “I will try to do my best to help my teammates,” Casillas, who was able to report for preseason on 1 July, said.

“The manager talked to me last season when my situation happened and he told me that he wanted me to stay with them, close to the players, near the younger players, because there would be a lot of changes.”

Casillas spent five days in hospital after the heart attack and said at the time he did “not know what the future will be”.

The goalkeeper, who moved to Portugal from Real Madrid in 2015, made 31 league appearances last season as Porto finished second in the league.

He made 725 appearances for Real during a 16-year career at Bernabeu Stadium, helping them win three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles.

He also captained the Spain team who won the World Cup in 2010, as well as successive European Championships, in 2008 and 2012. (BBC Sport)

Iker Casillas has made 156 appearances for Porto since joining from Real Madrid in 2015

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Let’s Bet Sports boosts Jefford’s Classic

T

he Guyana Lottery Company’s Let’s Bet Sports has become the latest entity to support the Jefford’s Classic, billed for Sunday, August 11th, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden.

On Monday, Let’s Bet Sports Brand Ambassador Rawle Toney and Jefford’s Classic coordinator Edison Jefford gave effect to this partnership in a simple ceremony in which the sponsorship cheque was handed over.

Toney, in remarks, said, “Let’s Bet Sports is happy to be affiliated with a company Let’s Bet Sports Brand Ambassadors Ian De Barros (left) and Rawle Toney (right) hand over the and a brand that would have sponsorship cheque to event organiser Edison Jefford stuck to its word, stating for sure they will be ready to burn the (NSC), ANSA McAL, ExxonMobil, that irrespective of all that’s DeSinco Trading Limited, Antarctic happening in track and field in Linden track…,” he said.

Maintenance and Repairs, YK Unlike what had previously and at the Mackenzie Sports Club Investments Pawn Shop, Jude obtained when clubs benefited from ground, they would not move.”

Jefford, for his part, noted that the event, cash incentives now go Bike Shop, and Power Producers support from companies boosts directly to the athletes. Thus the Distributors Inc. This event will get underway at top three finishers in any event will athletes’ development.

09:00h on Sunday, August 11, and pocket $40,000, $25,000 and $15,000 “This goes directly to the two admission is $1,000 for adults and respectively. million dollars in cash that we will $500 for children.

The event has also gained support offer our athletes on August 11. I know of the National Sports Commission

Windies A seek 1st 5th Grenville Felix in your area? victory as India A Memorial Cycle Race Contact our Circulation look to end series set for July 21

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indies ‘ A ’ will be hoping to salvage a series’ defeat in consecutive matches when they oppose India ‘A’ in the third One Day International today at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda.

On Sunday, India ‘A’ rallied to their second One-Day International win over West Indies ‘A’ at the same venue.

Coincidentally, it was another 65-run win for India, who won the first match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Thursday last by the same margin.

On Sunday, Navdeep Saini's five-for gave India ‘A’ a 2-nil lead in the fivematch series. Chasing 256, the hosts lost the wicket of John Campbell early, but R a y m o n Reifer helped them fight back with a 105-ball 71, which included seven fours and three sixes.

T h e innings w a s

eventually steadied in the company of Romario Shepherd, and the duo c o u n t e r a t t a c k e d with a 69-run stand for the eighth wicket, before Reifer was run out.

The last two wickets followed soon after, as West Indies folded for 190, undermined by Navdeep Saini’s 5 for 46 from 8.5 overs.

Put in to bat earlier in the day, openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubhman Gill stroked fifties to help India off to a strong start.

The duo put on a 151run stand before being separated in the 31st over.

West Indies clawed their way back into contention with three wickets in the space of nine balls, but even as India failed to gain a stronghold in their innings thereafter, handy contributions helped them post a solid 255 for 8.

Shepherd, who began India's slide, finished with four wickets, while four other bowlers: Akeem Jordan, Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall and Khary Pierre, each bagged a wicket.

Romario Shepherd

A representative of the Felix family poses with Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts

T

he fifth annual Grenville Felix Memorial 60-Mile Road Race, one of the most anticipated cycle races in Berbice, is set for staging this Sunday, July 21, and more than 50 cyclists are scheduled to participate therein.

Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts and organiser of the race, Joan Perry, daughter of the deceased Grenville Felix, have said the event is expected to cover the distance from Felix’s birthplace, Betsy Ground East Canje, to the No 51 Police Station and back to Betsy Ground for conclusion.

Perry has expressed her appreciation to Coach Roberts and the cyclists involved for making the event possible.

The race commences at 13:00h, and although officially due to start in front of the Betsy Ground Primary School, will actually commence at Lot 22 Canefield, East Canje, where Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright Macintosh, will down the flag to commence proceedings.

Participating females will ride from Benjamin’s Gym and Sporting Goods Store at Fyrish, Corentyne, while the 12-14 cyclists will join the race from Roy Hanoman’s residence at No 19 Road, ECB. Prizes will be awarded to the first eight finishers, three juveniles, four 12-14 riders, two females and three veterans.

Eight sprint prizes will be up for grabs.

The late Grenville A. Felix had been a former Chief Administrator and Engineer at the Rose Hall Estate in East Canje for in excess of forty years. He died at age 96 in 2014, and his cause of death has been given as respiratory pneumonia. He had fathered 10 children, and had numerous grandchildren among other relatives.

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

"Gold is Money" starts title defence on Friday T

he Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championships’ group stage will officially commence on Friday, July 19th, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

In this group stage, 16 teams -- divided into four groups of four following conclusion of the elimination round, which lasted for two nights – will vie for the right to progress to the quarter-final stage of the tournament.

According to an official release from tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, “The impending group stage might be the most competitive in the history of the event, as several teams have already displayed their championship quality and aspirations during the elimination round.

“We envisage a highly competitive ground round, where any of the teams can progress to the quarter- final stage due to their quality. The fans will certainly be treated to pulsating action.”

The group stage, played

according to a round robin format, will also be hosted on July 20th and 26th.

The top two finishers from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinal and subsequent semi-final rounds.

Winner of the Georgetown Championships event will collect $500,000 and the championship trophy; while the second-, third- and fourth-placed finishers would cop $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively, together with the corresponding trophy.

Saturday 20th, Berlin Tarmac

LA Ballers vs John Street @ 19:00hrs Tiger Bay vs Albouystown ‘A’ @ 19:30hrs Alexander Village vs Albouystown ‘B’ @ 20:00hrs Back Circle vs Rising Stars @ 20:30hrs Leopold Street vs Future Stars @ 21:00hrs North East vs Sophia @ 21:30hrs Sparta Boss vs Charlotte St @ 22:00hrs Gold is Money vs Broad Street @ 22:30hrs.

Group assignments and complete fixtures for the group stage are as follows:

Friday 26th, National Cultural Centre

Group ‘A’

Gold is Money Broad Street LA Ballers John Street

Group ‘B’

Sparta Boss Albouystown ‘B’ Alexander Village Charlotte Street

Group ‘C’

Leopold Street Tiger Bay

Flashback: Colours Boutique’s Creanna Damon handing over the 2018 Georgetown first prize and trophy to West Front Road’s 'Gold is Money' representative in the presence of teammates at the National Stadium at Providence, EBD

Future Stars Albouystown ‘A’

Group ‘D’

North East La Penitence Back Circle Sophia Rising Stars

Friday 19th, National Cultural Centre

North East vs Rising Stars Charlotte St vs Albouystown ‘B’ LA Ballers vs Broad Street Leopold Street vs

CARICOM Day Golf Tournament…

Bulkan Jr is champion

Event winners and some ATC students pose after conclusion of the event. From left are Guillermo Escarraga, Mahindranauth Tewari, George Bulkan, Aleem Hussain and ATC students

Y

oung George Bulkan, son of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, executed some fine drives, chips and putts to emerge champion golfer in the Sunday July 14, 2019 held-over Caricom Day tournament, run off with the blessings of radiant sunshine and infectious enthusiasm among the golfers.

Course conditions were much improved over Saturday’s wet grounds, as the weather held off from Saturday right into Sunday’s play, much to the delight of those using the 2-day experience to prepare for the Lusignan Open, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 20th and 21st respectively.

The day’s activities also had a stimulating aspect with both senior and junior Bulkan participating, and it happily was the junior Bulkhan whose outstanding efforts earned him the championship after almost 10 years of playing!

Many student golfers from the Accountancy Training Centre (ATC), who normally visit the Club for golf tuition and practice on Sundays, were involved in this tournament, some even participating in the presentation ceremony.

Instead of flights, the tournament was played on a straight Medal Play format involving all the golfers. Prizes for 1st to 4th best net, along with the longest drive, were awarded to the winners, who respectively were as follows:

1st: George Bulkan (69/15), who edged out 2nd placed Macorp’s Guillermo Escarraga (72/22) and 3rd placed Club President Aleem Hussain (72/8). Hussain produced the longest drive of the day, while 4th place was won by Mahindranauth Tewari (75/15).

Both in anticipation of, and preparation for, the grand 2-day Lusignan Open, to be held on Saturday and Sunday July 20 and 21, 2019, the LGC held two one-day tournaments on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14, July 2019. The experience was planned to prime golfers for the international standard Lusignan Open of July 20/21, 2019.

Resuscitated in 2018 as a President Aleem Hussain initiative, after being off the LGC annual calendar for several years, the Lusignan Open is one of two premier tournaments now held annually at the Club. The other is the 2-day Guyana Open, normally held in October/November.

For more information on the LGC: on how to become a member, how to learn the basics of golfing free of charge, how to contribute to the Club, or how to use the facilities, please visit the LGC Facebook page at lusignangolfclub or call 220-5660.

Albouystown ‘A’ Tiger Bay vs Future Stars Gold is Money vs John Street Back Circle vs Sophia Sparta Boss vs Alexander Village

Alexander Village vs Charlotte St @ 19:00hrs Broad Street vs John Street @ 19:30hrs Albouystown ‘A’ vs Future Stars @ 20:00hrs Sophia vs Rising Stars @ 20:30hrs LA Ballers vs Gold is Money @ 21:00hrs Leopold Street vs Tiger Bay @ 21:30hrs North East vs Back Circle @ 22:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Albouystown ‘B’ @ 22:30hrs.

Dhanpaul’s 14-ball 50 does it for WCWCC

Y

utesh ‘Avi’ Dhanpaul, currently playing in the Commonwealth Cricket League in New York with fellow Zeeburg Cricket Club member Balbiner Shivpersaud, has blasted a 14-ball 50 to help his team, WCWCC, to its ninth consecutive win in that league.

The match was originally a 30-over affair to be played against the in-form Horizon Cricket Club at the 73rd Park in New York, but overs were reduced to 25 each because of the vagaries of the weather.

Horizon CC took first strike with an intention of setting a target in the 250run mark to give their opponents a challenge. They, however, were unable to tap into their full potential, as Warriors drew first blood, capitalised on the ‘powerplay’ overs, and picked up a few wickets.

Forced on the defensive, Horizon found the going too tough for their liking; as, whenever a partnership was budding, the Warriors would dent Horizon’s hopes of achieving a challenging total.

Horizon could muster only 111-9 in their allotted 25 overs, Anwar Khan being topscorer with 23. Bowling for the Warriors, Anil Sookdeo took 3 for 7, and Chanderpaul Persaud chipped in with 2 for 25.

Needing a simple total of 112 for victory off 25 overs, at a net run rate of 4.48 runs per over, the WCWCC opening pair of Yutesh Dhanpaul and Balbiner Shivpersaud took to

the crease; but Shivpersaud fell for 28, as he missed the 50run mark for the first time in five matches.

With the duty of leading the team to victory now left up to club mate/countryman Dhanpaul, he produced a scintillating innings of 50 that included four maximums and 5 boundaries, while Jetendra

Yutesh Avi Dhanpaul blasted 50 from 14 deliveries

Kishore was left unbeaten on 25.

The Warriors have now won nine consecutive matches in this league.

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tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

23

Umpires made “error of judgement” with overthrows ─ Taufel (England) should have b e e n

One of the many defining moments which made the 2019 CWC final unforgettable

T

he umpires made an “error of judgement” in awarding six runs, instead of five, to England for the overthrow that hit Ben Stokes’ bat and ran to the boundary, says Simon Taufel, confirming the story that ESPNcricinfo broke right after the World Cup 2019 final. Currently part of the MCC’s laws sub-committee that makes the rules governing cricket, Taufel told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that England should have been awarded five runs, not six.

“It’s a clear mistake.. it’s an error of judgment,” Taufel said. “They

awarded five runs, not six.

“The judgment error was the timing of when the fielder threw the ball. The act of the overthrow starts when the fielder releases the ball. That’s the act. It becomes an overthrow from the instant of the throw.”

Law 19.8, pertaining to “Overthrow or wilful act of fielder”, says: “If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be any runs for Simon Taufel penalties awarded

to either side, and the allowance for the boundary, and the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the throw or act.”

A review of the footage of the incident - which took place off the fourth ball of the last over - shows clearly that, at the moment the ball was released by the New Zealand fielder, Martin Guptill, Stokes and his partner, Adil Rashid, had not yet crossed for their second run.

Taufel also said that Stokes and Rashid should have switched ends once the run was found to be incomplete - which meant Rashid would have played the

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Nationals…

Marslowe confident in Bartica’s Beacons

fifth ball with three runs required to win. “They did not cross on their second run, at the instant of the throw. So given that scenario, five runs should have been the correct allocation of runs, and Ben Stokes should have been at the non-striker’s end for the next delivery.”

Taufel defended the officials though, saying the moment involved many things happening at the same time. “In the heat of what was going on, they thought there was a good chance the batsmen had crossed at the instant of the throw,” Taufel said.

“Obviously TV replays showed otherwise. The difficulty you (umpires) have here is you’ve got to watch batsmen completing runs, then change focus and watch for the ball being picked up, and watch for the release (of the throw),” he said.

“You also have to watch where the batsmen are at that exact moment.”

The former umpire acknowledged the call “influenced the game”, but said it should not be viewed as costing New Zealand the match - and the tournament.

“It’s unfair on England, New Zealand and the umpires involved to say it decided the outcome,” Taufel said.

13th Guyana Cup 2019…

Vera’s Finally set to defend title

Bartica 2019 Champions Beacons FC

T

he Beacons Football Club out of Bartica, having risen to the occasion and won their leg of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets tourney, will be travelling to Georgetown to compete against other regional teams which have won their leg of the competition.

The National Championships, scheduled for August, are about to be held, and teams that have qualified to participate in this tourney are: Beacons (Bartica champions); Melanie ‘B’ (East Coast Demerara winners); Brothers United (West Bank/ East Bank Demerara winners); Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions).

With the competition already launched and the Georgetown leg underway, Beacons are currently in training with the aim of taking the Nationals by storm. President of the Bartica Football Association, Alden Marslowe, in an invited comment, has said, “While the Beacons are one of the top clubs in Bartica, we are confident, heading into the National Championships.

“All of the boys are highly talented and experienced. There is Dwayne Blake, who has experience at the national level; Whitney Welcome, one of our most fearsome strikers; and also Clint Kellman, who is creative in the middle. I expect this kind of composition to go far in the tournament; possibly to the top.”

Marslowe also said the team are currently

working on their fitness and trying to remain focused on the prize. He noted that football in Bartica employs a different level of skill, and many fans will be able to see talent on display when Beacons take to the field.

Meanwhile, action in the Georgetown SubMeet will continue of July 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. The grand finale is scheduled for August 3rd.

Matches will be staged at the National Cultural Centre tarmac, at the Burnham Court, and at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.

The first two nights saw elimination matches being played. They will be followed by the group stage, which will be held over the next three nights. The top two finishers from each group will progress to the quarter-finals and subsequently the semi-final round on the penultimate day. The finale will subsequently follow.

Meanwhile, the Guinness Plate Championship will feature the eight teams that failed to progress from the group stage. The overall winners will automatically seal their place in the National Championships.

Vera’s Finally, piloted by champion jockey Clifton Ross, easily claimed the prize for the feature race in 2018

H

aving generated a proverbial heatwave in August 2018, when the 12th edition of the Guyana Cup horse racing meet was held at the Rising Sun Turf Club on the West Coast of Berbice, the Management Committee of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables will this year be staging the 13th edition – the 2019 edition -- of this highly anticipated Guyana Cup on August 18 at the same venue.

Twenty million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, as compared to 2018, when 15 million had been up for the taking.

Many fans will be excited to see the return of defending champion Vera’s Finally, who had won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.

Piloted by Jockey Colin Ross in 2018, Vera’s Finally had won the 1600m race about four lengths ahead of TNT of the Nand Persaud Stables.

The winner of this year’s feature event -the C Class and Lower race, to be run over one mile -- will pocket $2 million, while the winner of the race category for three-yearold Guyana-bred horses would walk away with $1 million.

A total of 8 races have been confirmed for the card. Some of the horses slated to be featured in this 2019 event are: Just Call Me Bass, Crown the King (Jamaica), Doublin Fashion (USA), Chameli (Jamaica), Safara (Jamaica), Southern Express (T&T), Silver & Things (T&T), Sitarr (T&T), Kentucky Woman (T&T), Super Easy (T&T), and She’s a Princess.

In the G3 and Lower race, the winner will walk away with $400,000; while in the L3 and Lower race, which will be open to nonwinners from Trinidad & Tobago and twoyear-old Guyana-bred horses, the winners would receive $350,000 and $300,000 respectively.

The J3 and Lower race will be contested over a distance of seven furlongs for a prize of $300,000; while the L Class race for colts and the L Class races for fillies and for mares would each carry a cash prize of $250,000.

Thus far, four international artistes have been confirmed to entertain at the event; they are Gage, Munga, Kristo and K.I. Entry to the horse race and concert will be permitted for a fare of only $2,000.

tuesday, JUly 16, 2019

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

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Umpires made “error of judgement” with overthrows – Taufel Dhanpaul’s 14-ball 50 does it for WCWCC Page 21

Let’s Bet Sports boosts Jefford’s Classic

Page 21

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