Guyanatime 12 july 2017

Brazil to help Guyana’s fight against Yellow Fever

P16 THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 3269

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

PRICE

Jailbreak

WHAT'S INSIDE:

8 prisoners now on the run – Police

Prison break aftermath

Double murder suspect nabbed disguised in women’s clothing P10

… 31 convicts granted early release

Pages 11 & 12

…transferred inmates slaughter, roast cow, sheep to eat at Lusignan Camp Street blaze

$80 vat included

Bandits kill minibus driver

PSC slams P9 Govt for slow pace of prison reform

Camp Street jailbreak

Power outages

Page 14

– in daring daylight robbery at McDoom

“I begged for my life” – kidnapped taxi driver recalls harrowing ordeal … no protection needed –Top Cop

Was an accident waiting to happen – Granger

Page 7

Region 2 RDC calls on Govt to “step up” P16

Sophia man denies killing fiancée’s estranged P17 husband

Lethem businessmen complain

Page 3

Economic P2 slowdown hits Region 9 – Partial Scope Agreement’s implementation stymied

2 news

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lethem businessmen complain

Economic slowdown hits Region 9 – Partial Scope Agreement’s implementation stymied

R

egion Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is a region known for its aesthetic beauty and its rodeo. But life for residents is tough and a sit down with members of the business community reveals that that region is in the grip of an economic slowdown not dissimilar to other parts of Guyana.

A prevailing concern among business people interviewed by this publication was the sloth in commerce. According to one businessman, there are a myriad of troubles being faced by persons in the community.

“Right now business slow,” one businessman elucidated. “Things aren’t going the way it used to. And I would like if they could look into this community and put some more interest and attention to what is going on

for the last two years.”

The businessman also expressed concern over the state of the roads and drainage in the community. He noted that there is currently a lot of rain and with it comes drainage problems. He identified central Tabatinga and Lethem as some of the worse areas. “(I) definitely feel neglected,” he said. “That’s the story of what’s going on right now within the society.

The businessman also revealed that there has never been a community meeting hosted by members of the regional administration or central government, which would have edified residents about the steps being taken.

Meanwhile, another businessman echoed these sentiments, noting that “things have slowed up” in the region. He too observed that consumers are no lon-

Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock

ger buying like they used to.

Local trade

Meanwhile, Region Nine Chairman Bryan Allicock explained that there are deficiencies regarding local produce and quality control.

According to the Chairman,

entrepreneurs and farmers have to contend with competition from across the border.

“I went to visit farmers.

They have a lot of plantains but they can’t get it sell because the plantain coming from Brazil is cheaper.

And so when they carry it, the businessmen say, ‘oh I bought plantains already’.

The businessmen go quickly over there because it’s cheaper and readily available. Businessmen always want their supermarkets replenished with items. And when they can’t get it they go over there.”

“I had an experiment with the plantains from Brazil and here. When you fry it and put it on, the plantains from Brazil get hard very quickly in comparison to our Guyanese plantain.

But we can’t really control that at the moment unless

the farmers can guarantee us that they have a year round supply,” he commented.

He revealed that they had requested the farmers up their production as one measure to increase commerce. In addition, he said requests have been made of supermarkets to buy local.

But this can only be ensured once assurances can be provided of a ready local supply.

“So we have products, but we have to put our systems in place to ensure quality control so we can export over there. And we are hoping to get it soon, so our produce can go over there.”

Back in 2001, an Economic Complementation Agreement (Partial Scope Agreement) was signed between Guyana and Brazil.

According to the terms of the agreement, tariff preferences and exemption from the surcharge of freight would be granted.

These products had in-

cluded meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, cassava and plantain flour, peanuts, tea bush, cane sugar and rum.

Other items had included tableware, machinery and parts and furniture fittings.

But Opposition Member of Parliament, Allister Charlie, in an interview with this publication noted that at present, this agreement is not functioning as it should. He too agreed that competition with Brazil was an issue.

“There are 200 plus items that do not attract the tax. And it is not in effect at this time. I recently saw the Government saying (they would) do an importation of items to grow here, which is very good, because we know we are productive and we have the land.”

“But the problem that is bothering us is production,” Charlie said. “We have the quality but we don’t have the quantum to sustain the markets.”

Ministry hosts sensitisation meeting for M&CC Councillors

S

ocial Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton on Tuesday met with Councillors of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown and urged them to realise their role in fostering social cohesion towards a unified Guyana.

Minister within the Communities Ministry, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green also attended the meeting at the Councillors’ Chambers.

In delivering his address, Minister Norton said, “We cannot overemphasise the role that you have to play in [the Ministry of] Social Cohesion attaining its vision [of] a unified Guyana, where diversities are embraced, conflicts resolved, networks and collaborations with stakeholders strengthened, equity promoted and decision-making process resulting in equal opportunities and benefits for all.”

The Minister also noted that while social cohesion was enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution, it could only be achieved if every individual played a role in the process. As such, he said the Ministry was looking forward to the M&CC’s full support in fostering that solidarity.

Meanwhile, Programme Coordinator at the Social Cohesion Ministry, Sharon Patterson provided an overview of the Ministry’s mandate and said social cohesion was “a progres-

sive process of enhancing social integration and harmony within and across the various social groups in Guyana”.

She noted that in its two-year history the Ministry has embarked on a number of initiatives, including hosting sensitisation sessions countrywide, implementing its National Strategic Plan on Social Cohesion 2017-2021 and has executed several projects aimed at boosting the earning potential of vulnerable and other groups, all aimed at creating an enabling environment for a wide cross-section of stakeholders to contribute to the process of building a unified Guyana.

Several Councillors expressed the view that with the Ministry’s support they could take the lead in fostering solidarity in communities.

Mayor Chase Green says she is confident that now that the Councillors and staff have a better understanding of what social cohesion is they can take action. “I think [initially] they thought of it as something that belonged to the ‘higher’ persons. With all the explanations given this morning, I think the staff and the Councillors are well informed and we will take full advantage of the training that will be offered to us, both at the level of the staff and at the level of the Councillors because we really do have a task in the community to bring [people] together,” she said.

news

3

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 12 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, July 13 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 12 – 06:10h-07:40h and Thursday, July 13 – 06:50h-08:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery and heavy rain showers with light cloud cover can be expected throughout the day, while thundery showers and light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between Easterly to East Southeasterly and South-easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 06:20h and 18:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.53 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:20h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.

Camp Street jailbreak

“I begged for my life” – kidnapped taxi driver recalls harrowing ordeal

…no protection needed – Top Cop

T

wenty-two-year-old Matthew Shivtahal who was abducted by four high-profile murderers following the jailbreak at the Camp Street Penitentiary on Sunday evening said he begged for his life as he recounted the harrowing ordeal.

The traumatised father of one, who was scared for his life, trotted though thick vegetation, swamps, trenches and several hives as soon as he was given the green light to go by wanted fugitive Mark Royden Durant, also called “Mark Williams” and “Smallie”.

Although Durant’s cohorts were against the idea of releasing the young man, the alleged mastermind be-

“I deh begging them and tell them that I get a one-year-old son and that I wouldn’t like he to grow up without a father and it was the Rasta one who say just because I tell them that, they go let me go” – Matthew Shivtahal

Released taxi driver, Matthew Shivtahal

to exit the vehicle, the men shoved him back in the car, held him at gunpoint and ordered him to drive.

to drive to South Ruimveldt, Georgetown where they abandoned the car and ran into the backlands. Since then, it was crossing trenches and swamps until they reached the 7-Door Sluice at Land of Canaan on the East Bank of Demerara.

“When we reach deh, we supposed to go over the big trench and I can’t swim so, they said instead for me to slow them down is best they

SATURDAY, July 8, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

01

09 19

20

21 27

3 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, JULY 11,2017

DAILY MILLIONS 04 06 13 25 26 LUCKY 3 1 2 6 Afternoon Draw

6

8

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 08

10 13 16 18 21

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

Wanted: Mark Royden Durant, also called “Smallie”

Uree Varswyck, also called Malcolm Gordon

hind the prison break directed Shivtahal through a path that would lead to his freedom. After following that path, he finally saw light and ended up at the back of Annandale, East Coast Demerara on Monday evening at about 22:00h.

There, the muddied and shaken man requested a telephone call from a shop owner but in turn, the proprietor enquired the reason for the telephone call and during his explanation, he was overheard by an off-duty Police rank, who subsequently escorted him to the Vigilance Police Station where he was questioned and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention.

Just after 05:00h on Tuesday, Shivtahal was reunited with his wife and one year-old son. Speaking at his home on Tuesday morning, the man explained that on Sunday he went to pick up a customer and her children at Industry, East Coast of Demerara and on his way to the East Bank of Demerara, he drove through the city.

In the vicinity of Broad and Camp Streets, he was confronted by the four armed men who pushed the woman and her children out of the vehicle but as he was about

According to the still visibly shaken man, the armed men instructed him

Wanted: Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander

kill me. I deh begging them and tell them that I get a one-year-old son and that I

wouldn’t like he to grow up without a father and it was the Rasta one who say just because I tell them that, they go let me go,” he stated.

However, he recalled that during the ordeal, he was kept at bay as they made their telephone calls but he overheard them speaking about heading to the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Nevertheless, he further stated that only two of the men were armed with suspected pistols. In addition, he noted that during the trekking in the backlands, they had nothing to eat or drink while confirming that none of the men were injured, as was suspected following the jail break.

While they were discrete in their interactions among each other, Shivtahal explained that the men did not seem fearful of being recaptured while noting that at no point did the men speak about their involvement in the fire at the Camp Street Prison.

“When we were walking down, they see the fire because it was so big and they said look it done deh. turn to page 10

4

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017

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

Realistic constitutional change

T

he launch of the “Reform, Inform, Sustain, Educate” (RISE) movement – a group of citizens ostensibly drawn from outside the two major political parties, the PPP and PNC, to press for “constitutional change” – has once again brought to the fore the vexed question of moving our politics out of the zero sum parameters in which it has been stuck for more than half a century.

The PPP Government had initiated the process of constitutional change as early as 1995, when a Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) was formed and hearings were held across the country as well as in a Parliamentary Select Committee.

The process was interrupted by the 1997 elections, which the PPP won, according to all foreign and domestic observers. The PNC, however, claimed the poll was flawed, and launched massive street protests that segued into ethnically-directed riots and violence. The Caricombrokered Herdmanston Accord of January 17, 1998 included an agreement to complete the reform of the 1980 Constitution.

A new 20-person CRC acceptable to all parliamentary parties was assembled. It included individuals drawn from the widest possible cross-section of society. For six months, the CRC conducted hearings and took submissions from every Guyanese individual or organisation that expressed a wish to do so. Their more-than-4000 submissions were reviewed by a Parliamentary Joint Select Committee, which then winnowed out and furthered 182 recommendations (drawn from 32 subject areas) to the Oversight Committee of the National Assembly. The final changes were approved unanimously, in 2000, by all the parties in the National Assembly, including the PNC. This question must be raised: why, after 182 alterations were made to the 1980 Constitution, are there now new demands for changes?

The most criticised feature of the 1980 Constitution had been the powers allocated to the Presidency: The President was a de facto dictator who, for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, had complete veto power over legislation. He could be president for life, and could hire and fire at will most public officials (Art 232), and determine the length of tenure of others whom he might not have even appointed. In the new Constitution, the powers of the President were diminished considerably, while those of the Opposition Leader and the Parliament were increased.

The President’s power to fire was restricted only to those individuals not appointed by the Service Commissions, but the incumbent has now challenged this rule. On those offices he created, if their salaries are charged to the Consolidated Fund, the appointments must be reviewed by the National Assembly, but this requirement has lapsed.

In critical constitutional appointments, such as the Commissioner of Police, the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice, the Opposition Leader’s agreement is necessary for confirmation. It is for this reason that some constitutional offices have been occupied by individuals in an "acting" capacity when there is no agreement. But experience has shown that all of these changes are still tested by Executive overreach when the consultation has reverted to being perfunctory.

The Elections Commission had been the vehicle for rigging elections in the past, but the President had to now appoint its Chairman from a list submitted by the Opposition Leader. But this is now being challenged by the President, who has insisted on arbitrarily defining the constitutional stipulations. It is clear that the powers of the Presidency have to be further curbed as a threshold issue; even the APNU/AFC Manifesto demanded this.

There is no need to initiate wider changes at this time, since many of the other claimed “shortcomings” of the Constitution are actually the result of Executive overreach.

RISE should not get caught up in trying to create a utopia via “constitutional change”, but merely put pressure on the Government to implement what it has already committed to in its manifesto and reiterated in the strongest possible language by the Prime Minister in the post-election period: reduce the powers of the Presidency in the areas the office holder has been abusing them.

Beautiful Guyana: The cascading water at the bottom of the mountains in Moco Moco (Region Nine) creates one of the most panoramic views and also proves to be a great relaxation area for visitors (Akeem Greene photo)

Khemraj Ramjattan should resign Dear Editor, Were the authorities aware of the goings-on in the prisons in Guyana over the last 15 months?

Please allow me to list chronologically a few of the shocking incidents that were reported in the media regarding prisoners in Guyana’s most secured jail – following the March 3, 2016, prison fiasco where 17 prisoners were burnt to death after they clashed with Police and prison authorities.

Under the caption, “the seized items are returned to prison officers – Commander”, Guyana Times on April 16, 2016, stated, “the Commission heard the shocking revelation that prison wardens are the ones that sell mobile phones

to prisoners. This was the testimony of Carl Brown, an inmate who is currently severing 13 years for murder. It was explained that prisoners can purchase the mobile devices for $7000 in the Camp Street Prison. Brown told Commissioners that he has his seventh phone since being behind bars, and admitted that he would often update his Facebook account about life in prison… Brown had also told the Commission that whenever a phone is seized, a fee is paid and the phone is returned.” On May 16, 2016, another section of the media reported that a check on the Georgetown prison “unearthed 44 cellphones, 30 cellphone batteries and approximately 173 improvised

weapons that included kitchen knives, screwdrivers and a hacksaw blade” and “a quantity of razor blades, lighters, files and tattoo machines”.

After these publicly-known critical incidents, did the authorities take any drastic steps to mitigate the chance of a flare-up or escape?

One would expect that each such incident was a vigorous wake-up call for a possible revolt. How could the authorities not see the writing on the wall? The authorities have no excuse. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and the Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, should resign, following the razing of the Georgetown prison on July 9. The Guyanese people have had to bear the torment

of criminals on a day-to-day basis; this prison debacle is more than too much.

The prison should not be rebuilt at the present site since there have been numerous incidents of persons throwing contraband items over the fence to aid a prison revolt and escape. I agree with the many who think it is prudent to build such an institution on one of Guyana’s many islands. The authorities obviously are impotent in handling the prison situation.

They should, therefore, seek help urgently and desperately from one of the ‘ABC’ countries to diffuse the despicable situation.

Yours truly, Devanand Bhagwan

Sugar workers taken for a ride Dear Editor, With reference to your news item on the EU fund for restructuring the sugar industry, political parties and the politicians have treated the sugar industry as a political football to be kicked around.

When the European Union official inadvertently stated that $348 billion was given to Guyana under the PPP administration for sugar diversification, it should immediately raised red flags that something was flagrantly wrong with that astronomical number. The coalition Government roasted the opposition PPP querying what it did with that large amount of money intended for the sugar industry when it was in office.

But PNC and AFC leadership would have known the figure was not right. The EU official corrected that it was $34.8 billion (about 150 M Euros), and the PPP felt a relief as though it did well managing the humungous fund. The EU gave the grant for agro diversification related to the sugar protocol act. The EU support was specifically aimed at mitigating the socio-economic impact of the removal of the support (guaranteed contracted price) for sugar imports under the Lome Convention. The grant was to support agro diversification including value-added production and downstream activities in the restructuring of the sugar industry. The money was supposed to go di-

rectly into the sugar industry and not for national budget support. Instead it was used to supplement their budget rather than to improve efficiency in the sugar industry and to guide sugar workers into private cane farming or to pursue agro diversification or to help sugar workers (and cane farmers) to move into other crop production. A decade later after the EU funds started to pour in, the workers have been rendered landless and many jobless. Today, social and economic indicators in the sugar belt lag behind those of other communities and economic growth in general; poverty is widespread and growing among sugar workers. The government failed them.

When in opposition, APNU and AFC campaigned on saving the sugar industry and not closing any estates. Now in Government, it us doing the opposite. At the same time, the PPP and GAWU and calling on the Government to give the land to the sugar workers, but when in government they did not do same. But hopefully, ex or current sugar workers have wised up. They should know they have been taken for a ride. For too long, sugar communities were made to suffer while politically exploited to build the careers of politicians who do not give a hoot about the workers.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017

5

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

Is the thinking at the CJIA rational?

Dear Editor, On Saturday, July 1, 2017, I had to visit the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, to pick up my dear wife who was returning at 15:00h. I was turning onto the airport’s road, I saw no signs or any form of guidance. However, I turned into the regular parking lot area to park, of course paying the fee of $500. Along with my son, we went into the airport and sat down in the arrival waiting section. We then observed that there was still no heavy activity at the time the aircraft was expected to arrive.

At about the same time, a

young lady working in the airport’s snackette in the arrival area came to me and greeted me and asked: “Don’t you know that the arrival area has moved?”

I was taken by complete shock. I would like to ask several questions: Is it that the administration is be-

reft of management techniques, procedures and systems? Couldn’t they think to put a guide or sign to show that the arrival area’s section was under construction? Was it not the right thing to put some arrows starting from the old arrival section to the new

arrival section so that no one was inconvenienced?

There was no note or notices leading to the new arrival area. Despite being in a state of bewilderment, I finally found the area at the back. When I got there, I was met with confusion and mayhem. It must be understood that I understand that when there is construction, especially at an international airport, there will always be some level of inconvenience. The confusion was so intense when the rain came down, they allowed people to enter the customs’ shed area where arriving passengers are supposed to exit. As soon as the rain stopped,

everyone was instructed (including yours truly) to step out of this area into the hot sun.

Again, it is understood that the customs’ area must be kept under high security and therefore it is fair to suggest that persons should not be in there unauthorised. But is the contractors/administrators bereft of a certain level of managerial skill that they would inconvenience their customers? I think that the Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and some of his management personnel should visit these locations and offer recommendations so that the people are not treat-

ed as second class citizens.

Logically all they had to do was to place two 20x20 tents in the new waiting area.

The people of this country are the bosses of this country and Government, Ministers, heads of Government agencies/institutions/corporations must never forget that you are the people’s servants.

As usual, some get annoyed when I reiterate this but as a man who loves his country, who loves his people, I am sending this message to the media.

Yours sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

FITUG bemoans President’s strategy

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) – representing the country’s largest number of organised workers – joins with those other political, social and civic organisations, groups and persons to express our concern over President Granger’s obvious reluctance to choose a person from the two lists, so far, presented by the Opposition Leader to fill the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

It is befuddling that of the 12 respectable Guyanese proposed to the President, he has not found any “acceptable”.

We of FITUG noted that the President presented the Opposition Leader and the nation with his own interpretation of Article 161 of the Constitution which indicated just who the President would regard as “acceptable”.

Also, we and the public have not been enlightened for the rejection of the persons on the two lists. By not giving the nation rea-

sons for his rejection of the two lists of 12 nominees, President Granger leaves us and others to think that the 12 Guyanese are not capable of being professionally impartial or competent to work, with the other six Commissioners who will sit on GECOM. Now, even as the patient Opposition Leader continues the unenviable task and consults the wider society in this arduous quest to submit yet another (third) list, it has already been mooted that should the good President

find those other six persons to be “unacceptable” to him, some group of wise arbiters will be appointed to come up with a solution – if not a Chairman.

To delay the choice of a Chairman effectively leaving this vital Elections Commission headless will certainly impact negatively on the many-sided tasks related to elections that are the responsibility of GECOM. We have the dubious assurance that the President’s procrastination will not have implications

or affect preparations for the 2019 Local Government Elections and the 2020 General Elections.

FITUG has been consulted by the Opposition Leader with respect to all his submissions. In those consultations, we endorsed the names on the previous two lists and regard them as upright, matured and qualified Guyanese.

This delay to fill the position of Chairman of GECOM must come to an end. The suspicions around such a delay do not augur well for our nation’s

well-being nor its reputation regionally and internationally. In terms of free and fair elections, we have come through a difficult past. Let us keep distancing our country from those years and instead be proud of a new architecture built on democratic norms and principles.

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

No clue about criminal minds

Dear Editor, With regards to the recent prison fire catastrophe – most people are stifling their consciences because of political slants, or sheer stupidity. These keyboard generals are not putting Guyana first.

They do not have a clue about the criminal mind. While the prison officials plan ways to keep the prisoners in when they are at work, these inmates work at it 24 hours a day, all year round. It is my opinion that it is the flawed judicial system that has caused this. Justice delayed is justice denied. When this phenomena manifests its ugly head, frustration and desperation sets in. These crimi-

nals have no option than to do what they did. On the other hand, these are convicts and MUST be treated as such. I have absolutely no compassion for their demise.

What started in the prison on Sunday, July 9, 2017, was no secret to the other prisoners. So by complicity, they are all guilty due to collusion. I am sure some of them could have alerted the authorities to the impending catastrophe. Then there are the greedy lawyers, who just show up and get postponements for more fees. The Police on the other hand are never ready to proceed, while the Magistrates and Judges allow this to continue. So in

reality the causes are not isolated, but are coupled to each other. Fix the system and stop imprisoning persons for minor bailable offences.

Prison is a place that contaminates, not a place to rehabilitate humans. Get the system right, and it will ease the overcrowding and bitterness.

Get the Police sleuths to be efficient or dismiss them. No more than three adjournments must be allowed. Why charge someone and you are not ready to proceed? It is a very complex situation.

Solutions are there if the authorities have the testicular fortitude to do and get it right.

After a trial and a person is judged guilty by 12 of their peers and a judge has announced the death sentences, let the sentence be carried out quickly! You get caught with an unlicensed firearm, let the bidding start at 20 years hard labour. Small amounts of marijuana should be a fine, not mandatory jail time.

Sincerely, Concerned Guyanese

6

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

The teenage years: 4 questions that may predict thriving –a recent study highlights a factor that matters more than you might expect Continued from Tuesday

By Susan Heitler, PhD

T

o cope with the stress, every day after school I would head down to my second home, the municipal squash courts. Squash is a lot like tennis but played on an indoor court. I would whack the ball against the wall for hours to get my shots more consistent. I would run sprints to get more agile. Every day I did the same routine.

Each time by the end of the workout I felt looser, happier, and re-energised.

Now if I miss a few practices, I start feeling down, lazy, negative, antsy, and a little stressed. Exercise clearly keeps my mood positive.

Question #2: To what extent does your sport boost your overall confidence and self-esteem?

As a younger kid as far back as I can remember, I often felt unsure of myself.

I never pushed myself or tried to prove who I could become, and tended to feel disappointed in who I was. When I started to play squash, everything gradually changed.

At first, I used to go to the squash court in long sweatpants and a hat, sometimes even a long-sleeve shirt, because I felt so bad about how my body looked. I dragged my feet when I ran. My coach and I now joke that I caused a minor earthquake because I was so heavy on my feet. I never played hard in games, and never did sprints. In short, I was a wimp.

My coach didn’t give up on me. Every day, he would motivate me to do my sprints a little faster, hit the ball a little harder, and get a little better.

By now, after four and a half years of playing squash, I am physically much stronger. The stronger I become, the harder I practice. I run harder, get stronger, and have more and more fun.

Getting physically stronger not only has changed my game, but also my life. I now know that I can push myself to the limit, and nothing can stop me. I know if I set a farstretch goal, I will hit it, and that it’s only me

who can stop me.

I’ve also learnt that after a tough loss I bounce back even stronger. I rekindle my inner fire with positive energy by thinking about what the match taught me that will make me a better player next time.

Question #3: Do sports help your school grades or take away from critical learning time?

I always had okay grades in school, never exceptional. In elementary and the start of middle school, I kept my head above water, but I never excelled in any subject. I slacked off in school like I did initially in sport.

When I started to train seriously, I saw a huge impact in my grades. Even though I was studying less, and spending more time on the court, my grades skyrocketed.

I have a few ideas of why, but my main philosophy is that excelling in sport has taught me how to focus, be an active learner, and how to review and practice a skill until I have mastered it.

For example, to master backhand dropshots and to solve quadratic equations I use the same attitude, intensely applying myself to challenges. For analysing between games what I can do better and solving physics problems I use the same concentration and critical thinking.

The skills that I learned from squash and now use in high school enabled me last semester to get the highest average grades in the class.

Question #4: What impact, if any, has your exercise had on your social confidence and popularity?

Before I started training, I was an introverted kid. I only had one good friend.

I felt reluctant to talk to kids I didn’t know, and never tried to interact with girls.

Talking with my coach, other grownups I played with, and my teammates boosted my courage to initiate conversations. Flying to overseas tournaments, I used my new courage to meet kids from other nations

– Austria, Hungary, and my favourites, the Qataris. Using my new comfort level that I learnt, I started to talk to more and more children in school, and started making more and more friends by the day. I have been happily surprised to find that the more physically fit I get, the more confident I feel, which seems to make more children at school come over to seek out talking with me. Now I know a lot of children. I have a big base of friends that I feel comfortable hanging out and having fun with.

So what does the Romanian study, plus the interview with the physically active teenager above, suggest about what helps young people to thrive in their teenage years?

Clearly, sports can have positive impacts on how happy and also how physically healthy teenagers are likely to feel. I was particularly interested in my intern’s answers about how sports taught him to engage intensely with whatever he was doing. This quality of ability to engage, according to Harvard’s long-term longitudinal study of its graduates, characterises one of the keys to success in adult life.

I was impressed too with my intern’s descriptions of the extent to which confidence in his body enhanced his confidence and competence in emotional, social and even academic arenas. Not all teens are going to end up becoming so intensely engaged with their sport that they choose to play competitively. That may be a good thing as overly intensely competitive athletics can bring on stresses of their own.

Negative coaching also can prove hurtful.

Fortunately for my intern, he did not face these potential downsides.

Those defining moments

I

n every person's life there are what we call defining moments. Those moments where how we react reveals who we are, and sets the course for our future. The fire at the Camp Street Prison is more than just a tragedy. It is a defining moment in the life of our country.

How we as citizens react to this can have consequences which will affect us for years to come. Many people are afraid, this is understandable.

But we should not use our fear as an excuse to disregard our humanity.

Ashley Anthony Yes, there are some hardened criminals who have escaped, but there are so many more who have died. Yet most of us refuse to acknowledge their deathS; as though being a criminal has made them less than human. It is terrifying that yourself or your family could be in danger, but take a moment to remember that there are those whose loved ones have died in the fire, and resist the urge to comment that "they deserved it". For all you know, they could have been falsely incarcerated or they could have been serving minor sentences. If anything,

In sum...

The findings of the Romanian/Brazilian study, corroborated by the responses of my writing intern to four questions about the role of sport in his teenage years, strongly suggest that teens definitely can benefit, both in body and in spirit, from building strong and enjoyable exercise habits. (Excerpt

from psychologytoday.com)

I am most certain that everyone who died in that fire was not on death row. I am not saying that they deserved to be free, but rather that they did not deserve to die in such a manner.

How are we reacting to prisoners being free? We should be united. Yet, we seem to be finding every reason to divide. We are looking for persons to blame, ignoring that regardless of whose fault it is, it is happening. Honestly, there is no right way to react to situations like these. Every person is different. Some will turn to humour, others to hyper security, and some to long-winded political rants hoping that their efforts will prevent things like this from happening in the future. Whatever is your way, try your best to be respectful to fellow Guyanese, and do not add to the current confusion. Don't spread unverified or untrue information to drum up worry, and don't listen to those who are. Finally, look out for others.

If you see any suspicious behaviour, report it to the correct authorities. We have to stand together because at the end of the day, what happens is everyone's business. The state of the country concerns all Guyanese; one people, one nation, one destiny.

news

7

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Camp Street blaze

Was an accident waiting to happen – Granger …says Govt thinking over structure of new facility

President David Granger; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with fire and prison service officials on Tuesday at the flattened Georgetown Prison

G

overnment will be going back to the drawing board to consider a new structure to house prisoners at the Camp Street penitentiary, President David Granger has said.

The Head of state said the condition of the facility has rendered it inadequate, noting that the fire on Sunday was an “accident waiting to happen”.

Granger made the remarks moments after leaving the Camp Street premises which were gutted on Sunday by fire, allegedly started by death row inmate Royden Mark Durant, also known as Mark Williams and “Smallie”.

The President, along with his team of Cabinet members, visited the facility to get a first-hand view of the aftermath.

According to President Granger, Government will have to go back to the drawing board to determine whether it is appropriate to have a facility such as the Prison at the centre of the city.

“The three major prisons were constructed by the British in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo.

This was adequate maybe 120 years ago, certainly it is not adequate now, so we

will definitely have to go back to the drawing board to decide whatever facility we’ll need. But we are not going to have the same type of facility here again,” the Head of State said outside the gates of the Prison ruins.

He said the devastation was “almost total” and there were no intentions of rebuilding it as it were before.

Asked whether Government was disappointed that better security measures were not taken to prevent such a recurrence, President Granger said the Administration was aware of the situation and was acting on the recommenda-

tions of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

He said Government knew that it needed to strengthen Mazaruni, since money was provided and the Administration was in the process of expanding the facility at Mazaruni when the incident occurred.

“This is an accident waiting to happen,” the President said, continuing that the New Amsterdam penitentiary was also in a fragile state.

“So we are working as quickly as we could with the limited resources and we can assure you that at the end of it, the Ministry of Public Security will have a more secured prison that

A firefighter puts out a small blaze that reignited at the Camp Street Prison

is not susceptible to this cycle of breakouts. This is the last breakout,” he said.

“We are aware of the fragile structures that were erected over 100 years ago, and we have done our best in the circumstances.”

Among the recommendations of the CoI following the deadly prison fire in 2016 was the automatic release of prisoners, who were on remand once the time served equalled the sentence which the offence attracted. Further, maximum limits for the time inmates were on remand was also under consideration.

It was also suggested that the high number of prisoners on remand was responsible for overcrowding in the prison system.

Other recommendations to ensure reduction of overcrowding included the res-

Drone shot showing some of the damage to the Georgetown Prison at Camp Street

olution of legal issues required, the abolishing of Preliminary Inquiries (PIs) as an urgent priority of the Judiciary; a robust programme of com-

munity-based sentencing alternatives and a piloting of alternative and community-based sentences with women and juvenile offenders.

8 news

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Farmer fined for cultivating marijuana

P

olice in F Division (Interior locations) hauled before the court of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, a farmer of Comaca, Region One (Barima-Waini), for the illegal cultivation of Cannabis Sativa on Tuesday.

According to Prosecutor Arvin Moore, Anthony Daniels was caught by Police ranks uprooting three marijuana plants (two estimated at three feet in height and one estimated at six

feet) on July 8, 2017.

In court on Tuesday, the 26-year-old man readily admitted to the offence. He told the Chief Magistrate that “it is for my health” while the prosecutor disclosed that there are no known antecedents in relation to the prisoner.

Daniels was fined $10,000 along with two months of mandatory community service in his home village or a default of six months imprisonment.

Marijuana

Slowe heads CoI into assassination plot against President

R

etired Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Slowe, was on Tuesday sworn in at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, to head the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) “to inquire into the persons, places, time, circumstances and events by and through which allegations came to be made of an intention or a plan to assassinate the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana”. Slowe swore under oath to be the Commissioner under the said act to inquire into the matter and submit a report on the findings and to inquire into all incidental consequential matters con-

nected therewith.

Accordingly, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be under the microscope to decipher whether the law enforcement agency did sufficient investigations into the allegations and threats to assassinate the President of the day, to ascertain if the Police had knowledge of the plot before, and what actions were taken after the receipt of that information.

Moreover, the CoI seeks to establish whether there was neglect or omission to thoroughly investigate the plot to assassinate the President and determine whether such failure or omission was intentional.

The Commissioner will

Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe

be assisted by five other persons and this was revealed

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday, July 7, 2017, at a post-Cabinet briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Minister said that within two weeks’ time, the Government will make public the CoI and the identity

of the persons who will be leading the investigation.

“Any plot or attempt to cause harm to His Excellency must be something that is in the public’s interest. So it is not a matter of not having confidence in any particular entity, but it is the right of the President to determine if he requires any deeper level of inquiry into any matter,” Minister Harmon was quoted as saying.

Reports had surfaced in the media during the month of April this year, of an alleged plot to assassinate the Head of State and according to Harmon, Cabinet and the GPF were fully aware of the development.

Not only does the CoI seek to determine where the blame lies, but to recommend suitable actions to be taken against the perpetrator along with prevention measures to thwart future occurrences.

The buck stops…

T

…with the Minister he Public Security Minister – right now Khemraj Ramjattan – always has INDIVIDUAL ministerial responsibility for the prisons and the Prison Service of Guyana. Under the conventions and traditions of our Westminster system of governance, the Minister resigns when disasters of the magnitude of the Camp Street inferno occur. Plain and simple. There have now been two of these disasters – AT THE SAME PLACE AND FOR THE SAME CAUSES – in two years, but Ramjattan is still there. Why? OK…even though he’d been there for a whole year when the first fire was set by prisoners, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he was a bit slow on the uptake to learn about his responsibilities. But there was the usual CoI after the first fire. And the CoI set out WHAT HAD TO BE DONE in the most excruciating detail.

And the Chairman didn’t mince any words in insisting on the URGENCY of implementing the recommendations.

Now, all Guyanese know the recommendations couldn’t all be implemented immediately. But what all Guyanese EXPECT – and so should the President – was that Minister Ramjattan should’ve established a team tasked with the responsibility of prioritising and sequencing the tasks into a plan with timelines. Did he at least take this elementary step? NO! And for this negligence he has to take responsibility and fall on his sword.

Take the recommendations on the reduction of jail terms by the Judiciary or them using non-custodial sentencing to a greater degree. Ramjattan is a lawyer who would’ve pleaded for hundreds of clients on the matter of sentencing. He would know that so often these sentences are arbitrary and have the opposite effect on the incarcerated than reforming them. He would know about the astronomic recidivism rate in our prisons. But did he even jot down a note on his pad to start the process to engage the Judiciary on this recommendation? No! Ramjattan expressed such disgust at the conditions in the Camp Street jail when he and his AG Basil Williams visited the facility after 17 prisoners perished in that fire.

Did he initiate any action to improve those conditions?

These were human beings, he said. Did he even suggest that food be served on time? Did he even revisit to check on the conditions subsequently? Let’s say he was busy… did he send any subordinate to visit?

Dear Reader…you can tell by now your Eyewitness can’t even parody this Minister’s abdication of his job.

We cannot allow him to do this – and still draw his fat salary.

If Roopnaraine was demoted for lack of reforms in education, Ramjattan has to be fired!! …at the PNC The WPA has been excusing itself for remaining in the PNC-led coalition called APNU by claiming they always believed in “coalitions”. And that, in fact, Rodney has proposed a Government of National Unity and Reconstruction (GNUR) back in 1979 is pursuit of this commitment to coalitions. But that’s not the whole story, is it? And because it’s not, it reveals that there are other reasons for the WPA to keep on taking the humiliations being doled out daily to it.

Back in 1979, when the WPA proposed the GNUR, it did so in contradistinction to the PPP’s National Front Government – put out in 1977. The major reason for the WPA’s proposal was they refused to include the PNC in any such “unity” government – even though the PPP insisted on that condition!! Imagine that!! How the world has changed!!

The WPA should reveal whether – after its present bitter experiences – whether the PNC had changed any since Rodney’s rejection of the PNC in ’79.

…with UG unions Your Eyewitness salutes the UG unions for following his lead and correctly labelling the VC’s Big Bash “investiture” – disguised as a Diaspora Engagement Conference – as a “Coronation”.

Let’s see some pickets against the bow-tied poseur!!!

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

News

9

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

PSC slams Govt for slow pace of prison reform – urges fast-tracking of Mazaruni extension, privatisation of prisons

I

n the wake of Sunday’s inferno that gutted the wooden Camp Street Prison, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has criticised the slow pace of prison reform that allowed the catastrophe to occur. In addition, the body made it clear that it holds the Government accountable.

According to the PSC, prison reform in its entirety should be a top priority of the Government. It noted that much of the recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into a fire at the same facility last year were not implemented.

The PSC also expressed disappointment that there are monies allocated by the Finance Ministry (almost $30 billion) towards the Public Security Ministry that remain unspent. In view of this, it called for Government to operate more quickly. But the Commission also had recommendations of its own.

It called for the immediate fast-track of the Mazaruni Prison modification and that the facilities in Georgetown be only for prisoners awaiting trial. In addition, the business representative body called for the Judiciary to be pushed harder to clear up back logs.

“Ensure more civil society leaders are placed on prison related boards,” the PSC urged. “And consider privatising the prison system. (Also) review proposals for the establishment of a half-way house in the re-

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer

habilitative process… and immediately look at working conditions for prison officers.”

“We are sure that the responsible Minister is aware of what else should be done.

We need to get it done faster. We urge the Government of Guyana to ensure that by the re-capturing of the dangerous prisoners that are on the loose, that the stability of our society is ensured.”

Urging Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, his Ministry and the Cabinet to do more, the PSC also called on citizens to report any suspicious incidents to the Guyana Police Force.

“The re-occurrences of Sunday must not be repeated. It could have been much worse. The PSC holds the Government of Guyana accountable and ask that top priority be given to the entire process of prison reform.”

According to the PSC,

it has observed with disappointment over the years the slow pace of implementing measures to mitigate the “results of a slow court system, the mixing of remand and other prisoners with serious crime prisoners and other causal factors that have placed us where we are with regards to prison management.”

The Commission said that enough attention was not paid by Government to the deterioration of the prison system. It noted that efforts to speed up the Judiciary were not enough, resulting in the overcrowding and general decay of the system. Last year March, a fire had raged through the Camp Street Prison and claimed the lives of 17 prisoners. Afterwards, a CoI which cost the Treasury some $13 million was ordered by President David Granger. According to the report compiled by the Commissioners, the combination of overcrowded, uncomfortable and unhygienic confinement are all ideal conditions for epidemics, for gangs to prosper and to propagate discontent.

Moreover, the CoI found that reducing numbers in prison to manageable levels is the single most important priority for establishing safe, humane and purposeful prisons.

It was further noted that repeat offenders have increased by over 100 per cent, “indicating not only a waste of taxpayer dollars but also the need for a more com-

What is left of the Camp Street Prison

prehensive and structured partnership within the wider justice system.”

But despite these recommendations, Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels himself confirmed that at the time of the fire, over 1000 prisoners were be-

ing housed at the prison – a prison originally built to house half that number.

Identities of prisoners

Meanwhile, the PSC also urged the Government to fully declare the identities of persons being grant-

ed bail. It also called for the histories and other information of those prisoners to be released, while urging the Police to monitor these persons, wherever possible.

“We urge the authorities to publish the true and accurate count of prisoners held prior to the incident, the amount transferred and the unaccounted prisoners. The lack of accurate official information has created much room for speculation and is fuelling fear in our society.”

PSC also expressed disagreement with the utterances of Ramjattan, who at a press conference after the fire had said that he could grant remissions to prisoners serving a jail term; once they are classified as prisoners with good behaviour.

“The PSC, having sought legal advice is of the view that the Minister is not empowered to do so and that this statement should be corrected,” the Private Sector body elucidated.

Man reportedly goes berserk, damages car windshields

W

est Bank Demerara (WBD) resident, Terrence Dulough, suffered immense losses when both windshields and all the windows of his motor car were willfully destroyed last month.

However, the alleged perpetrator – Royston Phillips, who was said to have inflicted the unlawful acts towards the Virtual Complainant’s

car – denied the allegations when he appeared before West Demerara Magistrate, Clive Nurse late last week.

Police claimed that on June 17, 2017, at Skull City, WBD, Phillips of Patentia Housing Scheme, maliciously and unlawfully damaged the front and back windshields, as well as the front and back windows of Dulough’s PMM 194 motor

vehicle.

The damage was said to have accrued $75,000 in total value but Phillips, who works in rodent control, denied the prosecution’s case.

He told the court that he was charged before. As such, the Magistrate placed him on $35,000 bail and the accused will make his next court appearance on August 10.

10 news

wednesdAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prison break aftermath

Double murder suspect nabbed disguised in women’s clothing – Tuschen residents on high alert

R

esidents in the community of Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo are on guard against possible suspects roaming the area who are on remand for a double murder committed on an elderly couple in the community last year. This renewed fear followed the escape and subsequent recapture of murder suspect Shamedeen Mohamed, who was found draped in women’s apparel at his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, residence on Monday night.

His escape was facilitated

by Sunday afternoon’s Camp Street Prison inferno, which was believed to be a distraction organised by high-profile prisoner, Mark Royden Williams who remains on the run. A source close to the investigation in Essequibo revealed that Mohamed was briefly roaming free in the

Shamedeen Mohamed

ing down on his mother’s bed wearing a hijab; he and his mother together in the bed,” the investigator revealed.

It was suggested that even though his disguise appeared to be convincing, he was recognised by officers in of the Police patrols

Mohamed and Jamilla Munir were killed last year

Tuschen environs near his residence but persons in the area could not recognise his conventional features as he was disguised in a hijab and gown which are traditionally worn by women of the Muslim faith.

Guyana Times was told Mohamed was found just after 21:00h dressed in the garments. “We wait until place get dark and he was captured after 9pm. He was ly-

which was actively searching through the areas after the prison break.

“He believed that people wouldn’t have recognised him,” the Police source added.

Mohamed’s mother was arrested and taken into custody, reportedly at the Leonora Police Station.

Despite his apprehension, residents are unnerved at the thought that the murder

suspect casually returned to the area.

“Residents [didn’t] recognise him but they are afraid because they are saying that there [was] no publication as to who [exactly] escaped from prison,” this newspaper was told.

It was also contended that if completely publicised, members of the public would able to better identify the escapees if they came into contact with them. As such, they are calling for law enforcement entities to be clear on identifying all of the prison escapees.

“The community members worried because when they heard he was arrested, they are looking out for others because they suspect that others could be in the community also. Everybody is alert at this time and the community is on the alert to look out for them,” this publication was further informed.

Mohamed and four others – Sanjay George, called “Coolie Boy”; Jason Howard, called “Smelly”; Joel Blair called “Joey” – were charged in December last year for allegedly murdering rice farmers Mohamed and Jamilla Munir who were burnt to death after their house was set alight. The fire followed a foiled robbery attempt on April 17, 2016.

In an alleged confession the suspects had given to Police, the attempted robbery was hatched after information was received that the couple had a large sum of money in their home.

Reports were that when the thieves arrived at the Good Hope home of the elderly couple, they were asleep and had been awakened by noises and later ordered out of their bedroom by the men.

However, it was reported the couple had not complied and as such one of the suspects reportedly set a sofa in the home alight, after which

he tossed a fuel cylinder into the fire which caused a huge explosion.

The bandits fled but the fire trapped the aged couple and they were heard and seen screaming for help from a grilled window of their home. Neighbours had been unsuccessful in their attempts to save them. Their charred remains were discovered together after the blaze was doused.

One of the suspects, Jason Howard, was also charged with five additional counts of robbery under arms. He, along with another, Curtis Vasconcellos, was charged with another count of robbery under arms and attempted murder.

Vasconcellos and his twin brother Kurt, were nabbed on Tuesday in connection with a robbery under arms committed on the East Coast of Demerara. They were caught at Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown, near the scene of another robbery which left a route 32 minibus driver dead after he was shot in the back.

It has been confirmed by prison authorities that eight prisoners are on the run; 4 of whom are yet to be identified. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Camp Street games

S

atiricus was astounded. He’d been in Georgetown on Sunday and his editor had asked him to take in the flavour of what was happening as the Camp Street jail went up in flames. Imagine being in the middle of a city, with over a thousand inmates sending streaks of flames into the sky like a huge funeral pyre, and hundreds of folks in the streets screaming, “Whe’ de fire reel deh???”!

“But dah right in tong. Yuh mean dem nah gat fire reel?” asked Bungi curiously, as he put down the beer he’d been gurgling. “Wha’ happen to dem fire reel fram near Big Ma’ket?”

“All I saw were two fire engines - and they couldn’t even get water!” said Satiricus.

“I saw the whole thing on TV,” said Hari. “I was wondering what happened to the Police. There were ten times more Police when Parliament was sitting.”

“Police?” asked Bungi before Satiricus could answer. “Wha’ happen to de SWAT team yuh leadah Rum Jhaat bin ah tell abee about??”

“Don’t start with me Bungi!” said Satiricus firmly. “This is not the time for politics!”

“Dis na palatics, Bai,” said Bungi. “Dah ah Rum Jhaat jaab!”

“Bungi’s right you know,” said Hari. “With all those convicts killing wardens and burning down the place, this was what a SWAT team is supposed to handle.”

“Well don’t criticise the man,” replied Satiricus in a huff. “He did attend the news conference the same night, you know.”

“Budday! Volga rush ah Big hospital w’en dem tek all dem warden who get chap-up deh,” said Bungi with a smirk. “How come Rum Jhaat guh pan TV an’ na de jail?”

“Well he had to explain why he didn’t do anything since the last fire,” said Satiricus.

“Ha! Suga’ suck up all de guvment money!” snorted Bungi, “Suh how come dem still buil’ da big stad-yam and na wan new jail?”

“I begged for my life” – kidnapped...

They did talking stuff that they don’t want me to hear so they were keeping it on low,” the man recalled.

In a more relaxed condition, he stated that it was while at the Vigilance Police Station he was told that the men set the prison on fire and there was a shootout at the jail while noting that upon his abduction, he was not aware that there was a situation at the Camp Street Prison.

Meanwhile, Shivtahal noted that upon reaching

the Vigilance Police Station, he was given a bottle of water and something to eat by a Sergeant, who later transported him to the Brickdam Police Station. Now that he is at home with his family, the young man said “it’s an overwhelming joy… honestly to go through what I went through and come out alive is just God’s grace, honestly.”

He nevertheless has to report to the Brickdam Police Station to be further questioned. It is be-

from page 3

lieved that the four men who held the taxi driver captive are Mark Durant; Uree Varswyck, also known as “Malcolm Gordon”; Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander and “Nasta Man”.

When contacted, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud told Guyana Times that he sees no reason for the young man to be given Police protection, adding that if the fugitives wanted him dead, they would have done so since he was abducted.

news

11

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jailbreak

8 prisoners now on the run – Police … transferred inmates slaughter, roast cow to eat at Lusignan

T

hree days after pandemonium broke out at the Camp Street Prison, which resulted in the death of one prison officer, injuries to several inmates and a completely gutted penitentiary, the Police have now been able to confirm that the number of prisoners on the run has increased.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud told Guyana Times on Tuesday that the number of prisoners that are now on the run is eight, as opposed to five, which was reported previously. While the Police Commissioner could not provide the names of the other escaped prisoners, with the exception of those for which wanted bulletins were issued, he said that the information is now being compiled.

in restoring order and pursue those who have escaped and get them rearrested.”

At a press conference early Monday morning, the authorities had claimed that there were some 1018 prisoners at the facility. That figure was later changed to 1090 and there have also been reports that it may have been 1110. However, it was later stated that some 1144 prisoners were on the actual register.

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Khemraj

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Police have issued wanted bulletins for Mark Royden Durant, Uree Varswyck,

Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander.

Durant, also known as “Royden Williams” and “Smallie”, was charged along with several others for the 2008 mass killing at Bartica.

The other escapees were also imprisoned for murder.

Asked to provide a more accurate figure on the number of prisoners that were at the Camp Street Prison at the time of the unrest, Persaud said, “I can’t say. There were inaccuracies in figures but there were inaccuracies about who were the ones actually missing but that has been rectified,” he said.

When pressed further to state what was the exact number of prisoners that were at the Camp Street Prison at the time of the incident, Seelall said, “I am interested in the ones that have escaped… we are trying to assist the prison

Prisoners slaughtering a cow at the Lusignan Prison on Tuesday

Ramjattan confirmed with Guyana Times that the video circulating on social media where the transferred prisoners from Camp Street were seen engaged in slaughtering a cow at Lusignan holding area was factual. He said, “We understand there was a stray animal in there,” but when asked how they managed to get devices to undertake such an activity, he could not provide an explanation.

However, he stressed that the facility has maximum security, “it’s very tight, and so

if anybody try anything stupid, you have the Army, the Tactical Services Unit, and prison wardens there. It’s about the safest, you could get anywhere in Guyana now.

If you have any other ideas you can come up with it, but I’m telling you it’s the safest place.”

Asked if investigations into what led to the Camp Street fire has commenced, the Minister said, “There are preliminary investigations at this point.”

12 news

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

31 prisoners granted early release F

ollowing the initial release of 22 inmates who were being detained at the Lusignan Prison, another 33 were on Tuesday added to the list as the specially-convened National Security Committee (NSC) continues efforts to improve conditions at the overcrowded East Coast Demerara penitentiary.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, Tuesday’s total comprised two prisoners who were granted bail during hearings at the institution whereas

the remaining 31 were released on reduced sentences by the Magistrates sent to Lusignan.

These releases were granted after assessment of the magnitude of offences as well as taking into consideration the length of sentences already served by those within the system.

As such, inmates who were on remand or charged for petty, non-violent offences were placed under review and subsequently discharged on bail. At the same time, prisoners with only few months remaining

of their sentences were also eligible for reduced sentences and were released.

The release on Tuesday brings the total to 55 prisoners leaving the Lusignan facility after two days of hearings which were conducted at the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers’ Training School, a subsection of the Lusignan Prison.

The release of yet another batch of prisoners reflected an announcement made

by President David Granger on Monday that necessary measures would be taken to immediately reduce the

Ranks gathered in front of the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers’ Training School in Lusignan

prison population.

The Head of State was at the time informing the public of a four-part emergency plan to be implemented to avert the nationwide crisis which accompanied the massive Camp Street Prison break and fire on Sunday.

“The NSC has approved the immediate implementation of a four-part emergency plan, which includes the construction of temporary structures to safely and securely house prisoners in the short term and protect the population; the completion of recovery operations to account for and accommodate every single prisoner; the implementation of legal measures to immediately reduce prison population and importantly,

the immediate recapture of those inmates who escaped custody,” the President told the nation.

Furthermore, Granger pointed out that the Government would now move to ensure that recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry into the previous prison riot were considered so as to prevent further reoccurrence of such tragedy.

Among the suggestions was the need for action to reduce the overpopulation at the Georgetown Prison.

Of the more than 1000 inmates transported from the now almost entirely razed Camp Street Prison, 300 were said to be relocated to the Mazaruni, New Amsterdam and Timehri penitentiaries.

However, as tension persists at the Lusignan facility, Magistrates are expected to continue presiding over the temporary courts set up there, as the NSC embarks on several approaches to reduce overpopulation and improve the conditions of the East Coast institution.

Moreover, the NSC is set for yet another meeting in an effort to further devise strategies aimed at improving stability and security while working to restore the nation back to a state of normalcy.

13

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 news

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits kill minibus driver

– in daring daylight robbery at McDoom

A

brazen and meticulously planned robbery on passengers on board a Route 32 minibus has left the driver dead after he attempted to flee from several armed attackers.

Thirty-five-year-old Tedroy James, aka “SixHead” of Suddie, Essequibo Coast, was shot in the back by one of three armed bandits around 11:30h on Tuesday. Guyana Times was told that the attackers were young males.

The attack was well

Dead: Route 32 minibus driver Tedroy James

planned, as eyewitness revealed that one of the passengers of the BTT 976 bus who was picked up along the West Coast Demerara road was a bandit. This publication was told that he was in constant communication with someone on his mobile phone, reportedly sending several messages to an associate. The male passenger reportedly requested that the bus be stopped at McDoom along the East Bank Demerara Public Road. However, as he was about to exit the minibus,

The crime scene moments after the bus driver was shot to the back

the criminal’s intentions were unearthed as the man grabbed a bag belonging to another passenger before turning on him with a gun.

Police later disclosed that the bag contained $1000 in cash and one mobile phone valued $17,000.

Eyewitnesses told this publication that moments after the bag was snatched, two male accomplices swooped down on the vehicle, joined in the attack, and attempted to rob other passengers. The minibus driver had attempted to drive away with his passengers, but his bid to escape was shortlived as one of the three gunmen shot him once to the back. The trio then fled the scene through a street in McDoom. However, swift in-

vestigations by Police ranks led to the capture later in the afternoon of one of the

nounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. At the facili-

The scene at the hospital after relatives learnt that the driver had passed away

suspects, who is currently in custody.

James was pro-

The dead man’s cousin in white was inconsolable when she heard the news of his death

ty, the dead man’s sister, Shaundell James told this newspaper that she travelled with her brother from Parika to Georgetown only that morning, not knowing that Tuesday would have been the last time she would see him alive. Later on, other relatives of James gathered to garner updates on their loved ones, but their queries erupted into frantic outbursts upon learning that the bus driver had died.

Guyana Times was told that James had one other sister and a brother who had passed away not too long ago. The now deceased driver leaves to mourn his two children. Investigations are ongoing. (Shemuel Fanfair)

15 Govt accused of ‘dereliction Ramsammy’s Ruminations news

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

of duty’ over prison unrest – failed to act on CoI recommendations, says Rohee

G

overnment is under fierce attack over the recent incident at the Camp Street Prison which led to the prison being almost completely destroyed and which facilitated the escape of several high-profile criminals; some of whom have been convicted and are currently on death row.

Former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government Minister, Clement Rohee, said what occurred on Sunday is due largely to the “incompetence” of his successor, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan in particular and the Granger Administration in general.

“It is beyond the shadow of a doubt a matter of collective responsibility,” he declared.

Rohee, who served in the capacity of Minister responsible for national security for close to nine years, is of the firm belief that the authorities took for granted the security of the prisons and the prisoners, as well as the alleged maltreatment of prisoners.

“And the lax attitude of the Ministry of Public Security towards pris-

Former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee

on reform and its persistent efforts at misleading Parliament about the depth and scope of those reforms based on a comprehensive strategic plan adopted by the previous PPP Administration have, cumulatively, resulted in today's events at the Georgetown Prisons,” he added.

Rohee also accused the coalition Administration of being guilty of “dereliction of duty,” by not taking seriously the recommendations that emanated from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the deadly occur-

rence at the same prison location just one year ago.

He said there were no structured follow-ups or administrative mechanisms put in place to implement those recommendations and for regular progress reports to be made available for Cabinet's consideration especially for implementation of those recommendations, where financial resources are necessary and urgently needed.

Given what he dubbed the knee-jerk predisposition of the Granger Administration, from all indications, another CoI could be established soon to look into Sunday's events at the Georgetown Prison.

“In the circumstances, it should come as no surprise if a fresh set of recommendations will eventually be piled upon the previous recommendations only to gather dust given the laissez faire attitude of the Minister of Public Security towards prison reform,” the PPP Member of Parliament added.

Rohee is also demanding that his successor – Ramjattan – must be made to answer for the “dereliction of duty” and his al-

leged persistent failure to perform his functions as a Minister to the satisfaction of taxpayers.

“No amount of closing ranks by the Government and Mr Ramjattan's Cabinet colleagues to defend his incompetence will suffice. And the President (David Granger) should refrain from his wellknown efforts at sheltering Ministers whose performance in the eyes of the public has been less than stellar having failed miserably in the execution of their respective portfolio responsibilities,” Rohee asserted.

Rohee said the situation is still sketchy with respect to the origins of the fire, the actual situation on the ground, the whereabouts of the scores of prisoners, death or injury of prisoners as a result of the actions of law enforcement. “The rumour mill is spinning out of control,” he added.

Calls were made for the public relations departments of the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force to be more pro-active in keeping the public informed and alerted as regards the situation and its security implications for the citizens countrywide.

The former Minister also expressed his gratitude to the family of the now dead prison officer, Odinga Wickham, and those who have in some way or the other been affected by the incident. “I feel a sense of pain, grief and sorrow on learning of the events at the Georgetown Prisons. The herculean efforts by the administration of which I was an integral part to carry out comprehensive prison reform went up in flames long before the flames that engulfed the Georgetown Prisons on Sunday,” Rohee added.

APNU/AFC’s disappearing act during floods

T

he National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary (MMA) Development Authority are major players along the Coast of Guyana from Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to Crabwood Creek, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) when it comes to preparation for heavy rains and response to floods. In recent times, these Dr Leslie Ramsammy agencies displayed major shortcomings. Several pumps controlled by the NDIA, GuySuCo and the MMA were nonoperational. Assistance to farmers was often totally absent.

The NDIA is one of the most critical agencies in any flood response. Yet for several months now, the appointed Chairman, John Piggot, has been absent. Piggot apparently became disheartened with the poor management of the NDIA, the impotence of the Agriculture Ministry and disrespect for the NDIA Board that he walked off as Chairman. He appeared frustrated by the ineptitude and ineffectiveness of the NDIA and the lack of any leadership from the Agriculture Ministry.

A contracted employee of the NDIA has been co-opted to chair the monthly meeting of the NDIA Board. APNU/AFC has abrogated its responsibility to ensure that the NDIA Board has a proper chair. If the appointed chair is no longer willing to serve in that capacity, then immediate action to replace him is a non-negotiable obligation of the Government. With such recklessness, no wonder APNU/AFC appears clueless every time Guyana experiences heavy rain.

Floods recently affected Regions Two, Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six, Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) and 10. APNU/AFC was largely absent, people often left to fend for themselves. While a couple of cursory, photoopportunity visits were made, like PM Nagamootoo and Minister Bulkan in Region Nine, Government Ministers were largely missing in action, AWOL to use a military term. No one can reasonably blame APNU/AFC for heavy rains. The rains are, indeed, nature at play. But how we prepare for heavy rain and what we do when there are floods are responsibilities of the sitting Government. On both scores, APNU/AFC failed.

Adding insult to injury, Minister Noel Holder stated that flooding in Region Nine is not a Guyana problem, but a Brazilian one; that Brazil needs to take better care of its rivers. No one doubts the Brazilian rivers flow into the Takatu and Ireng that cause floods in Region Nine. That is a fact and that has always been so. But it is Guyana's responsibility to prepare for rising river waters during the rainy season and to make preparations to reduce the impact of floods. To excuse poor response by deeming floods in Region Nine a Brazilian problem is abandoning your people in their time of need.

Announcing that a Joint Border Team between Guyana and Brazil will be established is not a response to the present situation in Region Nine. Guyana and Brazil established such a border cooperation a long time ago.

In Region Six, more than 1000 cows perished in Black Bush Polder during the recent floods. There was an announcement last week that Government was sending a team of engineers to recommend actions to reduce the level of the floods.

Nothing was said about the animals and how Government would assist farmers to rescue animals that were trapped in the flood waters. Why is it APNU/AFC waited until flood waters rose to a crisis level and more than 1000 animals perished and several thousands more at risk to then send a team of engineers? As a risk mitigation measure, APNU/AFC should have had a strategy in place to prepare for such floods, since floods in that area are frequent. The actions necessary are well-known. Sending in a team is only another example of fluff that APNU/AFC has mastered well. But the farmers and the animals will not be relieved by such fluff at this late time.

Even as the flood raged throughout the coast, many of the pumps were non-operational. Minister Holder needs to inform the nation how many pumps are available for use in Guyana, how many of these were operational during the floods and how many hours they were operational. The fact is that many were not functional during the height of the floods. Indeed, some became operational only when flooding became a crisis, but for one reason or another many remained non-functional.

Above all else, political leadership is critical. It has not escaped farmers and people in general that whenever floods or other weather-related problems erupt, Minister Holder seem to disappear, nowhere to be found, and political leadership in the response is totally absent. Minister Holder is a nice man and I respect him, but he has to become more visible during crisis and ensure that agencies such as the NDIA can respond optimally. Hiding from people – the disappearing act – will not make the flood waters disappear.

16 news

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Power outages

Region 2 RDC calls on Govt to “step up”

Brazil commits to Guyana’s fight against Yellow Fever – and other diseases

F

ollowing the recent power outages experienced in the northern end of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is calling for an honest explanation from the leadership of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and more precisely the Government of Guyana regarding the reasons for the frequent power outages within the Region.

On Friday and Saturday, residents living in villages stretching from Charity to Zorg en Vlygt were thrown into darkness for almost 40 hours. This caused great inconvenience to those small businesses as well as housewives.

Even as the blackouts are happening, no public notice/advisory or easily accessible information was provided by the power company. This lack of information created discomfort for residents, particularly micro entrepreneurs and, by extension, the business community who were caught unprepared.

Region Two RDC Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that residents were suffering and someone needed to be accountable as persons were counting their daily losses. Ramdatt said many livelihoods were affected and as such, it was having a negative effect on the struggling economy.

"The RDC calls on the Government of Guyana to consult the people of Region Two and provide early answers regarding future developmental plans to provide reliable power supply.”

In explaining his concerns also, Essequibo Chambers of Commerce President Deleep Singh expressed his dissatisfaction with GPL. Singh said the

constant blackouts were hurting local industries and many persons were suffering.

Guyana Times understands that the generator set at Anna Regina is currently having mechanical problems. The Wärtsilä generator set has been obsolete and often times would malfunction. In 2016, the plant burst into flames hence sending persons into darkness. Residents are seeking answers as to why the Region is experiencing so many blackouts. They are also seeking answers as to when the new generators would be purchased as promised by the David Granger Administration when it took office.

Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Lineu Pupo de Paula hands over the medicine to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence. PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow looks on

G

uyana’s neighbour to the south, Brazil, has joined in the fight against the acute viral haemorrhagic disease Yellow Fever by donating vaccines.

The donation was made when its Ambassador to Guyana, Lineu Pupo de Paula paid a courtesy call on Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Tuesday.

Minister Lawrence accepted the gift, which she said will help meet the medical demands of this multicultural, English-speaking country.

The Brazilian envoy said his country, most famous for football, was also committed

to helping Guyana in its fight against Yellow Fever. Drugs to counteract leishmaniasis, a parasitic diseases found in tropical and sub-tropical countries and southern Europe, were also donated.

Meanwhile, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) officials on Tuesday also announced support for several sub-sectors of Guyana’s public health system according to a message relayed from PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, who visited Guyana earlier this year.

“We have instructions to help you,” said Communicable Diseases and

Health Analysis Department Director Marcos Espinal and Knowledge Management Health Information and Analysis Unit Senior Advisor Marcelo D’Agostino. They had also paid a courtesy call on Lawrence Tuesday.

Espinal and D’Agostino in the presence of the PAHO/ WHO Representative here, Dr William Adu-Krow, said Guyana could expect technical and other support for its communicable diseases and vector control programmes; backing for its neglected diseases efforts and firm backing for its health information systems.

news

17

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s Private Sector is relatively new – Gouveia …more efforts to refine talents of local entrepreneurs

W

hile addressing the gathering at the launch of the University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) on Friday last, local entrepreneur, Captain Gerald Gouveia said the Private Sector currently existing in Guyana is one that is relatively new.

In his statement, the mastermind of several tourism and hospitality entities revisited Guyana’s economic standings in the late 1900’s and thereby pointed out the difference in the privately operated portions of the country when compared to what is happening now.

It was on that note Gouveia highlighted the need for further efforts to refine the talents and approaches of local business owners, so as to capitalise on the market – both at home and abroad, while adequately catering for the country’s human resources.

Captain Gouveia conveyed that, “A lot of us knew a time when 95 per cent of our economy was controlled by the State and then under (former President) Desmond Hoyte we saw a reversal of that and the Private Sector became alive again.” As such, “our Private Sector today is actually a very new

Captain Gerald Gouveia

Private Sector,” Gouveia said.

Adding to the already disproportionate balance between public and private management of the country, Gouveia went on to point out the undesirable conditions which plagued the Private Sector in the past years.

The pilot revisited an early moment in his career which led in him in the service of the late Forbes Burnham, during which he relayed the former President’s visions of a more nurturing environment for businesses, and their proprietors, to thrive.

“They were faced with a Private Sector in Guyana

with a bunch of entrepreneurs that were extremely unkind to their workers back in the 1950’s. They were working for low salaries, in bad working conditions and long hours; women were not working for equal pay,” Gouveia outlined.

He went on to say that, “I sat there and listened to him (Burnham) talk about a Guyana I did not recognise because I did not know it back then. But it was a Guyana we were all dreaming for, where never again do we have to face what they had to face… a Private Sector that was not kind to their workers.”

With that, Gouveia welcomed the evolution which saw the emergence of a more balanced economy, presenting a conducive state for growth and success.

However, even as the businessman celebrated the accomplishments of the “new Private Sector,” he was inclined to indicate several aspects which are still lacking, even in present day.

“But in the (new) Private Sector, it needs education.

It is a Private Sector that needs money. This is also a Private Sector that needs the Government to understand that for entrepreneurs to succeed, the enabling environment needs

to be in place,” he posited.

Moreover, Gouveia, while addressing a more individual approach to the development of the Guyanese Private Sector, indicated that entrepreneurs have a part to play in steering the success of the local economy.

It was then that he posited that entrepreneurs must be passionate and primitive.

“The best entrepreneurs are hungry entrepreneurs…

I believe that entrepreneurship is almost like a talent, you find some people who got it naturally but even people who are born with it still have a lot to learn.”

With that, he questioned, “How do you teach a carpenter to become a contractor?

How do you teacher a lawyer to operate their own law firm?”

It was against that background that Gouveia laid out, “We have many famers but we don’t have a lot of people who understand the business of farming.

Every afternoon I have a plane, a 767 that leaves here with 10 tons of empty belly space that can be taking fresh fruits and vegetables to New York to feed the New York market but our farmers haven’t yet understood the requirements of the phytosanitary systems to meet those U.S. systems.”

As such, he alluded to the establishment of a tertiary level school of business and entrepreneurship in Guyana as a bold step forward in addressing the sev-

eral shortcomings such as policymaking, critical thinking, experimental learning and corporate social responsibility, all of which are objectives of SEBI.

Sophia man denies killing fiancée’s estranged husband

A

man who allegedly killed the estranged husband of his fiancée appeared before a High Court judge on Tuesday.

At his arraignment, murder accused Aniki Jones of Sophia, Greater Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charge instituted for the chopping death of forklift operator Carl Garnett of Section B, Sophia. The killing occurred on December 15, 2013 at Lamaha Springs, Georgetown.

Police had said that the deceased man had called the Jones home to speak with the child that he shared with his estranged wife. However, Jones was said to have refused the man’s request, which angered Garnett who then armed himself with a cutlass and confronted Jones at his home in Lamaha Springs.

An altercation ensued during which Garnett ended

Deceased: Carl Garnett

up dead with chop wounds.

Jones, however, denies that he murdered the man. A jury was empanelled on Tuesday to hear the case, which is being presented by State Prosecutors Siand Dhurjon and Shawnette Austin. The trial continues before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, July 12, 2017

ARCHIE

Make changes to the way you handle your job, respon(March 21- sibilities and the people you April 19) care about most. Don’t let anger step in and take control.

Offer positive alternatives.

ARIES

If you want to make changTAURUS es, you are best off doing so (April 20- secretively. Once you have evMay 20) erything in place and running functionally, the choices you made will be well received.

dilbert

Personal improvements GEMINI (May 21- will help boost your confiJune 20) dence and give you the wherewithal to pursue your goals.

Update your look or skills and new possibilities will develop.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

A bargain isn’t worth it if you don’t have enough cash.

Don’t waste money on things you don’t need. Emotionally fueled spending or using cash to impress someone will result in added stress.

Go over any contracts, settlements and financial matters that need to be tidied up.

Knowing where you stand will ease stress and give you a chance to start something new.

Use innovative methods to VIRGO (Aug. 23- take care of demanding peoSept. 22) ple or burdensome responsibilities. It’s how you approach others that will make a difference. Congeniality will be required.

Question anything that LIBRA appears to be sketchy or (Sept. 23doesn’t add up. It’s importOct. 23) ant to stay on top of the facts and to be precise when dealing with uncertainty or instability.

SUDOKU

Make a point to take betSCORPIO ter care of your health. Avoid (Oct. 24indulgence, and strive to Nov. 22) work and play equally hard.

Balance will be the key to lowering stress.

Don’t count on the inforSAGITTARIUS mation that someone offers.

(Nov. 23- You’ll be railroaded into a situDec. 21) ation that isn’t in your best in-

terest. Choose intelligence and common sense over bravado.

Ulterior motives are apparent.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t walk away from CAPRICORN someone or something just (Dec. 22- because you are shy or fear Jan. 19) the unfamiliar. The knowledge and experience you gain will motivate you to try something new.

Listen carefully when deal-

AQUARIUS ing with personal or profession(Jan. 20- al partners. Someone is likely Feb. 19) to leave out pertinent information to avoid upsetting you. Ask pointed questions and make whatever changes are necessary.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Emotions will surface PISCES that could easily cost you if (Feb. 20March 20) you aren’t honest about your feelings or expectations with someone you deal with today.

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017

Bolt’s new sponsors PokerStars to feature Monaco Diamond League

Kittel snatches 4th stage win, Froome stays in yellow

N

G

erman Marcel Kittel claimed his fourth victory in this year’s Tour de France when he powered to an impressive Stage 10 win in a bunch sprint on Tuesday as Briton Chris Froome retained the overall lead.

Kittel’s compatriot John Degenkolb was second and Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen took third place with Froome finishing safe in the bunch to keep the yellow jersey.

“It was a quiet day, no stress at all,” said Froome, who like the other riders enjoyed a rest day on Monday.

“It was one of the most relaxed days we’ve had in this Tour de France. It was like having a double rest day,” he added.

“Now it’s about saving energy for the Pyrenees and the Alps,” added the Team Sky rider, who will on Wednesday spend his 50th day in yellow to match the great Jacques Anquetil’s mark.

The record is held by Belgian Eddy Merckx with 96 days in the leader’s jersey.

Sky are on course to become the first team since Merckx’s Faemino-Faema in 1970 to hold the coveted jersey throughout the race.

Quick-Step Floors rider Marcel Kittel of Germany celebrates winning the stage

Elie Gesbert, who on Monday almost set his Fortuneo-Oscaro team hotel on fire after leaving a towel on an electric heater to trigger a partial evacuation of the building, jumped away at the start.

He was accompanied by fellow Frenchman Yoann Offredo (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) and the duo built a maximum advantage of 5:30.

The sprinters’ teams, however, had them on a tight leash and they were reined in 6.8km from the line.

None of his rivals could match Kittel’s power as the Quick-Step Floors rider beat Degenkolb by more than a bike length to extend his lead in the points classifica-

tion.

It was Kittel’s 13th Tour stage win, taking him one ahead of Erik Zabel’s German record of 12.

“I don’t see cycling from that position. It’s not about being a VIP or part of history,” Kittel said.

“I just do what I can do best, which is sprinting. I’m enjoying this huge event together with my team mates.

We trust each other, and this is very special, very important to me.”

Frenchman Nacer Bouhanni was handed a one-minute penalty and a 200 Swiss Francs ($207.58) fine for shoving away a Quick-Step Floors rider who had just elbowed him. (Reuters)

WBO review backs up Horn’s win over Pacquiao T he World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has concluded that judges were correct to name Australia’s Jeff Horn the winner in his bout against Manny Pacquiao last week after the controversial points decision in Brisbane sparked calls for a review.

Horn took the Filipino great’s welterweight world title after judges scored the bout 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 in the 29-yearold’s favor but many observers questioned the outcome, saying the officials had made a “hometown decision”.

The WBO agreed to review the decision and on Tuesday released its results, which backed up Horn as the victor.

“The Jeff Horn vs. Manny Pacquiao bout results were controversial, causing disputes amongst fans. For this reason, transparency is so important,” the WBO said in a statement.

“Based on this, five anonymous, competent judg-

Jeff Horn the winner in his bout against Manny Pacquiao

es from different countries were asked to watch the bout without sound.

“To determine the winner of each round, three out of the five officials have to be in agreement.

“From the results, it can be established that Pacquiao won five rounds while Horn won seven rounds.”

While there has been talk that 38-year-old Pacquiao may retire, a rematch was written into the contract for the initial fight and the pair are expected to face each other again later this year.

Former schoolteach-

19

er Horn, who improved his record to 17-0-1 after the win over the eight-division world champion, said he felt vindicated after the WBO’s statement.

“It gives me evidence behind me that I can just use now,” he told reporters at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday. “Instead of saying I think I won the fight, now a heap of other people - professionally - think I won the fight.”

Horn will be attending the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

(Reuters)

ewly acquired sponsors of world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, PokerStars, have announced their intention to sponsor his final race before the London World Championships.

Bolt is slated to make an appearance at the IAAF Monaco Diamond League meet on 21st July, just a few weeks ahead of what is expected to be his final appearance at a major games. The Eight-time Olympic and 11 time World Championships gold medallist Bolt has announced that he will be retiring from the sport this season. The sprinter inked a deal in June with the Amaya Incowned company, which has also sponsored comedian Kevin Hart. The 30-yearold Jamaican, who boasts several major sponsorship deals, has been the sport’s biggest name for close to a

Usain Bolt is slated to make an appearance at the IAAF Monaco Diamond League meet on 21st July

decade. Bolt holds the world record over both the 100m and 200m. The Monaco Diamond League 100m race will see all eight athletes outfitted in PokerStars bibs. PokerStars director of corporate communications revealed the company’s delight to be associated with the event.

“PokerStars is proud

to support the men’s 100m race at the IAAF Monaco Diamond League and further our relationship with Usain Bolt,” Hollreiser said.

“Usain is one of the greatest athletes in history and we look forward to seeing him in what will be an exciting event for sport fans around the world.” (SportsMax)

20

F

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

WEDNESdAY, july 12, 2017

Shastri named India coach till 2019 World Cup

ormer all-rounder Ravi Shastri has been appointed India coach until the 2019 World Cup, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 55-year-old Shastri will replace former captain Anil Kumble, who stepped down as coach last month after falling out with captain Virat Kohli despite enjoying a successful run during his year in charge.

The BCCI also named former India seamer Zaheer Khan as the team’s bowling consultant while former batting great Rahul Dravid was appointed as batting consultant for overseas test series.

Shastri, also a renowned TV commentator, was appointed India’s team director in August 2014 with Duncan Fletcher as head coach.

The former test all-rounder was put solely in charge after Fletcher’s term came to an end following India’s semi-final defeat at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Last year the BCCI formed the

Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising former players Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who chose Kumble for the India’s head coach position ahead of Shastri, who had also applied.

Kumble’s original contract expired with India’s Champions Trophy campaign, but the former leg-spinner was tipped to get an extension after leading the country to 12 victories in 17 tests with one loss.

Kumble, India’s most successful bowler, also guided the team to oneday international series wins over New Zealand and England with losses coming only in a Twenty20 series against West Indies and in the Champions Trophy final, which they lost to Pakistan.

Shastri was among five candidates interviewed by the CAC on Monday to fill the vacant position with Indians Virender Sehwag and Lalchand Rajput, Australian Tom Moody and Englishman Richard Pybus being the others.

Checkmate

Get Your King Safely Out of the Centre!

A

Ravi Shastri

The first assignment for the new coaching set-up will start later this month when India tour Sri Lanka to play three tests, five one-dayers and one Twenty20 international. (Reuters)

A remarkable gesture – Kerr praises Durant pay cut

G

olden State kept just about every piece of their NBA championship roster, and even added a couple, thanks to Kevin Durant’s selflessness.

With some serious luck and a giant wage bill, the Golden State Warriors managed to keep just about every member of their NBA championship roster, and even added a couple of players.

That feat was achieved in no small part to Finals MVP Kevin Durant literally taking one for the team and accepting

a $9.5million pay cut.

“I knew he was going to give up enough money to allow us to keep Andre (Iguodala) and Shaun (Livingston). I didn’t know he was going to go beyond that. A remarkable gesture,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told Bay Area News Group.

“I told him it reminded me a little bit of Tim Duncan and his time with the [San Antonio] Spurs. He made max money and then at key times in his career he took a little less so they could add a player here

and there.”

Stephen Curry cashed in this offseason with a five-year, $201 million deal that set an NBA record for about two weeks before James Harden topped it by nearly $30 million.

But with the flexibility Durant afforded Golden State, the front office was able to add Nick Young and Omri Casspi.

As it stands, back-up center JaVale McGee is the only target remaining.

“The way the league works, the way the CBA works, it really kind of is up to the star

player at key times to take a little haircut here and there,” Kerr said.

“Whether that’s fair or not, I don’t know. But I do know that Tim knew it was dramatically helping his own career and KD understands the same thing. In the end, he’s going to make a fortune in his career. Already has and he hopefully is going to win more titles and that’s what he cares about.”

Now we wait until next June to see if it was all worth it for Durant. (SportsMax)

Venus again to stop Ostapenko in her tracks rises

V

enus Williams handed out another lesson to one of Wimbledon’s young upstarts when she beat Jelena Ostapenko 6-3 7-5 on Tuesday to become the oldest women’s semi-finalist for 23 years.

The five-times champion, who turned 37 last month, tamed the big-hitting Latvian with a rock-solid performance under the Centre Court roof, winning with something to spare.

Ostapenko turned women’s tennis upside down when she rocketed out of the pack to claim her first professional title at the French Open last month and the feisty 20-year-old appeared to be gathering momentum on the All England Club lawns.

A rare French Open/ Wimbledon double looked within reach for Ostapenko who had struck 121 winners en route to the last eight.

But old maestro Williams, who had already schooled a 21-year-old and two teenagers en route to her 38th grand slam quarter-final, has seen it all be-

fore and barely flinched.

There was a wobble when she dropped serve with a double-fault in the second set -- giving Ostapenko renewed belief -- but she never look ruffled as she reached the semi-finals here for the 10th time in 20 visits.

Making her Centre Court debut Ostapenko was a little more subdued than normal but received a glowing report from the veteran of 75 grand slam campaigns.

“She went for a lot of shots. She competed really well. She kept herself really in the game with her attitude. I thought she just did a lot of things really well and kept it close,” Williams, who made her Wimbledon debut in 1997, a few weeks after Ostapenko was born, told reporters.

“I never played her.

Didn’t really know what to expect. I was really happy to come out on top.”

Slow start

Ostapenko, who three years ago served notice of her talent by winning the Wimbledon junior title, said she paid for the slow start which allowed Williams to sprint into a 3-0 lead.

“I was missing a little

the second game to gift Williams a break and the American breezed through the opener in 29 minutes -- sealing it when Ostapenko completely missed an attempted service return.

Williams secured an early break in the second set but a double-fault allowed Ostapenko to break back and briefly the Latvian livewire looked dangerous with some bludgeoning winners.

Ostapenko was two points from squaring the match when 10th seed Williams served at 4-5 but narrowly missed the line with a forehand howitzer at 30-30, to the relief of her opponent.

Williams capitalized Venus Williams of the US waves as she celebrates winning her quarter-final on some errors to break match against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in the next game and held to love to claim vicbit,” Ostapenko, who tasted tory. defeat for the first time in 12 Since winning grand slam singles matches, Wimbledon in 2008, her sevsaid. enth major, Williams has “I was not playing bad, only reached the final here but I was just not playing once, losing to Serena in the way I wanted to play 2009. today. I wasn’t serving so But without her youngwell.” er sibling for company this Ostapenko shoveled a time, however, a sixth title backhand into the net in beckons. (Reuters)

long with developing your pieces toward the center, getting castled should be on the top of your list! Castling is the most efficient way to safeguard your king, get your Rooks into the game, and coordinate your army – all in one move! Castling is also one of the final steps toward completing your development and the Opening stage.

Get Castled and Connect Rooks by Move 10 This advanced principle can serve as a good “insurance plan”, in case you start following the rules of development but somehow decide to get lazy along the way. Your “plan of development” isn’t complete until you get castled and your Rooks are connected. If you read between the lines, what does it mean if your “Rooks are connected”?

It means you have: (1) developed all your minor pieces, (2) gotten castled, and (3) (3) finally brought your Queen out to a more active (though hopefully safe) square.

If you have connected your Rooks, than you have likely completed the first stage of the game (the Opening) and are now preparing to play the Middle game

To castle or not to castle... is not a question!

For great chess players – like this game between Edward Lasker and Sir George Thomas, London 1912 – castling is always “in the works.” Here the position is white to play and checkmate in one move. Can you see it?

18.0-0-0!! is checkmate (so was 18.Kd2)! With white’s last move (17.Rh2 check) forcing the black King to g1, the final blow is delivered with style.

Though a chess player will not always deliver checkmate when castling, he or she is almost always headed in the right direction.

Develop with a Purpose: The Ruy Lopez or Spanish Game Though there are many great games and Opening

Jessica Clementson

variations that can teach you how to develop with a plan and purpose on every move, one of the most common – and perhaps most important – for beginning chess-players is the Ruy Lopez or Spanish

Game.

A favorite opening choice of many great World Champions, including Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, the Ruy Lopez defines “developing with a plan” on every move: 1.e4 e5; both moves attack the center – 2.Nf3; attacking the e5pawn – 2...Nc6; defending the e5-pawn – 3.Bb5; attacking the c6-Knight who also defends the e5-pawn, continues

3...a6; attacking the b5-bishop – 4.Ba4; defending the bishop and maintaining pressure on the c6-Knight (if 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nxe5 Qd4! 6.Nf3 Qxe4+ wins back the pawn with check) – 4...Nf6; attacking white’s e4-pawn – 5.0-0; safe-guarding the King and indirectly defending the e5pawn due to 5...Nxe4 being met by 6.Re1! Attacking every piece along the e-file…

As a chess-player improves, the most important thing to establish is that every developing move can and should create a threat or defend against and opponent’s threat.

Next week we will talk about tactics that are used to win materials and even the game.

CLASSIFIED ADS wednesday, july 12, 2017 www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Conferences and retreats – full service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Weddings and anniversaries: Rental or full service: Banquet Hall & Catering. Aracari Resort 264-2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbour Bridge) – All modern amenities, rates from $25. Phone 264-2946-8

business opportunity Use your spare time filling 100 envelopes for US $500 or more weekly. Send stamped self-addressed envelope for information to; D Monderson 261 Thomas Street, Georgetown.

sports CWI Regional U-17…

Windwards

in opening match

G

uyana were given a rude awakening at the 2017 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional under-17 Tournament

COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 651-9663/600-7719.

taxi services

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department

on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call:

223-7230 Ext 50

GFF U-15 camp ends today

humble Guyana

SALON / SPA

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

21

Ashmead Nedd

being held in Trinidad and Tobago after stumbling to a 20-run defeat against Windward Islands on Tuesday.

Chasing 125 for victory from their allotted 50-overs, Guyana fell to 39 for 6 in the 25th over and was eventual-

ly bundled out for 105 in 45.2 overs. Captain Ashmead Nedd top scored with 14 at Gilbert Park.

Windward had made their 124 on the back of captain Kimani Melius (53) and Lee Solomon (22).

Offs-spinner Kelvon Anderson took 5 for 34 from 7.4 overs.

Guyana will now face Leeward Islands on Thursday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from 09:30 hrs.

The Guyana team includes– Ashmead Nedd (Capt.) Sachin Singh, Alex Algoo , Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Pradesh Balkishuin, Reaz Khan, Alphius Bookie, Lance Roberts, Kevin Umora, Orlando Jailall, Kevin Chritian, Qumar Torrington and Gevon Schultz, Orin Bailey Coach (Coach) and Nazeer Mohamed (Manager).

T

Head Coach Bryan Joseph (centre) looks on as the U-15 players go through their drills

he national U15 male team will today wrap up a five-day encampment on the West Coast of Demerara.

The camp was held in preparation for the CONCACAF U-15 Boys Championship in the United States of America (USA) slated for August 13 – 19.

In a release to the media, Bryan Joseph, Head Coach of the National U-15 Boys team said he was pleased with the progress made by the players from the last camp: “We’ve seen progress faster than we’d expected.

The team has grown a lot over the last few months and the several encamp-

ments we’ve had. We’re now in a position where we have a clear picture of our potential based on what we have been able to achieve. We also have a better understanding of how to prepare the guys,” Joseph said.

The former national striker noted that the new players from the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres (ATC) included in the squad have added a competitive edge.

“The camp has gotten very competitive and every position within the squad is being challenged by new members so we have observed that both the level of play and commitment have im-

proved. Clearly we have seen the importance of the ATCs and how the developmental pathway of the players is coming together.”

Joseph pointed out that he expects Guyana to be very competitive in the August tournament: “This is still a process, we don’t have the final product as yet, we continue to build with a solid technical unit that is working together to bring out the best in the team. We expect a competitive tournament and we plan to be equal to the task. Therefore, we’re working to get the young footballers ready to face whoever comes before us.”

Farah leads British challenge at World Championships M Tsotsobe banned for 8 years F

ormer South Africa bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe has received an eight-year ban from cricket following a lengthy anti-corruption investigation.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe has been banned for eight years after admitting to breaches of Cricket South Africa’s Anti-Corruption Code.

Former Proteas and Highveld Lions player Tsotsobe, 33, was provisionally suspended in April and now becomes the seventh player to admit contraventions of the code and to receive bans.

The charges relate to attempts to fix matches in the 2015 Ram Slam Twenty20 competition, with Gulam Bodi having already received a 20-year suspension for his role.

According to a CSA statement, Tsotsobe “admitted one charge of contriving to fix a match in the 2015 Ram Slam; two charges of failing to disclose to the CSA Anti-Corruption Officer the full details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct; two charges of failing to disclose full details of matters evidencing a breach of the Code by another participant; three charges of failing or refusing to co-operate with an investigation (including failing to provide

Former South Africa bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe

accurate and complete information); and two charges of obstructing or delaying the investigation by destroying evidence and concealing information that was relevant to the investigation.”

CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Mr Tsotsobe has ultimately admitted his mistakes in contravening the CSA AntiCorruption Code and, whilst no fix actually took place, it is clear that he was active in plans to participate in spot fixing and hence the sanction imposed on him.”

Tsotsobe, who has played five Tests and 61 one-day internationals for South Africa, said: “I wish to apologise to cricket lovers all over the world. I was, at the time, in a very vulnerable financial state and this dilemma too easily persuaded me to participate in spot fixing.

There are no words to describe the regret I have in relation to my actions and I hope that the cricket world could consider my apology and understand my deepest feeling of remorse.”

Bernard Ngoepe, the Independent Chairperson of CSA’s Anti-Corruption Unit, claimed Tsotsobe’s ban is likely to be the last relating to the attempts to corrupt the 2015 Ram Slam.

“The investigative team have completed a thorough and far-reaching investigation,” he said.

“I am satisfied that all the culprits have been duly prosecuted under the Code and, unless we receive or uncover any new or previously undisclosed information, we believe we can now bring this matter to a close.”

(SportsMax)

Britain won seven medo Farah will defend his 5,000 als in athletics at the and 10,000 me- Olympics in Rio last year, ters world titles on home the same number they won soil next month after be- at the world championships ing named on Tuesday in in Beijing in 2015.

Britain’s team for the world “This feels bigger for us than Rio,” said Neil Black, athletics championships.

The double Olympic the performance director for champion in both events, British Athletics.

“We’ve selected some inwho has not been defeated at either distance in a major championship since 2011, is the leading draw among 78 British athletes chosen for the event which begins on Aug. 4.

L o n g jumper Greg Rutherford will also defend his crown in the same stadium where he won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, despite an ankle injury suffered last month.

Mo Farah will defend his 5000 and 10,000 L a u r a metres world titles on home soil next month Muir will hope to build on her double success at the credibly talented athletes, European indoor champion- and in many events there ships in the 1,500 and 3,000 have been some close calls. meters. Promising sprinter It’s now up to them to grasp Adam Gemili misses out on this opportunity and prothe 200 meters and will fea- duce performances that ture only in the 4x100m re- will make the whole nation lay squad. proud.” (Reuters)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, july 12, 2017

Petra/Corona Football Tournament…

Campton could pose threat to GFC – Police start as favourites against Beacon

G

eorgetown Football Club (GFC) will host Campton FC today at their Bourda location but could face a stern test in their first outing in the exciting Petra Organised Corona Football Tournament.

GFC have been out of competitive football for close to a year and will meet one of Georgetown’s seasoned campaigners. Led by Captain Jean-Paul Bonse, the team includes a number of youthful players such as Curtez Kellman and Ralphino Paris who have the talent and finest to inspire a positive result for their side.

On the other hand, Campton, well known for their determined and sometimes flamboyant play are going through a rebuilding phase which means the likes of Anthony Sancho, Azuma Small and former national midfielder Troy Prescod will have to offer the fight against a well-organise GFC when their encounter gets underway from 19:00 hrs.

Meanwhile, Police FC will look to make their clash against Beacons FC a fruitful one when action starts

at 21:00 hrs. The lawmen have been a dominant force in Georgetown Football over the last three years led by a talented trio of Quincy

tenacity and will look to Devon Millington and Andrew Murray Jr to help them roar. Much is still to be seen of Black Pearl Unit after they were one of the teams to graduate into the GFA Premier League.

The tournament is being played on a round-robin knock-out phase where there will be two groups of

six teams. The top four from the respective group will advance to the knock-out phase.

The teams are playing for first place prize of one million dollars and championship trophy while second to fourth will pocket $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

Anthony Sancho

Quincy Holder

GTT donates as Fruta camp begins

T Curtez Kellman

Holder, Junior Gordon and Dwain Jacobs.

For Beacon, a draw will be a confidence booster given their abysmal performance in the Georgetown Football Association League.

The other match of the triple-header which kicks off at 17:00 hrs will between Western Tigers and Black Pearl FC. The Tigers are widely known for their

he Telecommunications giant GTT has embraced Fruta Conquerors Football Club’s Youth Football summer camp by donating 20 footballs to the club in a small handing over ceremony to the Secretary of the football club, Daniel Thomas.

The camp began on July 10 and is scheduled to end on July 28.

The company’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Allison Parker said that GTT have always had a good relationship with the football club and after the Conquerors sent a request for six footballs, the GTT decided to donate 20 footballs instead.

Parker noted that the donation of the footballs would not be

GTT PRO Allison Parker hands over a ball to Fruta Conquerors’ Secretary Daniel Thomas while participants of the youth camp look on

the only way that GTT will help the club but hinted at further involvement during the course of the camp. Meanwhile Thomas, who is also the facilitator of the Youth camp noted that it is the club’s objective to gainfully occupy the youths of the surrounding community during the school break. The programme Thomas explained is not just focused on pure football drills but also on academics

with remedial lessons in English and Mathematics being taught during the morning sessions.

He added that two volunteer teach the children but are paid a stipend by the club. In addition lecturers from the University of Guyana will be holding interactive sessions. The Youth Camp initiative which was started by the current Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde 10 years

ago, was taken over by Thomas in 2012.

Thomas said that while the programme started off humbly, the club is now able to provide hot meals for the children through assistance from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Scotia Bank.

The participants of the camp number over 50 and are merely asked to walk with their gear as no fee is demanded.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, july 12, 2017

Dottin, Taylor star

23

Get to know your Guyana as West Indies leave Pakistan winless Amazon Warriors

By Akeem Greene

Ahsan Ali Khan Full name: Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan Born December: 13, 1990, Attock, Punjab, Pakistan Current age: 26 years Playing role: Bowler Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium

A

A triumphant West Indies Women team are all smiles after defeating a now winless Pakistan Women's side

D

eandra Dottin’s first ODI century lifted West Indies to 285 and did half the job against Pakistan, a team that hadn’t made more than 150 for four innings in a row. And although Pakistan put up a solid response, a combination of rain and quick wickets meant their innings was cut short on 117 for 3 - 19 short of the DLS par score in 24 overs. It was their 13th successive loss in a World Cup match.

Pakistan’s revised target was 245 in 38 overs and Javeria Khan was unbeaten on 58 when rain interrupted the game for a third time. She added 80 with opener Nahida Khan before offspinner Anisa Mohammed dismissed the opener for 40. Thirteen balls later, Iram Javed, promoted ahead of Nain Abidi, holed out to extra cover off what turned out to be the last ball of the match.

It meant that the fluent stand between Javeria and Nahida, that kept Pakistan close to the DLS par score, went in vain. Pakistan captain Sana Mir admitted to a “lapse” in planning after

the match, with the side preferring not to take the batting Powerplay when the drizzle started getting heavy.

Earlier, rain had delayed the start of the game by an hour. Stafanie Taylor, who had lost the toss, found herself out in the middle after the end of the first over. Having hustled the openers by utilising the overcast conditions with a couple of swinging deliveries, seamer Asmavia Iqbal floated up an offcutter and had Hayley Matthews chipping a return catch.

The left-handed Kycia Knight then threatened to monopolise the cover boundary, striking four dominant boundaries through the off-side belt.

But Asmavia was back with another cutter, this one climbing away from Knight whose aimless prod outside off resulted in a outside edge that was smartly taken by Sidra Nawaz low to her left. Asmavia even ventured up the pitch to make the wicket a memorable one - shouting out a clear sendoff to the perplexed batsman. By the time Pakistan captain Mir offered her an apologetic pat, she was an

SCOREBOARD West Indies Women innings (50 overs maximum) H Matthews c & b Asmavia Iqbal 1 Kycia A Knight c †Sidra Nawaz b 17 Asmavia Iqbal S Taylor* c & b Diana Baig 90 C Nation b Nashra Sandhu 35 104 D Dottin not out M Aguilleira† not out 24 Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 11) 14 Total (4 wickets; 50 overs) 285 Did not bat: Kyshona A Knight, SF Daley, ASS Fletcher, AK Peters, A Mohammed Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Matthews, 0.6 ov), 2-26 (Kycia A Knight, 4.3 ov), 3-113 (Nation, 24.4 ov), 4-204 (Taylor, 39.5 ov) Bowling: Asmavia Iqbal 10-0-76-2, Diana Baig 100-57-1(6w), Sana Mir 10-0-49-0 (1w), Nashra Sandhu 10-0-58-1 (3w),

Sadia Yousuf 10-1-42-0(1w) Pakistan Women innings (target: 137 runs from 24 overs) Ayesha Zafar c Fletcher b Peters 9 Nahida Khan b Mohammed 40 58 Javeria Khannot out Iram Javed c Nation b 5 Mohammed Extras (lb 2, w 3) 5 Total (3 wickets; 24 overs) 117 Did not bat: Nain Abidi, Sana Mir*, Sidra Nawaz†, Asmavia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Yousuf, Diana Baig Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Ayesha Zafar, 5.4 ov), 2-107 (Nahida Khan, 21.5 ov), 3-117 (Iram Javed, 23.6 ov) Bowling: Dottin 4-0-23-0 (1w), Peters 4-0-20-1 (2w), Taylor 8-0-29-0, Daley 4-0-22-0, A Mohammed 4-0-21-2

amused batsman. But one who was out, nonetheless.

Chedean Nation joined her captain in the fifth over.

West Indies continued to find the boundary regularly - at one point, 48 of the 63 runs had come in fours - to offset an otherwise tight bowling display from Pakistan. Taylor channeled Knight and was particularly punishing through the off side. She made most of the 87 runs the pair put on for the third wicket before Nation, who has faced some criticism for throwing away starts this tournament, walked across and exposed her middle stump in a bid to sweep. She would be Nashra Sandhu’s only wicket.

When Taylor brought up her fifty, it was West Indies’ first of the tournament. There wasn’t a deliberate attempt to accelerate after she reached the landmark. The priority, it seemed, was to build a long innings and take an otherwise fragile batting lineup as deep into the innings as possible. Her own innings pushed into the 40th over, before an attempted drill past Diana Baig was caught by the bowler in her follow through. She missed out on a sixth ODI hundred by ten runs.

The acceleration came from Dottin who, in the mid-innings break, acknowledged that she had looked to play straighter. With five fours and a six, she brought up her fifty off 49 balls in the 42nd over. And from there began West Indies’ acceleration.

Seventy-four runs came off the last seven overs; 54 of those were pummeled from Dottin’s bat in just 27 balls, including a six that came from a launch over long-on to bring up a 71ball hundred. She celebrated by flinging her bat to square leg - like someone who should have had a first hundred long before her 99th ODI innings. (Cricinfo)

li Khan is an American cricketer of best players in the world. This time around Pakistani origin who has had one outing I have been preparing myself physically and for the Guyana Amazon Warriors since mentally to perform better in nets and games being a part of the team in 2016 as the ICC when I get a chance”, Khan said.

Americas player.

Khan is well His one match aware of the against the Jamaica passion of the “Guyana, we have an amazing squad Tallawahs had a Warriors’ home this year. We reached the finals last memorable start fans bring and year and this year the goal is to add but then turned into is urging all to something he would come out and one more final victory to the list. The hurriedly want to support their energy you brought to the stadiums forget. Sharing the new championship was infectious and we fed off that. ball with Sohail Tanveer, endeavours. the medium-pacer “Guyana, we It was a party every game we played got the prized wicket have an amazing and that a huge reason for us to do of legendary batsman squad this year. well in the tournament. We want to Kumar Sangakkara We reached the without him scoring. finals last year repeat the success and add to it, we However, Khan was and this year the need you to be in there in full capactaken to the cleaners goal is to add ity and push us to bring that extra in his latter spell via one more final belligerent batting victory to the effort and energy to the field so we

by Andre Russell. He list. The energy can outperform last year!” ended with 1 for 49 you brought to from 3.5 overs in his the stadiums lone Twenty20 match was infectious to date. and we fed off that. It was a party every game Though a bustling amount of talent and we played and that a huge reason for us to do clear ability to swing the new-ball, Khan has only well in the tournament. We want to repeat the played three List A matches for ICC Americas success and add to it, we need you to be in since making his debut in August 2016. there in full capacity and push us to bring that Having had a taste of the Biggest Party in extra effort and energy to the field so we can Sport, Ali Khan told Guyana Times Sport that he outperform last year!” is ready to showcase his assets once more.

Khan will add to the skilful seam bowling “I feel like I am more ready than I was last unit led by Tanveer and Rayad Emrit along with time. It was my first exposure to an international jubilant Keon Joseph. stage last year and playing with and against the

..................

Roshon Primus

Full name: Roshon Shonelle Primus Born August: 14, 1995, Bridgetown, Barbados Current age: 21 years Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium Nickname: Prime Time

T

he Barbadian-born who plays for squad.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in Cricket “It means a lot to me to be granted an West Indies Regional Tournaments opportunity to represent Guyana Amazon was somewhat an unknown character prior Warriors which can be a stepping stone to to 2016. He came to prominence after an show case my talent once the opportunity impressive debut season. From his seven presents itself”, he told Guyana Times Sport.

First-class matches, he managed to average The all-rounder who also stated that 39.11 with the bat he is hard at work, and had best match improving fitness “It means a lot to me to be granted and technical areas, figures of 9 for 42.

His List A (50-over) is expected to be an opportunity to represent Guystats were not glaring youthful exuberance ana Amazon Warriors which can with bat in hand, just in an unknown be a stepping stone to showcase averaging 17.60 but quantity. with the ball he kept While not my talent once the opportunity an economy rate express pace, he presents itself” of 4.77 taking five delivers a menacing wickets. ‘heavy-ball’ and with Primus also bat in hand, the fans produced telling performances in the could be in for a ‘Prime Time’ treat.

University of West Indies T20 tournament Due to his ability to deliver on most held in the Twin Island Republic which would aspect of the field, Primus could be the player have aided his ascension to the Warriors’ to mesh the top and lower-order.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Get to know your Dottin, Taylor star Guyana Amazon as West Indies leave Pakistan winless Warriors Pg 23

Ahsan Ali Khan

Pg 23

Deandra Dottin launched an attack in the back end of the innings to push West Indies to 285

CWI Regional U-17…

Windwards humble Guyana in opening match Roshon Primus

Pg 21

Part of the action between Guyana and Windward Islands at Gilbert Park, Trinidad on Tuesday

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Sport: sport@guyanatimesgy.com Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.