Guyanatime 15 june 2018 corrected

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, June 15, 2018

Issue No. 3594

Jagdeo vows to fight against electoral rigging guyanatimesgy.com

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Kurupukari – a possibleP13 site for deepwater port

Page 3

– warns coalition Govt of possible consequences

Minibus Union wants 5-year hold on importation of buses

Sections of Ruimveldt Industrial Site roads remain in deplorable P14 state

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GTA to release new smartphone app to boost tourism in Guyana P16

Senior staff members of ExxonMobil pose for a picture on Wednesday evening during a media mixer at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston to bid farewell to ExxonMobil’s Senior Director for Government and Public Affairs, Kimberly Brasington (second from right). Brasington will be replaced by Deedra Moe (first from left)

Retrenched sugar workers urged to draw inspiration from Enmore Martyrs

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– as PPP hosts wreath-laying ceremony

Move forward with renewed spiritual strength and determination – CIOG President

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Gun, ganja, ecstasy P12 unearthed during Police raids in Bartica Murdered footballer’s brother P10 identifies “Nasty Man” as assailant

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 15 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, June 16 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 15 – 05:15h-06:45h and Saturday, June 16 – 05:45h-07:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers intermixed with light rain showers can be expected during the day, while light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly and Northeasterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 05:24h and 17:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.85 metres and 2.68 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:28h and 23:44h reaching minimum heights of 0.35 metre and 0.58 metre.

wednesDAY, june 13, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

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17 19 25

12 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 08 12 14 20 22 LUCKY 3 1 3 6

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Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE 02

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Evening Draw 08

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Jagdeo vows to fight against electoral rigging – warns coalition Govt of possible consequences

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iven the recent issues emanating from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over the alleged ethnic imbalance of its workforce and its selective hiring process, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has vowed to fight against any form of election rigging.

Jagdeo has repeatedly expressed concerns over the possibility of there being rigged elections in 2020 and for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) in December this year. He has accused the coalition of allegedly crafting certain strategies that have the potential to jeopardise the entire electoral process.

“We expected this; we have lived with this a very long time. But they (Government) are not going to deter us from fighting aggressively for free and fair elections. They are not going to break our spirit with these appointments. And there will be consequences,” he told a news conference on Thursday.

Jagdeo was referring to a recent decision taken by GECOM Chairman Retired Justice James Patterson, who used his deciding vote to appoint Roxanne Myers as Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), over Vishnu Persaud. Persaud not only held that post for three years, but was more qualified for the post, he said.

He also revealed that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated GECOM Commissioners have officially written to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with regard to the recent act of blatant discrimination in the selection of a new DCEO at the Commission.

Jagdeo said that the Commissioners were pushing for a full-fledged investigation into the matter. He has expressed optimism that the matter would be dealt with accordingly, since the Constitution clearly specifies the mandate of the ERC in matters of discrimination of all forms in Guyana.

Meanwhile, he has also put the Government on notice that there would be serious consequences if it was found culpable of rigging any of the upcoming elections in Guyana. “There will be consequences. If they think that they (Government) can rig the elections and have the kind of peace that we have now, they’re wrong…very, very wrong. I hope they are not thinking that in their calculation,” he added.

Referring to the issues which all three PPPnominated GECOM Commissioners have experienced in recent weeks, Jagdeo said the behaviour of Chairman Patterson and the People’s National Congress (PNC)-nominated

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Commissioners did not inspire confidence.

Jagdeo said, “There will be an attempt given the nature of the PNC. An attempt to try to tamper with the elections, but they are not going to find us sitting down, so if (Joseph) Harmon and the others think that we are going to be walk-over, etcetera, he better disabuse his mind from that notion.”

He continued, “… I am making it clear about that and it’s not coded language, because then the nature of the struggle will be different. We will be struggling against an illegal, illegitimate Government that is not in power through the ballot and it will be a different form of struggle, totally different.”

The former Head of State said if the Government chose not to live by the rules and took power without observing the rules, then the PPP would not be bound by any rules, because it would basically be a freedom struggle.

“It changes from a struggle within an established democracy to one of fighting

for freedom.”

Although he believes that the stage is being set to rig the 2020 elections, the PPP General Secretary made clear that such a task could not stand in an open and democratic society. “There will be an attempt given the

nature of the PNC, an attempt to try to tamper with the elections,” he added.

Jagdeo’s party has also raised concerns in relation to Government’s attempt to allegedly pad the voters’ list. Only recently, Jagdeo also raised concerns again about thousands of Haitian nationals who arrived in Guyana, but many of them have not left the country. He alleged that they may have been trafficked here.

He also raised concerns over the Government moves to create new townships as a means of trying to tamper with the current system and create an avenue for them to allegedly tamper with the votes. Although this has happened previously, the PPP still managed to sweep a major victory at the last LGE.

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

Violence and education

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he increase in violence among our youth is cause for great concern. The headlines are replete with accounts of the incidents, and the statistics speaks to troubling trends in relation to youth involvement in crime.

This is a broader societal problem, but given the fact that our schools are a microcosm of the society, we now have another major issue that the education system needs to address head on. This is a challenge that the education system alone is ill-equipped to fully address, and one that truly requires a multi-sectoral, broad-based approach at finding solutions.

Schools have been hard-pressed to find workable solutions to the various manifestations of the problem, which for some time have emerged as major detractions from the traditional business of schooling.

There have been numerous accounts of the level of deviant behaviour occurring in schools. Teachers have long voiced their concerns in relation to their sense of powerlessness in the face of the increasing number and severity of the incidents which are occurring. More troubling are the accounts of these issues occurring at increasingly younger ages.

Teachers have noted that our children at astonishingly low levels in the system are demonstrating unprecedented levels of anger and aggression. In consultations aimed at finding possible solutions, many teachers have attributed the new rules limiting the use of corporal punishment in schools as a major contributory factor.

Others have cited the absence of the male presence in schools as another significant element. There has been widespread recognition that our schools lack the requisite human and material resources to adequately take on this new challenge.

The guidance counsellors, school welfare officers and social workers who serve the system are in short supply. As a result, the bulk of the responsibility for dealing with this new challenge falls back on the teachers themselves—a source of great resentment on the part of teachers.

Teachers have maintained that the nucleus of the issue is not within the school system, and have openly declared that they should not therefore be saddled with the responsibility of addressing same.

In addition, they highlight the fact that they lack the training and specialised skills required to adequately deal with the emerging challenges.

The CARICOM Forum on Youth Crime and Violence noted, with great concern, the increase in violence among pre-adolescents and the trend of increasing violence in schools. These have significant implications for society in general, but for schools in particular. Schools have traditionally been, and are expected to be, safe, nurturing environments. Theoretically, it is even argued that our schools have a responsibility to compensate for the failings of the communities they serve.

Our students’ declaration that they do not feel safe, even in schools, must be cause for alarm and distress. The perceived threats have led to the need for protection, resulting in alarming finds of ‘weapons’ in the possession of students in campaigns conducted by the Ministry’s Schools Welfare Unit.

At the secondary level, overwhelmingly large numbers of male students have been found with real and makeshift weapons which they consider necessary for their safety. This perceived need to protect themselves clearly feeds into the cycle of violence noted among our school-aged population.

It highlights the need for structured interventions to make our schools and communities safer environments for all, but especially for our children. There are schools within the region that have been outfitted with metal detectors and heightened forms of security measures to begin to address the scourge.

The state of affairs in the education system in Guyana is far from where it ought to be, and given the emerging signs and trends, will not get to where it ought to be without structured interventions.

As mentioned above however, this problem cannot be addressed effectively if it is regarded as solely a school or education system problem.

Given their central, strategic position in the lives of our children, schools have a crucial role to play in any approaches devised. This would require broad-based consultation with relevant stakeholders, an openness to innovative ideas and initiative, and the willingness and commitment on the part of policymakers to see the entire process through. There is no quick-fix in relation to this issue; and both short and long-term sustainable interventions will be needed, integrating a number of different social, governmental and private sector agencies.

Projecting forward, the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences at the University of Guyana should consult with the Ministry of Education and related entities such as UNICEF to develop programmes to prepare a cadre of individuals to provide the range of social services needed within schools and communities across the country.

Plans will have to be devised to seamlessly integrate these programmes into the structures of the education system. Mechanisms must be put in place to monitor and evaluate the various interventions, identify best practices, and share information.

This issue requires a comprehensive, collective effort that will facilitate the development of balanced, well-adjusted youths with a positive outlook on life. Ultimately, the quality of life we experience going forward will depend significantly on the steps we take to address the challenges facing our children today.

One of the scenes from the Opening Ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Thursday in Russia

Fasting purifies the soul and heals the world

Dear Editor, Eid Mubarak greetings to Guyana and the world; Eid Ul Fitr is the marvelous day of peace, love, goodwill, charity, and harmony. It is the day of celebration in purification and without fanfare, but a celebration that is worthy for the ‘faster’.

The faster is now the embodiment of perfection, for, as the prophets of religions did in ancient times, he fasted for an entire month. He, like the prophets, is embedded with a spiritual dynamo as those of yore. Prophet Abraham fasted and got enlightenment and closeness (Taqwa) with Allah (God Almighty), as did Moses who did marvelous miracles with the permission of God; Jesus Christ imbibed the power of healing after fasting on the Mount and denying Satan.

Muhammad derived his spiritual powers to travel to God and speak to him directly, received healing powers and the Al-Quran (Revelations from the Creator).

Peace and blessings of God be upon them all. The fasting Muslims are like those in power of goodness, closeness with God, and if they ask Allah for permission, they can also imbibe the power of healing humanity of soul and physical troubles. Even the earth and universe can receive divine healing from the fasting Muslims after the Ramadan, for they drank of the cup of righteousness.

The Holy Quran proclaims: Fasting is prescribed for you as it was

prescribed for those before you, that you may achieve Taqwa (Oneness with God, Liberation from ignorance, wisdom and understanding of the mysteries of the majestic universe).

While fasting is a Fard (necessity), one of the Pillars of Islam, it does not say compulsion, instead it says: ‘Prescription!’

Being the Master Doctor of humanity and the Universe, the Chief Healer, the Creator, He, Allah (God Almighty), as the Chief Doctor, prescribes fasting because it is good for the body.

It helps to regulate the blood flow, clean the blood of platelets and fats which are killers to man. It helps the heart by controlling pressure on it and the stomach by eating less and small amounts. It eliminates the build-up of carcinogens in the lungs and body.

It eliminates the buildup of waste in colon and intestines which accumulated over the year. The urinary tract is cleansed along with the bladder of sedimentation. The kidneys are in better health. But also the Muslim faster could not quarrel, say vexatious and obnoxious things; could not raise his voice except in proclamation of God’s wisdom. He is to continue life with these positives in his heart.

The prescription brings with it the giving of the compulsory tax, Zakaat, for the development of the Islamic Community and education with propagation. But voluntary charity is the mark

of refinement for the Muslim soul as well. He is encouraged to give to the non-muslims, and those who just ask, or whom one notices is in need. This is Khairaat (voluntary charity), which is the mark of distinction, of peace and goodwill; the hallmark of universal brotherhood and love. Muslims are to protect and care for all humanity and the entire world according to the Teaching of Quran and our Holy Prophet.

But more so, we are encouraged to give food and nourishment to those in need in Islam, even the Eid Sadakat, so the poor Muslims could have a pleasant meal, and to share with the non-Muslims for universal love and goodwill.

Our Quran, and our Holy Prophet teach us not only for the Ramadan but for all times; a Muslim cannot go to bed knowing his neighbour is hungry.

This is the explicit instruction for love of humanity; it does not say a fellow Muslim, but his neighbour, anyone in his community.

It means, even an animal could be a neighbour, a bird, dog; once it can breathe it is a neighbour.

It is no easy task to have to conduct ones daily duties in occupation and business in western society (in Arabia, commerce switches to night), and then fulfil the five daily prayers and more, with the late night prayers called taraweeh (late evening prayers after the fast is broken), and then early morning, day and night re-

cital of the Quran and the voluntary morning prayers between 02:00h-05:00h, and again the morning prayers at the breaking of the dawn.

This is worship in motion, in physical exercises of the body and mind, with little or no food, and little sleep.

In the end, when the time comes for the ending of Ramadan, the Muslims cry, feel pain as the great spiritual journey to God and Spiritual Enlightenment, has ended.

But with the great feelings of uplift as he is now closer to God, a content and humble being worshipping the Lord God, and respecting more the hungry and those in poverty for he volunteered hunger; to taste it, he becomes more spiritually awakened, but he empathises with the needy, those who are hungry, and becomes one who continues to worship, serve, being more charitable.

Enjoy this day fellow Muslims, you followed the prescription of Allah to the letter, and you are now one in God’s closeness (Taqwa), a healer of mankind and the earth.

Happy Eid Mubarak to our entire Guyana! Let us continue to spread the love, peace, goodwill and harmony among the peoples of our great country, and continue to live in dignity and love.

Yours truly, Haji Roshan Khan Chairman/Founder The Electric Mosque: Teachings of Islam

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

The Govt has failed Beyoncé Ross Claims by LGBT activists philosophically inconsistent Dear Editor, Recently there has been much talk about the issue of gay rights and the decriminalisation of same-sex relations in Guyana. Many of these arguments, however, do not provide a single substantive basis for gay rights. The reason for this is that the pro-LGBT position lacks robust philosophical arguments to support it. The following explains why: Contrary to what they may want us to believe, the claims of the LGBT activists are philosophically inconsistent and filled with internal contradictions.

These activists never acknowledge the internal contradictions.

If one should listen to them carefully, they opportunistically depend on whatever claim works best for them at the moment.

At the heart of the LGBT movement is the radical idea about the human person: people are who they claim to be, regardless of evidence to the contrary.

And so the argument is an ontological assertion that a person is the gender identity they claim to be. That’s their claim; that’s their metaphysics.

Yet they do not admit that this is a metaphysical claim because they want to avoid the debate on the philosophical level. What they do is dress up their argument with all sorts of pseudo-scientific and medical assertions.

They argue that a person can have, as the American Psychological Association puts it, a “gender identity, gender expression, or behaviour that does not confirm to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth”. Please note the political language used here: a person’s sex is “assigned at birth.”

This phrase is favoured because it allows for one’s gender identity to be the real basis of a person’s sex. Thus Dr Deanna Adkins – a professor at Duke University School of Medicine and Director of the Duke Centre for Child and Adolescent Gender Care – can state, in an expert declaration to a federal district court in North Carolina concerning the HB2 law, that “the appropriate determinant of sex is

gender identity.”

This is a very remarkable statement, because she argues that gender identity is, not only the preferred basis for determining sex, but the “only medically supported determinant of sex.” This method, according to Adkins, “is counter to medical science to use chromosomes, hormones, internal reproductive organs, external genitalia, or secondary sex characteristics to override gender identity for the purposes of classifying someone as male or female.” What she is saying here is that biological sex is a social construct and gender identity is reality. And what is gender identity? The American Psychological Association defines it as “a person’s sense of being male, female, or something else.”

Thus they assert that gender is not restricted to the binary identity of male or female: a person may be one, both, or neither.

Editor, this is where their position becomes philosophically inconsistent and contradictory. On one hand, they embrace a materialist philosophy, while on the other they claim that the real self is something other than the physical body. They say that gender – the maleness or femaleness of a person – is a social construct while asserting that a person is somehow “trapped” or “was born” in the wrong body, with the wrong gender.

They say that truth is whatever someone wishes to define it and that people are free to do whatever they want to (thus promoting a radical expressive individualism), and yet they assert that there is a real person to be discovered inside of us and they are calling for everyone to accept their ideology. They want us to acknowledge that this is who they are and give them the right to live their real lives.

Is one’s gender determined biologically in the womb? And is gender binary or not? If it is not, how is it defined? If it is “fluid”, why is it different from biological gender and expressed on a spectrum? What does it mean to have an “internal sense of gender”? What is this “internal sense” and how do one know they have it? What does being male,

female, both, or neither feel like apart from the physical body? Furthermore, how can these feelings make someone a man, or a woman, both, or even neither?

The challenge for LGBT activists is to explain what these feelings are, and if they can adequately explain what they are, they need to explain how they arrived at that. Yet I believe the tougher challenge for the LGBT activists is, why do our feelings determine the reality of our gender and not anything else?

Can my feelings determine my race, or height, or age?

If persons whose identity makes them the gender they identify, why doesn’t this apply to other characteristics or attributes of being? Why can’t someone identify as another species, say a horse or a dog?

These are the inconsistencies they need to acknowledge and explain.

Editor, the LGBT activists in Guyana want the authority of science and the state to be on their side as they make metaphysical claims. I am challenging them and anyone who supports their position to articulate some conception of truth as the basis for how we understand the common good and how our society should be order. Until they are able to do so, I advocate for the legislation prohibiting same-sex relations to remain in Guyana.

Sincerely, Ronald N Emanuel University of the Southern Caribbean Trinidad

Dear Editor, It is sad that I must use this harsh description, but the unbelievable reality is that President David Granger and his Government left young cyclist, Beyoncé Ross for dead.

Mine you, this is a Government I support, voted for in 2015 and will do so again in 2020, given that the other political party is not an option.

Yet, I ache to say that the change myself and other desperate Guyanese had voted for is slow and seems

almost non-existent, especially when it comes to issues regarding equality to the underprivileged and less wealthy.

I was brought to tears, and am still very upset even as I pen this letter at the failure of the Ministry and State entities responsible for the development of sport and athletes in this country.

Reports said this young woman was suffering for months, but none of the agencies came to her aid.

I blame the Government

for being slow to intervene in a situation which was so brilliantly highlighted by the media and still no one in authority moved to act.

Now she is dead in the very same week when we are told that Minister Ally is being flown overseas for medical treatment paid for by the State. Clearly here, all men and women are equal but some are clearly more as George Orwell said.

Sincerely, Naresh Singh

Our attitude towards this nation will determine its destiny Dear Editor, It is my firm belief that our attitude towards this nation will determine its destiny. Attitude is an internal belief system that determines our perspective and practice.

Guyana has been endowed with the necessary natural resources and conditions for this nation to be developed into one of the top countries in this part of the hemisphere. The recent find of large deposits of oil off the Stabroek Block has further poised Guyana for massive growth and development; but regardless of the wealth that is discovered in our land, sea and forest, these discoveries will not make us great as a nation. Unless we come to a place of having the right attitude towards one another and the development of our nation – the level of development and success that can be accomplished will continue to elude us.

I must applaud

the present and past Administrations for their efforts to see the developmental potential that this nation is capable of but there is only so much the Government can do. I believe that it is the positive attitude and patriotism of the people of any nation that dictates the level of growth and development since attitude dictates altitude.

As Guyanese, let us put aside petty political differences, racial disharmony, diatribe and negative projections. It is time for us to think more positively about the destiny of our nation, talk more constructive and use our energies towards the course of development for this dear land God has blessed us with.

This quote from a young Nigerian, whose patriotism and commitment to the development of his country has earned him the nicknamed “Mr Nigerian”, best sums up my appeal. “What

we need now is a nation of great people who positively live to impact others and build enduring legacies” – Fela Dewotoye.

A nation is as great as its people, so let us thrive as individuals to make the change and be the change we want to see. It is difficult but possible. As we celebrated 52 years of independence, this can serve as a sobering time of introspection for us as a nation as to where we were, where we are and where we are heading.

I appeal to my fellow Guyanese with the quote uttered by John F Kennedy, to close his inaugural speech, some 57 years ago, but has not lost its profundity “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country".

May God continue to bless this dear land of ours.

Yours respectfully, Bishop Joseph Inniss

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Foundation

Predictable roadblocks to healing

By Peg Streep

O

ur recognition of how our emotional needs weren’t met in childhood and how we were wounded prepares us to begin the process of healing; recognition alone doesn’t heal us.

It’s only when we begin to work on the maladaptive behaviours we acquired to get through childhood that healing actually begins.

Recognising the predictable stumbling blocks

Each daughter’s path to healing is unique, but there are nonetheless some pretty common obstacles many, if not most, will encounter. By knowing about them, you can anticipate them – and turn those boulders into pebbles.

So listen up and be prepared; you can do this!

Lack of acceptance

And by “acceptance,” I mean not just recognising the dynamics of your mother and your family of origin but understanding that you cannot change those dynamics without their cooperation and that there is no magic wand. In my work, I call this “the core conflict” which I define as the tug-of-war between the daughter’s growing recognition of her wounds (and who wounded her) and her continuing need both for her mother’s love and normalcy. The core conflict, if it is still ongoing, feeds into everything that follows.

Until you have found the moment at which the core conflict has finally gone quiet, you simply can’t heal. The human spirit continues to hope and deny, which I’ll return to at the end.

Continuing self-doubt

If you’ve always been told that you’re too sensitive, a

drama queen, or that you’re just plain wrong about how you see your mother and perhaps the rest of your family, the chances are good that a little voice in your head is going to pipe up with those supposed “truths” at one point or another. When you hear that voice, talk back to it, and recognise that this is just old learned behaviour, bubbling up. You will need to become your own best and most loyal cheerleader at these moments.

Lack of imagination

This might be a function of battle fatigue or stress, but if you find yourself thinking that you will never feel any better about yourself, you’re just lacking in imagination at the moment, unable to envision a future with a happier and more content you.

Visualisations at times like this can help. Make time to do this visualisation (yes, turn off your phone) and choose a place to sit or lie down where you feel calm. Relax before you start, releasing the tension in your body by taking deep, calming breaths.

Visualise a situation that would have once pushed all your buttons. It could be an argument with someone, the moment after someone has put you down or mocked you, going into a room full of strangers, or any other situation you would find stressful. See yourself defusing all of your automatic responses – feeling as if you’re always wrong, unworthy, or defensive – and acting in full consciousness. Imagine yourself behaving as your very best self, demonstrating your newfound ability to articulate what you’re feeling and being able to act as you wish.

Imagine having the best version of yourself show up.

Do this visualisation as often as you need to.

Trouble identifying and managing emotions

Second-guessing yourself – yes, that’s continuing selfdoubt –is often energized and magnified by the many emotions daughters feel as they begin to unravel their knotted childhood history of relationships. These feelings can be surprising at times, complex, and even contradictory; a daughter may be intensely angry when she begins to appreciate the depth of the abuse or neglect she was subjected to, as well as guilty or disloyal for calling her mother out on it.

She may feel empowered and ashamed by turns, or feel utterly lost. Knowing that this may happen – especially since managing emotions is not the unloved daughter’s strong suit –can help you deal with what may feel like an emotional onslaught at times.

There are things you can do proactively when you find yourself in one of these tailspins. First, use the Stop.

Look. Listen. Technique.

“Stop “means just what it sounds like; take a time-out.

Go quiet and preferably go sit somewhere you are comfortable. Take deep breaths. Now, “Look” at those thoughts and feelings calmly, quietly, and objectively, as if you were seeing a stranger experience them. Why is this person reacting this way? What does objectivity allow you to see what you wouldn’t otherwise? Now do the “Listen” part which requires you to ask yourself questions and to listen to your body. Ask yourself where your feelings are coming from, and what they are connected to; are you primarily afraid or anxious, and if so, of what? Is your own lack of confidence in your perceptions driving your fear? You will become a better manager of your emotions by

hindu swayamsevak sangh - guyana International Day of YOGA

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hile many people practise yoga for the physical benefits, there are other types of benefits; for example, the spiritual meaning of yoga postures can help yogis develop oneness inside themselves, as well as unity with the exterior world. In yoga, the natural world is especially important, which can be seen in many of the Sanskrit and English names for yoga poses that are taken from animals and other entities one finds in nature.

Oneness in Yoga Yoga is considered by many to be a holistic art; one that does not focus only on the spiritual, the physical, or the mental, but focuses on all of them -- hopefully in equal measure. The holistic effect of yoga is attained when practitioners not only become physically stronger and more flexible, but also become mentally stronger and more flexible. Seasoned yogis even sleep better, on average, than people who do not practise yoga. One of the ways that yoga works holistically is through the names of yoga asanas that refer to concrete things in the world.

Let us start looking at some of these poses, so that you, too, can be one with yourself as well as being connected with the world at large. None of these yoga poses is difficult to do, so you have no excuse. Let’s begin.

Again, many yoga postures are named after things found in nature. Animal-named poses range from cobra to cat, including animals of several different families. The names help yoga practitioners delve deeply into the pose.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) Downward-Facing Dog Pose may sound funny at first, but after you've watched a dog wake up and go into a deep stretch, the name of the pose takes on new meaning. The spiritual implication behind the pose lies in the act of a combined stretch with a moment in which the yogi turns inward. Simultaneously connecting to your centre while stretching your body into a long line has a unifying effect, positioning your spirit within while you stay connected to the outside world.

This is one of the poses in the traditional Sun Salutation sequence. It's also an excellent yoga asana all on its own. Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. Then bend your knees to the floor with an exhalation and rest in Child's Pose.

Vrksasana (Tree Pose) The essence of Tree Pose is to find balance. However, balance is not found in this pose in a rigid manner, such as one might associate with a balanced ballet position. In Tree Pose, your body may sway, like a tree does in the wind, but your foot stays rooted into the ground. This freedom for your body to move and find its balance while you envision being rooted in the ground develops your spiritual acceptance of your body's position in space.

In yoga, there is a principle called satya (the practice of truthfulness) that teaches yogis to think, speak, and act in alignment with what is true. Because it's a challenging balancing pose, Tree Pose offers an opportunity to practise this principle by aligning yourself with the truth in your own body.

Padmasana (Lotus Pose) From the common sitting down on the floor (Indian style, cross-legged) position, one foot is placed on top of the opposite thigh with its sole facing upward and heel close to the abdomen. The other foot is then lifted up slowly and placed on the opposite thigh in a symmetrical way. The knees are in contact with the ground. The torso is placed in balance and alignment such that the spinal column supports it with minimal muscular effort. The torso is centred above the hips. To relax the head and neck, the jaw is allowed to fall towards the neck and the back of the neck to lengthen. The shoulders move backwards and the ribcage lifts. The tongue rests on the roof of the mouth. The hands rest on the knees. The arms are relaxed, with the elbows slightly bent. The eyes may be closed, the body relaxed, with awareness of the overall asana.

Adjustments are made until balance and alignment are experienced. Alignment that creates relaxation is indicative of a suitable position for the asana. The asana should be natural and comfortable, without any sharp pains. In most cases, a cushion or mat is necessary in order to achieve this balance. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity, and the Lotus Pose is a frequent pose for meditation and pranayama, or breathing exercises. Breath is the purifying power in the human body; deep, slow breathing purifies and energizes our bodies. This spiritual meaning of the lotus flower is transferred into yoga asana practice in the form of the seated meditation posture.

Join us tomorrow as we continue to look at Yoga and Spirituality, and how it can help you as an individual to be a more aware social being.

YOGA IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS, GET ONBOARD TODAY!!

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fridAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Retrenched sugar workers urged to draw inspiration from Enmore Martyrs – as PPP hosts wreath-laying ceremony

PPP Executive Member Irfaan Ali laying a wreath at the Enmore Martyrs’ gravesite ahead of their 70th death anniversary

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Thursday held a wreath-laying ceremony in commemoration of the 70th death anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs, where calls were made for the thousands of retrenched sugar workers to draw inspiration from these five men who made the ultimate sacrifice, which allowed generations after to enjoy better working conditions.

On June 16, 1948 Lallabaggie and Dookie from Enmore; and Rambarran, Harry and Pooran were shot and killed by Police at the Enmore Estate, East Coast Demerara, while protesting for improved working conditions on the plantations.

As those gathered at the Enmore Martyrs gravesite at the Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown reflected on the sacrifices of these men,

they were reminded of the current state of the sugar industry, whereby some 7000 plus sugar workers have been placed on the breadline.

Addressing the gathering, PPP Executive Member Irfaan Ali reminded that it was at this same gravesite that the party’s founding leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan, made a silent pledge to protect the rights of workers and push for a democratic society – a fight to which the party is still committed.

Ali called on Government to fulfil the promises made to sugar workers by the Coalition parties on the 2015 campaign trail, and said Guyanese will fail those five men who made the ultimate sacrifice if citizens do make a similar pledge, as Dr Jagan did, to fight for their rights and stand up to injustices.

“It is under the People’s Progressive Party that democracy, freedom, workers’ rights, recognition of people were protected and guaranteed; this is not the case today… This is our opportunity to make our mark; young men and women, this is your opportunity to create your own imprint like these five martyrs…and we are not asking for any undemocratic imprint, we are asking for us to pledge and dedicate ourselves to safeguard and protection of freedom in our democracy,” Ali implored.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said this year’s memorial for the five Enmore Martyrs is more significant than ever, given the current state of the local sugar industry.

Hinds noted that while thousands of retrenched sugar workers are now facing great difficulties, they must not give up, but instead draw inspiration from those five martyrs to move forward.

“Whilst it’s very difficult at times to see a way forward, let us not give up hope. Let us use the example of where we were in 1948 when these five comrades give up their lives, and let us see that we were able to struggle and work for better things,” the former Prime Minister posited.

Assistant General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU),

Relatives of the five Enmore Martyrs remembering their loved ones at a wreath-laying ceremony on Thursday

Aslim Singh, also called on Government to recognise the importance of the sugar industry in the country’s economy, while also urg-

ing ex-sugar workers not to give up on the fight for their rights.

“As we reflect on the martyrs’ heroism, we can-

not help but be saddened by what is taking place in the sugar industry… The sugar industry and its workforce have a pivotal place in this country… We urge the authorities not to disregard them. We urge them (the authorities) not to continue letting down the people.

As we face new challenges today, new workers’ struggles are taking place; [and] it is fitting therefore, in such circumstances, to reflect on, and draw inspiration from, the 1948 Enmore workers’ struggle,” Singh asserted.

Solidarity remarks were also made by representatives of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 300kg cannabis destroyed at Coomacka Mines

Separating…

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anks of the Police Narcotics Branch on Thursday destroyed over 1500 cannabis plants measuring two to six feet in height, with an estimat-

ed weight of 300kg during an eradication exercise at Coomacka Mines, Upper Demerara River.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that

in addition to the plants, a nursery with about 300 seedlings, a makeshift camp with three hammocks, kitchen utensils, clothing, groceries and 15kg of dried can-

nabis were also found and destroyed by fire.

No arrests were made as Police continue their investigations.

IN THE COURTS

Narcotics Labourer remanded for shooting wash bay operator case discharged T against teenage “sweetie” vendor wenty-three-yearold Jermaine Josiah of Lot 127 CC Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was identified as the shooter in an incident at Broad and Lombard Streets, Charlestown, was on Thursday arraigned with three charges.

These include gun possession, armed robbery and discharging a loaded firearm with intent to cause actually bodily harm to Leroy Robinson.

However, he was not required to plead to the discharging of a loaded firearm charge which occurred on June 10, 2018, at Broad and Lombard Streets, Georgetown.

He was also accused of robbing Robinson of $25,000 and one mobile while the third charge stated that on the said day, while in the vicinity of Evans Street, Charlestown, Josiah had an illegal .38 revolver in his possession. He pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Jermaine Josiah

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the detectives are awaiting a ballistics report so that the file could be completed.

As such, the accused was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on July 6.

It was reported that Robinson was at his wash bay, in the company of his reputed wife, when an unarmed man entered the premises and relieved him of his cellular phone and the above mentioned cash.

Josiah was reportedly

armed and kept guard.

It was reported that although no resistance was made, the armed suspect shot the victim once to his left knee before escaping.

The Police were alerted and prompt action by a rank on motorcycle patrol resulted in the apprehension of the armed suspect, a short distance from the scene.

The victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and subsequently discharged.

Teen arraigned with gun, ammo possession A Charlestown, Georgetown teenager was on Thursday arraigned with two gun related charges by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Seventeen-year-old Colin Denny of Lot 41 Charles and Howes Streets, Charlestown, denied both of the charges after it was read to him.

The court heard that on

June 13, 2018, while in the vicinity of Howes Street, he had in his possession .32 pistol and one matching round without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Denny’s defence Attorney Keshia Chase in her bail application told the court that on the day in question; her client was in the company of six other males when Police visited the area.

She noted that upon seeing the officers, the other

males fled the scene leaving Denny behind. Chase further told the court that the weapon was not found in her client’s possession but rather on the roadway.

However, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the weapon was indeed concealed in Denny’s crotch.

Bail was denied and he was remanded to prison until July 4.

S

eventeen-yearold sweets vendor Kevin Ridley of Lot 130 King Edward Street, Albouystown, Georgetown had a narcotics matter discharged against him

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her on Thursday.

He had pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that, on June 13, 2018, he had three grams of cannabis in his possession.

It was reported that Police were on patrol duties in the Albouystown area when they observed the accused acting in a suspicious manner. The officers carried out a search on his person, and found a small Ziplock bag containing the illegal herb.

The accused admitted that the cannabis belonged to him. He was arrested and subsequently charged.

In his defence, Ridley told the court that he usually uses the herb as a medicine, since he suffers from asthma.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not object to the accused being placed on bail. However, Chief Magistrate McLennan discharged the matter against the teenage vendor.

…saints from scoundrels ne letter writer, from the PNC side of the divide, took umbrage at what she calls “the saintly remaking of Walter Rodney”, by some members of the WPA. Now the members of every party do the same for their “founder leader” – save where, of course, there are no members: like the National Front Alliance (NFA) of Keith Scott!! So, your Eyewitness figures there has to be some other reason for the irritable outburst – other than being against beatification being conferred outside the Catholic Church!!

And in perusing the missive – which is more like a missile – you quickly see, in making Rodney a “saint”, his partisans have to, of course, bring up the representative of the forces of evil who he fought against. In this case, it’s no other than Forbes Burnham – leader of the PNC, who was fingered by that recent CoI into the assassination of Rodney! Now, obviously, this doesn’t sit well with the partisans of Burnham – starting with his protégé President Granger – who’re busy like elves and working overtime to remake HIM into a saint!!

For instance, we heard recently from that completely unbiased fella who knows more than a thing or two about sainthood – Hamilton Green – that Burnham was a “founder” of the PPP! Never mind Ashton Chase had already been selected as the Chairman of the party to be launched – and kindly stepped aside for the soon returning newly-minted lawyer, Burnham! How do you “found” a party where a space had to be made for you??

Anyhow, the gist of the PNC partisan’s gripe was that as a Marxist, in principle, Rodney had to’ve believed in the utility of violence in pushing for social changes deemed necessary for the “working class” to have their day in the sun. But then, Burnham was one of those who’d shouted “Marx!! Marx!!” and even joined the Communist Party of England. So was he also ineluctably committed to violence? In the partisan claiming “Burnham was seen as the least” of those who cleaved to Marx, maybe he confined his violent proclivities to baring his “sharper steel” against Rodney??

The partisan further claimed Rodney was also committed to violence in practice!! She cited no other than Rodney’s sidekick and old Queens classmate, Roopnaraine, who claimed the WPA was accumulating “weapons”. But does utilising violence to further positive social change an automatic disqualification for sainthood?

And we need not even invoke the “Liberation Theology” for social justice, pushed by the Catholic Church around the same time Rodney was active!

After all, who was it that, after “making a whip of cords…drove them (money changers) all out of the temple”?

Sounds pretty violent to your Eyewitness!! …history from inspecting entrails It would appear some WPA members – the overseas ones in this instance – have turned to practising “haruspicy “ or “hepatoscopy”. What’s that, you ask, Dear Reader?? Well, you have a clue since it’s analogous to “Colonoscopy” – an inspection of your colon by sticking a scope up your nether region.

According to Wiki, “In the religion of Ancient Rome, a haruspex was a person trained to practise a form of divination called haruspicy, the inspection of the entrails of sacrificed animals, especially the livers of sacrificed sheep and poultry. The reading of omens specifically from the liver is also known by the Greek term hepatoscopy.”

What else but haruspicy could it be when the overseas Rodneyites start pronouncing conclusively as to what Rodney would have done on this or that matter IN THE PRESENT!! As for instance, “Rodney would have recommended a practical and fair approach to foreign investment”!! How the heck could they know how he’d turn out?

Just look at his soi disant radical comrades CY Thomas and Roopnaraine!! …jokers from prosecutors The acting COP’s upset with a magistrate for telling it like it is: that the Police Prosecutors on the pirate case are a “bunch of jokers, since they can’t make up their minds on how to charge those arrested.

How would he describe them?

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

9 Jagdeo rubbishes Patterson’s remarks on renewable energy News

friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– reiterates importance of AFHP to green energy plan

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has taken Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson to task over recent statements he made in regard to Government achieving its set renewable energy goals by the end of 2018.

Jagdeo says Government’s plan is unrealistic and unachievable.

Patterson has made a commitment to Guyanese that the country will be powered by 5 megawatts of renewable energy by year end; but Jagdeo has said this statement is “pure nonsense! Total nonsense! It’s a lie!”

Jagdeo has said that with only six months to go before the end of 2018, he is uncertain where the proposed five megawatts of power will be sourced from. The only renewable energy project that is ongoing is located at Mabaruma in Region One, and this will produce less than half a megawatt of power.

“Well, let me tell you something about the small solar units that they are putting in place…that it is

a conduit for corruption, as I said before. It’s a conduit for corruption, nothing else,” Jagdeo declared.

He explained that it is not a case where the people will get free electricity, but they are going to get it from another source.

“I’m afraid that 2-3 years down the line, those systems will go down,” he added.

Jagdeo has argued that the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project (AFHP) is a lost opportunity for Guyanese to experience clean and cheap electricity. He maintains that the project remains the best option for Guyana, and would only result in huge benefits to the people and the local economy.

The coalition Government had discontinued the AFHP project when it assumed office in 2015, but of recent has been speaking about plans to restart it.

Minister Patterson recently provided updates

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

on a number of multi-million-dollar hydro and solar- power projects that had seemingly been gathering dust. One such project is the Hope Wind Farm, facing criticism centred on the actual investor – proprietor of the International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), Lloyd Singh, who had acquired and built the head-

quarters of the Alliance for Change (AFC).

According to Patterson, there have been some technical issues which had to be ironed out, such as the size of the development. He has, however, reported that there has been progress on that front, and the power purchase agreement is presently being finalised.

Patterson also spoke of a US$3.8 million solar farm which will be constructed at Bartica with funds from the Inter-American Development Bank. He had said this will be completed by the end of 2018.

Meanwhile, the private developer of the Tumatumari hydro project in Region Eight has been given a deadline to reach financial closure with investors. When all agreements have been signed and conditions met, dispensing of the funds will begin. continued on page 12

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Eid-ul-Fitr Message

Move forward with renewed spiritual strength and determination – CIOG President

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s salamu alaikum wa rahamtullah. Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak! We praise Allah swt and we thank Him for granting us the favor of seeing the completion of another month of fasting. May Allah accept our prayers and our fasts and our seeking out His good pleasure in this most sacred of months. May He improve us in our sincerity and works and grant us His pleasure. Aameen.

President of the Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG), Shahabudeen Ahmad in his Eid-ul-Fitr message calls on all Muslims to move forward with renewed spiritual strength and determination, drawing as much as we can from the many lessons learned during the fast.

Not only did we fast but we met at iftar and for taraweh, not only did we seek out the poor to help where we could but we demonstrated care and

concern, fostering a spirit of community. It is that spirit of community that I would like to focus on as we enter the month of Shawwal.

Community building is worship. In Ramadan we are galvanized around extra acts of ibadah and by the mode of generosity engendered by the month itself. Our egos are imprisoned by hunger and thirst and our days are harmonized by the fast. We come together, the poor, the rich, the strong, the weak, despite our diverse circumstances, and we help each other with patience and love through each day of fasting. Ramadan teaches us that nothing can bring people together in a more potent manner than worship of Allah,The Most High.

It is our duty to build on the progress we make in Ramadan throughout the year so that each Ramadan finds us stronger and closer to Allah as individuals and as a communi-

ty. In this regard I would like to suggest three simple steps we can take to help us achieve this. The first two suggestions are intended to strengthen us as individuals

while the final point has to do with making a meaningful contribution to the welfare of the community.

Firstly, we should reaffirm to ourselves the importance of prayer. The strength

of our community and our homes can be measured easily by the number of us who observe the five daily prayers.

We see the great progress that can be made when we come together as a community around the fast. That progress can continue if we strive to come together around the prayer five times per day because salah or namaz is the spiritual sustenance of the believers. We should leave aside all excuses and delays and observe our prayers, a small act to receive countless benefits and blessings.

Secondly, we need to bring our Masjids to life. The Masjid is the house of Allah and the meeting place of His true slaves. We should put time aside to visit our Masjids.

Even if we cannot attend the Masjid frequently we should do so consistently. We should be eager to contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of

Allah’s houses without looking for rewards in the form of position or influence. When we go to the Masjids we should busy ourselves with worship and devotion and seek out every opportunity to show generosity and hospitality to others who visit. This will bring the light that comes with Allah’s pleasure into our hearts and make us spiritually stronger.

Thirdly, we should be involved in the work of the CIOG. I offer this final suggestion without reservation or apology as I am convinced that the days of shying away from “organizations” should come to an end if we are truly to move forward. We should recognize that dreams of community building will remain dreams without leadership and organization. The CIOG with its emphasis on the Masjid and Madrasa and on maintaining the communities and practices that have kept Islam alive in this nation is uniquely po-

sitioned to play a vital role in bringing about true community development. Our vision is broad; our reach is wide and encompasses not only the Muslim community but our entire nation. To realize our vision, we need the input and support from brothers and sisters of all backgrounds and talents who are dedicated to Allah and who recognize the importance of moving forward as an organized community.

I am confident that if we take these steps seriously as individuals with patience, persistence and sacrifice that we will be able to grow spiritually and materially and more importantly that we will be well on our way to earning the Supreme Pleasure of Allah, Most High.

May Allah accept our prayers and fasts of Ramadan and may He grant us every success and blessing in this world and the next. Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak!

S RAIGHT That GuySuCo pension fund

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he Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) participates in a system of contributory pension schemes for its employees. The main pension scheme is called the Sugar and Trading Enterprises Pension Scheme (STEPS) and at the end of 2017 had recorded a deficit that deteriorated by some GY$1030 million (182 per cent) over the preceding five years. In this case, a deficit means there is not enough assets to back the lifetime financial obligations of the pension scheme. This is a financially recoverable situation.

For those employees who retire and are not covered by STEPS, they are paid ex-gratia pensions, which traditionally was recoverable from the Sugar Industry Price Stabilisation Fund (SIPSF). Amounts not recoverable from this fund are underwritten by the profits of the company. If we aggregated all of these retirement funds in GuySuCo (STEPS plus expected ex-gratia pension payments), the 2017 draft accounts revealed a situation that shows they deteriorated by some GY$5 billion over the last five years. This state of affairs created a widening deficit that has now breached the GY$33 billion mark in the red. In layman’s language, at the end of 2017, the workers were entitled to pension payout valued at some GY$45 billion in the long-term, but the company could have only substantiated assets that is GY$33 billion short.

But although one can classify the situation as deleterious, there are two fundamental reasons why the workers must remain hopeful and positive. One, the 2016 Auditor General Report revealed that the SIPSF had on deposit at the Finance Ministry a balance of some G$14 billion to which GuySuCo workers have the first call. Secondly, the payout of this GY$45 billion due to the workers is not all payable today, but in annual tranches in a sort of drip feed model. As workers retire, the payout matures. The reality is that not everyone will retire today and thus the GY$45 billion is not payable in full today. There is time!

An evaluation of the demography of the workforce in GuySuCo revealed that at worst the company will have to find between GY$5-6 billion per year over the next five years to meet retirement obligations. The latest draft financial statements from 2017 reveal that the company has GY$12 billion in convertible assets to immediately fund this obligation, plus the workers do have the first call on that G$14 billion in the SIPSF at the Finance Ministry. This basically means for the next five years GuySuCo is in a position to comfortably make its pension payments. So when people like Clive Thomas tried to use this issue as a red herring to influence policy actions that have now caused irreparable damage to the industry, we have a duty to expose and oppose him.

As a side note, SIPSF was established under the Sugar Industry Special Funds Act of 1947, which was also the legal vehicle that established two other sugar funds – the Sugar Industry Rehabilitation Fund and the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund. Today according to the law, the Finance Secretary of the Finance Ministry is the trustee to these funds. According to the books, the Finance Ministry owes the workers GY$14 billion.

The combined GuySuCo pension scheme, which is the largest in the country, is just too big to fail because of its size, complexity, interconnectedness across the society and the critical functions that it serves within the national financial system. I am of the firm belief that the regulators at the Bank of Guyana should launch a thorough examination into STEPS. Failure to step in and inspect this pension fund would be regulatory reckless of the authorities which can result in the premature liquidation of STEPS. Though this might achieve a political objective to defund the sugar belt, the consequences will be acerbic on rural Guyana for years to come.

Too many mistakes were made in the sugar industry over the last decade but the culmination of executive incompetence was exposed in full, as the nation observed the troika of tragedy (Thomas/Hanoman/Holder) in action between May 2015 and December 2017. Today, as the economy implodes because of these mistakes, it is refreshing to observe that the new controllers of GuySuCo are returning to the philosophical underpinning that the sugar industry is patently intertwined with the economic health of the nation.

If sugar gets a cold, Guyana gets the flu. It is therefore imperative that the Government steps in to properly study the state of the pension funds in the sugar industry for the greater good of the economic welfare of the nation.

At a minimum, the sugar unions must be involved in the decision-making process at all stages as the different options are considered. Anything else will mean further national economic regression.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden man gets 18 years for killing wife, stabbing step-daughter – woman sustained over 20 stab wounds

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larence Carter, who knifed his reputed wife to death over two years ago, admitted to his crime before Justice Sandil Kissoon on Thursday, and was jailed for 18 years.

Carter also confessed to wounding the woman’s daughter during his rampage.

Pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter upon his arraignment at the Demerara High Court, the 56-year-old father of two admitted that he stabbed Leolyn Sullivan over 20 times at the Phase 1B Wisroc, Linden home they had shared.

Justice Kissoon, in sentencing Carter, started at a base of 25 years, but took off time for his guilty plea and other factors, including good prison behaviour and time spent on remand.

sentences to run concurrently.

Carter was represented by attorney Maxwell McKay while State counsels Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt presented the two indictments.

Recap

Convicted wife killer Clarence Carter

Deceased: Leolyn Sullivan

The judge would have sentenced him to 12 years, but he added 6 years for the domestic violence aspect of the offence. Such cases have been steadily dominating local headlines.

The offender was also

given a separate 5-year sentence for maliciously wounding Sullivan’s daughter, Shemicka Campbell, whom he stabbed 6 times during his January 18, 2016 attack.

She was 18 at the time.

The judge ordered the

Reports are that Sullivan and Carter had had an argument after he had accused her of being unfaithful. He then whipped out a knife and stabbed her about the body. She reportedly tried to escape by plunging through a window, and he attempted to pursue her, but her daughter intervened, and he injured the teen.

He later turned the knife on himself, slashing his wrists and neck in a botched attempt at suicide. Sullivan died while being transported to hospital.

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Minibus Union wants 5-year hold on importation of buses Gun, ganja, ecstasy unearthed during Police raids in Bartica P

resident of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews, has among other things, made a proposal to Government for a five-year temporary ban on the importation of minibuses, since he believes it will minimise the amount of buses on the various parks.

The five-year moratorium that the UMU’s President has proposed to the Business Minister was submitted on Monday, along with several other suggestions, with the effort of ironing out the kinks in the minibus and transportation sector at large.

Andrews said on Thursday, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times that in addition to a fare increase, “I have also asked that if it is possible, I know it’s a free market system and people can do what they think they like, whereby they can probably have a moratorium on the importation of vehicles. There are too many mini-

Head of the UMU, Eon Andrews

buses in this country”.

The head of the Union pointed out that he knows for a fact that there are too many buses that traverse the roads, although some persons may be of the view that there is a shortage.

While noting that there is an absolute need for the introduction of the temporary ban, Andrews explained to Guyana Times that the initiative should

have been introduced a long time ago.

When the Union head was questioned if he was concerned that the new initiative would have a negative impact on the transportation sector, he said it was not a concern since he knows for a fact that all the minibus zones are overcrowded.

According to him, statistics from a survey conducted by the Union allows him to access the necessary information such as how many buses are in each route, the fares, among other information.

Andrews said he is quite sure that the bus parks are overcrowded as he explained, “It’s a lot of buses, but a lot of them don’t work beyond five o’clock… which means that when they are off the road, it appears to have a shortage of transportation services… there are too much buses in this country and every month they seem to be importing one”.

It is against this backdrop

that the Union has made its proposal for the control on the importation of minibuses.

Along with this proposal, the UMU has also requested a structured fare increase of $20 for short drop operators and $40 for longer distances. The Union also hopes to have the ban on used tyres lifted for multiple reasons, which were explained.

The fare increase proposal comes at a time when minibus and taxi drivers have been protesting and even striking about the climbing gas prices.

Desperate to get the attention they need, drivers blocked the Vryheid’s Lust access road along the East Coast railway embankment. Several tyres were burnt, and an old car was set on fire to garner the attention needed, with the hope of having the fuel crisis addressed.

Several protests were also organised by drivers of the various routes subsequent to this incident. Gas station prices for fuel have increased rapidly, from $215 per litre to prices ranging from $230 to $250 per litre.

A

miner was arrested after he was found to be in possession of an unlicensed magnum pistol at a business place at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Based on information received, a party of Police ranks acting on information went to the business place and conducted a search during which the weapon was found on the 28-year-old miner of Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

He was arrested and is being processed for court.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old miner was taken into Police custody following the discovery of 42 grams of cannabis and 28.3 grams of ecstasy in his possession.

According to reports, Police ranks were performing duties in Bartica and while in the vicinity of Third Avenue, Bartica, the man was seen acting in a suspicious manner; thus prompting the Police to conduct a search on his person.

He remains in custody and is expected to make his court appearance today.

Jagdeo rubbishes Patterson’s...

Patterson has noted that if the developer, Tumatumari Hydro Inc, proves unable to meet the July month-end deadline set by the state for financial closure, Government would take over the project.

When this newspaper contacted residents at Tumatumari on Friday, they reported that representatives from the Tumatumari Hydro Inc had met with them and had indicated they were awaiting an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval before they can move forward.

The Opposition has long

called for the reintroduction of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project for a number of important reasons. Jagdeo has said not only does the scrapping of the project threaten the forest pact agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, which could cause the country to lose out on another US$3 billion in savings, but it could assist Guyana to combat climate change.

This project, the brainchild of Jagdeo, formed part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and was commissioned in 2009. But having

from page 9

taken up office in 2015, the current Government had repeatedly stated its disapproval of resurrecting the project.

The former President believes the coalition Government has killed the project, although it was set to provide Guyana with a massive source of electricity.

An independent assessment of the project had revealed that the only realistic path for Guyana moving towards an emission-free electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential, and the fastest way forward is to maintain this project.

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kurupukari – a possible site for deepwater port E

ven as the InterA m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) is working along with the Government of Guyana to establish a deepwater port to foster improved business relations with Brazil, a reliable source at the Public Infrastructure Ministry has disclosed that Kurupukari village is one of the four possible locations to develop the linkage.

In April, a team of engineers visited the site to conduct a study on the possibility of a bridge being erected across the mighty Essequibo River to link it with Kurupukari, a settlement on the River, which currently requires one to travel via river taxis.

According to the source, the bridge would earmark the first phase of the development of the long-awaited deepwater port. Other potential areas for the establishment of the port include the Berbice and Demerara Rivers.

The source at that time had reliably informed that the bridge is necessary to accommodate “proper linkages” within the regions.

“The bridge is in the making so the design concept and the actual kind of bridge we would like to have and all of that is actually why we made the visit.”

It was explained that during the visit, several stops were made along the way to test the soil and other necessities.

The source also noted that the Ministry’s team would have visited the Takutu Bridge, which links Lethem with Brazil, since the new bridge is likely to have similar design.

Since feasibility studies are being conducted, the source was unable to say how much such a project would cost.

The Takutu Bridge links Lethem in Guyana with Bonfim in Brazil. It was completed in 2009 and opened on July 31, 2009. Its official inauguration was on September 14, 2009, in the presence of leaders of both countries.

The bridge was constructed at the cost of US$5 million which was financed by the Government of Brazil.

The bridge was a proj-

ect within the initiative for the integration of the regional infrastructure of South America. The IDB recently issued a statement indicating that as early as the first quarter of 2019, the Government of Guyana will have a clear idea of where to site the deepwater port and an even better understanding of what is required to make the Guyana – Brazil Land Transport Link a reality.

It went on to state that the government has been partnering with IDB via a Technical Cooperation Agreement to advance the Guyana - Brazil Land Transport Link and DeepWater Port.

“The recently concluded market study has paved the way for work to begin that will see Guyana moving clos-

er toward this goal.

At present, three companies have been engaged and are working simultaneously to help move various aspects of the project into fruition.

The results of the three studies to help the Government of Guyana make a determination will be completed by early 2019,” the IDB release informed.

It went on to say that the deepwater port location optimisation studies are being conducted by the Maritime and Transport Business Solutions (MTBS).

The MTBS will therefore have the responsibilities of preparing business case scenarios for four of the potential sites identified for the project, as well as undertaking financial and economic option analyses and subse-

quently developing a proposal and preliminary design for development of the selected option.

A transport consultant and an expert in ports and logistics have already been contracted to offer specialised supervision services, under the technical cooperation agreement.

As plans continue to be drafted and are finally coming to light, the issue of a deepwater port in the Lethem area has managed to sprout concern for many, as the trail to this area has been a troublesome one for quite some time. The Government, however, has given all assurance that this too will be dealt with in the coming days, as the plans for the project slowly fall into place.

14 NEWS

friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sections of Ruimveldt Industrial Site roads remain in deplorable state Times learnt that the road was rehabilitated by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, which exhibited a clear bias against other businesses in the area.

Several roads in the Ruimveldt wards of Georgetown have been in deplorable condition for some time now, and after repeat-

The incomplete road rehabilitation works heading to the Thriving Auto-body and Repair Shop and Times Media Group

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hough one section of the eastern half of the deplorable roads at Ruimveldt Industrial Estate has been fixed, many are left questioning why only the area from the main road up to a housing scheme in the area

has been rehabilitated.

Up to late Wednesday, Guyana Times was awaiting a response from the Public Relations Department of Banks DIH Limited to ascertain if that entity had undertaken the rehabilitation

Repair Shop, E-Networks Inc, Twins Manufacturing, and storage bonds belonging to Kissoons, Banks DIH Limited, and Sunfoods.

In February last year, Guyana Times reported that much of the western half of the area was rehabilitated.

At that time, then Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, told

A major pothole in the area that widens whenever it rains heavily

works.

This query was sought after operatives of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) were reluctant to confirm if indeed City Hall had rehabilitated a section of the roadway.

The area falls in Constituency 14, which

runs from the back of South Ruimveldt and extends onto the Demerara River, encompassing Industrial Site. One of the Councillors of that Georgetown constituency, Sherrod Duncan, told this publication on Wednesday that he could not confirm if City Hall had fixed the road.

Guyana Times also contacted Town Clerk Royston King, who likewise could not confirm if the partly fixed road was a City Hall project. He, however, promised to make enquiries, but up to late Wednesday evening, this newspaper could not garner a follow-up from the City’s point official.

Nevertheless the Guyana

The western half of Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt as seen last year

ed reports in this newspaper, which has its base of operation in the area, some patch work has been done. The services obtainable in Ruimveldt Industrial Estate include distribution, bond storage, hardware materials for purchase, and motor vehicle body work and repairs.

Some of the businesses in the area include Distribution Services Limited (DSL), Thriving Auto-body and

this entity that he would look into the matter. Duncan was the elected representative of Georgetown’s Constituency 14 after the 2016 Local Government Elections. In a published letter to the press in late 2016, the former Deputy Mayor recognised that the area included a “huge piece of real estate,” but cautioned that there were “budget deficits” to provide services to the area.

CORRECTION

AFC Executive Member/ contractor Joseph Baichu

Guyana Times inadvertently published the wrong name under the photograph carried in a recent correction in relation to an article captioned “AFC Executive allegedly forged documents to get Govt contracts”. Here are the correct names and photographs. This newspaper apologises for any inconvenience caused.

PM's Berbice representative Gobin Harbhajan

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

4 projects earmarked as permanent sea defence works …to commence before next spring tide

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emporary interventions that are currently being used to prevent the Atlantic waters from flooding villages along the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) will be fixed shortly, as four projects are currently underway for the construction of permanent riprap structures.

This was according to the Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad, who noted that the projects were taken to the National Tender Board and are currently being reviewed to find potential contractors. He posited that by the final days in July, the contracts should be awarded for the commencement of the construction.

“We have opened tenders on May 22 at the National Tender Board for these projects and at this point, the

A section of the area at Uitvlugt that was mended with boulders

evaluation is still ongoing so I would say by next month, we expect to award them and possibly commence them by the end of July.”

Three of the projects will see the construction of riprap structures at Leonora, Uitvlugt and Den Amstel,

while the fourth is a bundle of drainage structures that will be rehabilitated.

“We’ve had a temporary intervention which would entail placing some rocks for the critical section at Uitvlugt. The current status is that we went ahead

with four projects on the West Coast for riprap works at Leonora behind the hospital, Uitvlugt, the Den Amstel area some other areas along the coast at Windsor Forest and Blankenburg where we have the sluices and drainage structures,” Samad noted.

He added, “We are fortifying the sea defenses that join the sluices at La Jalousie, Blankenburg, Windsor Forest and Cornelia Ida. Pretty much what we’ve done is bundled all the sluices into one lot so we have four projects.”

Samad also highlighted that the unit is pushing to commence the works at the earliest and as such, they will commence before the next spring tide during October-November.

“It depends on the contractors that are successful with the necessary resources

required and at this point, I wouldn’t be able to say which contractor will be going first.

But with our timeline, we would want all the contractors to mobilise at least by July month-end to August before we have our next high tide in October-November.”

Earlier this year, plans were announced to modify the sea defence structure by replacing it with a robust riprap structure to withstand the crashing waves and high tides that residents experience at various periods of the year. The areas mentioned were assessed after visits from Central and Local Government concluded that the structure required a new design to avoid any destruction in the future.

This was a result of the many ruptures that were caused along the concrete structure that lined the coast during a high spring tide,

causing devastation to many residents.

Immediately, members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) were deployed to the varying areas, where sandbags were used to temporarily fill the open gaps. When the water retreated, the Public Infrastructure Ministry hired contractors to conduct temporary repairs by placing boulders along the gaps where sandbags were once used.

However, these works were halted due to a shortage of the boulders for the completion of the ruptured sections of the seawall, which were later completed upon the attainment of the remaining boulders needed. Presently, this makeshift model is acting as the barrier to protect the people from the devastating waves.

Potable water for Region 1 communities

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everal hinterland communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) are to benefit from potable water as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) continues its drive to ensure that all citizens have access to potable water.

This ongoing project will see the installation of several new wells in the communities this year.

In fact, the water company has already drilled a new well at Koko, Moruca, which will provide potable water for approximately 500 persons within 102 households at a total cost of $8.7 million. The well has been tested, and an agree-

ment is being signed with the community to undertake civil works to ensure the well supplies the community by next month.

This project is also providing employment for the residents of Koko. The Koko Health Centre and Primary School will also benefit from reliable access to potable water.

Meanwhile, GWI is advancing construction of filters and a new pumping system in Hosororo, Mabaruma, which will allow residents access to treated water for the first time. The works being undertaken will see residents benefiting from extended hours of

water supply, and increased level of service. An additional storage tank will support the supply of the Wanaina Pump Station to the service area.

Presently, materials are being sourced, and works have already commenced in Georgetown on the prefabrication of the filter tanks, which will be transported to the community. Following this, construction will commence on site. The Hosororo Primary and Nursery schools and the Health Post will benefit from access to potable water.

The supply system, projected to be completed over the next three months, will be providing water to more than 100

homes at a total investment cost of almost $20 million.

Works are also expected to commence on the drilling of a new well at Kamwatta (Barima/Waini), which will see approximately 600 persons gaining first time access to potable water, including the Kamwatta Health Centre and Primary School.

GWI has already secured a no-objection to secure half an acre of land, and the contractor will soon mobilise at the project site. The completion date for the project is the second half of 2018, and this project would provide jobs for the residents of Kamwatta during the execution.

Moreover, the water company has drilled a new well in Oronoque. It is currently in its developmental stage, but will aid in providing potable water for approximately 200 persons as well as the newly constructed hospital in the community.

This project, being executed at a total cost of $18.9 million, would also provide jobs for the villagers of Oronoque. It is estimated that the works will be completed by next month.

Additionally, some 500 residents of Rincon will gain first time access to potable water following the completion of a $3.5 million water supply improvement project in that community.

GWI, through the Santa Rosa Village Council, is currently conducting works which entail the installation of 1.5 km of transmission lines in the community. The company noted that 90 per cent of the pipe laying has been completed, and the installation of individual service connections is ongoing.

This section of the community is sourcing water by way of rain water harvesting and from a shallow well which operates with a hand pump, located at the centre of the community. The completion of this project will see all residents in Santa Rosa receiving a reliable supply of potable water.

16 news

friDAY, june 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas explosion in Diamond GTA to release new smartphone as workers drill water well app to boost tourism in Guyana

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The property covered by mud after the gas pocket exploded

n underground gas pocket exploded at a residence in Diamond, East Bank Demerara on Thursday afternoon when construction workers were drilling a hole for “domestic” purposes.

The incident occurred about 17:30h at Lot 1200 Section A, Block X, Great Diamond. The house is located in a cross street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

An official from the Fire Service told Guyana Times that the owner of the house was drilling a hole for “domestic use” (reportedly a well) when the workers hit the gas pocket causing the

explosion.

The family was immediately ordered to vacate the property, but they returned later and were seen talking to officials from the Fire Service and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

According to residents, the gas was spraying as high as 200 feet into the air for about an hour and a half.

“After the gas stopped, a water and mud mixture started shooting up, but it stopped for like a 15 minutes and was barely spewing up. Then this thick mud substance start shooting up,” one resident said.

When this publication visited the scene, the murky substance was spraying about 20 to 30 feet into the air.

As the spillage continued late into the night, a shed attached to the house was torn down and the building began shaking heavily.

As news of the incident spread, persons from the area began flocking the scene, with some complaining that the explosion was heard from some distance. A few years ago, a similar incident occurred in the Grove section of the scheme while homeowners were drilling a water well.

Green State Development consultations head to Soesdyke

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he Department of Environment in the Ministry of the Presidency, in collaboration with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Coordinating Office/ UN Environment, will on Saturday host consultations at the St. Mary’s Primary School at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

The objective of this exercise is to foster awareness of the GSDS, to foster greater participation therein, and to advance the strategy.

These consultations are being hosted by the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), and are seeing support from the Ministry of Communities (MoC), the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA), and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). The slogan used will be “Time to Think, Time to Decide, Time to Act”.

The Ministry of the Presidency explained that during consultations, Guyanese will be encouraged to think, discuss and communicate their ideas and vision on “how Guyana should be developed economically and sustainably over the 20-year GSDS time

A solar farm

frame”.

“Participants will also learn about the Framework of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy and Financial Mechanisms – a document developed through a similar consultation process in 2017, and approved by the Government of Guyana, (which) has established key sectoral and thematic priorities of the GSDS,” it was stated.

It was further explained that the GSDS consultations are being conducted across all of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, and have already begun in Region Four at La Bonne Intention, and Providence; and in Region Five at Bush Lot and Moraikobai, Government is urging

Guyanese nationals, representatives of public/private sector and civil society groups to “come out, share (your) opinions, and make (your) voice count.”

Government has been pushing the country’s green agenda with focus on utilising measures that have less impact on the environment, such a solar power, recycling, and bio-fuel. Earlier this month, The Green Guyana Expo and International Small Business Summit was launched to promote the initiative. It fell under the theme “Sustainable economic growth through small businesses innovation, entrepreneurship and transformative Government policies”.

he Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Brian Mullis, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times, disclosed that a new smartphone application designed to maximise social economic outcome in the tourism sector is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.

He explained that this app will function as a hub of information ranging from product finding to news, to details and locations about utility services, to restaurants and entertainment, among other categories of products and services.

Emphasis, he noted, must be placed on enhancing effective lines of communication within the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other supporting tourism bodies, to elevate Guyana’s place in the global market.

“We have to focus on a more progressive and holistic approach to destination development. We cannot continue to engage in ad hoc tourism development,” the GTA Director stated.

Mullis noted that there are also plans for foreign influencers to be flown in to Guyana and experience the country at first hand.

“We intend to bring in persons who focus on adven-

Director of Tourism, Brian Mullis

ture, culture and nature to visit Guyana and experience it first hand, and write about it; because content is what is important,” he said.

The GTA Director, moreover, noted that Guyana could cater to high end markets, but due to the high cost to travel to and around the country, emphasis will be placed on how to increase investments on tourism, while at the same time recognise subsectors of tourism that are not currently part of the regulatory scheme.

By doing so, he said, the aim is to raise the profile of the destination in the global marketplace, and to maximise the social and economic

outcomes related to tourism for conservation aims as well.

The GTA will also be launching a new website, which aims at providing information on Guyana, including maps, accommodation, calendar of events, travel trips and places.

According to State Minister Joseph Harmon during an interview earlier in the year, the appointment of a Director of Tourism was part of the restructuring of the GTA, which began in early 2017 and is expected to boost development of a sustainable tourist destination.

Mullis is said to have years of experience in this regard and is internationally recognised as a leader in sustainable tourism development. In fact, Mullis is the founder of Sustainable Travel International, which has 26 years of experience directing non-profit and for-profit companies, working in protected areas, fundraising, and leading successful projects in 58 countries.

Mullis has said that since taking up the new role, he has been focusing on a more advanced and rounded approach to tackling the challenges that are currently affecting the growth and development of the country’s infant tourism sector.

(Yanalla Dalrymple)

Murdered footballer’s brother identifies “Nasty Man” as assailant

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ne day after Delon Henry, called “Nasty Man”, denied the September 29, 2015, murder of Dexter Griffith, the deceased footballer’s brother, Keshawn Griffith, on Thursday told the 12-member jury that while in hiding, he saw the defendant firing a gun moments after his brother was shot.

Henry is on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

The younger Griffith recalled taking cover near his East Ruimveldt, Georgetown home after the shots rang out; noting that a man clad in white, ran passed him. He said a while later, he saw Delon Henry in dark clothing shooting.

He added that he recognised him from the day before, staring at his brother while also wearing dark clothing. He remembered that on the day in question, his brother had asked him to borrow $3000 – money which the younger Griffith used to buy food for his older sibling. It was while he was at the shop that he heard the shots ring out before he saw the man in white and the other in dark attire.

He observed that he was reading the newspapers on October 12, 2015 when he recognised Delon Henry as the gunman. He called his mother immediately and

Accused killer Delon Henry

was told to inform the Police which he did. Sometime later, he was called to an Identification Parade where he picked out Henry from pictures of 16 males with like resemblance. According to Griffith, he did this, “based on instructions received”.

Griffith also testified accompanying his brother to hospital who was pronounced dead by doctors.

Meanwhile, the mother of the deceased man’s children, Allison Weeks, also testified before Judge and jury. She emotionally recounted hearing the gunshots and identifying her partner lying with a wound to his head.

Weeks said she was a seller in the city and had often accompanied her late reputed husband from where they

lived at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara to East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

She also claimed that on the night of the shooting, she saw a male run past her in white clothing but could not make out who it was because she saw him from behind.

Weeks also said that just after the shooting, when the crowd gathered, Dexter’s brother Keshawn shouted: “Is who shot my brother?”

Dexter Griffith was shot near his mother’s East Ruimveldt home. Earlier this week, the deceased man’s mother, Lavern Griffith, recalled running to the Warlock area from her home where she and other relatives saw the footballer lying in a drain.

After being shot, Griffith reportedly managed to stand and walked a short distance in an attempt to escape from Henry but eventually fell unconscious to the ground, while his assailant escaped. Public spirited persons near the scene of the crime eventually took the injured Griffith to a city hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt are prosecuting the State’s case. The accused is represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson.

guyanatimesgy.com

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s the world celebrates Father’s Day on Sunday, Guyanese will be in for a treat, as two of the Caribbean’s best storytellers are expected to perform at the Marriott Hotel in observance of the special day.

Paul Keens-Douglas from the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and his brother, Richardo Keens Douglas of Grenada, are expected to headline the two shows that are set

for 17:00h and 20:00h on June 17.

The two renowned storytellers will be teaming up for the first time, in Guyana along with Farida Chapman and Avion Crooks from Paul’s “Talk Tent” fame which has been staged annually for the past 40 years in Trinidad.

Paul Keens-Douglas was active in drama from an early age and has a wide and varied background in

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he National Cultural Centre will definitely come alive on Sunday, June 17, when H&T Theatre Arts Group presents a night of song, dance and drama.

The show titled “Dedication to Daddy 2 – Picture

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theatre and the creative arts.

Through his colourful characters: Tantie Merle, Vibert, Tim Tim, Slim and Tall Boy among others, Paul has used his personal experiences and keen eye to chronicle life in the West Indies.

His brother’s works include Take Five, Blizzard Press, and Fiery Spirits, HarperCollins (New York, NY); the author of plays “Once upon an Island and Tell a Tale”, produced on CBC-

Perfect” is being hosted to celebrate fathers and those who have acted as a father figure.

The show will feature some of the best in the business, including Cleveland Hutson, Henry Rodney, Pheona Da Silva, Keon Haywood, Paul Budnah,

ver the next few weeks we will feature the DJs competing in Art of War 2018 to be held on July 28 at the Sports Hall tarmac.

Today we take a look at Mr Emerson Boston aka DJ Nico Hype competing for the Mr Art of War title.

He is 34 years old and hails from the county of Berbice. DJ Nico Hype started his deejaying career at the age of 23. He previously played with the Gold Rock Sound system and is currently working with the One Voice Family.

He has been in the deejaying business for 10 years.

DJ Nico has competed in two clashes and won one trophy. His preferred musical weapons of choice are dub plates and 45s.

His focus as a DJ is to bring back the unity to the dancehall fraternity where all DJs and Selectors will

friday, june 15, 2018

Radio (Canada); and the performance of “The Nutmeg Princess” which was recorded on audio cassette.

Several of Keens-Douglas’s books for children have been translated into French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. Amongst his most wellknown books are “The Nutmeg Princess”, “La Diablesse and the Baby”, and “Mama God, Papa God”.

These men and women will share

Nelan Benjamin, Colin Ambrose, Leslyn Johnson, Simone Dowling, Max Massiah, Barbara Lee and Sonia Yarde. The event will also feature the Kreative Arts Dance.

The show, which is directed by Sharon Cadogan-

the stage with Guyanese stand-up comedian, Leza Singh. Tickets for the show cost $3500 and will commence at 17:00h; while those who wish to attend the 20:00h show can obtain tickets at a cost of $5000. Tickets are available at Gizmos and Gadgets, Nigel’s Supermarket and Oasis Café.

There will also be special door prizes.

It’s a family oriented event that cannot be missed.

Taylor, is expected to be epic with lots of laughter and excitement. Tickets to the event cost $1500 and are available at the National Cultural Centre.

The show starts at 20:00h sharp and dress code will be in effect.

work for the good of the industry. In addition, his desire is to be the best DJ he can be. His strongest quality as a DJ is quick thinking and good judgement.

DJ Nico Hype got his inspiration from DJ Bevaughn of Stereo Sonic and the late DJ Squingy from Bass Odyssey. His most memorable moment as a DJ was a day while working his Selector's laptop froze while the party was in full swing. He decided to be DJ and Selector to maintain the hype.

The technical difficulties were rectified and he was able to come back with a bang to finish the party.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, june 15, 2018

living. The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ meaning “to join”, “to yoke” or “to unite”.

According to Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of an individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.

According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be “in Yoga” and is termed as a yogi who has attained a state of freedom, referred to as mukti, nirv?na, kaivalya or mok?a.

Yoga is a system of holistic living, having the roots

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n Sunday, June 17, the High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre will be celebrating its 4th International Day of Yoga in collaboration with multi-religious and cultural groups, NGOs and prominent individuals.

The event is slated for the Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road and Thomas Lands, Georgetown at 10:00h and on Sunday, June 24 at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, West Coast Demerara, commencing at 10:00h.

On both days, the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga will see yoga demonstration followed by Yoga practitioners performing yoga and prominent personalities delivering brief remarks about yoga as a practice for both preventive and curative mental and physical healthcare and as a universal language of well-being. Admission to the events is absolutely free and the public is invited to attend.

Those who want to do yoga may bring along their yoga attire and mats.

Yoga is essentially a mental and physical discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science for healthy

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in Indian tradition and culture. Evolved thousands of years back by the Rishis, Yoga techniques are being widely used in modern days for meeting the changing healthcare needs of mankind.

Yoga has transcended the barrier of race, religion and culture and has become a global movement. Great Yoga gurus and practitioners now come from all parts of the world spreading the message for development of a healthy mind and body.

he Resilience Worship Tour 2018 organised by the Hyacinth Skeete Ministries in collaboration with the Linden Ministers Fellowship and Maloney Ministry, kicks off on Saturday, with a massive concert at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

Be anointed by the melodious renditions of Psalmist Brenda Ellis and Leah Shephard who will be visiting Guyana for the first time. They will be sharing the stage with Cherlyn Meloney, Sean Sobers, Dionne Wills, Amelia Baljit and the Zamar Band among others.

There, the two visiting Psalmists will be joined by Berbice’s own, Simeon Burnette and others. Early bird tickets cost $1500 and $2000 at the gate.

The concert commences at 18:00h. On Tuesday, the Tour heads to the Mining Town of Linden where Ellis and Shephard will be joined by Cheryln Maloney, the Son of Zion Redeemers Band, Candy Duke, Gerald Gravesande and many others.

The concert will be held at the Mackenzie Sports Complex Ground and is expected to start at 19:00h. Early-bird tickets cost

Admission to the event at the NCC costs $2000, $1500 and $1000. The tour continues at the University of Guyana (Tain Campus) on Sunday, June 17.

$1500 and $2000 at the gate. Tickets for the tour are available at the National Cultural Centre, Kester D Music Centre and the local churches.

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he place to be this Saturday is the premier entertainment spot, Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown, for another concept party titled “Good Times Old School Retro and Classic Party”.

Patrons can come out in their best 70s, 80s and 90s outfits and be a part of the fun-filled evening that is expected to be off the hook.

The attendees can rock the night away to their favourite retro tunes that will be booming through the speakers.

To add that touch of class and deejay touch will be Pulse Entertainment Deejay Ryan; Deejay Anisah; Deejay Rocky Carew; Deejay Kerwin; Deejay Rawle and others.

Tickets cost $2000 and are available at Gismos and Gadgets, Pulse Online Shopping, Palm Court and Fashion Line Boutique. Ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h.

Music and lightning will be provided by Pulse Entertainment.

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he Aracari Resort, Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara will once again come alive with great festivity on Sunday, June 17, when Eyeball Style Promotions presents its exciting concept party titled “Bawl out Fathers Night Pool Party”.

This event will see sizzling showcases by the ‘Bootilicious Lingerie Models’ and the Miss Bedroom Body Models who will deliver a scorching ‘Wet T-Shirt’ showcase’. The contestants in the African Roots 2018 Pageant and the Miss West Bank 2018 Pageant will be unveil at the exiting party.

The promoters will also be giving away a prize for the Best Dressed Father and the Aracari Resort will be giving away a Luxury Deluxe Room for two with meals, free access to pool and gym, with Internet connection.

Admission to the event is set at $1000, and music will be provided by Royalty Vibes and DJ Ice.

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friDAY, june 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP urges reflection on significance of Eid

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wishes to extend to the Muslim community, both at home and overseas, Eid Mubarak on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

This auspicious occasion marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan during which tremendous sacrifices were made for spiritual advancement by Muslims.

All of our religious observances have universal lessons for all mankind. As customary on these occasions, our Party urges reflection on the pertinent messages this occasion brings and which have positive influences for humanity.

The dedication and self-discipline demonstrated especially during the month of Ramadan are exemplary teaching humility, contentment, restraint and love

for mankind. The Zakat or charity associated with Eidul-Fitr is another example of Muslims here in Guyana and across the world contributing to the upliftment of all and for the removal of societal barriers.

The PPP would like to take this opportunity to commend all those who would have made the sac-

rifices as prescribed during the month of Ramadan and to draw from the rich virtues of this occasion and to reiterate that sacrifices bring success and that hope is alive and must never be lost.

Once again, the Party extends greetings to all, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on this occasion.

Eid Mubarak!

Let Eid inspire us to promote world peace – GAWU

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) wishes to extend warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters and indeed all Guyanese as we once again celebrate Eidul-Fitr.

Eid ul Fitr signifies the ending of the period of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting. But we are aware that Eid-ul-Fitr is not only about fasting but it’s a time for love, perseverance, kindness, forgive-

ness and tolerance. These qualities are the essence of Islam. While the period of Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection and meditation, Eid is a time of celebration to mark the conclusion of the holy month and it is also a time to rejuvenate bonds of kinship, friendship, peace and demonstrate tolerance and love.

Those values that come to the fore in such times remind us in a timely way of our humanity and what are necessary in our continuing

quest for social justice apart from underlining the variety of religions that make up our nation and which add to our cultural richness.

So let this celebratory occasion provide us all with an opportunity to stretch our hands out to each other as we pursue enduring harmony in our relationships. Let us transcend our differences and disagreements and reach out to one another with a new spirit of peace, and tolerance.

May the spirit of Eid inspire us all to renew our determination to support and promote the cause of peace worldwide. May Allah shower his blessings on mankind and guide peoples globally onto a path that would lead to a world where tolerance, empathy, and general betterment prevail.

IAC extends Eid greetings to Muslim community

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he Indian Action Committee (IAC) is pleased to join with all Guyanese in extending Eid Mubarak to the Muslim Community.

The IAC recognizes that Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan in which adherents of Islam are required to exert extreme self-discipline and enhance their compassion for others and, therefore, it is important

currently to reflect on these moral values emphasized during this auspicious period.

The IAC commends all those Muslims who gathered to pray and breakfast at their Masjids over the past month thus, strengthening their commitment to their faith and their covenant with their Creator.

The IAC, which has always had Muslims in its membership, remains ready

to work in partnership with the Muslim community in such works that conform with the three foci of the organization: educational, cultural, social work.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to re-establish lost family values, improve communal relationships and promote peace amongst the citizens of this country.

Eid Mubarak from the IAC

Be sincere and honest in all your actions – Muslim Youth League of Guyana

E

id al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and those who would have made the sacrifice during the month shall now rejoice on reaping the rewards for their efforts.

During the holy month, we displayed self-restraint by abstaining from illegitimate actions, thus increasing our spirituality and nearness to God Almighty.

Therefore, it is your right to be joyful and celebrate the month of integrity and immense discipline.

This is the day when all those who have fasted would have graduated, and as such our spirits are uplifted with humility and reverence.

Our activities and personalities have gone through a major makeover, and as such, our attitudes and actions will be reflected in our behaviour in society.

Brothers and Sisters, the way we conduct ourselves will be testament to how much we would have elevated our lives spiritually. Also, how well we would have benefited from Ramadan.

No one will judge you but God Almighty, so be sincere and honest in all your actions.

May this day of Eid al Fitr bring peace, joy and happiness in your family.

Let us celebrate our achievements, but remain steadfast to our goal in life, which is to be granted a place in paradise.

Once again, Eid Mubarak to each of you, and May Almighty Allah shower his blessings on us all, so that we can be great examples to society.

20

friDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

Afghanistan fight back I

after Vijay, Dhawan centuries

n their first day in Test cricket, Afghanistan looked like they wanted to experience the full range of emotions: they conceded 52 fours and four sixes, made a DRS blunder early on, dropped a catch late in the day, enabled two very different types of centuries, and still, somehow, managed to dominate an entire session and stay alive.

India, who were 280 for 1 at one stage, and striking at well more than five per over thanks to domineering efforts from their top three Test openers, lost 5 for 63 in the final session.

Afghanistan had had a decent first half hour, with both Wafadar and Yamin Ahmadzai getting the ball to move around in Bengaluru's dense atmosphere. But neither could apply sustained pressure on India's openers.

Shikhar Dhawan, in particular, was given too many boundary opportunities through short-pitched bowling that remained a feature throughout the day.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai looked forlorn very early on, attempting to stop the glut by gradually chopping his slip cordon in the face of a rampaging opening stand and a knee injury to Ahmadzai in the eighth over that kept him out for the rest of the first session. But his most remorseful moment as a Test captain came when neither Wafadar, who had drawn a faint edge from Dhawan, nor wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai, who had made

Rashid Khan celebrates Ajinkya Rahane's wicket (photo: BCCI)

the most boisterous appeal, came to his aid when he looked for consultants to overturn the not out decision. Standing in the slips, Mohammad Shahzad was the only player urging his captain to take the review, but Stanikzai, drowned out by too many opinions, didn't pay heed.

When replays showed a murmur as the ball passed bat, a collective annoyance gripped the visiting team.

It was almost like Dhawan sensed it. He spent the next 70 or so minutes flogging his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, neither of whom looked in control, erring too short to prevent him getting down the track or, in the latter's case, serving up generous full-tosses. By the middle of the first session, with Mujeeb ur Rahman also taking a pasting,

Afghanistan already looked defeated. Seventeen overs after that caught-behind appeal, Dhawan had become the first Indian to make a hundred before lunch on the first day of a Test. Despite a shaky, struggling M Vijay at the other end, India had put up 158 without losing a wicket by lunch.

Dhawan fell in the second over after lunch to Ahmadzai - a relay catch, started at second slip

by Rahmat Shah's outstretched left hand, completed by Nabi at first but that didn't put a stop to the scoring. Vijay, who had trouble picking length against pace in the first session, settled into a nice rhythm in the company of KL Rahul, who, having kept the other home boy Karun Nair from making a Test return, was pushed ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara into

No. 3. The routine of trying to push through variations googlies, knuckle balls, arm balls - and invariably landing them short meant more easy runs through the second session for the pair, who had both had indifferent tours of South Africa earlier this year. On the cusp of their milestones, both of them were offered short balls; Vijay launched his upper cut over point to bring up his 12th century - his third in consecutive home Tests - and Rahul casually whipped a googly from Rashid past short fine leg to bring up his half-century.

In the midst of this were two rain breaks that cost 73 minutes. Upon returning from the second one, Afghanistan was a different team. For starters, both their medium-pacers had discovered a peculiar late movement with a near

50-over-old ball in damp conditions. Vijay didn't anticipate the dip inwards when he shouldered arms to Wafadar and was rapped on the front leg and a review couldn't overturn the umpire's on-field decision.

Two balls later, Ahmadzai moved one in off the seam and had Rahul chop onto the stumps attempting a cut. That's where the opening was found.

Rashid was a different bowler after the second break as well, switching to a slower pace, a loopier trajectory and relying a lot more on his leg-break. His first maiden in Test cricket came after he had gone for 105 in 17 overs, but it was the start of a tantalising spell. Like he's wont to do, Rashid managed to turn the dots into a wicket. Ajinkya Rahane was given not out after copping one on his back leg trying to whip across the line, but

SCOREBOARD

India 1st Innings M Vijay lbw b Wafadar 105 S Dhawan c Mohammad Nabi b Yamin Ahmadzai 107 KL Rahul b Yamin Ahmadzai 54 CA Pujara c Mohammad Nabi b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 35 AM Rahane (c) lbw b Rashid Kh n 10 KD Karthik † run out (sub [Nasir Jamal]/†Afsar Zazai) 04 HH Pandya not out 10 R Ashwin not out 07 Extras: 15 (b 1, lb 11, nb 1, w 2) TOTAL: 347/6 (78 Overs, RR: 4.44)

Neymar: I'm not worth world-record €222M

N

eymar has claimed he is not worth the €222 million world-record fee Paris SaintGermain paid Barcelona for his services.

The Brazil star impressed during his debut campaign with the Ligue 1 champions before his season was ended prematurely by injury. It meant Neymar missed out as PSG failed to overturn a first-leg deficit to Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 before going on to complete a domestic sweep.

The superstar forward,

who is now back fit and preparing for the World Cup with Brazil in Russia, says he wants to be seen as a special player but concedes he was too costly.

"I'm not proud of the transfer fee, nor of the fact I'm the most expensive player ever," he told Spox.

"That's just money and nothing else. I cannot help it. Personally, I would have paid less for myself.

"I always wanted to be special. I really worked and sacrificed every day of my life to become a professional one day. That was the only

dream I ever had.

"I dreamed of playing for Santos' first team, being invited to the national team and one day going to Europe. It was not foreseeable at the time that I would succeed, but I kept thinking about it. There was nothing else for me."

Neymar missed the humbling 7-1 defeat to Germany in Brazil's home World Cup four years ago but is still seeking to make amends in Russia.

"I felt as beaten as the team was and was affected like everyone else. The ex-

pectations on us in our own country were almost inhumanly high and Germany are an excellent opponent," the 25-year-old added.

"We knew it would be hard.

Unfortunately, it went as it did. Now we finally have the opportunity to wipe out the last World Cup. Maybe we will meet Germany again and then hopefully we will have a r e a l

Rashid had grounds for a review that ultimately proved successful.

In Rashid's next over, Pujara had a stab at a rising leg-break but was dropped

by Nabi at first slip. But what Rashid couldn't get, Mujeeb did: ripping an offbreak from length, he drew Pujara's inside edge and this time, Nabi took the day's sharpest catch, lunging low to his left at leg slip.

And if India had to prove they were nervous by then, Dinesh Karthik, returning to Tests after eight years, ran halfway down the pitch and failed to ground his bat when diving to return after Hardik Pandya responded in the negative to a non-existent run on the off side.

India barely managed to score at three per over in the final session, having begun at 248 for 1 in 45.1 overs. (CRICINFO)

revenge."

Brazil begins their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on Sunday, before also facing Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

(Sportsmax)

Neymar

Yet to bat: RA Jadeja, I Sharma, UT Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-168 (S Dhawan, 28.4 ov), 2-280 (M Vijay, 51.5 ov), 3-284 (KL Rahul, 52.1 ov), 4-318 (AM Rahane, 66.3 ov), 5-328 (CA Pujara, 69.5 ov), 6-334 (KD Karthik, 74.5 ov) BOWLING Yamin Ahmadzai 13-6, 32-2 Wafadar15-4, 53-1 Mohammad Nabi 8-0, 45-0 Rashid Khan 26-2 120-1 Mujeeb Ur Rahman 14-1, 69-1 Asghar Stanikzai 2-0 ,16-0

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Norton denounces Poole’s claims

A

fter a popular boxing coach made a call earlier this week for athletes to be given more incentives when they perform exceptionally at international sporting events, Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton has broken his silence on the seemingly controversial issue.

When questioned about his thoughts on Poole’s plea, Norton said, “I think it would have been best for Mr Poole to consult with his director before he made such an inaccurate

statement to the press.”

The Minister went on to explain that the yet-to-becompleted National Sport Policy would ensure that those athletes who were feeling neglected would be sufficiently repaid for their contributions to the country.

“When it is structured, all Guyanese sportsmen and women will be compensated adequately and fairly,” Dr Norton

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Despite persistent rainy weather over the past month, enthusiasm is electric as golfers look forward to this annual open. Apart from the potential action set to be on show, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will have a raffle for players and the public.

El Dorado will give away hampers while an e-ticket can be obtained from the LGC Facebook page, or from any Club member; it is adequate to give you a coupon which you fill out, then place in a box for the raffle.

Free samples of Gin and 15-Year Old Rum will be available to players and the public. Also, part of this

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sports

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton

stressed.

He noted that the structured approach was necessary to avoid any confrontation similar to what occurred recently. Additionally, he explained that the respective sports associations would be involved in the process. “We are involving all the sports associations, because we don’t want anyone approaching the sports ministries saying I did this for Guyana, now I want my house, land and car,” the Minister said.

Dr Norton also went on to disclose that it was not a case where athletes were not being given anything at all: “Sometimes, the Government may not give cash per se to the organisations, but we waiver air fares and tax and we provide them with other things.”

As an example of such, he re-

lated to Guyana Times Sport that the Ministry has provided free transportation to Suriname for the basketball fraternity who are slated to compete this weekend.

On Tuesday, Guyana Boxing Association Technical Director and Coach Terrence Poole called for better incentives to be given to athletes when they return from international competitions with medals.

“Let the athletes get tangible things; they must want to go on further. Not just congratulations, we’re fed up with that now; we passed that stage,” an evidently frustrated Poole had said.

Poole’s statement was later endorsed by Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President KA JumanYassin. “An athlete goes, he comes back – a photo opportunity and that’s the end. I endorse what Terrence has said and we need something much more tangible from the Government. The GOA cannot do everything,” he stated.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

Russian House kicks off

I

World Cup in fine style

n light of the first FIFA World Cup 2018 match played in his homeland on Thursday, Russian Ambassador to Guyana Alexander Kurmaz took the opportunity to specially host a viewing of the opening match at the Russian House located in Kitty, Georgetown.

The viewing, which was attended by Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton; Director of Sport, Christopher Jones; Ambassadors and other dignitaries, commenced with an opening speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his remarks, Putin urged visiting fans to take time out to learn about Russia’s identity, culture, history, and diversity. “I hope you will have an unforgettable experience – not only watching the matches of your favourite teams and admiring the players’ skills, but also

getting to know Russia,” Putin said.

Ambassador Kurmaz expressed elation at being able to share such a moment with others, noting that it was important for fans to see the difference between politics and sport.

“We’re very happy to organise a series of local events dedicated to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, you see it’s a holiday not only for the Russian fans but for the world fans.

All ideas about making a blockage and ignore the Russian chairmanship failed and we’re very happy that all fans worldwide understand very well the separation between politics and sport,” Kurmaz said, taking a jab at persons who did not support Russia as the ideal World Cup venue.

Kurmaz and all of Russia had their wish come true after the home team defeated Saudi Arabia in a 5-0 thrill-

er. Yury Gazinsky, Denis Cheryshev, Artem Dzyuba, and Aleksandr Golovin all gave their country something to be proud of, continuing the cycle of home

teams winning their first match. The Russians have played a total of 10 World Cups before this, with seven under the banner of the Soviet Union and three as

Russia. The Soviet Union finished fourth in 1966, which is their best-ever finish whereas Russia have never progressed beyond the group stage in

three attempts in 1994, 2004 and 2014. At home, the 70th ranked side will hope their luck changes under the leadership of Igor Akinfeev.

Chandimal 119* saves Sri Lanka opening-day blushes S

Dinesh Chandimal cuts the ball off the back foot (photo: CWI Media/Randy Brooks )

A section of the viewing party

h a n n o n Gabriel delivered a brutal spell with the new ball, then later came back to blast out the middle order to take 5 for 59. Dinesh Chandimal hit a terrific 119 not out off 185 balls, but had little support from the rest of the batting order. The result: another day dominated

by West Indies, w h o s h o t the opposit i o n out for 2 5 3 , before t h e i r openers survived the two overs before stumps unscathed. The Gros Islet surface rewarded seam bowling, but had large-

ly appeared decent for batting. In fact, Sri Lanka had chosen to bat first, expecting big runs.

It was Gabriel's early spell that defined the day.

Second ball, he squared up debutant Mahela Udawatte, who sent a low catch toward third slip, where Jason Holder completed an excellent, diving low-take. Two overs late, after a confident Dhananjaya de Silva had hit two square boundaries off Gabriel's short balls, he claimed de Silva's wicket with a beauty. Having the ball jag towards the right-hander off a back-ofa-length, Gabriel struck de Silva on the forearm, watched the ball ricochet into the stumps, he gloated as he jogged past the injured batsman. De Silva had to be walked off the ground by a physio holding an ice pack, but although there were initial fears that a bone could have been fractured, X-rays have cleared de Silva of any serious injury, team manager Asanka Gurusinha said. As his arm is merely bruised, de Silva is likely to bat again in the second innings.

Gabriel took three more wickets, in much later spells. He had a length ball leap at Roshen Silva, who could only edge it to Holder again, at third slip. He

drew Niroshan Dickwella into a drive and had him caught in the gully. Finally, he fired one in at the pads of Suranga Lakmal, who could not get his bat in the way, and was standing right in front of the stumps.

This was Gabriel's third five-wicket haul, the other two having come against Pakistan.

Chandimal's hundred was in some ways predictable, though given the manner in which the remainder of the batting order folded, it was invaluable as well.

He hit all but one of his fours behind square, but was proactive when there were singles or twos for the taking. It was not a whirlwind innings like, his knock against India in 2015. It wasn't a stonewall, like his century in Abu Dhabi last year. This was something in the middle, and in this game, that is what his teammates needed. He had had two clear reprieves in the innings though. On 14, he was dropped by Devon Smith at second slip, off the bowling of Miguel Cummins. On 119, he topedged a flick to the man at point, only for bowler Kemar Roach to have been shown to have overstepped.

Towards the end of the innings, he even launched Roach over long off for six.

Elsewhere, West Indies' bowlers ran rampant. Kusal Mendis had batted alluringly for 45, before trying a swat off his hips, which ended up looping into the air, to be caught by wicketkeeper Dowrich as he ran towards square leg. Holder was the bowler. Later in the day, Roach knocked out Nos. 10 and 11 in quick time, finishing with 4 for 49 himself.

Beyond Chandimal's 67-run stand with Mendis, there were no fifty-plus associations among the Sri Lanka batsmen. Through the whole innings, only Mendis and Kusal Perera could cross 30. When their innings ended, West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Smith came to the crease, and saw out the final two overs. (ESPNCRICINFO)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st INNINGS MDKJ Perera c Holder b Roa ch 32 ML Udawatte c Holder b Gabriel 0 DM de Silvab Gabriel 12 BKG Mendis c †Dowrich b Holder 45 LD Chandimal (c) not out 119 ARS Silva c Holder b Gabriel 6 N Dickwella † c Hope b Gabriel 16 A Dananjaya c †Dowrich b Roa ch 2 RAS Lakmal lbw b Gabriel 10 CAK Rajitha c †Dowrich b Roa ch 4 CBRLS Kumara c Hope b Roach 0 Extras 7 (b 1, lb 2, nb 2, w 2) TOTAL 253 all out (79 Overs, RR: 3.2) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (ML Udawatte, 1.2 ov), 2-15 (DM de Silva, 5.4 ov), 3-59 (MDKJ Perera, 18.1 ov), 4-126 (BKG

Mendis, 34.1 ov), 5-148 (ARS Silva, 43.1 ov), 6-179 (N Dickwella, 59.4 ov), 7-190 (A Dananjaya, 62.6 ov), 8-206 (RAS Lakmal, 65.4 ov), 9-237 (CAK Rajitha, 76.4 ov), 10253 (CBRLS Kumara, 78.6 ov) BOWLING KAJ Roach 18-8,49-4 ST Gabriel 16-4,59-5 ML Cummins 19-5,6-0 JO Holder 14-2,56-1 D Bishoo 11-3,15-0 RL Chase 1-0,2-0 West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite not out 2 DS Smith not out 0 Extras 0 TOTAL 2/0 (2 Overs, RR: 1.0) Yet to bat: KOA Powell, SD Hope, RL Chase, SO Dowrich †, JO Holder (c), D Bishoo, KAJ Roach, ML Cummins, ST Gabriel RAS Lakmal 1-0,2-0 A Dananjaya 1-1,0-0

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

Denis Cheryshev starred during Russia's opening game against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup. Russia ended 5-0 winners

D

enis Cheryshev scored a brace and Aleksandr Golovin starred as Russia kicked off their first home World Cup with a rampant 5-0 Group A win over a lacklustre Saudi Arabia side in Moscow.

Yuri Gazinsky and Cheryshev struck first-half goals to open their international accounts at Luzhniki Stadium, Artem Dzyuba adding a third 89 seconds after his introduction as a second-half replacement, but an injury to star man Alan Dzagoev will cause concern for Russia. Dzagoev hurt his hamstring in the opening period and could be a doubt for the rest of the tournament, depending on the results of a scan. Gazinsky headed in Golovin's cross to score the first goal of the 2018 event, with Dzagoev's replacement Cheryshev lashing in the second before the interval.

Russia started the World Cup as the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, but the hosts were a class above Saudi Arabia, Dzyuba's header stretching the lead in the 71st minute.

Cheryshev showed he could be the man to fill Dzagoev's shoes with a fantastic injury-time goal, finding the top corner with a sublime shot with the outside of his left boot, before Golovin bent in a brilliant free-kick to finish the match in style.

Juan Antonio Pizzi's men struggled to create a chance of note, failed to record a shot on target and gave away possession on countless occasions, enabling Russia to record their first World Cup win since 2002.

Russia took the lead in the 12th minute with the first shot on target of the World Cup. Golovin kept a cleared corner alive and delivered a floated cross to the back post, with Gazinsky exploiting slack Saudi marking to plant a firm header past Abdullah Al-Mayoof.

But there was a major blow for the hosts midway through the half as star playmaker Dzagoev limped

off with a hamstring injury, to be replaced by Cheryshev.

Russia had a penalty appeal turned down in the 35th minute, but Saudi Captain Osama Hawsawi got enough on the ball when he challenged Golovin to avoid censure from VAR. Stanislav Cherchesov's side did not let Dzagoev's injury affect them and they scored the second goal their enterprising play deserved three minutes before the break.

After a fine team move, Roman Zobnin slipped the ball to former Real Madrid winger Cheryshev, who evaded a pair of poor challenges in the box before slamming an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net.

Salman Al Faraj headed a decent chance over the crossbar as Saudi Arabia sought a reply after the interval. But Russia's win was all but sealed in the 71st minute with Golovin again the creator, the CSKA Moscow midfielder producing a lovely centre from the right that allowed Dzyuba to nod in within two minutes of his introduction.

Russia were not done and two terrific injury-time strikes fired a message to Group A rivals Egypt and Uruguay, who meet today.

Cheryshev was a threat throughout and he hit an early contender for goal of the tournament with a brilliant strike that gave helpless Al-Mayoof no chance.

And the Saudi goalkeeper was beaten again in the fourth minute of stoppage-time, Golovin adding to his two assists with a curling free-kick that brought the home fans to their feet once again.

Russia's victory means that the host nation has never lost their opening match in any of the 21 editions of the World Cup (W16 D6 L0).

- Russia scored more than twice the amount of goals in this game (5) than they did in the entire 2014 World Cup finals, over three games.

- Saudi Arabia have not won any of their last 11 games at the World Cup (W0 D2 L9). Their last win in the competition dates back to the 1994 group stages.

23

Russia-5 Saudi Arabia-0: Cheryshev, Golovin star in World Cup opener drubbing of Saudis Russia's Denis Cheryshev became the first substitute to score a goal in the opening match of a World Cup tournament.

- Artem Dzyuba scored

for Russia just 89 seconds after coming off the bench; the quickest goal by a substitute at a World Cup since Marcin Zewlakow for Poland against the USA in 2002.

- In this game, Sergei Ignashevich became the oldest player to ever appear in a World Cup match for Russia/USSR (38 years & 335 days old). (goal.com)

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Russia-5 Saudi Arabia-0: Cheryshev, Golovin star in World Cup opener drubbing of Saudis

Russian House kicks

Pg 22

off World Cup in fine style

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton poses for a photo with Russian Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones

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