Guyanatime 19 june 2018 corrected

National dialogue on domestic violence for August 3 P15 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

MP demands reason for scrapping Demerara Bridge tender guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3598

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Brother of Chutney singer killed by speeding GDF Officer P11

Page 7

Region 5 REO, team expelled from PAC meeting over drug purchases Page 3

“Nasty Man” trial

Spent shell exhibits vanish from Police P9 possession – as interrogators claim accused verbally admitted to crime

DHB welder injured as equipment P12 explodes

GRA denies holding up Movietowne P7 project – says it facilitated clearing of cargo under PTP agreement Gerry Gouveia Jr and his fiancée, Amber Lowe receive the Hotel of the Year Award on behalf of Roraima Duke Lodge from President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Andrea DeCaires on Saturday evening at a gala dinner and auction at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston

Teen allegedly Venezuela to boycott molested by ICJ case on CC&PA officer border controversy Page 9

…Agency “dragging foot on matter” – aunt

Page 11

Trade Councils launched P12 to improve international trade relations

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 19 – 09:00h-10:30h and Wednesday, June 20 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 19 – 08:20h-09:50h and Wednesday, June 20 – 09:25h-10:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thunderstorms followed by light rain showers are expected in the morning with sunny intervals in the late afternoon. In the evening, thunderstorms will return, but cloudy skies will prevail. Temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 08:54h and 21:33h reaching maximum heights of 2.46 metres and 2.35 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 14:59h reaching a minimum height of 0.77 metre.

Region 5 REO, team expelled from PAC meeting over drug purchases

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ack of accountability for drugs warrantied to Region Five proved a contentious issue before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, and in this regard, Chairman Irfaan Ali had Region 5 Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison and team expelled from the PAC meeting.

Ali also instructed the Finance Secretary to consider taking appropriate action against the accounting officer, who faced the heat from the PAC after Auditor General Deodat Sharma had complained of being hindered in the execution of his duty by Morrison.

Sharma noted that Morrison had written him to state that no one from Region 5 could release information to the AG unless that information goes through him, prompting PAC member Juan Edghill, who was filling in for Ali, to question why Morrison was not cooperating with the AG.

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

to the Ministry of Public Health, for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies on behalf of the region.

In the case of $60 million, a financial return received indicated that the full amount was expended, but the cost was not stated. In the case of a second warrant, at a cost of $75 million, the administration received a ‘Nil’ financial return.

Probed by the Chairman, Morrison noted that $135 million was warranted, but the Region had received $154 million worth in drugs from

REO Ovid Morrison (white shirt) makes a quick exit from the chambers

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Responding, Morrison described his conduct as simply discharging his duty as an accounting officer.

Ali then read the Riot Act to Morrison, quoting from Part VI of the Audit Act of Guyana, which states: “A person commits an offence who, knowingly and without lawful justification or excuse - (a) intentionally obstructs, hinders or resists the Auditor General or an officer authorized by him in the exercise of his power under this Act; (b) intentionally refuses or fails to comply with any lawful requirement of the Auditor General.”

“The last time we sent this region away, we specifically asked the Finance Secretary and the Auditor General to do some specific things,” Ali recalled. “We have been informed by the Accountant General that she had the meeting with the REO and team, indicating to them what must be done. It has not been done,” Ali declared.

“We have a letter sent by the Auditor General to the REO, dated the 22nd May, asking for the information to be submitted for auditing purposes. So far, the Auditor General has been denied this information! In these circumstances, we have decided to ask the Finance Secretary to take the necessary measures provided under the laws. At this time, the PAC remains dissatisfied with the region,” Ali noted, before ordering the REO to leave.

Sums totalling $135 million were transferred by two interdepartmental warrants

the Ministry of Public Health.

Asked by Edghill why he had received extra, Morrison noted that the Ministry of Public Health would have to respond. He admitted that, at the time, he did not enquire.

Edghill demanded that Morrison explain how he accounted for the excess drugs,

but Morrison noted that he would have to make further checks with the Ministry of Public Health.

“Based on the information the RHO acting suggested, I will now have to take that information and have it confirmed with the Ministry of Public Health,” Morrison informed the PAC.

Unacceptable

In fact, Morrison and his team seemed unable to answer many of the PAC’s questions, and this caused Edghill to opine that the region either did not know what it was doing, or was covering up.

“That was an unacceptable exchange between you and the Auditor General; and had you allowed the Auditor General access to the information in your region, we probably would not have been spending forty minutes on this matter this morning,” Edghill related.

“Perhaps the Auditor General will need to do an investigation: to compare pricing and follow the paper trail to see what went on, because it’s obvious you don’t know or you’re not prepared to tell the PAC what is happening in your region. Or you didn’t even imagine you had an excess,” Edghill declared.

When asked, Accountant General Jennifer Chapman stressed that the REO should have done reconciliation with the Materials Management Unit (MMU) of the Public Health Ministry in order to ascertain the variance.

In an interview after his expulsion, Morrison expressed disagreement with the Chairman’s decision.

While reluctant to discuss his expulsion, he did attempt to clarify reasons for the letter he sent to the AG. “The letter that the Chairman of the PAC referred to was seeking documentation for audit for the year 2017. As a result, I requested that they give me time for those documents to be submitted,” he explained.

“I replied to the Auditor General in writing, suggesting to him the amount of information requested and the process that would be applied. June 15 was deadline it would be submitted; it was done. I submitted the list of the drugs, yet questions were asked,” he rebutted.

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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

World Refugee Day T

he United Nations’ Refugee Agency launched the #WithRefugees petition, in June 2016, to appeal to governments to help refugees as best they could.

World Refugee Day is commemorated every year on June 20, which is a day identified to bring awareness of the crisis facing millions, including women and children, across the globe as warlords pursue their various destructive agenda to decimate their enemies, inevitably and invariably with terrible consequences for the social fabric that protects and promotes the wellbeing of mankind.

On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly, in Resolution 55/76 decided that, from 2001, June 20 would be celebrated as World Refugee Day. In this resolution, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

African Refugee Day had been formally celebrated in several countries prior to 2000. The UN noted that the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on June 20.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees is celebrated in January each year, having been instituted in 1914 by Pope Pius X. Displaced peoples around the world are trekking on long and dangerous journeys, seeking sanctuary from their own war-torn home countries. Oftentimes the gruelling journeys take tolls that ensue in the loss of family members, rape and sexual molestation of the vulnerable – children, women, and even men. Many times refugees are robbed of their sparse belonging by other migrants.

The refugee situation has assumed crisis proportions and host countries are overwhelmed, with overburdened social services and economies that are in regression because of the influx of a parallel population that is a constant drain on overburdened taxpayers. The cultural differences are also straining relations between even the most liberal nations and their migrant population, which is currently becoming renowned for what some describe as being parasitic and problematic, causing severe dislocations to the cultural and general wellbeing to legitimate citizens of host countries.

Women and children in some locales are complaining of sexual abuse, men and the elderly are being attacked in their own home territories; then there are the terror attacks, which justify, perhaps, the fear and the negative reaction of citizens to any kind of invasion of their homeland by migrant from other countries.

It is being rightly said that most of the refugee groups comprise of young, able-bodies men who should stay in their homelands to fight against their oppressors so that their families could return to familiar homes and cultures.

US President Donald Trump rode into the White House on a promise to his constituents that he would minimise the radical individuals and terror groupings; as well as migrants with a criminal history.

Some countries are banning refugees for fear of murderous radicals infusing the groupings of genuine refugees who merely want a safe haven for themselves and families.

Displaced by famine, war, and/or oppression, by the end of 2016, more than 65 million people worldwide were forced to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution, data published by the UN Refugee Agency reveals. That’s an average of 28,300 people per day, almost 20 people every minute.

The plight of the refugee is caused by their own leaders, power-drunk, corrupt despots who have no compassion or human tendencies to mercy and these are the ones who should be made to flee into exile, not allowed to create a wave of people fleeing from their own homelands into often alien and contentious situations in host states.

A supporter of the Colombian national soccer team cheers on the first day of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in central Moscow, Russia (Reuters/ Sergei Karpukhin)

Immediate action needed to stem the flow of blood of women Dear Editor, I am horrified at the extremely high incidence of murder of Guyanese women at the hands of their husbands or intimate partners. Over the past two months, twelve domestic homicides have been reported by the local media.

Editor, we are in a public health crisis, and we need immediate action to stem the flow of blood of women in our dear land. Even though men are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), the World Health Organization’s (2012) statistics attribute that global victims of IPV are overwhelmingly women, with estimates as high as 95%.

IPV is an insidious and deadly problem in Guyana, as it is internationally.

IPV is not limited to physical abuse, but incorporates any behaviour that harms, threatens, or has a negative impact or effect on the victim. Such behaviours may include stalking, destroying someone’s property, psychological aggression, threatening to or actually injuring their pet or loved one.

Editor, it is not unusual to hear IPV trivialised as a private matter, and ‘the two persons should go home and make up’. This response may potentially discourage victims from

making a Police report or seeking sensitive and non-judgmental intervention. In addition, systemic and cultural norms oftentimes allow for victim blaming, shaming and disbelief.

Studies have shown that IPV is generally associated with a wide range of physical and mental consequences that are potentially life-altering. For these twelve women, it has resulted in death; and for many more, they suffer disabilities, reproductive health issues, and other serious physical injuries.

Additionally, victims of IPV may experience a range of emotional issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, and depression.

My heart hurts for our children, the future of our country, who are oftentimes collateral damage from IPV they witness in the home. The violence in the home engenders a wide range of negative, distressing, and overwhelming emotions for young children, which may follow them into adulthood.

It is time that we take comprehensive and informed actions to reduce and prevent the incidents of intimate partner violence in Guyana. As a Guyanese who has re-

ceived extensive domestic violence prevention training and education, and has been advocating and working for several years with victims of domestic and sexual violence and sex trafficking, I have the following suggestions: • There is need for a coordinated community response. If there is not already a task force in place, one should be formed and members receive comprehensive training in domestic violence prevention and intervention. Members of the task force should include responders, service providers, community leaders, and faith leaders.

• Guyana has a domestic violence law which should be reviewed, and a concerted effort made to implement and enforce these laws. The Police should receive training on the provisions of the domestic violence law, and it should become standard practice to effect an arrest if there is probable cause.

This sends a message and reinforces that domestic violence is a crime and will not be tolerated in our community.

• It is not unusual for victims to refuse to file criminal charges against their abusers, or ask that those charges be dropped.

However, victims could be

provided with other remedies, such as a protection order. It is necessary to set up domestic violence courts presided over by a dedicated magistrate who is trained to work with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. All the staff of this court should also receive domestic violence sensitivity training.

• A batterer’s intervention programme should be created to provide services for men and women who abuse. All men who are charged or have an order of protection against them should be mandated to attend a batterer’s intervention programme • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. An education campaign that focuses on modelling and highlighting healthy relationships would be of immense benefit.

My fellow Guyanese, it is already too late, but we must still act. We must break this deafening silence and stem the flow of blood that results from domestic homicide. Our children, our families, our communities, our country cannot afford this senseless loss of women’s lives.

Sincerely, Carlotta Walcott, MA Concerned citizen

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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

City Constables know the criminal elements at Stabroek and Bourda Markets Dear Editor, It’s really disturbing to hear the Chief Constable only now pinpointing the Stabroek and Bourda Markets as ‘criminal hotspots’. Throughout the years, many news reports and letters were published, and many get into details and pinpointed the source of problems and identified

locations at which elements hang out.

One would not have to go far, just at any of the eastern gates of Stabroek Market, and one would see most of the nefarious activities being conducting there; viz, selling or buying of stolen jewellery, phones, drugs etc. Selling of drugs and usage are regular there, and

those activities have extended beyond the gates.

I have said before that the mere presence of these people there serve as a deterrent to potential shoppers in the market; so, for a Chief Constable, who is holding that position for quite a while now, to focus his concentration on the outskirts of the markets and cannot

solve the problems effecting the market directly is just downright ludicrous.

As mentioned in the news articles, indeed, the vendors are giving the constables a hell of a time; and, for years, they cannot control it, because many of the constables knows of the nefarious transactions that take place there. Sometime

Congratulations to the Police…

Dear Editor, With much pleasure, I read in the print media that 21 members of the Guyana Police Force, ranging from the rank of constable to that of deputy superintendent, recently successfully completed a three-month training course in leadership.

According to the media, the course was sponsored by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. Ms. Alexandra King, Political and Economic Chief at the United States of America Embassy in Guyana; David Ramnarine, Commissioner of Police (ag); and Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security, addressed the graduants at the graduation.

They all raised some apposite issues and concerns.

The reports stated that Ms. Alexandra King called on the participants to share with their colleagues what they have learnt in the last three months, in an effort to bring positive change among them.

The acting Top Cop cautioned the ranks to put what they have been taught into good use, and to use the knowledge and skills for the good, as the Force is increasingly under the microscope.

The Honourable Minister urged the ranks not to be vessels to be filled, but rather be lamps to be lit and shine. He posited that he had many times noticed that nice programmes come, and that when the players leave, the passion and so on die.

He yearned for people who would ensure that it flows from there.

Training in the Guyana Police Force is a sine qua non. It is the lifeblood of the organisation. It is the main root of development in the GPF. Other sectors, even though very important, are but the branches of the tree.

Cut the main root, and the tree dies.

The Police have boasted, and quite rightly so, of exposing hundreds of their ranks to training conducted by the Police themselves; at the University of Guyana and other institutions of learning; done locally by overseas facilitators from the ABC and other countries, as was the case with the just concluded leadership training under review; and training overseas.

These training inputs, although commendable, invite many unanswered questions: How do the Police identify training needs?

Does the training satisfy the needs of the GPF? Are there benefits for the individual officers? Are there benefits for the supervisors/managers? Are there benefits for the department, the community they serve, and the country as a whole?

Or is it that history will record that an innumerable number of Police ranks were exposed to some kind of training and nothing else happened?

According to Alice in Wonderland, if you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there.

Sometime ago, I wrote that the ideal thing for the Police to do is to conduct a Job Task Analysis countrywide, to identify training needs as those relate to a vastly

changing and dynamic environment they are now required to serve and protect.

The process is a time consuming and expensive exercise, but it is indispensable.

However, in the interim, there are other areas by which the Police can be guided to identify training needs. Space does not allow me to go into greater detail, but I had outlined several areas in an article in the last edition of the Guyana Review.

In addition, there must be a fit and proper system in place to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of the Police training. It is imperative that the training activities be evaluated.

Bumgarner (2001) suggests, “In doing full-fledged training evaluation, favourable evaluation results can be used to demonstrate the usefulness of training and the appropriateness of expending training dollars.”

The Kirkpatrick Model of training evaluation can be very instructive. It has four levels: reaction, learn-

ing, behaviour and results.

The reaction level focuses on the participants’ perception of the training. This is the most common type of evaluation.

The learning level focuses on the knowledge or skills required, ideally through a pre- and post- test.

The behaviour level looks at whether or not the knowledge or skills are actually applied to the job by observing the participants use what was learnt.

The results’ level focuses on the department’s return on investment, or cost benefit analysis. For example, cost savings, increase in work output or quality.

Bumgarner recommends, “For criminal justice managers to know that the organisation has truly benefited through the training of its employees, all four levels should be examined.”

Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

they themselves do transactions and collect drawbacks for these characters.

I am quite sure that the Chief Constable is fully aware that corruption is quite rampant within the Constabulary, and even though many illegal vendors would sometimes get caught, you will hear they paying a ‘fine raise’ to certain individuals within the Constabulary and are back on the road conducting business again. Just take a walk to the market and speak to a vendor and you would hear exactly what I am saying.

Editor, indeed there are gangs operating, and their modus operandi and their appearance make them easily identifiable at the car parks. Anyone could see and know they are criminals, and see them committing crimes boldly.

They are well known to many operators of taxis and minibuses, but the operators are scared to render assis-

tance because of the gangs, and there is no protection for them.

There are many City Constables and Police ranks who know these criminals, but cannot do them anything. Indeed, crimes occur daily and quite a lot at weekends, and have been occurring for years now; and had the relevant authorities put a mechanism in place at the starting stage, it would not have escalated to the stage at which it is now.

Indeed, I know it’s a hard task the lawmen have to deal with, and I am very optimistic that there will be significant changes, although I see no convincing plans. So, for now, I will still consider the Chief Constable’s plans very ambitious; but I know changes will not happen, because these problems have been there for years, and so has he.

Respectfully, Sahadeo Bates

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By Naomi Ellemers, PhD

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any countries and cultures have a special day where they honour men as parents: the third Sunday of June (Father’s Day) in the West, and other days in March, September or November are designated for this purpose elsewhere in the world.

These days are set apart for explicit expressions of gratitude for parental guidance, support, and care that cement connections between generations, and can extend to stepfathers, grandfathers, and fathers-in-law. Of course, it is easy to discard this tradition as a form of imposed sentimentality, or as serving the commercial interests of companies selling barbecue utensils, gardening equipment or household maintenance tools – the standard Father’s Day gifts. Yet, there may be important benefits in celebrating men in the role of father.

Why is this important?

Many fathers struggle with the incompatibility of their responsibilities: The work they do to provide for their families may require frequent travel, take them away from their family for long stretches of time, or imply that they cannot be present at important family events. Many companies tailor their regulations for flexible or part-time work and parental leave to the biological realities faced by mothers. This neglects the needs of fathers who wish to take time away from work or adapt their schedules to be able to care for their children.

This common practice can be traced back to the male stereotype, which leads people to expect that men primarily are assertive and agentic rather than warm and caring. This is often seen as rooted in biological predispositions, such as high testosterone levels. Yet not all men are alike, and studies show that important life events can induce hormonal changes. For instance, equal increases in levels of oxytocin (a hormone relat-

Foundation

ed to care) have been documented in men and women after the birth of their first child. Further evidence shows that men's societal role as economic providers impacts their hormonal regulation, thoughts, feelings, and life choices.

Although their perceived agency and assertiveness may help men perform well and show their competence at work, it may also cause them to neglect their needs for emotional closeness and interpersonal connection. The male stereotype and expectations for appropriate social roles can prevent men from taking on caring roles in their family and cause stay-at-home dads to be devalued by others. This can have far-reaching implications for men of all ages, races, and sexual orientations, where conformity to stereotypical expectations of masculinity has been found to relate to impaired social functioning and lowered well-being.

Men vs fathers A recent series of studies sought to examine whether stereotypical views of men differ from those of fathers, and how these two might be reconciled (Park & Banchefsky, 2018). In a first study, male and female US workers of different age groups, parental status, and political orientations were asked to assign 145 randomly ordered traits to target groups of ‘men’ ‘women’ ‘dads’ and ‘moms’. Results showed that – while there was considerable overlap between the traits assigned to ‘women’ and to ‘moms’—the traits that were seen as characteristic of ‘men’ clearly differed from those assigned to ‘dads’. Further, the traits that ‘men’ were seen to possess were clearly rated more negatively than traits assigned to the other groups, including ‘dads’.

Positive views of fathers A follow-up study examined whether emphasising men's social roles as fathers might bring to mind more positive

views of men in general. In one condition, information was provided about the changing role of fathers due to their increased involvement in child care in many dual-earner families. This contrasted with another condition, which emphasised the importance of lifetime training and updating of skills needed to maintain one’s place in the work force.

Inducing research participants to think of men as fathers rather than as members of the workforces made them add more positive traits to the profiles they provided as typical of ‘men’. Reading about trends in fatherhood rather than workplace trends caused male and female participants to rate men as significantly more dependable, helpful, loyal, and generous, and as significantly less dominant, hostile, selfish, and untrustworthy, among other traits.

Celebrating fatherhood Prior research on fatherhood has mainly documented how caring dads can benefit the well-being, career ambitions, and life choices of their children.

Existing insights also suggest that investing in their role as fathers can contribute to men's well-being. This recent research additionally indicates that a focus on fatherhood can alleviate negative views of men and improve the expectations we have of them.

The annual celebration of Father’s Day is traced back to two historic events.

One is the memorial service of a mining disaster in 1908 that deprived 250 families of their fathers. The other is a church sermon in 1910 devoted to a single father who raised his six children by himself instead of putting them in foster care after their mother had passed away. Both these events singled out the role of men as family providers and caretakers, and they laid the foundations of a tradition that invite children to explicitly communicate affection and gratitude to their fathers – at least once a year. (Excerpt from psychologytoday)

By Heidi Stevens

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passage in a story about Neal Goyal, the former Chicago hedge fund manager who wasn’t managing funds so much as draining them, stopped me in my tracks.

“The investors thought I was a genius,” Goyal, 34, wrote in a letter to a judge.

(He was sentenced to six years in prison for stealing more than US$9 million.)

“They told me that I would be the next big shot in finance.

That I was a wonder kid. The notoriety from my small circle of investors, family and friends was too exciting to risk losing.”

It’s the nightmare scenario woven throughout – or at least implied throughout – countless articles devoted to the perils of praising our kids: Keep telling them they’re geniuses, and they’ll do everything in their power to protect that label — including, in Goyal’s case, lie, cheat and steal.

Yikes.

The Atlantic had reported from the Aspen Ideas Festival that a growing movement is afoot in parenting and education circles to retire the word “smart” altogether.

“The idea is that when we praise kids for being smart, those kids think: Oh, good, I’m smart,” James Hamblin, a senior editor at The Atlantic, reported. “And then later, when those kids mess up, which they will, they think: Oh, no, I’m not smart after all. People will think I’m not smart after all. And that’s the worst. That’s a risk to avoid, they learn.”

In Goyal’s case – an extreme case if ever there was one – he fudged his earnings reports after a lousy quarter, showing a 12 per cent return instead of the truthful four per cent. In less prison-worthy examples, kids shy away from challenges at which they’re not guaranteed to excel, for fear of calling their smartypants titles into question.

In a groundbreaking, oft-cited study, Stanford University psychology professor Carol Dweck presented a group of fifth-graders with a relatively easy IQ test.

When they were presented with their scores, all of which were high, half the children were told, “You must be smart at this.” The other half were

told, “You must have worked really hard.”

When they were offered a choice of second tests – one that was harder and promised to teach them something new, or one that was as easy as the first test – 90 per cent of kids praised for working hard chose the more difficult test.

The majority of kids praised for being smart chose the easier test.

Does that make them future criminals? Of course not.

But it should give us pause about the way we talk to our kids.

“When we praise children for their intelligence, we tell them that this is the name of the game: look smart; don’t risk making mistakes,” Dweck wrote in her study.

I once interviewed Dweck, whose work is mentioned in the Atlantic piece, about the risks involved in overpraising our kids.

“People say to me, ‘But my child really is a genius,’” she told me. “And I say, ‘Well, there are an awful lot of geniuses who never went on to do anything. Do you really want to foster that?’”

She said parents have the power to stop burying their children in glowing, hardto-live-up-to labels, starting with “smart”. She and other experts encourage parents and educators to celebrate mistakes and missteps and mediocre grades – all signs of a child’s willingness to try something outside his or her comfort zone.

“Kids are used to going into different environments and figuring out what’s valued, how to succeed and what’s going to be praised,” she said. “They’re going to pick up quickly that you no longer value the easy stuff and you now value doing the hard thing and sticking with it.”

The Atlantic article quoted Stanford University mathematics education professor Jo Boaler, who said, “Mistakes grow your brain.”

“When we give kids the message that mistakes are good, that successful people make mistakes,” Boaler said in Aspen, “it can change their entire trajectory.”

Fortunately for me (and my kids), I don’t have to look far for mistakes to point out and celebrate: I make them all the time. (Chicago Tribune)

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tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MP demands reason for scrapping Demerara Bridge tender

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inance Minister Winston Jordan has recently been reported in sections of the media as revealing that Government has decided to issue a new “request for proposals for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge” in the wake of an examination of previous requests.

This means that previous proposals largely centred on a three-lane bridge across the river have been scrapped.

In an interview with this publication, Opposition Member of Parliament Juan Edghill has urged Government to come clean on the matter.

“I am surprised that, with a project of such magnitude, the Minister of Public Infrastructure did not notify the Guyanese people that the project as envisaged for the three-lane bridge would conclude by way of an annul-

The artistic model for the three-lane bridge

ment,” Edghill declared.

“The last words of the Minister were that three companies would be selected from the companies who bid, and they would be asked to submit proposals, including for financing the bridge. And he had given a particular timeline,” Edghill reminded.

According to Edghill, this development is indicative of three things: that the Government has no policy

direction in the public infrastructure sector; that Govt is prone to making ad hoc decisions; and that Govt follows a pattern of annulling tenders.

He was here referring to the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL’s) $3 billion tender for the installation of smart meters and transmission lines which Government annulled a few months ago.

“It would appear that unless they get a specific out-

GRA denies holding up Movietowne project – says it facilitated clearing of cargo under PTP agreement

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The Movietowne construction

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is contending that it bears no responsibility whatsoever for the delay in Movietowne’s construction.

According to the tax entity, it has in fact assisted the company in clearing its goods.

The GRA statement comes in light of complaints emanating from Movietowne investor Derek Chin in regard to processing delays and red tape. GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, in a statement to the media on Monday, noted that articles appearing in sections of the media imply tardiness on part of the GRA. “While legally guided by the rules of confidentiality, the GRA wishes to set the record straight in this instance. Construction of MovieTowne commenced in 2011. In mid-2017, the principal of MovieTowne first met with the GRA to discuss the issue of concessions, and at that meeting, requested that concessions be backdat-

ed to the commencement of construction. The GRA advised that concessions cannot be backdated, and should have been applied prior at the commencement of construction.

“The GRA also advised the principal that equipment currently being utilised in the construction of MovieTowne was in breach of the terms of another Investment Development Agreement (IDA) since, based on the said IDA, equipment earmarked for use on another major project was being utilised in the construction of MovieTowne.”

Statia claimed that instead of terminating the IDA on the basis of the breach, the GRA agreed to allow both projects to continue.

He claimed that there was an understanding that the available remedies under the said IDA would be enforced after the projects were completed.

He went on to explain that MovieTowne had sub-

mitted an IDA application to the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest). The company, Statia related, was in September 2017 advised by the GRA that only concessions in line with those granted to competitors in the industry would be allowed.

This supports Chin’s subsequent statements to this publication, made in an interview in which he denied receiving preferential treatment.

According to Statia, Chin was further advised that additional information would be needed, inclusive of source of financing, before a recommendation could be made to the Minister of Finance for approval.

“MovieTowne’s container arrived at the wharf on October 21, 2017, and without the approval of the IDA, the GRA facilitated MovieTowne to clear its goods with a Prior to Processing (PTP) arrangement on November 19, 2017.” TURN TO PAGE 12

come, or they are allowed to get away with their underhand dealings, their (preference) is to annul and start all over. If it was the case where they wanted a four-lane, sixspan bridge, we of the PPP have been saying to them that is the way to go. They were talking about cost,” Edghill explained.

“Why would the Government want to invest US$170 million on a threelane, retractable bridge?

And we always wanted to know why. But they have been caught with their pants down, and the only way they can deal with it is annul and go for a four-lane bridge.

I would specifically like to hear the Minister of Public Infrastructure give the rationale for the annulment,” he declared.

Edghill questioned why Government was only now going for the four-lane bridge model. He also queried at what level the decision to annul the tender was made, and what led to the annulment.

Attempts by this publication to make contact with Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and junior subject Minister

Annette Ferguson were futile.

Last year, a feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River Bridge had reportedly cost some $146.3 million. It was presented to Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson.

The 57-page final report was done by Dutch company LievenseCSO. The project team had included officials from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and Transport and Harbours Department.

It is understood that the feasibility study had determined the proposed location of Houston-Versailles was the most ideal. It is also understood that a low-level bridge with a movable part and three-lanes was recommended for construction.

Another study had been completed back in 2013, when the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation had collaborated with the then Public Works Ministry to carry out a pre-feasibility analysis. That study had concluded that a ‘fixed, high level’ bridge was the best option to pursue, rather than the retractable

model, echoing the most recent recommendations made

by Consultants Rameshwar.

The “fixed, high level” option would ensure that traffic would be able to flow even while boats passed underneath the structure. The bridge presently operates according to schedule in order to cater for marine traffic.

There have traditionally been lengthy traffic lines during rush hour, as motorists hurry to catch the bridge before it closes. It was to solve these traffic woes and to cater for the advanced age of the Demerara Harbour Bridge structure that a new bridge has been contemplated.

According to the 2013 report, consultations were carried out with various private sector agencies and non- governmental organisations (NGO) representing cross sections of the production and manufacturing sectors in Guyana. Those consultations, the report details, were to obtain valuable data to complete the report, introduce stakeholders to the new Demerara River Crossing concept, and garner feedback that could potentially influence the project.

8 news

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice criminal assizes

Rose Hall Town resident found guilty of “Watermelon Man” murder

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tafford Harry, called ‘Bilall’, of Lot 40 New Market Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, accused of murdering New Amsterdam Market vendor Hansraj Samaroo, called ‘Watermelon Man’, of Hampshire Village, Corentyne, was on Monday found guilty as charged by a mixed jury at the Berbice High Court.

Harry is reported to have committed this act of murder between March 27 and 28, 2010 during the commission of a robbery.

Taxi driver gets 3 years for sexually grooming teen

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aniel James, the 31-year-old taxi driver who early last month was slapped with a sexual grooming charge, was on Monday jailed for three years by the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

James reportedly sexually groomed a 15-year-old relative on at least two occasions between December 12, 2017 and January 18, 2018.

He had initially denied the allegation and was placed on $200,000 bail.

It was reported that James communicated with the teen via Whatsapp indicating his intention to engage in sexual activity.

The taxi driver allegedly

Convicted: Daniel James

knew that the child was underage, but still communicated with her.

It was further alleged that on January 18, James made arrangements to have sex with the teen, but the Police intervened and arrested James after being tipped off by relatives.

The state’s case, presented by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy, was that the accused, while in the company of others, robbed Samaroo at his home.

The vendor’s wife, Kumarie Samaroo, who was present at home during the robbery, told the court during the trial that she and her husband had returned from the market on that fateful day at about 17:00h. Shortly thereafter, they were attacked by masked men, who ordered her to take off her jewellery.

She said she refused to comply with this request, and started to scream for her husband, who was in

the upper flat.

The accused, whom she identified as “Bilall,’ rushed towards the upper flat, and a gunshot was heard soon after.

As she ran upstairs, she saw her husband standing in front of the accused, who was armed with a gun. Her husband was at the time bleeding, and he reportedly died while receiving medical attention.

Attorney-at- Law Sasha Robertson, who represented the accused, had told the court that Harry was not in the country at the time of the robbery.

Harry, in a sworn statement, claimed he was in Suriname working with his brother. Roberts arguing that the post-mortem results did not indicate that the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound, but rather shock and haemorrhage due to a lacerated artery.

After the jury had given its guilty verdict, Harry was reduced to tears. Justice Brassington Reynolds has ordered that a probation report be compiled on Harry, who will have to return to court on July 3 for sentencing.

Father of 4 gets 4 years for narcotics possession

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father of four will spend four years without his children after he was on Monday jailed for the said period by city Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Kevin Clark, 34, was also fined $30,000 when he admitted to having 184 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The defendant reportedly turned up at the Brickdam Police Station after ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department

(CID) swooped down at his Lot 135 King Edwards Street, Albouystown home and found the narcotics hidden in a barrel in the premises.

The ranks were told by Clark’s step-daughter that the drug belonged to him.

The man was not at home at the time of the search.

After reporting to the Police Station, Clark told the ranks that he was selling the drug as he lost his job as a security guard and needed to provide for his family.

Cribbed and crabbed…

T

…minds at MPI his fellow Patterson - the Minister of Public Infrastructure - has been a real disappointment.

He just doesn’t understand he’s been given responsibility for an area of national life that needs a VISION of where Guyana’s supposed to be heading - if it’s ever to deliver the “good life” for its citizens. Our country’s development has stagnated over the past halfa-century and nothing brings this home more than our decrepit, dilapidated and backward infrastructure.

Think of a country – any country - that you think is “developed”, dear reader, and what will pop into your mind, is its infrastructure! We don’t even have to go all the way back to Peter the Great - who earned his appellation because he pulled 17th century Russia out of backwardness by overhauling its infrastructure in trying to reach “European” parity. Think of Albert Speer - who rebuilt Berlin for Hitler after the devastation of WWI. Doesn’t Patterson want to do the same for Burnham after his devastation of Guyana?

Imagine he provoked the Chinese Ambassador into admitting he or his country would never be associated with the new Demerara Harbour Bridge to replace the floating wonder from 1978. The Ambassador implied Patterson was locked into some kind of medieval time warp, since the design included lifting up a section to allow tall ships to go upriver.

This was the feature of the Old London Bridge built in 1209 - before it was scrapped and rebuilt. Our floating bridge, of course, had its retracting span since it was never intended to be a permanent bridge and was in fact a donation of portable sections that the British army threw across rivers to get their tanks across, during wars!!

Anyhow, the PPP had mooted the construction of a permanent high span Bridge to replace the floating wonder, but after taking over, Patterson fixed the bids to have a single-sourced designer come up with a THREE lane structure that had a section that LIFTED UP rather than RETRACTED to allow ships to pass. This was supposed to be an improvement of the 1209 drawbridge on the London Bridge!! Thus the most objectionable feature of the present structure – Bridge Closings that wasted hundreds of thousands of man-hours and create serpentine massings of vehicles on both sides of the river!!

Now, it’s just been announced that rather than THREE lanes, there will now be FOUR and that the approach to Versailles won’t be so “cumbersome”!! What the heck does that mean? They’ve removed the curved section that created the “Ming Swing” - just to land the bridge on the PNC’s financier land?

Where there is no vision, the people perish… …understanding of a constitution There’s a stubborn insistence by sections of the media not to acknowledge that while the Constitution of a country, will of course affect individuals, ultimately it’s concerned with fundamental principles by which the institutions of the state are to be governed while respecting the rights of the citizens. This is brought out clearly by the reporting on the High Courts and Appellate decision on the Richardson Case, which the PNC government appealed to the CCJ. The latter’s ruling is due by month’s end.

What Richardson claimed - and the Guyanese courts affirmed – is that under our Constitution, sovereignty does not lie in the Legislature as it does in England, but with the people. Here, Richardson argued, there are some decisions that Parliament on its own cannot make – they have to be ratified by a referendum of the people.

Those decisions are ones affecting what is called the “Basic Structure” of the Constitution, such as the locus of sovereignty.

So while Richardson affects four classes of individuals to run for the Presidency, it goes far beyond that. …oil blocks awards Seems ex-Presidential oil advisor Mangal wants to have all PPP oil blocs awards reviewed. But wouldn’t this also include the Exxon Award?

Or is he now straining to throw equal-opportunity brickbats? Ouch!!

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

News

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tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Nasty Man” trial Venezuela to boycott ICJ case on border controversy Spent shell exhibits

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fter months of delays, Venezuela has confirmed that it will not participate in proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in relation to the territorial controversy with Guyana.

The Venezuelan Government issued an official statement on Monday outlining its decision not to participate in the United Nations Secretary General-chosen procedure regarding its claim over the Essequibo region.

This announcement followed several months after the decision was made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to refer the matter to the ICJ as a means of resolving the ongoing controversy.

During a meeting with the ICJ and a Venezuelan delegation headed by the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jorge Montserrat the position was made known to ICJ President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.

“The Venezuelan delegation has informed the President of the court, through a letter signed by the President of the Republic,

Nicolás Maduro Moros, of its sovereign decision not to participate in the procedure that Guyana intends to initiate, since the Court manifestly lacks jurisdiction over an action unilaterally proposed by the neighbouring country, which does not have the consent of Venezuela,” the statement said.

Justice Yusuf had invited the legal teams representing Guyana and Venezuela in the border controversy case, to attend a meeting with him in The Hague, Netherlands.

The purpose of the meeting was to fix the schedule for the filing of the written pleadings in the border controversy case between the two South American neighbours. Such a meeting is part of the Court’s normal procedure following the filing of a case.

On March 29, Guyana filed an application requesting the World Court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding its boundary with Venezuela.

This application follows a decision by the UN Secretary General earlier this year in choosing the ICJ as the next

means of resolving the controversy that arose as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela was null and void.

According to Guyana’s application to the World Court, for more than 60 years Venezuela had consistently recognised and respected the validity of the binding force of the 1899 Award and the 1905 Map agreed by both sides in furtherance of the Award.

“Venezuela had only changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the independence of British Guiana and had threatened not to recognise the new State, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and cede to Venezuela all of the territory west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some twothirds of Guyana’s territory,” Guyana submitted in its application to the World Court.

The court document further noted that while Venezuela has never produced any evidence to justify

its belated repudiation of the 1899 Award, the neighbouring country has used it as an excuse to occupy territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development, and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.

In filing the application, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who will serve as Guyana’s agent in the proceedings before the ICJ, said: “… Guyana has respected the Secretary General’s decision and placed its faith in the International Court of Justice to resolve the controversy in accordance with its statue and jurisprudence, based on the fundamental principles of international law, including the sanctity of treaties, the maintenance of settled boundaries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.”

The UN Secretary General’s authority to choose the ICJ as the means for resolving the controversy is rooted in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, negotiated just before Guyana attained independence.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General Guterres concluded that the Good Offices Process – which the parties had engaged in for almost 30 years, but failed to achieve a solution to the controversy— and chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement, for which Guyana has long been advocating.

United States oil giant ExxonMobil had announced back in May 2015 that it had found oil offshore Guyana.

Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found by ExxonMobil, and has since renewed claims to the Essequibo region.

vanish from Police possession

– as interrogators claim accused verbally admitted to crime

Delon Henry called “Nasty Man”

Murdered footballer Dexter Griffith

It was a long day of witnesses testifying at the High Court on Monday, but one of the major revelations came during the afternoon session when former Police Inspector and ballistics expert Eon Jackson revealed that he was unsuccessful in his attempts to locate several would-be exhibits.

These were purportedly spent shells from the crime scene. Delon Henry, also called “Nasty Man”, is on trial for the gunning down of footballer Dexter Griffith, who was killed near his mother’s East Ruimveldt, Georgetown home on September 29, 2015.

At Monday’s proceedings, Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage owing to multiple gunshot wounds, noting that the deceased was shot six times. He said that he noticed injuries to Griffith’s arms, leg, shoulder, back and elsewhere, but did not find gunpowder residue. He further suggested that the assailant fired from three to

five feet away.

Five of the spent shells were recovered and former Inspector Jackson, then a Sergeant of Police, had tendered the exhibits at the Magistrate’s Court.

However, when he testified on Monday, he admitted that he could not find the said exhibits, noting that he made several checks at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters Eve Leary and also at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) section at the same location.

After Defence Counsel Adrian Thompson sought clarification during Jackson’s evidence-in-chief, Justice Sandil Kissoon observed that the items may have been removed by a third party.

Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Detective Rodwell Sarabo and Inspector Shivram Murgaya both corroborated a recollection to the jury of “Nasty Man” admitting to the footballer’s murder.

Turn to page 10

10 news

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Damage and needs assessment underway, as clean-up continues in Wakenaam – Central Govt could look at stricter penalties for errant contractors

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orty-nine Wakenaam residents continue to clean up their homes in the aftermath of the recent flooding which occurred after a sea defence breach, the true impact of which is likely to be known in the coming days, after officials in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) complete a damage and needs assessment of the affected areas.

That breach has been sealed and the water has receded, but Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Sheik Amad told <<Guyana Times>> late Monday afternoon that the damage assessment would determine the cost and make recommendations for the needs of the 150 affected residents.

“By Wednesday, we should know exactly the total cost (of) the damage that was recorded,” Amad told

this publication.

Residents of Melville and Sans Souci in Wakenaan woke up to find salt water levels about 3 feet deep in their homes; which resulted in damage to appliances, carpets and other household items on Sunday morning.

The Chairman highlighted that, even with periodic rains, workmen were labouring up to the last few daylight hours on Monday to shore up the breach, which some say was caused as a result of negligence on the part of the contractor. <<Guyana Times>> understands that some two weeks ago, construction began on a rip-rap seawall aback the Sans Souci mosque, but the structure started seeping last week Tuesday, and the contractor was called in to do remedial works thereon.

Region 3 Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran and a

Workers moving to shore up the breach at Wakenaam on Sunday

team from the Civil Defence Commission on Sunday visited the area to assess the situation, and together facilitated distribution of hampers to residents, which included disinfectant, bleach and other cleaning materials.

However, the Ministry

of the Presidency noted late Sunday that remedial works have commenced in the area to prevent another occurrence.

Head of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, was quoted as saying that there were no [further] breach-

es or overtopping. He noted that the CDC was able to provide supplies to the affected families to aid in their clean-up efforts, while the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) would, in the coming days, be conducting further checks to assess the exact damage per household.

“The Civil Defence Commission is extremely pleased with the work of the RDC. They have mobilised, and this is why the Regional Multi-Hazard Preparedness and Response Plan is important. CDC is just here to lend support to the region, and respond to the situation.

We have provided the neces-

sary cleaning and hygiene supplies,” Craig said.

Region Three REO, Dennis Jaikarran, has said that works were being conducted on the sea defence in the area, and he has confirmed that the contractor did not follow established protocols.

Jaikaran has also said the Region would now be looking to work with the Central Government and the Public Infrastructure Ministry to ensure that stricter measures are put in place to deal with contracts and public works.

“We are looking at the situation and monitoring the situation. We are with the people of Wakenaam, and we believe that we would have to think about bringing some order and semblance to contracted works and contractors,” he noted.

“He noted that while the water has receded, the NDC and Regional Councillors will be conducting on-theground assessments in the area to see how best the affected persons can be compensated for their losses”, according to a Government statement.

The CDC has said that, along with the regional administration, it would continue to monitor the situation.

Spent shell exhibits...

FROM PAGE 9

On October 5, 2015, the two Police ranks were present at CID headquarters where they put the murder allegation to Henry. Sarabo and Murgaya told the Court that Henry was treated at a hospital for injuries he had sustained on his foot while he tried to escape from Police custody.

They claimed that upon his return to CID, he refused to give a written statement, noting under cross-examination that what the accused related to them could not be counted as a confession statement. However, in evidence-in-chief, the duo asserted that while in custody, Henry admitted.

“Officer Barrow used to watch meh back. When they kill El Sinkie that is when I come out, fo kill he; so that

is why when this man dead, he and Mafia roll up in a dark car with a hand gun fo kill me,” the two Policemen quoted Henry as saying.

They added that they never assaulted, threatened, used violence against or made any promises to Henry. The witnesses also noted that the defendant declined having a meal, having observed that he had already eaten.

According to reports back then, 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. Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt are prosecuting the State’s case.

11 Brother of Chutney singer killed by speeding GDF Officer news

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dead: Roopchand “Charles” Ramkellawan

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oopchan ‘Charles’ Ramkellawan of Lot 4150 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, the brother of popular Guyanese Chutney singer Mahendra

Ramkellawan, was on Sunday evening struck down and killed by a speeding car on the De Willem Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

Based on information received, the late 35-year-old was attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by motor car PWW 5680, being driven by a 28-year-old Gazetted Officer of the Joint Services, who allegedly was speeding at time of the accident.

Knocked unconscious, Roopchan Ramkellawan was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police have, however, stated that an unlicensed pistol with four matching rounds was found in the late Roopchan Ramkellawan’s possession.

The car that was involved in the accident

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, who hails from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and it proved that he was over the legal limit of alcohol consumption. He was arrested and is assisting with investigations into this accident.

Teen allegedly molested by CC&PA Officer …Agency “dragging foot on matter” – aunt

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he fraternal aunt of a thirteen-year-old girl who allegedly was sexually molested and penetrated by her step-father is calling on the relevant authorities to address the matter urgently.

According to the woman (name given), she believes this matter is being ‘covered down’ by the ministry, since the abuser is an officer of the CC&PA. During an interview with Guyana Times, the aunt revealed that she was forced to involve the Guyana Police Force, and was later advised on the way forward.

The 13-year-old victim has reportedly told relatives of the instances when she had been molested by her mother’s lover, but was ignored after he denied the accusations when confronted.

The teen continued to complain to relatives that the man would constantly attack her, but she was on several occasions forced to remain silent on the ordeal.

The woman explained that her niece confided in her school teacher, who later reported the matter to a family member.

“When she told her mother, (her mother) ignored her and tell her to stop lying, so she felt frustrated and depressed and wanted to kill herself. One day she decided to call her father (my brother) and tell him what was happening, and he give me the phone because he couldn’t deal with it.

“After hearing that she was being molested by (her mother’s lover), I call her mother and ask if she know what was happening with her child, and she said, ‘Yes’.

So I asked why she wasn’t doing anything about it, and she never answered”, the aunt stated.

The woman said the following day she proceeded to the CC&PA to file a report, but was later told that she has to file it in the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred.

She is claiming that several weeks have elapsed since the matter was reported, and nothing has been done.

Following the allegation being reported, the Form 2 student was examined by a doctor, and it was confirmed that she had been

sexually violated. A report was subsequently made to the Police, but after nothing came out of the matter, an appointment was made with the Crime Chief.

The teenager is visibly traumatised; and according to the aunt, the teen is suicidal, since she blames herself for what had happened.

Efforts to contact the head of CC&PA, Ann Greene, to confirm whether an investigation was launched into this matter, proved futile.

When Guyana Times contacted the Guyanese singer at his New York office, he explained that he had received the news of his brother’s demise at sometime after 23:00h on Sunday evening. He said that based on reports garnered, his brother had gone to visit his 6-month-old baby earlier in the day, and was heading home when he met his demise.

“Apparently, when he was heading home, the Police had a road block in front of the De Willem Public Road, and the Police stopped him. He pulled in the corner and exited the vehicle with the intention of talking to a Police rank. As he was crossing the road, this car appeared from nowhere and hit down Charles”, the sing-

er explained.

He said he was told that the car was speeding and his brother would have sustained severe injuries, thus resulting in his instant demise. “Based on what I heard, the Police wanted money, and he was crossing the road to give them a raise when he was killed,” Mahendra Ramkellawan stated.

With respect to the unlicensed firearm and ammunition, the singer believes that the gun might have been planted on his brother. “That has to be a set up! Is a Joint Services man killed my brother… he got access to guns…is clearly a set up… How can they find a gun on my brother only when he reach the hospital… Matter of fact, he arrived at the hospital without any shirt; if he had a gun, as they claimed, they had to find it at the scene, and not at the hospital… Something ain’t adding up,” the elder Ramkellawan stated.

The Fire Fest Production boss is holding out that his brother had no cause to have a gun. “He works at sea and earns an honest dollar,” he contended.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the distraught wife of the late Roopchan Ramkellawan told Guyana Times that her husband had left home on Sunday after

The gun and ammunition that were reportedly found in possession of the now dead man

lunch to visit his daughter, and was killed on his way home.

The distraught wife said she received the news of the accident at about 23:00 on Sunday, and she rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital only to be told that her husband had died.

She told Guyana Times that her late husband’s cousin had witnessed the accident. He reportedly had remained in Ramkellawan’s car as the father of one had gone to speak with the Police.

Meantime, a post mortem performed on the body of the late Roopchan Ramkellawan proved that his death was due to multiple injuries that are consistence with a vehicular accident.

12 news

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trade Councils launched to improve international trade relations

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he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Monday revealed that three councils would be assembled to monitor trade relations with three of Guyana’s bilateral partners.

The three countries – Cuba, India and Canada – recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guyana to boost and monitor trade relations.

As such, the councils namely the Guyana-India, the Guyana-Cuba, and the Guyana-Canada Councils – are expected to be established soon, GCCI President Deodat Indar announced.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin flanked by the Cuban, Canadian and Indian Ambassadors along with representatives from GCCI

The councils will consist of representatives from the GCCI, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Business Ministry, GO-Invest, Guyana Bar

Association, representatives from the respective country’s High Commission to Guyana, and officials from the Guyana Manufacturing

DHB welder injured as equipment explodes

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welder was on Monday morning rushed to a city hospital after a gas cylinder attached to a welding plant exploded while he was carrying out maintenance work on the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).

As a result of the explosion, the man was thrown into the Demerara River thus sustaining bodily injuries. The identity of the welder was not released by officials of the DHB. Based on reports received, the now injured man was in the company of oth-

ers and as they were performing their duties, the gas cylinder exploded.

DHB General Manager

Rawlston Adams confirmed that the incident did occur, but he was not in a position to reveal any information, since he was not briefed on the matter. In the same breath, he stated that injuries sustained by the worker were not life-threatening.

Persons who were traversing the Bridge stared in disbelief as they witnessed the incident. “As I was near where the accident happens, all I hear is boom, then I see the man fly overboard; some of the other men had to hurry quick and take him out and rush he to the hospital,” a minibus operator told Guyana Times.

On account of the incident, there was a huge buildup of traffic along the East Bank of Demerara and West Coast of Demerara; normalcy was restored after some time.

and Services Association (GMSA).

According to Indar, the Councils “will operate in their own right, have their own meetings; have their own Terms of Reference that they agree on and they will deal with that, they will approve that, change that as they see fit; and they will run it independently, but there will also be some form of reporting mechanisms for it, so that we know that work is being done.”

Moreover, he posited that the Chairperson of each trade facilitation council would be expected to report to the statutory meetings, which would be held at the Chambers once a month.

Business Minister

Dominic Gaskin expressed eagerness to support the endeavour, noting that trade facilitation was not just the work of the Government or Private Sector as a collective body.

He further highlighted that the Business Ministry was “willing to participate” in any way that would ensure the success of the initiative involving Guyana and the three countries.

Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Narciso Reinaldo Armador Soeorro indicated that this launch and signing of the MoU collectively was an important step to improving bilateral relations.

In addition, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mahalingam

Venkatachalam told media operatives that the launch of the Councils was one of the most anticipated steps towards fulfilling the mandate of the MoU. Canadian Ambassador to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee related, “The Councils are only going to help things in a more organised way to ensure that both parties can realise the full potential of our countries and counterpart Private Sectors.”

Further, Indar explained that owing to reports of a fluctuating export sector, the GCCI took up the task of improving it.

“Over last year, this Chamber decided that the local scene we were seeing some downturns and some upswings in different sectors and strategically what we said is that we need to try to start building on the export markets for our members, so we took the initiative and we first went to Cuba … they actually drafted the MoU between the Cuba Chamber of Commerce and us … to strengthen ties bilaterally between Guyana – not just Georgetown Chamber of Commerce – but between Guyana and Cuba”.

Subsequent to this, Indar said that similar MoUs were signed with India and Canada respectively.

Berbice man found hanging from ceiling T he body of 22-yearold Ravi Surajpaul, also called ‘Dog Man,’ of Lot 338 Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice, was at about 6:00h on Monday found by his parents hanging from the ceiling of his home in what is suspected to be an act of suicide.

The dead man’s brother, Mooniram, told Guyana Times he had had a conversation with his late brother on Sunday and nothing seemed amiss.

“He tell me he gone. Me ask him, ‘Wheh yuh going?’ He said he (was) going home,” Mooniram detailed.

Moniram described his brother as a peaceful individual.

Dead: Ravi Surajpaul, also called ‘Dog Man’

Mother of the deceased, Deomattie Surisbally, explained that her son had cut his hand on Sunday and

had had to seek medical attention; but other than that, there was nothing abnormal about his behaviour.

She explained that, later in the evening, she and her husband left to attend a “wake”, leaving Ravi at home, since he had refused to accompany them. Upon returning home in the early hours of Monday, they called out for him to open the door, but there was response.

They called a neighbour to open the door for them, and he jumped through a window and made the discovery of Ravi’s body hanging from the rafter.

The Police are investigating the matter.

GRA denies holding...

FROM PAGE 7

“The goods were uplifted on November 28, 2017, demonstrating that there were no delays on GRA’s part. On December 29, 2017, MovieTowne was granted an IDA consistent with those granted to competitors in the industry, which allow for the waiver of Duty and VAT on certain equipment.”

Chin, a Guyana-born businessman, is currently constructing the first overseas branch of the Trinidadbased Movietowne franchise here in Guyana. During a

recent tour however, Chin had spoken out about challenges facing the construction project at Turkeyen.

Chin had noted that these challenges were costing the company, but that interactions with the Government had dwindled.

“We have met with Government, and I don’t seem to meet with them anymore… to say that, ‘Mr Chin, how is your investment going? What can we do to help?’

So that communication link with the Government is very

important… the Private Sector is the driver. The Government cannot outrun the Private Sector because it is the Private Sector. It has its own money, but the Private Sector needs to be given that encouragement,” Chin had said. Additionally, the businessman had said Government should be more involved in discussion with the Private Sector, and work hand in hand with that sector, since its members are the ones who are the drivers of the economy.

13 Scrap metal legislation to be enacted by year end news

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ven as the Business Minister noted that scrap metal exportation is currently ongoing in a limited capacity, it was announced that the legislation needed to govern the trade was likely to be enacted by year end.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin made this declaration on Monday.

“Right now we are in the middle of a limited resumption, so there are exporters who are exporting scrap metal,” Gaskin said.

The Minister pointed out that new legislation had been introduced and approved by Cabinet, and presently was in the hands of the Attorney General before it was presented to Parliament.

He stated, “We have also taken a new legislation to Cabinet. It has been approved at that level, it is being finalised by the Attorney General Chambers and after that, it will go to the National

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

Assembly for approval”.

According to him, the Ministry is anticipating the new legislation being enacted before the end of the year, which will see ‘firm and solid’ management, to regulate and monitor the industry through the development of a managing body.

Government had approved a restart of the scrap metal trade in Guyana during February 2017 after closing down the industry

one year prior to that.

The main reason for this was to allow exporters to ship out the existing stock for a limited period of three months and ensure that there was no stockpile of the materials.

However, in April 2018, after several months of delays, Government had decided to reopen the scrap metal trade on a limited basis to facilitate the clearing of some of the accumulated scrap metal across the country.

While a date for the resumption of the trade has not been announced, the Business Minister had told this media group that the date depended on several important factors.

The Minister disclosed that a meeting was held with exporters and dealers to introduce them to a new system that the Business Ministry was trying to implement.

According to him, it is a software-based system that

Prem Misir resigns as University of Fiji Vice Chancellor

Former University of Guyana Pro Chancellor, Prem Misir

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ormer Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prem Misir has resigned as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji some three years after taking up the post.

Misir gave no reason for his resignation on June 7, 2018, but, according to the Fiji Sun, there was high drama since the scholar’s appointment to the post.

Misir was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji on June 1, 2015, and it is alleged that the sudden act was provoked by animosity within the Management Department of the institution.

The Fiji Sun reported that the University’s senior management has been embroiled in employment issues regarding senior members of the University academic faculty.

The University is owned by the Arya Samaj Organisation and according to the Chairman of the University’s Council, Anil Tikaram, “The VC has resigned on his free will and there were no other factors which led to his resignation.”

It was reported that there were members of staff who did not like Professor Misir.

When he applied for a work

permit extension himself, five employees complained to the Immigration Department.

He had to seek help from the Prime Minister’s office. The Fiji Immigration Department is said to have been reluctant to provide another work permit to Professor Misir.

Misir resigned after that, but later reconsidered.

However, he was informed that his resignation letter had been accepted.

There are three employment cases pending against the University. The former staff members claimed they were wrongfully terminated.

Misir is the holder of a PhD (University of Hull, England); MPH (University of Manchester, England); MPhil (University of Surrey, England); BSc (Honours) (Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom); Postdoctoral programme in Public Health (Columbia University, New York); and Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH).

Misir is also the former Pro Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

While acting as Pro Chancellor, he had an affiliation with the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Guyana, teaching Research Methodology and Biostatistics.

After leaving the University of Guyana, he accepted the appointment of Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), Ministry of Health, Government of Guyana, managing the Global Fund in the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

He also was the Head of the Press and Publicity Unit, Office of the President, Government of Guyana.

The Professor was a

Clinical Associate Professor at New York University College of Dentistry; Associate Public Health Epidemiologist at the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Assistant Professor and Primary Care Coordinator at Interfaith Medical Centre/ State University of New York Health Services Centre Brooklyn; Research and Evaluation Coordinator – graduate medical education, United Hospitals Medical Centre/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

In addition, he is the author of nine books with the most recent being HIV&AIDS Knowledge And Stigma in Guyana.

was specially designed to help the Ministry to monitor and regulate the trade once it resumes, creating a

level playing field for all.

“We’ve met with them; we’ve discussed it with them and we have arranged

some training sessions for them to familiarise themselves with how the system will work and we are looking to do a little resumption starting next month. I can’t give you an exact date because it depends on a lot of things,” he explained.

Gaskin said the resumption of the trade would give the Ministry the opportunity to test the system to ensure that it worked and also would help to clear some of the accumulated scrap metal that has been legitimately acquired.

24 months’ jail for father who stole jewellery to support kids

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father of three who stole jewellery and cash from his girlfriend to provide care for his children was on Monday jailed for 24 months.

Thirty-five-yearold Winston Marshall of Georgetown told the Court that he stole the gold jewellery valued $847,000; $200,000 in Guyanese currency and US$300 from girlfriend Abeena Hudson’s D’Urban Street,

Georgetown home.

Police stated that Marshall stole the articles some time between April 6 and June 7, 2018.

Hudson had the stolen items stashed in a suitcase and on June 7, she noticed that the said suitcase was out of place.

After checking, the woman realised that the items were missing and as such, confronted Marshall.

He admitted to the offence

and was arrested by Police after Hudson reported the matter.

He explained to Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman that he pawned the jewellery “to feed my children and to pay off my debts”.

After considering the prevalence of the offence and to deter others from doing same, Magistrate Latchman imposed the sentence.

Cashier charged for stealing from Superbet

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cashier attached to Superbet’s Regent Street branch was brought before the Magistrates’ Courts on Monday charged with larceny from the business place.

Twenty-two-yearold Felicia Henry, of B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, denied stealing some $195,000 on June 14,

2018 from the owner of the establishment, Navendra Jagaram.

According to Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore, the defendant was requested

by Jagaram to balance the day’s cash earnings which amounted to some $400,000.

However, Henry reportedly pocketed the sum mentioned in the charge, but in

doing so, she was caught and taken to the Police Station where she was later charged.

City Magistrate Judy Latchman, who presided over the matter, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of $100,000. Henry is expected to reappear in court on July 9, 2018 for statements.

14 NEWS

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 areas earmarked for relocation of Stabroek Wharf vendors … present condition is “very bad” – Town Clerk

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A section of the Stabroek Market Wharf to be rehabilitated

s the state of the Stabroek Market Wharf continues to worsen, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has revealed that two city-owned locations have been identified for the relocation of those vendors who are under threat by the dilapidated structure.

This was announced by Town Clerk Royston King, who informed Guyana Times that the areas could not be disclosed at the moment, since many vendors might want to shift to those sites before the decision is finalised with the Markets and Public Health Committee.

King posited that while he was cognisant of the fact that the area was unsafe for the vendors to sell their pro-

duce, the Council was awaiting word from the Public Infrastructure Ministry for the commencement of the rehabilitation process.

“We await the word from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on these works that are to be executed. At the moment, we are very worried that they are operating in very unsafe conditions and, in fact, some of the vendors can no longer operate there, because the situation is very bad,” King explained.

He added, “The situation is bad and we need to really correct that. It is wrong for them to operate there and yesterday, I spoke with the Clerk of the Market’s office and asked him to talk with those vendors and to encourage them to, when the

time comes for them to relocate, that they should take the opportunity. That facility is unsafe.”

Vendors’ plight

Numerous merchants who use the Wharf to sell their goods have registered their concerns over its structural degradation and the dangers it pose. Over time, fears have grown even more.

When this publication spoke to some of the vendors, they were up in arms over the persistent state of disrepair of the Wharf.

Since the beginning of June 2016, it was reported that the Town Clerk had announced that works would commence on the structure after they received word from the Public

Infrastructure Ministry to go ahead with the project.

Nevertheless, in November 2017, the works were still pending and this newspaper was informed that the vendors would be relocated to the west of Parliament Building, following the removal of the Island Snackette and Pizzeria, to facilitate the rehabilitation.

According to City Hall, they were expected to move by the end of November.

Additionally, the budget for the complete refurbishing of the Wharf was slated at some $400 million. After the repairs, the section of the market which faces the Demerara River would be converted into a mall, inclu-

The floor of the Wharf in 2016

sive of a boardwalk and entertainment areas. After the ideas were approved by the vendors, they would be required to pay a larger sum of money to rent space on the new structure.

Once, more than 300 vendors were located at the Wharf, but, over the years, that number dwindled as fears grew about the dangers posed by the unsafe structure.

Consultation on enhancement of language programmes held

Participants of the consultation exercise pose for a photo with Education Minister Nicolette Henry (seated eighth from right) and UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith (seated fifth from left)

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here is need for a paradigm shift around language learning in Guyana, Education Minister Nicolette Henry declared as she addressed the University of Guyana’s ‘Consultation on Enhancing Language Programmes’ on Monday.

Delivering the opening remarks in the Education Lecture Theatre on the Turkeyen Campus, the Minister said the University is well positioned to begin taking steps for that shift to take place, and this is a significant opportunity for Guyana to excel on the global stage.

She said: “I believe that enhancing and developing the language programme at the University of Guyana with the introduction of four new languages is a commendable initiative and one that can add value to doing business on the global scale, as the ability to communicate in more than one language is often considered a competitive advantage when hiring new employees.”

Minister Henry shared the view that enhancing and developing the Language Programme at the University would assist in supporting teachers pursuing foreign languages. She added that the Government of Guyana is fully committed to restoring languages to their rightful place in the school curriculum, to ensure that more children are able to access a high quality of

learning.

“I trust that when this programme is launched, teachers will be a main target group, because we want our children to become familiar with bilingualism from an early age,” Minister Henry said.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that, to create among children the interest to pursue foreign languages, Minister Henry has said that, at the level of the Ministry of Education, parents have to be engaged to act as advocates, so that they can motivate their children to learn foreign languages.

Minister Henry told the gathering of stakeholders that she is encouraged to see the University of Guyana taking the initiative with the consultation to revitalise foreign language programmes in Guyana. She added that education is central to the ambitions of a nation, as it supports the development of a strong, growing economy while promoting a multicultural and inclusive society.

The Education Minister also said language studies form a unique addition to a student’s university education, with the variety of teaching and learning techniques adding variety, balance or counter-balance to the education process.

She said the education system must support learners of all ages to gain the skills and confidence to be-

come global citizens, to understand other cultures and societies, as well as to develop the skills to function and thrive in the modern global economy.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, said that if persons are to limit themselves linguistically, they would be limiting their world and the extent of their engagements and networking. He said, “We limit ourselves if we limit ourselves to English.”

According to ViceChancellor Griffith, the consultation is a journey that is part of a broader project called the “UG Renaissance,” which is seeking to transform the University and bring it into the 21st Century.

Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Claudette Austin, said the purposes and objectives of the consultation are: to address the framework for support of language development from primary through tertiary levels of education; design and develop the curricula for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dutch and Mandarin; design and develop a curriculum for English as a second language; and review and update the curricula for French, Spanish and Portuguese programmes.

The consultation is also concerned with preparation of programme and requisite course outlines.

15 National dialogue on domestic violence for August 3 news

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

First Lady Sandra Granger addressing the participants of the workshop

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irst Lady Sandra Granger, in opening the second SelfReliance and Success in Business Workshop for residents of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Monday, announced there will be national dialogue centred on domestic violence in Guyana.

This event, slated for August 3, 2018 at the

Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, will see participation from persons across the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

“This [domestic violence] is a scar on our national life…I have been in discussions with some people about how we really go about addressing domestic violence in Guyana… We also have to deal with the

issue of under-reporting or non-reporting of issues of domestic violence in our hinterland and our rural areas… We are planning to have a national dialogue…I think we have to face up to it, and make it clear that we cannot tolerate this any longer,” she said.

The First Lady urged the participants to see the many opportunities a workshop of this nature

Residents decry deplorable state of Parfaite Harmonie access road

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ommuters and frustrated residents are hoping that a long overdue promise to fix the main access road into La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, is fulfilled before something detrimental occurs.

Residents of the area say this has been an issue for the past several months, and they are growing impatient with the promises made by Government officials. They note that, since the beginning of last year, the main road leading into the scheme had deteriorated to such a state that transportation providers are greatly discouraged from plying the route.

The deplorable condition of the road even discourages vehicle owners from travelling, because of the damages their vehicles are likely to incur.

One resident explained that because vehicles are reluctant to traverse the pothole-riddled strip, her children are often forced to walk a longer distance to get transportation to go to school.

Another resident told this newscast that the situation can be very dangerous for persons who are forced to walk in the community after dark.

The residents are urging that the relevant authorities heed their cries and bring some relief to their community.

When <<Guyana Times>> visited the road

First Lady Sandra Granger and Region Three Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran, along with other officials, pose with participants

can bring in terms of small and micro-enterprise development, and reminded that the certificates they would be receiving at the end of the programme are recognised by the Small Business Bureau and other micro-financing organisations.

“I saw the benefits [of this programme] not only to the persons who would have participated, but to their families and their communities as well. It is what I would call an holistic approach to success,” she said.

Region Three Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran, in his remarks, said the first Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop had led to establishment of the Region’s first salted fish factory.

He expressed his appre-

ciation to the First Lady for taking the workshop to the Region for a second time, and pledged to assist the participants in rolling out future projects.

Meanwhile, Director of Interweave Solutions (Guyana) Incorporated, Sanjay Yohann Pooran, who facilitated the workshop, provided the participants with an overview of the programme. He indicated that the workshop’s main objective is to educate the participants on how to start, manage, and grow small businesses; help them to lead balanced lives; and provide them with the opportunity to give back to their community through the formulation and implementation of a community action plan.

In an invited comment, Latoya Adams said she was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the workshop, and looks forward to the community action plan that would be established.

“I see this workshop as a great opportunity, and I especially look forward to the community action plan, since I see the progress the last participants made in the establishment of a salt fish factory,” she said.

The workshop is organised by the Office of the First Lady, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection and Interweave Solutions (Guyana) Incorporated.

This is the third SelfReliance Workshop for the year 2018.

Golden Om Youth Group honours Rose Hall Estate farmers

The main access road in Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara

recently, several potholes ranging in size and depth were observed. Water was also accumulating on certain sections of the shoulder of the road.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has said Government is addressing the issue, and has pointed out that “contracts are out for (its) repair and maintenance.”

Communities Minister Valarie Adams-Yearwood had earlier this year promised that the roads in the area would be upgraded.

“We are doing road upgrades at Parfaite Harmonie and Westminster, and those works will commence in about two weeks; and through the reformulated [Inter-Development Bank] IDB loan in 2018, we are going to spend over $500 million to do upgrade works in

Parfaite,” this minister had said.

“I know they (residents) have been complaining about the state of the roads.

We are paying attention, and we are listening to people; and while we can’t deal with everything immediately, we are paying attention to the ones that are more critical,” she added.

The 3.5 kilometre access road was built by contractors BK International and Guyco at a cost exceeding $604 million back in 2016.

It was designed to accommodate two lanes of traffic, and is linked to La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme by way of a heavy-duty bridge, which in turn inter-connects with the existing north-to-south access to La Parfaite Harmonie from the Canal No.1 road.

Some of the men receiving hampers from members of the Golden Om Youth Group

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n observance of Father’s Day last Sunday, the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Movement of Reliance, East Canje Berbice distributed hampers to several fathers who were laid off from the Rose Hall Estate.

Prior to its closure, the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Movement had been lobbying for the Government not to close the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, sighting the negative impact closure would have on the lives of the sugar workers.

President of the group, Pandit Deodat Persaud, explained that from the time the estate was shut down, many workers have been seeking the assistance of the

Golden OM Dharmic Youth Movement to acquire new jobs.

“Some of them need recommendations, and one thing I said to our members is that we are going to help these workers,” he explained.

He noted that since the estate’s closure, the group has provided counselling to many workers who were having difficulty coping psychologically. “We have seen that there is a need for help, and we will continue to help,” he declared.

Pandit Persaud noted that farmers have made pledges to assist the group in its continued efforts to reach out to the displaced sugar

workers. “We have had donations (coming) from as far as the Essequibo Coast,” he revealed.

The Golden OM Dharmic Youth Movement this year also gave bursaries to twenty children of displaced sugar workers from the Rose Hall Estate.

“We believe, as an organisation, we must share the healing and (empathise) with the workers. We know that it is not easy on those families,” he explained.

He said that, even without a job, the men are fathers, and children will still look up to them because of respect; and at the same time, these children have certain expectations.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018

Regional

Trinidad: Development Corporation Teenage son to probe reports of migrant labour of popular

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rban Development Corporation of T&T (UdeCOTT) Chairman Noel Garcia has promised to launch a full-scale investigation into reports of Venezuelan migrants being hired as labourers on the Red House restoration project.

“I have been told there are quite a few Venezuelans, but I don’t know if it is because of low wages. I can say I have heard that there are Venezuelans who are working on the site,” Garcia admitted Sunday when asked about the issue.

He said UdeCOTT had contracted “about 12 sub-contractors” for the TT$440 million project.

In 2005, UdeCOTT assumed responsibility for the project which began 19 years ago. In 2012, Parliament re-

Workmen at the site of the Red House restoration project Diaz photo)

located to its temporary home at the Waterfront

much-needed repairs to the iconic building.

Garcia said he got information about Venezuelans working on the Red House from a reliable source.

“I had a project meeting on Thursday and one of the engineers said somebody mistook him for a Venezuelan. I asked him why and he said because there are a number of Venezuelans on the project and I let it pass because I don’t normally get into that granular detail,” he said The T&T Guardian was told the Venezuelans are paid TT$250 a day as labourers, while locals are demanding TT$400. In some cases, they work beyond the eight-hour shift. There are a few women among the migrant workers. (Excerpt from Trinidad

(Abraham

Complex, Tower D, Port-ofSpain, to accommodate the

Guardian)

Dancehall artiste Mavado charged with murder

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he 16-year-old son of Dancehall artiste Mavado has been accused of murder and other serious offences.

The juvenile has been charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, shooting with intent as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, in connection with the June 5 killing of 23-year-old Lorenzo Thomas.

Another man, 23-year-

old Andre Hinds, faces similar charges.

According to Police reports, armed men barged into Thomas’ home in the south-eastern parish of St Andrew and shot him, chopped him with a machete, and then set him on fire.

The attack came a few days after Mavado was reportedly shot at by a man.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

US expert says there Argentina: Man sentenced to life are opportunities for brutal transgender murder for Region in A ganja trade court in Argentina has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of high-profile transgender activist Diana Sacayán.

She was stabbed 13 times in her Buenos Aires flat in October 2015.

Gabriel David Marino, 25, has become the first person in Argentina to be sentenced under new legislation on crimes against transgender people.

Human rights groups say Latin America accounts for the greatest number of transgender murders worldwide.

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a r i b b e a n Governments contemplating the decriminalisation of the cannabis industry have been warned by one United States expert not to overtax the sector.

Jamaica and Antigua already have decriminalised the use of small amounts of the herb for personal consumption, with the recently-elected Mia Mottley-led Administration in Barbados promising to consult with Barbadians on the decriminalisation of recreational marijuana.

Brian Staffa, chief strategist at the cannabis consulting company BSC Group, told officials attending Caribbean Week in New York Monday morning that while taxation may be necessary, Governments must strike the right balance in that area.

“And I caution to not

create too high of a tax burden because you will have a black market continue proliferating, and it will be harder and harder to regulate that programme if it’s too burdensome,” he noted.

Equally important, Staffa said, was not to have too low a tax structure, because the programme would not be funded effectively.

He noted that in the case of medical cannabis, there were funding alternatives, for example, low patient fees.

“The big thing is be very cognisant of what the market will bear in your Region, and perhaps take note of what black market pricing is, because your ultimate goal is to stamp out that black market, get everybody on to the regulated side because it is much safer, and it is much more beneficial to the local economy,” he said.

(Excerpt from caribbean360)

The victim had campaigned for LGBT rights in Argentina

Marino said he had sexual encounters with the victim in exchange for il-

legal drugs. But he denied killing her.

Sacayán was a well-

known activist for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.

She was the first Argentinian citizen to receive a new national identity card after applying to have her gender changed.

Argentina's President at the time, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, handed her the card personally.

Sacayán was 40 when she was killed. The trial at the Supreme Court building was followed by dozens of friends, relatives and fellow campaigners.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Bahamas: Environmental group opposes plans to build LNG facility

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reEarth President Sam Duncombe

he environmental group, reEarth, has spoken out against

plans by The Bahamas Government to construct a liquefied natural gas

(LNG) facility scheduled to be built by Shell North America “in the heavily polluted industrial area at Clifton Pier”.

In a release on Sunday, the group’s President, Sam Duncombe, said the deal was “wrong on every level” because LNG was counter to the global move toward renewable energy.

“It lags far behind the global trend of switching to renewables, is slated to be built at a site that needs urgent environmental remediation and is being spearheaded by those who have an interest in keeping The Bahamas dependent on fossil fuels for as long as

possible,” he said/ “It’s the perfect storm of environmental abuse that will not only affect the present, but future generations of Bahamians. It is honestly hard to imagine how a deal could be worse.

This is a case of wrong time, wrong place, wrong people.”

Duncombe said while the Government has promised to implement more renewable energy into the country’s national power grid, it recently agreed to a deal for an LNG facility that can accommodate different types of fuels. (Excerpt from CMC)

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Trump says he will not let UN: Tens of thousands US become ‘migrant camp’ displaced as Hudaida

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S President Donald Trump said on Monday he would not allow the United States to become a “migrant camp” as his administration faced a barrage of criticism for separating immigrant children from their parents at the US-Mexico border.

Democrats and some in Trump’s own Republican Party have admonished the Administration for dividing nearly 2000 children from their parents between midApril and the end of May. Medical professionals have said the practice could cause lasting trauma to children.

The family separations are the result of Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy that arrests all adults who are caught trying to enter the United States illegally, including those seeking asylum.

While parents are held in jail, their children are sent to separate detention facilities. Video footage released by the Government showed

“We don’t want what is happening with immigration in Europe to happen with us!” US President Donald Trump said, and attacked German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s approach to immigration

migrant children held in wire cages, sitting on concrete floors.

Trump, whose hardline stance on immigration is a major policy of his presidency, responded sharply to critics on Monday.

“The United States will not be a migrant camp, and it will not be a refugee holding facility. It won’t be. You look at what’s happening in Europe, you look at what’s happening in other places – we can’t allow that to hap-

pen to the United States, not on my watch,” Trump said at the White House while announcing an unrelated policy.

Trump also attacked the German Government’s approach to immigration. He said German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition looked “tenuous”.

Mrs Merkel is in the middle of a serious domestic row after defending her government’s immigration policy.

German Interior Minister

Horst Seehofer on Monday backed down from a threat to bypass Merkel in a disagreement over immigration policy, bringing reprieve to Merkel’s biggest political crisis to date. Seehofer agreed to implement his immigration “master plan” step by step, stopping short of unilaterally enforcing a policy opposed by Merkel while she attempts to find a solution at European level Trump has sought to use the widespread outrage over the family separations to push through other immigration priorities that have stalled in Congress, such as funding for his long-promised wall along the Mexican border.

He has blamed Democrats for the impasse, even though his fellow Republicans control both chambers in Congress.

Democrats have accused the President of using children as hostages in the dispute.

battle continues

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ens of thousands of residents have fled the fighting along Yemen’s western coastline where pro-Government fighters backed by a Saudiled coalition are engaged in fierce battles with Iranaligned Houthi rebels.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Monday that about 5200 families, or around 26,000 people, have sought safety within their own districts or in other parts of Hudaida governorate.

“The number is expected to increase as hostilities con-

Israel charges ex-Minister with spying for Iran

(Excerpt from Reuters, BBC News and Al Jazeera)

Japan earthquake: Walmart shopper shoots Child and 2 men dead, dead carjacking gunman hundreds injured

Former Minister Gonen Segev is charged with “assisting an enemy during a time of war” and espionage

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Police say the carjacker was shot after he had critically injured one driver

A Debris on a supermarket floor showed the impact of the quake

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strong earthquake in Osaka, Japan has killed at least three people, including a nineyear old girl, and injured more than 200.

Airports in the area were closed for several hours, train lines interrupted and factories had to halt production.

The 6.1 magnitude quake did not trigger a tsunami

warning and nuclear plants in the area are operating normally.

Japan lies in a particularly earthquake-prone region and accounts for around 20 per cent of quakes worldwide of magnitude 6.0 or more.

Monday’s quake in Osaka occurred just before 08:00 local time (23:00 GMT Sunday) north of the city.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Walmart shopper has shot dead a gunman who shot a driver in the car park in a crime spree.

Police say the suspect had tried to steal two cars and shot someone in a vehicle in Tumwater, in the north-western state of Washington.

“He is a hero,” shopper Brian Adams told King 5 News about the unnamed civilian.

“If this customer hadn’t done what he did, who knows what would have happened.”

Police spokeswoman Laura Wohl said the violence began around 17:00 local time on Sunday when Police received reports of a possibly drunk driver going the wrong way down the road.

Minutes later they received reports of gunshots near the local high school,

where they found an injured 16-year-old girl who had been carjacked.

The girl’s injuries were minor, and she was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Then around 17:30h, the suspect entered a Walmart Supercenter, where he fired shots at a display case.

The attacker, who Police have not yet named, then went outside where he attempted to carjack a vehicle, say Police.

He shot a driver twice after he refused to cooperate, and then attempted to take control of a second vehicle.

That driver was airlifted to a local hospital, Police say, and was now in critical condition.

As the driver fired wildly into cars, two people drew handguns, and one person shot him, Police say. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India man walks 838 miles to meet PM Modi

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n Indian man who walked 1350 kilometres (838 miles) to highlight an “unfulfilled promise” by the Prime Minister has resumed his trek after a brief stay in hospital.

Muktikant Biswal set

out to walk from the eastern state of Orissa to the capital Delhi in the north.

He was hospitalised in Agra, 218km away from his destination.

Biswal said he wanted to “remind” the Prime Minister of his promise to upgrade a

hospital in his state.

He began his walk on April 16 with the Indian flag in hand, through increasingly worsening summer temperatures.

Modi had said in 2015 that the hospital would be converted to a “super spe-

tinue,” he said.

Earlier, UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein voiced concern that the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates-led military operation in Yemen could endanger millions of civilians.

“I emphasise my grave worry regarding the Saudi and Emirati-led coalition’s ongoing attacks in Hudaida - which could result in enormous civilian casualties and have a disastrous impact on life-saving humanitarian aid to millions of people which comes through the port,” al-Hussein said on Monday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ciality facility” similar to the famed All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.

Biswal told the BBC that he wanted to meet the Prime Minister and ask him to fulfil his promise of upgrading the Ispat General Hospital.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

srael has charged a former Cabinet Minister with spying for Iran, the Shin Bet internal security service says.

Gonen Segev, a medical doctor who served as Energy Minister in the 1990s, was allegedly recruited by Iranian intelligence while living in Nigeria.

He was detained during a visit to Equatorial Guinea in May and extradited following a request by Israeli police.

The 62-year-old was jailed for five years in 2005 for smuggling drugs and forging a diplomatic passport.

He also had his medical licence revoked, but he was

allowed to work as a physician in Nigeria when he moved there after his release from prison in 2007.

A statement issued by Shin Bet on Monday said Segev was detained immediately upon his arrival in Israel last month.

He was questioned about information which indicated he might have been in contact with Iranian intelligence agents and assisting their activities against Israel. Investigators discovered during the interrogation that Segev had made contact with officials in the Iranian embassy in Nigeria in 2012 and that he visited Iran twice to meet his handlers, Shin Bet said. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Audi chief Rupert Stadler arrested in diesel emissions probe

T

he chief executive of German carmaker Audi, Rupert Stadler, has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the diesel emissions scandal.

A spokesman for Volkswagen, which owns Audi, confirmed he was being held.

Munich Prosecutors said they had acted because of a risk that Stadler might seek to suppress evidence.

The scandal erupted three years ago, when it

emerged that cars had been fitted with devices designed to cheat emissions tests.

The devices were initially found in VW’s cars, but its Audi subsidiary has also been embroiled in the scandal.

Last month, it admitted that another 60,000 A6 and A7 models with diesel engines have emission software issues.

That is on top of the 850,000 recalled last year

by Audi, of which only some have been found to require modification. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, june 19, 2018

ARCHIE

You'll miss the point if you don't listen carefully.

(March 21- Someone will offer you inforApril 19) mation that can affect a decision you need to make. Read between the lines.

ARIES

Travel, communication TAURUS and preparation are favoured.

(April 20- Don't let something going on May 20) in your personal life distract you from doing what's best for yourself.

dilbert

Embrace whatever change GEMINI (May 21- comes your way and make it June 20) work for you. Think and act fast, and make the most of every opportunity that you come across.

Make adjustments at home that will add to your (June 21- comfort or help your financJuly 22) es. If you share your feelings, it will improve a relationship with a loved one.

CANCER

Peanuts

Tone it down and avoid LEO conflict. Use your intelligence (July 23- to counter any opposition or Aug. 22) actions that could harm your position or reputation. Break bad habits. Concentrate on positive personal change.

Calvin and Hobbes

Speak up and share VIRGO your thoughts and feelings.

(Aug. 23Collaborating with others will Sept. 22) help you come up with a plan that can change the way you move forward.

Offer to pitch in and help LIBRA (Sept. 23- before someone asks you to Oct. 23) do so. It’s better to be accommodating if you want to avoid being talked about or criticised. Take the lead and make a difference.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — UPSTAGES (UPSTAGES: up-STAY-jez: Distracts attention from another person.)

Look for a practical anSAGITTARIUS swer, not a pie-in-the-sky (Nov. 23idea that involves risks and Dec. 21) potential failure. Use your attributes and physical energy to get things up and running.

Average mark 30 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 44 or more words in UPSTAGES? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — LATENCY lace lacy lance lancet lane late laten lean lent

acne ante talc tale teal elan enact neat neatly

cane cant cantle cent clan clay clean cleat cyan

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Don’t let the acSCORPIO tions of others anger you.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22) Concentrate on what you can do to make things better. Your intuition and ability to find solutions will help you make a difference.

yesterDAY’s solution

Implement personal CAPRICORN changes that will benefit your (Dec. 22- health and financial standJan. 19) ing. Don’t give in to someone pressuring you to take a chance on something that isn’t in your best interest.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

You’ll be anxious and tempted to make a move without sufficient preparation. Take a moment to assess your situation and determine whether someone is setting you up for a fall.

Your intuition, not your emotions, will give you the answer you are looking for.

Aim for greater stability.

Use your intelligence and rely on your experience to make practical choices.

tuesDAY, JUNE 19, 2018

19

FIFA World Cup

Romelu Lukaku

double ensures Belgium

Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring Belgium’s third goal in their emphatic opening victory against Panama

stroll to win against Panama I

n the end, the gap was too great and reality got in the way. It was always likely to. Panama’s manager, Hernán Darío “Bolillo” Gómez warned there would be four possible outcomes in every game when they reached the World Cup for the first time in their history: they could win, they could draw, they could lose, and they could be goleado: hammered.

In Sochi, where more than 4,000 fans had travelled 7,000 miles, outnumbering the Belgians by four to one, and where the Russians who filled this arena were on their side too, Panama eventually succumbed. “Yes we can,” they had chanted but no, no, they couldn’t. A wonderful volley from Dries Mertens and two goals from Romelu Lukaku were the beating they feared.

Mertens plays for Napoli, while Lukaku is at Manchester United; the two players that Mertens’ shot flew past, the goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and the centre-back Roman Torres, are at Dinamo Bucharest and Seattle Sounders.

Other clubs represented by the team ranked 55 in the world, the country with a population of just

Dries Mertens celebrates after opening the scoring just after the interval with a spectacular volley

3.5 million, where baseball is still, just about, the most popular sport, include Dunajska Streda, Gent, and Bucaramanga. While there was disappointment there was no recrimination. As Fidel Escobar ran up to hit a free-kick in the final minutes, a beating of pans greeted him. When he dashed through just after, only to be tumbled a moment later, they roared.

At the end, Belgium clapped their fans in the corner. Panama gathered in a circle and prayed. As they

Nikola Kalinic has made 41 appearances for Croatia and scored 15 goals

came away, the stadium erupted in more applause.

Panama had been goleado but they had competed. Belgium got the victory they sought, and ultimately a comfortable one too, largely easing their way through the second half.

It took a while to find a way through. Only 40 seconds had gone when Lukaka sent the ball over the bar yet if that seemed to suggest this was going to be ended early, it did not happen that way.

Bolillo had described just being here as historic but he

had expended much energy reminding everyone that this would not be easy; that the most likely scenario was defeat. Asked if Iceland’s draw with Argentina gave Panama hope, he had been swift to highlight the differences. In summary: Belgium are better than Argentina and Iceland are better than Panama.

When Yannick Carrasco shot into Jaime Penedo’s arms after six minutes a pattern was emerging. A minute later it was Mertens on the other side bringing

the 36?year?old goalkeeper into action. From the corner Mertens went down appealing for a penalty. And when Román Torres waited for Penedo, and then underhit a backpass two minutes after that, Eden Hazard could only find the side netting.

Panama were hanging on and sometimes hacking clear, nerves showing.

Slowly, though, they began to find their feet – and occasionally they burst forward, Armando Cooper and Ánibal Godoy swift and direct in midfield, prepared to go at their opponents in straight lines, while Édgar Barcénas ran too. A sharp dash into Belgium’s area was a reminder they would not simply wait.

Godoy almost got away not long after. After half an hour, Cooper’s neat overhead kick set them up and running again but Blas Pérez did not spot Barcenas racing up the far side and although Panama got the ball back again and Cooper slipped the ball into the area for Rodríguez, he was blocked.

Naturally, the chances appeared mostly at the other end. Mertens hit the side netting; another short corner almost caught out Panama; and Torres had to

hook away inside his sixyard box. Kevin De Bruyne’s shot went over; Hazard sliced wide then dribbled into the area and was denied at the near post by Penedo before the goalkeeper was out quickly to stop Lukaku.

At half-time, Panama’s players went into a huddle before heading for the tunnel.

The message: we’re in this.

Soon, they fell behind – although it took something extraordinary. Mertens’s volley from the top-right corner of the area flew past Torres and Penedo into the top-left corner of the net. Kevin De Bruyne’s shot curled just wide but Panama weren’t done just yet. Michael Murillo was played into the area, almost alone, soon after. He waited a little long and Jan Vertonghen was on him, the opportunity gone.

Really gone: De Bruyne bent a wonderful cross with the outside of his foot to Lukaku to dive and head home before Eden Hazard slipped a pass through to the United striker. Running on to it, he clipped neatly over Penedo and into the net. “They have the best players in the world after Messi and Ronaldo,” Panama’s manager had said. In Sochi, his players saw that for themselves. (The Guardian)

Croatia send

striker home after back injury claim

C

roatia forward Nikola Kalinic has been sent home from the World Cup after he refused to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 defeat of Nigeria.

The 30-year-old cannot be replaced, meaning Croatia will have to make do with only 22 players for the rest of the tournament.

AC Milan's Kalinic said he had a back injury, having

complained of the same problem in the friendly loss to Brazil.

Coach Zlatko Dalic said: "I need my players fit and ready to play."

Kalinic, who played for Blackburn Rovers between 2009 and 2011 and has scored 15 goals in 41 appearances for Croatia, was starting his fourth international in a row on the bench.

"During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half," said Dalic.

"However, he then stated that he wasn't ready to come on due to a back issue. "The same thing happened during

the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday.

"I have calmly accepted that and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision."

The striker spent last season on loan at Milan from Fiorentina, scoring six goals in 41 appearances, before making the move permanent this summer.

Croatia's winning start came as Oghenekaro Etebo's own goal and a Luka Modric penalty decided a poor Group D match in Kaliningrad.

They face Argentina on Thursday and finish their Group D campaign against Iceland on Tuesday June 26. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, JUNE 19, 2018

ExxonMobil/Petra Under-14 league…

Females kick off action this Saturday

FULL RESULTS Vergenogen 3 vs North Ruimveldt (Multi) 1 Goal Scorers - Vergenogen Staray Lee Kwasi Gill Goal Scorer - North Ruimveldt Akeem Pereira Uitvlugt 2 vs Charlestown 1 Goal scorers - Uitvlugt Joshua Fraser Nicholas James Goal scorer - Charlestown Tyler Lyle

C

Friendship Secondary 4 vs Tucville Secondary 3 Goal scorers - Friendship Shane Harper Jonas Isaacs Prince Forde Stephan Harry Goal scorers - Tucville Odeyo Harris Raheim Marks Garfield Caesar

A glimpse of Saturday’s action

lassmates, teachers, parents and supporters flooded the Ministry of Education Ground in droves on Saturday as the Under 14 footballers prepared to put on a thrilling show, as usual.

Another 12 games were completed in the male round robin segment, while the female players continued their training and exhibition games which are being supervised by members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The action continues this Saturday with the round robin segment, and the females are expected to kick start their games.

Carmel Secondary had a great outing, administering a 5-0 defeat to a weak School of the Nations side; Chase’s Academy followed suit with a 4-0 thumping of the Brickdam

Secondary; and in a match that could have gone either way, Dolphin Secondary managed to get away from Queenstown Secondary with a 4-1 win. But one of the highlights of the day came when Annandale Secondary trounced Kingston 7-2.

In an expected thriller, Friendship and Tucville Secondary went back and forth with the goals, until Friendship eventually got the better of the encounter and emerged with 4-3 win.

Uitvlugt Secondary, Vergenogen Secondary, St. John’s College, South Ruimveldt Secondary and Tutorial Secondary were all in the winner’s row on Saturday with the remaining matches resulting in a draw.

Buxton Secondary 1 vs East Ruimveldt 1 Goal scorer - Buxton Tyrice Dennis Goal scorer - East Ruimveldt Jayden King St John’s 1 vs New Campbellville 0 Goal scorer - St John’s Emanuel Pestano Dolphin Secondary 4 vs Queenstown Secondary 1 Goal scorers Dolphin Ian Ward

Ronaldo Forde Selwin Jones Mickel Keith Goal scorer Queenstown Jahvon Worrel South Ruimveldt vs Bishops High South Ruimveldt won via walk over Marian Academy 1 vs Ann’s Grove 1 Goal scorers Marian Daniel Lowe Goal scorer Ann’s Grove Jeremiah Bowman Carmel Secondary 5 vs School of the Nation 0 Goal scorers - Carmel Asuffo Shamar Matthew Orlando Jaheim Michael Tutorial Secondary 1 vs St George’s Secondary 0 Goal scorer - Tutorial Keron Adams Chase’s Academy 4 vs Brickdam Secondary 0 Goal scorers - Chase Sealon Sue Ronald Abrams Kevin Mullen Jaleel Alcudor Annandale Secondary 7 vs Kingston Secondary 2 Goal scorers - Annandale Collin Hendriques Dashawn McPherson Goal scorers - Kingston Simeon Alleyne

Kane double ensures England defeat Tunisia in World Cup opener T

he clock had ticked past the 90-minute mark when the corner came in. Harry Kane was there. He had told us he wanted to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo with a hat-trick of goals. He managed only two but this, undoubtedly, was the biggest moment yet of his international career and suddenly England’s opening game of the World Cup had the happy ending it deserved.

Until that point, it had been threatening to be another case of the same old story and a familiar sense of deja vu. England, after all, had managed only five wins in their opening fixtures of either the World Cup or the European Championship since 1950.

Kane had already scored from one corner but Tunisia’s equaliser came from a penalty that could be described, at best, as generous – or, from England’s perspective, utterly needless – and for a long time it seemed as though Gareth Southgate’s team did not have the wit or creativity

Harry Kane nets the late winner

thereafter to turn their superiority into the hard currency of goals.

But when has it ever been straightforward with this team? Kane was lurking, unmarked, to head in Harry Maguire’s flick-on and, ultimately, nobody could say the result was unjust. What a difference that goal could

make as well when a draw threatened serious ramifications for the rest of Group G. Kane’s late, dramatic winner now means England can qualify for the knockout stages by beating Panama in Nizhy Novgorod on Sunday.

Suddenly the final game against Belgium no longer carries the same threat

and England will leave Volgograd reflecting on a hugely satisfying evening, full of drama and incident.

England were quick to the ball, slick with their passing and attacked with so much adventure there were countless occasions when they outnumbered their opponents at the back.

The pressure on Tunisia was near-unremitting at times and even ignoring, for one moment, Kane’s goal it must have been encouraging for Southgate to see the vibrancy of his team, the number of chances they concocted and the desire of their midfielders to get into the opposition penalty area.

Unfortunately for Southgate, there was also a reminder here of England’s recurring ability to make life more difficult for themselves than necessary. On that front, nothing has changed.

It was difficult at times to keep a running count of the number of chances – not just half-chances, but wonderful openings – England totted up. The problem was the conversion rate and, in the process, there was more evidence that Raheem Sterling, for all the goals he scores and sets up, also has an extraordinary number of opengoal misses in his portfolio.

The one he fluffed here was fairly staggering, somehow letting the ball strike both his feet rather than one, though it would not

have counted in any case because of an offside against Jesse Lingard. During a wild, breathless opening half Lingard had a golden opportunity, at 1-0, to double England’s lead and, later on, prodded another shot against the outside of the post.

John Stones wasted a gilt-edged chance shortly after Tunisia’s penalty, with Dele Alli’s looping back-header being turned against the crossbar moments earlier, and there was also some splendid goalkeeping from Mouez Hassen before he was forced off with a shoulder injury.

Hassen’s reflexes had denied Lingard after only two minutes and Tunisia’s goalkeeper was highly unfortunate for England’s goal bearing in the mind the sprawling save with which he clawed away the initial effort. That came from Stones, with a running header from Ashley Young’s 11th-minute corner. Kane was loitering with intent inside the sixyard area and turned in the rebound. (The Guardian)

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turies and a half-century in his last three one-day matches, also returned to the squad. He had made his Test debut in Christchurch in January 2017.

Nurul Hasan, who had also made his Test debut in the same game, found a place in the squad too. He is the third wicketkeeper behind Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das. However, it was Liton, who had kept wicket in Bangladesh's last Test in Mirpur in February.

Shakib Al Hasan, who had taken a break from the Test series in South Africa and later missed the home Tests against Sri Lanka with injury, was back to lead the side. Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan and Mahmudullah are the other spin-bowling options in the squad.

The Caribbean tour will be Steve Rhodes' first full series as Bangladesh coach. They will play a warm-up match at the end of June before the first Test starts on July 4 in North Sound and the second on July 12 in Kingston. The Tests will be followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is. The last two T20Is will be played in Lauderhill in the USA. Bangladesh squad Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt.), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hassan, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Abu Jayed, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shafiul Islam.

Standbys: Yeasin Arafat, Abu Haider, Naeem Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, M u s t a f i z u r Rahman.

IN: Shakib Al Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Abu Jayed, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shafiul Islam OUT: Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Tanbir Hayder, Abdur Razzak, Sabbir Rahman (ESPNcricinfo)

GSCL Inc/Ink Plus/Crown Mining Supplies and Elegance Jewellery Tournament

Regal Masters extend winning streak

Regal Masters opener Mahesh Chunilall on the go against Albion Masters on Sunday at Everest (Photo

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Abu Jayed takes flight on debut

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Left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, who was recalled to the Test squad after nearly four years for the Sri Lanka series was also dropped for the Caribbean tour, as were seamer Nayeem Hasan and legspinner Tanbir Hayder. Instead, Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam, who have not played Tests since the South Africa tour in 2017, were picked. Rubel had also played against Afghanistan recently while Shafiul finished among the top 10 wicket-takers in the Dhaka Premier League with a tally of 24 from 13 innings. Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who made three 50-plus scores in his last three first-class matches and two cen-

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sports

ith an eye on the fast-approaching New York Independence Softball Cup tournament, Regal Masters whipped Albion Masters by 9 wickets with 50 balls to spare on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

This is the latest development in the Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise and Elegance Jewellery Softball Tournament which has been organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc).

The outfield was wet because of early morning

showers, and this made batting and fielding more challenging, but the teams still served up a good contest.

The Berbicians had first knock, but faced with tough bowling from Regal Masters and attrition from the heavy outfield, they managed to score only 85 for 3 from their 20 overs with the white ball.

Rickey Deonarain, who batted for most of the Albion Masters innings, top scored with a patient 35 (2x4; 1x6), while skipper John Sumair contributed 24 (1x4).

Opposing captain Mahendra Hardyal, architect of the initial break-

through, was economical, conceding only 10 runs from his four overs, while Troy Kippins (1/14) and Parsram “Pacer” Persaud (1/15) were also among the wickets.

Regal openers Mahesh Chunilall and Eon Abel then went to work on the soggy wicket, and put on 60 runs in just over eight overs to take the wind out of the sails of the Albion Masters.

The lone casualty in an otherwise well composed runchase was Abel, who missed a full ball from Sahadeo Kissoon and was bowled after posting 19 (2x4); but by then the writing was on the

wall for the Berbicians.

Chunilall and Fazleen Mohamed then saw the city side to their target of 86 runs, scored in 11.4 overs for the loss of only 1 wicket and with lots of time to spare.

Regal Masters have now extended their winning streak to five games after an opening round upset.

Mohamed hit a six in his cameo of 17, while Chunilall finished on 43 (4x4; 1x6).

Kissoon, who bowled his four overs on the trot, ended with 1/12.

In an invited comment after the game, Hardyal said, “We [Regal Masters] are happy for the little practice, and with the winning momentum in the tournament as we head to New York. The conditions prevented a much better game, but we are still thankful that Albion came down.”

The New York Independence Cup takes place in Queens, New York from June 29 to July 1, and Regal Masters and Regal All-Stars will be looking to recapture the coveted ‘double’ again this year. In their quest for supremacy, the teams have so far received support from the National Sports Commission, Fly Jamaica Airways, Ink Plus, and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

22

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tuesDAY, JUNE 19, 2018

National hockey team suffer defeat in 1st game against Trinidad T

he National Hockey Team was put at a disadvantage over the weekend, as its members arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 4-and-a-half hours late owing to a flight cancellation and several other unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, a damper was put on the usual up-tempo spirits of the National Team when members

were forced to cancel their planned warm-up practice session.

Having to head straight into the first of three games, the Guyanese team sought to make the best of their situation. The team started tentatively and conceded several turnovers in the midfield, which led to penetrating Trinidadian counter-attacks.

An example of such came in the

eighth minute when outstanding Trinidadian midfielder Shaquille Daniel sent a flying reverse shot into the scoring area, only for it to be deflected by Akin Toussaint.

Trinidad got their first breakthrough after the restart of the game, thanks to an unforced error by the Guyanese midfield. Being awarded a penalty corner, the Guyanese goalkeeper maintained

an attentive attitude and managed to block the initial drag flick, but Trinidad’s Michael O’Connor capitalised with a rebound.

By the start of the second quarter, the Guyanese confidence started to grow and they created several goal scoring opportunities of their own, but were never able to get past the Trinidad goalkeeper.

The three-match series comes

Trinidad prepare to take their corner shot with the Guyanese defence in net

as a warm-up for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games which are to be held in Barranquilla, Columbia from July 20 to July 30. Trinidad and Tobago are currently the top ranked team in the tournament, and will have to oppose Cuba, Barbados and Colombia in pool A, while Guyana are in pool B with Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

GMAMAI hosts 4th Hall of Fame Ceremony

T

h e G u y a n a Martial Arts Masters Association International (GMAMAI) held a successful Hall of Fame ceremony at the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant on Main Street, Georgetown on Sunday evening, presenting 45 awards to 40 individuals.

There were 14 Hall of Fame Awards Categories, namely: Outstanding Karate Kid, Outstanding Student, Outstanding Competitor, Outstanding Black Belt, Outstanding Instructor, Fighting Spirit, Warrior’s Spirit, Distinguished Persons, Outstanding Parent, The awardees take a photo op following the fourth GMAMAI Hall of Fame Ceremony

Distinguished Parents, Community Spirit Award (Person(s) that were involved in Community works), Ambassador Award, Special Awards to other sportsmen and women, and the Humanitarian Award.

At the Hall of Fame Ceremony, past, present and further Karatekas were honoured, with a total of nine awards going to the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA). That body carted off six ‘Karate Kid of the Year’ awards, two ‘Outstanding Students of the Year’ awards, and one Outstanding Parent Award.

Grandmaster/Prof. Dr. Khedeo and 5 of his students of the Shuriken Karate School of Suriname received 7 awards. They copped one each of the following awards: Outstanding Student of the Year, Outstanding Competitor of the Year, Outstanding Black Belt of the Year, Fighting Spirit of the Year; and the Ambassador Award, which is claimed by persons who competed and won locally and internationally.

Dr. Khedeo accounted for the other two awards, which were an Outstanding Grandmaster award and a Lifetime Achievement Bronze Award.

The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA), however, walked away with the lion’s share of the awards: 4 Karate Kid of the Year awards, 1 outstanding Student of the Year award, 2 Fighting Spirit of the Year awards, 2 Warrior’s Spirit awards, 1 Outstanding Instructor of the Year, 1 Community Spirit Award, 1 Ambassador Award, 3 Outstanding Parents, 2 Distinguished Persons, and 2 Distinguished Parents awards.

Grandmaster Soke of GIKMAA, Dr. Abdool Nazim Yassim, received a Lifetime Achievement Bronze Award and a Sokeship award, giving GIKMAA a total of 21 awards.

Grandmaster/Prof. /Dr. Christopher Norville, president of GMAMAI, also received 2 awards: a Lifetime

Achievement Bronze Award, and a special Achievement Award for his Outstanding Work and Contribution to the Martial Arts in Guyana.

Grandmaster/Dr. Euasta Cuffy, General Secretary of GMAMAI, received an Outstanding Grandmaster award and a Lifetime Achievement Silver award.

Grandmaster Lloyd Ramnarine of the Guyana MixedD Martial Arts Karate Association, and PRO of GMAMAI, was also among the masters that received awards.

The Humanitarian Award went to Lennox Shuffler, while Special Awards went to Nicolette Fernandes, Kristian Jeffrey and Major General (Retired) Joseph Singh.

The Guyana Martial Arts Masters Association International is very thankful for the support of the following entities and persons: Republic Bank Water St. Branch, Toucan Industries Inc., Hand in Hand Insurance Company, Woodpecker Products, Kevin Jeffrey, Ernesto Chiooa Fat and Suresh Beharry.

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Brathwaite, bad weather hold off Sri Lanka guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, JUNE 19, 2018

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ri Lanka had dismissed the stubborn Shai Hope soon after tea, giving themselves one final chance to surge to victory, but then the rains arrived, followed by bad light.

In the end, West Indies drew the match with five wickets in hand, with 32.3 overs lost to the conditions. Perhaps Sri Lanka will rue the two hours they had spent off the field, protesting the ball-tampering charge on Saturday. Another 25 overs of play could have seen them scythe through the West Indies lower order, as they had in the first innings.

Though the rain clouds sealed the draw, it was Kraigg Brathwaite who had set it all up. He was secure in defense and resolute in attitude right through the day, refusing to be shaken by Sri Lanka's short-ball bursts, declining to be lured into loose drives, and capably defusing the spinners, who even on day five did not gain substantial turn off this pitch. Brathwaite's innings soaked up 172 balls, moving to 58 not out during its course. Hope resisted best in his company. The two of them saw out 35.5 of the 60.3 overs Sri Lanka bowled at them in the day.

Hope's innings was split into two, because he had had to go off after being hit in the

ribs by Lahiru Kumara, but he nevertheless played a vital hand, batting out 115 balls while scoring 39.

Sri Lanka will likely be disappointed that even the overs that were available to them had proved insufficient. By lunch, they had had three wickets, and seemed set to surge quickly to victory, their quicks running hot.

The first West Indies wickets had not taken long to come - Kasun Rajitha seaming a delivery away from left-hander Devon Smith to have him nick one to second slip in the fourth over of the innings, before moving one into Kieran Powell to have him caught at square leg.

Before they had even got to double figures, West Indies were two down. Later in the session, after Hope had been struck and forced to exit the field, Roston Chase had his off stump uprooted

by Suranga Lakmal, who set the batsman up with a succession of away-seamers, before sneaking a straight ball through his defences.

Then came the main Brathwaite-Hope stand.

Although obviously still sore, Hope negotiated a fresh short-ball examination with aplomb, even smacking a Lakmal bouncer for six in front of square.

There were times when he played and missed, and oth-

But before Sri Lanka even began bowling, Shannon Gabriel had imposed himself on the day again, as he has throughout these first two Tests.

He blasted out the last two Sri Lanka wickets, to claim an exceptional match haul of 13 for 121 - the third best in West Indies' storied bowling history. He struck Suranga Lakmal in front of the stumps before Sri Lanka had got off the mark for the day, then bowled Dananjaya twice, in his second over.

The first of those dismissals was wrongly deemed illegitimate, umpire Ian Gould signalling a no-ball, even though a sliver of Gabriel's boot had landed behind the line. (ESPN crininfo)

Delight for the Sri Lankans as Suranga Lakmal dismissed Shai Hope

ers when he miscued shots, but the chances never went to hand. Brathwaite seemed much more in control, getting plenty of bat even to the balls that surprised him either by staying low, or leaping alarmingly. Inconsistent bounce had become a feature of this surface through the day. It was the second session, in which West Indies only lost the wicket of Shane Dowrich to the offspin of Akila Dananjaya, that the hosts really laid the groundwork for this result.

Hope and Brathwaite put on 53 for the fifth wicket.

Fourth ball after tea, Lakmal got a ball to cut in at Hope and had it ricochet off his elbow into the stumps, but although suddenly Sri Lanka were alive again, the weather soon intervened.

First the rains washed out about 78 minutes of play.

Although the teams took the field again, only 2.3 overs were possible before the umpires hauled them off again for bad light. The final delivery was proof that there was still life in this pitch - Jason Holder struck in the box by a ball that jagged in off a length.

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka – 253 & 342 West Indies 1st innings - 300 West Indies 2nd Innings (target: 296 runs) KC Brathwaite not out 59 DS Smith c de Silva b Rajitha 1 KOA Powell c Udawatte b Rajitha 2 SD Hope b Lakmal 39 RL Chase b Lakmal 13 SO Dowrich † c de Silva b Dananjaya 8 JO Holder (c) not out 15 Extras 10 (b 10)

TOTAL 147-5 (60.3 Overs, RR: 2.42) Did not bat: D Bishoo, KAJ Roach, ML Cummins, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-6 (DS Smith, 3.2 ov), 2-8 (KOA Powell, 3.4 ov), 2-25 (SD Hope, 12.2 ov), 3-55 (RL Chase, 22.6 ov), 4-64 (SO Dowrich, 27.2 ov), 5-117 (SD Hope, 54.3 ov) BOWLING: RAS Lakmal (17.33-48-2), CAK Rajitha (13-3-232), CBRLS Kumara (10-3-280), A Dananjaya (19-7-33-1), DM de Silva (1-0-5-0) Result: Match drawn

National Sports Policy to All Seasons crowned take structural approach "Champion of I Champions" n response to calls made last week to have draft of the National Sport Policy speeded up or officially in place soon, Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Sport, Dr. George Norton, has assured that although it may seem like the process is stalled, work is being done on a continuous basis.

“We are always working, we have a time frame and we are up to date,” The minister said in an invited comment.

Norton explained that the process, though

lengthy and tedious, will be beneficial once the policy is completed. He explained that the Ministry is looking to create a policy with a structured process.

“We want to have a structured system, so that we can avoid claims like what were made,” Norton explained as he made reference to claims that the Ministry has not been doing enough for athletes who have medaled overseas.

He noted that the implementation process would

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton

take on an inclusive approach, which would allow the policy to cater precisely to the needs of every sporting entity, sportsman and sportswoman in Guyana.

“I am involving the various stakeholders, which would (mean) the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, the Amateur Athletic Association; and we’re hoping that we can get other sporting bodies,” he disclosed.

The Ministry is so far yet to engage some of the smaller bodies, but Dr. Norton has assured that his team is intent on doing so, even though it would prolong the implementation process even further.

“The policy will be well-thought-out and structured, where all Guyanese sportsmen and women will be compensated adequately and fairly,” Minister Norton assured.

Tournament winners All Seasons Racing Service team members pose with the winning trophy along with the first prize following the conclusion of the ‘Champion of Champions’ Domino Tournament

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ll Seasons Racing Service -- led by top-scorer Sultan Rooplall, who registered the maximum 18 games -- cantered to an easy win in the recently staged ‘Champion of Champions’ domino tournament organised by Senior Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA), Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire.

All Seasons ended the final on 89 games to cart off the first prize of $175,000 and the winning trophy, while New Castello finished second on 67 games, and Medi Care followed

on 61.

The latter two teams took home $75,000 and $35,000 respectively, along with trophies.

The top female player and the Most Valuable Player will receive $5,000 respectively.

Sponsors of this event included Dynasty Sports Club, All Seasons Racing Service, Tony’s Jewellery, CBB&L Import & Export, and Boston Casting Jewellery, among others.

tuesDAY, JUNE 19, 2018

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

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Shannon Gabriel was named Man of the Match

Brathwaite, bad weather hold off Sri Lanka

Kraigg Brathwaite

Pg 23

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