Guyanatime, monday, 2 june 2018

Guyana-born NYPD Officer to be inducted into College Hall of Fame P8 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, June 4, 2018

Issue No. 3584

Report finds local prison system dangerous – prisoners complain of being attacked, robbed behind bars

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Oil and gas sector

Jagdeo P3 says Govt still “selling dreams”

Page 9

Over 200kg ganja found, destroyed in Linden Page 7

Mae’s Schools cultural wear fiasco P11

Matter to take centre stage at NTC

P13 Guyana establishes support group for Venezuelans seeking refuge

“Foreign speaking” gunmen swoop down on Chinese mining camp Page 7

– escape with gold, cash, guns, and ammunition

Piracy massacre

“Bolo” arrested in Suriname for Page deadly attacks 9

2 killed in Corentyne, Soesdyke accidents Pages 10 & 16

East Coast 4-lane upgrade for year-end completion P13

US$15M line of credit

NDIA admits P16 financial info was overlooked by evaluators

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monDAY, june 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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Oil and gas sector

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 4 – 09:00h-10:30h and Tuesday, June 5 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 4 – 07:45h-09:15h and Tuesday, June 5 – 08:20h-09:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thunderstorms are expected to prevail throughout the day, with cloudy skies and thunderstorms in the evening hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 07:51h and 20:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.38 metres and 2.25 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:57h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

saturDAY, june 2, 2018

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Jagdeo says Govt still “selling dreams” B

ased on the recent announcement made by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson with regard to the Natural Gas Project which Government hoped to implement soon, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo posited that the Minister has still not provided enough details about it.

Jagdeo said although Patterson had said that more than 200 Guyanese would be employed during the civil works and construction phase of the Project, his statement left more questions than answers and was just a repetition of the vague promises already made by Government, particularly as it related to oil and gas.

Patterson had said that the use of natural gas for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to generate electricity was deemed feasible and an East Coast Demerara village (to be named later) had been identified for the laying of a pipeline that would transfer the fuel to shore.

The site is 475 acres, while the natural gas and liquid petroleum plant will be approximately 2025 acres. Patterson, who is responsible for the energy sector, said the remaining 450 acres had been dedicated to an industrial park aimed at incentivising the manufacturing sector with inexpensive electricity.

But Jagdeo raised several questions, with regard to Patterson’s comment.

“When will the project come on stream? Where will it come on stream? Which village has been identified?

Which East Coast village has 475 available acres?” he asked, while noting that these questions needed to be answered.

A US$70,000 study is being conducted by consultants Energy Narrative on the options, cost, economics, impact, and key considerations of transporting and utilising offshore natural gas for electricity generation.

However, according to the Opposition Leader, ExxonMobil has also said

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

that there was no feasibility study done on natural gas. He charged that even if there was one, production did not begin until 2020.

“After 2020 when production starts, you then have to lay a pipeline and even if it was feasible, what Patterson is talking about now will not happen until 2022,” Jagdeo stated.

He expressed disappointment with the fact that the Minister made it sound as though the project was something that would happen soon.

Jagdeo made reference also to previous statements made by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman about plans to build an onshore supply base to be erected at Crab Island, in the Berbice River, in 2017, to the tune of US$500 million. Jagdeo has, therefore, questioned Trotman’s silence on the matter.

Trotman had said that construction on the facility, which would serve as a logistics and supply base to offshore production, should get underway during the course of 2017. The facility was expected to create some 600 jobs, which could bring employment opportunities for Berbicians.

In December 2017, Patterson also came under fire for saying that the Guyana Government has identified two sites in

Regions Four and Six for the construction of a new power generation facility, utilising natural gas to be had from offshore oil production activities. Jagdeo said Patterson’s recent comment was “… another gaffe. Just like (Raphael) Trotman and Crab Island facility”.

The former President has long argued that Government has been “selling dreams” to Guyanese citizens and has attempted to paint false images of the benefits from oil in people’s minds. Jagdeo has already issued a stern warning to Guyanese, urging them not

to fall prey to the “wild and fake promises” being made by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government, especially as it related to the nascent oil and gas sector.

“I suspect the reason why they are doing this, talking about this, is because they have one thing to sell remaining in Guyana.

Their hope of a better future with oil money because that is what they are telling their supporters. So, magically in 2020, our lives would be transformed and we will all be wealthy,” he said.

Jagdeo said although Government was trying to oversell the benefits of oil, he maintained that the reality of the numbers did not support such a conclusion that things would be extremely easy.

The Opposition has already made clear its position that it did not believe that Guyana was properly represented by the current Government to get the best possible deal for its newly-discovered resource.

Research conducted by the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), a group of financial analysts, accountants and economists, revealed that Guyana has sold its oil at US$29 billion below market value.

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monDAY, june 4, 2018

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

Multiculturalism and Politics

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he PNC-led Government insists that “multiculturalism” is the order of the day; but, upon closer examination, its pronouncements go little farther than glibly announcing that “we’ve arrived from various parts of the globe, bringing our ‘cultures’ with us”.

Its “multicultural policies” go little farther than encouraging us to “express our culture” at various stipulated times of the year. This expression is typically confined to food, music and clothes. Is this what multiculturalism is really all about?

Essentially, the notion of multiculturalism includes three premises. Firstly, that we are each born into a culture. Unlike the other animals, human babies do not revert to instincts for their survival; they have to be taught. What they are taught is their “culture”. While all humans have some physiological needs, such as hunger, sex etc that must be fulfilled, how they are satisfied is culturally determined. The Portuguese may see roast pork as a very good meal, but many Indians will remain hungry if pork is their only choice. All in all, we receive our orientation towards life from the culture into which we are born.

Now, this does not mean that we are so structurally bound that we can’t change our practices. Culture isn’t instinct.

And this brings us to the second point about multiculturalism: the world-views into which we were born may differ from each other, and in some ways these differences may be significant. For instance, we agree with the Government that the political system should deliver the “good life” to us, but do we all agree on what the good life is? If we answer this question honestly, we will find out that this question is the source of much of the disagreements we have in Guyana, political and otherwise.

Some feel this is the problem with multiculturalism; it creates all sorts of divisions. But it is not multiculturalism that creates the divisions – they were already there.

Multiculturalism, as a point of fact, offers a perspective on how we should handle a reality that has often been a source of conflict. Namely, that we must accept that our idea of the good life is only that – our idea of the good life. And we ought not to assume that what is the “good” for us is the good for everyone else. None of us has a monopoly on “the Truth” about life. Multiculturalism offers us the view that maybe our lives would be enriched if we were to examine the world-views of others in a nonjudgmental fashion.

As humans, we confront the problems of social life in different times, places and circumstances; and our responses, embodied in our various cultures, offer us all a repertoire of options to deal with those problems. As such, multiculturalism suggests that cultural diversity is an asset to the human condition.

The third point about multiculturalism is that it does not hold that any one culture is undifferentiated and monolithic. It starts from our own experience within our own cultural group: there exists at all times a range of expressions and positions on any given issue. We may struggle and dispute with other members of our group as to who is “right” or who is “straying,” but we recognize our commonality.

Multiculturalism, then, accepts pluralism within our cultures; and, in what may be its most important contribution to the modern world, forces us to accept that we should, by extension, accept plurality in our wider national community, and by extension the world.

This does not mean that “everything goes” and that “everyone is right”, but it suggests that, at a minimum, we cannot take dogmatic positions on what ought to be the “correct” response to a particular exigency based only from our own point of view.

Multiculturalism insists that we have to assume that the other person may be right, and that we examine the views of the other seriously and with respect. It suggests that we have to engage in a continuous dialogue with each another to work our way out of our conflicts.

The Guyana Marine Conservation Society’s monument in the vicinity of Umana Yana was given a face- lift on Sunday (Carl

Croker photo)

PNC-led coalition is in for another court battle for missing diamonds T

here is another matter headed for the courts; whether or not it would be another out-of-court settlement or court-ordered payout, in any event, millions of dollars are in the making for this miner, Khan, who is making it seem as though this PNC Government is never out of controversy and expensive payouts.

Government seems to be embroiled in one scandal after another, with millions of taxpayers’ dollars being spent to bail it out of shame.

The whereabouts of Mr Khan’s diamonds is another cold case that has been revived by the miner himself, after his diamonds were not returned to him. The seized diamonds were in Police custody ever since they were recovered by the lawmen, after a purported robbery by thieves at Khan’s mining camp.

The recovered items, according to a Police statement, were certified as authentic stones, and were left in the safe hands of the Force, or so it seemed. Now it is years later, and the rightful owner has not received his goods, worth approximately $53 million.

Where are the diamonds? How did the diamonds slip out of the “safe hands” of the Police? These are searching questions for which this administration cannot provide answers. Mr Khan wants his

property returned to him, or to be paid the cash value of the property.

Now, rightfully, this matter started during the PPP/C’s time in office, which gave the administration a lead with which to go, so look at the way the Granger administration has responded. Government’s officials would have calculated that McDonald worked as Police Commissioner during that period, so he must be A PPP member, so let’s pin the blame on him.

This commissioner, who is most hated by the PNC, then became the sole subject of Government’s investigation. Well, the maligned McDonald responded promptly and concisely, stating that he knows nothing of the gems; he had never seen, or had any dealings with, the diamonds.

This stunner had the regime reeling, because they thought they had their man after all these years, but in reality they had run into a dead end. You see, theirs is the mistaken belief that Mr Floyd McDonald is a PPP/C member, therefore he is someone to “witch hunt” and to prosecute.

This was just another PNC tactic used to turn people’s attention away from the truth, while shielding their criminal friends. Why didn’t they investigate their retired officer friends in the

USA, who most likely are living the “good life” with the criminal proceeds of Khan’s diamonds?

Those retired officers who were integral to the case, and provided so much details into the matter, why weren’t they brought back to face criminal charges? But like I said earlier, this is the way things are done in Guyana; The PNC would rather defend their thieves and con artists to the max, while the innocent taxpayer is funding that criminal enterprise.

In a similar manner, they chose the Lindo Creek Massacre for investigation, hoping again to cover up another criminal act of one of their own, Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins.

That special CoI was meant to uphold a rumour that the Joint Services, under orders from former President Jagdeo, deliberately killed the miners.

This smoking gun of an inquiry turned out the total opposite to what they expected, because all evidence points to Fineman and his murderous gang conducting the assault.

It is also public knowledge that Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins was a hired assassin with sly and slippery political giants as his mentors. The PNC are desperately trying to erase that image from people’s minds.

To lay claim to my theory, who gave Fineman

all pertinent information about the whereabouts of the Joint Services’ forces?

Who provided him with camouflage military clothing, arms and ammunition? Who did?! These are known facts that cannot be disputed, but instead of doing a thorough investigation into those areas, they are wracking their nerves seeking every secret cover-up they can find.

The same could be said of the death of Courtney Crum-Ewing.

Who are the persons responsible for that ghastly act? Could the PNC, who openly accused Mr Nandlall of plotting his demise, provide the evidence to support that claim?

Why can’t they furnish us with the information as to who did it? The majority of us know the answers to those questions, but we are waiting on those, the accusers, to come forward with their evidence.

Finally, The PNC-led Coalition are desperately trying to create a clean, decent political party image to the public, one that people can trust and put their faith in. However, with these daily revelations of dark, ghoulish and horrific acts, that “good name” of the party is being called into question. Nothing pertaining to a good image is surfacing.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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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

Arrogance that pervades Mae’s teacher adds salt to wound political administrative power (Pt 2) Dear Editor, It is crass nonsense to link the expressing of my opinion in the media on matters such as my rejection of the Production Sharing Agreement between Esso et al & the Government of Guyana; the overt support of this administration for an unconscionable contract and the covert and discretionary silence of the Opposition and the Private Sector at it relates to seeking remedies against Esso & its minority partners; my view that the forensic audits have, to a significant degree, been used as a tool of persecution, and my pronouncements that the destruction of the sugar industry is based on partisan politics and racism akin to the invasion of Red House; and the denial and subsequent neophytic excitement and spitefulness that the now expired Gaming Authority leadership displayed during their term in office, in their palavering and prating over the second application for a Casino licence by SleepIn International Hotel and Casino. Hopefully, better sense prevails from the New Board.

Also, allow me a little more of your high value space to reference my public pronouncements in the media re: 1) That President Granger had the authority vested in him by the inherent weaknesses in the Constitution to appoint a Chairman of GEOCOM, once he rejected the first list by finding any individual on the list unfit or improper, or both. 2) My support of Minister Harmon when I felt the President acted without temperance to axe Mr. Tiwari as Business Advisor to Minister Harmon. 3) Personal funding though

the Guyana Basketball Federation to resurface Burnham Court at a cost of more than $10 million, and arranging the best image we have in Guyana of our first Executive President on a 25X10-foot billboard in all his charismatic splendour.

Many Guyanese have been going to Parade Ground/ Burnham Court to take photos under his image and such like. 4) My writings on the AFC overreach for power within the coalition was also written about in the media. Look no further than their efforts to undermine Minister Harmon -- a spectacular failure, as is even more evident now. 5) The obsequious behaviour of the WPA, though not as extreme now, still exists to this day.

Guyana is the richest nation in the world per capita in terms of natural resources. We have 83,000 square miles to develop, yet we squander our time on the rights and wrongs of using a few acres of formerly pasture land in Pradoville, or building a magnificent hotel in Kingston on then unused land. The Marriott now stands as a flagship hotel in Guyana, and I have not seen a better Marriott in Suriname, Barbados, Jamaica or Trinidad. That our Marriott is often used by investors and potential investors in Guyana is an understatement.

The Corporate Community has been supportive of sports in Guyana, but the culture and systems are not in place for organized funding. The level of funding required for sports in schools, clubs and at the national level is just not sufficient from the corporate community, even while we acknowledge that some

in the business community are supportive. Most of the funding must come from Government, and budgetary provisions for such funding have to be increased tenfold at a minimum, to avoid this malaise from continually degrading our youth and sport.

We have a Lotto Fund that is used in a most mysterious, curious, and arbitrary fashion. Though money in the Lotto Fund is supposed to be used for community development and sports, this is the exception, rather than the norm. The hundreds of millions that pass through the Guyana Lotto Fund can well allow for significant allocations to our lead sports federations and associations, as is done in Barbados and other countries.

I recall -- as if it happened yesterday -- when we were informed by our National Coach, Mr. Hewley Henry, at St. Stanislaus Basketball Court, that President Forbes Burnham had died; the date was August 6, 1985. The coach asked that we stop the training session and have a minute’s silence in a show of respect on the passing of our President. Hewley Henry was a staunch WPA supporter at the time, but his show of cohesion and solidarity, which involved all the players in the silent prayer, still motivates.

“The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.” Marcus Aurelius.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

Dear Editor, Please allow me a space in your newspaper to vent my anger at a Mae’s Secondary School teacher who teaches Social Studies and Business Education.

This teacher decided to argue in favour of his place of employment via social media on May 28th.

The incident involved a nine-year-old pupil at the institution being prevented from attending class in full traditional Amerindian wear during a Culture Day. The teacher clearly has limited knowledge of the clothing of our indigenous

people. Thus, absolute ignorance! I am deeply sadden by a statement made by the teacher, “…the grass skirt is the female Amerindian wear. Further I say not.

Y’all come foh meh now.

Cause I find it very stupid that adults thought that the child in the grass skirt would have enjoyed his day at school.” His piece of argument added more salt to the wound.

Indigenous people place a great amount of importance on body decorations.

Men and women would wear different decorations, including headgear, necklac-

es, bracelets and armbands all made from things found naturally. Most body decorations are worn during special occasions and ceremonies.

It is very fitting that this teacher be disciplined at the earliest. The Amerindian presence in national culture and society is considerable, with a significant impact on national identity, in social existence, and the broad areas of culture. Amerindians must be respected.

Sincerely, Michael Isaac

Substandard works by Ministry of Public Infrastructure in Berbice Dear Editor, The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) is presently executing road works in Berbice at a cost that is unknown to the public. The works being executed are of a very poor standard, especially on the East Bank Berbice and New Amsterdam roads.

What is shocking is that Strand (Water Street) in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, completed a few weeks ago, is rapidly deteriorating. This definitely shows that the standard of work being done by the MPI Works Services Group is substandard.

The coalition Government and Minister Patterson should ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent properly. Because of the huge amount of corruption within this group and the

MPI, taxpayers will not get value for money.

The sad thing about this APNU/AFC Coalition Government is that whenever any issue is being highlighted, they use the Department of Public Information, the NCN and other agencies to try and cover up the issues; for ex-

ample, the Ophthalmology Hospitals’ issue.

The President should launch an investigation into this specific Minister and Ministry, to unfold the corruption.

Sincerely, Zamal Hussain

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Foundation

The necessity of boundaries …there are limits to teachers’ time and energy. Recognising that is important to best meet the needs of both teachers and students

By Johanna Rauhala

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eachers need balance. You need to set professional limits that will support long-term engagement with your students and with teaching.

This is about protecting your energy and attention in order to maximise their effects. It’s about what you can and cannot control. It’s about when to hold on and when to let go.

It feels like heresy to say it, but it’s true: Sometimes, no matter what we say or do, no matter how many meetings or phone calls or emails we have about a student, no matter how much time and energy we put into adapting and consideration, things don’t improve. They may even get worse.

At some point, in order to protect the classroom and our own professional stamina, we must regroup and set limits.

What might this look like?

Let’s consider a fictional middle school student named Jake. Jake is in eighth grade. He’s absent once or twice a week.

Since the first week of school, it’s been apparent that Jake isn’t doing any work.

He’s not disruptive and he’s generally compliant – he just won’t try. He barely puts his name on his documents, and the grade book is a list of zeros.

The teacher has tried talking with Jake, calling home, changing seats, adapting the assignments and due dates, offering makeup work, asking colleagues, reporting to administrators, setting up a student success team meeting, and community building. Calling home has produced no results. The parents are unresponsive, do not attend meetings, and do not reply. The other interventions? No change.

At this point we often urge the teacher to do more, try more. It is also at this point that the teacher often shifts to self-blame,

taking on worry and guilt.

The constant refrain to do more, try more often comes from the best of intentions. These calls to pull more out of us, to stretch our capacity, are often worthwhile and necessary. If we’re not careful, though, they can also do harm.

They can perpetuate the teacher-as-lonehero myth that, in my experience as a peer coach, can lead to burnout and despair.

So what about Jake?

We can sustain the kindness and connection that we show him. Even if he’s reluctant, reach out anyway. Find ways to connect. He may respond, or he might not. But our intent and ongoing care provide a foundation for him to learn to trust in something outside of whatever is pulling him away.

Continue to plan organised and engaging lessons. Talk to him. Check in, and even with no parent input, make a positive phone call home. Small gestures matter. Stay the course. For traumatised students, the simple reliability of a structured classroom, combined with a teacher’s kind presence, can be enough to make a difference. We never know.

These actions need not be extra or arduous work. They are, to the fullest professional extent, humane and compassionate responses to suffering. They do not require a whizbang technology lesson with fireworks

4 ways to help student writers improve

and video; they don’t mandate another meeting. They require only kindness and a consistent effort to meet students’ needs.

Mindful limits Poverty and social conditions play a role in the inequities of schools, but they cannot be an excuse for a lack of effort.

They cannot be an excuse to throw up our hands and retreat. Yet it’s also true that teachers who work in high-needs schools interact in greater measure with absenteeism, depression, homelessness, poverty, anger, and trauma.

Because of this, it becomes imperative to be able to ask for help, to recognise professional limits, and to know when to say “enough”.

Resisting overextending ourselves is a form of engagement. And it’s a form that, used judiciously, can support longterm engagement with teaching and with students.

The truth is, there are limits to our time and energy. Burning teachers out with calls to do more, try more – especially when a teacher shortage looms, especially when student needs overwhelm – does not best serve our neediest students. And sometimes requiring more of teachers masks a systemic or policy failing, which the individual teacher can’t fix.

In setting mindful limits, we address equity for all. We’re not giving up: We are, with compassion for ourselves and our students, attending to practices that will best serve the learning of the largest number of students. No long-distance runner can sustain the pace with too many sprints or too much weight. Balance, kindness, and setting boundaries can act as forces that allow our best work, and our best, most compassionate teaching selves to arrive. (edutopia.org)

…guiding students to grow as writers is a long process, and it’s not easy.

These strategies can help

By Beth Pandolpho

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s teachers, we often bemoan the fact that “students can’t write anymore” and blame it on everything from texting and social media to the lack of grammar instruction and absence of vocabulary books. The truth is probably closer to the sentiment of David Labaree: “Learning to write is extraordinarily difficult, and teaching people how to write is just as hard.”

Teaching writing is a process –over time and with the right guidance and support our students can grow into better writers.

We may feel frustrated that their final pieces aren’t polished to perfection, but if we look closely, within those imperfect final drafts are flickers of insight and bits of mastery.

We need to celebrate these small victories, and be patient as our students gradually master the myriad of skills involved in becoming a writer.

Strategies for supporting student writers Emphasise reading: Frank Smith writes in Reading Without Nonsense, “You learn to read by reading and you learn to write by reading.” I tell my students that something magical happens when we read – the words and sentences enter our consciousness, float around, and drift out through our pen or keyboard in our own narrative voice.

When students immerse themselves in John Green, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, or JK Rowling, those writers’ language and its wisdom seeps into their thinking and pours out into their writing.

Give them permission to take risks: Donald Murray has argued, “Many teachers complain that their students can’t write sentences. I complain that many of my students write sentences.

Too early. Following form, forgetting meaning.... Sentences that are like prison sentences.”

In order to free my students from the constraints of correctness, I give them permission to break some of the rules that have been drilled into them since elementary school. As we read, we notice how the stylistic choices that defy convention are often the phrases we love the most. We then make bold attempts to experiment with these techniques in our own writing. We begin sentences with conjunctions, take liberties with rhetorical questions, repetition, and figurative language... even sprinkle ellipses with reckless abandon.

One of my students crafted a beautiful passage that was inspired by both Great Expectations and Sherman Alexie’s “Superman and Me.” She loved Alexie’s short, emphatic sentences: “I was smart. I was arrogant. I was lucky,” and how Dickens wove his title throughout the novel: “So imperfect was the realisation of my great expectations....” In a letter to the late author Paul Kalanithi about his memoir When Breath Becomes Air, composed for the Library of Congress’s Letters About Literature contest, she wrote, “You were determined. You were fierce. And you were unstoppable. You fought until your final breath... until your breath became air.”

Make them care: I want my students to understand that their ideas can bring about change, so I work to give them choices to write about topics they feel passionate about. They ask probing questions and devote the time necessary to develop a compelling argument, meticulously craft sentences, and carefully choose their words.

And they need to know their words will be heard by an authentic audience, which is sometimes an audience of their peers reached through shared folders on Google Drive and Padlet, and at other times a wider audience reached through writing contests and publishing opportunities.

Feedback, feedback, and more feedback: It would be easy to circle errors in red pen, write a few comments, and return papers with a letter grade, but most teachers don’t do that—the amount of time we spend on grading student writing is staggering. And much of this feedback is not improving their writing.

So in the early stages of the writing process, I dedicate time to conference with each student to offer them personalised feedback they can immediately use. Throughout the writing process, students self-assess based on the assignment rubric as I jump in and out of Google Docs to offer additional targeted feedback.

As they get closer to a final product, I offer peer editors specific “look fors” and guidelines to further polish and refine their writing.

All of this feedback results in final drafts that are much stronger and grades that are higher. But more importantly, students feel supported and encouraged as they’re learning to write. (edutopia.org)

news

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mondAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Foreign speaking” Over 200kg ganja found, gunmen swoop destroyed in Linden down on Chinese mining camp

by members of the Police Narcotics Branch during raids on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway and along the Berbice River, as well as in the riverine areas of the Canje River.

A few days ago, Imtiaz “Sancho” Shaheed admitted to cultivating the illegal plant at Ituni Road, Upper Demerara, Region 10, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

It was reported that Police ranks during the raid discovered a three-acre cannabis farm, two tents, and a

– escape with gold, cash, guns and ammunition

Ganja camp

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our armed men on Wednesday last carried out a brazen daylight robbery on China High Tech Mining Company at Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The incident occurred between 12:45h and 17:00h.

The men, who were all masked and reportedly spoke Portuguese, broken English and Spanish, carted off 50 ounces of raw gold estimated at $13 million, US$500 and two GPS systems belonging to the owner of the mining company.

In addition, they also took with them one 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun with six matching rounds and one AR rifle along with eight matching rounds, property of Marks Interior Communication.

Based on reports received, Marks Interior Communication is contracted by the Chinese company to provide armed security during a dredge wash-down.

However, about 12:00h on the day in question, the General Manager and a crew were escorted to the company’s office to oversee the production by Stephen Hall, an unarmed security officer. Another guard,

Jason Critchlow, who was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, had left the crew and gone to the kitchen to have something to eat.

However, on his way back, the four masked armed men emerged from the nearby bushes and held him at gunpoint. Critchlow was ordered to drop his firearm and he complied.

After taking possession of the firearm, two men remained on the road while the other two invaded the office and opened fire. Several workers, including Hall, attempted to escape, but several rounds were discharged in their direction thus stopping them from doing so.

During the gunfire, Hall, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was shot to his left middle finger.

Subsequently, the crew was gathered and one of them was ordered to burn the amalgam gold while the gunmen stood guard.

After collecting the recovered gold, the men ransacked the office where they found a rifle that was stored in a strongbox. The gunmen then made good their escape.

Police were summoned to the scene, where they discovered five 12-gauge and

one .223 spent shells. The injured Hall was air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by an Air Services Limited helicopter.

The Police are yet to make an arrest.

Earlier in the month, four armed men executed a robbery on a mining camp at Baboon Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, escaping with a quantity of raw gold and other valuables, including a licensed shotgun.

It was reported that the bandits were armed with rifles and shotguns and were clad in dark-coloured clothing. The men also spoke a foreign language.

Initial investigations revealed that about 28 workers attached to Mohamed’s Enterprise were in the mining camp when the men held the camp hostage.

The miners were ordered to hand over all the raw gold that was kept in the camp and personal items, including the shotgun.

After committing the robbery, the gunmen left.

No one was injured during the ordeal. A team comprising members of the Joint Services had been sent to investigate the robbery, but, to date, no arrests have been made.

s the Police continue their gangaeradication exercise across the length and breadth of Guyana, ranks in “E” Division (Linden/ Kwakwani) on Saturday discovered, at West Watooka Wismar Linden, a field with over 3000 cannabis plants.

The eradication exercise started at about 16:00h as a party of policemen discovered a two-acre marijuana farm with about 2,000 cannabis plants ranging in height from one foot to five feet.

The farm also had a nursery with about 1,500 plants, and two makeshift camps with farming tools, clothing, kitchen utensils, 3 hammocks, and groceries along with a quantity of dried cannabis estimated to be about 60 kilograms.

The entire farm was destroyed by the lawmen, along with the dried cannabis and the utensil found.

The total cannabis destroyed at this farm has been estimated at 200 kilograms. However, just a short distance away, anoth-

Unearthed ganja at the camp

er half-acre farm was discovered and destroyed.

That half-acre farm had about 100 cannabis plants ranging in height from one foot to five feet. Also, there were utensils and groceries.

The camps were destroyed by fire.

No arrests were made in connection with the two busts. However, the ranks are continuing with their investigations.

In the past, several hundred kilograms of marijuana were found and destroyed

quantity of dried cannabis along with a quantity of groceries.

Back in March, Police ranks conducted a similar exercise at Ebini, Rio Berbice, where six fields with an estimated 600,000 cannabis plants measuring four inches to five feet high were unearthed and destroyed.

During that raid, it was estimated that over 200kg of dried cannabis were also discovered and destroyed.

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monDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-born NYPD Officer to be inducted into College Hall of Fame

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Guyanese woman who migrated to the USA at the age of 16, and joined the NYPD six years after moving to America, has been entered into the Hall of Fame at her former college.

The woman, Rhonda O’Reilly-Bovell, a married mother of two daughters, has been inducted into the Hunter College Alumni Hall of Fame on May 4, 2018.

O’Reilly-Bovell is currently the commanding officer of the 7th Precinct on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and is also president of the Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association (GALEA).

She now holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Hunter College, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Marist College.

This petite young woman served as a Police Officer in the 100 Precinct before quickly being promoted to sergeant in 2002, and then Lieutenant in 2010 in the 63rd Precinct. She has been

Let’s be…

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O’Reilly-Bovell (third from left) stands next to Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly, and other members of GALEA at a recent Police Headquarters event

described as a hard working immigrant, who climbed the ladder four years ago to become Captain in the 30th Precinct.

Her work ethic propelled her to the rank of Deputy Inspector last year, and she is now one of the top-ranking officers in the NYPD. O’Reilly-Bovell says

she wants youths to know about the programmes the NYPD offers to obtain an education. She is a fitting example of these grants, received when she joined the Cadet Corps while attending Hunter College.

“I chose a career in law enforcement because I wanted to help others. My inspi-

ration comes from my entire family, who supports me 100 percent. My nephew is also a member of the NYPD,” said O’Reilly-Bovell.

She attended East Ruimveldt Secondary School before graduating from the prestigious St. Rose’s High School in Guyana.

Vagrant jailed on break- Wismar and-enter/larceny charge man

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unior Luther, a vagrant of no fixed place of abode, was on Friday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly on a charge of break-and-enter and larceny.

It is alleged that on May 31, 2018, at Pike Street, Kitty, he broke and entered the dwelling place of Suzette Grant, and stole therefrom: one bicycle valued at $8,000,

two computer speakers valued at $12,000, nine pairs of footwear valued at $200,000, and other articles valued at $30,000.

The court heard that the complainant had secured her dwelling place on the day in question, and had gone to work. At 14:00h, she received a telephone call from her neighbour, informing her that the accused had broken into her home.

The neighbour had also alerted the Police, and their quick response resulted in the accused being apprehended as he was leaving with a black garbage bag containing the stolen articles. Hence he was arraigned with the offence.

Luther pleaded guilty to the charge, thus Magistrate Daly sentenced him to one year’s imprisonment.

remanded on breakandenter-andlarceny charge

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ermine King, also known as “Kingman,” of 26 First Alley, Wismar, Linden, was on Friday arraigned before Linden Magistrate Clive Nurse on a break-and-enter and larceny charge detailing that on May 25, at West Watooka Hill Top, Wismar, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Sulika King and stole therefrom $30,000 cash.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that upon King’s arrest, he handed over $4,430 to the Police -- an amount which he allegedly told the Police was what remained from the stolen cash.

King pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Asked if he was ever charged, King disclosed a list of charges he had previously faced, some of which had resulted in jail time.

Magistrate Nurse has remanded King to prison, and ordered that a probation report on the accused be submitted on his next court date, which is set for June 5.

…who we are

our Eyewitness is pleased as punch that Guyana’s first Gay Pride Parade came off without any confrontation between the LGBT marchers and the Neanderthal Tribe that evidently still survives in Guyana!! Islam takes about the hardest line based on some of the same passages that are cited by the Neanderthals, yet Pakistan, as staunch a Muslim country as could be and created as the land of the “pure” – along with India and Bangladesh, created a “third” gender category to accommodate folks who just don’t fit in with the binary categories!!

What does it say about us?? It sez that there’s a whole lotta hate emanating from the Neanderthal Tribe and it’s swirling out there. It’s the hate of those who don’t conform to THEIR way of seeing the world.

And it’s not just seeing – what they see they JUDGE! That way of seeing arises out of a mindset that tells them that there is only ONE way…and that is THEIR way. And this is the mindset that has spawned the Totalitarian horrors of the 20th century.

Did you think, Dear Reader, that it was a coincidence that the Nazi and the Communists, who were sworn enemies of each other – and killed 20 million to prove it! – both condemned homosexuality and killed them off gratuitously?? Why is this so??

Well, when you think about it…gays transgress the totalitarian insistence on cookie-uniformity in every which way, don’t they?? That’s why some folks didn’t get the irony of the Village People in their leatherbound Nazi look when they created and belted out what became the Gay anthem, “The YMCA”!!

It’s a variant of the refusal to accept differences which created the mindset that humiliated that poor Amerindian kid who dared to show up in his native grass skirt. Imagine the pandemonium that would’ve ensued if he’d gone REAL native and not worn underpants!! Your Eyewitness has a simple take on the LGBT phenomenon: It ought NEVER to’ve been a PHENOMENON. It was always there…in all human societies, and that makes it NATURAL. More natural than this Neanderthal tribe that was spawned at one point in time when Victorian morality ruled the day and was imposed on the rest of us at the point of a sword – with the help of their law. Just look at the period when all those laws against sodomy – which now form a coda for the Neanderthals – were placed on the books. The irony, of course, is that before and after the Victorian era, there were Royals who could swish with the best of them.

As for us in Guyana, let’s get real. Gays aren’t corrupting us…we’ve done pretty well on that front without them, haven’t we?

…wary about GECOM and its processes

So much attention has been paid daily to “out” fires created by the Administration in every area of national life – firing thousands of workers; challenging Judicial authority; corruption in contracts and projects, etc, etc, – that your Eyewitness wonders if it’s all a grand scam to take attention away from GECOM’s structure and its modus operandi. Therein lies the big prize!!

Let’s start with the Head of GECOM. Why would Granger buck a tradition that’s been working till now – questionably using a technicality – to put his geriatric fella who might or might NOT have been the Chief Justice in Grenada! – in the position. For the same reason Burnham had placed Chief Justice Bollers in the position in the heyday of rigging!!

Then there’s the outmoded method of tabulating the count in our “far flung” polling stations. Why’d you think the Carter Centre’s recommendation for a more modern method hasn’t been introduced?? Ha!!

Your Eyewitness won’t even mention the exCOP who’s now in charge of the Birth registration process!! Rig, baby! Rig!!

…real about debt and GuySuCo

So just because NICIL issued bonds to ‘recapitalise” GuySuCo, this means the Corporation might survive?

Not if the same lot spends the money!!

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

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monDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Report finds local prison system dangerous – prisoners complain of being attacked, robbed behind bars

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f recent, pictures and videos of prisoners drinking high-priced liquor have dominated social media. But other prisoners have reported that the local prison environment is actually a dangerous one.

Their complaints have been documented in a recent report.

According to the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) prison survey, completed and handed over recently, prison was overwhelmingly perceived as an unsafe environment by the inmates, who complained of being subjected to theft and violence behind prison walls.

“Prison was perceived as

an unsafe place by the inmates,” the report states.

“Nine out of ten inmates reported feeling less safe in prison than at their home or the place where they had lived before. Six out of ten inmates said that someone has stolen their personal belongings in the prison.

A quarter of the prisoners said that, in the previous six months, they had been attacked or beaten.”

Similarly, the survey found that eight out of ten inmates reported witnessing another inmate being beaten. Additionally, results showed that inmates’ participation in different kinds of activities in prison was very low.

According to the report, robbery and other crimes are committed even behind bars

“Only 21.9 per cent of the inmates participated in entertainment activities, and 28.2 per cent participated in educational activities. To a greater degree,

Piracy massacre

“Bolo” arrested in Suriname for deadly attacks

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ays after 39-yearold Nakool Manohar, called “Fyah”, was arraigned for the murder of Tilacknauth Mohabir, called “Caiman,” who was brutally killed during the deadly piracy attacks in Surinamese waters, another Guyanese was reportedly arrested for the heinous crime.

Based on information received, the suspect, “Bolo,” a popular fisherman on the Corentyne, was arrested by Surinamese lawmen over the weekend.

Surinamese officials are tight-lipped about the arrest, by well-placed sources confirm that one man was arrested and is being questioned in connection with the deadly attacks that have left several dead.

Two weeks ago, “Killerman”, who was fingered in the murder of Guyanese businessman Somnath Monohar, was arrested after an informant provided information to the Police, and he remains in custody as investigations continue into the incidents.

Based on reports received, the informant, an enemy to “Killerman”, was shot to his chest during an attempted execution by the suspect, who drove off the scene with another man in his vehicle.

Murder suspect, "Crackhead"

Nakool Manohar

Prior to Killerman’s arrest, it was reported that the late Somnath Monohar’s family had travelled to Suriname and had offered US$50,000 as revenge money for his murder. Monohar was killed on March 30 while he and a colleague were standing in front of a relative’s home.

However, prior to his arrest, Premcharan Ravikan, a Surinamese Police Auxiliary Agent, was found dead hours after he had allegedly been kidnapped by Guyanese. He was reportedly stabbed five times and shot once. His throat was also slit, and a single bullet wound was evident on his abdomen. It was later reported that he had been con-

nected to the shooting death of Somnath Monohar. He reportedly had provided the weapon that was used to execute the businessman.

To date, “Crackhead” has confessed to killing five of the Guyanese fishermen and disposing of their bodies by throwing them overboard.

Upon his arrest, he reportedly told Police that he was following orders, which were to attack the boat and “get rid” of the occupants.

Five of the men survived the attacks, which occurred between April 26 and May 2. Four bodies were recovered but 11 persons are still missing. Meanwhile, several persons remain in custody for the murderous incidents.

48.7 per cent participated in sports activities, half of the inmates, 52.3 per cent, participated in the cleaning or maintenance of the prison, and just 47.9 per cent performed some kind of work inside the prison”, the report detailed.

Positive indicators

But while prison was reported to be physically violent, the report did find some positives within the prison system regarding sexual violence. For instance, the inmates themselves affirmed that there are no major violations to their sexual rights behind bars… a prevalent perception surrounding prisons.

Nine out of ten inmates said that, since being arrested, they had not witnessed another inmate being forced

to have sexual intercourse with another person,” the report stated. “Almost all prisoners said they had not been forced to have sexual intercourse against their will since they were arrested.”

Besides their right not to be raped, the report also found that the majority of prisoners are afforded the chance to maintain their personal hygiene, and have access to hygienic facilities such as toilets.

According to the report, 75.1 per cent of prisoners said they had the opportunity to have a shower between eight and fourteen times per week. In a similar vein, the majority of inmates, 71.4 per cent, believed that the toilets they used were “clean” or “very clean”.

“Along these lines, seven out of ten inmates, 71.3 per cent, said they had enough water to drink, although half of the respondents, 50.8 per cent, rated the water they received as “poor” or “very poor”.

A renewed focus on Guyana’s prison system was brought to bear after pictures and a video of partying prisoners had recently come to light. The video had showed some of the same prisoners featured in photos shared on social media not only drinking alcoholic bev-

erages, but smoking marijuana and counting a significant amount of cash.

In one clip, which has since gone viral on social media, a prisoner was filmed counting at least 12 single $5000 bills as he placed them on a plate that was filled with what appeared to be cannabis and other prohibited substances.

Another clip showed the prisoners boasting about the “sweet life” they are enjoying, despite many of these very men awaiting trial for grave breaches of the law, including rape, murder, robbery under arms, simply larceny and gun-related offences.

While this in itself is disturbing, there are those who see the lack of control in the prisons in the context of the 2016 fire that resulted in the deaths of over a dozen prisoners… as well as last year’s jail break and fire that gutted most of the Camp Street prison… and they have called for heads to roll.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has since committed to ensuring technology such as scanners are introduced in the prisons.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, had noted that while collusion is likely, the prisons are presently rooting out corrupt officers.

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monDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Legal action hovers over consulting firm’s land at Providence Drunken driver kills

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has sounded a warning to Laad Consulting Inc., a company with a Canadian address, in relation to its plot of land at Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara.

According to a notice seen by this newspaper, the housing body’s Corporate Secretary, Hannifah Jordan, on behalf of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul, has given the company two weeks to make contact with the CH&PA’s Stabroek, Georgetown office; “failure” to do which “would result in legal action” being taken in “respect of the said

parcel of land,” the CH&PA has stressed. The parcel of land is located at Block III, Plantation Providence.

Laad Consulting has until this Friday to respond to this notice; a response would avoid court action being taken against Laad.

A search online regarding Laad Consulting’s operations both in and out of Guyana did not yield much success. However, it was contended that the company’s given Canadian address of Interlacken Drive, Brampton, Ontario Canada was an upmarket residential area. It is unclear what overseas operations were conducted.

The CH&PA has, in re-

CH&PA Chief Executive Officer Lelon Saul

cent memory, been urging private developers and other land owners to develop unoccupied land by building

on it. In June 2017, Saul had warned that CH&PA would soon repossess lands from those private developers and from house lot beneficiaries if they had breached their agreements.

“We are currently engaging these developers. We are encouraging them to develop those lands, to live up to the agreement of sale; and I should say that in some cases it is likely that we would move to repossess some of those lands,” Saul noted.

“I can tell you that I would have instructed our corporate secretary to initiate actions to repossess lands from private developers who have failed to deliver,” the CEO had pointed out.

neighbour, flees scene

The bicycle which Doodnauth Sookraj was riding

P

The car that was involved in the accident

edal cyclist Doodnauth Sookraj of Lot 124 Whim Village, Corentyne Berbice was struck and killed by a motor car along the Whim Public Road on Sunday at about 1:30h.

Reports received detail that the motor car, being driven by Goutam Budhoo, made a turn into an access road and collided with the 45-year-old pedal cyclist, who sustained injuries as he fell on the roadway.

After some time had elapsed, Sookraj was rushed in an unconscious state to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Budhoo was arrested, and a breathalyser test administered on him proved that his alcohol consumption was above the legal limit.

This publication was told that at the time of the accident, three other persons were in the car, including the nephew of the late Doodnauth Sookraj.

Mahindra Sookraj said he witnessed his uncle being killed. The 25-year-old told Guyana Times that he and Budhoo were at a shop imbibing, and it was on their way home that the accident occurred.

He said the driver drove home and reported to his brother that he had just hit someone and the person was lying on the roadway.

According to Sookraj, Budhoo’s brother suggested that they return to the area to check on the person. As they checked, the men realized that it was a neighbour and the uncle of Budhoo’s drinking buddy.

“Ah pick he up and carry he (to) hospital, and they said he dead,” a devastated Sookraj stated.

He recalled that, at the

Dead: Doodnauth Sookraj

scene of the accident, his now dead uncle was trying to tell him something, but at that moment he took his last breadth. The aggrieved nephew confirmed that the driver was highly intoxicated.

“He bin drunk and swing in the dam, and me uncle went at the corner and move when he see de car; but he (Budhoo) can’t control the car, and (it) knock meh uncle…,” Sookraj detailed.

Meanwhile, Simone Nagamootoo, mother of the now dead Doodnauth Sookraj and a niece of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, told this publication that she received a telephone call from the hospital informing her of what had transpired, and her widowed daughter-in-law was accordingly informed.

Now widowed, Knche Reddi told Guyana Times that she and her husband had left home at about 22:30h to go to a wake, but he told her that he had to get cigarettes, and that he would walk to the shop to buy same before going to the wake.

The devastated wife described her husband as having been a very willing person. He had worked at the Albion Sugar Estate for the past 28-years, and has left to mourn his wife and three children.

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monDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wakenaam rice farmers Mae’s Schools cultural wear fiasco await March payments Matter to take centre stage at NTC “We will raise it at the highest level” – NTC Chairman

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Rice cultivation

ice farmers who live and operate on Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River are still to be paid after three months for the paddy they sold in March to a miller who converted their product into rice.

Guyana Times previously reported that the farmers were desperately trying to repay loans taken to procure fertiliser, fuel, and equipment.

According to information received Sunday, a ship bound for Mexico arrived in Guyana as scheduled and the miller was poised to begin receiving payments. However, some farmers said that they were yet to collect any money.

Nevertheless, they remain hopeful that they can receive the outstanding funds within the coming days.

Withholding such payments to farmers for more than 42 days is in violation of the Rice Factories (Amendment) Act of 2009.

The law stipulates that farmers need not wait longer than the mandatory 42 days before being paid for their paddy. According to the Act, the manufacturer (miller) is required to pay the paddy producer (farmer) half the amount due that farmer

within two weeks of receiving that farmer’s paddy and the remainder of the liability must be liquidated within 42 days of the parties signing the agreement of sale for the paddy.

However, there are times when farmers wait several months and sometimes even more than a year to be paid off for their paddy.

The Wakenaam farmers highlighted that they owed the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for fertiliser taken on credit.

In this arrangement, farmers are to repay the Agriculture Ministry’s sub-agency at the end of the crop.

The system was designed to assist members of rice farming communities who had encountered financial difficulties.

Nevertheless, GRDB officials have, within recent weeks, visited farmers on the island and the default of loan payments was discussed.

The farmers were given more time to pay for the fertiliser they acquired.

This newspaper was told that farmers are contending that depleted funds were preventing them from sowing the next crop on schedule. Financial difficulties,

they contend, are also affecting their ability to acquire the necessary equipment and chemicals needed to produce the crop.

Meanwhile, the Rice Producers Association (RPA) on Saturday accused the GRDB of failing to honour its financial obligations to several rice millers despite having the resources to fulfil those payments.

This newspaper was told by an RPA representative that some debts go back to August 2017.

“The GRDB should pay the millers, so that farmers can receive 100 per cent payments. The GRDB have the capacity to make the payments,” the RPA observed.

The Association said that the non-payment not only affected the operations of the millers but it has a profound impact on the farmers.

Before the cancellation of the PetroCaribe (rice-for-oil) deal by Venezuela in 2015, farmers were obtaining premium rates for their paddy crops. Under that arrangement, farmers accrued some $9000 per bag of paddy, but this was subsequently reduced to between $1800 and $3000 per bag, depending on location.

National Toshaos Council Chairman Joel Fredericks on the picket line last week (Carl Croker photo)

which is slated for July.

This was according to NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks in a recent interview with Guyana Times.

The incident has garnered much public attention in recent days, with many calling on the school to apologise but the matter recently took on a new dimension when the lad’s mother felt disrespected by the school’s response on the issue which, according to her, painted the picture that she was a liar.

The NTC Chairman, who

NTC’s plans to engage the Education and Social Cohesion Ministries given the public outcry that the “inappropriate” comment caused.

“The Ministry of Education is already on our agenda and within that slot we will deal with it; we will raise at the highest level,” Fredericks noted.

He reiterated that it would be a topic of discussion at the annual event, questioning why Indigenous persons were not being

The letter the school reportedly gave with instructions for the Culture Day observance

T

he issue involving the nine-year-old pupil of Mae’s Schools who was reportedly told he was dressed inappropriately for the institution’s May 25th Culture Day will take centre stage during the 12th Annual National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference,

had earlier bemoaned the lack of social cohesion regarding the issue, told this newspaper that Guyanese should respect each other, noting that the country has six races with diverse cultures.

This publication questioned the official on

treated equally.

“Yes; and I think cultural awareness in some of the institutions is needed.

How some are accepted and Indigenous are not accepted, why is it? People need to ask questions,” he noted. turn to page 14

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MONDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

East Coast 4-lane upgrade for year-end completion

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he ongoing expansion works on the Public Road along the East Coast of Demerara are progressing well, and it is expected that the four-lane upgrade will be completed by the end of 2018.

This is according to Technical Services Manager attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nigel Erskine, who is overseeing the project.

The US$50.2 million project has two components.

One features a four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale, and then an upgrade to the existing twolane from Annandale to Belfield.

Erksine told Guyana Times during a telephone interview that the works on the entire project are about 14.1% completed, with focus on the first phase.

According to Erskine, while the two-year project is scheduled to be completed in September 2019, the aim is to wrap up works on the four-lane highway by this year end, and then commence work on the two-lane next year.

The first phase of the project includes the construction of seven bridges and the extension of 14 culverts. A median along with streetlights will be placed in the centre of four lanes.

“We have started works on two of the seven bridges. Works have started also on some of the culverts, and extensive drain works have been completed. I would say about five kilometres (have been) completed within the four-lane section. We have also done a significant amount of the sub-base and lower base work… All of the work so far is concentrated within the four-lane section, because we’re programming to try to complete the four-lane section before the end of December this year,” Erskine explained.

However, he noted there are some issues that would have to be to be sorted out in order for the works to progress unhindered.

“There are some challenges, and once we are able to address the challenges, such as the relocation of the utilities, we have relocate vendors at two of the markets, and the other issue (tackled) would be encumbrances on the reserves.

So if those things are sorted out in a timely manner, we should be able to complete (the works by) next year September. But we’re working to try to have those issues resolved, so that we could bring the project in on time,” Erskine explained.

Works on the second phase of the project include widening and upgrading of the two- lane from Annandale to Belfield, implementation of sidewalks, and installation of street lights.

According to Erskine, while some days’ work has been lost as a result of the inclement weather, work is generally on schedule to

Works ongoing on the East Coast Road Expansion project are on track to meet various deadlines

meet the deadline.

Guyana received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China EXIM (Export-Import) Bank to finance the road project in an agreement signed in

January last year. Initially, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had tried to secure financing for the entire road expansion project, but the money was not read-

ily available; hence the administration had decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from the Chinese to complete the works.

Preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were completed at the end of 2014. This included widening of the roads and installation of drainage facilities.

The project has been divided into seven lots, and awarded to different local contractors.

However, with the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, the contract for the actual road construction was awarded to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994.

The PPP/C administration had said it was saving some $2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

Upon completing the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will

MPI’s Technical Services Manager, Nigel Erskine

benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion.

Apart from the road expansion, the residents are also going to benefit from improved drainage, since the East Coast is usually susceptible to floods.

Guyana establishes support group for Venezuelans seeking refuge A new group, deemed the Venezuela Support Group (VSG), has been established in Guyana to provide advice and assistance to Venezuelans seeking refuge from the deprivations and insecurity currently gripping their homeland.

A release from the Human Rights Association on Saturday stated that the VSG, consisting of eight civic and faith-based organizations, was assembled to establish possible partnerships with the Ministry of Citizenship in regard to the above situation.

The founding members of the VSG include the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Guyana Institute for Transparency Inc (GITI), Moray House Trust, Policy Forum Guyana, Red Thread, Roman Catholic Diocese of Guyana, and the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana.

“Member organizations of the VSG have previously publicly expressed their concerns about the humanitarian aspect of the on-going crisis in Venezuela in press releases, panel discussions and in communication with various Ministries,” the release said.

The VSG was designed to address concerns, some of which include distinguishing humanitarian obligations to the Venezuelan people from political factors that currently influence both the internal crisis in Venezuela and Caricom Secretariat’s reluctance to date to formulate specific advice to member States on how to respond to that crisis; and to devise a flexible, evidence-based rather than speculative re-

A few of the Venezuelan refugees gladly accepting assistance

sponse appropriate to the relatively small numbers of Venezuelans currently in Guyana.

In addition, the group has committed to respect the fact that Venezuelans in Guyana have documented their wish not to seek formal refugee status, but to seek temporary renewable visas that allow them to earn money while in Guyana.

The initial focus of the VSG would, however, be on ensuring that persons arriving from that neighbouring country receive information and assistance to secure valid visas to remain in Guyana, and are not exploited financially or abused in other ways.

The Human Rights Association of Guyana made clear it has learnt that “some consideration has been given to permit Venezuelans in Guyana to regularize their situation on the basis of possession of an ID card, rather than a passport.

“Although, to date, there has been no formal announcement by the Government of Guyana on the matter, we welcome

this development in general as protecting Venezuelans against exposure to detention, fines and deportation.

Moreover, this step would

also align Guyana with the recent appeal made by the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for neighbouring countries to adopt flexible arrangements of this nature”.

It was highlighted nonetheless that the humanitarian group is in the process of instituting offices which are slated to be situated opposite the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Brickdam, Georgetown.

The group has boasted that its service is being supported by the UNHCR, which is in the process of establishing a permanent location in Guyana.

According to the release, “The VSG will support the smooth implementation of any new regulations and

related policy guidelines through the following activities; ensure the regulations and the accompanying procedures are known to arriving Venezuelans; provide advice and, where necessary, accompaniment, in the process of regularizing their presence in Guyana; Support Venezuelans in need of assistance to contact family or other persons; Make known social and welfare services which may be accessible to Venezuelans with special needs; Contribute to information-gathering initiatives, especially in interior communities; and Provide opportunities for Venezuelans to communicate with other Venezuelans”. turn to page 14

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monDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regional office’s employees receive training

T

The facilitator from GRA going through his session

he Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in its continued staff development drive, conducted a one-day intense training for several categories of employees from various departments.

The training was facilitated by National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas disclosed that the training sought to better educate the staff on a number of NIS and GRA matters pertaining to payments, filing of returns and other documents, Government’s two per cent on certain payments among other critically important issues.

The REO pointed out that such training is perti-

nent in ensuring that the employees from the RDC can better serve and respond to the public’s concerns on various matters.

“This is part of our efforts to ensure that we become more effective and efficient, thus delivering enhanced service to all. We as a region recognises that if we are going to better serve the public that we must be knowledgeable of all issues, thus better serving those that we come into contact with. As such, as the REO, it’s my responsibility to ensure that optimum training is available to employees so that they can better serve,” she said.

Employees representing several departments attended the training, which according to the REO, forms part of the Region’s 2018 focus on enhancing training for staff at all categories. Among some of the departments that staff was drawn from were Education, Accounts, Health, Engineering, Registry, Personnel, NDCs

Several participants listen attentively as one of the facilitators from NIS explains a number of NISrelated matters

and administration.

The Region Four REO noted that such training was executed regularly as they recognised the importance of better educating their employees, who in turn would better educate the public.

She promises that they will continue on the path of executing several training forums, noting that each section of the Region has training geared at enhancing the skills and knowledge

of every level of employees.

“We as a region are responsible in equipping our staff with the right knowledge, skills, and tools to better deliver and that is what I can assure you that I will continue to do as the REO,” she promised.

Commenting on the training that was provided, several employees thanked the REO for bringing the training to them, stressing that they were now more

equipped to better serve the general public.

The staff noted that such an aggressive plan of regular training would certainly boost their efficiency, adding that the public could be guaranteed a better service.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Genevieve Allen stressed the need for more training, declaring that it all served in better improving the continued quality of care being offered by the Region.

Guyana establishes support... from page 13

The group pointed out that it has taken a decision to prioritize the safeguarding of the humanitarian character, in particular insulating it from attempts to politicize it, or from any association with the border issue. It also committed to stand as a focal point through which displaced persons or families can communicate with each other.

Some 25 Venezuelans were recently discovered camping in the open air under very poor conditions in Lethem, Region Nine, and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has given full assurance that Guyana would continue to assist the people of Venezuela, who continue to flee their country to escape its economic, social and political crises.

Matter to take centre...

“One month we have our celebration, but I don’t know if Mae’s was a part of that,” the NTC Chairman said.

Just recently, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock confirmed that the matter was under investigation. In fact, he expressed surprise at the incident, telling media operatives last week that it went against Government’s move to bring social cohesion and national unity among all the many ethnic groups, through various efforts.

In the meantime, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and Red Thread joined with the NTC requesting that the school apologise. At last Thursday’s picketing exercise, the mother of the traumatised pupil said she was “very dissatisfied” with the school’s response.

The administration of Mae’s in a statement had said that all students were briefed on the activity, noting that no clothing that exposed them was allowed.

“All children were told that plain t-shirts and tights/ shorts should be worn under clothes that would otherwise expose them,” the school highlighted.

The school also said that the students of the class of the child were to dress as Portuguese and said that the child turned up in Amerindian wear and was told that it may

from page 11

be an issue since he was exposed. His mother, the school stressed, gave him a t-shirt.

“At no point was any teacher engaged on this issue either by the child or his mother. The child settled into his classes without incident.

There was no crying or other discernible upset displayed by him that warranted the attention of the class teacher, head teacher, or administration of the school then or at any other time throughout the school day. The fact that this student is made the subject of national headlines is regrettable.”

This description of events prompted the mother to say that she will not be sending her child back to the school in the new academic year as she was almost brought to the point of tears.

“It makes me out to be a liar and I am very disappointed because exactly [what] happened to my son that is what I said and for them to come out and say that; I am very disappointed…it really took a toll on me ...I thought about my son in all of this and I’m thinking, how could you?” she stressed.

Michael McGarrel of the APA had noted that the statement issued by the school was a waste of time and argued that the administration should have plainly offered an apology for its actions.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

15

monDAY, june 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What are your thoughts on the spike in fuel prices in Guyana?

Sachin Harriram “I think that something needs to be done to address the fuel increase, because it is affecting the livelihoods of many, not just drivers but also the public. The increased rates will eventually result in hikes in other trades.”

Bissoon Dyal “First to begin with, the passengers are not willing to pay no increase and of such they don’t want to even pay the old fares. It is very difficult for drivers ‘cause to maintain these buses become so hard for we. The prices high, high for parts and tyres and all of these things. This morning I was listening to some drivers and they want to come off de road, because they say it can’t pay them. All we were asking for is a $40 increase on the 32 route.”

Alva Waithe “Prices for fuel being raised is going to put a strain on consumers’ pockets, because their salaries have not raised.

And there should be some sort of subsidy to offset this, because every time fuel prices raise, public transportation drivers threaten passengers with an increase in fares which some can barely afford.”

Roger Ross “This rise in the fuel prices have been causing us to suffer and we are only asking that passengers pay the prescribed fare which I have right here.

We are not asking that they pay an additional fare. I wish if more can be done to inform these passengers of what they are required to pay, so that they won’t feel like we want to rob them. I would be happy if the Government can drop the fuel price to where it was before.”

Subhas Singh We got more cars on the road now. Is 8-years I working hire car and since I is a hire car driver I never carry home $1000 till now. I am not saying that we have to raise the fare; the gas price need to drop. Yes is not we dose control the gas price but the government could do something… is everybody they would be helping; the poor man and the car driver. At least they could drop it for hire cars because when we raise is everybody will feel the squeeze.”

Thakur Mcleen “Since the gas price I only carrying home $1500 when I done take out for gas. Right now we are charging $100 for a short drop.

It can’t work. A short drop suppose to like $120 or $140.

Gas price going up every day; it will not work out plus we have to get new tires, oil and filter. From since the gas reach $1000 a gallon we suppose to raise the fare. The government supposed to support us. I am calling on the government to announce that car fares have to raise because the gas price going up every month since the year start.”

Tandita Archer “It’s a high need for governmental intervention when it comes to the increase in fuel prices. In order for everyone to benefit, that’s the only plausible decision – for the gas prices to return to normalcy and soon. Because if the private bus/taxi owners decide to increase the bus fare, it will put a strain on the steady commuters and many times when the gas prices are reduced or back to normalcy, the bus/taxi fare never return to what it was.

So to avoid all of this from happening, an urgent decision from the part of the Government needs to be met in order to keep the peace and everyone a winner.”

Ian Campbell “To begin with fuel was and is a commodity with the tendency to experience price increases for as long as I can recall. However, the increases would be relatively subtle as it relates to general inflation from my perspective. This increase, however, has already led to some bus drivers taking it upon themselves to add on $20 and even a ridiculous $100 on some East Coast and East Bank trips which exploit the customers because of their dependence on the transportation. There must be more Government intervention (price ceilings) to stop this form of advantage and have a more structured and calculated payment system in place.”

Leandre Richards “I think the rise in fuel prices is too heavy.”

Derick Ramanand “With this gas situation here now, all we want is for the Government to drop down these prices. We don’t really need an increase for fare; just get the gas price moderate because it keep fluctuating. If the price for gasoline continue to raise though, we will need to raise these fares. Everything else raising. They double the prices for licence and all these things, so we deserve a little something more too.”

Melody Yorick “I believe that the bus drivers should chill since oil prices aren’t constant, they fluctuate. Secondly, this issue is worldwide. Thirdly, they need to catch up on international news as bus drivers.”

Kevin Wright-Crandon “Firstly, the fuel price is still lower than what it was in 2014-2015 and the price is still lower. So, I don’t think the price should have an effect on society.”

16 news

monDAY, june 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US$15M line of credit

Judicial Review Act

NDIA admits financial info was Guyanese deserve protection overlooked by evaluators against the State, public ...Minister says evaluators not required to probe consultants’ financials

A

curious case has arisen on a public works contract which has the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) as the executing agency: the consultant who is expected to verify the quality of work done by the contractor has received a multi-million-dollar line of credit from that very contractor.

According to documents seen by this publication, C.B and Associates Incorporated has shared a US$15 million line of credit with construction company Samaroo Investments as of January 25, 2017. This line of credit was purportedly “for the purpose of any project undertaking or business venture that the (consultant) company wishes to undertake.”

Samaroo Investments would subsequently be awarded a $103 million contract for the procurement and installation of a drainage pump, and for work to be done on the Three Friends

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

NDIA CEO Frederick Flatts

ted that the evaluators who were supposed to oversee the award of the contract overlooked the financial link between the two companies.

“Please note that our advertisement for both the consultancy service and the construction works was made on May 21, 2017, about four months later. The source of the line of credit issued to CB and Associates Inc. was completely missed by the

all is not well at that entity.

He also pointed out that senior NDIA officials were involved.

“One such revelation has to do with the consultant and the contractor, allegedly for works being done at the rehabilitation of the Three Friends Pump Station in Essequibo. It has been brought to our attention that the consultancy firm C.B & Associates Inc., which shares

A letter attesting to the line of credit connecting the two firms

Pump Station located along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two. Contacted with the details, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder noted that there is no requirement for the evaluators to have a look at the financials of a contractor’s consultant. He likened the situation to someone seeking a loan, but then having their relative’s bank account probed.

“For consulting purposes, there’s no reason why an evaluator should look into a consultant’s bank account situation,” the minister related to this publication.

According to NDIA Chief Executive Officer Frederick Flatts in a statement, the contractor issued a line of credit to the consultant on January 25, 2017. He admit-

evaluators,” he said.

According to Flatts, however, “No financial information was requested or required of the consultants, and therefore was not a part of the evaluation criteria.

The evaluators therefore did not evaluate the line of credit, or its source.”

Investigation

In a statement to the media, Opposition Member of Parliament Juan Edghill has called for the Public Procurement Commission and the Audit Office of Guyana to launch an investigation into the contract.

Citing several individuals who made contact with him concerning alleged wrongdoings at the NDIA, Edghill has charged that

a close relationship with the Deputy Director of NDIA, received a letter of credit of $15 million from Samaroo Investments, the contractor on this project, to secure his bid, and was subsequently awarded the consultancy services for this project,” Edghill related.

“Therefore, a consultant is supervising a contractor on a project the financial security of which is dependent upon that contractor. All of this is known at NDIA, yet nothing has been done to bring an end to this incestuous relationship that exposes the state and taxpayers. This is real Misconduct in Public Office,” Edghill, a former Minister within the Finance Ministry, has declared.

bodies – Ramkarran

I

n underscoring the importance of having the Judicial Review Act enforced, Attorney-at-Law and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, has said that Guyanese deserve, without delay, the protection against the state and public bodies; and unless all the mechanisms are put in place, they will not get that.

Ramkarran explained in his weekly column, ‘Conversation Tree’, that public law is important because of the unequal relationship between the Government and the public. He noted that the Government is the only body that can make decisions on the rights of individuals, and Government must act within the law. A citizen, he reminded, can ask for judicial review if they are unhappy with a decision of an authoritative body.

He recalled that, decades ago, the number of public law actions in Guyana and the wider world began to increase exponentially. In the late 1970s, the procedure in public law cases was modernized in the United Kingdom, and additional remedies were made available to citizens.

The Caribbean followed later.

Guyana, always moving at an unhurried pace, finally moved in 2010, and the National Assembly passed the Judicial Review Act. However, the Act could not be implemented because it had to await the new rules of court providing for public law applications, which were implemented in February 2017.

“The Act formalises and substantially expands the right of a person or group, whose interests are adversely affected by an administrative act or omission, to obtain relief from the court through an application for judicial review,” he said. He explained that there are grounds under which an application can be made.

These are that an act is: contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction, an unlawful pro-

Former Speaker of the House, Attorney Ralph Ramkarran

cedure, in violation of natural justice, an unreasonable exercise of jurisdiction, an abuse of power, fraud, bad faith, unauthorized action, violating policy of an act, error of law, and absence of evidence for finding, among other things.

He said the orders which the court can grant include the writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus described above, and such orders as the court considers just. It can also now grant a declaratory judgment or an advisory declaration, or a prospective declaration, and an injunction, among other things.

“Since public law is essentially for the protection of the citizen against the state and public authorities, it immeasurably enhances the rights of, and empowers, the citizen, who will now be in a far stronger position to seek and obtain protection against the state and public bodies.

“Caribbean people have enjoyed these rights for decades. Guyanese deserve to, without delay,” he added.

Attorney General Basil Williams has recently been ordered by Chief Justice Roxane George to enforce the Judicial Review Act by July 31, 2018.

In December 2017, the Chief Justice had granted an Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus, directing the AG to show cause why the said Order Nisi should not be made absolute.

Last year, Attorney Anil Nandlall moved to the court to have the following issues addressed: 1. Whether the Minister had discretion to bring into force the Judicial Review Act after the promulgation of Civil Procedure Rules. 2. Whether the Minister had a duty to issue the order to bring into force the JRA. 3. Whether the Honourable Court can compel the Minister to fulfil his duty.

In December 2017, Chief Justice George had granted an Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus, directing the AG to show cause why the said Order Nisi should not be made absolute. After reviewing all the affidavits filed by both sides and considering the legal arguments, Chief Justice George made the Order Rule Nisi absolute and directed the Legal Affairs Minister to bring the Judicial Review Act into force.

The National Assembly passed the Bill and it was assented to by the then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, in 2010. However, it was never operationalised.

Following the High Court ruling, the Bar Council issued a statement in which it outlined that it had previously raised the matter of the implementation of the Act at a meeting with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, during a July 22, 2017 meeting, and then again by way of letter dated November 15, 2017, requesting the urgent implementation of the Judicial Review Act. The Council said the implementation of the Act remedies a lacuna in the new Civil Procedure Rules of 2016, which contain procedures contemplating remedies under the Act. And in the absence of this Act, litigation in this vital area of the law has been stymied and made fraught with a number of procedural hurdles, some of which were laid bare in the recent cases emanating from the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Soesdyke labourer killed in Sunday afternoon accident

P

edestrian Lester Oselmo, a labourer of Lot 152 Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, died on Sunday afternoon after he was struck down by a vehicle while he was attempting to cross the public road at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Based on reports received, motor car PHH 4810, being driven by 42-year-old Bobby Moore of Lot 14 Norton Street, Wortmanville Georgetown, was proceeding along the Soesdyke roadway when the 32-year-old Oselmo suddenly ran across the road and into the path of the moving vehicle.

Allegedly unable to avoid a collision, Moore stuck Oselmo, who was flung several feet into the air before landing on the roadway, sustaining grave injuries in the

process. He was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyser test conducted on Moore established that he had no trace of alcohol on his breath. Nevertheless, he was taken into custody as Police continue their investigations.

monDAY, june 4, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Trump “could pardon himself over Venezuela frees 40 jailed activists Russia but won’t”, says Giuliani and politicians

Rudy Giuliani said if President Donald Trump pardoned himself it would be “politically tough”

U

S President Donald Trump probably has the power to pardon himself in the Russia collusion affair, but does not intend to do so, his lawyer Rudy Giuliani says.

A special counsel is investigating Russia’s role in the 2016 election, and whether Trump obstructed

justice.

The question of self-pardon arose after the New York Times published a letter to the counsel from Trump’s lawyers.

In it they say he has absolute power as the US’s legal chief to end investigations, or “even exercise his power to pardon”.

Such absolute powers, they argue, mean that he could not have obstructed justice in any case.

Giuliani appeared on ABC’s This Week programme and was asked whether Trump had the power to pardon himself.

Giuliani, the head of Trump’s legal team, said he “probably does”, but added: “He has no intention of pardoning himself.”

He went on: “I think the political ramifications of that would be tough.

Pardoning other people is one thing. Pardoning yourself is another.”

Speaking on CNN on Sunday, House Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said that no president should pardon himself.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Former San Cristobal Mayor Daniel Ceballos was among those freed

T

he Venezuelan Government has released another 40 Opposition politicians and activists, bringing to 79 the number of people freed in the past two days.

Communication Minister Jorge Rodriguez said the Government was reviewing other dissidents’ cases. He said it was a goodwill gesture to help ease tensions.

The announcement comes after the re-election of President Nicolás Maduro to a new six-year term last month.

The Opposition boycotted the poll. Many countries did not recognise the result.

Fourteen countries including Argentina, Brazil, and Canada recalled their Ambassadors from Caracas in protest.

Those released on Friday

and Saturday include politicians, the son of a dissident former general, a former army general who took to the roof of his house with an assault rifle in defiance of an arrest warrant and the former Mayor of the city of San Cristobal.

Many had taken part in protests against Maduro in 2014 and again in 2017; about 170 people died in clashes.

Opposition Leader Julio Borges tweeted that they “should never have been in prison”.

“There is nothing to thank the dictatorship for,” he added.

All those freed have all been banned from using social media or travelling abroad.

The Opposition says about 300 people remain in jail on charges that they say are designed to stifle dissent. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Nicaragua: Police end church siege after day of terror in Masaya Jordan sees largest antigovernment protests in years

Opposition activists have blocked roads in Masaya and other cities

P

olice in Nicaragua have ended the siege of a church where Opposition supporters had sought refuge after being attacked by riot Police and pro-Government militias.

Doctors have been allowed to treat the injured inside the church in the city of Masaya. Two people have died.

Some 30 people who were inside the church were released after the local Catholic Church intervened.

More than 100 peo-

ple have been killed in Nicaragua in six weeks of violence.

Monsignor Silvio José Báez, the auxiliary bishop of Managua, praised the local priest in Masaya, Edwing Roman, and a human rights lawyer and campaigner, Álvaro Leiva, for their efforts in negotiating with the authorities.

He urged President Daniel Ortega to end the crackdown on protests against his government.

Monsignor Báez earlier

took to social media to warn people to stay indoors, because there were reports of snipers on the streets of Masaya.

“The priests in Masaya have told me that the San Miguel parish is surrounded by anti-riot Police,” he wrote on Twitter.

“There are injured and detained people inside. No more repression in Masaya!”

Masaya, some 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Managua, was one of several cities where Opposition activists clashed with Police on Saturday.

The unrest in Nicaragua was triggered by cuts to pensions and social security.

Hours after the measure was signed into law by Ortega in April, pensioners and students took to the streets.

Human rights groups say the Police have acted with brutality and many people were killed in the following days. Most of the victims were university students.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T Health Minister in hot water with nurses

T

rinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh has landed in hot water with nurses over statements he made on Friday that reports of a nurse being injured by a falling tile at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope last month were not true.

During a tour of the Neonatal Unit at Sangre Grande County Hospital, Deyalsingh, in response to questions from reporters, said the ceiling “never touched the nurse”.

The Minister would go

on to relate “that part of the ceiling fell and was lodged above the door, six feet above. The ceiling did not touch the nurse.

“She was examined and there were no external signs of abrasions or injuries. She may have been surprised or scared, as anybody would have been. We know how facts and fiction can come together as one.”

That statement is not sitting well with the TT Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA), whose president, Idi Stuart said that nurses were angry and questioned the basis for his

claims in the face of a medical report which lists the injuries the nurse sustained.

Stuart said the nurse was “severely traumatised”

by Deyalsingh’s statements and did not want to reveal her identity, fearing victimisation.

He said the injured nurse, who is her late 20s, remains on extended sick leave and has to do a neurological test. He confirmed that to date she has two CT scans, but said she was not given any special privilege as a member of staff and has to wait her turn like any other patient. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Newsday)

Demonstrators who converged near the Cabinet office chanted slogans calling for the sacking of Prime Minister Hani Mulki

H

undreds of Jordanians took to the streets of the capital Amman on Sunday in a fourth day of nightly protests against International Monetary Fund (IMF)backed price increases that have shaken the kingdom.

Demonstrators who con-

verged near the Cabinet office chanted slogans calling for the sacking of Prime Minister Hani Mulki, vowing they would only disband if the Government rescinded a tax bill it sent to Parliament last month, which critics say worsens living standards.

“We are here until we bring the downfall of the bill... This government is shameful,” demonstrators chanted as Police prevented them from approaching the heavily guarded Government offices.

About 3000 people faced down a heavy security presence to gather near the Prime Minister’s office in Amman in the early hours of Sunday, waving Jordanian flags and signs reading “we will not kneel”.

Protests have gripped the country since Wednesday when hundreds responding to a call by trade unions, flooded the streets of Amman and other cities to demand the fall of the Government. (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Tunisia boat capsizes killing dozens of migrants

A

t least 35 migrants died after their boat capsized off the southern coast of Tunisia, the Tunisian Government says.

Sixty-seven others – from Tunisia and elsewhere – were rescued by the coastguard.

The country has become an important new route for migrants trying to make the crossing to Europe in the past year.

This comes after moves against human traffickers in Libya, who have regularly enslaved, tortured, or murdered migrants.

The latest boat to go down off Tunisia was packed with about 180 people, most of whom were Tunisian, the country’s Interior Ministry said.

The incident happened near the Kerkennah Islands off Tunisia’s south coast

“The boat was five miles from the Kerkennah Islands and 16 nautical miles from the city of Sfax,” the Ministry said in a statement quoted by the AFP news agency, Unemployed Tunisians and other Africans often seek to cross the Mediterranean

Sea in makeshift boats from Tunisia to Sicily in Italy.

The deaths come on the same day Italy’s new Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on a visit to Sicily that the island must stop being “the refugee camp of Europe”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, june 4, 2018

ARCHIE

The help you offer others will not go unnoticed. If you (March 21- take pride in what you do and April 19) offer cost-efficient alternatives, you will be given something in return.

ARIES

Don’t let uncertainty take TAURUS the reins. Make a calculated (April 20- move to put your plans in moMay 20) tion. Bold, decisive action is what’s called for.

dilbert

Put more energy into takGEMINI (May 21- ing care of whatever job or June 20) responsibility you’ve been handed if you want to outmanoeuvre the competition. Keep an open mind, but choose common sense over risk-taking.

Look for any opportunity to

CANCER use your creative skills, assist oth(June 21- ers or bring about positive change.

July 22) Listen to people and methodi-

Peanuts

cally respond to their concerns.

Personal improvements will promote confidence and stability.

If you make a physical LEO contribution to an organiza(July 23- tion you believe in, you will Aug. 22) make worthwhile connections. Collaborating with others will lead to new opportunities and financial prospects.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take a greater interest in VIRGO what’s available and make (Aug. 23changes based on current Sept. 22) trends and new possibilities.

An unusual partnership will prompt you to make a personal move.

Travel, communication, LIBRA (Sept. 23- networking and collaboraOct. 23) tion will help support your beliefs, skills and talent.

Problems at home should be handled with care.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — OVERVIEWS (OVERVIEWS: O-ver-vyooz: Summaries or reviews.)

Concentrate on making SAGITTARIUS money, not on spending it.

(Nov. 23Don’t feel the need to help Dec. 21) someone who is looking for a handout or using persuasive tactics to take advantage of you.

Average mark 28 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 47 or more words in OVERVIEWS? The list will be published Monday.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — INHALER inhale nail nailer near hail hailer hair hale haler hare heal

hear heir hernia hire alien anil anile aril lain lair lane

lean learn liar lien line linear liner lira lire earl earn

elan rail rain rale rani real rein renal rhea rhinal rile

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

Count your money, look SCORPIO over your investments and (Oct. 24steer clear of joint ventures.

Nov. 22) You are best off sticking to people who don’t judge you and offer unique points of view.

solution

Personal improvements CAPRICORN are encouraged. Pay close at(Dec. 22- tention to important relationJan. 19) ships, and take time to do something special for someone you love. A change of plans will be in your best interest.

High energy can help you AQUARIUS accomplish much, but you’ll (Jan. 20- have regrets if you are too Feb. 19) quick to bring about change.

A carefully considered plan is in your best interest.

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Personal gain is within reach. Mull over your investments and make adjustments to them. Get together with someone from your past or arrange a special evening with a loved one.

monDAY, june 4, 2018

19

Neymar, Firmino give Brazil warm-up win over Croatia N

eymar scored a brilliant goal on his return from injury as Brazil began their World Cup preparations with a win over Croatia at Anfield.

The Paris St-Germain star, 26, smashed a shot in off the bar after a slick move involving Chelsea’s Willian and Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho.

Croatia’s high tempo created firsthalf chances for Dejan Lovren and Andrej Kramaric.

But Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scored in added time to seal the victory.

Brazil, who became the first team to qualify for the World Cup in March, face Austria next Sunday before starting their Group E campaign against Switzerland on 17 June.

The return of their talisman Neymar, who joined PSG from Barcelona for £200m last August, is well-timed after he missed more than thee months since injuring his ankle in February.

He also missed the end of Brazil’s last World Cup campaign in 2014 after breaking a bone in his back during the

2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia.

Without him Brazil were thrashed 7-1

by Germany in the semi-final.

It was a satisfactory end on Merseyside for Firmino too - the 26-year-old has now scored 15 goals at Anfield for club and country since the start of the 2017/18 season.

Croatia can take solace from having the best of a combative first half that earned them bookings for Kramaric, shown yellow for a kneehigh studsup foul on Thiago Silva, and Ivan Perisic for hauling d o w n Manchester

City’s Gabriel Jesus.

Both managers made several late substitutions that slowed the game down and Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia found chances harder to come by after Neymar’s introduction at halftime.

There was no doubting the credentials of Brazil’s starting front three with Jesus, Coutinho and Willian offering a formidable attacking threat.

B u t it is the triumvirate behind them which perhaps sets manager Tite’s team apart from the South American nation’s famous former sides.

Regularly selecting three defensively minded midfielders, even if Barcelona’s Paulinho, Real Madrid’s Casemiro and Manchester City’s Fernandinho

are all comfortable on the ball, is at odds with the S a m b a football stereotype.

W i t h the more

Neymar & Roberto Firmino

attack-minded Taison on the bench alongside Firmino, whose presence could be accommodated in the same side as Coutinho, Tite showed his pragmatic side once again.

The former Corinthians coach - a defensive midfielder himself during his playing career - puts the emphasis on building a platform for his frontmen to shine, at the expense of extra midfield craft.

They didn’t quite click in the opening 45 minutes as the Liverpool sun beat down and Croatia pressed them relentlessly.

But Tite has enviable squaddepth and added the game-changing brilliance of Neymar at the break as Fernandinho was sacrificed.

Firmino followed later and those switches made all the difference also underlining why Brazil head to Russia as many’s favourites to reach the final. (BBC Sports)

Shenwari and spinners topple Bangladesh

A

fghanistan began their historic tour of India with a dominant performance against Bangladesh, crushing them by 45 runs in the first T20 in Dehradun. The clinical display went along expected lines as their big-hitters Mohammad Shahzad, Samiullah Shenwari and Shafiqullah got them to a competitive 167 for 8 in 20 overs. That set it up for the usual suspects - Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman - to do their thing and dismantle Bangladesh, as they were bowled out for 122 in 19 overs.

Having broken the back of the chase, Rashid snaffled an excellent catch - diving to his left and grabbing Abu Jayed’s slap overhead with both hands - giving Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It was a complete performance from Afghanistan, characterised by a clinical bowling performance that didn’t give Bangladesh any chance of chasing down the total.

Bangladesh began a tough chase on the wrong foot.

Tamim Iqbal paid for indecision - caught between sweeping and defending Mujeeb’s first ball of the innings - to be pinned in front of middle and off. Shakib Al Hasan struck two fours, before poor shot selection, against the turn of Mohammad Nabi, cost him his wicket in the fourth over.

Liton Das looked slightly more accomplished at the crease. During the course of a 20-ball 30, Liton treated the crowd to a sweetly-timed cut,

a switch-hit, and a soaring six over long-on. But after he fell to Nabi, to a questionable decision in the eighth over, Bangladesh imploded against Rashid Khan.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman fell off his first two balls, in the 11th over, when the game was still in the balance; Mushfiqur missing a reverse sweep, and Sabbir caught

his four overs. Nabi took two wickets, and Mujeeb and Karim Janat took one each.

Earlier, Mohammad Shahzad and Usman Ghani got Afghanistan off to a sound start, putting on 62 runs for the first wicket. Ghani struck the first six of the game in the fifth over, but after yet another over went without a boundary - five out of

straight to point. He had made 40 off 37 balls, with five fours.

Mahmudullah’s doublestrike in the 14th over, where he dismissed Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi, left Afghanistan with the tough task of rebuilding the innings with six overs remaining. But Bangladesh gave away the advantage in the last four overs.

Rashid Khan became the fastest to 100 ODI wickets

clueless against a quick googly.

Mosaddek Hossain struggled for 23 balls before holing out in the deep to give Rashid his third wicket.

The rest of the Afghanistan attack, too, played a part in reining in Bangladesh. Shapoor Zadran, like Rashid, took three wickets, but leaked 40 runs in

8.2 at that stage - Rubel Hossain snuck past a desperate attempt at a slog and pegged his leg stump back.

Shahzad, too, struggled to get going after the Powerplay overs. He was dropped by Shakib, off his own bowling, at the start of 12th over, and ended it by reverse-sweeping him

First, Mahmudullah dropped Samiullah Shenwari in the 17th over at the long-on boundary, before Shenwari swatted Abu Jayed for two sixes and as many fours in the following over. He fell off the last ball of the same over, but his 18-ball 36, with three fours and as many sixes, had revived Afghanistan.

Shafiqullah started with a six off the first ball he faced, before hammering Abul Hasan for two more in the last over. He fell off the next ball, and even though Afghanistan lost two more wickets in the last over, Rashid

Khan’s last-ball six gave them a strong finish.

Afghanistan took 62 runs off the last four overs, with Mahmudullah, despite his twowicket over, never returning to bowl. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Afghanistan Innings (20 overs maximum) Mohammad Shahzad † c Mahmudullah b Shakib Al Hasan 40 Usman Ghani b Rubel Hossain 26 Asghar Stanikzai (c) run out (†Mushfiqur Rahim) 25 Najibullah Zadran c Abu Jayed b Mahmudullah 2 Mohammad Nabi b Mahmudullah 0 Samiullah Shenwari c Mosaddek Hossain b Abu Jayed 36 Shafiqullah b Abul Hasan 24 Rashid Khan not out 6 Karim Janat c Mosaddek Hossain b Abul Hasan 0 Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out 0 Extras (lb 6, nb 1, w 1) 8 TOTAL 167-8 (20 Overs, RR: 8.35) Did not bat: Shapoor Zadran Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Usman Ghani, 8.3 ov), 2-86 (Mohammad Shahzad, 11.6 ov), 3-90 (Najibullah Zadran, 13.2 ov), 4-91 (Mohammad Nabi, 13.5 ov), 5-135 (Samiullah Shenwari, 17.6 ov), 6-160 (Shafiqullah, 19.3 ov), 7-161 (Asghar Stanikzai, 19.4 ov), 8-161 (Karim Janat, 19.5 ov) BOWLING: Abu Jayed (3-0-34-1), Nazmul Islam (4-0-32-0), Rubel Hossain (4-0-32-1), Shakib Al Hasan(4-0-19-1), Abul Hasan (30-40-2), Mosaddek Hossain (10-3-0), Mahmudullah (1-0-1-2)

Bangladesh Innings (target: 168 runs from 20 overs) Tamim Iqbal lbw b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 0 Liton Das lbw b Mohammad Nabi 30 Shakib Al Hasan (c) c †Mohammad Shahzad b Mohammad Nabi 15 Mushfiqur Rahim † b Rashid Khan 20 Mahmudullah c Usman Ghani b Shapoor Zadran 29 Sabbir Rahman lbw b Rashid Khan 0 Mosaddek Hossain c Usman Ghani b Rashid Khan 14 Abul Hasan b Shapoor Zadran 5 Nazmul Islam not out 4 Rubel Hossain b Shapoor Zadran 0 Abu Jayed c Rashid Khan b Karim Janat 1 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL 122 all out (19 Overs, RR: 6.42) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Tamim Iqbal, 0.1 ov), 2-21 (Shakib Al Hasan, 3.4 ov), 3-64 (Liton Das, 7.6 ov), 4-79 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 10.1 ov), 5-79 (Sabbir Rahman, 10.2 ov), 6-108 (Mosaddek Hossain, 16.3 ov), 7-117 (Abul Hasan, 17.2 ov), 8-118 (Mahmudullah, 17.4 ov), 9-119 (Rubel Hossain, 17.6 ov), 10-122 (Abu Jayed, 18.6 ov) BOWLING: Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4-0-20-1), Shapoor Zadran (40-40-3), Mohammad Nabi (40-21-2), Karim Janat (4-0-27-1), Rashid Khan (3-0-13-3)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, june 4, 2018

Bess, Butler floor Pakistan to level series T

his is not a drill. England have won a Test match, at the ninth time of asking - and it was a handsome victory in the final analysis too. A three-day win, sealed in an extended afternoon session after a day of relentless dominance, ensured a 1-1 share of the two-match series, and postponed - at least until August and the arrival of Virat Kohli’s India - the existential angst that has hung over Joe Root’s team in the early weeks of the season.

In an uplifting development for England’s mediumterm prospects, the day was delivered in a pleasing synthesis of old guard and new. James Anderson and Stuart Broad topped and tailed Pakistan’s second innings with a share of five wickets, as they continued to rail against those who might seek to have them put out to pasture. However, it was the young guns, Dom Bess and Sam Curran, who hustled England towards their goal, as well as a notable returnee, Jos Buttler, who delivered the point-of-difference innings for which he had been selected.

For Bess, in particular, it was an especially triumphant day. Rarely can a 20-year-old have looked quite so at home and composed at the highest level of the game, especially when he had hardly been called upon to perform the role for which he had been selected.

And yet, Bess hasn’t wasted a minute of his seven days in the Test limelight.

Having made his mark with the bat - both in adversity at Lord’s and in forging a position of relative authority in England’s only innings here - he had time here to showcase his athleticism in the field before

being finally tossed the ball for the 23rd over of Pakistan’s second innings: a stunning

Dom Bess

oneh a n d e d pluck at mid-off to extract the dangerous Haris Sohail was a pretty impressive way to pass his time.

When his spell finally began, Imam-ul-Haq greeted Bess with a fairly contemptuous smack back down the pitch a continuation of Pakistan’s rather breakneck approach to their second innings, as if they had sized up Buttler’s earlier

Stephens thrashes Kontaveit to reach French Open last eight

S

loane Stephens broke new ground at the French Open with a 6-2 6-0 thrashing of below-par Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the last 16 on Sunday.

Five times the U.S. Open champion had fallen at the fourthround hurdle in Paris but that never looked like being her fate as she produced a rock-solid display on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The initial exchanges offered no clue as to what was to follow as the first four games were shared but when Kontaveit doublefaulted to drop serve Stephens took control.

Kontaveit could not stem the errors and Stephens, who survived a thriller against Camila Giorgi the previous day, cruised to victory in 52 minutes.

She is the second American into the quarterfinals in the top half of the draw after Madison Keys, whom she beat in last year’s U.S. Open final, eased past Mihaela Buzarnescu to register her best run at Roland Garros.

Serena Williams can make it three Americans in the last eight if she beats Maria Sharapova on Monday.

(Reuters)

belligerence and decided that attack was the only means of defending their hard-won series lead.

to join the fray - and in his second over he too was in the wickets, properly this time, after his maiden Test wicket

Jos Butler

But to the bowler’s immense credit, he refused to be cowed, or to desist from tossing the ball up and inviting further aggression. From the sixth ball of that very same over, he slid one into Imam’s front pad, benefiting from the natural variation that can occur when you consistently target the footholes, and up went umpire Bruce Oxenford’s finger to end a wait that a less ebullient character would surely have allowed to cramp his style.

A change of ends for Bess allowed his fellow rookie (and birthday boy) Sam Curran

had been a first-innings slog to deep midwicket. This time, a perfect off-stump lifter to Shadab Khan, the game’s only remaining teenager, was deflected to Alastair Cook at first slip, and one of Pakistan’s most reliable sources of runs in their victories at Lord’s and Malahide had been dispatched for just 4.

Thereafter, it was back to Bess to make up for lost time - as Pakistan continued to bat as if running out of time.

Faheem Ashraf, perfectly capable of playing the long game when it suits him, chose instead to take a slog outside

Jorge Lorenzo secures 1st win for Ducati as Marquez crashes S

pain’s Jorge Lorenzo claimed his first win for Ducati at the Italian Grand Prix as championship leader Marc Marquez crashed out in Mugello.

Three-time champion Lorenzo has struggled since leaving Yamaha in 2016 but beat team-mate Andrea Dovizioso.

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi become the first rider to reach 5,000 points in MotoGP with third.

“It’s special to win here with Ducati,” said Lorenzo, who has retired from two races this season.

Marquez crashed before finishing 16th in Tuscany, though he remains comfortably clear of the standings after five races.

The Spaniard had been bidding for his fourth straight win this season but fell off his Honda on the fifth lap.

Rossi moves up to second in the standings, 23 points behind Marquez, with Yahama team-mate Maverick Vinales in third.

“It was my goal to return to the podium at Mugello, I’m very happy,” said Rossi, who had started on pole. (BBC Sport)

off and skied a simple catch to backward point. And then Usman Salahuddin - hitherto batting with the patience of a player who has waited seven years to get his big break - was lured inexplicably into a rash swipe to mid-on.

Bess’ figures at this stage were 3 for 21 in 8.2 overs, and not even a massive first-ball mow over deep midwicket from Hasan Ali could wipe the grin from his face. Quite rightly, Joe Root trusted him to close out the contest, and to judge by the number of air shots that landed safe in the closing overs, he would surely have done so, had it not been for the old stager Broad, who docked the tail via two old-school nicks to slip in consecutive overs to wrap up a point-proving display with match figures of 6 for 66.

That wasn’t, however, the most devilish array of sixes in the day’s play. That accolade was reserved for Buttler, who transcended the tricky conditions, the seeping of English wickets at the other end, and his own lack of familiarity with first-class cricket to tailor

the contest to his own strengths.

In essence, that involved planting his front foot, flinging his ninja-quick wrists through the line of the ball, and belting England into an invincible position before the innings had fully ebbed away.

Having resumed on 34 overnight - Buttler duly became the first man in the innings to pass fifty, and had he been allowed to loiter for a further three overs, he might well have recorded the first century of the series to boot.

His final 11 balls went for 4, 6, 1, 1, 1, 4, 4, dot, 4, 6 and 6 35 runs in all - but at the other end, Broad and Anderson, in this discipline at least, were unable to fulfil their sides of the bargain.

It mattered not in the end - England are off the mark for their home summer.

And Buttler, having segued seamlessly from the IPL to Test cricket in only a matter of days, seemed perfectly primed to take on Scotland and Australia in the middle-distance 50-over format.

It all comes rather quickly at the moment, triumph and disaster as well. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan first innings – 174 England first innings – 363 Pakistan Second innings Azhar Ali b Anderson 11 Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Bess 34 Haris Sohail c Bess b Anderson 8 Asad Shafiq c †Bairstow b Broad 5 Usman Salahuddin c Root b Bess 33 Sarfraz Ahmed (c) † lbw b Woakes 8 Shadab Khan c Cook b Curran 4 Faheem Ashraf c Malan b Bess 3 Mohammad Amir not out 7 Hasan Ali c Cook b Broad 9 Mohammad Abbas c Root b Broad 1 Extras 11 (b 5, lb 5, nb 1)

TOTAL 134 all out (46 Overs, RR: 2.91) Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Azhar Ali, 4.3 ov), 2-30 (Haris Sohail, 6.6 ov), 3-42 (Asad Shafiq, 9.2 ov), 4-84 (Imam-ul-Haq, 22.6 ov), 5-97 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 27.5 ov), 6-102 (Shadab Khan, 30.2 ov), 7-111 (Faheem Ashraf, 37.1 ov), 8-115 (Usman Salahuddin, 40.2 ov), 9-124 (Hasan Ali, 43.1 ov), 10-134 (Mohammad Abbas, 45.6 ov) BOWLING: JM Anderson (10-235-2), SCJ Broad (12-2-28-3), SM Curran (7-2-10-1), CR Woakes (60-18-1), DM Bess (11-1-33-3)

Jorge Lorenzo had retired from two of the first four races this season in Qatar and Spain

Italian Grand Prix result: 1 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/Ducati) 41mins 43.230secs 2 Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/Ducati) +6.370secs 3 Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) +6.629secs 4 Andrea Iannone (Ita/Suzuki) +7.885secs 5 Alex Rins (Spa/Suzuki) +7.907secs 6 Cal Crutchlow (GB/LCR Honda) +9.120secs 7 Danilo Petrucci (Ita/Ducati Pramac) +10.898secs 8 Maverick Vinales (Spa/Yamaha) +11.060secs 9 Alvaro Bautista (Spa/Ducati) +11.154secs 10 Johann Zarco (Fra/Yamaha Tech3) +17.644secs Championship standings (after six of 19 races): 1 Marc Marquez (Spa/Honda) 95 points 2 Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 72 3 Maverick Vinales (Spa/Yamaha) 67 4 Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/Ducati) 66 5 Johann Zarco (Fra/Yamaha Tech3) 64 6 Danilo Petrucci (Ita/Ducati Pramac) 63 7 Andrea Iannone (Ita/Suzuki) 60 8 Cal Crutchlow (GB/LCR Honda) 56 9 Jack Miller (Aus/Ducati Pramac) 49 10 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/Ducati) 41

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21

Djokovic beats Fernando Verdasco

to reach quarter-finals N

ovak Djokovic strengthened his claims as a French Open contender by reaching the quarter-finals with a straight-set victory over Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.

Djokovic, seeded 20th, won 6-3 6-4 6-2 against 30th seed Verdasco.

The 31-year-old Serb has reached the last eight at Roland Garros for a 12th time - an Open era record.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion will play Marco Cecchinato in the last eight after the Italian upset Belgian eighth seed David Goffin.

Djokovic, who won his only Roland Garros title in 2016 to complete a career Grand Slam, was not considered among the pre-tournament favourites following an injury-hit year.

“Considering all the circumstances in the last 15 months it is quite an achievement to get to the quarters of a Slam,” said Djokovic, who has also reached the Roland Garros last eight for a ninth successive year.

“I always play well at a Slam and always build my form to peak at a Slam.

“Hopefully it will get even better. I don’t want to stop here.”

Former world number one Djokovic has dropped down the rankings to 22nd after taking time off with an elbow injury following last year’s Wimbledon.

He also needed a minor operation after making a comeback at the Australian Open in January.

However, he is quietly going about his business in Paris and has dropped only one set on his way to the last eight.

Djokovic may still not playing at the same level as he was at the peak of his powers, but his move-

ment and defensive ability - two of his great hallmarks - look good enough to trouble most opponents.

Greater tests than Verdasco, who had beaten Djokovic in three of their previous four meetings on clay but not since 2010, will lie ahead.

If Djokovic beats Cecchinato he will meet either German second seed Alexander Zverev or Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem - who have won more Tour matches in 2018 than any other player - in the last four.

He would not face 10-time champion Rafael Nadal - a rematch of the 2012 and 2014 finals - until the final.

Djokovic made a slow start in a one-hour opening set, which took longer than the entire match between American Sloane Stephens and Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit that had preceded it o n Court Philippe Chatrier.

Errors from both players made it an entertaining, if not high quality, opener as they battled it out from

the baseline.

Djokovic broke for 3-1, seeing out the decisive moments in a set where he won only three more points than his opponent.

The Serb broke serve at the first opportunity in the second set, Verdasco wiping out that deficit for 3-3, only to gift it straight back in a poor service game.

Verdasco, who beat fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the previous round, needed treatment for blisters as Djokovic was made to wait before serving out for two-love lead.

From that point there was no way back for the Spaniard, who was aiming to reach his first Roland Garros quarter-final at the 15th attempt.

The third set was straightforward for Djokovic, who broke at the first opportunity and again in the fifth, before serving out to win in two hours and 25 minutes.

He punched the air in delight before celebrating by wearing a white beret flung on to the court and doing his now-customary arm throw to all four sides of Chatrier.

“To be able to win that first set and get ahead was crucial. I made that break at 3-1 and held my serve, and that helped because I knew that if we went the distance then I had a good chance,” Djokovic said.

“In the most important moments I managed to play an extra shot in the court, made him run and made him uncomfortable.” (BBC Sport)

Novak Djokovic

Smith among key players as Global T20 Canada gears up for draft

T

here are some very prominent names from the international cricketing fraternity who are all set to lead the five Canadian franchise teams in the inaugural Global T20 Canada (www.

GT20.ca) that will be played in Toronto from June 28 to July 15.

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler and former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis will be with the Winnipeg Eagles, while Tom Moody who was recently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL will lead the Montreal Tigers.

Phil Simmons will take his place in the Toronto Nationals dugout, while Mohammad Akram will head the Edmonton Royals franchise.

Jamaican Donovan Miller will coach the Vancouver Knights.

All of these coaches will be part of the players’ draft which will by conduct by the organisers virtually on June 3rd.

Apart from two of the 10 marquee players announced on May 24, a coach will select 14 players for his team from the pool. In just a fortnight since opening Marquee Players: Chris Gayle, West Indies Andre Russell, West Indies Shahid Afridi, Pakistan Daren Sammy, West Indies Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka Steve Smith, Australia Sunil Narine, West Indies Chris Lynn, Australia David Miller, South Africa Dwayne Bravo, West Indies

registration, more than 1,500 players from around the world have registered for the selection.

Speaking about this new venture, Younis said, “I look forward to this experience. I have fond memories of playing in Toronto in the 1990s. I still remember the kind of excitement it created at that time and this time it should be no different.

Global T20 has announced some magnificent names as marquee players.

I am looking forward to the draft and making a well-balanced side for my franchise, Winnipeg Eagles.”

Meanwhile, To m

Chris Gayle

Moody, with

a World Cup winner himself Australia stressed on the importance of this move and said, “This is truly a wonderful opportunity for the game in Canada and North America. I am delighted to be involved as one of the head coaches of the league. I will do everything possible in my role to support the success of this tournament.”

Simmons, who is currently with the Afghanistan team and will join the Toronto Nationals, holders of the number one selection in the draft, said, “Competition like this in the North America region is very much the need of the hour to strengthen the development of the game in an associate country like Canada. I am looking forward to sharing my coaching experience with Toronto Nationals and would like to congratulate Cricket Canada and Global T20 Canada for this initiative.”

Among the marquee players who will be part of this movement and the draft, all eyes will be on Australia’s Steve Smith, who returns to the cricket field for the first time since the ball-tampering saga that rocked the Australian cricketing fraternity during their tour of South Africa. Along with him, also present in the same capacity will be the likes of Shahid Afridi, Lasith Malinga and Chris Gayle to name a few.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, june 4, 2018

Bounty Farm 15s League…

Archibald leads Panthers’ feast J

Jacques Archibald

acques Archibald recorded three tries as the Panthers destroyed the Police Falcons 32-5 when the Bounty Farm 15s League continued on Sunday at the National Park.

The loose head prop scored one of his side’s two first-half tries, then

two after half-time to seal the victory for Coach Laurie Adonis’s outfit.

A first-half try by Godfrey Broomes along with a try apiece from team captain Rondel McArthur and Lloyd Anderson underlined the Panthers’ dominance over the Falcons. A Broomes conversion also

added to the score.

Leading 10-0 at the half, the Panthers struck twice in quick succession when Archibald came out of a ruck with the ball at midfield, made a pair of quick moves, and was gone untouched to put his side up 20-nil.

Broomes then easily converted.

The Falcons pushed back with a successful try and a failed conversion, which took the score to 22-5, but at that point it was all consolation.

McArthur and Anderson then bulldozed their way through the opposition’s defenses to complete the 32-5 victory.

Dhananjaya to return for West Indies Guyana’s women through to tour following father's funeral table tennis quarterfinals South American Games…

Chandika Hathurusingha talks to Dhananjaya de Silva in training

D

G

Guyana and Ecuador prior to their showdown

uyana’s national women’s table tennis team of Trenace Lowe, Natalie Cummings and Chelsea Edghill has defeated the Ecuadorian team by a 3-0 margin to advance to the quarterfinal round of the 2018 South American Games currently underway in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Playing in high altitude, the 6th seeded women’s team in South America overcame an earlier loss to the group’s top seed, Chile, to defeat Ecuador in a must-win match that caused

them to advance to the quarter-final round.

They await the draw to see whom they play in that round, which would give them a chance to advance to the semis.

The Guyana team is using this competition to improve its ranking points and as preparation for the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games scheduled for Barranquilla, Colombia from July 19 to August 4. The ladies have also set their sights on the Senior Caribbean Championships.

hananjaya de Silva will take his place in the Sri Lanka squad only 12 days after his father was killed outside the family home, just south of Colombo.

Dhananjaya had originally intimated that he would withdraw from the tour of West Indies, due to this extremely distressing personal situation. But following the funeral, he is believed to be keen to return to his cricket.

As Dhananjaya will only land in the West Indies on Monday, after more than 30 hours in transit, however, he

is unlikely to be available for the first Test, which begins from Wednesday. He will aim to be available for the second Test. Dhananjaya is Sri Lanka's incumbent No. 3 batsman, having hit two centuries in his four most-recent innings there.

This included a match-saving fourth-innings ton in Delhi, last December.

Dhananjaya's father, an elected councillor at the Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council, was gunned down in Rathmalana on May 23 - the evening be-

fore his son was originally due to fly to the Caribbean with the remainder of the Sri Lanka squad.

Through the whole ordeal, Sri Lanka Cricket has maintained that Dhananjaya can make his return to the Sri Lanka squad whenever he feels comfortable doing so. Team management did not name a replacement for Dhananjaya, even when initially it was thought he would be unavailable for the whole tour.

They kept his spot open instead.

Barcelona

defender signs new 5-year deal B

arcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti has agreed a new fiveyear deal with the La Liga champions to keep him at the Nou Camp until 2023.

The France international, who scored the opening

Cameroonborn Samuel Umtiti signed for Barcelona in 2016

g o a l in his country’s 3-1 victory over Italy on Friday, joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016.

Umtiti, 24, has since scored two goals in 88 appearances for Ernesto Valverde’s side.

In that time, he has won one La Liga title as well as two Copas del Rey. (BBC Sport)

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, june 4, 2018

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Windies bowl off training today ahead of Test series

head of the Windies three-Test series versus the touring Sri Lankans, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that the Caribbean side will commence training today, Monday, June 4.

The Windies Senior Men’s team will commence training at the Queen’s Park Oval Ground, Trinidad and Tobago, from 14:00h to 17:00h. Following the training session, pacer Shannon Gabriel and opener Devon Smith will be available for interviews

from 17:15-17:25h.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, June 5, there will be an official preTest Match press session with the Captain, Jason Holder and Head Coach Stuart Law from 11:30-11:45h.

There will also be a Facebook livestream via the WINDIES Cricket Facebook page on both days for persons interested in seeing the press conference or those who are not able to attend in person.

The CWI President’s XI re-

Pepsi/Mike Parris Competitions to be held twice monthly

cently concluded their three-Day warm-up game versus the tourists at the Brian Lara Ground on Friday. The match, which was dominated mostly by the visitors, ended in a draw.

Sri Lanka got some momentum after skipper Dinesh Chandimal warmed up with a century while opener Kasul Perera hit back-to-back fifties while the Windies openers Kieran Powell and John Campbell also showed glimpses of form.

The first Test bowls off on June 6.

FULL SQUAD

Jason Holder – Captain; Devendra Bishoo; Kraigg Brathwaite; Roston Chase; Miguel Cummins; Shane Dowrich; Shannon Gabriel; Jamar Hamilton; Shimron Hetmyer; Shai Hope; Kieran Powell; Kemar Roach and Devon Smith

SRI LANKA TO WEST INDIES 2018 (Start time in brackets) Wed, Jun 6 to Sun, Jun 10 1st Test – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad (10 am daily) Thu, Jun 14 to Mon, Jun 18 2nd Test – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia (10 am daily) Sat, Jun 23 to Wed, Jun 27 3rd Test – Kensington Oval, Barbados (3 pm daily)

Khan stars in Torginol Paints Annual Golf Invitational

T

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will step up activities to boost its nursery in the next two months leading up to an international junior tournament to be held here in August.

The GBA will host two Under-16 and junior competitions each month as part of its preparation for the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament to be staged here from August 17 to 19.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said on Sunday that AIBA Three Star Coach Sebert Blake has been put in charge of organising the competitions, the first of which is scheduled for June 9 at the Andrew “Six Head” Gym. According to Ninvalle, provisions will be made for participation of new gyms such as Hands In Glove of Mahdia, Savannah of Lethem, Moruca Power Right Boxing Gym and Bartica Blazing Rocket of Region Seven.

“We created a special novice and beginner’s category specifically to facilitate these participation of the newcomers. We have been in contact with the new gyms and the response is heartening,” Ninvalle added.

The preparation competitions will commence at 13:00h each Saturday.

Meanwhile, the GBA is expecting to cater for at least seven countries in August. “Apart from Trinidad, St Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica (the usual participants), we are expecting Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Suriname and French Guiana at the third edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors,” Ninvalle declared.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

In picture from left to right: Tournament winner Kassim Khan, Torginol Marketing and Sales Manager Rudy Jairam, another Torginol Executive, Rabindranath Persaud, Kalyan Tiwari, Satrohan Tiwari, Torginol Paints Production Manager Fenton Persaud, and LGC President Aleem Hussain

L

ocal pro Kassim Khan took top honours as he walked away Champion of the 2018 Torginol Paints Annual Golf Tournament played Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Weather permitted a good day for play as pros the calibre of Brian Hackett, Mike Mangal, Max Persaud, Nazeem “Papo” Haniff, Lusignan Golf Club President Aleem Hussain and others did well but were not good enough to spoil Khan’s outing.

Apart from Khan, other notable winners included Kaylan Tiwari – the Longest Drive (the only golfer to drive 200 yards into the fairways) and Rabindranath Persaud, Nearest the Pin. Khan also won the Best Gross (78) award.

Meanwhile, the Best Net Trophies were won by Kalyan Tiwari 73/13 – 4th (he tied with Maurice Solomon for 73); Nazeem “Papo” Haniff 72/9 – 3rd; Persaud 69/17 – 2nd, and Khan 68/10

– 1st.

Following the match, Torginol Paints Production Manager Fenton Persaud, in congratulating the winners at the brief prize presentation ceremony, reiterated Torginol’s 15-year and continuing commitment to support the LGC and golfing in Guyana.

In response, Club President Hussain expressed the gratitude of his organisation for such continuing and stalwart support from Torginol Paints.

monDAY, june 4, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Bounty Farm 15s League…

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Archibald leads Panthers’ feast Part of the Bounty Farm 15s action on Sunday when Panthers destroyed Police Falcons

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