Guyana Times - Monday, July 16, 2018

Berbice Bridge proposal for Cabinet discussion Tuesday P7 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, July 16, 2018

Issue No. 3625

Green State Strategy will put pressure on treasury – Jagdeo guyanatimesgy.com

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Attack on Rose Hall Town Police Outpost P2 thwarted

Page 3

...to be scrapped after PPP wins 2020 elections State of the economy

Guyana at risk of external financial shocks – IMF

...due to few exports and oil imports

Page 9

Pedestrian killed P14 at Ruby identified as NWD labourer NTC conference 2018

P10 PPP questions Govt plan for Amerindians with Norway funds …no mention of use for Amerindian development

Kwakwani floods

The delegates competing in the Mr and Miss African Roots pageant were on Saturday evening unveiled at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. The grand coronation is set for August (Carl Croker photo)

Campbellville double murder

Businessman released, 2 remain in custody Page 14

Page 3

Miner stabbed to death during drinking spree at Mabaruma

Emergency food P12 supplies expected to arrive today

Police likely to crack 3-year-old P14 case – body expected to be exhumed today

2 news

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 NGSA students receive laptops in honour of President’s 73rd birthday

President David Granger and the three students who received laptops in his honour

I

nspired by his passion to educate the nation’s children, members of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress on Sunday honoured President David Granger on the occasion of his 73rd birth anniversary, by making a gen-

erous donation to three students who were successful at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

The three students are 11-year-old Kenneth Edwards from Rivers View Village, who topped the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region

with 505 marks; 12-yearold Angelina Balgobin from Bath Settlement, who gained 492 marks and 11-year-old Natalia Squires, who obtained 515 marks, securing a place at Queen’s College.

Each student was presented with a laptop computer, printer, voltage regulator and a $25,000 gift certificate which is redeemable at Austin’s Book Store.

The drive to make education accessible to children across the 10 Administrative Regions was kick-started in 2015 with the launch of the Five Bs (Bus, Bicycle, Boat + Breakfast and Books) programme, when the President celebrated his 70th birthday shortly after taking office.

This overwhelmingly successful initiative has attracted widespread support from corporate Guyana and even private citizens.

Attack on Rose Hall Town Police Outpost thwarted

B

B Division Commander Lyndon Alves

The Rose Hall Town Outpost

andits on Sunday morning attempted to break into the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, but their efforts were thwarted after an alert Police Officer during routine checks saw the men who had already cut a hole in the fence.

Reports are that shortly after midnight four armed men were seen in the compound of the Police Outpost.

Guyana Times understands that the Outpost at the time might have been securing high-powered weapons of the Guyana Police Force.

It is believed that the Force had taken the weapons there as a reported attack was being planned on the business community. B Division (Berbice) Commander, Assistant Commissioner Lyndon Alves confirmed that it was unusual to select a police outpost as a target to break into.

“To attempt an attack on law enforcement and more so, a police outpost is a grave concern for this division and the administration of this Force. What I am happy about is that the ranks were alerted having been privy to information as it relates to the said attack. There were some systems that were put in place and as a result of those systems, they were able to thwart the attempt by persons unknown.”

Residents of the commu-

nity reported that shortly before midnight they heard persons asking whether the patrol vehicle had already left.

This publication understands that intelligence led Police to believe that there was a planned attack on the business community of the town – more so, on one businessman who was previously attacked, but Police in the area were able to foil that alleged assassination plot.

On October 2, 2017, a detective constable intercepted a man with a .38 revolver at Williamsburg, Rose Hall Town.

After questioning the suspect, investigators were told that he was supposed to execute the businessman. One month later, a Rose Hall Town businessman was shot by two gunmen.

Rajendra Prasad, called “Bobby”, of Bobby and Son Boutique, located at Arch Road, Rose Hall Town, received two gunshots – one to his abdomen and the other grazing his head. He survived the attack.

It is believed that Police intelligence led them to believe that the plot was to ‘finish the job’. Meanwhile, on Sunday, shortly after the thwarted attack on the outpost, residents said they heard gunshots.

In recent times the Sergeant in charge of that

outpost has been receiving threatening phone calls. The Sergeant is said to have been instrumental in putting an end to criminal activity in and around the town.

Back in 2016, Rose Hall Town was a major concern to crime fighters as robberies, burglaries, and theft were almost daily occurrences. Now instances of such crimes are almost down to zero. The Station Sergeant is allegedly being referred to as ‘public enemy number one’ in criminal circles.

There are also reports that on Saturday evening persons were heard asking whether the Sergeant’s car was at the station or whether he had gone home. This newspaper was told that the lighting around the Outpost was poor.

At the time of the thwarted attack, Guyana Times was also told that there were two officers at the Outpost. When questioned, the Commander stated: “There was an adequate amount in numbers to adequately protect the station and assets therein.”

Meanwhile, as the Division had put mechanisms in place following information on the pending attack on the business community, members of the Major Crime Unit were seen in Berbice on Saturday evening. (Andrew Carmichael)

news

3

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, July 16 –05:00h-06:30h Tuesday, July 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

and

...to be scrapped after PPP wins 2020 elections

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, July 16 –06:30h-08:00h Tuesday, July 17 – 07:45h-09:15h.

and

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers are expected followed by lightly cloudy skies during the day, with thundery showers in the early evening hours followed by partly cloudy skies. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-easterly between 0.89 metre and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:50h and 19:20h reaching maximum heights of 2.75 metres and 2.61 metres.

Low Tide: 12:52h reaching a minimum height of 0.49 metre.

SATURDAY, July 14, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

06

07

09

10

13

12 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 14 16 20

26

LUCKY 3 1 3 5

8

Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

05

16

09

11

12

9

7

Evening Draw

19

20

Green State Strategy will put pressure on treasury – Jagdeo

21

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

I

n reiterating his disapproval of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) that was created to replace the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said it would only put pressure on the treasury, and if the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returned to office, it would be automatically scrapped.

Jagdeo described the draft strategy, which he has had a look at, as one that was a basic ‘cut and paste’ of best practices from around the world, essentially lacking the ability to attract funding for Guyana.

“It will add cost. I disagree with its fundamental premise. The premise which brings cost to the country versus earning money for the country… The LCDS was an economic strategy. It earned money for Guyana.

The GSDS is so far about expenditure from our treasury. That is why conceptually, we disagree with it.”

Jagdeo, the mastermind of the LCDS, which secured him international recognition and led to him being conferred with the “Champion of the Earth” award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said that under the LCDS, there were specific areas that were targeted for development purposes across Guyana.

“We said we are going to spend US$10.5 million on Amerindian land titling.

It solved a problem. Two,

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

we will spend US$17 million on ICT (Information Communication Technology) in the hinterland. We would spend x amount of money like US$80 million on the hydropower by buying down equity,” he explained.

Further, the Opposition Leader said there were also plans to create a centre for biodiversity studies and establish an adaptation plan.

He said, “We searched into crops that were flood and bug resistant. We set aside money for small loans and grants too to individuals in various sectors. It was about 20 initiatives and we were earning money doing that, we weren’t taking money from taxpayers’ money.”

As such, the former Head of State argued that the GSDS was more about cost to the Guyanese public.

“Right now, they are talking

about planting trees and all of that. They missed the whole point that that was an economic strategy to adjust to the future. That’s why conceptually, we have a major difference,” he added.

Reference was also made to the fact that several foreign consultants were hired to review the strategy for advice and further input, including requesting the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to be part of it. Jagdeo, who was the first President of that body, said he has seen a lot of what has been used before in the GSDS, in addition to that of the work being done

by UNEP. “The speeches would tell you, (David) Granger… the first year he went into Parliament. He keeps saying one thing over and over again. It does not change.

Same old thing,” Jagdeo stated, noting that the GSDS would not bring any substantial benefits to Guyana, but rather put pressure on taxpayers’ dollars.

Jagdeo noted that the Strategy has not received the approval of the National Assembly, while noting that it was still at its conceptual stage. Nevertheless, he said, “That is a political initiative of Granger until it has parliamentary approval as far as we are concerned. In all likelihood, we will scrap it as soon as we get into office, because it makes no sense.

It will only add cost. That’s all.”

A number of renew-

able energy farms and facilities form the thrust of Government’s goals in the GSDS. The Government plans to build a solar energy plant to the tune of US$3.8 million. The farm, to be funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), will be constructed at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

It was indicated that construction of this farm would be completed by the end of 2018.

Government has also secured funding from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to establish solar photovoltaic (PV) farms at Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) at a cost of US$1.8 million; Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to the tune of US$2.6 million; and Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini) at a cost of US$2 million. It has also secured a line of credit of approximately US$15 million.

The Government has been heavily criticised for the GSDS that has been touted as a blueprint to developing a “green economy”. The Opposition has described the document as a hollow one. But with Government recently getting the green light to access funds from Norway for its renewable energy initiatives, questions remain over exactly what policy document was presented.

Miner stabbed to death during drinking spree at Mabaruma

A

drinking spree turned tragic for 43-year-old Elroy Marks of Aruka River, North West District (NWD) and formerly of Dartmouth Essequibo Coast after he was stabbed to death on Saturday at Kumaka Waterfront, Mabaruma, North West District (NWD).

Based on reports received, the now dead man and a colleague were consuming alcohol at a popular shop in the Kumaka Waterfront area when an argument broke out between them. This quickly escalated into a fight during which the suspect armed himself with a broken beer

bottle and dealt Marks a stab wound to the left side of his neck.

As a result, the victim collapsed and started to bleed profusely as the suspect escaped. Marks was picked up and taken to the Mabaruma Hospital where he was seen by a doctor and admitted. However, he died

while undergoing emergency surgery.

His body is at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. Meanwhile, Police acting on information arrested the suspect at his Hotoqui Village, NWD home. He is being processed for court.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, july 16, 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

The TrumpPutin Summit

T

oday, the President of the US, Donald Trump and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin are meeting in Helsinki, Finland. The world has come a long way since the then President of the US, John F Kennedy met with the then leader of the USSR, Premier Nikita Khrushchev in Vienna on June 3, 1961. The Cold War rivalry between the two superpowers was heating up and the young, liberal Kennedy was anxious to prove he could stand up to the communist leader. The Bay of Pigs invasion had ended in disaster for the US, but JFK showed he was willing to confront the “communist threat” frontally.

In Vienna, Laos was one of the topics on the agenda, in addition to the “Berlin question”. While the threat of “another Cuba” in the western hemisphere had already raised concerns among US politicians about the PPP Government in then British Guiana, we would not be on Kennedy’s radar until after the August 1961 elections, which were supposed to determine which party would take the British colony into independence.

Today, the USSR has been shattered like Humpty Dumpty; Germany has been reunited; the Berlin question is moot; and Laos was just a precursor to the Vietnam War. Of course, the PPP was manoeuvred out of office in 1964 for the PNC to rule by rigging for the next 28 years.

While we barely even rate a footnote in US-USSR history, being a pawn in their power struggle has certainly been disastrous for us as a nation. Since ideology is no longer the determinative factor in US-Russia relations, here in Guyana, maybe the PPP and the PNC could finally use the ongoing discussions on the selection of their presidential candidates to articulate their new ideology outside of the neo-liberal premises of the Washington Consensus foisted on us even as the Berlin Wall fell.

So what will Trump and Putin have on their agenda apart from what the metropolitan media has dubbed their “bromance”? While much may be discussed, the muchheralded Trump-Kim Summit has tempered expectations of momentous decisions or much progress on current contentious issues such as Syria and the Ukraine.

There is a certain irony in Trump browbeating his European allies on the need for increasing their spending on NATO, which is an alliance that was meant to checkmate the USSR and its “Eastern Bloc” allies when Trump dismissed concerns about his meeting with Putin by saying, “Putin’s fine”.

All of this, however, is not to say the Helsinki Summit is not important, but just as with the Singapore Summit with Kim, it will be a triumph of style over substance.

It will reinforce the creeping rise of leadership defined increasingly by the leader as a “strongman” and not being bound by older norms of civility.

In the specific case of these leaders, it is not very much appreciated that among Trump’s Bible Belt, Rust Belt and rural supporters, Putin is very popular for his tough defence of “traditional” values against Muslims and other nationalities at Russia’s borders. While some may be surprised at Trump’s hard line against immigrants and other nationalities as “shithole countries”, this pales in comparison with Putin’s actual military attacks on Crimea and Chechnya.

Another topic that will certainly be raised are the swirling investigations in the US into charges that Russia interfered with the last US elections to help Trump get elected. It should be obvious, however, that it will all be a rather carefully scripted scenario with Putin denying any interference and Trump remaining rather non-committal, rather than repeating the denials he had made in the US in the past.

As such, the sanctions that were imposed by Trump – after pressure from Congress –- on several Russian oligarchs and businesses for the alleged interference and other “malign activities” will not be removed. Guyana was affected by the sanctions against the aluminium magnate Oleg Deripaska, who owns a majority interest in Rusal, which mines bauxite in Berbice.

Whether the elephants fight or make love, the grass always suffers.

Jubilant French supporters celebrate after their team won its second World Cup title by crushing Croatia 4-2 in the final of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday in Russia. The supporters were part of the ANSA McAL viewing party at the Marriott Beach Front (Carl Croker photo)

Sacrifices of the ballot box martyrs (Part 2)

Dear Editor, On that most memorable but fateful day of July 16th 1973, Corporal Collins, Privates McKenzie, Layne and London (Blackie) of the GDF, along with Sergeant Ross and Police Constable Seecharran of the Police Force, accompanied Lieutenant Henry. They were armed with tear smoke grenades, respirators, steel helmets, two sub-machine guns, rifles and bayonets.

Henry himself was armed with one of the sub-machine gun, Corporal Collins had the other.

The PNC tugs, with all their armed might, descended on the Corentyne with the clear intention of taking full control of the ballot boxes and removing the representatives of the other three political parties from around the boxes.

Bholanauth Parmanand was shot and killed in the full view of villagers. His wife and four children had to endure the death of the sole bread-winner of their home, as their loving husband and father was ripped from them in the most brutal manner possible.

Young Jagan Ramessar was shot and killed, and the army threw him in their vehicle and drove him around as he was kicked and stamped upon. He was paraded around to send a message to the people in Berbice.

Approximately five hours later, after he was unspeakably desecrated, he was taken to the New Amsterdam hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ramessar, only eighteen years old at the time, was brutally murdered by the PNC; and his parents and family still cry in response to the outcome of his sacrificial demise. Parmanand’s immediate family and his friends, forty-five years later, still vividly recall the unbelievably brutal and monstrous debacle that was the 1973 RIGGED Elections.

My friend Reshiram Motie and his friends tearfully recounted for me what they witnessed on that fateful day. Motie suffered a broken nose. His body was black and blue, as he was cuffed and kicked. Scores of persons were badly beaten and threatened. Families were humiliated and separated.

Still alive, Reshiram Motie remains a genuine activist of the PPP, regardless of the many challenges.

During the campaign before July 16th, 1973, it was clear that the PPP meetings attracted massive support, while the PNC’s had a sprinkling of people. Motie, sobbing, told me that when the Elections results were announced and the PNC was declared the winner, the people did not accept the results.

Sobbing and trying to hold back his tears, Motie said the PNC terrorists continued to terrorize the Berbicians, as hundreds of people fled their homes to Suriname, while others went into hiding for weeks and months.

As we honour the supreme sacrifices of these two men in the fight for free and fair elections, Motie has said he is disappointed to see some people, like Moses Nagamoottoo and Ramjattan (now fully entrenched in the bowels of the PNC/AFC cabal), joining with the criminals for opportunistic reasons....(rearing to repeat the terror of the past). Some 45 years later, Guyana is once again where we were in 1973.

Guyanese must never forget that many eminent persons, such as Dr. Walter Rodney, Michael Forde and Father Darke, were also assassinated and/or murdered during the dark days of the PNC dictatorship. Today we must draw strength, unite, and work together for the return of democracy, which in a most clandestine manner was taken away from us.

We must ensure that the memories of Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar live on in us, and let their supreme sacrifice inspire us to rally with Cheddi Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party.

As we prepare for Local Government elections, let us walk the walk; campaign house to house, and ensure that every voter comes out and votes. The fight for free and fair elections in Guyana is once again at the top of our list of struggles.

Let us continue to live and work for a better Guyana.

Long live the memories of Bholanauth and Ramessar!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Decriminalisation and legalisation are far different Dear Editor, While for decades IndoGuyanese have controlled the monopoly of marijuana cultivation and by extension the distribution network, for some strange reason, at least 85 per cent of persons convicted for possession of small amounts are Afro-Guyanese!

However, from a cultural perspective, Hinduism stands out as the oldest religion for “ganga” use, dating back to over 1000 years. “Whereby the holy-men, sporting locks, dressed in saffron robes after lengthy chanting and prayers,

light up their chillum to smoke marijuana. Then, after undressing, they plunge into the calm and serene waters of the Ganges River, India’s most sacred, to commence the Annual Pilgrimage”.

Surprisingly, I can’t recall ever listening, reading or viewing, in both the electronic and print media “a local Hindu Pandit espousing this fundamental attribute”. Nevertheless, the advent of “Rastafarianism” locally popularised the use of marijuana, both for smoking, tea and occasionally chewing.

Prior to this, a few elder “black

folks” were consuming ganga.

This was told to me by the late “Mother Sills”, a Hadfield Street, Lodge resident at the time, over 30 years ago. At the time, she was in her 70s, occasionally smoking her “spliff” that was wrapped in the softest and thinnest layer of corn skin. As an advocate for marijuana use, “Mother Sills” was always against the use of cocaine, which she described as “white people drugs, an ungodly product of the Devil”.

In one of her frequent discussions, she intoned: “As a small girl, me mother use to send me

cross the race course, to pick ganga in the Botanic Gardens, to make tea”.

Also, in the 80s, Rastafarians of yore, at Nyanbingi gatherings, would circulate ganga in a calabash for smoking amidst chanting and biblical quotations: “The clouds shall be for a covering, and the flame for a light”! A wide array of fruits and ital were also served. Interestingly, Editor, can it be ascertained from a historical perspective, who was responsible for marijuana cultivation locally? continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, july 16, 2018

5

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

No to legalisation of marijuana Dear Editor, We learnt that President David Granger has said that the "removal of custodial sentences for possession of small amounts of cannabis is on the cards for Guyana" in sections of the media.

Editor, with the growing movement to legalise marijuana for medical purposes, the drug has become increasingly accessible, and its use has become more widely accepted. Its use is particularly common among young adults, with a high percentage endorsing its use.

Many members of our local and international medical community have acknowledged the therapeutic value of the drug as well, but its social, health, and occupational risks remain as real as ever.

Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, also known as hemp. Marijuana is often smoked for the fastest delivery of its primary active ingredient.

The buds and leaves can also be consumed in foods or liquids. While marijuana does come from a natural plant source, this does not necessarily mean that it is safe — many illicit drugs are derived from botanical sources, but can still have harmful effects.

The American Medical Association (AMA) recognises that medical marijuana can play a role in treating nerve pain, preventing muscle spasms, and restor-

ing appetite in people with chronic illness. But the AMA adds that the organisation wants to ensure that as a psychoactive drug, marijuana should be subject to the same safety precautions as any other drug in its class.

In popular culture, smoking a joint is often considered no more harmful than having a beer, and many people who smoke pot enjoy the relaxing effects of the drug. In our stressful, accelerated world, marijuana can slow things down and make stress seem to melt away.

In reality, though, marijuana can interfere with motor coordination, shortterm memory, and concentration. And regular marijuana smoking can damage the respiratory tract.

D e l t a - 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the ingredient in marijuana that fosters dependence and leads to cravings with chronic marijuana use. Cravings can be triggered through neurological changes that disrupt the brain’s reward-seeking circuitry or by psychological issues like stress.

Some susceptible users may even develop patterns of use that qualify as an addiction to marijuana, as categorised by the American Psychiatric Association.

According to clinical guidelines, some of these signs may signal an addiction to marijuana.

Withdrawal symptoms

often resemble quite the opposite effects as those sought by using the drug in the first place, which means that if you smoke weed on a daily basis and you suddenly lose access to pot, you may start to feel angry and tense. Frequent or heavy smokers who stop using the drug may experience the mild withdrawal symptoms.

You may know many people who smoke a joint now and then without developing any of the signs of addiction or dependence.

You may even be one of these casual users yourself.

But if you think there’s no danger of becoming dependent on marijuana, take a look at these statistics.

Marijuana is a sedating drug that acts on the central nervous system to create a sense of relaxation, reduce sensations of pain, and impact several of your body’s involuntary processes.

The primary components of marijuana – THC and cannabidiol – act on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain in the following ways.

Like alcohol, marijuana can impede motor coordination and slow reaction times, making it dangerous to drive while you’re under its influence.

In addition to altering the way you think, learn, and react to hazards, marijuana can affect the way you feel too.

Marijuana is the most commonly-used illicit substance, and smoking is the most popular way to use marijuana – inhalation quickly delivers THC to the brain via the lungs.

Marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply than tobacco smokers and release the smoke from their lungs more slowly. Regardless, marijuana smoke has been found to be significantly less carcinogenic and harmful than tobacco smoke, though this does not mean that it is safe. Some research continues to explore the relationship between marijuana use and lung cancer.

Marijuana has been popular among teens for years, but a recent spike in marijuana use among young people has addiction experts worried. Statistics from Monitoring the Future, an ongoing study of youth in the United States, show that marijuana use among junior high and high school students has risen over the past few years.

Marijuana is the second most widely-used substance among adolescents.

During the adolescent years, the brain and body are still developing, so disruption of this development may cause lasting effects.

Recovery requires a combination of approaches to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of substance abuse. Individual counselling can help you explore

Decriminalisation and legalisation...

Was it the Indigenous people, colonisers, slaves or the indentured immigrants? Was the by-product of rope produced locally? What year was use for local consumption banned/ prohibited; who (m) was responsible? Can folklorist and Stabroek News’ weekly columnist – AA Fenty – comment publicly on the song of yesteryear “Ganga Manie”? Since the mention of: “gimme wan shilling” would have been pre-independence.

Nevertheless, Guyana within the Englishspeaking Caricom Region possesses the most “outdated draconian law” within sentencing for a mere ganga seed! – introduced by the late former President, Desmond Hoyte, almost 30 years ago. Surely, it’s “something black, I’ll never understand” 30 years later. That the law was never amended in 23 years of the PPP/C rule remains a non- issue at this juncture. In the words of Dr David Hinds, “what was wrong under PPP/C can’t be right under the coalition Government”.

Erstwhile the comments of two coalition PNC Ministers are most disturbing: “The law is the law”, “Maybe a referendum should be called” – the Ministers of the Presidency

and Legal Affairs respectively. What are they promoting: black oppression, suppression, or a combination of both?

That under the late LFS Burnham the law in relation to sentencing wasn’t that harsh; community service in most instances was the order of the day. Cocaine use was more associated with the hippie/metallist culture, and drug addicts/junkies were virtual unknowns.

Meanwhile, a comment from the late former President, Dr CB Jagan at a plenary session of Caricom Heads: “Today, it’s bananas; tomorrow, it can be bauxite, rice, rum or sugar. But the “outlawed ganga” that our region has can transform our economies, due to the demand in Europe and North America, for medicinal purpose.”

Additionally, former Empowerment Ministerial Advisor, MP Odinga Lumumba in a sitting of the National Assembly, a few years ago, lamented: “A large number of our young people are being jailed for ganga, what are we doing about it?” Of course, the lone Opposition, the PNCR remained “mummified”! The late Dr Jagan’s comment was in relation to: “The un-

fair trade policies that denied primarily OECS countries favourable prices for bananas, which were subsequently imported from Central America, under the USA controlled Chiquita brand”. Fast forward to this current era, towards several states within America passing legislation on marijuana and the financial benefits being derived by way of taxation. Of course, we are still a “s***hole” country.

Finally, to the “prophets of doom and gloom”, I say don’t misrepresent the facts.

“Decriminalisation and legalisation” are, by far, significantly different. Most notably, Rooplall Dudhnath, your claims have already been debunked by a medical practitioner, in the print media by way of letter.

Further, I do hope the views expressed by Dudhnath aren’t reflective of the Bahai community at large, of which he’s a member.

Interestingly, Dudhnath should focus his attention on the “core values of spirituality”, in relation to “the Gay Parade converging on the streets of Georgetown, on June 3, 2018, which is “ungodly”, rather than denouncing upon “God’s creation”, a simple plant!

Strangely enough, “joker

from page 4

smokers” with impunity aren’t being harassed by Police ranks for smoking a “spliff” in the public, by minibus parks. So, why invade the privacy of an individual’s home? Why are “astronomical fines” being imposed for small amounts of marijuana, which aren’t comparable to the actual cost?

Isn’t this a “travesty” of justice? Whereas, ie, 8 grams = $8000 fine; 28 grams = 1 ounce; an ounce of good local marijuana costs $7500. $7500/28 = $267.8571x8= $2142.

Facts and figures don’t lie! So, what mechanism is in place to ascertain the quality of the marijuana, whether local or foreign, and the price structure?

Should this “discriminatory, immoral and unconstitutional act continue unabated? Needless to say in three short years of PNC rule, as a principal player in the coalition, Afro-Guyanese are being stripped “stark naked” and catapulting towards the “lowest scale of the socio-economic ladder” once again. “Mo fyah, slow fyah, pun de duppy PNC”!

Yours truly, Samora N’Komo Non-smoker, empathiser

the reasons why you’ve come to depend on marijuana, while group therapy and drug education can provide you with valuable coping strategies for staying clean and sober.

The focus is on behavioural therapy, the type of which will depend on the doctor and the user — most treatment programmes will adapt their therapy to the patient’s needs.

It is also a common therapeutic technique that

helps users address their reasons for abusing marijuana as well as teaches them how to resist future use and temptations by identifying faulty or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs around their use.

I think that the President should not allow the legalisation of marijuana as it would not be of benefit to our society.

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

6

monDAY, JUly 16, 2018

Page

By Kristen Lee, EdD

J

enna shows up 15 minutes late to the soccer game, greeted by some serious side eye from the Pinterest Mom who ALWAYS BRINGS themed cupcakes and perfectly polished organic apples.

Who tells her she’s JUST MISSED her son’s first goal of the season, in that I- feelsorry-for-you-that-you’resuch-a-mess-tone. Instead of enjoying the game, Jenna stews in guilt and shame, thinking she’s FAILING. MISERABLY. Parenting has become sport. We’ve gone from children should be seen but not heard to hanging on to every last phoneme their little mouths utter. From generations past who told us babies came from storks, smacked us on the butt, and sent us to bed without supper to thinking it’s a CARDINAL SIN if we serve nitrite-meat or forget to pack a hand-written affirmation in their designer monogrammed lunchbox.

Gone are the authoritarian ways of yesteryear, when we’d never heard of sensory issues, and “Because I said so” brought order. Never before have parents been more vilified and subjected to more parenting styles and advice.

Our lives are like scenes from the movie “Parental Guidance”, where the parents track their kids with video surveillance, hold a

Foundation

funeral for the imaginary friend, and never let their finicky child’s component food items touch each other. We offer seven choices of cereal, remove scratchy tags from all the clothes, and line up sock to toe with mathematical precision.

Our feeds are brimming with how to embody what sociologists Susan Douglas and M e r e d i t h Michaels call the “new m o m ism”, a

set of ideals negatively affecting moms, dads, and children alike. It’s the kind of pressure that keeps us up to 2:30 am baking cupcakes and cutting out of work so that we, like all the other “good parents”, don’t miss a second of their rehearsals, games, therapy sessions, friends’ birthday parties and litany of organised activities that are supposed to boost their self-esteem and keep them “well-rounded”.

We’ve become obsessive “concerted cultivators” – taking t h e

parenting style of middle and upper-class families to the furthest extreme possible, enrolling our kids in tennis lessons before they are potty-trained, throwing down money for expensive tutoring sessions and nailing down college choices by second grade.

The everyone needs a trophy generation is not just reserved for kids – parents are strapping on their capes, hustling to be all and do all for their kids, all while trying to avoid being accused of tiger parenting, coddling, helicoptering or free-ranging.

Even our best intentions can lead to mindless behaviour. Mindful parenting offers us something beyond the latest style, fad or pressure to keep our capes strapped on 24-7. By definition, mindfulness is an active state of consciousness, that helps us observe, acknowledge and accept feelings, thoughts and sensations without judgment. Here are some ways to rethink the pressures of modern parenting and bring mindfulness into focus for your family:

Adopt a nonjudgmental stance Stop being judgy with yourself or other parents.

Realise that there is no perfect parenting method or script. Even when don’t call our kids to the table in a pitch-perfect voice, or when we use the wrong kind of sunscreen or serve some-

thing that’s not organic, it doesn’t mean we are epic failures – or that our offspring are eternally damned. When we stew in shame it prevents us from the kind of connection and mindful presence we need in our families.

Redefine success We need to stop thinking we have to raise prodigies.

Maybe they don’t need to get to get their 10,000 hours in of practice to be “successful”. Maybe we can teach them that life is best enjoyed when we’re whole and happy, and lies within presence, not performance. That the trophies are NOT WORTH IT if you’re too exhausted to appreciate them.

Create space to breathe Overscheduling leaves us frenetic and depleted.

Carve out moments for simply being, rather than staying locked into the metric of doing. Schedule down time (without screens) and hold it sacred. Train your brain to stay in the now and savour each other. Teach your children how to stop and breathe and to take off their own capes too.

Practise gratitude

Make it sport to practise gratitude, instead of constantly comparing yourself to the Pinterest families who seem so perfect. No family is. Reflect on the characteristics that uniquely define your family. Relish in the strengths, opportunities, resources that you have. Don’t spend all your energy chasing ideals to the extent you take the gift of time with your children for granted.

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

By Erin Leonard, PhD

W

hen I greet a child in my office for the first time, I ask the child if they know why they are coming to see me. Children typically say, “I don’t remember” or “because I got in trouble at school.” I smile and nod. “It is my job to help kids with their worries,” I say warmly. I reassure them that I am good at turning big worries into small worries, so things aren’t so hard. Kids usually look relieved and seem comforted. As I work with the child, I listen intently for worries.

When a child’s small worries are not handled, they can intensify. A child who has prolific anxiety sometimes forgets where the small the worries originated from, and exists in a state of generalised anxiety.

Anxious kids do funny things. Some act out aggressively because they feel small, so they need to compensate by acting big and intimidating. Some withdraw. Some can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. Some wet the bed. Some are so anxious they have trouble eating.

Intense anxiety often causes behavioural issues, physical symptoms (stomach aches), developmental lags and regressions, or academic issues. Left untreated, the child may end up with vulnerabilities in their teen years, which is the worst time. Teens are attempting to figure out who they are in relationship to the world (identity formation). This task is difficult and almost unbearable if there is underlying depression and anxiety.

Unfortunately, if a parent isn’t adept at helping their child with worries, the parent may be missing a necessity for raising a well-adjusted and happy child. Kids with anxiety and depression often struggle to meet their potential as teens because anxiety mixes with a vulnerable self-esteem. Assisting a child with their worries is imperative.

Contrary to popular opinion, a child’s worries do not go away on their own. Nor do worries go away because a parent tells the child not to worry. In addition, a child won’t open up to a parent in the teen years if the parent hasn’t helped the child with their worries during childhood.

The following are quick and easy tips to help parents transform their child’s big worries into small and manageable ones: 1) As your child talks to you, listen for worries.

2) If a worry is not identified, but the child seems to be feeling negatively, the parent should ask, “Are you worried about something, honey?” (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

news

7

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice Bridge proposal for Cabinet discussion Tuesday

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

G

iven the recent announcement made by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) of a proposed increase in tolls, the Government, through its Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, has strongly opposed an increase, but due consideration may be given to this matter at Cabinet on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Patterson made it clear that Government was already subsidising the Bridge and giving more financial support to it might be a major task.

He added that the coalition Government had an obligation to the people of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) to ensure that there were no increases.

“We have a commitment to the people of Berbice. The

Berbice Act that was passed stopped any other means of transporting cars across the Berbice River. So, therefore, obviously it is the Bridge, and obviously, we can’t leave persons stranded. And we have to do whatever we have to, to ensure that it is sustainable.”

That, therefore, leaves the Government with no option but to subsidise the Company. Despite rejecting the proposed 300 per cent increase in tolls, the Government said that it would continue to work with the BBCI in ensuring that the Bridge was sufficiently maintained and safe for vehicular and marine use.

“It‘s something that will come up for discussion at Cabinet. So, it’s not about an election promise, but our concern for the Guyanese people, because no-one can

pay that level of toll that has been proposed,” he said, stating that there must be provisions for other matters other than paying investors.

Based on the announcement made by the BBCI with regard to the proposed increase in tolls, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has announced his disagreement with the proposal, but has since encouraged the coalition Government to buy more equity in the Company.

Jagdeo reasoned that Berbicians could not afford the steep increases that the Company has proposed at this time. He said this was mainly so because the BBCI was contractually obligated to maintain the Bridge. Instead, he thinks that Government could buy out other shareholders, so the Bridge becomes publicly-owned.

“Secondly, subsidise the increase that should take place in the toll, so they give an injection into the Company so the rate remains flat.” This formula, according to Jagdeo, would entail taking over the debt of the Bridge and securing greater equity in return.

But Patterson said while this was not something Government was totally against, it has caused some delays in the past.

He recalled that when the Government approached

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc is facing bankruptcy

a shareholder (Demerara Distillers Limited) to buy its shares, it took some time before a decision was made as to whether they should sell.

“It took a year before the shareholder voted and gave us permission to buy the shares. I think one of the problems at that time is that DDL bought shares at $40 million and they sold it for $45 million. The 24 per cent persons didn’t want to have a precedent yet, whereby they make a minor profit on it,” he added.

The Minister explained that Government was made an offer by another shareholder who was interested in selling his shares, but under the condition that he got all the profits he would have been entitled to for the entire period of over 20 years.

Patterson said the proposal

was not feasible and, therefore, Government could not give it due consideration, as it would have cost an exceptional amount.

The Company’s Chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud revealed that it was now facing bankruptcy following Government’s decision to reduce the toll and subsequent refusal to allow for an increase as per the initial agreement when the Company was formed.

Persaud is also Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which holds a significant amount of shares in the Company. According to him, they have had several engagements with Patterson.

Following a previous engagement, Patterson had informed them that a maintenance proposal would be

taken to Cabinet.

According to the Chairman, they were subsequently informed that it was not approved. In fact, the Company applied for a toll adjustment on three occasions: twice in 2015 and once in 2016, to no avail.

It has since made another such application, dated July 9, 2018. In that application, the Company had requested that the toll increases take effect by August 1.

The new tolls proposed by the BBCI will see cars and minibuses paying $8040 to cross the Bridge; pickups, small trucks and four-wheeled drive vehicles $14,600; medium trucks $27,720; large trucks $49,600; articulated trucks $116,800; and boats $401,040.

8 news

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Jail ain’t doing nothing for him,” mother tells court after son slapped with simple larceny charge

A

19-year-old man on Friday found himself in hot water once again after he was slapped with another larceny charge when he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Don Cameron, who is no stranger to the courts, denied the allegations that were made out against him.

Police stated that on June 19, 2018, at Alexander Street, Kitty, Cameron stole one Samsung phone valued

Don Cameron

$45,000.

Cameron’s mother told the court that she adopted the teen when he was a baby and after he found out she was his foster mother two years ago, “he got wayward”.

She told the Court that the teen no longer resided with her and that he was previously convicted on a simple larceny charge and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at the New Opportunity Corps.

Further, the woman noted: “When he came out, he was smoking weed and be-

having disorderly.”

She confessed that she was tired of Cameron’s behaviour and “jail ain’t doing nothing for him”.

The Police Prosecutor objected to bail being granted and asked that the lad be remanded. The prosecution assured the court that the defendant would be placed under supervision and would also be sent for a mental evaluation.

Bail was refused, and Cameron was remanded to prison until August 4, 2018.

Motorbike thief Teen fined for further remanded robbing woman

A

Campbellville, Georgetown resident was on Friday further remanded to prison when he re-appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Leron Daly to answer to a robbery charge.

Denzil Adams on his first appearance had denied the charge when it was read to him by the Magistrate.

The Court heard that on June 14, 2018, at Campbellville, the accused stole one Honda XR motorcycle valued at $435,000 – property of Julius Brown.

It was also disclosed that the motorcycle was found in Adams’ possession.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that

A

19-year-old Sophia, Greater Georgetown teen was slapped with a $100,000 fine at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he stole a quantity of items, including a bottle of body spray.

Kevin Charles admitted that he attacked Olivia Mohammed and stole some $50,000 worth of items.

According to Police Prosecutor Simone Payne,

Accused: Denzil Adams

the defendant is known to Police and has had similar breaches of the law.

Bail was once again refused. Adams will make his next court appearance on July 19, 2018.

Man charged for hurling expletives at sister

S

tephan Pollard, of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was on Friday released on $30,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for verbally abusing his sister, Onika Pollard.

Pollard pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court heard that on July 7, 2018, he used abusive language towards his sibling, with whom he shares living quarters.

In addition, he was slapped with a malicious damage of property charge, since he was accused of dam-

aging his sister’s electric fan and other items.

To this charge, he also pleaded not guilty and told the court that it was his sister’s children who damaged the items.

The Police Prosecutor made no objections to bail; hence, the defendant was released on $20,000 bail for the damage of property charge and $10,000 for the abusive language charge.

The siblings were also placed on a bond to keep the peace pending the outcome of the matter. Pollard is expected to make his next court appearance on August 6, 2018.

none of the stolen items were recovered.

When questioned, Charles told Magistrate Fabayo Azore whom he appeared before that he had no idea why he stole the items, but admitted he sold them.

Charles begged for leniency and told the Court that he would not repeat his actions. He was fined $100,000 with an alternative sentence of six months in prison.

Labourer charged for assaulting woman

A

labourer attached to Alabama Trading was slapped with an unlawful assault charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Thirty-three-year-old Terrence Thomas denied that he assaulted Mayleen John on July 7, 2018 at Croal Street, Georgetown.

The defendant and

Virtual Complainant were reportedly involved in a row when a scuffle ensued during which Thomas struck John.

The Lot 70 Norton Street, Georgetown man was arrested when John reported the matter. The defendant was, however, granted $10,000 bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was scheduled to return to court on July 20, 2018.

Bus driver who denies stealing car mirrors charged

A

man who denied that he stole mirrors from a car that was reportedly parked on Lamaha Street, Georgetown found himself before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, charged with the offence.

Raymond Samaroo, 27, of Lot 20 Owen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, denied that on July 7, 2018 at Lamaha Street, he stole two Juke mirrors valued $25,000, property

of Latchman Singh.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not reveal the facts of the case, but told the Court that the matter was completed and ready to proceed to trial.

As such, Samaroo was granted bail in the sum of $10,000, and was expected to return to Court Six on July 20, 2018 when the matter will continue.

Manager charged for assaulting wife

A

manager found himself before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he reportedly assaulted his wife.

Paul Gittens admitted that he assaulted Alesia Gittens on June 24, 2018 at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

According to reports, on the day in question, the defendant was demanding the keys to his home after he and the Virtual Complainant (VC) encountered issues, but was refused.

As such, he reportedly became angry and a scuffle ensued between the couple during which the defendant reportedly dealt the VC several blows to the body.

He was later arrested and charged with the offence.

When questioned, the defendant told Magistrate Fabayo Azore that it was a complicated situation.

He was fined $10,000 with an alternative sentence of 14 days in prison.

Agreeing… …on elections goals?

Under fire from the Opposition – both for his appointment and his decision on the Deputy CEO of GECOM – Rtd Justice James Patterson made some conciliatory noises, saying that “elections count for nothing if they aren’t “free and fair””. Was he trying to placate the Opposition as he addressed employees of the elections body who were being trained for the imminent LGE? But in his remarks, notwithstanding the laudatory sentiment, Patterson simply emphasised why he was objectionable to the Opposition in the first place. He noted, “I have discovered since they declared me to be chairman of the outfit, what an important part GECOM plays in the public forum of this country.” He only discovered this NOW?? Where was he for the last two decades?

Ummmm!! Well, actually, he was in Grenada where he claimed he was “Chief Justice”, but later when confronted with the evidence – or really the LACK of evidence – he then claimed his pen had “SLIPPED”!! If his pen slipped to claim such an elevated position that was never achieved, why shouldn’t the Opposition be worried his pen may slip to give the PNC a victory they never achieved??

But let’s take him at his word on his realisation of the importance of GECOM as a lightning rod for much of Guyana’s political discussion – and deconstruct that realisation. It means that while Burnham and the PNC were rigging elections to remain in power, the Opposition’s struggle for “free and fair” elections – which dominated politics between 1968 and 1992 – didn’t touch his consciousness!! And the only reason this could’ve been so was because at the very best – like the Caricom leaders who were also struck mute – Patterson had bought Burnham’s “excuse”. That if it wasn’t the PNC, then the “Indian” PPP would get into power.

At the very worst, he could’ve been a dyed-in-the-wool PNC – as we discovered Granger was since a mere lad in short pants – after his confession to that overseas PNC group!! So yes, Mr Patterson, GECOM looms VERY large in our political discourse for very good reasons. Most nonPNC Guyanese – and some PNC ones – are CONVINCED rigging’s in the air. Those who lived through the past riggings can smell as well as see the signs.

We know Burnham had contemplated bringing in St Lucians to swell his constituency…so folks are leery the missing Haitians and Cubans may be the latest “fillers”.

Burnham had padded the voters’ list with underage teenagers and with the now-revealed PNCite Felix given the Births and Deaths portfolio from Ramjattan, can you blame the present paranoia??

The ERC should demand Patterson testify!! … on Disciplined Forces’ rotten apples Imagine the following headlines in only ONE DAY’S NEWSPAPER: “Joint Services rank, three others found with ganja at Demerara Harbour Bridge”; “Cop being detained after Soesdyke club shooting”; “Lusignan Prison search uncovers more phones, drugs and weapons” and “Constable held with over 45 lbs of ganja at Cove and John”!! And the same day the Police announce that this year robberies have increased in our country once again!!

Well, if those in charge of “protecting” us have fallen to the “get rich quick by any means necessary” syndrome, what’d you expect from the career criminals out there? In fact, the forces of “law and order” are literally giving the criminals a run for THEIR MONEY!! But the rotten apples are also located higher in the barrel.

When this government took office, they boasted that because of the dominance of personnel from the Disciplined Forces in their ranks, Guyana’s security threat would be neutralised.

Now think why that ain’t so!! …on source of pharma corruption Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that the Tender Board couldn’t very well be blamed for the latest scandal in the sole sourcing of pharmaceuticals for the GPHC. How could they withhold approval when the $367 million in drugs was described as an “emergency”?

So why not charge the person who declared the emergency??

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

News

9

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

State of the economy

Guyana at risk of external financial shocks – IMF ...due to few exports and oil imports

exports were slightly lower than projected, mainly on account of lower export earnings of gold and other exports in the last two months of the year.”

When Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented the 2018 Budget last year, he had announced that merchandise imports were estimated to grow by 9.6 per cent. This had been at-

The parliamentary Opposition met with the IMF team in March of this year

W

ith Guyana’s balance of payments deficit on the rise, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is warning of the need for the Government to be prepared for external shocks on the financial market.

This is contained in the report from the IMF Executive Board following the conclusion of its Article IV consultations. The report was released a few days ago.

According to IMF, Guyana’s vulnerability is due to the reliance placed on so few exports.

“The exchange rate should play a more active role in cushioning external shocks going forward.

Guyana remains vulnerable to external shocks given the concentration of its exports in a few commodities and its reliance on imported oil in the short term,” the group stated.

As it is, facilitating a robust commercial sector is crucial to enhancing not only traditional exports but opening up new export opportunities. According to the IMF, this should be a primary goal of the government.

“Enhancing competitiveness and supporting inclusive growth should remain a high priority. Greater efforts are needed to lower the cost of doing business by addressing infrastructure-related bottlenecks, reducing energy costs, and cutting red tape.”

“Increasing female labour force participation and bridging the gaps with the hinterland can boost growth and help spread its benefits more widely,” the IMF team also advised the Government.

Balance of payments

The balance of payments is statistical data on a coun-

try’s fiscal transactions, including imports and exports.

To therefore record a deficit, Guyana would have had to spend more on imports, among other things, than it earned from exports.

According to the 2017 macro-economic report, Guyana’s overall balance of payment in the 2017 fiscal year showed a deficit of US$69.5 million. This is a hike when compared to US$53.3 million the previous year.

On the one hand, the current account shows a deficit of US$287.4 million for the year 2017. But in the previous fiscal year, the report notes, this was just US$12.4 million. The report admits that this is because of a negative balance on the merchandise trade account.

“The further weakening was due to the negative balance on the merchandise trade account. Merchandise

tributed to increased imports of mining machinery, chemicals, fuel, and lubricants. According to the report, imports exceeded the Government’s projections.

“Imports were slightly more than the US$1.59 billion projected at the time of the presentation of the 2018 Budget. As a result, the merchandise trade deficit of US$196.2 million was con-

siderably higher than the projected deficit of US$147.2 million.”

“Notwithstanding, the deficit on the services account was lower than estimated. The improvement in the services account more than offset the weaker balances on both the non-factor services and unrequited transfers accounts,” the report states.

10 news

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NTC Conference 2018

PPP questions Govt plan for Amerindians with Norway funds

…no mention of use for Amerindian development

The opening of the NTC last year

A

s the National Toshaos Council (NTC) 2018 Conference gets underway today, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has raised concerns that Government has not made any reference to funds being made available for developmental programmes for the Amerindian communities, be it community development plans, or any other developmental works in those communities.

The Opposition said that

it was particularly worrying as the Government’s abandonment of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and the initiatives designed to enhance national, and in particular, Amerindian development, has destroyed long years of work at all levels.

“The Government’s often-mooted, vague Green growth strategy remains locked away in some backroom office, with snippets emerging infrequently as to what it will contain.

Consultations across the country and with national stakeholders are still being awaited after three years,” the PPP said in a statement.

The Opposition argued that under the LCDS, programmes were identified, including multi-year projects, the Amerindian Titling Project and the Amerindian Development Fund, which are fully funded, but have been stagnated due to coalition Government’s reluctance to move on these issues.

They said, “The Government does not appear to share a common position with the Toshaos and the communities on an inclusive national development agenda. One cannot see any major intervention or innovation to address these issues since the change of Government.”

It also made reference to Vice President and Indigenous Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, who admitted before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources that no

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

titles, or extensions of lands to Amerindian communities had been issued in the last three years.

Further, the Opposition said it has noticed that ‘Free Prior and Informed Consent’ has been repeatedly honoured in the breach; one of the most glaring examples is the decision by the Government to establish the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Lands.

“The promise by the Government to the NTC a year ago to put on hold the CoI’s examination of issues relating to Amerindian lands, pending discussions with the NTC, has been stalemated with no follow-up meetings and no amendment of the gazetted terms of reference to exclude the CoI’s continued scrutiny of all Amerindian communal lands titling,” it also noted.

Local authority

Another newer and even more worrying development, according to the PPP, has been the intrusive role of the Government in the declaration of new Local Authority Areas in Amerindian titled lands in violation of the 2006 Amerindian Act and the amendment to the Local Democratic Act 2006 which “removed any council established in an Amerindian community” from inclusion in LAAs. “This newer challenge is very serious. The

Amerindian governance structure is separate and distinct layer from the LAAs. Without notice or consultations, the Government included Amerindian villages and communities in gazetted orders to establish these new LAAs.” Describing them as impositions on the Amerindian people, the PPP said it revealed the scant respect the Government held for the people and their elected leaders. Maicobe’s and Campbelltown’s opposition to their inclusion in the new township of Mahdia is striking.

“We hope their voices will be heard and obeyed.

The new Annai NDC is a glaring violation of the Amerindian Act with several titled villages becoming a Neighbourhood Democratic Council.”

As such, the Party said it hoped that the NTC will ensure that there was clarity and commitment by the Government on these and other issues including the proposed amendments to the 2006 Amerindian Act. The PPP said it hoped that the revision of this Act does not harm Amerindian rights and ensures that there is the widest possible consultation in the communities across the country.

It said the Government has failed to propose an alternative for the Hinterland Household Electrification

Programme and after four to five years of the solar systems installed by the PPP Government, there is no maintenance plans to provide new batteries. It said communities that were listed and expecting to receive their solar systems in 2015 were still waiting as this project appeared to be abandoned by the Government.

The US$17 million hinterland ICT programme, from the PPP’s LCDS, was also diverted to other targeted beneficiaries and the industrial solar units acquired for the computer hubs in 100 Amerindian villages were diverted for executive use, yet another blow to the Amerindian development agenda.

“We anticipate that many of these issues, including many other concerns, will be deliberated on by and among the NTC participants as well as in the presence of the Government. As the week of discussions unfolds, it is critical for the Toshaos, Councillors and other representatives to recognise that you have two powerful instruments at your disposal – the Guyana Constitution and the 2006 Amerindian Act.” The Party reiterated that at the conclusion of the 2018 National Toshaos Conference, it hoped that there were clear and unequivocal commitments from the Government that land rights would be protected, that the principle of ‘free prior and informed consent’ will be followed in every case in their interaction with the Amerindian communities; that agreed-on projects for the development of communities will be accelerated, and delivered in a timely manner, and, that resources are allocated to assist the flood- affected communities in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine.

news

11

mondAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to take new measures to address infant deaths – new medication & incentives for home care givers among proposals

I

n the wake of concerns expressed by the parliamentary Opposition about the rate of neonatal deaths, the Government is adamant that it has been investigating every such death. Moreover, the Georgetown Public Hospital as the premier public health facility has been taking the most high-risk cases.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence informed the National Assembly on Friday that because of this, the Georgetown Public Hospital would have a higher mortality figure than other hospitals. That being said, she stressed that Government has managed to reduce these numbers.

The Health Minister further explained that there was no increase during the period June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, rather, the numbers followed along the same trajectory. Of the 1155 admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), there were 119 deaths of new-born babies, representing 10.3 per cent of the total admissions. In addition, between January and April 2018, there were 32 deaths of new-borns.

Indeed, Government is cognisant of the seriousness of the situation. In an interview with this publication, Lawrence was asked what the Ministry was doing about this very situation. She had noted that they would be incentivising home care givers. According to the Minister, they thus hope to get more women into the hospitals where they can

get professional care and where their natural births can be supervised.

“We take care of them until they deliver,” she had explained. “We find that that is safer than bringing her when she’s ready to deliver or when she’s already in a crisis. We’re also going to work with the attendants.

Most times, these women are in the hands of a home attendant or family attendant. Because that’s tradition, it’s been going on for many, many years.”

“So what we’re going to do, we’re going to work with the home attendants and give them an incentive for every woman they bring to the centre. We are going to encourage them to do traditional birthing, but under the supervision of a practitioner.”

Lawrence noted that most of these deaths seemed to come from the Indigenous demographic. She revealed that last week she, public and private personnel met with specialists brought in by the Pan-American Health Organisation at Aruwai for a period of three days.

Besides measures to get caregivers involved, she had said that they would also be

purchasing some new drugs and kits that can be used in compressing and reducing haemorrhages. She also reflected on what her Ministry has been doing thus far.

“I know that prior to my becoming the Minister of Public Health, that there have been several attempts to ensure they arrest this issue. We thought we had moved forward last year, but we did not. We missed a few things.”

“As a result, this year there was a discussion specifically on us putting our resources together, because no woman should be dying in giving life ,irrespective of where she is,” the Minister declared.

Deaths

In 2016, it had been announced that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) approved a $1.6 billion loan to fund a programme to help reduce maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths in the country.

The Bank had said that the programme, which seeks to improve the quality of care at 140 health facilities across Guyana, will benefit some 140,000 women and 9000 babies annually.

It had pointed out that despite progress achieved during the last decade, Guyana’s maternal and infant mortality rates were among the highest in the Region, with a maternal mortality rate estimated at 121 per 1000 live births and an infant mortality rate of 22 per 1000 live births.

The IDB had said that the operation draws from the IDB’s experiences with the Mesoamerican Health Initiative and incorporates lessons learnt from evidence-based biomedical and operational interventions.

It will closely monitor re-

sults to ensure that those interventions can contribute to the success of the programme.

The total cost of the project is $1.6 billion (US$8 million), of which $800 million will come from the IDB’s ordinary capital resources and $800 million from the Fund for Special Operations (FSO) of the Bank.

The loan from the Bank’s ordinary capital was said to have a six-year grace period and a 30-year term, while the FSO funding had a term of 40 years with a 40-year grace period and a fixed annual rate of 0.25 per cent.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

12 news

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kwakwani flood

Emergency food supplies expected to arrive today

Sections of Kwakwani remain inundated

A

s the Regional Disaster Risk Management strategy in Kwakwani remains in effect, acting Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig related that relief materials, including food and medical supplies, are expected to reach the affected area today. He, however, noted that the water has begun to recede.

Guyana Times learnt that the CDC has dispatched millions of dollars in food relief and cleaning agents to the area.

“We should be collecting all the food stuff tomorrow [Monday] and start to transport to Kwakwani to the affected households,” the acting Head stressed.

He had earlier explained that a multiagency approach involving the Public Health Ministry,

Hydrometeorological Service, and CDC volunteers was crafted to ascertain the overall needs of the affected residents, who, in some cases, were under six to seven feet of water.

Similarly to Lethem and its surrounding areas, food security in Kwakwani is also being threatened since farms are inundated.

The major assessment was carried out to see the impact of last week’s flooding,

particularly in Lamp Island and the Waterfront area of Kwakwani. Speaking on the preliminary reports coming out of that assessment, Craig told this publication that residents had already adjusted their building pat-

on stilts and persons have chosen to remain in their homes. Those who have been affected have moved to relatives already,” he told this newspaper.

He cautioned that this did not take away from the

The assessment team that visited the area late last week with acting CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

terns in preparation for periodic flooding.

He noted that some even constructed secondary houses which were above the height of the primary houses which are submerged.

“It is something that happens every year and people have built their homes to adapt to the situation. The houses are built

fact that the affected residents would have needs that must be catered for such as health and food.

“We need to continually monitor the water level, persons need to continue to ensure the water they drink is safe and the assessment will come from the region to decide where resources will be focused on and how much will be required,” he pointed

out recently.

About 300 households have been affected by the present flood. Those affected are from the Kwakwani Waterfront, Lamp Island, Aroraima and Ginger Island areas.

Residents in recent days complained of household appliances and belongings being damaged due to the flooding, which they said were caused by the inclement weather pattern coupled with overtopping of the Berbice River.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian has said there was need to understand the backdrop against which the flooding was taking place, as he pointed out that due to increased rainfall, the water level in the river was high. He said those affected were mainly from low-lying areas. He warned that should persons continue to live in such areas, they would experience flooding. Residents are utilising boats as the primary mode of transportation, since most of the roads are inundated. However, Craig said Sunday that some of the roads leading into the area can be used. (Shemuel Fanfair)

news

13

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 9 flood aftermath

59 residents displaced, remain in shelters …environmental health personnel offering guidance – CDC Head er this month that a group of Toshaos had travelled into the area via boat, using a different route.

It was reported several days ago that Deep South Rupununi’s main access road en-route to Aishalton was partly washed away.

Food security is another concern that was recorded

The flood situation reached a worrying level when several persons were evacuated from their homes in Region Nine almost two weeks ago (file photo)

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

hough the floodwaters in sections of Lethem and surrounding areas have largely receded, the 59 residents who were evacuated from their homes for safety reasons remain in shelters after nearly two weeks.

This was confirmed by both Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Vice Chairman Karl Singh and acting Head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig – who related to Guyana Times on Sunday that the affected areas were being monitored.

While it is not clear when the various households will be able to return to their places of abode, Vice Chairman Singh stated that the residents were being allowed to clean their surroundings.

“Persons are in the shelter as of today [Sunday]; we are still monitoring the situation.

We have cleaning agents, including Jeyes fluid, to give to the affected people to clean their homes and disinfect the surrounding areas before they can go back home,” Singh told this publication.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Craig told this newspaper that as the water around Lethem has been receding, there have been no reports of disease outbreak.

“There are no outbreaks; what we try to do is use preventative measures such as bleach in water and water purification tablets...we monitor the situation continuously and we are in contact with the regional administration under the regional disaster risk management system,” Craig pointed out.

He also informed that the Public Health Ministry has a team targeting the affected areas with community outreaches by its environmental health personnel who have been providing guidance on the necessary measures persons can take to prevent diseases.

Meanwhile, additional flooding remains a cause for worry since the water level could rise again with another heavy downpour. The affected areas included Deep South Rupununi communities such as Karasabai, which was cut off from Central Lethem.

Regional Chairman Brian Allicock noted earli-

Minibus union expects Govt’s response to proposal by month-end

United Minibus Union President Eon Andrews

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

fter submitting a proposal to Business Minister Dominic Gaskin several weeks ago, the President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews on Saturday told Guyana Times that he was expecting a response from the Government as early as the end of this month, so as to quench the rage in the public transportation sector.

He said that he would have met with the Business Minister back in June and was confident that he would address the situation within that time frame; however if he

did not, then the Union may very well resort to actions which it has reserved since the call for a fare increase.

Andrews added that he understands that the Minister of Business has to meet with several other Ministers of the Government before the issues at hand can be resolved and so he is prepared to wait until the end of the month.

A proposal for not only a fare increase but several other interventions was presented to Minister Gaskin back in June, by the Union’s Head with the hope of having them addressed.

A

turn to page 16

since the floods in the Deep South had also destroyed farms. Regional Chairman Allicock noted in early July that some 20 farms were inundated with over three feet of water.

The flooding was caused by several rivers, particularly the Takutu River, overtopping because of heavy rain-

fall in the region and over in neighbouring Brazil, which had resulted in overtopping of the Rio Brancho River. The CDC had delivered supplies which included water purification tablets, collapsible bottles, detergents and other cleaning supplies, beddings and blankets, among other materials.

14 news

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF hosts 17th annual wreath-laying ceremony – monument erected to remember 5 other heroes

A section of the gathering at the wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Sunday hosted its 17th annual wreath-laying ceremony dedicated to the Force’s fallen heroes at the Police Officers Mess Compound, Eve Leary.

An additional monument was erected to pay homage to Police Constable Michael Forde and Sherwayne Pantlitz, who were both killed in the line of duty in 2013; Silburn Elias, who was killed in 2014; Antonio Dawson and Sergeant Leonard Junior La Rose, who was killed in 2016.

Their families, friends, and colleagues remembered the brave men by laying wreaths at the monument.

In his address to the

gathering, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine noted that the monument was a reminder of the challenges faced in the past and those to come in the future.

Ramnarine added that the Force has an important role to play – that is to provide security to the nation.

The Commissioner, however, noted that Guyana has come a long way.

“The monument tells us that in the last few years we have had mercies compared to the period where we had gone with the crime wave.

So, we don’t want that to reoccur so we have to strive diligently with professionalism and integrity as our watchdogs to ensure that

no addition is made to that monument,” the acting Top Cop stated.

Ramnarine, nevertheless, applauded the work of the Fallen Heroes Foundation Incorporated, whose mission is to remember the fallen officers by providing for those they left behind.

“The memorial service tells us and reminds us of human nearness and closeness and that despite the fact that they made the ultimate sacrifice and are not here with us, that their children and relatives can feel comfortable and at least have a certain satisfactory level that the Guyana Police Force in the main, and that the Government in its own

rule, has not forgotten you not only on this occasion, but throughout the years as we go by … so I want to applaud the work of the Fallen Heroes Foundation in its volunteerism towards its very honourable mission that we have created and that will continue,” he explained.

The acting Commissioner concluded by urging current members of the Police Force to remember those who made the sacrifice.

“Members of the Force, I urge you to understand and to keep reminding yourself that those who made the sacrifice made the sacrifice so that today we can stand and we can take the Force forward, we can learn bitter lessons of the past, we can adjust in our diligence and our commitment and professionalism that the works that they would’ve done and the sacrifices that they would’ve made would not have gone in vain.”

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, in his remarks, noted that the fallen heroes made the ultimate sacrifice.

“He who gives of his possession can be classified as good in this life and it is always that giving that will

A relative of one of the slain Police ranks laying a wreath at the monument on Sunday

make life better. But he who gives of himself and makes the ultimate sacrifice like the fallen heroes that constitutes the greatest generation, the greatest individuals,” Ramjattan remarked.

He reflected on the importance of a Policeman in society, while noting that there were huge challenges to face in the coming days.

“You have to do the impossible for the ungrateful.

And that is what makes this profession so significant, so noble, and so honourable because when a genuine crisis befalls, the first call that is

made is to the Police. And amidst all the danger, the Police have to ensure that their presence be felt and that order is maintained.

It’s an extraordinarily dangerous job, this policing but it is very necessary and an institution that is necessary for a society to move forward and advance like Guyana is,” the Minister explained.

He also thanked the Fallen Heroes Foundation for the work that it has done over the years to help the children and relatives of the slain Police ranks.

Police likely to crack Campbellville double murder Businessman released, 3-year-old case – body expected to be exhumed today

T

he body of a man that was buried in 2015 is expected to be exhumed today as investigators believe that it is that of a man who went missing.

Back in 2015, the body was discovered at the Hampshire Cemetery. The dead man was wearing brown Timberland boots and a black bicycle was discovered a short distance away.

However, on Wednesday last, investigators reopened the probe after relatives of a man claimed that the buried body might be that of a relative who went missing on April 13, 2015.

The man, whose name was given as Percy Johnson of

Dead: Percy Johnson, also called “Crook”

Lot 36 B Sir David Rose Street, Rose Hall Town, was 75 when he left home and never returned.

The missing man’s grandson, Terrence

Roopnarine, told this publication that his grandfather had a pair of brown Timberland boots and rode a black Mountain bike.

In addition, a relative was overheard telling her husband “I will not allow you to kill me and dispose of my body like you did with your grandfather”.

Johnson lived on the upper flat of the house while a 27-year-old grandson and his reputed wife lived in the lower flat. They were both taken into custody after relatives of the missing man informed the Police of what they were told.

On Saturday, the couple were released on bail and were expected to report to the Police today.

Pedestrian killed at Ruby identified as NWD labourer

T

he pedestrian who was killed by two drunken drivers along the Ruby Public Road, East Bank Essequibo was identified as 44-yearold Shurman Daniels of Kamwatta, North West District (NWD). The man’s body was positively identified by his sister.

It was reported that the now dead man was walking in the centre of the road when he was struck down

by motor cars PRR 459 and PWW 6353. Both drivers were reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fatal accident.

It was reported that motor car PRR 459 was proceeding west along the roadway when it struck down the pedestrian. In addition, another car, PWW 6353, which was also proceeding in the same direction, hit Daniels.

Public-spirited resi-

dents reportedly picked up the pedestrian and rushed him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Both drivers were taken into custody and were found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

The Police on Sunday confirmed that the drivers remained in custody and were expected to be charged soon.

2 remain in custody

A

Kitty, Georgetown businessman, who was arrested on Thursday evening for questioning in relation to the murder of Pandit Deonarine Liliah and his 29-year-old son, Gopaul Liliah was released on Saturday.

Nevertheless, the man who was arrested at the scene after the gruesome discovery remains in custody after he was identified as the man who had sold the pandit’s mobile phone to another man. The buyer remains in custody as well.

A Police source confirmed that although the CCTV footage that was collected was not too clear, the main suspect who investigators believed might have killed the two men is the same person that sold the phone to someone else.

Up to late Sunday evening, the Police were still working to get a confession statement. With this new development, the detectives are working on the theory that the men were killed during a robbery.

The source told Guyana Times that on the night of the murder, the pandit attended a function on the East Coast of Demerara and would have left after 21:00h and as such, the footsteps that were heard by the tenant could be those of the perpetrator and the younger Liliah.

It is presumed that after the pandit arrived home, he saw his son lying on the ground and before he could have raised an alarm, he was attacked and stabbed to death.

After committing the acts, the perpetrator collected several valuable items from the house and left the same way he entered. As the Police wrap up their investigation, they are hoping to secure a confession from the man who was arrested at the scene.

On the day the discovery was made, the younger Liliah’s body was reportedly found lying face down on the floor in a pool of blood, with a red jersey wrapped around his head.

There were three stab wounds to his back, one each to the left and right side of his abdomen, and two to his chest.

The elder Liliah was found lying on his back in the living room. He was clad in a pair

Dead: Pandit Deonarine Liliah and Gopaul Liliah

of white long pants and a multi-coloured top, and his face was covered with a multi-coloured jersey.

He had sustained four stab wounds to his abdomen, four to his left side, one to the lower back, and one to the right hip.

There were no signs of forced entry into the home. However, CCTV footage collected from nearby buildings revealed that an unidentified man was seen scaling the fence, and he entered the premises through a front door. After some time, he was seen leaving the house with two bulky bags and a bucket.

The house had been ransacked.

The two men were last seen by the tenant about 06:00h on Saturday last, and it has been confirmed that they and the tenant had a conversation.

The tenant who resided on the bottom flat of the house told investigators that she was using her landlord’s Wi-Fi when it suddenly went off, and it was around the same time she had heard footsteps coming from the upper flat of the house.

After three days had elapsed and there had been no sign of the men, the woman became suspicious and went to the Kitty Police Station, where she made a report. She was accompanied back to the premises by three Police ranks. It was then that the gruesome discovery was made.

news

15

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

I SAY...

What the people say

On the heels of the fiasco involving Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes, her driver and two security officers attached to Massy – located at Providence, East Bank Demerara, are you of the opinion that the Government official should apologise?

Manhohar Narine “I believe that the honourable thing for the Minister to do is apologise for her conduct, since no one is above the law of this beautiful country. She has acted very unprofessional, but better was not expected from her since she is power drunk. The President needs to remind his Ministers of the code of conduct regarding professional ethics. He should also discipline her, since she is a repeated offender of MISUSE of ministerial powers.”

Jairam Persaud “I think she should not, because she clearly stated in public when asked about the matter that she doesn’t know what they are talking about, so her apology won’t mean anything now, waste of time.”

Teeka Chunilall “My opinion: I think the Junior Minister Broomes should apologise. As the security guards were only going about doing their honest working jobs and not stealing and killing. The Junior Minister should be happy that these guys stood up to the suspicious black-tinted vehicle and not backed down, because no one is above the law, not even Government Ministers. This just encourages officers to continue to say “left some” instead of going through all this drama.”

Lester Glenn “Yes, she must apologise.

But I feel this Minister do a lot of things for show. She always have to have pictures doing something. She needs to stop and humble herself. Because she will be the cause of her own downfall.”

Caesar McAlmont “I believe she should apologise to the guards, because clearly they were just doing their jobs and all that was totally uncalled for.”

Jaichand Wahid “I honestly believed she should come forward and say ‘we made a mistake, myself and my driver the way I acted wasn’t called for’; secondly, lying about the guards pulled their firearms is such an embarrassment to the nation as a minister who the people depend and look forward to set an example for our future children. As a minister, acting so ignorant [she] should go to a disciplinary committee to adopt how to socialise with the public and citizens of this country.”

Rishma Ajodah “Yes, most definitely the Minister should apologise. As a public servant, she should be held accountable for her actions.

Otherwise, what example is she setting? Because you’re a highranking official you can do as you please?”

ERC not answerable to subject minister – Chairman …pleased Mae’s school resolved differences with student

E

thnic Relations Commission (ERC) Chairman, Dr John Smith has appealed for the independence of the recently-reconstituted body to remain intact as members find their footing.

He made this call at Saturday’s engagement with media operatives, and urged those practising the profession known as the fourth estate that they should be wary of “fake news”.

While calling for responsibility in journalism, he told media personnel that the ERC was answerable to the Speaker and Members of Parliament.

“Let us work together to produce harmony. We are not answerable to and do not have a subject minister and that make us apolitical. We answer to the Speaker and the Parliament and we are supposed to send reports every year, so from that standpoint we want to continue,” Dr Smith stressed.

The ERC Chair highlighted that caution must be observed in reporting, especially in the age of social

ERC Chairman, Dr John Smith

media and electronic media where information is dispersed much faster.

The comments were echoed by Guyana Press Association (GPA) President Nazima Raghubir, who stressed that in this light, political leaders needed to be held accountable for their statements as information is passed on even if a media house decided not to publish.

Meanwhile, Dr Smith praised the return of the ERC after its eight-year hiatus. Its previous incarna-

tion was formed in 2004. Dr Smith said that even before the current body got into action, the Mae’s Schools situation with the Indigenous student erupted. He, however, said that he was pleased that the matter was resolved even before the ERC was able to address it. Earlier this year, the student was told he was “inappropriately dressed” when he turned up in traditional wear for the school’s Culture Day. “Before we could get our feet wet, we were faced with the situation at Mae’s School and everybody began to ask where is the ERC?” Dr Smith related.

The ERC was conceptualised after protests following the 1997 General Election.

As part of the Herdmanston Accord brokered by Caricom and signed on January 17, 1998, the ERC was established as a constitutional body by Constitutional Amendment (#2) Act of 2000, which was assented to by the then President on August 11, 2000.

It has four broad functions: “Investigative, conflict resolution, education

and public awareness, and research and development strategies”. Among its functions as outlined in Article 212D of the Constitution are to provide for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons and to promote arbitration, concil-

iation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace.

Additionally, it can investigate complaints of racial discrimination and make recommendations on the measures to be taken if such complaints are valid, and where there is justification, therefore, re-

fer matters to the Human Rights Commission or other relevant authorities for further action to be taken.

Meanwhile, the ERC is also mandated to promote equal access by persons of all ethnic groups to all public or other services and facilities provided by the Government or other bodies.

ECD man arrested after body found at Puruni

T

he Police on Saturday arrested an East Coast Demerara (ECD) man in connection with the discovery of the skeletal remains of a woman at Thomas Island, Puruni River. Based on reports received, the alleged suspect had worked at a mining camp in close proximity of where the woman’s remains were found.

While information remains sketchy about the arrest, the identity of the woman is yet to be confirmed by Police. The man was, however, arrested based on his past record of abusing women in several interior locations.

Up to late Sunday evening, the Police could not confirm if the man was the prime suspect. They are continuing their investigations.

The skeletal remains were found more

than a week ago at Thomas Island, Puruni River, Region Seven. The badly-decomposed body was found in a shallow grave.

A bag containing the woman’s clothes was close to the body, but there were no form of identification.

It was reported that a security personnel stumbled upon the remains while heading to an Internet cafe to make a call.

He reported the findings to the Police on Tuesday. As such, a party of Police ranks was dispatched to the scene to conduct preliminary investigations.

Owing to the state of the body, which was clad only in a brassiere – identification was not possible. A post-mortem is expected to be performed on the remains to determine the cause of death.

16 news

monDAY, july 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SASOD, Police hierarchy working to create culture change in GPF

…in order to reduce ranks’ homophobia, discriminatory treatment of LGBT persons

By Michael Younge

T

he Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is working closely with the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to tackle the continuing problems of how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people are treated whenever they seek law enforcement and criminal justice services.

This is according to SASOD’s Homophobia Education Coordinator Anil Persaud, who explained that over the years the organisation would have been embarking on a number of measures aimed at re-training and train-

ing new Policemen and women on how to respond professionally to complaints from LGBT especially when their human rights are violated or when they are accessing general services.

“I can tell you that LGBT people have the same rights and entitlements as any other group of persons residing here. They are not asking for any special treatment as their rights are basic human rights.

Therefore, they must be treated professionally and respectfully,” Persaud argued.

He admitted that from time to time, there are complaints from LGBT people about the high levels of discrimination they face from Policemen and

SASOD’s Homophobia Education Coordinator, Anil Persaud

women when there is an altercation or a need to seek ser-

vices, but Persaud maintained that there has been massive improvements in the conduct of some law enforcement personnel as a result of the direct intervention of SASOD, its partners and other LGBT lobby groups.

“We are not there yet, but we are getting there…”, he said as he explained that SASOD continues to enjoy a close relationship with the Police Force and this relationship can only improve over the next few years.

So close is that relationship that Persaud disclosed that SASOD volunteers act as an emissaries or support units for LGBT persons who are fearful of venturing to Police Stations

alone to file complaints.

The Homophobia Education Coordinator denied that there was a marked increase in the number of persons complaining about the quality and type of treatment meted out to them by the Policemen especially following the staging of the recent Gay Pride Parade through the streets of Georgetown.

In fact, he denied that there was a rise in homophobia and intolerance for the way of life of LGBT people following the Pride Parade. He defended the Policemen saying that anyone who felt differently was free to access the services at SASOD and have their cases documented.

For years, LGBT people have complained about the fact that whenever they seek the services of certain Police Stations within A, C and D Divisions, they are mocked, discriminated against or turned away.

One account given by an LGBT person in the media as of recent stated that the Policemen were targeting a group of ‘differently-gendered’ men in order to arrest them to prove a point.

“The Policeman asked me if I am man or woman…and I said I am a gay man. My friend said that he was a woman and the whole patrol started to laugh and insult him,” the LGBT person recounted.

Ituni residents decry state of access Exceptional turnout at Berbice road, other issues affecting community e-agriculture forum – Min Hughes

S

everal Ministers of Government ventured into the remote Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community of Ituni where they were made privy to the issues affecting residents there, even as one resident contended that the deplorable state of the access road is a major cause for concern.

Community member Keisha Griffith spoke very passionately about these issues during a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) meeting with contesting Party Chairman candidate, Minister of State Joseph Harmon at the New Silvercity Secondary School in Linden.

Griffith, who also serves as a Community Development Officer of Ituni, said she felt as though the community of Ituni was isolated from the rest of the Region.

“I am from Ituni, and I think is Region 10, because sometimes I does feel Ituni ain’t part of Region 10,” she noted. This was met with applause and agreement from other residents, who had travelled to be part of the meeting.

“I am serious. We in Ituni have lots of issues and I can see that the Ministers have a problem to reach to Ituni.

What is the problem? Why the Ministers can’t reach to Ituni?” Griffith asked.

This was met with more shouts from members of the audience who replied: “Road!”

“Don’t talk about the rest – jobs...land for logging. Logging is the only thing we does do up deh. We ain’t got nothing (else). Since this Government take over, we don’t have nothing to show...So I am asking you Minister Harmon where are the changes… we voted for change and we want see y’all do things for we,” Griffith passionately stated.

She told this publication afterwards that the internal roads in the community were also in a deplorable state. Her stance on the condition of the main access road was supported by Minister Valarie Adams-Yearwood, who recalled travelling for four hours along the Ituni trail.

“I want to support Keisha, because apart from being a Minister of Government...

I’m also from Region 10. Ituni road is a mess for too long. I

F

The main access road to the community

know that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on several occasions did grading and so on, but by the time you have a smooth road for two weeks, the rest of the year the terrain you can’t travel,” Minister Adams-Yearwood pointed out.

She added that as a Minister she has visited Ituni on several occasions for land allocation and other initiatives, but noted that it was not easy getting there.

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson stated that while the Public Infrastructure Ministry did work on the roads, weather patterns were sometimes a hindrance.

However, the Minister added that it was not right to say that the Government has not done anything in Ituni, noting that in 2016 and 2017 it created work for young people through the Community Organised Restore the Environment (CORE) project where in excess of five persons

should have been employed.

Meanwhile, Minister Harmon promised to deal with the issues of public infrastructure separately, noting that he could not give all the answers to several other issues posed by residents at that specific time.

He further noted that while there were some matters which could be dealt with on the spot, there were others which would be dealt with separately.

Nevertheless, he said he was happy that the concerns were raised. In dealing with such regional issues, Minister Simona Broomes urged the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to have community meetings with residents, as she pointed to the relevance of having local democracy: “We put local power in the hands of the people...”

She also promised to go to Ituni and do a walkabout since she has a responsibility for the Region.

armers, businesspersons and other citizens of East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six) turned out in their numbers Saturday at an e-agriculture forum hosted as part of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) roadshow.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the forum achieved its objective of opening the minds of the citizens, particularly farmers on the benefits of incorporating the use of ICTs in their activities.

“What we wanted to do was sit with farmers in communities and give them an idea of where the technology is going, what e-Agriculture is about and in a very practical way talk about some of the things that can help them, “she noted.

During her interaction with the farmers, Minister Hughes said e-Agriculture will change the way farming is done and will also attract the interest of young people to pursue this field, pointing to drone technology for pest control and crop monitoring.

Minister Hughes said the turnout was exceptional and the enthusiasm to learn more about the technology was overwhelming.

Secretary-General of the CTU, Bernadette Lewis encouraged farmers to use

Minibus union expects Govt’s...

The fare increase came at a time when the prices for fuel had fluctuated and increased significantly. The head of the UMU had, however, informed that the fare increase suggested by him was not solely because of the fuel price increase, but a number of other issues including the hike in maintenance costs for minibuses due to the ban of used tyres as well as the increase in cost for driver’s licences and other documents.

As a result of this, the Head of the Union had

made it clear that the proposed fare increase of as much as $40 will not change even if the cost for fuel decreases.

According to him, it is not the UMU’s vision to exploit commuters, but rather to set fares which are ‘fair to everyone’. It was on that note that Andrews said he was aware of cases where passengers are being made to pay increases in transportation fares as high as $60 when all that the UMU has requested is a $20 increase for short drop driv-

ers and a $40 increase for drivers who travel longer distances.

“We are concerned because if they (minibus drivers) take actions, it means that especially the travelling public, although it is a free-man transportation, they will punish. There may be persons who may react to those increases and you know there might be some violence and police story and these kinds of things, so I don’t think that’s the way anybody wants us to go so I think that the gov-

Students of the Bygeval Secondary showing how to test soil moisture using a microbit

ICTs to add value to their produce. She also urged the older persons to educate themselves on the new and emerging technologies by visiting the ICT hubs in their communities.

Lewis said there are many creative ways of enhancing produce from new packaging ideas to finding non-traditional uses of particular items.

There were presentations from representatives of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and WHYFARM“We Help from page 13

ernment ought to do something quickly,” the UMU’s President posited.

The Minister of Business recently told reporters that he was not responsible for fixing minibus fares and just intervened from a consumer point of view to find out their concerns.

He went on to say that the proposal which was submitted to his Ministry will be shared with the respective Ministers who will then carry the burden of introducing the said proposal to Cabinet.

Youth Farm,” with a special appearance by “Agri-Man.” Agri-Man is a superhero created to promote the benefits e-agriculture and smallscale agriculture practices at the roadshow with the catchphrase, “Plant a tree, Live for free.”

Three students of the Bygeval Secondary also demonstrated a technique they invented which shows how to conduct soil testing using microbits. The students, Phyllis Viera, Supriya Jagdeo and Kirti Budgat have plans of developing an automatic sprinkler system that will water plants when low moisture content is detected.

A pilot project will soon be conducted with a group of farmers on the use of a marketing app created by local technology company Innosys. The app allows farmers to find suitable and nearby markets for their produce.

The East BerbiceCorentyne, e-Agriculture Forum marked the culmination of the six-day inaugural CTU, ICT roadshow and according to both Minister Hughes and the CTU Secretary-General, the event exceeded expectations.

monDAY, july 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Trump: European Union is a foe on trade U

S President Donald Trump has described the European Union as a foe on trade.

He told CBS News that European countries were taking advantage of the US and not paying their Nato bills.

EU Council President Donald Tusk said anyone calling the EU foes was spreading "fake news".

Trump said he had "low expectations" for his meeting today with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which comes after 12 Russians were indicted for alleged hacking during the 2016 US elections.

Trump said he would raise this issue with Putin at the summit in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, and "maybe some good" would come of it.

Russia denies the allegations.

There have been calls in the US for Trump to cancel his meeting with Putin over the indictments, announced on Friday by US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Sunday also saw a protest march against the summit in Helsinki. Demonstrators chanted "media must be free", and carried a banner calling for human rights.

President Donald Trump described the EU as "very difficult"

Haitian Prime Minister resigns

T

he Prime Minister of Haiti, Jack Guy Lafontant, has resigned after days of violent protests against fuel price rises.

In a speech in the Lower House of Congress in the capital, Port-auPrince, he said President Jovenel Moïse, had accepted his resignation.

There had been calls for a vote of no-confidence in Lafontant in Congress during the riots.

At least four people were killed, with shops and buildings burnt and looted.

The unrest started after the Government unveiled a proposal to remove fuel subsidies.

This would have increased the price of petrol by 38 per cent, diesel by 47 per cent, and kerosene by 51 per cent.

The capital, Port-au-Prince, was immobilised and dozens of shops and businesses attacked.

PM Jack Guy Lafontant was accused of mishandling the fuel reforms

In February, the country signed an agreement with the International

Monetary Fund (IMF) to carry out structural reforms to promote growth.

The IMF argued getting rid of the fuel subsidies would free up cash for other things like education, health and job creation.

But many of the protesters accused the Government of being out of touch with their economic difficulties in one of the world's poorest countries.

A government spokesman said the suspension of the fuel price rises was temporary while the political crisis was tackled.

But Opposition Members of Parliament in Congress warned that if the price increases were reinstated, there would be more violence and protests on the streets.

The IMF suggested on Thursday "a more gradual approach" to ending fuel subsidies which were expected to generate around US$300 million. (Excerpt

M

Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN), where students had barricaded themselves for two months in protest against President Daniel Ortega.

Pro-Government groups kept the students trapped inside with gunfire for more than 16 hours.

Twenty-year-old construction student Gerald Vazquez died inside the church after he was reportedly shot in the head.

The second person who died has not yet been identified, Nicaraguan media re-

F

ive miners died on Sunday in a fire at a South African copper mine operated by unlisted Palabora Mining Company, the company said in a statement.

Safety is a huge issue in South Africa's deep and dangerous mines and increasingly a focus for investors. A spate of deaths at SibanyeStillwater's gold operations, including a seismic event that killed seven miners in

the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said the death toll stood at 264.

At least nine have died since protesters increased pressure on the Government on Thursday with further mass demonstrations and a national strike.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, who they accuse of establishing a dictatorship characterised by nepotism and brutal repression. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

early May, has highlighted the risks they face.

The company said the incident occurred in the early hours on Sunday at one of its underground conveyer belts and that mine management, Government officials and organised labour were investigating.

South Africa is not a major copper producer and most fatal accidents occur in its deep-level gold and platinum mines. (Reuters and Devdiscourse)

Boeing concerned over US-China trade row

from BBC News)

ported, with preliminary reports saying the youth died behind the university barricades.

Police have not issued a statement yet.

Official Government website El 19 said the university had been occupied by "thieves" and "terrorists".

Around 270 people – the vast majority of them civilians – have been killed in the political unrest that took hold of Nicaragua in April.

On Wednesday,

(Excerpt from BBC News)

5 miners killed in fire at South African copper mine

Students freed after standoff at Nicaragua church leaves 2 dead ore than 200 university students were freed from a besieged church in Nicaragua after a night of attacks during which two students were killed and dozens more wounded.

The students walked out on Saturday after Catholic Church leaders negotiated their release with pro-Government gunmen.

They had taken refuge at the Jesus of Divine Mercy church in the capital Managua after Police drove them out of the National

Russia has said it is looking forward to the talks as a vehicle for improving relations.

Asked to name his biggest competitor and foe globally, the US President said there were "a lot of foes" and named Russia and China among them, but the first on his list was the EU. "I think the European Union is a foe, what they do to us in trade. Now you wouldn't think of the European Union but they're a foe," he said.

Challenged by the interviewer on this, Trump said the EU was "very difficult".

Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg

T

he head of US aerospace and defence giant Boeing has warned about potential damage of the growing USChina trade row.

"Aerospace thrives on free and open trade," said chief executive Dennis Muilenburg.

He said he was concerned tariffs could push up costs for aircraft manufacturers.

"The aerospace sector drives economic benefits globally," he added.

With both the US and China imposing tariffs on each other's goods, Muilenburg said Boeing wanted to find "alternative solutions" to trade disputes.

"We are concerned it could affect supply chain costs – but those supply chains are flowing in both directions [between China and the US], it is an intricate network around the world."

Speaking to reporters ahead of this week's Farnborough Airshow, Muilenburg insisted that the White House was listening to his firm's arguments.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Cuba to recognise private property under new Constitution

C

uba will officially recognise private property for the first time in decades under a new Constitution featuring far-reaching changes, State media say.

Property sales were banned after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, but permitted after a law change in 2011.

The communist-run State's new Constitution will reaffirm that central planning and state enterprise are

key to the economy.

It is expected to be approved by a vote at the national assembly next week.

The draft Constitution would then be put to a popular referendum for final approval later this year.

If it is passed it will replace the existing constitution which was approved by the Communist Party in 1976.

Recognising private property could potentially mean more protections under law

for private entrepreneurs -and foreign investors.

But under the proposed reforms the party will remain as Cuba's dominant political force, the Granma newspaper reports.

Presidents, however, will be limited to serving two consecutive five-year terms and political power will be divided between the President and a Prime Minister.

It will ban discrimination based on gender, ethnic origin or disability. LGBT

The new Constitution is expected to be approved by the National Assembly next week

groups are hopeful it will also legalise same-sex marriage.

Since 2010, Cuba has undergone a series of market reforms aimed at boosting the

island's economy.

The national assembly proposed a number of constitutional reforms last month – including presidential term

limits and the legalisation of same-sex marriage – as the country moves to decide its political future. (BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, july 16, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

The

contributions

you

(March 21- made will not go unnoticed.

April 19) Use your experience to help

you find solutions that will improve a troubling situation. A proactive approach will earn respect.

Size things up and get TAURUS moving. Look at the big pic(April 20- ture and make alterations May 20) that will position you for a better future. Personal or physical changes will improve your outlook.

dilbert

Refuse to let emotional GEMINI (May 21- issues lead you astray. Use June 20) your intelligence and look for answers that will help put an end to any negativity in your life.

Time spent with someone

CANCER you find creative and inspir(June 21- ing will help you transition July 22) from one situation to another.

Peanuts

Partnering with someone progressive will bring promising results. Romance is highlighted.

Size up your financial situLEO ation and limit your spending.

(July 23- Don’t make donations or offer Aug. 22) generous gifts. A last-minute decision by you or someone close to you will lead to a dispute.

Give and take will be necVIRGO essary. Aiming for equality (Aug. 23when dealing with partners, Sept. 22) friends or relatives will help you keep the peace as well as get thing done. Romance will stabilize your personal life.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t leave anything to LIBRA (Sept. 23- chance. Do your research Oct. 23) and take action. Stay on top of your responsibilities and avoid complaints. Offer demanding people suggestions that will take the onus off you.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — MERITS

Can you find 28 or more words in MERITS? The list will be published tomorrow.

Rise and shine, and plan CAPRICORN to start something new. You’ll (Dec. 22- have the perfect setting to Jan. 19) bring about change at home or at work. Financial gain is heading your way.

SATURDAY’S WORD — DETONATE donee dote eaten teat teed teen tend tenet tent

toad toed tone tote oaten neat need netted node

notate note aeon anode ante atone attend

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

Learn from observation and make your decisions based on practical choices. Focus on making personal improvements.

Look at the facts. Someone SAGITTARIUS will mislead you if you are too (Nov. 23trusting.

Protect your assets Dec. 21) and personal information. A proactive approach to how you handle your money is favoured.

(MERITS: MER-its: Deserves.)

Average mark 21 words Time limit 30 minutes

date dean deet denote dent dentate detent donate done

Let others worry about SCORPIO rushing into things and back(Oct. 24tracking to fix what didn’t work.

Nov. 22)

solution for last published puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

If you don’t like something, take a pass. Refuse to let anyone bully you or entice you into taking part in something risky or that could end badly.

Use your intuition when dealing with work-related matters, partners or situations that could influence how you handle your money. Make a commitment to someone you love.

monDAY, JUly 16, 2018

19

France seal 2nd World Cup triumph with 4-2 win over brave Croatia French President Emmanuel Macron loved every moment of the finale in the stands

W

hen the decisive blows arrived the entire squad piled on top of one another in the victory scrum. Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper, had run the entire length of the pitch to join in the celebrations. All the substitutes were throwing themselves into this heap of arms and legs. There were even members of the backroom staff contemplating joining in, and who could blame them? France were on their way to winning the World Cup and a party was under way behind the goal where the tricolours were fluttering.

Those were the moments when everybody knew that no side – not even one with

Croatia’s resilience and powers of durability – would find a way back. Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé had scored in quick succession and the next edition of the France national shirt will have two stars, rather than one, above the cockerel. Didier Deschamps has become only the third man in history to win the World Cup as a player and manager, standing alongside two giants of the game in Mário Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.

Mbappé is a world champion at the age of 19, the first teenager to score in a final since Pelé in 1958, and there were jubilant scenes after the final whistle as the players gave Deschamps the bumps, as the rain turned

biblical and the trophy was lifted amid a backdrop of thunder and slate skies.

The mistake from Lloris that allowed Mario Mandzukic to pull one back for Croatia did not matter greatly in the end and France are deserving champions bearing in mind their assured performances throughout the tournament. Any team that score four times in a final are entitled to feel they have won in style and nobody seemed to mind too much, in the long wait for the trophy presentation, that the only person being sheltered from the rain was Vladimir Putin.

Kudos to the chap in the suit who suddenly appeared with an umbrella to keep the president dry while Gianni Infantino and all the other assorted Fifa dignitaries took a soaking.

This was the highest-scoring final since 1966 and it was laced with drama and incident, not least a second-half pitch invasion apparently from members of Pussy Riot, and featuring a fair amount of controversy, too, bearing in mind France’s second goal, a penalty scored by Antoine Griezmann, came from a borderline VAR decision that will always polarise opinion.

Even before that point, it was difficult not to sympathise with Croatia given they had suffered the grievous setback of an own goal from Mandzukic. Zlatko Dalic, the Croatia manager, had promised us that, if necessary, his team would take defeat with dignity and at least his players did not veer from that line, in

Kylian Mbappé and Paul Pogba marvel at their achievements. Mbappé is only the second teenager to score at a World Cup final, after Pele in 1958

trying circumstances. They will leave Russia, however, feeling that key moments of luck went against them in telling moments, right down to the smaller details.

Marcelo Brozovic’s alleged foul on Griezmann for the free-kick that led to Mandzukic’s own goal was the case in point: a generous decision, to say the least.

That was the 53rd own goal in the history of the World Cup, going all the way back to a Mexican player, Manuel Rosas, doing the same against Chile in 1930. Nobody, however, had ever done it before in a final and presumably Rosas did not have to suffer the indignity, as Mandzukic did here, of the

Kane wins Golden Boot, Modric the Golden Ball

E

Luka Modric (left) poses with the Golden Ball with Kylian Mbappe holding his Young Player Award

ngland captain Harry Kane has won the Golden Boot after finishing as the

World Cup’s top scorer with Croatia’s Luka Modric winning the Golden Ball for being the

player of the tournament.

Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard was the second-best player, with France forward Antoine Griezmann third.

Kylian Mbappe and Griezmann, who both scored in France’s 4-2 final win over Croatia, ended on four goals apiece, two behind Kane.

Kane is the second Englishman to end as the top scorer in a World Cup after Gary Lineker scored six goals in 1986.

Russia’s Denis Cheryshev, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku also scored four times.

The Atletico Madrid striker Griezmann won the Golden Boot at the 2016 European Championships with six goals and scored four and made a

further two at this World Cup. His French teammate Kylian Mbappe, 19, enhanced his growing reputation with a series of fine p e r fo r m a n c e s that saw him awarded with a silver ball for winning the Young Player Award.

B e l g i u m ’s T h i b a u t Courtois was awarded the Golden Glove for being the leading goalkeeper.

A trophy for England. (BBC Sport)

public announcer making sure everyone knew who had applied the decisive touch. Mandzukic’s attempt to help out in defence had gone horribly wrong. The ball had skimmed off his head from Griezmann’s free-kick and France were ahead before any of their own players had managed an attempt at goal.

By now, we should know enough about Croatia not to be taken aback by the strength of their response, culminating in a beautifully taken equaliser from Ivan Perisic 10 minutes later, using that precious left foot to fire a low, diagonal shot through a congested penalty area.

All this was rather unexpected bearing in mind the previous seven finals had yielded only four first-half goals. Yet it had quickly become clear that a thrilling tournament was not going to be let down by a cagey, prosaic final and the only pity, perhaps, went back to the fi rst-h al f

incident that led Croatia’s fans to whistle noisily when the match officials collected their medals.

It certainly was not a straightforward decision for the Argentinian referee, Néstor Pitana, and the length of time he spent analysing the replays told its own story. Eventually the handball decision was given against Perisic because it could be argued his arm was sticking out at an unnatural angle as he stooped behind Blaise Matuidi to defend a corner.

Was Matuidi’s flick-on on target or heading towards a teammate? The answer is no, to both questions. But maybe that was deemed irrelevant. The ball did strike Perisic’s hand, however little he knew about it, and that was enough for the penalty to be awarded, no matter how tough that might seem. Griezmann held his nerve to guide the penalty past Danijel Subasic, the Croatia goalkeeper, and after nearly four minutes of arguments and counter-arguments France were back in front.

The game was still finely poised until Mbappé and Griezmann combined to set up Pogba to make it 3-1 just before the hour. Pogba’s first effort came back to him off a defender. The second was a more controlled finish with his left foot to wrongfoot Subasic and when Mbappé fired in a low 25-yard effort for France’s fourth goal six minutes later it was starting to feel as if it could be a rout.

Instead, Lloris tried to dribble past Mandzukic in his own sixyard area, made a pig’s ear of it and at least that gave the score a bit more respectability from a Croatian perspective. There were 20 minutes to play and the losing players kept pushing forward, trying to pull off an improbable feat of escapology.

Modric demonstrated why he would later be announced as the Golden Ball winner, as the tournament’s outstanding player, and an argument could legitimately be made that Croatia matched their opponents in everything but goals. Dalic’s team had set off as though affronted that France were viewed as favourites.

Deschamps had substituted N’Golo Kanté, France’s midfield shield, early in the second half, mindful that the Chelsea player had been booked, but there were only fleeting moments when their opponents threatened to examine whether Lloris might be vulnerable again.

France had joined Uruguay and Argentina as two-times winners and the World Cup had been given a fitting finale.(The Guardian)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, JUly 16, 2018

Djokovic wins 4th Wimbledon by beating Anderson

N

ovak Djokovic earned his first Grand Slam title in more than two years by beating Kevin Anderson to win his fourth Wimbledon championship.

Djokovic, seeded 12th, won 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to claim a 13th Slam - his first major since the 2016 French Open.

The Serb, 31, quickly took control to win the opening set in 29 minutes, breaking twice more in the second set.

Djokovic saw off five set points in an even third set before dominating the tie-break to seal victory.

He dropped to his haunches just inside the baseline as Centre Court rose to acclaim the champion, hugging South African Anderson at the net before skipping over towards his box and celebrating wildly in front of his coaching team and wife Jelena.

“I had many moments of doubt, I didn’t know if could come back to this level to compete,” said Djokovic, who also won the Wimbledon title in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

“There is no better place to make a comeback, it’s a sacred place for the world of tennis, it’s very special.”

He is now in outright fourth place on the all-time list of Grand Slam men’s singles titles, moving clear of Roy Emerson and closing the gap on Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (17) and Pete Sampras (14).

The former world number one will move back into the top 10 when the latest rankings are released on Monday.

Djokovic dominated the men’s game earlier this decade, holding the

number one ranking for 223 weeks and completing a career Grand Slam when he claimed the title at Roland Garros two years ago.

Then, his cloak of invincibility began to slip.

After losing to Sam Querrey in the third round of Wimbledon in 2016, Djokovic alluded to difficulties in his personal life and his form subsequently tailed off.

Fitness also became an issue, taking two spells away from the ATP Tour because of an elbow injury, leading to him dropping out of the world’s top 20 earlier this year for the first time since 2006.

Now he is back among the world’s elite after a wonderful Wimbledon.

Djokovic broke twice in each of the opening two sets, dismantling 6ft 8in Anderson’s service game and grinding him down in the rallies.

Anderson rarely ventured forward and offered little variation - until the third set at least - but Djokovic nullified the increased threat to win in two

hours and 18 minutes.

While Djokovic’s troubles have been well documented, eighth seed Anderson has enjoyed his own renaissance in the past 12 months.

The 32-year-old cracked the world’s top 10 for the first time towards the end of 2015, but faced a catalogue of injury problems during 2016 and dropped towards the foot of the top 100 as a result.

Novak Djokovic marvels at his Wimbledon achievement

However, he has battled back to reach two Grand Slam finals and a topfive ranking over the past 18 months.

While reaching last year’s US Open final showed he possesses an all-round game, Anderson’s biggest weapon remains his serve - which he lost in the opening game against Djokovic with a double fault on break point.

Anderson struggled to find his rhythm and movement in a slow start, unsurprising after spending almost 11 hours on court in his previous two matches, and lost serve again in the fifth game.

While Roger Federer and John Isner eventually succumbed in those marathon quarter-final and semi-final matches, Djokovic was always going to be a tougher opponent to crack with the Serb regarded by many as the best returner in the game’s history.

Of course, Djokovic also had a lengthy semi-final against Rafael Nadal but he did not look like he had returned to Centre Court without the benefit of a day off.

After taking the opener, Djokovic continued to wear down Anderson and, helped by some unforced errors from the South African’s racquet, broke again in the first game of the second set.

Djokovic moved 4-1 ahead before Anderson finally started to ask questions of Djokovic’s serve, missing his first break point in what proved to be the final game of the second set.

Anderson rarely ventured forward in the opening two sets, coming to the net on seven occasions, before changing tack and making 14 approaches in the final set alone.

It contributed to an even third set as both men dominated their service games until Anderson earned another break point in the eighth game - the first of the set - with the help of the net cord.

Djokovic cranked up the tempo, landing a first serve to see off the break point, only to offer up two set points in the 10th game with two double faults.

He managed to save both, despite many on Centre Court cheering when they thought he had hit a forehand long on the first, going on to hold for 5-5 and greeting the winning point with a huge roar towards the crowd.

Djokovic’s next service game also came under pressure as Anderson could not convert three further set points - and his failure to do so proved costly.

Djokovic raced 4-1 ahead in the tie-break, earning four championship points when Anderson dumped a forehand into the net.

The South African saved the first with a smash, but was powerless to save the second as Djokovic hit a first serve down the middle which could only be returned into the net.

“I am definitely not feeling as fresh as I was coming into the week,” smiled Anderson.

“But I’d have given another 21 hours to have the opportunity to play out here, it really meant a lot to me.”

(BBC Sport)

Degenkolb wins as Greg van Avermaet extends lead

J

ohn Degenkolb won a dramatic ninth stage of the Tour de France that saw Richie Porte abandon and Greg van Avermaet extend his overall lead in a chaotic race across the cobbles.

Four-time winner Chris Froome crashed but recovered to finish with the other main general classification contenders.

Porte was forced out of the race with a fractured collar bone after crashing before the cobbles arrived.

Trek Segafredo’s Degenkolb outsprinted Van Avermaet and Yves Lampaert to win.

That trio broke clear with

20km to go and, although Van Avermaet had to settle for second, the Belgian now leads Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas by 43 seconds in the yellow jersey.

Degenkolb was forced to lead out the sprint but the German had enough power to hold off Van Avemaet and Lampaert and claim his first Tour stage victory.

The 156.5km stage across the north of France contained 15 cobbled sections, with Froome tumbling over his handlebars after hitting teammate Gianni Moscon, who fell on the entrance to the eighth sector.

However, with 45km to go at

Stage nine result 1. John Degenkolb (Ger/Trek-Segafredo) 3hrs 24mins 26secs 2. Greg van Avermaet (Bel/BMC Racing) same time 3. Yves Lampaert (Bel/Quick-Step Floors) 4. Philippe Gilbert (Bel/Quick-Step Floors) +19secs 5. Peter Sagan (Svk/Bora-Hansgrohe) same time 6. Jasper Stuyven (Bel/Trek-Segafredo) 7. Bob Jungels (Lux/Quick-Step Floors) 8. Andre Greipel (Ger/Lotto-Soudal) +27secs 9. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor/Team Dimension Data) same time 10. Timothy Dupont (Bel/Wanty-Groupe Gobert) General classification after stage nine 1. Greg van Avermaet (Bel/BMC Racing) 36hrs 7mins 17secs 2. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Sky) +43secs 3. Philippe Gilbert (Bel/Quick-Step Floors) +44secs 4. Bob Jungels (Lux/Quick-Step Floors) +50secs 5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +1min 31secs 6. Rafal Majka (Pol/Bora-Hansgrohe) +1min 32secs 7. Jakob Fuglsang (Den/Astana) +1min 33secs 8. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +1min 42secs 9. Adam Yates (GB/Mitchelton-Scott) same time 10. Mikel Landa (Spa/Movistar)

Chris Froome was caught up in a crash during the stage but got back up to continue

that point, the Team Sky leader had enough time to rejoin the main group and is now up to eighth overall, while fellow Briton Adam Yates, riding for Mitchelton-Scott, is ninth. They are both one minute and 42 seconds behind BMC Racing’s Van Avermaet.

Degenkolb has pedigree on the pave. He won Paris-Roubaix in 2015, the famous one-day cobbled classic known as the ‘Hell of the North’, and this stage followed a similar route.

However, he has struggled for form since nearly losing a finger after being struck by a car during a training ride with his then Giant-Alpecin teammates in January 2016.

He was in tears after securing his biggest win since that accident, dedicating the victory to a friend who died last

year.

“This is pure happiness. I was chasing this victory for so long, I’ve been through a lot,” he said.

“Everybody said I was done after the accident, that I would never come back, but I said I needed to get one really big victory for my friend.”

Richie Porte sits by the side of the road after suffering a suspected broken collar bone Porte was in tears as he was led to the side of the road after his crash 10km into the stage This was the latest in a sequence of Grand Tour disappointments for Porte, who also crashed out of last year’s Tour on stage nine, fracturing his collar bone and pelvis on a high-speed descent.

The Australian, who saw his attempts to win the 2015 Giro

d’Italia and 2016 Tour ended by mechanical issues and illness, fell with a big group of riders just 10km into the stage and was led to the side of the road in tears, supporting his right shoulder.

Having won the Tour de Suisse this year, Porte was among the favourites for the podium in Paris but, at 33 years old, he is running out of time to put together a Tour challenge free of bad luck or bad days.

There was more misfortune for BMC as Tejay van Garderen, who should assume the team leadership in the mountains, also crashed and could not chase back on, falling from third to 30th overall.

It was a fraught day for all the favourites, but most will know it could have been worse.

Aside from Porte, the only

other main contender to lose out was Rigoberto Uran, the Colombian crashing at about 30km to go and unable to rejoin the main group, losing one minute 28 seconds to his rivals.

AG2R La Mondiale’s Romain Bardet had four punctures, including one with just 6km to go, but chased back on each time, despite Froome putting in a brief dig at the front late on in an apparent attempt to distance the Frenchman, who lost just seven seconds on the line.

Mikel Landa also lost seven seconds, having crashed while trying to take a drink from his bottle before being paced back by his Movistar squad as their other leaders, Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde, finished safely in the main bunch.

Ireland’s Dan Martin, who crashed heavily on Saturday’s stage eight, came through unscathed, even managing to grab a bonus second.

Monday is this Tour’s first rest day, with riders back in action on Tuesday in a 158.5km stage from Annecy to Le GrandBornand, marking the first of three stages in the Alps.

In his stage-by-stage guide for BBC Sport, Mark Cavendish said: “It’s going to be the first fight between the general classification guys but I don’t see it playing a big factor in the overall result at this stage of the race.” (BBC Sport)

CLASSIFIED ADS

monDAY, JUly 16, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari hotel versailes, west bank demerara (near harbour bridge)all modern amenities, rates from usd$25. Tel: 264-2946/8 Weddings and anniversaries Rental or full services- banquet hall & catering Aracari resort, west bank demerara- 264-2946

Driving School Shalom Enterprise. Lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Obtain an international driving permit covering 131 countries. Tel: 227-38356442052. Join us on Facebook

EDUCATION Electronic Course Beginning 1st June. Practical’s. Learn to repair all major electronic appliances including flat screen TVs. Earn extra cash in our spare time. Boost your income. Abdul Electronics. Tel: 2250391/226-6551 Jean offers courses in Dressmaking, curtains, floral, cake decorations.

670-2653, 638-8499

FOR SALE 1 two door refrigerator (foreign use), 1 six hole 20’’ mag-rims with tires, fits tundra, Tacoma, Hilux pickup, 1 diesel fuel pumps for Hilux 1KDFTV engine, 1 turbo for Hilux 1KDFTV engine, 1 turbo for Pardo 3.0 diesel engine, 1 Small twin tub washing machine. Contact Tel: 2201630 or 638-1829.

Husky puppies for sale at West Bank Demerara. Call 611-2378 for enquires.

LAND for sale One transported land for sale 100x50ft at Hope Town village West Coast Berbice Price 1.2M Contact # 680-1009

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Spiritual healing: remove blockages, voodoo, excurse, black magic, spell, business, upliftment, pregnancy, love & marriage problems, clearance, etc. Contact: 694-9569 or 683-5228 Sri Guru Raghavendra Astrology.

Master: VEERA BHADRA. Specialized in: PALM, FACE, PATRA READING & HOROSCOPE BOOK OPENING. An expert in clearing negativity in life by using ancient prayer methods. Gives complete solution to your problems like: love, children, finance, job, marriage, finance and education.

Meet him once to get guidance. All religions are welcome. Private and confidential. Tel: 695-9805 & 6526427.

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

VACANCIES

WANTED. Drivers and Security Personnel. Apply to North West Mining Investment Inc. 344 Middle and East Streets, N/Cummingsburg

One pump attendant needed at Rubis-Bel Air. Please call or whatsapp 680-3863 CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT. CALL OR WHATSAPP 680-3863 BOTTLE WASHER: FOR DETAILS. CALL OR WHATSAPP 680-3863 One manager to work at a hotel in Essequibo. Must have experience in said field. Accommodation provided. Attractive salary offered.

Contact #226-9768, 227-7528 Vacancy for sales person to work at a mini mart. Call or whatsapp 624-0033

property for sale

Lot mini/farm 100x285 feet, privacy, security, convenience, Garden of Eden, EBD 592-601-3232 House for Sale. 3 bedrooms, bungalow-style.

Gated community, Versailles. Valued at $35M (Negotiable). Tel: 612-9766

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

House for sale, 2-family, privacy, security, convenience, $11.5m, Garden of Eden, EBD 592-601-3232

TO LET 1-bedroom apartment $20,000 Garden of Eden, EBD. Fenced yard, plenty privacy. 601-3232 whatsapp 2-bedroom apartment $30,000 Garden of Eden, EBD. Fenced yard, plenty privacy. 601-3232 whatsapp House for rent 2 flats $50,000 Garden of Eden, EBD. Fenced yard, plenty privacy, 2 toilets, 2 baths.

601-3232 whatsapp One-bedroom apartment at Parfaite Harmonie (Dairy) Call: 670-2653, 638-8499 House upper flat, privacy, security, convenience, 2 bedrooms $30,000 Garden of Eden, EBD 592-601-3232

MS Dhoni became the second wicketkeeper to make over 10,000 ODI runs

failed hit a six in an ODI. When Dhoni was finally caught slogging Liam Plunkett to deep midwicket in the 47th over, the crowd clapped his dismissal. At the presentation, Kohli reasoned that Dhoni’s plan was to ensure India did not suffer a big defeat.

“The idea was to take the

innings deep,” Kohli said. “We don’t want to lose by 160 or 170 runs. You want to take it as deep as you can and he has got the experience, but some days it just doesn’t come off. People just jump to conclusions, which we as a team don’t.

We totally believe in him and in the abilities in all the other

players.”

Kohli said the team was not affected by the criticism of Dhoni. “This thing comes up again and again when he is not able to play the way he does,” Kohli said. “It is very unfortunate that people just jump to conclusions very quickly. When he does well people call him best finisher ever. And when things don’t go well people pounce on him.

We all have bad days in cricket.

Today was I think a bad day for everyone, not just for him alone. And just as a batting unit we could not click.”

Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s No. 11, also said he understood Dhoni’s position. With a long tail -Kuldeep Yadav, Siddarth Kaul and himself - Chahal said Dhoni was helpless. “He had not also batted much through the series. And if he had gone for the shots and got out then probably India might not have played all the 50 overs.” (ESPNCricinfo)

Marquez wins German Grand Prix to extend championship lead

H

onda’s Marc Marquez cruised to his ninth consecutive German Grand Prix victory to extend his MotoGP lead.

The Spaniard has now won in the

top category at Sachsenring for the past six years and three times in the smaller classes before that.

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi finished second with his

Yamaha team-mate Maverick Vinales third.

Marquez, 25, leads the championship by 46 points from Italian Rossi with nine of 19 races in 2018 completed. (BBC Sport)

Championship standings

1. Marc Marquez (Spa/Honda) 165 points 2. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 119 3. Maverick Vinales (Spa/Yamaha) 109 4. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/Ducati) 88 5. Johann Zarco (Fra/Yamaha Tech3) 88 6. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/Ducati) 85 7. Danilo Petrucci (Ita/Ducati Pramac) 84 8. Cal Crutchlow (GB/LCR Honda) 79 9. Andrea Iannone (Ita/Suzuki) 75 10. Jack Miller (Aus/Ducati Pramac) 57

Marc Marquez won the German Grand Prix for the ninth consecutive occasion

Van Vleuten secures title with third stage win

PRIME LOCATION-PUBLIC ROAD, LOT 2 SARAH JOHANNA, EAST BANK DEMERARA. SIZE: 35*101 FT PRICE $6M NEGOTIABLE. TEL: 673-9231, 216-4063, 685-5476

Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 49ft x 10,314ft Length. $18M. Contact: 648-7109 or 686-4818

M

S Dhoni walked a single to third man to reach 10,000 ODI runs, but there was barely a clap heard at Lord’s. Even the Indian dressing room was glum.

Not long after that, Dhoni was booed as India’s run rate came to a virtual standstill in the final 10 overs, after the chase of 323 fell apart. Boos and slow-hand claps rang across the ground because Dhoni was reluctant to play aggressively.

Dhoni had walked in at the fall of Virat Kohli’s wicket with India needing 183 in 23 overs, the asking rate a shade below eight. By the time he was dismissed for 37 off 59 balls, 20 overs later, India had added just 75 runs, and the required rate had nearly doubled. India didn’t have a single over that went for over 10 in the last 15; overs 40 to 50 produced just 42. It was also the first time since the 2011 World Cup semi-final that India

1. Marc Marquez (Spa/Honda) 41mins 5.019 secs 2. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) +2.196secs 3. Maverick Vinales (Spa/Yamaha) +2.776secs 4. Danilo Petrucci (Ita/Ducati) +3.376secs 5. Alvaro Bautista(Spa/Ducati +5.183 secs 6. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/Ducati) +5.780secs 7.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/Ducati) +7.941secs 8. Dani Pedrosa (Spa/Honda) +12.711secs 9. Johann Zarco (Fra/Yamaha) +14.428secs 10. Bradley Smith (GB/Red Bull/KTM) +21.474secs

LOT 15 PUBLIC ROAD #2 VILLAGE WEST COAST BERBICE. 3 HOUSE LOTS. COCONUT AND MANGO TREES. RICE CULTIVATION. RED SAND. 49FT BY 10,314 FT LENGTH. PRICE $18M. CONTACT: 648-7109, 686-4818

21

Kohli defends Dhoni after boos at Lord’s

Result

TRANSPORTED LAND WITH COMMERCIAL BUILDING 33X40 LAND(108X200) LOCATED AT LOWER MAHAICONY, ECD. PRICE: 38 MILLION NON NEGOTIABLE. CONTACT: 6420336, 258-0280, 655-6643

LOT 38 BELLA DAM, WEST BANK DEMERARA, SIZE: 120*40 FT PRICE $4.5M NEGOTIABLE. TEL: 673-9231, 216-4063, 685-5476

sports

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call:

223-7230 Ext 50

D

utchwoman Annemiek van Vleuten secured her first Giro Rosa title with victory in the final stage.

It was the third stage win and second in two days for the Mitchelton-Scott rider in the 10-stage race, the women’s equivalent of the Giro d’Italia.

The 35-year-old attacked with 5km of the 120km route to go, taking the line solo in Cividale del Friuli.

South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman Pasio finished second overall, four minutes 12 seconds down on Van Vleuten.

Amanda Spratt made it two Mitchelton-Scott riders on the podium as the Australian claimed third, six minutes 30 seconds behind her team-mate.

World time trial champion Van Vleuten took the leader’s pink jersey from Spratt with victory in the individual time trial on stage seven.

She followed that with a superb late attack to win stage

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (L), Annemiek van Vleuten (C) and Amanda Spratt celebrate on the Giro Rosa podium

nine on the famous Monte Zoncolan, which features 10.5km of climbing at a 11.5% average gradient.

Again she proved too strong for her rivals on Sunday, kicking clear after the final climb of the day and soloing to the finish, 27 seconds in front of the chasing pack. It caps a stunning period of success for Van Vleuten since recovering from three fractures

in her back, sustained in a horrific crash during the 2016 Olympic road race in Rio. Last year she won the Dutch national road race title, La Course and the world individual time trial crown, also finishing third in the Giro Rosa.

In April she finished third in both the Tour of Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege one-day classics. (BBC Sport)

Final general classification 1. Annemiek van Vleuten (Ned/Mitchelton-Scott) 25hrs 50mins 22secs 2. Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (SA/Cervelo-Bigla) +4mins 12secs 3. Amanda Spratt (Aus/ Mitchelton-Scott) +6mins 30secs 4. Lucinda Brand (Ned/ Sunweb) +7mins 36secs 5. Megan Guarnier (US/ Boels-Dolams) +9mins 20secs 6. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Den/Cervelo-Bigla) +10mins 38secs 7. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol/Canyon-SRAM) +10mins 46secs 8. Eider Merino (Spa/ Movistar) +12mins 37secs 9. Ane Santesteban (Spa/ Ale Cippolini) +13mins 12secs 10. Elisa Longo Borghini (Ita/Wiggle High5) +13mins 47secs

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, JUly 16, 2018

GT Beer “Keep Your Five Alive” Knockout Competition…

Tiger Bay, Sparta, Silver Bullets register wins

Part of the action in the clash between Sparta Boss and Tucville on Saturday at the National Gymnasium

L

inden’s Silver Bullets, Sparta Boss and Tiger Bay were among the winners when play in the GT Beer “Keep Your Five Alive” Indoor Knockout Futsal Competition resumed on Saturday evening, at the National Gymnasium.

Sparta Boss, one of the most successful teams in this format, appearing in the final game of the night easily dispatched Tucville 3-1, with Gregory Richardson firing in a brace, while Denis Edwards added the other.

On the other hand, Tiger Bay showed that they are serious contenders with a crushing 7-2 triumph over California Square.

Orin Moore led the riot with a hat-trick which he netted in the 4th, 6th and 15th minutes, while there were a pair each for the diminutive Deon Alfred and James Meredith.

Linden’s Silver Bullets were also in a dominant mood and hammered East Coast Uprising 8-3 with Clifford Halley slamming in

a treble.

There were solitary strikes from Geshawn Freeman, Jamaine Samuels, Robin Adams, Damion Williams and Nigel Bennett.

On target for Uprising were K Garrette, who netted a brace, and S Hunte.

West Demerara Showstoppers, Ol Skool Ballers and North East La Penitence all gained walkovers after Buxton, BV and Ann’s Grove failed to show up.

Tiger Bay 7 v California Square 2 Tiger Bay scorers Orin Moore 4th, 6th, 15th Deon Alfred 16th, 24th James Meredith 21st, 25th California Square scorers Meshach Baxter 29th, 30th Silver Bullets 8 v Uprising 3 Silver Bullets scorers Clifford Halley 1st, 29th, 38th Geshawn Freeman 17th Jamaine Samuels 25th Robin Adams 26th Damion Williams 27th

Results

Nigel Bennett 32nd Uprising scorers K Garrette 11th, 32nd S Hunte 4th Sparta Boss 3 v Tucville 1 Sparta Boss scorers Gregory Richardson 7th, 21st Denis Edwards 26th

Showstoppers won via walkover from Buxton North East La Penitence won via walkover from Ann’s Grove Ol Skool Ballers won via walkover from BV

BM Soat on board for Shields bags maiden Guyana Cup horse race Karibee Rice Golf Title es.

T

Roy Jafarally accepting the cheque from BM Soat Auto Sales representative Nandanie Persaud

he Guyana Cup horse racing mega-event slated for August 9th has garnered even more support, as BM Soat Auto Sales have thrown their weight behind the race, set for the popular Rising Sun Turf Club on the West Coast of Berbice (Region Five).

BM Soat Auto Sales recently handed over their sponsorship during a simple ceremony, wherein Roy Jafarally, member of the organising committee, and BM Soat both thanked each other for their mutual support ahead of the event.

With now more than $15

million in cash and prizes up for grabs, this event is open to all imported and locally bred horses of all classes, ages and sex.

The main su ppor tin g race is the threeyearo l d Derby, an 1100-metre event with a top prize of $2 million, which features only Guyanabred hors-

Other races include the G1 and Lower 1400 metre race, which would bag the winner $1,550,000. Guyana and West Indies-bred horses classified G1 and Lower, and imported horses classified E3 and Lower, who did not earn in their last race, are eligible to compete in this race.

Other exciting races are expected in the H3 and Lower category, which would be contested over a distance of 1100 metres for a cash prize of $1,350,000; the two-year-old Guyanabred, which would be contested over 1100 metres and have a cash prize of $680,000; the I Class and Lower event, to be contested over 1400 metres and have a cash prize of $581,000; the J3 and Lower race, to be contested over 1400 metres for a cash prize of $485,000; the L Class race, to be run over 1400 metres for a cash prize of $390,000; another L Class race to be run over 1400 metres for a similar cash prize of $390,000; and the L Class race to be run over 1100 metres for a prize of $290,000 cash.

Winner of the Karibee Rice Golf Open, Hilbert Shields (centre) is flanked by other winners including LGC President Aleem Hussain and Joaan Deo

F

ormer Lusignan Golf Club President (LGC) Hilbert Shields flexed his muscles outside of his official capacity to snare the inaugural Karibee Rice Open title on Saturday, July 14.

It was a star-studded event featuring a number of high-profile golfers, who commenced battle at 12:30h with the official tee-off.

Thereafter, it was Shields, who maintained his grip over the competition to finish with 66/18.

The ex-Head of the LGC was closely trailed

by Richard Haniff 68/10 (second); Joaan Deo 69/17 (third) and Best Net winner Nazeem Haniff 70/8 (fourth). Nazeem bagged the Best Gross Award for

his 78.

Following the match, Shields, during his brief remarks. stated: “Firstly, I was very relaxed and played so well today because of the great company. I played with Messrs Clifford Reis and Mark Lashley. Secondly, being also from the Corentyne, I was determined to make a special effort to celebrate this great gesture of our sponsor – Nand Persaud Company.”

Also on hand were Honorary Consul of Malaysia to Guyana, Vic Oudit and his wife, Dawn, who assisted in the distribution of the prizes to the winners. Honorary Consul Oudit, in brief remarks, said, “I am delighted and fully in support of the develop-

ment of the Club house, the course, the lawns, and the ambience of the Lusignan Golf Club, having known it for several years now.”

He continued, “In fact, I am determined to bring my friends and expose them to the great atmosphere here, and to promote the Club and golfing in Guyana. Already, one of my friends was also so impressed today that he immediately enrolled his wife and children as members of the Club.”

On hand representing Nand Persaud, the producers of Karibee Rice, was Jai Prakash, who thanked the LGC for allowing them to host such a successful tournament and was hopeful of more ventures in the near future.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, JUly 16, 2018

23

Bartica Zone Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

River View’s title defence ends with heart-breaking loss A

new champion will be crowned after defending champion of the Bartica Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets”, River View, were needled in the quarter-final round.

Jade Huggins’ 10th min-

ute strike was enough to send River View crashing out of the competition at the hands of the BLB Squad in the third quarter-final match-up.

Also losing were last year’s beaten finalist,

Police, who went down to Disconnection Crew 9-1 in Round of 16 action.

In the other quarter-final results: Almanac Kings proved who the real kings of the street are when they beat Street Kings 3-0.

CWI Regional U-17 50-over tournament R3

Bowlers lead Guyana to 3-wicket win over defending champs

and Sameer Ali, who bagged 3-30 and 3-15 respectively, almost knocked over Guyana as apart from Singh, no other batsman could reach double figures with Charles the next best scorer with 9.

In other matches played in round 3, Leeward Islands defeated Windward Islands by two wickets while Barbados whipped the Jamaicans by four wickets. Teams will now gear up for round 4 today, with Leeward Islands versus Barbados, Guyana p l a y ing Jamaica and T&T locking horns with Windward Islands.

A

B

make the semi-finals.

The winner of the competition will join 15 other teams for the national playoffs.

The national playoffs are set to be staged on July

Complete Results Guinness Goal-(GG)-2 goals Quarter-final Matches Street Kings 0 v Almanac Kings 3 Mario Pereira (GG) – 18th Manmohan Sukhnandan –- 7th

River View 0 v BLB Squad 1 Jade Huggins – 10th Leewards lead the points table with 13.2 points, followed by Guyana with 12.9, Barbados is third with 8.0, while Trinidad who are fifth and Windwards who are sixth respectively are currently tied on 7.2 points. The Jamaicans come in last with 1.4 points. (Clifton Ross)

Pacer Sheldon Charles produced an MVP performance with the ball for Guyana (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Barbados dominate – Guyana 2018 CASA finish 2nd

arbados emerged champs of the 2018 CASA tourney, which ended over the weekend, edging a spirited Guyana team after a week-long war at the Ligaunea Club in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Guyana ladies went down 4-1 while the males suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of Barbados, who outplayed the Guyanese, who were forced to settle for the runners-up spoils of the silver medal.

Chemar Burnham of Barbados lost to Guyanese Daniel Islam in three straight sets 7-11, 5-11, 5-11 while Rithew Saywack, Alex Cheeks and individual gold medallist Michael Alphonso all failed in the matches.

Goal Raiders then squeezed past Potaro Strikers 1-0 thanks to a solitary strike from Brian Browne in the 4th minute.

Disconnection Crew then edged Jones Avenue 2-1 to

Potaro Strikers 0 v Goal Raiders 1 Brian Browne – 4th

Guyana’s skipper Sachin Singh

ruthless bowling exhibition by Guyana saw them to an easy three-wicket win over defending champions Trinidad and Tobago in Saturday’s round of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional U-17 50-over tournament.

It was a low-scoring encounter, which was set up by the Guyanese who ran amok as they routed the champs for a measly 65 just 26.3 overs after Trinidad decided to bat following their winning of the toss at Gilbert Park.

It was a combination of spin and pace as the carnage was dished out by all-round seamer and Man-of-the-Match Sheldon Charles, who starred with 3-21 while the slower men, off-spinner Dwain Dick 3-16, Nigel Deodat 2-7 and Nyron Bissu 1-7 played their parts well.

Rivaldo Ramlogan and Tariq Mohammed were the top-scorers with 14 apiece, as no other player could manage a significant score. Guyana’s chase was simple but nightmarish for them, reaching 66-7 in 20.4 overs as skipper and opener Sachin Singh stabilised the chase with 21 from 16, featuring a pair of fours and as many sixes.

Brilliant spells from the duo Nicholas

Part of the action in the Bartica Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

In the ladies battle, Meagan Best, the first squash player from the Caribbean to win a US Junior Open squash championship title, thumped Guyanese Madison Fernandes in three straights sets as the 16-year-old sensation racked up 11-2, 11-1, 11-0 games.

Kirsten Gomes lost to Jada SmithPadmore 11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-2, while Amanda Haywood defeated Guyana Captain Rebecca Low 11-3, 11-2, 11-4. The in-form silver medallist in the individual category, Abosaide Cadogan lost to Sumiraa Suleman 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8.

27 and August 1, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac and Haslington Market Square respectively, while the final will be played on August 4, at the National Stadium, Providence.

Disconnection Crew 2 v Jones Avenue 1 Disconnection Scorers Ryan Andries – 6th Elcio Oliveira – 15th Jones Scorers Own Goal – 3rd Round of 16 Matches Disconnection Crew 9 v Police 1 Times Square 1 v Jones Avenue 5

monday, JUly 16, 2018

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

FRANCE THE BEST IN THE WORLD guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 19

There's only one way to celebrate with a World Cup, in the rain...

France’s Hugo Lloris lifts the World Cup trophy as they celebrate winning

Bartica Zone Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

River View’s title defence ends with heartbreaking loss Pg 23

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.