Guyana Times Epaper - Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Lawrence to lobby P13 for higher salary-scale for health workers Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Issue No. 3655

PRICE

American Chamber of Commerce officially launched in Guyana Page 3

…services a major element of Guyana’s GDP – Carl Greenidge

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mahdia declared P9 Guyana’s newest town …residents decry deplorable roads

“I used the money to buy things” – P8 security guard tells court …jailed for 56 months

GTT renews calls for 4G spectrum P5

Executives and members of AmCham Guyana along with Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge (centre); Business Minister Dominic Gaskin (right front row) and AmCham Chairman Zulfikar Ally at the official launch of the Chamber on Monday evening. Also in photo are US Ambassador Perry Holloway, Mrs Holloway and Vice President of the Americas Department of the International Affairs Division, United States Chamber of Commerce, Anne McKinney

Pensioner gets 2 life sentences for child rape Page 10

Ukrainians charged for assaulting Guyanese miners Page 2

Policeman on $1.3M bail for driver licence P8 fraud

Page 9

Route 42 bus drivers protest M&CC’s relocation

Planned strike

GTU urges teachers not to be intimidated by threats from “high offices”

Page 7

GGDMA urges miners to P12 use mercury responsibly

2 news Ukrainians charged for assaulting Guyanese miners T tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

he two Ukrainian security guards who were seen assaulting Guyanese miners in a video that went viral are expected to be arraigned for several criminal charges on Tuesday.

The men were arrested days after the incident, and are expected to make their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after the Police sought legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to information received, 38-year-old Vitaly Paraschuck has been slapped with two counts of threatening behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm committed on Guyanese miner Charles Clarke. And 33-year-old Maksym Furtak has been charged with threatening behaviour committed on Rudolph Deane.

In addition, the Ukrainians and Charles Clarke will be charged separately for contraven-

The two Ukrainians during the assault on Guyanese miners

tion of the Private Security Services Act of 2009, for failing to wear their prescribed uniforms.

The men have each been released on $50,000 station bail, and have been ordered to lodge their travel documents at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

It has been reported that the assault on the two miners took place at the Quartzstone River in Region

Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) two weeks ago, but an official report was made to the Police only last week.

Upon receiving this report, one of the aggrieved miners was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was examined and treated by a doctor. He was discharged, and would have led a team of Police ranks to the area, resulting in the two Russian guards being

arrested.

Upon their arrest, they were informed that at the time of the incident, they were not attired in the uniform prescribed by their employer and approved by the Guyana Police Force.

Following the incident, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has since noted his concern with regards the content of the video.

“I am concerned about foreigners having weapons; licensed weapons. I am told that precepts were issued.

A precept is really a kind of permission given by the Police Force to persons to act as security guards and also to carry firearm licences. I am concerned about that, and the number of persons who may have them,” Trotman disclosed.

Trotman explained that the interior is known to be “Wild West”, and so the number of guns present there would have a direct bearing on the levels of crime and violence in the area.

“It also tells us that people expect or need a greater Police presence, and so I believe Government is looking at that. We recently launched the Corps of

Wardens, and that Corps of Wardens will come alongside the Police Force, when necessary, to assist not just with law and order, but of course to ensure that the laws (such as) mining laws, forest laws, wildlife protection laws etcetera, are respected,” the minister added.

Also weighing in on the issue, the Guyana Trades Union Congress has called on the Government to send a strong message regarding its responsibility and commitment to respecting and defending the sovereignty of Guyana, its people and the Rule of Law. It was initially reported that the men were Russians, but Police confirmed on Monday that the mean are Ukrainians.

Teen hospitalised after being shot in face

N

The wounded 19-year-old Anzan Ledoux

ineteen-year-old Anzan Ledoux was shot to his face on Saturday at about 21:15h while trying to fight off two men who had reportedly attempted to rob his family at their Good Hope, East Coast Demerara residence. He is presently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where his condition is being monitored.

Ledoux’s mother, Gangadai Jairam, disclosed on Monday that family members were hanging out with some friends at her home when they observed two suspicious looking men approaching on a motorcycle.

“We see a bike coming from the street end so. The bike pass and they look at us and they ride away… It go up the street, and whilst going up de street, one of them turn back and see if we looking or what, and then they go around. In two minutes or so they reach round,” she recalled.

She said they noticed the men approaching with full speed, and suspecting that something was amiss, the family members and friends rushed to get inside her yard.

“Me and meh son try fuh push them in (through the gate). My daughter plus the lil one is four years -- the neighbour grandson, he was

four years -- trying to come in too,” Jairam detailed.

According to her, after realising that the family was suspicious of them, the pillion rider hopped off the bike and attacked her son at the gate as he was trying to close it.

Jairam said her son struck the man’s hand in an attempt to prevent him from opening the gate, and the angry man then pulled out a gun and fired a round at her son.

Despite her son’s attempts to prevent being hit, the bullet struck him to his face and passed through his right ear.

The shot elicited screams from the entire family as they rushed to the young man’s assistance while the gunman and his accomplice made good their escape.

Ledoux was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and several brain scans. He remains a patient at the GPHC, where his condition is presently being monitored.

Jairam said she fears her son might not be able to hear again through the affected ear, because of the severity of the injuries sustained.

A report was made to the Vigilance Police Station, where CCTV footage is being reviewed to aid in ongoing investigations. No one has as yet been arrested.

news

3

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 14 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, August 15 – 05:00h-06:30h.

American Chamber of Commerce officially launched in Guyana …services a major element of Guyana’s GDP -- Carl Greenidge

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 14 – 06:00h-07:30h and Wednesday, August 15 – 06:50h-08:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail in the day. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between South-easterly and Northeasterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:32h and 18:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.80 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:28h reaching a minimum height of 0.46 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

02 08 15

23 26 28

FREE TICKET

12 Bonus Ball

MonDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

04 09 17 20 22 LUCKY 3

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

President of AmCham Guyana, Zulfikar Ally, addressing a gathering at the Marriott Hotel on Monday during the Chamber’s official launch

T

he American Chamber of Commerce was officially launched in Guyana on Monday evening at the Marriot Hotel.

The event was attended by a large section of the local private sector and representatives from the United States business community.

Speaking at the event, President of AmCham Guyana, Zulfikar Ally, said the Chamber plans to place emphasis on small businesses to ensure that they, too, have opportunities to grow.

“We see this Chamber as a Chamber that will help to facilitate investment into Guyana. There are 116 chambers all around the world and… our job will be to help to facilitate and guide [businesses],” he said.

Ally added that AmCham Guyana will be committed to working with both businesses and Government to ensure that the objective of promoting growth is achieved. The chamber is not only for American businesses, it is for any business; and not only for corporations, but even to the smallest business,” he said.

He said the Chamber hopes to augment and expand existing US/Guyana trade and investment relations, but will also work to improve the investment climate and strengthen the private sector.

While noting that there are some challenges, he noted that businesses can only operate in a climate where there is ease and efficiency, and in a place where it is safe to conduct business as well.

Also addressing the gathering was Vice President of the Americas Department of the International Affairs Division, United States Chamber of Commerce, Anne McKinney, who noted that the Chamber will become a catalyst for investment.

She stressed the benefits that could derive from the exchange of ideas and cooperation between the US Chamber and that of the local branch, and gave her commitment to working

closely with Guyana.

At the cocktail reception to mark the official launch of the Chamber, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin told the gathering that Government has been working to modernise the business sector.

He said that under the current administration, focus is being placed on ensuring that more modern technology is used to bring ease to the way business and money transactions are done in Guyana.

“We are also committed to transparency, and we will ensure that accurate, up-to-date and relevant information is shared to the public and businesses. This is a work in progress,” he added.

Gaskin said the prospect of oil production has created a buzz in Guyana and further afield, and this is extremely positive for the country, as it will only lead to greater investment op-

portunities.

Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, a former Finance Minister, also delivered remarks at the opening. He underscored the importance of trade relations between Guyana and the rest of the world, and said services are a major element of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, he noted that at a time when services constitute one of the most dynamic and buoyant elements in international trade across the globe, Guyana is one of those countries wherein the export of services is negligible.

Turn to page 15

A section of the gathering at the launching of the American Chamber of Commerce on Monday

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, august 14, 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

Fighting domestic abuse, crime

T

wo weeks ago, residents of the Kilcoy/Chesney area were sent into shock and dismay as the news of the gruesome murder of Rohini ‘Sabrina’ Lakhan, 29, a housewife, circulated. They also learnt that her killer husband, Ramesh Ramdeen, 42, had taken his life soon after committing the dastardly act.

The couple shared three children, aged 14, eight and six. The woman had earlier decided to take action to save her life, and moved to the courts for protection, after reporting a spate of violence inflicted at the hands of her husband.

As a result, both parties attended the Albion Magistrate’s Court, which saw a protection order being secured against Ramesh Ramdeen, who was also ordered to pay child support at $5,000 for each child. Shortly after the case concluded, Sergeant Vanessa Williams and patrol vehicle driver Constable Anys accompanied the couple back to the house to uplift Lakhan’s clothing, since she has made a decision to separate from her husband.

Ramdeen’s sister was also present at the home with the Police.

However, the Police and Ramdeen’s sister subsequently left. The man acted swiftly when this development took place, and now there are all sorts of reports and eyewitness accounts to explain the absence of the Police, despite the order of the court.

This woman is not the first woman to die at the hands of her husband, or to suffer a similar fate after her spouse ensured that if he didn’t have her, no one else could. In fact, back in April 2016, the swollen and partially decomposed body of Simone Hackett was fished out of a canal in the Cummings Lodge area after she had gone missing.

She was allegedly murdered at the behest of orders given by her ex-boyfriend. Her family turned up at the scene, and immediately hysteria broke out. There were screams filled with agony and despair from her relatives after learning about the manner in which she died.

Also, last week saw the media reporting on several robberies, petty crimes, serious assaults, and murders in various parts of the country. The truth is, far too many of our women, men and youths are dying as a result of the recent spike in crime and criminality in our country.

Far too many families are being terrorised at the dirty and merciless hands and weaponry of bandits, thugs and criminals in general.

It would appear that these criminal elements have become emboldened, strategic and well resourced. Some of them even appear to have serious connections with prominent figures in our society, which see them outmanoeuvring the security forces on one hand, and avoiding successful prosecution at the level of the judiciary on the other.

Also from media reports, reconsiderations and information provided by the Guyana Police Force, one ethnic group has become a major and lucrative target for these wanton and dastardly acts.

But what is even more disturbing is the fact that Government still has not managed to get the crime situation under control, despite all the resources at its disposal.

Additionally, the new Government’s crime fighting posture and policy initiative appear more reactive, as opposed to proactive.

The overall thrust of their actions to date could be described as ad hoc and lacking coordination. Simply put, the David Granger Government, even with all of its security experts and credentials, is lazy and continually failing the populace.

The roundtable weekly security meetings involving the security heads and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, which is chaired by the President, does not seem to be having any significant impact as far as causing a noticeable reduction in crime is concerned.

More needs to be done to bring those responsible for these killings and reign of terror to justice. Far more needs to be done to prevent crime in the first place, because the morals and values in our modernised Guyana appear to be losing its dynamism and effectiveness in this respect.

Workshops and talk shops will not work. A multisector and cross-ministerial approach is needed that will result in community level activism to prevent and fight crime.

The detailed security sector reforms piloted by the PPP Government need to be implemented immediately, and all of the disciplined services recommendations.

The Government needs to launch its national crime prevention and crime fighting master-plan, which must have extensive proposals for the rehabilitation of convicted and remanded prisoners as well as deported citizens.

Guyanese will have to take a stand, as death, terror and pain appear to be stalking this land. We will have to end these tales of pain, anguish and tears sooner rather than later, if Guyana is to become safe again.

How many more lives must be lost before Government and security forces respond to the outcry from the populace? Or is it that they are awaiting another episode like those at Lusignan or Bartica before they understand the gravity of the situation?

Regardless of politics, everyone’s life must matter.

Executives and members of AmCham Guyana along with Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge (centre) and to his immediate left Business Minister Dominic Gaskin at the official launch of the Chamber on Monday evening

I support giving oil money directly to Guyanese Dear Editor, I completely agree with Guyana’s distinguished economist Dr Clive Thomas that a significant part of the nation’s oil revenue should be given directly to each household in Guyana at set times.

There is no question in my mind that such a move would have a lasting and positive impact on the people of Guyana.

This will be a powerful incentive that will bring our people’s latent aptitude for thrift, creativity, ingenuity and business to full bloom, and enable them to expand their contributions to the country’s sustainable development.

The direct disbursement of oil money to the people will benefit every industry and business in the country be-

cause it will increase people's disposable income and money available for investment. This will cause a tremendous boost in commerce, which would stimulate the economy, promote health and wealth, improve the quality of life, and generally improve everyone’s state of mind.

As Dr Thomas indicated, leaving the nation’s oil money solely in the control of politicians would leave the door wide open for human selfishness, greed and lust for power to step in, so only a small set of people would benefit from Guyana’s oil. This must never happen; oil profits must always be shared equitably.

There will be enough to give every household in Guyana $1 million to 2 million

annually to do as they wish. In anticipation of the oil bonanza, my advice is for Government to revive the disbursement of the “Because We Care” school grant for every child attending school.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) Government initiated this grant, and it was an extraordinary benefit to poor families.

When the current Government took power, they stopped it.

When oil money starts to flow, I strongly believe that Government should give as much of the money to the people directly and as soon as possible, so that they can feel a sense of joy and goodwill.

Remember, the country does not belong to the politicians or to the Government; they were

hired by the people to run the country. Sometimes politicians forget that we, the people, own this country.

My advice to the Granger Administration, or any Government that gains power during our oil boom, is to put things in place and listen to the advice of learned men like Dr. Clive Thomas; and listen to the people who elected you to office by giving something to the people directly.

The bottom line is: Dr. Thomas has proposed something extremely good for Guyana; it will definitely work if we handle it properly. I support his suggestion one hundred percent.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

WPA has just woken up Dear Editor, It would seem that the Working People’s Alliance [WPA] has just woken up. For three years, with all the scandals -- including the move by the Coalition Government, of which it is a part, to hide the US$18 million signing bonus -- the WPA has been silent.

Now it claims that it was never “consulted or briefed on the negotiations and other official deliberations” on oil and gas.

This all seems very convenient because we are months out from the Local Government Elections and it would seem that the promise of “advocacy” from the WPA is intended to influence some voters. You can see this convenience being exposed, because while the WPA has said that it endorses the call by Professor Clive Thomas for petroleum money to be given directly to

households, the WPA also admits that its positions are not about “economic correctness”.

How can economic correctness not be a factor?

Worse than being convenient are the other comments that have been made by the WPA. First, the WPA said “the primary function of any State, regardless of ideological orientation, is to look after the welfare of its people.”

But the WPA has not held its partners in the Coalition Government accountable in this regard. All of the increases in taxes and the move to impose measures that hurt people’s welfare -- as well as the Coalition Government’s general incompetence, especially in the health sector, which hurts peoples’ welfare -- have already happened. In all of this, the WPA has said nothing.

Second, the WPA has said

the Coalition Government must “not make final policy and governance arrangements” without inputs from stakeholders. But the WPA has said nothing when the Government ignored the advice of its own Petroleum Advisor, who is no longer employed.

Third, the WPA has said, “We must never underestimate the developmental challenges associated with managing the petro economy.”

But the WPA has said nothing about the fact that we are two years away from “First Oil” and there still is no management framework in place. The WPA has said nothing about “development challenges” when the list of local companies engaged by ExxonMobil demonstrated the need for a strong local content framework.

Fourth, the WPA said, “The Government take is estimated at 50 to 60%.” But the WPA, in quoting a big percentage, has said nothing about the millions in pre-contract costs that have been claimed by ExxonMobil, and it has said nothing about what will happen when oil prices drop, and it has said nothing about what the Coalition agreed are costs that ExxonMobil could claim as cost oil. So the WPA can say that Government take is 50% - 60%, but 50% - 60% of what?

Editor, all the WPA has done is expose itself as being conveniently opportunistic and unwilling to face reality, as I pointed out in the four points above.

Yours faithfully, Attiya Baksh

5 GTT renews calls for 4G spectrum news

tuesDAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

G

TT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd has blamed the Government for its slow Internet services as it was criticised by youths on the eve of World Youth Day. Nedd told the youth gathering at the Promenade Gardens at Middle and Waterloo Streets, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown on Saturday during a Come Alive Network Inc (CANI) conference that the Government has not given the ‘spectrum’ the company needed, thus resulting in the slow Internet service.

“We only launched 3G in 2016, because that’s when we were actually granted the spectrum from the Government. We were ready to launch 4G; we needed to be granted the spectrum from the Government and many times, people don’t understand that, they say well, it’s the providers but no. The Government has to actually say this spectrum is allocated to you, GTT…” he said.

The CEO, nevertheless, boasted that the company has been innovating over the years and advancing its services to locals. “Over

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

the last year or two years, we have done in my mind a fantastic job at rolling out

faster Internet (and) better quality services…for the first time in Guyana we have

got 50 megabits per second and that is something we intend to do in more and more (parts) of the country,” he pointed out.

Nedd disclosed that come 2019, the company would be deploying faster broadband services.

Back in May 2016, the local company introduced 4G Internet service which was intended to replace the previous 2G coverage.

Also speaking at the launch, GTT Chief Commercial Officer Gert Post related that the company has been anticipating the implementation of

the upgraded service, since it would improve Guyana’s communications with the rest of the world, even as telecommunications technology was advancing throughout the length and breadth of the globe.

He said the company was elated to improve Internet service for its customers which is in keeping with its mandate to “do more”.

Meanwhile, the CEO added that the company has invested over US$5 million to upgrade to 4G and an additional $30 million to $40 million to lay its fibre-optic cable.

APNU/AFC coalition has a history of fooling Guyanese Dear Editor, During the 2015 election campaign, I’ve seen just how easy it was for a person to be fooled. Even some die-hard PPP supporters fell victim to the APNU/AFC lies and deception strategy.

Rice farmers were promised $9,000 a bag for paddy. Now they’re getting less than what they earned under the PPP/C. Sugar workers were promised a 20% increase. We all know now how that turned out -- over 5,000 sugar workers lost their jobs when the APNU/AFC administration closed the factories.

On the campaign trail in 2015, with the words “youth” and “jobs” boldly printed on a banner used as a backdrop, the then presidential candidate, David Granger, urged the crowd to vote for change because the PPP Government was failing to create jobs for our youth.

“When I go up and down the East Coast, what do I

see? Young men and young women who cannot find jobs. I go to some Mario’s Pizza Hut and what do I see? Young women with eight CXC subjects slicing pizza. Young men with ten CXC subjects (are) conductors of mini-buses.” Then after he became President, a young reporter asked President Granger, “Every night I leave Stabroek Market Square, where I go to buy cook-up rice. There is a big sign that says “job creation” with your face and the Prime Minister’s face. We’ve seen no large scale job creation at this time. Can you say what are the Government’s precise plans towards this?” With a straight face, Granger replied, “There is no magic wand… The Government cannot provide jobs in the Government service, in the Police Force or the Defence Force… Employment is not something to be provided by the Government, there is self-employment.

If it is making pepper

sauce, or guava jam, or guava cheese, or plantain chips, these are commodities which can be sold in our own restaurants. For example, there are a lot of fish and chips shops now, you can sell cassava chips or sweet-potato chips; you can sell cook-up rice.”

This is a damning indictment of a leader who misled the electorate pre-election to win votes.

Then again on the 2015 campaign trail, the then AFC/APNU candidate Khemraj Ramjattan made a promise to supporters in Berbice that he must have known was beyond his pay grade. “As part of taking care of the people, we have to ensure that certain industries that are the foundation of this economy, Guyanese econo-

my, are looked after. And in Berbice here, there are two major ones: the sugar industry and the rice industry. And I want to tell you that the propaganda you are hearing that the APNU/AFC coalition is going to ground both industries to the dirt, it’s all lies.

We are not going to, in any way, close the sugar industry.” Now it is being proposed by WPA Executive member Professor Clive Thomas and supported by leading members of the coalition, that “some portion of the net cash flow from oil should be dedicated to giving cash transfers to every single household in this country. Whether it be US$5000 per year or whatever it works out at, we can do the calculations, but there must be a mech-

anism which dictates that every single household -and by extension, every single person -- would see the benefit of oil and gas in terms of a cheque or cash.”

While I am strongly supportive of using oil revenues to lift Guyanese out of poverty; to provide real job opportunities for our youth; and a decent takehome pay for our teachers, nurses, and men and women in uniform; And while we must provide the best educational and medical services money can provide, giving all Guyanese the elusive “good life” the Government has failed to deliver, this US$5,000 giveaway is nothing more than a gimmick to once again fool the Guyanese people in an effort to win re-election in 2020. As the

region’s leading economist, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo recently said in his press conference, “They do not have the means to do so. They are raising expectations unnecessarily and spreading false hopes… US$5,000 a year multiplied by 200,000 households gives you a figure of US$1 billion. We are only going to collect in the first four years US$300 million a year (from oil revenue).” This Government is desperate, and is likely to do desperate things to stay in power. The APNU/AFC coalition has a history of misleading Guyanese, and they’re counting on us having short memories.

Sincerely, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

6

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018

Page

By Dona Matthews, PhD

I

t’s normal for young children to blame others for their errors or misbehaviours: “My teacher doesn’t like me! That’s why I only got a B on that assignment.”

“Tandy hit me first!”

“I’ll be late for school again! Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?”

There are many reasons that children (like adults) try to offload responsibility for things gone wrong: avoiding disapproval and other painful consequences, preserving a self-image as a good or competent person, and sometimes getting revenge.

John Wooden was a legendary basketball player and coach with a great record for winning. As head coach at the University of California, Los Angeles, his team won 12 national championships in a 12 -year period. There were a lot of factors responsible for his successes, and one of the most important was his attitude toward failure. He knew that high-level achievement was grounded in failure, that the best way for anyone to learn anything is to get it wrong. To try again, and again, and again, until they got it right. He’s famous for the way he encouraged young people to go beyond the limits anyone had thought possible for them, reminding them it wasn’t what they were given that mattered, but what they did with it: “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

Wooden had an allergic reaction to blame. If a player missed a shot, he didn’t want to hear about someone else knocking into him and spoiling his aim. If a player was late for practice, he didn’t want to hear about the buses running behind schedule.

If his team lost a game, he didn’t want to hear any grumbling about the referee.

Foundation

Mistakes and defeat were acceptable, but blame was not: “You aren’t a failure until you start to blame,” he repeatedly told his players.

Carol Dweck discusses this Woodenism – “You aren’t a failure until you start to blame” – in Mindset, where she discusses the importance of welcoming failure as a learning opportunity. As soon as you look for someone to blame for something that has gone wrong, you’ve missed the chance to learn something from what has happened. Failure is a wasted opportunity if you don’t own it.

How to help your child move away from blame, and toward

owning their mistakes: Be patient, loving, and accepting.

Children are more likely to look for someone or something to blame when their parents are critical, impatient, and demanding, that is, when there’s a high emotional price for making mistakes.

Turn it around: a. Name the blame. When your child blames someone or something, name it.

Do it kindly, with a friendly smile: “Really?

You are blaming ME for you not getting up

on time?” b. Connect to the underlying problem.

Your child is playing the blame game because they’re sad, worried, hurt, or afraid.

Be empathetic: “I know you hate to be late.

It’s such a hassle, and it’s embarrassing going into the principal’s office for another late slip.” c. Ask “Where’s the gift?” Every problem comes with a gift of possible learning: “So, what can we do tomorrow to make sure you get to school?”

3. Role play blame vs accepting mistakes. Work with your child to create problem scenarios where you or your child might be tempted to blame.

Take turns acting them out, using blame as well as accepting the mistakes as learning opportunities. Your child will probably love putting you into terrible imaginative situations, and having you behave abominably. This can be fun, as well as providing some learning that will be useful in every part of your child’s life – home, school, relationships, and (later) work.

4. Model a growth mindset. Openly welcome setbacks in your own life and work as learning opportunities. Don’t blame others or situations when things go wrong.

5. Seek help if needed.

Some children seem unable to accept responsibility for their own actions, and can’t move beyond blame. In those circumstances, you may benefit from getting some professional help.

People who avoid blame, and instead learn from their setbacks, are more resilient. They are more likely to take on tough challenges, to look at problems creatively and constructively, and to work through failure to a much higher success than is otherwise possible. (psychologytoday.com)

By Carol Shen

M

y daughter Addie and I have been reading about the topic of weather, and she was curious about how hot things can get under the sun.

We decided to do a quick and easy science experiment to test the difference in the temperatures of objects sitting under the sun versus

being in the shade using an infrared thermometer. If you’re wondering what an infrared thermometer is, you’re not alone. My husband introduced me to it for the first time as we were brainstorming how best to approach this experiment.

Think of it as a laser gun that measures the temperature of anything you point it at.

What you’ll need

Infrared thermometer.

I ordered mine off Amazon for $12, a Nubee infrared thermometer. You can also find them at hardware stores.

Pencil and paper Objects that you want to measure the temperature of.

We used the following: Kid’s hat with UV protection Sunglasses Black shoulder bag Cup with water

Let's get started

We happened to have two of each of the objects mentioned above, and put one set on our driveway in the sun, and one on our front porch in the shade.

We waited five minutes before Addie used the infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of the black shoulder bag, hat, cup with

water and sunglasses.

Using my phone, we checked the temperature at that time; it was 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

Observations

As you can see in the results, there was a huge difference in the temperature of the objects in the sun versus the shade! Addie’s hypothesis was that the objects in the sun

would be hotter, but neither of us expected to see such a big difference in the temperatures.

This explains why it’s so important to heed the warnings of meteorologists to stay indoors during heat waves.

Addie had a lot of fun using the infrared thermometer. It’s easy to use, and is also a fun tool to help kids learn their numbers and read decimal points. You can even use it to measure the temperature of your skin, hair, etc.

At one point Addie wanted to point the thermometer at the sun. It was a good opportunity to teach her that you never want to look directly at the sun.

Learn more

Seymour Simon has written a large number of nonfiction books about weather, including Weather, The Sun, Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Lightning. As always, we try to bring my four year old into reading, talking and exploring with us, and I Face the Wind by Vicki Cobb is a good one for kids ages 4-9.

Given the data we saw using our infrared thermometer, stay cool this summer in the shade.

It’s hot out there!

All the very best, Carol (startwithabook.com)

news

7

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Planned strike

GTU urges teachers not to be intimidated by threats from “high offices”

GTU President Mark Lyte

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he Guyana Teachers’ Union on Monday circulated a letter to its members, informing them that they are not to report for pre-term activities until further notice. This signals the start of its strike action following failed talks between Government and the union.

Last week, the GTU Executive met with Education Minister Nicolette Henry and Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, among other senior officials, to iron out issues surrounding the teachers’ salary increases.

However, Government rejected the GTU proposal, resulting in the threat of industrial action.

The Government was officially informed of the planned action; and the letter, in the name of GTU President Mark Lyte, was circulated to members on Monday.

The letter stated that the decision was taken by the GTU on the insistence of its members to call strike action due to failed talks between them and MoE. The Union views the counter-proposal tabled by MoE as an insult

to the integrity of all teachers in Guyana.

“We believe that enough patience was exhibited by the Union to allow MoE to arrive at a satisfactory proposal. Strike will officially commence on 27 August 2018, and will continue until further notice. GTU calls on all teachers to join in this justified action, since our rights are being infringed by our employer. This decision is supported not only

by General Council, but our private opinion poll among teachers and civic-minded persons across Guyana indicates that teachers nationwide have full support for this action,” the letter stated.

The union asked its member to not report for work from the commencement of pre-term activities until further notice, and not to listen to threats which will come from high offices.

Additionally, Head Teachers are urged to begin handing over the school’s key to the respective Education Departments.

“Teachers throughout the length and breadth of Guyana are asked to support this justified action taken by your Union to ensure that an agreement is reached between MoE and GTU,” the letter concluded.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union has been engaged in discussions with the Government since 2015, when their multi-year agreement came to an end.

Late 2017, at the behest of President David Granger, they sat as a part of a high level task force to address the issue of teachers’ pay and working conditions.

When Government met with the GTU on Thursday,

that a specialist would have to be contracted to determine the increases. In addition, the teachers were bluntly told that instead of the specific increases ranging from 40 per cent in 2016 to 50 per cent in 2020, a ball park figure would be used based on the current salary scale.

When it comes to debunching payments, which is payment based on years of service, the GTU requested payments on the scales of, and retroactive from, the 2011 agreement. Instead, Education Minister Nicolette Henry

they shot down all of the union’s proposal in regard to increase. The union had initially requested a 40 per cent increase in 2016; 45 per cent in 2017, and 50 per cent in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

However, they compromised during the negotiation phase and agreed to accept a 40 percent to serve as a base from 2016 with 5 percent incremental increase for the remaining years.

A number of requests from the GTU, including a long awaited retroactive increase in salaries across the board and increases in keeping with improved qualifications, were rejected by the Government at the meeting.

The meeting featured Ministers Nicolette Henry and Amna Ally, as well as Junior Minister Keith Scott and GTU President Mark Lyte.

Their discussions related to the proposals from a joint task force that President David Granger had himself ordered into the teachers’ plight last year.

Even though that task force had the input of Government, it was indicated to teachers on Thursday

the Government proposed another ball park figure for the new school year of 2018 to 2019.

“The Guyana Teachers’ Union disagreed on this counter-proposal, stating the amount allocated did not cater for the years signed and agreed to previously by the Government,” a release from the ministry said.

“They noted that the previous Permanent Secretary signed an agreement to honour the debunching payment from 2011.”

A request for a $5,000 monthly emotional, stress and risk allowance was met by the Government urging a “holistic approach”. As such, the Government team stated that it cannot be considered at this time, taking into account the wider public service. A similar response met requests for mileage and maintenance allowances for top school officials. A request for all teachers to receive double pay in December had to be withdrawn.

8 news “I used the money to buy things” - security guard tells court tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…jailed for 56 months

S

everal months after being released from prison, having served 36 months for fraud, security guard Ronald Saunders again found himself arraigned before a Georgetown Magistrate on Monday to answer to a charge of fraud.

The unrepresented Saunders admitted that on August 6, 2018, while being solely entrusted by Lancelot Bacchus with the sum of $2.7 million to purchase two

tractor engines, he fraudulently converted the cash to his own use and benefit.

The prosecution’s case is that the 48-year-old Saunders was employed as a security guard at the virtual complainant’s business place, and was given the money to purchase the engines, but never returned with either the engines or the money. The Police were called in, and Saunders was arrested and charged with

the offence of fraud.

Saunders told the court on Monday that he used the money to buy “things”.

“I am sorry for what I did, but I can’t turn back the hands of time. I bought things; phones and other things,” he told the magistrate in a plea of mitigation.

After considering the guilty plea, Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman sentenced Saunders to 56 months’ imprisonment.

Precedent

Saunders had previously been charged in June 2016 for a similar offence. He had then been solely entrusted

by Clint McKenzie with 12 ounces of raw gold, valued $2,760,000, to sell and bring the proceeds to McKenzie; but he had fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit. On that occasion, he was jailed for 36 months.

South Ruimveldt man charged for raping teen

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wenty-eight-year-old Travis John of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was on Monday placed on $150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged for raping a 15-year-old girl.

John faces an allegation that on February 1, 2017, in the vicinity of Kitty, Georgetown, he sexually penetrated a teen who is under the age of consent.

The prosecution’s case is that on February 1, 2017, John went over to the teen’s residence and committed the

Accused: Travis John

act; and the matter was reported to the Police after the teen’s parents found out about the incident.

He was released on $150,000 bail, and is expected to return to court on August 20.

Three weeks ago, John was arraigned before the Mahaica Magistrate on a robbery charge alleging that he was the driver of the getaway car used in the July 17, 2018 East Coast Demerara robbery in which a man who had just withdrawn money from a bank had been pounced upon and robbed of some $1.7 million.

Policeman on $1.3M bail for driver licence fraud

F

ormer Police Sergeant Alfred Park of Lot 1129 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was on Monday arraigned before Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman on 12 counts of fraud relative to the theoretical learner driver’s examination conducted by the Guyana Police Force.

The court heard that on April 12, 2018, while he was the sergeantin-charge at the Felix Austin Police College, Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, the 50-year-old Park conspired with others to forge 13 examination scripts for persons who did not write the learner driver’s examinations.

The prosecution did not object to Park being placed on bail, thus he was placed on $1.3 million bail after an application had been made by his attorney, Patrice Henry.

The matter will continue of August 27.

Two members of the Guyana Police Force were recently slapped with a to-

Accused: Police Sergeant Alfred Park

tal of 38 counts of fraud relative to the same theoretical learner driver’s examination.

Police Corporal Shanice Fraser, 31, and Police Corporal Ryan Grey, 25, were accused of working together to commit the offence by forging a total of 38 examination papers for persons who allegedly paid to acquire a driver’s li-

cence.

According to the Prosecution’s case, Grey is alleged to have forged 20 of the examination papers, while Fraser, the Traffic Chief’s Confidential Secretary, is suspected of forging 18 of the papers.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not object to either accused being placed on bail, but requested that conditions be attached. The two were ordered to report to the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters every Friday until the conclusion of their matter.

Fraser was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 while Grey was released on $160,000 bail.

On April 18 last, major irregularities surfaced in regard to the driver’s licence theoretical examination. Some 174 persons were registered to write the examination, but only 106 persons presented themselves to write same; yet, 207 scripts were submitted at the conclusion of the examination, with 155 completed.

The GPF had said that since members of the Cops and Faith Community Network became involved in the invigilation of the learner driver’s theoretical examination, there have been reports of a significant reduction in the opportunities for corruption, complaints, and allegations, thus this voluntary involvement will continue.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently discovered that some unscrupulous members of its staff were working in collusion with members of the public to issue forged drivers’ licences, certificates of compliance, and registrations.

While announcing that details surrounding this development would not yet be divulged, the GRA has announced that an investigation has been launched.

The GRA has also revealed that those individuals who were part of the illegal operations have been sent on leave.

Several other Police ranks were questioned in relation to the matters involving the Police.

Passing…

I

…of a genius n an age when reading books received a stake in its heart from Internet memes -- after being wounded by the spread of TV -- the passing of VS Naipaul probably won’t elicit more than a passing mention in the obituary columns of the dailies. Excepting with those columns now dead, the obit will, at best, be a column from some “humanities” academic – itself a dying part of the university curriculum.

And that’s a tragedy, because a close reading of the books by canonical writers like Naipaul wasn’t just a passing whim, but a recognition that, just as scientists may study the world of “nature”, it wasn’t just sociologists and psychologists who studied societies and people, but writers like Naipaul. Because their insights are couched in narratives, they are more accessible to those who read.

So what were Naipaul’s contributions that made him such a well-recognised writer? Firstly, there was the writing itself. Even his critics had to concede it was as good as any other writer in English, living or dead. But this was not just a “talent”. There was that, of course, but more than anything else, there was the brutal honesty to “tell it like he saw it”. For the Caribbean, the “it” was his assessment of us as a people in a world defined by those who “created and produced”.

His assessment was that our “picaroon” societies had created nothing – and so produced nothing beyond what the much-maligned colonial powers had organised us to do. Fifty years after his assessment, Guyana was still thrown into a tailspin when Europe removed preferential prices on our sugar!! We insisted on living out the fantasy of what the Europeans had defined us to be – “Bongo men” who performed for the coins they – now dubbed “tourists” -- threw at us!

He saw our politicians as “Mimic Men” who aped the words and behaviours of the European ruling class with absolutely no experience – and thus no real understanding – of what such words and behaviours meant. And so, in Guyana, we have politicians in 2018 talking about “liberalism” and “socialism” that are irrelevant to our fractured plural society. In 1962, he’d advocated the devolution of real responsibility to the people in positions, and their measurement by the standard of efficiency, “to bring political organisation to the picaroon society”. Our politicians are still busy being “Massas”!!

In 1975, long before Walcott’s Nobel acknowledgement of our plurality, Naipaul emphasised that we have to “arrive at some understanding of all the strands of our upbringing. And we have so many strands here, on this island in the New World. We have to acknowledge them all.”

When will we heed his advice? …on Security One of the most potent criticisms the PNC and AFC had levelled against the PPP regime was the latter’s inability to reform the security forces to deal with the security challenges that were overwhelming Guyana. It might’ve been the feather that broke the PPP’s back at the 2015 elections, since with the top-heavy security types in the PNC top echelons – starting with Brigadier Granger -- their promise to clean up the security mess was taken seriously.

One specific PNC/AFC criticism was the PPP’s rejection of the British $4.6 billion-funded Security Reform Plan.

The PPP claimed the Brits’ plan would “recolonise” us.

Well, the moment they sneaked into office, the PNC-led coalition invited the Brits back, who sent in their man, ex-Lt Col Russel Combe, in 2017. His profile boasts of: “wide ranging operational experience from the ‘hands on’ tactical level to the strategic political military interface.”

But the latter’s recommendations – now focused just on straightening the GPF -- has been gathering dust since its January handing over.

In the meantime, even the Police are turning to crime!! …unremarked?

Isn’t President Granger going to extend condolences to the family of Sir VS Naipaul at his passing? Surely this Caribbean literary icon - who even bigged up his leader Burnham’s oratorical prowess -- deserves that!

Or aren’t we part of the Caribbean?

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

9 Route 42 bus drivers protest M&CC’s relocation News

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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oute 42 (East Bank Demerara) bus drivers came out during Monday morning peak hour to protest the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC’s) decision to relocate vendors to their park.

They held a protest that started on Brickdam, Georgetown and stretched all the way to Lombard Street, where bus drivers were fussing through the paved corridors to secure a spot as soon as one departed

from their location.

As part of the Council’s decision, the bus park which was designated to the drivers was cordoned off with steel barricades, preventing the drivers from entering the area. It has been indicated that this spot would be used to facilitate vendors from the Stabroek Market Wharf, which since 2016 has been in a deplorable state. Efforts are now being made to effect repairs to this wharf after sections

The minibuses parked at “No Parking zones” and obstructing vehicular traffic on Monday

Mahdia declared Guyana’s newest town

…residents decry deplorable roads

C

ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan on Monday announced that the community of Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has been designated a township in accordance with the pronouncement of President David Granger when he addressed the opening of the 11th Parliament.

During his address on that occasion, President Granger announced that his administration would be upgrading four hinterland regional administrative centres: Bartica, Mabaruma, Lethem and Mahdia.

The Communities Ministry on Monday said there had been some challenges in the demarcation of constituency boundaries, which had resulted in delay in establishing the township.

“It is the intent of the administration to foster people’s empowerment through the strategic embrace of a decentralised form of governance. Mahdia will be the capital town of the Potaro/ Siparuni region, which is part of Government’s vision of establishing, in collaboration with regional administrations, a capital town in each of the ten (10) development regions that will serve as the engine of

growth and development of same,” a statement from the Communities Ministry related.

The Ministry said it is encouraged by the transformation that has taken place in the three recently established townships as a result of local leaders seizing this opportunity of this empowerment exercise. It also said these new urban centres are important allies in assisting to close the gap that exists between the hinterland and coastland regions.

The Communities Ministry also related that the foundation for the transformation of Mahdia has already begun to be laid with the upgrading of 80 per cent of the internal roads from laterite to concrete, which will last for decades.

Moreover, plans have been advanced for the construction of a Government compound that will house a number of Government agencies, such as the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Water Inc, and other agencies.

“It is important to note, as stated in the Order, the boundaries of the new township exclude the titled Amerindian Villages of Campbelltown and Micobie, as is the expressed desire

of those village councils following a series of consultations,” the Ministry said.

But residents and observers are now questioning whether this is the opportune time to make Mahdia a township, considering that the community is yet to be equipped with the relevant services offered in a town, and that the road leading into Mahdia is in a deplorable state.

“The access road to this new town is in a deplorable state. How can you have a town and no road to access it? I think the Government, in the haste for Local Government Elections, has put the cart before the horse in this case,” a resident said.

Another pointed out that persons are forced to walk at a section of the road leading to Mahdia, as minibuses and trucks often are stuck in the slush and must be pulled out by other vehicles.

“Something needs to be done immediately to fix the road. There is Mekdeci Mining right nearby, and they have equipment right there. Government should approach them and work out an arrangement to fix this road. I bet you if a Government minister come by land and (is) forced to walk…I bet you the road gon fix,” a mining operator told this publication.

would’ve collapsed about two weeks ago.

Many drivers and vendors who operate at the wharf area have indicated that there should have been proper arrangements for their accommodation, and the idea for the relocation should’ve been reviewed thoroughly to address the downsides and other shortcomings.

Speaking with this publication, the drivers said they have been the target of the City Constabulary and Police officers, and are usually arrested after voicing their opinions and distresses.

Some of the concerns raised include the fact that drivers have no official space to operate, and as such, they are forced to utilise the roadway, causing ma-

jor traffic buildup at peak hours. At Brickdam leading into the ferry stelling, the one-way path is being used as a dual lane and is incapable of holding all of the minibuses.

“You see, this is a one way and when we can’t get through from where we used to, then we got to drive through this madness. We using the road to park now, but we can’t help it,” one of operator explained.

He noted that during rush hour, many drivers also utilise the Lombard and Hadfield Street intersection to load their buses.

Moreover, when fire trucks are deployed by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Water Street, it takes them ages to manoeuvre through the buildup of buses and successfully exit the

chaos.

“If somebody house burning down and they call for help, how they getting out from here if we can’t even get out? This is a real mess City Hall create here,” said Murray (only name given) as he uttered his concerns.

Some street merchants who vend along the roadway posited that they are facing significant losses as well, since the buses are parked in front of their stalls.

“The Mayor and the Government need to sit and think about what they’re doing. When you look at it, just to house some vendors, you’re putting so much people through this inconvenience, and in so many ways!

Look at how these men have to work; and through all this traffic,” a Brickdam Street vendor explained.

The operators stated that efforts were made in the past to contact the Town Clerk Royston King, but to no avail.

Meanwhile when contacted, the Ramp Road hire car drivers stated that they were approached by the bus drivers to organise the protest. However, their issues were resolved, and they were given a space to operate after finalising that they would pay a weekly fee of $1500.

10 news

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pensioner gets 2 life sentences for child rape S everal weeks after being found guilty of two counts of sexually penetrating a 10-year-old girl on May 30 and June 2, 2014 at a West Coast Demerara (WCD) village, Abdool Jamil, a 67-year-old pensioner, was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in jail.

On Monday, he was ordered to serve two life sentences by Sexual Offences Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who said that the offender must serve at least 45 years before he was eligible for parole.

Justice SewnarineBeharry noted that a strong signal needed to be sent to society owing to the prevalent nature of the crime. A probation report was presented to the court. The convicted man’s lawyer, Clyde Forde described him as a community activist, having been recognised by

the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) for his contribution to health services. However, persons in the community where he lived described him as a “bad man” whom they feared, according to the probation officer’s report.

When he was allowed to have his say, the pensioner, a father of six, told the Judge that he never raped the child – lamenting several times, via vivid description, that he was impotent.

However, it was disclosed that he had been sharing an intimate relationship with an adult female relative of the young girl. That relationship ended after the child complained of what happened to her.

“I never had sex with a young person, much less this person,” Jamil told the court.

child’s mother had instructed that the child be left in his care and she was relinquished to his care and it was then that he raped the child on two separate occasions.

The child, through an impact statement read by child counsellor Celeste Mullen, said that she could not concentrate or perform well in school. She said that she

could not forget what happened to her.

“I felt really bad and upset. My life has not been the same and my grades started to drop. I trusted him, he was nice to me, but I don’t want to see him again. I want him to be punished,” the now teenaged girl expressed.

In her determination, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry

found Jamil to be unremorseful. She said that the then 10-year-old girl would have loved and respected the offender. Furthermore, the Judge said that the girl was scarred tremendously and was even blaming herself. State Counsel Lisa Cave who prosecuted the case requested a stiff penalty to be imposed. (Shemuel Fanfair)

La Grange smash-up Jailed for life: Convicted child rapist Abdool Jamil

Lone survivor’s condition stabilises ferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, as doctors battled to save his life.

The early-morning accident on Sunday resulted in a mother losing her only son and two young girls becoming fatherless. Bourne’s friends who perished were 33-year-old Leroy Levans

According to the facts of the case, the child’s mother travelled to attend a funeral in Linden and had left her young child in the care of a female relative. Jamil, however, dishonestly informed this female relative that the

Junior, of Nismes, WBD, who was the driver and passengers Devindra Hardyal, 25, called “Slice” and Reshi Pasha, 20, both of La Grange.

Levans and Hardyal were killed almost instantly while Pasha took his last breath around 07:00h on Sunday. continued on page 12

T

Lone survivor David Bourne

wenty-two-year-old David Bourne, who was the fourth victim in Sunday’s smash-up at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD), is now listed in stable condition.

The Police on Monday said that Bourne was trans-

The mangled car which crashed into a parked lorry

news

11

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Logger admits to sexually Man nabbed after breaking assaulting 9-year-old girl into mandir …gets life imprisonment

Rohan Daniels, called “Shine Buck”

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logger who was earlier this year jailed for multiple attacks on a child family member was on Monday sentenced again to life imprisonment, this time for again engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Rohan Daniels, also known as “Shine Buck”, opted against wasting the court’s time and admitted to the offence when the matter

came up before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

In this instance, he was said to have sexually violated the nine-year-old girl between January 1 and August 26, 2016. After hearing from the State and Daniels’s Attorney, Clyde Forde, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced the offender to life imprisonment ordering that he must serve 30 years before he was eligible for parole.

However, even if he is freed by that time, he is likely to remain incarcerated, since another judge, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall had also sentenced him to life imprisonment. In that case, Justice Morris-Ramlall ordered that Daniels serve 40 years before becoming eligible for parole.

In January 2018, the convicted rapist went through a trial and he was eventually found guilty on two counts of sexual activity with a child family member by a 12-mem-

Stakeholders benefit from GEA workshop on energy statistics planning

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Participants and facilitators at the workshop

he Guyana Energy Agency, in collaboration with the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE), hosted a consultation workshop for key stakeholders on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

Titled “Human Resources Management, Energy Statistics & Planning Awareness”, the workshop was conceptualised under the framework of the “Caribbean Energy Statistics Capacity Enhancement Project”, which has been implemented and supported by OLADE and the International Development Association - World Bank.

The project’s main goal is to elevate energy statistics’ planning and management capacity, and to implement National Energy Information Systems within five Caribbean countries, namely: Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and Suriname.

The key output of the implementation of a National Energy Information Management System is expected to be in place by mid2019.

With Guyana being a beneficiary country of the project, the main purpose of the workshop was to inform the participants of- the overall project, the stipulations for informa-

tion management and energy planning, as well as human resources management and energy statistics.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who was in attendance at the workshop, expressed the view that the workshop “….presents an opportunity for dialogue on the importance of energy statistics in driving the transformation and evolution of the sector, and the critical role that each organisation in attendance plays in the collection, analysis, and reporting of energy information…”

Some of the topics covered during the sessions were: Information management and Energy Planning, Human Resources Management and Energy Statistics, the National Energy Sector – Data Management and Challenges.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Presidency, Dept. of Environment; Guyana Sugar Corporation, Guyana Revenue Authority, Rubis, GUYOIL, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Public Utilities Commission, Guyana Power and Light, Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Finance, Institute of Applied Science, and the Guyana Energy Agency.

ber jury at the High Court.

On that occasion, by a ratio of 11-1, the jury found him guilty on the first count and by 10-2, determined that he was guilty on the third count.

However, on the second count, the jury was unable to return a formal verdict (9-3), while the defendant was unanimously found not guilty on the fourth count.

According to the particulars of the first and fourth counts for which he was found guilty earlier this year, Daniels, between April 12 and 13, 2014, and July 23, 2016 performed vaginally penetrative acts on the minor.

She was between 10 and 13 years old during the span of the attacks. At that time, he was unrepentant for his actions after being found guilty of raping the child. However, the man admitted on Monday that he engaged in sexual activity with the young relative. The State was represented by Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt.

A

man whose only name was given as 'Flim' was confronted with an allegation of breaking and entering the Zeelugt Shiva Mandir on the East Bank Essequibo at sometime between Sunday midnight and Monday morning.

He confessed to stealing several items from the religious place of worship, and is presently in Police custody.

Guyana Times was told by a devotee of the mandir, Poorandai Sukhu, that the stolen items have been recovered. She explained that when a caretaker of the building visited the temple on Monday at about 06:00h to switch off the lights, she found the idols stripped and the building ransacked. She raised an alarm, and the incident was reported to the Police.

The devotees who sus-

The Zeelugt Shiva Mandir

pected the man went to his home with a team of officers and unearthed the missing items in his fowl pen. Taken into custody, he subsequently confessed to the crime at the Leonora Police Station.

According to Sukhu, 'Flim' gained entry into the

building through a window which was grilled. She said the grill seemed to have been sprawled open.

Sukhu said a public-address system and over $200,000 were stolen in decorations and other items.’

12 news GGDMA urges miners to use mercury responsibly F tuesdAY, august 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ollowing numerous reports of higher-thannormal levels of mercury being found in interior waterways, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has issued a call on its members to utilise mercury in a much more responsible and safer way.

The GGDMA has said it is committed to the responsible use of mercury in small and medium scale gold mining, while reaffirming its commitment to the Minimata Convention on Mercury.

Additionally, the GGDMA has said it is still waiting on Government to provide the technical and financial assistance to miners under the Convention.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. It was agreed at the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury in Geneva, Switzerland on January 19, 2013, and was later adopted on October 10, 2013.

The Convention draws attention to a global and ubiquitous metal that, while naturally occurring, has broad

uses in everyday objects and is released to the atmosphere, soil and water from a variety of sources. Controlling the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its lifecycle has been a key factor in shaping the obligations under the Convention.

Major highlights of the Convention include a ban on new mercury mines, the phasing out of existing ones, the phasing out and phasing down of mercury use in a number of products and processes, control measures on emissions to air and on releases to land and water, and regulation of the informal sector of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The Convention also addresses interim storage of mercury, and its disposal once it becomes waste, sites contaminated by mercury as well as health issues.

Over the last few months, there have been reports on increased levels of mercury

in several waterways in interior regions. Additionally, the Guyana Water Inc. was forced to temporarily close its Port Kaituma well after it discovered high mercury content in the Kaituma River.

High levels of mercury were also found in a number of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission employees.

The GGDMA notes it is aware of these instances of unsafe mercury exposure as well as the challenges in finding a solution. The Association said that while the GGMC’s workers’ exposure to mercury was unfortunate, it did in some way convince the Government that addressing the issue of mercury requires more than just compliance enforcers.

“GGDMA is perplexed that Government has neither published a credible national action plan for mercury use in small scale gold mining in Guyana, nor provided the requisite techni-

cal assistance or financial assistance to the small-scale gold mining sector. We once again note that such assistance is contemplated and encouraged by the Minamata Convention to which Guyana is a signatory,” The GGDMA stated.

“In the circumstances we continue to call upon our local gold miners to use mercury responsibly: using gloves, respirators, retorts, and by refraining from putting mer-

cury in the mining pit. We encourage miners to seek advice from the relevant GGMC technical staff on the safe use of mercury. The GGDMA is committed to working with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the GGMC, the EPA, the OSH Department of the Ministry of Social Protection, as well as with Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund, and others to find feasible solutions to the challenge pre-

sented by the necessary use of mercury in small scale gold mining in Guyana,” it added.

The association said it intends to seek partnership with the large-scale foreign mining and petroleum companies with the goals of finding feasible solutions to the mercury challenge, and support for health and safety and environmental management in small scale mining in general.

Police investigating suspected hit and run

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olice on the Corentyne, Berbice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a farmer, whose body was discovered along the Corentyne Highway on Monday morning.

Dead is Marlon Cox, 40, a farmer of Tain Village, Corentyne. Cox is a former Police traffic rank in the Guyana Police Force.

The discovery of the body was made about 03:30h at Kilmarnock along the Central Corentyne Coast. The body bore marks of violence.

Police said the injuries to the right hand and head are consistent with those sustained in motor vehicular accident.

The dead man’s brother, Shackier Cox, who identified the body, is of the belief that

Dead: Marlon Cox

his brother may have been attempting to cross the road when he was hit. His theory is based on the position the body was in when it was discovered.

He is also of the view that his brother was hit by a huge

Lone survivor’s...

According to reports, the men left a party at Stanleytown, WBD and were heading to drop off Bourne at his Goed Fortuin, WBD home, but they never made it as Levans, the driver, crashed into a parked lorry. His father, Pastor Leroy Levans Sr, had said

that though his faith was being tested, he would remain strong. The dead man’s daughter is nine years old.

Hardyal’s sister, Marsha, meanwhile told Guyana Times that she would often tell her brother to remain at home, but on the fateful night, his friend collected

vehicle. There was no broken glass at the accident scene.

“I believe is a truck hit he down and drive away, because any other vehicle woulda smash up or had some glass or number plate on the road… Not even brakes impression,” he said.

The body is currently at the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police are of the belief that Cox’s death is as a result of a hit-and-run accident.

Cox, who planted cash crops at Whim for the past 17-years, had also been working as a labourer for another farmer in the same community.

Up to press time, no one had been arrested in relation to the incident.

from page 10

him to go to the party. She said that the four who perished would always hang out on the road together.

Hardyal’s daughter is just three and he had planned to wed his child’s mother in December. Pasha, who was a welder, grew up with an aunt and uncle.

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Lawrence to lobby for higher Region 10 Council moves salary-scale for health workers to rehabilitate burnt-

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ublic Health Minister Volda Lawrence said she would be lobbying for an improved salary scale for persons working for basic wages within the health sector.

She was at the time speaking to staff members of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre last Friday, during the closing ceremony of a two-week capacity-building programme for orthotic and prosthetic technicians.

The technicians, most of them hailing from the Centre, were very instrumental in providing prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices for some 25 persons.

Minister Lawrence said while she was grateful for the work put in by the technicians and other staff, there was no doubt that the salaries of those who labour so strenuously needed to be

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

improved.

“We are presently at the Ministry of Health trying to work with the Public Service Ministry so that persons who are branded in some particular fields and have been left there to lan-

guish, to address your salary scale so you can be remunerated properly for the important services you provide,” the Minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

She noted that the process was “taking a little longer than we thought it would have taken, but good things come to those who wait,” she assured.

“We will continue to fight that fight so that persons in those other Ministries understand the important role that many of you play in the health sector, especially you here at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.”

Director of the Rehabilitation Centre, Cynthia Massay lauded the Minister’s commitment to health workers particularly those working at the centre.

Another convicted child rapist jailed for life

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ark Campbell, already serving a life sentence for sodomising a young boy, admitted on Monday before Justice Priya Beharry that he had also sexually penetrated another boy -- a five-yearold -- on April 16, 2013 at a community in the county of Demerara.

It was also revealed in court that this 5-year-old boy and the other for whom he was jailed for sodomising are brothers who had been left in his care by their mother.

After accepting Campbell’s guilty plea, Justice Priya Beharry handed down the court’s sentence. She revealed that she had taken into consideration the age of the child involved, the nature of the offence -- Campbell admitting to sodomising the young child, and the fact that the offender did not waste the court’s time.

However, she said she found Campbell to be unremorseful, and has thus hand-

Convicted child rapist Mark Campbell

ed him another term of life imprisonment. She has ordered that he spend 30 years in jail before he can be eligible for parole on this sentence.

Attorney Lisa Cave appeared for the prosecution.

Campbell was in January of this year acquitted of another rape charge after he was indicted on two counts

of child sexual activity with a family member. On that occasion, the 12-member jury returned an 11-1 not guilty verdict on the first count after three hours of deliberation.

The jury was, however, unable to reach a formal verdict on the second count, and the judge ordered another trial. The particulars of those charges had contended that the acts were penetrative in nature.

Though he was freed of charges earlier this year, he was already serving a life imprisonment sentence, having been found guilty in 2017 for sodomising the five-year-old boy’s brother when that lad was seven and eight years of age respectively. These incidents occurred during the month of September 2011.

The second sexual act with the same young boy took place on July 20, 2013, when the child was eight. For this offence, he was also ordered to serve 30 years before being eligible for parole.

out Wismar Post Office

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lmost two weeks after fire was set to the inside of the Wismar Post Office at Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) during an attempted robbery, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has moved to undertake rehabilitation works to the building.

Regional officials arrived at this decision in an effort to bring relief to hundreds of pensioners who have since been affected by the closure of the Post Office. According to Regional Chairman Renis Morian, he received a bill of quantities on Monday which placed the cost of rehabilitation at $14 million, and he will now move to secure emergency funding to push the process forward, since he does not want pensioners who reside at Wismar to incur additional costs to travel to the Mackenzie Post Office to uplift their payments.

"While we're in the mood of budget for 2019, we don't expect that this thing will wait until 2019. The Post Office serves the people that come from the Wismar shore, hundreds of pensioners turn up there. So, I am sending (copies of) this priced bill of quantities to the Chairman of the GPO (Guyana Post Office) Board; to the

The Wismar Post Office

Chief Executive Officer, (Ministry) of Finance; also to the Honourable Minister Bulkan and the Minister of State, Honourable Joseph Harmon, with a view that emergency funds will be appropriated that we could move assiduously to get this work done,” he noted.

Morian commended engineers of the RDC for producing the document in a timely manner. The interior of the Post Office was torched in the wee hours of August 2, 2018 after bandits forced their way into the building but encountered difficulty in accessing monies from a safe which contained pay-

ments for the old age pension. The safe withstood the bandits’ attempts at broaching it, and it is believed that the bandits then set the building alight after their attempt had failed.

Since the incident, pensioners have been forced to access the service at the Mackenzie Post Office.

Although an investigation has been launched, there has been no arrest.

The incident has since led to calls by Lindeners for security to be installed at the Post Office. The entity has been hit by bandits several times in the past.

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Youth parliamentarians benefit from course in public speaking

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outh parliamentarians were exposed to the “Art of Public Speaking” facilitated by the Cacique Toastmasters Club, during day four of the fourth annual Youth Parliament on Monday.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to three of the five mentors who are preparing the students for the August 15 and 16 sessions. Dominic Clerk, who was Prime Minister during the second Youth Parliament in 2016, explained that the students were exposed to techniques they can use during the deliberations, and in the future, depending on their career path.

Ruth Wilson, Youth Shadow Minister of Natural Resources during the third annual Youth Parliament in

Students participating in the sessions at the Youth Parliament

2017, said: “I think they did well because after the presentation they asked the children a few impromptu questions and so they had to elaborate on the topic or questions.”

Youth Parliament provides an active learning platform where students not

only learn to speak on social issues but are also exposed to other non-academic areas. Shawn Shewram, Youth Shadow Minister of Public Infrastructure during the second Youth Parliament in 2016, explained the tour provided supplemental education to the students where

they would learn about the logistics of Parliament.

Mya Kendall, Youth Shadow Natural Resources Minister, said that the public speaking session was motivating and would help her to channel her nervous energy and walk proudly since she would get nervous during public speaking.

Kendall, of The Bishops’ High School, is one of 72 youths from secondary schools across the 10 administrative regions and from

the University of Guyana (UG) participating in the event.

Asaad Abdool, Youth Public Security Minister, said that he was not a good public speaker, but he was able to grasp some techniques that he would use during his presentation.

Abdool is a student of the Rosignol Secondary School, Region Five.

Youth Minister of Business Kezia Albert, a student of the Port Kaituma

Secondary School, Region One, explained that she was grateful for the experiences she was gaining. “I didn’t really know about the Parliament. Now that I know, and I differentiate the difference between the National Assembly and Parliament, I can now go back to my school and educate my peers.”

The annual event is being held from August 10 to 18 under the theme, “Our Generation, Our Voice: Inspire, Encourage, Impact.”

Works undertaken to revitalise Linden airstrip

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hile the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) has recently managed to solicit $2 million from the Finance Ministry in an effort to revitalise the once abandoned airstrip at Linden, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said it would cost approximately $68 million to get the facility back up and running.

The RDC had since 2016 embarked on an initiative to revitalise the abandoned facility, which, according to the Regional Chairman, was ranked among the best airstrips in the country. On Monday, a group consisting of 60 persons contracted by the RDC began clearing unwanted vegetation on and around the airstrip.

Speaking at the location at Mackenzie, Morian stressed the economic potential of the Linden airstrip once it comes back on stream. "We're working to preserve this airstrip ...

We're clearing almost a mile on both sides," the regional chairman noted, as he pointed out that vegetation was now attempting to grow underneath the airstrip and this could result in more structural faults and damage.

"We did a survey, and to

Workers clearing vegetation around the airstrip

bring this thing back up and running... (it) is $68 million ... Our job is to make certain that this airstrip is in readiness for the next stage when the Government comes in ...

So, we want to preserve it," he said.

Engineers have visited the site had asserted that it is one of the best structures that they have seen and the Council had expressed interest in bringing the abandoned airstrip back on stream, as a means to drive economic development in the Region.

Officials also discussed future collaboration with investors and prepared a proposal which was sent to the Public Infrastructure

Ministry in an effort to revitalise the facility.

"We recognise, not just the potential for residents of Region 10 (but) nationally. Do you know how many persons from Linden have to travel to Georgetown to charter a plane or board a plane to go where they're going? This airstrip gonna do great. The impact of this airstrip – think in terms of oil and gas, the movement of materials, people, etcetera.

This airstrip – once it's up and running – is gonna be a buzz of activities,” Morian noted on Monday. He also pointed to the possibilities when the Linden to Lethem road is developed.

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Feasibility study for Region 7 hydropower projects

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry will be conducting a feasibility study for the construction of hydropower projects at Phillipai and Pariuma in the Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This was announced by Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, who said that the Region was anticipating the implementation of the projects which would not only generate low-cost energy, but would be a major economic boost to the two villages and surrounding areas.

In addition to providing hydroelectricity, Bradford said that the projects would have spin-off benefits, including agro-processing.

“We are happy that the Ministry has sought to do the feasibility study in the two areas, to harness rapids to produce cheap energy, green and clean energy … Our vision is to ensure food security and we want to encourage agro-processing, but in order to do this, we need cheap electricity,” the Chairman is quoted by the Department of Public information (DPI) as saying.

Bradford explained that Upper Mazaruni villages have swathes of fertile land, for instance, in Pariuma, where citrus fruits, plantains and other produce are grown in abundance.

However, every year, these areas experience major

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford

flooding. Bradford said once the projects were fully onstream, the regional administration would be assisting the villages to can the crops grown.

Additionally, a $794.5 million (US$3.8 million) 1.5-megawatt solar farm, with storage, is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for Bartica in Region Seven.

The project will commence sometime this year and will last for 18 months.

Also, a one-megawatt hydro project will be constructed upstream Bartica at a cost of US$5.2 million. The funding is being sourced from the Guyana REDD Investment Fund, and the project is expected to last for two and a half years. Currently, technical assessments and other studies are being conducted.

Single parent suffers losses due to power failure A

single mother struggling to make ends meet for her family was forced to dump over $200,000 worth of meat and fish.

Eresha Prashad, of La Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast, a meat and fish vendor at the Anna Regina Market, said that she stocked up her freezer as she prepared for the busy weekend. According to the woman, when she returned to the market on Saturday morning she observed that the freezer was not freezing. She said she immediately went to the fisheries and purchased ice, but by then her stock had already spoilt.

The single mother is lay-

ing the blame for her losses at the feet of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). According to the woman, her business is her only hope of survival and

she is now indebted to suppliers. She said that there was a power outage and the subsequent fluctuation of electricity damaged her freezer.

Guyana Times was told that GPL has changed the entire coast from 50 to 60 cycles without any consultation with residents.

The woman believes that her 50-cycle equipment ran hot and was damaged as a result.

Recently, three homes went up in flames in the Region. The Guyana Fire Service has since launched an investigation into the fires which were suspected to be electrical in origin.

Residents have since called on the power company to educate customers on the cycle change and how it can affect appliances which are not compatible.

Year after Doklam, China continues to needle India along LAC

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hina continues to needle India at different stretches along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control (LAC), with People’s Liberation Army troops intruding around 300-400 metres inside the Demchok sector of eastern Ladakh and pitching five tents there in the latest such incident last month.

Security establishment sources on Monday said the PLA subsequently removed three of their tents in the Cherdong-Nerlong Nallan area after brigadier-level talks between the two armies, but the remain-

The Army, on being contacted, refused to say anything about the incident (file photo)

ing two tents with “some Chinese troops in civvies” are still present in the area.

The Army, on being contacted, refused to say anything about the incident.

Sources said the PLA soldiers, in the garb of nomads with cattle in tow, had intruded into Indian territory in the first week of July and did not retreat despite Indian troops repeatedly conducting “banner drills” (showing flags to ask them to go back to their own territory) in accordance with laid down protocol to diffuse face-offs along the LAC.

(Excerpt from Times of India)

American Chamber of Commerce...

from page 3

"The future of export success comes from value enhancements of many of the jurisdictions… Increasingly, it is the service element that enhances the prices, enables them to find niche markets, enables the exporters to keep up with a market where the characteristics of the times (digital and communication) revolutions have changed,” he stated.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, President David Granger met with the new Chamber and gave his Government’s commitment to do whatever is possible to promote and stabilise trade and investment in the country.

As such, he said Guyana is open for business in all sectors, including agriculture, mining and eco-tourism; and would welcome groups and individuals who would like to come here.

His statement was made during a meeting held on Monday with the executive members of AmCham at State House.

“I am seeing that we can bring more people to the fold.

There is so much we can do.

There is absolutely nothing in terms of agricultural products that we cannot supply to the Caribbean hospitality sector, but we need investment capital, and we need to build

a stronger manufacturing sector,” he said.

The Head of State noted, too, that as the Chamber opens its operations here, it is his hope that small businesses would not be left out, but would rather be given the necessary resources to grow and develop.

He said, “We will do whatever we can do to promote and stabilise trade and investment, because what’s good for Guyana is good Guyanese.

This can only work to the benefit of both sides.”

The President underscored that small businesses are welcome, and if they can be given some training, like how to

write a proposal or business plan, then that alone will be a stepping stone.

AmCham Guyana is a private sector association of US enterprises and individuals doing business in Guyana, as well as firms and business executives in Guyana who operate in the United States.

AmCham said its purpose is to “promote America– Guyana bilateral trade opportunities and activities; to improve market access for America-Guyana goods and services; to provide an economic, social, and policy platform for its members; to encourage networking and build business connections, among

others.

The current board is comprised of a dynamic mix of both local, regional, and U.S directors who are eager to dedicate their service, knowledge, and expertise to ensuring a productive start for the chamber.

Members of the Board include: Zulfikar Ally, Queens Atlantic; Clairmont Cummings, Corum Group; Liz Wyatt, Sol Guyana; Dave Kissoon, London House Chambers; Justin Nedd, GTT; Rod Henson, ExxonMobil; Davie Sukdeo, Guyana Marriott; George Kalantzakis, HESS Corporation; Rafael Nabi, Nabi Construction Inc;

Ms Saskia Wigingaarde, RED Entertainment; Yolander Persaud, Massy Group Guyana; Jorge Medina, MACORP, Richard Sammy, Republic Bank; Marisca Jordan, RAMPS Logistics; Andrew Mendonza, Baker Hughes and Fitzroy McLeod, NAMILCO. Members of the Executive include: Zulfikar Ally as Chairman; Clairmont Cummings as First Vice Chair; Justin Nedd as Second Vice Chair; Liz Wyatt as Third Vice Chair; Fitzroy McLeod as Treasurer; Devindra Kissoon as General Counsel; and Ms Yolander Persaud as Company Secretary.

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Regional

Ecuador bus crash: 12 Caricom mourns passing of VS Naipaul Barcelona SC fans killed

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he Caribbean Community (Caricom) Monday mourned the death of Trinidad-born novelist and Nobel Laureate, Sir VS Naipaul, who died Saturday at his home in Britain, six days shy of his 86th birthday.

In a statement, Caricom Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque described Naipaul as “a prolific author of both fiction and non-fiction, whose works “elicited much critical acclaim and earned him many literary awards.

He was acknowledged as a master in the use of language.

“His unsparing critique of post-colonial societies across the globe was the basis of much of his work and provoked a great deal of thought and discussion,” LaRocque said paying tribute to “this great son of the soil.”

Naipaul, who became the second Caribbean national to have won the Nobel Prize

Sir VS Naipaul

in Literature, was described as “a giant in all that he achieved” by his second wife, Lady Naipaul.

She said he died “surrounded by those he loved having lived a life which was full of wonderful creativity and endeavour”.

Naipaul, who was born in Chaguanas in Central Trinidad on August 17, 1932, was known for works including A Bend in the River and his masterpiece,

A House for Mr Biswas. He wrote more than 30 books, won the Booker Prize in 1971 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001, following the late St Lucian Derek Walcott who won the award in 1992.

His first book, The Mystic Masseur, was published in 1951 and a decade later he published his most celebrated novel, A House for Mr Biswas, which took over three years to write. (CMC)

t least 12 fans of Ecuadorean football team Barcelona SC have been killed and 30 injured when the bus they were travelling in overturned.

The fans were returning from an away game in Cuenca which the team from Guayaquil had drawn against Deportivo Cuenca.

It is not yet clear what caused the bus to overturn on the road.

Barcelona SC is one of the most popular teams in the country with a passionate fan base.

The team’s chairman,

José Cevallos, said on Twitter that he had received news of the accident “with much pain”.

He also said that a funeral chapel would be set up in the team’s stadium to honour those who had died.

Ecuador’s football association as well as football clubs across Ecuador expressed their condolences to Barcelona SC. The accident happened on the road leading from Cuenca to the town of Molleturo just after 16:00h local time (21:00h GMT).

Officials from Ecuador’s transport commission were

Cuba begins public debate on modernising Cold War-era Constitution

Dominica PM calls for end to attacks on Barbadian counterpart over university relocation

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mid accusations and name-calling as a result of Ross University School of Medicine’s decision to leave Dominica after 40 years and relocate to Barbados, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for an end to the hostility and the “unwarranted verbal attacks” against his Barbadian counterpart.

Earlier this month, Skerrit announced that the University, which relocated to neighbouring St Kitts and the US state of Tennessee following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, was leaving Dominica. Hours after his

disclosure, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and an official of Ross University announced that the institution would be located in Barbados by January 5 next year.

Mottley was subsequently accused by some in Dominica of poaching the university away from the Eastern Caribbean country, but she insisted that “Barbados came into the picture, only when, for Ross University, returning to Dominica for the start of the January semester in 2019, was not an option”.

“This is not and has never been a case of poaching or enticing anyone away

from Dominica,” she said in a statement. “The hands of the Barbados Government are clean in this matter.”

However, the verbal attacks continued, and Dominica’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States (OAS), Vince Henderson, said Prime Minister Skerrit had written to the university in July, indicating that plans were advanced for the resumption of classes in Portsmouth, Dominica.

But in a statement issued over the weekend, Skerrit called on all involved to “refocus and move forward”.

at the scene of the accident.

They said that the bus had all the necessary permits and had passed a safety inspection in February.

Eyewitnesses told a local channel the driver had been trying to overtake another vehicle just before the accident happened.

An average of seven people is killed on Ecuador’s roads every day, according to road safety group Justicia Vial.

Official figures suggest 96 per cent of accidents in Ecuador are caused by human error. (BBC News)

A Cuban walks by graffiti of revolutionary heroes Camilo Cienfuegos and Ernesto “Che” Guevara in Havana, Cuba August 12, 2018

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uba on Monday began a rare public discussion to overhaul its Cold War-era Constitution, a process the Government is calling participatory democracy at its best and opponents are branding a fraud.

Cuba’s National Assembly approved a draft of changes to the 1976 Constitution last month, including amendments that would pave the way for recognition of private small businesses and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

rights.

The Communist Partyproposed overhaul will be discussed in 35,000 workplaces and community meetings across the Caribbean island scheduled to stretch into November. Once the debate is concluded, the legislature will approve a new draft and submit it to a nationwide vote in February.

While State media have

praised the participatory and democratic nature of the consultations, dissidents say the meetings will simply rubberstamp the changes proposed by party leadership.

With much fanfare in the State-run media, more than a million copies of the proposals have been distributed and they are also available online.

At a state-run health clinic in the capital Havana, a union leader presented the proposed changes point by point to some 50 employees.

While a few people asked for clarifications on individual amendments, no one raised any challenges to them.

“We Cubans are going to ratify everything that has already been done, even if there are alternative proposals,” said Alina Morada, head of nursing for the municipality of Central Havana, where the meeting took place. (Excerpt from Reuters)

St Vincent PM wants Japan to have strategic development Barbados: Female lawyer chosen as new Opposition plans for Caribbean (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Leader 3 months after election whitewash

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nother attorney-at-law is leading the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) as it tries to rebuild from its 30-nil drubbing at the polls in May. Verla De Peiza has succeeded former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart – who stepped down following the election defeat – after being elected unopposed as DLP President yesterday, on the final day of the Party’s two-day 63rd annual general conference.

In her first speech as party leader, the defeated Christ Church West candidate rallied supporters and urged the various organs of the Party to rejuvenate so they can rebuild.

“If nothing else gives us the impetus to move forward, it must be the fear of failing. This party is bigger than us.

This party has a responsibility to this country and we are equal to that task,” she said.

New Democratic Labour Party President Verla De Peiza

“There is without doubt a mammoth task ahead of us….We have to repair breaches internally and externally, and because I have no interest in wallowing in the wilderness for longer than is absolutely necessary, we must step up and act and address these matters frontally without fear, without favour.”

De Peiza will be supported in the party leadership by former Parliamentary Secretary in the previous Administration, Irene SandifordGarner who was elected First Vice President; Second Vice President Nicholas Alleyne; Third Vice President George Connolly; and Fourth Vice President Andre Worrell.

Attorney-at-law Guyson Mayers is the new General Secretary, replacing George Pilgrim who stepped down from that post after serving for 10 years. Frank Firebrace was elected to the post of Treasurer. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

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t Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves Monday called on Japan to establish a strategic relationship with the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping.

“I want to see Japan not just as having an ordinary relationship with Caricom.

I want them to see it is in their strategic interest to be very much involved in the Caricom countries,” Gonsalves told a news conference following his visit to the Asian country earlier this month.

Gonsalves told reporters that during his bilateral discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shinz? Abe “we identified a number of areas within the strategic

fray which dovetail with Japan”.

He said these include the question of climate change, “which is part and parcel of sustainable development, people-to-people exchanges, and in that regard Prime Minister Abe agreed with the proposal that I put to him”.

Gonsalves said that within the strategic proposal, there was a necessity for a ‘special carve out for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“So we are putting our case within a regional context but yet having a bilateral emphasis. After all, I am the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said, adding that “during his presentation he had been careful “not to overload it”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

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Around the World

Iran's Khamenei: No war, no Erdogan vows action against 'economic terrorists' over lira plunge negotiations with Trump

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ran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out negotiations with the administration of US President Donald Trump, going toe-to-toe with him in a series of social media posts.

"Even if we ever –- impossible as it is – negotiated with the US, it would never ever be with the current US Administration," Khamenei said on Monday.

Khamenei, who has the final say in Iran's most important political decisions, said that as demonstrated in the 2015 nuclear deal, his country will only enter into negotiations in the position of strength "so that US' pressures and uproars won't affect us".

"Recently, US officials have been talking blatantly about us. Beside sanctions, they are talking about war and negotiations. In this regard, let me say a few words to the people: THERE WILL BE NO WAR, NOR WILL WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE US," Khamenei contin-

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump’s offer of talks to improve ties [Official Khamenei website/Reuters]

ued.

In another post, he also listed a litany of reasons why Iran is not negotiating with the US, including Washington DC's refusal to "retreat an inch from the self-asserted goals".

In recent days, Trump, who withdrew the US from the landmark deal in May and has repeatedly criticised Iran's deal, has said that he is willing to negotiate with Iran and meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani without preconditions.

But US Secretary of

State Mike Pompeo quickly walked back on some of the President's comments, listing several demands for such a summit to take place.

Rouhani responded to Trump saying that Tehran would not negotiate while the country was under sanctions, but did not rule out direct talks altogether.

Washington reimposed sanctions against Iran on August 7. A second round of sanctions targeting Iran's biggest exports – oil and gas – will take effect in November. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

resident Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused “economic terrorists” of plotting to harm Turkey by spreading false reports and said they would face the full force of the law, as authorities launched investigations into those suspected of involvement.

The lira currency, which has lost more than 40 per cent against the US dollar this year, pulled back from a record low of 7.24 earlier on Monday after the central bank pledged to provide liquidity, but it remained under selling pressure and its meltdown continued to rattle global markets.

“There are economic ter-

rorists on social media,” Erdogan told a gathering of Turkish Ambassadors at the presidential palace in Ankara, adding that the Judiciary and financial authorities were taking action in response.

“They are truly a network of treason,” he added. “We will not give them the time of day... We will make those spreading speculations pay the necessary price”.

Erdogan, who gained sweeping new powers following his re-election in June, said rumours had been spread that authorities might impose capital controls in response to the slump in the currency,

Beijing denies detaining one million Uighurs

Ethiopia: Paramilitaries “kill at least 40” in Oromia region

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t least 40 people were killed by paramilitary forces in eastern Ethiopia over the weekend, a senior regional official said, in the latest spate of violence driven by ethnic divisions.

On Monday, the Oromia regional administration's spokesman Negeri Lencho said heavily armed members of a paramilitary force from the Somali region had carried out cross-border attacks

in Oromia's East Hararghe district.

"We still do not know why Liyu forces raided the areas on Saturday and Sunday," he said, referring to the paramilitary soldiers.

"But we know that all the victims were ethnic Oromos.

At least 40 were killed in the attacks."

Unrest first broke out along the border of the country's Somali and Oromia provinces in September, dis-

placing nearly a million people, though the violence had subsided by April.

Earlier this month, mobs looted properties owned by ethnic minorities in the Somali region's capital Jijiga.

The central government said the unrest had been stoked by regional officials who had fallen out with central authorities trying to address rights abuses in the region. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Former aide taped 'Trump phone call'

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former adviser to Donald Trump has released what she says is a tape of a phone call from the US President after her dismissal last year.

In the tape played on US TV channel NBC, a voice presumed to be Trump's expresses surprise at Omarosa Manigault Newman being fired the previous day.

"Nobody even told me about it," the male voice can

be heard saying.

She is releasing a memoir soon and the White House has described her as a disgruntled ex-employee.

Tweeting on Monday, Trump said his former employee had only started to attack him after she lost her job.

He added that he had asked his Chief of Staff John Kelly to try to "work it out".

President Trump's law-

yer, Rudy Giuliani, says she may have broken the law by recording private conversations at the White House.

Manigault Newman knew the President from her days as a star of “The Apprentice” reality TV show, and advised him on AfricanAmerican issues during the 2016 election before taking a communications role in the White House. (Excerpt from

China says it is fighting separatism and Islamist militants in Xinjiang

C

hina has said reports it is holding a million Muslim Uighurs in detention in Xinjiang are "completely untrue".

Uighurs enjoyed full rights but "those deceived by religious extremism... shall be assisted by resettlement and re-education", officials said.

The rare admission from Beijing –- at a United Nations meeting in Geneva –- came in response to concerns that the region "resembles a massive internment camp".

Xinjiang has seen inter-

mittent violence – followed by crackdowns – for years.

China accuses Islamist militants and separatists of orchestrating the trouble.

China has sent a 50-strong delegation to the two-day meeting of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

On Friday, committee member Gay McDougall said she was concerned by reports that Beijing had "turned the Uighur autonomous region into something that resembles a massive internment camp".

T

the Yemeni Government's fight against the group.

The coalition initially said its actions were "legitimate", but later said it would probe "collateral damage".

The children's bodies were wrapped in white shrouds and carried in cars bearing the Houthi logo.

Local authorities say 51

BBC News)

people – including 40 children – were killed in the air strike on a bus travelling in Dahyan, in Saada province, last Thursday.

Most of the children were aged between 10 and 13.

There was a procession of the bodies from the local hospital to a square for prayers, and then to the graveyard. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

In his response, Hu Lianhe, Deputy Director of China's United Front Work Department of the Communist Party Central Committee, said: "Xinjiang citizens, including the Uighurs, enjoy equal freedom and rights."

"The argument that one million Uighurs are detained in re-education centres is completely untrue," he added, before admitting the existence of resettlement or re-education programmes.

Correspondents say it is unusual for China to give public explanations about how it deals with the situation in Xinjiang.

Meanwhile, the Staterun English-language Global Times newspaper defended tough security measures in the region, which it said had prevented it from turning into "China's Syria" or "China's Libya".

"The turnaround in Xinjiang's security situation has avoided a great tragedy and saved countless lives," it said in an editorial. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Aretha Franklin said to be seriously ill

Yemen war: Mass funeral held for children killed in bus attack housands of people have gathered in Yemen for the funerals of dozens of children killed in a Saudi-led coalition attack on a bus last week.

The mass burial took place in Saada, a northern stronghold of Houthi rebels.

Crowds chanted in protest at Saudi Arabia, which backs

which tumbled as much as 18 per cent on Friday alone.

The Interior Ministry said it had so far identified 346 social media accounts carrying posts about the exchange rate that it said created a negative perception of the economy. It said it would take legal measures against them but did not say what these would be.

Separately, the Istanbul and Ankara Prosecutor’s offices launched investigations into individuals suspected of being involved in actions that threaten Turkey’s economic security, broadcaster CNN Turk and State news agency Anadolu reported. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The star's albums include Lady Soul and I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You

A

retha Franklin is "seriously ill" and receiving hospice care in Detroit, according to US media.

Friends and family are reportedly at her side, as sup-

port flooded in online from friends and fellow artistes.

Known as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has had a career spanning seven decades.

The 76-year-old cancelled

planned concerts earlier this year due to health concerns and was ordered by doctors to rest for two months.

Last year she indicated her plans to retire from touring following the release of a new album.

Separately, celebrity website TMZ has also reported that a "long-time friend was told a week ago 'prepare yourself, she's dying.'"

The 18-time Grammy winner is one of the best-selling artistes of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Franklin is best known for songs including “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, august 14, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

Think matters through

(March 21- with care. A steady pace and April 19) well-planned strategy will

help you avoid an unexpected setback. A partnership will bring out the best in you.

Before you make a move,

TAURUS get all your paperwork ready.

(April 20- Don’t leave anything to chance May 20) if you want to avoid a run-in

dilbert

with officials. Opportunity will knock, which makes preparation essential.

Time spent socializing or GEMINI networking will pay off. Your (May 21charm and playful attitude will June 20) attract both personal and professional interest. Romance is encouraged, along with personal improvements.

Broaden your interests and learn more about the peo(June 21- ple with whom you are doing July 22) business. Knowing what you are up against will make getting what you want easier.

CANCER

Peanuts

Keep your distance from

LEO anyone who tends to overreact (July 23- or bullies you into something Aug. 22) you don’t want to do. Change begins within, so make every move count. Follow your heart, not someone else’s lead.

Don’t take no for an anVIRGO swer. If you put in the time, (Aug. 23the progress you make will Sept. 22) prompt others to pitch in and help. Celebrate to honour your hard work and accomplishment.

Calvin and Hobbes

Be careful with whom LIBRA (Sept. 23- you share your thoughts and Oct. 23) feelings. Some people will support and assist you, and others will meddle in your affairs. Wise choices will ward off a dispute.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Do what’s best for you.

SCORPIO Don’t let anyone take over (Oct. 24your affairs or decisions. Own Nov. 22) what you do and bring about changes that will encourage personal gains.

Put your plans in motion.

SAGITTARIUS If you stand up for what you (Nov. 23feel is important, you will Dec. 21) get the necessary backing to get things up and running.

Romance is on the rise.

solution for last published puzzle

CAPRICORN A romantic situation or (Dec. 22- an involvement with a close Jan. 19) friend or relative will be difficult. Aim to stabilize your life by making clear changes to the way you live.

If you look good, you’ll feel AQUARIUS good. Time spent indulging (Jan. 20- yourself, exercising, eating Feb. 19) right and trying to be the best you can be will lift your spirits. Romance is highlighted.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A professional change or the way you approach your responsibilities will have a big effect. Use your ingenuity to come up with an efficient way to get things done.

tuesDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

19

GPL powers young swimmer’s Goodwill dreams E

Joseph Matthews

ven as 36 young Guyanese swimmers prepare to compete at the Goodwill Games this weekend, the country’s leading power supplier has made the dreams of 15-year-old Joseph Matthews come a little bit closer to reality.

In a simple ceremony at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) head office in Duke Street, Kingston, a cheque for an undisclosed sum was handed over to the young swimmer in the presence of his mother and coach.

GPL Assistant Public Relations Officer Natalie Pindar noted that the company was aware that there were times when it needed to exercise its corporate responsibility.

“This is in keeping with our corporate social responsibility. We have a special interest in youth, development and sport as well, so we’ve taken interest in Joseph’s performance over the years and we’re to be a part of such a venture. We’re happy to help Joseph,” Pindar stated.

She later went on to disclose that the entity has been very involved in sponsorship over the years. More recently, the power company threw its support behind the Guyana Police Force (GPF) sports.

Joseph, who only began swimming just over a year and a half ago, expressed gratitude and elation at GPL’s gesture.

“It feels very exciting actually.

This is my first sponsorship and my first regional competition in Barbados,” he stated.

When questioned about his preparation, the teenaged swimmer disclosed that he would be in the pool every day until his departure for Barbados on Thursday.

“I’m training hard and I want the win more than anybody else,” he said.

Matthews will be participating in four out of ten events in his 13-15 age group, inclusive of the 150 metres butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke.

His coach, Haresh Bhagwan of Silver Sharks Speed Club disclosed that this decision was made given Matthews’ prowess in the pool. “The only reason he did

not get the opportunity to swim the other events is because after distributing the events, three swimmers per event, Joseph has shown consistently that he is the fastest in the four as opposed to the others and we need him well rested to perform his utmost best,” Bhagwan said, highlighting that Matthews’ four events were the toughest in the competition.

Guyana’s 36 swimmers will depart for Barbados on Thursday along with five coaches. Last year, the local team surprised their opponents, placing third for the first time in decades. As such, the Guyanese team are looking to repeat the feat or even do better this time around.

Man Utd confident England name same squad for 3rd Test David de Gea will B sign new deal

M

anchester United are confident that David de Gea will sign a new deal, with the goalkeeper expected to receive a marked increase on his current salary of around £180,000 a week.

The Spaniard is out of contract next summer, though United do have an option of another year. Yet given De Gea’s consistently superb form as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and his importance to the side, there is a will from José Mourinho and the Old Trafford hierarchy to secure the 27-year-old’s services for the long term.

The Spaniard came close to joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2015 when Louis van Gaal was in charge at United. Real, though, left their bid to the final day and an offer of £29.3m proved unsuccessful when the requisite paperwork was not filed in time.

De Gea subsequently signed his current improved terms, though the threat of him leaving for the Bernabéu continued to linger.

The European champions signed Thibaut Courtois on Thursday, which appears to have ended their pursuit of De Gea – for the moment at least. Yet, while it is understood this removes a potential complication regarding De Gea prolonging a United career that began in June 2011, there is a confidence he would have agreed the fresh deal even if Courtois had not joined Real.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson brought De Gea to Old Trafford for £18.9m, a record at the time for a goalkeeper in English football, he has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.

The Spaniard claimed last season’s domestic Golden Glove and United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, the award voted for by fans. He previously claimed it for three successive seasons, a record. (The

Guardian)

en Stokes could yet be called into the England squad for the third Test against India at Trent Bridge this weekend as his trial for affray at Bristol crown court nears its conclusion.

In naming an unchanged 13 from the innings victory at Lord’s on Sunday the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed “an assessment” on Stokes’s availability will be made at the conclusion of the case, with the jury due to begin deliberations on Tuesday morning.

As things stand, however, England will look to wrap up a series win against Virat Kohli’s beleaguered tourists at the earliest opportunity in

Ollie Pope exits the Lord’s pitch after England’s second Test win against India. The Surrey player has retained his place in an unchanged squad for the third Test at Trent Bridge

Nottingham without their talisman. Chris Woakes stepped up admirably in the second Test with an unbeaten 137 and four wickets and thus the head coach, Trevor Bayliss, is unconcerned.

Bayliss, whose

side are 2-0 up with three to play, said: “The results speak for themselves. The guys are able to put anything off-field out of their mind and concentrate on what they’re doing, and [the performance at Lord’s] was the perfect example.”

In response to his side’s impressive start to the series with India, Bayliss highlighted the nine-wicket performance by his attack leader, Jimmy Anderson who, despite having recently turned 36, has now further extended his lead as the world’s No1?ranked bowler.

“As long as he keeps his body fit there’s no reason why he can’t go on for three or four years,” Bayliss said.

“In these conditions he’s the best in the world. A lot of other bowlers do start to drop off mid-30s or so. It’s only the very, very best that are able to keep it going. I

think he’s showing that he is the very, very best.”

While tipping Anderson to keep going for some time yet – a chronic shoulder injury that he manages notwithstanding – Bayliss admitted he is constantly assessing who could be his long-term replacement, even if the Australian himself steps down at the end of next year.

Woakes, 29, has long been mooted as a potential successor, given his ability to swing the ball at pace, but Bayliss, while stressing how pleased he was by the all-rounder’s recent success, not least since he remains one of the most diligent workers in the squad, admitted “the challenge for him is away from home, as it is for a lot of the boys”.

Of Ollie Pope, who on debut made a well-crafted 28 with the bat, held two catches and effected a run-out,

Bayliss said: “He looked a young guy with no worries about previous failures or successes, he was just out there playing cricket.”

India, meanwhile, have confirmed they have no concerns over the fitness of Ravi Ashwin, who was struck on a hand while batting at Lord’s. Their main concern surrounds the captain, Kohli, who has insisted he will be ready to take the field at Trent Bridge despite being hampered by a back problem.

England squad Root (Yorkshire, capt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Anderson (Lancashire), Bairstow (Yorkshire, wkt), Broad (Nottinghamshire), Buttler (Lancashire), Cook (Essex), S Curran (Surrey), Jennings (Lancashire), Pope (Surrey), Porter (Essex), Rashid (Yorkshire), Woakes (Warwickshire). (The

Guardian)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

Steve Smith

Smith’s experience is useful for Barbados Tridents – Holder

W

est Indies bowler Jason Holder, who is leading Barbados Tridents in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has said that former Australian captain Steve Smith is helping the team with a ‘wealth of knowledge on the field’.

The comment came after Smith played his debut match at CPL, where he helped Tridents register a 30-run victory over Shoaib Malik-led Guyana Amazon Warriors.

“Definitely it does (help having Smith’s experience). We’ve got a wealth of knowledge on the field,” Cricket.com.au quoted Holder, as saying. “Smithy was a successful captain. He shared a lot of knowledge,” he added.

Smith, along with young West Indies batsman, Shai Hope, built a steady thirdwicket partnership of 105 runs to stabilize his

GFF Elite League season III…

Cougars can’t catch prey C

ougars Football Club (FC) suffered their 13th defeat in their debut season of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League on Sunday night.

Their 6-0 thrashing came at the hands of Ann’s Grove United FC, who had a good night in the double-header feature at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, West

Coast Demerara.

Ryan Seales and Dwight Peters both recorded doubles for the side, currently ranked eighth in the 10team tournament. Steve Francis and Ryan Jacobs netted the other two goals in the one-sided affair.

In the first match of the double header, Milerock and New Amsterdam United settled for a point each in a stalemate.

On Friday last, Western Tigers suffered another setback to their title hopes after playing to a 1-1 draw with Buxton United.

Paul Kingston fired the East Coast boys ahead early in the eighth minute before Daniel Wilson equalised in the 38th minute.

Meanwhile, Milerock FC got past Cougars 3-0 in the first match on Friday.

team’s position after they lost two early wickets at a meagre score of 11 runs. He contributed 41 runs to the scorecard, before getting out at one of Imran Tahir’s deceiving deliveries.

The Australian batsman is currently serving a 12-month ban from International cricket for

his alleged role in the massive ball-tampering scandal during the third Test match against South Africa at New Lands.

Barbados Trident’s next encounter is with Keiron Pollard-led St. Lucia Stars on August 18.

Cincinnati Masters…

Murray out in 1st round

B

ritain’s Andy Murray suffered a first-round defeat to Lucas Pouille at the Cincinnati Masters.

Murray hit six double faults on his way to being broken three times in a one-sided first set, which Frenchman Pouille took 6-1.

The 31-year old Briton recovered to force a decider, but Pouille, 24, prevailed 6-1 1-6 6-4.

Murray was playing only his fourth tournament after missing nearly a year out with a hip injury.

Two w e e k s ago,

The former world number one looked rusty in the opening exchanges, with two double faults in his first service game setting the tone for a poor opening set.

Murray hit back strongly at the start of the second set, breaking Pouille three times and exerting greater authority on his own serve to force a decider.

Both players showed signs of tension in the opening game of the third set, which lasted nearly 12 minutes.

Murray

Murray pulled out of his Washington Open quarterfinal after only finishing his last-16 win at 03:02 local time earlier the same day.

Murray also withdrew from last week’s Rogers Cup in Toronto to continue his recovery.

eventually surrendered the break having led 40-15, with the three-time grand slam champion evidently frustrated after double-faulting to hand Pouille the initiative.

The Scot remained in the contest and forced a break point in the fourth game of the set after coming out on top of a memorable rally at 15-15.

However, Pouille held on to maintain his advantage and then served out the match comfortably to secure his first professional victory over Murray in five meetings.

(BBC Sport)

Andy Murray

Rockets prepare for tough WC with signing of Carmelo

Carmelo Anthony joins the Rockets from Oklahoma City Thunder

C

armelo Anthony signed a one-year, $2.4m deal with the Houston Rockets on Monday. Anthony was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Atlanta Hawks last month before the Hawks released him.

The 34-year-old joins a team led by MVP James Harden and star point guard Chris Paul. The Rockets hope the addition of Anthony will help them contend for their first title since 1995. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals last season despite holding a 3-2 lead at one point in the

best-of-seven series.

Anthony will get a fresh start in Houston after spending last season with the Thunder, with whom he averaged a career-low 16.2 points in 78 games. The third overall pick in the 2003 draft has averaged 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and three assists in a 15-year career that also included stints with the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks.

Anthony will be reunited in Houston with Mike D’Antoni, who was his coach for a time with the New York Knicks. In 2017, D’Antoni told ESPN that his relationship with Anthony

was partly behind his decision to quit as coach of the Knicks.

On Monday, D’Antoni told USA Today he had no problems working with Anthony again.

“In New York, when [the Knicks] gave away half the team and everybody expected us to win a championship, it really wasn’t realistic,” D’Antoni said. “It put a lot of pressure on everybody, and it kind of burst the pipes.

“I think this is totally different. We’ve got a team that is a whole bunch of veterans that really, we’ve got one thing in mind, and that’s to win a championship, and we have the possibility.”

D’Antoni has also since worked with Anthony as Team USA’s assistant coach at the 2012 Olympics, where the Americans won gold.

The 6ft 8in Anthony is a 10time All-Star and has won three gold medals in the Olympics.

He is USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

Anthony has averaged more than 20 points every year of his career except last season and led the NBA in scoring in 2012-13, when he averaged 28.7 points a game. (The Guardian)

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Warriors play final home matches in September

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sports

I

Cricket crazy fans waiting to purchase tickets for matches when the Hero Caribbean Premier League returns to Guyana

t was a mad rush for last minute tickets leading up to the first three Guyana Amazon Warriors home matches in this year’s edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with long lines at the central ticketing office in Georgetown even on match days.

On Monday when the sale of tickets for the second phase of Guyana Amazon Warriors matches began it was no different as the ‘early birds’ flocked the Camp and Quamina Streets office for their share of tickets for the September 8 and 9 clashes at Providence.

On a cool Monday morning in Georgetown, there were approximately 25 persons waiting at the central ticketing office for the scheduled 09:00h opening. At the front of the line was Tenesha Chappelle, who was also the first to the counter when ticket sales began on July 19 for the August matches.

The Newtown Georgetown resident was with her grandmother and she just wanted her favourite seats again. “My family and I like the view and the action from the green stand so I am here to secure our seats early,” she told Guyana Times Sport with excitement and relief in her voice. Chappelle said that her family from overseas will be

coming in their numbers and were encouraging her to purchase their tickets early. “It’s about 20 of us including those from the United States who come every year for CPL. We were there last night and for the two earlier matches and we are going again in September,” granny Serojanie said.

Also getting his tickets was Anand who came from Mahaica. “I don’t want to join the line like last week so I come early. I am safe now. I am all set,” Anand said as he checked his six tickets while exiting.

This year is the first time in the sixyear history of the tournament that Guyana will host five home matches for the Amazon Warriors and also the first time that the matches are separated into two phases. After hosting the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Stars and the Barbados Tridents, the Amazon Warriors are heading on the road for five away matches before returning to wrap up against the Jamaica Tallawahs and Trinbago Knight Riders respectively.

Ticket sales for the first phase or the August matches began on July 19, three weeks before the first match at Providence, and anxious patrons flocked the office early. However, there were others who waited until the very

Tenesha Chappelle with tickets to both matches in September

last moment to get into the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ and by then the lines grew.

In the first three home matches, the powerful Amazon Warriors won two games and lost one in front of sold out crowds and the same is anticipated when they return home in three weeks.

Smith regains number 1 Test batting ranking A NOT RECEIVING YOUR

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ustralian batsman Steve Smith has returned to the top of the Test batting rankings, despite being banned from playing in the format since March.

Smith is serving a 12-month ban from playing state or international cricket for Australia for his role in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa.

India captain Virat Kohli had taken top spot after scoring 200 runs in the first Test against England.

However, his 40 runs in the second Test defeat has seen him slip behind Smith.

England’s Joe Root is ranked third in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test batting rankings, while his Yorkshire colleague Jonny Bairstow has climbed to ninth after scoring 93 against India on Saturday.

ICC rankings explained

Steve Smith, left, has overtaken Virat Kohli only one week after losing the top spot to the India captain

Jimmy Anderson remains the top bowler in the world and has become the first England player to exceed 900 points in the ICC rankings since Ian Botham in 1980.

Anderson, 36, achieved match figures of 9-43 at Lord’s to help England open up a 2-0 lead over India in the five-match series.

England’s Chris Woakes has broken into the top ten of the ICC’s all-rounder rankings following his man of the match performance at Lord’s.

The 29-year old has risen to seventh after scoring an unbeaten 137 and taking four wickets as England beat India by an innings and 159 runs.

Players are ranked on a scale of 0 to 1000 points.

A player’s points tally represents what the ICC refers to as a “sophisticated moving average”.

Points tallies will increase if performances improve upon past records, and will decrease if performances decline.

Kohli overtook Steve Smith at the top of the rankings after scoring 200 runs in his side’s narrow defeat

by England in the first Test match at Edgbaston.

However, after scoring a combined total of 40 runs in the second Test, Kohli’s performance had declined to such an extent that he has lost points.

Smith, who has neither improved upon nor worsened his record during his period of inactivity - has therefore been able to return to the top of the rankings. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

Fast bowling clinic travels to Guyana Y

oung aspiring fast bowlers were earlier on Monday given one over to produce their best ball and highest speed as the University of West Indies’ Sport Faculty carried out their ‘Pace like Fire’ campaign.

The bowling clinic which is being conducted around the Caribbean Region, gives bowlers, both male and female, between the ages of 16 and 22 the opportunity to show off their skills.

Facilitator of the programme, Akeem Dewar put down the speed gun for a few moments to give a little insight into the purpose of the bowling clinic.

“Basically, we’re going

around the Region and we’re trying to find some young fast bowlers. So we’re going around with the speed gun and we’re going to test for fellas with the fastest speed,” he explained.

Dewar gave a breakdown of what the programme would entail when the selected bowlers leave for the performance centre at in Barbados.

“Then, we’re going to bring them back to UWI Cave Hill at the High Performance Centre and introduce them to the scientific side of sport. So, we’re gonna look at biomechanics, nutrition, strength and conditioning. And we’re also going to introduce the height to level

Facilitator Akeem Dewar

three coaching,” Dewar stated.

He further elaborated

that the programme at Cave Hill, Barbados would allow for the participants to inter-

act and learn from the likes of Pedro Collins and Floyd Reifer, among others.

“So, we’re going to have coaches like Pedro Collins, Floyd Reifer, and other West Indies fast bowlers will come around and assist as well as other fast bowlers.”

Speaking on the showcase of talent earlier on Monday in the Georgetown leg at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Dewar noted that he has seen some promising youths with ample speed.

“This is the first stop in Guyana, and it was a decent turnout. We had some guys that showed good speed – close to 80mph, which is good, ‘cause some of them

are only around 17 and 18.

So there’s always that room for improvement.”

Up-and-coming right-arm fast bowler Demuca Nando took time out to share about the morning’s experience.

“I learned a lot, you need to get your run-up right and your strides. You need to really work on your action if you want to go faster. You just need to keep working and never give up,” the Ogle Cricket Club bowler stated.

The fast bowling clinic will travel to Essequibo today and then to Albion on Wednesday. Fast bowlers who are between the ages of 16-22 and think that they have what it takes to compete are invited to attend.

Crandon stars for Dant in OSCL final Buxton Diamond, Sparta Boss D aiming for opening glory Three Peat Promotions/Guinness Cage Competition…

ant claimed an exciting 10-run victory over nemesis Sunshine on Saturday at Ashtonbee Park, Scarborough, Toronto where the 2018 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 10over competition climaxed.

Dant, who have been dominating the League’s three formats this season thus far, won the toss and opted to bat first. They then set up a challenging 91-7 upon the expiration of the 10 overs.

They also bowled well on a day blessed with glorious sunshine as they restricted Sunshine to 81-5.

Former Guyana and West Indies One-Day International versatile all-rounder Royston Crandon hit a responsible 41 for Dant which included three sixes and a four.

T h e right-handed Crandon also featured in a steady 39-run fourth-wicket stand with ex-Guyana First-Class skipper Damodar Daesarth, who contributed 14 runs.

Veteran bowler Bobby Pararsnauth was on target throughout his twoover spell conceding only four runs and grabbing two wickets while Anil Mahadeo supported with two wickets as well which cost him 29 runs from two overs.

W h e n Sunshine batted, they began things nicely racking up 36 runs from just four overs, but there was a setback after three quick wickets, leaving them to get 20 runs from two overs. Azam Haniff scored 21 while Imran Ali also showed fine form with an attacking 18.

Satrohan Balkarran claimed two wickets for six runs from two frugal overs as well while

Bholonauth Bunty accounted for a victim during his two-over stint that went for nine runs.

Crandon was later named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his attractive innings. In the consolation game that was played simultaneously, Rems got the better of Enmore Sports Club by 26 runs. In the Conference B championship game, GTA Storm humbled Restoration Warriors while Wakenaam defeated Carr Tec. At the presentation ceremony just after the games, OSCL President Albert Ramcharran expressed appreciation to the teams that took part in the competition and also thanked the main sponsor for the 10over tournament that began two months ago. The main sponsor is Hari Sukhu of Caribbean Sensation. Ramcharran, who has been a founding member of the League which was formed just over two decades ago, also declared that a team would be picked soon to represent the League at the upcoming Guyana Cup softball tournament.

Meanwhile, the Norman Sue-Bakery 15-over final is slated for this weekend at the same venue.

Sunshine will be opposing Better Hope on this occasion comm e n c i n g at 09:00h. ( R a v i Madholall)

Former Guyana and West Indies One-Day International versatile all-rounder Royston Crandon

M

elanie B, Blazers, Avacado Ballers, Sparta Boss, Paradise, Melanie A, North East La Penitence, Victoria Church Yard, Buxton Diamond, Plaisance B, Uprising and hosts Haslington Hypers will all be aiming to record wins when play in the Three Peat Promotions /Guinness Cage Competition resumes tomorrow evening, at the Haslington Market Tarmac.

The above-mentioned teams will be under immense pressure to register their first points in the exciting format, and fans could expect a night of riveting action on the East Coast where the support from the various communities has been tremendous.

Opening night action last Wednesday produced some surprises with defending Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” East Coast Zone champions Uprising falling to Vryheid’s Lust narrowly, while the highly-successful Sparta Boss went down to reigning champions Ol Skool Ballers in similar fashion.

Buxton Diamond, one of the pre-tournament favourites to come out of the East Coast teams, were also stunned,

losing to BV B 1-0, while the home team, Hypers, fared even worse against Alexander Village, losing by a 6-2 margin and will no doubt want to improve their performance in front of the expected large home crowd.

On the other hand, teams such as Vryheid’s Lust, BV B, Albouystown, Victoria Eagles, Belfield Warriors and Kitty Hustlers will want to build on their points.

The five-day tournament dubbed “the East Coast Best versus the Rest” pits the best teams from the East Coast corridor against the finest selection from Georgetown and is organised to foster integration among the

participating communities in an effort to create a better understanding among inhabitants.

Among the entities in support of the cause are: Banks DIH under its Guinness and Power Wine brands; Clarks footwear giants Chetsons; E-Networks Inc; KSM Investments; Yhip’s Bakery; Brass Aluminium & Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF); Ray’s Auto Sales; YK Investments; Trophy Stall; Express Shipping; Woodpecker Products; National Sports Commission; C Division of the Guyana Police Force; Jai Signs & Auto Designs; Gaming Authority; Julius Variety Store and C & C Prestigious Styles.

The night’s fixtures are: BV B v Vryheid’s Lust – 19:00h Melanie B v Plaisance – 19:20h Avacado Ballers v Paradise – 19:40h Back Circle v Belfield Warriors – 20:00h Leopold Street v Broad Street – 20:20h Blazers v Victoria Eagles – 20:40h Sparta Boss v Alexander Village – 21:00h Tiger Bay v North East La Penitence – 21:20h Albouystown v Victoria Church Yard – 21:40h Melanie A v Hustlers – 22:00h Ol Skool Ballers v Haslington Hypers – 22:20h Uprising v Buxton Diamond – 22:40h

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

J

amaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Stars who ended the first weekend of matches in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on opposite sides of the spectrum will collide tonight to begin the second week of action at Sabina Park in Kingston.

The Tallawahs will be at home and will be looking to press home the advantage against the Stars, who lost both of their opening games to begin their campaign in very uncomfortable fashion.

The St Lucia-based franchise has now gone 13 straight games without registering a victory, a trend which began in 2016. In the tournament opener last Wednesday, the star-studded Stars lost to reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders by 100 runs at the Queen’s Park Oval, then three days later missed out by three runs to the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence while the Tallawahs stopped the champions in a record-breaking performance in Port of Spain on Friday.

It was Tallawahs’ new captain, Andre Russell, who bagged a hat-trick and blasted a 40-ball ton to seal a record-breaking win against TKR that sent a strong

Confident Tallawahs hunting winless Stars

Andre Russell

warning to all teams. After TKR tallied a new CPL record score of 223 for 6, the Tallawahs seemed down for the count at 41-5 in the seventh over when Russell, who missed the 2017 tournament due to a one-year ban, joined Kenar Lewis to push for the miraculous win with three balls to spare.

They put on 161 runs for the sixth wicket, to join Marlon Samuels and Orlando Peters as record holders for the highest partnership in CPL and the best sixth-wicket stand ever in all T20s.

Once again, the Tallawahs will look to their captain for an inspiring per-

“Mr Fantastic”

accepts Jacksonville College scholarship E ighteen-year-old national basketball team captain Stanton “Mr Fantastic” Rose is now a prime example of the phrase “hard work pays off” after he was awarded a scholarship to attend the Jacksonville College in Texas, United States.

Rose, who has been celebrated for leading the Guyanese national basketball team to their first Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC) win in Suriname last month, has excelled in local basketball over the years. The young man ,who plays club games for the three-time Road to Mecca Champions Bounty Colts, was said to be very mature and able to handle pressure well and was selected as Captain of the national team on the premise that he could step up to the plate.

In doing exactly that, the Lindener registered an all-time high of 41 points against the St Vincent and the Grenadines

– the most points ever netted by a Guyanese in a single game.

Rose, who is also the youngest national captain ever, was also named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2018 CBC games.

In a statement from the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), it was revealed that the young man was recently offered a scholarship, which he gladly accepted. He is expected to depart Guyana later this week as his first semester will begin on Monday, August 20, 2018.

National Coach Junior Hercules was the first to congratulate the teenager on behalf of the GABF, stating: “Guyana Basketball Federation wishes to congratulate and thank Stanton Rose for his commitment and dedication to Guyana and we wish him further success in his life and basketball career.”

Texas bound! Stanton “Mr Fantastic” Rose

formance, but will also depend on their top order of Johnson Charles, Glenn Phillips and Ross Taylor for contributions with the bat. Against TKR the bowlers were expensive and will

need to tighten against a good Stars unit on paper.

Other than Russell’s hat-trick, other seamers like Krishmar Santokie, Rovman Powell and Kemar Roach were expensive while spinners Imad Wasim and Adam Zampa were steady last Friday in damp conditions after a rainy day in Trinidad and will need to tighten up to keep the home fans happy.

David Warner, who is yet to set the CPL alight after two ordinary performances so far, is eager to make a winning contribution alongside Captain Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, and Andre Fletcher with the bat. Once they get going under the lights at Sabina Park, they will give their bowlers some amount of cushion.

Pollard, who bowled cleverly in the two matches so far without completing four overs in either game, will look to Kesrick Williams, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mohammad Sami and if fit, Darren Sammy for support in the seam department on a pitch that is expected to respond favourably. Under the lights and with the dew,

spinners Qias Ahmad and Rahkeem Cornwall could have their work cut out as is the case so far.

Last year, when the teams met at Sabina Park, Kumar Sangakkara with a classy 74 not out trumped Shane Watson’s 80 to seal a six-wicket victory with one over to spare for the hosts in a high-scoring contest. If the Tallawahs win again, it will be the 14th straight game that the Stars have played without winning any, a record no team should be proud of.

This is the first of two matches at Sabina Park, one of two home venues for the Tallawahs, who will also host three matches at the Central Broward Regional Park in Florida.

On Wednesday, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots with one win after two games will take on the Tallawahs at Sabina Park before the Jamaica franchise heads north for games against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, TKR and Barbados Tridents.

The first ball tonight is at 18:00h Jamaica time (19:00h Guyana time).

TuesDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Confident Tallawahs hunting winless Stars Pg 23

“Mr Fantastic”

Rush for CPL tickets continues…

Pg 21

accepts Jacksonville College scholarship Pg 23

Texas bound! Stanton “Mr Fantastic” Rose

Warriors play final home matches in September

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