Guyana Times Newspaper - Saturday, July 14, 2018

American Chamber of Commerce to boost GuyanaUS trade relations – Chairman THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Issue No. 3623

Govt can save Berbice Bridge from bankruptcy – PPP Page 7

TSU rank nabbed with 46lbs of ganja Page 10

Superintendent’s firearm stolen during EBD crash Page 13

No sign Kwakwani floodwaters receding Page 12

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police P9 record rape, robbery increase

Govt Minister questions P13 effectiveness of SOCU

National Payment System Bill P3 passed amid war of words – as Govt hauled over coals for state of economy

Security guard nabbed with gun, P11 ammo

Parking lot fracas

Broomes P15 facing PNCR pressure to apologise

Businessman among 3 in custody for murder of pandit, son

Stabroek Market robbery

3 vendors charged for $22M jewellery heist Page 2

Page 11

Guyana P2 Times reporter’s home burglarised

2 news

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Times reporter’s Businessman among 3 in custody home burglarised for murder of pandit, son

T

he DeKendren, West Coast Demerara home of Guyana Times reporter Kizzy Coleman was, in the wee hours of Thursday, burglarised, the thief/thieves making off with a quantity of jewellery and electronic items.

The 24-year-old reporter thinks that her home was invaded at sometime between 02:00h and 03:00h, while she, her mother and sister were asleep.

Coleman told this publication that she had gone to the washroom at about 01:30h, then proceeded to the kitchen before putting her phone to charge.

She recounted that at about 03:00h, her mother came into her room to enquire whether she had removed her mother’s mobile phone.

“I said, ‘I just plugged it out, it’s right on the table, and I put in mine,’ but she said she didn’t see any phone at all on the table, so I got up to go look for myself,” Coleman

Kizzy Coleman

recalled.

At that point, the duo went into the living room to search for the phones, and they then observed that the wires attached to the desktop computer had been pulled out, and the monitor was lying on its face on a desk.

Coleman said they further observed that the HP

laptop computer belonging to her sister, which was left on a table in the living room, was also missing.

Coleman told this publication that after they had thoroughly searched the house, they discovered that a quantity of gold jewellery had also been stolen.

Moreover, they discovered that panes from one of the louvre windows had been removed, and some were lying broken on the floor.

“After we realised that someone was in the house, we started to further inspect, (then) we noticed that louvres from one of the windows were taken out and some (were) broken. The person who came in through that small spot had to be extremely thin,” Coleman ascertained.

The Police were contacted, and they subsequently visited the home. Police “D” Division Commander Rishi Das has confirmed that an investigation has been launched.

A

s investigations intensify into the murder of sexagenarian Pandit Deonarine Liliah and his 29-year-old son Gopaul Liliah, which occurred at their residence in Craig Street, Campbellville Georgetown, a close business associate of the elderly deceased has been taken into custody on Thursday.

Apart from this businessman, two other men have been taken into custody for this gruesome double murder. On Friday, Police approached the High Court with an application to further detain the men as they gather evidence. A source close to the investigations has told Guyana Times that the businessman in custody has an issue pending in court with the late pandit’s son who resides overseas.

The source also related that, based on Police investigations, the businessman was reportedly in the driving seat in the court battle, and there

Dead: Pandit Deonarine Liliah and Gopaul Liliah

was no need to murder the pandit and his son. This new revelation has elicited several unanswered questions.

In addition, the source related that the murder did not stem from an $8 million loan, as was reported in other sections of the media.

“A” Division Commander Leslie James, when contacted, explained thus, “We’re wrapping up investigations.

The three men in custody are cooperating.”

On Tuesday last, detectives found that the back door of the Liliahs’ home had been left ajar. The younger Liliah’s body was reportedly found lying face down on the floor in a pool of blood, with a red jersey wrapped around his head. There were three stab wounds to his back, one each to the left and right side abdomen, and two to the chest.

The elder Liliah was found lying on his back in the living room. He was clad in a pair of white long pants and multiple coloured top, and his face was covered with a multi-coloured jersey.

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

Sources close to the investigations told Guyana Times there was no sign of forced entry into the home. However, CCTV footage collected from nearby buildings revealed that an unidentified man was seen scaling the fence, and he entered the premises through a front door. After some time,

he was seen leaving the house with two bulky bags and a bucket. The house had been ransacked.

Additional information revealed that the pandit, who had also been an astrologer, had resided with his son in the upper flat of thea two-storey wooden and concrete building, while the lower storey is occupied by a 40-yearold home aid worker.

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

The pandit had attended a Ramayan Yagna at Lusignan Mandir, ECD on Saturday evening and would have left around 21:00h to return home.

The tenant said that on Saturday, at about 21:00h, she was using her landlord’s Wi-Fi when it suddenly went off, and it was around the same time she had heard footsteps coming from the upper flat of the house.

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

The two men were cremated on Thursday at the Good Hope Crematorium.

Labourer slapped with rape charge

L

abourer David Europe has been placed on $170,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, before whom he appeared on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge of rape.

The 24-year-old was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which detailed that on January 22, 2018, while a visitor at the 13-year-

old virtual complainant’s East Bank Demerara home, he had sexual intercourse with the lass.

According to facts presented to the court, the teen allegedly walked into her room and saw the accused laying on her bed, and he forcibly held her against her will and raped her.

The case will continue on July 18.

news

3

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, July 14 –05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, July 15 –05:30h-07:00h.

– Opposition worries about excessive BoG powers, weak ICT sector

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, July 14 –05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, July 15 –05:45h-07:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Lightly cloudy skies are expected until early afternoon followed by sunny intervals, with thundery showers in the early evening hours followed by clear skies.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East south-easterly to North north-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 05:14h and 17:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.84 metres and 2.70 metres.

Low Tide: 11:17h and 23:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.53 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, July 11, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

01

14

17

18

20

21

27 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Friday, July 13, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS 03 05 11 17 26 LUCKY 3 2 1 5

9

2

Afternoon Draw

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02

03

11

12

14

19

National Payment System Bill passed after contentious debate

21

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

M

uch contention attended the National Payment System Bill when it was introduced to the National Assembly for a second reading, and eventually passed on Friday. Before that could happen, several Opposition Members of Parliament expressed worry over several sections.

At first, Opposition Parliamentarian Juan Edghill noted the potential of the bill, which was initiated by the former Government.

In fact, he questioned why Business Minister Dominic Gaskin did not speak on provisions in the bill; provisions that would allow non-traditional sectors to do business on a wider scale.

“When I read the bill, I thought about how good this is for us in terms of bringing about the necessary convenience in doing business, paying bills, settling issues... this bill provides a great opportunity for Guyana. The community that makes its hammocks in the Rupununi can now advertise on the web, can sell and receive payments in this modern architecture. The person in the Pomeroon selling coconut water can sell their product. This bill provides access to markets way beyond...

Guyana,” Edghill said.

“While I'm speaking about the good of the bill, there is still some worry,” he continued. “And I hope that the Minister of Finance will address the fact that a sugar worker getting a pension will no longer get that pension paid (in) cash, but will be forced to open a bank account.

And what is even more troubling (is that) they are told which bank to go to,” Edghill declared.

Pointing to Section 4 (2) of the bill, where the Bank of Guyana is cited as both a regulator and a participant, Edghill, former Minister within the Ministry of Finance, also pointed out Clause Six of the bill, and suggested that the National Regulator should have consumer representatives to ensure the interests of consumers are safeguarded.

“So the Bank of Guyana

Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill

is the regulator, which is excellent and needed to manage the system. But the bank then moves from being a regulator to an operator. We need a regulator; there will be excessive tariffs, there will be inadequate services and quality assurance... But why would the bank want to be an operator?

The Bank of Guyana will be regulating itself; and that, as it relates to competition, creates some concern,” Edghill forewarned.

He also expressed concern over Clause 18 (2) of the bill, which allows the regulator to enter the premises of someone suspected of operating without a licence and carry out searches, as he urged the inclusion of stipulations that such searches can only be carried out after a warrant has been obtained.

Consultations

During his presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan was adamant that thorough consultations had been carried out with relevant stakeholders. He explained that a World Bank team had “met with various departments of the Bank of Guyana, two commercial banks, the Guyana Securities Council, the Guyana Post Office, Global Money Guyana, the Accountant General's Office and the National Insurance Scheme.”

In stressing the need for the bill, Jordan noted that there have been dire consequences attending the contin-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

ued use of cash payments and physical interactions...including heightened criminal activities. Then he cited the changes the bill would bring to the financial landscape.

Other jurisdictions

Jordan had also cited examples of other jurisdictions, for instance in Jamaica, where he noted that the Bank of Jamaica has oversight of the payment system there.

This includes ensuring financial institutions adhere to the rules and regulations.

Jordan noted that a National Payment System Act was also implemented in Belize with technical assistance from the World Bank.

But Edghill, in his presentation, had something to say about this. Edghill noted the importance of being cognizant of the local context.

Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall had harsh words for the environment in which the bill is being introduced -such as the crime situation.

Dharamlall raised a number of considerations, including how Government would ensure the participation of hinterland residents in the national payment system.

Those persons, he noted, will be hampered by both location and ineffective ICT facilities.

Defence

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, defended the bill in his presentation. For in-

stance, Sharma noted, the Central Bank cannot revoke licences in a “willy-nilly” manner, but persons with grievances would instead be given time to defend their licences.

Upon his return to close the debate, Jordan made it clear he is not afraid that sugar workers would not be able to use a bank account, or even open one. According to Jordan, there is always a resistance to change when modernity and reform is at stake.

He recalled that there was once resistance to implementing ATM machines, but this is now widespread.

Besides urging that the general public be educated about the new system, none of the Opposition entreaties found sympathetic ears on the Government side. The bill was eventually passed without any amendment.

A National Payment System (NPS) is an infrastructure that provides the economy with information communication technology (ICT) options for processing payments resulting from the many different types of economic transactions that take place daily. In other word, this includes e-payments, credit cards, and wire transfers.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) was tasked with leading the development and implementation of a strategic approach to advance the development of Guyana’s NPS, by establishing the parameters to guide policy and set priorities.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, july 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

The marijuana debate

T

he debate on the decriminalisation of marijuana in the various Caribbean Community (Caricom) member countries is gaining momentum. At the 39th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of Caricom, which was held at Montego Bay, Jamaica, one of the main items considered was the Recommendations made by the Report on the Regional Commission on Marijuana. That 10-member commission under the chairmanship of Professor Rosemarie Belle-Antoine consisted of experts in various fields, including medicine, law, psychiatry, education and criminology. It analysed the legal, health and economic issues surrounding marijuana use. It also held extensive consultations throughout CARICOM member states. Among its main recommendations was the decriminalisation of marijuana. The Commission pointed out that the jails were being overcrowded with young persons who had had small quantities of the drug, and that such sentences in various Caribbean jurisdictions were far more severe than for very serious crimes.

President Granger, who attended the meeting, agreed that possession of small quantities of marijuana should be decriminalised, but said the time for commercialisation and industrialisation of marijuana had not arrived in Guyana.

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Control Act, if one is in possession of more than 5 grams of cannabis, one could be sentenced to three years in jail.

Actually, the possession of marijuana, or ganja, as it was always called, was not a criminal offence in the 19th century.

Ganja was introduced into the Caribbean by indentured workers from India, and was used by them in certain religious ceremonies, but was never used otherwise. One of the main Indian users were the Kabir Panthi sect, who used it during their all-night satsangs (singing of religious songs). Later, it came to be adopted by working class groups of other ethnicities to get a “high”. Memory of its secular usage is preserved in the folk song “Ganja Mannie! Gimmie one shilling Ganja Mannie” where an African working class man is calling on the Portuguese shopkeeper Mannie (Manoel) to let him have a shilling’s worth of ganja. Ganja was sold in the shops in those days.

In Jamaica, the religious usage of ganja was preserved among the Rastafarian community. Ganja usage in the 19th century differs from its post-World War II usage. Today, ganja is used just like cocaine. In Guyana, except for some members of the Rastafarian community, who use it for religious purposes, it is generally used to produce a “high”. This is manifested today in the names used for the drug. Marijuana, the American name, is gradually replacing the Caribbean and Guyanese folk name, ganja. Ganja has undertones of its religious use and of the fact that its use was socially controlled, so that it rarely led to addiction. In addition, middle class people regarded the drug as socially unacceptable.

Modern marijuana usage is thought to lead to addiction, destruction of one’s mental faculties, moodiness, loss of appetite, and sometimes criminal behaviour. For example, many traffic accidents have been as a result of reckless driving or riding of motor cycles by persons who became “high” on alcohol or in some cases marijuana. Many criminals have also had a history of marijuana use. This is evident by marijuana being constantly smuggled into all the prisons. It is necessary to always have this face of marijuana when amending or reforming the law.

We agree with the President that there should not be custodial sentences for possession of small quantities of the drug, but definition of “small quantities” should have a relationship to the five grammes which presently exists in the law. That said, this does not mean that persons should be allowed to go scot-free; there could be other forms of punishment, such as community work, spending time at rehab, and so on.

We support the position that there should be no commercialisation or industrialisation of the drug. Guyana is certainly not ready for this. We have noted the comparisons being made to the Jamaican model, and how advanced that country is in terms of marijuana legislation. However, we would also like to point out that the situation in Jamaica is very different from what obtains in Guyana, and that their ways, including their law in dealing with marijuana, are particularly relevant and unique to Jamaica.

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger sharing a toast with Argentine Ambassador to Guyana Felipe Alejandro Gardella during a reception held at the Marriott Hotel on Friday evening to commemorate the 202nd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Argentina

Stiff penalties needed to stop smuggling at prisons Dear Editor, What is happening at the Lusignan Prison? This penal institution is supposed to be a place of detention, discipline, correction and rehabilitation, where prisoners are kept out of trouble; but it seems that it has become a hotbed for criminal activity, especially smuggling.

On July 8, a man escaped after attempting to smuggle cigarettes and marijuana in a pair of sneakers into the Lusignan Prison. Earlier that same day, prison officers found a black bag with marijuana, lighters and other items in a drain next to the prison’s pig pen.

Early this month, another smuggler attempted to throw a bag of contraband items over the prison walls, including 1002 grams of narcotics, a large quantity of tobacco leaves, four cell phones without SIM cards, one charger, one earpiece, and 33 packets of Bristol cigarettes.

Last month, a Lusignan prisoner was caught with knife and cutlass. Also, in June, a search of the prison turned up 31 improvised weapons, cell-phones and chargers, SIM cards, memory cards, phone cards, metal pipes, wood, marijuana, ciga-

rettes, plus a tattoo machine and ink.

Recently, I wrote a letter to the media about smuggling in Guyana, but inmates at the Lusignan and New Amsterdam Prisons have mastered this criminal activity to such an extent that they are proudly displaying their smuggled goods in posts on social media.

Something is seriously wrong. How in heaven’s name are prisoners getting their hands on drugs, cell phones, digital tablets, alcohol, cigarettes, weapons, and even a tattoo machine?

We have to upgrade and reinforce our prisons and stop this nonsense now.

I commend the alert Police officers who last month intercepted a smuggler and seized cannabis, cigarettes, phones, and a host of other prohibited items. But how are these items getting to the prisoners time and time again?

We cannot escape from the possibility that there is a system of collusion in the Lusignan Prison and in other penal institutions. There has to be collusion among the smugglers, the prison workers and the prisoners.

The Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, on more

than one occasion, in relation to other jails, had stated his concerns that prison wardens were facilitating the entry of smuggled items into the prisons.

In April, Mr Samuels reported that large numbers of prohibited items were being found in prisons despite high security levels. A case that comes to mind is that of the prison warder caught trying to smuggle phones, chargers, marijuana and more into the Mazaruni Prison.

Why? It is because the penalties for smuggling prohibited items into the prisons are not severe enough?

Smugglers do not hesitate to take the risk because the penalties are soft, the risk of being caught is low, and the profit margins are high. It’s as simple as that.

There is only one solution: the penalties must be so severe that as soon as the idea of smuggling contraband into prison pops into a person’s head, that smuggler, prison worker or inmate would think, think again, and then decide not to take the chance.

I see that Mr Samuels is very concerned about the situation, and has a zero-tolerance, transparent approach.

Therefore, I suggest to Mr

Samuels that they should secretly put tracking devices on intercepted contraband items, and let them go through to trap those at the receiving end.

I cannot tell Mr Samuels how to do his job; but if it is not being done already, then I also suggest that guards should be regularly rotated to different locations in the prison system, to prevent the development of any ‘unholy alliances’ with smugglers and prisoners.

The Lusignan Prison seems to be a primary hotbed for smuggling, but the same procedures should be put in place at the other prisons as well, because this problem is not confined to just one facility.

Let us take this situation in hand quickly. Prisons are becoming dangerous places.

I can foresee many scenarios for extortion. For example, prisoners struggling to survive inside might be forced to recruit wives, relatives, or offspring to meet the demands of domineering prisoners.

Keep striving, Mr Samuels.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan, Sr

Would Broomes be reprimanded by the President?

Dear Editor, While I dislike commenting on matters of a political nature, and more especially make pronunciation on matters that involve politicians in Guyana, I want to make an observation regarding the recent “spat” between Minister Broomes and the

security guards at the New Thriving Restaurant/Massy Compound at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The guards were arrested, detained and locked up for sixteen (16) hours. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage by competent personnel, I gather that the minister

and her driver were the aggressors, and they both lied regarding exactly what had transpired.

I beg to ask: Would the minister’s driver be charged and his firearm licence revoked for his role? And would the minister, whose conduct leaves much to be

desired, be reprimanded by the President?

I recall this very minister using the Parliament Building one time to “Boom out Jagdeo”.

Sincerely, J Baptiste

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, july 14, 2018

5

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

Sacrifices of the ballot Could one man's trash be box martyrs (Part 1) another man’s treasure?

Dear Editor, The supreme sacrifices of the ballot box martyrs must continue to unite Guyanese to fight for free and fair elections.

July 16th marks the 45th anniversary of the brutal murders of two exemplary young men, who, with their lives, paid the ultimate price in defence of the fight for democracy.

They were ruthlessly and brutally gunned down as they were among other villagers who were struggling for free and fair elections in Guyana.

Bholanauth Parmanand, 45, and Jagan Ramessar, 18, were shot dead by soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on the evening of the general elections of July 16, 1973 outside of the polling station at Number 63 Village, Corentyne Berbice.

The period gives testimony to a most treacherous time, when there were hardly any Guyanese citizens who were unaware of the People’s National Congress’s (PNC’s) wicked approach to National Elections; specifically, their heinous intentions to rig the 1973 Elections.

Subsequent investigations conducted by the ‘Justice Dhaanessar Jhappan Commission of

Inquiry’ revealed the very high likelihood of a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) victory if the elections were run in a free and fair manner. The Commission cited the massive public meetings held by the PPP, and the overwhelming public display of support for a Dr Cheddi Jagan victory.

The PNC therefore, in order to ensure their victory by any means necessary, deployed the security forces, both army and Police, to all parts of the country. In addition to the regular strength of the Police Stations in Berbice, a battalion was deployed from the GDF under Captain Johnson.

Captain Johnson had his command headquarters in the compound of the Central Police Station at New Amsterdam. Johnson’s men were further broken up into smaller groups, and a platoon under the command of Lieutenant Henry was sent to the Upper Corentyne on 7th June, 1973.

The portion consisted of two sergeants, three corporals, five lance corporals, and nine privates. Twenty men in all, including Lieutenant Henry. The platoon pitched camp at No.51 Backdam, and remained there until 19th June 1973.

From there they went

to Plantation Skeldon, remaining there until 27th June, 1973, when they moved on to No. 63 Beach and bivouacked on the beach. On June 14th 1973, they left No. 63 Beach and set up camp in the compound of the No. 51 Police station. Their armory included self-loading rifles, sub-machine guns, tear smoke grenades and steel helmets.

Yours truly worked on that polling day at Pouderoyen. As we were coming out at 5:30 am, I recalled seeing GDF soldiers crawling on the roadside with their guns.

A physical manifestation of the PNC’s heinous intention to terrorise the population was unleashed in the form of thugs, Police and the army. It is not by chance that Private London of the GDF, who was later known to Guyanese as “Blackie”, was one of the masterminds among the criminal gangs that robbed, killed and terrorised the Guyanese people.

It was not surprising that when ‘Blackie’ was killed in a shootout with the Police, the PNC draped his coffin with the national flag and gave him a party farewell funeral.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Dear Editor, It is evident by now that if I am walking and notice a box with books on the roadside to be thrown away, I will make the time and see how best I can save any that is of interest. A while back, I stumbled on a novel among other items to be thrown away. It was named The Silent Witness, and it caught my attention.

The novel is actually authored by the late Sir Lionel Luckhoo and American Dr John R Thompson, PhD. Just a reminder that the late Sir Lionel Luckhoo was twice knighted (2 degrees of Knighthood) by Queen Elizabeth. He is the only person to be ambassador for 2 nations simultaneously (Guyana and Barbados); and for 14 years or more, he was named as the world's most successful advocate via Guinness Book of Records.

November 7, 1978 was the date he accepted Jesus, and his life was revolutionised. It was by a dinner invitation at a hotel where two of God's chosen vessels, Americans Glen Norwood and Newman Peyton (Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International) spoke, and they were actually told to visit Guyana by the late Catholic Bishop Pantin.

Our town deserves Hindu community has more street lamps lost a great leader Dear Editor, The township of Rose Hall might be Guyana’s smallest township, but we are without doubt one of the fastest developing areas in the county. Rose Hall Town has developed into the commercial capital of Berbice and the busiest business centre. Every single day, from Monday to Saturday, our small town is visited by thousands of visitors from across Guyana.

I am very proud to be a resident of Rose Hall Town, and it is with this in mind that I pen this open letter to Minsters David Patterson and Annette Ferguson of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Both ministers are doing a great job, but I must express my disappointment when I read in one of the daily newspapers that our township would only be getting thirty of the lamps donated by Japan, while our sister township of New Amsterdam would be getting hundreds.

I would like to plead with the ministers to consider raising the number to at least 100 or 150. This would allow most of our small township to be lit up, and our residents can sleep and

feel a little safer.

I would also like to bring to the attention of the ministry that the lights on the main public road have been out of commission for several months, due to a post falling down. Most of the major business places, including three financial institutions, are located on the public road, which is now totally dark due to the non-functioning lamps. Please, ministers, use your influence to get Guyana Power and Light to repair the lamps.

Finally, I would like to urge the ministers to visit our township and have a firsthand look at the conditions of our streets. Most of them are in urgent need of repairs, and are an embarrassment to residents. Our township would be very grateful if some funding can be released to have some repairs undertaken as soon as possible.

Ministers Patterson and Ferguson are known to be very pro-active, and I look forward to their usual cooperation.

Respectfully, Hilbert Foster, Secretary/CEO, RHTY&SC

Dear Editor, On Tuesday, 10th July, at around 12:45 pm, I received the most repugnant phone call that ever made my day a very sad one. It is sad to say that the Hindu community has lost a great leader, friend, champion and role model, who will never be replaced but by the memories of joyful times spent in mandirs across Guyana.

Pandit Dewan (Deonarine Liliah) and I had shared wonderful moments of laughter and edifying conversations; and as a young pandit, I have gained much from this most humble and simple individual.

It is a time for all Hindus to reflect and pray for peace

and unity for Guyana, a country that has now been placed globally by this horrible act of murder. This has left my mind very bitter wondering who’s next. So sad for Guyana and Hindus that a gem of religion is gone, especially in this manner.

Guyana was peaceful, but now even the streets are polluted with memories of crimes and violence. We need better security and protection for our citizens. We are not safe anymore; our families and children are not safe. Who is next, I wonder!

Sincerely, Pt Surendranauth Tiwari

Turning the cover, I almost fell through the floor to notice in red ink the reading, "Personal Copy of Lionel Luckhoo”, and the bottom also read, “This my personal copy replaces the copy posted but not read.”

Who could have been the recipient of such a special copy autographed by the late Sir L. Luckhoo?

Was the recipient not going to read the novel unless it was autographed with the

handwriting of the late Sir L Luckhoo?

I am almost certain the recipient was never a president (dead or living) of Guyana.

I am wondering if perhaps there is a historian or family member who can verify the signature/handwriting as provided for evidence.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

6

saturDAY, JUly 14, 2018

Page

By David Miller

G

rowing up we often hear the adage that “money doesn’t grow on trees”. Even if it did, odds are it wouldn’t make us happy. In fact, studies suggest that children who are raised in affluence actually suffer more than those less privileged. Anxiety among affluent boys and girls is 20 to 30 per cent higher than it is among the less affluent, and affluent kids are more prone to alcohol and substance abuse.

For affluent parents, it’s especially important to focus on preparing children for financial success later in life. Many theories posit why affluent children falter. Some people believe that this gap is caused by a failure to develop any “immunity” to poor circumstances, and never learning to manage scant resources to survive.

O bv i o u s l y, circumstances and causes vary from person to person. But the data substantiates that affluent children are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to the skills, knowledge, discipline, and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to attain long-term financial stability.

The risk of affluence Affluence also increases other risks. Affluent children are more prone to substance abuse, chronic depression, and low self-esteem, in frequent measure due to parental and household pressure. Parents who are wealthy and successful often expect the same from their kids, who can, in turn, interpret that the wrong way or place too much pressure on themselves.

Research conducted at the Family Institute at Northwestern

Foundation

University identified that along with several other risk factors, affluent adolescents will likely face direct challenges to their development. Parents who hire expensive tutors place too much emphasis on results and not enough on the process. Affluent teens suffer from burnout a n d lose joy or

wealth.

The illusion of security is of great concern on several levels.

Aside from giving children a false sense, it disincentivises them from learning about finances throughout their formative years. This lack of ongoing education can nullify the benefits of coming from a wealthy family. What good is a hefty inheritance if the child isn’t equipped with the skills and EQ to effectively manage a liquidity event?

Most

people who hit the lottery end up broke within five years, and there are similarities to how children of the affluent manage their windfalls.

Applying Emotional Intelligence It’s not all bad news: Many of the traits that created parental wealth, such as being goal-oriented and achievementdriven, pass down to kids. The challenge lies in recognising the risks mentioned above and harnessing the child’s inner drive towards ongoing financial preparedness. One of the most important steps that a wealthy parent can take is to get to know and understand their child’s emotional profile, known as their Avatar.

One of the biggest determinants of financial success and an individual’s relationship with money is their Avatar. Their individual

belief system that manifests as their Avatar influences their money management on a constant basis. If a child likes to solve puzzles, he or she will tend to take a problem-solving approach to investing. Their Avatar may be the Problem Solver. If a child is a social butterfly, she’ll likely grow up to be a Giver or Connector who connects with others in emotional ways. This will spill over into their relationship with money. A child’s Avatar is set early in life and does not change. Parents should take note to find the best approach to financial literacy based on each distinct Avatar.

There are many simple tactics and strategies that wealthy parents can take with their kids to help them grow their muscle to face financial adversity and develop skills necessary to manage money.

For younger children, it may be as simple as delaying gratification when they want things, even when financially inconsequential. When a child becomes old enough to go shopping, give them a small amount of money, like $3, and tell them to buy as much as they can. It will be a good lesson in finite resource management.

Affluence, something frequently taken for granted, acts as a curse for children who are ill-prepared educationally (not to mention emotionally) when it comes to managing their financial futures. By recognising the risks of affluence and removing the illusion of security, we can guide them in developing their EQ. Parents can take a more active role in making sure that the wealth they’ve worked so hard to create stays in the family. (psychologytoday.com)

at greater risk often because there is no financial-savvy person in their life to serve as an example.

Locally, Outliers Zone is working to increase financial literacy. On Sunday, it will host an interactive “Financial /Wealth Literacy Masterclass for Teens” that will explore six basic financial strategies to grow generational wealth: Earn well, Tithe well, Save well, Spend well, Invest well, & Donate Well. This masterclass is a part of Outliers Zone’s mandate and national initiative to educate teens on how to manage money and equip them with a skill that is key to making their dreams a reality – and bringing reality to their dreams. This masterclass sets out to help youths raise their financial literacy level to become Generational Wealth Builders and focus on creating a legacy of wealth.

While teens might not be immediately headed for financial troubles, Yisrael encouraged us to consider the cost of a financially-illiterate secondary student leaving school without being equipped to master their personal finances? A financially-illiterate secondary school student is a danger to their families, our workforce and overall contribution to the development of Guyana.

The team at Outliers Zone is passionate about empowering teenagers to become financially literate and dedicated to building a legacy of generational wealth mindset. The teens will be taught how to begin managing their daily school monies when received from parents. This is the first experience of managing money.

The Financial /Wealth Literacy Masterclass for Teens will take place this Sunday, July 15 at 12:00h at the We Own Space Conference Room, Lot 3 David Rose and Aubrey Barker Street, South Rumiveldt Gardens. Similar workshops for teens will also be held in Berbice, Linden and other areas throughout Guyana. You can contact Outliers Zone to book a session for your teen -youth group, religious organizations or school to raise their financial literacy level. Persons can secure their place at the Teen Financial/ Wealth Master Class session by contacting Yisrael on 623-4386.

interest in learning because of perceived pressure.

Affluent kids also likely have working parents on the go and therefore live in higher isolation than kids whose parents have lower financial means.

The Illusion of Security If the risks of affluence are not recognised and proactively addressed early on, children tend to fail later in life. The illusion of security or perceived financial success and abundance at home can create the illusion that the child is set for life. He or she typically has no idea how money is made, how it gets used, and is rarely told “no” when it comes to material possessions. The problem is that this bubble will most assuredly burst, as even successful parents still have bills, loans, and mortgages to pay – and there’s always the risk that the parents lose their

I

n the article “How children in affluent households can actually face a rocky financial future”, it is revealed that welloff children who are ill-prepared

when it comes to managing their financial futures will have difficulties with finances. This is true for all children, regardless of background, with poorer children

Financial management –the key to a better life According to the CEO of Outliers Zone, Athalyah Yisrael “Guyana’s economic stability depends on the financial wellbeing of our youth, which is why Outliers Zone has chosen to host a masterclass targeting teens.

It is so important that children and teens start learning about finances at a young age so they are better prepared to make sound financial decisions in the future.”

7 Govt can save Berbice Bridge from bankruptcy – PPP T news

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called on the Government to stop blaming it for the troubles the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) finds itself in, indicating that the current Administration is in a position to save the company from bankruptcy.

The BBCI recently proposed a 150 per cent increase in its tolls in order to meet its expenses. The Company said the increases were necessary, so it could make enough money to operate, conduct maintenance works, and pay dividends to shareholders.

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

In a statement on Friday, the PPP called on the Government to take responsibility for its actions accusing it of decimating the local economy in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

“Thousands of workers were put on the breadline and, therefore, any toll increase will be an unconscionable burden on the backs of the users of the Bridge. The Government can address this issue and maintain the viability of the Bridge by doing either one of two things: pro-

The Berbice River Bridge

vide a subsidy for the financing shortfall in the Bridge cash flows, and/or buy out the investors in the Bridge,” the PPP said.

Additionally, the PPP reminded that in 2014 the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) used its oneseat parliamentary majority to pass a motion to reduce the tolls on the bridge. One year later when the APNU/AFC came into Government, it further reduced the bridge tolls “without making provision to fund capital repayment scheduled to commence in 2014 – a fundamental breach of the Concession Contract.”

In accordance with the Berbice Bridge Act passed in Parliament in 2006, the Government entered into a Concession Agreement with the privately-owned BBCI with one important section being the Toll Formula to calculate tolls. No chang-

Public Telecommunications Ministry to create new ICT policy

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

T

he Public Telecommunications Ministry has announced plans to craft an Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology (ICT) policy framework, which is expected to bridge the gap which exists between the hinterland and coastal communities as well as to steer Guyana onto the path of 21st Century technologies.

These plans were announced by Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes earlier this week, who noted that the framework was also intended to develop other areas in Guyana.

“The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is developing the policy framework for the full utili-

sation of ICTs for our national development.

This framework at a microeconomic level seeks to facilitate sustained economic growth and poverty reduction; promote social justice, transparency and equality; mainstream gender in national development; empower the youths and disadvantaged groups; stimulate investment and innovation and create universal access,” Minister Hughes stated.

She noted that the benefits of the policy are goals which Guyana should work towards. However, the framework will only be effective if the current legislation is modernised along with the development of the current ICT arrangement.

“These, of course, are lofty goals which we’re determined to uphold and deliver. We recognise, however, that every other policy initiative of this nature, there are going to be challenges. We have to continue to develop our ICT infrastructure. We also need to continue to modernise our current legislation and policy frameworks and we have to evolve our education methods and delivery for the 21st Century environment.” turn to page 10

es in tolls were projected until 2014, the year the Bridge Company was scheduled to start repaying the principal on its debt; up to the end of

2013, only interest was being paid on its debt financing.

The PPP said it was willing to make public its 2006 financial model, which had toll increases in two years – 6.4 per cent in 2014 and 17.3 per cent in 2017 (compared to the 150 per cent that is now proposed), with these increases coming almost eight years after construction of the Bridge started.

“There is no shortage of project documentation for the Berbice Bridge BOOT (Build Own Operate Transfer) model. Under this model, a 21year concession was issued to the BBCI, whose ownership and financing involved most

of the local private banks, insurance companies, pension funds, the NIS, and corporate investors of Guyana,” the PPP said.

More than $8 billion was raised in the form of bonds, subordinate debt, preferred shares, and common shares (common dividends have never been paid). Government, with funding from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), built the access roads.

The project did not receive any Government guarantee.

Just Thursday, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said he would be bringing Cabinet’s attention to the toll increas-

es proposed by the BBCI. The Minister made the statement on the heels of the Public Infrastructure Ministry saying it rejected the proposed increases while alluding to the APNU/AFC’s campaign promise of reducing the tolls.

The ownership structure of the BBCI is made up of ordinary share capital of $500 million owned by private investors and preference shares of $950 million owned by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). The Bridge has a wide cross-section of investors including various pension schemes, insurance schemes, local banks as well as private companies and NIS.

8 news

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 charged for assaulting Businessman charged Police Officers for brandishing gun

S

tephan Amore and David Rose were on Friday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly on separate charges of assaulting a Police officer. Amore admitted to his charge, but Rose denied any involvement in his incident. The court heard that on July 10, in the vicinity of Orange Walk, Bourda, Amore assaulted a female Police corporal. It was also alleged that on the said day, while in the vicinity of Leopold Street, Werken-Rust, Rose assaulted Constable Denford Rankin with intent to cause him ac-

tual bodily harm. Two other charges were read to Rose, detailing that on the same day, he resisted being arrested by Constable Rankin, and behaved in a disorderly manner. The Police prosecutor did not object to Rose bail placed on bail, and Rose was placed on bail in the sum of $10,000 for the disorderly behaviour charge; $30,000 on the resisting arrest charge, and $40,000 on assaulting the Police charge.

He will make his next court appearance on July 16.

Amore, meanwhile, was fined $10,000 for assaulting the female Police officer.

during accident

C

Mohamed Din

ity businessman Mohamed Din has been charged for threatening behaviour; to wit, pointing his firearm at a man with whom he had had a confrontation. He appeared on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly and

pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by the magistrate. The charge stated that on July 10, 2018, while being a licensed firearm holder, he pointed his firearm at Patrick Williams.

Din told the court that he and Williams were involved in a minor motor vehicle accident, and Williams got out of his car and knocked on his vehicle window. Din contends that he placed his hand on his firearm, which was in the middle compartment of his vehicle, because he was scared.

He noted that the altercation happened in the Albouystown area, which he described as where a lot of crimes occur.

After listening to Din’s explanation, Magistrate Daly placed him on bail in the sum of $10,000, and adjourned the matter to July 16.

B&E attempt lands labourer, mason in court

T

wo partners in crime appeared on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly, charged with attempting to commit a felony.

Odingo Haywood of Charlestown, Georgetown and Lindon Trotman, 24, of Guyhoc Park, South Ruimveldt Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on July 10, they attempted to commit a felony on the dwelling house of Davindra

Ganbarran.

According to the prosecution, the men were caught in the act when they attempted to burglarise Ganbarran’s home. An alarm was raised, and the duo were subsequently arrested and charged.

The prosecutor had no objection to either man being placed on bail, thus they were released on $100,000 bail each, and are expected to return to court on August 31.

A fatal flaw…

I

…of the Broomes syndrome

t’s clear that President Granger – avuncular as he pretends to be – is willing to tolerate the crassest of behaviours from his ministers. But to your Eyewitness, if Guyana can even aspire to the HOPE of a civilised future, there’s got to be a line drawn somewhere in the sand, which Government ministers and officers cannot cross.

Especially when the behaviour goes beyond crass.

And “I is” Broomes’ vulgar display at the Providence New Thriving crosses whatever “Code of Conduct” Trotman might’ve been talking about back in the day.

Remember that? It was drafted, then handed over with great ceremony to PM Nagamootoo, then passed on to a special committee, and then passed on to the parliamentary bureaucracy etc etc. It warned, “Public office holders have a duty to…act with PROPRIETY on all occasions.” That duty was situated within the wider principle of “honour”!

So against the deafening silence in official censure of Broomes, maybe there’s good reason why the Code of Conduct was allowed to die stillborn. But aren’t there some common principles of decency that might guide Granger?? How about the claim that he’s “God fearing” and an upstanding member of the church? Isn’t one of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbour”?

And isn’t this the lowest of the low behaviour that Broomes has displayed AFTER her gutter performance at Providence? This is a woman who not only LIED on two lowly guards who were only performing their duties – but gave FALSE TESTIMONY against them!! In biblical hermeneutics, there’s a difference between “lying” – which may sometimes be permitted – and “FALSE TESTIMONY”, which is absolutely forbidden.

In the latter instance, of which Broomes’s testimony is the paradigmatic example, the person is actually giving evidence against another person; which may, at a minimum, harm him; or, at worse, even doom him! If it weren’t for the camera footage, there’s no question the incarceration of those two guards could’ve stretched from 16 hours to sixteen years!! And this is a woman who was willing to do this to folks whose taxes paid for the food she just couldn’t wait to wolf down in the Chinese restaurant!!

Could Broomes sink any lower? Yes! Asked in the corridors of Parliament about the incident, Broomes brazenly asserted, “I don’t know what you’re talking about”!! Surely, even the MSG in the food couldn’t have wiped out the memory of her FALSE TESTIMONY. But maybe because she is from the bush, Broomes doesn’t know better.

But what about President Granger? Wasn’t it Jesus Himself who warned: “For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?”

…of the military mind

The Broomes’ fracas is acting like a Rorschach Test for officialdom – not just Granger. Just consider the reaction of the Acting Crime Chief to the outrage – he blamed the guards, who were the victims!! “…if you see a certain vehicle within a certain standard and class right there and then it speaks out to somebody, even if you want to rate the person as for whatever it is: whether the person is drug lord, whether the person is a minister, whether the person is a businessman, whether the person is a gold miner or whatever it is; from the time you see a vehicle of certain standard, it is supposed to arouse your attention and alertness, rather than from a normal vehicle.”

And what after the attention’s gained, like with Broomes? “…from the time she would have identified herself as a minister, he, as a security guard, his tone ought to have changed and he should have said, “Excuse me.

Sorry, I did not know you were a minister”!!

Now you know the military mind!!

…for Guyana

Once we recognise our “betters” – even a drug lord – we mere citizens better spring to attention and salute!

And imagine, we now have a military type in every Government department!!

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

News

9

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

American Chamber of Commerce to boost Guyana-US trade relations – Chairman

By Vahnu Manikchand

H

aving recognised the increased interest in this country, especially since the discovery of oil offshore Guyana, a group of stakeholder companies have come together to form the American Chamber of Commerce-Guyana with the aim of enhancing trade and investment relations between Guyana and the United States, because they recognise the need for establishment of a Chamber of Commerce in this regard.

Days after US Ambassador Perry Holloway had announced that the first ever American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is operational, Guyana Times sat down with its Chairman,

Zulifcar Ally, to learn more about the organisation.

“It was a collective. We sat and discussed what are the pros and cons of setting up a Chamber in Guyana, and we felt that it was really needed,” Ally told this publication.

AmCham offers businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, make new contacts, and transfer knowledge. It will also provide a platform for business, resource and advocacy support, as well as a medium for community involvement and social corporate responsibility.

Ally explained that the Chamber is open to both local and US companies. In fact, he noted that even the

American Chamber of Commerce Chairman Zulficar Ally

chamber’s board is currently comprised of a dynamic mix of both.

“Currently we have

Police record increase in rape, robberies

A

ccording to statistics released by the Guyana Police Force on Friday, for the month of June, 2018, there has been a nine per cent decrease in serious crimes, but an alarming nine per cent increase in rape cases, along with an eight per cent increase in robberies.

There was a 25 per cent decrease in murder, but a two per cent increase in robbery-under-arms where a firearm were used. There has also been a 28 per cent decrease in robbery-under-arms where instruments other than a firearm were used; and there has been a five per cent decrease in robbery with violence; a 21 per cent decrease in robbery with aggravation; a 30 per cent decrease in larceny from the person; a three per cent decrease in burglary, and a 10 per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny as compared to

the same period last year.

The GPF recorded some 12 domestic murders, while it seized 67 illegal firearms.

On June 9, a Berbice businessman was arrested for allegedly raping a nine-year-old. Reports are that the businessman was at home alone when the child’s mother sent her over to his house. It is still unclear what the child was sent to the house for.

However, the girl’s younger brother reported to his teachers that the businessman had, on numerous occasions, touched his sister’s private parts when she visited his home.

Following this information the boy provided on what occurred, teachers questioned the girl, and the Police was called in.

The girl was taken to the Skeldon Hospital, wheare it was confirmed that she has been sexually molested.

Meanwhile, on June

12th, 18-year-old Etzer Hope of Mazaruni, Region Seven, was charged for raping a 17-year-old girl, and was subsequently released on $200,000 bail.

On June 20, Tovanie Simmons, a mother of four, lost her life after her ex-husband Imran Lyte knifed her to death because her friends allegedly taunted his newfound lover. He subsequently committed suicide. It was reported that Simmons was visited by her ex-husband and his sister, and they were sitting at the table having a discussion when he started stabbing Simmons. In a bid to escape, Simmons jumped from the veranda into the yard, but Lyte went after her. He reportedly caught up with her and continued stabbing her. After stabbing her about 18 times, he ran away. turn to page 13

16 members on the Board of Directors – companies ranging from ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, Queens Atlantic Investment Inc, Corum Group, and we have some regional companies like Massy and Republic Bank Limited. There are also local companies like Red Entertainment and Nabi & Sons; and also Sol Guyana, who is currently part of the executive of the American Chamber of Commerce,” he stated.

The other executive members are: GT&T; London House Chamber; National Milling Company (NAMILCO); Guyana Mariott; Ramps Logistics; MACORP, and Baker Hughes.

With the American Chamber of Commerce existing in over 160 countries around the world, most of the companies that have joined and are interested in joining the Guyana branch are already members in other countries.

AmCham is expected to address many of the bottlenecks that hinder effective trade relations between Guyana and the US. In fact, Ally noted that the Chamber will bring the expertise and have materials at hand to advice and guide members on ways to meet international standards via efficient and effective means.

Moreover, the Chairman explained that the Chamber would also look to enhance and promote trade relations between the two countries.

“We would like to create new opportunities and improve market access for (Guyanese) and American goods and services; it’s not one way, it’s both ways. We want to provide also an economic, social and policy platform for our members to come and to share ideas. A lot of networking would be involved between our members, both local and international, to see where there are avenues to create more business linkages as well.

So it’s a great place to do networking, to meet investors, to grow your company, to grow your business, and to create opportunities and linkages as well,” Ally posited.

He went on to say that, once operationalised following its August 13 launch, the Chamber would not only focus on building its member base, but also encourage and promote local small and start-up businesses and their products.

“What these small companies can get from the chamber are contacts, partnership with other members who are doing the same thing; and there’ll be companies who’re coming looking to invest, so we will put

them onto those persons who are here looking for investments in Guyana, for trade etc. So it’s a way of also promoting your business, getting access to markets that you would not have gotten – this is what the chamber would provide,” he stated.

Further, Ally said the Chamber is in the process of formulating its work plan, which would include initiatives such as forums to help members enhance their marketing strategies and promote their products and services.

“We would be inviting experts in various fields, not only in oil and gas, but in every sector in which trade occurs – to see how we can grow what’s here in Guyana, how best (we) can help small and medium size businesses to meet the standards that are required for them to grow their businesses. That would be one of our primary focus, that would see that executed as the Chamber moves along in the future,” the Chairman outlined.

Companies interested in joining the American Chamber of CommerceGuyana can make contact with Ally, Clairmont Cummings from Corum Group, from the Marriott Hotel, or any of the execute companies on the Board.

10 news

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TSU rank nabbed with 46lbs of ganja

A

Tactical Services Unit (TSU) rank was on Friday morning nabbed by Police at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with some 21 kilograms (46.2 lbs) of marijuana in his possession.

The New Amsterdam,

Berbice resident, who was attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Headquarters’ Trafficking in Narcotics Unit, was reportedly intercepted at about 09:00h, as he was travelling solo in a car heading to Georgetown when TSU ranks acting on information

stopped and searched the vehicle.

They unearthed 10 well wrapped parcels found in several sections of the car, including the back seat and trunk. The rank was questioned, but failed to provide a valid explanation as to why

The wrapped parcels of ganja found in the Policeman’s car

he had the narcotics in his possession, and as such, he was arrested.

Guyana Times was also informed that the rank had been removed from CID du-

ties in Berbice and transferred to general duties after he had allegedly been seen by the then Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, physically abusing his then wife. The policeman, who has since been married to a doctor, was later transferred to Force Headquarters.

Ironically, while he functioned as a detective, he had been considered very effective in bring to justice many who had been found in possession of illegal drugs, and who had been engaged in break and enter activities. Police investigations are ongoing.

Public Telecommunications...

from page 7

It was related that technology is the way forward for continuous development, since communities would be linked and the safety of citizens would be improved.

Furthermore, the implantation of these technologies has already been implemented in some public institutions.

“This environment uses technology to provide more Government services to our citizens, online learning and telemedicine till we reach our remote hinterland communities. Smart classrooms

and smart hospitals are already being constructed here in Guyana today, and soon the use of technology to create a safer city is going to be implemented,” Hughes posited.

Meanwhile, the training of personnel in the various fields of communication will also be done to highlight the intervention measures that are being taken by the Ministry to transform Guyana into a digital nation.

“We are creating a digital Guyana. We know that

we have to look critically at our human resource development and strategies and so our commitment to training will take us all there.”

This week, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has been hosting a roadshow in collaboration with the Ministry in various regions across Guyana.

Some of the activities that were hosted include an e-agriculture workshop, community outreaches, a cyber-security workshop and an ICT youth fair. The roadshow concludes today.

news

11

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Stabroek Market robbery

3 vendors charged for $22M jewellery heist

T

hree men were on Friday morning remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for breaking and entering the L Seepersaud Maraj & Sons jewellery store in the Stabroek Market and stealing $22 million worth of gold and diamond jewellery.

Tyron Marks, 31, of Lot 107 Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Clifford Rodney, 66, of Lot 265 One Mile, Linden; Albert Defreitas, 54, of Leopold Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

According to the prosecution’s case, between July 2 and July 3, 2018, the men who are also vendors in the Stabroek Market broke and entered the jewellery store.

The men were represented by Attorneys Pamela DeSantos, Kezia Williams and Adrian Thompson respectively.

The three Attorneys, in their bail applications, informed the court that their clients were beaten by Police to confess to the theft.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers objected to

The three vendors being escorted out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

bail and informed the court that the men all have pending matters of similar nature before the courts while citing the serious nature of the offence and the value of the items.

The court was told that during a video interrogation with investigators, two of the men admitted to cutting into the store’s safe to gain access to the items.

The men were remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 23, 2017.

Reports are on July 3 when the owners and em-

ployees of the jewellery store arrived at the Market, they realised the stall was broken into. Upon checking, they discovered that the entire store was ransacked and the vault was torched open.

In a press statement, the owners had said that the robbery was the work of “highly-skilled thieves”.

According to the owners, they had consulted with several security specialists and others trained in ironwork and welding, and were informed that it would have taken no less than five hours

Security guard nabbed with gun, ammo

R

The gun and ammunition found with the security guard

anks of the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics Branch on Friday arrested a security guard with a firearm, matching ammunition and ammunition components.

According to the Police, the suspect has been on the radar of anti-narco cops “for

quite some time.” The discovery was made at about 14:00h in Queenstown, Georgetown.

It has been reported that the ranks intercepted the vehicle which the suspected was driving and subsequently conducted a search, during which the

items were found. They include a .45 pistol fitted with extended barrel and butt, along with 40 live rounds of .45 ammunition and a magazine with nineteen 7.62 x 39 ammunition concealed therein.

Investigations are in progress.

for the vaults to be cut open.

It was further revealed that the owners had spoken to two City Constables, who claimed that checks were done earlier in the Market, but nothing was discovered.

Additionally, the stall was secured with an alarm system that was being monitored by the MMC Security Force.

“We contacted the MMC Security Force late this afternoon and we were informed that the alarm was indeed set off three times last night. However, MMC never informed us or the

Police that the alarms went off. On every other occasion, whenever the alarm is set off, MMC would call us immediately and the fact that we never received any calls or reports from them is puzzling,” the owners had said in the release.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Paul Williams headed a team to the scene, who were able to collect fingerprints from one of the heavy-duty safes in which the jewellery was secured.

The robbery has yet again raised concerns about security at the Market.

Police thought it was quite strange that no one heard any abnormal noises or saw any abnormal movements since a robbery of that magnitude could take a few hours. It was later disclosed that the City Constabulary Officers have access to the Market at all times through the southern gate.

Only recently, the City Constabulary named Stabroek and Bourda Markets as popular criminal hotspots where consumers are attacked and robbed on a daily basis. These offences are suspected to be gang-related.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo has stated that the Markets have been on their radar for quite a while now in light of the increase in criminal activities there.

Foo explained that at the Stabroek Market, since it is a transportation hub, persons entering and leaving public transportation are the main targets. With respect to Bourda Market, most of the incidents occur among vendors and shoppers in the rush hours, when sales are at a peak.

12 news

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No sign Kwakwani floodwaters receding

The road is completely covered

M

ost of Kwakwani, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), continues to be under floodwater, started over the weekend because of heavy rainfall. In some areas, water is as high as six feet, with very little signs of it receding soon, according to residents.

Lamp Island and the Waterfront are the most severely affected areas, but acting Director of the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Major Kester Craig, has said there is no need for emergency shelters to be set up at this time.

Craig told this publication that a team from the Public Health Ministry, along with members from the CDC and the Regional Democratic

Council, visited the community on Friday to assess the water level.

“CDC had some volunteers who are specialised in meteorology (and) agriculture, and we were able to visit Kwakwani, particularly Lamp Island and the Waterfront area, where we observed the water level was 6 feet above the ground.

But where it’s flooded, over the years, I think the residents would have taken up adaptation measures; so even though the water level is high, many of the houses aren’t flooded.

So most of the homes are constructed to take up the effect of that level of water,” Craig said during a telephone interview.

He explained that over 300 persons are directly or indirectly affected, and outlined that

although the residents have adopted adaptive measures, there are some whose homes are completely flooded, and they would have had to move to higher ground.

“At the time of the visit too, what we found (was that) people were cooking and had adequate food supplies, and they have taken measures to reduce mosquito-borne diseases. They were using bleach in the water, and we asked the Region and the Kwakwani Sub-District to continue to monitor and gather data on the situation.

“Once things escalate, we would give them additional support as required; but as for now, we are sending water purification tablets for the fam-

A section of the flooded area

ilies, and also some bleach so people could continue to purify the water, because we do not want any outbreak within the community,” Craig said.

The CDC Head said the

Another section of the community under water

CDC would continue to work closely with the Regional Administration to ensure there is no preventable damage to the residents. Explaining that the affected areas are mostly low-lying communities, he said residents had been given house lots to relocate, but they failed to so do because of a number of factors.

RDC unaware of flooding According to an official from the community, over 100 households are affected by the floods. However, Regional Chairman Renis Morian on Friday indicated that the RDC was unaware of the situation as it unfolded, despite having a re-

gional officials stationed in the community.

"We have an officer up there serving as Assistant Regional Executive Officer, who would have known about this flooding about two or three days, and we weren't informed. As soon as we got word that there is flooding in there, we notified the CDC; and I know for sure that a team has gone there," Morian stated.

Residents have complained of household appliances and belongings being damaged due to the flood situation, which they believe was caused by the inclement weather pattern and overtopping of the Berbice River. The community has reportedly been experiencing significant high tide since last weekend.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian has said there is need to understand against what backdrop the flooding is tak-

A flooded backyard

ing place, as he pointed out that due to increased rainfall, there is presently high tide in the river. He said those affected are mainly from low-lying areas. He warned that, should persons continue to live in such areas, they would experience flooding.

"Most of the persons who are (experiencing) flooding live on an island called Lamp Island. The Government did ask them to relocate and, you know, offer them land and so on, but they refused. So, once persons stay in these low- lying areas and the river rises, you will get flooding", he explained.

He noted how unfortunate it is that while higher lands are available, affected persons are refusing to occupy them.

Nevertheless, he said the team is working, and the RDC would also move to take necessary action.

“What we're doing is trying to mitigate the impact of the flooding, hence the team is up, and I think they would have walked with support. But coming back from that report, the RDC will move again to do what we have to do," Morian has promised.

For now, the residents are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that damages are as minimal as possible.

Residents are utilising boats as the mode of transportation, since most of the roads are inundated.

news

13

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Superintendent’s firearm stolen during EBD crash

C

ommandant of the Felix Austin Police College and former Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Superintendent Shiverpersaud Bacchus, was on Friday morning robbed after being involved in an accident on the East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to reports, Bacchus is now a patient at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, reportedly in a stable condition, as a result of the accident which occurred at about 10:30h on the Diamond Public Road, EBD. Guyana Times under-

when, in the vicinity of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), two pedestrians who were standing on the western parapet suddenly crossed the road eastward, causing him to take evasive action.

He reportedly veered further west to avoid a collision, and crashed his motor jeep, PNN 2849, into a fence.

However, persons who appeared to have been attempting to lend their assistance to the officer reportedly Senior members of the GPF visiting the injured officer at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital

stands that Bacchus was proceeding north along the

western carriageway of the Diamond Public Road

removed a large sum of cash and Bacchus’s service revolver.

The superintendent was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he received medical attention and was later transferred to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday, the GPF stated that Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine and a team

Over 3 years later

4 in custody as Police investigate suspected murder

Govt Minister questions effectiveness of SOCU F

T

he Government's failure to obtain any convictions based on the findings of the forensic audits it initiated has caused Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma, to question whether this may be because of an ineffective Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Sharma was at the time addressing concerns raised by Opposition parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall. Dharamlall recalled that Sharma had previously professed frustration at the non-existent rate of prosecution. Sharma readily admitted to this.

“I'm annoyed that there are no prosecutions. I'm saying I want to know why there are no prosecutions. Is SOCU not doing its work? Is the legislation weak? What really happened? I know there are issues. Our auditors do not have the authority to summon people to give statements.

“They don't have the authority to go in people’s accounts,” Sharma pointed out.

“They can't arrest people.

The auditors did their assessments based on paperwork.

The Police are the ones who have the authority.”

SOCU was established in 2014 on the recommendation of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and was intended to be a Police unit operating under the authority of the Police Commissioner but with a close relationship with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma

When Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had introduced an amendment to the Guyana Police Force’s Standing Order No 62, it had outlined SOCU’s responsibilities to investigate beyond terrorism and money laundering; it was tasked to probe participation in an organised criminal group and racketeering; trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling and sexual exploitation, including the sexual exploitation of children.

It also has to investigate illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; illicit arms and ammunition trafficking; corruption and bribery; fraud; counterfeiting and piracy of products; environmental crimes; murder; grievous bodily harm; kidnapping, illegal restraint and hostage taking; robbery or theft; smuggling; extortion; forgery; piracy; in-

sider trading and market manipulation; tax evasion and gold smuggling.

While SOCU had arrested and questioned several members of the previous Administration, its exploits against money launderers are not as well-known. SOCU has, however, been benefiting from the services of a United Kingdom (UK)-sponsored white collar crime adviser, Dr Sam Sittlington.

The Financial Action Task Force/CFATF conducts peer reviews of member countries to assess levels of implementation of their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) recommendations.

These mutual evaluations provide in-depth data and analysis of each country’s system for preventing criminal abuse of the financial system.

At a press conference in April, Attorney General Basil Williams had revealed that Guyana would not exit the fourth round of evaluations by the CFATF unless convictions could be secured.

On Thursday, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarians called for the resignation of Dr Sittlington, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the many instances of Government corruption.

This call was made at an anti-bribery and corruption forum organised for members of the National Assembly on Wednesday that was held in the Parliament Chambers.

Police record increase...

from page 9

On June 6, Jainarine Seetaram reportedly used a hammer to murder his wife Bindmatie and their daughter Surujdai Khan, while his 11-year-old son witnessed the incident. The man later committed suicide.

Traffic Management

In respect to traffic management, there was a 4.3 percent decrease in fatal accidents recorded at the end of June 2018. Serious, minor and damage accidents have also been decreased by 17.1; 32.4 and 18.4 percent respectively.

Speeding accounted for 25 of 44 fatal accidents during the period January to June, while DUI accounted for 6 of

those deaths. Additionally, the Police recorded 7 deaths due to inattentiveness of the driver. During the reporting period, some 19 pedestrians were killed, while 12 pedal cyclists along with 5 motorcyclists and 10 occupants of cars lost their lives.

A total of 10,236 speeding cases were made out during the period, forming a fraction of the 44,170 traffic offences for the period. Some 1,868 persons continued to drive while under the influence, and 938 minibus drivers continued to disregard the law and overload their buses.

For the month of May, the GPF recorded a seven per cent decrease in serious

crimes along with a 4 percent increase in the number of reported rapes.

It was also reported that 55 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets. According to the Force, as it pertains to traffic management, there was an 7.3 per cent decrease in fatal accidents recorded at the end of May, 2018.

Two brothers of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara: Sherman West, 28 and Shalum Alim, 19, lost their lives on June 26 after they attempted to overtake a stationary minibus when it suddenly swerved out, hitting them before causing a collision with a second minibus which was travelling south.

of senior officers comprising second-in-command of the Force’s Administration, Assistant Commissioner Maxine Graham, DSM; Force Welfare Officer, Assistant Superintendent Jewel Sullivan; and Public Relations Officer Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, visited the officer.

The Police have since launched an investigation into the incident.

our persons have been arrested as Police continue to probe the disappearance of a 75-yearold man of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne Berbice which occurred over three years ago.

New evidence which has surfaced suggests that the man might have been murdered by a close relative for his valuables.

The missing man, Percy Johnson, also called ‘Crook’, operated a ‘chick-chick’ board at the time of his disappearance.

He had last been seen on April 13, 2015 at his home at Lot 36 ‘B’ Sir David Rose Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne Berbice.

Johnson lived on the upper flat, while one of his grandsons lived with his wife in the lower flat of the same house. On Wednesday, during an altercation between the grandson and his wife, neighbours overheard the woman shouting to her husband, saying that she

Missing: Percy Johnson, also called "Crook"

would not allow him to kill her and dispose of her body like he did with his grandfather.

When family members learnt of the argument and what was said, they contacted the Police, who have since arrested the couple.

Meanwhile, another one

of the missing man’s grandsons also provided additional information to the Police.

He and a friend of the couple, along with a taxi driver, were also taken into custody.

Investigators in 2015 has told this publication that when they visited the Rose Hall Town house, they discovered evidence of forced entry.

Back in 2015, the body of an unidentified man was discovered at the Hampshire Cemetery. At the time the man’s body was clad in brown Timberland boots. A short distance away, a black mountain bicycle was discovered.

The man was never identified, and the body was buried months later.

One of the grandsons had said back then that his grandfather had brown Timberland boots and used a black mountain bike.

The investigation continues. (Andrew Carmichael)

14 news

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Soesdyke fatal stabbing

Alleged Police brutality

Police granted permission to Victim to be charged for further detain CPG member disorderly behaviour

S

everal days after 15-year-old Ricardo Singh of Diamond, East Bank Demerara was fatally stabbed at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, a member of a community policing group, who was arrested in connection with the murder, remains in custody.

Based on reports received, the 72-hour detention period has elapsed, but the Police were granted court approval to further detain the young rural constable (RC). Guyana Times understands that the teen’s friend, who had also been taken into custody, has been released as Police continue their investigations.

Information reaching this publication revealed that on the night of the fatal stabbing, the rural constable was reportedly seen using excessive force on the now dead teen after the teen had resisted arrest. Guyana Times was told that the young man had had an altercation with another young man at a wedding house in Soesdyke, EBD, and the Police were consequently summoned.

It is unclear whether the deceased young man was wounded during the scuffle at the wedding house or during his arrest by the rural constable who is now in Police custody.

When contacted, ‘A’

Dead: Ricardo Singh

Division Commander, Leslie James, confirmed that investigations into the teen’s murder are continuing, while noting that, before charges are instituted, the Police have to make sure that the matter had been properly investigated. The deceased teenager, who also used to be referred to as “Cardo”, of Lot 63 Avenues A & B, Diamond New Housing Scheme, EBD, was stabbed several times, including once to his abdomen.

The former Diamond Secondary School student and his friends had left their respective homes on Sunday last with the intention of “taking a lime” at the LindenSoesdyke Highway Junction,

but had instead gone to the wedding house, which was close by.

The initial report is that, while there, a gang of men allegedly attempted to relieve one of the teen’s friends of his gold chain and cash, and the deceased teen intervened. His friend whom he was helping reportedly ran away, leaving him behind.

The deceased young man, who would have been celebrating his 16th birthday on Thursday last, was subsequently found in a nearby trench with his intestines protruding. He was picked up and taken to the Diamond hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Conversely, it was reported that the young man had been misbehaving at the wedding house and the Police were called in to intervene. However, at the time, members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) were patrolling the area, and they reportedly arrested the young man. He was placed in the back of their motor vehicle, and as it took off for the Timehri Police Station, he reportedly jumped out, but instead of stopping to check on the young man, the vehicle sped away.

It is expected that the teen would be cremated on Sunday.

T

he Essequibo Coast man whose leg was broken after reportedly being beaten by Police in Region Two will, among other things, be charged for disorderly behaviour.

This is so according to Police Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan, who explained that the 29-year-old Junior Courtman of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast is, in the coming days, likely to be slapped with at least five charges for causing harm to Police officers and for general misbehaviour.

“Charges were recommended by the legal advisor…he can be charged for what they call riotous behaviour in a public place, causing actual bodily harm, and two charges for assaulting two officers,” Ramlakhan pointed out.

Questioned about the allegations Courtman had made against the Police -that they had beaten him, Ramlakhan noted that there was not enough evidence to support Courtman’s statement.

“The report stated that there is no evidence to show, support, or substantiate he (Courtman) was assaulted by any of the ranks. There is no evidence to substantiate that, based on the doctor’s report and the medical and some statements (taken). The (ranks) said that he jump out of the vehicle,” Ramlakhan said.

The father of three recently told this newspaper that he was out at a wash bay with three of his friends on the evening of June 20, when, at about 23:30hr, a vanload of Police officers pulled up and searched them. According to him, nothing was found in their possession, so the Police ordered them to go home.

The condition of Junior Courtman, who Georgetown Public Hospital

Courtman said he and his friends left the wash bay, and when he got about 50 feet away from the location, he realised he had left his phone, and returned for it.

“So I went back to get my phone, but they were still there where we were, and when I went back, one of them jump out de vehicle and come and hold me and push me off my bike... so I told them I goin for my phone, and he start pushin me and chuckin me and cuff me in my eye,” the injured man related.

He admitted that after the rank had done this to him, he and the rank engaged in a scuffle, and two other ranks left the vehicle with a baton and a gun, and started to attack him.

“When they done beating me, they throw me in de vehicle, because I couldn’t ah get up to walk; and then they took me to the (Anna Regina Police) station.

And when I reach there, they told me to get up and come out de vehicle, but I couldn’t ah get up, so they beat me again and drag me into the station and put me

was admitted to the

on a bench to sit down,” Courtman had said.

Courtman said the Police subsequently took away all of his belongings, and were about to place him in the lockups. He claimed the Police prepared a statement, which he did not sign, given that the occurrences the Police had documented were not accurate.

He said he was taken to the Suddie Hospital upon request by a female officer, and was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was being treated for his broken leg.

The man who plies his trade as a carpenter and mason in his village said he was expecting to undergo a surgery to rectify his foot, which was allegedly broken by the ranks.

Commander of G Division, Essequibo, Khali Pareshram, said he was aware of one such case in the zone, which to his knowledge is being investigated by Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). He was, however, unable to say whether it was the same case.

news

15

saturDAY, july 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bank of Guyana (Amendment) Bill passed amid war of words

– as Govt hauled over coals for state of economy

T

he Bank of Guyana Amendment Bill of 2018 was passed in the National Assembly late on Friday night with a war of words between the two opposing sides regarding specific concerns surrounding the new law.

Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali noted the prevailing economic climate. He pointed to sugar, which he noted contracted by $16.6 billion; rice, $3.9 billion; forestry, $16.3 billion; and bauxite, $9.9 billion. According to Ali, the Government's handling of the economy has contributed to the loss of $36.1 billion in stimulus.

“The proposed amendment is intended to provide a band-aid solution to a problem that is much deeper and systemic. A problem that the Government is either unwilling or unable of solving. The problem is the underperformance of the export sector, which has contributed to shortages of foreign currency. This amendment will not solve the problems that exist today – the problem of underperformance in key sectors.”

“It has to do with short-

Opposition parliamentarian Irfaan Ali

ages in foreign currency and depreciation in the exchange rate. When compared to 2016, total foreign currency transactions of local banks declined by US$28 million ... total foreign currency transactions of non-bank cambios declined by US$0.7 million.

In the first quarter of 2018, total foreign currency transactions declined by US$84 million. These are the issues we have to address.”

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall noted the inherent danger of giving the Finance Minister power to arrange bailouts for com-

mercial banks. According to Nandlall, this gives the Government unhealthy oversight over the financial sector and the fate of commercial banks.

“These interventions and the conferring of powers radically alter the playing field and gives the commercial bank a competitor.

The central bank remains an advisor to Government in financial matters. Now the central bank is entering the fray. The other worrying feature of this bill is the role of the Minister of Finance.”

“The Minister of Finance becomes a player in a field that is supposed to be (protected). The financial sector is supposed to be insulated from the intervention of politicians. But the Bill, clause 41 (b), speaks to the central bank being allowed to bail out commercial banks if they experience problems But the central bank must first get a guarantee from the Minister of Finance.

Why is that necessary?”

However, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in a heated rebuttal to the Opposition, noted that he already exercised control over the central bank. He

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

pointed to his powers to appoint the bank's Board of Governors.

“It is best you have in place, now, so we can be equipped in the unlikely event that x, y and z happens; this is what we must be prepared to do. You don't wait until something happens ... these are safeguards in the unlikely event that such a situation (financial crisis) happens, we would not be panicking.”

The Bill, which will allow the central bank to provide temporary liquidity assistance to deposit-taking institutions, was ultimately

passed in the House on the heels of the passage of the National Payment System Bill 2018. It also follows the passage of the Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill the previous day.

The Bill is one of several bills the parliamentary Opposition had accused the Government of passing as conditions for a recent loan from the World Bank.

Only recently, this US$35 million loan was approved by the World Bank to support Guyana’s efforts to strengthen the financial sector and fiscal management, but more importantly, to better prepare the country to benefit from its newly-discovered oil and gas reserves.

Finance Minister Jordan has said that the financing would provide critical support to Guyana’s reform agenda and efforts to strengthen institutions and build a resilient economy that was capable of withstanding both external and domestic shocks. These reforms, he said, will be key to guide the management of oil revenues for the benefit of present and future generations.

Following the disbursement of the loan, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Tahseen Sayed said that Guyana was making important strides to promote financial resilience and improve fiscal management, and has embarked on a broad-based reform programme.

“These reforms will be key to build a strong economy that is underpinned by a strategic management of public resources for the benefit of the Guyanese people,” Sayed said.

The financing focuses on strengthening financial stability and enabling sound financial development to promote macroeconomic stability and long-term growth.

In particular, it will support banking reforms and depositor protection, the establishment of a deposit insurance scheme, implementation of a new insurance law, and the country’s anti-money laundering efforts.

This Development Policy Credit, the first of a series of two programmatic financial and fiscal development policy credits, is financed by the International Development Association (IDA).

Parking lot fracas

Broomes facing PNCR pressure to apologise

By Michael Younge

S

imona Broomes is now facing pressure from several high-ranking officials within the Peoples National Congress and the A Partnership for National Unity Coalition to offer an apology to the two security guards who were detained for close to 16 hours last Sunday after she allegedly misled law enforcement officers about an altercation with them.

“Our congress is scheduled to take place next month; and frankly, our party executives and congress committee are not at all happy with this entire incident and how it is playing out in the media,” a Central Executive member of the PNC/R told Guyana Times on Friday evening under anonymity.

The executive said that while Broomes may not be a card-bearing member of the party or an insider thereof, she still has to abide by the PNC/APNU rules and traditions as far as conducting one’s self within a particular code is concerned.

“She may be serving at the pleasure of Comrade Leader Granger, but she is serving on the strength of the PNC/R, and in one of our seats. She is duty bound to conduct herself properly. I, like many party members,

Minister Simona Broomes

do not care what took place at New Thriving. What we do know (is) that somebody is being dishonest and attempting to justify their rash and insensitive behavior; but it is backfiring,” the executive said.

Asked why the party members are pressuring Broomes and have not confronted her about the incident, the executive said everyone is focused on the Congress, and frankly, no one wants to get muddied by “Broomes Saga”.

“Comrades Volda and Ally have spoken, and we support the tone and the letter of what they have said.

Broomes could descend into the gutter, but she will not be taking the PNC with her. Many of us have seen the CCTV footage, and we have our opinions. Broomes

can test her popularity and support within our party by turning up to make any controversial declaration at our Congress. This is not the PPP; this is a no-nonsense people party”, the executive said.

The source has also said that were Broomes not to take the hint and deal with the matter condignly, she could be sanctioned at the level of the Cabinet if the Police investigation vindicates the security guards or results in both parties being charged.

“Of course the latter is a far stretch, but there are those at Cabinet who will not stand by and allow this second infraction which breaches our code of conduct…remember, the first time was the Boom out incident,” the executive said.

On Thursday, Broomes declined to speak to media operatives about the saga, telling them she did not know what they were talking about when she was confronted by questions.

Following her response and those of her colleagues: Joseph Harmon, Amna Ally, and Volda Lawrence, the Junior Natural Resources Minister faced more blistering criticisms in the media.

Broomes had claimed that she and her driver, whose name has to date not been officially released

to the media, were the victims of verbal assaults and threats by the two security guards, who were attempting to bar her from parking in a specific section of the establishment.

No stranger to controversy, Minister Broomes had even alleged that one of the guards had pointed and “crocked” a firearm at her and the driver of her SUV vehicle at some point during the incident.

She claimed she was fearful for her life and safety as a result of the actions of the guards, who, following the incident, were arrested and detained by Police ranks before being released on their own recognisance.

However, since the release of CCTV footage on Tuesday, it has become clear that the version of the story told by Minister Broomes is different from what was depicted on camera, thereby forcing a tidal wave of criticisms and attacks against the APNU/ AFC official on social media, with Guyanese accusing her of high-handedness and dishonesty.

There have also been attacks on her integrity as more support and sympathy poured in on Wednesday for the guards, who arguably were “simply doing their jobs”.

Asked whether the Police have found any proof to substantiate the claims made by Minister Broomes that a gun was aimed at her during the ordeal, Crime Chief Paul Williams has declined to make any definitive pronouncement as he dodged the issue.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo believes that the minister’s behaviour, if true, was atrocious and should not be al-

lowed to continue.

He said that the incident also pointed to the fact that sometimes people rush to judgement, referring to the unwarranted arrests of the two security guards at the Massy Store over the incident, without properly investigating the issue thoroughly. He believes that the Police should be held responsible, given that they had acted unprofessionally.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, july 14, 2018

Regional

More deadly protests Peru’s President fires Justice Minister as new scandal spreads in Nicaragua calling on Ortega to resign P F

eruvian President Martin Vizcarra fired his Justice Minister on Friday after local media released an audio of a secretly-recorded phone conversation between the Minister and a judge under investigation for influence peddling.

Vizcarra announced his decision to ask Justice Minister Salvador Heresi to resign hours after local TV station Panorama released the audio of the conversation, in which Heresi is heard asking Judge Cesar Hinostroza to advise him on

Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra and new Justice Minister Salvador Heresi attend a swearing-in ceremony at the Government palace in Lima, Peru, April 2, 2018 (Reuters/Guadalupe Pardo file photo)

a legislative proposal.

Hinostroza has been at the centre of a scandal that has rocked Peru’s justice system since investigative news outlet IDL-Reporteros started releasing secretly-recorded audios of phone conversations in which Hinostroza appears to be negotiating favours.

Hinostroza has denied wrongdoing. Heresi denied any wrongdoing in broadcast interviews on Friday and said on Twitter that he would step down. (Reuters)

Mexico's Pena Nieto urges US to reunite separated migrant families

M

our Police Officers and a protester have reportedly been killed in more anti-Government protests in Nicaragua.

Thousands took to the streets again in several cities to demand the resignation of President Daniel Ortega.

More than 260 people have now died since the unrest began in April.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday said more than 1800 people had been injured "since the start of the repression against social protests".

A raid by pro-Government forces in the Opposition bastion of Masaya left at

least 14 people dead on Sunday, shortly after embattled President Daniel Ortega rejected calls for early elections.

The Opposition is increasing pressure on Ortega in the coming days, with a protest in Managua on Thursday followed by a general strike on Friday.

Protesters, who first took to the streets against now-aborted pension reforms, are demanding the resignation of Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, who they accuse of establishing a dictatorship characterised by nepotism and brutal repression. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

T&T Minister diagnosed with Haiti lawmakers vote today on PM's fate kidney failure

exico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto has asked a high-level US delegation on Friday to quickly reunite separated migrant families

and warned of “hatred and racism” after an attack on a 92-year-old Mexican man in California.

Mexican Pena Nieto held a meeting with US Secretary

of State Mike Pompeo and US top officials at Los Pinos presidential residence in Mexico City.

Pena Nieto said in a statement that the US dele-

gation, which is being led by Secretary of State Pompeo, agreed to constructively move forward the talks to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement. (Reuters)

P

L

awmakers in Haiti will vote Saturday on the fate of embattled Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, who has refused to resign in the wake of deadly looting and violence sparked by a now-abandoned plan to raise fuel prices.

“People of Haiti! I have a date with history in Parliament on Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 am, to respond to Opposition deputies and speak about the achievements of the Government,” Lafontant said Friday on Twitter.

“The hopes of the Haitian people are in the hands of the lawmakers.”

A week ago, the Government in the impoverished Caribbean country announced plans for major fuel price hikes – 38 per cent for gasoline, 47 per cent for diesel and 51 per cent for kerosene.

The announcement sparked mass protests, with streets in the capital Portau-Prince and other cities blocked with barricades of

Dozens of shops were looted and burned and cars were set ablaze during the protests that roiled Haiti. At least four people were killed

debris and burning tires.

The Government quickly did an about-face and called off the planned price increases.

Lafontant, who took office in February 2017, had faced widespread criticism even before the spasm of violence.

Last week, lawmakers opened debate on his fu-

ture in the lower house, where President Jovenel Moise’s allies hold the majority. Lafontant, a doctor by training and a political novice, is a friend of the President.

But some say the fuel-price fiasco could spell the fall of Lafontant’s Administration.

Lafontant – who will be

accompanied by his ministers – is expected to address lawmakers at the start of the session. After that, deputies will be able to speak and ask him questions.

At the end of the debate, an absolute majority is needed to either oust Lafontant or allow him to continue in office. (Excerpt from

AFP)

ublic Administration Minister Marlene McDonald has been diagnosed with renal/kidney failure.

The Port-of-Spain South MP has been hospitalised since Saturday. A statement from the Communications Ministry indicated McDonald was being treated for an “existing medical condition”.

It’s the second time she has been taken to hospital in the last month. While it was initially thought she was battling pneumonia, a concerned source close to McDonald disclosed the true nature of her illness, saying she was in renal failure and now required dialysis two to three days a week.

Guardian Media Ltd also understands that McDonald’s prognosis is complicated by her diabetic condition and she will need time to rest and recover.

Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from your blood sufficiently and is accompanied by a number of risks, including anae-

mia, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, fluid overload among others.

Calls to McDonald’s phone went directly to voicemail.

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley on Thursday appointed Senator Allyson West as McDonald’s temporary replacement at the Public Administration Ministry. He said this was done “given the nature of her hospitalisation and her ability to function in the assignment she is carrying.”

At the post-Cabinet news conference, Rowley did not divulge details about her health, but he wished McDonald a “speedy recovery and a complete one”.

He also responded to conflicting information put out Thursday by the Portof-Spain South constituency office, suggesting that McDonald had been discharged from the hospital.

It contradicted a statement from the Communications Ministry which stated McDonald was still hospitalised. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

PM Browne reaffirms commitment to Barbuda’s redevelopment despite detractors

A

s the Antigua and Barbuda ChinaAid Post-Disaster Roof Restoration Initiative comes to an end, Prime Minister Gaston Browne reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development and reconstruction of Barbuda.

The People’s Republic of China was one of the first diplomatic responders to the disaster Barbuda faced after the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The

PRC, through their China Aid, contributed US$2 million towards the repairing of rooftops of homes damaged by the hurricane. This contribution was in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Office of Disaster Management (NODS) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

This venture came to a completion with an official closing ceremony on Thursday, July 12 in

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Codrington, Barbuda, at the Fisheries Complex, where Prime Minister Gaston Browne was asked to give the keynote address.

Also present were the UNDP team, Barbuda Affairs Minister Dean Jonas, China’s Ambassador Wang Xianmin, NODS Director Philmore Mullins, and UNDP Project Office Head Maureen LanceOnyeiwu among other key dignitaries.

Prime Minister Browne,

in thanking the People’s Republic of China for the quick and functional response, pledged his unwavering commitment to the people of Barbuda despite the polarisation being pushed by Opposition members.

PM Browne said, despite the rumours and lies, measures and steps are being taken by his government to ensure the advancement and progress of Barbuda and Barbudans.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

saturDAY, july 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

123 dead after two separate attacks on Pakistan political rallies

A

powerful explosion at a political rally in Pakistan's Balochistan province has killed scores of people, according to officials, as a separate blast at another campaigning event further north resulted in the deaths of at least four people.

The two incidents, which killed at least 123 people on Friday, have raised fears of an increase in violence as the country prepares for a general election later this month.

In the southwest town of Dringarh, about 35 kilometres south of the Balochistan provincial capital Quetta, a suicide attacker targeted a rally of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), killing at least 119 people, hospital officials told Al Jazeera.

Men mourn the death of relatives and friends at hospital morgue in Quetta [Naseer Ahmed/Reuters]

At least 73 bodies were moved to Quetta's main Civil Hospital, said hospital official Ali Mardan. A further 37 bodies were moved to Mastung's Nawab Ghaus Baksh Hospital, said local official Qaim Lashari. Twelve

more bodies were received at Quetta's Bolan Medical Complex and one other at the Combined Military Hospital, sources said.

"It was a suicide bomber," said provincial Home Minister Agha Omar Bangulzai.

The BAP's candidate Siraj Raisani was running for election to the provincial assembly in his home district of Mastung, where the attack took place. The area has been the site of several attacks by the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) armed group, although those have mostly targeted Shia Muslim pilgrims bound for Iran.

Ethnic Baloch nationalists, who are fighting for independence from Pakistan, have also claimed several attacks on election candidates in the region in recent days.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan is heading to the polls on July 25. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UN Security Council imposes arms embargo on South Sudan

T

he United Nations Security Council has imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan, almost five years after a ruinous civil war in the country started.

A United States-drafted resolution won the minimum nine votes needed, while six Member States abstained, wary of voting for the measure amid regional attempts to revitalise the South Sudan peace process.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the adoption of the resolution was necessary "to stop the violence, we need to stop the flow of weapons that armed groups are using to fight each other and to terrorise the people".

But South Sudan's UN Ambassador Akuei Bona

Nine countries voted in favour of the UN resolution, with six others abstaining from voting [File: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters]

Malwal told the Council the resolution would "undermine peace" and was "a slap in the face of those organisations who are trying to bring peace in South Sudan".

Ethiopia's UN Ambassador Tekeda Alemu

told the Council before the vote that imposing the arms embargo would undermine the peace process and that the African Union and East African regional bloc IGAD believe "now is not the appropriate time for taking such

measures".

China's UN Ambassador, Ma Zhaoxu, meanwhile said the Council should have listened to African leaders on the issue.

In December 2016, a similar resolution was brought before the UN Security Council by the US, but it did not receive enough votes to pass at the time.

The civil war in South Sudan started in 2013, two years after it gained independence from Sudan, when President Salva Kiir accused his then-deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

Over the years, the conflict has expanded and fighting has intensified with more than a dozen warring factions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US lifts order against China's ZTE

T

he United States has lifted an order that blocked Chinese tech giant ZTE from doing business with US companies, forcing the firm to halt major operations.

US President Donald Trump had intervened to end the ban, which was imposed in April and was tied to ZTE violations of US sanctions against Iran and North Korea.

Instead the US said ZTE

17

would be fined and forced to shake up its management.

The US Commerce Department said the firm had now complied with all steps.

ZTE paid a US$1 billion penalty last month and has now placed an additional US$400 million in a holding account against further violations, the Commerce Department said on Friday.

"While we lifted the ban on ZTE, the Department will remain vigilant as we closely

monitor ZTE's actions to ensure compliance with all US laws and regulations," US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said.

ZTE, China's second largest telecoms manufacturer, depends on American-made components for the production of its handsets.

It suspended major operations this spring after the US imposed the ban. The US said the firm had lied about punishing employees involved in

violating US sanctions against North Korea and Iran.

President Trump asked the US Commerce Department to reconsider the ban in May at the request of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The decision was controversial in the US. Some politicians in Congress are trying to take action to reinstate the original penalty, citing national security concerns about the company. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

12 Russians charged with US 2016 election hack

T

he United States Department of Justice has charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking Democratic officials in the 2016 US elections.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said the dozen accused used spear phishing emails and malicious software.

He said the hackers also stole data on half a million voters from a state election board website.

The Kremlin said there was no evidence linking the 12 to military intelligence or hacking.

The claims were "an old duck" and a "heap of conspiracy schemes", said Moscow's Foreign Ministry in a statement.

Friday's indictment was the first by US officials to directly charge Russia's Government with meddling in the US vote two years ago.

The 11-count indictment names the Russians defendants, alleging they began cyber-attacks in March 2016 on the email accounts of staff for Hillary Clinton's presidential

campaign.

Rosenstein said the defendants corresponded with several Americans during the alleged conspiracy, but added there is no allegation that any US citizen committed a crime.

The Deputy Attorney General said the conspirators used fictitious online personas, including "DCLeaks" and "Guccifer 2.0", to release thousands of stolen emails from June 2016.

They also conspired to hack into the computers of state boards of elections, secretaries of state, and voter software, according to the indictment.

Rosenstein said: "We know that the goal of the conspirators was to have an impact on the election."

The Deputy Attorney General said all 12 defendants were in the Russian intelligence service, the GRU. The DNC leak showed that top Democrats preferred Mrs Clinton the presidential nomination, which confirmed the worst fears among supporters of her liberal challenger, Bernie Sanders. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump: US-UK trade deal “absolutely possible”

An official photo was issued of the Queen, and Donald and Melania Trump in the Grand Corridor of Windsor Castle

A

US-UK trade deal "will absolutely be possible", Donald Trump has said, hours after he told The Sun Theresa May's Brexit plan could kill an agreement.

Speaking after talks at Chequers, Trump said the USUK relationship is "the highest level of special", while May said they had discussed plans for an "ambitious" trade agreement.

Trump and his wife, Melania, later had tea with the Queen at Windsor. Thousands of people have protested in London against Trump's UK visit. mA large balloon, portraying the president as a baby, has been floated in Parliament Square as part of the demon-

strations. Other protests are taking place across the UK on Friday and Saturday. The Queen greeted Trump and the First Lady as their motorcade arrived at Windsor Castle. The band of the Coldstream Guards played the Star-Spangled Banner and she invited the President to inspect the guard of honour. Their meeting lasted nearly an hour and was the final engagement in Trump's two-day working visit to the UK. The Trumps took off from Windsor in a presidential helicopter before boarding Air Force One, which flew them to Ayrshire and a weekend stay at his Turnberry golf resort. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

UK lawyer alleges India deported him under Bangladesh pressure

A

senior United Kingdom lawyer has claimed that the Indian Government deported him from the country at the behest of the neighbouring Bangladesh Government, which wanted to stop him from lobbying on behalf of a jailed opposition leader.

Lord Alex Carlile, QC, a member of the legal team of Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist

Party (BNP), who was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges, said that he was "shocked that India should have succumbed supinely to representations by the Bangladesh Government".

The BNP leader and five others were accused of embezzling over 21 million taka (US$252,000) from foreign donations intended for the Zia Orphanage Trust – a charity named after former President Ziaur Rahman,

Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader, was sentenced to five years in jail for embezzling over 21 million taka (US$252,000) from foreign donations intended for the Zia Orphanage Trust [File: AM Ahad/AP photo]

Zia's husband.

Lord Carlile was deported from New Delhi airport early on Thursday morning.

Zia's lawyer said that "Bangladesh is now a pariah state in rule of law terms" and the Indian Government "should be hanging its head in shame" about deporting him following "representations made by Dhaka".

A week ago, Bangladesh newspapers reported that the country's Foreign Ministry had summoned Dr

Adarsh Swaika, India's acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, to discuss its concern over Lord Carlile's impending visit and to deny him a visa.

Al Jazeera contacted Shahidul Haque, the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary, but he did not respond to a query about the news reports. Attempts to contact the Indian High Commission in Dhaka were also not successful. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, july 14, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

Try something new. Learn

(March 21- from experienced people and April 19) observe how others deal with

situations and challenges.

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting to have fun.

The nature of your reTAURUS actions makes a difference.

(April 20- Plan to do something nice for May 20) someone. Talking about what you can offer and doing what you say will determine how others respond.

dilbert

Make plans to host an GEMINI (May 21- event or alter your living June 20) space to fit your needs. Don’t let your enthusiasm or someone else’s hype lead you to overextend yourself emotionally or financially.

You can change the way people view you by taking (June 21- positive action. Support a July 22) cause and help build a better environment for you and those you love.

CANCER

Peanuts

Simplicity is the key to getLEO ting by without stress or op(July 23- position. Only promise what Aug. 22) you feel is doable. Trying to buy someone’s attention will lead to a loss and disappointment.

A short trip to visit an old VIRGO friend or relative will result (Aug. 23in valuable information that Sept. 22) will help you make personal changes. Romance is encouraged.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep moving until you LIBRA (Sept. 23- are satisfied with the results Oct. 23) you get. It’s important not to let down the people counting on you. Make suggestions and follow through with your plans.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — DETONATE

Express your thoughts SAGITTARIUS and feelings and take bet(Nov. 23ter care of your finances and Dec. 21) belongings. Don’t overspend just to make an impression.

Say no when in doubt or under pressure.

(DETONATE: DET-’n-ate: To explode or cause to explode.)

Average mark 25 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 34 or more words in DETONATE? The list will be published Monday.

Take the initiative and CAPRICORN alter your home to fit your (Dec. 22- changing lifestyle. Make a Jan. 19) point to tie up loose ends and let your intentions be known.

Romance is featured.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — VILIFIED

veil veld vied vile idle ivied lied lief

life live livid felid field file five fled

flied evil deli devil diel dive

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

Lie low and keep busy.

SCORPIO Now is not the time to be(Oct. 24come agitated or wage a Nov. 22) senseless battle with someone who doesn’t see things your way. Offer peace, not discord.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Keep your emotions under control. Overdoing it mentally, physically or financially will lead to regret. Focus on what’s doable and work with, not against, those who love and support you.

Use your imagination to come up with an impressive plan that will draw interest from someone you fancy.

Love is on the rise.

saturDAY, JUly 14, 2018

19

3rd place playoff‌

ENGLAND‌OR BELGIUM? E ngland's Russian adventure finishes with a chance to secure their second-best finish in a World Cup with a win over Belgium in the third-place play-off.

The teams meet for the second time at these finals, having also met at the group stage - Belgium won 1-0 with a stunning strike from Adnan Januzaj.

They both progressed to the semi-finals before their tournaments came crashing down. They now must regain composure and focus while not ruing that missed shot at playing in the biggest game in world football.

Despite the potential non-competitive edge to the match, England boss Gareth Southgate is wanting to end the tournament on a high.

He said: "Emotionally it has been a difficult few days but the players are incredible.

They are a pleasure to work with. They have an energy and desire.

"We want to finish the tournament well. We have set a standard of how we work and how we play.

"We have high motivation

The Belgium team have been a force to reckon with in this World Cup

to perform. We have a chance to win a medal at a World Cup, which only one other English team has ever done.

"There is a lot of motivation for us and Belgium have already beaten us, so we would like to address that as well."

Ahead of the thirdplace play-off match in St Petersburg, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is confident his side are ready to play at their optimum despite their

disappointing semi-final defeat to France.

He said: "Once the dust settles, it's very much an important fixture. You always want to push the achievements of a football nation.

"And they want to be the best Belgian team ever and are ready to perform."

Southgate is not intending to make wholesale changes for the game but will assess the players' fitness levels before

choosing his side.

He said: "Everyone wants to play but sometimes it is not a good decision to play someone if their energy is not there.

"It won't be the same XI but we want to make as few changes as possible."

Kieran Trippier is a major doubt after tweaking a nerve in his groin against Croatia while Jordan Henderson, Kyle Walker and Ashley Young may

be given a rest.

Martinez may choose to rest striker Romelu Lukaku despite being within two goals of Harry Kane in the chase for the Golden Boot.

Adnan Janujaz is likely to be handed another start, while Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco are also in the running for a spot.

Thomas Meunier, who was suspended for the semi-final, is available again.

Before losing 1-0 to Belgium at this year's World Cup, England had lost just one of their previous 21 meetings with them (W15 D5).

Belgium and England are the first teams to face twice at a World Cup tournament since Turkey played Brazil twice at the 2002 World Cup. Belgium have played in this fixture once before, finishing fourth in 1986 after losing 4-2 against France.

Belgium have lost just two of their 26 matches under Roberto Martinez - his first in charge in September 2016 (0-2 vs Spain) and his most recent (0-1 vs France in the semi-final).

England had 15 shots on target in their first two 2018

World Cup matches against Tunisia (8) and Panama (7) but have had just eight in their four games since - exactly two in each match.

England's only other game in a World Cup third-place play-off match was at the 1990 World Cup - they faced Italy and lost 2-1.

Lukaku has scored 23 goals in his 23 appearances under Roberto Martinez for Belgium, though he has not scored in any of his last three.

He has never gone four games without a goal for the national side since the Spaniard has been in charge.

Harry Kane has had just one shot on target in his last three World Cup matches - his penalty goal against Colombia in the last 16. Kane has not had a shot on target in his last four hours and 33 minutes of action at the World Cup. England's defeat to Croatia in their last match was their 100th competitive defeat - each of their last six competitive losses have been at major tournaments (five at the World Cup, one at the European Championships). (Sky

Sports)

Wimbledon 2018‌

Serena takes on Kerber for the title

S

erena Williams is one win away from an eighth Wimbledon singles title that would complete a fairytale return to tennis.

But as the American prepares for Saturday's final against Germany's Angelique Kerber, we ask how it is possible that a 36-year-old who says she "almost died" in childbirth 10 month ago is on the verge of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.

How has she done it, what does that say about the state of the women's game, and how can Kerber beat her?

The mere thought of facing Williams is enough to put some players off their game before they have even started.

When American 10th seed Madison Keys lost her thirdround match to Evgeniya Rodina, she admitted she had been distracted by the prospect of coming up against Williams in the next round.

"She certainly has a presence and an aura - just mentioning her name, people are easily intimidated by her before they have even stepped on court to play against her," Britain's Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong told BBC Sport.

Her semi-final opponent Julia Gorges spoke of it being an "honour" to play her, while fourth-round opponent Rodina said she was her "idol".

However, this does not come without its problems for Williams, who says opponents always bring their best game against her.

"That's what makes me great: I always play everyone at their greatest, so I have to be greater," said Williams, who has won 20 matches in a row at Wimbledon - including her 2015 and 2016 titles, before missing last year while pregnant.

A great playing even better is hard to beat.

Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams

Superwoman? Supermum?

Williams says she wore a catsuit at the French Open to inspire other mums Williams was bedridden for six weeks after giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia - she had an emergency caesarean section, which is major

abdominal surgery, followed by a series of complications including the wound "popping open" because of a pulmonary embolism, and a swelling of clotted blood in her abdomen.

Yet she was back in the gym in November and on the tennis court in December at an

exhibition event. She played in the doubles dead rubber of the United States' Fed Cup tie in February before returning to competitive singles in March.

Wimbledon is just the fourth tournament of her comeback.

"I had my second child two weeks after she had her first

and the thought of being out there competing with the very best and being at peak fitness level - I just can't get my head around that," Keothavong said.

"What she is doing is incredible and just too good."

And let's not forget she won the 2017 Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant.

"She is not a human, she is a hero," said 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.

Williams would not disagree - she said she felt like a "superhero" wearing a black catsuit at the French Open, while the flesh-coloured tights she is wearing here would meet a comic-book heroine's approval.

But there is a serious side to these outfits: the compression tights and sleeves are worn to prevent blood clots by improving blood flow, and she says it means she can "play without problems". (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, JUly 14, 2018

New Era/Mohamed’s Enterprise 5th Annual Futsal tourney launched T

Mohamed’s Enterprise CEO Nazar Mohamed (centre) hands over sponsorship and the 2018 Mohamed’s Enterprise Championship Trophy to NEE's Shareef Major (second left) in the presence of Aubrey Major Jr (left); Stag’s Seweon McGarrel (right) and NEE Director Kenrick Noel

he fifth edition of the Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal tournament, organised by New Era Entertainment, was launched on Friday at Mohamed’s Enterprise on Lombard Street, Georgetown.

This year, even more support has been pumped into the event, since ExxonMobil has decided to come on board as one of the major sponsors of the tournament, tradi-

tionally hosted at the Mackenzie Hardcourt in Linden.

Nazar Mohamed, CEO of Mohamed’s Enterprise, an astute supporter of local football, who has also been major sponsor of the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament that spanned over 25 years, has once again been quite pleased to assist the sponsorship of this event.

In brief remarks, he told the media gathering that it was an honour for

him to be part of the New Era family in presenting the event and contributing to football locally.

The longstanding football supporter expressed hope that the tournament, like the World Cup, would be contested in high spirits. Before closing his remarks, he added that his company is always part of sport and culture, and will always be involved with events such as this one.

Also present at the launch

was the New Era Entertainment team, ANSA McAL representative Seweon McGarrell and the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Rawle Adams.

Adams, secretary of the Guyana Futsal Association, applauded the effort New Era has put into making it to the forefront of futsal, and said the GFF supports football in any format.

Over $2 million in cash and priz-

es are up for grabs when the seven-day tournament kicks off from July 27, and culminates on August 18.

Over twenty teams from Linden, Georgetown and the West Side have signalled their intention to compete for the grand prize of $600,000.

Second place finishers will receive $250,000, while the third placed team will receive $100,000 and the fourth placed team, $75,000.

Chelsea sack Conte after 2 years in charge C

the last-16 stage after a 4-1 aggregate defeat by Barcelona.

In mid-October, the Blues were beaten by a Crystal Palace side who had gone into the match with no points from seven games, prompting Conte to dismiss rumours of unrest over his training schedule.

They suffered back-toback league defeats twice after Christmas - first by Bournemouth and Watford, and then against Manchester City and Manchester United - and a run of four straight victories late in the campaign could not secure a top-four finish.

Russian billionaire Abramovich took control of Chelsea in June 2003, with Claudio Ranieri - the future title-winning manager with Leicester - already in charge.

Ranieri lasted less than 12 months into Abramovich's reign, and was sacked in May 2004 after almost four years at the club. No manager has laste d t h a t long since.

Like a number of his predecessors, Conte has been dismissed the season after winning a major trophy. (BBC Sport)

Conte

year.

The club's Premier League opener is away at Huddersfield on 11 August.

Conte's 30 league wins in the 2016-17 campaign was a record until Manchester City produced 32 in 2017-18.

He set a club record 13 consecutive league victories. His league win percentage of 67.1% is better than Sir Alex Ferguson's 65.2% and only bettered by Pep Guardiola's 72.8% in the Premier League.

Conte's future was under scrutiny even as his side beat Manchester United to lift the FA Cup in May, but he remained in place at the club.

However, his exit has been anticipated all summer after the Blues missed out on Champions League qualification.

The FA Cup win means Conte who managed Juventus from 2011 to 2014 - has won a major trophy in each of his past five seasons as a club manager.

The 2017-18 campaign proved a fractious one for the west London club. Conte was outspoken about the congested festive fixture list and at times visibly agitated in news conferences when questioned about a public row with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea ultimately finished 30 points behind Premier League champions Manchester City and exited the Champions League at

Antonio

helsea have sacked manager Antonio Conte after two years in charge. The 48-year-old Italian, who returned to pre-season training this week, had one year remaining on his contract.

Conte won the Premier League in his first season and the FA Cup in May, but the team finished fifth in the league last season, missing out on Champions League qualification.

Ex-Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri is expected to succeed his compatriot at Stamford Bridge.

Should Sarri be appointed, he would be Chelsea's ninth full-time manager since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

During three years with Napoli, Sarri did not win a major honour but guided the club to second, third and second again - behind Juventus in 2017-18. The former Empoli manager was named Serie A Coach of the Year in 2016-17.

Chelsea announced on Friday that Conte had "parted company" with the club. A 61-word statement ended: "We wish Antonio every success in his future career."

For the sixth time in eight seasons the Premier League's title-winning manager has left his job by the following summer - if not earlier.

Conte has a clause in his contract that guarantees him a payoff, thought to be £9m, for the final

CLASSIFIED ADS

saturDAY, JUly 14, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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

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

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

670-2653, 638-8499

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

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

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

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

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

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

sports

Pugnacious Pant set up India A come-from-behind win R

ishabh Pant’s daring half-century helped India ‘A’ stage a daring come-from-behind win against the Windies ‘A’ in the second unofficial Test played in Taunton, England.

The Indians clinched the series 1-0 after successful-

Shamarh Brooks

of the game for most of the time.

India A's final tour game is a one-off Test against England Lions from July 16, one where a number

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

VACANCIES

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT. CALL OR WHATSAPP 680-3863 BOTTLE WASHER: FOR DETAILS. CALL OR WHATSAPP 680-3863 One manager to work at a hotel in Essequibo. Must have experience in said field. Accommodation provided. Attractive salary offered.

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

property for sale

SCOREBOARD Rishabh Pant

ly chasing a whopping 321 with five wickets in hand on Friday. Pant’s 67 not out eventually piloted the chase, but early contributions from Hanuma Vihari (68) and captain Karun Nair (55) were what enabled India ‘A’ to gun down the required 107 needed to win.

Off-spinner Jayant Yadav made 23 not out in an unbroken 100-run sixth-wicket stand with Pant to seal the win.

After being skittled out

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

Gated community, Versailles. Valued at $35M (Negotiable). Tel: 612-9766 PRIME LOCATION-PUBLIC ROAD, LOT 2 SARAH JOHANNA, EAST BANK DEMERARA. SIZE: 35*101 FT PRICE $6M NEGOTIABLE. TEL: 673-9231, 216-4063, 685-5476

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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

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

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

Blackwood headlined the innings as they lost their last nine wickets for 85. Rightarm seamer Mohammad Siraj, who ended with 8-132, starred with another four-wicket haul.

Shamarh Brooks played a captain’s knock in the first innings, as his 122 for the Caribbean side helped them post a 300-plus run total.

Coupled with Reifer’s 5-fer, it almost helped the Windies pull off an amazing win over the Indians, who were out

India A 192 (Bawne 43, Nair 42, Reifer 5-50) and 321 for 5 (Vihari 68, Pant 67*. Nair 55) beat West Indies A 302 (Brooks 122, Siraj 4-68) and 210 (Blackwood 67, Campbell 61, Siraj 4-64) by five wickets India A 2nd Innings (target: 321 runs) R Samarth c †DC Thomas b Reifer 18 AR Easwaran c †DC Thomas b Shepherd 31 KK Nair (c) c Campbell b Warrican 55 GH Vihari run out (Campbell/Warrican) 68 AR Bawne b Lewis 01

L

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

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

of Test specialists like M. Vijay, Mohammed Shami and Wriddhiman Saha are likely to feature ahead of the first Test against England on August 1st at Edgbaston.

RR Pant † not out 67 J Yadav not out 23 Extras (b 35, nb 4, w 19) 58 TOTAL (67.1 Overs, RR: 4.77) 321-5 Did not bat: V Shankar, S Nadeem, RN Gurbani, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-51 (R Samarth, 11.3 ov), 2-78 (AR Easwaran, 20.6 ov), 3-214 (KK Nair, 45.6 ov), 4-218 (AR Bawne, 48.4 ov), 5-221 (GH Vihari, 49.6 ov) BOWLING: S Lewis (16-2-641), O Thomas (12-1-64-0), RA Reifer (18-2-49-1), R Shepherd (9.1-1-571), JA Warrican (9-0-36-1), JD Campbell (3-0-16-0)

Swamy steers Guyana to 68run win over Leewards

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

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

for 192 in the first innings, courtesy of left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer’s 5-50, West Indies ‘A’ gained a 110-run lead before being bowled out for 210 in their second innings.

Half-centuries from John Campbell and Jermaine

taxi services

One pump attendant needed at Rubis-Bel Air. Please call or whatsapp 680-3863

21

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call:

223-7230 Ext 50

Leon Swamy

eon Swamy batted Guyana to a 68-run win via the Duckworth/ Lewis method over a stunned Leeward Islands side in round two of the CWI Regional Under-17, 50-Over tournament played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago.

While torrential rains ravaged parts of the country, washing out the other two second- round affairs, Guyana, batting first, made 116-9 in 28 Dwain Dick overs, with Swamy smoking 41 from 34 balls, with five fours and a six.

Guyana captain and opener Sachin Singh hit 19, while the ever-consistent Nigel Deodat chipped in with 14, as Tariq Newman snapped 4 wickets for 9 runs from six overs, with seamer Jaden Francis chipping in with 2 for16.

The clobbering was swift, as Guyana’s start-studded arsenal of bowlers rocked the feeble Leewards, with Silvan Williams (2-9), Dwain Dick (2-16), Deodat (2-7) and Andre Seepersaud (2-10) decimating the opposition for a mere 49 runs.

Guyana gained 6.2 points from the win, and an aggregate of 6.6 points after two games. The Leewards, who were second in the standings behind T&T, got 0.4 points and now sit on 6.6 points.

In the other games, T&T and Jamaica had to sit and watch the rain fall at the National Cricket Centre (NCC), as play was not possible in Central Trinidad.

Each team involved in the washout games got one point.

T&T, however, retains the lead, as with the point gained, its aggregate has moved to 7.2 points. Jamaica, which Andre Seepersaud had 0.4 point coming into this game, is now at 1.4.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, JUly 14, 2018

Chetson’s on board with Guinness Cage Championships C

lothing and Clark’s footwear giant Chetson’s, the ‘Home of Originals’, became the latest entity to throw its support behind the second annual Guinness Cage Street-ball Championship.

On Thursday, Managing Director Inshaan Ramkellawan made a donation of four replica size ADIDAS ‘Telsar’ FIFA World Cup balls and an undisclosed sum of money to Co-Principal of Three Peat Promotions, Rawle Welch.

Ramkellawan, speaking at the presentation, said he was happy to be associated with the tournament; adding that since it is intended to benefit communities and add to social cohesion and foster camaraderie among citizens of Guyana, he had no hesitation in offering assistance.

The 24-team tournament, which had its inaugural introduction last year at

Chetson’s Managing Director Inshaan Ramkellawan (left) handed over one of the balls to Three Peat Promotions’ Rawle Welch on Thursday at the entity’s location

the National Gymnasium, will visit the Haslington Market tarmac.

Teams from the East Coast Demerara,

Georgetown, Linden and West Demerara will compete in an event dubbed ‘East Coast’s best versus the Rest’.

Over $800, 000 in prize money will be up for grabs, while lucky fans will be able to win prizes over the five nights of competition.

“Keep Your Five Alive” Indoor KO Competition…

5L teams advance! inden’s Swag Entertainment provided fans with a glimpse of what is in store for opposing teams when they inflicted a crushing 6-1 drubbing on Georgetown’s Kingston as play in the "Keep Your Five Alive" Indoor Knockout Competition opened on Thursday night at the National Gymnasium.

Appearing in the third game of the night, Swag were led to victory through a brace each from Colwin Drakes, who netted in the 9th and 11th minutes; and Jermaine Grandison, who netted in the 6th and 13th minutes.

Clarence Huggins in the 7th, and Shane Luckie’s 20th minute strike completed their tally.

Kingston’s lone response came off the boots of D. Christian in the 8th minute.

Mocha’s Rhythm Stars were also in ripping form, dispatching Berbice Guinness champion Trafalgar 4-2, with Orville’s and Dorville’s solitary strikes supporting a pair from Steffon Stewart.

Led by a double from Seon Grant, Agricola eliminated Broad Street, while Ryan O’Selmo and Tsekedi Sealey’s single efforts were enough to secure Sophia’s win over newcomers Avocado Ballers.

In the final game of the evening, Leopold Street, one of the tournament’s favourites, beat Melanie 3-0, with their captain, Okenie

West Indies will beat Bangladesh in all 3 formats – Best

Part of the action in the "Keep Your Five Alive" Indoor Knockout Competition at the National Gymnasium

Fraser, firing in a treble in the 4th, 12th and 20th minutes respectively.

Buxton Diamond engage West Demerara Showstoppers, while the young Uprising team from the East Coast go up against Linden’s Silver Bullets.

Ol Skool Ballers then collide with East Coast BV, before Ann’s Grove and North East La Penitence take to the court.

The rejuvenated Tiger Bay unit then faces California Square, before Sparta Boss and Tucville bring the curtains down on the evening’s proceedings.

Meanwhile, the organisers are reminding teams

that only those winning will advance further in the competition.

Over $800,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs.

Rhythm Stars - 4 vs Trafalgar - 2 Rhythm Stars Scorers Steffon Ramsay in the 13th and 16th Orville Stewart in the 1st Dorville Stewart in the 18th

Complete Results

Entertainment - 6 Swag Scorers Colwin Drakes in the 9th and 11th Jermaine Grandison in the 6th and 13th Clarence Huggins in the 7th Shane Luckie in the 20th

Trafalgar Scorer Odari Miller in the 17th and 20th

Kingston Scorer D Christian in the 8th

Broad Street - 1 vs Agricola - 2 Agricola Scorer Seon Grant in the 2nd and 13th Broad Street scorer Akeem Sam in the 16th

Avacado Ballers - 0 vs Sophia-2 Ryan Oselmo in the 2nd Tsekedi Sealey in the 10th

Kingston - 1 vs Swag

Leopold Street - 3 vs Melanie - 0 Okenie Fraserin the 4th, 12th and 20th

Tino Best

I

n one of his twenty-four Test matches for West Indies, Tino Best did not make a huge impression with the ball as a speedster, but made headlines and history with the bat by churning out an outstanding performance.

At Edgbaston, against host team England in 2012, this Barbadian fast-bowler inked his name in the record books by scoring 95 runs, the highest by a number 11 batsman since the five-day version was inaugurated in 1877.

Currently in Toronto, Canada, as a television commentator at the Global T20 six-team tournament, Best has expressed deep confidence in the regional side dominating in three formats against Bangladesh.

The West Indies have already recorded a comprehensive innings and 219-run win against Bangladesh in the Test series which began recently at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda.

The seamers did the damage against the tourists on a pitch that appeared very responsive. Best’s compatriot, Kemar Roach, had memorable bowling figures in the first innings by snaring 5 wickets for 8 runs off five overs to help dismantle Bangladesh for a record-breaking 43, while Trinidadian quickie Shannon Gabriel claimed 5 for 77 from 12 overs to assist in cleaning up things in the second innings, when Bangladesh were skittled out for 144.

“I think they (WI) started the series well, and will continue to dominate the series in all three formats. The pitches are good

for fast bowling, and with these men in good form, they will do good against Bangladesh,” the 36-yearold Best opined.

Bangladesh’s tour of the Caribbean consists of two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and a similar number of T20s in the same sequence.

“Look, we have (had) quality fast-bowlers over the decades, and we will still continue to produce them. Kemar and Shannon were outstanding, and that would certainly put the Bangladeshis under tremendous pressure for the entire series, whether the Tests or the limited-overs,” Best opined.

Best has featured in 26 one-dayers for the West Indies, spanning from 2003 to 2013.

The second Test is currently being played at Sabina Park in Jamaica, and the West Indies have again been impressive with both bat and ball. That pitch is also expected to produce a result, according to the right-arm quickie, Best.

“The pitch in Jamaica is known to be very quick as well. Bowlers will dominate there too, especially our (West Indies) quickies.

Plus they have the psychological advantage against them (Bangladeshis), after bowling out them very cheaply in the opening Test,” Best related.

Prior to the start of the Test series, Bangladesh warmed up against a President’s X1 in a threeday match that was drawn.

They will play a 50-Over match against a West Indies Vice-Chancellor’s X1 before they get cracking in the One-Day segment.

(Ravi Madholall)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, JUly 14, 2018

23

Holder takes 5 as Bangladesh Devcich headed to Patriots ahead crumble again of Hero CPL 2018

B

angladesh were bowled out for 149 in reply to West Indies' 354, producing yet another inept batting display. Jason Holder led the home side's bowling attack with superb spells on either side of the tea interval. He removed three of Bangladesh's four most experienced batsmen - Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah

West Indies opted against enforcing the follow-on, but lost Kraigg Brathwaite, whose series ended with a low score when he was bowled by Shakib in the day's last over. It was a minor slip-up in an otherwise superb day for West Indies, which they ended on 19 for 1.

Till the tea interval, the two teams had taken one

Keemo Paul bowls

Tamim Iqbal became Keemo Paul's first Test wicket

and Mushfiqur Rahim - before completing his third five-wicket haul with the wickets of Mehidy Hasan and Abu Jayed.

session each. Bangladesh had taken six West Indies wickets for just 59 runs in the first session, as the home side were bowled out for

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite c Taijul Islam b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 110 DS Smith c Mominul Haque b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2 KOA Powell lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 29 SD Hope c †Nurul Hasan b Taijul Islam 29 SO Hetmyer c †Nurul Hasan b Abu Jayed 86 RL Chase lbw b Abu Jayed 20 SO Dowrich † c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Taijul Islam 6 JO Holder (c) not out 33 KMA Paul c Mominul Haque b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0 ML Cummins lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0 ST Gabriel b Abu Jayed 12 Extras: (b 20, lb 7) 27 TOTAL: all out (112 Overs, RR: 3.16) 354 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (DS Smith, 8.1 ov), 2-59 (KOA Powell, 24.3 ov), 3-138 (SD Hope, 57.2 ov), 4-247 (KC Brathwaite, 83.2 ov), 5-297 (SO Hetmyer, 94.5 ov), 6-302 (RL Chase, 98.1 ov), 7-318 (SO Dowrich, 105.3 ov), 8-319 (KMA Paul, 106.3 ov), 9-319 (ML Cummins, 106.4 ov), 10-354 (ST Gabriel, 111.6 ov) BOWLING: Abu Jayed (18-7-383), Shakib Al Hasan (22-3-600), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (29-993-5), Taijul Islam (25-4-82-2), Kamrul Islam Rabbi (10-1-340), Mahmudullah (8-1-20-0) Bangladesh 1st Innings Tamim Iqbal b Paul 47 Liton Das lbw b Gabriel 12 Mominul Haque c Hope b Gabriel 0 Shakib Al Hasan (c) b Holder 32

Mahmudullah lbw b Holder 0 Mushfiqur Rahim c Hope b Holder 24 Nurul Hasan † lbw b Paul 0 Mehidy Hasan Miraz lbw b Cummins 3 Taijul Islam b Holder 18 Kamrul Islam Rabbi not out 0 Abu Jayed b Holder 0 Extras (lb 5, nb 8) 13 TOTAL all out (46.1 Overs, RR: 3.22) 149 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Liton Das, 6.3 ov), 2-20 (Mominul Haque, 6.5 ov), 3-79 (Shakib Al Hasan, 23.1 ov), 4-79 (Mahmudullah, 23.3 ov), 5-117 (Tamim Iqbal, 36.3 ov), 6-117 (Nurul Hasan, 36.4 ov), 7-128 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 40.3 ov), 8-135 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 41.4 ov), 9-149 (Taijul Islam, 44.6 ov), 10149 (Abu Jayed, 46.1 ov) BOWLING: ST Gabriel (103-19-2), KMA Paul (9-2-252), ML Cummins (9-1-341), JO Holder (10.1-1-44-5), RL Chase (8-0-22-0) West Indies 2nd Innings KC Brathwaite b Shakib Al Hasan 8 DS Smith not out 8 KMA Paul not out 0 Extras (nb 2, w 1) 3 TOTAL (9 Overs, RR: 2.11) 19-1 Yet to bat: KOA Powell, SD Hope, RL Chase, SO Hetmyer, SO Dowrich †, JO Holder (c), ML Cummins, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-19 (KC Brathwaite, 8.1 ov) BOWLING: Abu Jayed (4-1-80), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2-1-80), Kamrul Islam Rabbi (2-0-30), Shakib Al Hasan (1-1-0-1)

354. But Jason Holder and Shannon Gabriel brought them back in control with two wickets each in the middle session, before a Keemo Paul beauty gave the fast bowler his first Test wicket.

Tamim Iqbal, who had survived two reviews, a dropped catch by Devon Smith at slip and several close shaves, finally fell for 47 in the final session. Paul beat his outside edge with an angled delivery that many experienced fast bowlers find hard to create.

Next ball, he had Nurul Hasan lbw for a golden duck although replays suggested that he had been struck outside off. But Mushfiqur at the other end didn't offer any help as Nurul walked away.

Mushfiqur's stay didn't last long either. He was caught by Shai Hope at gully, to give Jason Holder his third wicket. Miguel Cummins joined in the act with Mehidy Hasan Miraz's wicket, another lbw decision that was upheld after the review.

Holder's fourth wicket was Taijul Islam, bowled through the gate with Bangladesh still five runs short of avoiding the follow-on, The second session had begun badly for Bangladesh as they lost Liton Das and Mominul Haque quickly. Liton was slightly unlucky as replays showed that the Gabriel delivery would have missed his leg stump. Liton, too, didn't review.

Mominul's difficulty dealing with the full ball continued when he edged to gully for the second time in the series while on the move.

His dismal scores read 1, 0 and 0 so far.

Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim handled the West Indies attack better thereafter, adding 59 runs for the third wicket. They struck a number of fours through point and cover, but had loose moments. An over after he was dropped, Holder removed Shakib with an incoming delivery that he misread and attempted to cut.

Mahmudullah was then

trapped leg-before for a second-ball duck.

Bangladesh's batting difficulties made it easy to forget how well Jayed and Mehidy had bowled in the morning session. Shimron Hetmyer, through his second Test fifty, showed glimpses of a classy left-hander willing to find gaps in the offside ring. But on the second morning, there was no solidity of Kraigg Brathwaite at the other end, with whom he had shared a 109-run stand on the first day. Jayed removed him for the addition of only two runs to his overnight 84. Roston Chase followed soon, continuing his difficult year in Test cricket, as Jayed trapped him leg-before for 20.

Mehidy removed Paul and Cummins to complete his five-for, but some lusty hitting in a last-wicket stand of 35 helped the hosts stretch past 350. (ESPNcricinfo)

Anton Devcich

T

he St Kitts & Nevis Patriots have announced that Anton Devcich will be joining them for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League which bowls off from August 8.

The New Zealander will be replacing spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who will now be with South Africa on their tour of Sri Lanka, and then will be representing South Africa ‘A’ until the end of August.

Devcich, a 32-year-old spin bowling all-rounder, has had previous experience with the Hero CPL, having played for the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2016. Known for his lavish beard, the batsman has played 16 times for New

Zealand, having represented his country in ODIs and T20 Internationals.

Speaking about the arrival of Devcich, Patriots Head Coach Donovan Miller hailed the Kiwi as a class player who offers a huge amount with the bat, ball, and in the field. He further noted that Devcich’s experience in international and franchise cricket around the world will be a real asset to the Patriots this season.

Meanwhile Devcich and his team will have the chance to show their skills when they open the tournament against multiple time finalists Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Providence National Stadium, Guyana.

saturday, JUly 14, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Devcich headed to Patriots ahead of Hero CPL 2018 Keemo Paul, in his newlyminted Test cap, began the journey against Bangladesh

Holder takes 5 as Bangladesh crumble again

Pg 23

Pg 23 Jason Holder celebrates with teammates

New Era/Mohamed’s Enterprise 5th Annual Futsal tourney launched

ENGLAND… OR BELGIUM? Pg 19

Pg 20

Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane are battling it out for the Golden Boot

TODAY'S GAME

Mohamed’s Enterprise CEO Nazar Mohamed (centre) hands over sponsorship and the 2018 Mohamed’s Enterprise Championship Trophy to NEE's Shareef Major (second left) in the presence of Aubrey Major Jr (left); Stag’s Seweon McGarrel (right) and NEE Director Kenrick Noel

ENGLAND V BELGIUM? 3rd place playoff - Match Time:10:00AM

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