Guyana Times Epaper - Thursday, August 16, 2018

GTU to meet Govt today on salary P impasse 3

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Issue No. 3657

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Mid-Year Report 2018

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Opposition calls for more exemptions as Govt bumps up revenues by $13.7B Page 14

16-year-old escapes from Sophia holding P2 centre Flag hoisted to celebrate India’s 72nd Independence Day P15

Natural gas eruption

Capped well at Diamond explodes Page 10

GGDMA calls for CoI into Brazilian P2 miner's death

Linden financial agencies benefit from P9 AML/CFT sensitisation seminar Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Wednesday received a courtesy call from Miss World Guyana Ambika Ramraj at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency. During the meeting, Harmon encouraged the Guyanese beauty ambassador to showcase the beauty of Guyana’s diversity at the international pageant slated for December

Wales sugar workers protest for redundancy payments Page 11

Several injured in P11 La Jalousie 2-vehicle collision

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GGDMA calls for CoI into Brazilian miner’s death

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he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to be launched into the death of a Brazilian miner who was shot and killed on Saturday by two Police Officers in Puruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The Association made calls via a strongly worded statement to the media on Wednesday which highly condemned the action, and more so the officers, who committed that act.

“No one in the Government is doing anything to help miners, they are just applying pressure.

We are demanding our respect… there seems to be no one in charge of the mining sector and the Government is yet to articulate its policy on continued mining in Guyana,” the GGDMA stated in the release.

The organisation bashed the Finance Ministry for not addressing issues within the sector.

“When the Minister of

Finance takes to the media to bemoan and lament the dismal performance of the Guyanese economy, he must address the outstanding issues under his portfolio that are negatively impacting the industry and then look squarely in the face of his colleagues who, for the last four years, have mismanaged and neglected the industry which carried Guyana on its back,” the GGDMA added in its release.

In addition, the body said it has taken note of the increasing levels of bullyism which is seemingly going unnoticed by the Government, which is clearly responsible for the downturn in the mining sector.

“There is an increasing level of bullyism taking place and public officers are clearly operating outside the law without consequence… death, corruption and frustration are now the pillars on which the current Government seems to be moulding the industry”.

The Association against this backdrop said that

Brazilian miner Estevão Marquês Costa was shot and killed

“Mining is surely on the down turn and the blame for this lies squarely at the feet of the current Government”.

It complained that is has now been more than three years since the coalition Government took office and the President is still refusing to meet with the larg-

est Private Sector employer in the country. “We will not take it anymore.”

Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on the 37-year-old miner’s body on Wednesday suggested that he died as a result of a single gunshot wound to his head. Reports are that the bullet entered the man’s head from the back and exited the front.

It was reported that Estevão Marquês Costa was shot and killed by two Police Officers; one has since admitted to the killing.

The two Police Officers were taken into custody after they allegedly murdered the Brazilian miner in Puruni, Region Seven and attempt-

ed to get rid of the body on Saturday last.

It was reported that a Subordinate and a Constable – who are stationed at the Kurupung Police Station – abandoned their post on Friday and reportedly left on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to patrol the area but for some reason left their jurisdiction via a boat and went to a landing in Puruni.

Upon their arrival in the area, the Police Constable reportedly exited the boat and went to a shop a short distance from the landing while his subordinating officer reportedly waited in the boat.

Soon after a loud explosion was heard and the oth-

er officer who remained in the boat was told by the Constable that the miner discharged a round at him and in retaliation, he returned fire. This was however refuted but the mother of the now dead man who has accused the Police of murdering her son.

She told detectives that her son was shot at close range by the Constable. The officers, she claimed, even made attempts to burn her son’s body but the miners stopped same from happening.

The two ranks remain in custody as investigations continue.

16-year-old escapes from Sophia holding centre

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he search is on for a sixteen-year-old boy who reportedly escaped from the Juvenile Holding Centre, Sophia, Greater Georgetown last week.

According to the Public Security Ministry in a statement on Wednesday, the teen, Leon Patterson, was discovered missing on August 9 when his mother went to visit him at the facility during the 12:00h to 13:00h visiting period.

An immediate search of the premises and surrounding areas was done for the

young man but it proved futile. Security cameras were reviewed which revealed that one juvenile was emptying garbage, while the escapee was seen walking towards the admin building unaccompanied.

Another camera showed the teenager later exiting the admin building through the back door.

The relevant authorities were immediately informed and the facility was visited

by A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman and other officers

of the Guyana Police Force where they took statements.

In addition, a search of the Sophia area was immediately done by Police ranks from A and C Divisions but the teenager was nowhere to be found. When contacted, Chapman told Guyana Times that the teen is yet to be found. He noted that they had received some information but were unable to verify same. Nevertheless, authorities are asking anyone with information that can lead to the recapture of 16-year-old Leon Patterson to contact the nearest Police Station.

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, August 16 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, August 17 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, August 16 – 07:35h-09:05h and Friday, August 17 – 08:15h-09:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

GTU to meet Govt today on salary impasse – fresh counterproposals expected

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies with light showers can be expected in the morning, with sunny weather in the afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 07:58h and 20:18h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.51 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:52h reaching a minimum height of 0.70 metre.

wednesDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

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Education Minister Nicolette Henry

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team of executive members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) headed by its President, Mark Lyte, will be heading into another round of discussions with Government today.

Lyte had initially expressed concerns over statements made by Education Minister Nicolette Henry on Wednesday in relation to the issues between the two entities.

The GTU President also claimed that the Minister’s statement on the negotiations was “laced with inaccuracies”, as he explained that there was never any plan for a follow-up meeting.

“The Union having looked at the counterproposal indicated what we were in agreement with and what we didn’t agree with. Some were withdrawn, and we said we wouldn’t pursue them,” he said.

However, Lyte argued that there was no plan for a follow-up meeting, because at the end of the last one on Thursday, August 9, the idea was for the Union to accept what they had on the table.

He said, “Whether in the minds of Government, it was implied; the Union cannot work on implied meanings.

What was said at the table is this is what Government can afford…the ballpark figure.”

Lyte maintained that there was no plan for a follow-up and consideration given to coming up with another figure. “The (Education) Ministry never offered that option,” he emphasised.

Further, the GTU President believes that the ballpark figure was disrespectful to teachers, “because if you look at it, that figure divided among 10,000 teachers, we were not talking about a multi-year payout, we were talking about a oneyear payout.”

He reasoned that had the GTU accepted that proposal, that money would have amounted to $5000 per teacher per month across the board for one year.

“So what happens to 2016 to 2020? We could not have accepted that ballpark figure. The other ballpark figure that was on offer was debunching,” he added.

The GTU official said that the Union has been engaging the Administration about debunching that is outstanding with an agreement that was established since 2011.

“We believe one Government inherits what another Government had signed and, therefore, we hold this Government responsible for paying debunching,” he stated.

Lyte noted that Government was requesting that the Union forget about that agreement and agree to a debunching payoff of $200 million for 2018-19.

“Now that is disrespectful!” he said.

The GTU on Tuesday received correspondence from Minister Henry with an invitation outlining that there was to be a follow-up meeting and the Union now had to justify what it was proposing.

The GTU President said that that was discussed in the task force set up for that purpose, and there was a green document that the task force would have created with the justifications.

Having looked at the contents of the letter, Lyte said the Union had to seek some clarity from the Minister before it agreed to have discussions surrounding the issue.

GTU President Mark Lyte “We already know what we proposed, what was accepted and recommended by the task force … So what is being put to the table has no bearing to what was discussed in the task force? So why did we meet in the task force in the first place for five months?” he questioned.

Lyte continued, “These are all the questions that cause us not to want to trust the Administration to go to the extent to say we are going to the table again. To do what?

On Monday, the GTU circulated a letter to inform its members that they were not to report for pre-term activities until further notice, as it mobilised teachers for a planned strike. The Union has also urged head teachers to also begin handing over school keys to the respective regional education officials.

Lyte told this newspaper on Tuesday that a majority of teachers were against the Administration’s “unreasonable” proposals brought to the Union. The GTU Head added that for now, a “full out” strike has not begun, but if nothing came to the table, there would be picketing and later, several marches.

The Union Head envisions that 90 per cent of teachers in the public schools were ready to support the GTU’s move.

Negotiations have been ongoing since 2015 when the Multi-Year Agreement came to an end.

The meeting between both parties is expected to take place at 14:00h at the Ministry.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

UWI’s fitting honour to Shiv

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t has been announced that later this year the University of the West Indies (UWI) will confer an Honorary Doctors of Law on former West Indies Test cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

This prestigious title is in recognition of the yeoman and selfless service this humble son of Guyana would have given to country, the Region and the world through the glorious gentleman’s game of cricket.

What it means to Shiv and the many others across the cricketing globe who are aspiring to emulate him is that hard work does indeed pay off. There is a cliché: the road to success is long and arduous. For Shiv, it has been no different and his success in an extremely competitive sport demonstrates that dreams can be realised even for those whose aspirations may have been shrugged off as an impossible endeavour.

To say that Shiv’s early life in the village of Unity was from humble beginnings may be an understatement. However, his father, having seen the potential in him at a very young age, helped nurtured that talent with the firm belief that one day the efforts would be fruitful.

The long hours spent on the Unity foreshore by father and son with makeshift bats was an integral part of the process of unearthing that talent. That dedication and love of a father to help develop his son’s talent and that belief of a son in his father and himself was not only a special relationship but one that will remain a source of inspiration to all.

Clearly, there must have been challenges in those early years regarding the lack of critical resources for development and realisation of such potential. That didn’t strangle hope as belief and the passion for success were unwavering. From the foreshore to the playing field of Shiv’s first game as part of a team would not have only been something of profound joy and pride, but the beginning of a long journey for the realisation of the bigger dream.

Everyone dreams, but not everyone gets to realise his/her dreams. With the passage of time, thousands of Guyanese were able to witness first-hand and to share the moment when Shiv’s dream of playing for the West Indies cricket team was realised in March 1994 against England aptly in Guyana at the famous Bourda Ground. As he walked out to bat, he was given a rapturous Guyanese welcome through sustained thunderous applause.

It was a moment in history as Guyanese from diverse groups united in unbridled pride to welcome a son to Test cricket.

Uniting a multiethnic country might not have been foremost on their minds while on the foreshore, but ironically and maybe not coincidently, the boy from Unity joined that prestigious list of countrymen, who, through their participation and exploits in the game, united a nation with a troubled history.

What years after became troubling for him and fans across the world was the manner in which he left the West Indies team having become only the third player with an international career that spanned over two decades behind Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya. During that career, he ended up playing the most Test matches (164) for a West Indian player and becoming the second highest Test run scorer in the Region (11,867 runs) just 86 behind Brian Lara.

Currently, he is number eight in the world in terms of the most Test runs. In 2008, he was named one of the five cricketers of the year and was awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. Many felt, that given his invaluable contributions to West Indies cricket, he should have been allowed to continue a bit longer and be given a fitting and deserved send-off as many of his competitors would have received from their teams.

The lack of that expected send-off irked many not the least Shiv.

Brian Lara subsequently said, "I was very disappointed that Shiv was not allowed a couple of more Test matches, not necessarily to break the record but to have a proper send-off. Something I think he is very disappointed [about] and unfortunately that did not happen. That guy with the most Test matches for the West Indies, playing for over 20 years, I don't think people in the West Indies understand exactly his contribution."

Lara’s sentiments reflected those of fans. The UWI’s announcement is, therefore, not only welcomed and timely but fitting for a man who, through the unifying force of cricket, brought an entire Region of various countries together. That contribution will remain priceless and will echo in the future and throughout history.

That boy who walked out on that sunny morning in March at Bourda while fidgeting at his gear realised not just his dreams, but those of a nation that yearned for unity even if it was momentarily. This continues through the CPL as evident as Guyanese rallied around the Guyana Amazon Warriors through packed crowds at the Providence Stadium a few days ago in a continuous journey from Shiv to Shimron (Hetmyer).

First Lady Sandra Granger received a courtesy call from the Fifth and Sixth San Fernando Brownie and Junior Guides of Trinidad and Tobago at Baridi Benab, State House on Wednesday

VS Naipaul’s death an incalculable loss Dear Editor, VS Naipaul’s scholarship has touched every corner of the globe. Unlike most other writers, his writings covered many subjects. And he wrote courageously, critiquing Third World societies, especially their leaders, for mimicking the developed world that they condemned.

I found VS Naipaul very pleasant and engaging in our brief exchanges. I encountered Naipaul in January 2003 at the Sheraton Hotel in New Delhi where we both were staying and attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention organised by the Government of India. Naipaul was a keynote speaker (and an honouree of the Samman Award) of India’s Government.

His 30 books and countless stories, essays, commentaries, and interviews touched many societies and subjects. It touched, besides literature, several subjects in the social sciences and humanities like Politics, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Fine Arts, among others. And not surprisingly, his writings are used in colleges in several subjects.

Some of his books are pre-

scribed for use not only in literature but also in History and other subjects. Most writers tend to focus on only one field of specialisation and one geographic area on which to write. VS Naipaul is perhaps the only writer who has written on virtually every major region or continent and his literary works aptly described life in those societies. His works are used in literature on the Middle East, India, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the USA, and the UK for he wrote about all of these societies. And there is perhaps no university in the world, where Naipaul’s works are not read in the field of literature.

When I first entered university as a youngster at age 17 to study the medical sciences, it was required to take a humanities course. I opted for Africana Literature; VS Naipaul’s works were required reading. And when I did History in graduate school, my late Professor Arthur Schlesinger (advisor to President Kennedy who approved the plan to overthrow the Dr Cheddi Jagan Government in Guyana in the 1960s) required a couple of Naipaul’s books on the course “The Novel

as History”. Prof Schlesinger did the same on the course on “Imperialism”.

His writings were also prescribed for secondary schools.

When I first became a teacher, my supervisor asked me to teach two classes in English Literature. Naipaul’s “Miguel Street” was a prescribed work.

Naipaul’s legacy as a writer and scholar is assured. He is widely regarded as a great writer in the English language. At a lecture followed by a question-and-answer period at Queen’s College (Queens, NY) around 1979, his audience was held in awe of his use of the English language. He spoke brilliantly on writing style and the use of language to describe events and societies. The New York Times reporter, who also interviewed him, described Naipaul as the best writer in the English language.

Naipaul’s nearly seven decades of prose (and social science commentaries) is unmatched by writers of his generation. His 30 books, countless essays, dozens of stories, and several commentaries won him international acclaim and fans everywhere. He was a courageous writer and no

subject (including practices in several belief systems) was taboo to him. His early writings were simple and comical, but later ones were written in complex prose and considered more serious on issues about society. Although some of the novels may be considered fictional, they described real-life experiences that Naipaul encountered. This helped his writings to be recommended for use in several subjects and to attract millions of readers.

He and his wife were also interviewed by the Indian and international media, and he gave several talks in Delhi in addition to the PBD. He subsequently attended another PBD. The world will miss Naipaul’s sharp-tongued, witty commentaries on society.

But what he described yesterday about many societies and subjects are still apt today for those societies and the lifestyles he critiqued have not changed much. His death is an incalculable loss for the world for there are few writers of his calibre around.

Sincerely, Dr Vishnu Bisram

The death of a Guyanese scholar abroad – our Government must push for answers Dear Editor, A young, brilliant Guyanese scholar, Yogeeta Persaud, of the simple village of Zorg, on the Essequibo Coast, died suddenly last Sunday in Peru. Guyana lost a young lady, whose potential was unlimited. Guyana lost a young lady who, while still very young, already contributed more than most Guyanese to our national image and national psyche.

When she topped the CSEC at the national level, she made all Guyana proud, but she also brought pride to Essequibo and particularly her school, the Anna Regina Multilateral School, and her village. While her parents and her family were proud of young Yogeeta, her achievements not only elevated their status, her accom-

plishment as a teenager elevated Zorg, her school, and Essequibo.

Her achievements included being the top CSEC student in the Caribbean in 2013, bringing pride and honour to a whole nation. Most Guyanese would have never met her, but all knew her name. I was privileged to have met her more than once. Yogeeta may not have been our own child or sister or related to us in any way, but at that moment we shared her successes and she was one of us.

Earlier, she was one of Guyana's top NGSA students and in 2014, was a top performer in CAPE. As a Guyanese scholar, Yogeeta went on to study Biochemistry at Stony Brook University in Long

Island, New York, where she again proved to be a top student. Her brilliant journey took her to Peru where she was combining vacation with volunteer work, being a volunteer with "Volunteer Doctors Around the World".

Yogeeta's short but brilliant journey on earth ended in Peru last Sunday after a reported fall.

Yogeeta died while extending a helping hand to people she did not know personally, but who she felt linked to by her humanity. From the reports, there is nothing for any one of us to think that something untoward happened. There does not seem to be anything suspicious about her death. There is no one that can be blamed. As her parents, family, friends and fellow villagers mourn her passing, all of

Guyana join in mourning and celebrating a life that brought pride and honour to our country. While there is nothing for us to be suspicious and there does not seem like there is anyone to blame, her parents and many of her Guyanese sisters and brothers would like to know more about how young Yogeeta died. The Guyanese Government must help find answers so that as we say goodbye to a brilliant Guyanese soul, we can do so knowing that nothing untoward caused her death.

To her parents, family, friends, villagers and her school, I send my profound sympathies. May her soul rest in peace.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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

CTHH is a dangerous idea that borders on squandermania Dear Editor, The ramifications and nuances of Dr Clive Thomas’ proposed cash transfer of $5000 (all cash amounts are in US$) to all households (the CTHH) are unclear as Professor Tarron Khemraj notes in another section of the media. This essay looks at an aspect of the distribution issue, leakages via imports, inflation and the speculated boost to entrepreneurial development.

Any action, including policies, undertaken by the Government has distributional implications, which can be especially contentious in an ethnically fractured society such as Guyana. The CTHH will undoubtedly improve welfare but would leave absolute inequality among households (HH) unchanged.

Suppose the average income of the 50 per cent poorest HH (x) is $3000 and that of the richest 50 per cent HH (y) is $5000 per year. The HH inequality gap is y – x = $2000. Now assume each HH gets $5000 per year as a gift from God (whoever that person is).

The average income of these two sets of HHs rises to $8000 and $10,000, respectively. The gap is still y - x = $2000. The absolute inequality gap is unchanged and will be unchanged as long as all HHs receive a transfer of the same magnitude.

That is only the first-round effect. Spending the $5000 largesse has second-round, thirdround, etc, effects. My spending on dhal and chicken becomes your income, part of which you

will spend on rice and aloo.

Your expenditure becomes the income of someone else, and the process goes on for quite some time, round after round.

In the end, the cumulative effect of the $5000 will be magnified, depending upon the magnitude of marginal propensities.

The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) refers to the proportion of extra income spent on consumption. For example, if $4000 of the $5000 is spent, the MPC is 4000/5000 = 0.80, but this figure is most likely to be much higher. Every time there is an injection of new demand into the circular flow, there is a multiplier effect, which magnifies the initial injection. The general formula for calculating the multiplier (k) is: k = 1/1MPC. With an MPC = 0.8, k = 5.

A multiplier of 5 means that every $1 of new income generates $5 of extra income. Since there are 93,260 HHs in Region 4, $466 million will be injected into this region’s economy. With an MPC = 0.8, the cumulative impact, which will take several years to wear out, will be around $2.3 billion.

For Region 2 with 12,444 HHs, the final effect will be around $404 million. In contrast to the initial injection which leaves HH inequality unchanged, the multiplier effect impact is unlikely to be neutral. The final impact depends upon structural features of the regional and national economies, poverty and literacy rates, among other things.

The MPC is likely to be highest in interior regions fol-

lowed by coastal regions and the economy as a whole. Over time, then, the CTHH could change consumption, income and wealth inequalities for better or worst.

The above assumes a closed economy, which is a fiction.

Guyana is an extremely open economy, with import of goods and services exceeding GDP. Imports have historically exceeded exports, which is why there is a perennial current account gap. We simply consume more than we produce. Ipso facto, then, the cash transfers will lead to leakages. What fraction of the bonanza leaks out to other countries via imports? The answer is supplied by the marginal propensity to import (MPM), which is the change in imports/ change in income.

Usually the change in imports is calculated in relation to disposable income (amount available for spending and saving after taxes), but the latter does not exist. I use GDP instead. Even so, it is difficult to calculate Guyana’s MPM because of the weird behaviour of total imports. On the other hand, the MPM of consumer goods was about 0.22 in 201617; the figure for total imports is likely to be significantly higher. This means that each dollar of extra income injected into the economy induces 22 cents on consumption good imports.

Of the total cash transfer of $1.1 billion in 2020, $220 million will leak out on additional consumption imports.

Naturally, the leakage does absolutely nothing to improve the

productive capacity of the economy, which includes investment in people.

When leakages are taken into consideration, the expenditure multiplier and thus the cumulative impact of the cash transfer becomes smaller. With an MPC = 0.8 and MPM of consumption goods of 0.22, k = 2.4, which means that the final effect of the CTHH in Regions 4 and 2 will be $1.1 billion and $145 million, respectively, less than half of the amount without leakage via consumption goods imports. The leakage will be different by regions, depending upon their MPMs. One serious implication of an unconditional gift of the magnitude proposed by Thomas is this: it could negatively impact the agricultural sector and compromise food security. Even more young people will refuse to go into agriculture now that they are being showered with manna from heaven.

The oil bonanza will simply be diverted to consumption, including alcohol, cigarettes and imported luxury items, some of which are associated with poor health outcomes. With time, the cash injection will drive up the cost of health, pumped up by the incidence of rising non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular events.

What would be the effect of the CTHH on inflation? Food prices are an important driver of inflation, according to the IMF, as are the current accommodative monetary stance and rising prices of imported com-

modities. The IMF predicts rising inflationary pressure, but not much work exists on inflation in Guyana; the last comprehensive study, published in 2000, was done by R Gampat.

According to him, the principal drivers of the inflationary process are expectations of inflation, excess money supply, cost of imported commodities and excess demand in that order of importance. A 10 per cent increase in these drivers will collectively push inflation up by about 20 per cent. The cash injection of $5000 per HH would boost these variables, with the exception of imported commodities, by some multiple of 10 per cent.

It is reasonable, then, to predict that the injection will drive inflation up by more than 50 per cent above its present level.

This means inflation will possibly reach around 5 per cent by 2021, which is much higher than the IMF forecast of 3.5 per cent for that year. I do not think this rate of inflation will exert a strong negative impact on growth. Indeed, it will be necessary for a poor, overheated consumption-driven economy.

A recent letter in Kaieteur News argues that the cash injection will “intensify entrepreneurial development” . This argument is short-sighted for the simple reason that capital is not the most important constraint to entrepreneurial development in Guyana.

Instead, the major constraints to doing business in Guyana are red tape, corruption, poor polices, a labour force

lacking in industrial discipline and the requisite skill set, erratic and unreliable supply of electricity, poor and inadequate infrastructure, lack of market (the domestic market is too small), lack of appropriate incentives, a consumption-oriented psychology and short-termism. A consumption binge rather than entrepreneurial development is likely to be the immediate outcome of the CTHH. Unlike the Phoenix that arose from the ashes, an entrepreneur does not arise suddenly from a cash injection of $5000 per HH per year. Entrepreneurial development is a long-term process that requires vision, strategic thinking, ability to spot opportunities and capitalise on them, discipline, appropriate behavioural change, foresight and animal spirits (ability to make nimble decisions under conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity that characterise the modern economy). It also requires Government guidance and nurturing. Overall, I continue to hold that the CTHH is a dangerous idea that borders on squandermania. We seem to forget that the windfall from the short-lived sugar bonanza (1974-75) was frittered away recklessly. Those who prefer to forget the past are condemned to repeat it. Judging from the reaction to the CTHH proposition, vested interest fixes attention to academic scribblers who hear voices in the air.

Yours truly, Ramesh Gampat

GTU must take some responsibility for current situation Dear Editor, I sincerely hope that the current impasse in relation to the contract for teachers could be resolved without a prolonged saga; our teachers deserve better. Having said that, I cannot help but feel that the Guyana Teachers Union must also take some responsibility for the current sad situation our teachers find themselves in. This position was arrived at as a result of the following three points: 1. The initial offer proposed could at best be regarded as reckless and would have contributed to the perception that the Union is not taking this process seriously. It is one thing to devise a wish list for consideration under ideal circumstances and entirely another to establish a basis for serious engagement in the best interest of those you represent.

The proposal from the Union was clearly the former and would have undermined their ability to sit at the table and engage in worthwhile negotiations without seeming to lose significantly – let us be real, a 40 per cent increase for over 9000 teachers retroactive to 2015 in this economic climate is a tall ask. Add that to the request for debunching, which any government would balk at given the enormity of the payout, you leave yourself in the untenable situation we currently face.

More importantly, the Union seems to lack the capacity to devise alternative practical arrangements that

would see the disbursement of those funds over a protracted period in forms that would see teachers potentially benefiting without an actual cash payout – it appears that they are hoping that the Government would devise same and they will wait forever for that.

2. The Guyana Teachers Union, whether they would accept it or not, appeared to be playing politics all along rather than strictly sticking to the business of teachers’ welfare.

Unfortunately, like other unions in Guyana, the GTU showed its hand early in 2015 when the pre-existing contract expired under the previous Government and just prior to the general elections they decided to ‘work to rule’ as a form of protest for not arriving at a speedy contract renewal engagement. Three years hence, they have not yet treated the business of teachers’ livelihoods with equal urgency and allowed themselves to be exposed in numerous charades and exercises in futility.

The fact that it was Minister Ally who was sent to the meeting with the GTU, instead of someone with more authority to fully address the issues at hand, speaks volumes in relation to how the Union is regarded by the Government. One could only assume that she was sent there to appeal to their political sensibilities.

As such, the opportunity for objective and balanced engagement has long been

squandered and teachers are now in a rather tenuous situation. Few would be surprised if in a few days a different pronouncement is heard from the Union regarding some compromise that leaves teachers in no better position than they currently are – that has been the pattern, talk big then back down.

3. The GTU has failed to establish themselves as a formidable force that would give them the clout to truly orchestrate the coup they are attempting. Their laughable mini protests to date, with the same faces I might add, are a reflection of the fact that they are out of step with the masses they represent. Teachers are not engaged in the type of professional experiences that would move them to develop the collective consciousness that the Union is now desperately relying on. The

occasional meeting and some cases of advocacy on the part of teachers within the system is a far cry from the role this Union should play in the lives of the almost 10,000 teachers they represent.

The Union needs to demonstrate that they are contributing to the professional development of teachers on a consistent basis. Teachers need to see tangible evidence that they are part of a professional association that contributes to their professional and personal advancement.

On this count, the Union has failed miserably.

Unfortunately, our teachers are now asked to awaken some dormant affiliation to a cause that they have no faith has been handled in the best manner.

The almost three-year delay in promotions a few years ago did nothing to help thou-

sands of teachers who saw their professional advancement delayed for an issue few still understand –who really won? In the midst of this crisis, this might be bitter medicine for the Union to stomach, but it should at the least

awaken a desire to do better in the future, because simply put, our teachers truly deserve better.

Sincerely, Vivian D Brotherson

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Foundation

By Megan Devine

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ye-rolling and insults, backtalk, snide comments: disrespect from your child or teen comes in many different forms. If you’re struggling with disrespectful behaviour from your children, you’re definitely not alone: this is one of the biggest topics of conversation between parents and our online parent coaches.

The truth is, disrespectful behaviour is one of the inappropriate ways children, especially teenagers, try to solve their problems.

Children can feel powerless in the face of rules and expectations, and talking back and showing disrespect are two ways they try to take some power back. If they can drag you into an argument, that’s even better: now you’re arguing about respect instead of focusing on their curfew or their homework!

The reasons behind disrespectful behaviour include the perfectly

“You can’t demand respect, but you can require that your child acts respectfully, no matter how they feel about the situation.” normal and healthy process of your child growing up and away from his identity as a younger child. Teens naturally seek more independence as they get older, and mild disrespect is one way that independence gets expressed.

But as James Lehman writes: “While it’s important to allow for the natural ‘breaking away’ process that comes during the teen years, parents also have to be sure to identify and challenge any truly disrespectful child behaviour that is hurtful, rude, or demeaning to others.”

Here are five almost guaranteed ways you can unknowingly encourage disrespectful behaviour in your child – and what you can do instead: Take everything personally or overreact Pretty much every teenager pokes relentlessly at their parents, expressing their frustrations in various ways. Eye rolling, scoffing, smirking – those are all tools in the teenage arsenal that convey their disregard. And as we all know, those mild, irritating behaviours can really get under your skin. Children are looking for those weak spots, those places where they can drag you into defending yourself or your rules. If you take it personally, it’s going to be really hard to respond effectively. If you react to every single one of those behaviours, you’re not likely to see any change in your child. While these things are annoying, they aren’t necessarily something to correct. James Lehman talks about ignoring the little disrespectful things your child does – especially if she’s otherwise complying with your rules. The kid

who mutters under her breath as she stomps off to do as she’s told is behaving like a typical, normal kid. It’s when your kid treats people badly while refusing to comply with expectations that you need to jump in and correct the behaviour.

What to do instead: Decide which behaviours you’re going to focus on, and which you can ignore. Remember that those mildly irritating behaviours aren’t about you, they’re simply an expression of frustration. Your role is to deal with your child or teen’s behaviour as objectively as possible. It doesn’t mean you won’t be irritated! Just find ways to handle that emotion away from interactions with your child, if possible. Let it go, and stay focused on the topic at hand.

Bad-mouth other people Life is stressful sometimes: bosses are challenging, neighbours get too loud, family members can be irritating. As a parent, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to show your children how you manage your behaviour when you’re annoyed or upset. Children “watch us for a living,” as the Lehmans say. If you talk badly about others or treat other people with disrespect, don’t be surprised if your child follows suit.

What to do instead: Parents have to role model better behaviour for their children.

Remember, they’re watching you, even if they don’t seem like they care what you do. If you value respect, model respectful behaviour.

Do your best to show them the way it should be done.

Take your child’s side Wait, what? What does taking your child’s side have to do with disrespectful behaviour? Let’s say your child complains about how much homework he has, calling the teacher names and generally being disrespectful toward her. You might agree that this particular teacher does give too much homework. If you take your child’s side in this case, you might say you agree that you think the teacher is stupid, and that she’s doing a terrible job. You agree that your child doesn’t have to do all that homework because clearly, the teacher is wrong.

When you side with your child, in effect joining them in disrespectful behaviour, you’re showing them that you don’t have to be respectful to someone you disagree with. The message your child hears is: if you think someone is wrong, then you have a right to be rude.

What to do instead: The truth is, neither you nor your child has to agree with someone in order to treat them respectfully. Even if you think the teacher (or the coach, or the boss, etc) is wrong, let your child know that regardless of how they feel, they still need to find a way to act appropriately.

One added bonus of this approach is that your child will most likely encounter plenty of people in his adult life he disagrees with. Help him learn the skills he needs to handle those disagreements in a calm and appropriate manner. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

D

ay trips, vacations and special outings create special memories and great learning opportunities for families.

Here are a few "stops" to make before your visit to help your child get the most out of a family or school educational experience.

First stop: Your public library Whether you're going to the zoo or to an amusement park, your library will have great nonfiction and fiction books about your destination. Full of colourful photographs and interesting facts, these books can provide great background knowledge to enhance your trip.

Second stop: Your destination's website or brochure Most locations have websites, and many include special sections just for kids. These often include maps, games, information about special exhibits and shows, and fun facts.

Third stop: Your house Is anyone in your house a collector? Now is a great time to share your collections and talk about their history. Whether you collect coins, stamps or rocks, your child will enjoy sharing these collections with you. Grandparents, extended family, and neighbours may want to share their collections, too! This is a great time to talk about the different types of collections you might see at the museum you're about to visit.

Fourth stop: Your kitchen table After gathering information from books, websites, and your house, sit down as a family and plan your trip. Have your child help in the planning by using a calendar or for day trips, simple clock faces. For example for a trip to the zoo: "10:00, watch lions eat breakfast, 11:00 visit new bird exhibit, 12:30 watch otters take a bath." This is also a great time to write out a packing checklist. A simple notebook made from lined or blank paper can help record the plans, and can also turn into an informal travel journal to take with you. Wherever you go, have a great time, and find simple ways to take literacy with you! (readingrockets.org)

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Judicial Review Act

Nandlall accuses AG of avoiding personal service of court order – to file contempt of court proceedings today

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

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espite several efforts to serve Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams personally with a copy of Chief Justice Roxane George’s order which compels him to bring the Judicial Review Act into force by July 31, 2018 have thus far proven futile, another action will be taken.

Attorney Anil Nandlall claimed that during an attempt to serve the AG with a copy of the order at his office at 95 Carmichael Street, Georgetown on Wednesday, he was informed by his personal assistant that the Attorney General cannot be served personally by a marshal with an order of court.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), a

copy of the said order was served by a marshal on the Personal Assistant of the Attorney General at the AG Chambers. On Monday, a copy of the said order was also served on a Clerk at the Attorney General’s Chambers, as well,” Nandlall claimed.

As such, the Attorney General said he could only conclude that the AG is acting above the law, by avoiding personal service. “The arms of the law are very long. I have outlined sufficient evidence which will establish to any court that the AG is aware of the order and that he is avoiding personal service of the same,” he said.

Nandlall said he has accumulated enough evidence in relation to service and will move to file contempt of court proceedings today. “It is unfortunate that a person holding such offices is demonstrating such gross disrespect for the Judiciary and the rule of law, generally,” he added.

The Solicitor General and two other lawyers from the Attorney General’s Office were present in Court when Chief Justice George made her Order. The ruling of the Chief Justice, according to Nandlall, was carried on the front-page of at least three daily newspapers of

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

Guyana, the day after it was made.

“This Administration, from the President to its most Junior Ministers, have repeatedly and callously demonstrated crass disrespect for the laws of this country, our Judges and the legal process and of course the Constitution. It is up to the Judiciary to now play its part,” he opined.

Last year, Nandlall, a former AG himself, moved to the court to have the following issues addressed: 1) Whether the Minister had discretion to bring into force the Judicial Review Act after the promulgation of Civil Procedure Rules; 2) Whether the Minister had

Armed men storm Providence business – employee confesses to staging robbery

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ive armed men with handguns held three security guards at gun point and bound their hands and feet before making their way into a business establishment at Plantation Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday.

The perpetrators reportedly removed a safe with valuables that was in a section of the building which housed a family employed by the business’ owner. During the ordeal, the intruders assaulted one of the family members after demanding the keys for the safe.

As the suspects were fleeing the premises with the safe, they saw a Police patrol and were forced to abandon their loot and escape.

Based on closed circuit

television footage, a male employee of the company was seen aiding the suspects in the commission of the crime to which he later confessed to have staged.

Two of five suspects

have since been arrested and will be arraigned today along with the employee who confessed to staging the robbery. Stringent efforts are being made to have the others apprehended and charged.

The Police in a release stated that those to be charged are Gilbert “Gaza” Burrows, 25, of Lot 190 Elizer Street, Lodge Housing Scheme; Terron “Stereo” Niles, 32, of Norton Street, Bagotstown, EBD; and the employee, Deodat Ramdhanie, 21, of Lot 52 Block Y Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

a duty to issue the order to bring into force the Act; and 3) Whether the Honourable Court can compel the Minister to fulfil his duty.

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

After reviewing all the affidavits files by both sides, and legal arguments, Chief Justice George on Monday, May 28, made

the Order Rule Nisi absolute, and directed the Legal Affairs Minister to bring the Judicial Review Act into force. The court also ordered Williams to pay to the applicant $100,000 in costs.

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana welcomes the recent High Court ruling that compels Attorney General Basil Williams to implement the Judicial Review Act. The Council deems it a move which fills a lacuna in the new Civil Procedure Rule 2016.

According to the Bar

Council on Thursday, the implementation of the Act remedies a lacuna in the new Civil Procedure Rules of 2016, which contain procedures contemplating remedies under the Act. The legal body further outlined that it had previously raised the matter of the implementation of the Act at a meeting with Williams, during a July 22, 2017 meeting, and then again by way of letter dated November 15, 2017 requesting the urgent implementation of the Judicial Review Act.

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Labourer slapped with armed robbery charge

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labourer found himself before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday morning after he reportedly carried out a daring robbery at Albert Street, Georgetown.

Gary Thomas, 23, of Lot 15 Cummings Park, Georgetown, denied that while being armed with a pair of scissors, he robbed Yasad Seoram of his mobile phone, wallet, driver’s licence and $19,700 in cash.

The incident reportedly took place on August 13, 2018.

Thomas told the court in his denial of the incident that he was walking along Albert Street towards the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) when he was

Gary Thomas being escorted by Police

stopped by a Police Officer and searched.

He added that he told the officer that he was headed to see his mother who was hospitalised and as such, was sent on his way.

However, while walk-

ing, the defendant related that he saw a crowd and enquired what had happened and at that time, he was told that a man was attacked and robbed.

He told Magistrate Azore that moments after that, he

was surrounded by a group of men who began to assault him, claiming that he was the man who carried out the robbery.

As such, he proceeded to the Police Station where he reported the matter but was subsequently held and told that he was being charged for the said robbery.

Police Prosecutor Warren Thornhill had no objections to bail being granted but requested that it be set at a substantial amount.

Bail was granted in the sum of $50,000 and Thomas was ordered to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station on a weekly basis. He is expected to return to court on September 26.

Knife-wielding teen Vendor charged for charged for double robbery setting home on fire

A

knife-wielding teenager who attacked and robbed two persons in Georgetown was on Wednesday arraigned with the crime when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Eighteen-year-old Samuel Forde denied the allegations which stated that while being in the company of others and being armed, he robbed Sarah Brown of her handbag and cash valued at $58,000

on July 16, 2018. He was also accused of robbing Nicholas Brown of his cellphone on the said day at the same location.

Police Prosecutor Thornhill objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the seriousness and prevalence of the incident.

Nevertheless, Magistrate Azore granted bail in the sum of $100,000.

Forde is scheduled to make his second appearance on September 26.

A

vendor who set fire to a building at Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was on Wednesday last slapped with the charge of arson when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Forty-eight-year-old Ron Cromwell of Dowding Street, Kitty, denied that on August 13, 2018, he unlawfully and maliciously set the building belonging

to Hameshwar Sanchara on fire, thus causing damage amounting to $100,000.

On the same day at the same location, the man also used threatening remarks against John Lewis.

The accused was granted bail in the sum of $80,000 for the offence and was ordered to report to the Kitty Police Station on a weekly basis. He will return to court on September 26.

Relooking…

N

…at Teachers’ salaries ow that the Teachers Union has threatened to strike, the PNC-led Government has scurried to placate them! Minister Henry says as far as she’s concerned, they still “talking”. From what the goodly Minister has revealed – over three full pages of advertisement in SOME of the dailies – it’s clear the major sticking point is the 40% salary increase for 2016, 45% for 2017, 50% for 2018 and 2019, and 55% in 2020 the teachers are demanding.

After reaching an impasse at the negotiating table, the Govt proposed and the Union accepted (the Ministry says) the services of a “specialist” to work with them.

Now this is where your Eyewitness has some problems understanding what’s going on. The Government has been insisting it’s willing to grant increases – but based on what “it can afford”.

Now what does this mean? The Government provided (it says) a “ball park” figure based on the “present salary scales” – but it has not made public which “ball park” it picked. Bourda, for instance, is very much smaller than Providence!! From the teachers union’s response – strike!!

– it would seem the Government’s “ball park” can’t facilitate their demands.

So, is the ‘specialist’ a neutral person who’s authorised to pick a bigger “ball park”? Or is he just supposed to come up with various permutations and combinations that would divvy up the same old, non-acceptable “ball park”? If it’s the latter, then the Government is just wasting the services of the (paid) “specialist”. Even though the Guyanese student population may be challenged mathematically, your Eyewitness is pretty sure the teachers already sliced and diced the Government’s “ball park” and found it severely wanting (more!).

After all, the Teachers Union is inclined to support this government and wouldn’t want to embarrass it unnecessarily, would it? So, unless all of this is an intricately choreographed flamenco dance with tons of stamping of feet and angry glances, but which would end up with a tight embrace and a lip lock, the Government would’ve been behaving outside the norms of politicians looking to get re-elected!!

And what are those norms?? First, you consolidate your base by any means necessary – including doing what’s not in the best interest of the country. Like unaffordable raises!

The teachers of Guyana – like the Public Servants they’ve been lumped with for the salary increases over the past two years – are PNC supporters. And this means – unlike PPPites – they’d be willing to challenge their government on economic grounds. They mightn’t actually vote PPP in the 2020 elections if they don’t get their way. But they may stay at home.

Is the PNC willing to play Russian Roulette? Your Eyewitness thinks not! A settlement will come!! …at African gold miners The Ministry of Natural Resources ran their latest fortnightly full page ad bigging themselves up – Natural Resources Extracts – to wish the country “Happy 180th Emancipation Anniversary”. They declared: “The descendants of freed Africans were the pioneers of the mining industry in Guyana and the industry stands on their shoulders.”

More specifically, the descendants of the freed African slaves pioneered the GOLD Mining Industry – along with the Portuguese – late in the 19th Century. They were the famed and fabled “pork knockers” who went into the bush in search of fortune. “Fame” came from their exploits when they returned to the coast with (literally, in some instances!) money to burn!! Very few of these hardworking pork-knockers parlayed their gold into substantial businesses, like the Portuguese families did. But at least both groups of gold miners were Guyanese.

Unfortunately, our present leaders haven’t learnt the lesson from those days. Today, most of our gold’s being mined by big expatriate firms that transfer their money to their “home” countries – to facilitate development there.

And we’re left to “such salt”. …at “elders” Your Eyewitness noted that old-time PNC enforcer Hamilton Green signed his letter affirming support for Clive Thomas’s “cash for oil” proposal, as “Elder”.

Is this the African designation or is he just acknowledging he’s old?

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

News

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Linden financial agencies benefit from AML/CFT sensitisation seminar

Some of the participants at the seminar

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he National Coordination Committee of the Legal Affair Ministry on Wednesday hosted an AntiMoney Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT) Outreach and Sensitisation Seminar in the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The sensitisation seminar, which is being hosted across the country, is considered an important aspect of Guyana’s preparation for its upcoming fourth round mutual evaluation.

Presenters who spoke at the activity stressed the importance of reporting any suspicious financial activities by representing agencies. Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams in his remarks noted that Guyana is at the forefront of protecting its financial economy from the scourge of mon-

ey laundering and terrorist financing as he pointed out that persons have been trained to perform the role of assessors. "...you have to give information of suspicious transactions and also the banks and other financial related bodies, you have to submit to the FIU, threshold reports. That is if a financial transaction exceeds a certain amount of millions...,� the Minister noted.

He added that having convictions is also important in being effective.

Director of the FIU in relation to the fourth round, Matthew Langevine, in his presentation noted that the fourth round is very important in ensuring that the country does not return to the position of being blacklisted.

He said Guyana is currently experiencing significant economic change and

should this occur the country would be significantly affected.

Langevine stressed that it was important for participants to leave the seminar more informed of their roles in fighting money laundering and terrorist financing.

"You as reporting agencies, you have a very important role to play in this process because it starts with you. You are what we call the gatekeepers, because you will see the irregularities first and so it is important that you be trained and you be aware of what is usual, what is normal, what is abnormal. And when you see things that are not normal it is important that you bring it to the attention of the authorities," Langevine said.

He added that money laundering is real and existent in Guyana and representing agencies have an

important part to play in collaborating with the FIU. He noted too that the recognition and action in dealing with these issues are not only required by law but by the International community which will be looking to ensure that regulations are implemented.

In cases where they are not, he said sanctions will be applied.

Langevine pointed out also that money laundering is often predicated by other crimes such as drug trafficking, prostitution, racketeering, bribery, corruption and others crimes where the jail time is six months to the death penalty.

Director of the Bank of Guyana's Supervision Department Ramnarine

Lal who spoke of the obligations and responsibilities of reporting entities pointed to the role of the bank as a supervisory authority for licensed financial institutions.

As such, he stressed that it is important for agencies to know their customers.

"A reporting entity, whether it's a credit union, a money transfer agent, a bank or otherwise, must know the customer who they're dealing with. And by knowing the customer it means you have proof of their identity...," he indicated.

Lal said agencies must also have adequate records of the customer which must be periodically updated, adding that reporting entities must also query and report suspicious or unusual financial activities to the FIU. Also addressing the gathering was Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Sydney James who explained the role SOCU has in investigating all money laundering and

terrorist financing offences.

He said the majority of investigations which naturally flow from the FIU, with the two main areas being money laundering and terrorist financing.

He stressed also that since gold is found in such large quantity in Guyana, there are individuals who illegally export the mineral in significant quantities.

This, he noted, is also another aspect where SOCU is involved.

Also delivering remarks were Legal/Compliance officer of the Guyana Gold Board, Stacey Weaver; Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer, who spoke of the role and functions of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Regional Chairman Renis Morian; and Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell who gave welcoming remarks.

The seminar was attended by staff of the banking and insurance agencies, the Linden Chamber of Commerce, the Private Sector and the Co-ops.

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thursdAY, august 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Natural gas eruption

Capped well at Diamond explodes

The two mini eruptions in the yard at Diamond

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breach in the pipeline that was used to cap the gas pocket that exploded back in June in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, has caused a blockage which in turn saw several mini gas eruptions at the Diamond, East Bank Demerara, residence.

The eruptions occurred

sometime around 01:00h on Wednesday at the same Sixth Avenue, Great Diamond home where contractors had hit a natural gas pocket causing an immediate explosion two months ago.

The exposed area was initially capped and the gas was being released into the atmo-

sphere through a pipeline.

However, that pipeline became compromised with a sand blockage; and as a result of this blockage, the gas was unable to escape and the built up pressure resulted in the gas being released through other compromised openings. There were at least two mini-gas eruptions

while various spots in the yard could be seen bubbling.

“Actually the entire subsurface has been compromised from the drilling and blowout they had in the first case so now it’s very difficult [to stop] because if you walk around the yard you will see bubbles all around the yard… [The mud, water and sand mixture] was flowing through that pipe earlier this morning but now it stopped because of the sand blockage it can’t flow through [the pipeline] and so now it’s going to find anywhere through the weakest points to come escape,” Senior Petroleum Technologist attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Mitchell Prince, explained.

He added that debris from the collapsed trestle and the derelicts from the drillers along with the fact that the engineers could not find the exact location where the initial drilling was done, all contributed to this second explosion.

Nevertheless, he noted that steps would be taken to clear the pipeline so that the gas can

be released through it and not find other compromised channels to escape.

“We’re gonna remove that pipe and we’re gonna pass a drill down that hole and flush the well out,” he noted.

About a decade ago, a similar gas explosion in the nearby Golden Grove saw an apparatus being constructed and

sure because what you’re having is back pressure,” he said.

When asked whether the GGMC will be looking at using the tank at this location as well, the Senior Petroleum Technologist said that decision is not up to him.

Meanwhile, as the GGMC works along with other stakeholder bodies to clear the pipe-

The initial explosion

installed to trap the gas in a tank which was release into the home for domestic use. While tests done in June had confirmed traces of methane gas, officials opted not to trap the gas this time and instead released it into the atmosphere.

However, Prince told Guyana Times the former option could have been more effective.

“It’s a case where you have [gas] coming into the pipe and it gotta be utilised… It would reduce some of the back pres-

line so that the gas can be released through it, the Senior Petroleum technologist is assuring concerned nearby residents there is nothing to worry about. However, GGMC’s Commissioner Newell Dennison had told Guyana Times that they will have to await the completion of the clean-up exercise for an assessment to be done on the crater before commencing works on the apparatus. continued on page 16

11 Wales sugar workers protest for redundancy payments S news

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ugar workers of the Wales Estate staged a protest outside the estate on Wednesday, demanding their redundancy pay after they were asked to move their operations to the Uitvlugt Estate.

These workers were retained by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to be engaged mainly in the paddy experiment, which the Corporation was pursuing in the former cane fields of Wales.

However, according to their union, they were instructed on Monday morning without any warning to report for work at the Uitvlugt Estate, which is located some 22 miles from their operation base.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union

(GAWU) said the affected workers approached them and upon making enquiries, they were told by the Corporation’s Head Office that the operations were taken over by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited – Special Purpose Unit (NICIL-SPU).

They said they were further informed that two workers would be retained to maintain the Wales Estate compound and the remainder would be sent to Uitvlugt Estate.

GAWU, taking into account GuySuCo’s explanation, pointed out to the Corporation that the workers’ jobs have become redundant and, therefore, the payment of their severance benefits is necessary.

Some of the workers at the Wales Sugar Estate on Wednesday

Notwithstanding the coherent position, GAWU noted that GuySuCo is adamant that the excess workers must take up work at Uitvlugt. This, the Union believes, is in contravention of the Termination of

Employment and Severance Pay (TESPA) Act and furthermore sees GuySuCo’s “undemocratic” action as an attempt to make the workers leave their jobs, thus denying them their rightful entitlements.

Several injured in La Jalousie 2-vehicle collision

S

everal persons were injured on Wednesday morning following a two-vehicle collision at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

According to information received, the incident involved a Toyota Spacio motorcar and a route 32 minibus bearing registration plate BVV 4757.

Guyana Times was informed that the motorcar was heading to Parika, East Bank Essequibo and the minibus was a short distance behind proceeding in the The minibus which was involved in the same lane. collision at La Jalousie However, the Toyota

Spacio reportedly came to an abrupt halt, resulting in the minibus slamming into its rear. The driver of the minibus reportedly told Police that due to the wet roadway conditions from the morning’s rainfall, he was unable to stop the vehicle in time. All of the injured persons were reportedly passengers in the minibus.

Meanwhile, another accident was also reported on the Den Amstel Public Road after a driver swerved from hitting a cow and careening into a nearby ditch. However, no one was reportedly injured. Police are continu-

ing their investigations into both accidents.

The actions that were taken here is somewhat similar to that which was taken by the Corporation some time ago with regards to the Wales sugar workers, who were later forced to address the matter at the judicial level.

“That matter, we should add, is currently being heard and despite the unambiguity of the law, the Corporation continues to steadfastly hold onto its obstinate position.

The GAWU is dismayed that it must, once again, call on the GuySuCo to respect workers’ rights and the protections afforded to them by the laws, agreements, conventions and practices,” the Union stated.

When the Wales Estate was downsized in 2016, just over a hundred sugar workers from the sugar estate suffered the same fate when they were also sent to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate for duties there.

Following their refusal to commence work 22 miles

away and the Union citing that it was beyond the stipulation that the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA) allows, the workers staged several protest actions calling for their severance payments.

However, GuySuCo maintained that the workers were not entitled to severance, with former acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the entity, Paul Bhim saying that GuySuCo had honoured all its obligations regarding the payment of severance at the Wales Estate.

GAWU being the representative body for the sacked workers took the matter to court in March of 2017.

Since losing their jobs in late 2016, the former Wales Estate workers, their relatives and other residents in the surrounding communities have complained of depleting finances and sustenance challenges.

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Mid-Year Report 2018

Opposition calls for more exemptions as Govt bumps up revenues by $13.7B

W

hile the performance in the traditional sectors of the local economy has not been favourable, the coalition Government has managed to rake in millions more in revenue from the collection of taxes.

According to the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report 2018, the fiscal outturn in the first half of the year was as a result of both improved revenue performance and expanded public expenditure outlays.

Revenue collections were driven mainly from taxes, both current and arrears, while public expenditure expansion resulted from additional costs associated with the restructuring of the sugar industry.

“Revenue collections totalled $109.2 billion, at endJune 2018, 12.4 per cent above the corresponding period, in 2017, due primarily to increased collections from all the major tax categories,” the report stated.

Income taxes increased by $5.3 billion, while Value Added Tax (VAT) increased

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali by $3.4 billon; Excise Tax increased by $3.0 billion; and trade taxes increased by $2.0 billion.

Over the same period last year, VAT from imports of goods and services grew by $2.0 billion, while VAT on domestic goods grew by $1.3 billion, primarily from higher payments in the telecommunication and wholesale and retail trade sectors.

Tax revenue collec-

tions remained significant, during the first half, representing 92.2 per cent of total revenue collected, of which arrears accounted for $6.3 billion.

However, non-tax revenue collections decreased by $2.8 billion reflecting a reduction in special transfers from statutory bodies, as programmed for the year.

Revenue from excise taxes rose by $3.0 billion, to $19.8 billion, during the current review period.

Collections from imported petroleum products accounted for $2.4 billion and motor vehicles imports, $527.0 million. Excise tax collections from domestic supply increased by $60.5 million to $2.2 billion.

And total non-tax revenue, decreased by $2.8 billion to $8.5 billion during the first half of 2018. This performance reflects less transfers from statutory agencies. Royalties collected by Central Government rose by $717 million, as a result of higher gold production from the two largescale gold mining compa-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

nies.

Meanwhile, within the tax category, internal revenue collection increased by $6.7 billion, reaching $48.3 billion, during the first half of 2018. This increase was primarily attributed to higher payments of private corporation tax, withholding tax and personal income taxes.

“Private corporation taxes increased by $870 million, or 5.0 per cent, reflecting higher payments of advance taxes from commercial banks and companies within the services sector as well as increased collection of arrears, due to increased surveillance

work,” the report stated.

Withholding tax grew by $1.9 billion, or 46.5 per cent, reflecting payments from companies within the oil and gas, services and mining sectors, which grew by $0.9 billion, $0.8 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, during the period January to June, 2018. Arrears accounted for $677 million, during the review period.

Further, net property tax of the Private Sector was $3.1 billion, of which individuals payments were $797.7 million, an increase of $195.1 million above payments received for the same period, in 2017. Arrears were $266.2 million, higher than the $128.1 million collected in January to June 2017.

While this may be positive for Government, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has long argued that Government’s tax-oriented approach to growth and policies is among the key factors responsible for the deteriorating economy, with increases for every category of taxes on income, property, production and consumption, and international trade, including environmental taxes.

Opposition Member

of Parliament Irfaan Ali through a motion had called for the restoration of the purchasing power of the people by removing the imposition of the VAT on zero-rated items, new fees and licences, and an increase in taxes which were included in the 2016 and 2017 budgets.

The 3000-word long document extensively lists a number of measures that the parliamentary Opposition believes should be implemented to “stimulate the economy and reduce poverty and hardships.”

The PPP made recommendations for improvements to the tax framework, the finance sector, the business sector, infrastructural development, energy sector, education social services, health, agricultural sector, Amerindian welfare, the sugar industry, the rice sector, among others.

Ali had argued that the implementation of the recommended policies is critical to the creation of an environment more conducive to the growth and expansion of the economy, the creation of jobs, sending the right signals to the Private Sector, and, improving the welfare of the people.

news

15

thursdAY, august 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

MMP Foundation Flag hoisted to celebrate India’s continues to 72nd Independence Day contribute to the education sector Indian High Commissioner to Mahalingam during his address

I Some of the recipients with members of the Foundation on Tuesday

T

he Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud Foundation for Excellence (MMP) has made a huge impact on the lives of students attending secondary schools along the central Corentyne Coast.

On Tuesday, a total of 28 students received new school bags stocked with some of the essentials they will need in the classroom during the new school term.

Additionally, the Foundation issued travel vouchers to 10 students and Internet allowances to another three for the next year.

Speaking at the simple handing over ceremony, Secretary of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Dave Budhu explained the Foundation was established in October 2016 with the aim of providing financial support to students facing dire circumstances which consequently affect their ability to continue their education.

Those students who received the donations on Tuesday were chosen after consultations were done with the schools. The students had to have an excellent attendance record and also had to record high grades.

Meanwhile, Budhu noted that many of those who are diligent in their pursuit of academic excellence would often face challenges.

“The sad reality is that a lot of students who have the ability to succeed at the secondary level are forced to drop out because they do not have the resources needed, however limited. We want to play our part to reduce school drop

outs in the Corentyne area and eventually countywide,” the Foundation’s Secretary said.

Explaining what the MMP Foundation has been doing over the past three years, Budhu said in 2016, it started with JC Chandisingh by paying the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) fees for 10 students and rehabilitating the female washroom as well as the head teacher’s office.

He noted that the first recipient of the Foundation's scholarship was Mahendra Phagwah, who recently wrote 13 subjects at the CSEC examinations.

“In 2017, we have expanded our educational programme and would have paid the CSEC fees for 41 students to ensure they sit the 2018 exams While 19 students were provided with backpacks and other school supplies, three students were provided with travel allowances and Internet bill for one year. We also handed over a bicycle to one student to make his commute to and from school easier.”

The organisation, this year, will be paying the fees for 100 students sitting CSEC in 2019.

“Over the past two years, the MMP was the proud sponsor of feeding programmes at several schools. These included JC Chandisingh, Port Mourant Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary among others; also there was the MMP debating competition for secondary schools in Berbice,” the Secretary said on Tuesday.

n commemoration of India’s 72nd I n d e p e n d e n c e Anniversary, the Indian High Commission on Wednesday held its annual flag-raising ceremony at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

In the company of Indian officials and other invitees, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venachatachalam Mahalingam delivered an address made by the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on the eve of the country’s Independence Day. Prior to this, the flag of India was hoisted on the lawns of the compound and the National Anthem of India was recited.

One of the themes which were reiterated throughout the day was freedom and the way it should be utilised for the benefit of others.

“We are fortunate that

Guyana,

Venachatachalam

we have inherited the legacy of such remarkable patriots.

They left us with a free India, but they also left us with unfinished tasks for the development of our society, for the empowerment of the proverbial last person, for their liberation from a fundamental level, upholding the principles of our freedom struggle,” Mahalingam said in reading the President’s message.

On the sidelines of the event, Mahalingam stated, “Today is the Independence Day of India. We celebrate Independence Day all over the world and today, we would’ve already celebrated the 72nd Independence Day on a larger scale at the Red Fort in Delhi.”

He added, “This is a day that we commemorate to remind both India and the world of how far our ancestors struggled to get independence from the colonial rule and how we should maintain

The flag-raising ceremony at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre

the peace and independence that we have gained over the years.”

Youths were also urged to build their capacities for technology, entrepreneurship, craft, music, sports and other areas which could har-

ness unlimited human capital.

The High Commissioner noted that in addition to this celebration, India will also be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

16 news

thursDAY, august 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stabroek ‘cobblestone’ will remain intact – King

A

s City Hall moves to temporarily relocate the Stabroek Market Wharf vendors to the Route 42 Bus Park, Town Clerk Royston King on Tuesday said that the historic stone sections in the area would remain intact and in some cases, would be restored.

King, the remaining stone sections at Stabroek will remain. He added that further damage to the area in the relocation process would not be allowed. King told Guyana Times that the already damaged 19th century stones would soon be restored. It is expected that the vendors could be moved to the Minibus Park in three weeks’ time, but the city wants to rehabilitate several sections first.

Georgetown will next Sunday commence City Week whereby the Mayor

Sections of the deteriorating Stabroek Market Wharf (file photos)

time now. However, the city is waiting on the Public Infrastructure Ministry to restore the structure that extends into the Demerara River.

The budget for the complete refurbishing of the Wharf was pegged at some $400 million.

The drivers are now parking on Bugle Street.

In the Stabroek area lie several sections of the stones called setts, which were popular in the 1800s.

Setts are often referred to as "cobbles", although a sett is distinct from a cobblestone in that it is quar-

and City Council (M&CC) will host a series of activities to commemorate Georgetown’s 175th Anniversary.

The activities planned include an arts and craft exhibition on Main Street, a health fair, cocktail reception and a beachfront party at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Stabroek was the colony’s capital before it was merged with surrounding sections and renamed Georgetown in 1812.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

MatPal to train mariners in oil and gas – sailors graduate from workshop

From left seated: MatPal Administrator Coleen Abrams, Captain Derrick Erstine, and Transport and Harbours Department Manager Marcelene Merchant A section of the setts, often referred to as "cobbles", at Stabroek, Georgetown which require some preservation (Dexter Ceres photo)

This restoration comes as Georgetown celebrates its 175th anniversary.

The relocation was seen as necessary as the vendors on the wharf have been plying their trade in unsafe and deteriorating conditions for quite some

King had earlier announced that the vendors would be moved to two city-owned locations. In the meantime, the vendors, for the foreseeable future, will be selling in the space where the displaced Route 42 buses were stationed.

ried or worked to a regular shape, whereas the latter is generally a small, naturally-rounded rock. However, much of the historic stone covered up or replaced by asphalt and concrete pavements in the older parts of the city. According to

T

he MatPal Maritime Institution on Wednesday announced plans to train mariners for the oil and gas industry, as 47 sailors graduated from a two-week workshop.

Cognisant of the fact that training in the area of oil and gas was now vital, the MatPal Institution related that plans were moving full steam ahead so that the mariners would become knowledgeable.

The announcement was made at the Transport and Harbours Department’s head office in Kingston, Georgetown during a simple graduation ceremony for the 47 sailors, who recently completed the training in various fields related to safety management at sea, among other areas.

MatPal Administrator Coleen Abrams said, “It is our aim to, in the very near future, to begin offering [Tropical Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training] T-BOSIET and other safety training specifically

geared for persons embarking on being employed within Guyana’s oil and gas industry and so, even as that materialises we will keep the public informed and we will keep having engagement with companies that are seeking to make their entrance into the oil and gas industry.”

She added that the training would be vital to not only locals but foreign employees of oil giant ExxonMobil.

“For persons working onboard the supply vessels, contracted by ExxonMobil as well as the drill ships that are also contracted by ExxonMobil. There is a level of training that is required for them, while we do the safety training at MatPal Marine, because of the volatility of the crew, of the cargo that is carried onboard by those vessels,” Abrams added.

The training sessions for the sailors who graduated were held between April and May as a result of a partnership between MatPal and the Transport and Harbours Department.

Capped well at...

“It is intended that we will construct an apparatus, we will construct the conductor casings that we would want to put into the vent; those things will have to be constructed.

But I wouldn’t want to preempt what it is exactly that would have to be done because there might be modifications of what is intended and what we observe, after the full clean-up

and actually get a good look at the orifice that has been presented to us,” Dennison has explained.

At about 18:00h on June 14, 2018, construction workers were drilling a well at the Lot 1200 Section A Block ‘X’, Great Diamond, residence (between Sixth and Fifth Avenue) when they hit a natural gas pocket causing an immediate explo-

It is aimed at developing the capacity of sailors in various departments of the Transport and Harbours Department.

The mariners were trained in basic safety, ship security awareness, survival and safety and several other areas.

The Administrator of the Department stressed the importance of training as she noted there were several areas, such as safety management which often required attention.

“For the group of persons who have been trained so far, they will function on board of the ferries of the Transport and Harbours Department plying the routes of the Rosignol to New Amsterdam crossing, the Parika to Supenaam crossing as well as the Georgetown to Vreed-enHoop crossing. Those persons will function in the capacities as with the bowmen, speedboat operators and captains, ordinary sailors, coxswains, able body seamen, engineers as well as deck officers,” she informed. from page 10

sion, which lasted the entire night with fluctuating eruptions, as high as 30 feet of various substances, including soot.

Local stakeholder agencies had since come together to monitor the situation.

According to officials, the gas emanating does not pose any threat to surrounding neighbours and as such, a safe zone was established in the area.

thursdAY, august 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

New Paraguayan President Lula registers for Brazil race Abdo Benítez sworn in from jail as thousands rally

R

ight-wing former Senator Mario Abdo Benítez has been sworn in as the new president of Paraguay after defeating his liberal rival in April elections.

Abdo Benítez is the son of a close aide to ex-military dictator Alfredo Stroessner, and has faced criticism for defending the former leader’s record.

He replaces Horacio Cartes. Both are from the conservative Colorado Party. The 46-year-old says he will take a law-and-order stance and implement business-friendly policies.

Paraguay has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years. General Stroessner ruled the country from 1954 to 1989 and is viewed by critics as one of Latin America’s most secre-

B

Mario Abdo Benítez was sworn in for a five-year term on Wednesday

tive and sinister dictators.

The new President has recently tried to distance himself from his father Mario Abdo Sr’s political background, saying that he wants to be called by his nickname rather than the first name that he shares with his late father.

“I am not the son of... I am Marito,” he said.

However, media in Paraguay noted that he drove to his inauguration in the white Cadillac used

by General Stroessner to attend military parades. The car belongs to Abdo’s family and has been used by other presidents following the return to democracy, including his predecessor, Horacio Cartes. (Excerpt from BCC News)

Afghan officials: Taliban attack in North kills 30 troops

A

Taliban assault on two adjacent checkpoints in northern Afghanistan killed at least 30 soldiers and Policemen, officials said, as life gradually returned to normal on Wednesday in parts of the eastern city of Ghazni after a massive, days-long insurgent attack, with sporadic gun battles still underway in some neighbourhoods.

In Kabul, a suicide bomber targeted a training class for university students in a private building in a Shiite neighbourhood on Wednesday afternoon, killing one person and wounding 12, officials said. The attack set off a gun battle with security guards in the area

and officials expressed fears that the casualty toll would rise.

In the northern Baghlan province, the Taliban set fire to two checkpoints after the attack late Tuesday in the Baghlan-I Markazi district, said Mohammad Safdar Mohseni, the head of the provincial council.

Dilawar Aymaq, a parliamentarian from Baghlan, confirmed the attack, which targeted a military checkpoint and another manned by the so-called local Police, militias recruited and paid by the Interior Ministry.

Abdul Hai Nemati, the governor of Baghlan, said at least nine security forces are still missing and four others

were wounded in the attack.

He said reinforcements have been dispatched to help recapture the checkpoints.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the assault.

Meanwhile, Afghans emerged from their homes and some shops reopened in Ghazni, where the Taliban launched a coordinated offensive last Friday, overwhelming the city’s defences and capturing several neighbourhoods. Afghan forces repelled the initial assault and in recent days have struggled to flush the insurgents out of residential areas where they are holed up.

(Excerpt from MSN)

Qatari emir vows US$15B Turkey investment after Erdogan meeting

E

mir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has said Qatar is standing by its “brothers in Turkey” as he announced a US$15 billion investment into the country’s financial markets and banks.

The emir’s comments on Wednesday came after holding talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Turkey’s capital. Turkey is currently grappling with a currency crisis and heightened tensions with the United States, its NATO ally.

Sheikh Tamim is the first foreign head of state to visit Ankara since the standoff with Washington began last week. “We stand by the brothers in Turkey that have stood with the issues of the Muslim World and with Qatar,” Sheikh Tamim said in a tweet.

“As part of the import-

razil’s Workers Party registered jailed former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday as its presidential candidate while he sat in prison serving a 12-year graft sentence expected to block his candidacy.

About 10,000 supporters marched to the country’s top electoral court in the capital Brasilia chanting “Free Lula” and “Lula for President” as they accompanied senior party members registering his candidacy hours before the deadline.

Marchers wore Lula masks and carried signs calling him a political prisoner, a common complaint from

his supporters. Lula, who has denied any wrongdoing, was convicted of accepting bribes and has been accused in other ongoing cases of orchestrating a kickback scheme while in office.

The leftist former union leader has been in jail since April but leads electoral polls that include his name.

While he was named earlier this month as his party’s candidate, Lula is expected to be barred from running by Brazil’s electoral court (TSE).

The Workers Party is expected to use an array of appeals to delay any final ruling on Lula’s registration for weeks. The Workers Party registered former Sao Paulo

mayor Fernando Haddad as Lula’s running mate.

Haddad would top the ticket if Lula was barred, party sources said.

Right-wing activist group Free Brazil Movement immediately filed a request at the TSE to invalidate Lula’s candidacy because his conviction has been upheld by an appeals court, which in Brazilian law makes Lula ineligible for public office.

Lula governed Brazil for two terms from 2003 to 2010 and left office with a record approval rating of 87 percent due to a booming economy and social programs that lifted millions of Brazilians from poverty. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump ends ex-CIA head John Brennan’s security access

D

onald Trump has revoked the security clearance of ex-CIA chief John Brennan, denying the US President’s critic any access to sensitive information. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced the decision by reading a statement from Trump.

The statement cited Brennan’s “erratic conduct and behaviour”. In response, Brennan tweeted that the move was part of President Trump’s broader effort to “suppress freedom of speech and punish critics”.

“It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out.

Brennan earlier said Trump’s performance at a briefing after July’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki had been “nothing short of treasonous”.

And last year, Mr Brennan said an investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russia during the US presidential elections in 2016 had been

John Brennan stepped down as CIA director in January 2017

“well-founded”.

President Trump has repeatedly denied the claim, calling it “witch hunt”.

“As the head of the executive branch and commander-in-chief, I have a unique constitutional responsibility to protect the nation’s classified information, including by controlling access to it.” I have decided to revoke the security clearance of John Brennan, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“Historically, former heads of intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been allowed to retain access to classified information after their government

service so that they can consult with their successors, regarding matters about which they may have special insights and as a professional courtesy.

“Neither of these justifications supports Mr Brennan’s continued access to classified information.”

The statement added that Mr Trump was also reviewing access to classified information for former FBI chief James Comey, whom he fired last year, former director of national intelligence James Clapper, former National Security Agency director Michael Hayden and former attorney general Sally Yates, among others.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Gunmen abduct newly-elected MP in Mexico

A

Erdogan (right) and Sheikh Tamim held talks for three hours

ant talks that I held in Ankara on Friday with His Excellency President Erdogan, we announced a US$15 billion deposit package and investment projects in the country, which has a strong and solid productive economy.”

Erdogan and Sheikh Tamim also discusses ways to improve their strategic cooperation.

“We attach importance to his visit. This visit, at

the same time, is an indicator that Qatar stands with Turkey,” Ibrahim Kalin, a spokesperson for the Turkish president, told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

Salim bin Mubarak Al Shafi, Qatar’s ambassador to Turkey, said his country would continue to support Turkey, adding that the emir’s visit demonstrated the “depth” of the two countries’ ties. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

newly-elected member of Mexico’s Parliament has been kidnapped at gunpoint in the latest violent incident linked to the country’s recent elections.

Congresswoman-elect Azucena Rodriguez Zamora, who has been elected to the lower house of Mexico’s Congress for the eastern state of Veracruz, was abducted on Tuesday, when gunmen riding in a vehicle opened fire on her car driving on a highway in the state of Hidalgo, AFP reported, citing an unnamed Police source.

The source added that

the shooting caused the vehicle carrying Rodriguez and two others to flip over on the highway, injuring the occupants. According to the source, the gunmen then pulled Rodriguez from the overturned car and kidnapped her, marking the second such abduction in the state in recent days.

The mayor of the town of Naupan in Puebla State had earlier been kidnapped at gunpoint on a Hidalgo highway and was later found dead. AFP cited consulting firm Etellekt as saying that at least 152 Mexican politicians had been assassinated in the run-up to the elec-

tions held on July 1.

The election-linked murders of mostly local-level politicians – the prime targets of Mexico’s notorious drug cartels – were recorded between last September, when candidate registration began, and Election Day. It was described as by far the most violent poll on record in the Central American nation.

The development came as Mexico also officially registered a record number of murders across the country – 28,711 – for last year, and is reportedly on track to breaking the unprecedented record yet again in 2018.

(Excerpt from MSN)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, august 16, 2018

ARCHIE

Get involved in activities that require intelligence, moti(March 21vation and stamina. A change April 19) regarding a partnership should be handled delicately. If someone overreacts, back away. Offer love, not chaos.

ARIES

Change can be good, as long

TAURUS as it's carefully considered.

(April 20- Learn from the experts and May 20) handle each situation you face

dilbert

with diplomacy. Listen, observe and look at the facts before you react.

Trust in your feelings, not GEMINI in what someone wants you to (May 21believe. Self-improvement will June 20) lift your spirits and encourage you to bring about positive change at home and in important relationships.

Make a change for the right

CANCER reason. You may feel emotional (June 21- about something that happens, July 22) but acting too quickly will cause

Peanuts

a feud instead of resolving the situation.

Emotional

situations

will

LEO mount if you or someone else (July 23- makes a last-minute change that Aug. 22) disrupts plans. Keep the peace to accomplish more. Choose kindness over criticism.

Take a fresh look at an VIRGO old idea. A slight change will (Aug. 23make the difference between Sept. 22) stagnation and progress.

Older and younger people will offer innovative solutions.

Calvin and Hobbes

You have plenty to offer, LIBRA (Sept. 23- but don't let anyone take advantage of your generosity.

Oct. 23)

Keeping the peace is admirable, but you must know when to say no. Take better care of yourself.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Emotions will be rumbling SCORPIO around in your head. Don't share (Oct. 24with insensitive people who can't Nov. 22) fully understand where you are coming from or how important something is to you.

Count your money, tuck SAGITTARIUS your possessions away some(Nov. 23where safe and help only Dec. 21) those who are truly in need.

Focus on personal gains and spending time with a loved one.

solution for last published puzzle

Make a difference by CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- bringing about changes at Jan. 19) home or work that will encourage others to pitch in and help. Incentives and praise will improve morale.

Past problems will surface if AQUARIUS you get into an emotional discus(Jan. 20- sion with someone who doesn't Feb. 19) remember things the same way you do. Silence is golden, and actions speak louder than words.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Gains can be made if you utilize your skills to help yourself and the people counting on you. Share your thoughts, not your cash.

thursDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

19

Swimmers off to Goodwill Swim Meet today

A

Young swimmers preparing to take their mark in the 2017 Goodwill Meet hosted at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal (file photo)

team of 36 Guyanese swimmers between the ages of 7 and 17 will depart today as they seek to better their performances at the Goodwill Swim Meet, which is being held in Barbados from August 17-19.

The Goodwill Meet is a

developmental competition, which seeks to improve the performance of young swimmers within the Caribbean. The Meet began with just Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname, but has grown to include St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and The Bahamas. Every

year, an honorary team is allowed to participate; this year’s team will hail from Jamaica.

When Guyana hosted the Meet last year, the home team copped third place with a total of 60 medals for the first time in decades. As such, the home team will

be looking to up their performance this time around, despite competing without talents like Leon Seaton and Raekwon Noel – owing to their CARIFTA participation this year – local coaches have assured that the team are poised to do well.

The Coach of the Silver Sharks Speed Club, Haresh Bhagwan, has expressed confidence in the two swimmers who would be representing his club and Guyana. Although noting that he is disappointed that swimming sensation Leon Seaton Jr will not be able to compete, Bhagwan is of the opinion swimmers Joseph Matthews and Latisha Blair can get the job done.

Out of 10 events in the 1314 age group, Matthews will be participating in four events inclusive of the 150 metres backstroke, 50 metres freestyle and 50 metres backstroke. The Coach noted that Matthews had the potential to excel in all the events; however, he was selected for the four, since he was an excellent swimmer

Full list of participants

Girls: 8 and under: Jasmin Allen, Nia Burch-Smith, Zara Crane, Shareefah Lewis, Ariel Rodrigues, and Jessica Sookram 9-10: Kayla Hardy and Kayle Hardy 11-12: Althacy Hunte, Patrice Mahaica, Aleka Persaud, and Monique Watson 13-14: Latisha Blair, Giselle Crane, Amber DeGoeas, and Sofia Pinol Boys: 8 and under: Macaiah Enoe, Karsten DeJonge, Dean Spencer, and Ricardo Spencer 9-10: Hashim Mohammed, Jeremy Sookram, and Jeron Sookram 11-12: Jaleel Anderson, Micah Chichester, Ethan Gonsalves, Paul Mahaica, and Vladimir Woodroffe 13-14: Sion Jeffers, Joseph Matthews, Vidjas Mohammed, and Sekhel Tzedeq 15-17: Andrew Jordon, Antonio Rodrigues, Daniel Scott, and Fitzroy Thom and those events were the toughest.

“The only reason he did not get the opportunity to swim the other events is because after distributing the events, three swimmers per event, Joseph has shown consistently that he is the fastest in the four as opposed to the others and we need him well-rested to perform his utmost best,”

Bhagwan explained.

On the other hand, his clubmate, Blair will be competing in all the events. The Coach said, “She is swimming all 10 based on her competitive level at her age group is much easier and she has a great stamina level. She can swim distances and she can swim 50m now and 50m next 10 minutes.”

“Train and Play” camp…

Local footballers exposed to new technology F

or the first time in Guyana’s football history, the senior men’s team were exposed to a new piece of technology that is expected to enhance the players’ performance and make the analytical aspect of their performance much easier for the coaches and technical staff.

The heart rate monitors were tested out by the team during their “Train and Play” camp, which is being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each player was equipped with the monitor during an internal match at the team’s training base of Estadio Municipal Jose Maria De Brito Barros.

Head Coach of the national team who are fondly known as the Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson, explained the particulars of the gadget and its functions, stating: “They were little gadgets that went into

Several members of the Golden Jaguars team pose for a photo after testing the new equipment

the back of a special vest, which basically monitor all the footsteps of the players, so we can start to work on the distance being covered

by the player in the game. It also tells us the high-intensity runs, how many sprints each player does, so now we can start to see what they

are actually doing.”

Furthermore, it was disclosed that the monitoring instrument would also be able to give a different per-

spective on key positions in the game, in relation to what distance a defender or a midfielder was expected to cover during their time

of play.

“It doesn’t rule out decisions, but it influences how we choose to do the next day’s training and also how we motivate players to be a lot fitter and stronger. So, it gives us a great tool to analyse a player’s performance; it gives us a great tool to see what the team is doing collectively over 90 minutes of game.”

Following the internal match, which ended with the score locked at 1-1, the Head Coach gave a brief recap of the day’s activities. “Things went really well on Tuesday; the first day on Monday was tough and intensive, so was the morning when we had a game that allowed the staff to see what the players are all about and it was a really good game,” he said.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago-based Sheldon Holder and Canada-based defender Jelani Smith also joined the encampment in Brazil.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

Johnson echoes call for stakeholder involvement – as national team learn and train in Rio

A glimpse of the goalkeepers going through their paces

J

ust after the commencement of the Golden Jaguars’ “Train and Play” camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Head Coach Michael Johnson has issued a call for stakeholders in Guyana to get onboard with the Guyana Football Federation’s quest to appear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “It’s an opportunity for everyone from Guyana, whether you live in the country, whether you are further afield to get involved,” said Johnson following a session of the ongoing camp. The encampment in Brazil is geared towards preparing the team for the CONCACAF Nations League with the long-term plan of enabling Guyana’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. As such, Johnson underscored that the vision of participating in the football World Cup eight years from now could not be fulfilled without the support of organisations outside of the GFF. “We need the help of the Government: we all know the pitches could do with some significant in-

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson

now. “It’s great if we all wait though, anybody can do that, but do you really believe in the message that we as a staff, we as a group of players, (GFF) President (Wayne) Forde, everybody included is saying? We are here because we mean business; we are here in Brazil to work and we will get better. We will qualify for the

top 100.

“But in the process, we need the Government to back us now, we need the sponsors now to say, listen, I’m going to this journey.

We’re saying get involved in the grassroots now, get involved with the infrastructure, you know, how can you help? I really believe that this is a pivotal moment for

Guyanese football. We get this right, we’ll be sustainable for the next 10, 15, 20 odd years or so.”

The “Train and Play” encampment is said to be going great thus far, with the players having the opportunity to showcase their talent, proving that they are worthy to be part of the programme.

GSCL/ Ink Plus, Crown Mining Supplies and Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop Tournament

Wellman Masters vestment; grassroots football can do with some significant investment,” he noted.

Speaking on the recently-unveiled “Project 100”, which aims to break Guyana into the top 100 FIFA rankings, Johnson said: “We mean business; we’re not just saying we want to get into the top 100, but we want to be consistent, sustainable and stay there. We want to help the next crop of players coming through.”

The former Jamaica national player further elabo-

rated that the aim was not to get to a top 100 ranking and then relax, but rather to continue working on bettering their ranking. “We want to be there for the next 10-15 years; we want to be a powerhouse within the Region; we want to be qualifying for World Cups and see investments coming back into Guyana, but the journey starts now,” the Head Coach said.

Johnson is challenging those who believe in the journey to come on board

reach semis after Fishermen walk off – HS Masters turn back Success

T

Fishermen Masters will not add to their collection after their campaign ended abruptly last Sunday

he Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) Ink Plus, Crown Mining Supplies and Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop mega softball tournament entered the ‘business-end’ last Sunday with two quarter-finals that ended in dramatic fashion at the Everest Cricket Club.

Just after some heavy showers and the grand launch of the second edition of the Prime Minister T20 Cup, the action got underway with HS Masters playing Success Masters and Mike’s Wellman facing Fisherman Masters.

Success Masters batted first and managed 123-7 off their allocation of 20 overs

with Mark Fung scoring an even half century while Suresh Ramdin claimed 3-20 and Hanoman Singh 2-35.

HS Masters then wasted little time in the run chase to finish on 128-2 from 14.2 overs. Powerful right-handed batsman Samuel Kingston struck a rapid unbeaten 75 and got useful support from Jai Ram who made 30 not out. Their match-winning partnership has secured HS Masters a place in the semi-final.

In the other match, after disagreeing with a decision from one of the Umpires, Fisherman Masters opted not to continue their game against Mike’s Wellman.

The officials in consultation

with the organizers then awarded the game to Mike’s Wellman.

Earlier, Wellman Masters took first strike and posted a challenging 1957 from their 20 overs with Latchman Kallicharran making 71 (7x4; 5x6) while Jagdish Persaud weighed in with an attacking 61 (2x4; 7x6). Sadik Yusuf managed 2-18.

When the game ended abruptly, Fisherman Masters were 18-2 after 3.1 overs in the run chase.

The competition continues on Sunday with Regal Masters taking on Albion Masters and R.R Masters coming up against Parika Defenders with the final two semi-final spots at stake.

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21 Russell, Khan light up first week of CPL 2018 T sports

he first week of the CPL 2018 was packed with action with old records being rewritten and a new hero emerging.

Dre Russ’ perfect captaincy debut

A breathtaking catch to dismiss Chris Lynn. A hat-trick - only the second in the CPL. A 40-ball hundred - the fastest in the CPL. Jamaica Tallawahs’ Andre Russell marked his captaincy debut with perhaps the greatest allround performance in T20 cricket.

Russell’s athletic intervention at extra-cover first snaffled his Kolkata Knight Riders team-mate Lynn for 46. Then, a ball after Trinbago Knight Riders had muscled their way to 216, the highest total in the league, Russell dismissed Brendon McCullum, Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin in a hattrick.

Russell, however, saved his best for the chase. All right, he was dropped off the first ball he faced, but securing a 224-run chase from 41 for 5 with three balls to spare takes some doing. He shellacked 13 sixes, including a monster blow off Sunil Narine that disappeared over the Carib Beer stand and out of the Queen’s Park Oval.

That’s how you ace your captaincy debut.

Whether it’s the curse of the Zouks, St Lucia’s former moniker, or a lack of confidence, Stars need to find a way out of this rut, if they are to salvage this season.

Warner, Smith watch

David Warner had found bizarre ways to get out in the Global T20 Canada, and managed only 109 runs in eight innings at an average of 13.62 and strike-rate of 114.73. He fell to another bizarre dismissal against Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence. When Imran Tahir bowled a full-toss on middle stump, Warner shaped to reverse-sweep but instead only gloved the ball towards point. Umpire Nigel Dungid, however, gave him out lbw, despite the tickle and the impact with the gloves appearing outside the line of off stump. The ball might have missed off stump too. In all, the decision left Warner peeved.

Steven Smith, on the other hand, had a more encouraging start to CPL 2018,

No way out for St Lucia Stars?

Is there any bottom to the abyss St Lucia Stars are hurtling into? They are winless in their last 14 matches, a streak stretching back to CPL 2016, and even their ever-smiling former captain Darren Sammy looked despondent after they botched a chase of 142 from 113 for 2 in the 17th over against Guyana Amazon Warriors. In all, St Lucia have lost three matches so far in CPL 2018 and are the only side with a negative net runrate.

Andre Russell’s performance against Trinbago Knight Riders was one of the best allround shows in T20 cricket

Colin Munro

of pulled boundaries in the arc between midwicket and long-on. So far, Munro has hit 164 runs in three innings at a strike-rate of 153.27; Russell is hot on his heels with 124 runs in two innings.

Best bowler of the week

w i t h a match-winning 41 off 37 balls for Barbados Tridents against Guyana. After crawling to 17 off 21 balls, he made 24 off his next 16 balls.

Best batsman of the week

TKR’s Colin Munro has set the early pace with backto-back fifties. We all know of his might against the seamers, but he was also fluent against Imad Wasim’s left-arm drift and Adam Zampa’s legbreaks on Friday. He read a wrong’un from Zampa, forayed down the track, and pinged the sightscreen with a six. He also took Imad for a brace

After impressing his captain Dwayne Bravo at Winnipeg Hawks in Global T20 Canada, USA quick Ali Khan was called up to replace Ronsford Beaton at TKR, who are also captained

by Bravo. He has caught the eye in the CPL as well, with his skiddy pace and dance moves that aren’t too far behind those of Bravo and the franchise’s owner Shahrukh Khan, who was in attendance for TKR’s match against Tallawahs.

Ali Khan hit a hard length - neither driveable nor pullable - with the new ball and claimed three wickets in six balls to set up his side nicely against Tallawahs before he dropped Russell first ball and watched him unleash an unrelenting assault.

Ali Khan, however, put that drop behind him in the next match against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and took three more wickets, including that of Carlos Brathwaite. In addition to being the top wicket-taker with seven scalps, Ali Khan has saved 29.37 runs, the most by a bowler this CPL, according to ESPNcricinfo’s S m a r t Stats. (ESPNCricinfo)

Man City sweat over de Bruyne’s knee injury M anchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne is having tests on a right knee injury suffered in training on Wednesday.

City said the extent of the injury suffered by the 27-year-old Belgium midfielder is “not yet known”.

In 2016, he missed 12 games after injuring his right knee during an EFL Cup semi-final victory over Everton.

De Bruyne was City’s player of the season last term, scoring 12 goals and providing 21 assists as his side won the Premier League and EFL Cup. City, who began their title defence with a 2-0 victory at Arsenal, next play Huddersfield at home on Sunday.

They then face matches away to Wolves and at home to Newcastle before an international break.

Their fifth match of the season is at home to Fulham on 15 September, with their first Champions League group game to take place on

18 or 19 September.

City broke several records in 2017-18, includi n g reaching 100 points, winn i n g 32 matches and scoring 106 goals.

Speaking to BBC Sport in a wide-ranging interview to be broadcast during Football Focus on Saturday (12:00 BST on BBC One), De Bruyne said City “will never have a season like last year” as they attempt to become the first Premier League champions since 2009 to retain the title.

After City published news of De Bruyne’s injury, the player was pictured wearing a brace around his knee and walking with the aid of crutches at the premiere of an Amazon documentary series that follows the club throughout last season. (BBC Sport)

Kevin de Bruyne was Manchester City’s player of the season in 2017-18

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Stars desperately need a win – face TKR tonight

A

fter facing defeats in their first three matches, St Lucia Stars will be hoping to secure their first win of the season when they lock horns with Trinbago Knight Riders on August 16 in the ninth fixture of the Caribbean Premier League 2018 at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. Both teams have played each other in eleven CPL games with the Knight Riders winning eight and the Stars just three.

In their most recent fixture on August 8, Stars suffered a humiliating defeat. Batting first Trinbago scored 195-6, thanks to a steady 68 from 48 balls by Colin Munro. Then Skipper Dwayne Bravo claimed 3-11, as St Lucia fell 100 runs short.

Trinbago Knight Riders: Trinbago Knight Riders started off their CPL 2018 campaign with a dominant performance against

S t L u c i a Stars but lost their way afterward. They are currently fourth in the points table with a solitary win and two losses.

With the bat, Colin Munro is looking in terrific touch with scores of 68,

61 and 35 in the first three games respectively and he looks set for

another big knock here.

While skipper Darren Bravo with respective scores of 41 and 29 in previous two outings, also looked fluent in his strokes and one can expect him to produce a quality innings.

Kevon Cooper announced his comeback with entertaining 42 runs from 22 balls comprising two hours

Expected Playing XI: Darren Bravo (C), Denesh Ramdin, Kevon Cooper, Shannon Gabriel, Fawad Ahmed, Chris Lynn, Colin Munro, Sunil Narine, Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Bravo and Hamza Tariq.

St Lucia Stars: Stars have now lost their last 14 matches in the CPL and they are finding it extremely difficult to break the jinx. They have had a horrible start this year as well - suffering a humiliating 100-run defeat in the opening match a g a i n s t Trinbago Knight Riders before going down to Guyana Amazon

and four sixes in the previous fixture against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. While opener Sunil Narine is the only player, who has not been able to perform in this series so far and will be hoping for a turnaround in next fixture.

With the ball, their main bowler Ali Khan has taken the most wickets; seven in three matches and he was the pick of the lot last time with figures of 3/23. While Darren Bravo and Fawad Ahmed have also been impressive with four and five wickets, respectively.

Warriors by three runs in their second fixture, followed by a six-wicket defeat against Jamaica Tallawahs.

The Stars were let down by their batsmen in first two matches. They got skittled out for just 95 against Trinbago and then failed to chase Guyana’s moderate total of 141. While their bowlers failed to defend 175 in the previous game against Jamaica.

WIth the bat, Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard are the key men in the batting line-up. Both batsmen are the leading run-getters for the side this season with 70 runs each. While Andre Fletcher also hit 43 from 33 balls in last game against Jamaica and will be expected to make a sizeable contribution in the next fixture as well.

With the ball, the team will look to their seamers Mohammad Sami, Kesrick Williams and Mitchell McClenaghan to deliver the goods. McClenaghan and Williams took a couple of wickets apiece against Trinbago Knight Riders.

Qaid Ahmed was the standout performer for Stars with impressive figures of 3-15 in their second fixture against Guyana and the Riders will look to be watchful against him.

Expected Playing XI: Kieron Pollard (C), Mark Chapman, Rahkeem Cornwall, Darren Sammy, Qais Ahmad, Mitchell McClenaghan, Kesrick Williams, Mohammad Sami, Andre Fletcher, David Warner and Lendl Simmons.

Give Another Chance Foundation supports Guinness Cage

Public Relations Officer Sophia Dolphin hands over one of the jerseys to Three Peat Promotions’ Rawle Welch

P

articipating teams in the second annual Three Peat Promotions/Guinness Cage Competition will be outfitted with jerseys compliments of non-profit organisation Give Another Chance Foundation.

The Foundation, which is in its eight year of existence, was set up mainly to provide another chance for less-fortunate children, whose parents are deceased or simply cannot afford to supply some of the basic necessities for their educational and other relevant needs for their development.

However, on Monday, the Foundation seized the opportunity to extend its generosity to Three Peat Promotions Football Tournament by presenting representative Rawle Welch with a large quantity of jerseys that will benefit the teams and lucky fans during the competition that is being played at the Haslington Market Tarmac.

Public Relations Officer Sophia Dolphin, who made the presentation on behalf of the Foundation, said that the entity was always

willing to extend help to any organisation or individual that was in need of assistance.

She pointed to several acts of goodwill of the Foundation including helping students who just could not afford to continue studies at the University of Guyana and charitable undertakings at St Cuthbert’s Mission.

Dolphin further disclosed that the Foundation was scheduled to travel to Wakenaam Wednesday to present students with back packs full of school supplies for the new term in an effort to ease the burden on those who could not afford to purchase the necessary materials to return to school.

Welch, in his brief remarks, thanked the Foundation for its support, adding that the mere fact it was willing to step outside its mandate to offer assistance to Three Peat Promotions speaks volumes of the organisation’s willingness to help at all costs.

The tournament is being held to foster social cohesion and integration among competing communities.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Patriots marooned by the Tallawahs held out to Oshane Thomas off Steven Jacobs.

The wickets continued to fall; Devon Thomas (10), Anton Devcich (11), Ben Cutting (02), Mahmudullah, Brathwaite (10) and Sheldon Cottrell (18) were all part of the paltry effort.

Jeremiah Louis (11) and Sandeep Lamichhane (02) were the final two batsmen left standing, the final pair.

Earlier in the night, it was the openers who began the show for the Tallawahs.

Kennar Lewis moved up the order and played an entertaining innings which included four maximums and an equal amount of fours but got out on 49 after facing 24 deliveries.

His partner, Glen Phillips faced a bit more of the Patriots bowling but was still effective in his 41run performance that took 38 balls to construct.

Patriots struck in quick succession with the removal of Lewis and then new batsman Andre McCarthy without scoring.

However, Ross Taylor immediately made amends for missing out on scoring in the first two matches and rebounded with an aggres-

Andre Russell celebrates with teammate Glenn Phillips

A

nother astounding performance from the Jamaica Tallawahs led them to a 47run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to make it three consecutive wins, and an absolute excellent start to their campaign of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

It seemed the Tallawahs had more than enough in the tank to steamroll the Patriots in front of their home crowd at Sabina Park in Kingston on Wednesday evening, after disposing of a luckless St Lucia Stars on Tuesday.

The tournament leaders, Tallawahs, are now on six points while the Guyana Amazon Warriors are second on four points.

Patriots won the toss and gave Tallahwas the first strike. They were able to post 178-4 before the overs expired, a target that proved an uphill task for a squad which included the likes of Chris Gayle, Devon Thomas and skipper Carlos Brathwaite.

The St Kitts team eventually got to 131-9 in their allotted overs. Gayle did top score for his side, but with just 24 to his name and Mahmudullah’s 22, Patriots made a mess of the chase.

On the other hand, a disciplined bowling attack was what made the challenge quite tuff for the visiting side.

Krishmar Santokie led with 2 – 13 and was resolutely supported by Imad Wasim and Adam Zampa who had 2 – 21 and 2 – 38, respectively. A wicket each also went to Oshane Thomas, Steven Jacobs and Andre Russell.

Evin Lewis (00) and Tom Cooper (07) were back in the dugout in underway five overs as Patriots slumped to 9 – 2. Gayle cautiously launched back but was the next to fall when he

Glenn Phillips of Jamaica Tallawahs (L) and Carlos Brathwaite

SCOREBOARD

Jamaica Tallawahs Innings (20 overs maximum) K Lewis c Cooper b Lamichhane 49 GD Phillips † lbw b Cutting 41 AM McCarthy lbw b Lamichhane 0 LRPL Taylor not out 51 R Powell c Lewis b Brathwaite 18 AD Russell (c) not out 10 Extras: (lb 5, nb 1, w 3) 9 Total: (4 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 8.9) 178 Did not bat: Imad Wasim, SA Jacobs, K Santokie, A Zampa, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-64 (K Lewis, 6.2 ov), 2-65 (AM McCarthy, 6.4 ov), 3-107 (GD Phillips, 13.1 ov), 4-146 (R Powell, 16.5 ov) Bowling: SS Cottrell 4-0-44-0, JS Louis 1-0-14-0, AP Devcich 3-0-25-0, S Lamichhane 4-021-2, CR Brathwaite 4-0-431, BCJ Cutting 4-0-26-1 St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (target: 179 runs from 20 overs) CH Gayle (c) c Thomas b Jacobs

24

E Lewis c †Phillips b Thomas 0 TLW Cooper c Russell b Santokie 7 DC Thomas † c Lewis b Zampa 10 AP Devcich c †Phillips b Russell 11 Mahmudullah b Zampa 22 BCJ Cutting b Imad Wasim 2 CR Brathwaite c Powell b Imad Wasim 10 JS Louis not out 11 SS Cottrell b Santokie 18 S Lamichhane not out 2 Extras: (b 2, lb 5, w 7) 14 Total: (9 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 6.55) 131 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (E Lewis, 2.2 ov), 2-9 (TLW Cooper, 3.5 ov), 3-39 (CH Gayle, 5.6 ov), 4-54 (AP Devcich, 8.3 ov), 5-57 (DC Thomas, 9.2 ov), 6-61 (BCJ Cutting, 10.3 ov), 7-89 (Mahmudullah, 13.4 ov), 8-93 (CR Brathwaite, 14.5 ov), 9-122 (SS Cottrell, 17.6 ov) Bowling: O Thomas 4-0-271, K Santokie 4-1-13-2, SA Jacobs 2-0-18-1, AD Russell 2-0-7-1, A Zampa 4-0-382, Imad Wasim 4-0-21-2

Steven Jacobs is ecstatic after removing Chris Gayle

sive 51. The 35-ball innings was just what the doctor ordered to keep the run rate pumping; it was laced with two fours and four sixes.

Rovman Powell tried to get into his stride but 18 was all he could muster before he fell to Brathwaite in the 17th over.

Russell was left unbeaten once again on ten alongside the experienced New

Zealander, Taylor.

Meanwhile, Lamichhane finished with 2 – 21 while Brathwaite and Cutting had one each.

Tallawahs will face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in their next match on Saturday, August 18 in Florida while Patriots take on St Lucia Stars next Tuesday, August 21, at Gros Islet, St Lucia.

thursDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Ross Taylor top scoring for the Jamaica Tallawahs with an unbeaten 51 off 35 which included two fours and four sixes

Jamaica Tallawahs celebrate the dismissal of Evin Lewis

Patriots marooned by the Tallawahs

Pg 23

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Stars desperately need a win Pg 22

– face TKR tonight

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