Guyanatimes 16 june 2018

First Lady treats male residents of Palms Geriatric Home for Father’s Day P16

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Saturday, June 16, 2018

Issue No. 3595

President urges youths at Rotaract Conference to care resources Law students protest Annual CLE Entrance Exams

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

MARAD P7 clamps down on errant vessel operators

Page 2

Page 14

More must be done to end DV, promote same-sex relations – UK P9 envoy

Natural gas explosion in Diamond

Exxon called in for technical assistance – CDC head

City Council to implement new revenue collection P2 system

Page 7

Magistracy has jurisdiction P13 to hear extradition proceedings – Justice Barlow

Sophia family terrorised, robbed by armed men posing as Police Page 13

Parliament not functioning as it should – Jagdeo Page 3

…says inconsistent sittings impair scrutiny of Govt

Campaign to stamp out expired goods launched P16

2 news

saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

President urges youths at Rotartact Conference to care resources P

resident David Granger charged the participants of the 26th annual Rotaract District 7030 Conference to take care of the resources during the opening ceremony at State House on Thursday evening.

The Conference, which is being held under the theme, “El Dorado Undiscovered, Experience the Adventure” saw the assembling of beautiful culturally dressed persons representing more than 17 Caribbean nations.

During his brief remarks, the Guyanese Head of State charged the youths to take up the challenge of caring for the valuable resources available to them.

“These resources constitute an essential element in the Region’s economy and in the livelihood of our people. Caribbean

18.

More than 17 Caribbean countries will showcase their projects as they discuss new initiatives to benefit the Region particularly their countries. This year, Guyana will directly benefit from a project called HANDS. The project will include five phases which include the construction of a home for a single parent family at Hauraruni, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

As part of the project, a medical outreach and care package distribution will be done, among others.

Fifty years ago, Rotary International spearheaded the creation of Rotaract, the ultimate youth service organisation focused on the development of young adults in their communities and workplaces.

Over the years, District 7030 has made tremendous contributions to their

countries. As part of the organisation’s anniversary, the 26th Annual District Conference has been designed to execute the community service project which will epitomise the mandate and spirit of the Rotaract Service.

Home construction, attending to health needs, nurturing dreams, develop a play park and share love were the objectives of the HANDS project.

Dancers perform a routine at the opening ceremony

youth, you are the custodians of these resources… we have to pass these resources over to you the younger folk. So it is you who must secure the future because the future is yours,” he posited.

He went on to say that youths are in fact obligat-

ed to protect the environment from threats, given that most natural disasters are a result of human actions, as he was addressing the challenges of the Caribbean region.

The Conference which officially opened Thursday night will conclude on June

A depiction of the 17 countries participating in the conference

City Council to implement new revenue collection system

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endors from several markets will be engaged in a new system to pay their dues as the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) seeks to implement a new initiative to collect its revenues.

According to the Council, Bourda Market will be used from Monday as a pilot to identify challenges, weaknesses, strengths and opportunities for improvement in the structure that was created. It would then be replicated in all other markets after the revision and rectification process.

The Accounting Manager of the Council, John Douglas, on Friday highlighted some of the mechanisms that will be put in place to facilitate the new system.

Currently, ‘revenue collectors’ from the market section would act on behalf of the Council to manoeuvre around the vendors and apply the charges on behalf of the Council and collect the revenues based on what was owed.

However, to enhance the transparency and accountability of this process, this would not be done in the future. A booth was established at Regent Street and Orangewalk, where the system would be modified.

Cashiers would be present at the booth while “issuers” and “verifiers” will be dispatched to the vendors.

“An issuer would come towards a vendor. They would assess the goods that is on the ground and they would

write what is called a ‘slip’.

The vendor would be given that slip and the vendor is expected to take that slip towards the cashier booth and make his or her payments,” Douglas explained.

“The verifier comes a little while after on the ground to ensure that the vendor had paid at the cashier booth and the correct amount has been paid for,” he later added.

For him, this system would drive a more efficient procedure of obtaining dues from the vendors. The monies would also be obtained in a manner that is also safer for persons to deposit their cash.

Presently, a new database has also been created specifically for this purpose and it is a 24-hour system.

“It’s going to be betterment for both vendors and staff. It’s a more secure system and its one that involves the use of technology. When you go to the booth to make the payment at the cashier, there is a software that is built with the prices already fixed it so it eliminates the possibility of anyone varying and playing with the prices.”

Meanwhile, when asked if those that were hired as revenue collectors would be sent home, Town Clerk Royston noted that they would be reclassified to suit the new available positions.

The new process will commence on Monday with the ‘casual’ vendors who will be paying for their spots at the new cashiers.

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saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 16 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, June 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 16 – 05:45h-07:15h and Sunday, June 17 – 07:45h-09:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to thundery showers can be expected throughout the day and into the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:11h and 18:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.80 metres and 2.61 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:16h reaching a minimum height of 0.42 metre.

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Parliament not functioning as it should – Jagdeo …says inconsistent sittings impair scrutiny of Govt

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he parliamentary Opposition is decrying the infrequency of parliamentary sittings in Guyana, noting that in any functioning democracy, the National Assembly would meet more often in order to address matters of national importance.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo made this observation during his press conference on Thursday.

At the time, he was asked about what action the Opposition is taking in matters it has consistently criticised the Government about. Jagdeo noted the difficulties of the Opposition getting the chance to confront Government in the House.

“In another country, in a country where you have a thriving democracy, there are so many issues that you have a weekly Parliament,” Jagdeo posited. “Here, we have one that for every two months we wait for a sitting. And by the time you go through formalities and

Opposition and Government parliamentarians at the last sitting of the National Assembly

mental finances to defend Guyana’s border case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was put under the microscope. In addition, $484.2 million sought for the Guyana Defence Force to acquire four aircraft manufactured in the 1970s was also scrutinised. Before that, the Assembly met on

“that is what Parliament has become.

We can’t even get our issues debated. So when you have to wait two-three months to get something on the agenda, it defeats the whole argument about a functioning Parliament.” – Jagdeo (Prime Minister Moses) Nagamootoo needing to go home to rest, we only have three four hours.”

The Opposition Leader referred to instances when the Opposition has had to wait for months for something to be heard on the agenda. And indeed there have been some People’s Progressive Partysponsored motions, such as the one calling for the revocation of Value Added Tax on private education, that have languished for extended periods.

“And then the Government will say, ‘Oh, we need to bring something emergency, let’s pass it.

Forget all those issues. It gets deferred again. So that is what Parliament has become. We can’t even get our issues debated. So when you have to wait two, three months to get something on the agenda, it defeats the whole argument about a functioning Parliament,” Jagdeo lamented.

The National Assembly last met on May 11, 2018, when supplementary financing was sought by several ministries for various expenses. For instance, $788 million in sums being sought by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in supple-

April 26. It is unclear when the next sitting of the House has been scheduled for.

Eleventh Parliament

The Eleventh Parliament

has been a tumultuous one, due particularly to events last year. There have been strange occurrences ranging from singing attendees to a mystery female dressed as Santa Claus invading the hallowed chambers.

Things reached a point when the Police were even called in on the Opposition Parliamentarians.

That incident occurred on December 11, when Opposition Member of Parliament Juan Edghill’s attempts to extend his scrutiny of the Ministry of the Presidency’s budget estimates were met by the Speaker’s protestations and suspension of the sitting.

An all-male police team subsequently arrived and attempted to remove Edghill, but were blocked by his colleagues,

who formed a human ring around the parliamentarian. A scuffle had then ensued, with parliamentarians claiming they were assaulted.

During a late night press conference after the dramatic events, the Speaker denied that he had called the Police or ordered the media out of the Parliament chambers. He claimed that he merely questioned the continued presence of media operatives after the sitting was suspended.

He had also said there is no need for an investigation, since it is simply a matter of respecting the rules of the House.

However, exactly who instructed the Police to enter the Parliament chambers remains a mystery to this day.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 16, 2018

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

Poverty

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ccording to the United Nations: worldwide, some 1 billion people live in extreme poverty, and more than 800 million endure hunger and malnutrition.

However, since 1990, extreme poverty rates have been cut by more than half. This is seen as a remarkable achievement, and all stakeholders, especially governments, are expected to continue making the policy necessary interventions and allocate the needed resources to further bridge the gap between the rich and poor.

Beyond income alone, what matters to people is whether they are able to realise their aspirations for themselves and their families. This means having food security; access to basic services, such as healthcare, transportation and education; and living in peaceful, stable societies.

In Guyana, too many citizens are still considered living below the poverty line and being unable to access opportunities that would allow them to lead better lives. We are well aware that Guyana is not a poor country in terms of natural resources.

This country possesses bountiful natural resources, but in spite of this, the country remains underdeveloped and mired in poverty. It is plagued by poor infrastructure, which in itself is an impediment to development.

Also, there is a wide disparity in development and in household income between the hinterland and the coastland regions, and between urban and rural areas. Urban areas are more developed, and have much higher household incomes.

Efforts must therefore be made to reduce this gap if the nation is to become more equal in terms of urban versus rural areas and/or hinterland versus coastal regions.

President David Granger had said before that Guyana has enough resources to banish poverty forever. However, the nation is still waiting to see what concrete plans and programmes will be put in place to address poverty and create “the good life” that was promised on the campaign trail over three years ago. With the oil and gas sector set to take off, it is hoped that the benefits would be trickled down to help develop and provide more opportunities for the poorer sections of the community, which would eventually lift them out of poverty.

Most would agree that what we have seen so far coming from the Government since it took political power in 2015 is not very encouraging. Rather than creating more employment opportunities for citizens and providing businesses with the incentives to expand etc, the Government has made certain policy decisions that saw hundreds of sugar workers jobless and forced into poverty. It could be recalled that in spite of the mounting calls for the APNU/AFC Administration to reconsider its decision to downscale the sugar industry via closure of sugar estates, the Government went ahead with its decision to close.

While alternative mechanisms were touted to cushion the social and economic impacts on communities, nothing substantial has been earmarked that would stem the swelling of unemployment occasioned by the closure of these estates.

Certainly, the estates are a major source of sustenance for thousands, and their closure is being felt deeply and far and wide. Workers and their families are fearful that their communities would be destroyed, families broken up, and there will be increased incidents of crime and other social problems.

The Government must come up with plans to improve education and expand the country’s economy to create more economic opportunities, especially for those several thousands of young persons who have spent years equipping themselves with the necessary skills to function in the world of work.

Having said that, it is not the role of the Government alone to work towards reducing poverty; the private sector also has a crucial role to play in this regard. Businesses can create decent, sustainable jobs, foster economic activity through their supply chains, and contribute tax revenues for basic services and infrastructure.

Building a sustainable future requires governments and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards eradicating extreme poverty, and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities that would allow them to live full and productive lives. In this regard, the full participation of the poor in decision making on issues that impact their lives and communities must be at the centre of governmental policies and strategies to help build a sustainable future.

For the selfless, committed and outstanding leadership as former Imams of the Leonora Sunnatul Jamaat Masjid, Ameer Abdul Hassan Razack, Hamid and Edwin Baksh were recognised for their role in moulding many young people in the community. Also in photo is the present Imam Sh Noorani Hamid

Who determines one’s suitability for office at GECOM?

Dear Editor, When the new GECOM Chairman was sworn in, he raised the Holy Bible and gave testimony that he would carry out his duties in a fair and above-board manner, so help me God! This was a declaration, or at least "should have been" his resolve, to the people of this country: that he would be true to his calling.

However, subsequent revelations have proven him a liar.

Coupled with this fact is that the chairman in question is a high ranking church officer who holds a position of trust and supposedly high moral integrity -- qualities that should enhance the position he holds; but, here again, he has a failing grade.

So, in fair assessment, is Mr Patterson an honest or fit and proper person? The answer is no; this individual cannot -and I repeat: cannot, be trusted to hold office.

As a Christian myself, I believe Patterson should have sworn on another book, and not the Bible, because lifting up the Good Book then openly lying brings not only Patterson, but Christians on a whole, into disrepute. I do not know if Patterson has feelings

of remorse, but I am ashamed for the guy; yes, I really am.

So, let's examine the latest fiasco at GECOM. The position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) was soon to be filled, and the choice of Mr Vishnu Persaud was shunned for a virtual newcomer, Roxanne Myers.

Mr Persaud, who held office there since 2001, is duly qualified, experienced, and moreover, his work carries an unblemished record.

Qualifications and experience -- or meritocracy, as they put it -- was thrown aside for someone who is inexperienced and less qualified. The only qualities she may have had above his is that she is AfroGuyanese and is purportedly a PNC party hack, all new and very interesting criteria for office at GECOM. As per normal, Vincent the Liar, Vincent the notorious, came on board to defend Patterson's decision. In fact I should say Alexander came on board unveiling his sinister plan in getting rid of Persaud.

Just like he did with Dr Gocool Boodhoo, you degrade, then fire.

Let us pause for one

moment and ask: Why is Alexander doing all the talking? Why is a party-appointed commissioner making these definitive statements? Isn't this the work of the chairman? Why is a known, corrupt party hack like Alexander speaking on sensitive matters at GECOM? Why? Mr Alexander is totally out of place, and most certainly out of order. But it all goes to show who this man is, and what are his plans for a PNC-dominated, PNCcontrolled GECOM. So the name Persaud says it all, and the real cause for concern for Alexander. He was forever uncomfortable with an "Indian" being in the inner sanctum of the decision-making at GECOM. He does not want any Vishnu, Persaud Singh or any sounding ethnicity around him. He is playing his shameless game safe; he does not want anyone to expose the shenanigans of a corrupt PNC GECOM. Like Gocool Boodhoo, he wants a "clean" job for that planned one-seat victory for The PNC again.

So, Alexander is in fact the Chairman de jure of GECOM,

and not Patterson. His actions directly reveal who is the powerhouse behind all decisions taken at the commission. It is Vincent Alexander again; he is the one calling the shots.

Patterson has found himself in an awkward position, to wit, being a puppet on a string juggling to the tricks of Alexander. So my advice to this fossil is: Do not denigrate yourself and become a fossilised embarrassment.

My advice to you, dear sir, is please respect your age and go into voluntary retirement to live a life of respect.

At your age and in your profession, dignity and decorum should be the hallmarks on your curriculum vitae. Don't be cornered into a position of public disgrace. Your party is making a fool out of you, sir.

Finally, someone rightly remarked: no wonder Guyana -- Georgetown in particular -- is overrun by liars, bandits, thieves and con artists; because these are the meritorious qualities required for office under this administration.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Minister of Education lacks elementary and basic training in primary school statistics Dear Editor, I refer to a Stabroek News article captioned “Parliament committee flags a large number of Haitians…unaccounted for” that was published on June 14, 2018. I would like to specifically address the comments attributed to the Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry. She is quoted as saying, “Why emphasis was being placed on the number of Haitians not departing Guyana, since if an analysis of the figures from a percentage perspective was conducted, then it would show a 30%

non-departure rate for persons from Bangladesh. “Why not the Bangladeshis?”

It is extremely disturbing that the Minister of Education lacks elementary and basic training in primary school statistics, which advises on the concept of absolute change vs. relative change. Absolute change refers to the difference between two indicators (2016 vs. 2017, arrivals vs. departure, in a particular period, and so on). Relative change expresses the absolute change as a percentage of the value of the indicators in the earlier period

(absolute change between 2016 and 2017 as a percentage of the 2016 values).

If we are to use Ms. Henry’s logic that 30% of the Bangladeshis did not leave Guyana in 2017, then she must be professional enough to tell the full truth around this 30%, because it translates to 11 Bangladeshis. If one compares those 11 Bangladeshis who made themselves into illegal aliens in Guyana in 2017 to the other nationalities, the picture is very different from the image Ms. Henry is trying to paint.

Some 7,255 Cubans and

3,224 Haitians overstayed their time in Guyana in 2017, compared to these 11 Bangladeshis; so why is her focus on these 11 persons? Of the 12,585 illegal aliens from the records who are domiciled in Guyana in 2017, 83% of them, or 10,479 persons, are Cubans and Haitians. But Ms. Henry chooses to sensationalise the status of 11 Bangladeshis as she presumably plays to the gallery quite unintelligently.

Sincerely, Sase Singh, M.Sc. Finance, ACCA

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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

Former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud responds to allegations Dear Editor, Kindly permit me space in your reputable publication to respond to the article titled “Poor past…

Alexander says Vishnu Persaud’s past performance sank him –Myers emerged the more qualified for top GECOM post”, which was authored by Ms. Ariana Gordon and published in the Guyana Chronicle on June 14, 2018.

Before doing so specifically, it is pertinent that I note that relative to my rejection for reappointment to the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), I had taken the position that I would not comment publicly on this matter, notwithstanding the negative blogs about me by persons with pseudonyms, who do not know me or of my professional record.

However, some inferences and statements contained within the above referred article dictate that I respond in an albeit futile attempt to undo some of the defamation and stigma that have now accordingly been cast upon me.

For the sake of clarity, context and relevance, the specific issues are documented herein in a manner in which responses are attached to individual identified comments attributed to Mr. Alexander.

The article opens by informing that “FORMER Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud, was rejected for rehiring on the grounds of his past performance, his alleged history of faking his qualifications to the commission, and the fact that Roxanne Myers has “better qualifications” than him, a top commissioner at the electoral body has said”.

The article went further to attribute the following comment to Mr. Vincent Alexander, Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission: “He [Justice Patterson] objected to Vishnu based on past performance, based on the other candidate having better qualifications, and based on the history of misrepresentation of qualifications to the commission,” longstanding commissioner Vincent Alexander told the Guyana Chronicle”.

The author acknowledged that the “newspaper has been unable to independently verify this,” and the inability to verify defamatory comments should have mitigated against publishing them. Apart from independent verification, I further posit that there was no evidence presented to suggest the aspersions cast against me were anything more than the slanderous utterances of Mr. Alexander.

Further, it is disturbing and disingenuous that the author notes the lack of verification of Alexander’s claims, but the word defamation nonetheless commands the headline of the article.

In addressing this comment, I will break down my response into three categories as follows: “He [Justice Patterson] objected to Vishnu based on past performance”.

It is important to note that while the caption of the article opens with the term “poor past”, the body of the article addresses “past performance” without specifically indicating that my “past performance” was “poor”.

However, whereas this comment suggests that my past performance was unacceptable or at the least questionable, there is absolutely nothing in the article to so substantiate.

I joined the GECOM in November of 2001 in the capacity of Public Relations Officer (PRO), and worked continuously up to August 2017 – serving in the last three years as DCEO. Throughout my tenure I was never cautioned, reprimanded, rebuked – orally or in writing – by senior management of the GECOM Secretariat or the Commission for failure to honour my responsibilities.

On the contrary, from about 2004 up to the end of my stint, I was multi-tasking by carrying the responsibilities of additional substantive offices.

In 2004, the person who was employed as Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chairman – a position on the GECOM organogram – was promoted to Logistics Manager. The then Chairman from then onwards had me function as his de facto PA, which I did up to August 2014, when I was appointed DCEO. Simultaneously, I was tasked with the responsibilities of scribe to the Commission, since this responsibility was also being carried by the Chairman’s PA. I carried out this responsibility for about eight years, with a short break when a Legal Officer was employed for a short period.

During my stint as PRO, in the run up to the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the Commission as well as political stakeholders complained severely that the Civic and Voter Education (C&VE) programmes of the Commission were severely lacking.

Notwithstanding the C&VE function being vested in a substantive manager in a designated position senior to PRO, the Chairman informed the Commission that he was tasking me with significant responsibility for the print and electronic me-

dia aspect of C&VE. There was no objection at the level of either Commission or Secretariat.

This can be substantiated from the minutes of the relevant statutory meeting of the Commission. I continued to carry this responsibility up to early 2014, when the C&VE Manager demitted office. From then up to August 2017, I carried the C&VE responsibilities in totality because no one was appointed to the vacant position of C&VE Manager. To date, the position remains vacant.

Following the 2015 General and Regional Elections, and in preparation for the 2016 Local Government Elections (LGEs), the Human Resources Manager (HRM) resigned. This happened somewhere in the mid-2015.

The Secretariat was deeply involved in the training of approximately 12,000 temporary staff for the upcoming LGEs. Upon the resignation of the HRM, the Chief Election Officer assigned me responsibility for management of the Human Resource Division. I carried this responsibility along with that of C&VE simultaneously with my substantive duties of DCEO up to the appointment of a substantive HRM at the beginning of 2017.

There was no additional pay, and none was ever sought.

While I was DCEO, I acted in the capacity of CEO once, and “held the fort” several times for the CEO when he had to leave the office for a week at a time. I was never cited nor censured for any wrongdoing whatsoever.

Naturally, I have seen all of the performance appraisals prepared for me by former Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, under whose direct supervision I worked up to August 2014. There is nothing in any of those appraisals that would suggest I was lacking in any area of the regime of responsibilities with which I was tasked.

In view of the foregoing, I am at a loss to determine how my past performance could have led to my detriment. I challenge anyone, and specifically the Guyana Chronicle and Mr. Alexander, to dispute the provable facts I have outlined above.

Another candidate has better qualifications-This position was put forward without any comparison of the qualifications of the two concerned candidates, specifically in relation to the criteria delineated in the advertisement for the vacant position of DCEO. Under qualifications, the advertised criteria asked for the following: A post

graduate degree – it is confirmed that both of the concerned candidates have Master’s Degrees. I have a Master’s in Business Administration from the Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom.

Qualification in Elections Management – I have a Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership, with specific expertise in electoral processes, which was issued by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – UK through the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) – UK. This is a successor qualification to the Professional Certificate in Electoral Processes which is conducted by the ICPS, and in which I participated in London, UK. The Level 5 Certificate is equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND) in the UK. Additionally, I attended two Commonwealth Secretariat-conducted one week training in Elections Management in New Delhi, India and Kinston, Jamaica respectively.

Experience in the management of national elections – I was the substantive DCEO for three years, with responsibility for Operations, during which the 2015 General and Regional Elections and 2016 LGEs were conducted.

It is important to remind here that I also carried the full responsibilities of C&VE, and Human Resources to a lesser extent during my tenure as DCEO. Also, I beg to submit that all of the responsibilities as described above speak to my knowledge/experience in electoral processes.

Excellent oral and written communication skills – I have a Diploma in Public Relations from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and over 12 years’ experience as Public Relations Officer.

In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that facts be put forward to prove that the “other candidate has better qualifications”. I gather that reading towards a PhD as documented in the article may be used as proof of a qualification not yet had?

History of misrepresentation of qualifications to the Commission

Whereas there is nothing to support this allegation, I need to make it pellucid that at no time have I ever misrepresented my qualifications to the GECOM. During Mr. Alexander’s ongoing tenure at the Commission, I submitted applications with relevant CVs twice for the position of DCEO: in 2014 and 2017 respectively. On both occasions, I presented to the Commission cer-

tificates in support of my qualifications documented in the respective CVs. Had I misrepresented myself in any manner, I submit that would have been sufficiently egregious a transgression to warrant my immediate dismissal with prejudice. Let it be known that this was not done, and I have no reprimand on my personnel file.

We all know the outcome of my application for appointment to the position in 2018.

In 2014, my appointment as DCEO flowed from a transparent recruitment process which involved (i) advertising the vacant position, (ii) receiving applications and shortlisting candidates, and (iii) the conduct of interviews by a panel comprising the GECOM Chairman, four Commissioners (two from both sides) and the Chief Election Officer.

Please see https://www. stabroeknews.com/2014/ news/guyana/08/14/ new-deputy-chief-election-officer-appointed/ While I expect that the entire foregoing may not serve to adequately counter a headline and front page misrepresentation accredited to Mr. Alexander, which has already led to my defamation and personal degradation, I wish nonetheless to be on record that the statements are baseless, reckless, defamatory, and malicious in their design.

Allow me to close this missive with the firm declaration that, as the DCEO or any role held, I always conducted myself professional-

ly, without fear or favour, and without bias in any area or level of my responsibilities. This was and will always remain the definition of my core as a human being and a professional, which I will steadfastly defend.

Related matter

I have noted an article in the Guyana Chronicle of today (June 15, 2018) titled “Vishnu obtained Masters from a Training Centre”. The article opens with the position that the Master’s I hold is “actually a combination of elections-related training courses which he obtained from the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) and not an accredited University…”

This is an outrageous, malicious, and outright lie which is obviously aimed at discrediting my suitability for the position in question.

I do not have, and I never claimed to have, a Masters in Elections Management from the ICPS or any other institution. I read for, and was awarded, a Master’s of Business Administration by the Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom.

I will respond in a separate letter for the third and hopefully final time to the accusation of alleged corrupt practices that was made against me.

Sincerely, Vishnu Persaud Former Deputy Chief Election Officer GECOM

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Foundation hindu swayamsevak sangh - guyana International Day of YOGA

By Chuck Schaeffer, PhD Father’s Day, like fatherhood, means different things to each man. For most of the men I work with in my practice, Father’s Day is a reminder of the powerful psychological changes that happened when they became fathers. In my work with new and expecting fathers over the years, I’ve found that while there are different ways men come to understand and adapt to entering fatherhood they all know they are not, and cannot, be the man they were before their child was born. They know they are growing into something new, scary, exhilarating, powerful, hopeful – a father.

Biological and hormonal changes Most of the new fathers I work with know a lot about the biological and hormonal changes their female partner is going through, but little to nothing about their own biochemical and neurological changes. Entering fatherhood is a biological sea change in a man’s life not seen since puberty. Starting a few weeks after childbirth, testosterone levels lower as prolactin, vasopressin, and other hormones increase, rewiring a man's brain to prepare him for fatherhood. Entire areas of a man's brain grow and develop in response to hormonal changes in the first year of a child's life, which equip him with crucial skills to care for a newborn. This includes an increased sensitivity to crying, a deeper capacity to bond emotionally, and a greater responsiveness to another's needs.

While every man responds to these biological and hormonal changes differently, all men report experiencing more awareness of their emotions, of their partner’s emotions, and, most powerfully, of their infant child’s emotions. For some men the return of strong emotional awareness and the needs of a fragile, helpless infant lead to revisiting many emotionally sensitive, expressive, and vulnerable parts of themselves which got cut off or suppressed by enacting traditional male

gender roles.

In fatherhood groups, many men often share how their increasing abilities to use these vulnerable, sensitive parts of themselves are often scary and threatening despite the fact that they increase their closeness and positive interactions with their families.

For example, in working with “Deshawn”, a new father in his 30s, he discloses how powerful he feels to be able to soothe his nine-month old son back to sleep at night. He goes on to wonder if he’s getting too “soft” and “losing his edge” at work because of all this “daddy stuff”.

Relationship changes and loss Many men don’t realise how much they rely on their partners for primary emotional support and intimacy until it is abruptly lost in early parenthood. The biggest changes often occur in this relationship.

Months before the baby arrives, the need to argue, negotiate, and resolve conflicts about parenting takes centre stage.

At the same time, sex and relational satisfaction are not a priority. For some men the experience of losing the exclusive emotional focus from their partners while going through dramatic hormonal shifts is jarringly similar to how they entered adolescence – and in turn lost childhood. Men often experience long-repressed or unresolved feelings of abandonment and/or loss of connection and care from their own childhood relationships with their parents which are suddenly thrust into their relationship with their partner.

For many this experience of their relationship and their partners causes significant emotional turmoil, sadness, and vulnerability driving them into therapy. In my work with Harry, a 40-year-old new father of twins, he shares how lonely and resentful he has felt since his children “sucked up” all the attention and energy from his wife. He worries about his ability to be a good father when he has so much jealousy regarding the amount of

time and care his infant children receive from his spouse versus what he receives from her.

Emotional/developmental changes and healing While many of the changes that come with fatherhood are like many developmental shifts – confusing, scary, painful, and transformative – entering fatherhood also provides the space for repairing, healing, and growing. Fatherhood offers many men a second chance at revisiting important unmet needs from earlier in development while also providing the opportunity to grow new parts of their identities.

None of the psychological tasks of fatherhood are easy. In my experience they are nearly impossible without support and care. Through individual/group therapy and coaching I’ve seen many men heal, grow, and resolve prior psychological conflicts while becoming fathers.

For example, once Deshawn was able to share more of his worries about becoming too emotional or soft with other fathers in one of my groups, he learnt how many of the men in the group also had that worry until they realised how their understanding of manhood had grown and expanded since becoming fathers.

After a few months of treatment, Harry came to realise how much his resentment cuts him off from his family and decided to take up more direct childcare and spend more time getting advice and support from other dads he knows. His wife noticed these changes in their relationship, the changes he is making for their family, and she started flirting and being more affectionate with him.

Every man will experience and navigate fatherhood differently yet all will struggle with similar psychological challenges on a biochemical, relational, and intrapsychic level. Through supportive groups, therapy, coaching, and communities we can help new fathers change and heal for the better. (psychologytoday.com)

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sk yourself: Do trivial things easily throw you off balance?

Are you confused? Is your mind in conflict?

The mind often oscillates between the past and future, causing worry and anticipation. Desires, fear, cravings, aversions grip the mind. To drop the conflicts in the mind, it is essential to bring the mind to the present moment.

Yoga cleanses the body and mind of accumulated stress and negative impressions. Some yoga poses calm down the agitated mind. With regular practice, you will see that clarity dawns right away, body balance and flexibility improves, and makes you healthy, strong and alert.

Yoga & Meditation Maintains Inner & Outer Harmony What's more - the balance, flexibility, alertness that you achieve on the yoga mat, reflects in your actions and attitude off the yoga mat too.

• Learning to breathe through difficult postures can help you breathe through difficult times.

• Stretching in the yoga poses to your limit without comparing with another, can lead to an attitude to do your best in a situation and let go. This attitude helps in overcoming stress.

• Being physically flexible leads to mental flexibility. At the same time, being mentally flexible (for example: 'I can do it' attitude) leads to physical flexibility.

"The word yoga means skill - skill to live your life, to manage your mind, to deal with your emotions, to be with people, to be in love and not let that love turn into hatred." - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar How can we obtain this skill?

Spirituality Gives Inner Strength "For me, spirituality is all about living a happier life 'in the moment', responding to situations rather than reacting, de-programming and connecting with my Self to come with a fresh response to situations that repeat. Yoga and meditation give me just that!" shares Sylaja Kannan, an IT professional from Bangalore, India.

The practice of yoga and meditation prove to be a powerful combination and many enthusiasts like to round their yoga routine with a meditation. When the wobbling body becomes steadier and the disturbed mind becomes calmer, meditation can provide a deep sense of relaxation.

Spirituality gives inner strength to manage difficult situations and to keep smiling.

Being established in the Self, your inner peace spreads outward, and makes you a more responsible human being full of caring, sharing and love.

In sleep you get rid of fatigue, but the deeper stresses remain in your body. Meditation, yoga, and Sudarshan Kriya cleanses even the deepest layers of your consciousness, leaving you rested and refreshed.

Deepen Your Yoga Practice And Soar With Your Spirit Do you find that you can smile in any situation? Do you recognize that something deep in you is non-changing? Deepen your yoga practice and experience the joy that you are.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "The truth about ourselves and our lives need to be updated. We need to revisit them and ask ourselves these questions again and again, 'What do I want?' 'Am I doing the right thing?' 'Am I happy?'

Spirituality is not just some mumbo jumbo, sitting somewhere and doing something.

“It is revisiting the truth about ourselves..." written by Daya Krishnan with inputs from Shriram Sarvotham, who has been a yoga enthusiast from a very young age.

Here’s a simple yoga posture that you can do anywhere whether it is on your bed, at the office, stuck in traffic –wherever you may be. This posture will help you immensely especially if you wish to release tension, anger or any negative vibes that you may be feeling.

Anjali Mudra (Salutation Seal) Practicing Anjali Mudra is an excellent way to induce a meditative state of awareness. Most of the time we perform it with our hands in the center of our heart chakra.

This represents the balance and harmony between the right and left side reunited on our center.

This balance can be not only physical but also mental and emotional, and the idea is to bring us to the center to prepare ourselves for meditation and contemplation.

Start this sequence by practicing this mudra while seated in a comfortable cross-legged position with your eyes closed.

EMPOWERING THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL THROUGH YOGA!!

news

Natural gas explosion in Diamond

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saturdAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Exxon called in for technical assistance – CDC Head – residents looking for compensation

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ey local agencies are currently monitoring the natural gas explosion at a residence in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and have since enlisted the support of United States oil giant ExxonMobil as well as Massy Gas Products.

Guyana Times understands that the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are all working together along with the joint services to monitor and contain the eruption.

At about 18:00h on Thursday, construction workers were drilling a well at the Lot 1200 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Great Diamond residence when they hit a natural gas pocket, causing an immediate explosion that lasted the entire night, with fluctuating eruptions of various substances, including soot.

Head of the CDC (ag), Colonel Kester Craig, on Friday said the US oil company has offered its technical expertise to help with containing the situation.

“Since we have gotten the information last evening, we have pulled together all the key agencies and coordinated the response… One option that we are looking at, if we cannot stop it or contain it locally, Exxon has already said they’re willing to give some support, if that’s required,” he said.

According to the CDC head, GWI conducted some tests on Friday morning and detected some amount of methane, but the eruption has been fluctuating so they are continuing to conduct tests to determine the true value of the natural gas present.

Guyana Times understands that the owner of the house operates a water fil-

tration business in Diamond, and it is suspected that the well was being drilled to access water. When asked about whether permission was given for the drilling, Colonel Craig disclosed that the Hydrometeorological Service, the agency responsible for granting such permits, had indicated that no permission was given for any drilling at this location.

Going forward, the responding agencies will have to determine how to seal the pocket.

Back in 2009, a similar incident occurred at a residence in the Grove section of the scheme while the owner was drilling for water. The GGMC had managed to cap the eruptions and construct a metal structure to capture the gas. However, Craig explained that GGMC has indicated Thursday’s explosion is larger than the one which occurred about a decade ago.

Nevertheless, GGMC’s Senior Petroleum Technologist, Mitchell Prince, told the Ministry of the Presidency that the agency will be setting up a contraption to contain the natural gas.

“The plan is to run two sizes of casings into the orifice… we’re going to be using 18-inch casing …and 4-inch diameter casing…” Prince explained.

Meanwhile, Head of the EPA, Khemraj Parsram, on Friday posited that the reading from the natural gas emanating from the eruption is a bit high, but is not a significant cause for concern.

“So we’re just advising the residents in Sixth Avenue and in Fifth and Fourth streets just to take precautionary measures to ensure there is no ignition sources, that includes lights sources, open flames and so on; just precautionary, until we can monitor the situation and determine the best

MARAD clamps down on errant vessel operators

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n keeping with its mandate of ensuring safety on the country’s waterways, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has intensified its campaign in all river-in areas of the country; targeting fishing, passenger and cargo vessels.

The campaign, which began in 2017, is a collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Coast Guard and the Guyana Fisheries Department. It aims at intensifying inspections for all categories of vessels in an effort to ensure that unlicensed operators are regularised by having the necessary training and licence for the vessels they operate.

According to MARAD, if any vessels are found with deficiencies, then they are cited and given a specific time to rectify their docu-

ments.

The campaign is also focused at having vessels registered and to have the required documentation available as required by law, with emphasis being placed particularly on vessels which engage in commercial operations.

MARAD, as the regulatory agency for river usage, has the responsibility for the registration and licensing of vessels, and operators in Guyana under the River Navigation Act Chapter 50:01, while the enforcement of these laws lies within the constabulary powers and capabilities of the Guyana Police Force, and the Coast Guard.

The Department aims to have the general cooperation of mariners and seafarers as its seeks to improve the safety standards on the country’s waterways.

course of action,” Parsram explained.

Officers at the site said that if it reaches a stage where the air becomes severely contaminated, residents will be evacuated from the area.

In the meantime, emphasis is being placed on the advisory by the EPA and CDC that residents in the area desist from lighting matches, stoves, etc.

The Guyana Power and Light has since been ordered to cut the power to the area.

Meanwhile, surrounding neighbours of the Lot 1200

The aftermath on Friday following the natural gas explosion the night before

residence are also counting their losses. When Guyana Times revisited the scene on Friday morning, residents pointed out the various damages done to their properties as a result of the explosion.

One woman’s fence was broken, while the immediate back neighbour’s property was flooded and the back of the house was covered in a muddy substance that continued to emanate from the hole.

The affected residents expressed their expectation of receiving financial compensation.

8 news Police Corporal charged for assaulting wife, sister saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Police Corporal was on Friday released on bail by Magistrate Zamilla Ally- Seepaul when he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court after he was slapped with a series of offences.

Rondel Gouveia, 35, denied all seven charges which stated that on June 8, 2018, at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he unlawfully wounded his reputed wife, Candace Younge.

He was also accused of damaging Younge’s mobile phone while making

use of threatening language and assaulting her.

The Cop was also charged with assaulting his reputed wife’s sister, Alisha Martin, to cause actual bodily harm and also making use of threatening language.

He faced another charge of behaving disorderly at the Turkeyen Police Station while being in lawful custody.

He was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 and is expected to return to court on July 9.

Campbellville man released on bail on gun possession charge

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resident of Campbellville Hosing Scheme, Georgetown, who was previously arraigned with a gun possession charge, on Friday reappeared before Magistrate Leron Daly who granted the man bail in the sum of $150,000.

Laurence Ellis of Lot 157 Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on May 9, 2018, he had in his possession a .38

pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The court heard that on the day in question at about 20:00h, Police were on mobile patrol duties in the Campbellville area when they stopped the father of one and a search was carried out on his person. He was at the time on a pedal cycle. During the search, Ellis reportedly took the firearm from his crotch and threw it into a clump of bushes on the parapet.

The gun was subsequently retrieved by the Police. The magazine of same was extracted and six live rounds of ammunition were found. The 32-year-old man was told of the offence and was taken into Police custody where he gave a written caution statement.

In his caution statement, he reportedly said he bought the gun for $60,000 almost two weeks ago after he was threatened by someone named “Joshua” who re-

sides in the same area.

Defence Attorney Jocebed Pollard in a bail application told the court that her client is in need of medical attention and has since suffered a fractured kneecap.

However, bail was granted under conditions that Ellis lodge his travel document and report to the Kitty Police Station on Mondays and Fridays.

The matter was adjourned for July 11.

Man released on bail for threatening neighbour

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hemraj Shaffy, 49, of Lot 29 Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was on Friday released on $10,000 bail

by Magistrate Leron Daly, when he reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a

threatening language charge.

Shaffy pleaded guilty to the charge that was previously read to him. Initially, he had told the court that he was not aware of his actions based on the fact that he was intoxicated.

The court heard that on June 3, 2018, the defendant used threatening language towards his neighbour, Basil Persaud, and had already been placed on a court bond to keep the peace.

Police Prosecutor

Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted and informed the court that Shaffy was previously charged and placed on a bond to keep the peace for a similar matter.

The matter will continue on June 22.

Mason granted bail for snatching chain

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20-year-old mason on Friday appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts arraigned with robbery.

Seon Maynard of Alberttown, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on June 12, 2018, he stole a gold chain belonging to Melissa Gobin.

The matter was reported and the accused was subsequently arrested, charged and placed before the court.

Bail was granted in the sum of $10,000 and he is expected to make his next court appearance on July 6.

Maynard, who is no stranger to the court, was also arraigned in 2016 for snatching a gold chain from a rank attached to the Special Organisd Crime Unit while in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market.

Race and politics…

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…at GECOM and Government ack in 1975, Cheddi Jagan rather controversially decided that rather than opposing the PNC, which had rigged the 1973 elections while murdering two PPP activists, the PPP were going to give “critical support” to the PNC Government. By the end of the following year, having supported the PNC in the nationalisation of the sugar industry, Jagan opened talks with the PNC for closer collaboration.

One of the subjects he raised with Burnham was “racial discrimination” against Indian Guyanese by the PNC in Government, and the 80% of the economy it had nationalised. Burnham laughingly dismissed Jagan’s contention, and said, “It’s political, comrade, not racial”!!

Jagan’s retort, of course, in a country where people voted down the line along racial lines, should’ve been that Burnham’s contention was a distinction in search of a difference!! The effect would be the same!!

Today, we see something similar playing out in the GECOM hiring practices in general, and the choice of the GECOM CEO in particular. By and large, “Africans” and “Mixed” race in Guyana tend to support the PNC, and Indians tend to support the PPP. “Tend to”…so obviously, there will be the exceptions to prove the rule. But unlike Burnham, the present PNC lot can’t even be candid and say they have nothing against Indians per se…but they do tend to support the PPP. It’s political, baby!!

So if something comes up in GECOM, where a decision may impact on voting results, Indians might TEND to take a PPP slant. And the same for African/Mixed Guyanese in GECOM right now. We shouldn’t have to shy away from saying it like it is…when every Tom, Dick and Harrilall out there knows the truth. Who do we think we’re foolin’?

But the PNC makes a good point when they point out the composition at GECOM is pretty much the same as it was when they were in Government.

What they don’t say is the PPP never interfered with GECOM’s hiring practices, not only because it was an autonomous agency, but like in every sector of the state institutions, they were caught in a double bind. If they’d objected to hiring practices that favoured African Guyanese, they’d be accused of being racial!! Like at present!! But the PPP also probably thought it didn’t matter, since they had that majority since 1992. 2011 had to’ve been a wake-up call…but by then it was too late!!

But this PNC just doesn’t give a damn - as is shown by its choice of a Dep CEO who’s always been openly PNC. And to gild their lily, just look at the hatchet job the Chronic’s doing on the incumbent!! …and the Education Minister A columnist and frequent letter writer wondered “Why Ms. Henry chose to sensationalise the status of 11 Bangladeshis” who might have “jumped plane” here, and not about the thousands of Cubans and Haitians that did the same. He expatiated at length about “absolute change vs. relative change” and implied it might be due to her being a bit slow on the uptake.

Now this is not only being patently unfair to a woman who’s about to complete her PhD, but shows the columnist doesn’t want to call a spade a spade. It has nothing to do with “stupidity”, and everything to do with “race and politics”!

Minister of Education Henry knows fully well to invoke “Bangladeshis” is to signal to the PNC’s supporters that the PPP’s Indian base might be getting augmented! Man the barricades!!! Never mind that Bangladeshis would resist to the point of death being dubbed “Indians”!!

But who cares about these distinctions when one wants to score cheap political points?? Not this PNC lot!! …and Battle of the Malls Your Eyewitness notices, with dismay, the Indian Guyanese owner of one Mall complaining about concessions a Chinese Guyanese owner received under the PPP Government for his new Mall going up.

Does this refute charges of PPP’s “bias”?

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

News

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saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP raps Govt over oil sector failings – urges prioritisation of national oil spill policy

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is urging Government to make issues such as formulating a national oil spill policy a priority, lest Guyana ends up repeating the mistakes of other oil producers.

With just two years to go before first oil, Jagdeo on Thursday turned on the pressure on this issue.

According to the former President, not treating a national oil spill strategy as a priority is to risk Guyana retrogressing over the next few years.

“I’m saying to you, if we don’t address these critical issues, if we don’t address the rest of the economy, Guyana will be worst off

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

in the next decade than we are now. You read the experience of many of those countries. Check the assess-

ment of Chad and Nigeria and Venezuela and all those places. And just hear where they are today,” Jagdeo urged.

Jagdeo likened the delay in the oil policy to other faux pas’ in the industry; such as the renegotiated Production Sharing Agreement with Exxon’s subsidiary. The Government was heavily criticised for this agreement.

“This is not unique in the sector, in that all the things our Government was supposed to do to protect us, as a people and our interests, they have failed on.

They have failed to negotiate a contract, after we established 3.2 million barrels of oil reserves, a contract that was better than the one

More must be done to end DV, promote same-sex relations – UK envoy

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hile Guyana has made some progress in addressing societal issues, much more needs to be done in key areas such as domestic violence and legalising samesex relations.

This is according to British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn who was at the time speaking at a reception at his residence in honour of the 92nd birth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II. According to the UK diplomat, even with progress being made in some areas, challenges still remain.

“Domestic abuse and child abuse is still a problem.

Over my three years here, I have heard much talk about it but yet it still happens and that should be a shame on all of us – especially those who know this happens, who see it happen and who do nothing to help the victims.

There can be no impunity from prosecutions if a crime has been committed, no one is above the law… And I was happy to see the first Pride parade in Guyana on June 2. I encourage all to work towards the decriminalisation of same sex relationships. Everyone has rights and it is time that the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender) community received the rights they deserved,” Quinn posited.

He further stated that Guyana’s positive improvement on the World Press Freedom Index this year, noting that journalists’ rights cannot be taken for granted and they should be allowed to operate free from restrictive legislations.

Quinn also spoke of the need for a collaborative effort to curb the “dangers that exist in the modern world”, referring to the recent piracy attack off the coast of Suriname.

On this note, the British High Commissioner reflected on areas in which the UK has helped to develop in

President David Granger joins British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and his wife to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 92nd birth anniversary on Thursday evening, as Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Director General at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Audrey Waddell look on

Guyana, particularly with regards to Security Sector Reform (SSR).

“The past year has also seen the bedding in of significant UK support to Security Sector Reform… [But] the work being done under SSR is only part of a broader relationship we have combating serious organised crime through a wide range of assistance… There is also over £61 million of DFID (Department for International Development) expenditure committed to Guyana over the next five years. This is focused on developing infrastructure and improving health facilities,” Quinn detailed.

Additionally, he noted that the UK is working with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to pave the road from Linden to Mabura Hill and construct a bridge at the Kurupukari crossing. This project falls under the multimillion-dollar UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), from which Guyana is among nine countries in the Region to benefit.

Against this background, President Granger lauded the relations between Guyana and the UK, saying that it will further be strengthened over the coming years as they collaborate in various areas.

“The UK, through the

Department of International Development, has provided assistance to Guyana in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, disaster-relief, education, economic competitiveness, governance, law enforcement, trade facilitation, water supply, judicial service reform, public sector reform and security sector reform,” According to the Head of State, as Her Majesty steps down as Head of the Commonwealth, she leaves behind an excellent environmental legacy in the form of the ‘Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy’ – a network of forests conservation projects under which Guyana has dedicated the Kanashen Protected Area, located in the Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), spanning almost 7000 square kilometers.

Britain’s ties to Guyana were initiated in the Convention of London by which the Sovereign Principality of the United Netherlands formally ceded the three colonies, Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1814 in the reign of King George III. The colonial ties were severed 52 years later when Guyana became independent under Queen Elisabeth in 1966 but cordial relations continued.

given to ExxonMobil when we were trying to get them to explore. They did not. In fact Exxon came out ahead in those negotiations and that’s putting it mildly.”

“They were supposed to get the Sovereign Wealth Fund to protect our interest and they failed on that. They failed on the Petroleum Commission. They failed on local content. It’s the same pattern. They’re failing to address this issue in a manner that this is an environmental issue and the potential to tackle an oil spill.”

According to Jagdeo, Government has instead addressed the issue in a haphazard manner. He noted that Government seemed focused on one thing and that is oil but warned against this approach.

It is understood that development of the oil spill plan is being spearheaded by the Civil Defence Commission.

In March, a stakeholder session was held to gain input for the draft. CDC’s partners in the process include the Guyana Energy Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency.

When it comes to deadlines, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has said that a national oil spill and contingency plan will be established by 2020.

Even before Jagdeo’s press conference, there have been

criticisms about the slow pace of the plan’s development.

To its credit, however, Exxon has organised oil spill management training. This training has including providing information on dispersants, tools used and structure of response strategies among other exercises.

Protecting the environment

Last year, it was announced that the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) would commence – a number of environmental audits in 2018. These audits, Auditor General Deodat Sharma had said, would analyse the capacity of the country’s relevant agencies to protect the environment and endangered species of animals in case of a disaster.

Guyana had a taste of such disasters during the 1995 cyanide spill. In gold mining, cyanide is used as an extracting agent for the ore. In the case of Guyana’s cyanide spill, the highly poisonous material spilled out of a reservoir into the Essequibo River.

Guyana does not have to look far to see examples of the long-term effects of oil spills. Effects from an Exxon oil tanker spilling millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Alaska in 1989 are still felt today on the envi-

ronment. And cleaning up oil spills can costs billions of US dollars.

For instance, British Petroleum’s (BP) expended approximately $14 billion in clean-up costs after its Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded and sank in 2010. The disaster killed 11 persons on board and nearly five million barrels of oil were released underwater before the well was capped.

In 2016, President David Granger commissioned Guyana’s first oil spill response operation service at the Gaico Wharf at Nismes, West Bank Demerara. Gaico Oil Spill Response Operation Services, a name coined by Komal Singh, was set up as a pre-emptive measure against probable spillage once production commence in the future. The company has previous experience in construction.

At the commissioning, Singh had stated that he had noticed that there are a number of near misses of oil spills and decided to pursue the avenue of preparing for one in Guyana. He had said that the company has invested in a supply boat to work alongside rigs and supply them with fuel and cargo, while preparing for any occurrence of an oil spill. Its response time to an oil spill, Singh had said, would be within 24 hours.

10 news

saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Boxing night murder trial

Man, reputed wife found guilty of killing her uncle

…to be sentenced on June 26

at the Wales Police Station, while noting that she did not have a knife or a cellphone in her possession.

Thakurdyal’s account of the event was similar as he claimed his reputed wife’s uncle fell to the ground after he restrained him from hitting Ragnauth. During

his unsworn statement, the defendant expressed that after he saw Ramsundar holding his reputed wife, he went over and grabbed his hands.

“I told him to let her go and when he let her go, he ended up falling towards the fence… we jump in the

car and [Vishawantie] holler out to drive to the station,” he noted.

“Next thing the Police told me go in the lockup… then a few days later, they brought this allegation of murder against me,” Thakurdyal, also called “One Eye” added.

Container fees remain at $5000 – Town Clerk

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Nyron Thakurdyal

Dead: Sunil Ramsundar

Vishawantie Ragnauth

ishwantie Ragnauth and her reputed husband Nyron Thakurdyal, who were accused of murdering Ragnauth’s uncle, Sunil Ramsundar, at Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD), on December 26, 2014, were unanimously found guilty of the offence at the High Court on Friday.

The duo stood in the courtroom of Justice Sandil Kissoon and had the unan-

imous verdict read to them.

However, sentencing was deferred to June 26, following the presentation of a probation report requested

by Attorney for the accused, Nigel Hughes.

It was reported that on the fateful night at Patentia, WBD, Ramsundar was killed after he allegedly attempted to settle a dispute between his sister, niece and his niece’s reput-

ed husband.

According to Police reports in 2014, the incident occurred at about 22:00h where it was alleged that Ramsundar’s sister was being assaulted by her daughter Vishawantie and Vishawantie’s reputed husband, Thakurdyal.

It was reported that the now dead man enquired from his sister the reason for her crying and upon learning that the couple had physically assaulted her, the man approached his niece for an explanation.

However, this turned into a heated argument, during which Ramsundar was stabbed about his body. He was pronounced dead on arrival to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

The duo was later arrested and both slapped with the murder charge. During the trial, they continue to maintain their innocence thus giving unsworn statements to the Judge and jury on Tuesday last.

Ragnauth, called “Shelly”, admitted that her uncle was indeed cursing her and that their fight got physical. She also admitted that her reputed husband, Nyron Thakurdyal, went to defend her after the late Sunil Ramsundar grabbed her.

The accused related that she stopped a car with the intention of making a report

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ttempts by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to increase the fees for containers which traverse the streets of Georgetown have proven to be unsuccessful, and as such, the fees remain at $5000.

This was disclosed by Town Clerk Royston King on Friday, who told media operatives that the agreement was arrived at following a meeting with City Hall officials, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), and the Business and Communities ministries on Wednesday last.

“That tripartite meeting between the council, private sector and Government provided a good platform for conversation and action on issues, particularly financial issues affecting the sustainable development of Georgetown”, King stated.

During that encounter, the council was hoping for the fees to be increased from $5,000 to $8,000 for every 20ft container, and from $5,000 to $10,000 for every 40ft container.

“It was agreed that the council will sustain the current charge to provide an opportunity for all involved to look at the challenges facing the city in a more holistic manner, and to explore other options of revenue generation for Georgetown,” the Town Clerk posited.

King explained that with the current system in place, some shippers were collect-

Town Clerk Royston King

ing the money but were not remitting same to the council. He noted that the monies acquired from the increased fees would have been used specifically towards the construction of new roads and to repair the deplorable ones.

“The charge on containers is giving shippers an opportunity to contribute to what we do in the city (maintain roads),” he said.

On July 19, 2016, the M&CC had blocked several streets in Georgetown and its environs, demanding that a $25,000 fee be charged for each container to traverse the streets of Georgetown.

However, the Council was forced to abandon the demand after the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) moved to the High Court, challenging the M&CC’s decision to impose the new fee.

The SAG, in court doc-

uments filed, emphasised that the Municipal and Municipal District Councils Act, Ch 28:01 and by-laws do not provide for the imposition of such a tax.

The PSC had said at that time that it was increasingly concerned at the approach of the M&CC to make such decisions in order to raise revenue, as it negatively impacts the business community and the citizens of Georgetown, especially since there was no public consultation and due process within the law.

The PSC went on to say that while the city requires a certain amount of revenue to function effectively, stakeholders should be engaged in a decision making process which would consider the interest of all parties.

As such, in August of 2016, the fees were lowered from $25,000 to $5,000.

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saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

70th Enmore Martyrs death anniversary

Union claims Govt excluded them from activities – expresses concern State sliding back to days of repression

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is accusing Government of deliberately excluding it from participating in commemorative activities for the 70th death anniversaries of the Enmore Martyrs.

In a release on Friday, the trade union body lambasted the Social Cohesion Ministry for telling them “they would not be required to participate”.

It noted that prior to June 9, the Ministry had reached out to them to enquire into their participation. According to FITUG, they asked that the Ministry send them a formal invite. It is then that things started going downhill.

“The Ministry of Social Cohesion, which is responsible for the organisation of the activities, contacted FITUG regarding its participation on June 9, 2018. At that time, we advised that we would require a formal invitation and never heard from the Ministry again.”

“In the meantime, FITUG was advancing its preparations towards its participation and, subsequently, contacted the Ministry about the requested invitation and arrangements for the activities. It was only at that time we were informed that we would not be required to

participate.”

FITUG noted that it has participated, upon invitation, in consecutive Enmore Martyrs Day activities before and after the coalition Government assumed office.

The Union’s involvement has involved wreath-laying and public addresses at the Le Repentir Cemetery and the monument itself.

While professing to be at a loss for the reason behind their exclusion, but noted that the incident contradicts both the Ministry’s mandate and FITUG’s consistent collaborations with the State through a number of bodies and forums. “This differing approach, on this occasion, is obviously a cause for concern to us. In the meantime, the FITUG has written Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton seeking an explanation for his Ministry’s decision and have pointed out that our exclusion runs counter to the objective of his Ministry.”

“We cannot help but wonder whether the decision to exclude our body is linked to our outspokenness on several matters of concern to the working-people and their families. The Federation, as a responsible body, cannot turn a blind eye nor a deaf ear to the steadily declining economic and social circumstances of our people. If this is indeed the case, the FITUG is not daunted but will continue to speak up, and speak out when cherished gains and freedoms of our people are threatened.”

FITUG also warned that it would inform its membership of the Government’s action. In addition, the Union spoke of the need for them to reconsider its relations with the coalition Government and future participation in activities and work of the State. “Our exclusion serves to indicate, from all appearances, that our country is quickly heading down a slippery slope and heading back to an era when dissenting views are not tolerated,” the Union lamented.

“For us, this is saddening recognising that the Enmore Martyrs gave their life and our forbearers struggled to win us those very freedoms which, it seems, are being disregarded by our now-aday leaders. As FITUG said a few weeks ago, our people find themselves in dangerous times. We cannot help

also known as “Pooran”, Lallabagee Kissoon; Surujballi; and Harry – are commemorated, the nation must remain cognisant of the struggles of the modern day sugar worker.

In a statement on Friday, GAWU recalled how the killings inspired late former President Dr Cheddi

Relatives of the Enmore Martyrs lay their wreaths

but be saddened by what is taking place in our Dear Land of Guyana.”

Take stock

Meanwhile, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) sought to remind that even as the lives of the five workers – Rambarran, Lall,

Jagan to form the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

The Union expressed dismay for the current state of affairs in the sugar belt.

“As we pay tribute to the Martyrs, we cannot fail to reflect on the sugar industry and the anxieties and despair that hover over the heads of workers through-

out the sugar belt. It is disheartening for us in spite of the very good prospects for the industry’s viability, the Administration stubbornly pressed ahead, disregarding the dire consequences, with its plans to minimise the industry.” “The sad and disturbing reality, at this time, is that the Government has pushed thousands of ordinary, hardworking, decent Guyanese into a life of desperation and, possibly, depravity. The cutting down

of the industry is not the direction that our country should be pursuing. This is a path that will lead to greater hardships for our people and country.” GAWU highlighted the importance of sugar and the workforce to the economy. According to the Union, history will record the actions of the Government and those who orchestrated the downsizing of the industry. And they will neither be forgotten nor forgiven.

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saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Patients allegedly infected while being treated at GPHC

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wo patients who were both discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on Thursday are alleging that they were infected by doctors at the hospital, and have even accused the doctors of being ignorant.

Businessman Jummal Pinder, a 22-year-old East Bank Demerara resident, told Guyana Times he had been involved in an accident on April 15 last, after a blow-out caused him to lose control of the car in which he was travelling; and it swerved off the road and eventually flipped, causing him to sustain a broken hip and leg, along with several bruises to his face and body.

Pinder said he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), and was hospitalised for about three weeks. Doctors at the GPHC inserted steel in his leg in a surgery.

According to him, the pin which kept the steel in place was inside of his foot for about three weeks, during which time he was under severe pain but

thought it was normal.

However, a few days after the pin was detached from his leg, the leg became swollen and started to ooze.

Alerted by this, he revisited the GPHC about two weeks ago, and was told that his leg was infected.

“When I came here, my foot was so bad that they had to hold it up. It was swollen, and one of them people end up dropping my foot, and the thing burst and started oozing a set of blood, and inflammation was just running out quick, quick, quick,” Pinder reklated.

He said he was treated with antibiotics and sent away. He returned last Wednesday for a checkup, but was again sent away.

Last Saturday, while experiencing excruciating pain, a high temperature and vomiting, he revisited the GPHC and was hospitalised.

The young man said he was again forced to undergo yet another surgery to rectify the condition. He

The condition of Jummal Pinder before he was discharged from GPHC

said his condition has since been improving and is cur-

rently healing, but he is upset at the way the doc-

tors had handled his matter, since he believes he could have lost his leg because of their negligence.

Another patient, who requested that his name not be published, told Guyana Times he had experienced the almost exact situation. This 34-yearold who hails from North Ruimveldt, Georgetown related that he had been involved in an accident on March 10 last, when he was struck off his motorcycle by a car that made a sudden turn.

The father of one said he was taken to the hospital by the driver, and was treated and sent away.

He explained, “They did an external fixation. They put in four screws (in my leg), and one of those four screws was sent in way over to the other side (of my foot). So while it was there, it was irritating my skin all de time and causing infection”.

He said while he was at home his foot was developing an infection, which caused him to visit the GPHC on Monday.

He claims that the nurses sent him away, telling him they had a lot of work to do, and his clinic day was on Wednesday.

The man complained that his foot had already developed an abscess, which had burst on Tuesday and was bleeding. “The abscess burst at home, and it was bleeding (badly); but I couldn’t come (then), I had to come Wednesday. So when I came on Wednesday, they admit me to the hospital and they cut meh foot, remove the steel that was on the other side…”

He said that before the doctors had inserted the screws into his foot, his bones were together in the X-ray test, but after they operated on it again, the bone separated. He said the doctors did the surgery, but his condition worsened.

“Like they don’t know what they doing,” he cried.

Efforts to get a comment from an official from the medical facility proved futile.

Road Safety Council body complains of traffic hazard on WCD roadway

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he Chairman of the West Demerara Road Safety Council is concerned about the safety of road users, since several privately owned trucks have been parking on the public roadway, thereby occupying the pedestrian and cyclists’ lanes.

Peter Katanan explained that the matter has been ongoing for just about two years, and frustrated council members are contemplating what other steps can be taken to protect the road users in Orangestein, East Bank

A few of the vehicles parked on the turn on Wednesday morning

Essequibo, given that they have exhausted just about every measure.

He further stated, with much concern, the number of accidents which have al-

ready occurred as a result of the ignorant behaviour of the truck operators, about which the association confronted them on several occasions.

The Chairman claimed that Traffic ranks in ‘D’ Division even issued warnings to the drivers in their presence and in the presence of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure personnel, but this seemingly has made no difference with the operators, who are determined to park on the roadways, endangering the lives of people

using the roads.

“These trucks (are) even more dangerous at night, because I have passed and have not even seen reflectors on the back of these 18 wheeler trucks. They even have excavators parking here, and the area has no street lights.

It is even much more of a challenge for drivers when it rains because, like I said, there are no street lights, these trucks don’t have reflectors, and they are dark, rusty coloured trucks, which makes it more difficult to notice them,” he explained.

The frustrated official said that just two weeks ago someone reported to him that they almost collided with another vehicle owing to the faulty practices of the drivers. He argued, “These lanes are specifically for pedestrians and pedal cyclists.

When they park like that, they have nowhere to walk or ride but in the lane of a moving vehicle, which exposes them to danger”.

To make matters worse, the Chairman noted, the trucks have even been parking on the turns.

er Montrose resident explained.

When contacted in December last year, Chairman of the Better Hope/Success/LBI NDC, Zaman Shaw, sympathised with the residents. He admitted that the roads in those communities were in dire need of repair, but distanced his NDC for being solely responsible for their maintenance and upkeep.

Shaw had said that his

NDC was doing its part and had been lobbying the RDC and Central Government to make more resources available to make the necessary interventions.

Some improvement work was done soon after, but most of the roads have reverted to being deplorable.

Meanwhile, residents of Plaisance have also bemoaned the poor state of their roads, and have called for action to be taken to cor-

rect the hatchet job that is continually being done on the roads there.

The East Coast residents want the local Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the relevant regional as well as Central Government bodies to take swift action to return their communities and the road infrastructure there to their former glory. (Michael Younge)

Fix our roads – East Coast residents urge Govt, NDCs

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everal main access and inline roads in key communities along the East Coast of Demerara have, over the past few years, fallen into a state of disrepair or have become deplorable, forcing residents on Thursday and Friday last to protest the conditions as they pleaded for the authorities to undertake urgent repairs and upgrades of these roads.

When the Guyana Times visited Beterverwagting, Annandale and Enterprise on Thursday morning, residents complained bitterly about the state of the roads and the fact that they have been lobbying for over three years to get their respective Neigbourhood Democratic Councils to undertake remedial and corrective works.

“We are fed up, frustrated and tired! They do not respond to, or understand,

the discomfort we experience when we have to traverse these roads”, Shanti Persaud of Annandale explained during an interview.

The woman said that when there is a heavy downpour and the streets in certain part of Annandale flood, the potholes in the roads sink deeper, and persons could injure themselves.

Another resident of Enterprise said there is need for certain corrective works to be done to roads in key sections of the community. He said there are times when vehicle owners complain about the roads and their state.

Meanwhile, residents of communities such as Mon Repos, Success, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Montrose and Better Hope are also complaining about the poor state of their roads.

“The school children are

the most affected, and those who have to walk through the mud and (slush) to access public transportation.

Vehicle owners and operators who work in Montrose and Better Hope are also experiencing hardship”, Ryan Persaud of Third Street, Montrose told Guyana Times on Friday.

He said he was concerned about the poor works being done by the local NDC in the area, and wanted more progress and swift action to have the potholes and badly damaged roads within his community affected.

The residents claim that some of the roads had been neglected for years, and little or no work is being done to improve the conditions of the roads.

“The Chairman lives not too far from here, and look at our roads. He is not doing anything for us”, anoth-

13 Magistracy has jurisdiction to hear extradition proceedings – High Court Judge rules news

saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…lawyers for US murder accused to appeal ruling

J

ustice JoAnn Barlow on Friday ruled that the Magistrate’s Court has the authority to proceed in the extradition case of Troy Thomas, which is to continue at the Providence Magistrates’ Courts on June 26.

Thomas, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, who is accused of murdering Keith Frank on December 11, 2011 in the US, was earlier in this year arrested in Guyana by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

It was disclosed that the operation to apprehend Thomas had started since January 31, 2018.

Frank succumbed to a bullet wound to the torso allegedly inflicted during a confrontation with Thomas and others. The victim, whose daughter was eight months at the time, died two months before he would have celebrated his twenty-first birthday. He had reportedly been living in the U.S. since he was 12.

Reports in US media stated that the killing occurred outside a South Richmond Hill party.

US media reports quoted Frank’s mother, Carol Kyte, as saying that her son was attending a birthday party near 132nd Street and 109th Avenue, and encountered some other men with whom he had an ongoing dispute.

It is alleged that a group of other Guyanese men were at odds with one of Frank’s friends over sophomoric quibbles like break-dancing or the attention of girls in the neighbourhood.

On March 14, 2018, Thomas was charged be-

ed by the New York Police Department, and a wanted bulletin was issued for him in connection with the murder of Frank after an altercation outside of a South

Troy Thomas

fore Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, and was remanded to prison pending his extradition after he was caught by Police hiding in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

At the High Court on Friday, Judge Barlow dismissed the application by Thomas for the matter to be heard in the High Court.

The judge made her decision after considering the Fugitive Defenders Act. After considering said Act, Barlow noted that the rights of Thomas were not being violated. The learned judge further stated that the Foreign Affairs Minister had already taken into account all of the regulations before he gave the Magistrates’ Courts clearance to proceed.

In making the decision, the Judge also considered the extradition cases of Barry Dataram, Garfield Sobers, Steven King and Terrence Singh.

Judge Barlow them proceeded to dismiss the application, stating that the declaration being sought by the attorneys for the accused was refused. Cost for the re-

spondent was awarded in the sum of $150,000.

Following the decision, Attorney for Thomas, Nigel Hughes, requested a threeweek stay in the matter at the High Court, which would allow him time to appeal the judge’s decision.

This was objected to

by Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas, who stated that there is no merit in the appeal. The stay was denied by Judge Barlow, who stated that the time leading up to the continuation date is sufficient enough for Hughes to make his appeal.

Thomas’s lawyers: Nigel Hughes, Darren Wade and Bernard DaSilva, had moved to the High Court in a bid to block his extradition case on the grounds that the Magistrate’s Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case.

Attorney-at-Law Wade had contended that the extradition treaty between the United States of America (USA) and Guyana was never introduced into local law, and therefore it would have no effect. He had alluded to several cases in the past.

Thomas was being hunt-

– robbed by armed men posing as Police

A

ting the crime.

He shortly after reportedly travelled to Guyana, before the wanted bulletin which was issued by the US had reached Interpol.

MARAD staff benefit from domestic violence training

Sophia family terrorised family from B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is now traumatised after gunmen, posing as Police ranks, broke into their home in the wee hours of Wednesday morning and terrorised them before carting off approximately $1 million in items.

The robbery reportedly occurred sometime around 04:00h when the family was asleep. The head of the household is a security officer attached to Federal Management System.

Guyana Times understands that the family of six was awakened by a loud noise emanating from the bottom flat of the house and shouts of “Police!

Richmond Hill party.

It was then disclosed by US law enforcement agents that Thomas had fled the country to Canada within hours of allegedly commit-

Police!”

Upon inspection, a light was shone into the face of one of the occupants of the house and he was told to lie on the floor while another man, who was armed with a cleaver, ran through the house and woke everyone.

The masked men reportedly ordered the family to lie on the floor. Soon after, the perpetrators began to assault one of the occupants of the house by hitting him to the head with the gun.

An elderly man was also beaten and kicked to his body several times.

During the ordeal, the family members were instructed not to look at the faces of the men.

The other bandits went on to ransack the house during which they collected a mobile phone, a lap top computer and an undisclosed sum of cash. The men then escaped with a motorcycle belonging to the family valued at $400,000.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the security guard related “this has been happening in our area for a long time now. A lot of people complained about the same thing. In some cases, some of them were sprayed with a substance which caused them to sleep through the robbery.

The matter was reported to the Turkeyen Police Station and an investigation was launched.

T

One of the presenters during the workshop

he Maritime Administration D e p a r t m e n t (MARAD), in collaboration with Child Link Guyana, recently concluded a workshop on domestic violence for the Department’s staffers.

According to a release issued by MARAD, the awareness forum was held between May 29 and June 7, 2018 at the Department’s head office and at the Ports and Harbours Office.

Employees benefited from these sessions col-

lectively, where theories, ideas and experiences were shared, which enabled a better understanding of domestic violence.

Convening the sessions were presenters from both of the partnering entities which include Kean Chase, Ashome Clarke, Stacy Parris, Katina BennGeorge, and a former professional Counsellor of Child Link Guyana.

During the workshop, participants were able to benefit from discussions on the forms of domestic vio-

lence, the cycle of domestic violence, and the triggers of domestic violence.

It was revealed that violence against women occurs in all sectors of society in all countries of the world, regardless of race, religion, social status, educational or economical background.

In Guyana, in the years 2013/2014, there were over 3,000 reported domestic violence cases. More than 80% of the victims were females.

14 NEWS

saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

celebration 2018

Scenes of

Campaign to stamp out expired goods launched

A

campaign to inspect local vendors, outlets and supermarkets has commenced with the aim of preventing the ongoing epidemic of expired products from entering many Guyanese households.

This was revealed by the Chief Meat and Food Inspector of the Food Safety Department (FSD), Onika Blackman, who noted that many persons are unaware of the dangers that expired food items can cause to humans once consumed.

She noted that in many instances, vendors are warned that expired products are not to be sold but many are still found with these items.

“If this is what we need to do, have an ongoing campaigns to ensure that these items are not being peddled on the marketplaces, well this is where we’ll have to go.”

On Thursday, stalls at the Stabroek Bazaar were raided in search for expired products from officials of the FSD. In this scenario, many vendors were found in possession of goods that are deemed unfit for consumption as they would have sur-

passed the expiry date.

The items were seized and destroyed. In some cases, the consumer information was printed in a different language while in others, the dates were removed. The expiry of some products dated back to 2017.

“What happened is that at the time that we did our inspection, all the items that were found to be expired were removed from the premises and destroyed.

The reason for this is because we don’t want expired items on the marketplace,” Blackman said.

On the side of the consumers, many cannot afford to buy goods at regular prices hence they tend to purchase expired products which are sold at a lower cost.

Blackman explained that in time to come, the Department is looking to conduct searches in larger outlets where the vendors might be obtaining their goods.

“This is going to be extended not only to the bazaar that we did yesterday (Thursday). The exercise is going to be extended to all the other markets and other

associated outlets that will be dealing with these particular items and we’ll be checking to ensure that no expired goods are on sale.”

Furthermore, those that were found guilty of the offence were not required to face any charges. However, it is something that will be considered to ensure that expired products are not sold on the markets.

Consumers are also advised to read the labels of items before purchasing and to be aware of expiry dates and the hazards that can be caused from its consumptions.

“What I’d like to urge members of the public is that expired products being sold presently might be cheaper but in the long run, it can be more costly.

When you purchase expired goods, there is no guarantee of what it is you’re going to actually be consuming,” the Chief Meat and Food Officer stated.

The public is also advised to notify the Department of any cases where expired products are sold so that there can be some intervention to prevent the scourge of selling expired products.

Remigrants from Venezuela claiming mineralrich land must prove citizenship – Greenidge

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emigrant Guyanese from Venezuela claiming land in Ekereku, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) must be able to prove their citizenship to the satisfaction of immigration authorities; a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated.

The Ministry issued a statement on Friday, stating that the claims to the mineral-rich land are not a straightforward case. The statement came following a report in sections of the local media. Cabinet has mandated the requisite Ministries and agencies to investigate the matter, the statement added. The Ministry said while the Government is committed to ensuring the rights of our Indigenous peoples are respected; none of the persons in question has

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

been able to prove their citizenship to the satisfaction of immigration authorities.

Without this proof, they are not entitled to enter Guyana without permission from the relevant authorities. In such a case, there can be no claim to assets in Guyana, since the Ministry

is unsure whether these persons are Guyanese or whether they actually hold Venezuelan citizenship.

The Ministry also cited security and other legal issues arising from the persons claiming land where gold is being mined without proper documentation.

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saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police Officers must be good fathers, report defaulters – ACP Amsterdam

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olice Officers must bear the responsibilities of their children and be good fathers, if not; they should be reported to the authorities. This is according to former Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Amsterdam.

He says the Police have a role to play in ensuring that fathers play their role in society.

Speaking at a rally on the Corentyne recently to emphasise the role fathers play in society and as part of a series of programmes in Berbice, Amsterdam said because some Police Officers have to relocate frequently, they become ‘sperm donors’.

According to him, on many occasions, single

mothers approach him stating that they have affiliation warrants, adding that the mothers frequently speak of the challenges they are forced to endure as a result of the absence of the fathers of their children.

“That is the warrant when the men go away and they don’t mind the children, and the Police are not executing those warrants…,” he noted.

“We know what happens when the parent or the father in not in the home, lots of time the children go the other way and they end up in the hands of the law. I don’t want our ranks planting seeds all around this country and then they disappear and nobody knows

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Amsterdam

where to find them and they don’t support their children. If you have a child father who is a Policeman and he does not support or look after his children, come to us, don’t encourage it. We will ensure that

they take care of their children even if we have to help them. Because we know what it is when there is no father figure around,” Amsterdam said.

The rally, which was organised by the Guyana

Police Force and its collaborating partners, was aimed at reminding fathers of their roles and responsibilities in moulding a nation.

Also addressing the rally was Region Six Chairman David Armogan who noted that in today’s society, there are many social ills that could be attributed to the diminishing role of parents in the home.

He said the less attention parents pay to their children, the more the children will depend on other agencies and groups within society.

“And so the role of fathers in our home cannot be overemphasised because traditionally, fathers have been seen as people who are the authority in the

home, the breadwinner in the home, who is the person that a child can look up to for advice and turn to for attention whenever there is need for that,” he said.

Armogan warned against criticising fathers because they are seldom at home. Because of economic situations, some fathers may have to leave home in search of jobs to ensure that the economics of the home is taken care of, Armogan stated.

“It is not always the fault of the fathers who we always seem to be beating up on. Some fathers have to leave home to make a living and ensuring that you can provide materially for your home,” the Regional Chairman added.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Dakoura Creek Nonpareil Greenhouse seeks workforce Watershed Management to complete eco-friendly project Plan being finalised

GWI’s Environmental Management Consultant, Samuel Wright

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he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is in the final stages of preparing the Dakoura Creek Watershed Management Plan in order to sustain the Dakoura Creek as the primary source for the western sub-section of the Linden Water System.

The clear water creek, which has an estimated annual flow of 52 million cubic meters, currently serves as a water source for some 12,000 residents via the western sub-system of the Linden Water System and a plan is currently being finalised for the management of its watershed.

On Wednesday, GWI’s Environmental Management Consultant, Samuel Wright, said it is of paramount importance that all stakeholders work together to achieve the water resource goals. Stakeholders include the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, GWI, the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10, Bosia Minerals Guyana Limited, and the Linden Mayor and Town Council.

Therefore, among the goals of the watershed plan are maintaining and im-

proving water quality and supply to sustainably meet the needs of natural and human communities, protecting public Health and the drinking water supply and supporting appropriate economic and sustainable development to reduce impacts of squatting.

The Creek Watershed Management Plan articulates the proposed protection strategy for the Dakoura Creek Watershed, its designated uses and associated goals and objectives, and the actions to be implemented to support the sustainability of the watershed. Detailed in the plan are plans and procedures for the further characterisation and subsequent analysis of data, and also the roles and responsibilities of the relevant stakeholders, and the resources needed for its implementation. The Dakoura Creek has been found to have high levels of bacteria and its threats include mining, unauthorised logging, subsistence farming, uncontrolled dumping of garbage and urbanisation.

The expected outcomes of the management of the watershed are improved understanding of the watershed, clear goals and objectives/ how to manage the watershed, community engagement and support, decisions based on best information and good integration with other plans.

Among the primary recommended actions of the implementation plan is the execution of a water quality-monitoring plan, which Wright said is expected to be initiated in the third quarter of 2018. This will cost approximately GY$3 million per year. The funding sources are GWI, the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

T

he Nonpareil Greenhouse Club, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), is calling for the public’s assistance in completing an eco-friendly building and community park in the community.

The Club is urging persons to become volunteers as it makes every effort to complete the project.

The Club noted that it has acquired all the materials necessary for the construction but is seeking the help of volunteers to complete the fencing that will be done using used tyres.

About 1000 tyres will be used for the fence and some parts of the building, while plastic bottles will be used to replace concrete hollow blocks by filling them with cement mixture. This would reduce the amount of waste being burnt by the community, reduce pollution and prevent flooding due to blockag-

The fence which is constructed using tyres

es caused by excess plastics.

A few weeks ago, the Public Relations Officer of the Nonpareil Greenhouse Club, Anthony Stanislaus, revealed that plans were being finalised to construct the second phase of the project – the building – using unwanted materials such as plastic bottles, unwanted tyres, among other non-biodegradable waste items.

“The glass bottle is used

by breaking it up and put it in the cement mixture which will strengthen the mixture and get rid of the glass bottle. As for the tyres, we will be using them to make the fence with it.”

The building, which will be 1400 square feet, will serve as a multipurpose centre for the benefit of the community upon completion, while the surroundings will be made into a park with

trees and recreational amenities for residents.

“The building will have it a normal column, beams and foundation made of cement but now instead of using hollow block, we putting plastic bottles. So now this will help to get rid of all the plastic bottles in the drainage and canal system and also lying around the places.

So it will keep a clean and healthy environment.”

The Club is engaging in these initiatives to spread awareness on the hazardous effect that improper disposal of waste can have on our health and the environment.

The project, which commenced in September of last year with the placement of a fence around the area, will conclude with the construction of the building. This is scheduled to be concluded by the end of 2018. It will follow many other such projects that will follow shortly after.

Guyana’s AG visits Toronto City Hall

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uyana’s Attorney General, Basil Williams, paid a visit to Toronto City Hall on Thursday last, where he was received by the Hon. Jim Karygiannis, Councillor of Ward 39, ScarboroughAgincourt.

During their brief discussions, the Attorney General updated the Councillor on the developments in Guyana with regard to the new oil and gas sector and Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy.

The Councillor warmly welcomed Williams to Toronto and to Toronto City Hall. He also recognised the contributions of Guyanese to the City of Toronto and the skills that they have brought with them.

After the brief discussions, the Attorney General

Attorney General Basil Williams along with Jim Karygiannis, Councillor of Ward 39, ScarboroughAgincourt, and other officials during his visit

signed the Toronto City Hall’s Guest Book, and was given a guided tour of City

Hall. The visit to Toronto City Hall was organised by the Guyanese Community in

Toronto, which was also represented at the meeting.

16 news

saturDAY, june 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Law students protest Annual CLE Entrance Exams T

he Association of Caribbean Students for Equal Access to the Legal Profession (ACSEAL); the University of Guyana’s (UG) Law Society; and the University of Technology’s (UTech) Students’ Union, Jamaica; are yet again calling on the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) to urgently address the concerns of law students and other conscientious Caricom citizens across the Region who are concerned about the transparency and fairness of the CLE Annual Entrance Examinations.

In 2015, it was reported that of the 400-plus “nonUWI [law] students who sat the entrance examination for a chance to be enrolled at the Norman Manley Law School [in Jamaica], the Institution only admitted seven for the 2015/2016 academic year”. A similar outcome was manifested in 2017, when only seven non-UWI law graduates gained entrance to the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.

To gain a passing grade at the entrance examinations, candidates are required to obtain at least 40 per cent in each of the courses examined: contract, criminal, equity, property

and tort; but in 2015, only 17 of the 400-plus candidates in Jamaica obtained a “pass” in all core courses.

Since March 2016, ACSEAL has adamantly criticised the entrance examination procedure, citing the absence of a detailed body of regulations governing the examinations; the lack of review or query procedure; the absence of any model answers or examiners’ reports; and the fact that examination results for all candidates are not released simultaneously, as contributory factors to the “apathy and drastic decline in student confidence regarding the law school admission process”.

President of the UG Law Society, Delonté De Clou, noted that “Guyanese students face a unique issue in relation to the exorbitant fees which relegate us to second class students who are burdened by onerous fees. A push for a law school locally will be less financially onerous on local students. As such, the University of Guyana Law Society supports ACSEAL’s efforts to shine a light on the problematic practices that exists in relation to entry, the issue of expense, as well as the push for transparency in relation to the entrance exam”.

De Clou’s sentiments were echoed by the Vice President of the UG Law Society, Josephine Tapp, who stated, “no process with the ramifications that these exams have on persons’ futures should have the administrative and procedural improprieties that are apparent in the present exam process.

“As students of law, we are taught the importance of procedural fairness – of which transparency is a cornerstone – and we believe these rules should translate into the examination that our colleagues are asked to sit. As such, we are committed to: working with ACSEAL to criticise the discrepancies of what is now a

discriminatory system that routinely sees a 90 per cent failure rate (while UWI students are granted automatic entry); to highlight the need for a merit-based system of admission; and the need for the establishment of a law school in Guyana,” Tapp added.

The 2018 session for the annual law school entrance examinations is carded for July 4 and is expected to be conducted in more than 10 Caricom Member States.

Legal education in the English-speaking Caribbean, is mainly governed by a 1971 treaty which established the Caricom Council of Legal Education (CLE). In order to become a lawyer, one must first com-

plete a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) at a University recognised by the treaty; and then, obtain a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from one of the law schools in the Region: the Hugh Wooding, Eugene Dupuch or Norman Manley Law School.

However, since 1997, the CLE has adopted an interpretation of the 1971 treaty, which imposed an entrance examination on non-UWI LLB holders to access the law schools. Every year, hundreds of non-UWI law graduates across the Caribbean pay the non-refundable examination fee (US$150) with no guarantee that success will result in admission, since their

admission is based on the availability of spaces after all UWI LLB graduates have been automatically accommodated.

The exclusive, preferential and automatic access to the Region’s law schools, afforded to UWI law graduates, has been criticised from as early as 1998.

Trinidad and Tobago’s 1998 Cabinet-appointed ‘Task Force to Consider Legal Education in the Caribbean’ recommended: “the introduction of an admission policy based on a merit system, as opposed to an automatic entry exclusively for UWI graduates”.

The Caricom Secretary General in July 2017 responding to a question posed to him on behalf of ACSEAL at a Social Media Interactive event in Grenada, stated that he had “received advice that the admission policy of the [CLE] in giving priority to UWI students is discriminatory and ought to be addressed”. Meanwhile, the Governments of Guyana and Jamaica have expressed intentions of establishing more law schools in their respective countries to address the problem of space provision. The CLE is yet to approve the establishment of these law schools.

First Lady treats male residents of Palms Geriatric Home for Father’s Day

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger recently paid a special visit to the male ward of the Palms Geriatric Home, Brickdam, Georgetown, where male residents were treated to a pre-Father’s Day glam session.

The event was coordinated by the Office of the First

Lady and supported by the Social Protection Ministry, Destiny Empowerment Centre, Women Across Differences (WAD) and the Luminous Women Group.

Granger noted that through the initiative, the male residents benefited even while the newly minted participants of her Care

for the Elderly Workshop were able to put the knowledge they would have gained to the test.

“Some of the teen mothers have completed the Care for the Elderly Workshop...

So, some of them have that experience and it gives them additional practice of dealing with the men and the

First Lady Sandra Granger posed with the barbers and a few residents of the Palms Geriatric Home

ladies… The [interaction] between the elders and the girls is to expose them and to have them interact with the older persons… it adjusts their mind-set on how you deal with the older people,” the First Lady stated.

In an invited comment, Coordinator of WAD, Colonel Samuels-Boston related that the girls’ participation in the activity helped to bridge the gap between the older generation and the new.

“They were able to put what they did in theory into practice… [It] is important also that they, as youth, are able to bridge that gap and to respect the elderly…

There are so many of them who came from single parent households. So many of them… did not have the opportunity to have adult interaction or to [be] loved by a father… I think it was a good opportunity for them

to… feel that… They have boy children, so they themselves will know how to parent their boy child or

give back to them because… they [have already] given to society. [We] helped them to do things they [can’t] do…

They said they would always remember us and they asked us when we would [be] back,” she said.

Surprised by the gratitude of the elderly men, Shavani Lynch said the experience was very rewarding. “It was [my] first time pampering the elderly men… It was nice. Over time I’ve heard a lot of negative things about the [elderly] males and being there [was] totally different [from] what people say… I don’t have a father and dealing with someone who could be my father or grandfather… was good… It felt good and

The First Lady presenting a gift bag to one of the residents during her recent visit

children,” she said. WAD participant, Bibi Baptiste, said she was deeply moved after participating in the glam session. “Pampering the elderly gentlemen… was wonderful. [It was kind] to

I felt good that I could make someone [else] feel nice.”

The men were treated to barber services from Razor King’s Barbershop and were presented with gifts of personal care items.

saturDAY, june 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Paul Manafort jailed by Judge Antigua PM says better air transport for alleged witness tampering essential for regional economic resilience

A

D

onald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort has had his bail revoked by a Washington, DC, Judge and has been ordered to jail pending trial. Robert Mueller, who is investigating alleged Russian election interference, accuses him of trying to tamper with potential witnesses before the trial.

Manafort was accused of using encrypted mobile phone apps to contact people in breach of his bail terms.

He faces charges of tax fraud, money laundering, and illegal lobbying.

US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said on Friday that Manafort had "abused the trust placed in you" and treated the court proceedings as "just another marketing exercise".

"This is not middle school, I can't take his cell phone," she added, according to US media. Trump

Manafort faces charges of money laundering and conspiracy against the US

said it was "very unfair" and called it "a tough sentence", although Manafort has not gone on trial yet.

In a separate development, Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said that there is a "good chance" that the president will decide next week whether he will sit down for an interview with Mueller.

But the former New York mayor advised that Trump should not cooperate, saying: "Why would he get interviewed in a corrupt in-

vestigation?" Manafort, who resigned as chairman of the Trump campaign in August 2016, has been under house arrest since he was charged last October.

He had been confined to that Alexandria, Virginia home since his arrest, and was forced to wear a GPS monitoring device. He was indicted after FBI agents seized documents from his home in a pre-dawn raid in July last year. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

14 Caricom countries prepare projects to mobilise “green funds”

F

ourteen countries of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will design multiple projects to mobilise resources from international sources, which will allow them to improve the resilience and adaptation of their agriculture, food systems and rural communities to change climate.

The projects will be possible thanks to a new fund created by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Mexican Agency for International Development

Cooperation (AMEXCID).

José Graziano da Silva, director general of FAO, and Luis Videgaray, secretary of foreign affairs of Mexico signed in Rome on Thursday the agreement that creates the fund, which will have an initial budget of US$500,000, contributed in equal parts (US$ 250,000 each).

This capital will be used as a pre-investment resource that will mobilize millions of dollars for resilience and adaptation projects.

The countries that will

develop the projects are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.

Ten of the projects will be presented to the Green Climate Fund, twelve to the Global Environment Facility and five to various European Union mechanisms. They will focus on vulnerable rural communities facing climate risks.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

US Govt says nearly 2000 child separations at Mexico border in under 2 months

Occupants at Casa Padre, an immigrant shelter for unaccompanied minors, in Brownsville, Texas, US, are seen in this photo provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services, June 14, 2018

T

he Government said on Friday that 1995 children were separated from 1940 adults at the USMexico border between April 19 and May 31, as the Trump Administration implements stricter border enforcement policies. The number represents a dramatic uptick from the nearly 1,800 family separations that Reuters reported had happened from October 2016 through

February of this year. The official tally of separations is now nearly 4,000 children, not including March and the beginning of April 2018.

In May, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a ‘zero tolerance’ policy in which all those apprehended entering the United States illegally would be criminally charged, which generally leads to children being separat-

ed from their parents.

The families were all separated so the parents could be criminally prosecuted, said a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, who declined to be named, on a call with reporters.

“Advocates want us to ignore the law and give people with families a free pass,” said the official. “We no longer exempt entire classes of people.”

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request to provide a breakdown of the age of children separated from their parents and held in custody, but the official said they do not separate babies from adults. A border patrol official on the call said children are sometimes separated from the adults they are traveling with if officials suspect the relationship is fraudulent. Reuters reported that around 13 percent of family separations in the 17-month period through February were because of alleged fraud. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

ntigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on regional Governments to embrace the reforms that are needed to create a sustainable air transport sector in the Caribbean.

Speaking at a seminar on Air Transport Connectivity and Competitiveness hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), he said reliable connectivity of air transport in the region is quintessential to the movement of people and goods.

“So it is evident that reliable air transport is important to the integration movement. It is also fundamental to the overall economic growth and resilience, especially in the tourism sector, [of] those countries that are heavily dependent on tourism,” Browne said.

He noted that one of the most critical areas for reform involves the reduction of regional airport taxes and service charges, saying that this would stimulate additional travel within the region, as well as increases in tourism.

However, the Prime Minister added that any solutions to the challenges faced in the air transport industry would need to have buy-in from all countries in the region.

During the seminar, CDB also presented a working paper on Aviation Competitiveness and Connectivity. Dr Justin Ram, Director of Economics at CDB, said the research seeks to provide an evidence-based approach to examining the importance of air transport connectivity to the Region. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

China to retaliate after Trump imposes tariffs on US$50B in imports

T

he White House has announced a 25 per cent tariff on US$50 billion worth of Chinese goods over "unfair trade practices". The goods targeted by the levies "contain industrially significant technologies", a White House statement said on Friday.

Beijing responded within minutes to Washington's announcement, saying they would impose tariff measures "of the same scale and strength". "China is unwilling to have a trade war, but the Chinese side has no choice but to strongly oppose this, due to the United States' myopic behaviour that will harm both parties," the commerce ministry website said.

Earlier on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang told journalists that Beijing would fight back. "If the US side adopts unilateral measures of protectionism and damages China's interests, then we will respond right away, and take necessary measures to resolutely safe-

The first set of tariffs covering about $34bn will come into effect on July 6

guard our own legitimate rights and interests," Geng said.

Trump has long vowed to fulfil his campaign pledge to clamp down on what he considers unfair Chinese trading practices. The first set of tariffs covering about US$34 billion in imports will come into effect on July 6, a statement issued by the US Trade Representative (USTR) said on Friday.

The statement said an investigation had found that "China's acts, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectu-

al property, and innovation are unreasonable and discriminatory, and burden US commerce."

The second tranche of products will undergo further review. It includes a list of products which USTR argues have benefited from Chinese industrial policies, including the Made in China 2025 policy.

Launched in 2015, the policy sets out to turn the world's second-biggest economy into an advanced manufacturing "superpower" while setting self-sufficiency quotas. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Egypt's Sisi pardons 3477 prisoners ahead of Eid holiday

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attends a news conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, October 24, 2017

E

gyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned 3477 prisoners before the Eid alFitr holiday, many of them

imprisoned for debt, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Sisi has issued pardons several times a year, in-

cluding on major national holidays, often releasing students and young protesters. Since coming to power in 2014, Sisi has presided over a crackdown on Islamist opponents and liberal activists that rights groups say is the worst period of political repression in modern Egyptian history.

Sisi said on his official Twitter account that he had ordered the interior ministry to release all those jailed for debt, a total of 690 people, according to an interior ministry statement. It was not clear what crime the remaining 2787 prisoners were convicted of and no list of names was immediately available.

(Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 16, 2018

ARCHIE

Take pride in the way you look and how you pres(March 21- ent yourself to the world.

April 19) Socializing will lead to an interesting encounter.

Romance is in the stars and should be a priority.

ARIES

Don’t leap before you look.

TAURUS You’ll tend to take action be(April 20- fore all your ducks are in May 20) a row. Consider the consequences should you make a mistake. Listen to sound advice.

dilbert

Romance, personal imGEMINI (May 21- provements and travel may June 20) be desired, but proceed with caution. Problems will develop if you are impulsive or too quick to make a judgment call. Choose love over discord.

Make plans to do something out of the ordinary.

(June 21- What you see and learn will July 22) offer insight into something you’ll want to pursue. Don’t let an old flame disrupt your life.

CANCER

Peanuts

Don’t make a move unLEO til you are fully prepared to (July 23- do so. Impulse will be your Aug. 22) downfall, causing repercussions that will not be easily dealt with. Romance is encouraged.

Calvin and Hobbes

Taking a day trip or visVIRGO iting a place that you find (Aug. 23relaxing will do you good.

Sept. 22) Information you receive will change a decision you make.

Listen, reflect and move forward.

Plan an active day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Whether you begin to Oct. 23) de-clutter your personal space or you put a new fitness or health routine in place, improvements should be your priority.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — LIONIZED

SUDOKU

Get your finances, pendSAGITTARIUS ing contracts or legal mat(Nov. 23ters in order. An unexpected Dec. 21) last-minute change must be handled skillfully. Know your boundaries. Personal gain is possible. Love is highlighted.

(LIONIZED: LYE-uh-nized: Looked on or treated as a celebrity.)

Average mark 23 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 31 or more words in LIONIZED? The list will be published Monday.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — ANTLERS

alert alter ante antre aster astern nares near neat nest tale tare tarn teal

tear tern tsar lane lase laser last late laten later lean learn least lens

lent lest earl earn east elan rale rant rase rate real renal rent rental

rest sale salt salter sane saner sate seal sear seat sent seta setal slant

slat slate snare snarl stale staler star stare steal stela stern

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

The response you give SCORPIO or get will determine how (Oct. 24much you accomplish. Try Nov. 22) to go with the current when dealing with emotional matters. Avoid indulgent behavior.

solution

Take hold of whatevCAPRICORN er situation you face and (Dec. 22- bring about positive change.

Jan. 19) Personal improvements at home or to your lifestyle will pay off if you keep an open mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Keep your life simple and stick to a strict budget.

Pour your energy into physical improvements, romance and getting along with others. Make relationships a priority.

Home improvement is featured. Have a family discussion and make plans to do things that will bring you closer together. The input you receive from others will spark your imagination.

saturDAY, JUNE 16, 2018

19

Ronaldo scores sensational hattrick as Portugal & Spain draw

C

ristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for Portugal as he denied Fernando Hierro's Spain victory with a stunning late free-kick in their World Cup Group B opener.

Two days after Julen Lopetegui was fired as Spain boss for agreeing a posttournament move to Real Madrid, more pain lay in wait for the Spaniards as Ronaldo swerved a vicious shot into David de Gea's corner to avert defeat in a spellbinding, topsyturvy match.

Ronaldo had earlier opened the scoring, a penalty in the fourth minute after Nacho felled him in the box, before Diego Costa's bullying low finish dragged Spain back into the match.

But just before the break De Gea made a terrible and uncharacteristic error, fumbling a zipping Ronaldo shot through his gloves and over the line. Another dose of adversity for Spain deal with.

But Hierro's men responded through Costa again, the Atletico Madrid striker smashing in from Sergio Busquets' knockdown nine minutes after half-time, before Nacho redeemed himself with

Spain’s Diego Costa goes on the attack against Portugal

a stunning volley from the edge of the area that crashed in off both posts.

For his part, Ronaldo was in largely anonymous in the second half, a spectator to Spain's recovery, but he emerged from the shadows of this fascinating spectacle to define the game's result and

in doing so become just the fourth player to score at four World Cups.

'It's gone through him' - De Gea mistakes gifts Ronaldo his second goal Ronaldo was just Ronaldo.

The star attraction for many of the thousands of fans from all over the world who gathered

at Sochi's Fisht Stadium did not disappoint. At 33, this is his last chance at a World Cup win you feel, and he looks ready to drag his side along as far as he can.

He tasted glory at last with his national team at Euro 2016 but was forced off in the final.

The way he galvanised those around him here makes you

wonder whether Portugal should be considered serious favourites, too.

Before this game Ronaldo had scored only three times from 13 World Cup games.

His return still doesn't make for Ronaldo-like reading - six in 14 - but with the opening goal he became the fourth player to score in four separate World Cups, joining Germans Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler and Brazil legend Pele.

And the Portuguese is now also the first player in history to score in eight consecutive major tournaments in a streak going back to Euro 2004.

He is only just getting started on his final tilt at the pinnacle of the game.

There were so many subplots in play on this humid night in the south of Russia, not least Lopetegui's departure.

After the week Spain have had some suggested they should no longer be considered among the favourites to win this competition. From the first half, it looked like things would get much worse for them before it got any better.

Nacho's naive trip was a terrible start, no way to help compose the nerves, and there

was never any doubt how Ronaldo would deal with the occasion. De Gea was sent the wrong way.

The bad signs kept coming.

Busquets of all people fell over on the ball and got booked fouling his man.

Ronaldo looked so ready for the occasion you would have backed him to smash the freekick into the net, instead it hit a head in the wall and Spain survived.

That they did owes much to the heroic block from Jordi Alba just before Costa's first goal, and despite De Gea's error sending them behind once more, they emerged from the break with cool heads that searched for and found the fluency so characteristic of the football they have played since the European Championshipwinning side of 2008. That must be applauded.

There had been so many questions raised in the buildup to this game about Spain's mental state but this gutsy performance, in which they showed beautiful glimpses of their real ability, has provided a comprehensive answer, despite Ronaldo's late blow. (BBC

Sport)

Iran wins 1st match since 1998 I

ran won their first match at a World Cup finals since 1998 as Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz scored an own goal in injury time.

Bouhaddouz put the ball into his own net with a diving header at the near post in the 95th minute as Morocco defended a left-wing freekick.

The result was harsh on the African side, who had wasted numerous chances in the first half and were denied late on when Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a fine save from Hakim Ziyech.

But Iran took the victory, only their second in World Cup history after a 2-1 win over the United States at France 1998.

Morocco became the second African side to concede a late winning goal in the World Cup on Friday, after Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay in Group A, thanks to a last-minute header from Jose Gimenez.

Both Morocco and Iran impressed in qualifying with Morocco only conceding one goal in their eight games, while Iran remained unbeaten and only let in five goals in their 18 qualifying matches.

However, they were both left rueing the draw that saw them placed

Aziz Bouhaddouz dives and heads the ball into his own goal to gift Iran only their second win in World Cup history

in the same group as 2010 winners Spain and European champions Portugal, with only the top two sides advancing to the last 16.

Spain and Portugal, 10th and fourth in the world rankings respectively, have won four major tournaments between them in the past 10 years. Before the match, Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz said his side had been "drawn in the hardest group in the World Cup".

Going into injury time in St Petersburg, it looked like being

a result neither Morocco or Iran wanted, before Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat conceded a needless freekick by fouling Saman Ghoddos near the corner flag.

But that gave Ehsan Haji Safi the opportunity to whip in the free-kick, and Bouhaddouz could only steer the ball into his own net for an unlikely Iran victory.

Morocco will now need a positive result when they play Portugal on Wednesday, 20 June (13:00 BST), before Iran play Spain at 19:00 BST

on the same day.

Earlier this week, Morocco failed in their attempt to win the right to host the 2026 World Cup, losing out to a 'United' bid from Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, has already instructed his country to try again and bid to host the 2030 event, while a strong World Cup showing in Russia would help raise the profile of the team.

However, barring unlikely wins against either Portugal or Spain, they are now facing an early exit after failing to take their chances.

They started at a frantic pace, having four good opportunities inside the opening 10 minutes.

Amine Harit pulled a half-volley wide, Ziyech missed his kick when an inventive free-kick routine saw the ball rolled to him on the edge of the penalty area, Younes Belhanda sent a diving header wide and Ayoub El Kaabi shot off target.

The chances kept coming for the African side as Belhanda had an effort blocked in a goalmouth scramble with Iran goalkeeper Beiranvand saving Mehdi Benatia's follow-up strike.

But, despite Morocco having

68% of possession and 13 shots, Iran picked up the victory.

Iran were unbeaten in all 18 of their qualifying matches.

However, their preparations for the tournament were disrupted on Tuesday when Nike said it had withdrawn its supply of boots to Iranian footballers before the World Cup because of new US sanctions.

It did not matter on Friday as a hard-working Iran side, helped by a combination of poor Moroccan finishing, desperate defending and solid work from Beiranvand, survived early pressure to keep the game goalless.

Indeed, Iran had the best chance of the first half when Azmoun was put clean through, with only Morocco keeper Munir Mohamedi to beat.

But the chance was wasted as Azmoun did not show enough composure with Mohamedi denying him and also saving the follow-up attempt from Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

However, it did not matter as Queiroz, who will end his sevenyear stint as Iran manager after the tournament, celebrated with his coaching staff and his players at the final whistle. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, JUNE 16, 2018

India vs Afghanistan…

Test debutants beaten inside 2 days A

fghanistan lost 20 wickets in a day as their Test debut ended in a two-day defeat by India in Bangalore.

Responding to India's total of 474, Afghanistan were dismissed for 109 and 103 to lose by an innings and 262 runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (36) was the top scorer for Afghanistan in either innings as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja finished with match figures of 6-35.

It is only the fourth time in Test history that a team has been bowled out twice in a day.

It is also the 21st time a Test has ende d

inside two days, and the first time in India.

T h e r e were some positives

for debutants Afghanistan - who were awarded Test status in June 2017 - no-

tably the bowling of Yamin Ahmadzai, who took 3-51 in India's sole innings.

India pushed on from an overnight score of 3476 to reach 474, a total Afghanistan never looked like threatening.

They batted for a combined total of 66.3 overs, with only four batsmen reaching double figures in the second innings.

"The learning curve is huge - it's a mountain to climb. But they want to succeed and they work very hard," Afghanistan coach Phil Simmons said.

"Now we know that we have to work five times as hard".

Afghanistan found out exactly how tough

Test cricket is here in Bangalore.

Being beaten by India is no disgrace, but to lose inside two days will be a huge disappointment to the Afghan players and their fans after coming into this historic occasion with such high hopes.

In reality, their batting lacked anything like the discipline and patience required but, given that their preparations involved a three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh, perhaps that is hardly surprising.

An established force in the limited-overs forms, Afghanistan have plenty to learn at Test level, but their remarkable story remains one of the most heart-warming in sport.

(BBC Sport)

Shikhar Dhawan became the first Indian to hit a Test century before lunch with his 87-ball knock

Maxido founder to be inducted in WKU Hall of Fame

Roger Federer into Stuttgart Cup semi-finals, closes on No.1 spot

R

oger Federer edged closer to displacing Rafael Nadal at the top of the world rankings as he hammered Guido Pella 6-4, 6-4 on Friday at the Stuttgart Cup. The Swiss top seed needs to win one more match against either Australian fourth seed Nick Kyrgios or 2017 finalist Feliciano Lopez to return to the No.1 spot for the second time this season.

The quarter-final victory in 55 minutes, which ended on a backhand, featured two breaks of serve for the Swiss, who executed well in his second match in three months after skipping the clay season and last playing in March.

Federer is aiming for a first title in Stuttgart after losing in the 2016 semis to Dominic Thiem and going out in an opening match a year ago to longtime friend Tommy Haas.

The 36-year-old won his 19th match from 21 played this season as his

Director of Hand-in-Hand Insurance and Manager of Fire, Howard Cox (third right), makes the presentation to Max Massiah in the presence of the company’s Business Development Officer Savita Singh (second right), Massiah’s students and company representative

H

and-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company is in the corner of Martial Arts specialist Max Massiah as he prepares to journey to the United States where he will be inducted into the World Karate Union (WKU) Hall of Fame.

WKU will add to a list of three Hall of Fame recognitions for the veteran.

On Friday, at its Lot 1-4 Avenue of the Republic location, the insurance company presented an undisclosed sum of cash to Massiah, who was invited to be at the induction ceremony on June 23-24 at Chateau Resort and Conference Centre in

Pennsylvania.

Addressing the gathering was the company’s Business Development Officer, Savita Singh, who explained this is just one of many ways the entity fulfils its corporate/ social responsibility.

Singh added that Handin-Hand has been a longtime supporter of Massiah and his work, and this is another assurance of their continued alliance.

In his appreciation for the support, Massiah, thanked Hand-in-Hand and made an appeal to other entities to do similar. He further explained that the Hall-of-Fame is for his work at the ‘Maxido’ adult self de-

fence system, for which he is the founder and chief instructor.

According to Massiah, the system is specifically developed for adults, business owners, professionals and especially elderly and females, along with law enforcement and security.

The programme is strictly self-defence, which means student are not thought to fight but just use defence mechanisms which are four seconds and under applications of submissions, breakage and dislocation.

One of the students, former Magistrate Leslie Sobers, who is now head of the Guyana National

Broadcasting Authority, noted, “It is not a passive defence, it allows for immediate counter-attack. In some cases, defence seems to suggest you defend and you move away.

Maxido doesn’t give anybody second opportunity to attack them; it is defence and you put an end to the assailant’s intentions.”

Wimbledon buildup continues on track.

At the All England club next month, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will be seeking a ninth title at the grass-court major.

At the bottom of the draw, Milos Raonic reached his second semi-final of the season to set up a clash with defending champion Lucas Pouille.

Raonic used his big-serving game to dominate a pair of tiebreakers in a 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/1) defeat of Tomas Berdych.

“I got fortunate in the tiebreakers,” the 27-yearold Canadian seventh seed said after reaching his first semi since Indian Wells last March.

“He gave me some points at the start of both tiebreaks and I was able to keep myself disciplined on serve to win them.

“I like this court, the speed is good for me, there are no bad bounces and it’s holding up well,” he said of the lawns first curated under the supervision of Wimbledon groundsmen. The oft-injured righthander said that when he’s healthy, he likes his game; he played just six matches from the end of Wimbledon last summer until the start of 2018.

“I can play well when my body allows. I wasn’t ready for Australia (last January). But now that I’m back I’m playing well,” said the player now coached by former great Goran Ivanisevic.

Raonic has beaten Pouille in both of their previous matches, both played in January, 2016, in Australia.

The French second seed overcame a nervous second-set to reach the semis 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 victory over Uzbek Denis Istomin.

Pouille, coached by Germany’s former ATP number two Haas, had to regain his poise after losing the second set against Istomin, ranked 100th.

“I had a few nerves near the end of the second set, but I still managed to serve well.

He was playing well and pushing me back.

“After I lost the second, I was still confident. In the third I played again like I did in the first set.

“I think I did a great third set.”

Pouille completed his win in a shade over two hours with 20 aces to five for his opponent. He converted on two of his dozen break chance in the tightly wound victory, saving all four break points he faced.

Roger Federer returns the ball to Guido Pella in their quarterfinal match during the ATP Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart

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K

emar Roach became the thirteenth Windies bowler to reach 150 Test wickets; joining an elite list of Legends the likes of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall among others.

Roach recently attained his milestone during the on-going second Test versus Sri Lanka where he

bagged 4-49 in the first innings; thus reaching his 150th wicket in the first day of Test two The Bajan seamer expressed his honour in joining this elite group and is looking forward to continue playing and taking wickets for the Windies. Meanwhile, the Caribbean side currently lead the 3-match Test series 1-0 against the visiting Sri Lankans.

21

Kemar Roach

The Caribbean side will next host Bangladesh in 2 Tests, 3 One Day

Internationals and 3 Twenty20 Internationals from July 4-August 5.

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘to accept jail term and £16.4M fine’ in tax case F

ootballer Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly agreed to accept a £16.4M (18.8M Euro) fine and suspended jail term to settle tax evasion charges.

The Real Madrid and Portugal footballer, 33, was accused last year of defrauding tax authorities of €14.8M(£12.9M), charges he denies.

Ronaldo offered to pay £12.9m in June 2017 but the government rejected the offer, the El Mundo newspaper reported.

The news comes hours before Portugal take on Spain in the World Cup. Spanish courts have recently cracked down on tax evasion among footballers.

Ronaldo is unlikely to serve any jail time under the deal - reportedly a verbal one at this stage. Under Spanish law, a two-year sentence for a first offence can be served on probation, with no requirement for custody.

Any deal would have to be signed off by Spain’s tax agency. It has accused the footballer of trying to hide money linked to image rights made between 2011 and 2014.

He denied the claims and his agency has yet to comment on the latest reports.

The timing of the news has raised questions, however.

Ronaldo is due to play for Portugal in the match against Spain at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, Russia.

Back in 2010, as the financial crisis deepened, Spain lifted a tax exemption that had become known as the “Beckham law”, which had allowed footballers to curb their taxes.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was given a 21-month prison sentence in 2017 on similar charges to Ronaldo but under Ronaldo is unlikely to have Spanish law was able to pay a fine instead. (BBC Sport) to serve any jail time

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Roach reaches 150 Test wickets

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T

iger Woods will probably miss the halfway cut at the U.S. Open despite recording birdies on the final two holes of his twoover-par 72 second round at Shinnecock Hills on Friday.

The 14-times major champion carded a 10-over total of 150 that will probably end up being at least one stroke too many for him to be among the top 60 players (and ties) who will advance to the final two rounds.

Woods did not play badly on Friday, but the damage had been done with an opening 78 that included a triple-bogey at the first hole.

“I’m not very happy with the way I played and putted. I don’t think you can be too excited about 10 over par,” he said, before somewhat contradicting himself.

“I’m hitting it just fine.

I’ve just haven’t made any putts and, importantly, haven’t made the key ones to keep momentum going.”

Woods set a goal of shooting 67 or 68, and that did not look particularly unrealistic after he birdied his first hole, the par-four 10th.

But he later hit a pothole at the same hole that shook him on Thursday, the par-

Tiger Woods hits a shot from a bunker onto the second hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills GC

four first, where he ran up a double-bogey that at least was better than his triple from the previous day.

“I couldn’t chase down the leaders straight away,” he said. “Unfortunately it went the other way.”

Woods, 42, has not claimed a major title since the 2008

U.S. Open, and has not won any tournament since 2013.

The former world number one is playing a full schedule this year after a 2017 spinal fusion fixed a debilitating back problem that largely curtailed his schedule the previous four seasons.

Before this week he had

missed the cut only once in nine events in 2018.

He bristled when asked whether he still had another victory in him.

“Have you seen the way I’ve been swinging?” said the man who has won 79 times on the PGA Tour, second only to Sam Snead’s 82 victories.

(Reuters)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, JUNE 16, 2018

McKinnon retains El Dorado Steel Challenge Cup title

Some of the GSSF members commemorate its fourth anniversary

V

eteran deadeye Ryan McKinnon’s form at the range for 2018 continued, and saw him copping the prestigious El Dorado Trading Cup is a Challenge Trophy following last Saturday’s 4th Anniversary Steel Challenge.

The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) President outclassed a number of top shooters to successfully defend his title during the Foundation’s Anniversary commemoration shoot.

The first match tournament in 2015 saw McKinnon winning the title, and after three tough stages this past weekend at the Timehri Rifle Ranges, the top gun again delivered, as he mastered Outer Limits, Speed Option, and Pendulum categories.

With safety and efficiency in mind, the match administrators placed the shooters into two squads, thereby shooting two separate stages simultaneously. The first stage, named "Outer Limits", was shot for the first time in Guyana, and involved the shooters moving from one box to another.

The remaining stages were all shot from a stationary position. The second stage, named "Pendulum," saw targets set at closer distances but in somewhat of a tricky arrangement, which caused shooters to engage them in random order as they each felt was best.

Stage three, named "Speed Option," caused both the shooter’s trigger finger action and their heartbeat to accelerate as they engaged the various targets set in a challenging layout.

Shooters competed in two divisions: Production and Limited; and as shooters completed each stage, their score sheets were submitted to the Stats Officer, Dr Pravesh Harry, who computed scores in specialised software designed for the

and safety standard with which the match was run.

The GSSF further extended gratitude to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Acting Commissioner Ramnarine, the OC, TSU and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU. Additional thanks are extended to Brigadier Patrick West and the GDF for the use of their range facility at Timehri.

Limited Division Results: 1st – Ryan McKinnon (Time: 70.32) 2nd – Rajiv Latchana (Time: 76.86) 3rd – John Phang (Time: 80.90)

Production Division:

Ryan McKinnon receiving the El Dorado Challenge Cup from Secretary of GSSF, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

sport.

Andrew Phang, GSSF’s Board Director, presented the trophies for the match.

After putting up a fleeting total time for all three stages in the match, which amounted to 70.32 seconds, undefeated Challenge Cup winner and Guyana’s top handgun shooter McKinnon left the range with more bragging rights, as he emerged victorious.

The Foundation head managed to ward off some stiff competition from the likes of seasoned shooter Rajiv Latchana, who finished second, and the consistent John Phang, who came in third place.

Also present at the Range was Captain of the Handgun Section of the Guyana NRA, Dale Hing, and other Guyana NRA participants. McKinnon acknowledged the attendance of the Guyana NRA participants, and indicated that he looks forward to continued increased participation and collaboration.

Match Director Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon conveyed thanks to El Dorado Trading for the continuous sponsorship of this Annual Steel Challenge Match.

She commended the Range Master, Range Officers, Stats Officer and shooters for ensuring the efficiency

1st – Michael Blake (Time: 107.49) 2nd – Aleemul Ali (Time: 116.90) 3rd – Bhageshwar Murli (Time: 169.80)

All-round Crandon stars again for Vikings

V

ikings Cricket Club continued their dominance in the 2018 Toronto and District Cricket Association Super9 50-over competition, after recording two contrasting victories last weekend at King City.

They now have three wins from as many matches. On Saturday, Vikings defeated Victoria Park Cricket Club by three wickets, while, the following day, they brushed aside JB Masters by 72 runs.

In the first game, Victoria Park tallied a challenging 174 all out off 46 overs, while Vikings replied with 175-7 in the 37th over.

Rachad Fordee starred for Victoria with 45, as Khyber Khan and Royston Crandon grabbed 3-29 (10) and 3-41 (7.2) overs respectively.

When Vikings batted, former Guyana and West Indies player Crandon returned to hit 46, and was well supported by Paul Rudolph, who made 36. On Sunday, the contest was anticipated to be intriguing, but Vikings once again churned out some good all-round performances to humble their rivals, JB Masters.

Vikings took first strike and were able to accumulate a victory target of 181 all out in 49.1 overs, while Masters could only respond with a disappointing 109 off 33.1 overs. Rodrigo Thomas led the way for Vikings with 46, while ex-Guyana youth cricketer Raj Nannan chipped in with 33, as Dillon Heyliger snatched 3-33 from ten medium pace overs.

Heyliger also represented Guyana at both the under-15 and 19 levels.

Royston Crandon

Nikhil Dutta and Mahadeo Moonasar also delivered with success to claim two wickets apiece. In JB Masters’ innings, Bhavindu Adhihetty made 23.

Crandon captured 4-31 from his maximum ten overs, while Guyana firstclass pacer Jeremy Gordon also featured in the wickets’ column by picking up 2-31 in 6 overs. The defending champions, Vikings, will be back in action on Saturday when they lock horns with OCDA at Mavis venue.

Speaking with Crandon just after the game, the Berbician stated that he and his team played to their true potential, and are eager to be unstoppable throughout the competition, which will end in mid-August.

Crandon, who made 90 and snared four wickets in the initial game against Toronto Cricket Club, spearheaded that victory. He mentioned that the guys started off the season with the right momentum, and they are highly confident of continuing in the same manner as the competition progresses.

Floodlights set to defend NY Independence Cup title T

he Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will be represented by two teams at the annual New York Independence Cup, 2018. The tournament is set to be run from June 29 to July 1, and will be hosted by the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL).

The teams are defending champions Floodlights Over 45, which humiliated arch rivals Regal Masters (also from Guyana) in the 2017 final; and, for the first time, Floodlights Legends Over 50.

Floodlights Over 45 team is undoubtedly the reigning International Softball Cricket Team, winning eight international softball masters titles so far. They have won the Guyana Softball Cup thrice, NY Legends Cup twice 2, Orlando Cup

twice, and Florida Cup once. They were also seven times’ runners-up. The well rounded and extremely talented team twice defended their title at internationa l tournaments, namely Guyana Softball Cup (2016 and 2017) and Orlando C u p (2017 and 2018), in the p r o c e s s defeating Regal Masters both times.

T h e G F S C A President, Ramchand Ragbeer, has said in a statement that he is confident of defending the NY Legend Cup Title

to make it three times in a row that they will defend a title. He said his team has survived the test of time, winning twenty consecutive matches in annual international softball cricket tournaments, beginning with the Orlando Cup in 2017 and concluding with the Orlando Cup 2 in March 2018.

Practice is being held daily at New Trafford, an all-weather Turf Practice facility at 93 Dennis Street, Campbellville. A pool of thirty players was recently selected, with Ramo Malone being mandated to lead the

Floodlights Over 45 and veteran Dharam Persaud being mandated to lead the Floodlights Legends Over 50.

The players are: Ramo Malone, Anil Beharry, Uniss Yusuf, Robert Mohan, Tulshi Lutchman, Ramesh Narine, Jagdish Persaud, Lloyd Ruplall, Kamraj Sumair, Akash Lutchman, Clive Canterbury, Richard Kellawan, Thiladeo Tribhowan, Wayne Jones, Dharam Persaud, Armogan Gopaul, Goordial Mattai, Stephen Narine, Surendra Nauth, Ricky Deonarain, Vejai Lutchman, Mike Singh, Rabindra Singh, Richard Ramsuchit, Rohan Dudnauth, Vicky Ramsaywack, Jailall Deodass, Teekchand Madho, Naidu Gopaul; and Unos Baksh is standby.

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018

23

Smith, Kumara shine on rain-hit day L

ahiru Kumara delivered 13.3 hostile overs, and Kasun Rajitha was probing on Test debut, but a half-century from Devon Smith drove West Indies foreward on a rain-hit second day. They stand only 135 runs behind Sri Lanka, with eight wickets still in hand. Only 42.3 overs were delivered in the day, the rain arriving during lunch to wash out much of the afternoon and evening sessions, before stumps were eventually drawn due to bad light at 5:55 pm.

Snith was measured for much of the day, hitting only four fours (two of which were edges past the slip cordon) and a six in his 53 not out off 134 balls. He had his outside edge beaten on plenty of occasions, even through the last few overs of the day, but he did enough to survive, and did not miss out when genuinely poor balls were on offer. The half-century is his seventh overall, and his first since April 2015. Smith was especially strong on the legside in this innings, once advancing to launch Akila Dananjaya over long on for six.

it was probably going over the stumps.

Rajitha was not quite so aggressive, but there was obviousl skill to the manner in which he operated. He moved the ball both ways off the pitch, and frequently went looking for that edge, his length often full and his line always testing. He had made the first breakthrough, shortly before lunch. Angling a ball in at Brathwaite, Rajitha got it to straighten just a fraction. The result was a feather edge to the wicketkeeper - that touch so light that Brathwaite even reviewed

SCOREBOARD The Sri Lankans celebrate the dismissal of opener Kraigg Brathwaite

Kumara, perhaps, will consider himself unlucky for having only collected figures of 1 for 48. He troubled each of the four West Indies batsmen who came to the crease on day two, often surpris-

ing them with the bounce and pace he generated. He touched 145kph on occasion, generally aiming at the batsmen's ribs. His breakthrough came very late in the day - Kusal Mendis div-

2018 CWI Women’s T20 Championship

Windwards steal 2-wicket win despite Campbell 50

W

indward Islands pulled off a 2-wicket heist over Guyana to steal a victory in Round 3 of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Championships played at the Sabina Park Ground, Jamaica.

After winning the toss, Windwards inserted the Guyanese, and they eventually finished on 121 for 5, thanks mainly to skipper Shermaine Campbell, who smashed six fours and a solitary six in her top-score of 61. She obtained useful support from Akaze Thompson, who scored 20.

Guyana opener Sheneta Grimmond and Windies player Tremayne Smartt managed to get into double figures, and added 23 for the first wicket, before they departed for 13 and 11 respectively.

Pearl Ettienne was the star for the Windward’s ladies, bagging 2-19 from 4 overs, with Cordel Jack and Vinisha King chipping in with a wicket apiece for good measure.

Chasing a reasonable t a r g e t , Windward Islands did anything but make a meal of the chase, as they easily ended on 122-8 despite a few hiccups along the way. It was the heroics of veteran Juliana Nero, who scored 34; Captain Stacey Adams 23, and wicket-

Tremayne Smartt

22 off 79 balls, having gritted his way through almost the entire first session.

So disciplined had Sri Lanka's quicks been in the first session that West Indies made only 63 runs in 25 overs. The scoring rate increased after the first extended rain break, but went south again in the final 6.2over stretch of play.

Encouragingly for Sri Lanka, there was decent turn for their offspinner Dananjaya on day two.

Nevertheless, West Indies are still completely in control of this game, particularly with their strong middle

ing to his right from second slip to complete an excellent low take off Kieran Powell, who had attempted to drive that ball. In the first session, Kumara could easily have had Kraigg Brathwaite lbw, with a ball that jagged in from well outside off stump.

The ball had hit Brathwaite above the knee-roll though, and umpire Aleem Dar felt

Sri Lanka 1st Innings – 253 all out D. Chandimal 119*; S. Gabriel 5 – 59; K. Roach 4 - 49 West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite c †Dickwella b Rajitha 22 DS Smith not out 53 KOA Powell c Mendis b Kumara 27 SD Hope not out 2 Extras (b 4, lb 7, w 3) 14

believing he had not hit the ball. DRS disagreed, however. Brathwaite was out for

keeper Edleyn Turteen who was run out for 21 which saw their side to a good win.

Bowling for Guyana was led by Smartt, who returned to snare 2-26 with contributions from off-spinner Plaffiana Millington (1-15), Subrena Munroe (1-15), pacer Erva Giddings (1-7) and Thompson (1-21).

Meanwhile, Round 4, set for Saturday, will see Windward Islands playing the Leeward Islands from 9:30h, Guyana and table-toppers Barbados will clash from 14:30h, and Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago will close off things at 18:30h, all at the Sabina Park Ground. (Clifton Ross)

order still alive in the first innings.

ExxonMobil Under-14 School Football League

2nd round kicks off 12 more games

Round two of the ExxonMobil School Football League could surpass last weekend’s standards

T

Shermaine Campbell

TOTAL:(44.3 Overs, RR: 2.65) 118-2 Yet to bat: RL Chase, SO Dowrich †, JO Holder (c), D Bishoo, KAJ Roach, ML Cummins, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-59 (KC Brathwaite, 24.4 ov), 2-115 (KOA Powell, 40.6 ov) BOWLING: RAS Lakmal (104-15-0), A Dananjaya (9-4-190), CAK Rajitha (12-4-25-1), CBRLS Kumara (13.3-2-48-1)

he ExxonMobil/Petra Organisation Under-14 Boys and Girls’ School Football League; continues on Saturday with 12 matches set for the Ministry of Education Ground.

Weather permitting, action at the Carifesta Avenue Ground kicks off from 11:30h with mouth-watering action set for the day. North Ruimveldt Multilateral will get things underway versus Vergenoegen Secondary in game 13, followed by Charlestown Secondary and Uitvlugt heating things up in match 14.

Other exciting encounters billed for Saturday include Tucville versus Friendship Secondary, East Ruimveldt playing Buxton Youth Development, New Campbellville Secondary squaring off against St John’s, among others.

Last week’s opening saw a whopping 42 goals being scored on the opening day, with similar action expected to be on exhibition for the second round.

11:30 h 11:30 h 12:20 h 12:20 h 13:10 h 13:10 h 14:00 h 14:00 h 14:50 h 14:50 h 15:40 h 15:40 h

Round 2

North Ruimveldt Multi Charlestown Secondary Tucville East Ruimveldt New Campbellville

Dolphin Secondary

Marian Academy

Bishops’ High School

Carmel Secondary School

Tutorial

Chase Academic Foundation Kingston

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

Vergenoegen Secondary Uitvlugt Secondary Friendship Secondary Buxton Youth Development St John’s Queenstown Secondary Ann’s Grove South Ruimveldt Secondary School of the Nations St George’s Secondary Brickdam Secondary Annandale Secondary

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018

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

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Kieran Powell

Smith, Kumara shine on rainhit day

Pg 23 Devon Smith

Ronaldo scores sensational hat-trick as Portugal & Spain draw Pg 19

Cristiano Ronaldo was the backbone of Portugal’s performance

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