Guyana Times -- Thursday, July 19, 2018

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

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Issue No. 3629

City bus parks haven for petty thieves – drivers

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P9 More contraband thrown over NA Prison fence

Page 11

…call for heightened security …Chief Constable claims matter is out of his control

NTC elects new executive

Albion Estate has 600 vacancies after 3000 workers dismissed

– as Govt grants 50-year lease to secretariat P16

Page 7

...may not meet 2nd crop target

Outstanding cops promoted

Police find illegal guns in Sophia, Little P9 Diamond

– Ramnarine bashes reckless behaviour of Police on roadways

See stories on pages 10 & 16

Former Gold Board accountant slapped with fraud charge P11

Awardees from the CPGs and Rural Constabulary pose with the hierarchy of the Police Force after Wednesday’s award ceremony

PPP to decide on presidential candidate by year-end ECD man found guilty of raping 9-year-old girl

...to serve 2 consecutive life sentences

Page 8

Page 9

Jagdeo, Granger to meet today

GLSC reviewing laws to address demarcation P14 issues …as legal, procedural issues remain major bugbears

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…to discuss Top Cop’s appointment

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thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 19 – 09:30h-11:00h and Friday, July 20 – 10:30h-12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 19 – 08:50h-10:20h and Friday, July 20 –09:50h-11:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers and cloudy skies should prevail throughout the day, with light rain showers returning in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 09:24h and 21:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.40 metres and 2.36 metres.

Low Tide: 15:22h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018

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Jagdeo, Granger to meet today …to discuss Top Cop’s appointment

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo will meet officially with President David Granger today at State House to consult on the appointment of members of the Police Service Commission, the Public Service Commission, and the appointment of a substantive Police Commissioner.

This was revealed by Jagdeo on Wednesday at his weekly press conference held at his Church Street, Georgetown office, where he noted that his meeting with the President was based on an official invitation extended to him.

The National Assembly had approved the nominees for both Commissions on June 25, 2018. Retired assistant Commissioners Paul Slowe, Clinton Conway, Vesta Adams and Claire Jarvis will sit on the Police Service Commission, while Vibert Bowman and Mortimer Livan will sit on the Public Service Commission.

However, the Opposition Leader said he would not release the names of the proposed nominees for the Commissions, until possibly after the completion of consultations with the President. This is especially given that Granger’s nominees for the Chairpersons of both Commissions have not been made public.

“I’m not aware that the President has released the names of the people that he intends to consult with me on, so out of courtesy, what I will do, I will not release those names today, I will await the consultations to take place and maybe after the consultations I can then speak again with the media,” he said.

However, he noted that he was concerned about the President’s nominee to head the Police Service Commission. According to him, the individual is political and has done political work on behalf of the coalition Government. “The Police will not be treated fairly, that is my fear…the Police Force, I think, will be further demoralised. I will address these concerns with Granger,” he said.

Currently, Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine is acting in the capacity of Guyana’s Police Commissioner. He has been interviewed as part of the selection process.

The other seven Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) interviewed for the post are Crime Chief Paul Williams; ACP (Operations) Clifton Hicken; Force Finance Officer Nigel Hoppie; A Division Commander (ag) Leslie James; substantive A Division Commander Marlon Chapman, who is currently on leave; B Division Commander Lyndon Alves; and ACP

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger during their meeting about the judicial appointments at State House

(Administration II) Maxine Graham, the first woman contender ever for the post of Police Commissioner.

However, the Police Service Commission must first be fully constituted before any selection could be made. The National Assembly has approved some of the names following consultations with key entities.

The nominations for the Police Service Commission were received from the Association of Former Members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Police Association.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo said since it was a rare opportunity to meet with the President, he would try his best to raise several other issues that have serious national consequences for Guyana. He said he planned to raise the issue in relation to the syndicated bond for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) among others. Both men are also expected to also discuss

a number of constitutional matters.

Other issues

“So, I’ll try to eke out a few minutes to try to raise a couple of the issues I have concerns about…And it is GuySuCo and the bond, because I believe we are borrowing billions of dollars that will harm the treasury … if they have a clear plan to phase the borrowing … and other important matters that came up recently that I will chose to speak about tomorrow (today),” he added.

The Opposition Leader had already said that hav-

ing looked at the Private Placement Memorandum for GuySuCo, he was shocked by the contents of the agreement.

Jagdeo, an economist by training, had said the general perception was that Government was raising $30 billion to spend on GuySuCo, on the remaining three estates. However, the memo tells a different story, as it has stated explicitly that the $30 billion that they agreed to would go to long-term projects instead.

“We don’t know what the projects are as yet, but you would recall that this bond is only for five years.

So, they’re borrowing on a short to medium term, for long-term projects. You tend to match your borrowing with the life of the project.

Normally, we would borrow on concessional terms for long-term projects.”

The last meeting between Granger and Jagdeo occurred in May, when the two sat down to have meaningful consultation on the appointment of the persons to the two highest positions in the judicial system. The men had differing opinions and to date, no appointment has been made in that regard.

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

Eradicating extreme 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.

Fine craft: A delegate inquiring about a piece of work at the National Toshaos’ Council 2018 being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal

Public procurement corruption is now more rampant than ever Dear Editor, The Procurement Act of 2003 is meant to provide for the regulation of the procurement of goods, services, and the execution of works; to promote competition among suppliers and contractors, and to promote fairness and transparency in the procurement process.

A few of the objectives of this Act were outlined as follows: maximising economy and efficiency in procurement; providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all suppliers and contractors; promoting the integrity of, and fairness and public confidence in, the procurement process; and achieving transparency in the procedures relating to procurement.

Moreover, in order to achieve these objectives, our constitution was amended in 2002 to include Article 212W, which provides that “There shall be a Public Procurement Commission, the purpose of which is to monitor public procurement and the procedure therefore, in order to ensure that the procurement of goods and services and execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective manner, according to law and such policy guide-

lines as may be determined by the National Assembly”.

The Public Procurement Commission was established only in October 2016, to enhance transparency and public trust and confidence in the procurement process. The Procurement Commission was an object of bargaining and negotiation in Parliament, and it must be recalled that AFC’s Ramjattan had agitated fiercely for the establishment of this Commission, and had made its establishment a condition for supporting the Anti-money Laundering Bill of the previous Government, which never materialised.

Unfortunately, Mr Ramjattan’s hypocritical stance was later exposed, as he remained silent while Cabinet continued to supersede the PPC. Mr Ramjattan’s “dream” was realised more than a year after the coalition took office. At the swearing in of the five commissioners of the PPC, Mr Ramjattan said the awarding of contracts is an “occupational hazard for ministers”, but has anything changed since the establishment of the Procurement Commission?

The answer is a resounding NO! In fact, things have gotten worse, and the awarding of contracts seems to be

the only “occupation”, and that is definitely not a “hazard”, since many ministers and Government officials are involved more than before!

Public procurement corruption is now more rampant than ever!

Unfortunately, it was not until April 2018 that the Commissioners could have gotten their “benefits package” approved, and they obtained the required resources to begin their work, which is not the approval of contracts, but providing oversight to ensure that the procurement process is transparent, fair, and competitive.

It is clear that Cabinet continues to award contracts below and above $15 million.

Therefore, we have seen that even though the AFC had vigorously advocated for the establishment of the PPC, Cabinet continues to award contracts, which certainly defeats the purpose of ‘promoting the integrity of, and fairness and public confidence in, the procurement process; and achieving transparency in the procedures relating to procurement”.

Public confidence is now at an all-time low, since every day brings new revelations of massive corruption engulfing this nation, with no input from the PPC.

We have seen that at all levels, national and regional, contracts are not intended to “maximise economy and efficiency”. On many instances, contracts are not awarded to the ‘lowest evaluated bidder’, and the engineers’ estimates are grossly overstated.

We have seen that goods are single-sourced, and the excuse is that only one tender was received, so the “fair and equitable treatment of all suppliers and contractors” is a myth!

As long as political vultures continue to infest these Tender Boards and Evaluation Committees, corruption would never cease. It is time that the qualifications outlined in the Procurement Act be stringently enforced.

These should be persons of “unquestioned integrity, who have shown capacity in business, the professions, law, audit, finance and administration”. How many currently meet these qualifications?

Will Cabinet ever allow the PPC to operate impartially, independently, and free from political interference; or will the award of contracts continue to be the ‘occupation’ of ministers?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

A tribute to the 1973 ballot box martyrs Dear Editor, July 16th, 1973 was one of the darkest days in the history of Guyana. It was the day when our democracy was raped; a day when Guyanese, in exercising their right to vote, and in protecting their votes from

being stolen, witnessed yet another bloody day in our country. Young voters Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand were fatally shot, and dozens more were injured by the bullets from members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

These two men were killed when hundreds gathered at the No 63 Primary School to ensure that their votes were counted at the place of Poll; that is, at the school where they voted. The army arrived at the close of poll, and the people, in pro-

test, attempted to block the military from removing the ballot boxes from the place of counting at the polling station when bullets from the barrel of the soldier’s gun began to fly wildly into the crowd. continues on page 5

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Laid-off sugar workers are not likely to embrace cooperatives (Part 1) Dear Editor, It seems that I touched a sensitive nerve unintentionally when I wrote a letter recently suggesting that Government’s initiative, spearheaded by Minister Keith Scott, to get laid off sugar workers to form cooperatives might not be the best option for them at this time.

Someone from the minister’s team, Kenava Elious, responded -- in a section of the media on July 11, 2018 -by accusing me of not doing research and not presenting “empirical evidence” to support my contention, among other misguided comments.

Let me make it clear that I am not against cooperatives. Under the right circumstances, and with the right people, cooperatives can be successful. My point is simple: At this time in Guyana’s history, the right circumstances might not

exist for successful cooperatives in the areas where most former sugar workers reside. And they might not be the right people to form successful cooperatives.

Everybody knows that most cooperatives formed in Guyana failed. Everybody knows that many Guyanese connect cooperatives to a particular political party.

Everybody also knows that former sugar workers live in communities that traditionally oppose the party that people link to cooperatives.

Therefore, Government has a challenging task to get former sugar workers to embrace cooperatives and make them work.

Also, I know for a fact -- by communicating directly with many of these terminated sugar workers -that they have bitterness in their hearts; bitterness that is turning into hate. Their lives are in confusion, and

they appear to be unforgiving. For me, this is a sad state of affairs. It pains my heart that in the Skeldon/ Corriverton area, where I grew up, former sugar workers are thronging and begging for jobs in any capacity to make ends meet. The fact that I do not have contracts in the area to absorb these people disturbs me.

So, Kenava Elious, I might not have empirical evidence from formal research, but I have lots of information acquired by observation. I meet these people, and they call me.

Their wives and children Whatsapp me appealing for jobs. This is where the closure of the various sugar factories in the important zones in the sugar belt affects me personally, because I know -- and you know -there was no preparation or education of these people about cooperatives and

proper investment of their severance pay.

My other great worry is that while looking for employment, their severance will be eaten out, and they will be left with nothing in their hands. Then drastic desperation and confusion will reign in their minds.

It’s not dozens of people, but thousands who have been terminated without due diligence, preparation and organisation.

I know the Government will be willing to assist in the cooperative ventures of groups. I have faith in the Government. But feeding the idea of cooperatives into the minds of confused and vexed people will be a tough sell. I am not speaking philosophy, I am speaking reality. I originate from the bosom of the sugar belt, and from among sugar workers.

I believe Government initiatives must be practical

Abuse prevention starts with you (Pt 1) Dear Editor, Like many others, The Caribbean Voice noted with horror the experiences of a young lady who was attempting to seek legal advice with respect to sexual groping at her workplace. It is clear that the legal fraternity needs immediate training on dealing with abused clients, and that staff of all lawyers need to be provided with clear guidelines in this respect.

The Caribbean Voice is willing to work with the Bar Association to help in this respect. Also, a Client’s Bill of Rights needs to be formalised and posted in the offices of all lawyers and law firms.

We urge urgent action by the Ministry of Social Protection and the Bar Association in this regard.

Meanwhile, like many others, TCV is extremely happy that Two Brothers Corp took immediate action to fire their HR Manager for inappropriate interview and touching. They have certainly set an example

for all other businesses, but we also hope that the Department of Labour would ramp up enforcement of workplace safety requirements to include abuse and mental health in general.

As well, businesses must set the parameters for interviews with workers or potential workers, and take necessary measures to ensure that parameters are adhered to; perhaps recording those interviews for quality control, as is done in North America, Europe and elsewhere.

The Caribbean Voice has held training workshops for a number of businesses already, with more being planned based on invitations. Businesses can reach out to us via email at caribvoice@aol.com or by calling Nazim at 644-1152 or 6464649.

On a related matter, while rape offences are indictable, we urge that they should also be made non-bailable, not only to prevent the accused offender from threatening, abusing, or even fatally attacking the

complainant; but also to ensure that the accused does not leave the jurisdiction and subsequently not be found.

As well, TCV supports the call by the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) for stand-alone sexual harassment legislation. Such legislation must include guidelines for the manner in which sexual harassment cases are handled, especially by workplaces and the Police. The legislation must provide stipulations to ensure victims/complainants as well as whistleblowers privacy and protection. And it must ensure the safety and privacy of witnesses to sexual harassment/abuse, so they would be encouraged to report what they see.

Meanwhile, given that latest Police reports show an increase in rape and sexual abuse, an ongoing sensitisation campaign is needed: public service announcements via media, messages at various events, flyers and posters, ban-

A tribute to the 1973 ballot...

It was known locally and internationally that the PNC dictatorship were massively rigging elections from 1968 to 1992. Furthermore, state resources were abused, whereby the army was used to carry out these devious instructions from the despotic Burnham regime.

What history has taught Guyanese is that a country has never achieved real development under a Government that illegally entered office though fraudulent, violent, and lawless means. A good example would be the three years -- from 2015 to 2018 -- under the same PNC regime of the past, masquerading behind the mask of APNU/ AFC Coalition, taking political power in questionable circumstances and failing and neglecting to adhere to

the call to recount certain ballot boxes. This action has been three years before the courts, and is still awaiting a date for hearing -- a total disregard for the constitution and the Rule of Law by delay, another means of denying democracy in our beloved land.

There has followed three years of constant economic and social decline. There seems to be no other way out but to crumble into an underdeveloped state. Where are the promised jobs for young people?

Heroes like Jagan Ramessar, Bholanauth Parmanand, Michael Forde, Dr. Walter Rodney, Father Darke, Kowsilla and others were killed in protecting their rights -- by a twist from hope, to drive our brothers and sisters into fearing

members of the PNC, and to stab democracy in the heart.

These martyrs, by their sacrifice, helped shape our political struggle that led to free and fair elections in 1992.

Twenty-six years after, we will not allow their names and actions to be undermined and shunned away. In the 2015 General Elections, we witnessed a new form of dictatorship that spuriously appointed managerial roles in GECOM. There have been further instances, wherein SOCU has now become a political weapon used to embarrass members and supporters of the Peoples Progressive Part/ Civic.

Have we returned to the dark and cruel days of Burnham? Would the 2020 elections be as haunting as the 1973 elections? Would

ners and billboards if possible.

One message that needs to be driven home is that ‘no’ means no, even if one is in a relationship. Another is that mode of dress is neither an excuse nor a justification for rape.

Also, given that three-quarters of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim -- fathers, grandfathers, uncles, neighbours, brothers, sons, nephews, boyfriends, family friends -- there is need for guidelines to be provided to children and teenagers especially on recognising where to draw the line in any interaction; and what to do if attempts are being made to cross that line.

As well, parenting sensitisation is necessary, so parents understand that when their children say they have been abused, they must be taken seriously, instead of being called liars and threatened into silence.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

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the 2020 elections be epically rigged, like the 1985 elections? Should we deter into defeat, or should we pursue with a sure hope and with a strong leadership?

We honour the memories of these fallen heroes by exposing the wrongdoings of this Government. We honour them by being resilient through all the atrocities and injustices being thrown against us. The Guyanese people will continue to take the hard hits and keep getting up each time; and the more we get up, the stronger we will be. The fight will continue in our courts, in the halls of our parliament, and out there in our communities. This is how we honour our fallen heroes.

Sincerely, Dimitri Ali

to succeed.

I know that when people are helped to develop their own businesses by the sweat of their own brows, and when what they get from the business is in proportion to what they put in, there is a much higher chance that they would succeed. In my opinion, businesses based on group mentalities are more likely to go awry. There are usually quarrels and fights for leadership, and members tend to grumble about the returns. Some cannot deal with financial responsibilities, and start to steal.

The writer of the re-

sponse to my letter alluded to me being a disciple of Minister Keith Scott. I have never been anyone’s disciple. I have a strong aversion to the word ‘disciple’ being used to categorise me. I understand mentors and persons who inspire. The minister has his way of thinking, and I am not necessarily completely with him in everything he says and does; and he is not always fully in step with me on every issue, such as the plan to push former sugar workers into cooperatives.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

Minister Broomes should apologise Dear Editor, Now that the video is circulating on social media, I think that, as decency dictates, it is within Minister Simona Broomes’s best interest to publicly apologise to the security guards, since it is now evident that she lied to at least help maintain a professional image on the Government's behalf.

It is unfortunate that the people we elect to control our affairs get power drunk so easily. Mr. President, does this minister exemplify the characteristics of a “fit and proper” leader of the nation you pilot? Is this the leadership you promised?

First it was 'Boom out' in the Parliament; now Minister Broomes is again in the public spotlight for getting two security guards locked up because, for some reason, she thinks “No Parking signs” are below her stature. At what point does David Granger say this minister is not observing the Code of Conduct, or is not behaving in a manner ex-

pected of anyone that holds public office, and reprimand or deal with her the way Kamla Persad-Bissessar dealt with Collin Partap in his DUI case?

I understand that Minister Volda Lawrence has made an attempt to apologise on the administration’s behalf, but that is unacceptable because an apology is demanded from the subject minister. I wish Guyanese people would demand better from our Government, to ensure that salt is poured on the wounds of the perpetrators who break the laws and mismanage public affairs in public offices.

Minister Broomes, in the name of decency and dignity, I'm appealing to you to be an adult, a professional, a deserving holder of public office, a leader, and let go of the ignorance and do the ethical thing: apologise.

Sincerely, A young Guyanese hoping for a better political future for Guyana

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hildhood obesity is a serious health issue affecting children and adolescents who are well above the average weight range for their age, gender, and height.

The number of obese children has greatly increased over the past 30 years.

Childhood obesity can lead to a range of health problems, such as high blood pressure, type I and type II diabetes and heart problems, and is associated with depression and low self-esteem. Obese children are also more likely to be obese in adolescence and adulthood compared to children of a healthy weight, increasing the risk for long-term health concerns. Treating obesity in childhood is, therefore, very important for a child’s quality of life.

A range of treatment strategies are available to help children adopt a healthy diet, be active, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

In children, as in adults, obesity typically occurs when the amount of energy children get from eating and drinking is greater than the energy they use in everyday physical activity. As a result, diet and physical activity play an important role. In particular, a diet high in fat and sugar and low levels of physical activity are considered to be the most common causes of childhood obesity.

Apart from diet and physical activity, there are a range of other factors that can increase a child’s risk of becoming overweight or obese. These include: Genetic factors A family history of obesity and certain genetic syndromes can cause children to gain weight more easily, placing them at a higher risk of developing obesity.

Hormonal factors Changes in the levels or

Foundation activity of certain chemicals in the brain (eg, leptin and insulin) can increase a child’s weight status.

Maternal factors Obesity before and during pregnancy can increase the risk of the child being overweight.

Postnatal factors, such as breastfeeding for less than six months and early introduction of solids can also increase a child’s risk of obesity.

Family factors A range of family factors including unhealthy family dietary habits, parental modelling, and parenting style can influence a child’s food consumption and weight status.

Psychological factors A child’s

weight status can also be influenced by the child’s mental health.

Unhealthy eating behaviours, such as emotional eating, have been associated with a range of psychological factors in obese children including, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet and daily physical activity, play an important role in the treatment of obesity. A range of health professionals can work together to help children and families achieve a healthy lifestyle in a safe and effective way.

A general practitioner (GP) or paediatrician, a psychologist, a dietician, and an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist might be part of a treatment team. As part of this team, a psychologist can use a range

of psychological strategies to help support children and their families make the healthy lifestyle changes required for weight loss.

Family-based Behavioural Treatment Family-based Behavioural Treatment (FBT) has been found to be one of the most effective psychological treatments of childhood obesity. FBT helps children achieve weight loss by using a range of behavioural strategies. These strategies include: Goal setting: Goal-setting techniques help children and their parents develop clear, focused and relevant goals to work towards, for example, walking to school three days a week or making sure to eat a healthy breakfast each morning.

Self-monitoring: S e l f- m o n i t o r i n g i n v o l v e s recording specific behaviours, such as daily food intake and physical activity, and charting a child’s progress towards previously developed goals. Stimulus control: Stimulus control involves changing aspects of a child’s environment to help encourage or stop particular behaviours. For example, to help promote healthy eating in their children, parents might stop buying processed snacks and instead store a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen table.

Reinforcement: Rewarding a child with praise or a special prize (eg, a sticker for a reward chart) for achieving a goal or performing a desired behaviour can increase motivation and encourage the child to repeat the behaviour.

Modelling: Children are more likely to eat and drink healthily and be active if they see their parents modelling those same behaviours. Making a healthy diet and physical activity a part of daily life is, therefore,

important for the whole family, not just the child.

Parenting skills training Given that parents and caregivers play an essential role in the treatment of childhood obesity, parenting skills training is important.

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toddler’s self-regulation – the ability to change behaviour in different social situations – may predict whether he or she will be obese come kindergarten, but the connection appears to be much different for girls than for boys.

Self-regulation is something all children must develop, and poorer selfcontrol in childhood is associated with worse adult health, economic and social outcomes. However, a new study from the Ohio State University found that more self-regulation may not necessarily reduce the risk of obesity, especially in girls.

Girls who scored at either the low or the high end on measures of self-regulation when they were two years old were more likely than girls with average self-regulation to be obese at age five, while boys with high self-regulation were less likely to be obese than their peers with low or average self-regulation, found the study, which appears in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

The difference raises important new questions about the role of gender in the development of childhood obesity, said lead author Sarah Anderson, an associate professor in Ohio State’s College of Public Health.

“Although we tend to assume that more selfregulation is always a positive, it may not be,” she said.

Those seeking answers about how to prevent childhood obesity should be mindful of the possibility that

Parenting skills training helps parents understand their role in their child’s diet and activity levels and provides them with useful strategies to encourage healthy behaviours in their children. (psychology.org.au)

interventions to improve selfregulation might not play out the same way for boys and girls, she said.

“People are trying ways to prevent obesity in young children, and some of those approaches involve improving self-regulation. Our study suggests that could have an unintended impact for some girls,” Anderson said.

“This study leads one to think about how young children are potentially responding differently to messages and expectations based on whether they are boys or girls. We should be cautious about assuming that increases in self-regulation

likely to be obese. Obesity was determined by measuring height and weight and defined as a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile.

“We should not assume that interventions to increase self-regulation will necessarily lead to benefits for both genders – it may be different for boys and girls,” Anderson said.

The researchers said there are many ongoing efforts to promote self-regulation in children for a variety of desired outcomes, including obesity prevention and improved school readiness.

In neither gender did the

Self-regulation is something all children must develop, and poorer self-control in childhood is associated with worse adult health, economic and social outcomes. are optimal for everyone.”

The study analysed data from a nationally representative sample of 6400 US children born in 2001 to see whether a child’s ability to self-regulate when they were two years old was associated with their risk of obesity in kindergarten – and to look for any differences between genders. The data came from the National Centre for Education Statistics.

Self-regulation was measured using a four-part inhome assessment that looked at a child’s adaptability, persistence, attention and frustration tolerance. Each child received from one point to five points on each measure, for a possible score of 20 – a very high level of self-regulation.

“Observers were looking at things like how readily a child gave up a block when an adult said it was time to play with something else, how difficult it was to hold their attention and how easily frustrated they became when things weren’t going their way,” Anderson said.

“Going in, we thought what many people think – that we would see lower rates of obesity as self-regulation increased.”

But when they looked at their data, in which they separated children into quartiles ranging from “least regulated” to “most regulated”, the researchers found that girls in the least and most self-regulated groups were more likely to be obese at kindergarten age than their female peers in the middle categories.

There was little difference in boys’ risk of obesity except for among the mostregulated, who were least

researchers see a clear stepwise pattern where increased self-regulation meant decreased rates of obesity.

Researchers believe that a variety of factors may contribute to links between self-regulation and obesity, including physiological differences and behavioural responses to demands in a child’s environment that could affect appetite, food intake, sleep, and activity level.

“Obesity prevention is a complex and humbling task.

Gender is another social influence that may affect the success of obesity prevention efforts,” said Anderson’s coauthor, Robert Whitaker of Temple University.

This study adds to other obesity research that has found important differences between genders, Anderson said.

“All we can do based on this research is speculate, but it’s possible that girls and boys are reacting differently to social expectations and that could play a role in childhood obesity,” Anderson said.

“If you’re a boy and if the people around you are more OK with you getting easily frustrated and not paying attention, the social stress from your environment may be less than it is for a girl.”

It’s also possible that girls are rewarded more than boys for “good” behaviour, propelling them to put themselves under added stress in the interest of appeasing adults, the researchers wrote.

“These stresses might result in differences in energy balance and metabolism between girls and boys, especially in the group observed to have high selfregulation.” (sciencedaily.com)

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thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Albion Estate has 600 vacancies after 3000 workers dismissed ...may not meet 2nd crop target

The Albion Sugar Factory

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he Albion Estate on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice has vacancies for 600 workers of various categories, and may not be able to meet its target for the second crop, which is expected to commence within a few weeks, if most of those vacancies are not filled by then.

G u y S u C o Communications Manager Audreyannna Thomas made this disclosure at the Albion Community Centre while addressing a community meeting on plans for the entity.

“Albion Estate has a huge labour problem. Last crop attendance, Albion was about 60 per cent, we need you to help you to improve attendance for the second crop; we

would like to get attendance up to 100 percent,” she said.

She also spoke of the 600 vacancies which currently exist at that sugar estate noting that the focus of the outreach is on the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) Strategic Plan 2018-2021.

The plan, she explained, is essential to what will be done at the three estates remaining under GuySuCo - Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion - between this year and 2021.

At the turn of the year, 1181 employees of the Rose Hall Estate in East Canje Berbice and 1851 employees of the Skeldon Estate in the upper reaches of the Corentyne Coast were made redundant. Thus a total of 3032 sugar workers of the East Berbice Estates were without jobs at the turn of

2018.

Regional Chairman David Armogan also addressed the meeting held at the Albion Community Centre. He noted that people have lost confidence in the estate, and although a job shortage exists in the region, the Albion Estate may have difficulty filling those 600 vacancies.

Saying management needs to instill confidence in the workforce, Armogan added, “You sent home thousands of workers, and now you are short of 600 workers. What that tells me is that there is a lack of confidence by the workers. Because they don’t trust the estate’s management, they are moving to other forms of employment.

What many of them did was to take the little pay-off that they got and invested it in something (so) that they can make a few dollars more, because they do not believe…

The psyche in their head is telling them that the estate might not last much longer.”

Thomas said the Albion Estate is very critical to the development of Region Six. It maintains the drainage and irrigation system from Bush Lot on the Corentyne Coast; provides employment to a large number of residents of the region; and benefits many businesses by provid-

ing emergency services to the community.

Armogan had told those in attendance that a business plan is a course of action that a company is embarking on in order to achieve a certain goal. “The other aspect of a plan is that it has to be worked by people; a plan cannot operate by itself,” the Regional Chairman said.

Some 5700 workers from Skeldon, East Demerara (Enmore) and Rose Hall Estates were dismissed after GuySuCo had terminated their employment in 2017.

Before then, over 1000 Wales Estate workers were similarly dismissed when the entity officially ceased operation in December 2016. These moves were in keeping with what Government has said were “cost-cutting measures”.

However, the David Granger Administration has been strongly criticised for not having an holistic approach to the age-old industry, as many stakeholders, civil society groups including the private sector, and opposition politicians called for social impact studies to be conduct before closures.

In December 2017, the Special Purposes Unit (SPU), which falls under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited

Corporate Communications Manager Audreyannna Thomas and Regional Chairman David Armogan

(NICIL), officially took over operations at Skeldon; East Demerara (Enmore), Rose Hall and Wales. It was announced that the SPU was overseeing divestment plans, by way of either selling off or restarting factories with minimal staff to attract investors – both domestic and foreign.

NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit (SPU) Head, Colvin Heath-London, has recently confirmed that over the next few months, special emphasis would be placed on transforming GuySuCo’s economic misfortune into a situation wherein a fully self-sufficient, viable and competitive enterprise operates.

He has since announced securing $30 billion, being sought in the form of a syndicated bond, to support

GuySuCo and its remaining estates.

Since his announcement of the bond, concerns have been raised about Government’s vision for the industry and the genuineness of its actions thus far, since that very $30 billion could have gone into restructuring the industry while keeping all of the estates open and GuySuCo’s workforce employed and engaged.

Meanwhile, the Private Placement Memorandum for GuySuCo’s $30 billion bond has received much criticism from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. He recently said he was shocked by the contents of the agreement, which now leaves more questions than answers.

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thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ECD man found guilty of raping 9-year-old girl ...to serve 2 consecutive life sentences

I

n what she said was meant to send society a strong message, Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry on Wednesday sentenced 46-year-old Navindra Badal, called ““Uncle Ravi,” to serve two consecutive life sentences for raping a nineyear-old girl on two separate occasions during 2016.

It was determined in the Sexual Offences Court that the acts were committed

between July 1st and 31st, 2016, and August 14th and 15th, 2016 at an East Coast Demerara village.

When the jury returned the guilty verdicts after two hours of deliberation, Badal had nothing to say after the verdicts were handed down; but the victim, through Child Link Counsellor Celeste Mullin, told the court she feels sad about what had happened

to her, and that after she was abused, she started to steal from her mother just to keep friends. Now 11 years old, the victim also said she wanted the offender to go to jail for what he had done to her.

In computing the sentence, Justice Beharry took into consideration the physical and psychological impacts the victim has faced.

Considering the age of the

child, she indicated that the girl has been scarred for life.

Justice Beharry’s order is that Badal must serve 45 years on each sentence before getting the chance of parole.

Badal was represented by Attorney Maxwell McKay, while State Counsels Ornithia Schmidt and Lisa Cave prosecuted the case.

Prosecution closes Atlantic Gardens murder case

Accused: Richard Stanton

P

rosecutors in the Richard Stanton trial closed the State’s case on Wednesday, leaving Justice Brassington Reynolds to make certain determinations as the matter continues on Friday.

Even as a verdict in the matter looms, one of the final prosecution witnesses

testified earlier this week that several of the exhibits in the Patricia Sanasie murder case had gone missing.

Stanton is accused of executing the woman three years ago in front of her Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara home. He is represented by Attorney Mark Waldron.

One of the investigators, Detective Constable Samuel Headley, testified on Tuesday that several of the exhibits which he had lodged at the Sparendaam Police Station after he had given evidence during the preliminary inquiry at the magistrate’s court have gone missing. The jury was told that the ballistics report and two warheads which were removed from Sanasie’s body during a post-mortem examination cannot be located.

The Prosecution is contending that Stanton, of

Murdered businesswoman Patricia Sanasie

Princes Street, Lodge, shot and killed Sanasie at point blank range in front of her home on January 12, 2015.

She was murdered in the presence of her daughter, who was driving their motorcar.

As the elder Sanasie exited her vehicle and was about to open her gate, she

Resort tragedy

Teen died by drowning – PM report

…incise wound on neck

A

post-mortem examination conducted on the body of 18-yearold Ronaldo Gomes has confirmed that his death resulted from his being struck by a boat last weekend while swimming at a resort on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Conducted by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday morning, the autopsy found that the teenager died as a result of asphyxiation and incise wound to the neck. Gomes’s body – hands and neck – bore marks that are consistent with injuries caused by the propeller of an outboard engine.

Based on the findings of the autopsy, it was determined that the impact of the boat had caused the teenager to lose consciousness, and he subsequently drowned.

The lifeless body of Gomes, called “Naldo,” of Norton Street Wortmanville, Georgetown, was pulled from the black water at a private resort almost two hours after he had gone missing.

Thereafter, it was discovered that the teen’s face was disfigured, and upon enquiring,

Dead: Ronaldo Gomes

relatives were told that he had come into contact with a jet-ski earlier in the day.

Although that had been the case, the rider of the jetski had not reported the incident. It was not until a search had been launched for the teen that someone reportedly told personnel at the resort that the teen had come into contact with one of the jet-skis.

Guyana Times understands that the teenager’s body was recovered at the

same spot where he had been struck by the jet-ski.

The late teenager’s mother, Paula Williams, had called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the former student of both the Business School and School of the Nations.

“If you are in a boat driving, and it hits even a coconut shell, the driver will know he hit something…

What is more worrying too, is the fact that when an alarm was raised that my son was missing, there were no life guards and workers of the resort present to help look for him,” the aggrieved mother told Guyana Times earlier this week.

However, after the post mortem had been conducted, relatives were told by the Police that any step forward would have to be via private actions.

“They said if we want (to) go ahead, we can take legal action against [the resort],” a cousin said. The family is adamant that they will not let the matter go until they get justice for the teenager.

reportedly was confronted by a lone gunman, who discharged several rounds at her.

The daughter, Ramona Sanasie, told investigators that a “big built” man exited a silver Toyota Raum, and she saw him twice as he passed and looked at her.

Sanasie was reportedly shot to her chest, abdomen and neck, among other areas, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The matter continues before Justice Reynolds later this week. Sanasie was the former Director of Studies at the Academy of Professional Studies. A year prior to the woman’s death, a similar attempt had been made on her husband’s life. In that instance, she and her brother had been implicated.

Thief jailed for 3 months

F

orty-three-year-old Sean Peters of 183 Callender Street, Albouystown Georgetown appeared on Wednesday before Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore and admitted that, between July 13 and 14 last, he stole from Nizam Shaw two batteries valued at $64,000.

Peters told the court that he sold the batteries, but to date has collected only $5000.

He explained to the court that he has a “lil girlfriend,” and also needed cash to smoke. He also related that he has a daughter whom he cannot afford to support by just washing vehicles, which is his job.

Peters told Magistrate Azore that he does not enjoy stealing, but it is something that he always ends up doing, and the bad habit has caused him to spend three years in prison previously.

When a sentence of three months’ jail was pronounced on him, a smiling Peters turned to persons present in court and said, “Is suh you does wrap them up”.

Remembering…

Y

…Mandela esterday, Nelson Mandela - who was born in the same year as Cheddi Jagan – would’ve been 100 years old. It’s a sign of a new era when the western media mostly ignored the event…even though Barak Obama was in South Africa to commemorate it. This signals a movement away from the principles developed after WWII to fight for civil rights in the USA, and the right to self-determination in the colonial world.

Obama alluded to the “politics of fear,” and the “strongmen” leaders who now dominate politics and implicitly spell the death of liberalism. The hope Mandela inspired -- when he was elected President of South Africa in 1994, and which the election of Barak Obama seemingly fulfilled in 2008 -- for a “post racial” world has all but vanished. It’s now okay for leaders of even one-time paragons of democratic governance to openly incite racial hate.

In the early 1960s, South Africa -- a British dominion -- represented the ultimate Orwellian logic of the racial imperative, which insisted there was a God-given “Chain of Being” in which there was also hierarchy among humans. In this ideology, whites were at the top, blacks at the bottom, and mixed and other races were in intermediate positions between the two poles. In practice, it meant whites had their own (superior) areas and facilities in which to live, where other races were explicitly verboten! It wasn’t much better in the USA’s “segregation”.

While both Martin Luther King in the US and Nelson Mandela in South Africa were influenced by Gandhi’s strategy of “satyagraha/nonviolence” to combat racial structures and practices, Mandela abandoned it for guerrilla warfare after he had been confronted with the brutality and intransigence of the South African apartheid Government. Even MLK had to concede that he understood Mandela’s choice.

Mandela, we all know, was imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island. His fortitude and refusal to alter his demand for his people’s human rights inspired anti-colonial fighters across the globe -- like Jagan here – especially since their challenges were far lesser; yet Mandela remained steadfast as a rock. Today, with the steady erosion of the gains recognising the equality of peoples, and the movement towards authoritarian governments, not only in the metropoles but also in our own Guyana, maybe the example of Mandela will once again become relevant.

Your Eyewitness commends the word of the ex-slave Fredrick Douglas: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them…and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both.” …the betrayal of “I is” Broomes In Guyana, the sordid episode precipitated by Minister “I is” Broomes when she refused to observe the parking regulations in her frenzy for Chinese fried rice illustrates to a “T” how far we have strayed from the path in politics blazed by men like Mandela. It’s a shame that those two names are even in the same sentence.

But the matter has moved far – very far -- from the single sleazy instance of “I is” Broomes. It now involves the PNC, which was formed in the era when Mandela set the standard for political rectitude. Some time ago, there was much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth by PNCites when a proposed South African Award – the Order of the Companion of Oliver Tambo – was withdrawn from Burnham. As was shown by African activists from Africa and the diaspora, Burnham betrayed the principles of Madiba.

That the PNC will soon be hosting a Congress to elect a new generation of leaders without censuring “I is” Broomes proves they still deserve to be rejected.

Shame!! …Rice?

A major rice exporter imported rice to fill a Haitian contract because he fears a production shortage this year. Remember when the PNC had to import sugar from Nicaragua for a similar reason?

What next? Importing water?

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

News

9

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP to decide on presidential candidate by year end – Jagdeo

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onsequent to a meeting with executive officials of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), to discuss the way forward on plans to select a presidential candidate for the next general elections, General Secretary of the party, Bharrat Jagdeo, declared that a candidate could be selected by year end.

According to Jagdeo, the executives of the PPP are split on the timeframe in which this process should be completed, as some are proposing that it could be done before the Local Government Elections which are slated for November this year, while others are proposing a date after Local Government Elections.

“So, between those two, we will return to the issue on that timeline on when we settle for the presidential candidate. But it seems are though all of this will happen within the year, before the end of 2018,” Jagdeo told Guyana Times on Wednesday, when asked for an update on the matter.

Again, asked whether he would throw his support behind anyone whom he finds has the ability to lead the party to victory at the 2020 elections, the PPP General Secretary said, “There are a lot of people that I like, and very competent people, and I wish them all well.”

Jagdeo was also asked if members within the executive of the party who are

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

desirous of becoming the presidential nominee, are allowed to canvas support from various sections. He responded stating that he does not see it as a major issue but the way in which it

is done is a concern for him.

“There is nothing wrong with people saying, I am interested. What’s wrong with that? But I urge all of the party members and those who are canvasing not to disparage anyone else. Because at the end of the day, what will happen, is not all of these people will rally around the person we chose and we move on to win the election,” he said.

Various concerns have been raised about the process which will be used to select the next presidential candidate for the PPP, but Jagdeo, has made it clear that the system used since 1992 will remain the chosen one. “There is a longstanding tradition: The congress selects the central committee and the central committee choses the can-

didate,” Jagdeo had a told a previous news conference.

He said this system, which was introduced by the party some 25 years ago under the leadership of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, still obtains today. “So I doubt that is going to change for these elections, because that is the position. I tell you this because it seems as though many people, in speculating about how the candidate would be chosen, are not aware of this process,” he explained.

He maintained that the party remains committed to the highest levels of transparency, accountability and democracy as it undertakes the process of selecting its next presidential nominee.

“That’s the process we have used, and from all indications, that is the process we

will use again to select the next candidate; unless the central committee itself decides to change that procedure,” he added.

Jagdeo said the chances of people entering the race for the candidacy are possible, as this has been a longstanding practice of the PPP. “But at the end of the day, it is how many votes you muster there from the 35 (central committee members) that will matter in a democratic fashion.

That person will emerge as the candidate.”

While the PPP General Secretary has explained that anyone from the party would be allowed to compete for the candidacy, he reiterated that the prospective contender would first have to be nominated.

Police find illegal guns in More contraband thrown Sophia, Little Diamond over NA Prison fence Branch to arrest a male who was found in possession of an illegal weapon.

According to Police reports, the discovery was made around 19:20h.

The ranks, acting on information received, went to a location at Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

While there, they arrested a resident of the community after he was found in possession of an unlicensed .32 re-

T

The gun and ammo that were thrown out of the vehicle on the EBD

hree persons are now in Police custody after they were found, in two separate searches, in possession of illegal guns and ammunition.

In the first instance, two Georgetown residents were arrested following a brief chase along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Based on information received, ranks of a mobile patrol at Diamond, EBD, on Wednesday afternoon observed a male acting in a suspicious manner while entering public transport in front of the Diamond hospital.

At the time, the vehicle was on the western side of the road facing north. The ranks decided to approach the vehicle and upon seeing the Police, the driver sped away. However, the patrol

ranks gave chase and, subsequently, intercepted the vehicle along the East Bank Public Road.

According to the Police, it was observed upon intercepting the vehicle that the driver had thrown out an object.

Upon checking, ranks found an unlicensed .32 pistol along with 12 live matching rounds.

Both the 26-year-old driver of James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, and the 28-year-old occupant, a security guard of Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown, were arrested.

They are currently assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the vehicle has been impounded.

With regard to the second case, a tip on Tuesday evening led ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics

Some of the illicit items thrown into the NA Prison compound

E

The weapon found on the Sophia resident

volver without ammunition.

The suspect has since been taken into custody, where he is assisting with further investigations.

ven as authorities are trying to curb the smuggling of contraband into the various prisons across the country, another attempt was made to ferry in illicit items into the New Amsterdam Prison on Wednesday morning.

According to Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, the incident occurred about 04:16h. He revealed that a bag containing a quantity of illicit items was thrown over the prison’s fence into the compound. However, attentive ranks stationed inside were able to retrieve the items.

Among the items found were: three parcels of suspected marijuana, 32 packs of cigarettes, two bottles containing white and brown rum, bamboo wraps, and a lighter.

Samuels noted that the Police were called in and an investigation has since been launched.

The smuggling of contraband items into prisons remains a perennial problem within the system.

Nevertheless, authorities have been working to curb the practice and these efforts have resulted in several prison officers being caught facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be “big business”.

In fact, Director Samuels disclosed during a press conference earlier this month that five prison officers have been relieved of their duties after they had been implicated in the May 1, 2018 incident in which a parcel containing cannabis had been thrown into the Lusignan

Prison Holding Bay area. “…We also have five officers who have been interdicted from duty following the May 1 matter at the Holding Bay, where our CCTV footage would have revealed that a number of what is suspected to be contraband items were thrown into the Holding Bay facility… Based on the reviews we would have conducted, it is clear that the officers were working in collusion with each other in order to facilitate the movement of the suspected contraband into the prison,” he explained.

Samuels further disclosed that legal advice has been sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the way forward, and he has decried the behaviour of such ranks.

“It is quite disturbing, it is quite embarrassing, to have to face these situations on a daily basis; but this is not a situation whereby the prison administration is failing to act. The reality of it is, despite we would do vetting and so forth, these prison officers are drawn from communities…and for some strange reason, despite they’re given their dos and don’ts, they allow themselves to be sucked into the financial gains that these activities can bring you,” he said.

10 news

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramnarine bashes reckless behaviour of Police on roadways …says $2.3M in damage to vehicles being repaid by ranks

Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine

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anks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who have found themselves involved in vehicular accidents, whether in their personal vehicles or in the Force’s vehicles, were at the receiving end of a verbal bashing by acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine.

Addressing senior and junior ranks as well as stakeholders at the Force’s 179th Anniversary Awards Ceremony on Wednesday morning, Ramnarine reminded members of the Force that road regulations are applicable to all road users, while admonishing

those ranks who have been involved in vehicular accidents.

He pointed out that from July 2016 to June 2017, eighteen members of the Force were involved in various category of accidents while driving GPF vehicles. This compares to an increase of 23 ranks involved in accidents during the period July 2017 to June 2018.

“A total of 41 ranks, including seven subordinate officers and 34 constables [were fingered in these accidents]. Add this to another 18 ranks over the two years’ period being involved in various accidents while driving private vehicles. The occurrences cannot be ones that we are satisfied with. We have taken an oath, we are here in uniforms, we have higher learning and training; and therefore we must conduct ourselves a lot better than we do,” the acting top cop asserted.

According to Ramnarine, those ranks who fail to better conduct themselves on the roadways will face the same fate as those who have been made to pay over $2.3 million for damaging the Force’s vehicle thus far this year.

“They are being made to

Vetting

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A crashed Police vehicle

repay for the costs of those damages. Some 10 ranks have already completed payment, and the others have some more time to pay. That is the position we have to enforce,” Ramnarine posited.

The acting Top Cop is accordingly urging ranks to be more responsible on the roadways while executing their duties.

“We have permitted [speeding] in only emergency situations and in situations where, for example, you’re fired upon and there is great danger to public safety if you don’t take a certain course of action. But in normal circumstances -- for instance following a motor cycle without a number plate; the motorcyclist got away,

you didn’t get the motorcycle, but you end up slamming into a civilian vehicle, damaging beyond repair a Police vehicle; and for what?

For a minor offence? Please use your judgement, or you will have to pay as others have started to pay. This is the position,” he outlined.

Further, Ramnarine went on to say that the Force will no longer tolerate such reprehensible and disrespectful behaviour from ranks who continue to breach road rules and traffic regulations.

“We cannot move forward in the same way… Of course the leadership of the Force has not feigned or neglected to take condign action, but the reality of this prior unacceptable situation is that, at this juncture of our 179th anniversary, let us assure that there is significant positive improvement and set the example by good private and public conduct regarding the use of the road and adherence to the regulations that are attached,” the acting Top Cop encouraged.

Turn to page 13

atiricus was pleased as the cat that just lapped up the milk. He used to say, “Pleased as Punch”…until he found out “Punch” was a wife-beating, serial killing puppet who was pleased with his various evil deeds!! He could barely contain himself as he hurried over to the Back Street Bar to share his joy; and, not so incidentally, to gloat!

“Did you see what my fearless leader, Rum Jhaat, just did?” Satiricus exclaimed before even picking up his beer. “’E stap da schupit 2 a-clack curfew fuh abee drink?” asked Bungi in a hopeful voice. “’E mek da policeman pay fuh de crashin’ de cyaar?” suggested Cappo, before Satiricus could answer Bungi.

“Naaah! Better than that,” exulted Satiricus. “Rum Jhaat just solved the prison problem!!’

“Really?” asked Hari mildly. “He rebuilt the new prison at Mazaruni already?”

“That’s five years away,” conceded Satiricus. “I’m talking about the problem with Prison Officers allowing contraband into Camp Street and Lusignan.”

“Rum Jhaat tell dem fuh come to wuk naked fram now aan?” asked Bungi, with a grin.

“C’mon fellas, don’t you read the papers?” asked Satiricus exasperatedly.

“Yes, we did,” assured Hari.

“So didn’t you see the pictures of proposed new Prison officers?” asked Satiricus. “Folks can now report if there are any rotten apples among them!”

“Me see dem pich-a,” said Cappo. “But me nah bin t’ink a Rum Jhaat suh schupit!”

“What’d you mean?” demanded Satiricus, his voice rising. “What’s stupid about vetting new officers?”

“Budday! All dem bai jus’ come out fram school,” said Bungi. “People guh seh dem t’ief sweetie?”

“Bungi has a point, Sato,” interjected Hari. “These young fellas didn’t have enough time – or temptation -- to show their true colours yet”.

“Lemme tell you wha’ guh happen,” said Cappo.

“People who jel’as dem bai guh tell lie pan dem!”

“An’ de police guh waste nuff time, fuh check out all dem lie,” said Bungi.

“Yes,” conceded Satiricus. “Especially when they haven’t checked out “I is” Brooms story yet.”

news

11

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

City bus parks haven for petty thieves – drivers …call for heightened security …Chief Constable claims matter is out of his control We cannot afford to police the entire city, because our numbers would not permit us to.”

It was subsequently explained by Foo that City Constables deal with matters such as persons breaching road laws, minor robberies, and disorderly behaviour.

“We try to do whatever we can,” he pointed out.

The Grove/Diamond bus park

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number of short-drop taxi and minibus drivers who operate out of the Grove- Diamond bus park, in the Stabroek Market area, Georgetown have complained about City Constables not being present to address criminal activities at the minibus parks.

However, Chief Constable of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (MCC), Andrew Foo has since distanced the Constabulary, claiming that City Constables were not responsible for monitoring the bus parks.

The public transport drivers on Wednesday called for urgent attention to be given to the bus parks since they were almost impassable.

A 55-year-old driver, who has been operating for over 20 years now, said the City Constables were hardly there to monitor illegal activities, which occur far too frequently.

He complained that along with the City Constables be-

ing irregular at the parks, they tended to harass the drivers over ‘petty matters’ when they did decide to show up.

The driver also said that there was a lack of basic amenities on the parks, such as public washroom facilities. This, he noted, has resulted in drivers urinating at the parks, which leads to them being arrested by the Constables.

While he admitted that urinating in public is unacceptable (it is also a criminal offence), he contended that for this type of behaviour to be eradicated, the city needed to provide public facilities for drivers.

“I would suggest, and it got hundreds of taxi drivers and minibus drivers around here, they should install a public urinal just for these drivers because they keep harassing the drivers unnecessarily … I would suggest that the City Council install a urinal, because we deserve it, these vehicles don’t run

by magic, we paying taxes to run these vehicles at every level, all levels – GRA, the spare parts store, the gas station. We buying gas and we taxes going back to the State, all these the State collecting tax why they can’t install a simple urinal for the drivers?” Singh, a taxi driver, related.

He added that instead of focusing on the criminal activities at the minibus parks, City Constables are there to arrest persons caught urinating in public.

Another bus driver, Carlyle Harry, who plies the Georgetown-Grove route, said there was need for more monitoring of criminal activities around the parks to eliminate the high number of thieves in the area.

He added that a washroom was definitely necessary for the drivers.

When this newspaper contacted the Chief Constable, he said, “City Constables are not responsible for monitoring bus parks.

Labourer charged for beating stepson

A

labourer found himself before the courts on Wednesday after he reportedly inflicted grievous bodily harm on his stepson during a beating.

Forty-five-year-old Troy Lewis, of Albouystown, Georgetown, admitted to

beating Terrence Longman on July 13, 2018.

In his explanation, Lewis told the court that his stepson was in the habit of disrespecting him. On the day in question, he claimed that he was defending himself after the Virtual Complainant

(VC) picked up a paling stave to threaten him.

As such, Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who he appeared before, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

He was released on $25,000 bail. The case will continue on July 20.

Herstelling man died from drowning – post-mortem

P

olice in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) has handed over to relatives the body of the 38-year-old Herstelling, EBD resident who was found floating in a canal on Tuesday morning.

The body was released following a post-mortem examination that was conducted on Wednesday

by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, who found that Jaigobin Seecharran, called “Red Man”, of Lot 92 Herstelling New Housing Scheme, died as a result of “drowning by blunt trauma”.

Seecharran’s body was discovered about 08:30h by workers of a nearby block-making establishment floating face-down in the ‘Number 3’ canal, which separates Herstelling and the Mocha Access Road.

Dead: Jaigobin Seecharran

Guyana Times was told that after the body was spotted, the Police were informed and ranks from the nearby Providence Police Station went over and subsequently summoned the undertakers.

At the time, word of the “floating body” spread through the village and per-

sons, including relatives of Seecharran, were gathered around and so they were able to identify the body after it was removed from the canal.

This publication understands that Seecharran, a former minibus conductor, was last seen alive by relatives on Sunday evening when he left home about 19:30h.

His brother, Seegobin, told this publication that they were not worried when the 38-year-old man did not return home, since he would usually disappear for a few days without informing anyone whenever he imbibed heavily.

Meanwhile, the Police had said that checks were made for marks of violence, but none were found on Seecharran’s body.

Resurfacing parks

Meanwhile, the drivers also complained of the need for the minibus parks in the area to be resurfaced.

“This short-drop to Grove park need doing. The road here is terrible and a set of holes here deh brukin up yuh wheels. It really need doing. So I would be happy if the authorities can just look into it for us,” a driver told this publication.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

That driver said he has been working that route for over a year and the situation continued to get worse as the days pass, especially when it rained. He said he has only seen the park being cleaned, “that’s all. No patching and it got a set of big holes. It really needs doing. They do the roads and they leave the parks. The bus sticking when it rains.

People got to push fuh just let the bus move.”

Another short-drop car driver, Winston Albert said he would like to see the road being done along with a urinal for the drivers.

“The park is in a real deplorable state, it is so messed up that the gravel and thing, whenever the buses spin, the gravel would spin and hit your windscreen; it’s just like if it’s a bush road. I glad if the guys could come and do something about it. When it rains, the park is actually impassable, so they really need to come and see what they can do about it urgently,” another driver lamented.

He, like the others, called for more security on the parks to protect users, since “them thieves would just be robbing people and them thing, you alone wouldn’t go and try and stop or apprehend a thief; it gotta be a set of them, so we should get more security in plain clothes.” (Davina Ramdass)

Former Gold Board accountant slapped with fraud charge

A

former Guyana Gold Board (GGB) accountant was on Wednesday slapped with six counts of fraud and taken before city Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Rosanna Ramnarine was allegedly fired in November 2017, after an audit of the GGB allegedly unearthed a major fraud involving herself and a clerk at the agency.

The prosecution is contending that the 35-year-old former accountant defrauded the company of over $1 million between the period of February 1 and June 30,

Rosannna Ramnarine

2017.

It was previously reported that the former accoun-

tant and her clerk during their alleged fraudulent activities documented that miners paid less money than they actually did to the Gold Board. They were sent home as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was investigating the matter.

On Wednesday, Ramnarine was released on $50,000 bail for each charge.

She will return to court on July 23, 2018. As a condition of bail, the former accountant was ordered to lodge her passport with the court and report to SOCU’s headquarters every Friday until the conclusion of the matter.

12 news

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

NTC elects new executive …as Govt grants 50-year lease for secretariat

Newly elected NTC Head Nicholas Fredericks

D

ay three of the annual National Toshaos Council’s Conference saw toshaos from across Guyana electing a new executive to serve for the next three years.

They have elected Toshao Nicholas Fredericks to serve as chair for the duration of the new council.

Fredericks -- Toshao of Shulinab Village in Region Nine -- served as treasurer on the last NTC, which was headed by Joel Fredericks. Paul Pierre of Kwebanna Village, Waini

River, Moruca Sub-region of Region One (Barima/ Waini), was elected the Vice-Chairperson, and will replace the outspoken Lennox Schuman.

Additionally, Russian Dorrick will serve as secretary, while Marbel Thomas would serve as treasurer.

The newly elected head contested unopposed, and received unanimous support from the toshaos. The new executive comprises 20 persons from all the Amerindian villages.

During his inaugural address, Fredericks called upon his team to work together to address the needs and make representation on behalf of Guyana’s first peoples. He also issued a word of caution to the Government in relation to confrontations with the NTC. The Government, in the past, has accused the NTC of being “Oppositionists” when they would have protested to be treated fairly.

Lease

Meanwhile, just days after immediate past Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Joel Frederick, had criticised

Government for reportedly frustrating the process of issuing a title to the NTC for the plot of land that was given to the Council to use to house the secretariat, the matter has been finally addressed.

Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Secretariat Manager Durwin Humphrey informed the media on Wednesday that, on the part of the NTC executive, there may have been a lack of knowledge of what the process entailed, but the issue was discussed and put to rest.

“We have expedited the process for the NTC, and there has been a lease available for the longest while.

And this is why we encourage has dialogue and communication rather than grandstanding… It is a 50year lease, which is standard, and it is renewable once there is beneficial occupation,” he explained.

Humphrey, claimed the lease was available, but the NTC had requested a transport, and according to the laws of Guyana, there are certain processes that are required to convert a lease to a transport.

“Black Boy” charged for friend’s murder

J

unior Abrams, called “Black Boy”, of Mabaruma, North West District, Region One, who reportedly stabbed and killed his friend Elroy Marks on July 14, 2018 during a drinking spree at the Kumaka Waterfront in Mabaruma, North West District, was on Wednesday arraigned on a murder charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 23-year-old has been

remanded to prison until August 10, when the case will continue before the Mabaruma magistrate.

Recap

On the fateful day of his demise, the late Elroy Marks was reportedly at a popular shop at the Kumaka Waterfront in Mabaruma, consuming alcohol with his friend Junior Abrams, called Black Boy, when an argument broke out between

them. This quickly escalated into a fight, during which Abrams allegedly armed himself with a broken beer bottle and dealt Marks a stab wound to the left side of his neck.

Marks was picked up and taken to the Mabaruma Hospital, where he was seen by a doctor and admitted a patient. However, he died while undergoing emergency surgery.

Vice Chair Paul Pierre

He said, “While we have completed the process of the lease, which is within the ambit of the Commission, the process of the transport, lies outside of the Commission. So it’s out of our control in the end, but we are facilitating the process to ensure thatappens-

shj.”

The GLSC official also noted that there is nothing preventing the NTC from moving ahead with occupying the land.

Meanwhile, Frederick said that following his criticism on the issue on Monday, the GLSC reached out to the NTC executive and had a discussion on the matter. The GLSC has agreed to have the lease document made available to the Council on Friday, so that it could be presented to the conference.

“We can have a lease document to present to the NTC on Friday, e cepted that with the undertraining that the process to go through in order to get the absolute title…I am comfortable with that, and I would like to say thanks to President Granger,” he said as he explained the importance of having dialogue.

Frederick has main-

tained that the NTC will not remain silent on matters affected the indigenous people of Guyana. “It is not time for leaders to sit quietly and brush these issues under the carpet, and let the public feel that all is well. We have to represent the people who put us there to serve,” he opined.

He noted that a project proposal was submitted to the Foreign Affairs Ministry through the Indigenous Peoples Affairs’ Ministry, which assisted the NTC in putting together the proposal for submission to the Chinese Government. The NTC will follow up with the Ministry to ascertain that the proposal has been accepted.

The NTC, in July 2017, received a plot of land to build their Secretariat. The request for a Secretariat for the NTC had been made

by Indigenous leaders to President David Granger.

High Court orders medical evaluations for 2 prisoners

T

he trials of an attempted murder accused and a manslaughter accused were earlier this week delayed owing to the court ordering medical evaluations for the two men.

The orders came after an application by State Prosecutor Seeta Bishundial.

One of the accused was 45-year-old Toney Marcus, who was committed to stand trial for trying to murder Etwaru Narine in 2014. When he appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds, the court heard that he has not been taking his tablets. A male relative informed the Judge that Marcus was a patient at a psychiatric ward.

Marcus is accused of the July 6, 2014 chopping of Narine at McDoom, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, the Virtual

Toney Marcus (left) and Paul Michael Khan being escorted from the High Court

Complainant (VC) was imbibing at a shop when the accused asked him for money.

An argument ensued, and Marcus allegedly chopped him several times.

Meanwhile, 34-year-old Paul Michael Khan is facing a manslaughter charge.

He, like Marcus, agreed with Justice Reynolds to be medically evaluated before his case is tried. Khan, who said that he cannot spell, said that his relatives have stopped visiting him and even made claims of Police brutality.

Dr Bhiro Harry is expected to conduct a psychological assessment of the two men, and both parties will return to court on August 7, 2018.

Both men were unrepresented by legal counsel during their court appearance.

news

13

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

World Population Day Miss Guyana launches special needs summer camp First Lady calls for health curriculum in education sector S tudents from the Sophia Special Needs School will be engaged in six weeks of physical and academic activities as Miss Guyana World 2018 launched her “Healthy Wholly Summer Camp” to tackle mental health issues on Wednesday.

The summer camp was organised in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, the Social Cohesion Ministry and other stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening the mind and body of these students through physical activities, which can significantly improve their physical and mental health.

Miss Guyana World 2018 Ambika Ramraj noted at the launch of her Beauty with a Purpose campaign initiative, that these activities coincided with her platform to

F

Miss Guyana World 2018 Ambika Ramraj at the launching of the “Healthy Wholly Summer Camp”

the use of sports, physical activities and different aspects such as some forms of academic programmes and hands-on activities that they may develop further on

A section of the gathering at the launching at the Sophia Special Needs School on Wednesday

spread more awareness on the importance of addressing mental health issues.

For her, sports and physical activities are the best way to do so and thus, the children will be occupied with these engagements over their August vacation.

“Today (Wednesday), we take action to commit to giving these children an opportunity for a successful life.

We want to help them to better themselves and better their futures through

into careers,” she said.

Ramraj explained that sport could assist these persons with establishing a disciplined and focused mindset while improving their mental well-being.

“We know that mental health has no colour, age, religion, status or other dividing factor. Mental health can affect every one of us and it is important for us to stand to fight against such an ill in society,” she empha-

sised.

“Our young people often times do not have the voice to speak for themselves.

They often have to deal with mental health issues in silence, and some may not even know that they’re dealing with it,” she added.

Meanwhile, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton underscored of the importance of pageantry in the eradication of many social issues.

“I have long recognised the role that pageantry has played in our society and today reaffirms my strong belief that pageantry can have a significant impact on the alleviation of many social issues,” Minister Norton said.

“I’m even more glad and appreciative of the fact that the programme is being introduced to the Sophia Special Needs School,” he later stated.

Throughout the six weeks, coaches and other partnering stakeholders will work with the children on different aspects of their development.

The summer camp will run until August 24. The organisers are also encouraging interested persons to make a pledge towards this cause.

Ramnarine bashes reckless...

Complaints down

Even as Ramnarine reprimanded ranks for their conduct on the roadways, he revealed that general complaints against members of the Police Force has significantly declined over the last two years. In fact, he said, there was a 39.5 per cent decrease in complaints against ranks over the past year when compared to the previous corresponding period.

“There were 394 complaints between July 2016 and June 2017; and between July 2017 and June 2018, we have 283 complaints. Additionally, for the first half of this year, against that of last year, we record a 50 per cent decrease in complaints with 140 complaints this year for the first six months, against 280 for the first six months last year,” the acting Police Commissioner disclosed.

The nature of the complaints that have been reduced against members of the Force include neglect of duty, Police harassment, assaults, wrongful arrests, corrupt practices, sexual harassment, and fraudulent conversion.

According to the Ramnarine, the decline in complaints has been found to be as a result of a number of factors.

“A preliminary analysis suggests that improved and increased supervision, swift and condign action by senior leadership of the Force, severe punishment, support through speedy and timely legal advice, and some degree of reluctance on the part of complainants are the main reasons for this significant decline in complaints,” he stated.

However, while these complaints have declined,

From page 10

the offence of ‘Acts in a manner likely to bring discredit on the reputation of the Force’ has shown an increase of 30 per cent, with a total of 56 complaints against 39 over the two-year comparable period.

Nevertheless, the acting Police Commissioner posited that various efforts are afoot to build much needed professionalism as well as capacity and capability within the country’s premier law enforcement agency.

These include consistent training under various local and overseas-sponsored initiatives, such as the Canadafunded Justice Education Society (JES) programme, as well as ongoing efforts under the Security Sector Reform Project (SSRP), being executed by the British Government.

(Vahnu Manikchand)

irst Lady Sandra Granger on Wednesday called for a comprehensive health curriculum to be implemented in the schools’ education system at the early childhood level.

She made the call as she delivered her address to attendees of the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA’s) World Population Day, held under the theme “Family planning is a human right”, at the Cara Lodge hotel in Georgetown.

“I am an advocate for teaching [family health] at the nursery level, but it does not mean that our parents must be [excluded]… Parents have a large role to play in how our children are socialised… Let us hope that the Caribbean region will come up with a comprehensive health and family life education curriculum which they can implement in all our schools, so that our children will have the much-needed education and the knowledge that they deserve,” the First Lady explained.

She added it is hoped that communities and parents are educated on how they can protect their children, and how they should socialise their children to be responsible human beings and productive adults.

She also stressed the benefits of accessible family planning as she said, “It has been estimated that if the need for modern contraception was met, there would be 70 percent less unintended pregnancies, 74 percent less unsafe abortions, [and] 25 percent less maternal deaths... There would be an increase in educational opportunities for girls and women, greater participation by women and girls in the labour force, and an in-

First Lady Sandra Granger addressing the gathering

crease in their earning potential”.

Notwithstanding the importance of including men in the family planning process, the First Lady said, family planning gives women more control over their lives.

Officer at Liaison the UNFPA office, Adler Bynoe, delivered the World Population message on behalf of the organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem. It was pointed out that accessible family planning can only be realised through collaboration.

“Family planning is not only a matter of human rights, it is also central to women’s empowerment, reducing poverty, and achieving the sustainable development… the UNFPA is fully committed to continuing to support countries’ efforts to uphold the right to plan a family. We are striving to end all unmet needs for voluntary family planning in developing countries by 2030… We cannot do this alone. Governments, parliamentarians, the private sector and civil society must join forces to make it happen,” he said.

Minister within the Public Health Ministry (MoPH), Dr Karen Cummings, was also present at the event. She noted that the MoPH will be doing more to educate young peo-

ple about the importance of family planning.

“One of the areas in which it will be placing greater emphasis will be (on) generating more awareness about sexual reproductive health and the importance of family planning…

At the Ministry, we are cognisant that effective and informed family planning has multiple health and social benefits… Through various health promotion activities, the Ministry of Public Health is ensuring that… accurate, unbiased information, to assist in preventing unplanned pregnancies as well as empowering young people to make educated decisions about sexual and reproductive health, is disseminated countrywide,” she said.

A few panellists and teen mothers from Women Across Differences (WAD) gave their perspective on the importance of family planning as they told their stories of trials and testing.

World Population Day is annually observed on July 11. It was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the affirmation of family planning as a human right.

14 news

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GLSC reviewing laws to address David Rose Special School demarcation issues Education Ministry rules …as legal, procedural issues remain major bugbears

A

s the issue of land demarcation took centre stage on Wednesday, at the 2018 National Toshoa Council (NTC) conference being held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, representatives of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) gave its assurance that the matter is being aggressively looked at.

Secretariat Manager at GLSC, Durwin Humphrey said that there may be the need for revision of the laws relating to lands governance and the commission is currently working on it. He admitted that it has been a recurring issue and it is hoped that these matters could be addressed in due course.

“We have several procedures and legal issues as it relates to Amerindian land titling. We have to ensure that proper investigations are carried out prior to demarcation. We have been seeing issues where proper investigations were not conducted, however, not by GLSC,” he explained.

However, as a result of an inadequacy in the system for land titling, the GLSC have started with a review of the legislation and have also put forward recommendations to improve the system.

“And we have begun to see some improvements already. We have a few villages which we will be working with this year and hopefully, we could get those matters resolved,” he added.

But Humphrey said he still believed that one of the solutions to the problem could have been the initiation of a Lands Commission of Inquiry (COI), which according to him, is still on the table.

According to him, the GLSC functions with a combination of the Amerindian Act of 2006 – which has a reference made to the State Lands Act under which title

Secretariat Manager at GLSC, Durwin Humphrey

is granted and the Survey Special Provision Act which deals with the demarcation of lands prior to land title.

Humphrey said the commission is determined on working in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana thereby avoid conflict.

Presently under the State Lands Act, there are several regulations which detail the rights and privileges enjoyed

by Indigenous communities.

At the opening of the conference on Monday, the immediate past Chairman of the NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks had blasted Government for a number of unfulfilled promises. According to Fredericks, the indigenous peoples of Guyana were promised a number of things, such as the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006; Constitutional reform, and land titling.

The coalition Government has failed to issue new land titles since taking office in 2015. Indigenous Peoples Affairs Minister, Sydney Allicock had previously admitted that only 26 per cent of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Project has been completed.

The minister told the Parliamentary Natural Resources Committee recently that the ALT work pro-

gramme, which commenced in 2013, would require another decade before it could be completed, although the project’s life comes to an end in October 2018.

According to Minister Allicock, only about 25 per cent of the total US$10 million earmarked for the project has thus far been utilised– some Gy$500 million, or US$2.5 million.

The Government had, in 2013, signed a US$10.7 million agreement for implementation of the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation Project, which concluded in 2016.

However, an extension was requested in 2017, resulting in $165 million being earmarked for advancing of the remaining identified areas.

So far, 13 communities have applied for absolute grants for the first time. Of that number, seven have received approval, and six have been demarcated. Out of 23 communities, 14 have been issued with certificates of title; but there has so far been not one single community that has received a title under this Government.

The ALT Project seeks to achieve three major goals: completion of land titling issues and demarcation process for all Amerindian villages that submitted requests; increased use of existing and alternative mechanisms to resolve land titling disputes; and completion of a communication strategy, including a handbook describing the process of titling, demarcation, and the social economic impact of secure land tenure.

The project is being financed from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) which came into being under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

burning incident as accidental

F

ollowing an investigation after a teacher of the David Rose Special School was accused of injuring a student of the institution, the Education Ministry has ruled that the incident was an accident.

Guyana Times published an article on Wednesday in which the mother of an eight-year-old child attending the institution accused the teachers of abusing her child.

The woman alleged that about two weeks ago, her son came home with a burn on his hand. Upon questioning him, she was told that he was burnt by the teachers. As such, she lodged several complaints at the Welfare Department.

After the article was published, the Education Ministry, in a statement, said it was aware of the incident and the matter was investigated.

According to the Ministry along with an investigation, a meeting was conducted through engagements with the Special Education Needs Officers, teachers of the David Rose Special School, the parents of the child, welfare officers and representatives of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

The Ministry stated that the incident involved a glue gun and was not a deliberate act but rather an accident.

“The incident with the glue gun was an accident and not as a result of any deliberate wrongdoing of the teacher. The teachers were cautioned about being even more careful when using these kinds of equipment around pupils.”

Meanwhile, a number of conclusions emerged from the discussions, which in-

The child’s burnt hand

dicated that an arrangement was agreed upon to have the parents and the teachers meet once per week, so as to become acquainted with the intervention strategies to foster a better teacher-parent relationship. Also, the teachers will have an opportunity to become aware of the parents’ strategies for dealing with the child.

Additionally, staff development sessions are scheduled to be held with teachers of the school on building teacher-parent relationships. At the meeting, the child’s parent and teachers were also made aware of their roles and responsibilities in this process.

“The Ministry will never condone any behaviour that puts the nation’s children in harm’s way and will ensure that the school is a very safe space for our

future leaders,” the statement on Wednesday further noted.

The mother of the child told this publication that her son went home on three occasions and demonstrated to her what two teachers would normally do to him. He claimed that he was hit to the head and mouth with a stick.

Only recently, the woman alleged that another teacher attached to the institution saw her and told her of all the instances her child was abused by the other teachers. She also mentioned that the teacher told her that the complaints made by her autistic child were true.

When Guyana Times had contacted the headteacher, Dionne McKenzie, for a comment, she refused to speak and subsequently hung up the telephone.

Kwakwani residents receive food supplies from CDC

– as floodwaters slowly recede

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s the floodwaters in Kwakwani (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) continue to slowly recede, Region 10 Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, a resident of the area, received for the community food hampers from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Wednesday, for the first time since the severe flood struck the community.

Acting CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, handed over the hampers to Adolph for distribution to the residents.

In some areas, the floodwaters -- which had reached heights of approximately nine feet -- have now begun to recede slowly. Over 300

households remain affected by the disastrous situation, and although the residents have adopted adaptive measures, most homes are completely flooded, resulting in occupants being forced to move to higher ground.

On Sunday morning, some of the residents also received supplies of cleaning agents, utensils, and medical supplies from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). The cleaning agents included soap powder, bleach, bar soap, long boots and other cleaning agents.

The Opposition Peoples Progressive Party also went into the area on Sunday and distributed cleaning agents.

Region 10 Vice Chairman

A representative from the CDC sending off the hampers to the Kwakwani residents

Elroy Adolph has said residents would like to place on record their appreciation to

all donors for the efforts expended in promptly responding to their calls for help.

Adolph highlighted that one of the challenges facing the residents in the present situation is transportation.

He said high fees are being charged, especially by canoe operators plying the flooded routes, to transport residents living on the outskirts of Kwakwani to the central location for shopping and other business-related purposes.

Adolph is calling on the relevant officials to consider raising the level of the main access road, so that in the future, when flooding occurs, transportation would not be affected.

Residents have even called for Government to consider commencing irri-

gation works in the area as soon as the water recedes, so as to prevent the situation from recurring.

The flooding in Kwakwani started in April, and intensified over the months owing to the heavy rainfall coupled with the overtopping of the Berbice River. Persons living on Lamp Island and the Waterfront are the most severely affected.

The water had risen to as high as eight feet in some areas, but is currently receding slowly. Residents are currently forced to utilise boats as the main mode of transportation, since the roads are inundated.

thursDAY, july 19, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

B

uilding generational wealth. The mission of Outliers Zone, a new online financial education start-up, is an ambitious but vital one in a society where many live from paycheque to paycheque, crimping and praying as their expenses exceed their income.

The company, launched on February 1, 2018 by Athalyah Yisrael, boldly proclaims that its vision is “to become the premier wealth creation institute of the Caribbean, to diminish generational hardship”… by awakening “the consciousness in children, women, men, and organisations to dedicate their lives towards building a legacy of happiness, health and wealth for their generation”.

It was formed out of the successful entrepreneur’s own struggles with money.

“I struggled with money management. I was making money with Fun Park (first company), but every time the clients would bring the money, I would spend it. I found myself in debt and my loving husband would bail me out. Until one day he said to me: ‘You will be the downfall of our family with your money habits.’ And that hurt me. I was $400,000 in debt. I owed people money and I could not answer my phone, because I did not know what to tell them and how to pay them back. So I went looking for a solution. I came across a Money Savvy Piggy Bank – save, spend, donate, invest. I started applying the principles and it worked for me…This was the solution to my money problems!”

“The children got it, but then I said I needed to speak with the adults [“to end the cycle of generational hardship],” she declared. “What is the purpose of money?”

Yisrael asked pointedly in illustrating the fact that a great many people are not financially

educated. “It’s not to pay your bills. The purpose of money is to make more money to invest.”

“It is a mindset shift. People have to shift their mindset.” Some people believe they will always have money problems or never grow wealth, because their family has always had money problems, she said as she listed a few common money myths. “We have to uproot a lot of beliefs.”

To help persons to cultivate the necessary mindset for generational wealth-building, Outliers Zone was then formally established.

The core of its programme is the six wells: Earn Well – if you do not earn money, you can do nothing Tithe Well – give to God in appreciation Invest Well – to make more money Save Well – save to meet whatever goals you have Donate Well – show the universe that you are willing to share/help a cause Spend Well – work to live on less The response has been two-fold, Yisrael noted. “It is heart-breaking, because some people are not willing to accept where they are – they are broke and they know they are broke, and they are not willing to do what is necessary to change that. Then we have courageous people who have looked at their generation and are determined to help their children.”

Asked about the prospects of the company, which was the first to launch the Money Savvy Piggy Bank in Guyana, she said with the discovery of oil and the investments going in, “I think Guyanese will genuinely benefit from it if we are able to master our money habits.”

Her ultimate goal is to make every man, woman and child in Guyana money literate

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, June 27, 2018 Selling

GBP

$270.75

$274.18

CAN

$157.03

$158.85

USD

$207.98

$210.45

EURO

$241.50

$244.5 9

USD

$1254.60

Gross

$246,632

Net

$226,901

Indicators as on July 18, 2018 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$72.16

Price

USD

Change %

+0.44 Change %

Rough Rice

$259.99/ton

-1.88

London Sugar

$326.30/ton

-5.45

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1226.40

$1227.40

Low/High

$1220.60

$1229.20

Change

-0.70

-0.06%

Business Concept – Consumer Price Index (CPI) A measure of changes in the purchasing-power of a currency and the rate of inflation. The consumer price index expresses the current prices of a basket of goods and services in terms of the prices during the same period in a previous year, to show effect of inflation on purchasing power. It is one of the best known lagging indicators. (Business Dictionary)

with programmes tailored for kids, teens, parents and organisations. “The best thing about starting the company is that we are able to impact the life not of one person but

15

their generation. It is a beautiful thing.”

Contact: 623-4386; outlierszone@gmail. com, m.me/outlierszone

Business News

Learn to market yourself better

T

he most important business skill is the ability to sell, some say.

Business coaching company ActionCOACH, through its local branch, is offering a MarketingRICH seminar for persons to develop their marketing skills to-

day at its 122 Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown office.

The seminar will focus on teaching participants how to extract their business uniqueness – that quality which sets them apart from competitors and how to use it to get more of the custom-

ers you want. Participants will also learn about developing customer loyalty so that they keep coming back, time after time.

The workshop, which carries $10,000 fee, runs from 13:00h to 16:00h. Call 2235583 to secure your spot.

Europe hits Google with record US$5B antitrust fine, appeal ahead

E

uropean antitrust regulators fined Google a record 4.34 billion euro (US$5 billion) on Wednesday and ordered it to stop using its popular Android mobile operating system to block rivals, a ruling which the US tech company said it would appeal.

The penalty is nearly double the previous record of 2.4 billion euros which Google was ordered to pay last year after its online shopping search service was deemed to

be unfair to competitors.

It represents just over two weeks of revenue for Google parent Alphabet Inc and would scarcely dent the company’s cash reserves of US$102.9 billion. But it could add to trade tensions between Brussels and Washington.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House next Wednesday in an effort to avert Trump’s threatened new tariffs on cars

made in the European Union as the President looks to reduce the US trade deficit.

Alphabet, which is scheduled to report financial results on Monday, said it would set aside money to pay the fine which would cut its second-quarter profit by about US$5 billion. Wall Street analysts were expecting US$6.8 billion in quarterly profit on average before the fine, according to Thomson Reuters data. (Reuters)

Investor’s Guide

S&P 500 climbs to over 5-month high on strong earnings

T

he S&P 500 rose to its highest level in more than five months and the Dow climbed for a fifth session on Wednesday as solid earnings boosted financial and industrial stocks and reinforced expectations for a strong second-quarter reporting season.

Upbeat earnings from railroad CSX Corp and airline United Continental helped lift the S&P 500 industrials index, which gained 1.1 per cent and was among the day’s bestperforming sectors.

The Dow Jones Transport Average jumped 2.3 per cent, its biggest daily advance in three months.

Although it is still early in the reporting period, estimates for the US earnings season are improving as more companies release results.

S&P 500 earnings are now expected to have increased 21.4 per cent in the second

quarter, up from an estimate of 20.7 per cent on July 1. Of the 48 companies in the index that have reported so far, 87.5 per cent posted earnings above analyst expectations.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, questioned by members of a House of Representatives committee, repeated on Wednesday that rising world protectionism would over time pose a risk to a US and global expansion that appear largely on track to continue.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 79.4 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 25,199.29, the S&P 500 gained 6.07 points, or 0.22 per cent, to end at 2815.62 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.67 point, or 0.01 per cent, to 7854.44.

Data showed the US housing market continues to be an economic soft spot.

Housing starts fell 12.3 per cent in June to a nine-month

low as homebuilders struggled with higher lumber prices and persistent land and labour shortages.

Amazon.com’s stock market value briefly reached US$900 billion for the first time, marking a major milestone in its 21-year trajectory as a publicly listed company and threatening to dislodge Apple as Wall Street’s most valuable jewel.

Berkshire Hathaway led the financial sector higher, rising 5.3 per cent on news that the company eliminated a restriction on its ability to buy back its own stock.

Morgan Stanley shares rose 2.8 per cent after the investment bank reported better-than-expected quarterly profit.

Shares of Google parent Alphabet edged lower after EU antitrust regulators hit the tech company with a record US$5 billion fine. (Reuters)

16 news

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Outstanding cops promoted, rewarded Fight over bicycle …as part of Police Force’s 179th anniversary celebrations

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ver $19 million in cash and prizes were given out to ranks for their outstanding performances over the past year, as the Guyana Police Force hosted its annual anniversary awards on Wednesday.

The 179th Anniversary Awards Ceremony was held at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square, Eve Leary, where acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine commended ranks at all levels within the Force who continue to perform despite challenges.

“We have made great strides forward, notwithstanding, that in our forward thrusts, we stumbled and fell on a few occasions, but we got up and forged ahead, cognisant of our

oath of office and commitment to duty, to service the people of our country,” he posited.

Ramnarine went on to say that the Force and its leadership remained firm and committed to continue serving the people of Guyana. In fact, he noted that even the absence of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the exodus of dozens of very senior and junior officers have not prevented the Force from staying firmly and resolutely on course.

“Let us continue faithfully. The future is promising. Let’s give of our best, let’s remain unmoved and not be distracted by adverse criticisms. Let us strive to conduct ourselves beyond reproach. I com-

mend all of you… who will receive some form of award, and urge that others be patient. Your time is sometime around the corner,” the acting Top Cop asserted.

Among those ranks awarded for their outstanding work and bravery was the group of officers who had confronted and arrested three bandits, who were in the process of robbing a supermarket at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) last month after tying up a security guard.

Additionally, the group of officers who investigated and brought to justice the perpetrators of the horrific piracy attacks off the coast of Suriname were also rewarded for their diligent work.

Meanwhile, 22 Community Policing Groups (CPGs) across the country were recognised for their work, while 24 CPG ranks received a total of $240, 000 in monetary rewards for their volunteer work.

Meanwhile, there was an on-the-spot announcement of promotions for five ranks made by Commissioner Ramnarine during the awards ceremony. Two Women Lance Corporals were elevated to the rank of Corporal, and a Woman Constable to Lance Corporal. In the special constabulary category, a Woman Special Corporal was promoted to Special Sergeant, while a special constable was elevated to Special Lance Corporal.

lands coconut vendor in court

A

fight over a missing bicycle has landed 28-year-old coconut vendor Clement Jermaine of “C” Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown in court on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Lizam Bishop on July 16, 2018.

The court heard that the two men were arguing about the missing bicycle when a fight ensued and Bishop sustained injuries.

Jermaine denied inflicting

injuries upon Bishop, and told the court he does not understand the charge against him, since Bishop had received only a “small scratch” on one of his fingers.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not object to the defendant being placed on bail, but requested that same be substantial.

Magistrate Azore, however, placed the defendant on $5000 bail, and set the case for continuation on July 23.

Suriname leaders slam Dutch Minister over “failed State” comments Trini woman jailed S in UK for defrauding charity of US$1M uriname politicians on Wednesday slammed Holland’s Foreign Minister, Stef Blok for saying the former Dutch colony was a “failed State” as a result of its diverse ethnic makeup.

The small country on South America’s Atlantic coast includes a mix of ethnicities including people of East Indian, Chinese and Dutch ancestry as well Indigenous peoples and maroons, who are descended from escaped slaves.

Andre Misiekaba, who is of maroon origin and a Member of Parliament, told website De Ware Tijd that Blok’s comments were off the mark, because Suriname is a strong multicultural society.

“This Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands does not know the first thing

Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok (file photo)

about the ins and outs of Suriname,” he said.

Chandrikapersad Santokhi of the opposition Progressive Reform Party, who is of East Indian descent, said the country’s problems were the fault of its governing leaders.

“That Suriname under

this government has become a country that some refer to as a ‘failed State’ is not due to its multicultural composition,” said Santokhi in comments published by local website Star News.

“Suriname is faced with a lack of good governance and unrestrained corruption.”

Blok, a member of the conservative VVD party of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, made the comments at the gathering in The Hague on July 10, but the remarks came to wider attention only after video appeared on Dutch TV programme “Zembla” on Wednesday.

“Give me an example of a multi-ethnic, multicultural society, where the Indigenous population still live... where they live in a peaceful, societal union,” Blok told a gathering of Dutch employees of international organisations.

Someone in the audience suggested Suriname.

“I admire your optimism,” he replied. “Suriname is a failed State and that is very much linked to its ethnic composition.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

Trinidad-born woman has been jailed in the United Kingdom for defrauding a charity she worked for of just over US$1 million. Nadia Deone Chase Ali, 35, was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of fraud by abuse of position, theft and removing money from England and Wales. Ali was employed as a financial officer with Carnival Village Trust (CVT). She then went on to work freelance for the organisation, holding a position of trust in which she was expected to safeguard the financial interests of the charity.

Over the course of two

years, Chase Ali made 530 separate payments totalling £784,262.56 (US$ 1.02 million) from CVT and TW11’s bank accounts into four of her own accounts. She disguised those transactions as payments to legitimate suppliers, service providers, and Government organisations, prosecutors said. To conceal the theft, she stole a significant number of financial documents, including outstanding invoices, payments demand letters and financial statements, from the charity and company. These were found at her home address when she was arrested. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

“Dr Bumbum”: Brazil plastic Nicaragua forces “regain control” of protest city Masaya surgeon on run after patient dies

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he Nicaraguan city of Masaya, which has been at the centre of anti-Government protests, is back under State control, the Government says.

The announcement comes after forces loyal to President Daniel Ortega violently clashed with activists in the Monimbó neighbourhood on Tuesday.

Residents described coming “under siege” from Police and paramilitaries.

Human rights groups say the number of people killed in three months of anti-Government protests now exceeds 300.

Masaya has been at the centre of the anti-Government demonstrations since they first erupted three months ago.

The city, which is 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of the

Pro-government paramilitaries in Monimbó

capital, Managua, was once a stronghold of the governing Sandinista party, but has now become a symbol of resistance to the powerful party and its leader, President Ortega.

Protesters demanding his resignation barricaded roads leading into the city and inside the city itself.

Over the past days, a government “clean-up” operation aimed at removing the blockades and “restoring order” reached Masaya. With hundreds of armed men loyal to the Government moving into the city, it quickly descended into a deadly stand-off. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dr Denis Furtado has nearly 650,000 followers on Instagram

A

celebrity Brazilian plastic surgeon known as “Dr Bumbum” has gone on the run after a woman died following injections he gave her to enlarge her buttocks.

Investigators say Dr Denis Furtado carried out the procedure on Lilian Calixto at his home in Rio de Janeiro, but she fell ill during the procedure.

Dr Furtado took her to a hospital where

her condition worsened and she died some hours later, Police said.

He then disappeared and a judge has issued a warrant for his arrest.

Dr Furtado, 45, has appeared on Brazilian television and has nearly 650,000 followers on his Instagram account.

Calixto, a 46-year-old married mother of two who worked in banking, had travelled from her home in Cuiaba, central Brazil, to undergo buttock enhancement by Dr Furtado on Saturday evening, reports said.

The procedure, believed to involve the injection of acrylic glass filler, took place at his apartment in the upmarket district of Barra de Tijuca.

The Hospital Barra D’Or in Rio de Janeiro said that, despite efforts to save her, Ms Calixto was “unresponsive to manoeuvres” and died early on Sunday morning. The exact reason for her death has not been confirmed.

Police said Dr Furtado’s girlfriend has been arrested on suspicion of taking part in the procedure. (Excerpt from BBC News)

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

White House struggles to contain political Turkey ends state of outcry over Trump-Putin summit emergency after 2 years

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he White House struggled on Wednesday to contain a political outcry and confusion over US President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, denying Trump ever meant to say that Moscow was no longer targeting the United States.

Trump, facing uproar over his failure to confront Putin over Russia’s 2016 US election meddling, adopted his usual defiant posture two days after their Helsinki summit and called his critics deranged.

Asked by a journalist before a morning Cabinet meeting whether Russia was still targeting the United States, Trump looked at the reporter, shook his head and said, “No.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Donald Trump listen during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, US, July 18, 2018

At a later briefing, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the President was saying “no” to answering questions, not to the question itself.

US intelligence officials have said Russia’s efforts to undermine elections are continuing and now target the November 6 congressional races. Sanders said

Trump believed the threat from Russia to undermine those elections still existed.

Asked later in an interview with CBS News whether he held Putin personally responsible for meddling in the 2016 election, Trump said he did.

“Well, I would, because he’s in charge of the country.

Just like I consider myself to be responsible for things that happen in this country,” he said.

The US President said that in his talks with Putin, he was “very strong on the fact that we can’t have meddling, we can’t have any of that.” But Trump also appeared to question whether such statements would have an impact on Russia. “We’re also living in a grown-up world,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he Turkish Government has ended the nationwide state of emergency that was imposed two years ago after a failed coup attempt, State media say.

Under the state of emergency, tens of thousands of people were arrested or dismissed from their jobs.

However, the Government has decided against extending it again after seven three-month renewals.

The decision comes weeks after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won re-election.

During the campaign, Opposition candidates said that the first thing they would do if they won would be to end the state of emergency.

More than 107,000 people have been removed from public sector jobs by emergency decree since the state of emergency began and more than 50,000 people have been imprisoned pending trial, according to official statistics and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Many of those dismissed are alleged to be supporters of the exiled Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in the United States and is a former ally of Erdogan.

Turkey accuses Gulen and his followers of organising the coup, but he denies it.

The 2016 coup attempt saw Parliament bombed by military aircraft and more than 250 people killed. (BBC

News)

Box office hit moves China Thai cave rescue boys relive 'moment of miracle' to act on cancer drugs

C

hinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for cheaper and more accessible cancer drugs after a successful new film sparked public debate on the issue.

Li spoke after “Dying To Survive” stormed the box office, taking in US$390 million in its first two weeks.

It tells the fictional story of a shopkeeper who imports cheap, Indian drugs banned in China for profit.

Cancer is China's number one killer, with nearly three million people dying of the disease each year.

Although China has universal health insurance, medical facilities and the standard of treatment are distributed unevenly. Urban areas are generally better served than the countryside, and everyone usually has to pay something towards their

care.

That is probably why this film has struck a chord with the public.

Even before its release, the Chinese Government recognised it had to improve the accessibility and price of medicine. In May, it got rid of tariffs on all imported cancer drugs.

But the film seems to have prompted Premier Li to repeat the promise to improve treatment for the more than four million Chinese people who are diagnosed with cancer each year.

The episode also reveals something else about China: It is a one-party State in which citizens have few avenues to express their opinions and influence decision-making. But even here, leaders cannot afford not to listen to what their people are saying. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he 12 boys rescued from a flooded cave in northern Thailand last week have spoken publicly of their ordeal for the first time, describing the "moment of miracle" when divers found them.

Adul Sam-on, 14, the only member of the group who speaks English, told reporters he could only say "hello" when the British divers surfaced.

The boys were trapped in the Tham Luang caves for more than two weeks.

They left hospital earlier on Wednesday and are on their way home.

The 12, who are members of a junior football team, the Wild Boars, appeared in their club's kit at a news conference in Chiang Rai. They were greeted by a banner that read "Bringing the Wild Boars Home" on a stage designed to look like a

Sweden battles wildfires from Arctic Circle to Baltic Sea

Fires have spread easily in hot, dry weather. Above Karbole, where fires have burned since the weekend, smoke blotted out the sun

F

orest fires raging across Sweden as far north as the Arctic Circle have prompted authorities to ask for international assistance.

On Wednesday after-

noon, 44 fires were burning from Lapland in the far north to the southern island of Gotland.

Hot weather and persistent drought are the main causes, and the national

weather service has issued fire warnings for almost the entire country.

Italy and Norway have both despatched fire-fighting aircraft to help.

Sweden said Italy had sent 13 people in two Canadair CL-415 "waterbombers", each of which can carry 6000 litres of water at a time.

Norway's national broadcaster NRK, meanwhile, reported that 10 helicopters had been despatched to aid its neighbour – six on Tuesday and another four on Wednesday – despite the risk of similar fire outbreaks in Norway itself.

The wildfires have raged in parts for days and without a break in the hot dry weather they have shown little sign of stopping. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The 12, who are members of a junior football team, the Wild Boars, appeared in their club's kit at a news conference in Chiang Rai

football pitch.

The boys sat alongside members of the Thai Navy Seals who helped rescue them.

One boy described how they had lived on water from the stones of the cave.

"Water is clean," he said.

"Only water, no food."

Chanin "Titan" Wibrunrungrueang, 11, said: "I tried not to think about food because it would make me hungry."

The boys went missing on June 23 and were found by divers on July 2. Navy Seals then brought them food and other supplies.

The group described how they bonded with their rescuers over more than a week, until their final rescue.

"We played draughts (checkers)," Titan said. "(Navy Seal) Baitoey always won and he was the king of cave." (Excerpt from BBC News)

17 men accused of multiple attacks on 11-year-old girl in Chennai

The accused men covered their faces as they were brought to court under tight security in Chennai

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eventeen men have been charged in India with the gang-rape of an 11-year-old girl in the city of Chennai.

Police say the girl was raped repeatedly since the start of the year. They say the main perpetrator was a

lift operator in her apartment block.

He is alleged to have drugged the girl and invited other men to assault her.

Police say more arrests are likely.

India is experiencing renewed public outrage over the

number of violent sexual assaults in the country.

On Tuesday, a court in Chennai charged the 17 men – who include security guards, electricians and plumbers – with rape of a minor and ordered them held in custody until July 31. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, july 19, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

Don’t let anyone stifle

(March 21- your plans. Get your responApril 19) sibilities out of the way early

so you can enjoy a little downtime with people you enjoy hanging out with.

Don’t argue. If you want TAURUS something done, do it your(April 20- self. Be responsible for your May 20) actions and reliable and consistent when dealing with others. Your actions will result in an unexpected reward.

dilbert

Keep moving forward, reGEMINI (May 21- gardless of what others do. Be June 20) up-front about the way you feel to avoid a personal situation that could leave you in an awkward position.

Be creative and use your imagination when it comes to (June 21- utilising your skills and makJuly 22) ing personal improvements.

A reunion will be informative.

Romance is encouraged.

CANCER

Peanuts

Put more effort into your LEO personal life, home and life(July 23- style, but don’t overspend or Aug. 22) feel the need to buy someone’s love in the process. Use your intelligence to win favours.

Don’t let your emotions inVIRGO terfere with your responsibili(Aug. 23- ties or professional opportuniSept. 22) ties. Put your differences aside

Calvin and Hobbes

if it means getting ahead. If you make your surroundings more convenient, you’ll have more time for enjoyment.

Help a cause or get inLIBRA (Sept. 23- volved in an event that will Oct. 23) bring you in contact with interesting people. Your charm and knowledge will attract attention and encourage opportunities.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — EMPATHY (EMPATHY: EM-puh-thee: Identification with and understanding of another’s situation.)

SUDOKU

Make what you do at work SAGITTARIUS count.

Step up and take on (Nov. 23more responsibility.

The way Dec. 21) you handle others will result in a leadership opportunity.

Be aware of someone trying to undermine you.

Average mark 16 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 22 or more words in EMPATHY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — EMBLAZON

ebon elan male mane mano maze meal mean melon moan mole bale balm

bane beam bean beano be moan blame blaze bola bole bone lamb lame

lane laze lean lemon leno loam loan lobe lone able aeon aloe alone

amble amen anole zeal zonal zone omen name noble noel

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

Be open to suggestions. If SCORPIO you overreact or make a fuss, (Oct. 24you will be met with opposiNov. 22) tion. Focus on what you can accomplish instead of fighting a losing battle.

solution for last published puzzle

An emotional move will CAPRICORN work against you. Listen and (Dec. 22- watch to see what others do Jan. 19) before you respond. Don’t feel pressured to take on someone else’s responsibilities or concerns.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Make simple plans and stick to what’s affordable and realistic. Don’t let a last-minute change that someone makes lead to a heated argument. Keep the peace and do your own thing.

If you offer your skills and services, you will be rewarded. A gift or financial gain will come from an unexpected source. A romantic gesture will improve your personal life.

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018

Team Sky’s Thomas captures yellow jersey

Warburton announces shock retirement from rugby union

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T

eam Sky took control of the Tour de France in the high Alps with Geraint Thomas taking the yellow jersey of race leadership for the second time in his career, following a solo win at the Alpine ski station of La Rosière.

However, the Welshman’s closest rival may yet prove to be his teammate and defending Tour champion,

Geraint Thomas celebrates with his yellow jersey

Chris Froome, who pursued Thomas during the closing kilometres, distancing rivals in the process, but also moving up to second place overall.

There has been much talk of tensions between Thomas and Froome, but after the finish on Wednesday they failed, publicly at least, to materialise. “It’s an amazing position for us,” Froome said.

“Geraint’s in the form of his life and fully deserves it.

“I don’t think we quite expected that going into today’s stage. I think everyone probably expected Alpe d’Huez to be the more decisive stage, and it might very well still be, but it puts us in a fantastic position ahead of tomorrow’s stage [to Alpe d’Huez].”

Thomas now leads from

Froome by almost a minute and a half, with the Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin in third place.

“It’s unreal,” Thomas said after winning the stage. “I didn’t expect it at all. Obviously, Froomey is the leader, he’s won six Grand Tours. It was more of an opportunity, more instinct for myself. It meant Froomey could follow behind so ideal scenario really.”

“Froome is number one,” the Sky sports director, Nicolas Portal, maintained.

“I think everything worked pretty well. When the race ends like this the opportunities open. You are not changing the plan, you are adapting.”

Pressed further on who was Sky’s leader, Portal grew exasperated. “Guys, I’ve spent 20 minutes explaining this,” he said. “Froome is leader. He’s won six Grand Tours.”

For now at least Thomas, recent winner of the Critérium du Dauphiné, is towing the company line. “Froomey knows how to win a threeweek race,” he said. “For me now, whatever happens, it’s been a successful Tour. It’s an amazing feeling to win the stage and take the jersey.

I’m super happy with that.”

“Obviously I’d love to stay up on the podium as long as possible, but the main thing is winning and Froomey is our best chance. There’s still half the race to go.” (The Guardian)

19

am Warburton was forced to admit his tiring body could no longer cope with the rigours of professional rugby as he announced his shock retirement on Wednesday at the age of 29.

His decision handed Wales a huge blow before next year’s World Cup and means the Head Coach Warren Gatland will be without one of his best players – and a two-time British & Irish Lions Captain – for the tournament in Japan.

Warburton led the Lions to an historic 1-1 Test series draw in New Zealand last year, but then missed the whole of the 2017-18 season because of injury.

He underwent neck and then knee surgery in an attempt to return to full fitness, and recently returned to Cardiff Blues training, but the backrow forward decided he would not be able to return to his best form.

“Unfortunately, after a long period of rest and rehabilitation, the decision to retire from rugby has been made with my health and wellbeing as a priority,” Warburton said. “My body is unable to give me back what I had hoped for

o n m y return to training.

I cannot thank the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues enough. They have gone beyond the call of duty in providing the support I received to help me get back on the field. I will be forever grateful.

“I always dreamed of playing for my hometown club the Cardiff Blues, Wales

and the British & Irish Lions.

I’m extremely proud of what I managed to achieve. There are so many people who helped me along the way from school teachers, coaches, friends and family.

“I thank you so much for supporting my dreams and aspirations. I hope they too can take some pride from my career.

“I would like to make special mention of Warren Gatland.

Without the faith he had in me and his unwavering support, I would never have had the career I was able to pursue.”

Winning 74 Wales caps and five for the Lions, Warburton led his country a record 49 times and will go down as one of the best Welsh players in history. He bows out with a glittering CV that includes leading Wales to grand slam and Six Nations glory as well as at two World Cups.

However, injuries have blighted his career and the latest in a long line of operations has proved a step too far for him to recover from. “As one chapter finishes, another begins, and I’ll enter it with the same level of passion and determination as the last,” Warburton said.

Gatland, who appointed Warburton as Wales’ Captain at the age of 22 for the 2011 World Cup and made him Lions Captain in Australia and New Zealand, said: “It is hugely

disappointing Sam has retired.

He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought so much to the game on and off the pitch.

“His leadership, attitude and demeanour along with his performances have placed Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world. He finishes with a record he should be extremely proud of and he should look back on his career with huge pride.

“I hope he can take the time to reflect on a magnificent career and gets as much pleasure from whatever he does next as he delivered to the people of Wales and the wider rugby public.” (The Guardian)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018

Guyanese athletes gearing up for CAC Games

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Guyana Olympic Association President KA Juman-Yassin flanked by a small portion of Guyana’s CAC contingent

he Central American and Caribbean (CAC) championships are one of the largest stages that local athletes are able to grace every year.

The CAC Championships allow athletes to compete and rub shoulders with fellow sportsmen and women from all across the Central American and Caribbean region.

These encounters help to build the skill of

local athletes while occasionally exposing them to a higher level of competition and in some instances, allowing them to make a name for themselves.

As the Championships officially open today, Guyana are expected to be represented by a whopping 98-member contingent, inclusive of 79 athletes and 19 officials. Guyana will be represented by 10 sport disciplines,

Windies land in Guyana ahead of Sunday’s ODI opener at Providence W

est Indies touched down in Guyana on Tuesday night as they seek to keep their momentum from the Tests going into Sunday’s first One-Day International (ODI), which is expected to set alight the

2-0 Test series win over the Bangladeshis, will now commence a lengthy training session as they get themselves adjusted to the 50over format.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Treasurer Anand

namely: badminton, boxing, taekwondo, squash, cycling, table tennis, hockey, athletics, rugby and swimming.

The large contingent is being supervised by Deion Nurse, who is the Chef-de-Mission and Phillip Fernandes, who is acting in the capacity of his assistant.

While several of the athletes are still on Guyanese shores, others have already departed. Currently, in Barranquilla, Colombia, the national table tennis team is pushing in as much practice sessions as possible before the championships open today.

Homeboys Devendra Bishoo and Keemo Paul during their arrival in Guyana on Tuesday night (Clifton Ross photo)

Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The squad minus big guns “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle and “Dre Russ” Andre Russell, who were part of the T20 Canada Cup and will be arriving soon, landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday night.

Flocked by members of the coaching staff, commentary and logistics teams, the Caribbean side, fresh off a

Kalladeen, who was present to receive the team, said the return of international cricket to Guyana since 2017 was fantastic for the sport.

He pointed out that while Bangladesh might not be highly rated, they were still a very dangerous and competitive cricket team. Kalladeen noted while Guyana has been doing well cricket-wise over the years, it is still an international competition-starved cricket nation, thus the two

matches would play a significant part in the return of foreign cricket to Guyana.

The GCB Board Member further pointed out that the GCB, as well as the country, and, by extension, the Stadium were fully prepared to host the upcoming scheduled matches. He added that while regional cricket was not the same as international cricket, the logistics and mandates of running such a schedule properly were always a priority.

The team will commence their training from today at the Stadium and will continue their fine-tuning ahead of Sunday’s opener, which bowls off at 09:00h. The second and final ODI, the daynight historic match, will bowl off on Wednesday, July 25 from 14:30h.

Meanwhile, tickets are on sale at the GCB head office on Regent Street, with the Green and Red Stands cost $5000 while the Orange Stand and Grass Mound tickets cost $3000 and $2000 respectively. (Clifton Ross)

in Suriname. Shariff will also seek to improve her tactics during this tournament in preparation for the World Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia later this year.

Additionally, the likes of Kerwyn Clarke and other bodybuilders are preparing for their shot at the CAC competition on July 22 in Mexico. The Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding Federation has recently concluded its senior championships over the past weekend, and based on that competition, the bodybuilders are in shape for Mexico.

Lincicome set to make PGA Tour history at Barbasol Championship W

GCB Treasurer Anand Kalladeen

The national rugby team, “the Green Machine”, are continuing rigorous practice sessions at the Parade Ground until their departure on July 25.

On a different note, the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is preparing to send its first-ever competitors to the CAC Women’s Chess Championships, which are scheduled for July 27 to August 3 in Barbados. It is not the first time that Chelsea Juma, 12, and Sasha Shariff, 14, will be representing Guyana. They were both part of the Carifta chess team earlier this year

hile all eyes are on the leading male players in the world at Carnoustie this week, one female golfer will be doing her bit to inspire young girls to take up the sport.

For as the 147th Open gets under way, Brittany Lincicome will be lining up alongside the men at the PGA's Barbasol Championship in Kentucky.

In doing so, the 32-yearold American will be only the sixth woman in history to compete against men on the PGA Tour.

The last was Michelle Wie a decade ago.

Last month, Lincicome and Wie were paired at an LPGA event in Arkansas and Lincicome, a two-time major winner, said she tried to ask the Hawaiian about her experiences against the men.

"She wasn't very helpful," Lincicome joked, "She said she couldn't remember, it was so long ago."

Annika Sorenstam, Suzy Whaley, Shirley Spork and Babe Didrikson Zaharias are the only other women to have competed alongside the men in the PGA's 102 years.

Lincicome was invited to join the tournament's 132-strong field on a sponsor exemption – she represents the parent company of the

Barbasol brand.

S p o n s o r exemptions give tournament backers the option to add a player of their choice to the field when they would not ordinarily qualify.

"It's kind of surreal; I just can't stop smiling," Lincicome told the PGA Tour website.

"Obviously, I've heard many times I would be the first LPGA or female person to make the cut in a men's event.

"I'm trying to block that all out and just go out and play and have fun and play my own game and not be too tense or uptight about it."

But her motivation is to inspire the younger generation: "If I can inspire one child to pick up the game of golf and want to play, I feel like my job as a pro has been succeeded," she said.

Lincicome has also written for the Players' Tribune website this week about her reasons for playing.

"The more I thought about whether to play in this event, the more

I kept coming back to all the younger girls who I might be able to connect with and inspire by doing this," she explained.

"I thought about how an opportunity like this might be able to make a difference in how people think about our sport in the future." (BBC Sport)

Brittany Lincicome, a twotime major winner

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21

CWI announces Betway as official betting partner C

ricket West Indies (CWI) has made the grand announcement that it is officially partnering with one of the world’s leading betting and gaming companies, Betway.

The partnership officially launched during the iPay International Homes Series between the Windies and Bangladesh in time for the forthcoming ODIs and T20Is. CWI Commercial and Marketing Director Dominic Warne said: “We are really pleased to announce this partnership with Betway and their major investment into international cricket such is their profile and international customer base.”

Warne added, “With Betway also supporting our integrity and player education programme, the partnership enables CWI to strengthen the guidance and support offered to our professional cricketers as they build their careers at home in the Caribbean and on the global stage. “ Warne was also keen to emphasise the recent success that CWI has had attracting new partners. “Cricket is the heartbeat of the

Caribbean and the ann o u n c e ment of a second major international partnership within a sixweek period underlines the appeal of West Indian cricket both in the Caribbean and worldwide.”

Betway will benefit from branding at all Windies International Home Series matches until the end of 2019 as well as on the CWI website and its social media channels. Betway’s Anthony Werkman said: “We are always looking to enhance and grow the Betway brand and that’s exactly what we have done by partnering with Cricket West Indies.

“We are m a k i n g huge investments across a wide range of sports and are sure that this partnership will prove to be a successful one. We are really looking forward to all the action.”

Hampshire Sports, a United Kingdom-based sports marketing company has brought this partnership together and is pleased that Betway will become the “Official Betting Partner of Cricket West Indies”.

Hampshire Sports Director Janet Allen says: “The partnership is a great fit and complements both the CWI and Betway brands and all remain fiercely com-

mitted to upholding the image of the sport.”

The Betway Group is a leading provider of firstclass entertainment across sports betting, casino, bingo, and poker. Launched in 2006, the company operates across a number of regulated online markets and holds licences in the UK, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. Based in Malta and Guernsey, with support from London, Isle of Man, Stockholm and Cape Town, the Betway team comprises over 1000 people.

Betway prides itself on providing its customers with a bespoke, fun and informed betting experience, supported by a safe and secure environment. Betway is a member of several prominent industry-related bodies, including ESSA, the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS) and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), and is accredited by trusted international testing agency eCOGRA. It is also a partner of the Professional Players Federation (PPF), and is a donor to the Responsible Gambling Trust.

Ganguly: Dhoni struggling, bat Rahul at No 4 T

he Indian team management may be grappling with questions over their ideal No 4 in ODIs, but Sourav Ganguly has picked “KL Rahul, eyes closed”. The former India Captain felt playing Rahul in that position would ease the pressure on MS Dhoni, who he pointed out was “struggling” and needed to start “hitting” at No 6.

India Captain Virat Kohli admitted that an unsettled middle order was one of the concerns for the side as they prepare for next year’s World Cup. Ganguly believed the team management “isn’t looking after their best batsmen properly” and isn’t sending out the right message with the constant chopping and changing.

“Your top four have to be the best players; you have to persist with them.

Go and speak to KL Rahul and say I’ll give you 15 games, just go and play,” Ganguly told Sony Pictures Network. “India need a No 4. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik are very good at five, six and seven.

But a top-class player has to be at four.”

Ganguly was making a case for that batsman being Ajinkya Rahane or Rahul, who was left out of the series-deciding final ODI in Headingley. Rahul, who started the tour with a scintillating century in the Manchester T20I, managed only 9 not out and 0 in the first two ODIs. “Two of your best batsmen aren’t being looked after properly,” Ganguly said. “I’m not saying it’s deliberate, maybe it’s a mistake, maybe you look at it differently from the other side.

From this side, I feel those two have to play at four, else it’s too much of pressure on Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. In South Africa, you won, Kohli got three hundreds in six games. If Kohli doesn’t get a hundred, you will find it difficult to win matches.”

When Ganguly was asked why India didn’t have a settled look a year on from

the World Cup, he said: “Because they don’t give enough opportunities. KL Rahul got a magnificent hundred in Manchester.

In the other two T20Is, he was out to one brilliant catch in Bristol. He was not out in Nottingham, missed out at Lord’s and then he’s dropped. You won’t be able to produce players like that.”

According to Ganguly, the No 4 debate isn’t the only worry for India. He also felt a “struggling MS Dhoni” needed to be told to play more aggressively, while they need to move on from Suresh Raina, who had returned to ODI cricket after nearly three years. Raina topscored with 46 in India’s loss in the Lord’s ODI, but had little else to show for in the remaining two matches, looking completely out of depth, both against spin and the short ball.

“I think there are better players around, with all due respect he’s [Raina] played for long periods of time, got runs in ODIs, but not much overseas. But you need to move on,” Ganguly said. “If Dhoni’s got to play, he has to get into positions where he has to keep hitting. If he has 24-25 overs to play, you’ve got to build an innings and he’s struggling at the moment.

“He may turn it around, you don’t know what’s in store for great players – he’s been a great player for India in the shorter formats – but at the present moment he’s not been turning it around and it’s been that way for a year, year-anda-half or probably more. So they need a good player at four and five, and then if they think MS Dhoni is the way forward, him at six and Pandya at seven.”

Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wristspinner, has rejoined South Africa’s squad in Sri Lanka after departing earlier in the week for family reasons. Shamsi is available for selection for the second Test, which starts in Colombo on Friday.

“Shamsi’s always been a part of the squad,” Keshav Maharaj said. “Something happened in his family and it was unforeseen, but he’s back and he’s ready to go.” Shamsi’s return means, if South Africa opt for two specialist spinners, the chances of uncapped legspinner Shaun von Berg making his debut have reduced.

Shamsi had performed well in the Galle Test, especially on the first day where he demonstrated the consistency many felt he may lack in Test cricket. (ESPNcricinfo) MS Dhoni

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018

Morris ton hands Barbados U-17 title – spirited Guyana end on high

A

ntonio Morris stroked a title-winning century as Barbados upset Guyana by six wickets to claim the 2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-17 Championship title.

It was a hard-fought bat-

The Guyana U-17 team played their hearts out in the 2018 Regional U-17 tourney

tle in Round 5 between the two sides on Tuesday with Guyana batting first and posting what looked like a good enough 181-9. Captain Sachin Singh’s form continued as he hit a top-score of 32 while Dwain Dick (20) was the next best scorer

among bits and pieces contributions from other players.

Barbados’ bowling wasn’t fully lethal as a few of their bowlers contributed with two wickets apiece.

Their real prowess was exhibited in the run-

“Green Machine” amp up CAC prep

chase, which ended up being a stroll in the park after Morris clobbered an unbeaten 101 from 81 balls, including six fours and four sixes.

Barbados in the end reached 184-4 despite a spirited bowling spell from

Nigel Deodat, who grabbed 3-25 in vain for Guyana.

While Guyana’s entire innings was a little over three hours, the Bajans knocked off their target inside two hours with Morris being named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his siz-

zling ton.

Guyana, meanwhile, ended the tournament in third place on 19.2 points trailing second place Trinidad and Tobago on 20.5 points and winners Barbados on 20.6 points.

(Clifton Ross)

“Keep Your Five Alive” action continues tonight

A glimpse of the practice session at the Parade Ground

G

uyana’s national rugby team, better known as the “Green Machine”, are making the best of their difficult circumstances in order to prepare for their fast- approaching international engagement.

Over the past few months, the national team have found it extremely difficult to find a fixed location to carry out their practice sessions. Having to move from their original practice ground, the team found themselves squeezing practices at the YMCA Ground.

However, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown presented a solution to that problem in the form of the Parade Ground.

As such, the “Green Machine” had their first practice at the new site just a few days ago. This was the first time rugby has been officially played At Parade Ground.

The national rugby team are setting their sights on ‘stepping up’ their preparation for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games ahead of their departure for Colombia next week. As such, the first trial session that was held at Parade Ground featured the na-

tional team being tested by the rest team.

The Green Machine will form a substantial part of the Guyana Olympic Association’s 98-member contingent that is travelling to Barranquilla, Colombia for the CAC Games. Rugby’s 15-member team, inclusive of a coach and manager, are scheduled to depart Guyana on July 25. While in Colombia, they will contest with eight other teams from across the Caribbean in the championship tournament. They are expected to return on August 4.

The Guyana men’s sevens team were the 2010 Champions and are the only local team in sport that have been able to capture gold for Guyana at this level of competition.

The 12-memb e r team will be captained by Dwayne Schroeder of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Peter Green will act in the capacity of team manager, while Lawrence Adonis is Coach and Philip Barrington is the team’s physio. The squad reads: Richard Staglon (Vice Captain); Claudius Butts; Patrick King; Avery Corbin; Peabo Hamilton; Ronald Mayers; Jamal Angus; Godfrey Broomes; Rondel McArthur; Osei McKenzie, Lancelot Adonis and Ryan Gonsalves.

Part of the action in this year’s GT Beer “Keep Your Five Alive” competition

A

s the electrifying action in the GT Beer “Keep Your Five Alive” Indoor Knockout Futsal Competition continues tonight, reigning champs West Front Road-Gold is Money will begin their quest to retain the crown in a highly-anticipated match-up.

Aside from that, four other matches will feature some of Guyana’s best futsal teams at the National Gymnasium.

In the opening clash of the night, Albouystown will come up against Upsetters, before Future Stars get a chance to clash with Alpha Wa r r i o rs .

Later in the evening, Kitty Hustlers will face off with Back Circle, and later Bent Street will go up against Linden’s Dave & Celena All Stars.

In the final clash of the night, Alexander Village will have their hands full with the reigning champions West Front Road-Gold is Money.

The five winners of tonight’s encounters will join Tiger Bay, Silver

Bullets, Showstoppers, North East La Penitence, Ol’ Skool Ballers, Sparta Boss, Rhythm Stars, Agricola, Swag Entertainment, Sophia and Leopold Street as they advance to the round of 16, which is scheduled to be hosted at the same venue on Saturday.

According to promoter Kevin Adonis, close to $800,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs and only the winners on each day of competition will progress to the next phase.

Adonis, who conceptualised the tournament six years ago, said the whole idea of “Keep Your Five Alive” is that teams have to keep winning to keep their five players on the court.

“That is the only way of keeping your five alive,” Adonis stated.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018

T

Repsol, Hero CPL partner up ahead of summer’s Biggest Party

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to welcome Repsol as a partner for the 2018 tournament, with a special focus on the seven games to be played in Guyana.

Repsol will not only be partnering with CPL for the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ five home matches, but also for CPL’s two play-off games, which will be played in Guyana for the first time. All matches will be played at the Providence Stadium across August and September.

Repsol will also have a presence at the other 27 league matches which will be played across the tournament’s six other locations. Repsol are one of the top companies in the oil and gas industry. They are present across the entire value chain: exploration and production, transformation, development, and marketing of energy that is efficient, sustainable, and competitive for millions of people.

As a global brand with a Caribbean presence, they are a perfect fit for Hero CPL, which

CPL tickets on sale from today!

L

The CPL Guyana Office located at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown

ocal cricket enthusiasts will be able to book their spot for the Guyana leg of the 2018 edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as tickets go on sale from today.

Ticket sales for the first three Guyana Amazon Warriors home games of the Hero CPL will commence today, Thursday, July 19 at the CPL Guyana Office located at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown. The CPL office will be opened from 08:00h (8am) for ticket sales and will remain opened until 17:00h (5pm) on weekdays. On Saturdays, patrons can uplift their tickets between the hours of 09:00h (9am) and 13:00h (1pm).

It is no secret that the “Biggest Party in Sport” will attract a large crowd and as such, cricket fans are being urged to purchase their tickets as early as possible in order to avoid the last-minute rush as the time winds down to match days. Tickets for the 2018 Hero CPL cost:

RED AND GREEN STANDS – G$5000 ORANGE STAND – G$3000 GRASS MOUND – G$2500 The first three home matches are scheduled to be played at the Providence Stadium as follows:

Thursday, August 9 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts Patriots at 18:00h (6:00pm) Saturday, August 11 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Stars at 16:00h (4:00pm) Sunday, August 12 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents at 18:00h (6:00pm)

Patrons are also advised that tickets for the other games on September 8 and 9 and the playoff matches are not yet available and those ticket sales will be announced in due time.

Repsol Guyana Country Manager Ryan Ramjit signing the agreement in the presence of Hero CPL COO Pete Russell

has games in six different Caribbean countries.

Speaking about the partnership, Hero CPL Chief Operating Officer (COO) Pete Russell said: “We are delighted to wel-

come back Repsol this year and to expand our partnership across the entire league. Repsol are a fantastic company and are superb at what they do.

23

“As with last year the principal focus of our partnership will be in Guyana, where the fan support for CPL is second to none.

Repsol are an important part of the Guyanese economy and through our partnership, we will ensure local fans get to see plenty of high-quality cricket, whilst the investment in staging the games ensures the local economy gets a significant boost.”

“Repsol is pleased to sponsor the Caribbean Premier League, and we are proud to support Hero CPL in bringing worldclass cricket to Guyana,” Repsol Guyana Country Manager Ryan Ramjit said. “As a West Indian, I am proud that Repsol made the investment to bring this exciting cricket format to the people of Guyana and the wider Caribbean.”

thursDAY, JUly 19, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CPL tickets on sale from today!

Pg 23

Windies land in Guyana ahead of Sunday’s ODI opener at Providence Pg 20

Repsol, Hero CPL partner up ahead of summer’s biggest Party Pg 23

West Indies skipper Jason Holder and his team landed ahead of the two ODIs at Providence (Clifton Ross photo)

Hero CPL COO Pete Russell and Repsol Guyana Country Manager Ryan Ramjit sign a league-wide sponsorship deal for the 2018 tournament

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