Guyana Times September 1 2018

ERC calls for inclusive celebration of Indigenous peoples' heritage month P15 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3673

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, September 1, 2018

PRICE

Better wages strike

Govt bows to pressure, seeking funding to pay teachers Coast guard Govt to set medevac unresponsive up another 5-year-old ministry from ferry CJIA tests new Arrival Terminal Page 3

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Page 11

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Over $20B in narcotics seized locally in 2017 – P2 NANA

Prolonged power outages

Stable electricity supply soon for Essequibians – GPL P13 assures

AG loses case against former SWAT head …as court quashes David Ramnarine P11 decision

Knife-wielding bandits rob labourer P2 P9 $20 fare increase not enough for longer routes – Minibus Union …$40 increase in pipeline

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) began conducting trial runs of the new Arrival Terminal and Boarding Bridges on Friday. These are steps to ensure all systems regarding passenger treatment and loading conditions at the airport are satisfactory to management

PPP questions Page delay in 10 Amerindian land titling

Miner charged for holding Brazilian lover captive …demands answers from Govt Page 10

Granger hints at 2020 presidential run P14

2 news

saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over $20B in narcotics seized locally in 2017 – NANA

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total of 121,305.8 pounds of narcotics was seized in the year 2017, according to the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA), which on Friday launched its Annual Report on the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN), which seeks to provide comprehensive data on drug supply-and-demand interventions for evidence-based policy and programme development.

Law enforcement agencies have seized a total of

55,139 kg of narcotics, which include substances such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy; and have even managed to eradicate over 117,000 kg of marijuana plants.

The drugs were said to be valued at in excess of $20 billion, and were snatched from the streets, while more than 300 persons have also been convicted for various drug crimes.

According to the report, combined efforts by the Public Health, Education

and Public Security Ministries, along with several NGOs, resulted in over 900 persons receiving training in drug prevention and drug supply reduction, to work with youths and atrisk populations.

Further, over 100 persons have reportedly received specialised treatment for problematic drug use via the Phoenix Recovery Project and the Salvation Army Men’s Social Service.

The Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) is an inter-agency body comprising key stakeholders from law enforcement agencies working in Drug supply reduction, and professionals working in the field of drug prevention and treatment, who meet regularly to share data on drug supply-and-demand reduction interventions.

Since establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) in 2017, the GUYDIN has now become an integral part of NANA. This year’s report was developed by GUYDIN, with technical assistance from the Cooperation Program between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union on Drug Policies (COPOLAD).

COPOLAD is working in collaboration with the Organisation of American States, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), and

From Left: Deputy Director of NANA, Leon Carr; Head of the Drug Information Network, NANA, Tiffany Barry; Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence; and NANA Director Major General (Ret’d) Michael Atherly

the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) to

standardise annual DIN reports; while CICAD is working to standardise data col-

lection mechanisms for DINs across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Knife-wielding bandits rob labourer

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labourer is now left counting his losses after he was attacked by two knife-wielding bandits and robbed of his valuables while walking in Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Thirty-five-year-old Glenn Jeffrey of Greenheart Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was attacked

and robbed at about 15:00h on Friday.

Guyana Times understands that Jeffrey was walking south on the road heading towards Royal Castle when the two men walked past him. One of the men reportedly stopped a short distance away and requested a phone call. However, the victim declined this man’s re-

quest, explaining to the man that he had no credit.

The perpetrators then suddenly pointed two knives at Jeffery, before taking away his cell phone and cash. The men then quickly made good their escape.

A report was made at the East La Penitence Police Station. An investigation has been launched.

news

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saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 1 – 08:30h-10:00h and Sunday, September 2 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, September 1 – 07:50h-09:20h and Sunday, September 2 – 08:35h-10:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies with light rain showers can be expected in the morning, with sunny intervals in the afternoon.

Clear to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 08:08h and 20:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.51 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:38h and 14:00h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.75 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

02 07 08

10 23 24

FREE TICKET

19 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

07 15 16 22 24 LUCKY 3

9

8

3

6

Afternoon Draw

2

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05

08

09

10

PAY DAY

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14 15 20 SUPER PAY DAY

02 05 09 12 21

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

Better wages strike

Govt bows to pressure, seeking funding to pay teachers

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s teachers gear up for next week’s planned countrywide strike, Government has bowed to pressure from a wide cross section of society and has announced that it is currently scouring its resources to come up with funding to fulfill the 40 per cent salary increase being demanded for teachers.

This was revealed by President David Granger on Friday during his first press conference for 2018.

Addressing the issue, the Head of State said he believes the countrywide strike is premature, and he urged that there be full mediation and possibly arbitration before such extreme action is taken.

“We feel that a strike is an extreme measure and it should only be applied as a last resort. Before we reach to the stage of a strike, there should be some form of mediation; and if mediation fails, we can go to arbitration.

But I think it’s premature to speak of a strike at this stage [when] we are still, on the Government side, aiming at mediation. I do not believe mediation has failed,” he told reporters.

The president’s comment comes one day after a third round of conciliation between the Education Ministry and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on Thursday ended again in impasse, as both parties refuse to budge on their position.

To this end, President Granger said that his Government is actively searching for fresh sources of funding to satisfy teachers’ need, as was done to payout redundant workers under the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) earlier this year.

“The Government has been trying to meet the teachers’ needs after several discussions at Cabinet and the high-level panel report.

Money was found to augment the initial offer, and even as I speak, the Ministry of Social Protection, which has responsibility for labour and industrial relations, is in touch with the Ministry of Finance to see whether additional funds could be found from other Heads of Government expenditure in order to move closer to the goal of providing sufficient funds for the teachers,” he posited.

Teachers are seeking increases of 40 per cent under a multi-year arrangement up to 2020. However, Government has maintained that it just cannot afford this proposal, offering a 20182019 pay off.

The Head of State went on to explain during Friday’s press conference that while it is desirable to have a multi-year arrangement as being proposed, the immediate focus right now is to get the teachers to call off the strike and then enter into

President David Granger

long term negotiations for that multi-year agreement.

“I personally feel it’s desirable to have a multi-year agreement, but this is not the time now… Right now people are pre-occupied with almost day-to-day issues,” the President asserted.

Government’s failure to come to an agreement with the GTU to date continues to build public outrage and

themselves a hefty 50% pay hike shortly after assuming office back in 2015, but cannot find monies to pay teachers to educate the country’s future work force.

However, the Head of State defended Government’s salary increase, saying that it was felt prudent at that time to have a one-off review of ministerial salaries so that Ministers

ters were receiving… As far as I’m concerned, there is no regret. It was something, I think, that needed to be done early in the administration, and I think the ministers are able now better to pay attention to their ministerial functions without worrying about that issue,” he contended, while assuring that there will be no other salary increases for ministers.

As teachers prepare to take to the streets on Monday, Government’s alternative plan is to substitute the teachers on strike with recent Cyril Potter College of Education graduates, trainees, and retired teachers. In fact, the Education Ministry has issued an “urgent” notice inviting substitute teachers for Georgetown.

“Substitute teachers are urgently needed to serve at schools in the Georgetown Education District.

Teachers protesting for better wages outside the Ministry of the Presidency earlier this week

worry as schools reopen in the new week. Moreover, the Coalition Administration has come under heavy criticism for not having teachers’ interest at heart, with many pointing to the fact that Cabinet Members give

could focus on their duties and not worry about their income.

“It was not as massive as some people thought. There were many public servants who were receiving salaries in excess of what the minis-

Interested persons are asked to make contact with the Department of Education – Georgetown no later than Tuesday September 4, 2018 for more information,” the missive details. turn to page 7

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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

Green businesses

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he local private sector and the Government of Guyana must redouble their efforts to ensure that no stone is left unturned in transforming Guyana into a modern and resilient “green economy” that caters to the socioeconomic needs of its citizenry in an environmentally sustainable manner.

This is critical, because Guyana has unparalleled opportunities for green business development, and immense potential to be a green business leader, not follower. It is therefore imperative for the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to be active partners in the effort to realise the immense potential of green business opportunities.

This must be done against the backdrop of Guyana’s historic offer of the Iwokrama Rainforest to the Commonwealth as a laboratory for sustainable forest management, and its crafting and implementing of one of the developing world’s first Low Carbon Development Strategies. These are, no doubt, examples of how it has led the way already in the area of green policy creation, environmental sustainability, and the fight against climate change.

Also, the move with the Kingdom of Norway, which saw the setting up of the world’s second largest international partnership on climate change and sustainable forests’ management, and, more recently, Government’s commitment to a green development path through the Green State Development Strategy are other examples of how Guyana has made a reputation for itself across the world as a green leader.

There is still further potential to be grasped from these initiatives – for business, for Government, and for communities across Guyana.

Serious thought must therefore be given to the suggestions made by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, last year at a business dinner, as to how this could be done.

It is no secret, too, that in the manufacturing sector, energy efficiency measures and behavioural change were leading to reduced energy costs in other parts of the world, and many local businesses were moving towards hybrid systems utilising solar technology. And while the private sector could – and should – make progress on its own initiative, its ability to deliver sustainable development outcomes could be elevated through the right kind of enabling environment and, crucially, through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, at the policy level, to this day, the Guyana-Norway partnership is a model for forest countries across the world, because of its central themes -- protecting forests; earning revenue; using revenue to diversify and green the economy; building resilience to climate change – which were radical back then, but are now the goals that are recognised by others.

There is a commitment by Government to power our economy through renewable energy, and several initiatives are being pursued. The LCDS, featuring the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the GSDS, opens the door to other options in the future. There is broad consensus on the key economic green sectors, and much work has been done on environmental management systems and conservation of biodiversity. Put together, this is a platform for ambition, not incremental change.

Many of our country’s most exciting economic development sectors were outlined originally in the National Development Strategy, and subsequently in the National Competitiveness Strategy.

The Low Carbon Development Strategy drew on the National Competitiveness Strategy to set out several low-carbon growth areas, one of them being business process outsourcing. Through a combination of policy and public-private partnerships, we have seen tremendous growth in the business process outsourcing sector, with international operators investing and creating thousands of jobs. Earlier this week, one of the pioneer investors in the sector expanded its operation to create more jobs.

This shows that it is possible for key sectors that we recognise today as green growth sectors to be transformed in a relatively short period of time if the enabling environment is in place to encourage investment. Recall, too, that the Government has expressed its intention to continue this theme of developing green economic sectors, and to support initiatives in this regard.

All Guyanese should be proud of what we have achieved over many years, but the private sector and Government’s challenge in the months ahead is to ask, ‘What do we need to do to further support greening of businesses and achieving this ambition?’

Guyana needs to work towards building public-private partnerships for green projects, and while Government has already initiated several incentive measures to encourage investments in green technologies, consideration should be given to expanding incentives and to considering performance benefits as a means of encouraging businesses.

We should work together to push for an internationally recognisable Guyana Brand to act as a Green Label for Guyanese products, which takes on board all our efforts; for example on EITI, EU-FLEGT, having one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world, commitment to renewable energy, etc. Costa Rica and other countries have made progress with this, but it must be argued that Guyana has the potential for a world-leading brand.

There is still need for the country to commence a genuine and well-thought-out National Programme for the Greening of Businesses, which can result in the type of outcomes that we seek.

Mahto In The Woods jumps over a small creek on foot while his cousin Jayden Lookinghorse jumps over on his horse on the Cheyenne River Reservation in Green Grass, South Dakota (Reuters)

Regulating minibuses

Dear Editor, Conveniently, a letter was penned by one Rowena A. Elliot clarifying the increase by the minibus in regard to the editorial published the day before.

Whist the writer finds time to make the clarification, nothing was mentioned about the increases that have already taken place on certain routes by the minibus operators, or how to remedy these situations.

As it stands presently, the increase would cause some commuters at least $160 more a day, whilst the buses will be earning at least $300 more per trip. With all the glorious plans of enhancement as promised by the minibus union, I would like to know what percentage of bus owners the union represents, and if it’s in all the

zones.

Most of the minibuses operate without conductors, and they still hold out to transport the minimum of 15 passengers. At Vreed-en-Hoop that is very much prevalent, and the monitor assigned there assists in loading these buses. Now passengers are forced to be in discomfort of opening and closing the door, and extra time is being wasted by this act. Already, the increase has started before the stipulated time, and with the increase, buses are still being overloaded. There are still bus operators telling you a fare which is far above the agreed fare, and this occurs mostly when buses are limited to passengers, especially in the evenings at the Route 32 Park in Georgetown.

Editor, since the authority responsible for monitor-

ing the speedboats has begun publishing the rules, fares and numbers for complaints, massive changes could be seen by the boat operators, especially on the Georgetown/ Vreed-en-Hoop route. This has all come about because the authorities are fed up with receiving complaints, and now people have access to telephone numbers that they could call immediately and report.

Perhaps the Guyana Police Force could explore the possibility of doing likewise, and establish centres within the Traffic Department of each station, and assign for each station a direct number that commuters can call and lodge complaints.

Commuters can call a station, and the ranks could go out and wait for the oncoming bus, and press charges if the

complaints are found to have merit.

With all the planned changes the union has promised, I am certain that most of those plans will not materialise. In order for bus operators to regulate themselves, they would have to be monitored closely, and a quick contact with the station is one of the best options in my opinion.

As for the dress codes, I surely hope to see the day that happens. If all the minibus operators cooperate and work in an orderly fashion, there would be no need for touting. While touting is illegal, I see the union and Ministry have plans to help enhance this.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

Help our law enforcement agencies Dear Editor, Of late, a lot of negative news has been appearing on the front pages of our daily papers about crimes allegedly committed by members of the Guyana Police Force, especially the recently enlisted officers. This brings into question the recruiting process, and maybe the training aspect they go through at the various Police training schools.

Their behaviour or conduct surely does not auger well for the image of our Guyana Police Force. Whilst there will always be rogue cops, the numbers seem to be increasing of late.

It may not be prudent for

me to mention the specific cases, because many of them are sub-juice, but quick and decisive action must be taken in order for the public to regain and maintain its confidence in our Guyana Police Force.

It is true that one swallow does not make a summer, and there are many dedicated Policemen and women out there. But it is also true that the image of the Force is ebbing.

On a positive note, not only in ‘G’ Division, but in all other divisions, the presence of the Police is more evident: foot patrols, bicycle, motorcycle and other vehicle patrols. In ‘G’ Division, anytime during the day or night,

you see the Police patrolling through the Essequibo Coast.

The breathalyser test is also bearing fruit. We had been losing too many of our citizens because of the culture of driving under the influence of alcohol, not forgetting the many serious and damage accidents involving both the innocent and guilty.

On the down side, unlighted bicycles are on the increase, along with pedestrians causing obstruction (jay walking). Stray animals are also on the increase. I am not sure if the Stray Catching Unit of the Guyana Police Force is still operable, or if this unit has ever worked in ‘G’ Division.

Minibuses continue to operate without the fare structure being displayed; but, generally, the Police in ‘G’ Division are doing a reasonably good job.

As law-abiding citizens, we must all show that we can, in our own little way, do something to help our law enforcement agencies. It is imperative that when we hear or see something, we say something; and in our own interest and safety, our help can be valuable to the Police.

Sincerely, Archie W Cordis Former AFC Councillor Region Two

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

Questions of Govt's Are we really addressing operations, viability of NIS? policy-making keep piling up Dear Editor, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to a letter by Mr Robin Singh published on Friday, August 31, 2018 under the title “Questions for government policy making keep piling up.”

The letter writer insinuates that the position of the GRA and that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the granting of concessions for remigrants is the “source of much confusion.”

He made reference to the recent views expressed in the press by the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Commissioner-General of the GRA. The Authority wishes to state categorically that the views of the two Agencies are in no way at odds. The Agencies are tasked with differing roles and responsibilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures that the remigrant meets the criteria set out in the said scheme for being a remigrant; while the Ministry of Finance, through the GRA, is responsible for administering the tax concessions. Administering allows the GRA to withhold, suspend, or cancel the concessions when the remigrant is in breach of the conditions of the scheme.

In the case of motor vehicles, the exemption of duties on motor vehicles is granted on conditions pursuant to Sections 23 and 36 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

These clearly state that the remigrant must: * Maintain legal residence in Guyana in accordance with Section 2 of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01, for five (5) years from the date of registration of the vehicle * Report to the GRA in person every six (6) months with the motor vehicle certification of road worthiness/ fitness, insurance and registration of inspection * Reside in the country for at least 183 days of each

year until the five-year period has expired * Use the vehicle as a primary mode of transportation, and ensure that it remains in his/her possession within the five (5) years without being leased, transferred or sold.

The CommissionerGeneral’s remarks on the breaches are factual. There have been blatant breaches in the remigrant conditions specified. The statement that “one in every three” of the concessions is breached can be borne out by the figures and visits to remigrant residences, where the “high end” vehicles cannot be found and the remigrant cannot be located. Investigations have revealed that funds are provided to prospective remigrants, who buy the said high-end vehicles and transfer possession by means of powers of attorney, then return overseas during the stipulated period that they are required to remain in Guyana. Some of these highend vehicles include Rolls Royces, Hummers, Range Rovers, and Ferraris.

To curb this practice, the GRA has been requesting the source of funds for these applicants. These acts constitute serious offences that warrant the CommissionerGeneral, under Section 36 of the Customs Act, to impose penalties, inclusive of forfeiture or fines in lieu of forfeiture. In December 31, 2017 alone, over $50 million in fines, penalties and duties were recouped from these individuals.

Lastly, the Commissioner-General’s views on tax credits versus exemptions are well known.

These views are in keeping with international norms and those of the Tax Reform Committee of which he was a member.

Sincerely, Godfrey Statia CommissionerGeneral

Dear Editor, Recently, the media carried an article on the operations of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) arising from a bi-partisan Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services meeting with the senior officials of the NIS. Having read the following: “NIS recorded successive deficits since 2015GM “(General Manager),” “the current fund stands at $31.9 billion,” “this year, NIS is expected to pay out $23.6 billion with contributions projected to reach $23.2 billion.” As a financial analyst, what was reported was basically confusing to me. Hence, I will enlighten our citizens on my assessment of the operations and future viability of the NIS. 1. I have neither in recent times seen an audited nor unaudited Financial Statements (FSs) in the news media. As a public entity, I am appalled that FSs are not published. Certainly, citizens like myself will be interested in calculating and analysing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in order to assess among others, NIS’ financial position, its performance, its liquidity balance, and its future viability. Some KPIs which an analyst will need in order to determine the viability of this scheme are: its net loss/income margin, its return on investment, its debt to equity ratio, its accumulated surplus, its investment portfolio and income (if any) accruing from those investments, and last but by no means least, its

funding of the asset deficit to meet future obligations.

2. I am of the view that since the NIS commenced its operations in September 1969, the composition of its Board of Directors leaves much to be desired. Based on published information over the years, this Board is and continues to lack the appointment of a director(s) with experience on Actuarial Valuation of pension schemes.

3. What should have been discussed at length at that meeting (not reported by the news media) is/are the Report(s) of the Actuary.

If the Actuary is Bacon Woodrow and de Souza Limited from Trinidad, that firm is known to be doing high quality work on evaluating pension schemes in Guyana. What has been disclosed by the GM and I quote “based on the last actuarial report, the life of the scheme should come to an end in 2021/22. I am worried and confused by that revelation by the GM. It seems to me that NIS may not exist after 2022, which is most unlikely. Surely the Actuarial Reports (normally every five years) over the past two decades have been repeating the same issues, and no serious action is apparently being taken on those pertinent issues.

4. What is an actuarial valuation? It is a type of appraisal of the NIS’ assets and liabilities of which investment, economic and demographic assumptions are used in order to determine the funded status of this pension scheme.

Mention has been made

of GuySuCo owing in excess of $1.5 billion as well as other businesses. The management at that parliamentary meeting had indicated that it has been taking action to recover contributions owing which is a positive effort. However, as mentioned above, it is imperative that the authorities need to determine the required contributions needed to fund future benefits over time and in so doing will eventually eliminate the Scheme’s deficit.

Persistent underfunding, as it appears to be, will ultimately jeopardise NIS’ sustainability.

5. Besides the actuarially valuation the efficiency level of the staff needs to be address and be improved. For example, why the payment of a benefit has to take two, three, four months to be made after the documentation has been accepted. Yours truly and I know of many others, who have had this experience.

That being said, the financial position, performance and the ability to pay future benefits are cause of major concern of NIS’ current operations. Our emphasis, among others,

has to be on the Actuarial Reports which information is indeed complex and can be difficult to understand for those who are not accustomed to working with this kind of information. I t is my view that the authorities have to reveal financial information such as the extent of the Scheme’s asset deficit, the required contributions percent to clear this deficit, the period of time it will take to clear this deficit, who are to make these contributions, will it be the employers, the employees, the Government or all three parties. These are not easy decisions to make, hence it is imperative that the decision makers have a full understanding of the schemes’ operations and its implications in both the short-and long-term.

I do not see the life of NIS ending in 2021/22.

Let’s address the pertinent issues in a prompt and efficient manner, and we will need the involvement of the actuarial firm, and perhaps other financial specialists on the way forward towards this scheme’s viability.

Yours sincerely, John Seeram

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Foundation out by saying that they don't have them. Praise your teen's hard work and effort, and ask the guidance counsellor or teachers for resources for support if you need them.

Don't wait for report cards to find out that there are problems at school. The sooner you intervene, the sooner you can help your teen get back on track.

Learning for life Make sure your teen knows

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uring the high school years, homework gets more intense and grades start to matter more.

At the same time, teens face a lot of other big changes. They're adjusting to the physical and emotional effects of puberty, while busy social lives and sports commitments gain importance, and many also take part-time jobs.

Parents can play a crucial role in helping teens handle these challenges and succeed in school by lending a little help, support, and guidance, and by knowing what problems demand their involvement and which ones require them to hang back.

Setting up shop Make sure your teen has a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free place to study.

The space should be stocked with paper, pencils, a calculator, dictionary, thesaurus, and any other necessary supplies. It should be away from distractions like TVs, video games, smartphones, and other devices.

Your teen may prefer to retreat to a private space to work rather than study surrounded by parents and siblings. Grant that independence, but check in from time to time to make sure that your teen hasn't gotten distracted.

If your teen needs a computer for assignments, try to set it up in a common space, not in a bedroom, to discourage playing video games, chatting with or emailing friends, or surfing the Internet for fun during study time. Also consider parental controls, available through your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and software that blocks and filters any inappropriate material.

Find out which sites teachers are recommending and bookmark them for easy access. Teach your teen how to look for reliable sources of information and double-check any that look questionable.

A parent's supporting role When it comes to homework, be there to offer support and guidance, answer questions, help interpret assignment instructions, and review the completed work. But resist the urge to provide the right answers or complete assignments.

It can be difficult to see your children stressed out over homework, especially when there's a test or important deadline looming. But you can help by teaching them the problem-solving skills they need to get through their assignments and offering encouragement as they do.

More tips to help make homework easier for your teen: Plan ahead.Regularly sit down with your teen to go over class loads and make sure they're balanced. If your teen has a particularly big workload from classes, you may want to see if you can shuffle the daily schedule so that there's a study hall during the day or limit after-school activities.

Teachers or guidance counsellors might have some perspective on which classes are going to require more or less work.

Establish a routine. Send the message that schoolwork is a top priority with ground rules like setting a regular time and place each day for homework to be done. And make it clear that there's no TV, phone calls, video game-playing, etc, until homework is done and checked.

Instil organisation skills. No one is born with great organisational skills — they're learnt and practised over time.

Most children first encounter multiple teachers and classrooms in high school, when organisation becomes a key to succeeding. Give your teen a calendar or personal planner to help get organised.

Apply school to the "real world".

Talk about how what teens learn now applies outside the classroom, such as the importance of meeting deadlines — as they'll also have to do in the workplace

that you're available if there's a snag, but that it's important to work independently.

Encourage effort and determination — not just good grades. Doing so is crucial to motivating your children to succeed in school and in life.

With a little support from parents, homework can be a positive experience for teens and foster lifelong skills they'll need to succeed in school and beyond. (Excerpt from kidshealth.

org)

— or how topics in history class relate to what's happening in today's news.

Homework problems Especially in the later grades, homework can really start to add up and become harder to manage. These strategies can help: Be there. You don't have to hover at homework time, but be around in case you're needed. If your son is frazzled by geometry problems he's been trying to solve for hours, for instance, suggest he take a break, maybe by shooting some hoops with you. A fresh mind may be all he needed, but when it's time to return to homework, ask how you can help.

Be in touch with school. Maintain contact with guidance counsellors and teachers throughout the school year to stay informed, especially if your teen is struggling. They'll keep you apprised of what's going on at school and how to help your teen. They can guide you to tutoring options, offer perspective on course load, and provide guidance on any issues, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or vision or hearing difficulties. You can also be kept in the loop about tests, quizzes, and projects.

Don't forget the study skills. Help your teen develop good study skills — both in class and on homework. No one is born knowing how to study and often those skills aren't stressed in the classroom.

When you're helping your teen study for a test, for instance, suggest such strategies as using flashcards to memorise facts or taking notes and underlining while reading.

Encourage students to reach out.

Most teachers are available for extra help before or after school, and also might be able to recommend other resources.

Encourage your teen to ask for help, if needed, but remember that in school students are rewarded for knowing the right answers, and no one likes to stand

The big dig!

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o you like to dig in the dirt? Find things that have been lost? Put puzzle pieces together? Figure out stories from clues? Learn about the past? These are all things archaeologists do! Archaeologists learn about different cultures from the past like our Indigenous fore-parents by digging up and studying artefacts – the remains of things people have left behind or thrown away.

Little dig With this simple “one-layer” dig, your child will love uncovering these homemade “rocks” – each containing a surprise “artefact”.

What you’ll need: • A cardboard or plastic box • Sand, potting soil or backyard dirt, or cat litter • Artefacts: beads, buttons, coins, marbles, pretend “gems” and jewels, bottle caps, small plastic dinosaurs or other animals, plastic doll dinnerware, etc.

• Small broad paint brush and spoon for uncovering the rocks • Rock dough (recipe below) Rock dough • 2 cups sand • 2 cups flour • 1 cup coffee grounds (leftover from brewing coffee in a coffee maker) • 3/4 to 1 cup of water Parent prep 1. Combine the sand, flour, coffee grounds and 3/4 cup water in a large bowl. Knead, like bread dough, until the mixture comes together. Add the remaining 1/4 cup water, a little at a time, if needed.

2. Take a small amount of dough (depending on the size of the artefact), flatten it, put the artefact on top, and then fold the dough to completely cover the object. Each artefact will be a different size and shape.

3. Bake at 250 degrees for about 30 minutes, turning over after 10 minutes. Fill the cardboard or plastic box with about 6 inches of sand (or whatever digging material you use). Hide the rocks at different levels; some can be Daily reading tip poking through the Alphabet games dirt a bit.

Time to dig!

Write out each letter Remember that of the alphabet. Cut them archaeologists dig out in squares and tape very slowly and them to your clothes and carefully, using a brush around fragile body. Call out a letter objects. Have your for your child to peel off child break open the of you until they are all rocks and talk about the objects she’s gone. (readingrockets.org) found. (startwithabook.

org)

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saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ahead of upcoming court battle

Jagdeo urges early severance payments for sugar workers …says no timeframe set for pay-out

In the past, sugar workers were forced to protest for their severance payments

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ormer sugar workers and millions of dollars of their severance payments currently being held up formed part of the recent discussions between Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger.

At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo revealed that he confronted the President on the status of payments for the unpaid former sugar workers. According to Jagdeo, he received assurances that the severance would be paid. Those assurances came, however, without any projected timeframe.

“I raised the question of the sugar workers and their struggle to get the remainder of their severance.

And I said to the President,

Govt bows... from page 3

However, former CPCE lecturer and Mathematics teacher Tamashwar Boodhoo has stated that this move by Government could run against stipulations.

“Someone has not done their homework and provide poor advice to this poor lady.

Trainee teachers cannot take school registers. The law is clear you must be employed by the TSC (Teaching Service Commission) or the school board or the Ministry of Education in order to take attendance in school,” Boodhoo noted.

He pointed out that a register is a legal document that can be used in the courts and that there are guidelines that govern the marking of attendance registers. He further claimed that trainee teachers are “not allowed to make daily log entries in the school log book”, adding that retired teachers are similarly prohibited, unless they are issued contracts.

Boodhoo stressed that “there is nothing in the training manual” that allows for first-year trainee unsupervised practice in the classroom. “I am disappointed that the CPCE administration agrees to put the trainees in the classroom unsupervised. It was the same administration that had trainees repeat classroom practices because of unsupervised practicum,” he pointed out.

this is money that is due to them. They worked for this.

This is not a hand-out that they should be struggling for or requesting or begging for. This is mandated by law. So I asked when they will receive their severance,” Jagdeo recalled.

“He said to me, they’ve taken a position to pay the severance, but I could not get in what time period they would pay the severance. He said they took a decision… we would like to see the severance paid early to the workers.”

On the matter of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as a company, the former President said this also formed a topic of conversation.

According to Jagdeo, Granger assured him that GuySuCo falls under the Agriculture Ministry and not the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) or the Special Purpose Unit (SPU).

“And I said to him, but Mr President, you have by order transferred all the assets of the closed estates to NICIL from GuySuCo and you have also transferred 100 per cent of shares of GuySuCo to NICIL.” “Further, NICIL has borrowed $17 billion that they already have in an account and they’re out in the market to borrow another $13-14 billion. So they have money they are borrowing on behalf of GuySuCo and you’re saying they have no responsibility, it’s the Ministry of Agriculture.”

Jagdeo recalled that NICIL had announced it had given $2 billion to GuySuCo, which left $15 billion. The former President therefore questioned what the remaining sum would be spent on.

Severance

In January, Government had announced that some sugar workers, owed

$500,000 or less, would be paid in full by January month end. In June, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) took Government to court. This was done on behalf of workers from Skeldon, Rose Hall and the East Demerara sugar estates.

In the legal documents, it was outlined that the redundant workers were to receive their redundancy allowance/severance payment no later than December 29, 2017. The legal team, which was led by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, stated that the over 4000 workers were paid only a portion of their severance payments.

The lawyers highlighted that even while this was ongoing, GuySuCo transferred all of its assets for those three estates under the Finance Minister to NICIL as per notice published in the Official Gazette (Extraordinary) of Guyana on December 30, 2017.

Lawyers also observed that GuySuCo has been collateralised as security for a $30 billion loan that it has or is borrowing from commercial banks.

The attorneys are seeking an order from the court to direct the respondents – GuySuCo and NICIL, their officers, servants and agents – to “pay forthwith to the said 4280 employees of GuySuCo – and members of the Applicant, all severance or redundancy payments or allowances due,

owing and payable under the provisions of TESPA.” When the matter came up for hearing before High Court Judge Fidella Corbin-Lincoln, attorneys

petitioned to have these arguments for the sugar workers dismissed. The matter is scheduled to continue on September 4.

8 news

saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Bourda Market murder

Taxi driver, miner charged Returning to… for killing cheese vendor Y …Burnham’s playbook on unions?

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34-year-old taxi driver and a 26-yearold miner have been slapped with murder charges and hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Akeem Morris of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty and George Paton of Eccles, East Bank Demerara stood arraigned on Friday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the capital offence of murder.

The charge stated that on August 15, at Robb Street Bourda, Georgetown, during the course of a robbery, they murdered Troy Ramalho.

The duo were remanded and are expected to reappear before the Chief Magistrate on September 21.

Reports are that, after the killing, Patron allegedly admitted to investigators that he had transported

Morris along with two other men to the scene of the robbery.

The taxi driver reportedly told Police he had picked up the men at Demico, Stabroek, Georgetown, and they had asked him to drive to Robb Street, Georgetown.

He claimed he was told to park on Alexander Street between Regent Street and North Road, and wait for them to return.

According to him, after the men had excited the vehicle, he heard gunshots,

after which they came running towards the car. He reportedly told Police the following day he was given $40,000 by the men, who are known to him.

Based on reports, the vendor had already packed up his stall, located between Alexander and Bourda Streets, and was awaiting transportation to take him home. During that time, he was confronted by three gun-toting bandits, who held him at gunpoint and demanded that he hand over

cash and other valuables.

Ramalho allegedly refused to comply with the bandits’ demands, and one of the armed men discharged a round that hit the vendor to his chest.

As he fell to the ground, the two other men relieved him of three gold chains that were wrapped around his arm. In addition, the perpetrators took away the man’s cellphone and three gold rings before making good their escape on foot.

It was reported that the incident happened in plain sight of two on-duty City Constables.

The vendor was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage was retrieved and handed over to the Police.

Clerk charged for stealing $1.3M in gold

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former clerk attached to Troy Resources Incorporated was on Friday taken before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of stealing $1.3 million worth of raw gold from the mining company.

Kevon De Freitas denied that he stole the gold on

August 24, 2018 at 14 Miles Issano, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The court heard that after the gold had gone missing, a Supernumerary Assistant Superintendent attached to Troy Resources, while in the company of others, visited De

Freitas’s home and conducted a search.

The prosecution is contending that during the search, 114 pennyweights of raw gold were reportedly discovered hidden in a multi-coloured haversack. When questioned, the defendant allegedly admitted to steal-

ing the gold, and told the officers, “Is a lil hussle I mek.”

As such, he was arrested and taken into Police custody.

Magistrate McLennan placed DeFreitas on $200,000, and set the case to continue before the Bartica Magistrate on September 14.

Accused narcotrafficker remanded

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man who was allegedly discovered with 50 grams of narcotics while lingering in front of the Camp Street Prison was on Friday morning remanded to prison by City Magistrate Leron Daly.

Leon Jonas denied that he had the narcotics in his possession on August 29, 2018.

According to the prosecution’s case, Jonas was seen standing across from the prison for a lengthy period, and was as such approached by ranks.

He was later subjected to a search, and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were discovered on his person. As such he was taken into Police custody, and the substance was weighed in his presence.

He was later charged with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The case will continue on October 2.

our Eyewitness isn’t as jaded as he thought he was.

He might’ve even proven he was an optimist. Some weeks ago, when teachers demanded the PNC-led Government – which they’d helped into office in 2015 -- give them their demanded 40 percent raise to bring them up to a living wage, he was certain that after playing coy, the PNC would pay up. After all, if the salvation of Guyana lies in creating an educated workforce to use the oil revenues intelligently for development, then success lies totally in the hands of teachers.

And much more germanely (if mundanely!), since general elections are almost around the corner in 2020, the PNC’s gonna need the teachers’ votes, which amount to almost three seats!! Surely, they wouldn’t have forgotten the ire aroused in public servants – including teachers – when news of their perfidious 50 percent salary increase was sneakily awarded in the heat of the night as the Official Gazette was printed!! So, by now your Eyewitness had expected the Government would be saying to the teachers, “All right…all right…take your raise; and don’t forget how munificent we were when you go into the polling booths come 2020!”

But here, on the 11th hour, it looks like the PNC of Granger is going to play hardball with teachers! What gives? If he stiffs them, it means Granger meant it -- even more literally than what your Eyewitness figured -- when he vowed to “continue the legacy of Forbes Burnham”.

PNC’s founder-leader Burnham was also supported by most of the trade union movement – save the PPPaligned GAWU – when he was eased into power. But he didn’t hesitate to use tear-gas on the most faithful bauxite unions as early as 1970 when they disagreed with his plans for their RILA pension funds!

Later Burnham was to have the head of the CCWU, Gordon Todd, dangled from a helicopter over the sharkinfested Atlantic Ocean when he dared call a strike in 1979 during the Rodney-led “civil rebellion”. Burnham’s Machiavellian philosophy of power dictated that no other institution be allowed to believe they could challenge him. If they ever did, they were to be taught a “condign” lesson to return to the (placid) fold. Todd “saw the light” after his near immersion into the Atlantic waters!

Desmond Hoyte followed this hard line in the late 80s when George Daniels, the head of the GPSU, dared to challenge him. Daniels soon left the jurisdiction!!

So your Eyewitness is waiting to see whether Granger will go all the way. He’s already set the stage for extreme actions by planting in the Chronic that the GTU’s head is “PPP”!!

A helicopter ride’s in the air??!!

…the Disciplined Forces status quo ante

Granger’s also returning to Burnham’s playbook with his bypassing of David Ramnarine as the Commissioner of Police, and the appointment of Leslie James who’s so much his junior. That Ramnarine wasn’t even made a Deputy Commissioner makes the insult even more bitter.

Granger said he wanted a COP who was “intelligent”…and since he administered a Sixth Grade Social Studies test to the nominees, it means he didn’t think Ramnarine’s intelligent enough to pass Sixth Grade!!

But what does this say about the Top Cop and his four Deputies? Won’t they feel like those beneficiaries of Affirmative Action programmes, who’re never sure whether they’re really up to snuff? More to the point, will they be able to command the respect of the lower ranks, who can clearly see that criteria other than competence or seniority are in play? All of this is very sad for the longsuffering and crime-buffeted Guyanese public, who can only expect the same ole, same ole.

What about Public Security Minister Ramjattan, who’d recommended Ramnarine? Stricken mute?

…undercutting the BBCI

Even though the Berbice Bridge management have complained that revenues generated are insufficient to fund maintenance of pontoons, the Government’s launched two additional water taxis that’ll reduce income further!!

They forgot they’re now the majority shareholder??

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

News

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saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

$20 fare increase not enough for longer routes – Minibus Union …$40 increase in the pipeline

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he President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews has noted that a $20 fare hike is too little for the longer bus routes; as such, talks are ongoing for a $40 increase for those routes, which were not included in the new fare structure released on Thursday.

According to him, passengers of those zones, which were not included on the new fare structure, will pay the usual transportation costs until the Business Ministry and the union decide on the most appropriate

amount.

Andrews noted that the Business Ministry is in talks with the Union as they are seeking to increase the minibus fare by as much as $40 in four routes – 94 (Lethem to Georgetown), 63 (Moleson Creek to Georgetown), 72 (Mahdia) and 73 (Bartica).

“Those are long zones 60, 63, Linden, Mahdia and those things we’re still looking at because remember those are very long routes so $20 increase may not be appropriate for an increase so we are looking at that,” he explained.

The head of the union was unable to say when the new fare structure for those zones would be made available, although the new fare structures for 10 other zones were already released.

He nevertheless said he understands that passengers in various routes were being exploited and were being forced to pay fares which were never legal.

He is therefore urging passengers to pay the new fares, in accordance with the new fare structures, which were released and is available for viewing on the

UMU President, Eon Andrews

Ministry’s Facebook page.

“Initially I had said in my proposal probably $40 more (for the longer routes)

but that was just something I put forward. It doesn’t mean that is what it will be.

It could be $60 you know, but I thought that the shorter routes should get $20 because we have to take the commuters into consideration because that is my most important concern although I represent minibuses,” Andrews added.

However, Guyana Times understands that the Route 72 has already increased its fares from $8000 to $10,000 per passenger.

The new fare structure for 10 different minibus zones were announced, following the recent report of a $20 across the board in-

crease, expected to take effect from today, September 1.

Among the zones with released fare structures were 31 (Georgetown to Patentia); 32 (Georgetown to Parika); 40, 41, 45, 46 (Georgetown to Kitty/ Campbellville, South/North Ruimveldt/Guyhoc, Main Street, Lamaha and Albert, Lodge); 44 (Georgetown to Mahaica); 47, 48 (Georgetown to Back Road, East and West Sophia); and 42 (Georgetown to Timehri).

Plans were first announced by the Business Ministry on August 20 for a $20 increase. continued on page 12

10 news PPP questions delay in Amerindian land titling saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…demands answers from Govt

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iting the delays in allocating land titles since the former Government left office, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is demanding answers on exactly when Government intends to fulfil this mandate.

Speaking during a press conference, Jagdeo called for the President to answer for the delayed Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project.

He pointed out that apart from the titles they had already processed; no new titles have been given out.

“When does he plan to give out the new Amerindian land titles? We left a significant amount of money, US$10.7 million, in the Amerindian Land Titling project, to continue the work of giving out land titles.”

“They have not given out a single one!” Jagdeo pointed out to members of the media. “Except for those

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

which were already prepared in the past… not a single one. When does he plan to do that?”

In May, Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock had admitted only a quarter of the money for the project was spent. The Kingdom of Norway had provided

US$10.7 million through the United Nations Development Project since 2013.

At the recently held National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, land titling was one of the areas Government was criticised for. Government, for its part, has said that it needs an extension on the life of the project.

Government has also faced criticism over its handling of the ALT project from members of the Opposition. Matters came to a head when Minister Allicock appeared before a parliamentary committee meeting on natural resources in May. “I have not been able to title any village, because we want to do things that are truly reflected in the Free Prior and Informed (FPIC) process,” the Vice President had informed the media at the time.

The Minister told the Committee that the ALT work programme will require another decade before it could be completed, although the project life comes to an end in October 2018.

He had explained that funding was not the constraint, but claimed that the project was faced with manpower issues, as there is need for an anthropologist, and equipment also to support it. “Several communities are targeted for demarcation and work is continuing,” Allicock asserted despite members of the Opposition calling for the Minister to provide greater explanation on the matter.

Allicock also lamented the time constraints of the project given its sensitive nature. He said had the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) been in place, it would have afforded more technical resources.

Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

In his report, Allicock also noted that the Ministry was working to complete the demarcation of an additional four communities by the end of the stated project life,

which concludes in October.

The Minister also indicated that it was likely that an extension would have to be sought to allow for all unresolved Amerindian land titling. He said, “We are in discussion and we are hoping that we could have another extension. We would have to come up with some justifying facts to seek an extension.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and former Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai had argued strongly that from the information provided on the project, it seemed that the Government was dragging its feet on the issue and as such, the land titling process was now at a standstill; a label Allicock had denied.

New Top Cop meets with GPF Performance Group

Police Commissioner Leslie James, with his deputies and members of the GPF’s Performance Group

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ewly appointed Police Commissioner Leslie James on Friday met the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) Performance Group and outlined key areas that are intended to improve the relationship between members of the Force and the general public.

The meeting, held in the Commissioner’s Conference Room, bore fruit, as the ranks present gave the Commissioner the full assurance of their commitment and support.

James was, on Thursday, appointed Police Commissioner with immediate effect. Four Assistant Commissioners were each also appointed Deputy Commissioners. They are Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Nigel Hoppie and Paul Williams, who were all in the running for the Commissioner’s post.

The four deputies will be responsible for four areas of the Force: Operations, Administration, Law Enforcement, and Special Branch/ Intelligence.

Miner charged for holding Brazilian lover captive

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gold miner who refused to allow his Brazilian lover to leave his home was on Friday slapped with the criminal offence of holding her captive.

Romel Sahadeo, 29, is accused of restraining the woman, Amanda Sliva, from leaving his Lot 10 Austin Street, Campbellville, Georgetown home between June 1, 2018 and August 27, 2018.

Sahadeo stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the allegation.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objection to the defendant being placed on bail, but asked that conditions be applied, thus the defendant was ordered to report to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters every Friday until completion

of the matter.

The court was also informed that the woman is currently being accommodated by the Social Protection Ministry.

The miner was released on $50,000 bail, and is expected to return to court on September 4, 2018.

Reports are that the miner and the woman commenced a common-law relationship after she left Brazil to work in Guyana; but after spending almost three months together, the woman indicated to the accused that she wanted to return home. She allegedly was threatened by the miner, who refused to let her go.

However, the woman contacted her relatives via social media, and they reported the matter to the Social Protection Ministry.

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News

saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

AG loses case against Coast guards medevac former SWAT head unresponsive 5-year…as court quashes David Ramnarine’s decision

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he decision made by the former acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine, to send Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Deputy Superintendent Mootie Dookie on ‘special leave in the public interest’, after he was allegedly found smuggling alcohol, was on Friday quashed by Justice Fidella Corbin-Lincoln.

Dookie had filed a challenge on June 15, 2018, against the decision made on

Former SWAT Commander, Deputy Superintendent Mootie Dookie

May 21, 2018, on the grounds that the said decision was “unconstitutional, capricious, whimsical (and) irrational, based upon irrelevant and extraneous considerations, contrary to the rules of natural justice, unreasonable unlawful, null, void and of no effect.”

Dookie was represented

by Attorneys Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan, Rajendra Jaigobin and Anuradha Deodasingh in the case against Ramnarine, who was represented by the Attorney General Basil Williams.

After reviewing the written legal submissions, Justice Corbin-Lincoln handed down

Attorney General Basil Williams

the ruling. As part of the decision, Ramnarine and his attorney were also ordered to pay to the Applicant $100,000. Dookie was accused of smuggling 30 cases of whisky in December 2017 and was spared criminal charges after the driver of the vehicle he was in at the time of the interception took full responsibility for the illegal items.

Following the discovery and the subsequent reportage of the media, as well as an initial investigation conducted by his superiors, he was relieved of his duties as SWAT A decision Commander. was also taken to transfer him to the Force’s Strategic Planning Unit to facilitate an internal investigation.

Soon after, he was then posted to A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) but reassigned to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary a few days later. The decision to send him on special leave was made

by Citizenship Minister, Winston Felix while performing the duties of the substantive Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, who also refused to rescind the leave instruction. The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Department of Public Service,

Reginald Brotherson defended the move of Government, saying in the absence of a constituted Police Service Commission (PSC), the authorised Minister or agency can take action against Police ranks using the Public Service rules after Minister Felix had argued that the action was taken in accordance with the 1987 Public Service rules.

Nandlall, speaking with Guyana Times said the Government cannot justify

Former acting Top Cop, David Ramnarine

the unlawful decision taken

by Minister Felix who gave an unlawful instruction to the acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine that resulted in his client being sent on ‘special leave with pay’.

“Minister Felix has no such power… Mr Ramnarine has no such power. The power to discipline Police Officers above a specific rank lies with the Police Service Commission. A Police Commissioner nor a Minister has no such power whatsoever to direct, to interfere with or to exercise disciplinary power or control over these officers,” he maintained during the interview despite the arguments put forward by Brotherson and Felix.

Accused phone thief remanded

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avin Ally was on Friday refused bail by Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared in her court to answer two counts of robbery.

Ally reportedly robbed Anand Persaud of a cellphone and $7,000 while he was in the vicinity of Longden Street, Stabroek on August 27, 2018.

On the same day at Croal Street, Georgetown, Ally allegedly robbed Amad Amid of two cellphones valued $95,000, and during this robbery, he used personal violence.

Ally has denied both allegations made out against him. However, Police prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to Ally being placed on bail on ground that he was positive-

ly identified as the perpetrator in both cases during a Police identification parade.

Prosecutor Singh also told the court that Ally will have additional charges of a similar nature brought against him.

Ally was refused bail and remanded to prison.

The case will continue on September 28.

Accused thief who swallowed stolen pendant remanded

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known thief who reportedly attacked a woman outside of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was on Friday remanded to prison for snatching her gold chain and swallowing the $80,000 pendant attached to it.

Marcino Benn, the defendant, has been remanded by Magistrate Leron Daly.

It is alleged that on August 30, 2018, at Croal

Street, Georgetown, Benn attacked Cydella Blair and stole from her one gold chain valued $35,000, along with one silver chain valued $15,000.

The court heard that the virtual complainant (VC) had just left the courts and was about to cross the street when she was attacked. She raised and alarm and Police officials at the court rushed to her assistance.

Benn was arrested, and during the process, he allegedly swallowed the pendant.

He was denied bail after Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh revealed that he currently has a pending matter of a similar nature before the courts.

Benn is expected to make his next court appearance on October 2.

old from ferry

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five-year-old lad has been transferred and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), after quick action from the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Coast Guard expedited his access to medical attention.

According to the GDF, five-year-old Marian Santiago was travelling to Mabaruma from Georgetown aboard the MV Lady Northcote, when he reportedly complained of feeling unwell at about midday on Friday. As his condition began to deteriorate, his parents sought help from the Northcote crew. As help was being sought, the child fell unconscious.

“The vessel’s crew immediately radioed the Coast Guard station at Morawhanna, Region One, for assistance,” the release states. “Coast Guard ratings intercepted the vessel at the mouth of the Waini River, retrieved the child and his parents and transported them to a waiting

The child lying in his mother’s arms as he was being taken to the hospital

ambulance at Kumaka, from where he was transported to the Mabaruma hospital.”

Checks at the

Mabaruma hospital revealed that the boy was subsequently air dashed to the GPHC.

12 news

saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Non-custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana a certainty – President

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midst mounting pressure for the decriminalisation of small quantities of marijuana, President David Granger has assured that Government will soon present the legislative for non-custodial sentences.

“We have taken a decision in principle that custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use would be legally abolished.

After the National Assembly comes off of recess, we could look forward to that legislation being passed,” the Head of State told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

He went on to note that Cabinet has already collectively agreed to pursue this and that there should be no difficulty in implementing it.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) – the minority party in the coalition Government – has been pushing for legislative reform with regards to the narcotics law, which currently imposes a minimum sentence of three years and

a maximum sentence of five years on narcotics traffickers.

In fact, AFC parliamentarian Michael Carrington, had filed a motion seeking to soften penalties for marijuana possession. The draft bill had stipulated that persons who are found in possession of the drug for personal use would be required to pay a fine of $10,000, or perform community service for a period of time.

However, that motion was subsequently withdrawn for further amendments on sentencing and marijuana decriminalisation. It has since been placed on the Order Paper and is expected to receive the National Assembly’s attention when it comes out of recess in October.

The issue of non-custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana gained momentum back in March 2016 when inmates at the Georgetown Prisons started a fire which eventually killed 17 prisoners,

while several others along with prison staff were injured. A subsequent probe had found, among other issues, significant overcrowding at the facility contributed to the events and as such, considerations were re-ignited to reduce custodial sentences for certain offences such as possession of small amounts of marijuana as a solution to reduce overcrowding within the prisons system.

More recent, however, Government has also come under fire for failure

to act on the matter after a 27-year-old poultry farmer, who was charged for possession of 8.4 grams of marijuana, was sentenced to three years imprisonment back in May. According to Guyana’s law, possession of any amount of cannabis over 15 grams is considered trafficking.

At the time, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had explained that the Magistrates are operating within the confines of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act, which does

not allow discretion when dealing with narcotics of certain quantity. The Minister of State further posited that any legislative reform on penalties for marijuana use and possession will have to be done with widespread public consultations.

“It is important that we understand that that’s what the law is. The Magistrates cannot make the law in the Magistrate’s Court, then to apply it and so if it is that the law needs to be amended, it is needs to be changed that is the responsibility of the legislative branch,” Harmon had asserted.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has announced his support for custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana to be removed from the law books in their entirety, but maintained that he is not in favour of the legalisation of marijuana for commercial purposes.

Jagdeo reminded that the People’s Progressive Party has made a commitment to

support a ‘conscience vote’ should the matter come up for a vote in the National Assembly.

The decriminalisation/ legalisation of marijuana movement is gaining much momentum worldwide, with several countries taking steps to decriminalise and legalise the drug.

In fact, a Caribbean Community (Caricom) Commission on Marijuana has made recommendation for the decriminalisation of marijuana across Member States, saying that the substance can be controlled and regulated as in the case of alcohol. This recommendation was placed before the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caricom, which was held in Jamaica in July. During the conference, it was recognised that Member States would need to review the report in more detail to determine action at the national level in relation to law reform models as proposed by the Commission.

E Division records increase in serious crimes

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he Police E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) has recorded an increase in serious crimes for the period January to August 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017.

Offences such as murder, robbery, break and enter and larceny, rape and burglary have so far all recorded increases in the Division for 2018. However, there has been an improvement in clear up rates (cases which were brought before the court). The comparative figures coming out of the Division has indicated that, so far for the specified period in 2018, there were three cases of murder as compared to two cases in 2017, which represents a 50 per cent increase.

Divisional Commander Anthony Vanderhyden sought to explain the figures: "We had 6 reports

(for robbery under arms) in 2017. We had 4 cases coming out from that. In 2018, we had seven (reports) and we only had two cases come out from this,” he noted. There was a 17 per cent increase in robbery under arms in 2018, with a 29 percent clear up rate as opposed to 67 per cent in 2017. Meanwhile, there was zero reported cases of robbery under arms whereby instruments other than a gun were used so far for the same period in both 2018 and 2017, in addition to zero reported cases of robbery with violence for both years. Robbery with aggravation saw one reported case for the same period in 2018, which was cleared up (went before the court) as compared to zero reported cases in 2017.

Break and entry and larceny, which the Divisional

Commander noted is prevalent in Linden, saw an overall increase of 15 percent. "We had 20 reports in 2017 for the same period, eight cases came out of that. In 2018, we had 23 reports and we had 18 cases", he explained. The figures represent a 78 percent clear up rate in 2018, as opposed to 29 percent in 2017.

Additionally, in 2018 so far, the Division saw 6 reported cases of statutory rape, with 4 cases coming out of that figure, as opposed to 5 reports in 2017 with 1 case being derived from it. There were also 3 reports of rape in 2018 with 1 case coming out of those reports, as compared to 2 and 1 respectively in 2017.

The figures represent an increase of 29 percent in rape with a 56 percent clear up rate in 2018, as opposed to 29 in 2017.

Meanwhile, there was only one report of larceny from the person in 2018, which represents a 100 percent increase as compared to zero reports in 2017.

Burglary saw 8 reports in 2018, with 5 cases being

derived from this figure as opposed to four and two respectively in 2017. There were clear up rates of 66 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

Also, there was no reported nor recorded case of

kidnapping in the Division so far for this year nor last year. The Divisional Commander explained that this time around there were more reports than last year, and that there were clear up rates this year.

$20 fare increase not enough...

Andrews, during previous interviews with Guyana Times had said he is satisfied with the Ministry’s decision to implement a $20 increase.

In June, the President of the Minibus Union submitted a proposal for not only a fare increase, but for several other requests to ease the pressure on minibus drivers.

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has labelled the $20 across-the-

from page 9

board increase in minibus fares as a burden on the beleaguered working people.

The Union’s statement came one week after the Government made the announcement of a fare hike.

According to FITUG, although it accepts that the operators have found themselves in a difficult position, taking into consideration the ban on used tyres and increases in the costs of licences and fitness in addition to other increases, the

new increases, depending on the route, could work out to as much as a 25 per cent hike in fares.

The Union pointed out that it believes the new fare structure would now require workers and their families, depending on the number of buses they would have to take, to fork out as much as several thousands more per month on transportation, though promised the ‘Good Life’ by the ruling coalition Government.

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saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prolonged power outages

Stable electricity supply soon for Essequibians – GPL assures

R

esidents on the Essequibo Coast on Friday gathered in front of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Divisional Head Office, Anna Regina, as they continued their protest over prolonged power outage in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Among the protesters were acting Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah; Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Councillor, Arnold Adams; and representatives of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and residents.

As the protesters gathered in front of GPL’s regional office, Divisional Director of Operations GPL’s Head Office, Georgetown, Bharat Harjohn, went out and spoke with the group. Harjohn assured the gathering that a stable flow of electricity in the region will begin soon.

According to Harjohn, GPL was able to get four standby generators up and running which have the full capacity to take care of the region’s electricity demand.

He said that works are ongoing at the Anna Regina Power Station to repair the other generators which will be on standby. He added that another backup generator is expected in the region today.

Harjohn said McCorp Generators will still be on the location as standby and promised a stable flow of electricity until the new generators are put into operation by mid-December.

Acting Regional Chairperson, Nandranie Coonjah said she is now satisfied that finally GPL is giving answers to the people of Region Two and hopes the assurance given by GPL will be met.

It was advised that persons who suffered equipment

Divisional Director of Operations GPL’s Head Office, Georgetown, Bharat Harjohn speaking with protesters on Friday

damages due to constant power outages, visit the GPL Office in Anna Regina and fill out the forms for compensation.

Councillor Arnold Adams said he is very happy now that the electricity is back to normal and residents can now enjoy the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket which will assist them to getting rid of the long periods of stress caused by GPL. Meanwhile, a visit to the Anna Regina Market on Friday showed a significant drop in customers and vendors are complaining about the damages they suffered.

They also voiced their apprehension at restocking, especially frozen food items such as meats and fish. They said they have lost all confidence in the power company and are monitoring the situation before spending their hardearned monies to reinvest.

On Wednesday, irate residents of Region Two walked out of a meeting with officials from GPL, which was held at the Regional Boardroom, Anna Regina.

Reports are residents accused the personnel from the company of stonewalling them but not facilitating proper answers to their questions.

The Essequibo Coast has been plagued with prolonged power outages for almost one

month now.

The power company on August 18, 2018, had admitted that the region has been experiencing frequent service interruptions as a result of two of its units – the Number 3 and Number 8 with an aggregate capacity of 2.8 MWs –becoming inoperable, due to major mechanical and electrical issues respectively.

Last week, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce called on the Government to immediately intervene and bring some relief to the residents of the region.

According to Chamber President, Suean Seewnarayan, the region is suffering tremendously due to the failing power company.

She added that the region's commerce is collapsing due to the poor service offered

by GPL. On Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Albert Gordon told this publication that every effort is being made by his technical team to address the situation, which he described as unfortunate.

However, the GPL head said a permanent solution to the issue may take until December, as the company is now in the process of acquiring new units to replace those that are currently not in operation due to several reasons.

Accused child killer freed …no case submission upheld A man who was accused of killing a 14-year-old boy on the Corentyne in 2016 was on Thursday set free after a no case submission was upheld by Justice Joann Barlow in the Berbice Assizes.

Justice Joann Barlow ruled that there was no evidence to convict the accused.

On trial for the August 2016 murder of 14-year-old Akeem Jamila Grimond, also called “Lil Boy” and ‘Ukery Black Boy’, of 53 Section ‘B’ Number 61 Village Corentyne, was Terami Gooleharran, also called “Bruise Up”.

It was alleged that Gooleharran murdered the teenager between August 18 and 22, 2016. Grimond’s decomposed body was discovered in a ditch situated in the backlands of the village.

The Prosecution’s case, presented by State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy, was that Gooleharran killed Grimond and left his body at the village cemetery.

The prosecution called seven witnesses, including a pathologist and wife of the accused -- Tajwattie Persaud, also called ‘Finie,’ who was the Prosecution’s chief witness.

In her evidence, Persaud said that two days after Grimmond was reported missing, her husband came home with blood on his clothes, and he told her that the boy is dead, and they would have to buy biscuits and coffee.

Under cross examination

Freed: Terami Gooleharran

Dead: Akeem Jamila Grimond

by Defence Attorney Sasha Robertson, Persaud said she had a good relationship with her husband.

She also admitted that the day he had blood on his clothes, he did bring home pig meat.

The woman also told the court that when her husband told her that they have to buy biscuit and coffee, there was already a tent erected in front of the yard where Grimond lived.

Being re-examined by Prosecutor Hardy, the witness added that her husband told her that he killed the teenager. It was the first time she was mentioning this development since giving Police a statement back in 2016.

She also admitted that she had made several reports at the Number 51 Police Station that her husband had physically hurt her.

Robertson told the court that the Prosecution failed to

make out a case against the accused. She argued that the chief witness would have moved out and started living with someone else as soon as her husband had been arrested.

Robertson also noted that Government Pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan testified that the boy would have died days before he was last reported being seen. She also pointed out that the witnesses who testified said neither the step-father with whom Grimond lived nor his mother had attended the funeral, nor has either since been seen.

Justice Barlow said the evidence seemed to be pointing to other people, and not the accused. She advised Gooleharran to stay away from Persaud, noting Persaud had said they were having issues in their relationship. He was also advised to pull his life back together, as he was freed.

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saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Granger hints at 2020 No health concerns at Christianburg-Wismar Secondary presidential run School – Education Ministry

L

eader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), President David Granger, has stated that he will not run away from service to his party and the coalition if called upon to run as the presidential candidate for the upcoming 2020 General and Regional Elections.

During a press conference on Friday – his first for the year- Granger shied away from directly answering whether he would accept a nomination to run as the President Candidate at the upcoming national polls, which is expected to be a critical election for the country.

“I cannot answer that question at this point in time, it is speculative, but I am a servant of my party, I’m a servant of the partnership, I’m a servant of the coalition and my duty is to serve and I will not run away from service; that is as much as I can say,” he said.

The Head of State, who is also the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the largest party in the five-member APNU – went on to outline that he became the presidential candidate for both the APNU and then the APNU/AFC (Alliance For Change) coalition via a democratic process and several steps, which he will have to abide by in the future.

President David Granger

“There were several steps… and I have to bear in mind that my elevation to the presidency was as a result of popular support, it was a result of democratic processes and I will not abandon those processes. So once those processes function, I will observe them.

But at present, I cannot say what the outcome of those process will be,” he asserted.

Back in 2010, Granger contested for and came out victorious as the PNCR’s presidential candidate for the November 2011 General Election, leading the APNU – an alliance of the PNCR, Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Justice For All Party (JFAP), National Front Alliance (NFA) and the Guyana Action Party (GAP).

However, he was defeated at that election. The Granger-led APNU subsequently join forces with the AFC to form a coalition, which ousted the People’s Progressive Party/Civic from Government after some 23

years at the 2011 elections.

Since then, Granger has managed to remain the leader of the PNCR, having recently been unopposed for the position at the party’s recently concluded 19th Biennial Delegates Congress.

While both the APNU and the AFC have reiterated their commitments to coalition governance, there has been reports of disunity both within the APNU alliance as well as the APNU/AFC coalition.

In fact, the AFC last month announced that it will be contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) in November separate from the APNU. The minority party in the coalition Government has been on the receiving end of heavy criticisms for the submissive role it has been playing since joining forces with the APNU. This resulted in the top leadership of the AFC had decided back mid-November to revise the governing agreement with its majority coalition partner.

Moreover, within the APNU alliance, the WPA over the past year has been complaining bitterly about being sidelined. In fact, only the party executives had even hinted that consideration is being given as to whether the WPA should remain within the APNU alliance given the treatment it is being dealt with.

Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School

T

wo days after the Region 10 Administration had said that asbestos had been discovered in the ceiling of the Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School (CWSS), the Education Ministry has said there is no asbestos at the facility.

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian had earlier this week indicated that officials had recently received reports from parents while conducting checks on the school's readiness for reopening, as the asbestos had been discovered in the ceiling of the school by contractors who were conducting repairs.

"This is a great problem for us, because school is reopening on Monday... I am calling on the Ministry of

Education to move urgently.

This is disaster risk mitigation right now, and we need to move now to remove this asbestos before Monday...

These are the findings of the parents in this community, and it's valid, and this matter needs to be addressed," Morian had told this newspaper.

He had added that there might be a few days’ delay for the school's reopening when asbestos is removed, since the school would have to be ventilated.

The Regional Chairman further related that officials are aware that in 2001 and 2002, a contract was handed out for the removal of asbestos from inside the school.

However, he noted that it appears as though some had been hidden, given the way

asbestos had been placed.

However, on Friday, the Education Ministry said an inquiry into the matter revealed that the information was brought to the attention of the Regional Executive Officer of Region 10 on August 15th, 2018.

According to the Ministry, an investigation was done, and it indicated that asbestos was not present in any part of the building.

“This was ascertained by testing a sample of the material suspected to be asbestos found in the ceiling.

Consequently, a request was made for the contractor to resume work on the building in an effort to have the building ready for use in the time allotted,” the Ministry said.

Govt to set up another ministry J

ust over six months after it was announced that the oil and gas sector will be removed from under the Natural Resources

Ministry and handed over to a Department of Energy within the Ministry of the Presidency, Government is likely to create a new min-

ister to take control of the sector, which is expected to explode once oil production commences in 2020.

This was revealed by

President David Granger on Friday at a media conference, his first for 2018.

According to the Head of State, “The Department of Energy itself is just an interim measure. In due course, we hope to have a ministry responsible for the petroleum industry; it is too large.

We are now setting up, we are now acquiring premises, we’re now recruiting personnel, we’re now reviewing legislation; so a lot of work has to be done. But right now we’re in the early stages of setting up a Department of Energy, and in due course there will be a Ministry of Energy or Petroleum,” the Head of State posited.

Back in March, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had disclosed that he had recommended the oil and gas sector be removed from his Ministry and be placed under the department, which will be “focused only on the development of the petroleum sector.”

Government’s spokesperson, State Minister Joseph Harmon, had subsequently said while the department would initially focus on oil and gas, it would later on take over responsibility for energy as well.

In the past months, there have been calls for Trotman to be removed from his position as Natural Resources Minister, especially when

it was discovered last year that Government had stashed US$18 million in a private account in the Central Bank, which it received from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus.

Though this discovery was made since last year, the Government has made no attempts to have the money placed into the Consolidated Fund, when the Constitution dictates that all public revenue be placed in the Consolidated Fund, with the exception being where a specific law allows for the money to be placed in a special account.

Moreover, Trotman was also criticised for his handling of the oil contracts between Government and ExxonMobil. In fact, even Government’s own adviser on petroleum, Dr Jan Mangal, had criticised Guyana’s two per cent royalty on earnings from ExxonMobil’s oil sales, which he said is low, compared to global standards.

However, at Friday’s press conference, President David Granger said that while the agreement between Guyana and Exxon will be the subject of review by the Department of Energy, there will be no question of renegotiation of the contract with the US oil giant.

“Given the circumstanc-

es at the time, I think the Government did what was in the realm of possibility. I do not want to answer in the way you may feel it should be answered, [but] given the situation at the time, I felt we did the best we could, given the circumstances,” the Head of State maintained.

Nevertheless, President Granger posited that Government will be moving forward and will ensure that it has the best advice in the future before entering into any other contracts.

Earlier this week, it was announced that ExxonMobil has made its ninth oil discovery offshore Guyana at the Hammerhead-1 well in the Stabroek Block. With Exxon schedule to commence oil production in 2020, there could be in excess of four billion barrels of oil-equivalent.

Previous discoveries on the Stabroek Block at Liza, Liza Deep, Payara, Snoek, Turbot, Ranger, Pacora and Longtail wells had led to the announcement of an estimated recoverable resource of more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels and the potential for up to five floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels producing more than 750,000 barrels per day by 2025.

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saturdAY, september 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ERC calls for inclusive celebration of Indigenous peoples' heritage month

S

eptember is known as the month set aside for the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage; and as the celebration commences, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is urging all Guyanese to partake in the festivities.

Even as the organisation extended its greetings to the Indigenous community and the wider spectrum, calls are being made to embrace the diversified culture which embodies Guyana as the monthlong observances get underway.

“During the celebrations, many aspects of the Indigenous culture and traditions will be brought to the fore in this multi-ethnic society of ours. The ERC therefore urges all Guyanese to get involved in any way possible in the planned countrywide celebrations,” the ERC has said.

The theme for this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month is: “Proud of Our Indigenous Identity, Celebrating in Unity”.

The ERC has said Heritage Month is an opportunity for fostering unity among Guyanese while upholding the tradition and culture of the Indigenous Peoples.

“The prevailing religious and cultural freedoms are attributes which make a multi-ethnic and multi-faceted country like Guyana one of the most tolerant societies in the world today, having evolved after a long history of struggle and commitment to nation building.

ERC, as it seeks to promote harmony and good relations among all, is reminding every Guyanese to make a valiant effort to remember the origins of our diverse Guyana, as we celebrate another milestone that builds bridges for our peoples.”

Heritage Month activities commenced on Friday at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, with the main attraction being the performance of the Hallelujah Group from Jawalla in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry is working to have the Heritage Village established at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown, and expects it to be grand, with more exhibitors this year than last year.

The ceremonial opening of the month’s activities is scheduled for today at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, and Heritage Village will be active from September 1-5. At that time, the cultural extravaganza is expected to last for two hours every night, starting at 19:00h.

There will be additional entertainment by other artistes, with performances from Blaze Antonio, King Harpy and the Mighty Perai.

These undertakings will culminate on September 29 with the annual Fundraising Dinner at the Mirage Banquet Hall.

Tickets costs $10,000, and all proceeds would go to enhancing the Amerindian Hostel located on Princes Street, Georgetown.

Sanitation Day observed with awareness activities

T

he Communities Ministry on Friday organised a Sanitation Awareness Day programme at its Fort Street, Kingston office as part of a flagship community awareness programme to educate communities on the importance of good sanitation practices.

Throughout the day, children of the employees were facilitated with sanitation sessions and discussions which demonstrated hand-washing techniques.

Waste separation was also one of the areas of focus, mainly in terms of composting household waste materials.

In this instance, they were briefed on the ways a compost tumbler can be utilised to store and reused biodegradable waste items which are generated from the home.

For this, the items must be separated and kept in the right manner until ready to be used.

The main objective of this exercise was to enable the children to recognise what are

A tumbler used for waste composting

some of the sanitation practices they can engage in, and the importance of doing so in their everyday activities.

Techical Advisor on Subwaste at the Ministry, Gordon Gilkes, indicated that this is in keeping with the plan to educate everyone on healthy practices to promote positive lifestyle changes.

“We want to stress on the importance of good sanitation in our day-to-day activities.

It is important that we know what good sanitation is all about, and how we can maintain good sanitation; because, with poor sanitation, there is a risk to our well-being and a risk to health issues.”

For the Sanitation Management Unit, these events will further promote the development of sustainable communities by participatory approaches to address these topics.

55 export-ready booths on board for GUYTIE 2018

O

ut of the 81 booths that will be displayed at the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GUYTIE), 55 are expected to be export-ready, seeking to secure foreign investors.

The exhibition, organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), will be held from September 19 to September 22 at the Marriott Hotel under the theme “Made Locally, Trading Globally”.

Coordinator of the

GUYTIE expo, Tameka Sukhdeo-Singh, made this revelation on Friday, and noted that the organisers are working with producers who have reached the level of producing items that are ready for exportation.

“Persons who are export-ready are the persons we’re working with for this year. But, in the future, we plan on developing persons and (bringing) them to the level where they are ready to export. We’re hoping in

the long run that the objective is to develop micro and small enterprises to get to the stage where they are export-ready and (desire) to be part of this event,” she declared.

She noted that, in the midst of the expo, there will be seminars and other activities which will be done in collaboration with the partnering agencies. This is in keeping with the plan to access and supply markets around the world. However,

World Suicide Prevention Day

POTS Guyana to host memorial walk, candlelight vigil

I

n observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana will be holding its annual memorial walk on Sunday, September 9, together with a seminar, concert and candlelight vigil on Monday, September 10, in the city of Georgetown.

The memorial walk is scheduled to begin at 06:00h at the intersection of Charlotte and Camp Streets, Georgetown; and the suicide prevention seminar will be

held at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, starting at 10:00h. The suicide prevention awareness concert, in which teenagers would specifically be targeted, would thereafter be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The day will culminate with a candlelight vigil held outside of the Sports Hall.

The memorial walk is the third of its kind to be held

by POTS Guyana. It aims at raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health issues. POTS Guyana, being a non-profit

organisation, is dedicated to reducing suicide in Guyana, presenting educational talks, and providing bereavement support services to survivors of suicide.

President of POTS Guyana, Lisa Punch, has said, “It is imperative that our young people who are despairing and having suicidal thoughts know that there is help available. All you need to do is to ask for help. We expect 100 people to turn out to the walk, as we've collaborated with mass distribution companies. These walks mean so much to the survivors of suicide.

“We expect 50 persons at the seminar, which is in collaboration with PYARG. The concert will feature our best artistes. It’s amazing to see entertainers take time out to give back to our future generation.”

Established in 2014, the NGO now has 60 volunteers.

Coordinator of the GUYTIE expo, Tameka Sukhdeo-Singh

the long-term plan is to assist with developing both macro and micro businesses across Guyana.

“Part of the training sessions that we’re working with our exhibitors are (about) achieving successive trade shows, trade show participation, export marketing, and packaging and pricing, which is an important component of exporting,” Sukhdeo-Singh said.

Presently, 30 foreign companies are registered to visit Guyana, to view local Guyanese products and establish partnerships with manufacturers by interact-

ing with the local enterprises. The countries involved include Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Haiti, India, Korea, Barbados, Suriname, Canada and Cuba.

The local participants are ExxonMobil, Massy Industries, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), GTT, and Caribbean Airlines, among others.

On the last day of the expo, September 22, the event will be open to the public, with tickets on sale for $1000 at all GTT retail outlets in Georgetown.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

Regional

US to move ahead with Mexico trade 5 Caribbean nationals charged for voting illegally pact, keep talking to Canada

C

ontentious USCanada trade talks ended on Friday with no deal to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement after the mood soured, and President Donald Trump notified Congress of his intent to sign a bilateral trade pact with Mexico.

US and Canadian trade officials set plans to resume their talks on Wednesday with the aim of getting a deal all three nations could sign. After four intensive days of talks in Washington between Canada and the United States, the biggest sticking points were familiar ones: US demands for more access to Canada’s closed dairy market and Canadian insistence that a trade dispute settlement

The flags of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. are seen on a lectern before a joint news conference on the closing of the seventh round of NAFTA talks in Mexico City, Mexico, March 5, 2018

system be maintained, not scrapped as Washington wants.

“For Canada, the focus is on getting a good deal, and once we have a good

deal for Canada, we’ll be done,” the country’s foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, told a news conference.

All three countries have

stressed the importance of NAFTA, which underpins $1.2 trillion in regional trade. A bilateral deal announced by the United States and Mexico on Monday had paved the way for Canada to rejoin the talks this week.

But by Friday the sentiment turned, partly on Trump’s explosive off-therecord remarks made to Bloomberg News that any trade deal with Canada would be “totally on our terms.” He later confirmed the comments, which the Toronto Star first reported.

Trump notified Congress that he intends to sign the trade pact by the end of November. Text of the deal will be published by around October 1. (Excerpt from Reuters)

in 2016 US Elections

F

ive Caribbean nationals are among 19 people indicted on charges of voting illegally in the November 8, 2016 elections in the United States.

They are residents of Guyana, Grenada, Haiti and The Dominican Republic.

The US Justice Department confirmed that a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina returned an indictment charging Sarah Emilia Silverio-Polanco, 35, of The Dominican Republic; Elvis David Fullerton, 54, of Grenada; and Olive Agatha Martin, 71, of Guyana, with making false claim of United States citizenship in order to register to vote, and voting by an alien.

If convicted, they face

maximum penalties of six years’ imprisonment, a US$350,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following jail time.

Dieudonne Soifils, 71, and Merius Jean, 54, both of Haiti, meantime are charged with voting by an alien. A conviction would see them facing maximum penalties of 12 months imprisonment, a US$100,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any jail term.

Another man from The Dominican Republic, 58-year-old Ramon Esteban Paez-Jerez, was separately charged and pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information charging him with passport fraud and voting by an alien. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

US Peace Corps volunteers pulled out Windrush citizens die before being returned of St Vincent after threats to safety to UK, says Jamaica Foreign Minister

T

he US Government has evacuated its Peace Corps volunteers from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) at short notice after their safety was threatened by what appears to be a modern-day equivalent of Eric Gairy’s infamous paramilitary “Mongoose Gang” in neighbouring Grenada.

According to the US embassy in Barbados, the Peace Corps volunteers were airlifted from St Vincent to Saint Lucia due to a specific safety reason, without elaborating on the precise reason.

However, a US

Government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Caribbean News Now that an influential regional government had falsely informed the government of SVG that Peace Corps personnel were in fact US intelligence agents.

As a result, a gang of thugs said to be acting under the direction of the son of SVG’s Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, vandalised Peace Corps vehicles and left threatening messages.

It is not yet known what, if any, the longer-term US response might be; howev-

er, the Peace Corps volunteers will be debriefed in detail by the FBI and other relevant agencies on their return to the US. The Peace Corps, which was established by an Executive Order issued by President John F Kennedy on March 1, 1961, is a volunteer programme. Its stated mission includes providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand American culture, and helping Americans to understand the cultures of other countries. The Peace Corps began service in SVG in 1967. (Caribbean News Now)

Barbados project in contention for IDB Superheroes of Development Award

A

project from Barbados is among four countries in the finals of the first edition of the InterAmerican Development Bank’s (IDB) Superheroes of Development Award.

The Barbados entry, ‘Empowering the Labour Force of the Future’, was the only one from the Caribbean competing for the award, which recognises the inno-

vative solutions devised and valuable lessons learned by executing agencies while implementing projects.

There were four other projects – two from Peru and one each from Colombia and Honduras – in the finals. The IDB had received 86 submissions for the contest from projects in its 26 borrowing member countries and in all areas of development. The

finalists were selected by a panel of internal and external development experts who followed four criteria: pertinence of the execution challenge described; innovation; impact of the solution, and relevance of the knowledge that can be shared with other projects.

The IDB says the Superheroes of Development Award is part of an effort to improve the performance of IDB-financed projects through systematic learning and knowledge sharing.

The innovations in the finals will be showcased during the IDB Knowledge Week, scheduled for Washington, DC, in October, when the winning team will be announced.

The IDB said it will share the stories throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, so they may contribute to ongoing projects, as well as to the preparation of new operations. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith

J

amaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith says at least three people from the Windrush generation who were wrongfully deported from the United Kingdom have died before getting the chance to return to Britain, according to The Guardian newspaper.

The Windrush generation refers to Caribbean migrants who arrived in the United Kingdom between 1948 and 1971. The UK Home Office believes at least 164 Windrush citizens caught up in the scandal

have either been incorrectly deported or detained by British authorities despite having the right to live in the UK. And the Guardian reported that in the past week, the Home Office has presented Jamaica’s Foreign Ministry with a list of 13 people detained and removed in error from the UK. British officials have asked for help in contacting the relatives of the three people believed to have died.

Johnson-Smith said authorities were finding it hard to trace relatives, and

described the situation as “heartrending”. “We have just received the information that they are dead. We have to find the families,” she told The Guardian.

British officials have informed their Jamaican counterparts that they have already made contact with eight of the surviving 10 people, and also asked for assistance in finding two other people who are believed to still be alive and living somewhere in Jamaica.

But the process of tracking people down has not been easy. Johnson-Smith said it involved members of her staff driving to areas of the island in search of people believed to have been wrongly deported.

The Home Office said once identified, the families of the three individuals wrongly deported to Jamaica who had since died would be issued with “personal apologies”.

It added officials were continuing to work with Caribbean governments and high commissioners to track down the 15 people considered to be urgent cases. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

No fallout for Caribbean in new US trade deal, says expert

T

he renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) should not have any major impact on Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and the Caribbean said Dr Anthony Gonsalves, Honorary Senior Fellow, Institute of International Relations, University of the West Indies (UWI).

“It is essentially a free trade agreement between those three countries, United States, Canada and Mexico. They are just negotiating certain terms and con-

ditions in certain sections of the agreement in the areas that the Americans think they have problems like the auto industry and the question of labour conditions.

The Americans think that they are losing jobs because the labour conditions are not strict enough in Mexico,” he told Guardian Media by phone.

The White House is finalising details of a new free trade deal with Mexico to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement – with or without Canada.

Scrapping NAFTA was one of US President Donald Trump’s central promises during his presidential campaign. He blamed the 24-year-old trade pact for decimating the US manufacturing industry and the loss of thousands of factory jobs.

Gonsalves said the only area where T&T might be remotely affected is in the area of steel. NuIron Ltd manufactures direct reduced metal in T&T for its parent company NuCor Inc headquartered in North Carolina, United States.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

17

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

US ends all funding for UN's Palestine refugee agency

Australian film-maker James Ricketson sentenced to 6 years' jail in Cambodia

UNRWA provides critical services to five million Palestinian refugees, including education and health care

ustralian film-maker James Ricketson has been found guilty of espionage in Cambodia and sentenced to six years in jail.

His family say they are devastated at his conviction and sentence, and have called on the Australian Government to pressure Cambodia to release him.

Ricketson, 69, said he had worked as a journalist and video documenter in the south-east Asian country since 1995 and was arrested in June 2017 for flying a drone at a political rally. He has been incarcerated since then, with the guilty verdict given this morning by a three-Judge panel in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

Prosecutors said Ricketson used journalism as a front for spying, citing links to former Australian Prime Minister

P

alestinian officials have sharply criticised a US decision to halt funding to the United Nations' agency assisting Palestine refugees across the Middle East, calling it a "flagrant assault" against Palestinian people.

The comments on Friday came shortly after the US government, a major ally of Israel, announced that it was stopping its funding to the United Nations Relief Works and Agency (UNRWA) after determining the organisation to be

an "irredeemably flawed operation".

The move came a week after the US announced that it was also cutting more than US$200 million in economic aid to Palestinians. Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds, reporting from Washington, DC, said the US decision was "likely to considerably worsen an already dire situation in parts of the Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza".

UNRWA was established in 1949 after 700,000

Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes

by Zionist paramilitaries in the run-up to the establishment of the state of Israel.

It currently provides services to five million Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Under the Donald Trump Administration, the US government had previously slashed its budget to UNRWA operations in the occupied Palestinian territories from US$365 million

to just US$65 million, resulting in work redundancies and a drop to part-time contracts for many of the agency's Palestinian employees and full-time staffers.

The US Government is also pushing for a reduction of the number of Palestinian refugees, from five million to 500,000, and count only those who were directly displaced from their homes seven decades ago. Consequently, millions of their descendants will be excluded. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UN 'alarmed' by reports of China's mass detention of Uighurs

T

he UN says it is alarmed by reports of the mass detention of Uighurs in China and called for the release of those held on a counter terrorism "pretext". It comes after a UN committee heard reports that up to one million Muslim Uighurs in western Xinjiang region, were held in re-education camps.

Beijing has denied the allegations but admitted

that some religious extremists were being held for re-education.

China blames Islamist militants and separatists for unrest in the region.

During a review earlier this month, members of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said credible reports suggested Beijing had "turned the Uighur autonomous region into some-

thing that resembles a massive internment camp".

China responded that Uighurs enjoyed full rights but Beijing made a rare admission that "those deceived by religious extremism... shall be assisted by resettlement and re-education".

Human rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have submit-

T

Briton jailed for life over plot to kill PM May

(Excerpt from BBC News)

The torrential rains destroyed tens of thousands of homes, ruined crops and washed away roads and bridges

six billion rupees (US$84.6 million) in assistance to the state, far less than the 20 billion rupees (US$282 million) it requested.

Much to the dismay of state officials, the Government has also rejected offers of foreign aid from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Around 50,000 people are still living in over 300 camps across the state. More than four million jobs have been impacted by the floods so far, while 3.3 million jobs are currently "in jeopardy", according to a recent report by financial research firm Care Ratings.

Both the agriculture and tourism sectors have been badly affected.

Guardian)

ted reports to the UN committee documenting claims of mass imprisonment, in camps where inmates are forced to swear loyalty to China's President Xi Jinping.

The World Uyghur Congress said in its report that detainees are held indefinitely without charge, and forced to shout Communist Party slogans.

Kerala authorities estimate rebuilding after flood will cost US$3B

he cost to rebuild Kerala following the severe flooding that hit the southern Indian state will exceed US$3.7 billion, authorities said.

Almost 500 people were killed and a million left homeless after the worst floods in a century hit the coastal state in May. The torrential rains destroyed tens of thousands of homes, ruined crops and washed away roads and bridges.

At the state assembly on Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the economic losses would exceed US$3.73 billlion.

Earlier this month, the central government announced it would provide

A

Malcolm Turnbull and the Cambodian National Rescue party (CNRP).

The CNRP was Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s party’s (CPP) main political Opposition until it was dissolved last November.

The prosecution also accused Ricketson of treason, saying he planned to overthrow Hun and illegally give information to foreign governments.

Prosecutors did not name the states he was alleged to have colluded with despite Ricketson repeatedly asking them to do so during his trial.

Ricketson, who made films about poverty and financially supported poor Cambodians he befriended, called the spy claims “fanciful and ludicrous”. (Excerpt from The

Kerala's backwaters, a pretty network of lakes, rivers and canals stretching almost half the length of the state, draw millions of tourists every year.

Industry members now say there have been more than 80 per cent cancellations of tourist bookings over the past few months. Almost a week after the floodwaters receded, authorities have also turned their attention to the health risks posed by stagnant water in flooded neighbourhoods, which can aid the spread of diseases like cholera.

On Thursday, India's Central Ministry of Health said cases of leptospirosis, acute diarrhoea and dengue are increasing. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May addresses a joint news conference with Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya August 30, 2018

A

British man was sentenced to life in prison on Friday over a plot to kill Prime Minister Theresa May by first detonating an explosive device to get into her Downing Street office and then using a knife or a gun to attack her.

Naa’imur Rahman, 21, of north London, planned to detonate an improvised explosive device at the heavily guarded gates of Downing Street and gain access to May’s office in the ensuing chaos and assassinate her, according to police.

He was convicted last month of preparing to commit acts of terrorism and at London’s Old Bailey court on Friday was given a life prison and will serve 30 years behind bars.

As he put the plot together, Rahman believed he was corresponding online with members of the Islamic State (IS) militant group. However, he was ac-

tually talking to undercover officers from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Britain’s MI5 domestic spy agency.

He was arrested last November shortly after unwittingly meeting an undercover Police Officer and collecting what he believed was a homemade bomb but was in fact a harmless replica.

After his conviction in July, police said Rahman had been in contact with an uncle who had travelled to Syria and joined IS and who had encouraged his nephew to carry out attacks in Britain.

Rahman had been planning to carry out the attack for two years but his resolve was hardened when he heard that his uncle had been killed in a drone attack.

Britain is on its second highest threat level with an attack considered highly likely. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

ARCHIE

A reality check will do you good. Mull over past (March 21- events and your feelings April 19) about what’s transpired between you and a friend, peer or loved one. Consider how to best make amends.

ARIES

The changes you make TAURUS now will stabilize your life. Be (April 20- true to your beliefs and don’t May 20) argue over issues that are non-negotiable. Do your own thing and stick to your principles.

dilbert

Don’t feel you must share GEMINI personal information. Someone (May 21will try to interfere with your June 20) plans if you are accommodating. Protect your assets, secrets and possessions from anyone prying into your affairs.

What you do for others will bring you satisfaction.

(June 21- The suggestions you make July 22) and the role you play will encourage the people around you to strive for perfection.

CANCER

Peanuts

Keep a lookout for anyLEO one trying to impress you or (July 23- talk you into something that Aug. 22) you probably shouldn’t do.

Indulgent behavior will not be easily forgotten or forgiven.

Try something new. A VIRGO change of plans will turn out (Aug. 23to be extremely entertaining Sept. 22) and will give you a new lease on life. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t get wrapped up in LIBRA (Sept. 23- someone else’s negativity. Be positive and seek out people ofOct. 23)

fering stimulating conversation and suggestions that can enrich your life. Romance and personal improvement are encouraged.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD - CRYOGENIC (CRYOGENIC: kry-uh-JEN-ik: Of or relating to low temperatures.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Average mark 30 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 52 or more words in CRYOGENIC? The list will be published Monday.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — WITHERS weir west whet whir whist whit white whiter wire wise wiser

wish wisher with withe wrest wriest wrist writ write writhe their

theirs thew this threw tier tire tries heir hers hire rest

rise rite shier shire shirt shrew sire site stew stir strew

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

Travel, visit friends or SCORPIO relatives and take part in ac(Oct. 24tivities that require stamiNov. 22) na. A good workout or physical challenge will ease your stress and boost your morale.

solution for last published puzzle

Discuss matters of concern. You’ll be more successful if you can put unfinished business to rest before moving forward. Speak up, but don’t make assumptions or overreact. Ask questions.

You’ll have a chance to CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- make some money. Buying Jan. 19) and selling, making upgrades to your living space and settling pending problems should be priorities.

Before you decide to do AQUARIUS something, get the facts.

(Jan. 20- Indulgent behavior will lead Feb. 19) to a bigger problem. Consider the influence someone has on you and if it’s healthy or toxic.

You have more options PISCES (Feb. 20- than you realize. A close March 20) friend or relative will offer you sound advice. Consider a joint venture with someone whose skills complement yours. A financial gain looks promising.

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

19

GFF/IMC Pele Alumni Frank Watson U15…

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Defending champs tackle 5 matches in-form Gayle and company on today

Darren Bravo

D

efending Hero CPL champs Trinbago Knight Riders run into a desperate outfit called the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots as they ring in the month of September with a highly-anticipated encounter at Warner Park when match 23 bowls off from

20:00h on Saturday night.

The Patriots hold a 42run win over TKR, having beaten the champs a few matches back, but apart from the top-performers in that game: Devon Thomas who won MVP, Ali Khan, Colin Munro and others, it remains a mystery as to

who will feature in any of the sides come this return match.

Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis looked dangerous for the Patriots in the last game, despite losing to the Jamaica Tallawahs. Gayle has been in form since the tournament began, and while he has made just one big score to date, the ‘Universe Boss’ could continue his pinch-hitting form; while Lewis would quickly need to pick up the pace.

The Patriots look a gelled side despite a mixed tournament, with all-rounder Ben Cutting, wicket-keeper Thomas, Carlos Brathwaite, Anton Devcich and Tom Cooper all being among the runs. Cutting, Thomas and Devcich have been especially good with finding the boundaries, and would want to up their scoring come this evening.

TKR will have no worries, except that of Australian Chris Lynn. The Aussie power-hitter has misfired terribly, but the champs could still put their trust in the opener. With Sunil Narine

"The Proving Ground" set for September 22

A

Chris Gayle

being an X-factor, Munro, Brendon McCullum and Darren Bravo will want to continue their immaculate batting form, setting up the match for Captain Dwayne Bravo, Javon Searles and other lower-order hitters.

Narine, Searles, USA pacer Khan, the golden boy Kharry Pierre and Bravo will make up the bowlers to date who have been on show, while a possible team change or bowling change could be likely.

Gayle’s bowlers have

been spot on, with left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell, Cutting, Brathwaite and Alzarri Joseph their main weapons of pace this season. Their spin department could see Hayden Walsh Jr, Devcich and possibly Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah accounting for the slow options.

The Patriots are in 4th place with 7 points, while TKR are currently in second position with 8 points, tied with the third place Guyana Amazon Warriors.

ction in the GFAIMC leg of the Pele Alumni Frank Watson U15 tournament continued on Thursday last with a triple header at the Tucville Ground, Georgetown with wins for East Riumveldt, Black Pearl and Masters Academy FC. The kickoff, which began at approximately 11:30hrs, saw the first match heading East Riumveldt’s way, with a goal each by Akeem Adams in the 20th minute and Brandon Solomon in the 33rd minute. Pele didn’t give up, though, scoring a second-half goal by Keron Dazzel in the 52nd minute.

The second match saw a lone goal from Black Pearl’s Arron Latchminarine in the 45th minute sealing the match against Beacon’s FC, while it was the same result for Master’s FC, with a goal from Ezekiel Goppy in the 12th minute against Tavel Foundation wrapping up the day’s fixtures.

The action continues today at the GNS Ground from 9:30 hrs, with five matches on the cards. Tavel Foundation meets East Riumveldt, Black Pearl faces Santos, Beacon takes on Pele, Masters oppose Riddim squad and Beacon clashes with the Conquerors.

Limacol KO Football Tournament…

Police begin title defence with victory

T

T

The cast that signed on to star in the "Young Guns – The Proving Ground" card with GBBC President Peter Abdool (seated centre)

he Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) is expected to come alive on September 22 when professional boxing makes a return there with a five-fight card called 'Young Guns… The Proving Ground’.

The date is set for Joel Williamson (light welterweight) and Delon Charles (featherweight) to make their professional debuts to add to the huge list of the other fighters that also have less than a handful of fights to their record.

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, promises this to be the start of resuscitating the sport locally. He said, “It is an opportunity for the Guyanese public to have a look at that talent that is here. We are very much hoping that it fills the vacuum of our young fighters sufficiently that it allows us to put it on a regular basis, so that our fighters can be active.

Hopefully, the activity will help in terms of the trickle-down effect of helping to resuscitate

our gyms, trainers, and people who depend on sport.”

The card also provides an opportunity for young promoters. Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques will be partnering with the GBBC to promote the card.

The GBBC-organised event, which starts at 20:00hrs, became official on Friday when the ten fighters signed their respective contracts.

Admission costs $1000 for stands, while $2000 is charged for ringside.

he action in the third annual Limacol knockout Football tournament got underway on Thursday evening with a clash between Pele Football club and Northern Rangers at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Prior to the game, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (GPC) Company Secretary Zulfikar Ali greeted both teams and took the honors of having the kick off.

Minutes later the playing field was a buzz of activity with both teams looking to draw first blood in the competition.

Northern Rangers soon found a reward for their impeccable playing with a goal from Stephan Reynolds. The remainder of the first half went by quietly.

Looking to equalize, Pele stepped up their tempo. A foul inside the box meant that the predominantly young team would have their opportunity.

The goal was sealed by Mervyn Liverpool.

Try as they may, both teams could not one up the other, having to settle for a draw in their first game.

The second matchup of the night saw Police FC handing down a trashing on the Mahaica Determinators. It was taunting goals for the Police team with Cordell Haywood scoring.

Mahaica was lucky enough to net a goal but it was not enough to compare to Mahaica's three.

The action will continue on Monday, September 3 with a double header from 18:00hrs that will see Pouderoyen take on Beacon then Northern Rangers face off with Police at 20:00hrs. A total of twelve teams are competition for a grand prize of $200,000.

20 Yadram elated over finishing U-19 career with title GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

By Clifton Ross

T

he team returned home Thursday afternoon and was greeted by Director of Sports Christopher Jones along with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie, among other crick-

hard cricket coming from the 3-Day. We didn’t have a good 3-Day tournament so I told the fellows to just relax and play hard cricket and that brought us our success”, the Captain said.

Regarding their misfortunes in the longer format, Yadram briefly gave his

Bhaskar Yadram

et board staff and media.

Yadram, the West Indies U-19 all-rounder during his remarks said that despite not retaining their 3-Day title, it was motivation and faith which enabled the young team to claim their 5th consecutive 50-Overs title after beating hosts Windward Islands in the finals.

“First of all I want to thank the almighty for giving us the health and strength to go out and play

thoughts on what was the reason behind their woes prior to winning the title. “I think it was a lack of concentration and self-confidence in our batsmen. But we have good bowlers and we went out they bowled well and that came off well for us”.

From a more personal perspective, the 18 year-old who turns 19 on September 18, said the win was more emotional that celebratory, as like him, most of his na-

Guyana U19 team

tional and Windies teammates like Ashmead Nedd and Joshua Persaud will be calling curtains on their U19 careers and now look to transit in to the senior fold.

Adding to the fact that his returns with the bat was below is usual high aggregate, the right-hander admitted that he was a bit

down on confidence and was regretful about not making significant contributions as a senior batsman.

“From the staring I was a bit worried coming into the last year of my U19 career, so I wanted to get something big for myself and for my country. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way and the coaches said to me that’s

how the game goes, but i still thought I should have gotten a big score” Yadram confessed.

Another sentimental moment for the Guyanese skipper was that the win etched the country’s name in the Regional 50-Overs history books, after they won the title five straight years. Yadram said the oc-

casion was momentous for the entire team but for him now it’s about pushing onwards with his career.

“This title win was special because it’s our 5th straight year winning the title. For most of us, this is our last year playing U19 so it was emotional ending my career but I just need to move on now”, He ended.

Windies B battle in Summerfest T20 today GFA leads GFF pre-season transfer window…

the list A

total of 73 transfers was facilitated during the pre-season transfer period, including 11 by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

The transfer period ended on July 31 with all 73 of them seeking transfers to Elite Clubs.

During the period, the highest number of transfers was recorded by the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) with 30 transfers; followed by the Berbice Football Association with 15; Upper Demerara Football Association with 9; West Demerara Football Association with 4; East Demerara Football Association with 2, and one each by the East Bank Football Association and the Rupununi Football Association respectively.

Fruta Conquerors Football Club received the highest number of transfers, with 12 players; followed by Milerock

FC with 11; Cougars with 10; Western Tigers FC and New Amsterdam FC with eight players each; Den Amstel FC with 07; Ann’s Grove United FC with 05; Victoria Kings with 04; Buxton United FC and GDF FC with three players each; and Campton FC and GFC with one player each respectively.

The next transfer window is scheduled to last from January 1 - 31, 2019.

W

est Indies B and Canada will begin their campaign against each other today in the 2018 inaugural Summerfest T20 tournament at Maple Leaf Ground King City, Toronto.

After their resounding showing at the recently concluded Global T20 Canada, the West Indians no doubt will be looking to continue from where they left off by being the beaten finalists at the aforementioned facility.

The round-robin format will see the four participating teams in action today from 11:00hrs when Toronto Bears tackle Canada A while at 15:00hrs, West Indies B and Canada senior boys will commence their clash.

The competition continues on Sunday with two more matches while on Monday, Labour Day in Canada, the final round will be played.

Windies will then continue their tour of Canada with two 50-over games against the Canadian National Side also at King City on September 5 and 7.

Head Coach of the

Head Coach Esuan Crandon

Windies side, Esuan Crandon, said that he was extremely excited to be given the opportunity to coach the team at this tournament.

According to the former Guyana fast-bowler Crandon, the team will obviously get a great chance to showcase their talent on another foreign soil.

“I’m very happy and elated of the opportunity given to me to coach the team not only me [but] the young players as well. So I’m looking forward to a

very exciting tournament with some exciting players in the squad,” stated the 36-year-old Crandon, who appeared in 38 first-class matches for his country.

Crandon’s compatriot Anthony Bramble is the skipper of the team which included a nucleus of the players that represented the West Indies side in the Global T20 Canada. The national wicketkeeper/batsman Bramble skippered the team to five impressive victories out of their seven encounters.

Meanwhile, former Guyana youth cricketer Dillon Heyliger is very delighted with his selection in the Canadian side for this tournament. Heyliger is the lone Guyanese in the squad which is expected to use it as part of their preparations for next month’s ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the USA. Heyliger was also in the thick of things at the Global T20 Canada representing Montreal Tigers. However, the Tigers did not make it to the play-off stage but Heyliger said he would definitely use that experience

Anthony Bramble

to make an impression.

In addition to the Guyanese players on show, former Guyana and West Indies all-rounder Royston Crandon is leading the Toronto Bears. Crandon has been playing professionally in Canada for Vikings this season in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association limited-over tournament. His teammate Raj Nannan is also included. Nannan plays for Vikings too, he represented Guyana at the youth level several years ago.

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Smith mimics Afridi, Irfan attains near-perfect figures F

rom the USA, the action moved back to the Caribbean this past week, and there was movement on the CPL points table as lower-ranked teams picked up wins, higher-ranked teams succumbed to losses, and a 7-foot-1 bowler achieved near perfection. These are the highlights of the week gone by.

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21

CPL week three round-up…

Tallawahs brush away their American nightmare The Central Broward Cricket Stadium in Florida was meant to be Tallawahs' home ground, but there was no such home advantage served up to Andre Russell's men as they succumbed to Steven Smith's heroics against Barbados Tridents to finish their 'home' stint with a disastrous 0-3 record. Big-hitters Rovman Powell and Russell did not face a single delivery as Tallawahs failed to chase a modest target of 157 despite losing only three wickets.

Their fortunes, however, improved as soon as they left the USA, when they picked up consecutive victories against St Lucia Stars and Barbados Tridents in Gros Islet and Bridgetown to move to the top of the CPL points table. However, they've played two games more than second-placed Trinbago Knight Riders. Lessons learnt from the Tridents defeat in Florida have forced the Tallawahs to push Russell and Powell higher up the order with the latter smashing a 37ball 64 and a 27-ball 35 at No. 4 since the move.

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sports

that St woodenalive

Lucia Stars - last year's spoon holders - are still in the competition. They started off with a fourgame losing streak, but an inspired show from their captain Kieron Pollard keeps them in the hunt for the semi-final spot.

They looked like their old selves against Amazon Warriors, losing their way in a chase of 141 in Gros Islet, but Pollard's 18ball 41 - including a 30-run over off compatriot Devendra Bishoo - earned them an important two points. A 21ru n defeat at the hands o f Ta l l a w a h s followed, but with two games left against fourth- and fifthplaced Patriots and Tridents to follow, the Stars would look to finish strong and secure their first semifinal spot since 2016.

Batsman of the week It came in a losing cause, but Martin Guptill's 60-ball 73 for Tridents against Tallawahs takes the prize for the week's best batting performance. With no one in the Tridents top-six reaching double figures, Guptill held the fort as he hit four fours and three sixes to propel his team to a respectable total. It would've been a match-winning performance had it not been for Johnson Charles' 33ball 53 in the Tallawahs chase.

Bowler of the week 4-3-1-2. It's a bowling performance that's unlikely to be repeated any time soon, as Tridents' Mohammad Irfan delivered 23 dot balls in a row, before eventually conceding a run off his final delivery to finish with the most economical T20 bowling figures of all time. Like Guptill's fifty, it came in a losing cause against Patriots on Saturday, but Irfan toyed with the opposition batsmen in a spell of bowling that comes once in a lifetime.

Irfan bowled four overs on the trot, dismissing the dangerous pair of Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis in his first two overs, before the middle-order batsmen simply failed to get bat to ball for most of the last two overs. Nothing worked for the Patriots, up until the final delivery of Irfan's spell, when a Brandon King mishit to mid-off spoiled Irfan's chance of achieving bowling nirvana.

Smith, Warner watch Over the past week, Steven Smith began bowling for his team and produced spells of 2 for 19 and 1 for 4 against Tallawahs and Knight Riders, after remodeling his action after Shahid Afridi's. In fact, his 2 for 19, coupled with a match-winning 63, earned him his second Man-of-the-Match award of the season against Tallawahs, in a game where he was dismissed under bizarre circumstances - out hit-wicket and caught at long-on off the same delivery, while trying to accelerate towards the end of the innings.

David Warner, the Stars opener, didn't convert two excellent starts with the bat this past week - falling for 23 and 42 against Amazon Warriors and Tallawahs - but provided the early impetus that his team needed on both occasions. He looked more assured after a string of single-digit scores to start the CPL season, but has still not produced a match-winning performance so far.

Jungle Prince wins 1 mile open at Budhun’s Memorial Turf Club

J

ungle Prince registered his first win in a feature event at the Budhun’s Memorial Sports Complex horse race meet on Sunday.

The days saw six races being staged.

The feature event at the Budhun’s Memorial Sports Complex of Number 66 Village Corentyne which was an L Class race was over a distance of one mile and had a top prize of $200,000.

Jungle Prince of the Krishna Ramsaywack Stables with Jockey Motilall on board made light work of the packed field to win from Angel Eyes, Awesome Cash and Strike again.

In other races Royal Blaze ridden by Ajai won the Group Two race with Royal, Joy Boy and Easy Control finishing in that order.

The two-year-old Guyana bread event over a six furlong distance was won by Set the Flame with Jockey Richmond. The second place went to Manahar ahead of Handsome Drift and Another Decision. The winning prize was $50,000.

Krishna Ramsaywack receiving the ANSA McAL trophy after Jungle Prince won the L Class event

Jockey Blake piloted De Rock to win the Group Three event with County Girl, Strike Again and Royal bring up the rears. Also among the nine horses to hit the starting gate was Country Boy. Meanwhile, Rock Boy with Takurdyal won the

Group One event. MR Majestic, Evolution and Pinkey followed while the L Class for maidens was won

by Red Weasel with Jockey Vishal on board. The second place went to Physical Distance beating Something Special into third place.

Weasel was fourth.

The meeting had one unfortunate incident when Jockey Colin Ross was thrown off of Great Sacrifice in the Group three race. The animal broke its leg which resulted in the Jockey pitching off.

The owners were forced to but the animal to rest.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

Windies to host England for biggest tour since 2009 occasion for cricket fans and we are pulling out all the stops for a successful series on and off the field. West Indies fans create a unique spectator atmosphere and not only do England fans add to this, they bring in a significant tourism boost to the region as thousands will travel here to enjoy the

that have invested their resources as they have shown that they “recognize the economic impact the tour will have on their respective countries.”

Commercial and Marketing Director, Dominic Warne says “We know how exciting this International Home Series

operators catering to different audiences with different packages and a range of ticket prices to meet every fan’s needs.”

Meanwhile, online ticket sales to the public will start on 1st of November through both www.

WINDIEScricket.com and exclusive WINDIES ticket-

will be for both WINDIES and England fans. Matches against England bring the heart and soul of West Indies cricket to life. So, we have chosen a broad range of official WINDIES tour

ing partner ww.Kyazoonga.com/WestIndies. Official Windies tour operators will provide a broad range of packages for overseas visitors with their tour sales starting from August 31.

West Indies and England will resume battle in the Caribbean after a long time

E

ngland and the West Indies will create history on January 11, 2019 when they travel to the Caribbean to bowl off the two nations biggest International Home Series, a 2-month tour since 2009.

The English’s mega tour of the Caribbean comprising three Test matches, five ODIs and three T20Is, will be played in five of the region’s top tourist destinations, with the tour starting in Barbados and ending in St. Kitts.

Windies nations; Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia will host the three match Test Series; Barbados, Grenada and St Lucia will share the ODIs; while St. Lucia and St. Kitts

will host the T20Is. This will be a special tour for several reasons, with the recently announced ICC Future Tours Programme for 20192023; this will be the last three-format England Tour to the Caribbean for the foreseeable future.

There is incredible history between the two teams stretching back over 90 years. The teams will, once again, contest the Wisden Trophy, having previously played 154 Tests, with the WINDIES ahead with 55 wins to England’s 48 and with 51 drawn.

The last series on West Indies’ soil ended in a 1-1 draw, with England retaining the trophy and despite the Caribbean side’s bounce back victory at Headingly

in 2017, with the 5-wicket win inspired by Shai Hope scoring centuries in both innings (147 and 118 not out), England still won the series 2-1.

In ODIs, the West Indies seek to reverse a 12-year series losing streak against England, the current #1 ranked team in ODI cricket, as preparations build towards the 2019 ICC World Cup. For the T20Is, the Windies, as current ICC World T20 champions, aim to build on recent victories against England.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Johnny Grave underlines the importance of the Series for the Windies and for the region’s economy. “England coming to the region is always a special

Wiltshire 2-day Domino tournament starts tomorrow

T

Tournament Organiser Mark "Jumbie" Wiltshire (left) receiving the sponsorship from All Seasons Racing Service staffer Shunile Haniff

urning Point Sports Club and Dynasty Sports Bar will be buzzing with activity when Senior Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Domino Association, Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, stages a two-day competition -- commencing tomorrow and concluding Monday -- at the two above mentioned venues respectively.

The event, being sponsored by All Seasons Racing Service on Robb Street, will see over $200,000 in cash

prizes and trophies up for grabs.

The winning team will take home $130,000; runner-up $60,000, and third place $20,000. According to Wiltshire, all prizes are guaranteed.

The tournament will be run on a points system, with the winning team in each round allotted five points, while second and third placed finishers will receive three points and one point respectively.

Teams are expected

from Bartica, Essequibo Coast, Linden, Berbice and Demerara; and double-six time is 14:30hrs.

According to Wiltshire entrance fee is $12,000 per team, and interested teams can contact him on tele#6655855 for more information.

Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day, while all Guyana National Domino Federation rules will be in effect.

Each team is asked to walk with a pack of dominoes.

Shai Hope celebrates a hundred

cricket and experience the unique Caribbean culture and hospitality.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dave Cameron has expressed thanks to the Governments

BCB/New York Business Group Under-19…

Semis unravel over the weekend F

our top Berbice cricket clubs will be seeking to gain a place in the 2018 Berbice Cricket Board-organised New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament over the weekend.

The two semifinals will see Albion Community Centre Cricket Club clashing with Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club at the Cotton Tree Cricket Ground on Saturday, while defending champions Rose Hall Town Pepsi take on Tucber Park Cricket Club on Sunday at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Albion’s effort will depend on National left arm spinner Kevin Umraow, Karram Arjpaul, Antonio February, Ramesh Kassinauth, Sarwan Chaitnarine and Beesham Surujnarine; while National Under-19 all-rounder Javed Karim will be playing for Blairmont, together with the likes of Nigel Deodat, Seon Glasgow, Marvin Prashad and Antonio Alexander.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi, the pre-tour-

nament favourite, has a powerful batting and bowling line up, which includes National Junior Cricketers Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, along with Berbice players Keith Simpson and Chanderpaul Govindan.

However, Tucber Park is no pushover, with players like Garfield Benjamin, Gevon Schultz, Brandon Corlette, Leon Swamy, Steve Deonarine, Dilshan Mc Donald, Nichol Heywood and Abdul Ramsammy. A fight is definitely expected!

Meanwhile, the BCB will create history with the two-day finals scheduled for the 7th and 8th September, 2018 being played under lights with pink balls being used. Play on each day is scheduled to start at 13:30hours and end at 20:30 hours.

The Winner of the tournament would receive $100,000; the runner-up $50,000, both accompanied by a trophy; while the Man of the Match award for the final is also up for grabs.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, september 1, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Warriors dominate hapless Tridents C

hadwick Walton and Luke Ronchi finally showed up to the biggest Party in the cricket when they helped steer the Guyana Amazon Warriors to an 8-wicket redemption victory over the Barbados Tridents on Friday evening when the Hero Caribbean

Meanwhile, the Tridents have been condemned to their fourth straight home loss and still sit at the bottom of the points table with four points.

The chase went all Guyana’s way, starting with Ronchi and Walton putting up the highest opening part-

nership of the tournament of 96 before it was broken on the first ball of the 10th over

by Ashley Nurse.

Walton slammed 43 from 34 balls, picking up five boundaries in the process. This meant the arrival of Shimron Hetmyer with Warriors needing 70 for vic-

Shai Hope is run out as Luke Ronchi knocks the match between the Warriors and Tridents

rific piece of fielding from Steve Smith. He cracked three sixes and a four in his 20-ball stay.

Cameron Delport (14*) and Ronchi (67*) were able to comfortably bring home the win for Guyana after that. Ronchi was eventually adjudged man-of-the-match for his entertaining 40-ball innings in which he pummeled five fours and three sixes.

Earlier in the night, the Tridents had a subtle start but lost Martin Guptil (8) cheaply with the score on 19 as Sohail Tanvir struck in the third over. Dwayne Smith blasted a quick-fire 28 but held out to Hetmyer on the deep square leg

Sohail Tanveer (centre) celebrates with teammates

Premier League continued in Barbados.

Playing at the Kensington Oval, the Warriors turned the tables and were able to secure a win on the host’s turf, a fitting comeback to the defeat suffered at the hands of the Tridents in Guyana, earlier in the season.

Warriors won the toss and gave the home side the opportunity to bat first. They posted 165-7 in their innings but it proved a cake-walk for the visitors who reach 167-2 with 3.2 overs to spare.

This win has taken Guyana to 10 points and the top of the league once again, alongside Jamaica who are second with a lower Net Run Rate (NRR).

SCOREBOARD Barbados Tridents Innings (20 overs maximum) DR Smith c Hetmyer b Primus 28 MJ Guptill c Green b Sohail Tanvir 8 HM Amla c Permaul b Primus 2 SPD Smith c Green b Sohail Tanvir 40 SD Hope run out (Primus/†Ronchi) 34 N Pooran † c Hetmyer b Imran Tahir 46 JO Holder (c) c Green b Imran Tahir 1 AR Nurse not out 0 Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 8.25) 165-7 Did not bat: Wahab Riaz, CK Holder, Mohammad Irfan Fall of wickets: 1-19 (MJ Guptill, 2.5 ov), 2-39 (DR Smith, 5.2 ov), 3-39 (HM Amla, 5.3 ov), 4-89 (SD Hope, 12.1 ov), 5-160 (SPD Smith, 18.5 ov), 6-165 (N Pooran, 19.4 ov), 7-165 (JO Holder, 19.6 ov) BOWLING: Sohail Tanvir (4-0-

28-2), V Permaul (3-0-33-0), RR Emrit (4-0-37-0), RS Primus (3-0-30-2), Imran Tahir (4-021-2), CJ Green (2-0-14-0) Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings (target: 166 runs from 20 overs) CAK Walton c SPD Smith b Nurse 43 L Ronchi † not out 67 SO Hetmyer c SPD Smith b Wahab Riaz 30 CS Delport not out 14 Extras (lb 1, w 13) 14 TOTAL (16.4 Overs, RR: 10.08) 168-2 Yet to bat: JN Mohammed, RS Primus, CJ Green, RR Emrit (c), V Permaul, Imran Tahir, Sohail Tanvir Fall of wickets: 1-96 (CAK Walton, 9.1 ov), 2-146 (SO Hetmyer, 14.4 ov) BOWLING: Mohammad Irfan (3.4-0-29-0), CK Holder (3-0-320), JO Holder (3-0-40-0), Wahab Riaz (3-0-26-1), AR Nurse (30-28-1), DR Smith (1-0-12-0)

Steve Smith

tory from 65 balls.

The brilliant young talent took just a few balls to settle and regain his confidence prior to him commencing work. He blasted Mohammad Irfan into the long on boundary, reminiscent of the first match and continued the onslaught off Nurse, dragging the equation down to 44 from 53 balls.

Ronchi reached the 50run landmark from just 26 deliveries and was able to play a bit more freely with Hetmyer accelerating the scoring rate at the other end.

Needing 20 from 33, Hetmyer (30) brought to an end to what could have been an easily unbeaten innings when he was caught on the long on boundary by a ter-

boundary off the bowling of Roshon Primus.

Suddenly, Guyana had some fire in the attack after Primus removed Hashim Amla (2) the next ball, but the middle order was able to take charge and stage the recovery from 39 – 3, three balls into the sixth over.

It was much of the same from Steve Smith and Shai Hope in the middle as they asserted themselves with well calculated shots and good communication between the wickets. Hope took 24 deliveries to pile 34 onto the score before being run out by a brilliant piece of work by Primus and the keeper Ronchi. Tridents were 89 – 4.

Nicholas Pooran finally stepped up to the plate an unloaded a fantastic display of shots. Smith and Pooran featured in a 71run partnership up until the Australian departed for 40 with the score on 160.

Five runs later, Pooran’s 27ball innings came to an end thanks to Imran Tahir who picked up his first wicket.

Jason Holder faced two deliveries then became Tahir’s second wicket in the final over as the Tridents fell about 15 runs short of their projected total.

Tahir, Tanvir and Primus each finished with three wickets for the Warriors.

SATURdAY, september 1, 2018

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

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Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Warriors dominate hapless Tridents

Page 23

Defending champs tackle in-form Gayle and company

Page 19

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