Guyana Times Epaper - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

President P13 memorialises 195th Demerara Revolt anniversary Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Issue No. 3662

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Teachers get ready to shut down schools

Page 9

Put political differences aside, help refugees – Region 1 P10 Chairman

Policeman charged P8 for stealing gun, ammo $120M road slashing contract

Workers call in Police over nonpayment P12

– Union pushes for mass protest LGE 2018

PPP accuses Govt of blatant acts of gerrymandering

Page 3

…says new NDCs, reduced constituencies a major concern

Ex-Police arrested for threatening to shoot wife Page 2

Page 7

Former P10 chemist found dead in bed

City Hall employees protest non-payment of NIS, PAYE Page 3

…Labour Union threatens to close markets, daycare centres, kokers

Govt announces $20 minibus fare increase

Region 6 has capacity to be self-sufficient, feed entire nation – P14 Chairman

2 news

tuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ex-Police arrested for threatening to shoot wife

Cadet Officer Frenz Paul

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hree months after charges were dropped against former Cadet Officer Frenz Paul for shooting 15-year-old Alex Griffith during a game of Russian roulette over four years ago, he is back in hot water after he allegedly threatened to

shoot his wife with an unlicensed firearm.

Based on reports received, the ex-Police was arrested on Monday morning

by Police ranks attached to the Ruimveldt Police Station after his reputed wife made a report against him.

A source told Guyana Times that Paul cocked the gun and placed it to the woman’s head during an argument in the wee hours of Monday.

Upon making the report, a team of Police ranks went to the couple’s Second Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown home and conducted a search during which a .32 pistol with 13 live rounds were found with a single bullet in the breech.

The officer was subsequently held at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he sought medical attention for an injured right hand. He told investigators that during the fracas, he struck the hand to a concrete wall. He also reportedly admitted ownership of the il-

The gun and ammunition that was handed over to the Police by the suspect

legal firearm with ammunition.

The suspect is presently awaiting decision of his re-instatement following the discharging of the charges with regards to the shooting of the teen. That decision rests solely with the Police Service

Commission, the Police Force stated in a release to the media.

It was reported that on April 30, 2014, the teenager was at a friend’s home when a sister of the ex-Policeman was robbed just outside the house. Soon after, several

Police ranks appeared at his East La Penitence Squatting area home to question him on the identities of the robbers.

During the interrogation, Paul and the then 15-year-old teen had a scuffle during which Griffith allegedly attempted to relieve the Policeman of his weapon. It was then a shot was fired, and the young man was struck.

The injured teen was placed into a Police van and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The matter was reported and Paul was placed under close arrest. He was subsequently charged.

Those charges were later discharged.

Meanwhile, with the present issue at hand, investigations are ongoing.

City Hall employees protest non-payment of NIS, PAYE …Labour Union threatens to close markets, daycare centres, kokers

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he Guyana Labour Union (GLU), which represents close to 200 staffers of the Mayor& Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC), has threatened to close the day care centres, markets, and even the kokers until City Hall remits the NIS contributions, PAYE deductions, and credit union dues withdrawn from the earnings of these workers but not paid over to the relevant agencies.

The workers took to the pavement in from of City Hall on Monday to protest the actions of the M&CC Accounts Department.

Shouting, “No pay no work!” the workers also demanded retroactive salaries owed them for the years 2015 to 2017, even as they also protested the non-allocation of uniform vouchers due them.

“The guys them are out here for their salary and

(their) three-year money; the NIS (money), the Credit Union, and them kind of thing. Them ain’t paying the money, so when people sick, they can’t go for nothing.

The people sayin, ‘Go back to Council’, cause Council not payin the money,” a worker in the drainage and engineering department told this publication.

He added that the nonpayment of the workers’ salaries is becoming very frustrating, especially at this time of year, when parents are expected to buy school supplies for their children.

Recardo Grant, another worker, said the workers have been promised that deductions made from their salaries would accordingly be remitted to the relevant agencies, but this has not been happening.

“No NIS money have been paying for we, (and) no

A section of the protesters outside of City Hall on Monday

back pay… They only promising we…is long this man (King) deh pun this thing.

We can’t eat promises; I can’t carry promises to the market,” Grant stated.

Grant said City Hall owes some $100,000 in various payments to him.

Nigel Bascom, who operates in the Solid Waste Department, complained,

“This is injustice going on with us for the longest while.

I working here for 10 years now and you ain’t getting nothing tangible; everything is just promises, promises,

and nothing in coming out of it. They got a policy saying that workers is the most important asset, and this that they doing in showing nothing like that,” he declared. According to the man, his retroactive pay was due since September 2017. He told Guyana Times that of 27 months’ salary, the M&CC currently owes him and other workers about 13 to 15 months.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of GLU, Carvil Duncan, explained to this publication that the union wrote to M&CC twice during this year, while detailing the issues that are affecting the workers. The letters seen by this newspaper were dated August 14 and July 9, 2018.

They were both addressed to Town Clerk Royston King, who reportedly never responded.

Turn to page 14

news

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TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 21 – a night retraction at 01:30h and a day retraction from 13:3015:00h and Wednesday, August 22 – a night retraction at 02:30h and a day retraction from 14:30-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, August 21 – 13:10h-14:40h and Wednesday, August 22 – 14:05h-15:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Winds: South-easterly to Easterly and East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 12:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.10 metres.

Low Tide: 06:21h and 18:48h reaching minimum heights of 1.04 metres and 1.12 metres respectively.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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monDAY, AUGUST 20, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

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

LGE 2018

PPP accuses Govt of blatant acts of gerrymandering

…says new NDCs, reduced constituencies a major concern

W

ith the time for Local Government Elections (LGE) fast approaching, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has raised concerns in relation to possible gerrymandering by Government.

The Party said it is concerned over the recent decision to declare Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) a new town and add a number of new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in several areas.

PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha told a media conference on Monday that these issues were raised with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Mustapha said the PPP has also raised the issue of reduced constituencies in some areas, believing it might be a ploy by the coalition Government to have a stronger showing at LGE. Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan announced plans to have the number of constituencies reduced from 16 to 14 in existing Local Government Areas (LAAs).

This makes them the subject of re-designation with proposed redemarcation by GECOM, giving the coalition Administration an electoral advantage at the upcoming LGE. “Having closely examined the specific constituencies which have been reduced and which will now have to absorb or merged into other Constituencies in these LAAs,” he said.

Mustapha said the PPP is of the firm opinion that the proposed changes, as reflected in the Ministerial Order, would give an electoral advantage to the governing party.

Recently, Bulkan announced the creation of one new township and eight new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils – an increase of nine LAAs, bringing the total LAAs to 80.

By doing this, the PPP has asserted that the Minister has failed to observe the constitutional provisions enshrined in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution.

This mandate “providing increasing opportunities for the participation of the citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State.”

In addition, Mustapha also stressed that no consultations have been done prior to the changes, nor has the Minister made a move to provide reasons for his reduction of the LAAs. This is even though some two months has elapsed since the change was made.

The media was also informed that a meeting was held with the PPP and the Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, on July 30, 2018, to address some concerns the party has.

In their list of approxi-

PPP Executive Gail Teixeira

mately 13 observations and concerns, the Opposition noted that GECOM has not informed them as to what the specific re-demarcations in the constituencies are.

“This is causing serious delays in commencing and finalising the identification of candidates for the 2018 LGE as the geographic identity of the proposed constituents remains unknown.”

In addition, the PPP had informed Lowenfield of the need for security markers to be placed on all requisite forms to be used as part of the process for the upcoming November 12 LGE. The Party said it strongly believes this would help to safeguard the integrity of the process.

However, the Opposition expressed astonishment having learned that the GECOM Commissioners, appointed by the People’s National Congress (PNC), vehemently opposed this suggestion.

“This has obviously raised concerns causing the PPP to question whether forms with-

out any security mark are being used by the APNU operatives from the 2016 elections,” the Party added.

The PPP has also asserted that it remains convinced that these developments point to gerrymandering of the boundaries of the constituencies in 14 LAAs and the attempt to increase the APNU’s balance of votes through the creation of 10 new LAAs. “Unfortunately, after the LGE, many of these new LAAs will be severely challenged to be sustainable due to the small size of the population and limited resources available,” they said.

The Party also posited that the “Government is clearly unconcerned about the post-election consequences to these communities and are focused on their overriding objective to ensure they aren’t slaughtered in the 2018 LGE as they were in the 2016 LGE.” Mustapha said it might be an attempt to interfere with the electoral process, but the PPP is ready to do battle.

PPP Executive Gail Teixeira said while the party is not contemplating any move to the court at this time over the issue, it is an opportuni-

PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha

ty for the GECOM to “pull its socks up.”

She said the PPP is very prepared for the upcoming elections and she is convinced that the Party will once again have a strong showing at the local polls, point out that in the 2016 elections.

She is hoping that the matters being raised by her party will be addressed soon

by GECOM. The PPP captured more than 60 per cent of the local democratic organs at the last LGE. It won seven of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils at that very last election.

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guyanatimesgy.com

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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

Young mothers

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he world has changed and the social dynamics have degraded alarmingly, with the juvenile population paying a heavy price. Fallout of the low threshold of the moral levels of current day society includes the high statistics on incidents of teenage pregnancy.

Often, when a school-aged girl falls prey to the raging libido of adolescence and becomes pregnant as a result, both expectant mother and child are shunned by peers, school authorities, society in general, and sometimes even their own families; and this consequently spells poverty and the direst future for mother and child. However, awareness of the plight of these misled young girls is gaining momentum, and constructs are being put in place to facilitate their empowerment, to enable a good life and a future of promise for mother and child, with education being the key component.

Some years ago, the then PPP/C Administration initiated a programme whereby pregnant teenage girls were reintegrated into the school system. The Government’s project was supported by the United States Embassy, which donated a quantity of baby and hygiene kits to 20 teenage mothers who had been allowed and facilitated by the Ministry of Education to continue their academic studies.

The assistance -- which included diapers, blankets, bonnets, socks, soaps and towels -- was in support of the Ministry of Education’s programme to afford school-aged victims of teenage pregnancy an opportunity to continue their secondary education.

The students were placed at the schools they last attended. However, if they indicated discomfort, they were placed at another school of their choice.

Those above 16 who did not desire to continue academic studies were enrolled at the Adult Education Association, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, or the Sophia Training Centre.

Young expectant mothers came to the attention of the Schools’ Welfare Department following the officers of that department undertaking outreach visits to health clinics, schools and communities.

Girls were interviewed to assess their education level as well as to ascertain what plans they had for their future as parents.

Parents of the young mothers were also interviewed in an effort to make the initiative a holistic rehabilitative effort, with educational sessions done with the teenage expectant mothers with the focus on empowering them to have a future that provided financial security for both mother and child.

These sessions covered several areas, including life skills, building self-esteem, literacy and numeracy, parenting and child care, skills training, stress and anger management, and basic Information Technology.

The objective of the programme was to identify the needs of the targeted individuals; collect, collate and disseminate information on their experiences; empower them to perform their roles as parents; and provide services to enhance and support their well-being.

These efforts were aimed at helping the young mothers to adjust to their new roles as parents.

A representative of the Ministry of Education said the Government had recognised that drastic changes in people’s lifestyles over the past three decades precipitated such occurrences in the social dynamics, and the programme to re-integrate teenage mothers in schools was one of the measures it had taken to ensure a progressive society for the vulnerable.

The Ministry official averred that education is a basic human right, and a child who had become pregnant at 14 should not lose that right.

Head teachers were encouraged to develop a sense of appreciation for teenage parents, as some are victims of broken homes and various other unfortunate circumstances.

According to the Ministry official, the findings of a research done countrywide on the subject revealed that teen mothers have an interest in continuing their education, but need various forms of intervention and support to succeed in this area. These include an education environment that respects and understands their situation.

It is wise to introduce counselling sessions into the school system to prevent such occurrences as teenage pregnancy, because the cost in dislocated lives of families and the young mothers themselves is too high.

An interpretive dance number performed by members of the National Dance Company at the commemoration ceremony for the 1823 Demerara Revolt on Monday at Atlantic Avenue, Georgetown (Dexter Ceres photo)

Give teachers their due

Dear Editor, WPA is dismayed by the inability of the Government to arrive at an amicable settlement of the wage issue with the Guyana Teachers Union. What is even more frightening is the Government’s apparent indifference to the threat of industrial action by the teachers. Rather than trying harder to arrive at an agreement, the Ministry of Education, according to reports, appears to be more concerned with hiring scab labour to counter the teachers’ threat. This insensitivity towards the teachers’ reasonable demands is at odds with President Granger’s strident education activism and advocacy for increased and improved access to quality education by our children.

WPA stands with the

teachers in their just demands for a living wage, and in their civil right to take legitimate action in pursuit of those demands.

Both the right to a living wage and the right to strike are sacred rights for which successive generations of Guyanese fought and died.

WPA takes a dim view of any Government that seeks to violate those rights, and urges the leadership of the Coalition Government to avoid that course of action.

This Government must, at all cost, prevent a collision with teachers; it is not good for the country or for the image of the administration.

It is no secret that a central aspect of our deteriorating public education system is the state of the teaching profession. Compared to many countries in our region, Guyanese teachers are

very poorly paid. According to most informed observers, this has in turn negatively affected both the morale and the quality of work of the teachers. It stands to reason, therefore, that any improvement of our education outcomes must be partly premised on improving the quality of instruction in the classrooms.

It is in that spirit that WPA unequivocally supports the teachers’ demands for increased wages. We see this as an indispensable incentive for improved teacher instruction. Improving the wage package for teachers creates the conditions for Government to better hold the teachers accountable for improved practice and better outcomes. Better wages for teachers will not automatically turn around the performances of students;

much more needs to be done.

But if teachers are better compensated, the opportunities for more commitment by teachers would be enhanced.

From the political angle, WPA feels the Government is committing political suicide by picking a fight with teachers, most of whom voted for the Coalition. It is bad politics to alienate your supporters on a matter that could be easily solved. We therefore urge the Government to give the teachers their due. It would be an economic boost for teachers, and that would have direct and indirect impacts on the state of education, while ensuring that a key electoral bloc is not alienated.

Sincerely, Working People’s Alliance

Abel continues to embarrass coalition Govt

Dear Editor, The Regional Agriculture and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) was officially launched on August 18th, 2018, and it was a resounding success, except for the rant and rave by an APNU/ AFC Councillor from Region 5, Mr Abel Seetaram, who came with one intention: to curse everyone except the Regional Chairman.

He claimed that he was sent by the Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, to carry out that mission.

I saw him following the Prime Minister’s Representative, Mr Gobin Harbhajan, as soon as he exited the stage, and Mr

Seetaram could be heard hurling insults at him. He accused Mr Harbhajan of highlighting corruption, and attacked Mr Gladwin Abdulla, claiming that they do that because they ‘can’t get money they go public’ and are not part of the ‘game’, so they want ‘name’. He claimed that Mr Ramjattan told him that as well.

If Mr Seetaram’s allegation about the Minister of Public Security is correct, then the Minister should resign immediately, since he is no better than his friend Abel.

This APNU/AFC Councillor made disparaging remarks of several oth-

er persons in full view of the Regional Chairman, the REO, and the media personnel. It is beyond my wildest imagination that this convicted felon is allowed to continue to embarrass this Coalition Government.

He should be removed as a Councillor immediately, and be dismissed from his job as a Community Development Officer.

Mr Seetaram has a history of wrongdoings and criminal activities ranging from alleged fraud to indecent exposure, to verbal abuse, to driving under the influence of alcohol, to reckless driving, to damage to property and to felonious wounding.

He was convicted and sen-

tenced for felonious wounding, but is out on bail to continue his nefarious activities.

The Prime Minister did the right and honourable thing when he dismissed him as his Representative in Region 5. As a member of the APNU, I am calling on my Government to get rid of this ticking time bomb.

We should not allow this RDC Councillor to continue on his journey of ignominy, brining disrepute to this Government.

Yours sincerely, Raj Lakhram Councillor, #52/74 NDC

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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

Support Guyana’s participation in Silk Belt Road Initiative Dear Editor, I compliment the Chinese on their longstanding support of Guyana, and I believe the Government’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China within the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative is the dawn of a progressive new era of relations between the two nations.

It is clear to me that Guyana needs to develop its infrastructure, especially roads and bridges that link the mineral-rich areas with the city, and we simply do not have the funds, expertise and experience to do this alone. It is good that Guyana can turn to a powerful friend like China to get help with key national development projects.

What I like about China

is that their support for Guyana has been consistent throughout the years, and has spanned many Government administrations. Space does not permit me to cover all their positive interventions, but off the top of my head, I can recall the valuable contributions of Chinese medical brigades to our health sector, and several donations of much-needed equipment to hospitals.

I remember in 2013 China gave Guyana US$8.16 million in grant aid. That is a lot of money, and it has grown since then. I also recall, with respect and gratitude, how they helped us to acquire marine vessels for plying the Essequibo River between Parika and Supenaam. They also assisted with the construction of the Guyana International Conference Centre, and

funded multiple scholarships and training and capacity-building in a wide variety of areas.

Furthermore, they provided millions of dollars in equipment and vehicles for the Guyana Police Force.

That is why I extend blessings and praises to the Chinese for making Guyana a partner in the billion-dollar Silk Road Initiative. I am pleased that the first funds are earmarked to upgrade the road from Linden to Lethem, which is often in a deplorable condition, with maintenance costs running into tens of millions of dollars annually.

It makes good sense to me that, instead of constantly spending this kind of money in a losing battle to keep the road in good order, Guyana may be able to get funding to fix and strength-

en the road by activating a solid relationship with China that is based on over four decades of goodwill and cooperation between our nations.

Some countries are saying that partnering with China in the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative has left them up to their ears in debt. I do not see Guyana going along that route. My advice to Government is: instead of taking out loans, try to utilise the Build, Operate, Own and Transfer (BOOT) system for this project with China, and give the Chinese a 20-year reprieve on taxes.

This would mean we would not become saddled with debt. After a few decades, the road will be transferred to the Government and people of Guyana. If we play our cards right, we will have millions of dollars in

oil wealth pouring in, so by then we would be able to afford the maintenance costs.

By giving my support to this project, I am not saying we should just accept any offer we get from the international donor community of powerful nations, who have their own agendas. I am saying that with our upcoming oil revenue, we will have greater capacity to meet our repayment commitments for essential development projects, so we can go after more external funding. We don’t know what the future holds, so we have to be cautious, but I believe that we can be optimistic about the returns from signing the Silk Belt Road Initiative with China.

I believe that, concerning deals with international partners, we have learned a lot from tough lessons in the recent past to be able to as-

sess and monitor a new project of this nature.

I feel a sense of pride to know that Guyana, the first country in South America and the first Englishspeaking Caribbean country, is to sign such a treaty with China, because it shows that we have insight and vision. I believe both nations realise that it is in their interest to make this venture a showpiece for the world, and Guyana should press for funding of other important projects under this initiative.

Kudos to Guyana and China for maintaining their mutually beneficial relationship, and securing the basis of an exciting way forward for the well-being of both nations.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

Improving conditions in the city

Dear Editor, As the city of Georgetown celebrates its 175th Anniversary, greetings are extended to the Mayor, City Councillors, and general staff.

We are all aware of ongoing challenges faced by the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown

(M&CC), but that is not the focus of this writing.

What I would like to suggest are two probabilities for relief to the Council, particularly by entities which have outstanding rates and other forms of indebtedness to the Council. Of course, what I’m about to suggest would require structured manage-

ment and accountability to avert possible abuse or corruption.

The M&CC’s massive cleanup in observance of this special anniversary began last week with parapets being weeded, the clearing of vegetation from drains, and desilting of canals within some wards and exten-

Proper investigation needed into Uitvlugt factory incident Dear Editor, I fully support the call by Sookram Persaud for a proper investigation of the recent accident at the Uitvlugt Sugar Cane Factory.

Editor, the very next day after the accident, many people could be heard saying that the industry is being sabotaged by this present administration, and whilst evidence might be available, not everything must be taken as truth. From what I've gathered, a manager went against the wishes and advice of the junior employees and personally increased the speed, causing the damages, because the machine is an old machine and cannot operate to its full capacity. It's like forcing a Morris Oxford to drive at the same speed as a Ferrari.

Now, according to the Guyana Times, some $18 million in canes are spoilt, even though the factory restarted operating on Sunday night/Monday morning. It's too late! With the estimated damages at the factory and the spoilt canes, my calculation is around $30 million has gone down the drain. All is not lost, the spoilt canes could be used to make molasses for sale, so some sort of money can be recovered, but it still cannot cushion the losses due to negligence.

So, in all fairness, I'm urging a proper investigation by the relevant authorities, and that preventative steps be taken to prevent future disasters.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

sions of the city. However, the waste materials from these exercises were left piled on the sides of some roads. As I write, this is the current situation along Dennis Street and some sections of Pattensen and South Turkeyen.

My suggestion is for Council to consider having those defaulting tax payers, particularly businesses, assist in the removal of the piled refuge under some sort of bartered arrangement.

Some of these businesses, while lamenting their in-

ability to pay outstanding taxes, may have the resources or alternate means to support the Council.

Another observation is the absence of signs reflecting road names in several sections of the city. Some roads have lost their initial name signs over the years, while others seem to have never been officially named.

Some rate-indebted businesses could be approached to stand the cost of placing or replacing road name signs. They could also subscribe to adopt certain un-

kempt streets by providing maintenance, under council’s supervision and assessment, as a deductible in lieu of owed taxes.

Such an approach would improve aesthetics in extensions of the city, reduce disposal and maintenance costs to the M&CC, and offset their bad debts.

We must find ways, whether established or innovative, to improve conditions in this city.

Yours faithfully, Orette Cutting

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Foundation

I

n this activity, you’ll build a cuíca (“kwee-ka”), a musical instrument that originated in Africa but which is commonly played during Carnival festivities in Brazil.

By Carl E Pickhardt, PhD

A

fter other communication and correction have been unconvincing, parents may sometimes choose to use an object lesson to teach what repeated words have failed to convey to get an adolescent to cease some stubborn misbehaviour.

An object lesson is a staged experience to show a young person what it’s like to be on the receiving end of some misbehavior or mistreatment in hopes of discouraging the young person from doing it again. “By breaking my promise to you, now you know what it feels like when you break a promise to me!”

Ouch! Object lessons can hurt because that is their intent.

Object lessons turn the Golden Rule – treat others as you wish to be treated – on its head for the Getting Back At Rule – treat others as you don’t want them to keep treating you. Parents use deliberate mistreatment in hopes of correcting mistreatment they are receiving.

From my limited counselling experience, I have seen parental object lessons do more harm than good. They often miscarry when the injury they inflict and the example they set only make the teenager more determined to continue behaviour the parent wanted stopped.

This is why, before considering an object lesson, parents might want to suggest it first: “Suppose I were to take your things without asking; how would that feel for you?”

Sometimes just considering the possibility will drive the parental point home for the teenager.

And for sure, after having a given an object lesson, have adequate discussion to debrief the experience to make sure that the lesson intended was what the young person interpreted. “I can see why my refusing to answer your texts got you worried when you started refusing to answer mine.”

There are a number of drawbacks to object lessons, Consider a few.

The parents place themselves on the

adolescent’s misbehaving level.

The parents deliberately injure the teenager’s feelings.

The parents carry on behaviour they want the teenager to stop The parents sacrifice positive leadership through negative modelling The parents’ negative behaviour may inspire more negative behaviour This is a very tricky kind of corrective to use without incurring some cost that may or may not be worth the expense.

Consider two examples of object lessons in response to adolescent lying. The first one worked out badly (received as a mean act of retaliation); the second worked out better. (as a painful but profitable instructional lesson.) Both were a gamble.

The first example: When told an outright lie by her hitherto truthful adolescent in order to get some forbidden freedom, the parent feels truly heartbroken. “You broke something incredibly precious with me when you lied to me – something I thought I could always count on – trust in your word.

To show you how badly I’ve been hurt by your dishonesty and how much lying can hurt and so you’ll never do it again, I broke something very precious for you – one of your prized possessions! There! See how painful that feels? Well, that shows how badly your lying hurts me! Now you know not to lie to me again!”

In the parent’s mind, this object lesson was meant to be truly corrective. But in the resentful teenager’s mind, the angry parent has only inflicted unjustifiable and unforgivable harm.

The second example I mentioned in my 2007 book, “The Connected Father.”

Seeing a 10-year-old only child beginning to venture down an early adolescent path of small deceits to see what freedom dishonesty could get away with, the parent at a workshop gave an object lesson. The purpose of the corrective was to teach the daughter what words had failed to convey – that even small lies, what she dismissed as “just fibs”, were not okay.

Operating principle So, one day the parent said to the daughter: “Just so you know, sometime in the next two weeks I’m going to tell you a really big lie.” “You wouldn’t lie to me,” replied the girl. “You don’t believe in lying, you’ve told me so.” “Nonetheless,” answered the parent, “in the next two weeks I’m going to tell you a lie.” So the daughter watched, waited, wondered, and worried. “Permission to go overnight this weekend, is that the lie?” she wanted to know. “No, that’s not the lie,” reassured the parent. Later, the daughter asks: “Being allowed to get the CD with what I’ve worked to earn, is that the lie?” “No,” says the parent, “you earned the money.”

“Being able to take dance lessons, is that it, is that the lie?” Now the daughter was feeling frantic to know. “No,” says the parent, “that’s not the lie.” And finally the two weeks were up. “Where’s the lie?” asked the daughter.

“You promised I could expect a lie!” “That’s right,” said the parent. “That was the lie.

That’s how it feels to be lied to.” And from that simple object lesson, the precocious only child at age ten learned a life lesson from her parent about the emotional power of being on the receiving end of lies. “We had a good discussion after it was over when I told her how hard it felt being in a false position with her when the operating principle between us was, and still is, speaking truth.”

In general, I believe that parental object lessons are usually not worth the risks.

Modelling positive behaviour they would like the teenager to follow works better in the long run, and is less likely to misfire, than modelling negative behaviour they want the adolescent to stop. At least try other correctives first: like sincere communication about why the issue matters, or persuasive reasoning, or making continued parental services contingent on reform, or temporarily taking away a freedom until compliance is restored.

If you decide to use an object lesson, proceed with care. When taken as an act of parents getting even, an object lesson can generate a lot of adolescent ill-will. (psychologytoday.com)

You will need An empty metal can (such as a coffee can) with a plastic lid – any size will work; in fact, different-sized cans will make different sounds Can opener Electrical or duct tape A small nail Bamboo skewer String Scissors Hot-glue gun and glue sticks A small square of cotton cloth (for example, material from an old T-shirt) moistened with a little water **CAUTION**: Please have an adult assist you. Be careful of sharp edges! Be sure to tape the edges of metal cans and properly dispose of lids to avoid any nasty cuts.

Assembly Remove the plastic lid from the coffee can and set it aside. Using a can opener, cut out the bottom of the can to make an open cylinder. Use tape to cover any sharp edges.

Set the can aside.

Use the nail to poke a small hole in the middle of the can’s plastic lid. The hole should be just large enough for your bamboo skewer to fit through, but not so large that the skewer can slip through easily.

Push the skewer through the hole in the lid so that a little bit (about 1/2 inch or 1.25 centimetres) is sticking out the top (click to enlarge diagram).

Cut two pieces of string a few inches (several centimetres) long. Knot one piece just above the plastic lid, and one just below it. Secure the knots in place with hot glue to keep the skewer from slipping through the lid, then cut off the pointy end of the skewer.

Fit the skewer-and-lid assembly back on the can. The lid should fit tightly. If it doesn’t, you may want to add a few drops of hot glue to keep it attached.

To do and notice To play your cuíca, take the moistened cotton cloth in your hand, reach in through the open end of the instrument, and rub the cloth up and down along the long end of the bamboo skewer.

Depending on how hard and fast you rub the skewer, you can make everything from low-pitched croaks to highpitched squeaks and squeals. Try pressing gently in different places on the plastic lid to see if it changes the sound.

What else can you do to make it sound different?

What’s going on?

Sound is a travelling vibration. When you strike a drum, for example, the drum starts to vibrate. These vibrations push and pull on the surrounding air, causing the air to vibrate. The vibrations travel through the air to reach your ear, where they cause a thin membrane – your eardrum – to vibrate. If the rate of vibration is within a certain range – from 20 to 20,000 vibrations per second – then you hear a sound.

When you rub the bamboo skewer of your cuíca with a wet cloth, the cloth sticks and slides rhythmically along the length of the skewer, creating the vibrations you hear.

Although the vibrations begin in the bamboo skewer, the skewer isn’t the only thing vibrating.

As you play the cuíca, its metalc a n body and plastic-lid top are a l s o vibrating. In addition, the open space inside the can acts like the inside of a drum, creating an air pocket in which sounds can vibrate and build.

In most instruments, there’s a part that generates sound and a larger hollow space that amplifies it. (Excerpt from exploratorium.edu)

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tuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt announces $20 minibus fare increase

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eginning September, passengers will be required to pay an additional $20 to minibus operators, who ply their trade in the various routes.

This was announced on Monday by the Business Ministry, which noted that the decision stemmed from a recent meeting held with the Minibus Association.

According to the Business Ministry, a new fare structure will be made available to minibus drivers, who will then be responsible for displaying same in their buses.

In addition to this, the two parties have noted that plans are also ahead to establish a code of conduct for bus drivers in light of several reports.

The President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews, said during an interview with this publication that he is satisfied with the Ministry’s decision to implement a $20 increase. He said, “It might not be a lot, but we are satisfied.”

In relation to the code of conduct for bus drivers, Andrews informed that the

Ministry is currently in talks with the Union to have the operators trained so as to be able to up their game in the area of hospitality.

Block maker found with gaping wound to the head

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block maker was in the wee hours of Monday morning found lying a short distance away from his East Bank Demerara (EBD) home with gaping wounds to his head and face.

Munir Amin of Lot 51 First Street, Garden of Eden, EBD, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

According to reports, the injured 31-year-old man was discovered lying in a pool of blood at about 03:30h by a villager, who in turn alerted his parents.

His father, Noel Seu told Guyana Times that his son left home at about 17:00h to attend a wedding at Hope, EBD and at about 03:30h, he was informed that the young man was lying on the roadway in an unconscious state.

Without hesitation, the father stated that he picked up his son and rushed him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was treated and transferred to the GPHC. The father explained that when he received the news,

Injured: Munir Amin

he rushed to the scene only to see a gaping wound to his son’s head, with his eyes bulging out. At that time, he could not say if his son was attacked and beaten or if he was a victim of a hit-and-run accident.

Further, Seu noted that his son was at the wedding since his friend confirmed this. When asked if he had an issue with anyone at the wedding, the father in distress stated that his son would often walk away from

trouble.

“He is not someone who would start a fight and at the same time, he is not someone who will stay when a fight is going on… He has a lot of friends and he is a peaceful chap,” the father stated.

The man explained that a report was lodged at the Grove Police Station and is hopeful that a thorough investigation is conducted.

“The people that live next to where they find meh son, got cameras on them house.

So when I leave the hospital this afternoon (Monday), I will stop at the Grove Police Station and tell them so that they can go collect it and see what really happen to meh son,” the man added.

He farther explained that his son underwent a CTScan after which he was taken to theater for emergency surgery. The young man resides at his parents’ home at Garden of Eden.

Meanwhile, the Police in a release to the media revealed they are investigating the incident.

Moreover, he said that uniformity is on the list of things to be addressed.

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 driv-

ers.

Although the call for a fare increase came at a time where fuel prices were constantly escalating, Andrews had noted that the call for the additional money was not only due to the fuel prices, but several other issues.

Because of this, the Union’s President said even if the fuel prices lower, he would not be willing to drop the transportation costs.

“We are saying that, Yes, there are increases in many other things. We are not basing our argument on fuel, because we don’t control that in this country,” he said.

“We did not really like the idea of the new tyres be-

cause they only lasting like six months, and they’re very expensive. We want to look at the tyres. There were a lot of 100 per cent increases in the last budget; you know, Interest Tax, licence, everything; (so we want to know) how they’re going to be able to help us. If they could reduce certain things, it would ease (the strain on persons), because we are more concerned that the consumer doesn’t have to carry this load,” the UMU head explained.

Guyana Times understands that the Union had initially requested $20 for short drop bus drivers and $40 for drivers who traverse the longer routes.

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TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Policeman charged for stealing gun, ammo

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olice Constable Cornell Paul of Lot 2434 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo was on Monday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a simple larceny charge alleging that on February 3, 2018, he stole a .38 special revolver valued at $165,000; a special revolver holster valued at $60,000, and six rounds of .38 ammunition valued at $40,750; all to a total value of $275,750, the property of the Guyana Police Force.

The 21-year-old, who is attached to the Brickdam Police Station’s Impact Base, denied the charge; and in a bail application, his legal counsel, Attorney-atlaw Paul Fung-A-Fat, said

Police Constable Cornell Paul leaving court on Monday

his client, who was the driver of the Impact Base vehicle on February 3, 2018, had gone to the vehicle which was parked in the compound of the Brickdam Police Station, but had reportedly forgotten the keys to the vehicle at his desk. He allegedly left the

firearm on the vehicle and went back to the office to uplift the keys; and on returning, he noticed that the firearm was missing.

Fung-A-Fat said his client then went to the officer in charge at the time and informed her of what had

transpired. The lawyer added that his client never left the station compound after reporting the loss of the firearm; and neither the gun, holster, or any of the missing rounds was ever found.

Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers had no objection to Paul being placed on bail, and same was set at $150,000.

As a condition for bail, Paul was ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station on a weekly basis until completion of the matter.

The Chief Magistrate had placed Paul on $200,000 bail, but he informed the court that he could not accumulate that sum, thus the bail was reduced to $150,000. The case will continue on August 24.

Landscapist jailed for escaping from Police custody

...tells court he needed to go home to see his wife, children

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andscapist Wazim Pereira of Lot 111 North Sophia, Georgetown was on Monday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge of escaping from lawful custody.

The 27-year-old admitted that on August 19, 2018, while being in lawful custody at the Kitty Police Station pending a criminal charge, he escaped therefrom.

In admitting to the charge, the father of two told the court that on the day in ques-

tion he was given $10,000 by a passerby who is known to him. He related that he gave the said amount to the officer in charge of the station at the time in order for him to be released on station bail.

“I give de big belly officer the 10 gran and she loose the handcuff and tell me to go.

She tek me 10 gran; I ain’t lying! All I want you do for me, Your Worship, is to assist me and see what you can do. I will accept and bless whatever small sentence,” the man told the court.

After listening to Pereira’s explanation, Magistrate Latchman entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and remanded him to prison. However, he told the Magistrate, “Your Worship, me ain’t want all of that (referring to the adjournment).

I want a small sentence, and I’m going be happy with that.”

When Magistrate Latchman asked Pereira why he escaped from the lock-up, he simply replied, “I needed to see my children; my wife

and my children”.

According to the prosecution's case, on August 19 at about 05:20h, the accused asked the Police officer to use the washroom, and when she took off the handcuffs from his hands, he pushed her to the ground and ran out of the station.

An alarm was raised, and the suspect was subsequently rearrested and charged.

After considering an early mitigation plea, the magistrate sentenced Pereira to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Attempted murder of husband

Kwakwani woman to go to trial

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amantha Henry of Potville, Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), who has been charged for the attempted murder of her reputed Hemant Deonarine on July 12 last, is expected to take to the stand to repeat the statement she had given to the Police following the incident.

This course of action was recommended by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after the file had been sent there for further advice.

This matter will continue on August 24.

Recap

Samantha Henry faces an allegation of attempt-

ing to murder 39-year-old Deonarine, having reportedly slashed his neck with a broken bottle during a heated argument at their home at Potville, Kwakwani, on July 12 last.

Henry was not required to plead to the indictable charge before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court on July 20, and was remanded, but

has this month been placed on $50,000 bail by the same magistrate.

According to the Prosecution’s case, the accused and the victim lived together and have four children. On the day of the incident, they were reportedly consuming alcohol at their home, along with a relative who was visiting.

The trio were reportedly intoxicated when Henry reportedly accused Deonarine of having an intimate relationship with that relative. A heated argument ensued between Henry and Deonarine, and it reportedly ended up in their bedroom. The sound of a bottle being broken was reportedly heard, and Deonarine exited the bedroom bleeding profusely from a wound on the left side of his neck.

Neighbours summoned the Police, and responding officers rushed Deonarine to the Kwakwani Public Hospital, where he reportedly became unconscious. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was admitted a patient.

The accused was arrested and escorted to the Kwakwani Police Station, where she was told of the allegation and placed in custody.

She allegedly admitted under caution that she had slashed her reputed husband with a broken bottle; and she said it was because she had seen him hugging her sister.

Moving…

A

…up the PNC ladder? fter a marathon counting exercise of just 828 votes, which took almost 8 hours, Volda Lawrence was elected Chairman of the PNC/R. While it may seem your Eyewitness is a “male chauvinist pig” for calling Ms Volda a “Chairman”, he’s only going by the designation in the PNC’s Constitution. Maybe Lawrence, as the first female Chairman, can initiate steps to make the position more gender neutral.

Obviously, even though the Constitution was revised in 2009, it doesn’t appear up to then that a woman might become “chairman”.

But what exactly does the Chairman do, to generate such a spirited fight for the position? Under Rule 20, “FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN”, the PNC Constitution declares a bit sketchily: (1) “The Chairman shall preside over, and be responsible for, the conduct of the meetings of Congress, General Council and Central Executive Committee, and may (be assigned) other duties by the Central Executive Committee. (2) The Chairman shall also represent the Leader on such occasions and at such functions as the Leader may direct.”

That doesn’t seem to warrant any big sturm and drang, does it? But it all becomes clear when one looks at Rule 19 (1), which stipulates: “If the office of Leader becomes vacant due to death, incapacity, resignation or other circumstance, the Chairman shall assume the functions of the Leader for the time being.” With Granger just reminding us he’s seventythree (remember him giving away 73 bicycles for his last birthday?)…biblical-minded persons like Volda in the PNC would know he’s now exceeded his “three score and ten” allotment.

But the PNC elections were interesting for other reasons than whether Granger might be kicking the bucket anytime soon – and thus raising the question of succession. There was the stinging rebuff of Attorney General Basil Williams, who received a measly 183 votes as opposed to 346 for Lawrence and 287 for Joe Harmon! Williams had used his bully pulpit to flaunt his “bully” credentials, which he obviously thought made his a “real” PNCite.

Was Lawrence’s trouncing of him suggesting her less confrontational approach was more acceptable to the delegates? They remembered her implicit reprimand to “I is” Broomes’s Basil Williams-like bullyism?

Personally, your Eyewitness had placed his bets on Joe Harmon, who appears to be quite a pragmatic fella – a useful quality in a fractured society like Guyana! But he was “double-banked”!!

However, at long last women -- always the backbone of the PNC -- are insisting on some recognition for their critical party work. The first Vice-Chairman was also a woman – who trounced old-time, rough-and-tumble PNCite Aubrey Norton.

Sadly, the male leader remains constitutionally paramount over all!! Next time? …to Florida Your Eyewitness saw Andre Russel express frustration over the Tallawahs “home games” scheduled in Florida. He complained it felt like playing in Guyana!!

But with 300,000 Jamaicans in South Florida, why not bring them out to the ball game??

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

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TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Planned strike

Teachers get ready to shut down schools – Union pushes for mass protest

The Guyana Teachers' Union, Woolford Avenue headquarters was packed to capacity where many teachers called for mass protests (Shemuel Fanfair photo)

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

eachers on Monday expressed great frustration over their current wages and are demanding that union members let their voices be heard on the streets come September 3; the day public schools are scheduled to reopen. This call was made at a meeting held at the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) headquarters in Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, where Union executives reiterated their position that the August 27 strike action remains in place. Members heard that teachers on the Essequibo Coast, Region

Ministry’s education officials will go out and do their regular follow-up exercises,” one male teacher remarked during the meeting with hundreds of teachers on Monday.

“Are we going to turn up to school and not teach or is there a place that we can go and picket and say what we have to say and come out in our numbers and be heard,” another queried of her colleagues.

As the session continued, a female shouted that her fellow teachers should gather on the school opening date: “I want us to get our placards and decide where are going and go!” she ex-

Mark Lyte, surrounded by executives, held on to the 40 per cent increase teachers are asking for and said Government’s $700 million ball-park figure would account for 2018 only. He said too that the GTU wants a 2016-2020 deal which comes despite Government’s position that it could only give what it can afford.

“We have not heard from the President, but we are still hoping to hear from [him] because he said, ‘I’m going to put a task force together’... the task force recommended on top of the 2015 salary, 40 per cent; not any ball-park figure,” the union President expressed.

Operational Procedure (SoP), which speaks to measures Government would implement if teachers are absent, such as temporary workers to fill the gaps.

However, one union representative, Stacy Benjamin questioned if such a move would be practical since teachers would often dive into their own pockets to fund classroom materials and towards meals for those who are in need.

Some of the teachers while supporting the strike, expressed fear of victimisation and salary cuts but Lyte later on told reporters that he was set to meet with an attorney in this regard as the union seeks to solidify its legal standing. On teacher suggested that the union files a High Court injunction to prevent Government from cutting salaries as they have a “right to strike”.

A popular teacher, “Sir Mars”, in exuberant and vo-

ciferous fashion, said he is prepared to “go to the end” to advocate for the teachers’ cause. Mars concurred with Government coalition partner, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) when it said last week that the Administration going against teachers was tantalum to “political suicide”.

Another teacher asked what would happen if the matter goes to arbitration, but the Union representatives pointed out that if this stage is not successful, the matter will be taken to a tribunal. Former Education Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey told Guyana Times on Saturday that the GTU should request arbitration to help bring the matter to a possible conclusion.

Government and the GTU have been talking for three years but those talks broke down last week.

Lyte had noted that the GTU outright rejected

Government’s request for teachers to agree to a debunching payoff of $200 million for 2018/19. He said the Union similarly rejected the $700 million cap that was placed on salary increases; Government also wants the clothing allowance to remains at $8000, a figure which Lyte said was given in 2011. He said too that for Whitley Council Leave, teachers still have to wait four years before getting their one month off even though the GTU appealed for three years.

The Union has 7000 members but the union President at the time when reporters questioned him on Monday could not confirm if the Union could pay the teachers’ salaries if Government were to make deductions for absenteeism.

The GTU has however invited non-unionised members to take part in the industrial action.

GTU President Mark Lyte makes a point to teachers at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (Dexter Ceres photo)

Another section of teachers at the meeting on Monday

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) are ready to shut down schools when the opening day arrives.

“Come September 3, 2018, we teachers need to be somewhere because the

claimed.

The teachers came out in a large contingent at the GTU meeting and stridently expressed that they are fully on board with the strike action. Another engagement with teachers was held at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, on Monday afternoon. GTU President

The teachers shouted a unified “no!” when President Lyte asked them if they could be replaced by substitutes. This was in reference to Education Minister Nicolette Henry indicating that arrangements are in place should the strike situations become extensive. She cited an Internal Standard

10 news

TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Put political differences aside, help refugees – Region 1 Chairman

A

s more Venezuelans continue to cross Guyana’s porous borders, a bi-partisan approach is being seen as the most appropriate way to tackle the issue at hand. This is according to Region One (Barima-Waini) Chairman, Brentnol Ashley during an interview with Guyana Times on Monday.

“We have to put aside whatever might be seemingly political and start looking at the situation in a humanitarian manner and so everyone should work hand in hand, cooperatively to resolve the issue,” Ashley said.

According to him, there are presently over 578 persons of the Warrau tribe, who are occupying spaces in more than five communities in the region.

He said while some villagers are very concerned

Region One Chairman, Brentnol Ashley

about the wellbeing of the migrants, others maintain that they should not be encouraged in the country.

“Not only Toshaos but by citizens in general from many communities I would have visited, they are of the view that it should not be encouraged. Some persons even from the level of

the Town Council, they are very reluctant, they are not in favour of even having our Warrau brothers and sisters in the communities.

They are concerned about security, but we are assured

by Central Government that they will be working towards ensuring that the people remain safe,” the chairman explained.

Further, it was pointed out that villagers are not only concerned about their safety but their health in area.

Ashley stated that the views of these persons must be respected, since the recent influx continues to put a strain on the area.

The Chairman nevertheless informed that immigration personnel are on the ground to ensure that the migrants are registered.

He asserted, “We also have immigration personnel

who have been visiting the communities and registering (the migrants). Most of them were granted a threemonth stay in the country”.

A few days ago, Citizenship Minister Winston Felix announced that a plot of land in Mabaruma was identified for the establishment of a homestead settlement area or a humanitarian centre for registered Venezuelans who have fled to Guyana.

According to the Minister, the land has been identified as a result of a collaborative effort of the Mayor and Town Council of Mabaruma and the Citizenship Ministry. The decision was taken during a multi-agency coordinating committee meeting on August 14.

The Public Health Ministry has since established health posts in the

outlined areas, including at Mabaruma and Morawhanna, and is expected to establish yet another outpost at Imbotero

sistance to Venezuelan refugees, the Administration on August 6 signalled its intention to construct several facilities to respond to

Some of the Venezuelan refugees in Region One

Village by which migrants and residents would be screened and vaccinated.

Additionally, the Ministry will bolster its presence in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Refrigerators for the storage of vaccines at the locations have already been procured and were to be dispatched.

Following calls by the Region One Chairman for Government and donor agencies to provide more as-

the Venezuelan influx. This was announced by Minister of State Joseph Harmon at his post-Cabinet briefing. A number of local businesses and Guyanese have provided food and clothing to the refugees.

Venezuelan refugees, mainly from the Warrau tribe, have been fleeing the economic and political turmoil in the Spanishspeaking country.

Former chemist found dead in bed A former chemist was on Monday morning found dead at his Charlestown, Georgetown home. The dead man has been identified as 33-yearold Ceon Andre Barry of Lot 74 Adelaide Street, Charlestown.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the man’s body was discovered in his bedroom by his father at about 09:40h.

While the relatives of the dead man are awaiting a post-mortem examination, they have ruled out foul play and suicide.

Leroy Barry, also called “King Barry”, father of the dead man, when contacted explained that he left home at about 05:45h for work and upon his return at about 09:40h, he called out to his son but there was no response.

This, he noted, was quite strange since he saw ice in a container and thought that his son had something to drink and went back to his room. The aggrieved father explained that as he went into his son’s room, he saw him lying motionless on his bed.

There were no marks of violence and more so, there were no signs that he committed suicide. The father is of the belief that his son died from natural causes. “When I left home every morning I would call out to him and this morning was no differ-

Dead: Ceon Andre Barry

ent… I call out to him this morning and he answered,” the father stated.

He last saw his son alive on Sunday and they spoke later in the evening. He noted that as they retired to bed, everything was as per normal. Asked whether someone might have snuck into his home when he left for work on Monday morning and did something to his son, the man stated that he secured the doors as he does every morning.

Apart from being a chemist at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), he worked at the Tele-Performance Call Centre for a short while.

When contacted, the Police said they are awaiting the post-mortem examination to determine the way forward. Ceon Andre Barry leaves to mourn his father and siblings.

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TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

SOCU’s investigation

Teixeira hopes for noninterference by Govt …in bridge feasibility study procurement breach probe

P

eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive member, Gail Teixeira, has expressed hope that Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan will not interfere with the investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into the procurement breach regarding the hiring of a consultancy firm for the construction of a new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Teixeira said she is pleased to have received a prompt response from SOCU after she had written the Unit but said she finds it unusual that the request was also, by information, sent to the Minister.

Teixeira, a former Home Affairs Minister, said usually investigations of this nature are not forwarded to a Minister but rather go through the investigative process by the Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“So it’s a little interesting to note in what way the Minister was involved and I hope that the Minister would not interfere with the investigations of the Public Procurement Commission [PPC]… as you know it took from September last year until August this year, which is quite a lot of time,” she stated on Monday.

The parliamentarian maintained that the findings are very serious and could lead to serious charges.

The PPP had written SOCU, asking that the pro-

curement breaches in relation to the award of consultancy contract for the feasibility study and design of the new Demerara River Bridge be investigated; and SOCU has responded, informing that the issue is engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force.

Teixeira wrote to SOCU head Sydney James on August 15, requesting that the procurement breaches be investigated “with a view to instituting criminal charges against the Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.”

In a response dated August 16, James acknowledged receiving the correspondence, and said, “The matter is now engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force.”

Additionally, he informed that Ramjattan; acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine; and Police Legal Advisor, retired Justice of Appeal Claudette

Singh; have been informed of the request for an investigation.

Teixeira had, back in September, written the Public Procurement Commission asking that that body investigate the selection and award of a $146 million contract to Dutch consulting firm LievenseCSO for the feasibility study of the new Demerara River Bridge after it was revealed, and later confirmed by Minister Patterson that the company was sole-sourced and had not even bid for the project.

In the Commission’s report to the Opposition, it highlighted the breaches in the Procurement Act. In response, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said Minister Patterson would now have to justify his actions before Cabinet.

According to the PPC report, seen by Guyana Times, some 23 companies had expressed an interest in pro-

viding consultancy services; 12 were shortlisted, and two managed to submit their proposals on time. However, Government failed to reach an agreement with either of the two companies in their negotiations, and as such, the tender was annulled.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) then recommended that the Public

Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) re-tender, but it did not, the PPC report said.

It went on to note that the Permanent Secretary of the MPI then “informed the Public Procurement Commission that subsequent to annulment of the tender by MPI, [Dutch Company LievenseCSO] Engineering contracting BV submitted an unsolicited proposal to provide consultancy services for the Demerara River Bridge project.”

As such, the Commission added, Minister Patterson approached Cabinet on November 18, 2016, seeking consideration and approval to use funds from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) to fund the feasibility study and to commence a contractual engagement with LievenseCSO as of January 1, 2017.

The Commission found that there was a breach when this request to

Cabinet was made by the Minister and not through the NPTAB. The PPC also noted that Cabinet considered the memorandum submitted by the Minister, and in November 2016 approved a total sum of $161,514,420 to be used from the DHBC to cover cost for the feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River.

According to the PPC, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Rawlston Adams, indicated that the DHBC Board was not a party to the decision to use these funds for this purpose as approved by Cabinet, and further stated that he had not signed the contract on behalf of the DHBC, but only because he was requested to do so by the Public Infrastructure Minister.

As a result of the findings of the probe, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has called for Minister Patterson to be charged with corruption.

12 news

TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

$120M road slashing contract

Flying knives incident

Workers call in Police Uitvlugt Estate factory resumes over non-payment operation – GuySuCo

S

everal workers who were hired to clear the Corentyne Road shoulders from Bush Lot to Number 51 Village have said they are yet to be paid by the contractor, Derek Basdeo. On Saturday, the disgruntled workers went to the home of the contractor, who is also an executive member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), to seek payment but to no avail. This prompted the workers to seek the intervention of the Police at the Alboin Police Station.

According to the workers, they have ceased work since they are yet to be paid and the contractor is giving them what they described as “the royal run around” for their money.

According to Andrew Khan, after the Rose Hall Sugar Estate closed its doors, he was able to secure a job with the AFC executive but after two weeks of work, he is yet to be paid.

He explained that the initial arrangement was for him to be paid at a rate of $6000 per day but after he spoke with some of the other stashers, he returned to Basdeo and the agreement was then shifted to $8000 per day. However, Basdeo later reneged and is only offering $6000 per day.

According to him he is now owed in excess of $46,000.

Meanwhile, another worker, Vikash Permauloo, said he was employed by Basdeo from

F

Some of the unpaid workers

July 18, 2018 and worked continuously without pay.

“When he hire me he tell me that I would get pay every fortnight. He promise me $8000.” Permauloo said he was employed to slash and those who were employed to rake were promise $4000 per day.

The man claimed that he has been renting the slashing machine. “We does got to pay him $4000 from the $8000.”

According to Permauloo after those arrangements were made he was informed by Basdeo that he will be paying $3000 to slash and $2500 to rake up the grass.

“But when pay day reach, he keep telling we next week Monday, next week Tuesday and when the week pass out he telling we the same thing again,” he explained.

According to Permauloo, many of the workers were expected to be paid on July 28.

He says to date, he is owed in

excess of $43,000.

Several workers told personal stories of the difficulties they face on a daily basis because on non-payment.

“When I was home I did not have to find money to go to work, but I had to borrow everyday to go to work and now I can’t get back the money I spend,” one of the workers said.

A mother of two related that she has been depending on her payments to begin purchasing items for her children to attend school at the start of the new school year.

Meanwhile, Basdeo via a telephone interview, said the workers were going to be paid on Monday. He said he is awaiting payment from the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

However, on Monday evening, when this newspaper contracted several of the workers, they related that they were still not paid. (Andrew Carmichael)

ollowing a Guyana Times article that millions of dollars were being lost in spoilt canes, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) announced on Monday that the Uitvlugt Estate was functioning again.

The corporation, through an official release, disclosed that the factory resumed operations on August 19 after experiencing “technical difficulties”. These errors which the estate recorded related to the damage of the cane shredder or knife turbine, which delayed the August 11 commencement of sugar cane grinding.

These difficulties meant that the second crop suffered a setback, as the corporation noted that its engineers and technicians have been working continuously to ensure that the downtime for the factory was minimal. Officials also explained the damaged parts for the turbine, knife shaft and knives were sourced and “replaced speedily”.

The engineers claimed that “all of the necessary safety checks have been carried out on the turbine, as recommended by the manufacturer and as stated in the operations and maintenance manual”. The factory has since been handed over for grinding operation to recommence, GuySuCo said.

“While some losses were incurred as a result of staling of canes which were burnt at the time of the incident, it should be noted that the losses are minimal. With good attendance and a focused management and staff, the estate is set to achieve its second crop tar-

Uitvlugt Estate

get of 10,780 tons sugar. The other two estates will produce the remainder of the target for the crop - 68,045 tonnes of sugar; with Albion Estate producing 38,160 and Blairmont Estate, 19,105(tonnes sugar),” GuySuCo disclosed.

This newspaper reported on Sunday that some $18 million worth of sugar cane produce at the West Coast Demerara estate were left to spoil, and that senior management was probing the circumstances that led to 64 out of 70 knives flying out of the knife shaft when the Estate’s cane shredder lost control.

“I think someone should answer for that, but we can’t say yet...the investigation will determine if anyone will be sanctioned,” a GuySuCo source recently told this newspaper.

Reports were that over 300 tonnes of sugar canes in punts were seen waiting to be processed since two Saturdays ago, and that some of the canes began to smell. Guyana Times reported that a trial was indented for Sunday, and relying on GuySuCo’s statement, that trial seemed to be a success.

According to information

obtained, some 10 parts from the turbine were destroyed.

Guyana Times also reported that management at Uitvlugt attempted to salvage the situation by opting to produce molasses, a key ingredient in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Estate Manager Yudhisthira Mana was supposed to disclose the full cost to repair the shredder machine, which was expected to be in the millions. However, GuySuCo did not address the cost factor on Monday. Apart from that, the Corporation has not provided an update on the status of the management’s investigation.

On August 11, 2018, workers started up the No. 2 turbine, but after the system malfunctioned, they were forced to duck for cover when the 64 knives came flying from all angles and some stuck in walls.

No one was injured, which propelled the workers to sing much praises to God. The knives are made out of carbon steel and weigh 20 lbs each. One observer recently called for a probe into the procedures that GuySuCo use for testing its turbines, trip-speed tests and on-site verification by qualified engineers.

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TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

President memorialises 195th Demerara Revolt anniversary O n the 195th anniversary since the 1823 Demerara Revolt, tributes were given to the sacrifices made by those who were enslaved under British rule, at a commemorative ceremony which was observed on Monday.

The observance was held at the 1823 Monument in the company of the President of Guyana, David Granger; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; members of the Diplomatic Corp and other stakeholders.

Wreaths were laid at the

base of the monument while homages were paid with national songs and performances by the National Dance Company and a musical rendition by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) band.

During his feature address, President Granger noted that this month recalls the struggles which were made by our ancestors for freedom, commencing with Emancipation Day and continuing with the anniversary of the Revolt.

“The Revolt, involving more than 11,000 Africans across 55 plantations on the

East Coast of Demerara, was the largest revolt of enslaves Africans in Guyana and is one of the most significant in the dismantling of the slave mode of production in the Caribbean.”

Amid the sacrifices that were made, he nevertheless acknowledged that it opened an opportunity for the enslaved ancestors to attain freedom through the various rebellions that were planned on the plantations at different periods. However, this day is marked specifically in honour to those who would’ve fought for emanci-

A section of the gathering at the remembrance on Monday

pation during the Demerara Revolt. Insight was also given to the other rebellions which were led in Essequibo and Berbice.

“The Demerara Revolt was suppressed but it ignited the flame of freedom. News of the bloody suppression and revolt created outrage in Britain. The revolts rolled in the passage of the emancipation act 10 years after.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana designated the 20th of August as Demerara Martyrs Day in homage to the victims of the Demerara Revolt,” President Granger said.

Sports and cultural activist, Aaron Blackman remarked, “Those martyrs every year invigorates the peaceful revolution pursued by the conscious African man and woman in our African villages through these commemorative ceremonies that reminds us of our past.”

At that time, he also explicated on the importance of education and safe spaces for the development of youths in all communities.

On August 18, 1823, people who were enslaved under the British rule enaged in the Demerara Rebellion, revolting for two days.

Plans for the rebellion began on August 17, 1823 at

President David Granger hangs a wreath at the 1823 Monument

Plantation Success and was led by Quamina and his son, Jack Gladstone. During the revolt, Quamina called for peace to remain but his pleas fell on deaf ears and the slaves rebelled the following day. They were killed by the colonial masters after shots were fired into the crowds, killing some 200 persons.

After that day, while the revolt had ended, many of the rebels were hunted and killed. Two hundred of them were beheaded while 16 were lined up to be hanged. Gladstone was sent to St Lucia and Quamina was traced and killed in September, 1823.

Region 3 focusing on developing regional tourism – Chamber of Commerce

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he Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) is seeking initiatives to establish tourism hotspots at key locations, to address the large influx of tourists that enter the region on a daily basis.

This was related by the President of the CCI, Halim Khan, who told this publication on Monday of the list of projects which the committee is processing and will be proposing shortly. The flagship project is the modification of the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling and advanced facilities for tourists with the inclusion of a souvenir and artisan centre, food courts, and two adjoining boardwalks which will lead to the

water-taxi hub.

He noted that this project is necessary since the Stelling is the main gateway to visit resorts and other destinations in the Essequibo River and neighbouring places.

“Because of the fact that the region is a gateway to the Essequibo and the other islands, we are now proposing to have some initiatives in place to promote tourism.

At the Stelling, we will be proposing to have additional features which will boost the Region’s economy. We feel that this location is an ideal place to start, because a lot of people enter through there and then divert to other places, like Bartica and Baganara and so on,” Khan said.

President of the CCI, Halim Khan

He added, “The boardwalk at the northern side will be 12 feet in width, and also (there will be) one on the eastern side from east to west. We will have a plat-

form there also, so that when people enter with the water-taxi, they would not get wet. We want to establish facilities where foreigners can have local fruit drinks and other items, and they can also visit a craft store to buy Guyanese merchandises and souvenirs. A brochure of places that they can go to is also another thing.”

He indicated that special attention would be given to the type of transportation that is designated for tourists. This will be done by ensuring that drivers are allocated to specifically transport tourists.

“We want to have special taxis and put a tourist booth there with special uniformed taxi (operators). They would be responsible for assist-

ing the tourists with whatever place they want to go.

In terms of maintenance, we are looking forward to having the taxis pay a fee every month, which will go into other works and sustaining the facility,” he said.

The roadway from Vreeden-Hoop to Parika is also on the agenda of the Chamber of Commerce. They say that maintenance activities are timely and the construction of hangout spots along the highway.

“So the Stelling is currently the flagship project and we want to have other locations along the way to Parika maintained, and other things which can attract people. Some areas were identified. For the recent road that was rehabilitated

(that leads to Parika), it is a model road and we hope that it is kept that way. What we want to see is that the sidewalks should remain as it is and bushes should not be growing to take over the road,” he said.

Khan notified that he is cognisant that these projects would each bear a hefty cost, and hence the Region is looking to engage public and private stakeholders who share similar interests.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry had also indicated that the much-awaited rehabilitation of the stelling will commence shortly. The Committee noted that this will aid in the essential modification of the structure, after which the other features can be constructed.

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TuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Social Protection Ministry to train 200 community advocates

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he Social Protection Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently launched its Community Advocacy Programme (CAP) and 200 community advocates are expected to be trained yearly.

In a release, the Ministry explained that it is partnering with selected communities to make residents more aware of the services it offers. The programme which is being executed by the Department of Social Services, will empower paraprofessionals and community support workers

in communities across the 10 administrative regions.

The Community Advocacy Programme was established by the Ministry, through the Department of Social Services, after it was recognised that there was an increase in demand for scarce resources, and the need to improve the national response to address social issues in Guyana.

The initiative is intended to achieve a network of advocates countrywide who will strengthen communities’ responses to social issues, empower and equip communities

with the acquisition of knowledge and coping skills and improve the quality of vulnerable groups (including women and children) by providing access to social support and other community resources.

Upon completion of the training component of CAP, the community advocates will be responsible for gathering information regarding the needs and vulnerabilities of community residents. This will assist in tackling social issues such as abuse while providing services for probation and family welfare, CounterTrafficking in Persons (CTIP),

Region 6 has capacity to be selfsufficient, feed entire nation – Chairman

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his region has the ability to be self-sufficient and we have the ability to feed the entire country based on our production. But we first have to modernise.”

This view was espoused by the East BerbiceCorentyne Regional Chairman (RC), David Armogan during the launch of the Berbice Expo 2018 at Rose Hall on Wednesday last.

The Region Six Chairman said it is the aim of the regional administration to encourage more Berbicians to become involved in commercial farming. Armogan pointed out that currently,

Regional Chairman David Armogan

there are several persons involved in cash crop farming of produce vegetable and citrus fruits.

“We don’t want people

to just manage a small plot of land… We want them to get into agriculture in a big way; where they will be able to utilise new methods and technology in order to compete with the overseas markets,” Armogan is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

In order to build the region, the RC emphasised that they must “move away from subsistence farming and incorporate more value-added production across the agriculture sector; not only in the planting of crops but also poultry rearing, cattle ranching and all other aspects of the sector.

Some of the participants of the Community Advocacy Programme

and gender affairs.

Training was recently concluded in communities of East La Patience, Sophia and

North Ruimveldt in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Persons from Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper

Essequibo) and Rose Hall, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) also benefited.

Trafficking in Persons

Linden hotelier released on station bail

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he owner of a hotel and bar located at Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) who was implicated in an alleged case of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) has been granted station bail.

The man was taken into Police custody in Linden at about 21:30h on Thursday last pending investigation for alleged Trafficking in Persons, after two foreign females found on the premises alleged they were being held at the hotel against their will.

The two females have

since been removed from the business place and handed over to officials of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit at the Social Protection Ministry as investigations continue.

Information from the Police indicated that ranks acting on information received of alleged TIP, went to the hotel and bar located at Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden, which is owned by a 54-year-old businessman.

A search was conducted of the premises and two female Venezuelan nationals, ages 20 and 30 were al-

legedly found in one of the rooms. The females were questioned using a translator app, where they allegedly stated that they were being held at the hotel against their will and they were sold to the hotel owner by a man for $25,000 each.

A Police source close to the investigation told this publication that the matter is currently still under investigation and advice is being sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward.

City Hall employees...

From page 2

“…the uniform allowance for persons who used their own clothes when no uniform was provided, the non-payment of retroactivity payment due to workers for the years 2015 and 2016, (and the) compensation for workers who have worked and did not receive their correct severance pay, coupled with their refund from the Pension Scheme,” were a few of the matters raised in the letter written to King on

August 14.

“King is claiming that he hasn’t got the letters,” Duncan said.

Nevertheless, the workers’ representative vowed that he is committed to stand by the employees until they receive what is owed to them.

“If this thing continues, the day care is going to be closed. We will close the markets, and we are going to ask the persons whom we represent that control the

kokers to either shut it or keep it opened,” the Union’s Secretary threatened.

Questioned if he is concerned about the negative effects these actions might have, Duncan responded in the negative. “King is not concerned about the negative effects the Council has on the workers. Just look at the building, for instance, and he (Royston King) got anniversary, raising 19 and 20 something million. What are you celebrating? A failure?”

He explained that on many occasions workers have visited the NIS and were unable to get any money for glasses or sick leave, since the Council has not been paying the monies over to the relevant agencies although it was reportedly being deducted from the workers’ salaries.

Duncan has since vowed to continue daily protests until the workers receive their payments.

The Town Clerk subsequently informed that a meeting will be held later in the day to address the issues affecting the workers.

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tuesdAY, august 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

$29M for NOC upgrade

T

The New Opportunity Corps

he sum of $28.978 million will be spent on the rehabilitation of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), located at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during his recent post-Cabinet press briefing, said Cabinet approved the contract which was awarded to PD Construction.

The project forms part of the Social Protection

Ministry’s Capital Programme. The Ministry will also be implementing a Self-Sufficient Agricultural Economic Services venture, as part of the reintegration programme available for the students at the institu-

tion.

Steps are also being taken to evaluate the staff complement and the core competencies that are needed to bring the institution in line with the minimum standards required by such an institution.

In July 2017, the operation of the NOC was transferred from the Education Ministry to the Social Protection Ministry, on the grounds that the institution’s purpose is to prepare and train juveniles for reintegration into society.

The NOC caters to children between the ages of 12 to 17 and most of whom are there for committing the offence of wandering. It has a specific mandate to rehabilitate and train adolescent offenders and wanderers so that they could be re-integrated in the society.

Corentyne family call for justice after employer beats worker

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Corentyne, Berbice family is calling for justice after the employer of 30-year-old Nandkumar Heeram allegedly beat him following a misunderstanding.

The injured man, also known as “Ravi”, of Middle Walk, Friendship Village, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) was beaten at about 19:30h on Saturday evening.

According to the injured man’s sister, she received a telephone call indicating that something had hit her brother.

Guyana Times was told that Heeram was called by his employer following a dispute and as he ap-

Dad charged with killing pregnant wife, daughters

A

Colorado man has been charged with the deaths of his pregnant wife and their daughters last week.

Chris Watts, 33, is accused of three counts of first-degree murder and six other counts.

Court papers show he claims it was Shanann Watts, 34, who strangled Celeste, three, and Bella, four, after he told her he wanted to separate.

He told police that "in a rage" he then murdered his wife at their home in the small town of Frederick.

He is due to appear in court on Tuesday to be arraigned on the charges.

Chris Watts, 33, had appealed in local media for his family's safe return.

According to a court affidavit, Watts told police that he snapped when he "observed Bella 'sprawled' out

Chris Watts is suspected of killing his pregnant wife and two daughters

on her bed and blue and Shanann actively strangling Celeste".

He faces nine felony charges, also including two counts of murdering a child, one count of unlawful termination of a pregnancy and three counts of tampering with a deceased human body.

Mrs Watts' body was

found by authorities on Thursday, buried in a shallow grave near an oil tank on the premises of a petroleum company that her husband had worked for.

The bodies of Bella and Celeste were later discovered inside oil tanks near their mother's grave.

According to local media, the couple had finan-

Man jailed for stealing cherries, stabbing Cop

A

bag of cherries cost Allan Ragoonanan two years in jail. This is because he took a broken bottle and wounded a Policeman who tried to arrest him. Ragoonanan, 52, pleaded guilty before senior magistrate Cherril-Ann Antoine in the San Fernando Magistrates' Courts in Trinidad for stealing the cherries, malicious wounding, assault, two charges of resisting arrest and being found on enclosed premises.

The prosecutor, Cleyon Seedan, said Police responded to an emergency wireless message from police Command Centre on Saturday afternoon that a

stranger was on the premises of a resident at Kenneth Drive, Gopaul Lands, Marabella.

Police saw Ragoonanan with the bag of cherries and one of them asked him if he lived there. Seedan said that when PCs Mark Balkaran and Anthony Figaro confronted Ragoonanan, he picked up a broken bottle and slashed Balkaran on the left arm. There was a struggle, Seedan said, during which Ragoonanan fought with the police and physically assaulted Figaro.

Antoine asked Ragoonanan why he behaved so bady for a few cherries.

He said, "Boss, I don't know what happen. I just decided to fight up."

The magistrate was shown a medical certificate which described the bottle injury.

For inflicting that wound, Antoine jailed Ragoonanan for two years with hard labour. For assaulting Figaro, he will serve nine months.

On two charges of resisting arrest, the magistrate ordered him to serve four months each. For being found on enclosed premises, Ragoonanan qill serve two months. And for stealing the cherries, he will serve six months. The sentences are to run concurrently. (T&T

Newsday)

cial troubles, including a 2015 bankruptcy filing, and Mrs Watts suspected her husband was cheating.

She was 15 weeks' pregnant.

Last week, Watts appealed on local television for the safe return of his family after they were reported missing by a friend.

He told reporters: "I'm just hoping right now that she's somewhere safe. I just want them home so bad."

Watts said his wife had returned from a business trip to Arizona in the early hours of Monday.

He told journalists said

they had stayed up having an "emotional conversation" about an unspecified subject until his departure for work several hours later.

Family and friends have been left stunned by the killings.

On social media, Mrs Watts had praised her spouse as an "amazing father" and "the BEST husband EVER!" In a video posted on Facebook on 11 June, she filmed her husband's reaction as she revealed she was pregnant with the couple's third child. (BBC)

Nandkumar Heeram

proached, he was assaulted with a piece of wood.

In an attempt to evade the incoming blow, he spun around and was hit behind the head. Additionally, he was hit to the nose.

His sister said when she arrived at the hospital and tried to speak to her brother, he was unable to respond. She also said that at that time, he was bleeding profusely from his nose.

A report was made to the Police and the suspect was arrested. However, the employer was subsequently released.

However, on Monday when the father of three was approached by the media, he acknowledged that some time ago there was a misunderstanding between himself and his employer.

Efforts to contact the Divisional Commander for a comment on the matter proved futile.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, august 21, 2018

Regional

12 dead as Brazilian soldiers, Police Venezuelans confused swarm Rio slums in anti-drug assaults as Maduro’s economic plan starts A t least five civilians and one soldier died in shootouts in northern Rio de Janeiro on Monday, the army said, as thousands of Brazilian soldiers swept into slums in pursuit of drug gangs, trapping terrified residents in their homes.

Separately, at least six suspected gangsters were killed on Monday near a bridge linking Rio and the neighbouring city of Niteroi, Police said. Four people died in the shootout with Police, while two more died in hospital.

The Army said the early-morning raids took place in several of the city’s most violent neighbourhoods, which are home to more than half a million people and have been targeted in

Brazilian Army soldiers fire their weapons during a shootout with drug gangs during an operation in Alemao slums complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil August 20, 2018

a divisive six-month federal security operation.

Initially, the Army had reported eight people were killed. It later lowered the death toll, and said two soldiers were injured, with one

dying from his injuries.

“The operations are ongoing and there could be more deaths,” the army said in an email to Reuters. Many people shut themselves inside their homes for fear of

being shot if they went outside, the Globo TV website reported.

The joint Army and Police operations, which the Army said were intended to flush out drug dealers, involved 4200 soldiers and 70 Police, as well as armoured vehicles and aircraft.

The soldier who died on Monday was the first to be killed since the intervention began, the State Security Ministry said.

Just over six months ago, President Michel Temer announced emergency measures authorising the Army to take command of Police forces in Rio de Janeiro state, where warring drug gangs and militias have triggered a sharp rise in violence. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ECLAC to present 2018 economic report later this week

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he Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says it will present its annual Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2018 report on Thursday.

ECLAC said that the report, which will provide up-

dated economic growth projections for the countries of the region, will be unveiled at a press conference led by its Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcenaon, at the organisation’s sub-regional headquarters in Mexico City. “The Economic Survey of Latin America

and the Caribbean is one of ECLAC’s annual publications with the longest tradition. Published since 1948, it analyses the region’s economic performance during the first half of the year and lays out the prospects for the coming months.”

ECLAC said in addi-

tion, in the 2018 edition, the thematic chapters of the Economic Survey will be centred on analysing the evolution of investment in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1995 and 2017, with its stylised facts, main determinants and policy challenges. (Antigua Observer)

Before the changes, one kilo (2lbs) of rice cost 2.5 million Strong Bolivars

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Government plan to curb hyperinflation is coming into force in Venezuela amid confusion about how it will work. From Monday, new banknotes denominated in “sovereign bolivars” are legal tender, with five zeros taken off.

The measures come after the International Monetary Fund predicted that inflation could reach one million per cent this year. Economists have warned that the new measures could make things worse.

The move is effectively a redenomination.

President Nicolás Maduro is lopping five zeros off the current currency, the “strong bolívar”, and giving it its new name. Eight new banknotes and two new coins will also be launched.

The new notes will have a value of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 sovereign bolivars.

Most old bolivar notes will continue to circulate “for a time”, Venezuelan Central

Bank President Calixto Ortega announced. Only the lowest current notes, worth less than 1000 strong bolivars, will be phased out straight away.

Venezuela has been suffering from hyperinflation.

According to a recent study by the Opposition-controlled National Assembly, prices have been doubling every 26 days on average. Some economists have been using the price of a cup of coffee with milk as an indicator of inflation.

On July 31, 2018, cafes in the capital, Caracas, charged 2.5m strong bolivars for a cup, about double the amount recorded five weeks earlier.

Under the new system, the drink will now cost 25 sovereign bolivars. For a time, it should make cash transactions easier. Someone wanting to pay for their cup of coffee in cash until now had to carry huge wads of banknotes.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Haitian border: Haitian President appeals for calm Anguilla to launch

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resident Jovenel Moise has appealed for “calm” after seven people including six Haitian nationals were injured during a shooting incident along a border crossing with The Dominican Republic.

“I regret the incidents that occurred on the border in Belladère, following a territorial violation, during which compatriots were injured. I ask the people of Belladère to keep calm.

Instructions have been given to the competent authorities to accompany victims and border residents in general,” Moise said.

Moise later issued a statement on his Twitter page saying “I deplore the incidents that occurred on the border at Belladère, following a territorial violation, during which com-

patriots were injured. The authorities are instructed to take the appropriate measures to respect the territorial integrity of the Republic of Haiti”.

But the Defence Ministry in The Dominican Republic described as “inappropriate” the statements of Moise and categorically denied that Dominican soldiers had violated the Haitian territory.

The Defence Ministry said the incident occurred at the border crossing of Carrizal more precisely in the neutral zone called “The chain”, where the circulation of vehicles and goods is not allowed to pass on the side of the Haitian territory.

“We will not authorise any action threatening the security and defence of our nation, nor the violations of tax and migration regula-

residency by investment programme

T

President Jovenel Moise and his wife

tions,” the Defence Minister, Paulino Sem, said.

Media reports indicate that the incident on Saturday came after Haitian nationals clashed with Dominica Republic land border security (CESFRONT) officials when three cement trucks destined for Haiti were stopped by Dominican

Customs officers for regularity checks.

The reports said that while the Dominican drivers were willing to pay the Customs duties, they were prevented from doing so

by Haitian drivers. During the shooting, at least six Haitians and a Dominican soldier were wounded. (Excerpt

from Antigua Observer)

he Government of Anguilla is to implement a “Residency by Investment” programme as part of its medium-term agenda. It will allow foreign nationals to acquire permanent residency status in Anguilla by making a financial contribution to the island and after proving to be of good health and good character. The Government of the British Overseas Territory is to host an information session on the subject on August 23, 2018, which will show the purpose and benefits of the programme, give a preview of the proposed residency by investment programme, the application process and fees, and its plans for implementation.

In 2014, a claim by promoters of a resort in another

PM promises to remove “shantytowns from Bahamas landscape

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he Bahamas government says it is moving to remove “shantytowns” where many Haitian migrants live, from the landscape of the country even as it seeks to implement its immigration reform policies.

Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, speaking at a Church service Sunday,

commemorating the 26th anniversary of the ruling Free National Movement’s (FNM) 1992 General Election victory, recalled his discussions with the League of Haitian Pastors some months ago, when he informed them that “our aim is to improve the lives of all those affected by what we are doing.

“I reminded the pastors that we must live in The Bahamas as one people with shared values and a shared commitment to a better future for all citizens and residents of The Bahamas.

“It is unjust and unfair to allow the shantytowns to remain, especially given the social and other problems of-

ten found in these areas. It is a moral imperative for the country to remove the shantytowns even as we engage in immigration reform,” he said.

Minnis said that because his Administration is committed to social justice “we are removing shantytowns, a long-standing prob-

lem successive Governments failed to address in a comprehensive manner.

An injunction granted by a Supreme Court judge earlier this month blocks the government from demolishing shantytowns in New Providence as it had planned to do after August 10. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands, that investors are eligible to apply for a permanent residency certificate and British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) passport, was refuted by the British government. According to Tom Lawrence, at the Home Office Communications Directorate in London: Eligibility for British Overseas Territory Citizenship ((BOTC) is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981.

Citizenship is granted by the governor of the territory and Overseas Territories are not able to grant BOTC status other than in accordance with that Act. Residency and other requirements for BOTC status apply, so anyone who has not lived lawfully in the territory for a number of years is unlikely to qualify. Criteria for the grant of BOTC include residence requirements, a good character requirement and an intention to make the principal home within the relevant territory.

Generally, the residency requirements are for a minimum of five years residence immediately preceding the application, during which total absences must not exceed 450 days with a maximum of 90 days absence in the last year. “There is no direct route to BOTC and the investor will have to meet the eligibility requirements as noted,” the TCI governor’s spokesman confirmed at the time. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

TuesdAY, august 21, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

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Sexual assault accusation against #MeToo Mali’s top court declares Keita President leader Asia Argento rattles movement

R

evelations that Italian actress and director Asia Argento agreed to pay US$380,000 to a young actor who accused her of sexual assault has sent shockwaves through the global #MeToo movement, of which she is a leading figure.

Argento, 42, was among the first women in the film industry to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, detailing her rape and subsequent relationship with the producer in an incendiary article by Ronan Farrow published in The New Yorker last year.

Her account – and those of many other women – inspired the global #MeToo movement, which has en-

A split image of musician and former child actor Jimmy Bennet (pictured left) and Italian actress and director Asia Argento

couraged victims of sexual harassment and assault to speak out about their experiences. Since then, Argento has been a vocal advocate for women who have suffered abuse.

However on Sunday, the New York Times revealed that Argento paid $380,000 to Jimmy Bennet, a young rock musician and former child actor who has accused her of sexually assaulting

him in a California hotel room in 2013, when he was 17. The age of consent in the state is 18.

The details of the alleged assault, and the settlement reached between Argento and Bennet’s lawyers, were described in documents sent anonymously to the New York Times, including a photo dated May 9, 2013, of the pair in bed.

The scandal immediately rattled #MeToo, raising fears that its credibility would be called into question. Fellow #MeToo ambassador Rose McGowan was quick to distance herself from Argento on Twitter but said she would continue her “work on behalf of victims everywhere”. (Excerpt from France24)

Malcolm Turnbull: Australian PM survives leadership challenge

A

ustralian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has survived a challenge to his leadership by a senior Government colleague. Turnbull defeated Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton in a party room ballot in Canberra on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister won the vote 48-35, the Liberal

Party’s chief whip told reporters.

Turnbull had brought on the vote himself in a bid to resolve speculation that his leadership was under threat.

He has faced pressure over successive poor poll results, losing a key by-election in Queensland, and a revolt over energy policy by conser-

vative MPs within his party.

On Monday, Turnbull attempted to blunt conflict within the Government by abandoning plans to set an emissions reduction target in legislation.

Since 2007, no Australian leader has succeeded in serving a full three-year term as Prime Minister. Turnbull

became prime minister in 2015, after ousting Tony Abbott in a leadership challenge.

Under the Australian system, as in the UK, the Prime Minister is not directly elected by voters but is the leader of the party or coalition that can command a majority in Parliament. (BBC

News)

after contested vote

Mali’s incumbent President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was victor in a presidential runoff on August 12

M

ali’s Constitutional Court on Monday declared Ibrahim Boubacar Keita president after the 73-year-old incumbent won elections that his opponent, former minister Soumaila Cisse, 68, said were marred by fraud.

Keita was victor in a runoff on August 12 that, according to official results issued by the court after a one-hour session, gave him 67.16 per cent of the vote.

He will begin his second five-year term on September 4. His re-election came despite fierce criticism of failures to tackle jihadist violence and ethnic tensions that have rocked the impoverished Sahel state.

Keita’s major challenge as he starts the new term will be to strengthen a 2015 peace accord between the government, government-allied groups and former Tuareg rebels that the government sees as a cornerstone of peace.

Cisse, 68, picked up 32.84 per cent of the vote, according to the official results.

He filed a petition to say that that some of the results were rigged. By his calculation he won the election with 51.75 per cent of the vote, he said.

But the court rejected his petition as being inadmissible or unsupported by evidence. (MSN)

Pope Francis condemns child sex abuse China nabs 26 suspected and church cover-ups tomb robbers, recovers P valuable relics

ope Francis has condemned the “atrocities” of child sex abuse and clerical cover-ups in a letter to the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. The letter to “the People of God” calls for an end to the “culture of death” in the Church, addresses failures to deal with abuse and asks for forgiveness.

Last week a grand jury report detailed seven decades of abuse in Pennsylvania.

The landmark investigation found more than 1000 identifiable minors had been abused by 300 priests in the US state.

Thousands more are thought to have fallen victim. The inquiry found evidence of systematic cover-ups by the Church, with

The Pope’s letter addressed the “heart-wrenching pain” of abuse victims in Pennsylvania after the report was released

many cases now too old for prosecution.

After the report was made public, the Vatican said the Pope was on the side of victims against “predator” priests. The Vatican says it is the first time a Pope has addressed a letter to the en-

tire Catholic population on the topic of sex abuse.

In Monday’s 2000-word letter he addresses the US scandal directly and acknowledges the Church’s role in failing to act sooner.

He describes the “heart-wrenching pain of

these victims” that were “long ignored, kept quiet or silenced”. “With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community that we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done to so many lives,” he writes.

“We showed no care for the little ones; we abandoned them.” The Pope’s message quotes a passage from the Bible in Corinthians that says “if one member suffers, all suffer together” and calls for the Church to come to grips with the reality of what has happened in a “comprehensive and communal way”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Quake swarm jolts Indonesian islands, killing at least 12

M

ultiple strong earthquakes killed at least a dozen people on the Indonesian islands of Lombok and Sumbawa as the region was trying to recover from a temblor earlier this month that killed hundreds of people.

A shallow magnitude 6.9 quake that hit about 22:00h was one of several powerful earthquakes Sunday in the northeast of Lombok that also caused landslides. The

nighttime quake was followed by strong aftershocks.

At least 10 people on Lombok and neighboring Sumbawa island were killed by collapsing buildings or heart attacks, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said Monday. Two people died earlier Sunday on Lombok during a magnitude 6.3 quake.

More than 1800 houses were damaged, at least half of them severely, he said.

The swarm of quakes caused panic in Sembalun subdistrict on Lombok in the shadow of Mount Rinjani, but many people were already staying in tents following the deadly jolt in early August and its hundreds of aftershocks. On Sumbawa, a neighborhood was engulfed by a fire that started in a collapsed house.

“People panicked and scattered,” Nugroho said.

“Some people are hysterical because they feel earth-

quake aftershocks that are harder than before. They heard a roar that probably came from landslides in the hills and Mount Rinjani.”

Dwikorita Karnawatim, who heads Indonesia’s Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, said buildings that haven’t collapsed so far have suffered repeated stress, and authorities have urged people to avoid both the mountain’s slopes and weakened buildings. (Excerpt from MSN)

A Police Officer displays a retrieved cultural relic which was stolen from an ancient burial site, at a Police station in Dulan county, Qinghai province, China August 2, 2018

C

hina’s official Xinhua news agency said experts believe many of the items recovered are of “tremendous historical value” as they show cultural interactions between the East and the West during the early days of the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 619-907 AD. The suspects are said to have illegally excavated items from the Dulan tombs, which lie along the ancient Silk Road, and subsequently arranged their sale.

Several of the arrests were made in provinces further east following an investigation that began in 2017, the ministry said.

A police official speaking on China’s state-run CCTV on Sunday said the criminals, two of whom were on the police’s “most wanted” list, were asking for as much as 80 million yuan (US$11.6 million) for their loot.

Of the 646 items recovered, 16 were classed as first-class cultural relics, according to a ministry statement. Partial excavations of the Dulan tombs have revealed a valuable collection of ancient silk textiles and garments, including from Central Asia and Byzantium, according to the New York-based World Monuments Fund. (Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, august 21, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Get out and hear what others have to say.

Gathering information and being willing to adapt to the changes going on around you will ease any stress you encounter.

Take action and put your TAURUS plans in motion. It’s up to you (April 20- to make things happen, so May 20) don’t wait for someone else to take the reins. Embrace the future with enthusiasm.

dilbert

Mix and mingle. Get inGEMINI (May 21- volved in activities that will June 20) help you show off what you have to offer. Talks will lead to choices. Make sure you get things in writing.

Opportunity will knock if you are open to suggestions.

(June 21- Greater stability will depend July 22) on your ability to adapt and to be diverse in the way you use your skills, experience and knowledge.

CANCER

Peanuts

A change at work shouldn’t LEO make you cringe. Look for the (July 23- best way to make whatever Aug. 22) happens work to your advantage. A positive attitude will help you gain ground.

It’s up to you to accept and VIRGO bring about change. Start by (Aug. 23going somewhere you’ve nevSept. 22) er been before or participating in something that moves you emotionally. If you network, doors will open.

Calvin and Hobbes

Attend to unsettled matLIBRA (Sept. 23- ters that are weighing you Oct. 23) down. Deal with controversy and opposition passionately, and don’t give up until your voice is heard. You can bring about positive change.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD -- CORRUPTS

You can make a difference SCORPIO without going overboard. Use (Oct. 24your imagination and disNov. 22) courage anyone trying to rope you into an impractical situation. An exaggerated point of view should be downplayed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

(CORRUPTS: kuh-RUPTS: Destroys the honesty or integrity of.)

Average mark 29 words Time limit 40 minutes can you find 42 or more words in CORRUPTS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY”S WORD -- AFFIANCED aced acid acne affined aide facade face fade

fancied fend fiance fief fiend fife find fine

iced idea naif nice cafe caffein cane dace

dance deaf dean decaf dice dine

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

solution for last published puzzle

Look for the truth before you say or do anything.

Someone will offer a picturesque view of a situation that could alter a decision you must make. Proceed with caution.

Alter what isn’t working CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- for you. Size up your personJan. 19) al or emotional situation and make whatever adjustments necessary to feel comfortable.

A change will improve your state of mind.

It doesn’t matter what AQUARIUS someone else is doing; do (Jan. 20- what’s best for you. Taking Feb. 19) better care of your health and physical appearance and avoiding indulgent behavior are encouraged.

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

You’ll have a stellar idea that will help a cause or group you believe in. If you step up and share your thoughts, something good will come your way.

TuesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

19

Kohli’s ton sets England a daunting challenge A

fter carrying the weight of India’s batting over the last five-and-ahalf Tests, Virat Kohli brought up a comfortable century, Cheteshwar Pujara found some form, and Hardik Pandya added a run-a-ball fifty to his five-for on a day that India batted England into the ground. With two days still to go, India batted to their heart’s content, taking the lead to 520 before giving England nine overs to bat in the evening.

India could afford to take their time. Kohli eased his way to the fourth slowest of his 23 Test centuries, now the joint-fourth highest tally for India. After the year he has had, who will grudge him one without any drama? There was some drama, though, as James Anderson, with whom Kohli is having an epic duel this series, nearly got him on 93. Keaton Jennings dropped the chance at fourth slip, making it 12 misses in the cordon against fast bowlers for England. That was not even the biggest concern for England on the day: Jonny Bairstow had earlier fractured his left middle finger when a ball from Anderson wobbled late on him. He spent the day watching India bat with his finger on ice.

The third day had begun with India ahead by 292, a rare chance to bat with no pressure and to find their methods against the England bowlers. KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan had already scored comfortable runs on the second evening. It was the turn of Pujara and the rest.

England’s bowlers didn’t

of the second new ball, drew a thick edge from a big drive.

It was going straight into Jennings’ lap when he decided to go low and let the ball through between hands and gut. At least he was not dealt a painful blow. Slips don’t wear a box either.

Anderson was left on his haunches. By the time Kohli fell lbw to Chris Woakes, Anderson had bowled 212 balls to Kohli this series for just 86 runs but no wicket, when he could have had him caught twice.

Kohli has been determined not to get out to the man who tormented him on his last tour of England. He has made the odd mistake - batting is rarely perfect - but his determination is evident from his strike rate of just 40 against Anderson.

The rest of the day went in speculation over when India would declare. Those speculating furiously might have missed out on a strokefilled half-century from Pandya. Even R Ashwin came out to bat. The runs didn’t matter. It seemed India had a certain number of overs in mind they wanted England to face. That number was nine.

However, Cook and Jennings, the two England players most under the pump right now for their batting and fielding failures - managed to survive. The fourth morning might not bring relief for England, though: in this series, India have been the most threatening with the ball after around 10 overs. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Virat Kohli celebrates a century that has taken India to the brink of narrowing their series deficit, on day three of the third Test at Trent Bridge

throw in the towel though.

They still bowled to plans.

They still refused to dish up bad balls. Their fielding was a different story. The only way to delay the declaration and deny India confidence was to get wickets. Anderson created the first chance in the ninth over of the day, but Jos Buttler dropped Pujara at second slip.

In the next over, he beat Kohli on the outside and the inside edge. In the over after that he hit Bairstow’s finger. Thus ended another luckless spell of 7-3-7-0.

In the second hour, Kohli began to lift his strike rate.

You couldn’t tell if you were not looking at the scoreboard, though. His was such an efficient innings. A steer here, a closed face of the bat there, a loose ball from Adil Rashid every now and then, and Kohli had gone from 22 off 57 to 54 off 96 at lunch. In more laboured fashioned, Pujara brought up his first fifty in his last 23 first-class innings in the country. The relief was palpable.

In the second session,

Kohli pushed his tempo some more before slowing down near the hundred, which is okay once in a while. Pujara, though, missed out on a great chance to register a hundred in England. He got out to a good ball, around the fourth stump, moving away, taking the edge.

Also, Alastair Cook held on to the catch, which, at England’s success rate of 54% for the cordon against the quicks, is basically bad luck.

Kohli didn’t have such bad luck when Anderson, grumpy and unhappy with the shape

India 1st Innings – 329 England 1st Innings – 161 India 2nd Innings S Dhawan st †Bairstow b Rashid 44 KL Rahul b Stokes 36 CA Pujara c Cook b Stokes 72 V Kohli (c) lbw b Woakes 103 AM Rahane b Rashid 29 RR Pant † c Cook b Anderson 1 HH Pandya not out 52 Mohammed Shami c Cook b Rashid 3 R Ashwin not out 1 Extras: (b 1, lb 9, w 1) 11 Total: (7 wickets decl, 110 Overs, RR: 3.2) 352 Did not bat: I Sharma, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-60 (KL Rahul, 11.2 ov), 2-111 (S Dhawan, 23.2 ov), 3-224 (CA Pujara, 71.3 ov), 4-281 (V Kohli, 93.4 ov),

5-282 (RR Pant, 94.4 ov), 6-329 (AM Rahane, 107.1 ov), 7-349 (Mohammed Shami, 109.3 ov) BOWLING: JM Anderson (227-55-1), SCJ Broad (16-3-600), CR Woakes (22-4-49-1), BA Stokes (20-3-68-2), AU Rashid (27-2-101-3), JE Root (3-0-9-0) England 2nd Innings (target: 521 runs) AN Cook not out 9 KK Jennings not out 13 Extras: (nb 1) 1 Total: (no wicket, 9 Overs, RR: 2.55) 23 Yet to bat: JE Root (c), OJ Pope, JM Bairstow †, BA Stokes, JC Buttler, CR Woakes, AU Rashid, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson BOWLING: JJ Bumrah (31-16-0), I Sharma (4-1-50), R Ashwin (2-1-2-0)

Sethi quits as PCB Chairman

– Mani set to replace him

N

ajam Sethi’s departure from his role as PCB chairman is confirmed after he formally submitted his resignation on Monday. Minutes later, the prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan tweeted that he had nominated former ICC president Ehsan Mani as the new chairman of the board.

There had been intense speculation surrounding Sethi’s future in the PCB ever since Imran was elected Pakistan’s prime minister; the former Pakistan captain and Sethi had a famously poor relationship. With the prime minister allowed according to the PCB constitution - to change the PCB chairman if he so desired, it seemed unlikely Sethi would be able to stay on beyond Imran formally taking charge.

Along with his resignation letter, Sethi tweeted that he had

Mickey Arthur in conversation with PSL chief Najam Sethi

been “waiting for the new Prime Minister to take oath” before deciding to hand in his resignation - which Imran did on Saturday.

Sethi was appointed PCB chairman for his last, unbroken stint in 2017, but had previously served as PCB chairman in 2013 and 2014. That was a period marred by a power struggle between him and former PCB

chairman Zaka Ashraf; the pair swapped positions several times before Sethi finally consolidated his control at the helm of the PCB. Addressing his resignation letter directly to the prime minister, Sethi said, “You have said on many occasions you have a vision for Pakistan cricket.

Therefore, it is only proper that

you should assume charge and responsibility for assembling a management team for PCB that enjoys your full confidence and trust.” Sethi pointed out he had been appointed the PCB chairman unanimously in 2017 for a three-year term following elections last year, and that he believed he had “served the cause of cricket diligently”.

The inevitability of Sethi’s resignation has its roots in politics rather than cricket.

Sethi was appointed caretaker chief minister of Punjab, the stronghold of Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N party, Imran’s main political rival and the winner of the 2013 parliamentary elections. Imran repeatedly accused Sethi of unjustly helping Sharif win the elections that year.

In 2014, Sethi was nominated to the PCB board of governors by Sharif, approved by the ICC and the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

But it was widely believed that if Imran ever was to come to power,

Sethi’s days at the PCB would be numbered. It was telling that Imran didn’t so much as thank Sethi for his time as chairman, instead focusing on the “vast and valuable experience” Mani would bring to the job.

While Sethi only formally became PCB chairman in 2017, he was de facto the most influential man in the organisation for much of his predecessor Shaharyar Khan’s tenure, where he served as the head of the PCB executive committee. Most visibly, he was the chairman of the Pakistan Super League, Pakistan’s international T20 franchise competition. It is arguably what he’ll most prominently be remembered for, particularly since the competition is also viewed as the gateway towards the return of international cricket to Pakistan. The 2017 PSL final was held in Lahore, and the 18 months since have seen a trickle of matches played in Pakistan’s two major cities, Lahore and

Karachi. With the PSL not a separate entity to the PCB - that idea was floated but ultimately never came to fruition - Sethi will play no further part in that competition either.

Mani’s appointment is contingent on an election process - but that is merely a formality. As a fierce critic of the finance and governance draft proposal put forward by Australia, England and India at the ICC in 2014, which later came to be known as the Big Three reform, he won fans in many of the other countries, particularly Pakistan, who held out against the reforms longer than any of the other seven Full Member boards. He has built much goodwill in Pakistan over the years, especially in 2009 when he accused the BCCI of trying to isolate Pakistan when the Indian board rejected Pakistan’s proposal to host their share of matches at neutral venues.

(ESPNCricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TuesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

Young boxers impress at Schoolboys and Juniors’ championships T

he Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue came alive from Friday evening, and Guyanese boxers got their opportunity to take their competitive experience a step higher as they faced off with their boxing counterparts from around the Caribbean; namely: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia.

Participating in the annual Schoolboys and Juniors’ championships which was initiated by the Guyana Boxing Association just three years ago, both males and females took to the ring over the weekend to see who would reign supreme.

With the finals of the crucial events going down on Sunday night, the young boxers fought to the death to cop gold with an exhibition of adult boxing styles. In what was the most thrilling matchup of the evening, Light Fly junior boxer Richard Howard showcased exemplary boxing skills against Trinidadian Abdul Taylor when they met in the finals of their category. Howard connected punch after punch with the body of Taylor, tiring him out by the second round.

To put icing on the case, Howard fired a sharp uppercut, sinking Taylor minutes before their bout was completed.

The young man’s overall great weekend and exciting knockout landed him the best junior boxer title.

Another shining performance came from Aleshia Jackman, who handed her Trinidadian opponent, Alicia King, a near fall within two rounds. The young woman took home the best schoolgirl prize, along with her gold medal in the bantamweight class.

Many of the supporters at the weekend’s events were impressed with the quality of the overall tournament. As such, several of the visiting coaches have expressed their satisfaction with the level of competition, and have proffered their gratitude to the Guyana Boxing Association.

“This is a wonderful programme, and I must say thanks to the president of the Guyana Boxing Association. A programme like this will bring many Caribbean champions, and with this you will find that countries from all across the Caribbean developing their youths. Cause without a programme like this, there wouldn’t be any exposure at all,” Jamaican Coach Gilbert Valdz proudly stated.

In similar fashion, Trinidadian Coach

Adjudged best Junior female boxer, Jamaica’s Britney McFarlane

Jason Aqui shared almost the same sentiments, stating, “This what ya’ll are hosting is doing well for the Caribbean and the development of our young boxers.

We have some young talent coming up, and tournaments like this, they need it.”

The successful coach even went on to posit that CARICOM could look into initiating such a competition. “Sport is a way out for many youths, and I think they (CARICOM) should get behind this and support it 100 percent,” he opined.

Among the Trinidadian top performers were Blessings Waldropt, who copped gold in the Lightweight category, and Faith Ramnauth, who also secured a gold medal in the Fly category. Jamaican Britney McFarlane was adjudged the best junior female boxer, while Mark Crawford walked away with the title of the best schoolboy in the tournament.

North Pakaraima tournament kicks off in style

T

hirteen male and nine female teams are in contention for championship honours as the North Pakaraima Football Tournament 2018 kicked off on Sunday in Kato Village, Region Eight.

This year’s tournament is historic since it is the first time that an official from Football Governing body FIFA is in attendance.

Director, Vernon Masengio Omba made good on his promise to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to visit Guyana during the competition to see firsthand the commitment made by the respective teams participating.

During remarks at the opening ceremony Omba commended efforts being made by the Ministry, more so, the commitment by Minister within the Ministry,

Valerie Garrido-Lowe, towards the development of football in the hinterland.

“We are certainly moved by her love and passion for football and the personal sacrifice you have made in travelling great distances so you can play the game. You reached after walking about two to three days to get here that alone is to show how passionate you are for the game of football and I believe from now we will be behind you, behind the GFF and behind the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs,” he is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

Omba is in Guyana witness the level of play at the grassroots level, challenges experienced and document same in an effort to help local teams receive further support

from FIFA. He said he is returning to Zurich with a better understanding of the need to support Hinterland football.

Minister within the ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who is also the patron for Women’s Football in Guyana, expressed pleasure with the level of participation and commitment teams continue to show towards making the tournament a success.

The minister emphasised the Ministry’s commitment towards the region’s football endeavours and amidst a loud applause, handed over the cheque to organisers.

Minister Garrido-Lowe also acknowledged the contributions it continues to receive from the Guyana Football Federation led

by Wayne Forde. The minister remarked that since GFF President,

Wayne Forde, came into office the ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and GFF have formed a partnership with the aim of developing hinterland talent so that the national team can be truly reflective of what a national team should look like.

Meanwhile, Forde who accompanied the FIFA Director said: “the GFF has a mandate to develop football and the time is right, the time is now to make a meaningful contribution into the work that you have been doing over all these years”.

Chronicling his experience in the Pakaraimas, Forde said he has a greater appreciation for players following an adventurous journey from Paramakatoi to Kato after the vehicle in which his team was travelling broke down halfway into

the journey leaving them to travel for four hours by foot through mountainous terrain.

Forde said the GFF remains committed to working in partnership with the Ministry to develop this beautiful game.

This is the second official hosting for the tournament which began some twelve years ago.

The teams participating are defending champions Itabac Male and Kanapang Female, Paramakatoi, Micobie/Campbelltown, Bamboo Creek, Chenapou, Kamana, Kanapang Male, Kopinang, Kurukubaru, Maikwak, Monkey Mountain, Tuseneng and host Kato.

The tournament concludes next Sunday with the third-place playoff followed by the finals in both male and female competitions.

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Persaud, Gonsalves, Scott

shine at Goodwill meet A

– T&T take top honours

fter a three-day weekend in and out of the pool, three of Guyana’s most talented young swimmers have proven that they are always up for a challenge.

Eleven-year-old Aleka Persaud, 12-year-old Ethan Gonsalves, and 17-year-old Daniel Scott rose to the occasion during the three-day meet, each finishing as one of the best, if not the very best, in their respective age groups.

The ever-improving Persaud took home 6 gold medals, won in the 100M freestyle (1.03.13), 200M IM (2.36.50), 50M freestyle (27.95), 50M fly (30.63), 200M freestyle (2.20.33), and the 100M fly (1.09.17). She also copped silver in the 100M breaststroke (1.23.21 100) to finish at the pinnacle of the 1112 age group with 71 points.

Ethan Gonsalves, in similar fashion, also finished atop

Aleka Persaud

his 11-12 age group with 62 points. He walked away with gold in the 100M freestyle (1.01.18) and 200M freestyle (2.12.92). Additionally, he copped silver in the 200M IM (2.32.46), 100M breaststroke (1.21.14), 100M fly (1.09.03), and produced bronze med-

al performances in the 100M backstroke (1.14.19) and 50M freestyle (28.23).

Swimming in the 15-17 category, Daniel Scott copped gold in the 100M freestyle (54.96), silver in the 50M fly (27.71), 200M freestyle (1.59.94) and bronze in the 200M IM (2.20.05) and 100M fly (1.01.15). His performance landed him in second place of his age group.

Their efforts were backed by a gold medal from Shareefah Lewis in the 50M backstroke (40.29) and a silver from Patrice Mahaica in the 50M backstroke (34.02).

Despite not being able to repeat their third place performance from last year, the Guyanese team managed to finish in fourth place out of eight teams, registering 553 points in the process.

Team Trinidad and Tobago took the top spot for

Parasnauth slams unbeaten 163 V eteran Canada-based Guyanese softball player Bobby Parasnauth slammed a brilliant, unbeaten 163 for Shawson against Panthers on Sunday when action continued in the 2018 Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association 20-over competition began.

Playing at Fieldgate ground in Mississauga, the pugnacious right-handed Parasnauth hit 14 sixes and ten fours as his side piled up a massive 231-2 from the 20-overs. Panthers could respond with only 161 all out in the penultimate over.

Parasnauth, who represented Demerara in softball inter-county matches over the past two decades ago, also shared an entertaining 168-run second-wicket stand with Mitch Bacchus, who contributed a cameo 67.

Bishram Sancharran was the only batsman to offer any sort of resistance in the Panthers’ reply, with an even half-century. Jerome Choti grabbed two wickets for 21 runs from his four-over spell. He was supported by Arjune Harrichar and Bacchus with two scalps each.

Meanwhile, still in the softball arena, former national youth batsman Rovendra Mandolall scored 107 not

out for Carr Tec Sports Club to help beat Scarborough Angels the same day in the Ontario Softball Cricket League 20over tournament.

Imran Alli, who represented Sunshine in that competition, strokeed 105, while Ravi Bodo registered a hundred (102) for Restoration Warriors, also in the OSCL competition, to be among the top batsmen.

The two competitions will resume this weekend with a series of matches across the Greater Toronto Area.

Bobby Parasnauth

Ben Simmons sounds off against critics

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2018 with a marvellous track record. With their swimmers placing in almost every race, the twin island republic finished on 1,351 points to take home the overall gold. They were closely followed by hosts Barbados with 1,032 points, and Bahamas finished off the podium with 670 points.

A 36-member team departed Guyana last Thursday to attend the annual event in Barbados, from August 17-19.

The Goodwill Meet is open to only a handful of Caribbean countries, and is seen as a developmental meet for young swimmers. Owing to that fact, when swimmers have competed at the CARIFTA level, they are no longer eligible for participation in the Goodwill Games. For this reason, star swimmer Leon Seaton Jnr was unable to compete this time around.

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21

Ben Simmons was disappointed LeBron went to LA, but believes the Sixers have enough to win a title

B

en Simmons, the Kia Rookie of the Year, is back in his native Australia and had much to

say, it seems. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in Australia, he revealed his disappointment in not get-

ting LeBron James to the Sixers in free agency while also pushing back on his critics (who say he should shoot right handed instead of his left).

The 22-year old said he was “a little bit” disappointed that James chose the Lakers over the Sixers in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

“It would have been great to learn from him and compete for a championship,” Simmons said in a video The 6-foot-10 point forward challenged his critics who said he lacked a consistent jumper. In 2017-18, Simmons was 84-for-250 on attempts eight to 16 feet from the rim and failed to make a 3-pointer.

The 76ers finished last season at 50-32 and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 81 regular-season games. He also averaged 16.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 10 playoff games. (NBA.com)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TuesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

Dundas, Parks relish opportunity to stretch horizons

T

hey consider themselves privileged to be part of this historical “Train and Play” Camp that has been organised by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the core of its young players and some senior players, ahead of what is anticipated to be an intense four-year cycle of foundation football.

The 22-year-old duo of defenders: Kevin Dundas, who plays with Den Amstel Football Club, and St Ignatius Football Club’s Franklyn Parks, a midfielder, have both expressed delight at being chosen to participate in what they have described as the commencement of a journey of a lifetime.

Dundas, who commenced his playing career in his home village team, Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara, had also plied his trade with Buxton United FC for two years, and with the Guyana Defence Force for one year, before returning to his village team.

Speaking with GFF media, Dundas said he feels blessed to have been given this chance, since he has been working hard over the years; and he said he would be grabbing this first-time chance with hands and feet.

“To get this opportunity, I am really grateful to God and my coaches for creating

Franklyn Parks

the pathway for this, so that I can become a better player and improve. So it’s a really great opportunity to learn and go forward in the game.

The coaches here have widened my horizons on how football is structured, and the way forward with the game.”

Having previously been called to a number of trials, Dundas revealed, this is his first tour; and it couldn’t come at a better time, since it has boosted his morale and passion for the game.

“Most of the time I am working and not (being) selected; you feel like you’re not really going anywhere.

So this is a major boost to

my game, and I’m learning something new every day from the coaches, as they are very experienced and this is the way forward,” he explained.

Dundas is confident he would be one of the main pillars in the team when things get underway with the ultimate aim of Guyana qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and along the way, qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup next year.

“With this coaching staff it’s really possible, because they have widened our horizons with the thought process, and not just the game itself; to see the game from

a different angle as we prepare ourselves to stay in the game,” he explained.

Dundas has pledged to continue working hard even after this “Train and Play” Camp would have concluded here in Rio. “The coaches have said that they would provide steps to try and make us the best, but we would have to strive to be the best. We have to also take individual responsibility; so I see myself doing that to help push my club and myself to a high level, by staying fit and following the structured diet,” he disclosed.

The solid defender also shared that he has learnt a whole lot more in the area of dieting, which is very important to be at the top of one’s game.

“If you don’t put out the work and make the sacrifices, you can’t go (anywhere); so, basically, sticking with the diet and keeping hydrated is my responsibility,” he divulged.

He also shared some advice with his fellow young colleagues here in Rio: “I think this is a great opportunity for the youngsters here to appreciate that we have a way forward; you just have to stick with the programme, believe, and work hard. It’s not an easy game, it’s not an easy way forward, but work hard and stick to

Kevin Dundas

your programme and you will get there,” he advised.

Parks, who has come from a football family, saw his other brothers -Terrence, Brandon, Peter, Anthony and Daxton -- play the game. So, as he puts it, it’s in his DNA. He started playing the game at age 10 in his home village of St. Ignatius, in the Rupununi.

Like Dundas, Parks has said he feels privileged to be part of the “Train and Play” Camp, and is so far comfortable with the way things have been progressing.

“I’ve been learning new things, training with new drills now, as well as different levels of intensity,” he

disclosed.

The young midfielder also disclosed that he has been learning to focus more on his aim as a player, and to set goals. “I see myself being a part of the GFF’s long term programme, because I am a person who pushes to be successful,” he declared.

He notes that this exposure would motivate his fellow villagers to believe that they, too, can do it.

“It would show them more that we can come out here to take ourselves to a different level; we can perform and get better and play our part in developing the game nationally,” he disclosed.

Guyana’s Embassy in Brazil supports Golden Jaguars

T

he Guyana Embassy in Brazil has been providing moral support to the players, management and staff of the Golden Jaguars, who are currently on a historic “Train and Play” Camp taking place in Rio de Janeiro.

Recently, First Secretary Jevon Rodrigues, representing Guyana’s Ambassador George Talbot, travelled from the Brasilia-

Jevon Rodrigues taking a photo op with the players and staff

located Embassy to Rio, and spent two days interacting with players and staff. At a simple function, Rodrigues conveyed the Ambassador’s best wishes to the team, informing them that Ambassador Talbot is an ardent Golden Jaguars fan, and wanted the team to be aware of that fact.

“This encampment is historic, as it is happening in a year when Guyana

and Brazil are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. Events to celebrate this milestone would be taking place in Brazil and Guyana. I would like to wish the team and management, on behalf of Ambassador Talbot, the very best going forward, and encourage you to be the best. Work hard and the good results will follow,” Rodrigues encouraged the team.

A qualified former coach, who once briefly served as President of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), Rodrigues also complimented the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the initiative of having the camp in Brazil, which can only boost the sport in Guyana.

He also disclosed that an anniversary symposium

would have already been held at the University of Brasilia and Roraima, and there would be an exchange of cultural troupes between the two neighbours.

“Later in the year, we should issue some stamps to commemorate the event, so I think a team coming here at this time is very significant. It may have taken us 50 years to bring a squad to Brazil, but I think our

development is getting closer to the level that Brazil is.

My word to the players is: remain committed, remain disciplined, and doors will open for you. I am excited about the new management and coach; the atmosphere is just positive, and I really admire that. I know that we are going to go places,” Rodrigues declared.

guyanatimesgy.com

TuesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Stars, Patriots need to improve – face-off tonight

S

t Lucia Stars finally managed to put an end to their thirteen matches losing streak when they beat Barbados Tridents by 38 runs in their p r e v i o u s match.

Now they will be hoping for the second win when they host St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) in the 13th fixture of the CPL 2018 at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia today.

Both teams have played five matches against each other in the Caribbean Premier League with the Nevis Patriots winning three of those and the Lucia Stars two.

Stars after one win and four losses from five league matches, find themselves right at the bottom of the points table with two points.

After facing defeats in their

Kieron Pollard

first four matches straight, they finally managed to break their shackles in the previous fixture against Barbados Tridents to secure their first win of the season and this should give them some confidence going into this game.

Andre Fletcher and Kieron Pollard who is the season’s second-highest run-getter, cracked a 52-ball 80 and a 54-ball 104 respectively in the previous game against Barbados Tridents.

While David Warner had recently smashed an unbeaten 72 against Trinbago Knight Riders.

Meanwhile, Mitchell McClenaghan has been their most successful bowler so far with six wickets in five matches. While Obed McCoy who claimed a three-wicket haul against the Tridents.

Both of them will be expected to get early breakthroughs.

Patriots have won one and lost two out of the three

Carebeco Int’l U-19 2018 C/ships…

Ramdhani strikes twice

G

uyana’s very own local badminton champion Priyanna Ramdhani faced the ultimate test by progressing through the group stages and semifinals to secure her spot in the Girls Singles and Girls Doubles Finals which were staged on Sunday at the Ring Sports Center in Ringweg Noord Paramaribo, Suriname.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Carebeco Caribbean International and Regional Junior and Senior Badminton Championships got underway on Thursday in Paramaribo, Suriname. It is scheduled to end on August 29.

It is considered the tournament of tournaments, where each player would have to face opponents that will match them skill for skill and push them to their fullest potential.

On Sunday, Ramdhani claimed two gold medals by outclassing and outmatching her opponents in the Girls Singles and Girls Doubles Finals in front of a large crowd.

Being only 16, Priyanna has now given the nation of Guyana hope as she still has two more years remaining in this event.

The event started out like any other evening for a final, tensions running high and nervousness in the air; but that did not affect Ramdhani. She entered the competition a confident young woman, with her head lifted high, and defeated the number 1 seeded player in the tournament, Chequeda De Boulet of Trinidad and Tobago, 21-10, 21-4 to lift the Girls Singles title.

Later that evening, the newly crowned champion, now confident and assured, secured the Girls Doubles Championship alongside her opponent from the singles match, De Boulet. They defeated the top Surinamese pair of Imani Mangroe and Faith Sariman 21-13, 21-17.

league matches they have played so far this season and are placed fifth on the leaderboard with two points. The defeat in the previous fixture against Jamaica Tallawahs and their underwhelming performance with the bat in that game has raised a few questions as they could only muster 131 while chasing Jamaica’s 178.

Skipper Chris Gayle has scored the most runs for his side so far with 145 runs which include an outstanding knock of 86 against table-toppers Guyana Amazon Warriors and he will once

again be the key figure for them against Stars. While Lewis is yet to make a mark this CPL and the team will be hoping that he is able to find form against the Stars.

Sandeep Lamichhane has been their leading wicket-taker with five wickets in three matches and is coming off impressive figures of 2-21 from four overs. The young Nepalese off-spinner is expected to cause a few problems for the Stars in this match as well. While the Patriots will also bank on the likes of Sheldon Cottrell and Carlos Brathwaite to do

the job.

SKNP expected Playing XI: Chris Gayle (C), Evin Lewis, Tom Cooper, Devon Thomas, Anton Devcich, Mahmudullah, Sheldon Cottrell, Ben Cutting, Carlos Brathwaite, Jeremiah Louis and Sandeep Lamichhane Stars expected Playing XI: Kieron Pollard (C), Darren Sammy, Qais Ahmad, Kavem Hodge, Odean Smith, Mitchell McClenaghan, Obed McCoy, Andre Fletcher, David Warner, Rahkeem Cornwall and Lendl Simmons.

TuesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Stars, Patriots need to improve Page 23

Kieron Pollard

Young boxers impress at Schoolboys and Juniors’ championships

– face-off tonight

Page 20

Chris Gayle

Out cold! Richard Howard celebrates knocking out his Trinidadian opponent

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