Guyana Times - Thursday, July 26, 2018

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Issue No. 3636

$30B GuySuCo bond will put pressure on foreign reserves – Jagdeo Page 3

...as “unbelievable” reduction in foreign currency continues

Vendor charged for raping 12-year-old girl Page 8

Diamond resident dies after crashing into parked truck

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

“I was only joking around” – ex-GDF member who shot friend tells jury P8 Massy security guard’s death

P2

Police on hunt for hit-and-run driver

Page 7

GECOM chairmanship challenge P11

Hearing commences at Appeal Court

Politicians should not manage Natural Resource Fund – Jagdeo Page 2

Leguan residents complain about speedboat fare hike

…mother asked to pay full fare for 6-month-old baby

Armed bandits rob EBD wash bay Page 16

NTC to receive lease for Sophia land Page 10

…additional larger plot for construction of complex with facilities

...says NY Times reporter handled P9 Govt with kid gloves ...but knocked Guyana

“We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to fighting HIV/AIDS” – First Lady at 22nd International AIDS Conference P16

Atlantic Gardens murder accused P7 acquitted

2 news Leguan residents complain about speedboat fare hike thursdAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…mother asked to pay full fare for 6-month-old baby

R

esidents of the Island of Leguan, in the Essequibo River, are complaining bitterly about the sudden hike in speedboat fares due to the lack of a regular ferry service.

The normal fare from Parika to Leguan is about $500, but residents are now being forced to pay as much

of low numbers of persons travelling to and from the island, the speedboat operators would sometimes enforce a call for double fare or higher.

One mother told this publication that she has been left stranded many times for refusing to pay for her sixmonth-old baby.

The residents are contend-

Speedboats lined up at the Leguan Stelling

as $1,500, depending on the number of passengers in the speedboat at that time.

According to residents living on the island, the ferry service has not been working to its normal schedule for the past six months, and passengers have no other choice but to pay the very high and unreasonable fare to travel. The speedboats are outfitted to transport about 10 passengers at once, but because

ing that the entire arrangement needs to be relooked at, and they are calling on the Government to alleviate their sufferings by reinstating a regular ferry service to the island.

Additionally, the residents are saying that because of the lack of a proper ferry service, they are now being forced to pay extra for their goods in an already dwindling economy.

For years, the issue of an

unreliable ferry service has plagued the island, but according to the residents, the issue has gotten worse over the last year, since the MV Sandaka started encountering mechanical problems.

The engine of the MV Sandaka was reportedly damaged a few months ago, and emergency repairs were executed. However, it failed again a few days after, and now the MV Malali is servicing Leguan. The MV Sandaka is docked at Mazaruni, awaiting a new engine.

Another major issue is the Leguan Ferry Stelling, which is on the verge of collapsing. The timber planks supporting the stelling are rotten, causing residents to be fearful, since heavy vehicles traverse the stelling. In addition, the decking is loose and uneven, with rails hanging on to literally nothing at certain sections on the ramp.

The stelling has been in this deplorable state for over one and a half years.

The residents also indicated that a concrete-post-andwood-decking stelling served no purpose; hence they are calling for a fully concrete stelling, noting that it would last longer with little to no repairs.

Guyana Times was also told that in addition to loose decking and rotten posts, the lower ramp used to load laden vehicles onto the ferry is in such a deplorable state that vehicles are unable to access

Deteriorated stelling boards

it. Vehicles have to wait until the tide is high enough for them to access the high ramp to load or offload, which af-

fects the business community, since critical goods cannot be delivered in time, and farmers’ produce would perish.

Following the Guyana Times’ report, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson announced that Government is in the process of awarding contracts for the rehabilitation of the Stelling.

The Ministry would also go ahead and effect emergency repairs on the stelling.

On Tuesday, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board opened tenders for the rehabilitation of the Leguan Stelling.

According to the engineer’s estimate, the project will cost $455.3 million. The project saw 10 local companies bidding.

Massy security guard’s death

Police on hunt for hit-and-run driver

P

olice are on the hunt for the driver of a dark coloured pick-up vehicle which struck down a 60-year-old security guard and drove away, leaving her on the roadway to die.

Dead is Mona London, called “Baby,” of Paradise, East Coast Demerara.

She was attached to the Massy Security Service, and was stationed at the Movietowne Complex which is currently being constructed at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

According to reports, the

accident occurred at about 19:00h on Tuesday, shortly after the woman and another female colleague had finished work and were about to cross the road from the southern to the northern side. Guyana Times understands that London was ahead of her colleague when she was struck by the speeding vehicle that was heading in the direction of the city, and she was dragged about 100 feet away, where she was left lying on the road while the pick-up sped off.

Dead: Mona London

continued on page 14

news

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thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 26 – a night-time retraction at 04:00h and a day-time retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, July 27 – a nighttime retraction at 04:30h and a day-time retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 26 – 15:50h-17:20h and Friday, July 27 – 16:35h-18:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers should give way to light rain showers followed by cloudy skies and sunny intervals in the late afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the early evening hours followed by partly cloudy skies.

Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.38 metres.

Low Tide: 09:23h and 21:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.75 metre and 0.83 metre.

WednesDAY, July 25, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

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04 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 03 16 18 20

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LUCKY 3 5 1 9

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Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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Evening Draw

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

$30B GuySuCo bond will put pressure on foreign reserves – Jagdeo ...as “unbelievable” reduction in foreign currency continues

A

s Guyana’s foreign currency reserves continue to deplete daily, there are no signs of this changing anytime soon, especially with the $30 billion syndicated bond that was recently secured by the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to assist with revitalisation of the cashstrapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

This is according to Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who told a news conference on Wednesday that when the spending of the $30 billion bond begins, it will substantially increase the demand for foreign currency and put pressure on the reserves.

“What will happen is: it will put enormous…even more pressure on the foreign currency holdings, because you have more Guyana dollars being spent chasing the same supply of currency… In fact, not the same amount, because it is falling; it is declining because sugar earns less foreign currency…because of the drop-in production and exports, and other sectors have not been doing that well, like forestry,” he stated.

Jagdeo said that, from all indications, there has been an unbelievable shortage of currency at the Central Bank. The reserves, according to him, have been declining, and there is no have foreign currency to meet their obligations.

“So we are going to have some major problems in the near future. And so we are going to see this evolve a bit more, because you can’t hide it for long. This is not the end of the problem,” he added.

He referred to his last budget debate presentation, when he spoke about how much of the National Budget (the economy) is funded from domestic saving rather than foreign inflows.

“It’s above 90 per cent. It used to be, in our era, about 50 percent each of national domestic expenditure funded from foreign sources, and 50 percent from domestic savings, and now it’s gone up,” he pointed out.

Crackdown Government recently announced plans to implement a crackdown after it was found that local businesses were not abiding by Bank of Guyana (BoG) Act 1998 by trading US dollars where businesses are accepting foreign currency for the purpose of settling payments for transactions, instead of Guyana dollars.

A statement from the Bank of Guyana (BoG) stat-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ed that pursuant to section (20) of the Act, all monetary obligations or transactions in Guyana shall be settled in Guyana dollars. It reminded also that only banks and licensed cambios were authorised to conduct buying and selling of foreign currencies, while noting that penalties were attached for violations, which include fines and imprisonment.

But Jagdeo said that despite plans for a crackdown, based on his party’s intelligence, there have been reports about alleged meetings with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and calls from the Central Bank to persons demanding that they have to sell part of their money to the bank or to the Gold Board.

With the recent influx of foreign shoppers into Guyana, Chinese businesses have been receiving enormous sales, and have been

engaged in trading US dollars. This is something the BoG said it is aware of because it has received complaints in this regard. The BoG has also said this is lending to the issue of foreign currency shortage, and has cautioned these businesses must desist from this practice, as it plans to investigate thoroughly.

But former Presidential Advisor and Economist Ramon Gaskin has since advised that the BoG and Government look at perse-

cuting those found culpable instead of issuing basic reminders. He feels that unless businesses and persons are made an example, people would not take the warnings seriously.

In March 2018, the Statistical Abstract published by the Bank of Guyana reported that the net international foreign currency reserves at the Central Bank were US$498.5 million, a 16 per cent decrease from 12 months prior, which economists and financial analysts had said it is worrying.

They have argued that Guyana’s export sectors are under a clear and present danger as the Finance Ministry continues to under serve them, which has also led to a decline in the international reserves. These international reserves are composed of cash and other assets denominated in mainly US dollars.

The foreign currency inflows also from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are set to decrease by a further US$10 million over 2018 as a result of the closure of three more estates. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

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

Funding for LGE 2018

B

y now preparations would have intensified for the upcoming November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE). Political parties will be hunting for candidates they believe will be able to capture available seats. Individuals who may not want to be associated with a political entity have the opportunity of contesting as independents. This is what makes LGE interesting as the final make-up of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or a municipality can reflect representatives from both the political and apolitical divide.

For them, the intention must be to find common ground from a multiplicity of ideas for the benefit of the communities. While LGE may not have the hype associated with general elections, overall, they are far more complex and often seen as a good gauge of the electorate. This was very evident from the 2016 LGE, held just over a year and a half after the 2015 General Election. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won over 70 per cent of the NDCs, 48 out of 65 – a landslide.

However, that trend could not have been repeated for the municipalities with the PPP/C winning three out of nine, with one tied. From all reports, the PPP won the overall popular vote when proportional representation was taken into consideration.

This was after having narrowly lost at the general ballot in 2015.

Many inferences can be drawn from that and with developments, negative and positive, over the two-year gap to November 12, the results of this upcoming litmus test will be most eagerly awaited.

To the Government’s credit, this is the second LGE it will be holding since coming to office in 2015. A strong point can be made of its perceived understanding of the need for such elections and for democracy at the grassroot level to be allowed to flourish. This is extremely important, not only for the empowerment it gives to residents, but for facilitating the mechanism which is expected to allow local concerns to be addressed. Of course, the availability of much-needed resources and effective implementation are totally different issues and obvious challenges.

Therefore, with a record to boast of over the holding of LGE, it was disappointing to hear from the Minister of Finance, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) would have to make do with whatever financial resources it has available to execute the November 12 elections. Firstly, the obvious concern is whether what is available is actually adequate. This, however, would have been answered in the negative by GECOM following its request for additional financing.

Secondly, what’s the impact of holding an election without adequate funding? Thirdly and simply, why hold an election when there is concern over funding? Naturally, the Minister is expected to have concerns if he has evidence that the funds are being utilised for extraneous purposes at the expense of the needs of the electoral process or not effectively managed. However, the adage to the effect of “the wearer knows where the shoe pinches” cannot be dismissed. GECOM has to know. On the other hand, is the Minister on to something?

Without its desired funding, GECOM will be forced to cut corners. Unfortunately, and very possibly, with the seemingly dire need for all corners, prioritisation then becomes the priority. This means that areas crucial to effect all the necessary logistics for a comprehensive, transparent and fair process could possibly be compromised, albeit, unwillingly. This clearly becomes worrisome as quality, like in any process, can be called into question.

This can be explained in a very simple way; the construction of a very crucial road that genuinely costs G$1 million but only G$500,000 is provided. Obviously, the contractor will be forced to make cuts that would eventually affect the quality of the road.

With that in mind, it may be pertinent to explore if there is another reason for not providing additional funds even though there may be awareness of the need. That in itself can conjure up all kinds of unsavoury thoughts given aspects of our history.

What is also of concern, at least thus far, is the silence over the issue by the Minister of Communities, who has responsibility for Local Government. While he is not expected to interfere in the electoral process, he can voice his concern about the impact inadequate funds can have. After all, for GECOM and the Minister of Finance and, as a matter of fact, everyone else, the overriding concern must be to ensure that nothing, including financing, is allowed an opportunity to interfere with and possibly compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

This once again raises the question of financial independence for entities such as GECOM. While it is not absolute, some mechanism has to be derived so as to avoid such scenarios, naturally taking into consideration the need for prudent management of the resources.

More importantly, there is the question of how this apparent financial standoff would impact confidence of the electorate for the November 12 elections and how that can transfer beyond to the general election expected in 2020. This cannot be taken for granted especially that the LGE, holistically, are seen as a litmus test.

Scenic view: A tranquil sunset overshadows travellers as they crossed the Demerara River, Georgetown, Guyana

There are no real criminal cases to be made (Part 2) Dear Editor, There have been adverse criticisms of our entry into direct negotiations with Mr. Jerry Gouveia and sale to him of adjacent properties for extension of his hotel and hospitality business.

We had done similarly and somewhat earlier with Mr. Michael George, for the expansion of his Herdmanston hotel. The unit selling price of land to Movietown seems to occasion another of the recent charges of malfeasance, but the sale of land in the same area to Giftland was at a somewhat lower unit price; and the sale of land in the same area to Mr. Boyer (another malfeasance case) for a middle to upper end housing development was by open bid, which he won and at a price above our minimum required price. I can express the assurance that we, PPP/C, were in no way less warm and encouraging to Mr. Beepat through his much-extended construction period, and as he sought allocation and/or a say in the use of adjacent land in a way which would have enhanced and not detracted from his project. I recall happily touring the

construction site at least twice with him, and freely expressing my appreciation of his determination to bring a new, upgraded shopping experience to Guyana and his fellow Guyanese.

Editor, there are three reasons for me to state again my concern and consequent call on our Government to put aside, as soon as we could, those unfounded, grossly grossly exaggerated allegations of huge corruption.

Firstly, as I see it, our Government, seemingly believing its own propaganda, has been misdirecting itself.

How else can I think of their unquestioning rush, on entering office, to greatly raise their own levels of pay (as if billions of dollars were to appear), but later extending to our public servants much less than they had promised them; pleading that after their increases to themselves, it became evident that there was not enough money to provide rank and file public servants with the increases they had promised them!

Further, the approximately fifty corrupt scandals that we, PPP/C, have

documented during the three years of our Coalition Government seem to suggest that our Coalition Government, relying on their allegations of huge PPP/C corruption, have been behaving as if they had licence to do as they pleased.

How else can we understand the transactions of the drug bond and the perverse frustration of the notice to end that lease early. Again, they have tainted appropriate approaches to our taking responsibility for our development, such as the Berbice Bridge as well as the key development Agency – NICIL – created by the PNC in mid-1980s on returning to Private Sectorled development. We can recall the different positions and ambiguities on the continued existence and role for NICIL which do not augur well for its successful operation.

Secondly, until our Government can resolve and clarify these grossly exaggerated allegations of corruption, there would be so much smoke and confusion around, our country would be set for real corruption – a real concern with the pros-

pects of huge flows of money from oil.

Thirdly, without an earnest resolution of those corruption allegations, the prospects for a less acrimonious, more constructive relationship between us, PPP/C, and the Coalition are slim, even as we, PPP/C, persevere in that desire and concur with former President Carter’s recent call for such.

It is pertinent to recall here the conciliating suggestion made some time ago by our much maligned Leader of the Opposition, that our Coalition Government retain an external, agreed, hopefully impartial accounting group to review those forensic audits, so that together as a nation we could conclusively deal with them in a timely way and get them off the table, removing that major distraction from the development of people and country, which should be our common bonding concern.

Yours truly, Samuel AA Hinds Former Prime Minister and Former President

Teachers themselves should draft school safety policies Dear Editor, Why is the Ministry of Education advertising for a consultant to help draft school safety policies? The best educational systems in the world, Finland’s in particular, became that way because they place teachers central to designing all aspects of the education system. The fact is that no supposed expert knows more

about the classroom dynamics and the school environment than the people who are on the frontline day in and day out.

Naturally, therefore, it makes sense that in wanting to come up with a safety framework, the Ministry of Education should reach out to teachers in focus groups across the nation. The suggestions and ideas would ad-

dress every conceivable aspect of safety, and provide a pool of relevant, applicable and pragmatic ideas from which final safety measures can be drafted.

Furthermore, this exercise would be cost-saving, and would enable teachers to take ownership for safety implementation, monitoring, continual evaluation, and necessary changes that

may be unique to individual schools. The bottom line is that no ‘expert’ will be more knowledgeable about the issues that need to be addressed, and be more familiar with the student population that the measures will target, than the teachers themselves.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

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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

Learning from our past to prevent Is there a move to sabotage Government negative repeats (Part 1) Dear Editor, Last week, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and other democratic-minded Guyanese observed two important anniversaries in our country.

The first was the murder of Michael Forde, a PPP and PYO militant who was in the forefront of the fight for independence. He died on July 17, 1964 when a bomb set by one of the PNC terrorists, Emmanuel Fairbram, also known as Batson, exploded at the headquarters of the PPP, Freedom House.

Michael Forde was trying to disarm the bomb.

Batson was arrested at the Office of Clark and Martin, the legal office of Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte.

This is one of the crimes that the PNC committed while in service to the British Intelligence and the CIA. That party sided with the CIA and the colonial power to stop Guyana from becoming independent. The PNC was the local tool used to carry out terrorist acts, as described in the X13 Plan. It was used to promote racial division. WikiLeaks document revealed that the PNC was collecting money

from the CIA up to 1973.

Guyana was granted independence in 1966, after the combined foreign and internal forces managed to eventually remove the PPP from power in 1964.

However, the PNC has worked against national interest, mismanaged our country greatly. Its legacy was racial and political discrimination, corruption and the de-professionalisation of our public service, judiciary, Police and other constitutional bodies. Our country became famous or infamous for rigged elections, thus undemocratic governance.

By the time the Guyanese people managed to throw out the PNC from power, the country was in ruins. The economy, the infrastructure, and every aspect of national life lay in shambles.

The other incident was in many ways a continuation of the first. The PNC, having been propelled to power by the colonial power, established a neo-colonial, undemocratic state.

The fight to save Guyana from economic ruin and political dictatorship was very intense.

The PPP mounted a great struggle for free and fair

elections. The struggle was against racial and political discrimination, and for human rights.

After the experience of the massively rigged elections of 1968 and the even worse rigged Local Government Elections of 1970, the PPP concluded that only counting the ballots at the place of poll could give the democratic forces a chance at halting that practice of crooked elections.

In 1973, Jagan Ramessar and Bhola Nauth Parmanand were in the crowd that demanded that the votes be counted at the place of poll before the boxes were removed.

The army shot into the crowd, killing the two PPP supporters. Scores of others were injured.

Bhola Nauth Parmanand was taken to the Skeldon Hospital by citizens in the community, and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Jagan Ramessar, did not die on the spot.

However, his body was seized by the army, and kept for more than eight hours in a truck, where he bled to death before meeting New Amsterdam.

Some of the injured

died later, and it was felt they died from those old wounds and blows they received at the hands of the security forces that were directed by the dictatorship.

One who was seriously injured and could not go to the hospital, because he was wanted and the security forces were still looking for him, was Mr. Richi Ram Motie. He is still suffering from those injuries.

Only recently, the doctors who are looking after him told his wife that the injuries he sustained then are now having great effect on his health.

Their sacrifices were not in vain. Our country did become independent.

We welcome that, even though the PNC had made it a neo-colonial state.

They were the servants of foreign powers. The most important thing was that the struggles of the PPP made independence possible. That was the closing of one chapter in our history. Michael Forde and other sacrifices made that possible.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Formal protest should be sent about Krauss’s dismal report on Guyana Dear Editor, I was born in Guyana. I am loyal to my country, notwithstanding its challenges and idiosyncrasies. My patriotism is a natural manifestation of where I was birthed. I pay close attention to events in my country.

I am as proud of its achievements as I am constructively critical of some of its avoidable pitfalls. I also pay attention to international affairs. I try to draw comparisons, and assess where my country is positioned compared to the rest of the world. Those comparisons help me to determine whether life is still worth living in Guyana, and I unapologetically think it is.

A New York Times reporter recently published an article in that media, painting a very distorted, condescending and insulting account of Guyana. That reporter’s name is given as Strauss or Krauss, or some crosses like that. All persons who were born in this country, Guyana, should be very offended and feel disrespected by the article. Equally, too, should be thousands of naturalised Guyanese, immigrants seeking a better life in Guyana; and Exxon.

Yes, Exxon!

Recent media editorials and columns in the media regarding KRAUSS (pronounced as Cross), were fitting thorny garlands which I

wish they both had the privilege of physically affixing firmly around his neck.

I was moved to add my two ounces of protest in writing mainly because of my concern about the deafening silence from those who have the power and influence to request a retraction of the New York Times article. Many persons quiver at the thought of expressing themselves or taking a stand on critical matters, not realising that their very silence condemns them to even greater annihilation.

The New York Times is internationally renowned, and is read daily by millions of businessmen, investors, tourists and aristocrats worldwide. I have seen many professionals on the Metro and LIRR from Manhattan reading the New York Times with undivided diligence as they commute daily. There must be expeditious damage control by Guyana before their minds are permanently stained on Krauss’s account.

I am advocating that formal missives be sent to the New York Times in protest of Krauss’s dismal report on Guyana from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Business, Guyana Press Association, The University of Guyana, The Human Rights Association, The Private Sector Commission, The Diaspora, The Churches

(SDA, AOG, CIOG, HDS, GRC, etc.), the Bar Association, the political Opposition, and all the usual voices of dissent against injustices and issues affect-

ing the development and image of beautiful Guyana.

Sincerely, Orette Cutting

and Opposition talks?

Dear Editor, Pradoville is back in the news, and the contentious nature of the issue aside, what I found interesting is the timing of the latest update from a unit that falls under the Ministry of the Presidency, which houses the President and the Prime Minister. I say interesting because of the visible pattern in the last 12 months.

President Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo met on July 19th, 2018, and on July 22nd, 2018 we had the Pradoville issue resurfacing in sections of the media under the caption ‘SOCU completes Pradoville 2 file, charges ready to be laid’.

Backtrack to January 3rd, 2018, when the two men met. Again, two days later, on January 5th, 2018, you had SOCU and Pradoville back in the news, this time under an article captioned ‘Sittlington to return as Mentor/Advisor to SOCU’, which talked about a foreigner continuing his work to ensure that there are convictions in the cases being addressed by SOCU. Even more interesting was that the news of Sittlington’s return not only came two days after the Granger-Jagdeo meeting, but it came EIGHT MONTHS after Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan asked for him to return to SOCU. Was it planned timing?

A third case is seen after the Granger-Jagdeo meeting on October 19th, 2017. After that meeting, on November 28th, 2017, there was an article under the caption ‘Pradoville Two probe…

Assessor moves in to value properties’.

Again we saw this pattern with the June 12th, 2017 meeting, and the article that

same month under the caption ‘Suspected Pradoville ‘schemers’ closer to climbing court step’.

Editor, I have spent some time to detail these four examples to demonstrate that what we are seeing is a pattern.

That said, the question that must be asked, given the major focus of the July 19th, 2018 meeting between Granger and Jagdeo (the likelihood of Government and Opposition talks) is: Is there a move to sabotage Government and Opposition talks?

Secondly, is it the President’s office behind this move? Or is it the Prime Minister’s office?

In my view, it seems more likely that it may be the Prime Minister’s office. You only have to look at the big picture to see why.

If the Opposition, the PPP, and APNU engage, the AFC becomes more irrelevant.

Their relevance is diminished because they are not among the political players dealing with moving political dialogue forward; the AFC has no seat at the table. If the PPP and APNU engage and reach agreement on issues, what use is the AFC serving? They have no constituency. Isn’t this reason enough to want to sabotage the Government and Opposition talks to make sure that the AFC remains somewhat relevant?

Editor, with all that said, I want to say that the question “Is there a move to sabotage Government and Opposition talks?” is an important one, particularly given the gravity of having Government and Opposition engage.

Regards, Attiya Baksh

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thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

Page

Foundation

– the impact of parental favouritism

By Shoba Sreenivasan, PhD, and Linda E Weinberger, PhD

R

esearch on parental favouritism has explored both the perceived as well as real preferences parents have toward their children. Various studies have been conducted where parents and adolescent or adult children were asked whether their parent treated one or more than one child preferentially in comparison to the other children.

We may want to believe that parents love and treat their children equally; however, this is not always the case. Often, a parent may favour one child over the others, which can have a lasting effect for the parent, child, and siblings.

Parental favouritism usually begins early in a child’s development and typically lasts through adulthood.

Research has found that the variables which influence favouritism include: Birth order Gender Characterological similarity to the parent It has been suggested that birth order influences favouritism because of a parent’s innate survival instinct.

Evolutionarily speaking, parents may invest greatly in the survival of a first born not only in the hope of the child living long enough to perpetuate the genetic line, but also to take care of an aging parent (Salmon, 2003). Therefore, more resources may be given to the first born than to the other

children. The first born also represents the first child and one to whom most attention will be paid because, as of yet, there are no other competing children. On the other hand, last-born children can also be favoured; particularly, among older aged parents. As with the first born, last-born children may be the only children living with the parents and thus have no younger aged competing rivals. Consequently, of all the siblings, middle-born children tend to be

the ones who receive the least amount of support and attention from parents, and consequently may not be very interested in family connections.

With respect to gender, the research offers several findings. The first is that mothers tend to favour their first-born son and fathers tend to favour their lastborn daughter (again illustrating the middle born child being non-favoured).

Although these perceptions of favouritism exist, the relationship that mothers have with their daughters is

much closer than that with their sons. Explanations for this include the similarity that females have to one another, not only in relation to their gender, but also to their emotional sensitivity (Suitor, Sechrist, Steinhour, & Pillemer, 2006).

Similarity in emotional sensitivity is not the only characterological trait that influences parental favouritism. Sharing values and interests are

other variables that influence closeness. Another factor may be whether a child has a physical or psychological illness, or if the child has been the victim of a crime. Such situations call for greater parental involvement for such a child over the other children who are not perceived to be as “vulnerable”.

The consequences of being favoured children results in several positive outcomes for them. They may have a better sense of well-being, they receive more resources (interpersonal and material) than their siblings, and they are given more autonomy – all of which many en-

courage the development of maturity and responsibility.

Children, who are or believe they are non-favoured, may develop depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and problematic sibling relationships. However, there are potential ramifications for the favoured child as well.

Understandably, parental favouritism of one child over her or his siblings can have a significant impact. Since Biblical times, siblings’ jealousy regarding their parent’s favoured child has resulted in few positive outcomes. The lack of real or perceived treatment equity affects all the children, including the favoured one.

Often, the repercussions may have developmental consequences, some more serious than others, that can extend into adulthood (Suitor et al., 2009).

As children, siblings feel more hostility to one another regardless of who is favoured.

As the children age, their sibling relationships may suffer to where they don’t feel close to one another and engage in greater conflict.

In adulthood, the siblings may attempt to avoid conflict, but there remains a lasting impact based on their recollections from when they were children.

Do children play any role in garnering the claim to “parental favourite”? Sibling rivalry is firmly related to the quest for favoured status and the need to outshine one’s siblings. Perhaps the behaviour derives from the “survival of the fittest” to receive the majority of “limited resources” – including, at minimum, a parent’s atten-

tion.

There are many parents who strive to treat their children equally, and yet they still have one whom they perceive as their favourite.

Children too may love each parent, but still have a favourite. The reality is that we are all individuals with a different set of needs, capabilities, likes and dislikes. Being born into the most well-adjusted and loving family does not guaran-

tee that there will be no friction, competition, or always an equal distribution of attention paid to one another.

We all need to feel special and loved by our parents for the unique individuals we are. Compatibility between child and parent may make such efforts easy to perform; however, the true demonstration of a parent’s love and commitment is to do so when it is not so easy. (psychologytoday.com)

P

laying games is a great way to provide additional practice with early reading skills. Here is a game parents or tutors can use to help young readers practise word recognition, spelling patterns, and letter-sound knowledge.

When planning to play the game, choose words to use from books the child is reading or has read recently.

Concentration To make

Select five to ten words from a book (or books) the child is reading. Print each word clearly and boldly on separate 3x5 inch index cards, making pairs of each word. (The child may be able to help you by copying the words you write.)

To play

Shuffle the cards and place them face down in neat rows.

Take turns turning up two cards at a time and reading the words aloud. If the two cards match, the player keeps them and takes a second turn. If they do not match, the cards are replaced face down and the next player takes a turn. Play until all the cards are matched. The player with the most pairs wins. If the child has trouble recognising a word, say

the word – do not ask the child to “sound out” the word.

The purpose of this game is to build automatic recognition of whole words.

You can control the difficulty of the game by the choice and number of words used: for very beginning readers, choose meaningful words that are visually distinctive: “ghost”, “dark”, “sister”, and keep the number of words low.

For a more challenging game, include some words that are less distinctive: “when”, “what”, “this”, “that”, but be careful not to overwhelm the child.

Variation 1 Instead of matching pairs, you can use rhyming pairs: look, book; dark, park.

Variation 2 This game can also be used to build letter recognition and letter/sound association. Paste or draw simple pictures on one set of cards; and on the other set, print initial consonants to go with the pictures. For example, paste the picture of a dog on one card, and write the letter “D” on a matching card.

Note: This game can be adapted to use with older children, or more advanced readers: variations can include vocabulary practice such as using homonyms, (words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings: cent/scent; dear/deer, etc.) or contractions, (can’t; cannot, etc). (readingrockets.org)

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thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Diamond resident dies after crashing into parked truck

A

speeding East Bank Demerara (EBD) man died late Tuesday night after the

car he was driving crashed into a parked truck on the Yarrowkabra Public Road, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Dead is 24-year-old Ryan Wilson of Lot 982-11th Avenue, Great Diamond, EBD.

Atlantic Gardens murder accused acquitted

I

t was a scene of much jubilation for relatives of murder accused Richard Stanton at the High Court on Wednesday evening, as he was acquitted of the January 12, 2015 execution-style murder of Atlantic Gardens businesswoman Patricia Sanasie.

This comes days after Stanton addressed the jury and professed he was not a killer and was not born to kill anyone.

His acquittal came by way of the jury’s unanimous not-guilty verdict, which was returned after just over two hours of deliberation. This decision signals that the panel did not believe that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient enough to convict the man.

When it was announced that he was free, just after 18:30h on Wednesday, his sister shouted out, “Yes!” but Police in court restored order. After Stanton’s relatives exited the courtroom, it was celebration non-stop.

He was advised by presiding Justice Brassington Reynolds to avoid trouble, as he was given a second chance at life. Justice Reynolds said that, moving forward, he only wants to hear ‘good things’ about Stanton. The judge further remarked that had he been found guilty, he would have been close to handing down a death sentence.

Stanton gave a one-hour presentation to the jury on Monday last, wherein he related that he was working at his sister’s establishment, the Dynasty Night Club, at time Police first picked him up in January 2015, and when they re-arrested and charged him in April 2015.

Stanton had told the panel that he grew up watching his mother being abused by various males, and because of this, he did not have it in him to hurt anyone.

He was picked out in an identification (ID) parade by the late woman’s daughter, who was driving the car on the night her mother was killed.

Stanton had also disputed the Police assertion that some of the persons in the line-up were not similar to him in features.

Sanasie was riddled with bullets as she exited her vehicle and was about to open her gate at her East Coast Demerara home. Her daughter, who was the sole eyewitness to her demise, had observed that a “big built” man had exited a silver Toyota Raum, and she saw him twice as he passed and looked at her.

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

Sanasie was the former Director of Studies at the

Richard Stanton

Academy of Professional Studies. A year prior to her death, a similar attempt had been made on her husband’s life. In that instance, she and her brother had been implicated.

Stanton was represented by attorneys Mark Waldron and Keoma Griffith.

Meanwhile, State counsels Tiffini Lyken, Seeta Bishundial and Narissa Leander prosecuted the case.

In May 2016, Stanton was committed to stand trial in the High Court for Sanasie’s murder.

According to reports, the accident occurred at about 23:00h. Reports are Wilson was driving motorcar PWW 1114 and was proceeding east along the highway, allegedly at a fast rate of speed, when his vehicle collided with the right-side front of motor lorry GPP 2777 with trailer TTT 1610, which was stationary along the eastern side of the road, facing north. At the time, a bulldozer was loaded onto the trailer of the lorry.

Wilson was taken out of his mangled vehicle by the owners of the lorry, and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre in an unconscious state.

The 24-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility. His body is presently at the Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a

Dead: Ryan Wilson

post-mortem examination, which is expected to be conducted on Friday.

Guyana Times understands that Wilson was heading to his family’s sawmill business at Long Creek on the highway when the accident occurred. His father, Nazir Mohamed, told

this publication that the young man had left home shortly after 20:00h, and went to the barber before leaving for the family business.

The man related that they learnt of the accident sometime after 23:00h, when one of the “truck boys” called a friend, who then informed the family.

“When the boy called, he only say that the car get accident, and didn’t say anything else,” the man recalled. He said they then went, and confirmed their worst fears.

Meanwhile, the lorry’s 40-year-old driver of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, who was reportedly standing outside of the vehicle at the time of the accident, is in custody assisting with the investigation.

8 news

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

“I was only joking around” – ex-GDF member who shot friend tells jury

By Shemuel Fanfair

F

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) member Alistair Woolford, who is on trial for killing his friend Devon Howell, told the court on Wednesday that when he shot the former Kitty, Georgetown resident he was only joking around, as he trusted that his squaddie, Jonathon Williams, would not have given him a firearm with live rounds inside. Woolford’s address, which was made via an unsworn statement, followed the prosecution’s closing the State’s case after several witnesses had taken the stand.

Woolford is facing a manslaughter charge. The prosecution is contending that he discharged a loaded firearm at Howell with intent to murder him. Howell was shot on November 21, 2014 at D’Andrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He was hospitalised after the incident, but succumbed to his injuries three weeks later, on December 8, 2014.

During his address on Wednesday, Woolford displayed a calm demeanour and bowed his head slightly as he related that when he pointed the firearm and squeezed the trigger on that day, he never meant to kill Howell.

“I had no intention of harming him in any way. I was only joking around,” he

Accused: Alistair Woolford

Deceased: Devon Howell

said.

He also expressed that he sincerely believed the firearm, which was a 9mm silver GDF service pistol, was empty.

“I honestly trusted my squaddie John that I didn’t check the firearm. I trusted him so much that I didn’t know that he would have handed me a loaded weapon,” Woolford stated before taking his seat.

His lawyer, Compton Richardson, opted to call no witness for the defence, but he however stressed in his closing address to the jury that it was the prosecution which had the burden to prove its case against the accused. Nevertheless, he impressed upon the 12 jurors that if they believe that his client’s actions were accidental, they must find him not

guilty.

“It was a tragic mistake made by this accused; they were very good friends,” attorney Richardson highlighted.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Mandell Moore, who addressed the jury immediately after, observed that Woolford was “joking around with someone’s life”. He reminded that panel that the gun which he fired had 10 rounds, and 9 rounds remained after he fired at Howell.

“Defence counsel spoke about this case being a tragedy, but a tragedy for whom?

This accused is alive and well; Devon Howell is dead,” Moore noted.

Following the conclusion of closing addresses, Justice Sandil Kissoon, who is presiding over the case, adjourned the matter to

Vendor charged for raping 12-year-old girl

A

vendor was on Wednesday hauled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he reportedly had sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl.

Stephon Belle of Port Kaituma Water Front, North West District (NWD) was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge against him.

It is alleged that the 25-year-old engaged in sexual penetration with the girl on July 14, 2018 at Port Kaituma Water Front.

The Prosecution’s case stated that Belle invited the minor to his place of abode, and forcefully had sex with her. After the incident, the girl reported the matter, and

Stephon Belle

the Police arrested Belle.

He was placed on $350,000 bail. The case will continue at the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court on August 7.

Trio on bail after allegedly robbing Chinese store

A

trio was on Wednesday taken before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore after they reportedly invaded an Alexander and Regent Streets, Georgetown Chinese Store, carting off over $4 million worth of items.

Paul Roberts, 36, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; 41-year-old Martin Maury of Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown; and 42-yearold Troy Holmes of South

Ruimveldt, Georgetown, all denied the charge.

It is alleged that they, between July 20 and 21, 2018, at Lot 45 Alexander and Regent Streets, robbed Zou Con Foo of 100 school bags valued $180,000, and other items to a total value of $4.6 million.

However, in court on Wednesday, they all vehemently denied the allegation. They were released on $75,000 bail each. The case will continue on August 15.

Monday for summing up and deliberation, when the jury will decide on innocence or guilt.

Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh earlier gave the cause of death as ‘respiratory failure’ as a result of fractures to the spine. He witnessed a circular wound to the right neck. He said that he saw wounds to the front and back of the neck.

It was only Tuesday that recent and former GDF ranks identified the sliver service pistol which was used to shoot Howell, who had worked as an electrician.

The weapon was handed over to Woolford’s colleague Jonathon Williams at the Army’s Camp Ayanganna headquarters.

Jonathon Williams, the weapon holder, testified that he had left the gun on top of a refrigerator as he went to use Woolford’s washroom. Another friend, Daniel Fletchman, recalled on Monday that he had witnessed Woolford point the gun towards Howell, and that Howell had spun around before falling to the ground.

Howell reportedly received injuries to his upper spinal cord, and died without regaining consciousness. Woolford is represented by attorneys Compton Richardson and Hewley Griffith. Attorneys Mandel Moore and Abigail Gibbs are prosecuting the case.

Vendor charged for damaging reputed wife’s windows

A

vendor who reportedly damaged windows on his reputed wife’s premises after she locked him out over fear for her life was on Wednesday placed before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Anthony Marshall, 33, of Lot 145 Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, denied that on July 21, 2018, he unlawfully damaged one grill valued $10,000, four louvre frames valued $6,500, and four louvre panes valued $2,246, property of Diana Huxford. He is also accused of threaten-

ing the woman’s life on the same day, thereby breaching an order to keep the peace.

The father of one is reportedly in the habit of misbehaving, which prompted the virtual complainant (VC) to disclose to the court, “I am afraid for my life with this man.”

Huxford further revealed that she would be taking out a restraining order on the defendant, who remained quiet.

Marshall was placed on $25,000 bail. The case will continue on August 3, 2018.

Maintenance worker charged for stealing phone

A

maintenance worker was on Wednesday slapped with a simple larceny charge after it was alleged that he stole a cellular phone.

Junior Sears, 22, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) denied that he committed the act when he stood before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

It is alleged that he stole the Samsung J 7 cell phone valued $89,999, property of Latoya Gomes. Sears was bailed in the sum of $50,000, and will reappear in court on August 15.

Meanwhile, a Laing

Avenue, Georgetown fisherman was also before Magistrate Azore, charged for committing robbery-under-arms.

Colin Moore denied robbing Sheldon Smith of $20,000 while being armed with a weapon on July 24, 2018.

The robbery reportedly occurred while Smith was walking along Croal Street, Georgetown and was approached by Moore and others. However, as the case file was incomplete, the defendant was placed on $25,000 bail. His case will continue on August 15.

Return…

W

…of kick-down-the-door banditry? e Guyanese have a way with words when it comes to naming crimes, which leaves VERY little to the imagination. “Mugging” doesn’t tell you much, does it? But you know exactly what’s going on with “choke and rob”!! But “kick-down-thedoor (KDTD) bandits” takes graphic telegraphing even further…It immediately evokes the image of men so determined to rob you, they’re brazen enough to kick down the door of your castle!!

Yet it doesn’t do justice to the terror inflicted on the hapless homeowners by the KDTD bandits with the “big guns”. That’s their trademark equipment and they relish wounding, maiming and even murdering the victims with them to extract loot and booty. The closest parallel we have is the pirates and buccaneers of yore who were “sic’d” on by the monarchs of England and France to plunder Spanish wealth in the New World.

The parallels go beyond the gratuitous violence and looting, because back in the 1980s, when the KDTD depredations peaked, it was common knowledge their banditry was just another form of political intimidation.

Anyhow, the attacks on homes over the last few years by criminals have become increasingly prevalent – and notwithstanding the Police playing with statistics, the populace is getting very restive, that it might be KDTD reincarnated. Yesterday’s shootout – where luckily five KDTD bandits were killed by the Police – will only exacerbate those fears. In other jurisdictions, criminals who break into homes to steal – “burglars” – are characteristically non-violent. They don’t walk around with weapons.

At the Presser by the Acting CoP, he spoke very knowingly about the rap sheets of the bandits…and it appeared his whole performance was designed to burnish the image of the GPF. Nothing wrong about that: credit should be given when it’s due. But something is definitely amiss with our justice system when such KNOWN miscreants are allowed to roam our streets with impunity.

If these fellas had been let off from their previous charges…wouldn’t they have to regularly check in with “parole officers” – or our equivalent? Or is it we don’t have such a system in place? This would be tragic, since – not only in Guyana but everywhere – most crimes are committed by members of a small, tightknit criminal community. The Police must have a system to keep tabs on them – whether through parole officers or paid snitches – intelligence!

Anyhow, with all this talk of Guyana becoming an “oil rich” country, that criminal fraternity will ratchet up its violent efforts.

Where’s that Security Plan, Minister Ramjattan? Folks may start speculation of official involvement!! Again!! …of unsustainable debt?

Contrary to its protestations – and its embarrassment over that NYT report! – the PNC-led coalition’s doing everything to ensure we contract that much-dreaded “Dutch Disease”! They’ve already destroyed the agriculture and forestry sectors - through the rank politicisation of policies to spite the PPP’s base. As in the 1970s, they’re throwing money into the hands of their supporters to empower them in those sectors. Seems they never learn, it ain’t that easy!!

Another ominous sign is the inexorable rise in the Public Debt…just as under the PNC in the 1970s. By the time the PPP took office in 1992, we had US$2.1 billion in debt – and were officially a HIGHLY INDEBTED POOR COUNTRY (HIPC). Bharrat Jagdeo had to pull off a miracle to free us from THAT albatross!! In the seventies, Burnham got us into trouble by counting on sugar prices remaining high – and never anticipated the oil price rise.

Right now, Granger’s PNC’s betting that oil prices will remain high – to pay off the rising debts?

But why gamble with our future? …of an Amerindian Party Lennox Schuman assures us his announced new political party’s on stream. But your Eyewitness is disappointed he took time to stress it will be “broadbased”.

Why can’t a party of Indigenous Peoples be national?

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

News

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thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Politicians should not manage Natural Resource Fund – Jagdeo ...says NY Times reporter handled Govt with kid gloves the oil and gas sector. “The ...but knocked Guyana real substantive matters are

T

he negative picture painted by a recent New York Times article which zeroed in on the oil and gas sector was condemned

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who said he agreed with the criticisms with regard to that specific issue on which the coalition Government spoke in a press statement.

But aside from that, Jagdeo said that the article did capture a few noticeable points on the failures of Government in the oil sector, but not enough.

The Opposition Leader cited part of the article which speaks to the lack of sufficient regulatory controls to avert corruption and the legislation being in limbo.

“The legislation is in limbo. It was promised three years ago and until now, we don’t have it. It is an accurate portrayal of what is happening with the legislation. And what I have problems with in this article is that it was so benign to the Government. They should be praising this gentleman,” he asserted.

Jagdeo said that the article failed to mention several of the other failures of the Government in this sector, particularly as it relates to the controversial re-negotiation of the oil contract, among others.

“He did not deal with the fact that they hid the agreement for a year and a half, refused to release it on the basis that it had national security implications and then a false assertion that the (People’s Progressive Party) PPP prevented it from happening,” he explained.

Another missed point was the Government’s attempt to hide the US$18 million signing bonus; the unclear management framework for the oil and gas sector, including a Sovereign Wealth Fund, Local Content Policy and the Petroleum Commission, was also not included in the article.

“The article did not show the turmoil in the sector and the lack of direction by this Government. We are at a point in time where if we do not make the right decisions, oil

will not benefit our people,” he said.

But he slammed the article for the negative picture it painted of Guyana. “I believe that many journalists from the developed world come here to make us look like backwater countries, like we are on the precipice of civil war…when we have greater stability than the countries some of them they come from.”

Jagdeo said Guyana and Guyanese were unfairly portrayed in the article to people abroad.

Resource Fund

Meanwhile, in referring to some of the announcements made in a press statement issued by Government through the Finance Ministry on Sunday, Jagdeo said that he still did not agree with the model being proposed for the Natural Resource Fund, which could cater for a representative from the Opposition.

“We don’t want politicians…we, ourselves, to manage this money. This fund has to be independently, technically managed … not by politicians again and stored at the central bank. We have a problem with that model. It

still not being addressed,” he said, while noting that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has been engaged in a lot of fluff talks with members of the public on this matter.

Referring to Jordan’s recent comments, the Opposition Leader noted that while the Minister promised billboards to announce the inflow of

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

departs radically from best practices, like Norway and the other countries,” he added.

Government has said that legislation in relation to the Fund could be laid in Parliament before the end of the year as indicated in Budget 2018. It said that the proposed legislation addresses two main issues: stability of the economy and saving for future generations. Advice on this fund is being sought from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Further, Jagdeo also criticised the Government for peddling a political assessment of

oil monies, he recalled that it was he who denied that ExxonMobil paid a US$18 million signing bonus to Guyana for over a year and a half.

"The truth was finally exposed after a document was leaked to the media…People will see through this game of the APNU+AFC. They talk about oil and gas, but it is not realistic what they are saying…they are painting a rosy picture that oil will solve everything. This is not so,” he added.

Jagdeo also rubbished Jordan’s statement which sought to create the impression that hotels and flights were filled and this was a direct indication that things would improve in the economy. “What about the economy that is falling apart?” he queried, while noting that 30,000 persons have lost jobs since the coalition took office.

10 news

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

NTC to receive lease for Sophia land Canal No 2 …additional larger plot for construction of complex with facilities trench cleaned

P

resident David Granger on Wednesday engaged the newly-elected chairman and executive members of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) at a special luncheon to discuss issues affecting Indigenous communities.

During the deliberations, held at the Baridi Benab at State House, the President announced that Government will proceed with handing over of the lease -- prepared several months ago for the promised plot of land at Sophia -- to the NTC for the construction of the proposed secretariat.

However, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, together with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the NTC, will be working together to identify a larger plot of land for the establishment of a complex that would include dormitories to accommodate toshaos, conference rooms, and other facilities.

President Granger said the plot of land at Sophia caters only for a building; there is no room for expansion.

“We want you to have a campus with conference rooms, with accommodation, with benabs and places where you could relax.

We want to give you what Indigenous people deserve.

So our plans are grand, and

…floodwaters finally recede

R

The newly elected National Toshaos’ Council met with President David Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, along with other Government ministers at State House on Wednesday

we do not want to limit you to that spot, and we intend to deliver on our promise,” he said.

At the luncheon, GLSC Commissioner Trevor Benn said the GLSC is looking at three possible locations at which the complex can be built: Diamond and Houston on East Bank of Demerara, and Ogle on the East Coast Demerara.

“I know everybody wants to be in the city, but the city can only hold so many people and you can only do so much. The Sophia Exhibition Complex is held under lease by the Ministry of Business, and of course you are limited to what you can do there…,” he said.

During the engagement, President Granger was offi-

cially introduced to the new NTC officials. The 20-member body is now chaired by the Toshao of Shulinab Village, Nicholas Fredericks, and includes Paul Pierre as Vice-Chair, Toshao Russian Dorrick as Secretary, Toshao Marbel Thomas as Treasurer, and 16 other executive members from the various regions.

President Granger urged the leaders to keep an open door for dialogue and collaboration to take place, especially with the regional administrations, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and Central Government.

“It is only by working together with the region and the Central Government that we could relieve the Indigenous people of poverty,

of poor education, of poor infrastructure,” the President is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.

The Head of State also assured the NTC executives that the Government will work toward increasing the Council’s subvention. He noted that July is the start of the new budget cycle.

Meanwhile, the toshaos expressed their willingness to work hand in hand with Central Government and the relevant authorities to advance their work programme. The new Chairman said that, while at times they might not see eye to eye with Government, they are committed to meaningful dialogue and consultations.

esidents of Canal Number Two, who were flooded for weeks, have expressed their relief upon the rectification of their draining system, which was seen as the major cause of the recent flooding.

A resident from the community told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the canal was cleared which allowed for the excess water to drain off their lands. According to the resident, the area was cleared after this newspaper published several articles highlighting their plight.

“Right now, since the articles were published, they come and clear the canal and so now the water is able to leave. Like how we had heavy rainfall this morning (Wednesday), that would’ve affected us. Now, we don’t have to worry about it. Since they clean that, the water start to recede.”

Another resident indicated that the presence of moss in the canal hindered the free flow of water from the land. Now that it has been cleared, water can drain from their premises unimpeded after heavy rainfall.

However, while the water has now receded, residents are still worrying about the losses which they face after the damage caused by the floodwaters. The farmers are yet to replant and

salvage all the crops which were damaged during the inundation.

For over one week, farmers in the community were suffering from flooding, which caused severe damage at their farms and other premises. Residents from the community had indicated that the water was receding very slowly and at one point, it drained from the land one inch every two days.

Later that week, the neighbouring Canal Number One Polder also experienced mass flooding, which inundated farmlands and resulted in millions in losses as well. Farmers explained that this could have been avoided had the Water Users Association not burst the dam to install large tubes.

Cash crop farmer Morlene (only name given) told this publication her entire farm was under water, and she has incurred losses amounting to over half of a million dollars.

Meanwhile, another farmer, Doodnauth Singh, had stated that his entire pineapple field has been under water as high as three feet for the past two weeks.

He said his pineapples have withered and his cattle have had to relocate to higher ground to access feed.

news

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thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM chairmanship challenge

Hearing commences at Appeal Court

T

he High Court decision which held that President David Granger has the legal power to unilaterally appoint retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is being challenged in the Appeal Court, where the first of several hearings commenced on Wednesday.

Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall appeared before the court on behalf of People’s Progressive Party Executive Secretary and Member of Parliament Zulfikar Mustapha, in whose name the challenge was mounted against a ruling handed down by Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George.

On June 8, 2018, Justice George ruled that the Constitution of Guyana allows for the President to unilaterally appoint someone to fill the position of GECOM Chair. The appointment was the centre of much contention, as Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had presented several lists of nominees to the President, which were all rejected because Mr Granger claimed they were not “fit and proper”.

This appeal comes just months ahead of the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections and subsequent Regional and General Elections which are due by August 2020. In arguments Nandlall put forward on Wednesday, he premised the dates of the upcoming polls as just cause for the matter to be expedited. He added that he in fact filed an application requesting an early determination of the matter, just in case it reaches the level of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Nandlall contended that a decision should be rendered before the elections, since “the entire litigation” would become futile. The former Attorney General referred to the elections in Barbados, where a challenge beginning from the High Court of Barbados to the CCJ lasted just a few weeks, which permitted electors to cast their votes.

The overall thrust of

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

Nandlall’s argument is that this case raises issues which affect “the very bedrock of our constitutional democracy, and it is directly related to the integrity of our electoral machinery”.

Nandlall claimed that even though he had filed his appeal on June 12, Attorney General Basil Williams only filed his Affidavit in Answer on Tuesday, and it was served on him on Wednesday.

The case will continue before the Appeal Court this Friday.

Just days after the President’s announcement, the Opposition had filed an injunction, on October 23, 2017, that sought to have the Court rescind the unilateral appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of the Elections Commission.

Apart from rescinding the appointment of Patterson, the PPP had also argued that he was unqualified for the post.

The PPP also petitioned the High Court to order President Granger to choose a person from the eighteen names submitted by the Opposition Leader.

“I hold that there is nothing before this Court to permit a finding that the President acted unlawfully or irrationally in resorting to the proviso to Art 161(2), or to rebut the presumption that Justice Patterson is qualified to be appointed to the post of Chairman of GECOM,” the acting CJ had however ruled.

The Court’s position on

the matter also said that the Opposition could produce no evidence that Patterson was unqualified for the position, while the CJ added that even if she had agreed with the contention that the appointment was unlawful, it still would not have been “permissible for this Court to usurp the function of the President by directing him to choose a nominee from the third, or any list.”

However, Nandlall had responded that the Chief Justice’s then ruling had rendered redundant the Constitutional formula

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson

which requires a Chairman of GECOM to be appointed by a joint exercise and a process that involves the joint input of the President and the Opposition. At that time, Nandall headed a legal team for the applicant, while Attorney General Basil Williams’s team included Solicitor General Kim Kyte and two Barbadian Queens Counsels, Ralph Thorne and Hal Gollop, who all represented the interest of the State.

The PPP held that since Justice Patterson was a religious leader, this is a clear

violation of criteria set out

by President Granger to Jagdeo. It maintained the view that Patterson is unfit and improper for the job since he was a pall bearer at Peoples National Congress leader Desmond Hoyte’ s funeral, and that the judge “lied on his CV” when he said he was the Chief Justice of Grenada.

It was later revealed that Patterson merely acted in that capacity, and when questioned about it, he told media operatives that it was just a slip of the pen.

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14 news

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Venezuelan aircraft Son-in-law a no-show for trial released following probe S Father-in-law’s attempted murder

udesh Rambhajue, who says he cannot afford an attorney to represent him in court, was granted a third adjournment by Justice Brassington Reynolds, who gave him no later than today to secure legal counsel.

When the matter came up for trial on Wednesday morning, the judge, jury and prosecutors were all present in court, but the accused and his relatives who have been accompanying him to court were not seen.

Justice Reynolds did not issue a summons for the defendant to appear, but rather gave him up to today to make an appearance and secure counsel.

Rambhajue has been indicted for the attempted murder of his father-in-law, Latchman Narine Persaud, which occurred on September 18, 2015 at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. On Monday, Rambhajue was given two days to secure an attorney, and he was even advised to seek the assistance of the

Sudesh Rambhajue is accused of attempting to kill his fatherin-law

Legal Aid Clinic.

He has also been alternatively charged with felonious wounding, but he denied both of the counts as presented by State Prosecutors Seeta Bihsundial, Tiffini Lyken and Narissa Leander last week.

“We ain’t got enough money; we a little short,” the defendant informed the court on

Tuesday.

Justice Brassington Reynolds had informed the accused that the court is working according to time via the schedule of the assizes. Justice Reynolds had observed that the State is not required to assign a publicly-funded attorney to defend such charges.

The judge had told Rambhajue that he would be guided by the court on the inadmissibly of evidence if he was unable to garner legal counsel.

According to reports surrounding the matter, Narine Persaud claimed to have been attacked by the suspect after he had asked him to move out of his house. Persaud explained that after Rambhajue had ignored his request, he sought to repeat it when he saw the man approaching his home on the evening in question.

Narine Persaud reported that the man became annoyed, and stabbed him before fleeing the scene.

T

he Venezuelan aircraft which was detained earlier this month, following an investigation by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has been released.

On Wednesday it was revealed that the investigation has been completed, and legal advice was obtained upon the submission of some necessary documents.

The investigation unit involved the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the GCAA, along with security officials.

According to the Police, the pilots and a senior official of the Venezuelan Embassy, on behalf of the foreign nationals detained, assisted and cooperated fully in the investigations.

The Venezuelan aircraft that was detained

The Police also revealed that the data plate was subsequently located by the investigative team on the very aircraft, and the log book was also found which indicated that the aircraft had been in operation since 2014.

In addition, all outstanding documents which were required were submitted to the investigators, who later confirmed that they were authentic and confirmed by the GCAA. The Police said there consequently was no reason to further detain the aircraft, and as such, it was released.

It was reported that the plane landed in Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with a fake registration number, and the Data Plate which contained vital information was missing.

Based on reports received at that time, the private chartered flight, which is suspected to be registered in Venezuela, landed on July 9 at about 15:20h.

However, in keeping with security postures and inten-

sified collaboration with the management of the various units operating at the CJIA, ranks (CANU) were alerted, and conducted a preliminary inspection of the aircraft, during which certain irregularities were discovered.

Guyana Times understands that the registration number of the aircraft raised eyebrows, since another aircraft was carrying the same number. As such, the matter was reported to the CANU headquarters and orders were given for the aircraft to be detained.

The Police had stated that after enquiries were made, it was revealed that the pilots and passengers were invited to Guyana by one Michael Brassington, who was at the airport to receive them.

Brassington and the four passengers reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), while the two pilots arrived in the company of agents of CANU. Two of the passengers and the pilots were Venezuelan.

Police on hunt...

The dead woman’s sister, Louis, related to this newspaper how she learnt of the accident.

“I was at the road head last night and one of the security guards called me, but I couldn’t hear, so I asked someone next to me to take the call; and then she tell me that the person said, ‘Baby get knock down and deh pon the road; and if we don’t go fast, she gonna die’.”

However, by the time Louis got to the scene, it was already too late.

“When I reach, I see she lie down in the corner and cover up with a plastic and the Police them were there.

So I asked what really happened, and they said some tundra [hit her] but nobody see it, and so they don’t know [is who],” the grieving sister said.

Guyana Times understands that the 60-yearold security guard’s legs

from page 2

were broken, and she also sustained a gaping wound to her head.

The woman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA). Her body was then handed over to the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

Meanwhile, this publication was told that an individual was at the hospital following the accident, enquiring about the condition of the victim. This led relatives to believe that he had some connection to the driver of the vehicle that killed the mother of one.

Investigators are following information obtained with the hope that it would lead them to the perpetrator.

London was described as a “quiet and peaceful” individual, and her family and friends are calling for justice.

thursDAY, july 26, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

I

t’s four o’clock in the morning and many residents of Crane Village, West Coast Demerara are still fast asleep.

Simone Peters is already hard at work though, gathering and mixing ingredients to create tasty treats that she will bake in a humble ‘box oven’ made of galvanised sheets and wood and powered by coals.

Soon, a delicious smell drifts lazily from Simone’s kitchen. Floating lightly on the early morning breeze, the inviting aroma wafts through Simone’s sleepy village, reminding her neighbours that one of their own has made a unique and delectable addition to Guyana’s cuisine.

Early-rising visitors to the village might recognise the distinctive smell of freshlybaked, crisp coconut-biscuits coming from Simone’s home early in the morning.

And they’ll be intrigued by another mouth-watering smell that they won’t be able to identify – the subtle, tantalizing aroma of fresh coconut-cheese sticks.

Persons who have spent a little time in Guyana will know about coconut biscuits and cheese sticks, two of the most sought-after local snacks.

Chances are they won’t

know about coconut-cheese sticks, unless they’re part of a growing band of loyal customers drawn irresistibly to Simone Peters’ savoury snacks.

Simone makes exquisite coconut-biscuits, but her coconut-cheese sticks underscore her creativity and expertise in the kitchen.

Tucked away in Crane village, this modest entrepreneur has quietly invented a brand-new tasty treat that is generating considerable buzz among connoisseurs of culinary art.

She has been at it for three years now and her

small home-based business, Ann’s Bakery, is growing from strength to strength.

In the past year, she has moved up from walking and selling to baking thousands of rustic, perfectly spiced coconut biscuits, as well as the beguiling coconut-cheese sticks under the brand name “Country Style”.

As her business grows, Simone attributes much of her success to hard work.

She recalls growing up with her aunt and working hard helping her to prepare coconut biscuits for sale.

Preparing snacks for sale was

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, July 25, 2018 Selling

GBP

$273.58

$277.04

CAN

$158.46

$160.30

USD

$207.98

$210.45

EURO

$243.09

$246.19

USD

$1231.50

Gross

$242,091

Net

$222,724

Indicators as on July 25, 2018 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$73.44

Price

USD

Change %

+0.52 Change %

Rough Rice

$264.84/ton

+0.40

London Sugar

$326.10/ton

+0.65

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1231.20

$1232.20

Low/High

$1223.10

$1234.90

Change

-0.20

-0.02%

Business Concept – Prospectus Legally mandated document published by every firm offering its securities to public for purchase.

It must comply with strict legal requirements and is filed for approval with the country's securities inspectorate such as the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) of the US, or the Securities & Investment Board (SIB) of the UK. A prospectus must disclose essential information such as (1) firm's objectives; (2) primary business activity; (3) background and qualification of principal officers; (4) current financial position; (5) projected financial statements; (6) assumptions underlying the projections; (7) foreseeable risks to the firm; (8) offering price on the stock (shares) and (9) (in case of bonds and notes) how the interest and principal will be paid. (Business Dictionary)

her aunt’s main source of income.

She didn’t know then, but the experience she gained helping her aunt would pay off big-time when she took up the trade herself.

Today, Simone is making a name for herself with her coconut products, and a key factor in her progress is her participation in several exhibitions. She believes this exposure has led to thousands of new orders for her coconut tidbits.

“When I step into a room, it doesn’t matter what’s the occasion. The first thing I am asked is, ‘Did you walk with coconut-biscuits?’” she says.

Her coconut biscuits are flat and oblong with a rough surface. They are made with flour, spices, butter, coconut (of course!), evaporated milk and sugar.

Simone says the mixture and prep-work are similar to the recipe for buns. “But at the end of the day, it is how you [develop the flavour] with the flour and the butter and the coconut.”

With the increase in demand, Simone has improved her packaging and labelling. New, colourful labels on her products read: “Made with love and coconut”.

Simone believes her business got a big push when she launched her coconutcheese sticks at the UncappeD Marketplace Agro-Processors Exhibition in April this year and they got rave reviews.

Now, people can’t get enough of them and some would order by pounds.

Describing how she had the idea to create coconutcheese sticks, Simone says she thought it would be a great selling point to market

a unique, exotic, savoury product alongside her regular coconut biscuits.

She mulled over a few ideas and finally settled on an experiment that required a half pound of cheese, grated coconut, mustard, pepper and butter. The result was a product firmer than a cheese straw with a far more interesting flavour and pleasant sensation on the tongue.

Her experiment was a spectacular success. From her first taste, Simone knew it would be a hit.

“When that was finished, you know I don’t eat cheese straw anymore,” Simone says with a chuckle.

“The cheese with the coconut combined brings a smooth taste to your mouth.

The coconut of itself has a kind of sweetish taste, so when it blends with the cheese it brings a taste to your mouth that leaves you in kind of awe.

When you are finished eating that, you still have the taste of the coconut in your mouth...” she explains.

She now has a rollicking production line that churns out thousands of coconut treats every day.

Many visiting Guyanese buy coconut-cheese sticks to take overseas. What’s more, they have become a popular choice as hors d’oeuvres at all sorts of functions.

The ingredient that poses the most problems to access is coconut. Simone depends on vendors to bring coconuts for her from the back dam.

However, if she does not get enough to fulfil her orders, she has to buy them in Georgetown at a much higher cost.

Recalling her days learning her trade at her aunt’s house, she remembers everyone

15

in the house waking up at about half past three in the mornings.

The yard and household were hives of activity. The yard had to be cleaned and water was fetched from miles away.

Then came the preparation of biscuits, salaras and other baked products the family sold during the day. Coconuts had to be broken and the flesh scooped, washed and grated.

Everyone was expected to chip in.

Then, it was off to school.

She remembers the children looking forward to the moment when they could relax with the broken biscuits or salara ends and cups of bush tea.

“We found joy in that because at the end of the day, we still had… We were grateful at the end of the day…”

She muses, “I will always say I will never let my children work as hard as I did. And even a day like today, I am still working hard…”

“My goal is to leave legacy for my children… because of where I came from and the struggles I went through in life, even though my children have their own dreams I would want to leave something they can fall back on….” Simone says.

“I can see myself going there; it’s not as fast as I would like, but I know I would get there with time.”

Simone is making plans to reduce her workload. She has two employees who assist with the baking. However, she needs an industrial oven and a machine to grate coconuts in order to reduce the workload and build capacity.

Simone plans to get a mechanical grater to grate coconuts faster and in larger quantities.

If you have never tried Simone’s products, then you are in luck because she will be at the upcoming UncappeD Marketplace Agro-Processors Exhibition organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association at Leonora on July 28.

Describing her plans for the event, Simone says her booth will definitely feature her biscuits and coconutcheese sticks in addition to sugar cake and pone as well as other common coconutbased snacks in Guyana.

So be on the lookout for Simone’s booth. You are in for a treat.

16 news

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Armed bandits Mechanic’s body fished out of Atlantic Ocean T rob EBD wash bay A wash bay owner was on Wednesday morning robbed at gunpoint by four armed men.

The incident occurred at about 11:15h at the Presidential Touch Wash Bay located at Lot 38 Public Road, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to reports, the victim, 51-year-old Debbie Atwell of Eccles, EBD, was relieved of her gold chain valued $150,000; two gold rings valued $70,000, and one gold band valued $100,000 by the bandits, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

It was reported that Atwell was sitting on a chair on the eastern side of the wash bay facing west, and was checking her cellphone

when she felt someone pull her chain from her neck.

The businesswoman immediately looked up, and saw one of the perpetrators with a gun in his hands standing in front her; and the three others behind her were armed with knives.

This newspaper was told that the bandits told the woman not to raise and alarm, and then the gunman relieved her of the other items before the quartet made good its escape on foot. The four bandits headed north on the East Bank Public Road, then turned east into the Industrial Site Access Road.

The matter was reported, and an investigation has since been launched.

“Be Courageous” – Jehovah’s Witnesses convention for this weekend

Flashback: Witnesses from Lethem, Region Nine, at a previous convention

T

he Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Annual Convention is all set for this weekend at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium on the West Coast of Demerara, and will see thousands of persons gathering for three days of discussions and presentations.

According to Elders Anthony Nobrega and Joshua Dorris, the event kicks off on July 27 under the theme “Be Courageous”, and will conclude on July 29.

The three-day programme consists of 54 presentations that will include talks, audio dramas, interviews, and short videos. A highlight of the convention programme will be the public Bible discourse: “The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage - How”, scheduled for the morning of July 29; while a feature film titled “The Story of Jonah—A Lesson in Courage and Mercy”, will be shown in the afternoon.

Each day the programme commences at 09:20h, and admission is free.

Elder Nobrega, during an interview with <<Guyana Times>>, said the convention is an annual event held across the world with the same theme. He noted that the

theme “Be courageous” is an appropriate one, and comes at a time when Guyana needs the courage to fight the societal ills.

“It’s a very appropriate theme, because we live in a world where there are so many distressing problems; problems of all sorts that people are encountering and have to cope with. So the convention programme is designed to help those attending to develop this godly quality of courage, so that they can cope with the many distressing situations and problems of today’s world. It will also give them a hope for the future,” he said. Dorris said they would have interpreters speaking Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish, along with sign language for those with hearing disabilities.

He stressed that the two highlights of the convention would occur on Sunday in the form of the public talk and feature film. He noted that there would be time for persons to network and seek clarity on the issues bothering them.

Additionally, he said, the convention would seek to engage youths through the use of various technological platforms.

he body of a West Berbice mechanic who went missing on Tuesday during a family outing to catch crabs was on Wednesday fished out of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dead is Heron Anthony Sears, 49, of Number 29 Village, WCB. He used to work at the Aroaima Mining Company as a mechanic.

Reports are that on Tuesday Sears disappeared in a canal leading to the ocean in the presence of his wife. On Wednesday at about 09:00h, his body was discovered by passers-by lying on the mud flat as the tide was receding.

This publication was told that the father of one, and

Dead: Heron Anthony Sears

his wife Alicia Sears, had gone to the foreshore on an outing to catch crabs.

According to Alicia

Sears, they entered the foreshore by using the access dam at Trafalgar, and went as far as Lovely Lass village.

By the time they got back to Trafalgar, they did not have as many crabs as they needed.

The sluice attendant advised them that they had gone the wrong was in search of crabs, and needed to go in the other direction. Her husband was determined to go, but after explaining that she did not feel like walking that far, her husband said he was going alone, and walked across to the canal to wash his feet, which had a lot of mud.

Alicia Sears said he slipped into the canal, and

when she asked if he was okay, he raised his hands.

She then enquired whether he was going to the other side of the canal, and again he raised his hands.

The woman said she rushed to the sluice attendant for help, but by the time they reached where he had been, he had already disappeared beneath the murky water.

At the time, the Trafalgar sluice door was open, and the current taking the water to the ocean was strong.

The attendant closed the sluice, and a search began for the man. The body was found one village away from the Trafalgar sluice where he disappeared.

“We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to fighting HIV/AIDS”

– First Lady at 22nd International AIDS Conference

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger has said collaboration among all sectors of society must be stepped up so that there is universal respect for human rights, particularly in regard to rights for persons affected with HIV/AIDS. She noted that the world cannot be complacent when it comes to fighting this epidemic.

The First Lady was at the time delivering the feature address at the 22nd International AIDS Conference which is currently underway in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

“Rights remain a perennial issue associated with AIDS. There continues to exist, in some countries and communities, a reluctance to recognise and respect the equal rights of people infected with AIDS. Even in some countries where this equality may be recognised under the law, some persons charged with enforcement (of those rights) act according to their own personal biases and deny those rights.

“Yes, some progress has been made: the number of persons dying from AIDS has declined; the rate of infection has declined; more people have access to antiretroviral therapy; mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is going down; we in the Caribbean are particularly proud that seven of the fourteen member states of the Caribbean Community

First Lady Sandra Granger

(CARICOM) have been certified as having zero MTCT; there is viral suppression; and we have welcomed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). And yet challenges continue to beset us,” she is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.

Noting that Caribbean Community member states still struggle to endorse PrEP as they seek to strengthen responses to threats posed by migration due to economic hardship and political repression, the First Lady noted that a migrant population poses its own challenges to detection, care and treatment, while women and girls who are raped and trafficked may also be unable to access care and treatment.

“We are unable to adequately address STIs such as syphilis, which can lead to congenital syphilis due to mother-to-child transmission. Treatment must address both infections. The number

of young people being infected is rising. This is partly due to the fact that youth may not have access to comprehensive health and family life education, and to sexual and reproductive health services.

“Added to this, there are some who still refuse to be tested for AIDS. Key populations continue to encounter stigma and discrimination, hence the disparity in prevalence when compared to the general population,” she noted.

Granger said this demands a concerted effort at the universal, national and community levels to ensure that no one -- regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation -- is stigmatised or discriminated against, and has equal access to care and treatment, once diagnosed.

“It also demands age-appropriate, comprehensive health and family life education from the nursery level, so that our children learn about themselves and are made sen-

sitive about the differences that make up the human kaleidoscope. This includes community involvement. In some parts of the Caribbean, we have a high number of adolescents and young people who have dropped out of school and are both illiterate and innumerate. We have to reach out to them in language and through media that they understand and to which they will respond, so that they, too, may know their rights and source adolescent-friendly health services free from fear or opprobrium. Myths and misconceptions must also be addressed,” the First Lady said.

She noted, too, that legislation which protects the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS must be enforced, so that no person infected with HIV is stigmatised or marginalised in the community, in the workplace, or anywhere.

According to its website, the International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health issue in the world. First convened during the peak of the AIDS epidemic in 1985, it continues to provide a unique forum for the intersection of science, advocacy, and human rights. Each conference is an opportunity to strengthen policies and programmes that ensure an evidence-based response to the epidemic.

NTC raises issue of cease work orders with Natural Resources Minister

T

he Natural Resources Minister on Wednesday met with a delegation from the National Toshaos Council (NTC) which was headed by newly elected Chairman Toshao Nicholas Fredericks to address a number of issues that were related to both organisations.

During the meeting, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman renewed his commitment to a closer working relationship between the two bodies. He noted that there is need for open and frank discussions and for the two sides to engage more frequently.

Among the issues raised by the NTC

was the 2017 ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the Wayne Vieira vs GGMC case that involved land situated in the Tassawini area of the Northwest Mining District.

Trotman provided the delegation with copies of the CCJ ruling, and noted that while the ruling must be respected, this does not negate the enforceability of the Amerindian Act. The issuance of cease work orders by the GGMC was also questioned, and the NTC promised to provide the minister with a list of questions pertaining to cease work orders and the involvement of foreign partners in mining

companies. The NTC also included other matters for which it requested documented responses. The issue of human trafficking was also raised.

Both parties iterated their commitment to the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would address good governance, protection, conservation, sustainable management of indigenous community lands and natural resources, and communication between the ministry and the NTC. It was later agreed that the two parties would meet again on August 15 to continue the discussions.

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thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, july 26, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

Use your intelligence to

(March 21- overcome any emotional or April 19) physical challenge you face.

Don't mess with authority figures or anyone who can uproot you from your current position or status.

Look for answers and ask

TAURUS questions. Delve into something (April 20- that will make you more familMay 20) iar with requests being made

dilbert

of you. Personal improvements will encourage greater confidence to do your own thing.

Keep moving until you GEMINI your destination.

(May 21- reach Whether learning, traveling June 20) or heading in a new direction, it's best to control change instead of letting it control you.

Don't let a change of plans irk you. Follow through with (June 21- what you originally started July 22) out to do, and you will reach your goals and make substantial gains along the way.

CANCER

Peanuts

Find solutions by turning LEO a negative into a positive with (July 23- an upbeat attitude. Explore Aug. 22) what's available and consider ways to pitch in and help.

Participation will encourage new opportunities.

Do something that makes VIRGO you feel good about you.

(Aug. 23Pampering, shopping for Sept. 22) something special or planning an outing with someone you love will lift your spirits and improve your outlook.

Calvin and Hobbes

Make decisions and folLIBRA (Sept. 23- low through. Procrastinating will not go over well with Oct. 23) those waiting for you to make up your mind. Ask questions, gather facts and take action.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD— TEMPERA (TEMPERA: TEM-per-uh: A painting medium.)

Average mark 32 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 47 or more words in TEMPERA? The list will be published tomorrow.

Look for the right deal. Be SAGITTARIUS sure to select an opportunity (Nov. 23that ensures security, instead Dec. 21) of letting a smooth talker convince you to get swept up in a risky venture that leaves you in a precarious position.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — LITTORAL

lair liar lilt lira iota tail tailor tall taro tarot tart

till tilt tiro toil toll tort tortilla total trail trait trial

trill trio troll trot olla oral rail ratio rialto rill riot

roil roll alit allot alto aril atilt atoll

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

Say little and do a lot.

SCORPIO Focus on meetings and get(Oct. 24ting your point across by Nov. 22) showing others clearly how you'd like to handle a pending situation. Simply talking will not accomplish much.

solution for last published puzzle

Share your thoughts and CAPRICORN feelings, and draw up agree(Dec. 22- ments or make a commitJan. 19) ment regarding a joint venture you've been considering.

Personal improvements will enhance your life.

Take note of what everyone

AQUARIUS around you is doing. If someone (Jan. 20- is acting unusual or showing Feb. 19) signs of inconsistency, question your connection and consider the best way to handle such matters.

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Lend a helping hand.

What you do for others will be appreciated and repaid in ways that will surprise you.

An unexpected change will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

19

CAC Games…

Athletics and rugby teams depart for Barranquilla T

he Guyanese contingent at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia grew a little today, after the national rugby team “The Green Machine” and the track and field athletes departed Guyana on Wednesday morning.

The 14-member rugby team (inclusive of Manager and Coach) and a six-member athletics team assembled at Camp Ayanganna before they left for the airport. At that meeting, both teams seemed to be in high spirits and that reflected in the remarks made by the coaches.

Speaking with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) President and Coach, Peter Green, Guyana Times Sport learnt the decision was made to expose some of the younger rugby players in this competition, as the

Guyana’s javelin record holder Leslain Baird and Athletics Coach Sham Johnny before their departure

exposure will do well for them and the senior players are in need of rest.

“From playing in tournaments before they know what to do, but we using this opportunity now to expose the youngsters, because as you can see, we have too many tournaments coming up, so I have to rest some of the senior players for the Americas challenge,” he stated.

Despite being fairly new to international competition, Green is confident that his team will be successful. “There’s one thing we’re going for, we put our frustration behind and take it out on the opposition; we’re not going there just to be part of the crowd, we’re going there to win,” the President declared.

The two teams will join the table tennis, squash, cycling, boxing, field hockey, swimming and taekwondo

teams that are already competing.

Over in Barranquilla, the local swimmers took to the pool for the last time. Copping sixth place in her heat, Jamila Sanmoogan clocked 28.72s in the 50-metre freestyle. Competing in the men’s 50m freestyle was Andrew Fowler, who clocked 24.66s.

On the squash courts, the male team of Sunil Seth, Nyron Joseph and Jason-Ray Khalil were locked in a severe battle with Clive Walters, Bruce Burrowes, and Christopher Binnie of Jamaica. However, the Jamaicans barely edged past the Guyanese to clinch victory 2-1.

However, the female team of Mary Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil and Taylor Fernandes suffered a crushing 3-0 loss to Catalina Pelaez, Maria Tovar Perez and Laura Tovar Perez of Colombia.

Thomas extends lead as Quintana wins stage

B

ritain’s Geraint Thomas extended his lead in the Tour de France as defending champion Chris Froome faltered on the final climb on stage 17.

The Welshman, 32, who is chasing his first Grand Tour victory, leads Team Sky teammate Froome by two minutes 31 seconds with four stages left.

Thomas’ closest general classification rival is now Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, who is 1:59 behind, with Froome in third.

Nairo Quintana held off Ireland’s Dan Martin to win the

Chris Froome (centre) now plays the unusual role of support act to Geraint Thomas, right

65km (40-mile) stage.

Featuring a Moto GP-style grid start, the shortest stage of the modern era from Bagneresde-Luchon to the summit of the Col du Portet began with Thomas briefly on his own in front of the rest of the field.

After three brutal climbs in quick succession, separated by twisting technical descents, he had strengthened his hold on the yellow jersey with a commanding ride that showed his all-round ability and no sign of weakness.

With Thursday’s day on the flat expected to end in a sprint

finish, Friday’s racing - which includes an ascent of the Col du Tourmalet - looks like being the last significant risk to Thomas’ bid for the yellow jersey.

It is followed by an individual time trial, where his current advantage should be enough to hold world time-trial champion Dumoulin at bay, and the ceremonial final stage on the Champs Elysees on Sunday.

After the stage, photos emerged showing Froome apparently being knocked off his bike by a police officer as he rode to the Team Sky bus.

Thomas has previously

cracked at high altitude - most recently in April’s Tour de Romandie - but he comfortably covered the attacks of LottoNLJumbo’s Primoz Roglic and Team Sunweb’s Dumoulin on the drag up the Col du Portet and the highest point of this year’s race at 2,215m.

As Froome fell off the pace and was nursed home by teammate Egan Bernal, Thomas used the speed developed during a glittering track career to strike out and claim third place behind Movistar’s Quintana and UAE Team Emirates rider Dan Martin. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

Veteran commentator “Reds” Perreira visits MSC Cricket Academy

T

he students who are currently part of the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Cricket Academy are counting their lucky stars after they were treated to a visit and talk from the best cricket commentator that Guyana has ever produced.

The St Lucia-based Guyanese was in his homeland for a series of interactive programmes, and decided to close off his trip with a visit to the recently-resuscitated Cricket Academy in Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The 79-year-old spoke to the students, who range in ages from 6-18, about the importance of hard work and dedication, not only to cricket but also in their secular lives.

The half-hour-long interactive session saw Perreira telling the students about his younger days growing up near the Pomeroon River in Essequibo.

Explaining that he grew up in a time when there were not any cell phones or televisions, the former commentator stressed how fortunate the students were to have that level of technology, given that all he had back then was a transistor radio.

“Having these things is a good thing and a bad thing, since while it gives you more opportunity to learn, it also reducing the time you spending speaking with each other,” Perreira stated.

Veteran commentator “Reds” Perreira addressing the students of the MSC Cricket Academy

He elaborated, “People sit next to each other and chat on WhatsApp to each other while young children spend all day on the Internet (on YouTube) which could affect their school work and physical activities. The parents must ensure that their children live a balanced life and it’s very good that you have brought your kids here.”

The former advisor to Guyana’s Sports Minister Shirley FieldsRidley during the Forbes Burnham Government told the students which included several girls that they were the lucky ones to be growing up in a time when there are all sorts of gadgets, including smartphones, iPads, tablets ,and computers.

“Reds” stressed on the importance of education, noting that there is life af-

ter cricket.

“There are so many things you could learn here apart from cricket skills, but have focus on what the people that come to teach you things say and pay attention to and have respect for your Coaches.”

Speaking on his share of adversity, the former commentator shared how he had to overcome stuttering in order to become one of the best Caribbean commentators. As such, he reminded the students that anyone can be successful in whatever they do despite

where they come from, but added that the best things in life don’t come easy and without hard work.

“You have to work with each as a team and don’t be selfish, respect your teammates, those you play against and the Umpires.

You can win every time and when you lose try to learn from what you did wrong,” added “Reds”, who ended by asking “What brings success?”

“HARD WORK!” the Cricket Academy students shouted together.

RHTY&SC donates bikes under patron’s 73rd birthday programme

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Friday last provided bicycles to 20 youths as part of an effort to assist them to stay in school and obtain an education.

The donation was done under its Patron’s Fund as part of President David Granger’s 73rd birthday celebration.

Sponsoring the gesture were VNet Communications Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharaz Sherrifudeen and the 10 cricket teams of RHTY&SC. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, in his remarks at the presentation, stated that last year the Club assisted students and sports

Some of the students posed with officials of the RHTY&SC and VNet Communications during the handover

organisations with millions worth of bicycles, exercise books, cricket balls, sports gear and school bags for the RHTY&SC Patron’s 72nd birthday.

The highly-successful edition of the Green Economy Cricket Tournament was also hosted with $1 million in prizes being shared out to the top winners.

This year, the Berbice Cricket Board will host the second edition of the Green Economy Trophy while the RHTY&SC assist youths with school bags, cycles and cricket bats as part of its countrywide “Say Yes to Education and Sports” Campaign.

President Granger, the RHTY&SC long-serving

Secretary/CEO stated, has been a remarkable and inspirational Honorary Patron to every member of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation and as such, the Club was delighted to assist youths to fulfil their potential in sports and the classroom. The RHTY&SC’s main objective, Foster stated, is to make God’s world a better place for youths, the elderly and less fortunate to live in.

The students, drawn mainly from Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant, Hampshire and Williamsburg, expressed gratitude to the Club, VNet Communications and all persons and entities who joined in to assist.

Meanwhile, Sherrifudeen

stated that his company was quite pleased to be associated with the RHTY&SC, its cricket teams, and most importantly, to assist youths to get to school.

Most of the student beneficiaries were selected by the Cricket Coaches of the RHTY&SC after attending the Club’s 28th Annual Cricket Academy while the others were nominated by schools in the township. The RHTY&SC cricket teams will next distribute cricket bats to Under-15 cricketers based on recommendations from clubs around Berbice. Persons who want to nominate youth cricketers can email foster_ hilbert@yahoo.com or call the office on 337-4562.

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21

GT Beer “Keep Your Five Alive” Competition…

Gold is Money face Tiger Bay in tonight’s feature match D

efending champions West Front RoadGold is Money will take on Tiger Bay in the feature game of tonight’s final stanza in Round of 16 action in the GT Beer “Keep Your Five Alive” Indoor Competition, which is being played at the National Gymnasium.

The reigning title holders have looked a bit shaky in defence of their crown and tonight’s clash against a strong Tiger Bay unit will definitely provide a stern test and possibly give the best indication as to what shape they are in.

Tiger Bay, who had been plagued by defections over the past year, have seen many of their marquee players return to the fold and could be at full strength for the all-important engagement against the champs, especially with a quarter-final spot up for grabs.

In the opening encounter, Linden’s Silver Bullets square off against the experienced Back Circle side and this match-up should provide the perfect start for the night, which it is anticipated will be littered with exciting action.

This game will be followed by Ol’ Skool Ballers versus Future Stars – a clash between two young teams who will be looking to produce the next star in the shorter format.

The next game has all the makings of a scorcher when Albouystown, another team that have players returning to the fold, take on North East La Penitence.

This could be the most entertaining game of the night, as the latter have always shown the potential to be a top contender, but discipline has been their Achilles heel; once they can curb their instincts, fans are assured of a riveting contest.

Albouystown are known for their consistency and have been knocking on the door for a title and maybe

this tournament is the one they get over the line.

A number of exhibition matches are planned, but what is certain is that the battle for quarter-final spots will provide fireworks.

Other sponsors on board are: Boom FM, Star Party Rentals, Fireside Grill N Chill, Ravi Investments and Colours Boutique.

“Reds” bestowed with Dolphin Award of Excellence “Y ou are a hero to several generations of cricket lovers and you brought the world of cricket into our imagination long before television came into our homes. Your voice inspired thousands of young West Indians to follow their dreams to become the next Sobers, Lloyd, Worrell, Richards and Greenidge.

Most importantly, you were a role model to my generation and others, and have played a huge role in promoting Guyana and West Indies cricket. Today, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has the greatest privilege to honour you with our highest award – the Dolphin Award of Excellence.” These were the words of RHTY&SC Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster, as the Club honoured legendary international cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira.

Perreira, who was in the Ancient County as a guest of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), received the Dolphin Award of Excellence during a special ceremony Friday last at the St Francis

RHTY&SC Organising Secretary Keith Hicks hands over the Dolphin Award to Joseph “Reds” Perreira

Training Centre. He became the 33rd person to receive the award, which is given to friends of the RHTY&SC who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Guyana and also serve as a positive role model to youths. Among the other awardees are President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses

Nagamootoo, former Test Player Roger Harper and Journalist Franklin Wilson.

Perreira started his legendary career in 1961 at the Rose Hall Canje Ground at the First-Class level and broadcast his first Test Match in 1971 when the West Indies played India at the Bourda Ground. Up to his retirement two years

ago, Perreira did commentary in 147 Test Matches, 200 One-Day Internationals and over 350 First Class Matches. He also served as sports coordinator of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for over a decade and was an advisor to the late Sport Minister Shirley FieldRidley in the 1970s.

A humbled Perreira, who was inducted as an Honorary RHTY&SC member 15 years ago, stated that it was an honour to receive such a prestigious award from Guyana’s best.

Perreira stated that he had to work hard to achieve success including overcoming a severe stammer.

Success, he stated, can be achieved once a person has a dream and is prepared to put in a long time. The legendary commentator stated that many persons, including Raffeek Khan, opened the door of opportunities for him and he would always be grateful for it. Speaking on his career, he disclosed that it was a privilege to work with great Commentators like Tony Cozier, John Arlott and Jim Maxwell.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

Hetmyer’s magnificent 125

helps Windies level series M

an-of-the-Match Shimron Hetmyer stroked his maiden ton at home, as the Windies levelled the ODI series 1-1 after completing a three-wicket win in Wednesday’s day/night affair at Providence.

Following up his fifty from Sunday, the former Windies U-19 World Cup winning skipper became the youngest Guyanese to score an ODI ton as he dealt primarily in sixes as he smoked seven huge maximums and three fours in his majestic 125 off 93 deliveries.

Rovman Powell flexed his guns for a bit, hitting four fours in his 44 and added a century stand of 103 with Hetmyer, to help the hosts rack up 271 all out in 49.3 overs. Fast bowler Rubel Hossain was the pick of the lot with 3-61 while Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan bagged two apiece.

Bangladesh almost got there thanks to fifties from Tamim Iqbal (54); Shakib Al Hasan (56) and Mushfiqur Rahim (68) as the visitors ended on 268-6. Windies used six bowlers with five returning a wicket each in a collective effort.

Anamul Haque smashed 23 off nine balls with two fours and as many sixes to help the Tigers rocket to their fastest team 50 in ODIs, before Joseph accounted for his dismissal. Tamim and Shakib continued from Sunday where they added 200-plus runs during an amazing partnership.

Khan reached his second fifty in succession striking at nearly 70, while

Al Hasan also made a repeat of the first match by registering his mini milestone a few deliveries after. After toying with the Windies seamers for the majority of their 97run stand, the introduction of spin yielded rewards for the hosts.

Bishoo outfoxed Tamim, who was stumped

by Shai Hope while Shakib was caught off Nurse’s bowling to leave Bangladesh 145-3. Top scorer Rahim and Mahmudullah then staged another fight-back which seemed fruitful before their respective dismissals.

They steered the chase with a little more to do than Mossdek Hossain and Mashrafe Mortaza could have pulled off as t h e y end-

ed not out on 3 and 1 respectively.

Earlier, Evin Lewis looked ominous during his brief innings of 12 as he cleared the ropes o n c e , while managing j u s t o n e four, prior to

Rubel Hossain celebrates a wicket

Mortaza winning a successful LBW appeal. Chris Gayle (29), meanwhile, opened up his arms with a couple of fours and a six off Mehedy to keep the score ticking.

Windies’s team 50 came up in the 13th over with the big left-hander looking settled, but soon after he was pinned leg before wicket

by Mehedy, who got his revenge for being smashed earlier by Gayle.

At 55-2, Hetmyer, the top-scorer from the last match, came out to join Shai Hope (25) who continued to scratch around the crease. Shakib capitalised on Hope’s lack of form and had him caught by Sabbir in the covers after he escaped with his wicket following a beauty of a delivery, the ball before.

A nice sweep for four by Hetmyer raised Windies’ 100 in the 23rd over with the Guyanese looking more comfortable with every delivery. Jason Mohammed’s (12) woes continued as he picked the wrong delivery from Rubel to cut and picked out backward point.

Hetmyer absorbed the pressure around him and soon reached his second consecutive fifty as he and Powell added a solid fifty-partnership.

That soon turned into a century stand between the two as both batsmen looked to acquire as many boundaries as possible before the innings ended.

The Jamaican

upped his scoring with a wide array of short-arm jabs and pulls, but the partnership was broken by Rubel, who got one to disturb the stumps of the right-hander, just six short of what would have been a well-deserved fifty.

Holder (07) joined in on the fun, smashing Shakib for a six back over his head before the veteran left-arm spinner had him stumped the very next delivery to send Windies plummeting

SCOREBOARD West Indies Innings (50 overs maximum) CH Gayle lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 29 E Lewis lbw b Mashrafe Mortaza 12 SD Hope † c Sabbir Rahman b Shakib Al Hasan 25 SO Hetmyer run out (Mehidy Hasan Miraz/†Mushfiqur Rahim) 125 JN Mohammed c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Rubel Hossain 12 R Powell b Rubel Hossain 44 JO Holder (c) st †Mushfiqur Rahim b Shakib Al Hasan 7 AR Nurse c Tamim Iqbal b Mustafizur Rahman 3 KMA Paul c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Rubel Hossain 4 D Bishoo b Mustafizur Rahman 0 AS Joseph not out 1 Extras: (lb 6, nb 1, w 2) 9 Total: (49.3 Overs, RR: 5.47) 271 Fall of wickets: 1-29 (E Lewis, 6.1 ov), 2-55 (CH Gayle, 13.4 ov), 3-77 (SD Hope, 18.4 ov), 4-102 (JN Mohammed, 23.5 ov), 5-205 (R Powell, 42.1 ov), 6-224 (JO Holder, 43.4 ov), 7-236 (AR Nurse, 45.6 ov), 8-241 (KMA Paul, 46.5 ov), 9-242 (D Bishoo, 47.2 ov), 10271 (SO Hetmyer, 49.3 ov) Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 9-0-44-1, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 10-3-40-1, Mustafizur Rahman

Smith replaces Al Hasan in Tridents 2018 line-up A

lthough losing a great asset to their team, the Barbados Tridents have made sure that they secured a viable replacement for Bangladesh player Shakib Al Hasan, who is no longer available for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Al Hasan’s replacement will come in the form of Australian former skipper Steve Smith. Smith is returning to the “Biggest Party in Sport” after five years; the Australian had previously been a part of the Antigua Hawksbills team back in 2013.

Having played 64 Tests, 108 OneDay Internationals (ODIs) and 30 T20 Internationals for Australia, the righthand batsman currently sits at number one in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings. However, while Test cricket is the 29-year-old’s strong point, he is a force to be reckoned with in the T20 arena. With in

excess of 3000 T20 runs, including one century and 11 fifties, under his belt, Smith has played for the likes of Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League (IPL). More recently, the batsman played several marvellous innings for the Toronto Nationals in the Global T20 Canada. The seasoned player will add a wealth of experience to the fairly young Barbados squad.

Speaking on Smith’s signing, Barbados Tridents Coach Robin Singh stated, “It is a huge blow to lose Shakib for the tournament, but in Steve Smith we have a truly world-class replacement who can help to bring power to our batting line-up. As a man who has played cricket at the highest level all over the world, we are very confident that Smith will be a big success with the Tridents.”

The Barbados Tridents will bowl off

their Hero CPL 2018 campaign with an away match against local team, the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The two teams will face off at the Providence Stadium on August 12 from 18:00h.

After which the Tridents will then face the St Lucia Stars on August 17 at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground.

The Tridents team will go on to play the Jamaica

Tallawahs in Lauderhill, USA before returning to the Kensington Oval for their five home matches.

further. Nurse imploded for 3, gifting his wicket to Mustafizur while Paul was caught behind off Rubel for 4.

But the milestone could not be prevented as Hetmyer reached his first international ton on home soil with a dab off Mustafizur, which he celebrated with much elation. Bishoo was knocked over by Mustafizur soon after as the Caribbean side’s innings came to an end.

Right-handed batsman Steve Smith in action

8.3-0-44-2, Mosaddek Hossain 4-0-31-0, Shakib Al Hasan 9-145-2, Rubel Hossain 9-0-61-3 Bangladesh Innings (target: 272 runs from 50 overs) Tamim Iqbal st †Hope b Bishoo 54 Anamul Haque b Joseph 23 Shakib Al Hasan c Paul b Nurse 56 Mushfiqur Rahim † c Paul b Holder 68 Mahmudullah run out (Nurse/ Holder) 39 Sabbir Rahman c Hetmyer b Paul 12 Mosaddek Hossain not out 3 Mashrafe Mortaza (c) not out 1 Extras: (b 1, lb 4, w 7) 12 Total: (6 wickets, 50 Overs, RR: 5.36) 268 Did not bat: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Anamul Haque, 2.3 ov), 2-129 (Tamim Iqbal, 24.6 ov), 3-145 (Shakib Al Hasan, 29.2 ov), 4-232 (Mahmudullah, 45.1 ov), 5-264 (Sabbir Rahman, 48.6 ov), 6-264 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 49.1 ov) Bowling: AS Joseph 6-0-551, JO Holder 10-0-66-1, AR Nurse 10-0-34-1, KMA Paul 7-0-43-1, CH Gayle 7-0-260, D Bishoo 10-0-39-1

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

23

Scenes from the 2nd ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh A picture worth seven words

Captain Jason Holder makes a point to Keemo Paul

Shimron Hetmyer slugs to pick up one of his seven maximums

Mashrafe Mortaza fields his own bowling watched

by Umpire Richard Illingworth

Hetymer embraces Devendra Bishoo after picking up a wicket

thursDAY, JUly 26, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal was stumped by the wicketkeeper shortly after passing the halfcentury mark

Hetmyer’s magnificent 125 helps Windies level series

Pg 22

Shimron Hetmyer acknowledges the supporters after reaching his first ODI century on his home turf against Bangladesh at Providence

Smith replaces Al Hasan in Tridents 2018 line-up Pg 22

Athletics and rugby teams depart for Barranquilla Pg 19

The rugby team were all smiles before leaving for Barranquilla, Colombia

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