Guyanatimes 2 october 2017

MARAD hosts historic P5 graduation

…4 women among 1st batch of 16 marine pilots Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3349

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, October 2, 2017

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From Oct 11

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Exxon to begin drilling in new Stabroek Block well – vessels urged by MARAD to avoid area

Residents P9 along the Ireng River have to relocate – Garrido-Lowe Page 5

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer Institute launches month of free screening Page 12

Cop fails P8 breathalyser test after colliding with motorcyclist

At La Parfaite Harmonie

Health Centre’s washrooms yet to be repaired

P7

Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, George Lewis (left) and PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow (third left) among officials at Sunday’s launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Oil sector

Environmental audits to be Page 3 launched next year – AG

...to determine Guyana’s capacity to deal with oil spill, other disasters

In addition to food, medical supplies

Guyana to donate lumber to hurricanedevastated islands Page 14

Lethem bus driver busted with ganja, cocaine Page 2

P2 Agricola woman injured during shootout

At Grove

P9

65-year-old man dies after crashing into post

2 news

monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lethem bus driver busted with ganja, cocaine

…24.9 kilograms cannabis, 200 grams cocaine found in vehicle at Mabura checkpoint

A

bus driver of Tabatinga, Lethem is now in custody of the Police after he was, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, found with a large quantity of cannabis and cocaine in his possession.

The 55-year-old man was said to be transport-

ing passengers to Lethem at the time of the discovery.

He was attempting to pass through a checkpoint at the Mabura Police Station, Linden at around 04:00hrs.

This publication understands that the vehicle was thoroughly searched by ranks, acting on a tipoff, and

the 24.9 kilograms of cannabis and 200 grams of cocaine were unearthed.

As such, the man was questioned about the discovery and later taken into Police custody, where investigations are still being conducted. He is being processed for Court.

Agricola woman injured during shootout

A

The minibus that was stopped and searched at a Police checkpoint at Mabura

The suspect in custody

The 24.9 kilograms of cannabis and 200 grams of cocaine that were unearthed

26-year-old woman from Agricola, Greater Georgetown, is now being treated for a gunshot wound at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being caught in the crossfire between two armed men in the said village on Saturday evening.

Injured is Aisha Everley, of Lot 65 Freeman Street, Agricola, who was shot to her leg around 21:00h.

Based on information received, the two villagers – who are yet to be identified by Police – were involved in a heated argument.

However, Guyana Times understands that as the argument escalated the two men whipped out their handguns and began to direct gunshots at each other.

Everley, who was a bystander, reportedly started to run for cover, but was subsequently shot.

Public-spirited persons rushed the woman to the Georgetown Public Hospital while the two men fled the scene. She is said to be in stable condition. She is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the bullet still lodged in her leg.

Police sources have confirmed that it is

Aisha Everley

believed that one of the suspects may have been shot as well, since evidence of injuries (blood) was found at a different location from where the woman was shot.

Investigations are ongoing into the matter and the Police are trying to find the two perpetrators. (Kizzy Coleman)

news

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monDAY, october 2, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 2 – a night retraction at 02:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, October 3 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 2 – 14:10h-15:40h and Tuesday, October 3 – 14:50h-16:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Oil sector

Environmental audits to be launched next year – AG ...to determine Guyana’s capacity to deal with oil spill, other disasters

WEATHER TODAY Thunderstorms and heavy rain showers will prevail for most of the day, with sunny weather in the late afternoon. Thunderstorms and thundery showers are expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East South-easterly to Northeasterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 14:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.39 metres.

Low Tide: 07:54h and 20:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 0.81 metre respectively.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

By Jarryl Bryan

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

he Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) will, in 2018, be carrying out a number of audits which will analyse the capacity of the country’s relevant agencies to protect the environment and endangered species of animals.

This disclosure was made by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in an interview, after he handed over the 2016 audit report on the public accounts of Guyana.

Asked what areas the environmental audit would cover, he identified BarimaWaini (Region One).

“As you know, North West (Region One) has the four turtle (species). We have to preserve those, because we don't want to have an oil spill; and it could be dangerous. I remember, several years ago, there was the cyanide overspill. It had an effect on the environment in the interior,” Sharma said.

This is a reference to the cyanide spill in Guyana in 1995. In gold mining, cyanide is used as an extracting agent for the ore. In the case of Guyana’s cyanide spill, the highly poisonous material spilled out of a reservoir into the Essequibo River.

But a new natural re-

The Leatherback turtle is famous for choosing Guyana’s beaches as nesting sites, but the advent of oil has created one more danger for which preparations have to be made

The Audit Office of Guyana

source is set to be extracted on a large scale. Guyana has been making preparations for oil production by 2020, since ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil find in Guyana. In May of that year, Exxon confirmed that more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs were encountered at its Liza 1 exploration well.

In late June 2016, Exxon’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 5,475 me-

tres at 1692 metres water depth. Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels

of oil equivalent. Data from the Liza 2 well test is being assessed.

The company had announced that it made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana. Its partner, Hess Corporation, had noted that the Liza 3 exploratory well’s net value could be US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets.

Drilling on Payara began on November 12, 2016, with initial total depth reached on December 2, 2016. In January of this year, the oil giant had announced it had struck oil in its Payara-1 well, targeting the same type of reservoirs as the well’s Liza counterpart. turn to page 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, october 2, 2017

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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Trotman ties the knot!

Agriculture paradigm shift?

E

xactly one year ago, we noted in this space the proclivity of the Ministry of Agriculture to ignore the lesson of agriculture -- that it takes time and effort to bring crops and livestock to “fruition”. Every October, it announces “Agriculture Month” with an accompanying “theme” that promises revolutionary change in a year.

Last year it was “Exploring new production frontiers: in pursuit of climate resilience”, while the year before, 2015, the first since it assumed office, it was “Exploiting our Strengths; advancing agriculture and social protection”.

This year, we are informed, the theme is “Food Security and Hinterland Development: Our National Priority.”

The connection of agriculture and “social protection” in 2015 was rather ironic in retrospect, since, in that year, the Government unilaterally announced the closure of Wales sugar factory and the “amalgamation” of the estate with Uitvlugt Estate, twenty miles north on the Atlantic Coast.

Surely “social protection” was not augmented with the loss of employment by 1700 workers, among whom were several hundred cane-cutters, who were being herded back to the days of indentureship, when the worker had to unquestioningly obey the orders of the planters.

Ignoring the labour contract that forbid a worker being shifted to a worksite more than ten miles from his home, the cane-cutters were ordered to report to fields at Uitvlugt, at least 20 miles away, and are still in a state of limbo. The “amalgamation” of the estates appears stillborn, since a connecting road to transport cane from Wales to Uitvlugt is still only, at best, an aspiration.

In 2015, there was also another development (or lack thereof) in the agricultural sector, which belied the theme of “social protection”. The rice industry had received a shot in the arm back in 2009, after then President Jagdeo had negotiated a rice contract on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The mega contract with Venezuela was in effect a barter of rice for oil, utilising the Petrocaribe Fund, at rice prices twice the world market rates. The contract had come to an end, but the new APNU/AFC Government did absolutely nothing to try to salvage a market then absorbing 200,000 tonnes of the 600,000 tonnes produced.

But the themes of 2016 and 2017 suggest there was a method to the Government’s apparent madness: the Government intends to abandon agriculture on the coastland and move it inland. Last year’s theme, “Exploring new production frontiers: in pursuit of climate resilience”, saw the Government giving much more attention to the PNC’s efforts back in the 1970s cooperative socialistic phase, to push agricultural development in the intermediate and hinterland savannahs.

And we cautioned: “It is our hope that Government is not giving up on the coastal agricultural “bird in the hand” in pursuit of its hinterland “bird in the bush,” as adumbrated in this year’s theme.

In its announcement of Agriculture Month last week, it noted: “The Government of Guyana’s 2015 Manifesto has indicated development of the hinterland as a priority, with implementation of policies for development of the Intermediate Savannahs, as well as the Rupununi Savannahs. The Intermediate Savannahs have long been considered as the next frontier for the nation’s agricultural development. In this vein, the Ministry of Agriculture has aligned its work programme to realise the Intermediate Savannahs as the next agricultural centre, and has also prioritised the implementation of policies for development of the Rupununi Savannahs.”

While there is unquestionably a need to develop the intermediate and interior savannahs, as was highlighted by the Minister and his high-level team on their visit to the Rupununi during the middle of last month, the challenges presented will take huge amounts of resources – technological, human and material. We suggest that we do not waste the hundreds of years of efforts by slaves, indentured and freemen to make the Guyana coastland among the best drained and irrigated lands on the planet.”

It might also appear to be politically motivated.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman tied the knot with Teresa Gaime on Saturday in Grenada. Gaime, the holder of two Master’s Degrees, recently demitted office as his Technical Assistant at the Natural Resources Ministry. She currently heads the consulting firm Dochas Consulting. Gaime-Trotman is a former Deputy Director of Child Services at the Child Care and Protection Agency

Division, distrust and fear now pervade Guyana Police Force Dear Editor, A report in another section of the media (Sept. 17, 2017) screamed, “Seelall must go: Sanction Ramnarine”. Why? Because, according to the report, Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, “had improperly inserted himself into the investigation into the alleged plot although he was on leave.”

Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, on the other hand, reportedly “failed to ensure proper probe while acting as top cop.”

Paul Slowe, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police with a seeming grouse against the Guyana Police Force, its top leadership, and the former Government, has pelted the mega stone. He came out with vengeance, venom, and unreserved bias, which were obvious from day one of the CoI. He is long suspected to be an active behind-the-scenes advisor to the PNC, and the perfect hatchet man to ensure preconceived political objectives are achieved.

On what limb does the accusation against Commissioner Persaud stands? Is it a fact that he was on leave? The answer is yes. Is it a fact that he became involved in the matter? Again the answer is yes.

Then did he obstruct justice, improperly insert himself into the investigation, or in any way compromise the investigation? The answer is that he could not have. Why? Because the power and authority at all material times remain vested in him, even though he was on leave!

Let’s consult Article 211 (c) of the Constitution. It states, “If the office of the

Commissioner of Police is vacant, or the holder thereof is unable to perform the functions of his or her office, a person may be appointed to act in that office…” A legal luminary forcefully concluded that none of the above applied to the office of the Commissioner of Police or the person of the Commissioner of Police, therefore a Deputy Commissioner could not have been appointed to act in that office. Neither was the office of the Commissioner of Police vacant, nor was the Commissioner disabled from performing the functions of Commissioner. Authority, therefore, still resides in the Commissioner of Police.

Further, Article 228 (2) of the Constitution continues to provide guidance and clarity. “Where by this Constitution a power is conferred upon any person or authority to make any appointment to any public office, a person may be appointed to that office notwithstanding some other person may be holding that office when that person is on leave of absence pending the relinquishment of that office; and where two or more persons are holding the same office by reason of an appointment made under this paragraph, then for the purpose of function conferred upon the holder of that office, the last person appointed shall be deemed to be the sole holder thereof.” What is the main element here?

Leave of absence pending the relinquishment of the office of the Commissioner!

Legal luminary again asserts that Commissioner of Police Persaud was not on leave of absence pending the relinquishment of the office of Commissioner! He remains the last and only hold-

er of that office, even though he was on leave.

Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine could not have been appointed under Article 228 (2) to the office of Commissioner of Police. Therefore, he was never Commissioner of Police while Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud was on leave. As such, the power and authority of Commissioner remained vested in Seelall Persaud at all material times. It follows therefore that notwithstanding Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud was on leave, he had at all material times the administrative power and authority to act in accordance with the powers vested in him.

Therefore, he could not have improperly inserted himself into any investigation, as reported by the State newspaper. One would dare say it was his duty to ensure justice is done following the rule of law.

Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine, though a good administrator, cast his bet on the wrong side of the coalition. Maybe he’ll repose in the knowledge that at the TSU Square, all dressed in AFC colours, he championed the cause of change, and then regaled in victory at the same square with the words, “Is a-we time now.” Like his political friends, he is now learning that the PNC plays hard ball in diabolical ways.

He is now caught in the middle, a victim of the power struggle between the dominant PNC and the subservient AFC. Wherever his career takes him will be dependent on the outcome of the power struggle within the PNC+AFC. The plot unfolds in a sur-

real spectacle, deja vu, a replay of history. “After the 1968 election, Burnham began to purge Indo-Guyanese from the GDF officer corps.

By 1970, Afro-Guyanese dominated both the officer and the enlisted ranks of the GDF. The ruling PNC began using political and ethnic criteria in selecting officer cadets… attempted both to consolidate and expand the loyalty of the GDF by manipulating racial symbols and by materially rewarding loyal soldiers … 1973 an aide to Forbes Burnham openly advocated that the GDF pledge its allegiance to the PNC…This recommendation was made policy the following year. Although the recommendation was unpopular among career officers, disagreement was not voiced openly for fear…” (Guyana and Belize Country Studies: Federal Research Division (Library of Congress) Edited by Tim Merrill. Jan. 1992). Obsessed with control, the aide to Burnham truly walks in the footsteps of his deceased master.

Albeit, it is now the Guyana Police Force in which he plays out his role as President and Commanderin-Chief, with Paul Slowe as his surrogate advisor/hatchet man. The resultant effect, however, is unparalleled damage to the Guyana Police Force. Division, distrust and fear now pervade among the officer corps. Esprit de corps has been savaged, sacrificed on the altar of executive lawlessness in the guise of a Commission of Inquiry, the outcome of which would appear to have already been determined.

Sincerely, Romesh V Singhrai

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monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

From Oct 11

Exxon to begin drilling in new Stabroek Block well – vessels urged by MARAD to avoid area

By Jarryl Bryan

E

sso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL), an affiliate of oil giant ExxonMobil, is slated to commence a three-month drilling operation at a new well within the Stabroek Block.

This was revealed following a notice (see today’s edition, page 8) from the Guyana Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). It is understood that drilling of the well, dubbed the Ranger=1 Well Site, will commence from October 11.

The Department noted that there would be five vessels partaking in the operation which would be dis-

playing the relevant international signal for oil exploration: the Stena Carron; the MV Cat Island; the MV Fast Titan; the MV Hannah Chouest and the HOS Commander.

The drill site, according to MARAD, is 160 nautical miles from Guyana’s coast and covers a square kilometre. The coordinates, the Department noted, are 08 degrees, 56.340’, 08 degrees, 56.340’, 08 degrees, 55.250’ and 08 degrees 55.250’ at Latitude North.

At Longitude West, the coordinates were 057 degrees, 18.680’, 057 degrees, 17.590’, 057 degrees, 17.590’ and 057 degrees, 18.680’.

These are all in Zone 21.

Exxon’s current operation in the Stabroek Block

Urging that ordinary vessels in the zone stay clear of the operation and these vessels, MARAD also encouraged vessels to navigate with caution when in the vicinity and to radio on VHF Ch. 16 or via the Georgetown Lighthouse.

Drilling has consistently encountered oil reservoirs since ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil find in Guyana. In May of that year, Exxon confirmed that more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs was encountered at its Liza 1 explo-

ration well.

In late June 2016, Exxon’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 5475 metres at 1692 metres water depth. Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Data from the Liza 2 well test is being assessed.

The company had announced that it made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana. Its partner, Hess Corporation, had noted that the Liza 3

exploratory well’s net value could be US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets. Drilling on Payara began on November 12, 2016, with initial total depth reached on December 2, 2016. In January of this year, the oil giant had announced it had struck oil in its Payara-1 well, targeting the same type of reservoirs as the well’s Liza counterpart. The lesser known Orinduik oil block has been under the administration of Eco Guyana and Tullow, after they signed a 10-year Petroleum Prospecting Licence and Production Sharing Agreement with Government last year.

MARAD hosts historic graduation …4 women among 1st batch of 16 marine pilots

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson; MARAD’s Harbour Master Michael Tennant (next to Minister) and MARAD’s Director General, Claudette Rogers pose with the 16 graduates

T

he graduation of marine cadets by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was

made historic as four women were among the first batch of 16 marine pilots.

“We have challenged ev-

ery stereotype and shattered that glass ceiling in a typically male-dominated realm. We see ourselves as trailblazers

and we are hopeful that other young women take up the mantle after us,” graduand Sheryl Wilson said at the ceremony, which was held at the Umana Yana on Friday last.

One of the top graduating cadets, Sabita Sookdeo, noted the “feeling of accomplishment we feel today is truly surreal”, as she recounted the training her batch underwent over the last five years.

“Through it all, we had a quote that we stuck to ‘winners never quit and quitters never win’. Today, we stand proudly and declare that we are winners, simply because we didn’t quit despite the many stressful days and nights,” Sookdeo said.

MARAD introduced the marine cadet programme in 2012. The five-year pro-

Extremely disgusted at way cricket in Berbice is being managed Dear Editor, By an order of court dated 08th September, 2017, granted by the Honorable Justice Navindra Singh in Chambers, it was ordered that an Annual General Meeting be held on October 8th, 2017 to elect office bearers of the said Berbice Cricket Board.

It was also ordered that Mr. Sumwaroo ensures that notices for this meeting be served on all members. It was therefore very surprising when Mr. Sumwaroo personally, and in the company of another person, hand delivered notices to some member clubs while the majority did not receive any -- a clear violation of the order.

He was clearly in violation of Article 3, which states that these notices were to be sent by the secretary via reg-

istered mail.

Mr Sumwaroo clearly overstepped his authority when he chose not to send notices to bona fide member clubs such as Guymine, Mount Sinai, Fort Canje Hospital, and Chesney, among others.

One is now left to wonder if this is a deliberate ploy of Mr Sumwaroo’s to disenfranchise these clubs. It is also pertinent to note that Fort Canje Hospital, Mount Sinai, and Guymine were recently in the news after receiving sports equipment from the Director of Youth and Sports, Mr Christopher Jones .This fact Mr Sumwaroo and his accomplices cannot plead ignorance of. Further, this person, who claims to be a cricket enthusiast with a penchant for developing youth cricket, is not even a member of the

Chesney Cricket Club, the community from whence he hails. It is also alleged that notices had been given to persons to vote for clubs to which they have no membership.

Mr Sumwaroo just recently claimed (in an article in another section of the media) that sponsors were hard to come by, yet this same Sumwaroo procured the services of the Conference Room of the Classic Hotel and Suites to host the Berbice Cricket Board Elections.

It is also alleged that the cost for this service is in excess of $500,000, while second division teams are made to pay entrance fees to participate in tournaments. The question now being asked is: where is this money coming from, taking into consideration the state of the BCB’s finances. It behooves one to

now ask who is sponsoring the event, and for what in return?

Editor, Mr Sumwaroo has asked to be judged on his performance but he should be reminded that he was judged in the High Court by a competent puisne judge who found him to have illegally secured the Presidency of BCB, a position he is now seeking again.

So how much more does he want to be judged?

Editor, as a cricket stakeholder in Berbice, and one who follows the game, I am extremely disgusted at the way cricket in Berbice is managed.

Sincerely, Berbice Cricket Stakeholders Committee

Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes presents valedictorian Joel Hinds with his prize

gramme encapsulated theoretical and practical training in areas such as ship organisation, seamanship, lifesaving appliance and firefighting

equipment, tides and currents, stability and ship construction, and radar plotting among others. turn to page 10

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

Page

Foundation How to help your children succeed in school

Is homework the answer?

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guyanatimesgy.com

t’s part of the ethos that hard work yields results. We apply this philosophy to our sports teams, our careers and, yes, our children’s education.

At many schools, elementary-aged children are assigned an hour or more of homework each night. While many subscribe to the concept that practice makes perfect, there is a counterargument that says children need time for free play to develop language, regulate their behaviour, and learn about risktaking. So what does the evidence say about homework? And what can parents do to support their child’s education?

There are at least a half dozen systematic reviews about the importance and effectiveness of homework, and all of its nuances. The Center for Public Education and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development both provide comprehensive essays that summarise the evidence on homework.

One 2007 analysis published by Duke University researchers, which includes 50 separate studies focused on the specific question, “Does homework improve academic achievement?” This study followed an earlier meta-analysis of approximately 100 studies published by the same researchers in 1989. Both reviews concluded that homework does help to improve academic achievement, primarily during middle and high school.

For children in elementary school, the review concludes that while homework can help children develop good study habits, it does not help to improve students’ grades or standardised test scores.

Based on the body of evidence, here are some other interesting take-home

messages about homework: Students are more likely to complete and learn from homework assignments that have a purpose, for example, reviewing important concepts, improving students’ independence or providing opportunities to explore topics of interest to students.

Homework assignments are most successful when they are easy enough for students to complete independently but challenging enough to be interesting.

Finding appropriate ways to involve

parents with their children’s homework leads to improved academic performance.

Homework provides more academic benefits for older students. For younger students, some homework can help them to establish study habits and routines, but too much homework detracts from family and play activities after school.

There is strong evidence that homework improves learning for students with learning disabilities, most likely because these students benefit from additional time to practise new skills.

Especially for students with disabilities, it is important for parents to support children in completing their homework.

But for younger children, the research

shows there are much more effective ways for parents to support academic achievement. A Canadian research organisation published a literature review that spells out the best ways parents can support their children academically.

Helping children with homework doesn’t make the list. Here’s what does: Establish high, but reasonable, expectations of how your child will perform in school. The best way to do this is to communicate your belief in your child’s potential.

Talk with your children about their school days. A large study of US students found that parents talking with children about school activities and programmes had a greater impact on academic achievement than parental volunteering, monitoring children’ homework or limiting TV time.

Help your children develop positive attitudes and strong work habits. This includes helping children handle distractions, negotiating crises of confidence, praising persistence and handling difficulties while remaining positive about school as a whole.

Read with your children and talk to them about what they are reading. This doesn’t teach them the fundamentals of phonics, but it does build a foundation for comprehension, oral language skills and a love for reading that are critical throughout their education.

The take-home message: Yes, homework is necessary— especially in the middle and high school years. But for younger children, there are more effective ways to support their learning experiences. (psychologytoday.com)

Why is doing arithmetic with fractions so difficult?

Teaching children Maths they will use

By David Ludden, PhD

On his website andertoons.com, illustrator Mark Anderson has a cartoon in which a boy is handing his teacher an assignment. “To show how well I understand fractions,” he says, “I only did half of my homework.”

Certainly this is a sentiment that many of us share, as we all struggled with fractions in grade school. A recent study found that eighth-graders in an advanced Maths class performed at chance on a multiple-choice test of fractions.

Adult students at a community fared no better. And while grade school Maths teachers did understand how to add or divide fractions properly, most couldn’t explain why you need to find the lowest common denominator in addition or invert the second fraction in division. Small wonder they had difficulty explaining these concepts to their students.

But why do so many people struggle with fractions? In a recent article, psychologists Robert Siegler and Hugues Lortie-Forgues outline the reasons why rational number arithmetic is so difficult. By this term, the researchers

include not only fractions expressed in the form a/b but also in decimal and per cent formats. Although fractions of the a/b form present the most difficulties for children and adults, decimal notation and percentages pose significant problems of their own. In fact, expressions such as “She gave 110% on her performance” belie the fact that many people don’t completely understand that percentages are fractions.

The researchers looked at performance on rational number arithmetic among students and teachers in North America and East Asia. They identified a number of reasons why rational number arithmetic is so difficult, but these reasons can be divided into two classes – inherent and cultural sources of difficulty.

Rational numbers are more complex than whole numbers, and so they’re more difficult to understand and use. Inherent sources of difficulty are universal, and even students in East Asia, who famously outperform their peers throughout the world in Maths, still have difficulty with fractions. The authors point out two inherent sources of difficulty: It’s difficult to understand what rational numbers mean.

Each whole number is represented by a single symbol (1, 2, 3, 37, 996, and so on). However, rational numbers can be expressed as fractions, decimals, or percentages. It’s not at all obvious why 1/2, .5, and 50% all refer to the same quantity. Even more confusing, any rational number can be represented by an infinite number of different fractional expressions. The numbers in the series 1/2, 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, and 5/10 appear to be getting larger. After all, both the numerators and the denominators are increasing. And yet they all represent the same quantity.

Arithmetic operations with rational numbers are far more complex than they are with whole numbers. (Excerpt from

psychologytoday.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

At La Parfaite Harmonie

Health Centre’s washrooms yet to be repaired

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

lmost one month after the Guyana Times first highlighted the unsanitary condition obtaining at the La Parfaite Harmonie Health Centre, the Regional Administration of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is yet to address some of the issues, which include putting a door on one of the washrooms and repairing the other.

This publication, in a visit to the only health facility in one of Guyana’s largest housing schemes, saw the compound with grass as high as 3ft tall, lack of proper sanitary facilities, no waste bins, lack of potable water, and no facility for the security guards.

However, in an effort to dispute the Guyana Times’ article, Junior

Garbage at the back of the compound

The washroom that is yet to get a door

The washroom which has a door but acts as a storage area

Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, together with a team of officials, visited the facility.

But prior to the visit, the

Regional Administration hurriedly executed emergency works, which included weeding of the compound, clearing of the bushes, and setting up of pipes to enable running water.

During the visit, the

Minister said she was pleased with the current state of the facility, while the DREO took a jab at the press, stating that no newspaper article would hinder progress in the region.

However, several persons whom this newspaper spoke with noted that the progress seems to be just a word being thrown around by the Administration, since it has been almost one month since the state of affairs was highlighted and more than a year since it happened, and the washroom is yet to get a door.

On another visit to this facility, it was observed that the toilets are not flushing and the general cleanliness of the place leaves much to be desired. Pregnant mothers are forced to endure that atrocity when they have to use the toilet during their visit to the prenatal clinic.

The back of the compound is somewhat flooded, and acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and garbage, which is still being dumped and burned at the

Berbice man busted with 1395 grams ganja

A

Berbice resident is now in the custody of Police after he was on Saturday busted with a large quantity of cannabis (ganja).

The 23-year-old, of Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice, was caught with the illegal substance around 12:45h.

Guyana Times understands that the unemployed man was at the time of the discovery in Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice (ECD) and was said to be heading to Georgetown.

Reports received indicated that the man was a commuter when the vehicle in which he was travelling was stopped by ranks, who were

The 1395 grams of cannabis was found in a haversack that the accused was carrying

at the time conducting a routine road operation.

It was then that the 1395 grams of cannabis was found in a haversack that the accused was carrying.

As such, he was arrested and taken to a Police Station where he was later charged with the offence.

He is currently being processed for court.

back of the facility. However, two new garbage bins have been added to the compound, and the grass is at an average height.

Several calls to the DREO went unanswered.

Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikarran had said that the region is not responsible for the La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, since it is still under the control of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). He added that the Malgre Tout/Meer-Zorgen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) would assist in clearing the compound of the healthcare facility.

8 NEWS Cop fails breathalyser test after colliding with motorcyclist A MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

motorcyclist traversing the Ruimveldt Public Road, Georgetown was fortunate to escape with her life after she was on Sunday afternoon struck by the car driven by a uniformed Policeman who was reportedly “intoxicated”.

The woman has been identified as Gem Simone, 44, of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

The accident occurred around 14:30h when motor car PSS 4403 was being driven by Constable Nigel Griffith.

Guyana Times under-

It’s not a gas…

B Scores of persons surround the cop’s car at the accident scene

stands that Griffith was proceeding north along the Ruimveldt Public Road, Georgetown while Simone was proceeding out of Alexander Village.

However, the Policeman reportedly failed to stop when he needed to and collided with the motorcyclist a short distance from the Ruimveldt Police Station.

Workers attached to the Guyana Fire Service responded to the scene and rushed the badly injured woman to the Georgetown

Public Hospital.

She is said to have received serious head injuries from the impact which caused her to fall from her motorcycle.

This publication understands that the Police Constable, who was at the time driving his heavily-tinted vehicle, was administered a breathalyser test and found to be way over the legal limit.

As such, he is currently in custody, assisting with investigations. (Kizzy Coleman)

…with gas ack in the day, original hipsters like Frank Sinatra introduced the Irish expression “It’s a gas!” -meaning a fun activity -- into the general lexicon.

The pronouncements of the Guyana Government on the gas found off our shores by Exxon associated with petroleum show clearly that their spokesmen are no hipsters! But yet, like Frank, they insist on doing things “their way”; though, in the end, Guyana gets it in the end!

Let’s step back a bit with this gas business, shall we, dear reader? Right after their oil strike in May 2015, Exxon announced they would be using some of the gas to run the operations of their FPSO, and inject the remainder back under the seabed -- where it would help to push out some more oil. They never planned on sending any to our shores. After trying all sorts of sleights of hand to convince Guyanese better days are coming, however, the Government’s latest dodge is to convince Exxon to send the gas ashore to fire up some GPL generators.

GPL, as we know from the writings of some of the Government’s staunchest supporters, has taken us back to the (dark) days of Burnham, when blackouts were the order of the day (and night)! So the gas talk is supposed to give the longsuffering Guyanese some hope.

Anyhow, the Government, as is standard in these matters, ordered a feasibility study. After all, it’s not just a matter of pumping the gas from under the sea and then sending it out to our GPL plants in rubber hoses like the ones you have attached to your stove.

It’s a tad more complicated than that; but don’t tell the Govt!!

Firstly, the gas, which is mostly methane, has to be cleansed of a host of compounds that are quite polluting. This takes money. While it can be done on the FPSO - in larger quantities than for its own use there’s the cost. Also, the cost of gas pipelines from 120 miles out in the deep Atlantic, and the cost of retrofitting the present GPL generators to consume methane. But before any of this has been costed, the Government insists “It’s feasible!!”

But another hitch has popped up on the gas front.

Norway had committed US$80 million for “renewable energy” in general, and Amaila in particular. The Govt, of course, balked at Amaila because it’s Jagdeo’s idea, and are now trying to convince Norway they can’t withhold their money ‘cause natural gas is “renewable” and “non-polluting”!!

Sure - renewable in 65 billion years!!! But still burns into carbon dioxide!!

When these guys in the Government speak, it’s a gas!!

…with Police on bicycles

Your Eyewitness thought the “police on bicycles” plan was confined to the city of Georgetown - where the City Constabulary has become exhausted from running down vendors and other hapless citizens on foot to shake them down!! But the bicycled cops are now also deployed on the West Coast, where they will be thrown into the ongoing fight against crime.

It’s evidently one more attempt by the Police to present a “kinder gentler” face to the public. It mightn’t be the ruddy-cheeked cops on the beat who handed out candy to kids at Christmas time, like we saw in the old movies, but it’s a start, right? But it was a bit of a stretch to suggest the bicycled cops would be better in crowd control! They’ll form a bicycle cordon?

Then one wonders if Policemen on horseback will also be deployed outside of Georgetown. They’ll also get to crime scenes “in minutes”, as promised with the bicycles, but they’ll be easier to feed!

…on new oil fields

OK…Janet Jagan gave away too many fields to Exxon. But she DIDN’T know the fields had oil. It was a gamble.

But why no bidding by Trotman for new fields AFTER the “world class” oil find by Exxon? Political investments?

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

News

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monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Residents along the Ireng River have to relocate – Garrido-Lowe M

inister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MoIPA), Valerie GarridoLowe, said that as Government prepares to assist the residents who suffered the recent spate of flooding in Regions 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) and 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), those residing along the Ireng River in Region 8 would have to relocate.

The Minister made that statement at the Pakuri Heritage Day celebration on Saturday while addressing those in attendance.

She said that climate change is real, and in order to combat the effects of this natural occurrence, the residents along the Ireng River bank would have to move their homes and farms to higher grounds, because they live under constant threat of flooding in those areas.

On May 17, 2017, residents of Kaibarupai, Waipa, Chenapau, Itabac, Kanapang, Kopinang and Sand Hill Settlement experienced severe flooding after prolonged heavy rainfall had lasted for approximately five days. The water in the Ireng River rose to more than 20ft and between 10 feet and 20feet in the villages, washing away a number of farmlands and homes. A total of 521 households were affected, with 56 washed away, dislocating those families, while 266 farms suffered severe damages. Additionally, several homes were affected in Region 7, with a number of persons being displaced.

In addition to the flooding, over the

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe

past month, there has been a number of freak storms in the region, taking down homes and even resulting in the death of a pregnant mother.

The storms demolished a number of homes in Kako and Jawalla, while damaging several other buildings, including schools and businesses. The residents have since called for the construction of model storm-proof homes, to which Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford said they would be exploring the possibility.

“We have had some real suffering in Region 8, and people have to get

back their homes, and the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, remains committed towards working with our people in Regions 7, 8 and 9 towards rebuilding,” Garrido-Lowe said.

“Climate change is real, climate change is happening, and we have to take action to protect ourselves from climate change; and it’s not going to stop.

The world is shifting, and we have to try to live with that,” she added.

While addressing the gathering at the Heritage Day celebrations, the Minister said that it is the Government’s plan to bring real development to the indigenous communities, while bridging the gaps between the hinterland and coastland.

She said bridging of the gaps would provide for better opportunities for residents in the hinterland.

“In each hinterland region, we will have institutions like GTI (Government Technical Institute), because this is where the opportunities are not there for our youths. We would have a branch of the GSA (Guyana School of Agriculture) and we will also have -- and it is in its planning stage -- a branch of the University of Guyana, and that’s bridging the gap,” she revealed.

She added that one other aspect of bridging the gap is construction of the Linden-to-Lethem road, which is expected to provide easier access to the Region 9 village of Lethem. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

At Grove

65-year-old man dies after crashing into post

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65-year-old man is now dead after he crashed into a utility post on Saturday evening at Post Office Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, as he attempted to reverse his vehicle out of the street.

Dead is Neekaytan Kurpat, whose address was given as Demerara Sugar Terminus.

According to Traffic Chief Dion Moore, around 23:00h on Saturday,

Kurpat was in the process of reversing motor car PLL 1894 when he slammed into a utility post. The vehicle reportedly spun into a ditch and the 65-year-old man was taken out of the vehicle by public-spirited persons in an unconscious state.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that blood was seen oozing out of a wound Kurpat sustained on his head, as a result of the accident.

The man was pronounced dead when he arrived at the Diamond hospital shortly after.

It is being speculated that the 65-year-old man may have sustained a heart attack during the accident, which may have led to his death.

Nevertheless, the body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing. (Ramona Luthi)

Environmental audits to...

The lesser known Orinduik oil block has been under the administration of Eco Guyana and Tullow, after they signed a 10-year petroleum prospecting licence and production sharing agreement with Government last year.

Oil spills

Throughout all these exploration activities, a pertinent question has been the capacity of the relevant agencies to protect the environment in case of an oil spill.

Last year, President David Granger commissioned Guyana’s first oil spill response operation service at the Gaico Wharf at Nismes, West Bank

Demerara.

Gaico Oil Spill Response Operation Services, which was coined

by Komal Singh, was set up as a pre-emptive measure against probable spillage once production commences in the future.

The Gaico Company began in 1991 with Singh working on small construction projects in Region Three.

At the commissioning, Singh stated that he had noticed that there were a number of ‘near misses’ of oil spills and decided to pursue the avenue of preparing for one in Guyana.

He said the company has since invested in a supply boat to work alongside rigs, and supply them with

from page 3

fuel and cargo while preparing for any occurrence of an oil spill.

“Should there be a spill anywhere, we can respond within 24 hours,” he said, adding that the company is in the process of putting together documents to gain approval for an oil spill facility which will collect the contaminated soil and process it.

The businessman also said that he had recognised that Guyana was not prepared for any oil spills, thus “Guyana can rest assured that there is a company here today that will invest to protect our land, our coastline, our birds, our mangroves, and all Guyana.”

Flashback: Water was receding here in the flood-hit Kanapang area in May this year

10 news

monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt partly responsible for Guyanese today commemorate addressing concerns of Indigenous Gandhi’s 148th birth anniversary women, children – UN rep

R

esident Coordinator of the United Nations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Makiko Tanaka, said that the recent study on Indigenous Women and Children in Guyana shows that Government is partly responsible for enabling economic sustainability of the indigenous communities.

The study was done by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, in collaboration with UNICEF, and Tanaka notes that it is a landmark study in the sense that it is the first of its kind to have been done in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“This study has revealed to us on the outside the many challenges and obstacles that women and children face in getting well educated, obtaining decent jobs and income-generating activities, caring for their health and well-being, being safe from violence and abuse, and taking part in decision-making that affects their lives. These are all part of the Sustainable Development Goals and fundamental human rights,” she said.

“We believe that part of the solution lies certainly with the Government -- in improving access to public services, also enabling markets, particularly in the remote hinterland communities; and we also believe that part of the solution does lie within the communities. A community approach in protecting women and children from abuse, neglect and violence, and enabling and empowering children and women to be part of a good life,” Tanaka added.

Ten years ago, in September, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Part of the declaration affirms that all people contribute to the diversity and richness of civ-

UN Resident Coordinator Makiko Tanaka

ilization and cultures which constitute to a common heritage of human kind, and that indigenous peoples in the exercise of their rights should be free from discrimination of any kind.

However, the recent study found that the indigenous communities are the ones that experience the most poverty, due to the lack of infrastructure and economic activities. It also found that, despite being a multicultural country, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child points to the existence of discrimination against indigenous children and adults in Guyana.

“In interviews, focus groups, adolescents and women living in the villages mentioned they feel discriminated when they go to the cities and the coastal area of the country,” part of the report read.

As it relates to the governance and public policies for indigenous populations, the report identified that management at the local level does not correspond to the technical necessities that are necessary to generate sustainable change at the local level.

“The vast majority of toshaos and village councillors did not receive any type of training after being elected to their positions, and they are the ones responsible for developing budgets, public

policies and programmes at local level, and implementing policies for development.”

The study was conducted by UNICEF in Region One, Region Seven, Region Eight, Region Nine; and Indigenous communities in coastal communities in Region Two – Akawini (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Three – Santa Mission (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Region Four – St Cuthbert’s Mission/ Pakuri (Demerara-Mahaica); Region Five – Moraikobai (Mahaica-Berbice); Region Six – Orealla and Siparuta (East Berbice-Corentyne); and Region 10 – River View (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The aim of the study was to contribute to a greater understanding of Indigenous women and children regarding cultural/traditional practices relative to medicines; sexual and reproductive health issues; build or strengthen the resilience of children, families, communities and systems to natural disasters, conflicts, chronic systemic crises and social conflicts.

Additionally, it sought to examine decision-making processes on health and protection issues; strengthen the provision of equitable prevention and response to different forms of child violence, including gender-based violence; inform the development of a robust, sustained, early childhood development and equitable and inclusive education programmes for Amerindian children.

It also sought to explore women’s leadership skills and their capacity-building needs at the community level; explore livelihood and empowerment opportunities; provide evidence for national and sub-national planning and developmental processes, to contribute to an enabling environment for Indigenous women and children, and determine the knowledge, perceptions and roles that were played by Indigenous peoples in the preservation of the environment, and climate change and what are their current roles.

T

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

he Indian Action Committee (IAC) has joined with all Guyanese to commemorate the 148th birth anniversary of the globally recognised Britishtrained Indian attorney and civil rights leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (18691948), who is best known for his efforts to defend persons of

Indian origin in South Africa and, following his return to India in 1915, opposing British rule in India.

The IAC, in a statement, notes that Gandhi is unofficially recognised by many Indians, past and present, as the ‘Father of the Nation’, and was accorded by his disciples and supporters the ti-

tle of ‘Mahatma’, which means ‘great-souled’.

The IAC also notes that Gandhi was nominated five times (1937, 1938, 1939, 1947 and 1948) for the Nobel Peace Prize, but was assassinated by Indian nationalist Nathuram Godse before he could have won it; the Nobel Prize Committee did not award the Peace Prize in 1948 because it claimed that there was “no suitable living candidate”.

The IAC recognises the non-violent struggle (ahisma) waged by Gandhi against the British authority in India between his return in 1915 and up to the time of the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947.

The IAC also recognises the influence of Gandhi on future prominent personalities, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to follow the non-violent pathways outlined by Gandhi, and urge the politicians of Guyana to do likewise when confronted by the various conflicts in this country, so that contentious matters can be resolved peacefully, and social cohesion and national unity can be realised.

2 bandits nabbed minutes after brazen robbery

J

ust mere minutes after committing a robbery, two suspected bandits were nabbed by ranks attached to the Brickdam Police Station on Saturday evening.

Guyana Times understands that the two men – Navin Alli and Anthony Andricks – were among eight persons who carried out the daring robbery on three persons.

The incident reportedly occurred around 22:15h when the victims – two males and

a lone female— were headed home from the Bank DIH Roof Garden, Brickdam.

This publication understands that the eight unmasked bandits trailed the three persons and were able to surround them.

The perpetrators reportedly demanded that the trio all lie on the ground and proceeded to rob them.

However, they were only able to escape with a cell phone and $1100 in cash before a Police Patrol which was

in the vicinity was alerted.

The ranks swiftly swooped down on the scene as the robbery was in progress and the eight bandits all attempted to flee.

However, Alli and Andricks could not evade Police and were caught after a 15-minute chase.

They are currently in Police custody assisting with the capture of the other six men. They will be charged shortly.

MARAD hosts historic...

Vanessa Merchant noted that as women in the marine industry they have had to overcome biases and other challenges while working on

vessels during their practical training.

“Some persons out there believe that women have no business on these vessels and should be homemakers and not their boss.

Accommodations on these vessels were not conducive for females…nevertheless, we remained focused on our job,” Merchant noted.

According to the Department of Public Information, Abiola Hickson credited their achievement to the support from their fellow cadets and MARAD throughout the programme. “Thank you for supporting us, you were like our brothers through this programme,” she told the male cadets.

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson, challenged the 16 who graduated to “let our vision be broad and modern and break the shackles of mediocrity” as they carry out their work in the maritime industry.

from page 5

“We must aim for excellence; excellence must become our first nature and embedded in modus operandi. We must understand that we operate in an industry that transcends our area of work and our big picture is that we are facilitating the grand scheme of development of this country,” Minister Ferguson told the freshly-minted pilots.

Ferguson stressed the importance of a strong regulator in the industry and noted that the Government, through the Ministry, was working to ensure that capacity was built at the regulatory level.

Even as MARAD increases its training programmes, Minister Ferguson charged the Department to ensure that the programmes were “relevant for now” and had “merit and content to advance us into the future”. MARAD is also reviewing the legislation that governs regulations in the maritime industry with the aim of strengthening the regulatory body.

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monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP calls for probe into D’Urban Park, special purpose company …audit stymied by lack of documents – AG

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called for the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to carry out investigations into D’Urban Park. This is in light of concerns regarding the financial transparency and accountability of the project.

In a letter to Procurement Commission Chairperson Carol Corbin, Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill invited the Commission to get involved.

The letter, which is dated September 25, identifies aspects of the project the Party is most concerned about.

Edghill, a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), noted that despite promises to the contrary, no account of donations received between September 2015 and January 2016, was made public. It therefore queried the procurement process used for works on the project.

The scope a private company has to engage contractors and receive funding for a public project also came into question. The party also queried the budgeted and actual cost throughout the project, as well as the final cost. In addition, the party demanded information on what payments were made to individuals and contrac-

The exorbitant project has been the subject of fierce debate between Government and the Opposition

tors up to June.

“In November 2016, public monies – a total of $406.7 million – were sought from the Contingency Fund and were approved by the majority in the National Assembly to pay contractors and suppliers of goods and services for work done at the project.”

In December 2016, an additional $500 million from the Consolidated Fund was sought by the Public Infrastructure Ministry and approved by the majority,

the Party said, adding “We were told in the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly that the sums approved would be given to the Homestretch Development Inc, to honour its financial obligations to contractors and suppliers.”

H o m e s t r e t c h Development Inc (HDI) is a special purpose company that was set up in 2016 to facilitate the project’s completion and collect monies.

According to Edghill in the letter, this was the first time

that the name of this company was made public.

“The company was registered on January 22, 2016, and its number is 8247. The registered address is Lot 18 Lamaha Street. From its inception to April 21, 2016, the private company, HDI, had control of financing and managing the project,” Edghill noted, adding that an estimated $1.5 billion was spent on the project from April, 2016 to June 2017.

Auditor General

Earlier in the year, PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali had requested further probing be done by the Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, into specific projects. Among those projects was the D’Urban Park Project, for which the AG in his 2015 report listed some $36.5 million in lotto funds being used for rehabilitative works.

In his 2015 report, the Auditor General had said that following checks on the accounts, it was found that while Government transferred $1 billion of the lotto money to the Consolidated Fund in 2015, it held onto just over half a billion dollars to remain under the control of the Ministry of the Presidency and it spent $305 million on various activities.

According to a breakdown of the expenditure provided by the Auditor General, $36.5 million went towards the rehabilitation of D’Urban Park; $63.7 million went towards Mashramani celebrations; while another $51.5 million was utilised for ‘music’.

But it turns out that the audit into the D’Urban Park project has been hindered by a lack of access to pertinent information, with the Audit Office being forced to write to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure requesting

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

documents.

This was revealed by Auditor General Deodat Sharma, who spoke to the media on the sidelines of the handing over of his 2016 report. According to Sharma, he wrote the Ministry requesting information on Homestretch Development Inc. “I've written to the Ministry of Public (Infrastructure),” he related.

“I need to know information concerning that company that was established to set up the D’Urban Park. (But) information is not coming.”

Notwithstanding the trouble to access information, however, Sharma stated that the audit was still ongoing.

President leads Lindeners in tree-planting exercise

– palm, coconut trees planted along Burnham Drive

ing them to come out and have another Tree Day on Saturday.

"I'd like to ask that you pay attention to the previous speakers and care those plants, so that your children can come and not only shel-

By Utamu Belle

A

s a prelude to National Tree Day, which is observed on the first Saturday in October, President David Granger on Sunday led Lindeners in a tree-planting exercise along Burnham Drive, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The initiative was also hosted in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the People's National Congress (PNC).

As such, palm and coconut trees were planted at key areas along Burnham Drive, Mackenzie. Speaking at the ceremony to mark the occasion, President Granger cited the significance of October 1, the date on which the exercise was hosted, noting that just last year the "cutting-edge" Department of the Environment was created on the same date.

The Head of State further pointed out that the event was a celebration of greenness as he reminded those present of Guyana's important role in protecting the environment against the harmful use of mercury as well as the harmful effects of climate change. As such, President Granger urged all

into the future, it must also be nurtured, guarded, and guided to ensure that yields were indicative of values, as he urged Lindeners to protect the newly-planted seedlings.

"This tree-planting exer-

who organised the event, in her remarks, said the party thought it best to begin the 60th anniversary celebration by using Burnham Drive as the symbol to commemorate founder leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham,

President David Granger and others plant and water trees along Burnham Drive in Linden on Sunday

to join in the efforts of protecting Guyana's forests and trees.

"We should celebrate greenness. Greenness is about the whole country and I call Guyana 'the Green State'...Once we continue to cut down trees, we would be faced with the challenge of climate change and global warming...because the trees keep the earth cool," the Head of State noted.

President Granger noted that trees were more profitable standing than cut down since Guyana was paid to keep its forests standing.

"We must make sure

we replant the trees we cut down, so that we can regenerate...So this exercise is very important and I refer to Guyana as 'the Green State' because we need to protect our biodiversity and our wildlife...If you cut the trees down, you remove the habitat, you destroy the habitat."

The President also stressed the need to protect the landscape in an effort to sustain life. He said planting trees was not only ornamental but a living could be made out of it, as he congratulated Lindeners for leading in the National Tree Day observance, further encourag-

PNC members and others at the event

ter under them but also pick the fruits and they, learning from their parents and grandparents, can do the same for their children and grandchildren," Granger said.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, in his remarks, said all should be reminded that as new life was sown

cise, it is indicative of planting of new life, not only into our soil but into our next generation. It reminds us of the need to continue planting seeds and invest in our youths, so as to ensure the continuous regeneration of new life," he said.

Regional Party Chairman Sandra Adams,

who the area is named after, who started the journey in 1957. Also present at the exercise were PNC members including General Secretary Amna Ally, Chairman Basil Williams and Executive Members Jermaine Figueira and Valerie Adams PattersonYearwood among others.

12 news

monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Auditor General prepared to approach DPP, Police – if GECOM does not act on report into radio purchases

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he special audit into procurement discrepancies at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has progressed to the point where the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) has submitted its report to officials at the agencies for responses.

But should his office’s findings be swept under the rug, Auditor General Deodat Sharma has no qualms with calling in the Guyana Police Force. This assurance was given by Sharma while speaking to members of the media on Friday.

“GECOM (audit) has been completed (and) the report issued to the Commissioners,” Sharma related, adding that “the Audit Act says I can send my report to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and the police.”

And according to Sharma, this prerogative power will be used and an approach made to the Police if there is inaction on the part of the commissioners who were presented with the report.

According to Part Six,

section 38 of the Audit Act of 2004, “If the Auditor General has reason to believe that an offence was committed, he shall request the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate action and prosecute the offender if necessary.”

GECOM has been thrown into a tailspin by allegations of procurement rackets and press censorship being levelled at it. An audit conducted by the Audit Office of Guyana had found discrepancies, including with GECOM’s purchasing of 50 VHF communication radios for close to G$100 million.

These purchases were made prior to the May 11, 2015 general and regional elections, raising concerns over the extraordinarily high cost of the equipment.

The investigation’s scope had included contracts and inventories in addition to spending for the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

It is understood that auditors were working from GECOM’s head office in High Street, Kingston.

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

Besides the radios, some of the things that the State’s auditors were looking into were the purchase of a quantity of toners, pliers and batteries.

Based on reports, the radio sets were purchased for use during the 2015 General and Regional Elections, particularly in the outlying regions of Guyana. However, they were never put into use after it was discovered that many of them were not working.

Later, information surfaced that while the electoral body would have collected quotations from a number of suppliers, it handed the contract for the supply of the equipment to Mobile Authority, a company owned by a Water Street, Georgetown businessman.

But media reports later surfaced that some of the equipment purchased were obsolete and were not covered by warranty.

As a matter of fact, sec-

tions of the Guyanese media reported that the Australiabased manufacturer, Barrett Communications, through its European office, distanced itself from the purchase. The company made it clear that it had ceased to produce the equipment more than five years ago.

Barrett said it had also tendered through the Advanced Office Systems for the supply of new radio equipment for the 2015 elections; however, GECOM subsequently cancelled the order.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been calling for the release of the findings, in addition to questioning the deafening silence of GECOM’s then outgoing Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, and Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, on the matter.

Both were in power at the Commission when the purchases were made.

But Surujbally has since retired, leaving GECOM headless. And since then, the task of replacing him has been a contentious one, as President David Granger

has continuously rejected nominees for the post.

As required by the Constitution, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had submitted to President Granger a second batch of six nominees for the post of Chairman of GECOM in April last, after his first list was rejected. That, too, was rejected, and there is no word from the Government on the status of the third submitted list, except that it is being considered.

In a previous interview with this publication, GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj had said that allegations of corruption and other matters cannot be addressed by the members while GECOM is without a chairman.

“I can tell you that, without a chairman, we cannot have meetings,” Gunraj had said. “And in the absence of those meetings, we have not been receiving updates on anything that is going on at GECOM; absolutely no periodic updates on the finances of GECOM, nothing on the operations side or the audit,” he declared.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer Institute launches month of free screening ….new mammography machine procured

Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, George Lewis (left), and PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow (third left) among officials at Sunday’s launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, on Sunday launched its month of activities to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In observance of this month of activities, the Cancer Institute of Guyana is aiming to offer to patients free cancer screening in the form of mammograms and ultrasounds all month.

Dr Sayad Ghazi of the Cancer Institute of Guyana said that every year the Institute diagnoses a number of women with breast cancer, and has a long list of survivors when compared to those who have

lost their lives.

“Every day, 24/7, we are fighting this fight of not only breast cancer, but every cancer…Cancer Institute is doing free mammograms and ultrasounds for this month, and provided we get enough sponsors, we are working to achieve this goal,” Dr Ghazi said.

Additionally, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, George Lewis, said the Oncology Department would be getting a new mammography machine, which would be installed in their section of the newly constructed building. He said that the new building is expected to be completed by the end of October or early November, so that they can begin operating with improved facilities to

deliver better quality service.

Meanwhile, Dr Galisa D’Aguiar of the Oncology Department said they have seen a decline in the number of cancer cases diagnosed over the past year.

She explained that, in 2015, the department saw 125 new cases, and that began to drop in 2016 when they saw 86 new cases; and for the year 2017, they have seen 65 new cases thus far.

She further stated that the decline might be as a result of persons not getting screened.

Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) Representative Dr. William Adu Krow said his organisation remains committed to assisting the

Doctors and staffers of the Oncology Department

The building that would house the Oncology Department is currently nearing completion

Government in the fight against the deadly disease.

He noted that they are using the data gathered from the

2015 National Assessment of Cancer to formulate the Cancer Action Plan for Guyana.

Additionally, he stated that they will be assisting the Health Ministry to implement the Action Plan, once it has been completed.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are many types of breast cancer, with the most common types being ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. The type of breast cancer is determined by the specific cells in the breast that are affected. Most breast cancers are carcinomas. Carcinomas are tumors that start in the epithelial cells that line organs and tissues throughout the body.

This year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed under the theme ‘I HAVE HOPE.’

news

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monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

n, and she is flanked by others in the

gets the crow Winners row: Sherryanna Balkaran

A

fter a close battle with the Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) representative, Junisha Johnny, Sherryanna Balkaran, the Patamona beauty who hails from the peaks of the North Pakaraimas in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was announced the winner of the biannual Miss Indigenous Heritage 2017 in the wee hours of Sunday, sending her supporters in the crowd into an uproar.

Balkaran has undoubtedly done her Region proud, as the Paramakatoi community secured the coveted title for the third time since the inaugural hosting in 2001.

The event, which boasted an evening of beauty, culture and intelligence, saw the timely arrival of scores of patrons at the National Cultural Centre and kicked off with an introduction segment, succeeded by the talent, evening wear, traditional wear and final question segments.

Despite having displayed confidence during the early sections of the pageant, some of the delegates faltered under pressure when they were grilled on their respective platforms. The better five made it into the final – Johnny; Balkaran; the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) delegate, Roberta Alpin; the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) delegate, Shanna Boyle; and the Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) delegate, Dolly Chambers.

Copping the Miss Congeniality title was Anastacia Harripersaud of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) with a cash prize of $30,000 while the best talent award went to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)’s Nareefa Allicock.

Balkaran also copped the best gown and traditional wear prizes. The second runner-up was Chambers, third runner-up Boyle and the fourth runner-up, Alpin.

Despite having limited support from the audience, the now reigning queen confidently highlighted the common misconceptions about Guyana’s first people, who are falsely dubbed “stupid and uncivilised” as she urged Indigenous persons to pursue advanced education to discredit the stereotype – while advocating for the preservation and maintenance of ancestral traditions.

The other delegates responded favourably, but Balkaran’s fluent and thorough response was just enough to convince the judges beyond reasonable doubt to make the pronouncement in her favour.

She succeeds several queens including 2015 queen Sherica Ambrose of Region Nine; Analisa Andrews (Region Five) in 2013; Naiomi Samuels (Region Three) in 2011; Nandanie Jerry (Region Seven) in 2009; Odessa Paul (Region Eight) in 2007; and Sondra Cheong (Region Eight) in 2005.

top five

14 news

monDAY, october 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Georgetown Prison contract

Minister Patterson admits tender was annulled – says Ministry was only providing “technical support”

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he Public Infrastructure Ministry has come out to admit that a tender to reconstruct the administrative blocks of the Georgetown Prison was annulled. But pushing back against allegations of cronyism, the Ministry is claiming that this was to allow the project to be transferred.

According to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, in a statement, the process was annulled because the Ministry was not the subject Ministry.

According to the Minister, his Ministry was just providing “technical support”.

“The process was indeed annulled; the cries of cronyism by the Opposition are more of their mischievous attempts to spread falsehoods. The annulment was to allow for the project to fall under the relevant Ministry, which in this case is the Ministry of Public Security.”

“The Opposition pres-

ents these documents that are indeed official, because the Ministry publicly puts the information out there; this is information that is in the public domain,” Patterson continued, going on to accuse the political Opposition of half-truths.

At his last press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo supplied media operatives with a paper trail for other contracts which clearly showed the Ministry annulling the process. One such project involved the multimillion-dollar reconstruction of the administrative blocks for the Georgetown Prison – being undertaken by the Public Infrastructure Ministry and not the Public Security Ministry.

A total of 20 companies had been shortlisted from a prequalification process and were invited by the Permanent Secretary, Geoffrey Vaughn to conduct a site visit on July 27, 2017.

They were to respond by the following day on whether or not they would be submitting a bid for the project.

These companies included Bassoo and Sons; Ivor Allen; Colin Talbot; SA Nabi and Sons; S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services; H Nauth and Sons; KP Thomas; BK International Inc; J&R General Construction; Courtney Benn Contracting Services; Chung’s Global Enterprise and Guyamerica Construction Inc. Also vying for the contract were Starr Computers; Net Comp; Hardware Depot; Business Communications

The Camp Street Prison after it was gutted

Services; Dax Contracting Services; Manohar; Industrial Fabrication Inc and NT Computeac.

The visit was the following day, rescheduled by the Ministry’s Work Services Group Manager for Procurement and Contracts, Philip Bryan. The procurement manager, by way of email, a copy of which was seen by Guyana Times, indicated that the site visit for the project was rescheduled for the following day, Friday, July 27, 2017.

On July 28, 2017, Permanent Secretary Vaughn wrote again to the bidders saying, “The Ministry regrets to inform you that a decision was taken by the executing agency to annul this bid.”

Vaughn then pointed to the clause which speaks to the “employer’s right to accept any bid and to reject any or all bids”.

Left hanging

It would not be the first time bidders have been “left hanging” after an annulled tender. Opposition Leader

Jagdeo has consistently accused the Ministry of cancelling tenders when it receives unfavourable results, thereby manipulating the system.

“If the tenders don’t yield the results that they want, they keep annulling the tender,” Jagdeo had said during a March press conference, when he zeroed in on the scandal at the Georgetown Public Hospital where a multimillion-dollar contract for drug procurement was sole-sourced to

ANSA McAL. The Georgetown Public Hospital was accused of delaying and cancelling four of its five public tenders in the months preceding the solesourced contract.

This then created a situation where there was a massive shortage of pharmaceuticals; a fact which was initially denied by the authorities and which had the potential to cause deaths and aggravated illnesses in patients lacking medication.

In addition to food, medical supplies

Guyana to donate lumber to hurricane-devastated islands

G

uyana, through the Ministerial Task Force overseeing the provision of aid to the recent hurricane-ravaged islands, is expected to donate 300 tons of lumber to countries in the region.

According to the Department of Public Information, this disclosure was made by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the launch of Agriculture Month 2017 on Sunday.

He was at the time remarking on Guyana's good fortune to have a number of natural resources, and to not have been affected directly by the hurricanes.

He shared his view that the disasters came as a result of the destruction of the ozone layer, due to the poor

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

habits of mankind.

The Prime Minister said the Ministerial Task Force is soliciting assistance from the private sector, the Government, and the community at large to respond to Caribbean countries af-

fected by the hurricanes.

“We have dispatched foods and medicines and soon some 300 tons of lumber and other hardware to help in the rebuilding effort in some of these islands,” he said.

He added, “We have to be the reservoir of hope in Guyana. The reservoir that tells our Caribbean people that when you are in need, we will be there to help you.

Agriculture Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on our potential."

Over the past few months, islands in the Caribbean -including Barbuda, Dominica, St Maarten, Tortola and Puerto Rico -- were devastated by hurricanes Maria and Irma, and are currently trying to recover.

Barbadian team impressed with Guyana’s community-based tourism

G

uyana’s tourism was once again showcased as a team of Barbadian tourism experts conducted a five-day “fam” (familiarisation) trip organised by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

In 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the GTA and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, on areas of cooperation, concentrating on two main areas – multi-destination packaging and the sharing of information to assist each other in the tourism sector. The “fam” trip was a direct result of the MoU.

Barbados is commonly known for its “Sun, Sand and Sea” tourism; however, members of the Barbadian team noted that the country did not have adventure packages.

They were impressed with the concept of Community-Based Tourism (CBT).

On that note, Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock met and shared his knowledge and expertise with the team.

According to the Department of Public Information, the group spent five days at the Surama Eco-Lodge in Surama Village, North Rupununi.

Minister Allicock told team

The Barbados team being treated to cultural presentations

GTA Logistics Manager Carla Chandra

members that CBT was a concept that was economically beneficial to the community and the country as a whole.

He gave numerous examples of the development of Surama.

“Community-based Tourism is something that takes lots of planning and implementing and also putting your own imagination to practice," Minister Allicock said.

Importantly, the Minister pointed out that CBT was a concept that kept the community’s culture alive. He not-

ed that it was “the language, the stories and the handicraft and the old ways like having a bonfire and hearing stories from way back when".

Additionally, he observed that many Guyanese were unaware of the true beauty and potential of the country they live in. However, he opined that with CBT, “that is slowly changing and we know that it will continue to improve”.

GTA Logistics Manager Clara Chandra noted that Guyana has been leading the way in CBT. Chandra said that the Barbados team visited three key Indigenous communities namely, Rewa, Surama, and Kaibarupaii because they have received C2 recognition for their sustainable tourism projects.

Group member Eion Proverbs blurted out: “My gosh, this country is absolutely breath-taking and I love it.”

According to the Department of Public Information, he said the “fam” trip was beneficial since he was building relationships with persons from the GTA and also experiencing the chance of a lifetime

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock with members of the Barbados team of tourism officials

to visit Guyana’s interior.

Proverbs said he would return to Barbados to draft packages so that Barbadians could visit Guyana and in turn Guyanese could visit Barbados.

Barbados Tourism Authority Product Officer Andera Kedungan said: “It has been fantastic, a really wonderful experience. I am doing things that I won’t normally do. In Barbados, we do not have this type of product.”

She added that the Authority would have heard extensively about CBT, hence their com-

ing on the trip so that they could adopt some of Guyana’s best practices.

Kedungan noted that her country did not have the vast infrastructure Guyana did in relation to CBT, but noted that the Authority would be seeking more expert advice in the future to develop their CBT product.

While at Surama, the team was treated to cultural presentations by various Indigenous groups. The team was slated to depart Guyana for Barbados on Sunday.

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MONDAY, octoBER 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

Protecting our nation’s youth

L

ast week was Child Protection Week 2017. In light of the brutal rape and murder of a 13-year-old Berbice lad, Leonard Archibald, we are asking: “Is enough being done at the community and governmental levels to protect our nation’s youth?”

Leisa Thorne “My answer is a definite no. Every day, everywhere you go, we all continue to see disturbing things happening to the young people of Guyana.

Pregnant teenage girls, young men smoking weed, fighting and all sorts of things that would leave me for one with a lot of questions. More needs to be done for our young people, not now but later because I am sure if people of that community that the young man was killed in had said something about that paedophile, then he would have still been alive today.”

Jerme Ramratan “Not enough is being done to protect our youths, but this [sort of activity] has been too consistent. I think the justice system in Guyana is corrupted from the top down. I am almost sure that we can’t do anything about it. The problem is parents and guardians have to work and they can’t be there to protect the children.

What can the Police do? The only thing to do is punish [the perpetrators] after the act is done.”

Ron Glasgow “Incidents like this can be avoided. People speak to the sickness of the culprits

involved and while that is true, we need to understand how the community allowed these behaviours to even develop within the culprits in the first place. Were they educated?

Were they employed? What were the factors that would influence their decision to jointly commit rape on a little boy then proceeding to murder the little boy? There is a reason for everything. The community now, in their time of grief, has to do some selfassessment and recognise the factors that could have led to this development and work to ensure that these things aren't repeated.”

Denisia Chapman “No, I do not believe enough is being done to protect the nation's children. For instance, most of our neighbours don't look out for our kids or even pay attention to them. Then you find that most kids are very rude to the older ones these days. I would recommend that more attention be paid on the ground to investigate the circumstances under which children live and to put stricter penalties in place for any violation against children.”

Denica Henry “The community is one of four pillars essential to bringing up a child. Everyone needs to be their brother's keeper for good reasons. Some arguably say it's not their right to get into other people's affairs. Even so, sometimes it is necessary to do so. Why anyone investigate Leonard’s hadn’t screams? Why don't

Taneila Croal "Our children are our future, and so much needs to be done to ensure they're safely protected, healthy and guided. I do not believe sufficient social work, and investigation, is being done within the communities by social workers. I believe something must be done to eradicate child abuse and molestation.

Governmental officials should do research in each part of the country to discover any youth that's suffering at the hands of an adult."

Roycelyn Alleyne “What happened to that child was horrific. No parent would want the same to happen to their children – no parent. Those brutal men should be strongly penalised for their wrongdoing; they are demons! As a mother, I know that I would question so much, especially what could have been done to prevent what occurred. So, yes, we all can do more because having considered the circumstances and everything that led to that child’s demise, it is very much evident that more could have been done for him.”

Yvonne Gomes “The Government is definitely not doing enough in my opinion. Mental health is an area where primary focus should be placed; unfortunately, this is not the case. As long as we continue to ignore mental health in Guyana, issues as such will continue in prevalence.”

some neighbours report incidents of abuse happening next door? Why don't adults speak to children who they see going astray? No harm in attempting to. Speak up, but do so respectfully, kindly and with good intentions. If the child doesn't listen, speak to the parents/ guardians. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Be mindful of shady characters.

I cannot believe no one knew of the nature of the accused.

Someone had to have some suspicion or an uneasy feeling.

It is better to err on the side of caution than have regrets later.

I don't like the dependence on the government attitude that some persons have. As citizens, we all have civic duties and responsibilities. Everyone must do their part if we are serious about progressing.

Speak up, pay attention, and fulfil your duties not only as a citizen but as a human being.”

Shaunell Wilson “Every time I think of the pain that that little boy felt, I continue to hurt over --- what he went through. No child should have to endure such torture – no child! And as people of Guyana, we should all be more alert now, because we all know that if people of his community had spoken up then something could have been done, but no one did and as such, Leonard is not here anymore. We can and should do more, all of us as Guyanese.”

Rafael Alfred “I never see the community doing anything for young persons. That's not the first victim and you can't stop things like that from happening unless there is a serious penalty for things like that. For

instance, if a person knew that if you rape someone, you will be sentenced to life in prison, then that person is not gonna do it. I think aside from the police station, there should be places where people can call if they see things like that. I'm currently with a group called Righteous Invasion of Truth and we deal with domestic violence and suicide and many schools we visited, there were persons who were introduced to crime by their family. For example, a little boy said was ok for him to hit a girl because his uncle does do it, so why shouldn't he. These students don't know where to turn to when seeing things like that.

So making them aware of where to go or where to call can help stop it.”

Andrea Marlowe “The Government alone shouldn't be blamed, what about the family where socialisation begins? If we seek to address such issues, then our collective efforts are needed at the community and national levels. A person who is driven to commit such an immoral and inhumane act has to be of ill mental health. More attention should be paid by parents to their children while the Government can zero in on the treatment of mentallyill individuals by ensuring that they readily have treatment and hospitals available.”

Gabrelle Cummings “The murder of that child was a truly barbaric act that opened the eyes of the entire nation. I personally don’t think that the Government, other than the legislative arm, could do anything to prevent

something of this nature from occurring again. The citizens of that village and most importantly of Guyana need to remove the veil from their eyes and truly see that males can be raped and violated too.

One young man said on a news channel that he reported an assault by the accused and the Police laughed at him; another said he was ashamed to say anything. Heaven knows how many others are carrying that burden and shame. If we, as Guyanese, rally for men to come out when they are abused as much as we rally for the women to do so, that little boy's life could have been saved. But no, in this day and age, we live with the archaic belief that the men and boys aren’t molested and abused.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

Regional

USVI Governor: “We will rebuild a better, stronger Virgin Islands”

U

nited States Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Kenneth E Mapp has declared that the islands will emerge even stronger in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

In a statement, Mapp said: “Over the past month the United States Virgin Islands has been decimated by two of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history. Being hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria within a 12-day period was recorded history. Being hit

by Hurricanes Irma and Maria within a 12-day period was unimaginable, until it happened.

“Thousands of our people lost everything to the 170-plus mph winds and many remain in shelters.

USVI Governor Kenneth E Mapp

Our electrical system lies on the ground, destroyed; many poles snapped into pieces like matchsticks. The raging winds burned our green hillsides nearly black – stripping every leaf – and ripped massive trees out by their

Argentines march to demand answers on case of missing activist

T

ens of thousands of Argentines marched through the rain in front of the presidential palace on Sunday to demand answers in the case of a young protester who went missing two months ago.

Opposition and human rights groups believe State security forces took Santiago Maldonado, a 28-year-old craftsman, and allege President Mauricio Macri’s Government is covering up information on his whereabouts.

Maldonado was last seen during an August 1 operation by the National Gendarmerie to end a land occupation in Chubut province by the indigenous Mapuche.

“My intuition tells me

the Gendarmerie have him. Where, I don’t know,” Maldonado’s brother, Sergio Maldonado, told reporters at the rally in downtown Buenos Aires.

Protesters marched carrying images of Maldonado’s bearded face and signs that read “may he appear alive now”.

Potential cases of abuse by security forces are sensitive in Argentina, where the 1976-1983 military dictatorship secretly detained, tortured and killed people in clandestine prisons. Rights groups say up to 30,000 people “disappeared”.

Macri’s Government has said that there is no evidence that shows security forces detained Maldonado.

(Reuters)

roots. Heavy rains and storm surge caused mudslides and flooding and mutilated sections of our pristine coastline. Our territory’s only two hospitals were damaged beyond repair and many of our schools have been heavily

damaged. Children on the islands of St Thomas and St John have not yet had a chance to start school this year and those on St Croix had one week of classes before Maria’s arrival.

“Despite the utter devastation brought by two Category 5 hurricanes, we had only a handful of serious injuries and lost five dear souls. Each a tragedy to be sure, but nothing short of a miracle when you survey the wreckage…. I am proud of the irrepressible spirit of the people of US Virgin Islands, who are resilient and selfless despite extremely challenging conditions… So, this time we must rebuild smarter and in a more resilient manner.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Colombia’s rebel ELN begins 1st truce in over half a century

C

olombia’s largest active rebel group, the ELN, has begun a temporary ceasefire with the authorities – for the first time in more than 50 years.

The truce began on Sunday and is set to extend until mid-January.

President Juan Manuel Santos says he hopes it will serve as a first step to achieving peace with the group.

It follows a landmark peace deal between the authorities and the much larger FARC rebel group last year, which ended five decades of conflict.

The temporary ceasefire between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Colombian army is seen as the most important step taken since peace talks be-

tween the two sides began in neighbouring Ecuador in February.

ELN leader Nicolás Rodriguez ordered his troops to “cease all types of offensive activities to fully comply with the bilateral ceasefire” overnight, just as Colombia’s armed forces were instructed to suspend operations against the rebels.

Despite continuing negotiations for the past eight months, the run-up to the truce has been marred by ELN attacks on security forces and hostage taking, as well as attacks on oil companies.

ELN finances its operations mainly with ransom payments given to release hostages.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Antigua not letting US “off the hook” in WTO case

T

he Antigua and Barbuda Government says it has no intention of letting the United States “off the hook” for its internationally-binding obligation to allow Internet gaming into the country until fair compensation is paid for the 14 years of damage done to the island’s economy.

Antigua and Barbuda’s lead negotiator, Sir Ronald Sanders, made the statement as he addressed the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) late last week.

Sanders told the DSB, comprising over 100 countries, that “it continues to be most unfortunate that, despite 14 long years of deprivation, Antigua and Barbuda has to appear before this

Sir Ronald Sanders

body, year after year, to report that the United States has not seen it possible to offer fair and equitable terms to my small country for the significant losses in trade

revenues that it has suffered as a result of US violation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)”.

He also rejected a US submission that it had of-

fered Antigua “a broad range of useful suggestions to settle this dispute in November 2013”, but that the Government ignored it “before finally indicating that it was not acceptable”.

Sanders pointed out that successive Antigua and Barbuda Governments had refused the offer because it did not add up to US$2 million when the trade losses to the country in the matter totalled well over US$200 million.

The envoy told the DSB that when “the US makes a fair, equitable and just offer to Antigua and Barbuda for the extreme harm done to our economy” Antigua will release the US from its legal obligation” consistent with the rules of the WTO. (Excerpt from CMC)

T&T economy remains growth challenged, says Central Bank

Puerto Rico public schools may not reopen for weeks T T

welve days after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, officials said only five per cent of the island has electricity and its schools are not close to reopening.

Julia Kelleher, Puerto Rico's Secretary of Education, told CNN on Sunday that some public schools might not resume classes until October 16 because of storm damage, though decisions will be made on a regional basis.

There are 1113 public schools and a student population of 350,000 on the island, but only 400 schools have been assessed for damage, she said.

The report on schools came one day after President Donald Trump took to Twitter

Criticism mounts about a slow disaster response by President Donald Trump’s Administration

to criticise the leadership of island officials, especially the Mayor of San Juan.

Trump, who plans to visit the island Tuesday, criticised San Juan Mayor Carmen

Yulín Cruz and the "leadership ability" of some in Puerto Rico who "want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort".

Cruz earlier had criticised the distribution of aid to the island and said federal authorities needed to do more.

In addition to widespread power outages, many people have limited access to gas, cash and running water.

FEMA said Sunday it has expanded its delivery of food and water throughout Puerto Rico, though officials stressed that many people still lack the essentials. The federal emergency agency has delivered food and water to all 79 municipalities in Puerto Rico, Alejandro De La Campa, FEMA federal coordinating officer in Puerto Rico, told reporters Sunday. He said one million litres of water and one million meals had been delivered as of Saturday. (Excerpt from

CNN)

he Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) says the local economy remains growth-challenged at present even as it acknowledged that early signs of improvement have appeared in the energy sector, as exploration activity picked up in the third quarter and output of natural gas is expected to rise with the coming on-stream of the Juniper project.

In its latest Monetary Policy Announcement, the CBTT said that growth in energy and energy-related production is expected to eventually pull up activity in other non-energy sectors which is still subdued. “Available indicators on construction and distribution point to continued sluggishness in these areas, while official statistics, however, suggest that the unem-

ployment rate has remained relatively steady at just under four per cent on average in 2016,” the CBTT added.

The CBTT said that the economic environment in both advanced and emerging economies continues to improve, with generally positive growth being recorded and inflation approaching target ranges, noting that within this context, authorities in some advanced nations have begun to more actively address monetary policy normalisation.

“In the US, the Federal Reserve will gradually reduce its holdings of securities starting October 2017, and there is anticipation that another hike in the Fed Fund's rate will occur this December. There are signals that the Bank of England may also increase interest rates within the next few months,” the CBTT said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Violence erupts as Catalans Protests in Anglophone Cameroon turn deadly vote on split from Spain

S

S

panish Police used batons and rubber bullets to thwart an independence vote in Catalonia on Sunday in a show of force that left hundreds injured, according to Catalan officials, and presented Madrid with a huge challenge to calm tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who had declared the vote illegal, said amid one of Spain’s biggest political crises in decades that he would call all-party talks to “reflect on the future”, but dialogue over Catalonia would be “within the law”.

“We cannot allow that 40 years of harmony is thrown in the air though blackmail of the whole nation,” he added. “I hope that now they give up on the path that, as has been seen today, leads to nowhere.”

Earlier, the streets of Catalonia, an industrial

The streets of Catalonia, an industrial and tourism powerhouse accounting for a fifth of the economy, erupted into violence as national police burst into polling stations with batons

and tourism powerhouse accounting for a fifth of the economy, erupted into violence as national police burst into polling stations with batons, dragging voters away. The action drew criticism at home and abroad.

Catalan officials said over 760 people had been injured in the Police crackdown and the Spanish

Interior Ministry said 12 Police had been hurt.

“I propose that all political parties with parliamentary representation meet and, together, reflect on the future we all face,” Rajoy said in a televised address.

However, he kept his firm stance against Catalan independence and praised police. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump to top US diplomat: Don't bother talking to North Korea

U

S President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he told the top US diplomat not to waste his time trying to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “I told Rex Tillerson, our wonderful Secretary of State, that he is wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man,” Trump wrote on Twitter, using his sarcastic nickname for Kim. Trump later tweeted that his White House predecessors, Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama, had all “failed” on North Korea by “Being nice to

Rocket Man,” so “why would it work now?” Kim succeeded his father, Kim Jong Il, as North Korean leader in 2011, during Obama’s Administration.

Previous presidents negotiated with Pyongyang. Despite their efforts, North Korea has pressed ahead with its weapons programmes.

Tillerson disclosed on Saturday that the United States was directly communicating with North Korea on its nuclear and missile programmes, but that Pyongyang had shown no interest in dialogue.

“Save your energy Rex,

we’ll do what has to be done!” Trump said.

Tillerson said during a trip to China that the United States had multiple direct channels of communication with Pyongyang, the first such disclosure from the Trump Administration, and that it was probing North Korea to see whether it is interested in dialogue.

Tillerson expressed hope for reducing tensions with North Korea, which is fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Tens of thousands march to defend Hong Kong's rule of law against China

T

ens of thousands marched in Chinaruled Hong Kong on Sunday in an “anti-authoritarian rule” march that called for the resignation of the city’s top legal official over the recent jailing of young democracy activists.

The march, an annual fixture over the past few years on China’s October 1 National Day, comes at a time of nascent disillusionment with Hong Kong’s once vaunted judiciary.

“Without democracy, how can we have the rule of law,” the crowds yelled as they marched through sporadic downpours, from a muddy pitch to the city’s harbour-front Government headquarters.

Organisers estimated about 40,000 people joined the march.

Many protesters, some

oldiers have shot and killed at least seven people and wounded others in Cameroon's English-speaking regions during protests by activists calling for its independence from the majority-Francophone country, according to official and witnesses.

Sunday's demonstrations – timed to take place on the anniversary of Anglophone Cameroon's independence from Britain –-

came as a months-old movement against perceived marginalisation by the Francophone-dominated Government gathered pace.

Cameroon's divide has its roots in the end of the First World War, when the League of Nations divided the former German colony of Kamerun between the allied French and British victors.

Donatus Njong Fonyuy, mayor of the town of

Kumbo, said five prisoners were killed around 6:00h local time (05:00 GMT) after the jail where they were being held caught fire.

"We don't know what caused the fire in the prison ... But five prisoners were killed by soldiers. Two were wounded by bullets and are at the hospital," he told Reuters news agency, adding that another two civilians were also injured. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Marseille attack: 2 young women stabbed to death

T

wo young women have been stabbed to death at Marseille's main train station in a suspected terrorist attack.

Soldiers on guard at the station shot dead the attacker, who Police described as of North African appearance and aged about 30.

Witnesses said he shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest).

One victim had her throat slit and the other was stabbed in the stomach.

They were aged 17 and 20.

President Emmanuel Macron said he was disgusted by the "barbarous act".

He paid tribute to the soldiers and the Police Officers who responded.

The attack took place outside the train station in the southern French port city

The attack took place by a bench outside the southern French city's Saint Charles train station.

Interior Minister Gérard Collomb told reporters that the attacker had fled after the first murder, but re-

turned to kill again.

Soldiers were already in the station as part of Operation Sentinelle, which sees combat troops patrol streets and protect key sites amid France's ongoing state of emergency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

5 injured in Canada vehicle, stabbing attacks

C

anadian Police on Sunday arrested a man whom authorities said they believe acted alone to carry out violent “attacks of terror” in the western city of Edmonton, injuring a Police Officer and four pedestrians with two vehicles and a knife.

A graphic surveillance video shows a Chevy Malibu hitting a Police Officer standing in front of a foot-

ball stadium about 20:15h on Saturday, sending him flying into the air. The driver gets out of the car and appears to stab the officer multiple times before fleeing.

A flag of the Islamic State militant group was found inside the Malibu, after the suspect ran off, said Rod Knecht, Police Chief of Edmonton, Alberta’s provincial capital.

The suspect, who author-

ities have not identified, was arrested several hours later following a car chase across a busy downtown street during which he intentionally sought to hit pedestrians, Police said.

“To the best of our knowledge, this was a lone wolf attack,” Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson told reporters on Sunday. “There’s no immediate cause for panic or concern.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

India headlines as guest of honour for WGS Summit

T

Pro-democracy activists carry a banner reading "anti-authority, against suppression", during a protest on China's National Day in Hong Kong, China October 1, 2017

clad in black, expressed dismay with Hong Kong’s Secretary of Justice, Rimsky Yuen, who Reuters reported had over-ruled several other senior public prosecutors to seek jail terms for three prominent democrats: Joshua Wong, Nathan Law

and Alex Chow.

“We believe he (Yuen) has been the key orchestrator in destroying Hong Kong’s justice,” said Avery Ng, one of the organisers of the rally that drew a coalition of some 50 civil and political groups. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he World Government Summit has announced that the Republic of India is the guest of honour for its summit scheduled for February 11 - 13, 2018.

The World Government Summit said that the hosting of India comes as part of its endeavour to strengthen its partnerships with countries with pioneering and distinctive experiences in strategic areas that serve communities. The summit is the largest movement to review and share the best experiences, and the first global forum for Governments, countries, organisations and Private Sector leaders interested in the industry of the future. The Indian delegation will review the best experiences and latest technologies developed by India

in areas like space exploration, where a rapidly growing space programme has been developed in parallel with the programmes of the United States, Russia and the European Union. The latest achievements were the launch of the largest space rocket developed entirely in India In June. (Excerpt from Gulf of Today)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

ARCHIE

ARIES

Change will lead to un-

(March 21- certainty. You are best off reApril 19) maining silent and being ob-

servant until you have a clear picture of what’s taking place.

Look for opportunities and viable options.

Helping others will bring TAURUS you satisfaction and favours.

(April 20- Dealing with children or a May 20) loved one should be a priority.

Offering affection and encouragement will bring you closer to the people who count.

DILBERT

Protect against heartache GEMINI and poor health. Emotional (May 21and physical problems due to June 20) stress or difficult relationships are best dealt with openly and honestly. Proper diet, rest and exercise will help.

Do what feels right and CANCER avoid listening to someone who (June 21- is negative or critical. Explore July 22) new interests and develop ideas that will allow you to use your creativity.

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Put more into building a strong financial and emotional future. Do your best to be responsible by living within your means. Lessen stress by lowering your overhead.

A steady pace will help you VIRGO stay on top of your responsibil(Aug. 23ities.

Look for unique ways to Sept. 22) handle your relationships with others. Compromise will be worth your while.

Take part in events that LIBRA (Sept. 23- will put you where the action Oct. 23) is, encourage you to share ideas and make the effort to get things done.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

You will be offered favours SCORPIO if you are creative when ex(Oct. 24plaining what you want and Nov. 22) the best way to work to reach your goal.

Think twice before you SAGITTARIUS share your thoughts or make (Nov. 23- a move. Dealing with siblings Dec. 21) or children will be emotionally difficult. Don’t lose sight of your objective. Choose to be compassionate but firm.

SATURDAY’S WORD

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Don’t let an impulse get CAPRICORN the better of you. Take your (Dec. 22- time and be rational and levJan. 19) el-headed when making decisions that could influence your personal beliefs and integrity.

Emotions will surface if AQUARIUS someone tries to take advan(Jan. 20- tage of you. Use your intelliFeb. 19) gence to counter manipulation of any kind. Trust in yourself, and refuse to let anyone handle your personal business.

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

Let your creativity flow.

PISCES (Feb. 20- Show compassion for those March 20) less fortunate, and offer suggestions that will give others hope. Your input will result in satisfaction and peace of mind.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

19

Zimbabwe to host West Rohit’s ton pilots Indies for 2 Tests in October India back to No 1

ODI ranking I

Z

imbabwe Cricket (ZC) has confirmed it will host West Indies for a short tour comprising two Tests in Bulawayo later this month. This will be Zimbabwe's first Test engagement since their tour of Sri Lanka in July.

The first Test will be played from October 21-25, while the second one will follow from October 29. Both matches will be played at the Queens' Sports Club.

A three-day warm-up from October 15 will precede the series opener.

Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis are both expected

Brendan Taylor’s return is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s chances

to make their international comebacks during the series. The pair left Zimbabwe in 2015 and 2013 respectively to play in England on Kolpak deals. But they were convinced to opt out of their English deals early and return home following a complete overhaul of ZC's structures.

Tatenda Taibu, the convener of selectors, initiated discussions with Taylor and Jarvis before they received assurances about the new governance and financial model from ZC MD Faisal Hasnain.

Their inclusion is partic-

ularly significant because Zimbabwe will depend on them during 2019 World Cup qualifiers, which could take place in their own country next March. West Indies, who failed to qualify automatically, will be among their opponents in that tournament and Zimbabwe will perhaps use this series to gauge how they will match up.

This will be West Indies' second tour to Zimbabwe in the last 12 months. They featured there in a tri-series, also involving Sri Lanka, in November last year. (Cricinfo)

OJ Simpson OJ Simpson

T

released from prison after serving 9 years

he timing of Simpson's release, at 12:08am local time on Sunday morning, was conducted to avoid media attention.

O.J. Simpson is a free man once again after he was released from prison on Sunday.

The 70-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner was released from Lovelock Correctional Center in northern Nevada at 12:08 am local time on Sunday morning after serving nine years for a 2007 armed robbery in Las Vegas.

The Nevada Department of Corrections released a photo and video of his departure on their Facebook page.

It was not immediately known who picked Simpson up or where he was heading after being freed. The Nevada Board of

Parole Commissioners ruled in July that Simpson could be freed as early as October 1. State prisons spokeswoman Brooke Keast said Simpson's release was timed to avoid media attention.

While Simpson said at his parole hearing that he intended to live with a friend in Florida upon his release, the Florida Department of Corrections has not received the required paperwork that would allow him to do so.

Nor has the state of California, where Simpson's sister, Shirley Baker, and oldest daughter, Arnelle, live.

Simpson's attorney, Malcolm LaVergne, said he had no information regarding where Simpson will live, and that it is up to Simpson to make relocation plans on his own. (Sportsmax)

ndia comfortably reclaimed the number-one ODI ranking, thanks largely to Rohit Sharma's 125 against Australia in Nagpur.

Rohit Sharma struck his 14th one-day international century as India thumped Australia by seven wickets in Nagpur to complete a 4-1 series victory and reclaim top spot in the ICC rankings.

On a slow, dry pitch, India's spinners and the wily Jasprit Bumrah played key roles in limiting Australia to 242-9, with only 52 runs coming in the last 10 overs as wickets tumbled.

The tourists' hopes of defending their total were significantly dented when Rohit, who accelerated to 125 from 109 deliveries after a cautious start, shared 124 for the first wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (61).

Rohit then added a further 99 in the company of skipper Virat Kohli (39) and, although both men fell in the 40th over to Adam Zampa, India were able to secure a routine victory with 43 balls unused.

As a result, Kohli's men regain the number-one ranking they had lost courtesy of Thursday's loss in Bengaluru.

After choosing to bat, Australia were given a good platform by openers David Warner (53) and Aaron Finch (32), while Travis Head (42) and Marcus Stoinis (46) put on 87 for the fifth wicket.

India were able to keep the run-rate firmly under control, however, and Head's departure to Axar Patel - the pick of the attack with 3-38 - triggered a collapse that saw Australia lose five for 37 at the end of their innings.

Kuldeep Yadav (0-48) and part-timer Kedar Jadhav (148) provided strong support

Rohit Sharma was at his six-hitting best again ©BCCI

to Axar and Bumrah (251) proved typically effective at the death.

In reply, Rohit took 15 balls to get off the mark in the face of fine bowling from Pat Cummins and Nathan CoulterNile.

However, the experienced opener soon found his stride, enjoying particular success against Zampa and Head as Australia's slow bowlers struggled to make an impact.

Rahane missed a straight ball from Coulter-Nile to fall lbw in the 23rd over, yet

India remained in command and Rohit reached three figures in style by pulling the same bowler for six.

The expensive Zampa gained belated rewards by having Rohit and Kohli caught in the deep, but Jadhav (5 not out) and Manish Pandey (11 not out) saw India over the line with ease. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Australia Innings D Warner c M. Pandey b A. Patel

53 A Finch c Bumrah b H. Pandya

32 S Smith lbw b Jadhav 16 P Handscomb c Rahane b A. Patel

13 T Head b A. Patel 42 M Stoinis lbw b Bumrah 46 M Wade c Rahane b Bumrah 20 J Faulkner runout (H. Pandya, Dhoni) 12 P Cummins notout 2 N Coulter-Nile b B. Kumar 0 Extras (b-1lb-w-3)6 Total (for 9wickets,50overs) 242 Fall of wickets: 1-66 A. Finch, 2-100, S. Smith, 3-112 D. Warner, 4-118, P. Handscomb, 5-205 T. Head, 6-210, M. Stoinis, 7-237 M. Wade,8-242, J. Faulkner, 9-242 N. Coulter- Nile Did not bat: A. Zampa Bowling: B Kumar 8 - 0 - 40 – 1, Bumrah 10 - 2 - 51 – 2,

H Pandya 2 - 0 - 14 – 1, K Yadav 10 - 1 - 48 – 0, K Jadhav 10 - 0 - 48 - 1(w2), A Patel 10 - 0 - 38 - 3(w-1)

India Innings A Rahane lbw b Coulter-Nile 61 R Sharma c Coulter-Nile b Zampa 125 V Kohli c Stoinis b Zampa 39 K Jadhav notout 5 M Pandey notout 11 Extras (lb-1 w-1) 2 Total (for 3 wickets,42.5 overs) 243 Fall of wickets: 1-124 A. Rahane,2-223 Ro. Sharma,3-227 V. Kohli Did not bat: H. Pandya, M. Dhoni, B. Kumar, A. Patel, J. Bumrah, K. Yadav Bowling: Cummins 7 - 1 - 29 – 0, Coulter-Nile 9 - 0 - 42 – 1, M Stoinis 4 - 0 - 20 – 0, Faulkner 5.5 -0 - 37 - 0(w-1), Zampa 8 - 0 - 59 – 2, Head 6 - 0 - 38 – 0, Finch 3 - 0 - 17 - 0

Birthday boy Verstappen beats Hamilton to...

FROM PAGE 20

”So I was very happy when I crossed the line and together with my dad I got this far and of course I got the great help from Red Bull.

“It’s amazing, a very tough race but incredible to win,” he added.

Vettel, whose team mate Kimi Raikkonen failed to start after qualifying second, was involved in a bizarre collision after the finish when the Williams of Canadian Lance Stroll ran into the back of the Ferrari.

The German’s car was

badly damaged in the incident, limping along on three wheels, with Vettel then hitching a ride back to the pits on compatriot Pascal Wehrlein’s Sauber.

Stewards decided to take no further action. (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

Sri Lanka’s collapse brings Test to life

T

he chances of a draw in Abu Dhabi receded as Sri Lanka ended the penultimate day four wickets down and only 66 ahead against Pakistan.

An intriguing conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Test is in prospect after Sri Lanka collapsed to 69-4 on the penultimate day, having conceded a first-innings lead of three to Pakistan.

Debutant Haris Sohail compiled a valuable 76 as Pakistan recovered from 340-8 to reach 422 all out in Sunday's afternoon session.

At that point, a draw looked highly likely, but the chances of a positive result increased when Sri Lanka wobbled in their second innings, losing four cheap wickets including skipper and first-innings centurion Dinesh Chandimal.

The final day will begin with Sri Lanka 66 ahead, and Kusal Mendis (16 not out)

and nightwatchman Suranga Lakmal (2 not out) at the crease.

Pakistan initially came under pressure at the hands of Rangana Herath and Lakmal after resuming on 266-4, trailing by 153.

Azhar Ali - unbeaten on 74 overnight - fell 15 runs short of a hundred, caught at short midwicket off Herath, while Sarfraz Ahmed made only 18 before playing on to Lakmal, who then trapped Mohammad Amir lbw.

When Herath had Yasir Shah held at slip with the final ball before lunch, Pakistan were in trouble, but Sohail and Hasan Ali counter-attacked in a precious ninth-wicket stand of 50.

Hasan hit three sixes before becoming Herath's fifth victim and Sohail, dropped on 51, was able to edge Pakistan in front as last man Mohammad Abbas (1) held firm for 34 balls. Sohail even-

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st innings 419 Pakistan 1st innings (Overnight: 266-4) S Masood b Herath 59 S Aslam lbw b D. Perera 51 A Ali c sub b Herath 85 A Shafiq c Thirimanne b Herath 39 B Azam c Dickwella b Pradeep 28 H Sohail c Lakmal b Pradeep 76 S Ahmed b Lakmal 18 M Amir lbw b Lakmal 4 Y Shah c Thirimanne b Herath 8 H Ali st Dickwella b Herath 29 Mohammad Abbas not out 1 Extras (b-5 lb-9 nb-8 w-2) 24 Total (all out, 162.3 overs) 422 Fall of wickets: 1-114 S. Aslam,2-116 S. Masood,3-195 A. Shafiq,4-266 B. Azam,5-294 Az. Ali,6-316 S. Ahmed,7-326 M. Amir,8-340 Y. Shah,9390 H. Ali,10-422 H. Sohail Bowling: S Lakmal 22 - 5 - 42 2(nb-1 w-1), N Pradeep 25.3 - 1 - 77 - 2(nb-6), D Perera 37 - 10

- 92 - 1(nb-1), L Sandakan 35 - 7 98 - 0(w-1), R Herath 40 - 12 - 93 – 5, D Karunaratne 3 - 1 - 6 - 0 Sri Lanka 2nd innings D Karunaratne c Masood b Shah 10 K Silva lbw b Sohail 25 L Thirimanne c S. Ahmed b Shafiq

7 K Mendis not out 16 D Chandimal c Shafiq b Shah 7 S Lakmal not out 2 Extras (lb-1 nb-1) 2 Total (for 4 wickets, 40 overs) 69 Fall of wickets: 1-20 D. Karunaratne,2-33 L. Thirimanne,3-51 K. Silva,4-65 D. Chandimal To bat: D. Perera, R. Herath, N. Dickwella, L. Sandakan, N. Pradeep Bowling: M Amir 7 - 2 - 14 – 0, M Abbas 6 - 2 - 7 - 0(nb-1), Y Shah 14 - 2 - 25 – 2, Hasan Ali 4.2 - 0 - 8 – 0, Asad Shafiq 3.4 0 - 7 – 1, Haris Sohail 5 - 2 - 7 - 1

S

ball of the opening over and then had Mominul Haque trapped leg before two balls later, it seemed all was go-

ing to plan for the home team.

Mominul had consulted with Imrul Kayes about re-

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings 496 for 3 decl Bangladesh 1st innings 320 South Africa 2nd innings (Overnight: 54-2) A Markram c Das b M. Rahman

15 D Elgar lbw b Sh. Islam 18 H Amla c Das b M. Rahman

28 T Bavuma c Das b M. Haque

71 F du Plessis lbw b M. Haque 81 Q de Kock st Das b M. Haque 8 A Phehlukwayo not out 6 K Maharaj not out 19 Extras (nb-1) 1 Total (for 6 wickets declared, 56 overs) 247 Fall of wickets: 1-30 D. Elgar,2-38 A. Markram,3-70 H. Amla,4212 F. du Plessis,5-217 T. Bavuma,6-222 Q. de Kock Did not bat: K. Rabada, M. Morkel, D. Olivier

tually fell to Nuwan Pradeep facing the third new ball.

Sri Lanka adopted a cautious approach in their second innings, crawling along at less than two runs per over, but nevertheless lost wickets on a regular basis.

Dimuth Karunaratne (10) and Chandimal (7) each fell to Yasir, the former oddly opting to walk despite replays suggesting no bat or glove had

been involved as Pakistan celebrated a catch from Shan Masood at short-leg.

In between those dismissals, part-timer Asad Shafiq had Lahiru Thirimanne (7) caught behind, having been brought on to complete an over when Hasan was injured, and Sohail rounded off his fine day by having Kaushal Silva lbw for an 87ball 25. (Sportsmax)

Birthday boy Verstappen beats Hamilton to win Malaysian GP

Morkel leaves Bangladesh reeling in pursuit of 424

outh Africa need seven wickets on the last day to secure victory in the first test and go ahead in the two-match series as Bangladesh struggled on a rain-curtailed fourth day at Senwes Park on Sunday.

Morne Morkel snagged two wickets in the first over of Bangladesh’s second innings and they were 49 for three at stumps, still 375 runs shy of an improbable victory.

South Africa, who had started the day 54-2, declared their second innings on 247 for six, with captain Faf du Plessis scoring 81 and Temba Bavuma 71.

A partnership of 142 between the pair pushed along the scoring rate as South Africa sought to set Bangladesh a large target, but still give themselves enough time to bowl them out on a pitch that has proven lifeless.

Two breaks for rain hastened the decision to declare and when Morkel bowled Tamim Iqbal with the fourth

Yasir Shah picked up crucial wickets late in the day

Bowling: M Hasan 11 - 1 - 69 – 0, Shafiul Islam 13 - 1 - 46 – 1, Mustafizur Rahman 11 2 - 30 -0, T Ahmed 6 - 0 - 29 - 0(nb-1), S Rahman 5 - 0 - 25 – 0, Mahmudullah 4 - 0 - 21 – 0, M Haque 6 - 0 - 27 - 3 Bangladesh 2nd innings (Target: 424 runs) T Iqbal b M. Morkel 0 I Kayes c de Kock b Maharaj 32 M Haque lbw b M. Morkel 0 M Rahim not out 16 Extras (nb-1) 1 Total (for 3 wickets, 15.3 overs)

49 Fall of wickets: 1-0 T. Iqbal,2-0 M. Haque,3-49 I. Kayes To bat: Mahmudullah, L. Das, S. Rahman, M. Hasan, T. Ahmed, M. Rahman, S. Islam Bowling: M Morkel 5.2 - 2 - 19 - 2(nb-1), Rabada 5 - 1 - 23 – 0, Olivier 2.4 - 0 - 5 – 0, Maharaj 2.3 - 0 - 2 - 1

viewing the decision to give him out but was persuaded not do so, only for television replays to show Morkel’s delivery was headed well down off and that the umpire had made a poor decision.

Morkel then removed the middle stump of Mustafizur Rahman with the second ball of his next over only for TV to show he had bowled a no-ball, reinstating the batsman.

It means Morkel now holds the world record of 14 test dismissals being overturned because his foot was over the bowling crease. To add to the ignominy, he was later taken to hospital with a side strain that could rule him out of the rest of the series.

Imrul was the third wicket to fall as he was caught behind off the spin bowling of Keshav Maharaj for 32.

Captain Mustafizur, not out on 16, and Liton Das will resume on the last day with survival uppermost on the visitors’ agenda. (Reuters)

R

That’s Max Verstappen’s second career win – on the weekend he turned 20

ed Bull’s Max Verstappen gave himself a perfect 20th birthday present by winning the last Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, while Lewis Hamilton stretched his Formula One world championship lead to 34 points.

Hamilton, who had started on pole position, finished second for Mercedes with his Ferrari title rival Sebastian Vettel limiting the damage by racing from last place on the grid to fourth.

Verstappen’s Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo, last year’s winner at Sepang, finished third.

“Super, super job Max. Welcome to being a 20-year-old. Great start to a new decade for you, well done,” team boss Christian Horner said over the radio af-

ter his driver took the chequered flag 12.7 seconds clear of Hamilton.

The victory was the second of Verstappen’s grand prix career, after a first in Spain last year, and came a day after his birthday.

It also snapped a streak of bad luck for the Dutchman that has seen him retire from seven of the 15 races so far this season.

He sealed it with a daring pass on Hamilton on the fourth of 56 laps and never looked back, moving sister Victoria and father Jos, a former Formula One driver, to tears as he crossed the finish line. ”You know, especially after the season I’ve had, I think this victory came at a very good time,” Verstappen told reporters.

TURN TO PAGE 19

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21

Ramaal Lewis hopes to develop his cricket in the Guyana Jaguars franchise

...all-rounder says cousin Blackwood a role model

By Clifton Ross

F

ormer West Indies U-19 Captain Ramaal Lewis credits hard work as one of the key factors leading to his Guyana Jaguars franchise selection. He added that he’s assured the team’s professional structure can help his own cricket to develop nicely.

The Jamaica-born Lewis was drafted to the side ahead of the 2017/18 Regional Cricket season, which bowls off on October 26. The all-rounder sat down with Guyana Times Sport recently during one of the Jaguars’ weekly training sessions, and gave insight into his selection and goals, among other things.

Regarding his call-up to the side, Lewis said the experience was a joyous occasion, and one he’s keen on making the most of. “Well, I was always putting in the work, and I know hard works pays off, I was looking for something to happen, so I was really surprised to be called up for Guyana. But once you’re putting in the work, anything can happen,” he said.

With Guyana, the current 3-time Regional 4-Day champs and holders of a prestigious winning streak, the atmosphere is ideal for learning and developing one’s cricket while being able to train with a top calibre group of cricketers, the stylistic young Jamaican disclosed as he noted that he’s looking to improve as a batsman.

“The system here is great.

The senior guys and coaches are always pushing the junior guys to do well; so I can certainly see my cricket developing here. I see the training programs are great and the senior guys are always pushing the junior guys to do extra work and reach their level; so when they reach on the field, they are all pulling their weight. So I see why they have been doing (well),” Lewis professed.

He added that his stint as West Indies U-19 skipper has not only helped him to understand the game on the field, but off the field also. He has since forged friendships with some of the younger players in the side, like Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

“I’ve known some of the guys from before captaining them at West Indies level, because we have been playing first-class cricket before. So there’s a lot of respect from me, so we’re like brothers, and I’m very comfortable here in the team,” he disclosed.

A former Jamaica U-19 player, Lewis acknowledged that with the structure of firstclass cricket different across the Caribbean, it’s important for players to quickly adjust to the culture while still applying themselves as professionals.

“Well, in cricket the coaches do different things, so (I would) just have to come and adapt and try to do my best, when I have to”.

Changing a winning team, or even making the final cut for a winning team, is difficult for

any new addition to a squad, especially when the players in the side have been instrumental in their team’s success for a long period of time. And while Lewis is aware of this, he still believes it’s important to keep working on his game so he’ll be ready should an opportunity arise.

“It’s a winning team (Guyana Jaguars) and you have guys that are doing well, so you want to keep a winning team. But it’s your team, and whether you play or not, you want them to do well. So it’s just about working hard and hope when you’re called upon you can do your best and do something special to help them win”, declared the righthand batsman.

Guyana will be playing the opening match of the 4-Dayers against the Jamaican Scorpions at Providence, and the 21 year-old off-break spinner admitted that, should he feature in that game, it would be all business against his countrymen.

“It’s cricket, so every game I’m going out to do something special; and its franchise cricket, so your heart is nowhere and you just have to go out and play, because eventually we all might end up playing for West Indies. So it’s like one team”. He said.

Wrapping up his interview, the Westmoreland-born lad said he has been keeping himself active with club cricket and training around the national guys ever since the 2014 U-19 World Cup.

He singled out his cousin, West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood, as one of his mentors, and said he wishes to emulate him by playing for the West Indies someday.

“Since U-19, I’ve been playing for Westmorland Cricket Club and doing well for them.

I also have been training

with the contracted guys, and Jermaine Blackwood is my cousin, we live in the same house in Jamaica, and he’s inspired to play for the West Indies. Along with my mom, there have been pillars holding me up and believing in me”. Lewis ended.

Noble House Second Division 2-day

Diplomats force draw against Everest – Rasheed ends with match haul of 13 for 64

W

ith defeat staring them in the face, Diplomats managed to hold and secure against Everest Cricket Club, after losing first innings points in the Noble House Second Division Two-day Competition at the Ghandi Youth Organisation ground.

Diplomats ended their second innings on 75 for 7 in pursuit of 443. Left-arm spinner Javed Rasheed was yet again the menace with the ball, claiming 4 for 18 from 8.4 overs to end with match haul of 13 for 64.

Everest, resuming day two with a lead of 159, were bowled out for 284, as Khemraj Ramdeen followed up his first innings 120 with another fine innings of 101, while Rasheed supported with 79. I. Caesar and K. Augustus took three wickets apiece.

Javed Rasheed

On day one, Rasheed was a misery to the Diplomats batsmen when he wreaked havoc with figures of 9 for 46 from 13 overs. The spinner’s impressive returns saw Diplomats being bundled out for 147 in response to Everest CC mammoth first innings of 306 for 5 declared.

RHTY&SC to honour Bakewell founder with softball tournament

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, on October 8 will be hosting a softball cricket tournament to honour the memory of the founder of Bakewell, Naeem Nasir. Nasir, a long-time supporter and sponsor of the Club, died five years ago and this year’s tournament will be the third edition. Bakewell has been the official sponsor of the Club’s Under-17 and Second-Division teams since 2000.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated that as usual, the Club would arrange a tournament of the highest standard and one that would pay tribute to an outstanding son of Guyana, during a simple presentation ceremony at the company’s head office, Triumph, East Coast Demerara. Nasir, Foster recalled, was a strong

Bakewell CEO Rajin Ganga hands over the sponsorship to RHTY&SC Executive Rabindranauth Kissoonlall

believer in the RHTY&SC and he hailed the late businessman as one of the main reasons why the Club was widely rated Guyana’s best.

Since Bakewell came on board as an official crick-

et sponsor in 2000, the Club has won five Guyana Cricket Club-of-the-Year Awards, three National Championships and produced close to 100 Berbice cricketers, 50 National

Junior Cricketers and 16 National Players at all levels.

Hosting a successful softball tournament is the best way the RHTY&SC can pay tribute to Nasir, Foster stated, and at the same time, uphold the high standard it has set itself in the past.

Bakewell General Manager Rajin Ganga stated that the late Naeem Nasir was always proud of his involvement with the Club and even prouder of its countless achievements over the years.

Bakewell, Ganga noted, has full confidence in the Club’s ability to honour the memory of the late Nasir.

The RHTY&SC, Ganga stated, has always fulfilled its commitments to the company and has been an outstanding representative of the Bakewell brand and logo.

The Nasir Memorial Softball Tournament would

involve 12 teams drawn from across Berbice. Teams expected to be part of the tournament are Jai Hind, Prophecy Boys, Hard Knock, Grill Master, Shanie Grocery, Tain, Letter Kenny, Rose Hall Town and Canje.

The winning team will receive $100, 000 and a trophy; the first runner-up $50,000 and the second runner-up $25,000.

Teams are asked to call the RHTY&SC office on 337-4562 for more information. Only Berbice-born players will be allowed to play.

Teams are required to be at the Area H Ground by 08:30h for a prompt 09:00h start.

Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC Cricket Development Committee would like to advise teams that the Busta Champion of Champions Softball Tournament would start on October 15.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

GTT National Hockey Championships

Bounty GCC holds nerve to win thriller

– retain 1st division title

By Michelangelo Jacobus

A

thrilling encounter between Bounty GCC and Old Fort Titans in the Men’s First Division final of the GTT National Hockey Championships saw normal time failing to produce a winner. However, the title was decided via penalty shootout.

Captain of Bounty GCC, Dwayne Scott, continued his outstanding form in the final, and had a brace of goals: first opening the scoring in the eighth minute, then netting again in the 28th minute.

Tournament MVP, Ascofu Simon of Old Fort, claimed a hat-trick and opened the scoring for his side as well in the 15th minute. Jael Gaskin brought the Titans level in the 26th minute with scores at 2-2.

However, Orland Semple and Jason Khalil would pull

GCC clear in the 29th and 31st minutes, but Simon would complete his hat-trick in the 32nd and 40th minutes respectively to send the game to penalties at 4-4.

Orland Semple was first to step up for GCC, and duly netted. Jon Abrahams was next for Titans, and he also converted. The dangerous Peter DeGroot was next for GCC, and he produced a brilliant piece of skill to get past the Titans’ goalie. Jael Gaskin was the second penalty taker for the Titans, and the young GCC Goalie Michael Hing produced an outstanding save to deny him.

Jason Clarke for the Titans had the third try, and couldn’t hold his nerve as he also missed his penalty to send the “Bourda Boys” into celebration.

Over in the ladies final, Pizza Hut GCC made light work of iNet Lynx, disman-

Pizza Hut GCC’s Sonia Jardine was phenomenal in the tournament, and she copped Tournament MVP award

tling them 4-1. As has been the trend throughout the tournament, GCC’s Sonia Jardine tormented the opposition while receiving valuable back up from Shebiki Baptiste.

Baptiste opened the scoring in the 5th minute, but iNet Lynx managed to keep

GCB/Jaguars 3-Day League

Adams’ 13-wicket haul helps Essequibo thump Upper Corentyne

Anthony Adams

Veerasammy Permaul

Robin Bacchus

ssequibo surged to another commanding win when they brushed aside Upper Corentyne by a whopping 169 runs, thanks to some collective teamwork which likely ensured they kept their top spot when their GCB/Jaguars 3-Day League 5th round match ended on Sunday.

Essequibo amassed a mammoth 454 all out, thanks to Keemo Paul hammering 177, Kevon Boodie 59, Ricardo Adams 87, and Kemol Savory 49, leaving their opponents to chase a stiff target of 298. This uphill task was too much for the Berbice team, and they were steamrolled for 128 in 47.3 overs, thanks mainly to Essequibo skipper Anthony Adams picking up 6-29 to go along with his first innings haul of 7-91. He ended with overall figures of 13-120.

Upper Corentyne managed a few starts from Balchand Baldeo (31), Eon Hooper (20) and Kandasammy Surujnarine (18), but Anthony Adams and his namesake Ricardo,

who snatched 2-52, proved too much for the Ancient County’s XI. In other round 5 matches: West Berbice vs. East Bank at Bush lot Ground East Bank 1st innings (191 all out) 2nd innings (145-6) beat West Berbice 1st innings (140 all out in 42.2 overs), 2nd innings (190 all out) by 4 wickets.

Needing 140 to win after ending stumps 62-2, Essequibo wrapped up a resounding 4-wicket win with handy knocks from: Sachin Singh (23), Darshan Persaud (28), Sherfane Rutherford (16), Steven Jacobs (17) and captain Ronaldo AliMohammed (15*) Georgetown vs. West Demerara at Tuschen ground Over at the Tuschen ground, West Demerara, resuming on 43 for 2 from 14 overs, reached 167 for 8 off 52 overs at lunch. Akshaya Persaud continued his form with 51 before national youth spinner Ashmead Nedd ripped through the West Demerara batting line-

up to end with 6-76.

Steven Sankar then picked up 3 for 19 as West Demerara folded for 186.

Georgetown, needing 124 for victory, reached 1244 off 21.5, overs thanks to Robin Bacchus’s unbeaten 52 and Christopher Barnwell’s brisk 47 setting up a six-wicket win for Georgetown.

Lower Corentyne vs.

East Coast at Lusignan ground After Jonathan Foo had racked up 152 and Kevlon Anderson had supported evenly with 120, Lower Corentyne declared on 4057 from 109.3 overs, before knocking over East Coast for 97 in the 1st innings, compliments of Veerasammy Permaul’s 4-for.

Enforcing the follow-on of 308 runs, East Coast again failed to reach a decent target, and were restricted to 167 after pacer Raun Johnson ripped through the batting line-up to end with six wickets as Lower Corentyne pummeled their opponents by an innings and 141 runs.

E

Pizza Hut GCC at bay while equalizing in the 16th minute through Renee Edwards from a Penalty Corner.

However Jardine stepped up the plate and netted a brace in the 19th and 35th minute to quell any fears while Baptiste wrapped up proceedings with her second

goal of the game in the 38th minute.

GCC Vintage dominated the Old Fort Goal Getters in the Veteran’s final with Dwayne Scott running riot with five goals, while Phillip Fernandes grabbed a hattrick in the 10-4 drubbing of the Goal Getters.

Scott scored possibly the tournament’s fastest goal in the opening minute of the game, and added four more in the 5th, 6th, 15th and 16th minutes.

Fernandes scored in the 22nd, 24th and 33rd minutes, with Orson Ferguson (36th) and Patrick Edghill (40th) getting a goal apiece.

Scoring for the Goal Getters was Dwight Sullivan with a hat-trick in the 17th, 18th and 29th minutes, while Christopher Low had a solitary goal in the 28th minute.

The Old Fort Warriors claimed the second division title after the beat GCC Pitbulls 3-2 in the final with two second half goals from

Jason Clarke.

Omar Hopkinson opened proceedings for Old Fort with a goal in the fourth minute, while Andrew Xavier equalized for GCC in the 20th minute to leave the score at 1-1 going into the half time break.

In the second half, the guileful Jason Clarke netted in the 23rd minute to push Old Fort ahead at 2-1.

However, Xavier stepped up his game and equalized for GCC for the second time in the 37th minute. Clarke would have none of it and netted just two minutes later as his side eventually prevailed.

The tournament, which came off a seven year hiatus this year, served as a warm up for the National male and female teams, as they gear up for the Pan American Indoor Tournament slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall within the next two weeks.

National Futsal Cup 2017

Goal rush highlights night 2 action A ction on night two of the inaugural National Futsal Cup being contested at the National Gymnasium saw North Ruimveldt, Silver Bullets and Dave & Celina AllStars notching up victories in high-scoring encounters, while Future Stars and Swag Entertainment were the benefactors of walkover victories.

Playing in their first match of the tournament, the “Brazilian team” were soundly thrashed by North Ruimveldt, who put seven goals past them while conceding only once.

Joshua Brown and Gerald Gritten bagged a brace apiece, with Browne’s goals coming in the 7th and 18th minutes and Gritten’s in the 13th and 14th minutes respectively. Travis Grant in the 3rd, Kacy John in the 4th and Ryan Hackett in the 9th minute had a goal apiece, while Wellinson was the lone goal scorer for the Brazilians.

In a high octane encounter, Silver Bullets edged past North East La Penitence in a thrilling 6-4 encounter.

Jermain Samuels scored in the first minute of the game to give Silver Bullets the lead, but North East’s Delon Hunte replied in the 3rd, Romel Matthews was next in the 4th minute, as he restored the Bullets’ advantage, while Omar Williams made it 3-1 in the 5th minute.

It was end-to-end action in this riveting fixture, as Rawle Adams pulled one back for North East in the 6th minute, but Damion Williams netted for Silver Bullets in the very next minute, to throw the crowd into an uproar.

Siblings Alwin and Kelvin Moore equalized for North East with goals in the 12th and 14th minutes to leave the game delicately poised at 4-4.

However, Damion Williams and Jermaine Samuels completed a brace each, in the 15th and 16th minutes, to edge Silver Bullets ahead and win an enthralling game.

Tucville needed sudden death penalties to down Agricola Champion Boys after normal time saw a 2-2 stalemate. Collis Samuels scored

Action in the National Futsal Cup at the National Gymnasium

in the first minute of the game and added a second in the 11th minute for Agricola, while Dennis Edwards in the 8th and Leon Sealey in the 13th minute scored for Tucville, to send the game to penalties, which the latter duly won 3-2.

Dave and Celina’s AllStars made light work of West Back Road, beating them 6-2. Four goals came from Donovan Francis (7th, 12th, 15th and 19th minutes) and a goal apiece came from Rawle Gittens and Kenard Simon, in the 9th and 14th minutes, sealed the deal.

Josephius Charles and Ned Fraser, in the 13th and 17th minutes respectively, were the lone goal scorers for West Back Road.

Albouystown-A needled Bent Street, with Moses Gritten grabbing a goal in the fourth minute; while Back Circle breezed past Alexander Village 5-1. Jermaine Beckles (3rd and 11th minutes) and Stephon McLean (12th and 16th minutes) bagged a brace, while Sylvester Richardson netted in the 15th minute.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 2, 2017

23

Caribbean Invasion Dragz Meet

S

hawn Persaud and his high-powered Toyota Caldina were the major talking point for the sizeable crowd that witnessed the Caribbean Invasion Dragz Meet at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday.

Organised by the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC), the event saw 51 of the registered 62 cars participating, but none was able to pose a challenge to, much less match the speed of, Persaud’s beastly black Caldina.

Clocking the fastest time of the day with 8.311 seconds, Persaud won the unlimited category (under 9 seconds) by default, since no other racer was brave enough to muster a challenge to the racer in the beastly black Caldina. In the absence of the Mohammed’s Enterprise Nissan GTRs, which usually are the crowd favourites, it took motor bikes to challenge Persaud, but the most any racer could do was observe his rear lights from a distance.

At one point, Persaud

Persaud’s Caldina simply untouchable – Seunarine rules motor bikers

The fans braved the blazing sunshine to witness the quarter-mile action at South Dakota

even gave an early start to another competitor, but in the twinkling of an eye he had overtaken that competitor down the quarter-mile.

Though the Suriname contingent arrived rearing to defend their title, they suffered mechanical problems which hampered their participation.

Meanwhile, in the 10 second

Julius Seunarine (right) impressed in his debut outing at the South Dakota Circuit

class, Oneal Higgins’s Caldina comfortably took care of things.

For the 11-second class, Rajesh Pandy maintained the lead to win with his Toyota Mark II, while Adita Budram’s Toyota Levin made the 12-second group his own playground.

Lawrence Bhowandin (Toyota Glanza), Shiran Raganath (Toyota

Sprinter), and Devenand Persaud (Toyota Corolla) won the 13, 14 and 15-second class respectively.

In the two-wheel action, four bikes competed, but it was a duo of newcomers in Raverio Tucker and Julius Seunarine who wrote the script.

Both riders easily dispelled other challengers, but in the final bout be-

tween them, Seunarine on his 2008 Suzuki GSX-R took the early lead and never looked back.

The event, which used the TimeBracket system, will now see race enthusiasts turning their attention to the circuit racing when the club hosts the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships on November 12. (Akeem Greene)

Courts Annual 10k Road Race

Forde returns as King of the Road! category won hampers.

The event was sponsored by Courts Guyana

while Banks DIH was the official beverage sponsor.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

GCA/New Building Society 40-over competition

C

Overall winners pose at the start/finish line of the Courts 10k road race

King of the Road! Cleveland Forde crossing the finish line to retain his Courts 10k crown

leveland Forde made it back-to-back firstplace finishes in the Courts Annual 10k Road Race on Sunday when he held off rivals Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas to cross the finish line in a time of 33 minutes 37 seconds.

The race began shortly after 06:00h from Courts, Main Street and, this year, had the highest number of participants ever recorded at a road race.

In the early stages, Cleveland Thomas led but with Missigher and Forde at his heels, twice Forde made a move to gap his opponents, but both times it seemed as though he was testing the waters as he fell back with 7000 metres to go. At the

midway point, Missigher, who was fresh off a leg injury, began grimacing and seemed to struggle, but kept abreast with Thomas and Forde nevertheless.

With 1000 metres to go, Forde made his move and began sprinting away from his two closest rivals; Thomas had no answer, but Missigher tried to run him down to no avail and the “Little Kenyan” crossed the finish line King of the Road once again.

Missigher finished second in a time of 33 minutes 45 seconds and Thomas third in 33 minutes 46 seconds.

After a long hiatus from running, GDF’s Ashanti Scott returned to take the top prize in the women’s open category in 43 min-

utes eight seconds, some distance ahead of second-place Leyanna Charles (45:38s) and Joanna Archer (46:05s), who came in third.

The effervescent Alisha Fortune claimed first place in the Women’s 35 and over category with a time of 51:37s beating out Cyrleen Phillips (54:24s) and Carla Adams (55:16s) who came in second and third in that order.

In the Boys’ 16-19 category, Region One (BarimaWaini) athlete Rickie Williams ran well to beat Anfernee Headecker (35:58s) to place first in 35:05s while Delroy Leitch was third in 36:52s.

All winners were rewarded with trophies while the top three finishers in every

TSC crush Ace Warriors T

Sunil Singh scored a ransport Sports Club century to lead TSC to a (TSC) hammered Ace big win over Ace Warriors Warriors by an enormous 288 runs on Saturday in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ New Building Society 40-over competition.

After electing to field, Ace Warriors were put to the sword by TSC, who racked up 366 all out in 40 overs, thanks to Sunil Singh with a 58-ball 113 and Chemroy Kendall, who hit 62 off 20 deliveries. Other contributions came from Rafel Singh (32); Akeem Redman (20) and Anthony Antonio (20).

Left-arm spinner Sherwin White (3-76) and off-spinner Abzool Gafor (3-58) did most of the damage with the ball for Ace Warriors, who failed to get anywhere near to their target, as they were bundled out for a paltry score of 78 in 17.1 overs, with Aaron Rogers top-scoring with 22.

For TSC, off-spinner Kevin Ross was sublime, ending with magical figures of 4-8 while Singh returned with the ball to pick up an additional three wickets while Antonio ended with two to help his side complete a resounding win.

The action continues this weekend.

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean Invasion Dragz Meet

Only a motorcyclist had the courage to break the starting line with Shawn Persaud’s Toyota Caldina, but even he had to bite the dust

Persaud’s Caldina simply untouchable – Seunarine rules motor bikers

Pg 23

GTT National Hockey Championships

Bounty GCC holds nerve to win thriller – retain 1st division title Pg 22

Men’s 1st Division Champions and Ladies Champions Bounty GCC and Pizza Hut GCC pose with their trophies and medals

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