Guyanatimes 3 july 2017

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 3260

Monday, July 3, 2017

PRICE

$80 vat included

Diaspora fearful Guyana could return to ‘dark days’

Conservation – a niche P9 field for new careers

Tabatinga under water

GPHC nurses threatening strike action

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

– members of Guyanese community in NY say country could return to 1980s

... Govt, CDC teams to visit area today

Pages 12 & 13

– unless victimisation claims are P7 investigated

Heavy-duty P5 truck topples into Princes Street Canal …GDF to assist evacuation of residents This woman makes her way home through the floodwaters in Tabatinga, Region Nine

Not paid for 6 months

Several contractors demand payment

Page 10

– for executing NDIA works in Crabwood Creek

Govt policies stifling manufacturing sector Page 8 – GMSA ...as Govt blasted for tax measures

Law books vendetta

Did SOCU P5 hoodwink Chief Magistrate?

2

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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

Monday, July 3 – a night retraction at 01:00h and a day retraction from 13:00h-14:30h and Tuesday, July 4 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction from 14:00h-15:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, July 3 – 12:05h-13:35h and Tuesday, July 4 – 13:10h-14:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Diaspora fearful Guyana could return to ‘dark days’ – members of Guyanese community in NY say country could return to 1980s

economic standpoint and pointed to areas where they could get involved. He told them that democracy was being threatened in Guyana and the lack of an economic plan and vision by the Government would severely impact the country.

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Sunny weather in the early morning hours followed by thundery to heavy rain showers during the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

turn to page 5

Members of the head table at the event

Winds: Ranging between East North-easterly and Southerly between 0.45 metre and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 12:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.20 metres.

Low Tide: 05:58h and 18:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.98 metre and 1:00 metre.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the Guyanese Diaspora in Richmond Hill, New York on Sunday

M

SATURDAY, July 1, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

01

03

07

13

14

19

26 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 10 11 16 18

21

LUCKY 3 4 2 0

8

Afternoon Draw

3

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04

07

09

10

15 17 18

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

3

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

embers of the Guyanese Diaspora in New York have expressed fear that Guyana might be heading down the same path it did in the 1980s, when there were dictatorial rule and economic hardship, which led to many of them leaving these South American shores to seek better lives.

These were the views expressed by many of those in attendance at a meeting with former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo on Sunday in Richmond Hill, New York. Jagdeo is currently on a visit to New York, where he has been meeting with the Guyanese community there.

The meeting was also attended by former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government Ministers, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Irfaan Ali. Also in attendance was Dr Peter Ramsaroop.

Alluding to what is taking place now in Guyana in terms of an economic decline, the planned closure of sugar estates and hardships faced by thousands of Guyanese, some Diaspora members reminded those at the meeting of their experience and why they were forced to leave their homeland. They expressed fear that this could affect their families back home and the Government could create greater economic hardship for the people.

Guyana Times understands that the more than 300 people that were in attendance at the meeting raised concerns about the management of the Guyanese economy, issues relating to crime, the sugar industry and many other topical issues facing the country.

Jagdeo used the opportunity to brief the Diaspora on Guyana’s status from an

Members of the audience

4

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, july 3, 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

CARICOM and the Jagdeo Initiative

P

resident David Granger of Guyana is off to address the 38th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on 4-6 July, 2017, in Grenada. Before last year’s meeting in Georgetown, when he became Chairman of the organisation for a year, even though the seemingly obligatory wailing on the region’s rising bill for food imports (now over US$4Billion) had intensified, the one initiative that had addressed the challenge face front, was not on the agenda for discussion.

Two weeks before, however, on his “Public Interest” TV programme, he had given assurances that CARICOM’s Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) which had been a work in progress since the organisation’s formation in 1973 was not dead. Transmuted into the “Jagdeo Initiative” after 2003 when the then President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo had spearheaded a concrete proposal, President Granger insisted the Initiative would come under review with the aim to make greater use of Guyana’s land space, which had always been the Jagdeo goal.

The Jagdeo Initiative had identified ten constraints that had to be overcome if the Region were to be successful in feeding itself and even become an exporter of food to a hungry world. The constraints were limited financing and inadequate new investment in agriculture; outdated and insufficient agricultural health and food safety systems; inadequate research and development; fragmented and disorganised private sector; inefficient land and water-distribution management systems; deficient and uncoordinated risk management measures; inadequate transportation systems; weak and non-integrated information and intelligence systems; weak linkages and participation of producers in growth market segments; and lack of skilled and quality human resources.

Necessary interventions were identified and responsibilities were allocated to specific members of CARICOM. Guyana, for instance, was responsible for addressing the constraints in land. In June 2007, CHoG’s met at a special meeting of donors and, among other actions, decided the Jagdeo Initiative would be implemented over the next 18 months. A decade later, the Initiative is not even being mentioned by the President of Guyana, even as he closes sugar plantations and directs the hundred thousand acres be “diversified” into other agricultural crops.

This lassitude in implementation of plans by CARICOM has been its greatest failure. The reason for this was identified as far back as 1992 when a group of WI “wise men”, led by Sridath Ramphal, were invited to form a West Indian Commission and issued its report, “A Time for Action”. Its main recommendation was the governance structure of CARICOM needed to be revamped drastically away from the current unwieldy system in which policymaking authority in the hands of the Conference of Heads of Government (C-HoG ). The authors pointed out that unless some executive authority was ceded to a permanent structure within the Secretariat – a Caribbean Commission – and a PM’s Bureau that would push the decisions between C-HoG meetings - CARICOM would remain a paper entity.

So said, so done.

The bottom line is that from the inception of CARICOM (and its predecessor CARIFTA) Caribbean leaders have shown themselves absolutely lacking the political will to do what is necessary for the success of CARICOM. Ironically they all concede that a vibrant integration institution is absolutely necessary not just for the region’s viability – but actual survival. But the leaders will never take the decision to cede some of their authority to CARICOM: we therefore end up with much talk and little action.

We suggest that as President Granger hands over his chairmanship, he rises to the need of the hour to ensure that CARICOM does not continue to be a high-priced “talk shop”. The region has enough rum-shops that take care of that task. He can place the Jagdeo Initiative on CARICOM’s agenda and suggest that a precursor to a Permanent Caribbean Commission be established and empowered to consummate the Jagdeo Initiative.

This should demonstrate that the individual country leader’s image would actually be burnished as at last, they deliver food security to the region.

A gymnast performs on a trampoline at the Petit Palais in Paris, France as Paris transformed into a giant Olympic park in June to celebrate International Olympic Days with a variety of sporting events for the public across the city during two days as the city bids to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier)

Public-Private Partnership model drafted – being reviewed by technical team

T

he Government has drafted a PublicPrivate Partnership framework, even as it prepares for infrastructural projects it plans to implement in the future.

This is according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who was at the time addressing business leaders at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) mid-year dinner.

According to Jordan, the draft framework incorporated input from the Private Sector, who had been consulted on the draft.

"A Public-Private Partnership framework has been drafted and I have as-

signed a technical team to review it.

"Once finalised, this policy framework will guide future engagements, including those envisaged from the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, which will be advertised by the third quarter of this year, and the Linden-Lethem road, for which first phase financing has been secured," Jordan said.

Meanwhile, he also related that public debt management legislation is being formulated.

There has been much speculation that Government has failed to get a handle on public debt.

"Public debt management

legislation is being drafted… and this legislation will replace the dated and ad hoc pieces of legislation."

Since the Government took office, a critical assessment of Guyana’s debt status had pointed to the need for consolidated debt management legislation in conformity with international best practices.

The Finance Ministry, in its Public Debt Report for 2015, had documented that the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA), promulgated by the previous Administration, did attempt to fill some of the gaps in the law.

That legislation identifies

the Finance Ministry as being principally responsible for managing the public debt and cash flow as they pertain to the Treasury functions.

The Ministry did find in addition that the existing legislation does not require an approved medium-term debt strategy being linked to a high-level debt management objective, expressed in terms of the cost-risk borrowing preferences of the Government.

It was found too that currently the debt levels and ceilings catered for in the existing laws were not in fact linked to fiscal and macroeconomic conditions.

Congresswoman meets Guyanese Americans in Richmond Hill Dear Editor, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, representing the Second Congressional District of Hawaii (HI-02), paid a visit to Richmond Hill last Saturday evening to meet with Guyanese Americans and the Indian/ Bangla/Punjabi diaspora, to address current national issues worrying them.

Organisers from the community have hosted a fundraiser that generated several thousand dollars (US) for the re-election of Rep Tulsi.

Greater Richmond Hill is settled by some 200,000 Indo-Caribbeans and South Asians. Several Guyanese, including this writer, contributed generously to the Tulsi fund. Some patrons even pledged to support a ‘Tulsi for President’ committee, and urged that Tulsi give it consideration. Tulsi received a very warm Aloha -- tradition-

al welcome in Hawaii, similar to a Namaste -- from the patrons of the event, and she responded in kind. She was mobbed for picture opportunities prior to and after the formal presentation.

A few of us apprised the Congresswoman of problems affecting the community in America, and gave her an update on Guyana. She serves on two important committees that relate to relations with Guyana and other countries.

Tulsi is of multicultural background -- American Samoan (father) and European (mother) background. Her father is a Catholic leader who listens to Kirtan music. Her mother is Hindu. Tulsi embraces Hinduism, and is described as the first Hindu member of the US Congress.

Tulsi (known as Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo) served in the Hawaii House of

Representatives from 2002 to 2004, becoming at age 21 the youngest woman to be elected to a state legislature.

She graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2009. She was deployed to Iraq. And she still remains in service in the military.

Tulsi is a Democrat. After returning from Iraq to Hawaii in 2010, she was elected to the Honolulu City Council, where she served from 2011 to 2012. She was elected to the House in November 2012. She has been a US Representative since January 2013, and she served as vicechair of the Democratic National Committee until February 28, 2016, when she resigned to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

In the House of Representatives, Gabbard serves on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees. She is also a military police officer with the Hawaii Army National Guard.

At the Richmond Hill event, Tulsi spoke about current issues -- including health care, the war on terror, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. She answered questions from the audience.

Tulsi shouted out a Mahalo, traditional thanks, to everyone who graced the event.

Guyanese thanked the Congresswoman for taking time out from her busy schedule to socialize with community leaders and find out about their national concerns.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

monDAY, july 3, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Law books vendetta

Did SOCU hoodwink Chief Magistrate?

M

ore than Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan’s questionable reading of an application for a search warrant in open court on Tuesday, questions are being raised about whether the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) may have hoodwinked its way into getting the search warrant.

During a recent press conference, the man at the centre of the controversy, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall posited that there were only two scenarios that could have led to the Chief Magistrate agreeing to grant the warrant.

Noting that there is a conservatory High Court order which prohibits members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and SOCU from searching his premises, Nandlall questioned whether the Unit concealed this fact from the Magistrate.

“I refuse to believe that the Chief Magistrate of Guyana would grant a warrant which collides, head on, with an order of the Chief Justice of the country,” Nandlall said. “So I prefer to give the Chief Magistrate the benefit of the doubt and to contend that (the fact that) the Chief Justice’s order was still valid and in force was deliberately withheld from her.

“This raises fundamental issues concerning law and order in this country. The proceedings in which the High Court order was granted is (part of) proceedings filed against the Attorney General. Those proceedings were adjourned on June 18, 2017 to the 30th August to specifically allow the criminal charge to be heard and determined.”

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

Head of SOCU, Sydney James

Stressing that the order restraining the Police and members of SOCU from seizing and detaining the books had been made to continue until the hearing and determination of the proceedings in the court action, he noted that the order was still in force.

“I don’t know what would have happened had SOCU turned up at my residence (and violated) the court order. But the type of intelligence gathering they are doing, they got a search warrant for different premises. So what kind of investigations are these people doing and what are their objectives?”

“This has very little to do with Anil Nandlall,” the former Attorney General said.

“When the rights of one person are violated, the rights of everyone are threatened.”

Nandlall has since indicated his intentions to move to the court to have the search warrant quashed.

During a recent in-

terview, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had expressed surprise at the circumstances that led to Nandlall being alerted of an impending raid on his premises. According to Ramjattan, the raid should have been a surprise.

He was, therefore, surprised that the Chief Magistrate read the warrant out loud in open court, thus alerting Nandlall to SOCU’s intentions.

“I do not like to make comments being a former President of the Bar Association for some years, in demeaning terms for any judge or magistrate. We do have our ethics. But I rather thought it was surprising

what she did. But she may have gotten good reason to do what she did.

“But it is not generally the way we proceed with the search warrant. A search warrant generally has the element of surprise in it. You do not go and tell the person necessarily. I don’t know that that is how it is done,” Ramjattan posited.

benefit 14 Commonwealth Law Reports, valued at $2.3 million — which he allegedly unlawfully retained after demitting office in 2015.

This is despite both Nandlall and former President Donald Ramotar affirming that the subscrip-

Court order

In April, Nandlall was arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a charge instituted by SOCU, which detailed that between May 15 and May 29, 2015, while being a bailee (custodian), he had fraudulently converted to his own use and

Heavy-duty truck topples into Princes Street Canal

Diaspora fearful Guyana... from page 3

The former Guyanese Head of State also drew reference to a recent statement made by Finance Minister Winston Jordan who said that the local economy was being held up by arrears.

Jagdeo said the Minister’s statement pointed to the fact that there were new income and revenues being generated in Guyana, apart from the 200 plus taxes that the coalition Government has put in place.

He also highlighted how the major sectors in the economy were feeling the squeeze from these new tax measures. These include: mining, forestry and other key economic sectors.

On Thursday, Jagdeo also appealed to the Diaspora and the International Center for

Democracy (ICD), to help Guyana protect its democracy and the separation of powers locally.

The former Guyanese President also used the occasion to remind the Diaspora members of the need for “far-reaching constitutional changes” in Guyana. And he has also accused the recently-formed Social Cohesion Ministry of being used in a partisan manner, “and dividing our people”.

Jagdeo was adamant this Government was only focusing on oil to be the solution for Guyana. But he said, “Oil can be a blessing or a curse… Oil can cause runaway price increase for the poor.”

“There is no fairness anymore,” he added.

T

he driver of a heavy-duty truck was extremely lucky to emerge unscathed after his vehicle toppled into the Princes Street Canal on Sunday afternoon, breaking a pipeline and leaving scores without water.

According to residents, the driver swerved to avoid an oncoming car and end-

ed up in the trench near 1717 Princes Street around 12:00h, partly as a result of the degraded road shoulder.

They say the road shoulder was almost non-existent after desilting and other drainage work in the area.

After strenuous effort by heavy-duty machinery, the truck was pulled from the trench later that afternoon.

tion for the law books was paid for as a condition of his service as Attorney General.

Nandlall’s ownership of the books was also recognised by the High Court when it granted an order prohibiting SOCU from carrying out searches and seizing the law books.

Nandlall had sought and was granted the conservatory order, which restrains SOCU from taking possession of the law books, the day after he was initially questioned by SOCU. The order was granted by Justice Dawn Gregory.

While SOCU had at the time acquired a search warrant for the books, the High Court order spells out that “an interim Conservatory Order be and is hereby granted preventing and/ or restraining officers and/ or agents from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and/or the Guyana Police Force of the State of Guyana from seizing and/or detaining the property of the applicant.”

6

monDAY, july 3 2017

Page

Foundation

Scaffolding grit – it starts with integrating passion-based learning into your classroom

By Heather Wolpert-Gawron

O

ften when I look at how to help students, I think back on my own journey as a student.

When challenged to teach students to trust that the effort of persistence is worth it, I think back on when I myself figured it out. And do you know what I came up with?

The only times I showed grit as a student were when I was interested in the topic and wanted to get through a challenge. Even now, I only score a 3.5 out of 5 on Angela Duckworth’s Grit Scale quiz. So the reality is this: Sometimes I have grit and sometimes I don’t.

I would argue that without passion or interest in a topic, grit is difficult to cultivate in oneself, and even harder to teach. It can feel nearly impossible to convince students who haven’t been on this planet for very long, who haven’t been around life’s block often, that the effort of persistence is worth it. To do so, we need to ensure that our teaching taps into topics or processes that students genuinely feel.

From there, having helped students feel authenticity, we can aid them in recalling what persistence felt like. We, the teachers, are in charge of helping students recall academic muscle memory.

Therefore, to put students on the road to persistence, it becomes necessary to help

guyanatimesgy.com

them find those topics that will inspire them. We have to help students to find their passion, and with this realisation comes the argument that our schools must focus not just on the academic standards but on the student standards of interest, hobby, and meaningful learning.

In the past, middle and high schools provided classes that interested students as a means to trigger engagement. However, elective classes, field trips, and lunchtime and after-school clubs are the first victims on the budgetary chopping block.

As a result, it falls to teachers to bridge the gap between required topics and passion-based ones. Once we can do that, we can deconstruct the process a student went through and apply that process to our standards-based courses as well.

Strategies for bringing student interests to the classroom

So what can secondary teachers do to help bring a passion-based learning focus into the classroom?

Utilise project-based learning. PBL as a learning strategy focuses on meaningful learning punctuated by student choice. Projects are grounded on driving questions based on student inquiry. Students can decide on the artefacts that can best show their learning. Allow student input whenever possible.

Bring in a variety of ex-

perts. Don’t put everything on your shoulders. Bring in experts from outside the classroom to introduce students to new concepts. This includes face-to-face speakers, guests via video chats, and virtual field trips.

Find allies in other stakeholders. Remind families that they have a role to play in helping students find their passions beyond the school day. Some families could use some help understanding how their free time as a family may have a direct impact on their student’s persistence in the classroom.

Send out emails to families about upcoming local events.

Encourage families to play a part in their student’s passion-based learning.

Laying the groundwork for grit

Let’s face it: Not everything we ask students to do will be interesting for every single kid. The real trick comes from leveraging what a student felt when they were interested in the topic. What can a teacher do to help motivate the grit in her students and, thus, create the start of a journey to trigger persistence even when a topic is not a child’s cup of tea?

The answer is in reflection. Help the student to think back on a time when they showed grit, and help them reframe that success to apply to other topics as well.

Help them reflect on the process, not just the product. Ask them questions like these: Remember what it felt like to follow through with the assignment?

What was your journey through the lessons?

What thoughts in your head got in the way of completion?

What voices cheered you on from start to finish?

Can you visualise those voices?

How might you control or change those thoughts that get in the way?

Hoping our students develop grit isn’t too much to ask, but we can’t blame many of them for not having it yet. After all, until I found my own passion, I may have followed through, but that didn’t mean I had grit.

So keep talking about persistence with your students.

And encourage families to expose students to a variety of activities. Continue to bring a variety of activities into the classroom as well.

Because students spend a good amount of time constrained in classrooms, they may lack inspiration from what’s out there. So it’s hard for them to know just what might be inspirational. Have faith that a student is merely a work in progress and will one day find those interests and passions, even if it’s beyond their time with you.

(Edutopia.org)

Ways to help your child shift from shyness to confidence

– feeling shy is a lonely place to be.

Parents, you can help!

By Suzanne Gelb, PhD

I

t’s one thing to be introverted because we’re naturally a bit reserved, reflective… just, more quiet.

It’s quite another thing for a child to be shy because they’re afraid to speak up (“I might get criticised”) or they lack confidence (“I don’t have anything smart to say!”).

When a child feels shy, that’s a lonely place to be – and as a parent, it’s your job to do what you can to help your child build confidence.

Here are six simple ways to start:

Let your child finish his or her sentences

Many well-intentioned parents like to jump in while their child is speaking, offering good thoughts and ideas – essentially finishing their child’s sentences for them.

This doesn’t help your child’s confidence (“I guess what I’m saying must not matter or be interesting.”) After your child has finished their sentence, then by all means, share your insights and ideas.

Don’t interrupt

It happens. A lot. You may be excited about what your child is saying, and filled with ideas to share. So you butt in, while your child’s in mid-sentence. If you do that enough times, your child is at risk for withdrawing (“I guess mom’s ideas are more important than mine.”)

Don’t criticise

It’s almost a guarantee that if your child knows they will be criticised, they will keep a tight lip. Makes sense. (“Why speak if what I say will get shut down.”) And parents often wonder why, when they ask their child a question, the answer is: “I dunno.”

Listen

It’s natural for children to want to share, especially with people whom they trust.

If your child feels that sharing with you is “safe” (ie, they won’t get criticised or interrupted, and they can take their time to finish their sentences), watch them open up. Watch their personality begin to blossom.

Praise

I can’t emphasise this enough: validate your child when he or she says something that’s praise-worthy. We all love compliments. And when we get them, it feels so good that we want more. Which means we’re motivated to keep doing whatever earned us the praise in the first place. That’s a great confidence-builder.

Do a self-examination

Where are you on the shy scale (10 = confident; 0 = super shy?) Are you role-modelling shy behaviour for your child?

If yes, consider taking steps to try to remedy that. For your sake, and for your child.

If it feels right, you could start with self-help or if you want to expedite things, you might consider consulting a professional (for yourself, and possibly even for your child.)

These tips can help you to give your child the gift of shifting from shyness to confidence. Of course there are many other scenarios and reasons for why a child might be shy, and many other fixes. But this is a start. The goal? That your child enjoy a happy, healthy childhood which equips him or her for a happy, confident life… as a grown-up. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

news

7

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPHC nurses threatening strike action

– unless victimisation claims are investigated

N

urses at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) are threatening strike action and are calling on management to heed their pleas and take action as it relates to absenteeism and their victimisation by the acting Director of Nursing Services.

A group of nurses from the night shift spoke to this publication on the condition of anonymity as they feared losing their jobs and/or being victimised by those in authority.

Guyana Times understands that Keith Alonzo and Celeste Johnson are acting as the Directors of Nursing Services. The nurses complain that some of their colleagues would be regularly absent from work, especially on the night shift, and they would be required to take on additional responsibilities in conjunction with their own.

They related that they would have made several complaints to both Johnson and Alonzo, but were given no satisfaction. They explained that they were quite often threatened with being fired or reassigned to another ward.

“We want the [Chief Executive Officer] CEO to investigate this matter because we can’t continue working

like this. Nothing is being done to those who are regularly absent and when we complain, they (Johnson and Alonzo) threaten to replace us,” a male nurse explained.

He added that the errant nurses were particularly from the Medical Surgical Blocks in the new wing of the Hospital and it was becoming tiresome. They are complaining that they are overworked and if they do not attend work, they are required to write a letter explaining their absence, to Johnson and/or Alonzo.

“Nurses who are scheduled to work on a certain ward on the night shift are reassigned to another department whether the nurse has experience in that area or not.

If you do not go, then you have to write a letter and see the Matron. It is not motivating to go to work and have to go work on a ward where you are not familiar with the patients and even medication… those instances can cause errors,” a female nurse lamented.

The group said they made several complaints to the former CEO, Allan Johnson, but no action has been taken ever since. They are calling for the acting CEO, George Lewis to heed their pleas and launch an investigation into the is-

sue so that it could be resolved before it escalated into something that would affect the proper functioning of the institution.

In addition, several nurses are still under investigation for the missing pethidine from the Male Medical Ward a few weeks ago. On June 11, during the changing of the shift, it was discovered 10 vials of pethidine - a controlled painkiller under the Dangerous Drug Act – was missing. The missing drug was replaced by magnesium sulphate.

The GPHC Audit Department, in collaboration with the Security Department, launched an investigation into the incident, primarily focusing on the male nurses, since one of them was recently involved in another incident where EPO injections went missing.

This publication understands that 11 nurses (three males and eight females) along with the Ward Manager, Senior Departmental Supervisor and Junior Departmental Supervisor were all asked to provide internal management with statements regarding the incident.

However, the probe has extended to include other officials within the medical institution.

8 news

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt policies stifling manufacturing sector – GMSA ... as Govt blasted for tax measures

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has blasted the Government's tax measures and lack of an economic plan, saying its policies were harming rather than helping the manufacturing sector.

Newly elected President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, vehemently made this declaration as he addressed participants at the annual mid-year dinner hosted by the GMSA a few days ago. The tension was palpable as Nokta voiced the GMSA’s concerns and pointed out that "there is no lack of will among the manufacturing businesses”, but the GMSA is often constrained by challenges such as access to finance, cost of electricity, and market access.

And there could be no question that the Government got the message, as Finance Minister Winston Jordan was present as an invited guest and feature speaker at the event.

Nokta noted that while Government has made public commitments to create an enabling environment, its removal of items from Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption and implementation of other negative tax measures and policies belie these utterances.

Newly elected President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan share a light moment at the recent GMSA dinner

"Such measures, coupled with increasing domestic demands and imported substitutes in the case of the wood processing sector in particular, have been unhelpful to value adding and encouraging the manufacturing sector,” the business executive said.

Encouraging the Government to provide assurances that it had remedies for the malaise affecting the economy, Nokta called on the Finance Minister to provide information on the Government’s policy position.

In addition, he called for the Government to make known its wider economic

plan relating to other productive and export sectors.

New breed

In his rebuttal, however, Minister Jordan warned the GMSA against depending on Government to promote opportunities for them.

According to Jordan, what Guyana needs is a new breed of investors.

Rebutting the contention that the coalition government has not done anything for the manufacturing and services sector, Jordan said: "In addition to the wide-ranging concessions granted by previous administrations, there have been several legislative and operational changes in support of the manufacturing industry in Guyana, (implemented) since May 2015."

Jordan said exemptions on duty for raw materials and for imported machinery to be used in the manufacturing process have been maintained. He also related

that the importation of raw materials has not been subject to excise tax since last year. Waivers on duty and taxes for items not listed on the approved list of raw materials were also cited by the Finance Minister.

But he noted the prerequisite that applications have to be made to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

The minister pointed out that the VAT rate was reduced from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, and manufacturers with a revenue flow that is below $15 million are exempted from registering for VAT. Jordan also proclaimed that the manufacturing sector benefitted from a reduction in the corporate tax rate -- from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.

The sector's meagre contribution to Guyana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was recently highlighted

by Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Deodat Indar. According to Indar at a recent press conference, the sector is starved of incentives.

"There is little to nothing in terms of incentives (that) manufacturers get,” Indar said. “Look at the value of the GDP that manufacturers carry; it’s miniscule. We don’t even make a hammer in this country. So for us to really seriously think about manufacturing, we cannot have a seminar (for) a half-day (and expect we) would (be able to) look at all the top-of-theline problems manufacturers have. We need to dig down in those issues," Indar had said.

Economics…

C

…and IMF

ontrary to its protestations, the IMF hasn’t been noted for its concern for the poor and the powerless since it was formed after WWII. They say, “To the victor goes the spoils”, and the US and Western Europe explicitly formed the IMF and the World Bank to ensure they’d be able to divvy up the world economy under the guise of “development”.

They were “neo-liberal” even before the world knew about neo-liberalism!! It’s for good reason that Burnham spelled out the “IMF” acronym as “International Mother F*****R”.

But that was then -- when we were all ex-colonies running around with our begging bowls. Since then, many Third World countries, like China, are now in the driver’s seat! India didn’t only turn the tables to divvy up cricketing funds, but big ones like Britain and several countries had to turn to the IMF to bail them out from their financial travails. And, of course, the IMF had to deal with them differently - family and all that. And since then - to save their face - they’ve had to shed some crocodile tears when prescribing their usual harsh medicine for us in the Third World.

Be that as it may, it’s interesting to compare their comment to our supposedly caring government when they recently examined our economy: “Staff supports the authorities’ efforts to overhaul the sugar industry.

Given its large social impact, it is important to provide a safety net to protect those affected by that process.

That, plus the time it will take for efficiency gains to materialize, will substantially limit the fiscal gains in the short-term. These efforts may well entail upfront costs that are larger than the costs of continuing to muddle through.”

In other words, even the cold-hearted International Mother F*****R agrees with the Government’s Commission of Inquiry: that yes, the sugar industry must be overhauled and privatised or diversified… but the Government has to take into consideration the SOCIAL IMPACT. They insist that Government must provide a “safety net” to the affected workers; Not throw them to the wolves, as they’ve done.

Both organisations accept that the costs in the near term would be large; and in fact LARGER than the present “subsidies” to “muddle through”. But, in the long term, this will be best for everyone involved -- the corporation; the people; and yes, even the Government. Surely this Government understands it has severely damaged its image with sugar workers, who understand their industry is going nowhere.

But given the manner in which the Government handled the matter, they had no option but to dig their heels in.

Even a cornered rat will bare its teeth!

…of oil

Minister of State Joseph Harmon tried to save Raphael Trotman’s blushes at their recent PNC press conference. (Yes…after the Nassau Compact, Trotman’s returned home!) Harmon insisted Trotman had the best brains advising him to negotiate when he engaged Exxon on fixing the royalty on our oil they’ll pump out.

Pressed to identify these experts, however, Harmon was forced into silence. What COULD he say?? That Trotman was so insecure he refused to call for help?

But as your Eyewitness has been asking: why didn’t he just follow the example of Uganda, where he’d been sent to learn from their experience?? Uganda imposed a royalty of 12.5%. Even for Trotman, it couldn’t have been so difficult to remember just one number, could it??

But the giveaway didn’t end with the ridiculous 2% royalty. Trotman should be asked whether he had followed the PPP’s formula -- splitting the profits 50/50.

He followed the Ugandans to tax the oil contractor - here Exxon - at their 30% corporate rate?!

…of agriculture

Finance Minister Jordan should know his limitations. Economics isn’t his forte; he’s a numberscrunching guy. So he should stay even further away from the economics of agriculture. He recommended China’s use of unused fish as fertiliser.

So where will Guyana get these “unused fish”??

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

news

9

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Conservation – a niche field for new careers

By Jarryl Bryan

A

career in conserving the environment may not be viewed as a primary career and may not even be promoted to secondary school students; but, according to experts from Conservation International (CI), the field is a niche that offers a number of rewarding career opportunities.

Speaking during a recent panel discussion, spatial data analyst Kerryann Insanally and communications coordinator for Conservation International, Sarah Parrot, urged that consideration be given to careers in the field of conservation -- a global response to the climate change phenomenon.

Insanally noted that, throughout their school lives, students are usually urged to set their sights on primary careers such as medicine, law or engineering, causing many youths to have a disconnected perspective on nature; but it is important that an analysis be done on young demographics in order to better understand what they do care about.

“How can they recognise their role as a citizen even though they are young?” she rhetorically asked. “We have a young student -- less than 25 -- as a biologist, who started off wanting to do medicine and then realised he didn’t even want to do this; he didn’t even like blood.

Then, thinking about conservation biology, he started a tremendous career path in Jaguar field work and bird inspection. These are niche fields and things that young people are passionate about.

It’s just the exposure, and having that knowledge at an early age that (you) don’t just have to be a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer.

“There are many oth-

er fields (that young people can be engaged in); like my field, for instance,” she declared, explaining that as a spatial data analyst, she uses remote sensing or satellite imagery in order to monitor what is happening on the ground and in forests.

“So these are not things that are taught in primary education. They are new fields, and I think that if at an early age the young people can tap into that, that’s where we can get that thrust we are looking for,” she explained.

“Globally, there has been a shift (from the mainstream). After pursuing studies in certain fields, they want to make sure you come out with a specific specialisation. So they are already heading in that direction, especially countries in the developing world, the Caribbean and so.”

She noted that with the advent of climate change, these academic and professional fields have taken on new meaning; and it is an undeniable fact that persons are feeling the effects of climate change.

“It is felt in different ways in different countries and by people on the ground. The farmers themselves, the people that use the rivers (etc), they know that things are not the same. So yes, climate change has been a very big thrust,” she declared.

The group also stressed the importance of ordinary people getting more involved in conserving the environment.

The group is expected to have a meeting with Education Minister Nicolette Henry, and Parrot emphasized that anything to get children more involved -whether through arts or clubs -- would be helpful.

Government recently split

According to CI, it is important that all Guyanese get involved in protecting all forms of the environment; not just forests

the Ministry of Education, creating a Department of Education which reportedly would drive innovative reforms.

During a recent engagement with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that theMoE’s Department of Education would increase focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Green policy

And expounding on the importance of natural capital, Insanally noted that, compared to other countries, Guyana has an abundance of natural capital. “Going green is a country’s natural capital. What are these resources that we have that we can depend on? When we say ‘going green’, we’re not just talking about the environment; we are talking about livelihood and people’s use of the environment,” she explained.

Insanally noted that Guyana relies heavily on the environment. This, she said, means everything: from fisheries to agriculture to forests to the extractive industries; all are important contributors to Guyana’s economy.

She also observed that rural

and hinterland communities depend on their natural environment in different ways than coastland dwellers and city residents would interact with it.

“As a country, talking about a green policy is actually a commendable step.

It’s a global perspective.

It’s not something Guyana is doing on its own,” she said. “Guyana is part of a unique eco-system called the Guyana Shield… We have a lot to offer to the world…, and these are things that we need to protect and ensure that we are putting things in place to sustain,” she advised.

She also noted that while

the indigenous people of Guyana, with their strong spiritual connection to the environment, are traditionally viewed as the protectors of the environment, protecting the environment is everyone’s business. She thus stressed that more inclusive policies and involvement are needed from the citizenry.

“There is something (we all can protect) -- the conservancy, the blacka, the cane fields. All of these things are nature, but we perceive them in different ways,” Parrot said. “That is what the nature campaign is built on: How do we speak to different Guyanese groups in their particular sub-cultural context?” she explained.

“Nature is not just something beautiful found off the coast. Nature is found everywhere, wherever you live in Guyana; and you need it,” she advised.

The panel was asked about protecting the environment in view of the diverse economic activities carried out by sections of society, such as loggers and miners, and Insanally sought to dispel the perception that conservationists wanted a blanket ban on such activities.

“I think that is the biggest

misconception about conservation. When we say ‘conservation’, we mean using things sustainably. So yes, we have to use our forests.

We cannot say you cannot mine or log or extract minerals. Essentially it is to become more efficient in what you do. In that way, you’re conserving the eco-system around you. For the foresters, it is ensuring that they don’t log near to rivers. And these are practices that are already in place. We’re just ensuring that (those practices are) kept and done more efficiently,” she explained.

C o n s e r v a t i o n International is a non-profit environmental organisation with a Mission Statement that entails protecting nature and its biodiversity.

Formed in 1987 and based in the United States, the organisation works in more than 30 countries and with over 1000 partners, ranging from governments to indigenous groups, multinational corporations, community leaders and international inter-governmental partners.

In the case of Guyana, the local branch assists in recommending courses of action, shaping policy, and creating a development model.

10 news

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Not paid for 6 months

Several contractors demand payment – for executing NDIA works in Crabwood Creek

six months, hoping that the NDIA would renew the contract. To date, that contract has not been renewed.

Acting manager of the CCWUA, Sasenarine Kumar, has said the NDIA is still to respond to the

By Andrew Carmichael

S

everal contractors employed by the Crabwood Creek Water Users Association (CCWUA) have not received a cent in payment for D&I works carried out during the first six months of the year, and the CCWUA is calling on the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to provide the money to pay the contractors.

The CCWUA has warned of the onset of dire consequences if payments are not made urgently as the second half of the year commences.

The NDIA has not paid for any of the manual maintenance work done by the CCWUA during the first half of the year on the drainage and irrigation canals in Crabwood Creek, although it had engaged (contract-

Some of the angry contractors demanding payment for drainage works that have been completed

ed) the CCWUA to carry out the work by providing sixmonth contracts.

The CCWUA, in turn, had reportedly been sub-contracting the project to villagers, ensuring that employment is provided to stakeholders and that they are the ones executing the contracts.

This trench is one that has been cleared by the CCWUA contractors

The contract between the NDIA and the CCWUA expired on December 31, 2016, but the CCWUA kept the workers it had contracted on the job for the past

CCWUA request that the contract be renewed, made since January 2017. “For 2017, we requested for contracts, but they did not re-

spond to us as yet. When we spoke with officials at the NDIA, they say that the contract is at Cabinet and they are waiting for a ‘no objection’ to proceed.”

Kumar has said that, as of July 2017, the CCWUA would not be able to hold the contractors, thus no maintenance work would be done on the irrigation canals in Crabwood Creek. “All the canals will be silted up, and the farming community will punish in Crabwood Creek,” the CCWUA boss has revealed. Many of the canals in the Crabwood Creek community are used by farmers to transport their produce from the farm to areas where they are marketed.

“We have canals in Crabwood Creek that are in excellent condition and all of the farms were flooded for five days. If the canals can’t (be cleaned), it might be three of four weeks that they will be flooded (for) if the rain continues,” Kumar disclosed. He said the CCWUA does

not have money to pay the contractors for work done from January to June 2017.

According to one contractor, Surijlall Sahadeo, the NDIA urgently needs to pay the CCWUA, so that the contractors can be paid. “If they don’t (maintain) the canal, it will cost them more.

This is because if it is left unattended for six weeks it will become totally blocked with weeds, especially in this weather… And when the canal is blocked, you would have to send a machine to clean it, because you can’t do manual maintenance any longer. So it will cost the taxpayers and the Government more money to pay for the maintenance,” he explained.

According to Kumar, at a rate of pay of between $19 and $21.50 per rod, the CCWUA contractors earn the least money to carry out manual maintenance work on the canals. “So it helps the Government and saves taxpayers (money),” he pointed out.

11

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

12 news

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyana

Tabatinga un

... Govt, CDC teams to visit area today …GDF to assist evacuation of residents ed that his officers have not reported any flooding to him. In addition, several efforts to contact Regional Chairman Brian Allicock were unsuccessful.

Opposition parliamentarian for the Hinterland Regions, Alister Charlie told this publication that the flooding was due to ‘heavy and per-

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

everal parts of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are under water following heavy rainfall over the weekend, which resulted in at least two families being evacuated. However, when contacted Sunday, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kerwin Ward said he was unaware of any flooding in the Region.

Up to press time on Sunday, the floodwaters were rising rapidly. Residents are taking precautions

sistent’ rainfall over the weekend.

He said the Rupununi and Takutu Rivers have overtopped their banks, forcing water into the residential areas and, as a result, Deep South Rupununi and South Pakaraimas have been shut off.

The residents say the water have been rising since Saturday and have

Police O

A yard under water at Culvert City

The controversial $60 million Tabatinga bridge surrounded by water

to ensure their homes and property are not destroyed by the water.

Guyana Times understands that the community of Tabatinga, Lethem in Central Rupununi is completely under water along with several other parts of South Rupununi and the Pakaraimas.

When this publication contacted Ward on Sunday, he said he was currently out of the Region, but indicat-

This house forms an island at Lethem

risen t parts. T heavy r idly ris the Reg lack of relates Mea $60 m also un able an residen was no but the the ma

news

3, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

under water

eekend.

Takutu banks, dential South raimas

er have nd have Police Officers from the Lethem Police Station evacuating a family from Tabatinga

risen to almost 14 inches in some parts. They added that owing to the heavy rainfall, the water is still rapidly rising. Some residents chastised the Regional Administration for their lack of response and information as it relates to relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the controversial $60 million Tabatinga bridge was also under water making it impassable and, according to Charlie, the residents are of the view that there was not a dire need for the bridge, but there is an immediate need for the maintenance of roads within the

More houses under water in Tabatinga

Tabatinga Housing Scheme. The roads in Tabatinga are in a deplorable state and most times are a major hazard to road users.

The Mayor of the municipality of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, had said in his justification for constructing the bridge that this would ease traffic congestion at the main Tabatinga Bridge. However, residents argue that there is not any traffic congestion in the area. No consultations with the residents of Lethem were said to have been done prior to the construction of the bridge. turn to page 14

This family shows the level of the water

Another section of Lethem under water

13

14 news

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Residents, farmers lament flood woes in Regions 3, 5 F

Earlier in the May-June rainy season, this newspaper had highlighted the high water level in the Mahaicony Creek and disclosed that farmers were fearful that their lands would have been flooded.

armers and residents in several sections of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara and areas in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are presently experiencing flooding as the intermittent weather patterns continue across the country.

Canal No 2 farmers suffer losses

Guyana Times has also reported the flood situation in Canal Number Two Polder, where farmers have

Canal No 1 flooded

As has occurred in Canal Number Two Polder, farmers and residents living in back sections of Canal Number One Polder have reported being affected by flood waters for weeks. A Sans Souci cash crop farmer explained on Sunday that many of the back dams are flooded, covering much of his produce. He explained that the canal is overgrown with marine vegetation and this is hindering the water from rapidly receding from the land. Several pear plants and pine farms are under threat.

Branch Road, Mahaicony

The flood situation in villages along Branch Road, Mahaicony, ECD is threatening the livelihoods of farmers. Former rice farmer Deonarine Sesnarine, whom financial challenges prevented from plant-

incurred millions of dollars in losses due to flood water remaining on the land for over a week.

Like Canal Number One, the back sections of the canal in this community had not been cleared of overgrown marine vegetation, and the resultant flooding, exacerbated by days of heavy rainfall, lasted for several days.

South Section cash crop farmer Dookie (only name) had only last week indicat-

A waterlogged dam at Sans Souci, Canal Number One Polder, WBD

ing rice last year, said on Sunday that floodwater has inundated the rice lands. He alleged that the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) had for some time stopped maintaining the drains in his area, but restarted clearing them only after onset of the heavy rains.

Guyana Times was told that there was a delay in awarding several contracts for the maintenance of canals in Branch Road,

Mahaicony.

Mahaicony Creek

Reports also indicate that floodwater has overtopped dams protecting several Mahaicony Creek communities, and several rice fields have consequently been inundated. And to compound this already bad situation, heavy rainfall has affected the growth rate of cash crops, which would negatively impact the financial situation of farmers.

Sections of the weed-filled Canal Number One Polder

ed that the fresh flood water, recognized by its dark colour, had emerged from the backlands. He and others had suggested that this was excess water from the conservancy that had spilled over into the backlands and flowed downwards.

Dookie had indicated that some 200 plants of the pear crop he had planted just 15 months ago were threatened.

He had also explained that it was only weeks previously that he had invested approximately $1 million to excavate his drains in preparation for the heavy rainfall, but his peppers and pak-choy were all destroyed.

Many of the farmers in flood-affected communities have blamed the local Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council for ignoring their numerous complaints. Guyana Times has reported that the flooding could have been avoided if the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) had facilitated the contract being awarded for drainage works in the area earlier on.

Tabatinga under...

The areas threatened are Tabatinga, Culvert City and St Ignatius. A CDC Team will depart Ogle this morning (Monday) and will be on a reconnaissance mission. The team will also take in sanitation relief supplies. A temporary shelter is being set up at the Amerindian Hostel.

Following an emergency meeting last evening with Region 9 RDC officials, Lethem town council officials and others, the Mayor of Lethem, Mr. Beckles, provided the following report through the CDC: * Emergency shelters are activated at the following locations Arapiama Primary School, the Amerindian Hostel and Culvert City Nursery School. * Drivers and vehicles are on standby to evacuate affected persons to the shelters. * Seven telephone numbers were made public via Radio Lethem for persons

to call in for assistance. * The GDF is assisting with evacuation. * The Regional Chairman has reported that almost all the toshoas and village captains in the region reported that their farmlands are under water. * Parishara, Nappi and Hiowa are cut off from Lethem because the road is almost completely under water.

Since the beginning of the May-June rainy season, citizens were warned to expect higher than normal rainfall and to take the necessary precautions.

However, since it began, several villages have experienced major flooding and some are still trying to rebuild after the floods. The hard-hit communities were mostly limited to Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) as the water washed away houses, but fortunately, there were no casualties.

from page 13

One such village is Chenapau in Region Eight. Water levels in the Amerindian village rose to approximately 20 feet in some areas and the Potaro River remains flooded owing to the heavy rains the Region is currently experiencing.

The residents there are fearful of rebuilding since the threat of another flood is looming on the horizon. Roadways and access to the other zones in the village remain flooded.

Villagers are also accusing the Government of neglecting them since the water receded from their lands.

They complained that following the initial relief supplies, the Government has yet to offer any additional supplies to the community as they are still battling to recuperate.

Farms in the village were washed away and residents were finding it difficult to restart.

Approximately two weeks ago, access to Aishalton, Region Nine was cut off when the Kabanawau Creek overtopped its banks and flooded the area. The bridge leading into Aishalton was flooded, cutting off access to the village for several hours.

Just last weekend, several communities along the East Coast of Demerara and in Georgetown reported water levels over two feet in some areas. This was a result of heavy rainfall and poor drainage management/infrastructure in some areas.

15

monDAY, july 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

What can be done to avert underage drinking?

T

he laws of Guyana state that alcohol consumption is prohibited before the age of 18 and children under the age of 16 are not allowed to be in the bar of any licensed premises, or even purchase alcohol unless they are above 18 years old. As such, we asked persons their opinion of underage drinking and what they think the Guyana Police Force can do to ensure that the law is adhered to in this regard. Here are the views of some members of the public: Javed Khan

“Firstly, the Guyana Police Force should visit these beer gardens and liquor restaurants on a daily basis if they want to reduce the rate of underage drinking.

Secondly, I personally feel that more community and recreational activities could help reduce the rate of underage drinking. I wish to add also that as parents, we have more influence over our child than we may realise. Evidence shows that meaningful conversations between parents and their kids help the child develop a sensible relationship with alcohol.”

Avril Samuels “It is disgusting for me when I see youths consuming alcohol.

It is also baffling because I can't understand why this is continuing. No enforcement is being put into place to curb the issue and yes, it is a major issue. We need to take this seriously because the lives of our youths are at stake. What will happen to the future generation?”

Zack Effendi

“Underage drinking is a very serious and prevalent problem in our society. Children are doing it for fun and are encouraging others to do it as well. Additionally, I don’t think the Guyana Police Force can do much on its own; rather, the citizens of the country need to play a more vital role in stopping underage drinking. It is simple – just do not sell alcohol to minors!”

Sosheana Bhagwandin

Steven Bagots

“The Police should go right back to the bar owners who sell alcohol to those minors and make a few of them examples by charging them for selling to minors. They're just concerned about an extra sale. Furthermore, publish their business names in the papers like when they publish the pictures of those drivers who drink and drive.”

“I am of the strong opinion that children under 18 should not consume alcohol, because firstly,

it's in the law of the land and one should honour the Constitution.

Secondly, the world is a cruel place and so many things can happen when one becomes intoxicated.

There are instances of alcoholic poisoning and persons being raped, especially at such an age when persons are less than responsible. I think the Police should encourage parents and teachers to talk more about the dangers of alcohol in schools. The Police Force should collaborate with the schools and the Education Ministry to raise the awareness of underage drinking while educating teens on the topic at hand and the dangers and consequences of such participation.”

Ian Campbell “To begin with the saying "the stricter the government, the wiser the population" will always substantiate

and represent itself and this is no different scenario.

In no way is the Guyana Police Force operating at full capacity. However, even if they were given a more just and transparent legislation and political structure, still there would be loopholes to circumvent the laws and elude its penalties. With that being said, should the Police work at full capacity and bend over backwards, they would not be able to make any more of an impact as they are currently (however limited it may be). It is down to personal inhibitions, resilience to negative peer pressure ,and sound parental groundings to determine adherence to the law. Even with an increase in quality technology by the Police/law; the population will still find ways to elude.”

Gabriella Silva

Dalon Chapman “My opinion of underage drinking is that children under

Allison Lambert “It is my opinion that the Police can lobby with the Government to have measures

“Underage drinking should be against the law for both parties: the seller and the consumer.

Undercover work by the Police should be done in our communities, especially at the night clubs in the city (Georgetown). Random checks can also be done by the Police Force to ensure the well-being and safety of our teenagers are maintained. If found culpable, both parties should face the consequences, whether it is community service served on the child's behalf or a fine or seizure of liquor licences on the seller’s behalf.

the legal drinking age should not be consuming alcohol because it can have serious repercussions for them as well as other people who they may come in contact with, especially if they are overdrinking. I think that the Police in Guyana should put up some type of survey in each community, to ascertain the level of underage drinking in our society and put stringent measures in place to ensure that underage persons would not be allowed in any bars at any time.”

put in place to ensure the actual age of a youth is ascertained before purchase is approved. For example, they can suggest an ID card system that can, with improved technology in business facilities, access information to confirm that which is on the ID. Then, they can also lobby for talk programmes to be held for the persons licensed to sell alcohol. Also enable access to information regarding the ID holder for age confirmation to allow sale of alcohol to him or her. This will help in preserving our youths and ensuring the continuity of healthy generations.”

Kelly Henry “I think if the law enforcers get stern with persons who give children alcohol, then it could stop. In the night, you see boys and girls drinking and nobody telling them anything or doing anything. But how could you tell a child not to do something and you are doing it… it is something to think about?

What I think could be done is ensuring there is greater awareness. In this country, we don’t focus on awareness; we need more of that.”

Aditya Devin Persaud

“Whether we are underage or not, alcohol abuse is wrong and must be discouraged. It does not only defile our bodies, but it may also cause some of us to

hurt our loved ones. Culture has changed where children want to experience things of this world as if they are going out of style. Some children are being pressured into doing things, for example, drinking alcohol just to fit in a particular group. Our young ones need to understand that there is more to life than drinking alcohol and getting drunk. We all have choices and the choices we make impact our lives, so make the right choice.

Society and law enforcement should play an important role in this regard by being vigilant, ensuring that children are not being sold alcohol by any licensed/unlicensed vendor or even if they are caught drinking alcohol, it should be communicated to the relevant authority for the necessary action.”

Aubrey Hudson “If they want to stop underage drinking ,then they need to stop the sale of alcohol to Indigenous people. In no township, alcohol shouldn’t be offered to Amerindians, just like alcohol should not be offered to children under 16.

To get people to adhere to the law, you would have to charge the parents and anybody who give it to them even if it is the shop owner…”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, july 3, 2017

Regional

Venezuela Chief Prosecutor Brazil arrests notorious drug kingpin Luiz seeks protection amid Carlos da Rocha conflict with Maduro

Venezuela Attorney General Luisa Ortega Díaz’s office announced Friday that it was summoning intelligence chief Gustavo Gonzalez on suspicion of human rights violations [Miguel Gutierrez/EPA photo]

V

enezuela’s Chief Prosecutor has asked the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for protection, days after the Supreme Court barred her from leaving the country and ordered her bank accounts frozen.

Tensions between Luisa Ortega Díaz and President Nicolás Maduro’s socialist administration have been steadily escalating since she contested a Supreme Court decision in late March that dissolved

the Opposition-controlled National Assembly and sparked a deadly wave of unrest.

Since then, she has become one of the few critical voices within the Government – other than the sidelined Congress – challenging Maduro’s push to rewrite the Constitution and pressing charges against officers responsible for deaths during anti-government protests.

On Friday, Ortega Díaz’s office announced it

was summoning the chief of Venezuela’s intelligence agency, Gustavo Gonzalez, to appear on suspicion of “committing grave and systemic violations of human rights”.

Prosecutors said they are investigating incidents of illegitimate detentions, arbitrary raids and cases in which people have remained imprisoned despite court orders that they be freed.

“The Public Ministry will continue safeguarding the protection and defence of Venezuelans’ human rights,” her office said in a statement.

The developments capped perhaps the most turbulent week yet in Ortega Díaz’s struggle to assert her office’s authority in a country where nearly every branch of the federal government is filled with Maduro allies.

Ortega Díaz announced on Twitter she was seeking the protection of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights for all workers at the state prosecutor’s office, but provided no further details. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

B

razilian Police have captured a notorious drug kingpin who used plastic surgery to evade capture for almost 30 years, authorities say.

Luiz Carlos da Rocha – nicknamed "White Head" – is believed to be the leader of a massive cocaine empire in South America.

Federal Police said sentences handed down to Rocha amount to more than 50 years of prison time.

Police said he was "a criminal who lived discreetly and in the shadows".

Rocha was arrested in Sorriso, in the western state of Mato Grosso, on Saturday, a Police statement said.

The drug kingpin had been living in the city under the assumed name Vitor Luiz de Moraes. Agents compared old known photos of Rocha to the images of the new suspect, "and concluded that Luiz Carlos da Rocha and Vitor Luiz are the same person".

Brazilian Police said his organisation was known to be violent, making use of armed escorts, armoured cars, and heavy weapons.

It produced cocaine in Bolivia, Peru and Colombia, before shipping it through an elaborate logistics system to Europe and the United States. da Rocha is also accused

of being one of the main providers of cocaine to criminal organisations within Brazil, in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

In total, Police estimate his empire produced some five tonnes of cocaine each month.

Operation Spectrum – the name given to the sting – also seized some US$10 million worth of criminal assets, including farms, other real estate, luxury vehicles and aircraft.

Officers believe Rocha's wealth is closer to US$100 million, and say they will seek to seize the rest of his assets in the second phase of the operation. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Man questioned after death suggestions about Trinidad PM’s family

A

man who posted on Facebook that someone should rape and kill Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s wife and daughter has been arrested.

Rayad Ryan Mohammed was taken into custody Saturday night, following his post on Friday night.

In what appeared to be a response to the double murder of a 13-year-old boy and his 56-year-old babysitter two days earlier, Mohammed posted on the social media website: “Someone should find ROWLEY daughter and wife and slit their throats n rape them.”

He subsequently removed the offending post and the Trinidad Guardian quoted him as seeking to explain that

Rayad Ryan Mohammed (Photo: Facebook)

he meant “that only when someone who is of rank or their family gets that, then maybe they will do something about crime”.

In a post on his Facebook page Saturday morning, Mohammed said he was “truly and deeply regretful about

the post that went viral”.

“It was said in anger and I meant no harm or malicious intent to anyone in the Rowley family. I was simply very angry by the state of crime in the country and what appears to be the lack of concern from those in authority,” he said.

(Caribbean360)

monDAY, july 3, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

US President posts video clip of him 'beating' CNN in wrestling T he US President has tweeted a short video clip of him wrestling a person with the CNN logo for a head.

The clip is an altered version of Donald Trump's appearance at a WWE wrestling event in 2007, in which he "attacked" franchise owner Vince McMahon in a scripted appearance.

The animation appears to have been posted to a pro-Trump Internet forum earlier in the week.

CNN later accused the President of inciting violence against the media.

One panellist on ABC's morning show, Ana Navarro – a Republican Trump critic and CNN contributor – said: "It is an incitement to violence.

He is going to get somebody killed in the media."

But Homeland Security Adviser Thomas Bossert, who had appeared earlier on the same ABC programme, said: "No-one would perceive that as a threat."

The clip was submitted to a Donald

A still image of the video on the President’s Twitter account

Trump forum on the social media site Reddit four days ago, where it became one of the most popular posts.

After the President's tweets, Reddit users expressed disbelief at the

President's use of the clip.

It was also retweeted by the official presidential Twitter account, @ POTUS, operated by the White House.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

3 car bombs target Damascus, 20 killed

A

car bomb killed 20 people in Damascus on Sunday and wounded dozens more, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said, the first such bombing in the Syrian capital since a series of jihadist suicide attacks in March.

The authorities said it was one of three car bombs that were meant to be blown up in crowded areas of the capital on Sunday, the first day back to work from the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Security forces pursued and destroyed the other two.

Officials said the bombers had been prevented from reaching their intended targets, otherwise the casualty toll would have been higher.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Damascus was

hit by two separate, multiple suicide bomb attacks in March, one of them claimed

by Islamic State and the other by the Islamist insurgent alliance Tahrir al-Sham.

In a letter to the United Nations Secretary General and the head of the Security Council, the Foreign Ministry said the blast that killed 20 people in the Bab Touma area near the Old City had also wounded dozens of women and children.

State media said the bomber had been spotted and pursued by the security forces and set off the bomb after he had been encircled in the area.

Damascus has enjoyed relative security in recent years even as the six-yearlong civil war has raged on in nearby areas. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India woman attacked Gulf deadline to resolve Qatar rift approaches with acid for 5th time Q

A

woman in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh who survived an alleged gang-rape and four separate acid attacks has been targeted again by an acid-thrower.

She was attacked outside a women's hostel in Lucknow while getting water from a hand pump, Police said.

The woman, 35, had been receiving round-the-clock Police protection because of the previous attacks, which were linked to a property dispute.

Anger is growing at the authorities' inability to protect her.

She was allegedly gangraped and first attacked with acid by two men in 2008, over a property dispute, the details of which are not clear.

The same two men are

then accused of throwing acid at her twice more – in 2012 and 2013 – to try and get her to drop the criminal charges against them.

In March, she was attacked again while travelling on a train with her daughter.

This time she was forced to drink acid.

Two men are facing trial for all of the attacks, but were released on bail in April, the AFP agency reports.

According to Government figures, there are hundreds of such attacks involving acid each year in India, although campaigners say the real figures are much higher.

The victims, who have to live with terrible disfigurements, are mainly women and are often targeted by jealous partners, campaigners say. (BBC News)

atar faces possible further sanctions

by Arab states that have severed ties with Doha over allegations of links to terrorism, as a deadline to accept their demands expired on Sunday night.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said the demands were made to be rejected, adding that the Arab ultimatum was aimed not at tackling terrorism but at curtailing his country's sovereignty.

State news agency QNA reported that he would inform the ruler of Kuwait, a neutral Gulf Arab country seeking to mediate in the spat, of Qatar's response today.

Sheikh Mohammed earlier told reporters in Rome that Doha remained ready to discuss the grievances of

He added that no one had the right to issue an ultimatum to a sovereign country.

The feud erupted last month when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and travel ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and being an ally of regional foe Iran, charges that Doha denies.

The countries have threatened further sanctions against Qatar if it does not comply with their list of 13 demands presented to Doha through Kuwait 10 days ago.

A man writes on a painting depicting Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha, Qatar, July 2, 2017

its Arab neighbours.

"This list of demands is made to be rejected. It's not meant to be accepted or ... to be negotiated," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"The state of Qatar instead of rejecting it as a principle, we are willing to engage in (dialogue), providing the proper conditions for further dialogue."

The demands include closing a Turkish military base in Qatar and shutting the Al Jazeera pan-Arab television network, which Doha also rejected. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Europe migrant crisis: Italy threatens French and West African Presidents launch Sahel force to close ports as Ministers meet

(L-R) Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Chad's President Idriss Deby and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou pose during G5 Sahel Summit at the Koulouba Presidential Palace in Bamako, Mali, July 2, 2017

A

frican powers launched a new multinational military force to tackle Islamist militants in the Sahel on Sunday, which French President Emmanuel Macron told a regional summit should be fully operational by the autumn despite its

current budget shortfall.

Some observers see the initiative of the G5 Sahel bloc – Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad – as forming the basis of an eventual exit strategy for around 4000 French troops now deployed to the volatile region.

But Macron said Paris had no plans to withdraw them.

Islamist militant groups, some with links to al Qaeda, seized control of Mali's desert north in 2012.

Though they were driven back a year later by a French-led military intervention, they continue to carry out attacks against on United Nations peacekeepers, Malian soldiers and civilian targets in violence that has spilled across Mali's borders.

"Every day we must combat terrorists, thugs, murderers, whose names and faces we must forget, but whom we must steadfastly and with determination eradicate together," Macron said at the summit in Mali's capital Bamako.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

G

ermany, France and Italy's Interior Ministers are to meet for crisis talks as Italy warns the influx of migrants into the country is unsustainable.

Italy has threatened to close its ports and impound rescue ships run by aid agencies carrying people from Libya.

It needs more support as people cross the Mediterranean from Africa in large numbers, the United Nations' refugee agency said.

More than 500,000 migrants have passed through Italian ports since 2014, and numbers are on the rise again.

Italy is the main destination for migrants attempting to reach Europe

About 650 migrants were rescued and brought to the Italian port of Catania on Saturday

by sea, due to its proximity to Libya.

According to the UN, 83,650 people have reached Italy by sea since the beginning of the year – a 20 per cent increase on the same period in 2016.

Numbers have been rising steeply, with about 12,600 migrants and refu-

gees arriving last weekend alone.

Most migrants make the journey across the Mediterranean in rickety boats, and the UN estimates that 2030 migrants have died or gone missing since the start of the year.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, june 3, 2017

ARCHIE

Precautions should be taken when dealing with domes(March 21- tic situations. Don’t provoke April 19) an argument, or you will end up being at an emotional loss when all is said and done. Get along.

ARIES

Look for solutions to figTAURUS ure out a way to get what you (April 20- want using methods unique May 20) to you. The exposure you receive will help launch a new trend.

dilbert

Make a change if it will GEMINI (May 21- help you secure a stable poJune 20) sition or future. Use different methods to accomplish your goals. Push for high quality, and settle for nothing short of excellence.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Put a unique twist on any job or project you work on.

Do things your way and find out what your capabilities are and how creative you can be.

Keep your thoughts and intentions a secret to avoid interference. A diligent approach to making better choices and positive changes will pay off. Live healthily and within your means.

Quality will exceed quanVIRGO (Aug. 23- tity when it comes to how Sept. 22) you present who you are and what you have to offer. Do what needs to be done and keep moving forward.

Deal with friends, famiLIBRA ly or peers carefully. A mis(Sept. 23Oct. 23) understanding can lead to a disagreement quickly if you aren’t precise and articulate in the way you present your ideas and plans.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Delve into whatever you SCORPIO want to do wholeheartedly.

(Oct. 24You’ll learn as you go, and Nov. 22) the experience you gain will encourage you to take on more interesting and creative projects.

Don’t feel obliged to share SAGITTARIUS personal information. A re(Nov. 23- served approach when usDec. 21) ing social media will help you avoid comments that can make you look bad. Aim for stability, not transition.

Pour more personal attitude

CAPRICORN and emotion into your profes(Dec. 22- sion and you will get recognition Jan. 19) for a job well done. A partnership will determine how you move forward.

solution for Last Published Puzzle Consider the feelings AQUARIUS of others before you make (Jan. 20changes that will affect Feb. 19) them. It’s important to listen to peoples’ suggestions and advice if you want them to support you.

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

You’ve got the drive, crePISCES ativity and luck to get what (Feb. 20March 20) you want. Participate in events that will help you promote what you have to offer.

Romance is highlighted.

monDAY, juLY 3, 2017

19

Horn proves too Carmichael smashes much for Pacquiao

2nd ton in Sussex League S

pectators at the Goring Cricket Club Ground in England were in for a treat as they witnessed the West Indian flair from Guyanese all-rounder Kellon Carmichael, who blasted 176 from 117 balls on Saturday.

Carmichael entered the crease with his team in a spot of bother at 16-2, but wasted little time as he played a scintillating knock that included 13 fours and 11 sixes to guide Goring Cricket Club to 248 all out from 43 overs.

Ben Cartwright and Matt Keen were the next best scorers in Goring’s innings, with 21 apiece.

Carmichael then returned to snare 2-26 from 11.5 overs, as his team mate Aaron Wyatt ripped through Stirlands Cricket Club’s innings with figures of 5-20. The visitors folded for a paltry 96 all out in 44 overs.

This season, the former Guyana Under-19 player has been enjoying his best stint in England in his three years of playing professional cricket there. He has now recorded two centuries and two half-centuries to date, while also being outstanding with the ball for his team in the Sussex Premier League.

B

F

ormer schoolteacher Jeff Horn stunned champion Manny Pacquiao to win the WBO world welterweight title with a unanimous points decision in Brisbane.

The three judges scored the fight 117-111, 115-113, 115113 to the 29-year-old Australian at Lang Park.

"That's the decision of the judges. I respect that," said 38-year-old Pacquiao.

The Filipino, an eight-weight world champion, has now lost four of his past nine fights.

Horn, 29, was aggressive from the opening bell, although Pacquiao's left jabs scored points in the early stages.

Horn, who has now won 17 and drawn one of his 18 bouts, caused Pacquiao problems during the middle rounds and cut him above both eyes.

The veteran fought back with a brilliant counter-attack in the ninth round, only for Horn to win the 10th.

Both fighters tired in the final two rounds, with Horn's good work in the opening stages proving enough for a famous win.

Horn, nicknamed 'The Hornet', grew up in Brisbane and first walked into a boxing club 11 years ago to learn self-defence.

While studying for his degree, he reached the quarter-finals of the London 2012 Olympics, turned professional soon after and made his debut in 2013.

Horn, who until recently taught students at Pallara State School in Brisbane, won prize money sometimes as low as A$2,000 (£1,100).

Reports claim he won a guaranteed $500,000 (£383,832) from his fight against Pacquiao.(BBCSPORT)

Levy stuns them in Paris

Participants of the St. Rose’s High Master of Fitness competition

esides the mainstream sporting activities that occur locally on a weekly basis, there are still some institutions that are interested in fitness and sport activities, both of which are essential for individual development.

One such institution is St. Rose’s High School.

On Friday, June 30th, 2017, the fourth form students of the Physical Education and Sport class of St. Rose’s High School hosted the Master of Fitness competition at the National Gymnasium as part of their school- based assessment (SBA).

The National Gymnasium, situated at the corner of Mandela Avenue and Princess Street, was the place to be as the spectators enthusiastically supported the day’s activities.

There were three categories in the competition: 11-13, 14-16, and 16-and-over, with each consisting of three rounds of exercise. After all the challenges had ended, eight participants were rewarded -- six (6) for their outstanding performances within their respective category, and two (2) for their overall performance pertaining to their technique and consistent performance throughout the competition. The rest of the participants were given medals and certificates for participating and completing the challenge.

In the 11-13 category, Hannah and Hailie Caesar were

Jeff Horn won his first world title in front of a hometown crowd of more than 50,000

crowned best male and female participant respectively; while in the 14-16 category, Kelly-Ann Liverpool and Atilla Williamson were crowned respective best male and female participant. In the 16-and-over category, the respective best male and female participant were Noelex Holder and Keianna Felix.

Two other participants -- Cherry-Ann Fraser and Mark July -- were respectively rewarded with plaques as they were crowned the overall best male and female participant in the competition.

According to a school representative, the competition was planned and executed by teenagers, and was guided by the Physical Education and Sport teacher. The representative said it was certainly an unexpected breath of fresh air to watch such displays of determination on the faces of the participants.

The Master of Fitness competition would not have been successful without the help of the following sponsors: Maritime Administration Dep., Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Inc., Banks DIH Limited, Andrew’s SuperMarket, Church’s Chicken, Randolph’s Welding, Rush, M&J Variety Store, E-Signs & Designs, Fitness Express, and Triple A Taxi Service.

R

ising Jamaica sprint hurdles star, Ronald Levy, stunned a world class field in the 110m hurdles event at the Paris Diamond League on Saturday.| Levy upstaged his compatriot, last year's Olympic champion Omar McLeod and 2015 World champion Sergey Shubenkov, to win in a personal best 13.05 seconds.

Britain's Andrew Pozzi was second in 13.14, also a personal best, while Garfield Darien of France was third in 13.15.

McLeod lost his rhythm midway the race and trailed in seventh in 13.41. Shubenkov was fourth in 13.18. (Jamaica Gleaner)

20

monDAY, JULY 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies vs India

Holder takes 5 to keep ODI series alive Kesrick Williams celebrates his first ODI wicket after he removed MS Dhoni at a key moment of the game

T

he wine is oxidising fast. Add Antigua 2017 to the list of matches MS Dhoni has failed to finish off since 2014. He scored India's slowest half-century in 16 years as they failed to chase down 190 on a slow pitch against a spirited attack that managed to tide over a costly drop and a tactical blunder in the concluding stages. Jason Holder compensated for bowling Roston Chase in the 44th over with four wickets and a personal-best five-for, but it was Kesrick Williams, playing only his second ODI, who frustrated the hell out of Dhoni, conceding just 13 in four overs after the 40th and taking Dhoni out with the last ball he bowled.

Four years ago, in the West Indies, Dhoni found himself in a similar situation on a similarly slow track, chasing 202, leaving himself 15 to get in the last over, with last man for company, and getting it in three hits.

Here India needed 16 off the last two, but Dhoni couldn't inflict any damage

against Williams' mix of slower deliveries and quick length ones. Perhaps it was the bigger boundaries than Queen's park Oval's from four years ago, perhaps he doesn't trust himself that much anymore, but here Dhoni pulled the trigger sooner. He could have taken a single off the last ball of the 49th and left himself 13 to get in Holder's final over, but he blinked first and drilled a length ball straight into the lap of longon.

Moments after the match, Dhoni was seen sitting dejected in the balcony, a little lost even, when a member of the India squad had to shake him physically to shake his hand. Dhoni knows these are the king of chases he has built his reputation on. It will be a little harsh to talk of him when the batting around him failed more miserably, but everybody - Dhoni himself knows these are Dhoni finishes.

When Dhoni walked in, he brought a sense of calm to a faltering batting. Shikhar Dhawan de-

parted early, not respecting the slowness of the pitch and driving Alzarri Joseph on the up. Joseph's grandmother, operating the manual scoreboard at Sir Viv Richards Stadium, cheered on.

The bigger blows were to follow. West Indies' adherence to their bowling plans has never been more apparent than when they have bowled to Virat Kohli, when he is new at the crease.

They believe he doesn't like the bowl up at his throat, and 41% of their bowling to Kohli has been in their own half. Different batsmen react differently to plans against them. Kohli the batsmen hates to watch a plan succeed for a while and then overcome it. He wants to dominate. Out went his trusted weaving and ducking, and in came the hook shots. Holder's third bouncer in the sixth over produced the top edge, and we had a game on now.

Dinesh Karthik, replacing Yuvraj Singh who has a stiff hamstring and playing ahead of Rishabh Pant presumably because he was selected in the squad from Pant, did worse against the bouncer. After taking 13 balls to get off the mark, he top-edged one that was barely chest high.

In came Dhoni to join Ajinkya Rahane, who had

again looked comfortable against the new ball. Before Karthik's wicket, West Indies had let Rahane off: Holder let one through his legs at mid-off and then Jason Mohammed dropped him on 23. Now the two began to bat cautiously; the asking rate was not an issue at this point. The old maxim of "India win if they bat 50 overs" still held true as Rahane and Dhoni laboured through their 54-run partnership. West Indies were makredly different from two nights ago when they had failed to squeeze India after taking two early wickets. Here there were no easy singles as first Williams and Devendra Bishoo, and then Ashley Nurse, dried up the runs. While Rahane did get the odd boundary, Dhoni said an absolute no to taking any risk.

By the time Rahane took his last risk, sweeping Bishoo against the turn, the asking rate hovered around 4.55. It was still in Dhoni's control. You still felt Dhoni just needed to bat through.

However, Dhoni was not batting like Dhoni does. He was still timing balls, but failed to find gaps. Bishoo and Nurse bowled 68 balls to him for 28 runs, slower than his innings strike rate of 47.36. Dhoni was even forced to play a sweep shot, which is the ultimate last

resort for him against spin.

As Kedar Jadhav fell, bat-pad to Nurse with Shai Hope leaping from behind the stumps, the asking rate closed in on a run a ball.

Hardik Pandya ramped one for four to buy some breathing space, Dhoni began to take risky singles, and in the 40th over, India need-

ed more than a run a ball.

Still India win if they bat through?

Dhoni definitely thought so. He kept waiting for the mistake from the opposition, a principle he has built the second half of his limited-overs career on. A tenet of captaincy he has handed down to Kohli. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings (50 overs maximum) E Lewis c Kohli b Kuldeep Yadav35 KA Hope c Jadhav b Pandya 35 SD Hope† c †Dhoni b Pandya 25 RL Chase b Kuldeep Yadav 24 JN Mohammed c Jadeja b Pandya 20 JO Holder* c †Dhoni b Yadav 11 R Powell c Jadeja b Yadav 2 AR Nurse c & b Yadav 4 D Bishoo run out (Jadeja) 15 AS Joseph not out 5 KOK Williams not out 2 Extras (lb 1, w 10)11 Total (9 wickets; 50 overs)189 Fall of wickets 1-57 (KA Hope, 17.2 ov), 2-80 (Lewis, 21.5 ov), 3-121 (Chase, 31.2 ov), 4-136 (SD Hope, 34.6 ov), 5-154 (Holder, 38.1 ov), 6-161 (Powell, 40.5 ov), 7-162 (Mohammed, 41.2 ov), 8-179 (Nurse, 47.2 ov), 9-184 (Bishoo, 48.4 ov) Bowling: Mohammed Shami 10-2-33-0, UT Yadav 10-1-363 (6w), RA Jadeja 10-0-480, HH Pandya 10-0-40-3 (4w), Kuldeep Yadav 10-1-31-2

India innings (target: 190 runs from 50 overs) AM Rahane c †SD Hope b Bishoo 60 S Dhawan c Holder b Joseph 5 V Kohli* c †SD Hope b Holder 3 KD Karthik c †SD Hope b Joseph 2 MS Dhoni† c Joseph b Williams 54 KM Jadhav c †SD Hope b Nurse 10 HH Pandya b Holder 20 RA Jadeja c Powell b Holder 11 Kuldeep Yadav not out 2 UT Yadav b Holder 0 Mohammed Shami c Chase b Holder 1 Extras (w 10) 10 Total (all out; 49.4 overs) 178 Fall of wickets 1-10 (Dhawan, 2.1 ov), 2-25 (Kohli, 5.6 ov), 3-47 (Karthik, 12.4 ov), 4-101 (Rahane, 30.5 ov), 5-116 (Jadhav, 35.4 ov), 6-159 (Pandya, 45.1 ov), 7-173 (Jadeja, 47.3 ov), 8-176 (Dhoni, 48.6 ov), 9-176 (Yadav, 49.1 ov), 10-178 (Mohammed Shami, 49.4 ov) Bowling- AS Joseph 9-2-46-2(4w), JO Holder9.4-2-27-5(2w), KOK Williams 10-0-29-1 (3w), D Bishoo 10-1-31-1, AR Nurse10-0-29-1, RL Chase 1-0-16-0 (1w)

ICC Women’s 50-Over World Cup

Windies hit rock bottom against South Africa – bowled out for 48

S

outh Africa crushed West Indies Women by 10 wickets Sunday. It took the South African women only 6.2 overs to chase the 48 runs the West Indies Women made off 25.2 overs in what is their worst peformance at the ICC Women's World Cup so far. The West Indies made scores of 204 and 183 in losing to Australia and India by seven and eight wickets respectively.

Laura Wolvaardt was unbeaten on 19 and Lizelle Lee 29 as South Africa eased to 51 without loss to hand the hapless Windies their biggest defeat of the tournament so far.

Earlier, Dane van Niekerk returned 4-0 from 3.2 overs as South Africa's women humiliated West Indies at Grace Road.

South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk claimed four wickets for no runs in a remarkable bowling performance as West Indies

quick succession to bring a woeful innings featuring five ducks to an end.

Van Niekerk finished with 4-0 from 3.2 overs.

She became the only bowler in the history of interna-

tional cricket to take four wickets without conceding a run.

The West Indies will need a miracle now if they are to advance to the next round of the competition.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Merissa Aguilleira's wicket added to West Indies' dramatic collapse © Getty Images

were embarrassed.

Twenty20 world champions and the runners-up at the last 50-over World Cup in 2013, the Windies were bundled out for a paltry 48 at Leicester's Grace Road ground. It was the

second lowest score ever by the Windies and sixth lowest in the tournament.

Marizanne Kapp claimed 4-14 from seven overs for the Proteas, but her bowling figures were dramatically overshadowed

by Van Niekerk's astonishing return.

The skipper accounted for Merissa Aguilleira, Shanel Daley, Chedean Nation - comfortably the Windies' top scorer with 26 - and Qiana Joseph in

West Indies Women innings (50 overs maximum) H Matthews lbw b Ismail 4 R Boyce c & b Kapp 4 S Taylor* b Ismail 4 C Nation c Kapp b van Niekerk 26 Kyshona A Knight lbw b Kapp 0 D Dottin b Kap p 0 M Aguilleira† b van Nieke rk 3 S Daley c Wolvaardt b van Nieke rk 0 ASFletcher b Kapp 0 A Mohammed not out 4 Q Joseph lbw b van Niekerk 0 Extras (w 2, nb 1) 3 Total (all out; 25.2 overs)48 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Matthews, 2.3 ov), 2-10 (Taylor, 4.6 ov), 3-16 (Boyce, 7.1 ov), 4-16 (Kyshona

A Knight, 7.2 ov), 5-16 (Dottin, 7.5 ov), 6-38 (Aguilleira, 19.6 ov), 7-42 (Daley, 21.3 ov), 8-43 (Fletcher, 22.3 ov), 9-43 (Nation, 23.5 ov), 10-48 (Joseph, 25.2 ov) Bowling: S Ismail 6-1-16-2, M Kapp 7-2-14-4 (1nb, 2w), A Khaka 4-2-7-0, Daniels 5-2-11-0, D van Niekerk 3.2-3-0-4 South Africa Women innings (target: 49 runs from 50 overs) L Wolvaardt not out 19 L Lee not out 29 Extras (w 3) 3 Total (0 wickets; 6.2 overs) 51 Did not bat: T Chetty†, M du Preez, M Kapp, CL Tryon, D van Niekerk*, S Luus, S Ismail, A Khaka, M Daniels Bowling: Dottin3.2-0-23-0 (2w), Joseph2-19-0 (1w), Daley 1-0-9-0

sports

CLASSIFIED ADS monday, july 3, 2017 www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Conferences and retreats – full service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities. Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Weddings and anniversaries: Rental or full service: Banquet Hall & Catering.

Aracari Resort 264-2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbour Bridge) – All modern amenities, rates from $25. Phone 264-2946-8

FOR SALE In need of panel doors, cupboard doors, granite countertops, beds, wardrobes? Then contact 2225549,222-4576 or 673-9698

SALON / SPA COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000. Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 651-9663/600-7719.

taxi services

21

Aliann Pompey Invitational

Collins among marquee international athletes to attend meet

P

articipation of former World Champion Kim Collins has been confirmed in the Aliann Pompey Invitational slated for July 15th at the Lenora Stadium.

Collins will participate in the Banks DIH-sponsored men's 100-metre race.

A qualifying round of the event would be run at approximately 4:15pm, with the finals set for staging at 5:35pm. Besides Collins, Emmanuel Callender, Trinidad & Tobago’s 2017 national champion and two-time Olympic bronze medallist, would feature in the event. Callender's time of 10.10s was good enough to win Trinidad's recently concluded Senior Championships.

Other notable sprinters who would be participating in this race are Levi Cadogan of Barbados and Chavaughn Walsh of Antigua and Barbuda.

The list of Guyanese sprinters who will start the race depends on the outcome of the Senior National Champs that are being held this weekend at the Leonora Stadium.

The race is named for one of the major contributors to the success of the competition thus far, Banks DIH, specifically under the brands Powerade, Malta Supreme, and Rainforest Waters.

In a release to the media, Aliann Pompey noted: "I'm thrilled about this partner-

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

ship. Banks, from the beginning, understood the vision of this competition; what it could do for our athletes; what it meant for Guyana on the international track scene; and bought in right away. I'm glad it wasn't a one-off situation, as they are back in a much bigger way to support the event, particularly the men's 100m dash.

I thank Banks from the bottom of my heart for working so hard to make this happen.

It costs a pretty penny, but I believe it's worth it, and I'm glad they do as well. Mr. Mortimer has been behind the scene making sure the pieces come together, and that athletes will be well hydrated with Banks’ products. I want to thank Clive

Pellet for making the important introductions and seeing it through. I owe an immense amount o f gratitude to Mr. Carlton Joao for trusting us to do a great job while aligned with the Banks DIH brand."

The international field is listed below: Kim Collins (SKN) Emmanuel Callender (TRI) Tre Houston (BER) Chavaughn Walsh (ANT) Jaqouhne Hoyte (BAR) Virjillo Griggs (PAN) Levi Cadogan (BAR) Tahir Walsh (ANT) Ramona Hill (JAM)

Former world Champion Kim Collins

Digicel Schools Football Championships…

TO LET

Novar, Leonora

THREE STOREY 75FT X 30FT BUILDING/ BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCES STREET, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654 OR 225-0605

record big wins

WANTED ONE HAIR DRESSER/ COSMETOLOGIST AND NAIL TECHNICIAN, APPLY IN PERSON TO MODERN HAIR FASHIONS SALON; SHARON’S BUILDING, CHARLOTTE AND KING STREETS. TEL: 226-1931

The focus of this camp will be developing the skills of young cadets

T

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call:

223-7230 Ext 50

he National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Guyana Table Tennis Association, will be staging a ‘TEACH THEM YOUNG’ Summer Table Tennis Camp, slated for the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The camp is scheduled to be run from Monday, July 10, to Friday, August 11, and sessions would last from 10:00h to 12:00h.

This year’s camp will include players from out of town (Berbice, Bartica, Linden and Essequibo) as part of the development of the sport, and will have the presence of International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) level 1 and level 2 coaches.

The objectives include: To help players with the basic skills; help players to be better prepared for future tournaments; train and introduce students to the basic techniques of the game; discover the skills of children; talent Identification; amuse children with sport skills; and develop habits for healthy competition.

The programme seeks to target players between the ages of four years and 18 years. More than 60 players (boys and girls) will be exposed to the introduction, orientation, teaching and practising of the sport of table tennis in a fun way.

A key feature of the camp would be the staging of a novice’s category, which is geared to attract the players participating in the camp.

During the past years, this camp brought out some of the top cadet, junior and senior players in the country; and it is expected that this year’s camp would attract more than 60 players and produce new champions.

Registration forms are available at the NSC Office on Homestretch Avenue, and can be uplifted between 09:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs; and at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, where they can be uplifted after 16:00 hrs from Monday to Friday.

Registration closes on Friday, July 8; and this deadline will be enforced so as to facilitate the smooth running of the camp.

For further information, interested persons can contact coach Linden Johnson on telephone numbers 621- 7630 or 231-0988.

Though rain has been hampering the tournament, the matches which have been played have been full of action

N

ovar Secondary and Leonora Secondary schools recorded the highest margins of victory when the Digicel Schools Football Championships continued on Saturday.

At the Number 5 ground on the West Coast of Berbice, Jaison Wronge and Aubrey Joseph recorded doubles in Novar’s 5-0 thumping of Fort Wellington Secondary.

Wronge scored in the 33rd and 75th minutes, while Joseph etched his name on the scoresheet in the 69th and 82nd minutes; Omar Williams’s goal in the 20th minute had given his team the lead.

In the other match, Bush Lot Secondary edged Mahaicony Secondary 3-2, thanks to a brace by Shaqueel DeHarte and assistance from Ntini August. August was the first to score -- in the 6th minute -- after which DeHarte cushioned the lead with goals in the 13th and 18th minutes.

The opposition had a resurgence with goals by Jerome McKenzie (53rd) and Nebert Sears (63rd), but it was not enough to change the inevitable.

Over at the National Track and Field

Facility at Leonora, WCD, the home side hammered Goed Fortuin 6-1, while Uitvlugt won 2-0 against Stewartville. Vreed-enHoop and Patentia played to 1-1 draw, with the latter winning 3-2 on penalty kicks.

Windsor Forest also dismantled Zeeburg 5-1.

Matches will continue today at the Number Five ground, where Rosignol tackles Bush Lot from 15:00 hrs. Over at the Beterverwagting Ground, East Coast of Demerara, Annandale Secondary will clash with La Bonne Intention from 14:00 hrs, after which Ann’s Grove will face Buxton Secondary from 16:00 hrs.

The winning school will collect $1,000,000, to go towards a project of their choice, along with the championship trophy.

Second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $700,000, $400,000 and $350,000 respectively; and these sums of money are for a project of the school’s choice. $100,000 will also be awarded to the respective regional champions. The final is slated for July 30 at Leonora.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, juLY 3, 2017

AAG National Senior Athletics Championships

Caesar still unstoppable

– as juniors rise to the occasion C

ompton Caesar is now “the undisputed Sprint King” of Guyana, having dominated the Men’s 100-metres’ final in the evening session on day one of the National Senior Athletics Championships.

With a time of 10.32s, Caesar dethroned last year’s winner Rupert Perry, who came in third in 10.48s.

Emanuel Archibald (Police) placed second in 10.36s.

The CARIFTA and South American U-20 gold medallist had a sluggish start, but got into his stride on the back stretch of the track and powered his way to victory.

In the women’s 100-metres’ final, veteran athlete Alisha Fortune was disqualified after successive false starts.

The growing rivalry between Onasha Rogers and Kenisha Phillips took another turn when Phillips clocked her personal best time of 11.74s to edge Rogers (11.77s) into second place and Toyan Raymond (12.24s) into third en route to claiming gold.

It took all of Phillips’s effort to hold off Rogers, who faltered in the last quarter of her race.

Earlier in the morning, Chantoba Bright continued her dominance of the long jump event by winning gold, even though she did not jump to the best of her ability.

With a jump-assisted

jump of 5.97 metres, Bright beat Toyan Raymond (5.38m) into second place and Cindy Fraser (5.38m) into third

clocked 4:45.82s to claim gold in the women’s 1500-metre event, ahead of rival Joanna Archer (4:57.23s) and Kezra

Murray (4:59.62s) respectively.

Specialist distance runner Winston Missigher overcame a strong challenge from his junior compatriot Anfernee Headecker to win in a time of 4:0.82s.

Headecker clocked second in 4:1.85s and Quacy Morian third in 4:18.34s.

Tenesha Cort of the GDF set a new national record in winning gold in the women’s javelin throw with a mighty heave of 40.69 metres, while Shuna Vanderstoop came second with 36.17m and Latoya Rodney third with 30.55m.

Emmanuel Archibald,

Alita Moore finishes comfortably ahead of Avon Samuels in the Women’s 400 Metre Final

place.

As action continued with the men’s javelin throw, army man Leslain Baird took gold with a huge throw of 73.46m, while Tremaine Beckles copped silver with 60.18m and Police athlete Kleon Spelling bronze with 59.47m.

Claudrice McKoy of Running Braves also carried her South American U-20 form over into the Senior Championships when she

Winston Missigher cruising to victory in the Men’s 10,000 Metre race

with a distance of 7.53 metres, established his long jump superiority over his rivals by some distance. His closest challengers were Lurex Stewart in second with 6.83m and Lloyd McCurdy in third with 6.67m.

In the afternoon session, Alita Moore held off Avon Samuels to cop gold in the women’s 400-metres’ final. Moore recorded a time of 55.71s in a race that she led from the start, while Samuels came in second with 56.31s.

Another CARIFTA and South American U-20 medallist, Daniel Williams, fought off a late challenge from Samuel Lynch to claim gold in the men’s 400-metres’ final. Williams, who led the race from the start, clocked a time of 48.78s, while Lynch finished second with a personal best time of 49.50s, and Darren Henry came in third in 49.63s.

In the female shotput event, GDF’s Tiffany Pilgrim beat her rivals by some distance with a throw of 12.16m. She took gold, while Annesia De Abreu took silver with 10.65m and Sophina Vanderstoop bronze with 10.60m.

In the long-distance events, Tabitha Bowman ran consistently to upset Leyanna Charles in the women’s 5000- metre race.

Charles, who started the race confidently, began to suffer

from cramps and was duly overtaken by Bowman, who never looked back. Bowman finished the race in a time of 21:46s, to beat Delesia Tinnis (23:42.86s) into second place and the unfortunate Charles (23:49.72s) into third.

Winston Missigher totally dominated his second event of the day -- the men’s 10,000 metres – finishing the event in 33:21.80s, ahead of longtime rival Cleveland Thomas (34:26.51s) and third-placed Colin Mercurius (37:16.28s).

The 4x100 metre relays ended action on the first day. In the women’s race, the Police Progressive Youth (PPY) team won in a tight finish against the Running Braves team, with anchor Alita Moore holding her own to finish ahead of Running Braves’ Alisha Fortune.

The PPY females finished with an overall time of 48.55s, while the Running Braves quartet finished second in 48.57s.

The PPY males then made it a relay double when they beat the GDF team convincingly in a time of 41.37s to the GDF team’s 43.10s overall.

Action will resume at 11:00hrs today at the Leonora National Track and Field Facility, where the highly anticipated male and female 200-metres’ races are slated for the afternoon session.

UDFA/ NAMILCO U17

Milerock thrash Rockers 7-0 – Panthers, Eagles play to 2-2 stalemate

M

ilerock FC led the points’ standing when the first round of action in the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA’s) NAMILCO-sponsored Under-17 Football competition ended; and this club continued their rich form in the second round play with a 7-0 stoppage of Net Rockers, the game ending abruptly since the Rockers could not find seven players and two claimed being injured after the first half of play had expired.

The Rockers lost for the second time, as referee Glen Fraser could not continue officiating with only five players available.

Tyerese Lewis led the way with a hat-trick of goals coming in the second, fourth and ninth minutes of play; and his teammate Lorenzo Miller gained the double, netting in the sixth

and 25th minutes, while Lennox Richards in the 13th minute and Mario DePaz in the 34th minute of play closed out the scoring.

In the other game, Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Eagles United played to a 2-2 draw. Scores for the Ward side were registered by Shane Jackson in the eighth minute a n d Keshon Johnson in the 26th minute, while Dereck Kevin and Shaquan Roberts ensured the draw for Eagles from goals which came in the 56th and 59th minutes respectively.

(L-R) Milerock scorers Tyreese Lewis, Lorenzo Miller, Lennox Richard and Mario DePaz

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, july 3, 2017

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

23

Hassan shines amidst the gloom

Team ER Racing driver Azad Hassan flanked by his crew in the pits

R

ain certainly did not dampen the competitive spirit of Group 1 driver Azad Hassan, who expertly piloted his machine to win all six of the races in which he competed at the National Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday.

Driving his Toyota AE 91 like the maestro he is, Hassan won all three races in his usual Street Tuner (1500cc) category, before pitting his skills against those of the drivers in the Sports Tuner (1600cc) category and obliterating the competition to win all three races in that category, in the process thrilling the small but jubilant crowd in attendance.

Group 3 was literally owned by Vishok Persaud in his Lotus machine. He won three races, while Group Two honours were shared

by Ramez Mohamed, Chet Singh, Adrian Fernandes and Shairaz Roshandin.

The rain restricted the Super Stock Motor Bike races to a single event, which was won by Heemad Boodhram ahead of Matthew Vieira and John Bennett. In

the attempt to have another such race staged, tragedy struck when Boodhram fell off his bike and onto his face when he had just existed the gooseneck. He was immediately flown to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, ECD, from whence he was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital at Carmichael Street in Georgetown to undergo emergency treatment. Up to press time, this publication was made to understand that the rider was undergoing CT scans.

Biker Kevin Persaud likewise had a fall at the gooseneck, but was still able to race after wards.

The rain also forced cancellation of many of the crowd-attraction Group Four races and hampered the progress of many other races.

This race meet was used as a warm-up activity for the second round of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) slated for July 30 at the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway in Trinidad and Tobago.

Organised by the Guyana

Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC), the meet was sponsored by ANSA McAL, Prem’s Electrical, B.M. Soat, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Ready Mix, Special Auto, Japarts, Ticket Master, Palm Court, KGM, MAC batteries, S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction, L Mahabir and Sons Cambio, and Choke Gas Station.

MONDAY, JULY 3, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

AAG National Senior Athletics Championships

Caesar still unstoppable

Pg 22

– as juniors rise to the occasion Caesar does it again! Compton Caesar dips in ahead of Emmanuel Archibald to win the Men’s 100 Metres Final

West Indies vs India

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

Hassan shines amidst the gloom

Pg 20

Holder takes 5 to keep ODI series alive Shai Hope and Jason Holder celebrate during the 4th ODI match between West Indies and India (Photo by: WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Sport: sport@guyanatimesgy.com Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.