Guyana Times September 3 2018

4 teams seal P spots in play-offs 22

...Tridents, Stars eliminated Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3675

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, September 3, 2018

Trinidad looking to Guyana for assistance

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Jagdeo accuses GECOM of P12 encouraging gerrymandering

Page 3

– as Government closes oil refinery

GTU proceeds with strike after Govt snubs teachers

...says it will not be “bullied”, arbitration “best bet”

Page 14

C Division Traffic Officer urges P13 commuters to be ‘extra careful’ …as school reopens today

Artificial Intelligence & algorithms

IDB report urges using AI to boost productive P9 sectors

Man busted with ganja in grease P11 container

Marijuana possession

Proposed removal of custodial sentence sparks debate P9 Fifteen-year-old Nicola Allen of Alberttown Police Youth Group was on Saturday evening crowned Guyana Police Force A Division Miss Youth Ambassador when the pageant was hosted at the National Cultural Centre on Homestretch Avenue. Also in photo are 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners-up respectively – Alliyah Liverpool of the Mocha Police Youth Group, Kezieya Phillips of the Albouystown Police Youth Group, and Tafara Gordon of the Yarrowkabra Police Youth Group

Members of new GuySuCo Board must be sugar savvy Page – Granger 11

Father of 1 killed by intoxicated Police Constable Page 7

Agreement P9 on IsDB US$20M loan not signed

– GPL CEO says local procurement process has begun

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news

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 3 – 11:00h-12:30h and Tuesday, September 4 – 12:30h-14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, September 3 – 09:55h-11:25h and Tuesday, September 4 – 11:30h-13:00h.

Trinidad looking to Guyana for assistance – as Government closes oil refinery

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers can be expected in the morning, with sunny intervals in the afternoon. Light rain showers to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly to East South-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 10:05h and 22:31h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.33 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:30h and 15:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.98 metre respectively.

Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Kamla PersadBissessar

W

ith the closure of its oil refinery Petrotrin, all eyes in Trinidad and Tobago are on Guyana for assistance, as thousands are now said to be on the breadline.

Former Prime Minister and current Opposition Leader of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla

fine their oil?” she asked.

Persad-Bissessar has said that even if Guyana moves to build its own refinery in the future, the Petrotrin facility can still be used in the initial years of oil production in the South American country, where production is set to begin by 2020.

“Of course they will build their own refinery; but we have one, and many (of) the units in the refinery at Petrotrin are new, so a lot of money has been invested on the refinery side, and now they are shutting it down.

It is total nonsense!” she was quoted by the Trinidad Newsday newspaper as saying.

It was only recently reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

Sections of the media reported that Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister, Franklin Khan, confirmed this. While he did not go into

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Persad-Bissessar, believes her country should attempt to partner with Guyana as oil production here is set to begin in 2020.

Persad-Bissessar has said she hopes good sense will prevail with Dr Keith Rowley, the current Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

“I understand Guyana has found another well and they are producing. Can we not group in some way, and find a way to work together as a Caricom (sister state), where we can help them re-

details of the agreement, he said that would be disclosed after the signing.

Khan said TT is willing to provide assistance to the Guyana Government as the country prepares for first oil.

Since 2016, discussions commenced between Guyana and Trinidad on an MoU under which TT would provide various forms of support to the oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Initiated during a visit here in 2016 by a Trinidad and Tobago delegation led by

then Energy Minister Nicole Olivierre, the MoU was expected to be signed at the end of that year, but that did not happen.

At the time, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had said the pact would see Guyana receiving support in a range of areas, including advanced technical

refinery, and in this way acquire a strategic asset.

The proposal is to ensure that Guyana gets its share of oil from ExxonMobil closer to home, and in this way employment would be provided to people of both countries.

Earlier this week, Petrotrin’s board confirmed plans to close the company’s

ExxonMobil oil rig

training for local personnel in the industry.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that TT is seeking to get the Guyana Government to take a stake in the Petrotrin

refinery in October in a move which will cause the loss of 1,700 permanent jobs.

But OWTU president general Ancel Roget has called on Government to rescind the decision and call an election, or “face chaos.”

But Khan said, “Roget represents a trade union that seeks to represent workers as it sees fit. T&T’s based on law and order, and any action they take, once legal, is acceptable. But if it’s illegal, the state would have to act.

“So no – we’re not rescinding the decision,” Khan confirmed.

On Roget’s insistence that he wasn’t told of the closure at a recent meeting with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Khan said, “Yes, he was told. I was at the meetturn to page 13 ing.

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

Loans and BRI loans in Guyana

T

here has been a slew of articles in the local press about the downside of countries accepting massive loans from China to build local infrastructure, which also fit into the latter’s strategic “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) , which is designed to facilitate their strategic economic and political goals.

The downside is that, when the borrowing countries cannot repay the loans and default, they may be forced to take the extreme step of transferring ownership or control of the developed asset. The instance of Sri Lanka giving up control of their Chinese-funded billion-dollar port of Hambantota via a 99-year lease to that country is always cited.

Fears of Guyana becoming snared in this “debt trap” and losing sovereignty over its assets were raised with President David Granger at his press conference, in light of his Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding with China on their BRI. He explained that Guyana is in dire need of infrastructural development, which has to be funded; but that he is proceeding with “his eyes open”.

Guyanese, he insisted, should have nothing to fear. This sounds reasonable, since one would assume that countries such as Guyana, which were former colonies of imperial states for centuries – into the 1960s even! – and then getting ensnared into neo-colonial relationships during the Cold War between the US and USSR, would have their antennae up for new exploitative relationships in the international arena.

But yet it has happened, and will happen; and not only with China. President Granger cited the present travails of Argentina with debt, and noted that Chinese funding is not a factor there. But he did not have to go so far for his example.

Not only as a historian, but as an individual who was quite involved at a high level in the state, he would know that the PNC Government under Burnham accumulated debt from Western countries and multilateral lending institutions to such an extent during the 1970s that when he could not repay, Guyana became officially bankrupt.

At the time, other countries in the same situation were forced into “debt for equity” swaps that were even worse that the cited Sri Lanka example with China, since the entities taking over the assets actually assumed complete ownership.

Evidently, there was no Guyanese asset that the lenders found attractive to make swaps, and eventually President Bharrat Jagdeo had to lead a Herculean effort after 1992 to have the inherited US$2.1 billion debt written off.

President Granger should conduct a historical of what caused such a massive debt pile-up.

Presently there are frequent references to the “Chinese loan” that was used to build the Skeldon Sugar Factory as illustrating what could “go wrong” with accepting BRI loans.

Firstly, this was not a BRI loan, but one that was intended to bring down the price of sugar so that the savings generated could easily repay the concessional US$32 million loan (not US$200 million touted) from the Exim Bank of China with a repayment period of 20 years, a grace period of five years, and a two per cent annual interest rate.

This is fundamentally the approach that must be taken when taking any loan, but as the Skeldon Modernisation showed, President Granger cannot just assume that because he “has his eyes open”, Guyana is out of the woods with future debt problems. The reason for Skeldon’s failure was the selection of the Chinese contractor -- Chinese National Technical and Industrial Corporation (CNTIC) -- to build the factory. That Booker Tate, the contracted foreign managers of GuySuCo; the World Bank, which also loaned US$56 million; and the CDB, with US$24 million, went along with the decision demonstrate that “the best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry”, even when their eyes are open.

The added challenge of infrastructural investments, such as the bridge across the Essequibo River that President Granger feels in absolutely needed, is that, generally, the revenues generated directly are insufficient to service the large loans necessary.

He cannot be complacent.

Members of the Karaudaranaw Dance Group of Region Nine performing a piece at the official launch of Amerindian Heritage celebrations at the Sophia Exhibition Site on Saturday evening (Dexter Ceres photo)

GECOM must be transparent, accountable Dear Editor, In the interest of fairness and transparency, the Chairman of GECOM should not allow any person to be caught by surprise, be disadvantaged, or squeezed by the contracting timelines of the apparently sinister plot.

It seems that several considered factors are contributing elements to the outlined reactions. Standing out is the significant organisational strength of the People’s Progressive Party as the most popular political party in Guyana, and the relationship this has with strong, positive development programme, which overwhelms by far the fragmented approach of its distant coalition competitor.

Further, the PPP’s magnificent performance at the 2016 Local Government Elections still looms as a major threat. Historically, The PPP had always humil-

iated the PNC at the Village Council Elections; and, in 1970, the PNC resorted to massive rigging, which led to a substantial boycott.

2016, the PPP/C swept the polls again, winning seven of the ten administrative regions and forty-eight of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

For obvious reasons, this magnificent record will continue to get better at the November 12, 2018 LGE. The People’s National Congress took power in 1964 with a coalition Government, and after using the United Force, they kicked them out of power. Rigged Elections were the order of the day, and the 1980 Paramountcy of the Party approach was utilised to suppress the holding of Local Government Elections. It should not be forgotten that the PNC, in desperation, did everything possible to postpone LGE year after year.

Former President Mr. Desmond Hoyte subsequently agreed to set up a special ‘task force’ to address the numerous complaints, but the PNC representatives did everything to frustrate the completion of the work of the task force. As a consequence, the Eighth Parliament set up a special select committee to look at Local Government Reforms. That Special Select Committee’s work was extended to the Ninth and Tenth Parliaments, hence paving the way for LGE in 2016. The elections were held but were never completed.

While we have serious concerns about the demarcation of the constituency boundaries, we must also be very serious about the recruitment of the staff at GECOM. PNC Commissioner Vincent Alexander’s comments lend no objectivity to an unbiased

approach. It is crystal clear that the GECOM Secretariat does not constitute the Commission; neither do the three PNC Commissioners and the Chairman. It is therefore critical that all and sundry recognise the constitutionally appointed six Commissioners and the Chairman (rtd.) Patterson, who are the people with the responsibilities for GECOM. It is known that the PPP/C and many other stakeholders are against this capriciously vindictive and provocative action.

I also advocate for objective consultations and the full involvement of all the Commissioners in every aspect of GECOM’s work. We need to see that GECOM be transparent, accountable, and win the trust of our people.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

APNU/AFC Government tolerating ‘political terrorism ‘at Region 5 RDC

Dear Editor, The Ministry of Communities, with direct responsibility for Local Government, is failing to protect the constitutional rights of electors who voted at the last National and Regional Elections in May 2015.

The Minister of Communities, who is empowered constitutionally to ensure that conditions are conducive to enable elected officials to serve and repre-

sent the people, is also empowered to ensure that no public official (REO) is hindered from serving their constituents.

As such, the current impasse that exits at the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five should not have being tolerated by the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan.

The non-intervention by Minister Bulkhan to sanction Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison is de-

finitively because he is a member of the PNC/R, and would not be sanctioned until there is political direction from the leader of the PNC, David Granger. This was the conclusion arrived at based on President David Granger’s explanation on the 'Broomes fiasco' at the last press conference.

The practice of employing Regional Executive Officers in the Public Service is based on political affiliation and party loyalty. It has

contributed to undermining the effective functioning of a key level of regional governance, and as such, this APNU/AFC Government cannot survive.

The Regional Executive Officer, according to the Public Service Act, is the chief administrative officer of the region. He/she manages the day-to-day operations and provides advice to the Regional Chairman. continued on page 5

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

Times have changed for Guyana’s status in Caricom!

Dear Editor, As a young Guyanese, I have always heard of the callous and second class treatment of Guyanese in other Caricom countries; namely, Trinidad and Barbados, which are two of the four major architects of the Caricom Agreement with Guyana and Jamaica.

Guyanese have complained for years of the difficulty of travelling to these countries, and the greater difficulty of obtaining work agreements (contrary to the Caricom Single Market Agreement); and many other abuses, including severe ill-treatment and harassment in these territories.

Let us not forget the mass kicking out of Guyanese workers recently in Barbados and ill-treat-

ment of Guyanese entering Trinidad &Tobago, which the last administration tried to address unsuccessfully.

It should be noted that under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), one of the core tenets of the agreement is the free movement of skills/labour for Caricom nationals, and the ability to seek work and/or engage in gainful employment WITHOUT the need to obtain a work permit in the member state in which he/she wishes to work (https://foreign.gov.tt/ services/csme/).

This was hardly ever the case for Guyanese, a state which helped to craft the original agreement, and today houses the Caricom Headquarters. How that

can possibly happen for such an important member is beyond comprehension, and would require volumes of articles to detail.

Editor, I always felt it was my duty to represent my country in the best light, and one of the more positive themes I would hear from residents of other sister territories is that Guyanese are some of the hardest working people they have ever known.

While I agree that a few apples might have spoilt the lot, the contributions to Caricom from many Guyanese in terms of skilled labour and entrepreneurship have for many decades been magnanimous, but not appreciated still to this day.

Guyana’s best entrepre-

neurs, teachers, doctors, artisans, carpenters etc. fleeing oppression and bad governance for much of its post-colonial history at the hands of the PNC and PPP, contributed immensely to the development of these territories; yet, many today cannot claim they are Guyanese in those territories due to shame, or fearing they will be denigrated.

Editor, I must proclaim that today, with a sense of irony and prophesy, for which I predicted many years ago that there will come a time that nationals from those Caricom countries (especially those known for the ill-treatment of Guyanese) will swim to our shores, we are now seeing some semblance of that.

It has been reported re-

APNU/AFC Government...

from page 4

With competence, the REO carries out the instructions of the Regional Chairman, to the extent that the Regional Administration does not violate the applicable laws, rules or regulations.

The REO of Region Five is a known political hack who was planted by the APNU/ AFC coalition Government in Region Five to undermine the functioning of the RDC. The most recent violation committed by the REO was holding the illegal statutory meeting in the absence of the elected Regional Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and demanding that the RDC approve the illegal minutes of that meeting.

Under the Laws of Guyana, Local Democratic Organs Act, Chapter 28:09

section 23 (1), During any period when the chairman is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, those functions shall be assumed and performed by the vice-chairman.

In continuation of the Act, Chapter 28:09 section 23(2) states that if the vicechairman is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office of chairman, in accordance with section (1), the clerk shall call a meeting of the council to elect a councillor to perform those functions, and the councillor so elected shall assume and perform those functions until such time as the chairman, or vice-chairman as the case may be, is able to act.

In electing a councillor to perform those functions, the

Local Democratic Organs Act Chapter 28:09 must be observed, so it is stated in section 23(3) that section 20 shall, insofar as is applicable, apply to a meeting called under this section.

According to the act, the important aspect of section 19 and 20 is that the elected councillors must be invited with a published notice of time and place of intended meeting, and invitation must be served at least three days before the meeting.

Based on the constitution requirements, it is evident that the REO acted illegally in appointing a chairman for the RDC without adhering to the laws governing meeting in appointing a councillor to be chairman of the RDC. Minister Bulkhan is very

vocal when it comes to upholding constitutional laws and democracy, but he has refused to condemn this unconstitutional behaviour coming from REO Ovid Morrison.

The people of Region Five are pleading with President David Granger and the new Commissioner of Police to intervene and ensure elected officials are allowed to represent the people and discharge their duties toward their people in a favourable environment. This REO should be dismissed immediately for creating a situation of “political terrorism” at the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

cently that the majority of entrants into the country are citizens of Trinidad, arriving most likely due to oil bonanza currently being realised. I suspect many others will follow, especially as Guyana keeps racking up oil discoveries one after the other.

Guyana is predicted to surpass oil extraction by miles more than Trinidad and Tobago at the height of its oil extraction years.

Editor, we also, just today, saw former PM of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urging her current Government in the twin-island republic to pursue a partnership with neighbouring Guyana to refine its oil in order to avert the closure of the Petrotrin refinery (https://oilnow.gy/ news/former-tt-prime-minister-thinks-guyana-oilcan-save-petrotrin-refinery-from-closure/).

Who would have ever imagined that a high ranking member of Caricom government would ever see Guyana as a key strategic partner and economically. Oh, how the times have changed!!!

Where was the support for Guyana when her citizens were being mistreated and denigrated as second class citizens, for which many were rounded up out their beds and deported, belittled and ridiculed?

I suspect that as the oil economy matures and the opportunities present themselves (if our current crop of leaders do not massively screw it up) we will see more nationals from the sister territories arriving, and despite the histo-

ry of bad treatment, in my heart of hearts, I know fellow Guyanese will open the doors to other sister Caricom nationals (as we for our South American neighbours) and not treat them the same as was done to us.

I think we ought to be the bigger partner and do just that. We ran because we chose leaders who did not have our best interest at heart, and who were responsible for the bulk of our negative image and reputation.

While we may forgive, we will NEVER forget how many countless Guyanese were belittled, chased, and persecuted in tough times when they needed a friend.

I will continue to believe that my fellow countrymen and women are some of the best citizens in the world, with the biggest hearts, especially for those in need; as it reminds us so personally of our own struggles and experiences that still continue to this day, but hopefully will get better, if only for a short time.

Editor, while I believe that the topic of our membership in Caricom should be explored, I will leave that debate for some astute expert and thinker.

However, I suspect that if Guyana were to ever elect a leader like Donald Trump, the idea of removing ourselves from that agreement would not be farfetched, as I believe that Guyana has not really been a beneficiary member of Caricom, and the opposite may in fact be true.

Humbly, Tony Persaud

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Foundation …pairing older primary students with younger ones for community reading time has benefits for both groups

By Ryan Wheeler

E

ach school year brings a new beginning, and for those families whose young children will wave from classroom doorways for the first time this week, that transition can prompt a myriad of emotions.

To help make the transition from home to school easier, we spoke to education experts about navigating the first day of school with ease. There are some of their tips: Ensure they eat breakfast Make sure your child eat a healthy breakfast (they’re more alert and do better in school if they eat a good breakfast every day) Look for signs of anxiety Getting the routine down ahead of time should help limit anxiety, but if your child is expressing fears and concerns, books can help, as well as explaining what to expect at school.

“I think what’s really helpful is the parent says, ‘You’re in a safe environment,’ we assure them they’re going to see them at the end of the day,” Newfield Elementary School Principal Vicky Volpicelli said.

“Tell them they’re OK, they’re safe. You’ll see 99.9 per cent of the kids are fine as soon as Mom and Dad are out of the picture.”

In those situations, Volpicelli or a teacher will

P

typically call the parents later in the day, letting them know all is well.

She also suggests looking out for less obvious signs of anxiety, like irregular aches and pains. The classic case is a stomachache children experience during the week but not on the weekends, she said.

“Sometimes they don’t even know it,” she said. “That’s their body’s way of saying, ‘I’ve got some anxiety here.’”

Keep your own anxiety in check Several parents have revealed they believe the first day of school is more difficult on the parents than the children.

“It’s hard to see their baby growing up and going to school,” one expert said.

As much as you might prepare, that transition can be hard. Just beware how much of that anxiety your child sees.

They’ll be less likely to feel anxious if you appear calm and confident.

“It’s sad to see them go off, but just try to keep that under wraps,” Volpicelli said, adding it’s more often parents she sees crying on the first day than children.

“The kids are like, ‘Yeah, see you, Mom!’”

Make the drop-off quick When you enter the classroom on the first day, calmly reintroduce the teacher to your child, then step back to allow the teacher to begin forming a relationship with your child. Your endorsement of the teacher will show your child that he or she will be happy and safe in the teacher’s care.

If your child clings to you or refuses to participate in the class, don’t get upset — this may only upset your child more.

Always say a loving goodbye to your child, but once you do, leave promptly. Don’t sneak out. As tempting as it may be, leaving without saying goodbye can make kids feel abandoned.

A long farewell, on the other hand, might only reinforce a child’s sense that school is a bad place.

Like ripping off a bandage, the quicker you can leave your child’s school the easier that transition will be.

The key is not to linger.

“There are always plenty of school staff to help your child feel comfortable,” another expert said. “Even if they’re upset, it almost always only lasts a few moments and then they begin to play with their new friends.”

Check your child’s backpack Now that they’ve started school, perhaps the simplest way to stay up-to-date with

your child’s education is to check their backpack every night.

Talk about their day with open-ended questions Yes, the response to the age-old “What did you do today?” could be “Nothing.” Or it could be a short statement about recess or lunch.

But it’s important to have those conversations, because it shows your child you think school is important.

Make it part of your daily routine when your child comes home from school. Sit down together, look through their take-home folder and talk about their day.

“This helps your child know that you value school and education,” one expert said.

To get more out of the conversation, Volpicelli suggests sticking to just a few open-ended questions, like asking your child to tell you about their favourite part of the day and their least favourite part.

Ensure your child has lunch As obvious a detail as this may seem, it’s a truth one expert has witnessed teaching kindergartners: “Sending a five-year-old with cash does not always go the way you would like.”

Pack that backpack. (Adapted

from pressconnects.com and kidshealth.org)

eer mentoring is a powerful, underused tool in schools.

One study suggests that partnering with higher achieving peers can have a positive influence on a student’s learning, and students who are older, more capable readers can be these peers for young students. With this in mind, I have used a practice called Reading Buddies in primary schools to great effect.

Reading Buddies is a concept that pairs different gradelevel classrooms for community reading time—an upper-grade classroom connects with a lower-grade one, and students partner for time with books.

Establishing a reading buddies programme

The structure is simple: Pair upper-grade classes with lowergrade ones It’s best to have students work in pairs, but groups of three are fine as well. Set aside at least one 30-minute session per month for the students to read together.

Gather the students in a classroom, the library, the cafeteria, or even outside on a sunny afternoon. Let the younger students pick the books at first so they get hooked with an interesting read. Later you can have the older students share some of their favourites. As the year progresses and the skills of the younger readers increase, you can have the students take turns reading to each other, giving everyone a chance to show off.

The benefits are profound. Reading Buddies allows younger readers to see what being fluent looks like as they have a peer model demonstrating reading skills; they can also acquire a positive role model with some intentional pairing. The older students develop social and emotional skills like patience and empathy as they work with their littler buddies.

Additionally, for upper primary students who are struggling with grade-level reading, the opportunity to access easier reading material without stigma or shame while sharing with a novice reader can create a positive experience with an activity that may otherwise be less than enjoyable. And the roots of the school community deepen as classes work and share together.

Social and emotional benefits

You might be worried about the reading level or the behaviour of the older students, for good reason. But this opportunity could be just what they need: When students are given the freedom to be better, to work for something bigger than themselves, and to mentor others, they can thrive. Those who are not reading on grade level will have a chance to practice with picture books that they wouldn’t otherwise pick up and to increase their confidence as they read to a mesmerised kindergartner.

I’ve seen this success for students with behavioural difficulties. Let me tell you about a student I’ll call Marcus, a fifth grader with attention issues who read at a first-grade level and was often in trouble, but who had an amazing heart. His teacher, who was justifiably worried about his progress, partnered with a kindergarten class for Reading Buddies. Marcus was paired with Tony, a little guy with his own set of difficulties, such as defiance, use of profanity, and physical aggression.

They got on fine, but the relationship didn’t blossom until after a few sessions. While walking to meet the kindergarten class, Marcus saw Tony talking to his teacher outside the classroom and being less than respectful. When Tony belatedly made it to Reading Buddies, Marcus put his arm around him and began to mentor him. Marcus gave him the old “Don’t be like me, kid” speech. Tony looked at Marcus with an expression of embarrassment and respect for someone who had had similar difficulties through the years.

Over time, the teachers worked out an intervention where Marcus could go spend time with Tony outside of Reading Buddies both as a reward and as an intervention when Tony’s day started getting hard. As part of a token reward system, Tony could request that Marcus join him for lunch or recess.

For the intervention, Marcus would sometimes come down to the kindergarten classroom to give Tony a pep talk. This was a positive relationship for both students as Tony had a role model and Marcus had someone to mentor, which helped him grow.

This programme of cooperative learning is a great way to build community in the school and to promote reading, which are goals for nearly every school. Both sets of students get excited about Reading Buddies time because it’s a chance to get out of class, have fun, and make a friend.

With thoughtfulness, the relationships can extend beyond just one school year and carry over beyond reading books.

Powerful moments of connection can happen, and social and emotional lessons are inevitable. These are some wonderful outcomes, all from just sharing a book. (Excerpt from edutopia.org)

Daily reading tip Let kids choose what they want to read, and don’t turn your nose up at popular fiction.

It will only discourage the reading habit.

7 Father of 1 killed by intoxicated Police Constable M news

MONdAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

otorcycle driver Akemo Anthony Bristol of Lot 338 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was struck down on Mandela Avenue on Saturday at about 23:40h, reportedly by an intoxicated Police Constable driving a silver grey minibus belonging to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) in an unconscious state, the 23-year-old father of one suc-

ceeding along Mandela Avenue when the collision occurred. The impact reportedly flung Bristol into a nearby gutter while his motorcycle ended up under the minibus. Extracted from the gutter with visible injuries about his body, he was rushed to the GPHC, where he subsequently died.

At Bristol’s home on Sunday morning, his mother, Sharon Mitchell, told Guyana Times that she rushed to the

Dead: Akeem Anthony Bristol

The Police vehicle involved in the accident

cumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

Based on information received, the Police Constable and Bristol were both pro-

scene after being informed of the accident. There, she saw only his mangled bike lying on the parapet, but she was told the young man had been

taken to the GPHC. At the GPHC, she recalled, she saw a Police rank with blood on his skin, but she was unaware that it was he who had been involved in the accident.

“I went to the hospital and I saw this Indian guy with blood on his skin, and I ask him if he was the person that bring in my son, and somebody turned to me and said that he was the one that knock him too,” the distraught mother related.

She detailed that on her

No ‘power-sharing’ agreement on the table – Granger – recommits to inclusionary democracy

President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during one of their meetings

P

resident David Granger has declared that Government has not placed on the table any formal proposal for a power-sharing agreement with the parliamentary Opposition, but he reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusionary democracy.

The Head of State told a media conference last Friday that the issue of power-sharing has not been placed on the agenda for a series of planned talks with the Opposition Leader during this month, since there has never been any such proposal.

“As far as power sharing is concerned, structurally, it is too late to embark on a reconfiguration of the Cabinet, so what we have is… Soon after we got into office, there was a proposal that we should meet to discuss [what] I would call inclusionary democracy, but there is no proposal on the table for

power sharing – whatever that means,” he asserted.

Nevertheless, the President said, he is committed to having an inclusionary democracy, and will continue to engagement the Opposition.

“I will continue to engage the Leader of the Opposition to ensure that important elements in society and the economy are discussed, and we share ideas. Perhaps it’s better to say it’s an idea-sharing proposal, rather than a power-sharing proposal. But we have no problem with engaging the Opposition.

All of my meetings with the Opposition Leader have been quiet cordial, and I expect that once we re-engage [this] month, things will go much more quickly and much more smoothly,” Granger stressed.

The Opposition had initially rejected Government’s proposal to engagement on a number of issues after Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had been selected to lead

those talks. The PPP contended that Nagamootoo is a light-weight and has no serious portfolio to make commitments on behalf of the coalition Government.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had, in July, explained, “[The impression out there is that] we are unwilling to engage because we don’t like Nagamootoo…

[But] that’s absolutely not true; it is not the individual, but his ability to make commitments that we cannot accept.

“I pointed out to President [Jimmy] Carter that the AFC [Alliance for Change] can’t even secure a meeting with APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] to discuss the Cummingsburg Accord.

Secondly, Nagamootoo has no substantive or serious portfolio…and that is the reason why (we refused to meet).”

As a result of this, during a subsequent meeting that month, the Head of State assured the Opposition Leader that, going forward, he would be leading these talks himself. This meeting occurred after Head of the Carter Center, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, had reached out to the two Guyanese leaders earlier in July in an effort to get the two sides to hold discussions on critical issues of national importance.

Since that July meeting, President Granger and Jagdeo have met again last Thursday, and are expected to have a series of meetings throughout this month.

way into the hospital, she was told by a woman that her son had already passed away, but she did not believe this.

The tearful mother continued her explanation, “I didn’t believe, so I went to see if I could see the doctor, and I had to wait… Then she came, and there were two nurses cleaning up, and she told me that let them clean up first, because she didn’t want me to see the amount of blood that was around him…

“When I was eventually allowed to go in, I saw my son lying there lifeless. I rubbing he head, I try opening he eyes, calling he name; no answer…,” the woman related.

The woman revealed that she further broke down when she saw the driver who was responsible for her son’s demise.

“When I see the bus, I start to lash it up…then when I check, I saw blood oozing out from the back of the bus where they had he lying (down),” she revealed.

The late Akemo’s father, Percy Bristol, detailed that the Police rank involved in the accident had attempted to flee the scene. “Some people came and had to stop the vehicle, because the driver was trying to go away;

The mangled bike after the accident

and like the driver was saying that it’s just two beers he had, as if that was supposed to justify what he did.

He was driving so fast that he didn’t even see my son; because there was no skidding, so he didn’t even pull brakes!” the man explained.

The demise of the late Akemo Anthony Bristol has been described as a big blow to his family. He was described as having been a very humble person, whose humility had “separated him from the rest”. He leaves to mourn his son, parents,

three siblings, and many relatives and friends.

The implicated Constable has since been taken into Police custody, where he is said to be assisting with investigations. Guyana Times understands that this Police rank has failed the breathalyser test administered to him. In addition, it has been reported that the minibus was speeding at time of the accident.

It is not clear whether Bristol had been wearing a helmet at time of the accident. (Kizzy Coleman)

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mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Students benefit from Linden Fund USA's ‘back to school’ initiative

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everal students attached to the Linden Foundation Secondary School have benefited from a ‘back to school’ initiative organised by the non-profit organisation Linden Fund USA, in collaboration with Maureen Davidson.

Twenty-five students have received free backpacks and school supplies as the new school year commences today. Speaking at the distribution drive, which was held at the Linden Foundation Secondary School, Office Manager of the Linden Fund USA's local affiliate, LFU Guyana Inc, Cheryl Waite, said the items are to assist students in the preparation for effective and efficient functioning in their classrooms. She urged them to make good use of the opportunity.

Waite also reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to revitalising communities in Linden, especially in the education and health sectors.

Speaking on behalf of Maureen Davidson was Leroy James, who charged the students to make the best of their school days.

"School time is also a time when you are to make the most of the opportunities that are afforded. We should glean as much as we can, so that we can secure for ourselves a brighter future. The students here, I am sure that you can look around and see things in your home circle that you wish you could improve. Well, please understand that your being at school is

Old wine…

W Some of the recipients of the back-to-school drive in Linden

one of the first step towards improving that", he posited.

The school’s Home Economics Department also received donations of much need items, including a blender and crockery and cutlery, among other items.

In 2017, Davidson, wife of The Right Reverend Charles A. Davidson, Diocesan Bishop of Guyana, Suriname and Cayenne, undertook a new outreach initiative to provide school supplies to needy students in the Greater Georgetown area.

Realizing her vision to assist students in the Kingston area, the outreach was expanded to Linden schools in the form of a joint project with the US-based non-profit Linden Fund USA and its local

affiliate, LFU Guyana Inc. On August 30, students of the Kingston Practical Instruction Centre were also presented backpacks and school supplies for the second year in a row, while students of St. George's Secondary School will receive school supplies for the first time.

In addition to LFU support, this project was made possible by funding from local donors, including the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Republic Bank, the Ministry of the Presidency, Anita Rambaran, Dr Barton Scotland, Shonel Benjamin and Rohni Charanram from Payless Variety Store, Beepats, National Hardware, and a local doctor.

…in new (loan) decanters hat Barnum said about “a sucker is born every minute” also applies to countries – and they both originate greed. But that shouldn’t surprise us any, should it? China just invited practically every country in Africa to its 2018 Summit of the “Forum on China-Africa Cooperation” (FOCAC) to once again promote its Belt and Road Initiative in Africa.

At the last FOCAC summit, in 2015 in South Africa, a reported US$60 billion of Chinese loans were thrown around… with nary a concern about ‘debt burdens’ expresse! At the one in Beijing that starts today, expect even more offers that the throng of African leaders won’t be able to refuse!! China, after all, even with the billions it’s been doling out, has kept its foreign reserves firmly about the US$3 TRILLION mark!!

That’s US$3,000,000,000,000, baby!!!

Britain has been routinely warning its officials and bankers, etc to beware of Chinese “honey traps” -- not only when they’re travelling to China, but even in Britain. “Honey traps”, for you dear readers who’ve been leading cloistered lives, are run by femme fatales (of whatever gender!) who use sex to entice influential officials into compromising circumstances, and then blackmailing them. With the amount of money at their finger-tips, the Chinese won’t even need honey traps over the next few days at FOCAC!!

The US, as the present lone superpower left standing, is, not surprisingly, a tad concerned about all this “money diplomacy” by the Chinese. They’re in no position to go toe-to-toe with the Chinese to win friends and influence countries in Africa with money, even if they wanted to. On the BRI, Trump’s tariffs are one attempt to cut China’s economic clout down to size. But the strategy has its own blowback mechanism: as the US market tightens, China has even more incentives to fund the BRI to ship its manufactured goods elsewhere.

Like England when it abolished slavery, China’s now the free trade champion, and it’s gonna give those African leaders – ads Guyana’s -- the full court press loans to open up markets!! But this doesn’t mean the US wouldn’t – or shouldn’t – try to stop the Chinese juggernaut. Competition’s always good!!

The case of Kenya is illustrative. Kenya’s strategically located in East Africa, and back in 2014, the Chinese extended a US$3.2 billion loan to Kenya to construct a railway connecting its inland capital, Nairobi, to its port of Mombassa. Problem is, apart from accusations of inflated costs by the Chinese company executing the contract, there’s no way in heck enough revenues will be generated to service the loan.

The Kenyan leader was asked to make a pit stop in Washington to see Trump before doubling back to China.

Quo vadis? …in new delivery system With all that’s going on (or going down) in Venezuela, and its refugees that are threatening to overwhelm all its neighbours – including us – no one took much notice of the latest assassination attempt on Maduro.

But it was significant in that it’s the first assassination attempt on a head of state using a drone. And we know how, in these matters, copycats enter the picture!!

Remember how, only recently, street elements in Georgetown used to just “choke and rob”. That’s now passé, with “armed robbery” taking over. Nowadays, drones have become ubiquitous, even in backwater countries like Guyana, with its clapboard houses!!

We’re told that even one of our dailies regularly deploys them to get some overhead shots. Your Eyewitness fears it won’t be long before some smart aleck criminal decides to take out rivals with C-4 strapped to a drone.

Like happened with Maduro.

It appears his security had drone-jamming technology…Our new security chief better get with the programme!!

Quick!! …in new locale The oil servicing giant Schlumberger just bought out the GAFSON’s Complex to take care of Exxon’s needs to start pumping oil from 2020 onwards.

The move shouldn’t be too traumatic for them. After all, they’re from HOUSTON, Texas to HOUSTON Guyana.

Can’t be much different, right?

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

News

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mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Agreement on IsDB US$20M loan not signed – GPL CEO says local procurement process has begun

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hile the Guyana Power and Light Company Incorporated (GPL) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are yet to sign a formal agreement to secure the approval for a US$20 million loan to begin a planned upgrade project, Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Albert Gordon said the procurement process has started.

Gordon reminded that this loan is one of several that will help to start a series of upgrades at various GPL locations that would ultimately reduce power outages.

“The formal agreement has not been signed but there are some primary indications that we are on track and we have permission to start the procurement process which was done,” Gordon told Guyana Times.

“We expect to proceed as scheduled. But that will address some of the transmission and distribution issue at the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS),” he said, while explaining that it will complement the US$5 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Gordon further stated that the commissioning of another 5.5 megawatt of electricity generator at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, is expected to be completed next month. He said GPL is also looking to implement additional capacity at Bartica.

“Because we have been operating over the years with very slim margins and so once something goes down due to the lack of redundancy customer feels it,” he noted, explaining that these loans will help to improve the current system.

The loan is expected to fund the shortfall to satisfy the targets of the power utility’s upgrade pro-

GPL CEO, Albert Gordon

gramme of GPL, namely reduction of overall electricity losses and improvement in the safety and reliability of the system.

Divided into six components, the works include upgrades to a number of lines that the company believes contributes to the number of blackouts experienced by its customers.

Those works include: rehabilitation of 153km of medium and low voltage distribution network, including the upgrade of the associated metering infrastructure; construction of new and upgraded substations at Kingston and Vreed-enHoop respectively, including associated feeder and transformer reconfiguration; consultancy services for the supervision of the works; project management support and start up workshop; financial audits, and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study.

GPL said the first five components would be financed by the IsDB. In component one, it said the works will include mainly the installation of new poles transformers, conductors (anti-theft conductors included), installation of distribution boxes and change out of old meter and infra-

structure with new smart meters and infrastructure.

In component two, it said the works will include the engineering, the procurement and construction (EPC) of mainly: new 13.8kV metal clad switchgear, new 69kv GIS and AIS bays, new 80MVA and 25MVA 13.8/69kV transformers, and the reconfiguration of circuits and hardware associated with the two substations.

Meanwhile, in component three, the consultancy services will comprise the site supervision services for the works related to component one and the engineering services and site supervision for works related to component two.

The fourth component

would involve mainly the procurement of two vehicles, the procurement of two specialised engineers and two technicians to reinforce the existing project management team and the organisation of the project startup workshop in Georgetown.

The fifth component would ensure that financial obligations are met according to project specifications.

This would see the external financial audit of the project, during the development of the infrastructures, being undertaken.

The auditor will audit the financial situation of the project and verify that all payments are made to the concerned beneficiaries for the components and packages under IsDB financing.

In an effort to end the constant blackouts and bring some level of efficiency to local electricity services, Gordon had said GPL needed US$110 million to assist with a strategic plan to overhaul the entire operation, as well as upgrade and reconfigure the supply system to produce better electricity.

The GPL CEO said once secured, the US$110 million is to be used to reroute and correct the current system, where distribution lines that take power to buildings are connected directly to the company’s generator.

Gordon made this statement in April when he was first introduced to the media, following his appointment to the post. He said

his first priority was to keep the lights on, but noted that all depended on the investment to make the necessary changes that were required to bring some normalcy to the system.

He said, “There is a lot of immediate action that is needed to address the problems… Aside from that, about 50 megawatts of the generating capacity, which is just over 130 megawatts is very old and in need of replacement. So, they fail very regularly. We need to change that and many other things we have to do.”

Government has promised to facilitate the process of securing the loans and said it would also play its part to ensure that the system is upgraded.

Artificial Intelligence and algorithms

IDB report urges using AI to boost productive sectors – can lower electricity consumption; increase global competitiveness

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

A

study emanating from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) indicates that improving Gross Domestic Production (GDP) in Caribbean countries may be given a timely boost through

incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in the various sectors.

The report, which was prepared by the IDB’s Institute for the Integration of Latin America and the Caribbean (INTAL), received input from dozens of experts in artificial intelligence. It predicts that with the use of AI, the GDP of countries in the region can be significantly boosted and countries made more competitive on the world stage.

According to the report, this increase primarily comes from improvements in productivity; that is better and more strategic work plans for workers.

“Artificial intelligence is much more than a new tech-

nological fad,” Director of INTAL, Gustavo Beliz stated in an IDB release. “It is a unique hybrid of work and capital. It is an entirely new productive force, capable of teaching itself. These new

technologies need to be inserted into our productive processes and in our exports.

Failure to do so means falling behind more developed economies.” continued on page 11

AI, the innovation needed to boost productive sectors

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mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Marijuana possession

Proposed removal of custodial sentence sparks debate

– MP notes need for drug rehabilitation support services – Rights of the Child Commissioner urges clarity on lawful quantity

President David Granger

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he President’s recent announcement that custodial sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana would be removed from the statute books is being greeted with various reactions by some stakeholders.

While they agree the measure is good in principle, questions are being raised in regard to the execution of this plan.

In an interview with this publication, the Opposition point woman on health, Parliamentarian Dr Vindhya Persaud, expressed the belief that while removing custodial sentences is a step in the

right direction, support services such as drug rehabilitation and treatment centres are wholly lacking.

“I don’t support the use of marijuana whatsoever, and even though countries have legalised marijuana, there is so much debate in the process about the properties of marijuana. But instead of persons being sentenced to (jail), they can have rehabilitation,” Persaud, also a medical doctor, posited.

“This is the problem.

There are Acts that have been put into place and the infrastructure to actually make them work is not in place. If we go this way, while it is something that can be beneficial, the regulatory infrastructure and the services to implement it (are lacking),” Persaud said.

Former Vice President of the Guyana Rastafari Council and Rights of the Child Commissioner, Nicole Cole, welcomed the proposed initiative, but expressed concern that the term “small amounts” is yet to be quantified.

“I welcome the positive promise to remove custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana,” she said, going on to note that “the President is still to commit to the quantity that

Pressure

Opposition MP, Dr Vindhya Persaud

constitutes ‘small amounts’.”

Cole questioned whether Government’s definition of small would amount to 15 grammes, 25 grammes, 56 grammes or 3 ounces. She stressed that such a law must be as unambiguous as possible.

Cole also noted that, for too long, members of the Rastafari community have been denied their rights when it comes to personal use of marijuana on religious grounds. This, she pointed out, is despite the fact that the right to religion is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana.

Amidst pressure to decriminalise possession of small quantities of marijuana, President David Granger assured on Friday, during a press conference, that Government would soon present the legislation for non-custodial sentences.

“We have taken a decision in principle that custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use would be legally abolished. After the National Assembly comes off of recess, we could look forward to that legislation being passed,” the Head of State told reporters.

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

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

In fact, AFC parliamentarian Michael Carrington had filed a motion seeking to soften penalties for mari-

Rights of the Child Commissioner Nicole Cole

juana possession. The draft bill had stipulated that persons who are found in possession of the drug for personal use would be required to pay a fine of $10,000, or perform community service for a period of time.

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

The issue of non-custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana gained momentum back in March

2016 when inmates at the Georgetown Prisons started a fire which eventually killed 17 prisoners, while several others along with prison staff were injured.

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

Recently, a Caribbean Community (Caricom) Commission on Marijuana has made recommendation for the decriminalisation of marijuana across member states, saying that the substance can be controlled and regulated as in the case of alcohol.

This recommendation was placed before the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, which was held in Jamaica in July.

During the conference, it was recognised that member states would need to review the report in more detail to determine action at the national level in relation to law reform models, as proposed by the Commission.

11 Members of new GuySuCo Board must be sugar savvy– Granger T News

mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

he search continues to identify persons who would comprise a new Board of Directors for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and President David Granger has said he wants the new members to be experts, so they could effectively lead the now downsized industry into profitability.

“We are selecting a Board of Directors; the members of which would be more knowledgeable in sugar production. There has been a tendency or temptation in the past to put persons who might be socially prominent, but this is a business; this is an international industry; we have to compete with other efficient sugar producers in Mauritius, India, and other places around the world, and we need to have a serious Board and a serious CEO (Chief Executive Officer),” the Head of State said at a press conference on Friday – his first for

President David Granger

2018 and third since coming into office in 2015.

Last month, Government announced the appointment of Dr Harold Davis Jr as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo; and at the same time, it was highlighted that the long-awaited GuySuCo Board will be installed the following week, but this was never done.

Nevertheless, the coa-

lition Administration has faced considerable flak from various stakeholders for its indecisiveness in setting up the new Board, and also with the operation of GuySuCo in general.

Last year, Government announced plans to minimise the local sugar industry and divest the Corporation’s assets. To this end, a Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which falls under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), was set up to oversee the divestment plans by way of either selling off or restarting factories with minimal staff to attract investors – both domestic and foreign.

The SPU is currently managing the now closed Skeldon, East Demerara (Enmore), Rose Hall and Wales estates. However, there have been reports of an apparent tug-a-war within the coalition of recent over the sugar industry, parts of which are now under the

control of the SPU for the divestment process. In fact, reports had surfaced about disagreements allegedly between Ministers from the two coalition parties regarding the chairmanship and members of the GuySuCo Board. The last Board expired back in February.

However in March, NICIL’s SPU had published a new Board, naming Colvin Heath-London, SPU’s Head, the Chairman while the other members include: Fritz McLean, Komal Singh, Verna Adrian, Vishnu Panday, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Arianne McLean, Roshan Khan (Jr) and George Jervis, with two other names to added to the 11-member body. The ad had detailed that the new Board was approved by Cabinet on

A

The cannabis that was found concealed in the grease container

the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today. He was charged

with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

IDB report urges using...

from page 9

According to the report, complex trade negotiations and government investments can be improved through the use of algorithms that analyse the data relating to tariffs, rules of origin and sanitary regulations.

When it comes to navigating the finance and capital markets, algorithms can be as much as 95 per cent more effective in predicting investor risk. And it doesn’t stop there, as the report states that using smart networks can better match supply with demand.

When it comes to health, the report found that diagnosing illness with image recognition has a 96 per cent accuracy rate and as such, could boost health services.

And the ability to personalise education plans using AI, the report states, can reduce the cost of remedial work for slow learners.

At the same time, the re-

port warns that AI can also bring political and ethical challenges, foremost among which is the risk of job losses. It notes that countries with lower GDP per capita and more inequality are at a greater risk of this.

Production in Guyana

In Guyana, various sectors have taken a beating over the past few years as production numbers have dropped. Despite the economy growing by 4.5 per cent in the first half of 2018, traditional sectors like sugar and rice, contracted by 30.6 and 3.8 per cent respectively. This was revealed in the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report 2018, When he addressed the National Assembly about the country’s economic performance, Finance Minister Winston Jordan admitted that the gold sector also suffered a decline of 9.1 per

cent. This is equivalent to a decrease of 288,114 ounces in gold declaration. The report also revealed that this represented a 19.4 per cent shortfall.

The Minister in his report also noted that there are a number of downside economic and fiscal risks to the economy, both domestic and external, which can frustrate the achievement of the various revised targets.

In relation to sugar production, the report stated that this continued to be impacted negatively by a sub-optimal mix of factors, which also include deficient cash flow alignment and the undue absence of a Board to oversee the management of the remaining sugar estates.

Already, struggles in lowering production costs for the sugar industry has seen sugar from other countries take precedence over locally produced sugar.

GuySuCo and its remaining estates; that is, Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about Government’s vision for the industry and the genuineness of its actions thus far, since that very $30 billion could have gone into restructuring the industry while keeping all of the estates open and GuySuCo’s workforce employed and engaged.

But the Private Placement Memorandum for GuySuCo’s $30 billion bond has received much criticism from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who said that he was shocked by the contents of the agreement, which now leaves more questions than answers.

Demerara, dropped his wife off at Vlissingen Road and remained parked on the road in his Suzuki Escudo with the windows up as she entered the yard. Whilst there, he noticed the suspects at the western side of his motor vehicle on pedal cycles.

One of them had a black gun pointing in his direction and without hesitation; he reached for his licensed firearm and discharged

three rounds in their direction. As a result, his driver’s side window shattered.

However, the man who was carrying the suspected toy gun, dropped the bicycle he was riding and the toy gun, as he joined one of his accomplices in making good their escape. The suspects’ toy gun and bicycle were confiscated by the Police as evidence.

Investigations are continuing.

‘Toy gun’ bandits escape after victim opens fire

Man busted with ganja T in grease container

North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, man was on Sunday morning busted with a large quantity of marijuana in a grease container at Issano, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The 32-year-old man arrived at the location in a boat from Bartica.

Based on reports received, the suspect was seen acting in a suspicious manner and as such, he was taken to the Issano Police Station where a search was conducted on his person. During the search, a total of 1625 grams of cannabis was unearthed in a five-gallon plastic container that he had in his possession.

The illegal drug was found in three well-taped parcels. He was taken into custody and is expected to be escorted to

February 26, 2018.

But Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said the same day that there were some issues with regards to the timing of the publication and that Cabinet was reviewing the matter. Since then, “consultations and considerations” of the new GuySuCo Board has being “ongoing”.

In the meantime, HeathLondon has confirmed that over the next few months, special emphasis would be placed on transforming GuySuCo’s economic misfortune into a situation wherein a fully self-sufficient, viable and competitive enterprise operates. In order to do this, the NICIL sub-body has secured $30 billion, being sought in the form of a syndicated bond, to support

hree men, who were armed with a suspected ‘toy gun’ attempted to rob a mechanic in the wee hours of Sunday morning but got the scare of their lives after the victim whipped out his licensed firearm and discharged three rounds in their direction.

Based on reports received, at about 02:00h, the 50-year-old mechanic of Belle Vue, West Bank

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mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo accuses GECOM of encouraging gerrymandering

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has been accused of encouraging gerrymandering of boundaries to favour A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who described these acts as partisan, said attempts were made by the People’s Progressive Partynominated GECOM Commissioners to question these actions.

He said the attempts were shut down and the Commissioners were not given a hearing.

Jagdeo pointed out that changing the number of Local Authority Areas (LAAs) is the privilege of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, but it is the role of GECOM to constitute new LAAs where they are created, and reconstitute existing ones where they have been changed.

He stressed that in seeking to undertake such, it must be done fairly and in consultation with political stakeholders.

This, according to him, has not been the case.

Jagdeo pointed to a few examples, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supernaam),

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) and in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Jagdeo explained that in the Evergreen/ Paradise LAA (Region 2), Constituencies Eight and Nine were merged and have a total of 692 voters; but Constituencies Five and Six, with 503 voters, were not merged. He noted that the PPP won in Constituencies Eight and Nine and APNU+AFC won in Constituencies Five and Six. Meanwhile, in the Malgre Tout/ Meer Zorgen LAA (Region 3), Constituencies Five and Six were merged and have a total of 1, 0714 voters;

but Constituencies One and Two, with 829 voters, were not merged. Again, the PPP won in Constituencies Four and Six and the APNU+AFC won in Constituencies One and Two. Further, in the Woodland/Farm LAA (Region 6), Constituencies One and Two were merged and have a total of 990 voters; but Constituencies Eight and Nine, with 851 voters, were not merged.

The PPP also won in Constituencies One and Two, and the APNU+AFC won in Constituencies Eight and Nine.

Jagdeo explained that by merging the Constituencies where the PPP won, GECOM is reducing the

number of seats won by the PPP in that particular LAA. He said by not merging the Constituencies where the APNU+AFC won, where there are less voters, GECOM is providing for an increase in the number of possible seats APNU and AFC could win, based on the results at the 2016 Local Government Elections.

“This is the fairness we are getting from GECOM,” the PPP General Secretary complained. He said that in light of these issues, the PPP will be filing a court action to challenge the actions taken by GECOM, but the party will contest the 2018 Local Government Elections set for November 12.

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

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

One of the coalition’s Members of Parliament (MP), Richard Allen, was recently accused of forming a Community Development Council (CDC) within a tilted Amerindian community

in Four Miles, Region One (Barima-Waini).

PPP Region One representative Collin Croal has said this issue highlights the “bullyism tactic” that continues to be practised by APNU/AFC operatives. He said it must be stopped from continuing. At the same time, the MP called on the Indigenous Affairs Ministry to play a more hands-on role in addressing these issues.

The Party has posited that “Government is clearly unconcerned about the post-election consequences to these communities, and are focused on their overriding objective to ensure they aren’t slaughtered in the 2018 LGE as they were in the 2016 LGE.” PPP Executive Secretary

Zulficar Mustapha said recently also said it might be an attempt to interfere with the electoral process, but the PPP is ready to do battle.

He said the PPP is very prepared for the upcoming elections, and he is convinced that the Party will again have a strong showing at the local polls, as it had in the 2016 elections.

The Party is hoping that the matters being raised would be addressed soon by GECOM. The PPP captured more than 60 per cent of the local democratic organs at the last LGE. It won seven of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils at that very last election.

GECOM Headquarters, Kingston, Georgetown

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News

mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

C Division Traffic Officer urges commuters to be ‘extra careful’ …as school reopens today

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he Officer in charge of Traffic in C Division, East Coast Demerara, has made a call for commuters to be extra careful while using the roadways there, due to the ongoing expansion works.

The Officer – Assistant Superintendent Morris Fraser -- told Guyana Times during an interview on Saturday, “I’m appealing to the road users, especially the drivers, to be extremely cautious while using the East Coast public road, which is presently

under construction between Annandale (and) Better Hope”.

According to Fraser, since the expansion works started, the number of road accidents has in fact decreased, since drivers are now forced to lessen their usual speed, and there is increased police presence there.

Fraser said, “The construction causes vehicles to slow down at most of the area where construction is going on; so, based on that, there is a reduction

of speeding, which leads up to the decrease in road accidents in that particular area”.

He also said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would, in the next two weeks, commence lectures in the various schools in an effort to create more road safety awareness with the objective of eventually promoting safer environs for everyone.

Officer Fraser said, “What you would find is that, during this period, you will have children who are now going to be attend-

Malaysians in Guyana celebrate 61 years of independence

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The small Malaysian community in Guyana at the celebrations on Friday evening

n Friday last, members of the small Malaysian community here in Guyana came together to celebrate Merdeka Day at the Sarawak Restaurant in Queenstown, Georgetown.

Malaysians, their family and friends, enjoyed an evening of fun, food, and festivities, wining and dining on Malaysian favourites.

The event was the brainchild of Malaysian Elaine Bong, owner of the Sarawak Restaurant. Knowing of Malaysians working both in the interior regions of Guyana and some in the capital, Georgetown, she reached out to a fellow Malaysian, long-term resident in Guyana, Kala Seegopaul, and the idea

was brought to life. A committee was set up among a few of the Malaysians in the Georgetown area and tasks were delegated accordingly.

Bong had remarked that the main objective of the event was to bring all the Malaysians here together and establish a network, seeing as they were all so far from home.

The 40-odd crowd of Malaysians and their families and friends who participated was treated to a special lion dance performance, before the national anthem was sung and the feasting commenced. After dinner, anecdotes on adjusting to life in Guyana were exchanged in the cozy restaurant over desserts

and drinks.

Seegopaul who has lived in Guyana for the past 40 years said being so far away from home was no easy feat and was delighted to know there were so many Malaysians residing here.

Dr Sasha Gomez, a Malaysian working with the Health Ministry, hopes the event would be the beginning of more frequent gatherings of the Malaysian community in Guyana.

Though small in number, Malaysians residing in Guyana are involved in various sectors such as healthcare, private business owners, the services sector, working with timber and gold mining companies, and in the oil and gas field among others.

Trinidad looking to... from page 3

The meeting’s minutes will show the Prime Minister indicated in no uncertain terms to Roget that Petrotrin will be getting out of the refining business. As to why (Roget) didn’t communicate that (to OWTU) at that point in time, that’s his call; not mine.”

On termination benefits for workers, Khan said, “All the costs are being worked out as we speak. A lot of

milling through of numbers has to be done. We’ll be offering an early retirement plan for people over 55, pay them off and they’ll have their full pension. Then we’ll have an exit package — I don’t want to call it severance — for younger workers. That formula is still being worked out.

“But the (termination benefit) figure will be huge – significantly more than

a billion dollars – since the base salary of Petrotrin is big. Any calculation will be based on base salary.”

While refinery workers don’t command the highest salaries, and theirs is on par with the company’s Exploration/ Production sector’s wages, the refinery has the largest overtime costs, he added. But overtime wouldn’t come into play in termination benefits.

Ongoing works at the ECD public road

ing different schools for the first time, and you have people who are going to be going to higher grades or higher classes, and so on.

Some of them are going to be left on their own by parents; some of them are going to be using pedal cycles, and all these kinds of things; so there is a need for us to go to the schools to reinforce the road safety laws: like the curb drill, how to use the road, what to look for, how to cross on pedestrian crossings, and all the other things”.

He said it is especially important for children to know how to use the pedestrian crossing, because many times they just cross.

“We need to let them know

that vehicles need time to stop, and these kind of things,” he elaborated.

In addition to the school lectures, the Officer said, plans are also being made to lecture drivers to re-educate them, and reinforce the road laws.

The US$50.2 million East Coast Road Expansion Project has two components; one features a four-lane expansion of the road from Better Hope to Annandale, and the other caters for an upgrade to the existing twolane road from Annandale to Belfield.

The two-year project is scheduled to be completed in September 2019. However, the contractor is aiming to wrap up the four lanes

by the end of this year, after which work would commence on upgrading the two-lane next year.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million.

Upon completion of the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion. Apart from the road being expanded, the project includes improved drainage for the East Coast, which is usually susceptible to flooding.

14 news

mondAY, september 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GTU proceeds with strike after Govt snubs teachers ...says it will not be “bullied”, arbitration “best bet”

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he Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) will go ahead with its planned countrywide strike, with teachers expected to take to the streets after Government failed to meet their demand of a 40 per cent salary increase.

President of GTU, Mark Lyte, told Guyana Times on Sunday that since there was no contact from Government since last Thursday, the strike will go on as planned.

“The strike will continue until further notice,” he stated, but added that the Union is always open for discussion. Teachers are seeking increases of 40 per cent under a multi-year arrangement up to 2020. However, Government has maintained that it just cannot afford this proposal, offering a 20182019 pay off.

A third round of conciliation between the Education Ministry and the GTU on Thursday last ended again in impasse, as both parties refuse to budge on their position. At this point in time, Lyte said the Union feels arbitration might be the best option going forward.

“We think arbitration

President David Granger

is the best bet; we are open for other options but none has been put forward by Government. But we are not going to be bullied,” insisted the GTU President.

Last week during a press conference, President David Granger said the countrywide strike by the Union is premature as he urged that there be full mediation and possibly arbitration before such extreme action is taken.

“We feel that a strike is an extreme measure and it should only be applied as a

last resort. Before we reach to the stage of a strike, there should be some form of mediation and if mediation fails, we can go to arbitration.

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

Nevertheless, the Head of State said his Government is actively searching for fresh sources of funding to satisfy teachers’ needs.

Meanwhile, the Social Protection Ministry through its Labour Department has been overseeing the so far failed negotiations between the Education Ministry and the GTU. However, the Union had earlier expressed no confidence in this labour team since it comprised Government officers who were advocating on the Education Ministry’s behalf.

The GTU’s view has worsened after it was reported in a local newspaper that Labour Minister Keith Scott had allegedly called the striking teachers “uncaring” and “selfish”. In response to this statement, Lyte posit-

ed that it just reaffirms the Union’s position.

“It confirms our position on the [Social Protection Ministry], it confirms that we can’t trust them and that the Ministry is compromised,” the GTU President asserted.

Even as the GTU proceeds with its planned countrywide strike, the Education Ministry in the meantime has devised a ‘contingency plan’ which will see the striking teachers being replaced in classrooms with recent Cyril Potter College Education (CPCE) graduates, trainees and retired teachers. In fact, the Education Ministry has issued an “urgent” notice inviting substitute teachers for Georgetown.

However, former CPCE lecturer and Mathematics teacher, Tamashwar Boodhoo has stated that this move by Government could run against stipulations. “Someone has not done their homework and provide poor advice to this poor lady. Trainee teachers cannot take school registers. The law is clear you must be employed by the TSC (Teaching Service Commission) or the school board or the Ministry of Education in order to do take attendance in school,” Boodhoo noted.

He pointed out that a register is a legal document that can be used in the courts and that there are guidelines that govern the marking of

attendance registers. He further claimed that trainee teachers are “not allowed to make daily log entries in the school log book” adding that retired teachers are similarly prohibited unless they are issued contracts.

Boodhoo stressed that “there is nothing in the training manual” that allows for first-year trainee unsupervised practice in the classroom. “I am disappointed that the CPCE administration agrees to put the trainees in the classroom unsupervised.

It was the same administration that had trainees repeat classroom practices because of unsupervised practicum,” he pointed out.

Painting the Spectrum 14 opens with “SASOD is 15” short film tary that follows Mc Linn Da Quebrada, a black transwoman, performer and activist, living in impoverished São Paulo.

Her electrifying performances brazenly take on Brazil's machismo. The film is one of the most acclaimed recent LGBT movies, and was presented at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2018. It also won the Best Documentary Award at the Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and the Special Jury Award at the Toronto Inside Out Film

Festival.

On Thursday, September 6, the festival continues with a screening of ten shorts on themes such as being non-binary (not conforming to being either male or female), and the rejection transgender people sometimes face from their families and friends. These shorts come from ten different countries around the world, including Spain, Iran, India, the Netherlands and Brazil.

“Painting the Spectrum 14” will continue every Tuesday

and Thursday of September with themes such as “Love, Sex and Everything in Between”, “Our Rights, Our Culture, Our History” and “Let’s Experiment.” Admission to the film festival is free.

The films are intended for mature audiences. Persons must be eighteen years and over to attend. SASOD reserves the right to refuse admission to persons who do not have identification to prove that they are not minors.

The film festival aims to

both offer a safe space for the LGBTQ+ Guyanese to interact and communicate, and to educate the general public by presenting queer-themed films, which are almost never screened in mainstream cinemas in Guyana.

SASOD is an international, award-winning, 15-year-old human rights movement and organisation, leading change and educating and serving communities to end discrimination based on sexuality and gender in Guyana.

TCV begins countrywide mental health, suicide workshops

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he Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) will open its annual film festival, “Painting the Spectrum,” with a short film commemorating SASOD’s 15th anniversary.

The festival not only portrays a diversity of experiences from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, but also features different genres of films: from comedies to experimental shorts, drama, and completely new documentaries.

Featuring over 40 films from all over the world, the festival takes place from 18:00h every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of September

at SASOD’s office, located at 203 Duncan Street, Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown.

The first week’s theme, “What is Gender, Anyway?” focuses on gender norms, expectations, and persons of transgender experience answering commonly asked questions and creating space for positive discussion and analyses. The festival officially opens on Tuesday, September 4, with the screening of “SASOD is 15!” and a panel discussion featuring diverse stakeholders who will reflect on SASOD’s journey as a Guyanese movement.

Following the panel, on Tuesday, the feature film “Bixa Travesty” will open the festival.

“Bixa Travesty” is a documen-

everal workshops were conducted by the Caribbean Voice (TCV) as that non-governmental organisation (NGO) continued its efforts to eradicate suicide and mental health issues.

Two sessions were recently held with youths from Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) in the areas of abuse and suicide in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency.

In the last three months, addiction workshops were also organised and led

by Canada-based addiction specialist Shirvington Hannays.

These were conducted at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and at the Fort Wellington Secondary School in collaboration with the West Berbice Cricket Board.

For 2018, over 500 teachers were also involved in four mental health workshops held in collaboration with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) at the Canje Secondary School, Berbice High School, Leonora Secondary School, and Friendship Secondary School.

With support from the respective sugar estates and Guyana Agricultural

Workers Union (GAWU), mental health workshops were held for sugar workers at Skeldon and Albion Estates.

In the coming week, a presentation on suicide will be made to staff and students at The Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre at Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), while others will follow at Black Bush Polder in

November.

Four surveys have also been conducted, which provided information on the public’s view on the establishment of a registry of sex offenders. In the most recent one, findings showed a significant support for mandated counselling for all persons with mental health issues who appear in courts to answer charges.

Additionally, information from the survey indicate that all healthcare workers and educators should be mandated to report any and all forms of abuse or suspicion of abuse, and that Police officers be trained to appropriately handle abuse and suicide cases.

TCV is also preparing for three national campaigns next year, mainly a lay counsellor training programme, a domestic violence campaign, and a house-tohouse campaign in suicide and abuse hotspots.

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monDAY, septemer 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

What the people say VOX POPULI I SAY...

The United Minibus Union (UMU) is currently in talks with the Business Ministry to launch a Passenger Hotline which will see commuters having an avenue to make complaints against errant minibus operators. What are your thoughts on the proposition?

Joel Doobay “This is a system that I think is overdue but not sure it will be used as much. It will probably be like the suicide hotline. Some will use it cause many times I would scroll past some posts bout some minibus operating out of order. I think

this is just to make some people overlook the fact that the bus fare raised but I would like to know what happens whenever someone reports a minibus? What will happen after? Will the nearest Police station have officers on the road looking for this bus? How will they go about investigating this bus, look for aftermarket speakers that about 90 per cent of buses have cause unless the Police catches the bus with their speed gun they can't pull a minibus in for speeding.

Also they need to take into consideration some people might report a minibus out of spite cause they don't want to pay the increase fare and they get into an argument and they call to just spite them. These are things they need to take into consideration to ensure a proper system is in place.”

Godfrey Williams “It works every time, especially when operators

of businesses that serve the public are aware that there’s a repercussion to their actions and that they can be penalised for their rogue and unprofessional customer service. The next step is to have every vehicle that’s licensed to transport the public be fitted with a mini CCTV camera for safety and perhaps help validate what happened on oard a vehicle and I would hope that with the availability of a hotline, there can be some restraint to the short-tempered and hotheaded operators of public transport vehicles.”

Roodi Balgobin “This is a great idea.

However, from past experiences, these hotlines work for like one month and then no answer and out of service. Thus, continuation is key. This will boost the service provided to commuters immensely. Further, I think taxi drivers should also be added to the list and not just minibus operators.”

Roberto Tewari “It is about time this is implemented... just make sure that their complaints are properly investigated so as to avoid any innocent drivers being setup.”

Samuel Samuels “I'm in full support of the "hotline" initiative. However, I think it should be for all public transportation providers, and not just minibuses. In addition, I agree with Jason with his comment on "the financial pressure which is being place on the lower working class citizens with the new fares". In addition to educate the public about how the hotline system works. posters should be place inside minibuses, cars and boats. Which displays how the system works in the simplest way possible and calls to the system should be free of cost.”

Rajiv Rajpat “While I'm not in agreement with the fare increase imposed on the citizenry of this country by the Government and the

UMU. I support this initiative because even without fare increases, a system of this nature was needed. But I urge that the UMU and the Ministry set proper systems in place for good functioning.

We the citizens also need to be informed on how the system would operate and the disciplinary procedures for errant operators in the system; that is, drivers for buses and cars and the conductors. I would be grateful for the soonest implementation cause as of today I started paying the increases. Let's all work together to have a good functioning system in place towards development.”

Jason Singh “I personally feel that, when implemented, this system will only work for a limited time after which it will be disbanded. This is a failed attempt to try and make us commuters accept this increase in fares. It just isn't going to work. I don't think the financial pressure put upon the lower working class citizens was taken into effect when implementing this new fare.”

Jeanel Lewis “I wish that the United Minibus Union should go on the television and inform their drivers about what is expected of them. That is, to adhere to the required amount of passengers and stop asking persons to "give them a lil shake", have conductors to open and close their doors, have conductors who are dressed properly and to adjust to the correct speed limit (not 100-140).”

Bryan (only name given) “It's a good idea I think.

I hope they know that, now that it is regularised they can't overload the buses and passengers need to demand that they don't. And another thing just like how they made it public about the fair increase, I hope when the fuel goes back down and it gets cheaper, they also publish something stating the fair reduction.”

Mohammed Deen “The Government created a 911 hotline, yet when people call there is no answer to their calls. Do you think a minibus union hotline would help if a conductor overcharges a passenger $40??? Hell no!”

Anita Doobay “I believe this would be a very good method since it’s about time passengers’ voices are going be heard. And after investigation, solutions will be provided and changes are going to be made.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, september 3, 2018

Regional

4 T&T earthquakeLula: Brazil’s jailed ex-leader barred from presidential race by electoral court affected schools remain closed

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razil’s top electoral court has ruled that jailed former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva cannot run as a candidate in the presidential election because of his corruption conviction.

Judges voted against his running in October’s ballot by a majority of six votes to one in the seven-member court. Lula, 72, was leading in polls ahead of the vote despite serving a 12-year jail term for accepting a bribe.

His legal team has said they will appeal against the court’s decision. Brazil’s Workers’ Party (PT) later responded to the court’s decision in a statement, saying it would “fight by all means” for Lula’s candidacy.

“We will present all ap-

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Polls suggest around a third of Brazilians would back Lula if he ran

peals before the courts for the recognition of the rights of Lula provided by law and international treaties ratified by Brazil,” the statement said, adding: “We will defend Lula in the streets, with the people.”

Lula’s conviction for money laundering and corruption was upheld in January. In Brazil, no one

convicted of a crime upheld on appeal can run for office.

However, exceptions have been made to the law before. In declaring Lula ineligible to stand on Friday, one judge said: “What is at stake here today is the equality of all citizens before the law and the Constitution.”

What about Lula’s convictions?

Lula was convicted of receiving a renovated beachfront apartment worth some 3.7 million reais (US$1.1 million; £790,000) as a bribe by engineering firm OAS. He denied wrongdoing and said his conviction was part of a plot to prevent him returning to power. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Argentina IMF deal could mean reversal of Macri’s grain tax cuts

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s Argentina drafts plans to cut its budget deficit to convince nervous investors it can pay its debts, President Mauricio Macri is under increasing pressure to reverse one of his signature policies, cutting farm export taxes.

Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne promised to announce measures on Monday to reduce the South American country’s 2019

primary deficit – its borrowing needs before debt servicing – in an effort to stem the slide in the peso, one of the world’s worst performing currencies this year.

Argentina has already agreed to cut its primary deficit to 1.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) under a $50 billion International Monetary Fund program inked in June, prompting protests by unions. Now, Dujovne

has pledged deeper deficit cuts before traveling to Washington to negotiate with the IMF for speeding up aid.

The return of export taxes plus a sharp reduction in the number of ministries were being discussed at crisis talks headed by Macri this weekend, local media reported.

The Government has not detailed its new primary deficit target or what

measures it expects to take to stabilise the currency after a whopping 16 per cent depreciation last week, but investors want decisive action.

He said markets expected Macri, who took office in December 2015 after 12 years of left-wing administrations, to implement a combination of agricultural export taxes and reductions in subsidies and social spending. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he Trinidad & Tobago Education Ministry has deemed four primary schools unfit due to post-earthquake damage and as a result, they will remain closed on Monday – the start of the new school year.

During a press conference on Saturday, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said following the 6.9 earthquake last month, 66 schools were flagged for attention as they sustained various degrees of damage.

He said the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Works and Transport were able to begin structural assessments of these schools within two days of the earthquake to ascertain the damage and to get a comprehensive report on areas of repairs.

“These are schools that will be closed and I can assure you and the gener-

al public that we in the Ministry of Education would be doing everything possible to ensure that in the shortest time possible our children will have the opportunity to attend school.”

“I give this information so that the parents would know that certainly on Monday, those children would not be able to attend schools but we are hoping that things would be put in place as soon as possible so that our children and our teachers could return to normal school life.”

Concerning the cost of repairs, the minister could not give a figure, stating that assessments were still being carried out. He also disclosed that there was the likelihood that classes at schools with sewer defects in central Trinidad with could be affected in the next few weeks. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

Antigua evicts Barbudan victims of Irma from shelter

Nicaragua expels UN team after critical report

The chief of the UN mission, Guillermo Fernandez said the group would continue monitoring Nicaragua remotely

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he Government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has ordered a team from the United Nations

Commission for Human Rights to leave. The expulsion comes days after a critical report into human rights in Nicaragua during

months of anti-government protests.

The chief of the UN mission, Guillermo Fernandez, said his team would continue to monitor the situation from abroad. More than 300 people were killed during the recent political unrest.

The report released on Wednesday by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the Government to stop the persecution of protestors and disarm masked gangs who it alleges are responsible for killings and arbitrary detentions.

It also described the torture and use of excessive

force using interviews with victims and local human rights groups.

For its part, the Government said the report was biased and ignored attacks by protesters on members of the governing Sandinista party. President Ortega had invited the UN team to help monitor a national dialogue process between the government and the protestors which stalled.

He said earlier this week that the UN had overstepped its authority and was violating Nicaragua's national sovereignty. (BBC News)

Jamaican Govt allocates J$1.9B for construction of Montego Bay Police complex

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amaica’s National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang says that Government has allocated J$1.9 billion for the construction of a new Police complex in Montego Bay. Chang, who was speaking at a town hall meeting at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Sam Sharpe Square on August 30, said the Mobile West Police Complex will be constructed in Montego Hills.

“This $1.9 billion Mobile Reserve complex will be constructed in two phases.

March 2019 is the projected timeline for the award of contracts while construction would begin a month later in April 2019,” the minister said.

The complex will comprise of approximately 300 residential facilities to house police personnel and will be accessible to all members of the force deployed in that

area. Chang assured patrons at the meeting that the new police complex will facilitate quicker responses from the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the parish especially after the enhanced security measures are discontinued.

The Mobile West Police Complex will be comprised of four three-storey dormitory blocks, a general administrative building to include a cafeteria, auditorium facilities, conference rooms and a mul-

tipurpose court.

“This high-security facility will have manned entry points, internal checkpoints and security towers. There will also be parking areas, storm weather drains, sewage collection and water distribution networks, potable water systems, centralised water storage and all the other amenities applicable to a modern purpose built facility,” Chang said. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

Families are made to leave the National Technical Training Centre after Government officials and Police descended on the building in the capital St John's on September 1, 2018. Dozens of homeless Barbudans were forcibly evicted from a shelter in Antigua early Saturday morning – almost a year to the day that Hurricane Irma devastated their island

D

ozens of Barbudans were forcibly evicted Saturday from a shelter on neighbouring Antigua, leaving them without a home almost exactly a year after powerful Hurricane Irma devastated their island.

Around 40 people – half of them children, the youngest just a month old – were ousted from the National Technical Training Centre after Police and Government officials descended on the building in the capital St John's.

Many had been camped out there since the cataclysmic Category 5 storm powered through the Caribbean early last September, razing homes and infrastructure on Barbuda and prompting most of its population to evacuate to its sis-

ter island of Antigua, with the rest following soon after.

The two are the main islands of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Government said the Barbudans defied two previous deadlines to vacate the school, Antigua's last remaining shelter.

"The school needs to go back to normal operations," Philmore Mullin, head of the national office of disaster services, told AFP. "The Barbudans have a responsibility to return home."

The Government said it will foot the bill to ferry the families and their belongings back to the tiny island, 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Antigua. Just over half of the former 1800 refugees have already returned. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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mondAY, september 3, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

John McCain funeral: Senator Some 400 prisoners escape laid to rest at US Naval Academy prison in Tripoli chaos

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enator John McCain has been buried at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, after a small private ceremony.

A military flypast was performed with the squadron one plane short, to symbolise the dead senator.

McCain graduated from the elite Naval Academy in 1958, later serving in Vietnam as a fighter jet pilot. Family and friends were joined by his classmates and the current midshipmen for a service at the school's chapel.

It caps a week of memorials for McCain, who died on August 25, 2018, aged 81, from the effects of brain cancer. On Saturday, heavyweights from across the political spectrum gathered at the Washington National Cathedral to remember the Arizona senator, who became one of America's most high-profile politicians.

Two former Presidents – George W Bush and Barack Obama – paid tribute to McCain's courage and

S

John McCain's funeral procession heads to the cemetery at the US Naval Academy

sense of honour. A eulogy by the statesman's daughter Meghan, one of his seven children, included a thinly veiled swipe at President Donald Trump.

"The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again, because America was always great," she said.

Crowds lined the route

as the senator's final motorcade travelled to the academy in Annapolis. McCain was buried next to his classmate and friend, Admiral Chuck Larson, who reserved four plots in the idyllic cemetery for the pair and their wives before his death in 2014. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ome 400 prisoners escaped from a jail in Libya’s capital on Sunday while fighting between rival armed groups raged nearby, a Judiciary official said as the United Nations called for the warring parties to meet on Tuesday.

The inmates forced open the doors of the Ain Zara prison and guards were unable to stop them, the official said, confirming a judiciary police statement posted on social media.

He asked not to get identified and could not provide more details. The prison is located in southern Tripoli,

an area hit for one week by heavy fighting between rival groups.

Separately, a missile fell on Sunday on the al-Fallah camp for displaced Tawergha people, killing two and wounding seven, including two children, said Emad Ergeha, an activist following Tawergha issues.

The Tawergha were forced to leave their settlement near the western city of Misrata in the NATObacked uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and have been prevented from going back since.

Ergeha, who is a Tawergha, also posted on-

Amid US trade war, China's Xi reiterates reform commitment

Somalia's capital Mogadishu hit by huge explosion

A

suicide bomber has attacked a Government office in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, causing a nearby school to collapse, Police say. The car bomb in Howlwadag district killed three soldiers and injured 14 people, including six children, local officials told BBC Somali.

The blast also damaged nearby houses and blew the roof off a mosque. The militant group al-Shabab, which has waged an insurgency for

more than 10 years, said it carried out the attack.

The three soldiers had died as they stopped the explosives-laden car from entering a Government compound, local official Salah Hassan Omar said.

Somalia has faced instability and violence since 1991, when the military Government was overthrown. The ousting of Mohamed Siad Barre led to a decades-long civil war between rival warlords,

and two northern regions – Somaliland and Puntland – effectively broke away from Somalia.

Much of the country has effectively been a war zone.

A UN-backed unity government was formed in 2012.

Al-Shabab has since been driven out of many urban areas but still controls territory in rural regions and carries out gun attacks and bombings on military and civilian targets. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Pentagon to cancel US$300M in Pakistan aid over armed groups

Pakistan says it has lost thousands of lives and spent billions of dollars in its long war on extremism [Reuters]

T

he US military has made a final decision to cancel US$300 million in aid to Pakistan, the Pentagon says, citing Islamabad's perceived failure to take decisive action against armed groups in the country.

The Coalition Support Funds were part of a broader suspension in aid to Pakistan announced by President Donald Trump at the start of the year, when he accused

Pakistan of rewarding past assistance with "nothing but lies and deceit".

The Trump administration says Islamabad is granting safe haven to fighters who are waging a 17-yearold war in neighbouring Afghanistan, a charge Pakistan denies.

"Due to a lack of Pakistani decisive actions in support of the South Asia Strategy, the remaining US$300 million was reprogrammed,"

Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kone Faulkner said on Saturday.

A Pakistani official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said he was unaware of a formal notification of the US decision on assistance but said one was expected by the end of September, according to media reports.

The announcement came just weeks after Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan took office.

Khan has repeatedly blamed Pakistan's participation in the US-led "anti-terror campaign" for the surge in attacks on home soil over the last decade and has vowed to rebalance Islamabad's relationship with Washington.

The disclosure also comes just days ahead of an expected visit to Islamabad by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the top US military officer, General Joseph Dunford. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

line a video of firefighters extinguishing a blaze and showing severe damage to steel-made containers in the camp. A rocket also hit the Waddan hotel in central Tripoli near the Italian Embassy on Saturday.

Three people were injured, staff said.

State oil firm NOC confirmed one of its diesel depots used to supply a power station had been hit by a rocket on Saturday.

The UN-backed government based in Tripoli declared a state of emergency in the capital “given the seriousness of the current situation.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

FILE PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects troops at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison, June 30, 2017

C

hina is still determined to reform and wants to work with all parties to build an open world economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Sunday, reiterating Beijing’s message amid a bitter trade war with Washington.

The two countries have been rolling out a series of tariffs on each other’s exports as US President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to tackle a range of issues from the large

trade imbalance with China to forced technology transfers.

China has criticised the United States for resorting to protectionist and unilateral measures and says it will keep opening up its economy, providing a fair and transparent environment for foreign businesses.

Meeting UN Secretary General António Guterres in Beijing ahead of a major China-Africa summit, Xi made no direct mention of

the trade tensions with the United States, referring instead to “unilateralism and protectionism rearing its head”.

“China’s determination to fully deepen reforms will not change,” China’s Foreign Ministry paraphrased Xi as telling Guterres.

“We are willing to use practical actions to drive all parties to jointly adhere to trade liberalisation and facilitation and build an open world economy,” Xi added.

The Ministry’s statement did not elaborate. US and Chinese officials ended two days of talks last month without a major breakthrough as their trade war escalated with the activation of a further round of tariffs on US$16 billion worth of each other’s goods.

The two countries have now targeted US$50 billion of each other’s goods and threatened duties on most of the rest of their bilateral trade, raising concerns that the conflict could dent global economic growth. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Facebook warned about becoming an accessory to war crimes

T

he United Nations has warned Facebook that it risks being dragged into international war crimes trials for its role in future human rights violations, as it called on the social network to address hate speech more quickly.

Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein, the UN’s human rights chief, said the company risked becoming an accessory to horrific war crimes and that the company had not taken violence in Burma incited on the social network seriously.

The warning comes four year after Caribbean News Now first revealed that Facebook had ignored a previous warning that its on-

going failure to enforce its own terms of use prohibiting the use of fake accounts ultimately led to such fake accounts being used to influence elections in the US and elsewhere and the subsequent appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian hacking to the 2016 US presidential election.

At that time, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Homeland Security were equally culpable, having also ignored warnings that such fake accounts and Facebook’s ‘turning a blind eye’ to their existent provided an oppor-

tunity for “foreign propagandists” (our exact words at the time).

Speaking in Geneva, Al-Hussein said Facebook risked being subpoenaed in future trials “of those accused of the worst crimes” if it did not learn its lesson from the violence.

After failing to heed warnings about the use of fake accounts in the context of election manipulation, Facebook executives were called on to testify before US congressional and British parliamentary committees investigating allegations of election hacking. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, september 3, 2018

ARCHIE

Talk about your feelings and what you want to see (March 21- happen. Working alongside a April 19) loved one will enhance your life and encourage you to try harder to make things better.

ARIES

You can settle any unfinTAURUS ished business and put your (April 20- plans into motion. Set goals May 20) and make the changes necessary to clear the way for what you want to see happen.

dilbert

Put your heart and soul GEMINI (May 21- into personal improvements.

June 20) Take better care of your physical needs and use your intelligence when dealing with matters that could affect your home environment.

Look for an opportunity to get ahead by using the skills (June 21- and knowledge you enjoy usJuly 22) ing most. If you flaunt your attributes, someone will notice and offer help.

CANCER

Peanuts

Take the initiative and LEO bring about physical changes (July 23- that will make you happy. It’s Aug. 22) up to you to let others know your wants and expectations.

Bring about change. Don’t VIRGO let someone else take control (Aug. 23if you want things done your Sept. 22) way. Take the initiative and make choices that will benefit you instead of appeasing someone else.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take better care of yourLIBRA (Sept. 23- self emotionally and physically. Steer clear of anyone putOct. 23)

ting too much pressure on you.

Look inward and focus on spiritual growth, educational pursuits and personal gains.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD - UNGAINLY (UNGAINLY: un-GANE-lee: Lacking grace; clumsy.)

SUDOKU

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Average mark 13 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 19 or more words in UNGAINLY? The list will be published tomorrow.

SATURDAY’S WORD — CRYOGENIC ceric cero cire coercing cogency coin coiner coir cone coney conger conic core corgi

coring corn cornice corny coyer cringe crone crony crying cryogen cynic region reign rein

rice ring yogi yore ogre once orgy genic gone gore gory grey grin groin

gyre gyro ergo eying nice nicer icon ignore iron irony

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

Keep things moving forSCORPIO ward.

Take one step at a time (Oct. 24and be innovative when dealNov. 22) ing with situations that require special attention. Let others pay for their own mistakes.

Don’t give in to emotional blackmail. If someone wants something from you, consider whether it’s worth your while before you oblige. Strive for equality in partnerships.

Romance is highlighted.

Go over personal papers, inCAPRICORN (Dec. 22- vestments and contracts. Refuse Jan. 19) to let a change made by some-

solution for last published puzzle

one else lead to an argument or disrupt your plans. A steadfast approach to finishing what you start should be maintained.

Socialise and discuss your AQUARIUS intentions. Personal or phys(Jan. 20- ical changes will make you Feb. 19) feel good about your life, appearance and the endeavors you are about to embark on.

Emotional deception will PISCES (Feb. 20- interfere with an importMarch 20) ant relationship. Stick to the truth and bring about positive change that will enrich your life. A partnership will end up being quite prosperous.

mondAY, september 3, 2018

19

Ali nails India to seal series for England M

oeen Ali was England’s star turn on another gripping day of Test cricket at the Ageas Bowl, as he ended India’s spirited pursuit of a victory target of 245 with a series-sealing display of patient, probing offspin.

Bowling with renewed confidence after his firstinnings five-wicket haul, and with a juicy dinner-plate of rough to aim outside the righthander’s off-stump, Moeen finished with match figures of 9 for 134, having effectively sealed the contest either side of the tea interval.

Bowling significantly slower than his India counterpart, R Ashwin, who had been so notably ineffective on day three, Moeen was able to find more purchase off the pitch as a result, even though it took him until the 17th over of a previously luckless day’s work before his rewards started to come in a torrent.

First, he broke India’s determined fourth-wicket stand of 101 with the massive scalp of Virat Kohli for 58. Then, five overs later, he added Kohli’s steadfast partner, Ajinkya Rahane, for 51. By then, he had also out-thought Rishabh Pant, caught in the deep for a cameo 18 from 12, as India slumped from a threatening 123 for 3 to 184 all out.

The end of India’s challenge came in a jubilant rush for England - Ben Stokes cemented his side’s post-tea dominance by removing the dangerous Hardik Pandya with his third ball after the break, before extracting a less-thanconvincing lbw against Ishant Sharma to send India’s birthday boy on his way, also for a duck.

Four years ago on this very same ground, Moeen had sealed England’s restorative victory over India with second-

Moeen Ali appeals successfully for lbw against Ajinkya Rahane on the fourth afternoon against India

innings figures of 6 for 67.

Today he went one better for the match when Mohammad

for their glory in a longhandled alliance of 21, the contest was fittingly sealed by

SCOREBOARD

England - 246 & 271 India 1st Innings – 273 India 2nd Innings (target: 245 runs) S Dhawan c Stokes b Anderson 17 KL Rahul b Broad 0 CA Pujara lbw b Anderson 5 V Kohli (c) c Cook b Ali 58 AM Rahane lbw b Ali 51 HH Pandya c Root b Stokes 0 RR Pant † c Cook b Ali 18 R Ashwin lbw b Curran 25 I Sharma lbw b Stokes 0 Mohammed Shami c Anderson b Ali 8 JJ Bumrah not out 0

Shami smoked him to James Anderson at long-on, and though Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah made England wait

Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2 TOTAL all out (69.4 Overs, RR: 2.64) 184 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (KL Rahul, 3.1 ov), 2-17 (CA Pujara, 6.6 ov), 3-22 (S Dhawan, 8.3 ov), 4-123 (V Kohli, 50.5 ov), 5-127 (HH Pandya, 53.3 ov), 6-150 (RR Pant, 58.4 ov), 7-153 (AM Rahane, 60.5 ov), 8-154 (I Sharma, 61.5 ov), 9-163 (Mohammed Shami, 64.2 ov), 10-184 (R Ashwin, 69.4 ov) BOWLING: JM Anderson (11-233-2), SCJ Broad ( 10-2-23-1), MM Ali (26-3-71-4), BA Stokes (12-3-34-2), SM Curran (3.4-2-11), AU Rashid (7-3-21-0) Result: England win by 60 runs

the young gun, Sam Curran, whose batting in both innings had been so vital to England’s hopes. Ashwin wandered

across his stumps and was sent on his way lbw for 25.

Like Ishant’s dismissal, Ashwin’s was shown on replay to have been missing leg stump, but India by then had burnt through their reviews - one of them used rather imperiously

by Kohli himself, who had been caught at short leg by Alastair Cook after Moeen had clearly snagged his glove with another tweaker on off stump.

It was the pivotal moment of the day, but England by that stage had been seriously aggrieved by a key let-off for Kohli early in his stay. On 9, he had once again propped forward to Moeen and was thumped on the front pad for a vociferous appeal. England lost their subsequent review, however, when the third umpire Joel Wilson deemed Kohli to have got an inside edge on his shot. England’s collective reaction to the big screen told its own story.

Almost before the dust had settled on that moment, Kohli persuaded England to burn

their second review when, on 15, he was pinned on the back leg by a massive offbreak from Moeen that kept low as well.

Umpire Dharmasena, to his credit, immediately shook his head, recognising that Kohli had set himself up outside off stump to negate that very dismissal. Sure enough, replays showed he had been struck outside the line, and as Rahane rose through his own gears to match his captain’s inevitable levels, India began to believe.

They were forced to find their belief in the wake of another top-order failure, however. Though England’s second innings had been sawn off for the addition of 11 runs inside the first five overs, with Stuart Broad falling to the first ball of the day before Curran was run out for 46 while trying to farm the strike, their senior bowlers responded to that disappointing preamble by striking hard and early with the new ball.

Broad, bowling with predatory intent once again, sent shudders through India’s dressing room by torpedoing KL Rahul with an off-stump grubber in his second over, having showcased the pitch’s increasingly variable bounce with two high-kicking snorters in quick succession. James Anderson then found more sharp movement off the seam to dislodge the rock of India’s first innings, Cheteshwar Pujara, for 5, and having troubled Shikhar Dhawan with a brace of lbw appeals that might have clipped leg stump, soon added India’s remaining opener for 17 via a thick outside edge to gully. At 22 for 3, India were in the soup.

Kohli, however, was not about to let his resolve crumble with a shot at a series-levelling victory in his sights. Unusually

US Open 2018…

in this series, his initial duel with Anderson was short-lived, as England turned quickly to the spin of Moeen (and latterly Adil Rashid, who bowled tidily for seven overs but never quite posed the same questions as his offspinning sidekick).

But that inevitable battle was rejoined in the 38th over, when Anderson returned to the fray and immediately started extracting some skilful reverse swing from the dry and now abrasive deck. Kohli was beaten on a handful of occasions as the ball exploded outside off, but latched onto a rare leg-stump half-volley to bring up his fifty from 114 balls, and continue a stunning personal series in which he has now gone past 500 runs, with a fifth Test still to come.

Rahane, at the other end, briefly got the better of Moeen, sending him into a mid-spell lull by stretching confidently forward to smother his wiles. But England, to their credit, never stopped believing that the rewards for their endeavours would come, and one ball after Cook had dropped a tough chance off Kohli at short leg, he clung onto the one that counted, to prise the opening, at 123 for 4 - the precise halfway mark of the chase - that England needed.

The rest was not exactly a formality, but the belief in India’s ranks had visibly drained.

“England were braver in tough situations than us,” admitted Kohli in the postmatch presentations. India’s captain himself was unbowed after a stellar personal summer, but he will know that this series - much like the South Africa tour earlier in the year - represents a massive opportunity squandered by his world No.1 team. (ESPNcricinfo)

Nadal beats Basilashvili to reach quarter-finals

D

efending champion Rafael Nadal’s progress into the US Open quarterfinals was far from smooth as he needed four sets to beat unseeded Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.

The 32-year-old Spaniard led by two sets to love before Basilashvili, ranked 37th in the world, recovered to take a third-set tiebreak.

But the top seed broke twice as Basilashvili faded physically in the fourth to win 6-3 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-4.

He faces ninth seed Dominic Thiem next.

Nadal has reached at least the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams the year - the first time he has achieved the feat since 2011.

Austria’s Thiem knocked out South African fifth seed Kevin Anderson - the man who lost in the Flushing Meadows final to Nadal last year - in three sets earlier on Sunday.

For Thiem, Tuesday’s quarter-final offers a chance to avenge his defeat by Nadal in his first Grand Slam final at June’s French Open.

Nadal had to dig deep to beat powerful Russian Karen Khachanov in the third round, fighting back from a set and a break down - also overcoming a slight knee injury - to win one of the most thrilling matches of this year’s tournament so far.

Two days later Nadal, who played without any strapping on his right knee, needed another three hours 19 minutes to overcome Basilashvili.

The three-time US Open champion cruised into a two-set lead in little over an hour - ominous signs for Basilashvili, who won one game against Nadal in their only previous meeting at the 2017 French Open.

This time the 26-year-old Georgian coped much better with the intensity of facing one

of the world’s greats.

Basilashvili’s approach was all or nothing against the world number one, although unforced errors outstripped winners in the opening two sets before he began to find his range in the third.

Twenty three winners from his racquet forced Nadal to face some uncomfortable moments.

Despite fatigue appearing to kick in before the breaker, Basilashvili found some energy reserves to out fight his illustrious opponent and take the match further.

“He was hitting the ball very strong, it felt like I wasn’t controlling the points,” Nadal said.

However, Basilashvili could not maintain this level in the fourth set as Nadal broke for a 4-3 lead which he would not relinquish. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, september 3, 2018

Hamilton wins Italian Grand Prix L

ewis Hamilton won the Italian Grand Prix for Mercedes, after a dramatic clash with his title rival, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. The pair touched on the opening lap and Vettel went off. He came back but could manage only fourth place.

The result left a deflated crowd at Ferrari’s home grand prix but was a huge result for Hamilton against the odds that enabled him to extend his lead in the championship to 30 points. Kimi Räikkönen was in second with Valtteri Bottas in third and Max Verstappen in fifth.

Hamilton ultimately won through several decisive overtaking manoeuvres on a circuit where Ferrari had held the advantage all weekend.

Equally, Mercedes managed their strategy to perfection, calling their stops well to ensure Hamilton was in a position to take the lead from Raikkonen in the final third after an error by Vettel, once again, proved to be a blow to his title hopes.

It is Hamilton’s fifth win at the Italian Grand Prix, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. His sixth win of the season, one more than Vettel, continues his remarkable recent run at Monza. He has won four of the five races held here since the turbo-hybrid era began, a period in which Mercedes remain unbeaten. On the previous three occasions Hamilton has won in Italy

he has gone on to take the championship.

Hamilton had done his best in qualifying to take third on the grid, acknowledging that Ferrari had enjoyed the quicker car.

He and Mercedes were able to step up and execute perfectly to deny the Scuderia however.

Mercedes have been dominant here but they clearly no longer have hegemony at the power circuits and may count this as a win against the head that could prove vital, especially with the next round at Singapore, a circuit where they have traditionally struggled and w h e r e

Ferrari and Red Bull have been strong.

This 68th career win once again swings the title fight in Hamilton’s favour, restoring the cushion he has to Vettel with seven race remaining.

Räikkönen had got away cleanly from pole and the front three held their position through the first chicane but drama was to follow almost immediately. Hamilton went round the outside of Vettel through the Roggia chicane but the German slightly under-

steered and the pair touched. Vettel spun into the gravel and took some damage in the process and dropped to 18th. The incident was investigated by the stewards but they deemed it a racing incident.

The safety car had been called due to Brendon Hartley taking damage off the grid and Vettel took the chance to immediately pit for a new front wing and the soft tyres.

When racing resumed on lap four Hamilton went one better, passing Räikkönen on the start-finish straight but gloriously Räikkönen hit back immediately coming back round the outside of Roggia with great piece of late braking to retake the lead.

Vettel charged to make the places back and was up t o 15th b y lap

eight, made up two more places on lap nine and was into the top 10 by lap 17 but told his team he still had damage, noting that the balance of his car was slightly off.

Out front, Hamilton settled into a rhythm just over a second back from Räikkönen, both drivers managing their tyres, with the pair putting in similar times. The Finn was the first to stop, coming in for soft rubber on lap 21.

Hamilton stayed out, pushed and promptly set a new fastest lap but Räikkönen also nailed his opening laps on the new tyres, overworking them – which was to prove fateful later – and when Hamilton pitted on lap 28 he emerged well behind the Finn.

Vettel pitted again on lap 30 to take the quicker supersoft tyres but Mercedes had kept Bottas out since he was now in front of Räikkönen in a bid to delay the Ferrari driver.

Bottas did superbly and it worked, enabling Hamilton to

catch them both.

Bottas finally came in on lap 37 leaving Hamilton and Räikkönen in a straight fight at the front, with just over a second between them. Hamilton came into DRS range and began climbing all over the back of Räikkönen. On lap 45, with Räikkönen’s tyres suffering, he could defend no more as Hamilton went round the outside through the Rettifilo chicane. His second decisive move was enough to secure what had looked to be a highly unlikely win at the start of the afternoon.

The Haas of Romain Grosjean was in sixth, in front of the the two Force India’s of Esteban Ocon and Sergio Pérez. Carlos Sainz in the Renault was in ninth with the Williams of Lance Stroll scoring his team’s second top ten finish of the season in 10th.

Daniel Ricciardo was forced to retire with what appeared to be another engine failure on lap 25. (The

Guardian)

Kimi Raikkonen said, “Impossible” to keep Hamilton behind with blistered tyres

Man Utd sink Burnley despite missed penalty M anchester United recovered from back-to-back defeats to beat Burnley despite Paul Pogba missing a penalty and Marcus Rashford being sent off.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the first half as the Red Devils beaten by Brighton and Tottenham in their previous two Premier League matches - were largely untroubled by their hosts.

Pogba had the chance to stretch United’s lead midway through the second half but his penalty - after Aaron Lennon fouled Rashford was saved by former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

And two minutes later the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Rashford was sent off for leaning into Burnley defender Phil Bardsley with his head.

That made the closing stages unnecessarily tense for Jose Mourinho’s side, but the Clarets were unable to find a way through.

Victory took United up to 10th in the table - level on points with Everton in seventh.

The build-up to the match had been dominated by discussion of the Red Devils’ stuttering start to the season. There had even been speculation Mourinho could be one game from being sacked.

And the club’s executive vice-chairman was the target

Romelu Lukaku celebrates his opening goal with his Manchester United teammates

of a banner that flew over the ground before kick-off reading ‘Ed Woodward: A specialist in failure’.

If the United players were feeling the pressure, they did not show it during a thoroughly professional first-half performance.

Lukaku looked back to his clinical best when he rose highest to power home Alexis Sanchez’s

clipped cross after 27 minutes.

And the Belgian reacted well for his second on the cusp of halftime, slamming the ball home after a series of kind deflections.

But, with the game stretched in the second half, he failed to complete a hat-trick - squandering the best chance after rounding Hart under pressure from Ben Mee.

Rashford, who had won the penalty shortly after coming on, then lost his cool in an altercation with Bardsley and was shown the first red card of his career.

More pleasingly for Mourinho, his defence - again changed from the previous match - looked solid, keeping United’s first clean sheet of the season and a 10th in

their past 11 visits to Turf Moor.

A second home defeat of the season leaves Burnley 19th in the table with just one point taken from their opening four matches.

They offered little throughout, perhaps affected by their Europa League exit to Olympiakos on Thursday.

Even after going behind, Sean Dyche’s men seemed reluctant to attack United, and teenage winger Dwight McNeil had their only shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Dyche attempted to give his side more impetus by bringing on Sam Vokes on 58 minutes, and the Wales striker forced United goalkeeper David de Gea into two good saves.

But the Spaniard was not tested enough and Burnley are now without a league win in nine games, a run stretching back to April, meaning they are on the longest winless run of any side in the competition.

The international break gives them a chance to regroup, while their exit from the Europa League at least allows them to focus solely on domestic matters.

But Dyche will not be looking forward to January’s return fixture - after eight attempts, he is yet to beat Mourinho in the Premier League. (BBC Sport)

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21

Injury rules Smith out of CPL season A

ustralia batsman Steven Smith will miss the rest of this year’s CPL with a side strain. The injury was revealed by his Barbados Tridents captain Jason Holder at the toss ahead of their game against St Lucia Stars on Sunday at Kensington Oval.

A subsequent interview with the side’s head coach Robin Singh revealed that Smith has left for home to receive treatment for the injury.

Smith was signed as replacement for Shakib Al

Steve Smith

spirituality & ASTROLOGY

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Hasan after he became available to play in the CPL for the first time following his one-year suspension from international cricket for his role in the ball-tampering scandal.

The 29-year-old had fared modestly before the injury, scoring 185 runs in seven innings while also taking three wickets, though he was Man of the Match in one of the only two wins this year for the bottom-placed Tridents by scoring 63 and taking 2 for 19 against Jamaica Tallawahs in Florida.

Shafura Hussain Foundation donates golf gear to LGC

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) has benefited from a generous donation of brand new golf clubs, among other gear, compliments of the New York Chapter of the Shafura Hussain Foundation.

The generosity of this organisation has seen more than 100 brand new golf clubs, bags, balls and tees being donated by William and Aleena Knight (daughter and son-in-law of the late Shafura Hussain).

The late Shafura Hussain (Aunty Shaka) had been a patron of kids and sports in her Albouystown neighbourhood throughout her life, and had always been of the opinion that sports led to better opportunities for kids. She had always encouraged her nine – yes, nine children -- to participate in sports.

Her legacy lives on through her children, with sons Kamal, Anwar, and Aleem (Current President of the LGC) in Guyana; and daughters Amina (Canada), Saleema, Aleena, Azeema and Nikki (USA), also feeling that by developing the game of golf, Aunty Shaka’s memory would live on, as more and more children are given the same opportunity to learning the game.

The brand-new equipment is now available at the club for anyone interested in learning the game to come out, and the LGC would provide coaches for any adult or child interested in learning the game, Mon-Sun from 8 am -noon AT NO COST!. For more information, please call 220- The LGC received brand new golf clubs from the USA-based Shafura Hussain Foundation 5660.

We could not afford Women’s T20 World Cup – Jamaica CA President

P

resident of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Billy Heaven said on Friday that they could not afford the cost to bid for matches in November’s ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup to be played in the Caribbean.

The first-ever, standalone Women’s T20 event to be played in Guyana, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda will see 23 matches being played from November 9-24.

The Windies Women’s final squad has not been named but it is expected to include Jamaicans Stafanie Taylor, the team’s captain, and Chedean Nation, who have been regulars for the defending champions. The squad could also include Natasha McLean, Chinelle Henry and Vanessa Watts.

“The reality is, as with any male team coming here (Caribbean), the territories are now expected to bid for matches and that comes with a cost. When we looked at the women’s tournament,

JCA President Billy Heaven

we could not afford it,” said Heaven.

Not reasonable

“It is not reasonable to ask the Government to fund these things. I do not believe in that. It would cost the JCA what we don’t have because we had established some programmes before

that we are obligated to fund, and we could not set those back at the time. So it was purely a matter of cost and not that we don’t want our women to play here,” he added.

When asked about the benefits to sports tourism of Jamaica hosting such a venture, Heavens noted that

extensive research must first go into it before it is even mentioned.

“Every time a team or a country is to come here (Caribbean) to play, you hear this argument about sports tourism and all of this. We need to quantify what benefit it is to the economy. If it is of no real benefit to the economy, I couldn’t ask the Government to fund it ...,” said Heaven, who believes a proper mechanism to highlight the benefits must be put in place ahead of the promotion of these events.

“We would work and support any initiative to establish that (research), because as you know, this has come up time and time again. You need credible data to determine that (benefits) ...We cannot approach sponsors without satisfying them that these are the benefits that you (sponsors) will get from whatever we are promoting,” he concluded. (The Gleaner)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, september 3, 2018

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

4 teams seal spots in play-offs ...Tridents, Stars eliminated

A

s the 6th edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League comes to a climax, four teams have sealed their spots in the playoffs which begin on September 11 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence East Bank Demerara.

They are the Trinbago Knight Riders, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs with 10 points each and the St Kitts Patriots with nine points.

St Lucia Stars have already exited the tournament with seven points.

They would have played their 10th match on Sunday against the Barbados Tridents with a victory.

However, the Barbados Tridents currently on four points with two games remaining, mathematically will not advance even if they win the remaining games.

The competition is well poised with the best of the best moving full steam ahead with the aim of win-

ning the title.

Meanwhile, in match 25, The Jamaica Talawahs again climbed to the top of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Sunday night at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Their win now means they qualify for the playoffs alongside Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders and the Patriots while the Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Stars will have to return to the drawing board for the seventh edition in 2019.

On a rain-hit day, Tallawahs produced a marvelous batting performance which took them to 206 – 6 with Rovman Powell leading the way. However, Patriots conceded the loss by seven wickets with 5 balls remaining as they slumped to 1183 in 10.1 of their revised 11 overs from the D/L method.

Patriots were up to the chase with their skipper Chris Gayle leading the

way, even as Evin Lewis picked up a first ball duck.

Rassie van der Dussen was striking right alongsidee Gayle before the rain interrupted with the score on 65-1.

After the resumption and revised method, Gayle (41) and Ben Cutting (0) lost got out in consecutive balls to push Patriots back. Van der Dussen and Mahmudullah (28) tried valiantly but failed to achieve the target but were left not out.

After the match was delayed an hour due to rain, Glen Phillips started aggressively while Johnson Charles (13) and Kennar Lewis (9) were dismissed early.

Fabian Allen got the breakthrough in the fourth over when he removed Charles as he mistimed a well-pitched up delivery and lob it to cover. Lewis went by a soft dismissal also as he popped one to mid-off of the bowling of Brathwaite.

Tallawahs were 42 – 2.

Rovman Powell and Phillips put on a lively 39run partnership as the team was striking at just under 10runs per over. Phillips eventually was dismissed for 40, caught lbw by Alzarri Joseph.

David Miller then entered and played the excellent supporting role to the rampant Powell who belted 11 fours and four sixes from 40 balls. Miller on the other hand clapped only one six and two fours in his 20-ball stay.

They took the score to 160 before Tallawahs would claim their next wicket when Miller slashed one to point and found substitute fielder Shamar Brooks with him on 32.

Brooks then produced a direct hit to run out Dre Russ for 1 as his batting woes continue. Two balls later, Powell was bowled by Ben Cutting, walking across the line for a flick. JT were 184-6 with 1.3 overs left.

Hussain delighted with path to Guyana Golf Open 2018

L

usignan Golf Club President Aleem Hussain has said he’s pleased with the path leading up to the 2018 Guyana Open Cup MegaTournament, set for the weekend of November 3 and 4.

Hussain told Guyana Times Sport he is happy to have surpassed his goal of ensuring the course would be in shape all year round.

With almost 30 tournaments so far in 2018, Hussain said, 12 additional tournaments are scheduled to tee off prior to the Open Cup. Among those tournament

New LGC Honorary Life Member, Maurice Solomon (third from left front row), surrounded by LGC executives and other members

Lusignan Golf Club President, Aleem Hussain, sinking one during this past weekend’s tournament

sponsors are Assuria, Scotia Bank, Banks DIH; and for the first time, computer software developers Microsoft.

Through their local company, Massy Technologies, the Microsoft brand will sponsor a tournament, and Hussain hinted that the event could become an annual feature between the LGC and Microsoft.

The golfer further pointed out that the club registered more than 50 new golfers this past Saturday. The LGC, along with senior club member Maurice Solomon via his company, held the annual tourney. Following the Open, Solomon, who has been a member since 1969, was given honorary life membership of the LGC, having been a member for almost 5 decades; qualifying by virtue of being at least 75 years old; and having at least 25 years’ membership to his credit.

Regarding the upcoming Guyana Open, the LGC President has said he expects almost 60 golfers from outside Guyana to participate in the tournament. He noted that it was important to ensure the local crop of golfers preparing for the approaching competition get ideal match-time, as they would need to play hard to ensure the two titles remain with the Guyanese.

Hussain also said he is very pleased with the condition of the Greens. He said that since the executive body took over almost a year ago, their focus has been on ensuring that the playing conditions and the atmosphere at the Club are similar to what obtains at overseas courses.

Meanwhile, golfers will have more action coming up this weekend. Hussain has promised another big Open, as he hopes to get the entire contingent prepared for November’s huge tournament. (Clifton Ross)

Colin de Grandhomme (14) and Ross Taylor (8) were left not out and took

the score past 200.

SCOREBOARD

Jamaica Tallawahs Innings (20 overs maximum) GD Phillips † lbw b Joseph 40 J Charles c Joseph b Allen 13 K Lewis c Cottrell b Brathwaite 9 R Powell b Cutting 84 DA Miller c sub (SSJ Brooks) 32 b Cutting AD Russell (c) run out (sub [Brooks]) 1 C de Grandhomme not out 14 SR Taylor not out 8 Extras (nb 1, w 4) 5 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 10.3) 206-6 Did not bat: K Santokie, A Zampa, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-22 (J Charles, 3.1 ov), 2-42 (K Lewis, 6.2 ov), 3-81 (GD Phillips, 10.1 ov), 4-160 (DA Miller, 16.6 ov), 5-180 (AD Russell, 18.1 ov), 6-184 (R Powell, 18.3 ov) BOWLING: SS Cottrell (4-038-0), FA Allen (4-0-43-1), AP Devcich (1-0-6-0), CR Brathwaite (3-0-39-1), AS Joseph (4-0-51-

1), BCJ Cutting (4-0-29-2)

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (target: 118 runs from 11 overs) CH Gayle (c) c Lewis b Santokie 41 E Lewis b Thomas 0 HE van der Dussen not out 45 BCJ Cutting b Zampa 0 Mahmudullah not out 28 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL (10.1 Overs, RR: 11.6) 118-3 Did not bat: DC Thomas †, AP Devcich, CR Brathwaite, FA Allen, AS Joseph, SS Cottrell Fall of wickets: 1-18 (E Lewis, 1.1 ov), 2-71 (CH Gayle, 6.6 ov), 3-71 (BCJ Cutting, 7.1 ov) BOWLING: K Santokie (2-0-271), O Thomas (3-0-32-1), SR Taylor (1-0-14-0), AD Russell (1-0-7-0), C de Grandhomme (1-0-17-0), A Zampa (2-018-1), R Powell (0.1-0-2-0)

Guyana makes clean sweep at Super Stock race in Barbados

Team Mohamed’s Matt Truelove takes a lap of honour holding the Golden Arrowhead

T

eam Mohamed’s super stock Bikers, Matt and Harry Truelove have had an impressed run at Bushy Park in Barbados when the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) was hosted on Sunday. The duo came out on top of the Super Stock Races thus putting Guyana in line to covet the CMRC title for 2018.

In addition to the wins, Matt Truelove set a new lap record with 1:01.542 in his second race. His former teammate Bryce Prince held that record, with a time of 1:01.910 in 2017.Also shining in Barbados on Sunday was Matthew Vieira who added to Guyana’s fortune.

In addition, Mark Vieira

and Andrew King took the podium with first place each against Barbadian, Mark Maloney in the Group Four.

In light of the excellent performances, Team Guyana has produced podium finishes in most of their races.

Although suffering from mechanical issues, Rameeze Mohamed secured a fourth in the one race he competed in. Young biker Raveiro Tucker was unable to make a podium spot but according to reports, he has improved.

Nevertheless, the action now turns to Guyana in November for the final showdown. Large contingent are expected from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, september 3, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Stars end season with victory – Tridents continue to whither

David Warner

have now completed all prelim matches; winning three,

l o s ing six and claiming a point from a no-result. They are tied with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for fourth, with seven points, but the Patriots are ahead by a superior net run rate (NRR) and have two matches remaining in this round.

On Sunday in Bridgetown, the home side lost the toss and were put to bat, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, so the run rate never had a real

Christopher Lamont

T

he St Lucia Stars may have one of the slimmest chances of hope to advance to the next round, but they ended their preliminary round -- and what could also be the end to their season -- with a victory over the luckless Barbados Tridents at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Tridents had yet another disappointing show with the bat, posting 135-7. Stars reached 136-4 with 3.3 overs to spare, in process condemning the Bajan side to their fourth straight home defeat.

Kieron Pollard’s side

Guyanese Chanderpaul Hemraj

SCOREBOARD Barbados Tridents Innings (20 overs maximum) DR Smith c Smith b Lamont 16 MJ Guptill c Pollard b Williams 9 HM Amla run out (McCoy) 35 SD Hope c & b Lamont 2 SK Springer c Williams b McCoy 17 N Pooran † c Lamont b Williams 14 JO Holder (c) c Pollard b McCoy 6 AR Nurse not out 14 I Khan not out 12 Extras: (lb 4, nb 2, w 4) 10 TOTAL:(20 Overs, RR: 6.75) 135-7 Did not bat: Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan Fall of wickets: 1-19 (DR Smith, 2.2 ov), 2-27 (MJ Guptill, 3.4 ov), 3-50 (SD Hope, 6.3 ov), 4-83 (SK Springer, 12.6 ov), 5-96 (HM Amla, 14.4 ov), 6-107 (JO Holder, 16.6 ov), 7-107 (N Pooran, 17.1 ov) BOWLING: C Lamont (40-21-2), OF Smith (20-19-0), KOK Williams

(4-0-32-2), RRS Cornwall (40-26-0), C Hemraj (2-0-9-0), OC McCoy (4-0-24-2) St Lucia Stars Innings (target: 136 runs from 20 overs) ADS Fletcher † c Holder b Mohammad Irfan 5 RRS Cornwall c †Pooran b Mohammad Irfan 18 C Hemraj b Holder 37 DA Warner not out 42 KA Pollard (c) lbw b Holder 0 LMP Simmons not out 24 Extras (lb 5, w 5) 10 TOTAL (17.3 Overs, RR: 7.77) 136-4 Did not bat: DJG Sammy, OF Smith, OC McCoy, C Lamont, KOK Williams Fall of wickets: 1-17 (ADS Fletcher, 1.3 ov), 2-24 (RRS Cornwall, 3.3 ov), 3-80 (C Hemraj, 9.5 ov), 4-80 (KA Pollard, 9.6 ov) BOWLING: I Khan (2-0-240), Mohammad Irfan (4-1-222), Wahab Riaz (4-0-18-0), AR Nurse (2-0-30-0), JO Holder (3.30-25-2), SK Springer (2-0-12-0)

chance to be boosted. The Tridents w e r e forced to play without Steven Smith, whose season was ended by injury.

The chase started pretty gusty, with Rahkeem Cornwall and Andre Fletcher having a go at Imran Khan, who went for 17 in the first over.

But Tridents struck right back through Mohammad Irfan, who backed Fletcher (5) up for his first two deliveries, then outfoxed him with a deceptive slower ball which he flicked, got a leading edge, and was caught at mid-off.

G u y a n e s e Chanderpaul Hemraj replaced Fletcher, and impressed around the ground with a solid knock of 36 from 27 balls. Cornwall fell shortly after, going for a big one off Irfan, but being caught by Nicholas Pooran behind the stumps for 18.

Hemraj and David Warner paired at 24 – 2, and featured in a 56-run partnership which was broken when Holder uprooted Hemraj’s off-stump with a full delivery that sneaked under the bat. He laced that innings with three sixes and an equal number of fours.

The very next ball, Pollard was caught leg-before-wicket in a controversial first ball decision by the umpire, and the Stars were 80-4.

H o w e v e r , needing 56 from 60 balls, with Warner and Lendl Simmons at the crease, the experience was enough to comfortably get them over the line. Warner (42) and Simmons (24) were both left unbeaten.

Earlier in the day, Dwayne Smith (16) was

Dwayne Smith

the first to depart following the two boundaries and a maximum he blasted. Then Martin Guptil (9) hit one over the fence and was dismissed not long after, both caught at mid-off and midon respectively.

While Hashim Amla (35) kept the board ticking over, Shai Hope (2) got a leading edge off Christopher Lamont, who completed a marvellous caught-andbowled feat, adding to his second wicket after drawing first blood.

Shamar Springer (17) and Nicholas Pooran (14) got starts, but were both

striking at under 100 before they lost their wickets to Obed McCoy and Kesrick Williams respectively.

Tridents were 83-4 with seven overs left to play.

Amla was then run out by a brilliant piece of work

by McCoy, who sent him packing with a direct hit.

Then Holder departed for six to a lovely change of pace from McCoy, who now had his second wicket.

With 107-4 on the board, a spirited effort from Ashley Nurse (14*) and Khan (12*) pushed the Tridents to what proved to be too low a score to defend.

mondAY, september 3, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

4 teams seal spots in play-offs ...Tridents, Stars eliminated

Page 22

Guyana makes clean sweep at Super Stock race in Barbados Page 22

Stars end season with victory

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