Guyanatimes

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Issue No. 2917

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, July 16, 2016

PRICE

Violence should be nipped in the bud – President

WHAT'S INSIDE:

IMF finds P2 Guyana’s risk of debt distress “moderate but rising”

Page 3

GPSU lashes out at GRA Chairman for staff P17 dismissals

Police probing rape of 3 sisters by stepfather

Armed bandits rob Parika miner Page 12

$80 vat included

Page 7

“Meet the Public Day” in Linden

Land, passport, birth certificate issues highlighted

APNU/AFC Councillor P10 blamed for lack of progress in Enmore-Hope community …“We have no power to do anything” – PPP Councillors

P17 Fire destroys Sophia house Page 11

Drop-in Center fire Residents of Linden, Region 10 turned out in their numbers to have burning issues addressed on Friday, during the hosting of “Meet the Public Day” organised by the Ministry of the Presidency. In set: Minister of State Joseph Harmon speaking with a resident at the event (Utamu Bell photos)

Jagdeo takes on Harmon over project contracts Page 12

Page 7

UG students threatened to boycott … decry “exorbitant” coronation fees

Commissioner installed to P9 head inquiry Garbage collector jailed B&E

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saturDAY, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IMF finds Guyana’s risk of debt distress “moderate but rising”

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uyana’s debt distress risk remains moderate but is rising, the International Monetary Fund’s Country Report has revealed.

Coming out of a debt sustainability analysis conducted by the IMF and the World Bank on Guyana, data disclose that debt indicators remain well below their respective thresholds over the projection period.

The present value of external debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio rises to around 28 per cent in the long-run. The report cautioned that Guyana remains vulnerable to large terms of trade shocks given

the concentration of its exports on a few commodities, and its dependence on imported oil – which also has large implications for the financial sector.

The sensitivity analysis and bound tests demonstrates a high vulnerability of Guyana’s debt to shocks, in particular, in the case of

new loans on less favourable terms and one-time 30 per cent depreciation.

Nevertheless, the analysis indicated that debt service would remain manageable, reflecting the high concessionality of public borrowing. However, under some situations and bound tests debt service could in-

crease significantly, reducing the amount of resources available to public investment and social spending.

It noted that in light of the risks associated with plans to significantly increase expenditure, the authorities should proceed with extreme caution, such as ensuring that the projects are financially viable and that they increase the economy’s productivity, and improve debt management.

It added that a significant rise in non-concessional debt, including domestic borrowing, may be needed to finance persistent deficits. That would bring additional risks and therefore

would warrant close monitoring.

The country’s gross public debt to GDP ratio is projected to reach 60 per cent of GDP by 2021, a relatively high level which can bring heightened financing risks on the non-concessional component, but noted that the authorities are determined to promote a robust economy.

The IMF stated that the authorities are committed to prudent fiscal policies, adding that “Guyana’s fiscal balance improved considerably in 2015, underpinned by the rebound in revenue collection”.

The primary balance registered a 0.8 per cent of GDP surplus in 2015 from a 4.8 per cent of GDP deficit in 2014. The overall NonFinancial Public Sector (NFPS) deficit improved considerably from 5.7 per cent of GDP in 2014 to just 0.2 per cent of GDP in 2015.

Guyana’s Executive

Director for the IMF, Octaviano Canuto, addressed this matter in a statement, explaining that the country’s fiscal deficit is projected to remain between five and six per cent of GDP over the mediumterm.

“Given the ambitious development agenda undertaken to bridge the significant infrastructure gap and address unmet social needs, the authorities intend to carefully calibrate their consolidation strategy to limit the adverse impact on the debt-to-GDP ratio, without forfeiting their objectives,” he said, adding that they continue to improve their debt management strategy and emphasise that they will refrain from utilising non-concessional external borrowing.

“Private Sector funding would be mobilised through the increased use of welldesigned private and public partnerships,” he noted.

Linden man commits suicide

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Linden family is devastated following the suicide of 50-year-old Walter Layne, whose lifeless body was discovered hanging by an electrical cord from the ceiling of his home at Lot 5175 Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The ghastly discovery was made at approximately 20:30h on Wednesday evening. According to information received, the son of the deceased, 18-year-old Trevon Layne who discovered the body, indicated that the act appeared to be premeditated since his father had related that he would be going away.

Layne, a former RUSAL employee, was also said to be suffering from hypertension and a thyroid disorder, which caused him to leave his job earlier this year. Layne’s immediate family related that they last saw him alive at home on Wednesday afternoon when

Dead: Walter Layne

they left for church.

According to Police, foul play was not suspected; however, a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine the actual cause of death. Layne is survived by his wife and four children. Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, July 16 – 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, July 17 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, July 16 – 13:55h-15:25h and Sunday, July 17 – 14:50h-16:20h.

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FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy rain showers are expected in the afternoon. Light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to East Northeasterly between 1.34 metres per second and 3.12 metres per second.

High Tide: 01:34h and 14:07h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.28 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:38h and 19:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.88 metres and 0.93 metres respectively.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

01 06 16 18 19 25 25 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Friday, July 15, 2016

Daily Millions

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Draw De Line 03 05 09 10 18

Violence should be nipped in the bud – President

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

n light of the alarming increase in interpersonal violence in Guyana, President David Granger is of the view that the issue needs to be dealt with at an early stage, especially among children and youths.

Speaking on the weekly televised programme – “The Public Interest” – which is aired on Fridays, the Head of State posited that there needs to be a collective effort among all stakeholders in society to tackle interpersonal crimes.

“It is not a matter for the Police Force alone; various agencies have to come together – the Guyana Police Force, the State, civil society, and of course, families from various communities…something is happening in society and the Police Force cant solely solve the problem,” he stated.

The President pointed out that a decade ago serious crimes were compounded by execution murders and murders stemming from drug-trade; whereas, these days persons are killing people they know such as boyfriends/girlfriends and even relatives. This, he said, is troubling while noting that another form of interpersonal violence that Guyana finds itself grappling with is suicide.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, one way that the issue can be tackled is at the core institutions and so attention needs to be paid to what is happening within families and schools, where children are often exposed to acts of violence.

“We need to pay attention to…what is taking place in these institutions,” he stated, noting that they may have a negative impact on the state of minds of children.

In this regard, President Granger noted that he has asked the National Security Committee, which is comprised of heads of local law enforcement agencies, to work with the academia and other organisations to formulate a strategy aimed at addressing this societal scourge.

“We are onto the problem and I expect in the months to come, we will start work-

ing with civil society on this,” Granger stated.

However, he underscored the importance of social action and education on the issue of interpersonal violence. The President noted that while there may not be any specific policies in place to address this matter, the country needs to start teaching conflict resolutions and anger management skills in schools.

Granger noted that not only in schools, but religious organisations should also take up the mantle and play its role in moulding members of society to be better people: “All five faiths must deal with anger management, deal with helping young people to manage relations and to manage conflicts…we need to do it at a national level… especially among young people.”

In this vain, the Head of State posited that these institutions need to be given the tools to deliver such teachings and training.

According to President Granger, Guyana and its people have been through a very dark and violent path, where criminal activities, such as murders, were rampant. He noted that children used to witness those dastardly acts and now that they are grown, they are imitating what they saw and experienced.

“What we are seeing now…is the secondary impact of people, who witnessed the violence, having now themselves become violent… once you endure intense violence for so long, it is difficult to escape the psychological consequence,” he outlined.

However, the President posited that Government will not ignore the issue as it is aware that the consequences of such exposure can be damaging.

Over the past months, Guyana has experienced a hike in the spate of interpersonal crimes. The most recent case being Selina Ramotar, 29, of Lot 65 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, who was stabbed at least 23 times last weekend. She is currently hospitalised while her perpe-

President David Granger

trator, her estranged child-father, Uttanpad Sewnarine, 39, has been charged and remanded to prison.

This occurred just one week after a Crane, West Coast Demerara, man went berserk and fatally chopped his wife and two-year-old son.

In another case, Gocool Danesh has been remanded for killing his wife Vanessa Sukram, 32, and their twoyear-old son, Joel, while also severing one of the hands of his mother at their Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara home.

Meanwhile, about a month ago, Dexter Jules, 23,

of B Field, Sophia, stabbed to death by his brother, 27, during an argument.

Another notable case of interpersonal violence that shocked the country was the murder of Roger Manikam, 64, whose gagged body was found along the Coldingen Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The man’s two daughters, Nalinie, 18 and a 12-year-old were charged along with two others for his murder. The young girls claim that their father was a “pest” to their lives and even alleged that he molested them.

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

Views President Granger celebrates his 71st birthday!

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Making the best use of time

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ow that another school year has ended our children will be proceeding on an extended holiday break for approximately two months. This is quite a lot of time they will have at their disposal and it would be to their benefit if they are encouraged to utilise it in a constructive fashion.

Certainly, parents have a critical role to play in ensuring this happens.

Some students who have not done so well during the past year; or perhaps those that encounter difficulties in certain key areas in any of the subject areas, could use the time to do remedial academic work to catch up with the rest of their colleagues.

Also, some children usually go off on ‘summer’ camps hosted by religious/youth groups or other organisations including the government-sponsored programmes. This is also another effective way in which our children could spend their time wisely as they would be given an opportunity to interact with their peers and engage in extracurricular activities which would help them to become better rounded individuals.

The bottom line is that it is necessary for them to be meaningfully engaged as it is well known that those who have achieved successes in life or have gone on to do great things, are the ones who have utilised their time wisely.

It is a known fact that many of our young people are falling prey to the use and trafficking of illicit drugs and engaging in criminal activities, in the process completely destroying their lives and a great future they could have had if better choices were made and the necessary support systems were put in place to ensure their proper upbringing.

Every effort must therefore be made to ensure this segment of our population reform themselves and lead more productive and rewarding lives.

To begin with, institutions such as the family and religious groups need to take their roles more seriously as happened before.

Historically, the older generation had managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs and institutions to the younger members of their societies and had contributed in some way to their disciplined upbringing.

This was achieved largely due to the impact of agencies of socialisation, such as the family, religious organisations and the schools to a large extent. Today, the impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly television, the internet, and the pop culture as a whole.

We believe that if our adolescents are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting, to making more mature and responsible judgments and engaging in activities that are the hallmark of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided. In addition to the various interventions which the government should make, there are numerous organisations including the private sector, which could rise to the occasion and contribute more towards saving our youth population.

They need to come on board and sponsor programmes that would see our children and young people become well equipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves and the society as a whole.

Coordinating and sponsoring such programmes during the ‘summer’ break when children are away from school for a long period is a good way to start. These programmes should include assessment and identification of ways to build competency and skills supportive of healthy behaviours to help persons as they mature into adulthood. Such programmes need to be engaging and interesting in order to attract youths, and they should have elements of excitement and challenge to retain participants’ interest.

Successful programmes typically incorporate specific components, such as providing a sense of belonging, promoting a supportive relationship with adults, and affording opportunities to enhance decision-making and leadership skills.

Further, sport could also play a very important role in bringing the youth population back on track so that they could interact with their peers and elders in a more meaningful and dignified manner.

President David Granger received a cake on Friday, with the Guyana Flag and the Presidential Standard symbol from a representative from the Guyana Police Force on the occasion of his 71st birthday

CPL has demonstrated the passion for cricket

Dear Editor, The ongoing responses by Regional crowds to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have once again demonstrated the passion West Indians have for cricket. CPL has truly become a family event and epitomises the positive evolution of cricket watching. Commendations are in order for the organisers, teams, fans and all those involved.

It is clear that the crowds are an integral part of the CPL’s matrix. The adulation by fans for players has precipitated an acceptance, as seen in other such formats, of “one team” regardless of where a player hails.

Adam Zampa “is we own”, to borrow the phrase.

Tanveer “is we own”, Guptill “is we own”, as authentic as Barnwell, Permaul and Bisshoo; the same for the other teams.

Having witnessed over time the outpouring of support to players, I remain a bit concerned over the general recognition for past cricketers. While there have been some commendable efforts over the years, I believe the time has come to intensify and centralise those efforts for a more structured approach.

Allow me to suggest a holistic national effort to create a prestigious “space” (not confined to the internet) to bring focus to and genuinely recognise our past players. What is currently being done by some

can be incorporated and refined, if necessary, for practicality in the present time.

Guyana has gifted the cricketing world a plethora of outstanding cricketers of which, in my opinion, only a few make it to related conversations today. While evolution through time is undeniable, a designated space to document and preserve our cricketing history seems more relevant now.

Here are my humble suggestions.

First is the ambitious suggestion for a cricketing museum. While population may impact on feasibility, pride is abundant.

For Such a venture to be effective, its design must be contemporary and aesthetically pleasing; its content must be comprehensive and access to the information must be easily facilitated through modern acceptable devices within. There is no shortage of a related prototype from other countries.

I believe this is a venture that the government can assist with but would need partners. This is another opportunity for collaboration with the Private Sector, the Guyana Cricket Board and if possible, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), CPL and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

One may argue why just a cricket museum when there are other sporting fraternities that would claim to qualify for such recognition. While in my opinion, cricket is a more dominant

sport, I would welcome a National Sports Museum which includes cricket.

In addition, I wish to reiterate the sentiments expressed by others in the past for the National Stadium reflecting the pride in recognising former players. My suggestions would be as follows: Name the Providence facility the Lloyd/ Chanderpaul Stadium after Clive Lloyd and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Rename the three stands, Red, Green & Orange, as the Fredricks/ Kallicharran (after Roy Fredricks and Alvin Kallicharran); Kanhai/ Butcher (after Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher and the Fernandes/ Solomon stands; the latter after Maurice Fernandes, the first Guyanese to represent the West Indies and to captain the Regional team, along with Joe Solomon who was integral in the historic first tied Test match.

Name the Media Pavilion after Joseph “Reds” Pereira.

Name the VIP stand the Christiani/Pairaudeau Pavilion after Robert Christiani and Bruce Pairaudeau, two Guyanese who represented the West Indies in the ’50s.

Name the Players stand the Hooper/Sarwan Pavilion after Carl Hooper and Ramnaresh Sarwan, both former captains of the West Indies cricket team.

Name the bowling approaches the Gibbs/Butts

and the Croft/Harper Ends after Lance Gibbs, Clyde Butts, Colin Croft and Roger Harper.

Name the Venue Operation Centre (VOC) the Camacho/Singh Centre/ Pavilion after Stephen Camacho and Chetram Singh, two outstanding cricket administrators.

The facility which houses the Ground Staff and the Scoreboard, be named after a grounds-man or an umpire who would have contributed to the development of the game.

Consideration could also be given to naming the entrances (the turnstiles) possibly after Clayton Lambert and Leonard Baichan, respectively. Both played a limited number of Test matches but gave yeoman service to Guyanese cricket.

A National Cricket Hall of Fame can be introduced with inductions possibly every two years.

Finally, the NDCs can derive mechanisms either through street names, busts, billboards, etc to recognise players from within their areas. I am sure a special fund for such recognition would not be too farfetched.

These proposed efforts not only recognise the players, but would foster interest among the young within the community. We are all proud; maybe the time has come to demonstrate more profoundly, how much.

Sincerely, Neaz Subhan

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SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

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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

The M&CC put its tail AFC married APNU too soon between its legs and ran

Dear Editor, Despite all the objections and legal opinions shared with the City Council, they have marched to folly today in the Magistrate’s Court.

After a demand was made on my client to pay $25,000 by an agent for the M&CC for a goods container which was placed adjacent to his business premises, I was instructed by my client to write to the Town Clerk.

I took that opportunity to warn not to pursue this course of direction as it was unlawful. Well, to my surprise, a mere days later, my client was served with a summons for him

to be charged before the Magistrate’s Court.

After the first two cases were called, one of which was against my client, and hearing the points in limine raised by myself and Sase Gunraj appearing for the other Defendant, the prosecutor appearing for the M&CC had no choice but to put its tail between its legs and not only withdraw the matters against my client and the previous defendant but all the matters against all the defendants without the charge even being read to them.

The prosecutor did however make a promise to “come back”. This is

the type of matters which Attorneys would do for fun to teach arrogant authorities a lesson.

I say that guardedly since some people are incorrigible or as old people would say “easy lesson hard fo’ dunce”.

So since the M&CC has promised to “come back” so I make my promise to return every single time and have every single charge of this nature dismissed.

Those who don’t like hear will feel and the next time I shall be asking for costs.

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Esq MP Attorney

We must be pragmatic about practical problems Dear Editor, I wish to thank D Ramsunai for his comments on my earlier letter regarding compensation to chairmen and directors for their services on state boards.

(Guyana Times, 14/7/16).

It is indeed interesting to note that Ramsunai prefaced his “Double-Whammy” comments with the proviso: “all things being equal” which is always an elusive, if not confounding factor.

Complicating this escapism further is his implied reliance on the very well-meaning but rather time-worn imploration of John F Kennedy, the late iconic President of the USA since the early 1960s.

So, we end up with a kind of ‘treble whammy’ with Ramsunai’s ‘things’, ‘time’ and ‘place’ being not equal and out of sync with the actual, practical realities of today’s Guyana which demand a pragmatic approach to our systems of governance and management in a polarised, underdeveloped and struggling nation.

While it is true that the ideal persons for appointments to state boards must be persons with “considerable competence, expertise and experience in

a particular area of trade, profession or vocation” to use Ramsunai’s words, the Guyana reality also demands certain other criteria which are reflective of the society at large and which might not necessarily conform to the ideal formulation.

For such reasons some obviously qualified persons do, as a matter of fact, refuse offers of appointments, not because of money, but because of the fear of having to compromise their ‘professionalism’.

Similarly, not all appointees to state boards have full-time salaried positions from which they can take time off without loss of pay for time spent attending board meetings. Some are ‘retired’ or self-employed professionals.

The work on state boards does not constitute only “attending meetings”; there is much pre- and post-meeting work to be done if the work of the board is to be effective.

And, in the practical situation where not too many volunteers or rich, ‘Kennedian’ altruists abound, a fair day’s pay for a good day’s work must at least be offered; in some cases the work involves

‘double-time’.

Then there are indeed cases where some people are not bothered about compensation for such duties for the good of the state; such persons must be honoured; but it would be foolhardy for the State to think that while it is OK to pay parliamentarians currently competitive salaries (even if they have other paid jobs and other forms of earnings), the professionals who serve seriously on state boards must be content with insultingly beggarly, paltry stipends fixed many moons ago.

In the final analysis, for such critical work performed by professional, hard-working board members, provisions should be made for substantial compensation in order to attract and retain the right competencies and avoid ‘temptations’ to ‘make-up’ for not doing so.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

Dear Editor, Yes! Guyana needs a third political party. As I speak about the need for a third party in Guyana let me first say that the AFC is responsible for the seeming quagmire that Guyana has found itself in.

Like the WPA back in the 70s and 80s, the AFC was making significant traction and headway on the political landscape of Guyana. The healthy mix of its founder members was a breath of fresh air for Guyana. Their fearless stance on national issues was supported by many patriotic Guyanese who were rooting for them. They also presented a healthy mix of the predominant ethnic races of Guyana and that too spoke volumes.

I was told that the WPA had that same effect when they were in their heyday.

Young intellectuals and folks from the diaspora were moving to align themselves with the AFC and a certain excitement was brewing in Guyana.

Then something happened. Next we heard was that the AFC was joining forces with the APNU. The APNU is dominated by the PNC stalwarts. Many folks who were encouraged by the formation and potential of the AFC, were not lovers of the PNC; some even hated the PNC. They disliked what Burnham had done to the country, so they shunned his PNC party.

Therefore, the February 14 Cummingsburg marriage of APNU/AFC saw a decisive dent in the support of the AFC. However, all was not lost; some held their noses and voted for the AFC in the coalition. As a result, the coalition was able to pull off a nail-biting, very marginal, win.

What has happened since the coalition formed the Government is that the AFC and its bold, objective and “fresh-faced” policies have all but disappeared.

Many of the behaviours for which the government -

AFC is a part of the government - is being accused of as wrong doings, would not have stood the mustard test were the leaders of the AFC not married to the APNU. The bushy-tailed and bright-eyed founders of the AFC would not have been caught dead anywhere near some of the scandals and missteps of the current administration.

Indeed, I could hear the ‘old’ Khemraj, the ‘old’ Nigel and the ‘old’ Moses, challenging any administration to explain and/or reject some of the very issues that are now receiving the AFC’s tacit support.

Editor, I have been a journalist and a political consultant for many years.

I worked in Barbados, Trinidad, the USA and here in Guyana. I even served a stint working for President Desmond Hoyte, during the 1992 election campaign. I am also marriage counsellor.

So if you were to ask me, I would say, that I think the AFC jumped the gun. They married the APNU too soon.

Marrying the APNU has so far not served the AFC’s best purposes, except for those in the government and a few other favoured ones. But the general supporters of the AFC feel betrayed. If the leaders of the AFC doubt me, they could do an audit of their supporters’ morale.

I think the AFC has been weakened. Their credibility continues to take a hit.

Instead of gaining ground, they have lost ground.

If the AFC had waited another election cycle, and if they had continued with their focus on the work-

ing-class, on patriotism, and on transparency, they would have gained significant political collateral to better negotiate the conditions of any accord: either with the PPP or the APNU. But now their hands are tied.

Their supporters across the country are in disarray.

Additionally, there seems to be some internal disunity. And the AFC is stock because they are now legally married and any divorce will mostly hurt them.

I understand that the coalition-government is receiving high marks on their functionality. The international community seems to admire how things are going. The consensus is that the marriage is holding strong.

They say time will tell.

We are hearing that while the better life is not yet being realised by the average Guyanese, it is in the making; better days are coming.

Well, we are all watching and waiting and hoping and praying. Until then, I am registering my opinion that based on how things are shaping up, Guyana needs a third party and here is why I am saying this. If things continue the way they are going, the Coalition will be a one-term government.

If this coalition loses, the AFC will be further decimated. And depending on who wins the next election, Guyana could be catapulted back to an age of nepotism.

And if that happens, I will hold the AFC singularly responsible.

Sincerely, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey

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SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

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Foundation

14 ways to improve your grades if you’re underperforming

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Have you been disappointed with your grades of late?

ven the brightest students can sometimes find themselves academically underperforming, often through no fault of their own. When students find themselves in this situation, it’s often because they’re stuck in a rut and are not sure what to do to improve.

If this sounds like you, the first step is to work out the reasons why you may be underperforming, and the next step is to work out how to tackle the problem. If you’re not sure how to go about it, this article shows you what you can do to form an improvement plan to help you achieve the grades you know you’re capable of achieving.

Adopt a positive mental attitude

In the face of lower-thanexpected grades, it’s only human to react by feeling disappointed with oneself.

When you’re frequently receiving lower grades than you’d hoped for, you may start to feel depressed or defeated, and feel like giving up. The first step on the road to improving your grades is to turn this negativity on its head. You need to be positive about the situation if you’re to stand a chance of improving it. Acknowledge that your grades aren’t what you’re aiming for, but believe that you can do something about it. Start by mentally taking control of the situation: instead of thinking “I’m a failure”, think “I can and will do better than this.”

Don’t give up – take positive steps towards achieving the

improvement you’re more than capable of achieving.

Work out where you’re falling short

You need to work out which areas need targeting before you can draw up a plan of action, so the next step is to figure out the areas in which you’re underperforming, and why. Are your grades consistently lower than you’d like them to be across all your subjects, or is there one particular area you’re struggling with that’s bringing down your overall performance in a particular subject? Take a look at your grades over the last few months and look for patterns. Has there been a general decline in academic achievement, or have your grades in certain areas always been lower than you’d hoped? Are your grades always low in the same areas, such as one problem subject?

You’ll probably already have a vague idea of the answers to these questions, but seeing your grades written down on paper – perhaps even in graph format – can help you see things more clearly.

Next, think about the reasons why you’re not performing to your full academic potential in the areas you’ve identified. Are there external factors that may be negatively affecting your grades, such as a family problem or worrying about a social situation at school?

Are you struggling with any particular academic skills that might be dragging you

down, such as essay-writing or note-taking? And are you studying in a way that works for you? These are all factors that could be affecting your academic performance, so once you’ve isolated what the problem is – it could be a combination of more than one of these issues – you’ll be able to start tackling it.

If the problems are external, you’ll need to take steps towards getting them to a point at which they no longer adversely affect your

on how you can go about it.

Coupled with the advice in the rest of this article, this should allow you to tailor an action plan to your personal situation.

much easier to ask a teacher to explain something differently than it is to trawl through books trying to find a clearer explanation for yourself, and they won’t think less of you for asking.

Pay more attention in class – and ask questions

Start organising your life

If you’re prone to daydreaming in class, it’s time to start focusing on the here and now. Listen to what the teacher is saying rather than talking with friends or al-

Clutter of any kind inhibits our ability to operate efficiently, so another way of improving your academic performance is to get organised. Keep your workspace tidy and all your notes and

Tips for parents with kids struggling at school (CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY)

BY LINDA DRUMMOND

Struggling emotionally

Children all mature at their own pace, but sometimes children can mature emotionally at a different pace to others which can cause issues. It can help to take the time to chat with your child about their feelings, in a non-threatening way. Many parents find it easier to chat in the car – the lack of eye-contact can often make for easier confidence sharing. Remind your child that it’s okay to be themselves, and offer plenty of love along with any guidance. If your child continues to struggle, perhaps some form of counselling could help.

Behavioural issues

studies; seeing a counsellor might help, for instance.

Talk to your teachers

Your teachers know you best, so it’s worth talking to them when you’re drawing up a plan of action for improving your grades. Ask them where they think you need to improve, and they’ll probably have some advice

lowing your mind to wander. Don’t simply copy down what’s on the board without thinking about it; make sure you’ve understood it, make neat notes so that you can understand them when you come back to them (more on that later), and don’t be afraid to speak up if there’s something you don’t understand or want clarifying. It’s

textbooks organised in such a way that you know where everything is. Start thinking more about your time management, too, as this will allow you to prioritise your time effectively, freeing time for problem subjects. Write yourself a daily timetable that incorporates your school schedule, dividing your day into slots of time and fitting in plenty of time for studying. Allocate extra time to subjects or topics you’ve identified as being ones you’re struggling with; it could be that the reason for your underperformance in these subjects is that you’re simply not devoting enough time to them.

Improve your note-taking skills

One of the reasons you may have identified for underperforming is that you’re not taking good enough notes. Hurriedly scrawled notes from class can be difficult to make sense of when you come to revise from them, or even to write an essay based on them. It’s all too easy to misunderstand your own notes and fail to get a strong enough grasp of the topic. It’s imperative, therefore, that you produce good notes from each of your classes and from the books you use – notes that you can read, that are useful, and that are logically organised.

If you make notes by hand – in class, for example – try to type them up at the end of the day, while they’re still fresh in your mind. (www.oxfordroyale.co.uk)

TO BE CONTINUED

It can be tough for children to be on their best behaviour for six or so hours a day. Talk to your child about school behavioural expectations and ask them why they’re struggling. Children aren’t born knowing all the social mores, it’s our job to help guide them. Talk to them about classroom rules such as listening, raising your hand to speak and using an indoor voice. For kids with boundless, almost uncontainable energy, it can help to organise something physical for after school – or perhaps they could ride a bike or scooter to school to release some pent-up energy.

Testing times

If your child’s struggling it can help to have them undergo a few basic tests to ensure there’s no underlying problem.

Eye-sight and hearing should be assessed on your child. If you are worried that your child may have ADHD or another condition, it’s best to seek professional advice.

A parent’s role

If possible, it’s always a good idea to volunteer at your child’s school. Offer to help out with reading groups, at canteen, with art. This gives you the opportunity to see your child interact in the school environment and how well she gets on with others. Always be there are a non-judgemental and positive force for your child. While children do need to learn to solve problems, they also need to know they’ve got you to guide them and back them up along the way. School’s a learning experience, and sometimes we need to take two steps forward, and often one step back. So long as children keep moving forward, that’s the main thing. (www.kidspot.com.au)

news

7

saturday, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Police probing rape of 3 UG students sisters by stepfather threaten to boycott P … decry “exorbitant” convocation fees

U

niversity of Guyana (UG) students will not attend their coronation ceremony if “exorbitant” graduation fees are instituted, says University of Guyana Student Society President Ron Glasgow.

Glasgow stated that the Society has been approached by students saying that they will not attend the convocation graduation exercise once the fees come into effect. He said students have referred to the fees as being too exorbitant.

The University recently

the University has been financing the graduation ceremony from its “scarce resources” throughout its life.

“As tuition fees can be used only for instruction costs, expenses incurred for graduation had to be funded from elsewhere, and the expenditure associated with the ceremonies has been increasing over the years,” the statement read, highlighting that the UG Bursar’s Office reported Convocation-related expenditure for 2013 was $3,036,052; for 2014, it rose to $5,158,510; and in 2015, it

announced that they will be charging a $10,000 graduation fee from November 2016 for all students attending the ceremony and those who do not attend will still have to pay $7000.

This decision was passed following a joint meeting between the Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC) of the University, representatives of the University of Guyana Student Society, the University Council, and the University of Guyana Workers Union.

It was made at a statutory meeting on Monday where several other decisions were made as efforts to enhance the tertiary institution’s financial condition and services to its students.

The proposal was approved by Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith.

Glasgow stated that the Association at the meeting indicated that if the fees are to come into effect then the standard of the University should improve. He stated that the campus had already raised fees last year and nothing substantial was done.

Students are constantly complaining about poor facilities, out-dated curriculums, heavy fees, and late release of grades by lecturers.

However, according to a statement from the University, this new fee will cover the provision of gowns to the relevant students; rental of chairs and public address system for the ceremony; the Chancellor’s reception for students; the provision of diplomas; and the publication of graduation programmes and convocation booklets, among other things. Moreover, for the first time, graduating students will be provided with diploma covers to safely store their certificates.

The statement added that

grew to $8,340,766.

UG Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande, stated, “A recent survey of institutions of learning locally, regionally and internationally, revealed that a Graduation Fee is mandatory.”

Graduation fees are paid at all levels in Guyana, from nursery to secondary, and they range from G$3000 at nursery schools to G$5000 at secondary schools.

It stated that a survey of the Caribbean showed that fees range from US$55.32 for nonDegree Awards, Certificates, Diplomas and Associate Degrees to US$86.92 for a Bachelor’s Degree and US$94.83 for a Master’s Degree and US$213.36 for a Doctorate Degree.

“The new fee is part of Vice Chancellor Griffith’s effort to generate revenue to offset expenses at the nation’s sole national University,” it added.

Non-submission of grades

Another issue which was raised at the meeting was the

UGSS President Ron Glasgow

recurrence of the non-submission of grades by some lecturers. The failure of some lecturers to meet the official timeline for the submission of mark sheets has been an issue for several decades now, and it has resulted in the University’s examination division being unable to post grades on time.

It has impacted students negatively, including the delay in finalising prospective graduates’ profile; students being unable to matriculate from one programme to the next; unnecessary delays in processing official transcripts for students; delays in student course registrations and delays in the sitting of supplemental/re-sit examinations.

Thus, the Finance and General Purposes Committee agreed on a regime of sanctions for non-compliance by lecturers. These include, but are not limited to, non-renewal of contracts, disqualification from receiving salary increments, and the inclusion of the timely submission of grades as an integral part of performance appraisal.

Letters will also be sent to all defaulting faculty members urging them to submit all outstanding grades by July 15, 2016.

“The Vice Chancellor voiced his commitment to ending this disservice to and disrespect for students, and he pledged to implement fully the decision of the F&GPC. The sanctions take immediate effect,” it read.

olice in B Division have launched an investigation into the alleged rape of three sisters by their stepfather on Thursday.

According to reports, the sisters, ages four, seven, and 10 were found wandering close to the Berbice River by a welfare officer in the area.

The Police were called in, and the children taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where it was discovered that they had been sexually molested. It was reported that the oldest child revealed that her stepfather is the perpetrator.

Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam when contacted said that a report was made on Thursday morning but the man, a former GDF soldier, is on the run.

He stated that the mother, whose eldest child is 22 years, was taken into Police custody.

“We are looking for him and we will not stop until we get him. I am told that the mother has 11 daughters and three sons, with the youngest child belonging to this man.

The three sisters were spotted somewhere along the seawalls in an area that borders the Berbice River on the East Bank of Berbice and when questioned they claimed that their father abused them, molested them and put them out,” Amsterdam disclosed.

He stated that a welfare officer was the first person to be notified about the allegation and subsequently the Police were informed.

He stated that investigations are ongoing and Police are working collaboratively with the Child Protection

Agency to assist the other children as well.

“The mother is unemployed…it is said that she is behaving as if she is suffering from mental problems but I don’t know if she is indeed suffering from such issues. The stepfather does not have a stable job which is

why we can’t find him right away but we definitely will and soon. He does odd jobs around the place and we are not giving up until we have him in custody,” Commander Amsterdam vowed.

He stated that neighbours were apparently not aware of what was happening.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Painter charged for Bourda Market robbery

A

painter appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a robbery under arms charge. Michael King appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It was alleged that on

July 11, he robbed Wayne Miller of $500,000 in cash, $23,000 in Guyana Power and Light prepaid cards and a black purse valued $5000 at Robb Street, Georgetown.

According to reports, around 23:00h on July 11, Miller, 51, a vendor of Grove,

East Bank Demerara, was attacked while operating his business at Bourda Market.

Reports are that during the robbery, Miller raised an alarm and public spirited citizens went to his aid, apprehending King in the process.

In court on Friday, de-

fence Attorney Paul FungA-Fat told the court that the prison is overcrowded and as such he is requesting that his client be granted bail.

However, the lawyer’s submission was overruled and his client was remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 27.

Garbage collector jailed Trigger happy electrician remanded for breaking and entering

A

A

n electrician appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of discharging a loaded firearm.

Clifford McPherson appeared before Magistrate JudyLatchman where he pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on July 6, 2016, at Oronoque Street, Bourda, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm at the Virtual Complainant (VC), Ernice Barnwell, with the intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.

The prosecution’s case contended that the defendant and the VC are known to each other and on the day in question, an argument over money ensued, leading to the incident. In a bail application, the court heard that McPherson is a father of

Clifford McPherson

four who shares a commonlaw relationship with the mother of his children and resides at Lot 707 B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

However, the Prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant may interfere with the prosecution’s case and its only witness. He was remanded to prison.

garbage collector who is attached to a prominent waste management entity, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of breaking and entering and larceny.

Michael Niles, 42, of Albouystown, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

It was alleged that on July 10, Niles broke and entered the home of Deonaraj Jagdeo, stealing $1.8 million in cash and two silver rings valued $20,000.

The prosecution’s case detailed that Jagdeo left his home on the day in question to travel to Berbice. Upon his return, he discovered the

Michael Niles

abovementioned articles missing. Being unrepresented in court, the accused begged Magistrate Azore for leniency.

He told the court he has a fiveyear-old child and a commonlaw wife.

Magistrate Azore sentenced him to 12 months in prison.

Anna Regina labourer remanded

A

39-year-old labourer from Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, was on Thursday remanded to prison after he was charged for unlawful wounding.

He made his appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that on July 10, he unlawfully wounded Govinda Persaud, a carpenter from Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast. The prosecution is contending that on the day in questioned at about 22:00h, the Virtual Complainant and

defendant were on a drinking spree when an argument ensued and the suspect dealt several lashes about the victim’s body with a cutlass.

The carpenter received injuries and was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital.

Bail was objected to by Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack on the grounds of the prevalence and seriousness of the offence. As such, the prosecution’s submissions were upheld and the labourer was remanded to prison. The case will continue on August 10.

Eyew tness Looking for happiness...

T

...in rum?

here was a long disquisition in the papers recently of the dangers of demon rum.

Rum has always been a two-edged sword in Guyana. As a by-product from the manufacture of sugar, it provided employment to workers on the plantation and revenues that supplemented sugar sales. But on the other hand, introduced to the workers to drown their sorrows - especially after slavery when they HAD money to pay for it, it became an addiction.

There’s no question alcohol consumption in Guyana is legion. And if measured, might just be another one of those dubious qualifications that give us world rankings. Like so many habits inculcated on the plantations, it became part of the “way of life” of those that came out of it.

One interesting feature is since the African slaves were only given rum at the “crop over” period in celebration - they don’t in general imbibe at the level of the descendants of the East Indian indentureds.

In fact, with the latter group in present-day Guyana - and Trinidad for that matter - “Rum” forms the most dominant topic of song and dance. One wonders if the fella that crooned the hit “Rum till I die” saw the irony of what was the denouement of rum drinking. Among folks in different cultures that imbibe alcohol, there are two approaches that produce completely different behavioural patterns in the imbibers.

There are the Mediterranean drinkers - like the Italians - who consume alcohol as part of their culinary repertoire. In total they may consume as much alcohol as others but generally do not resort to violence when they get “high”. They’re “pleasant”.

The other type of drinkers - and the Guyanese Indians fall into this category - they drink to get drunk.

And when in that state get violent. And this is one of the objectionable features of rum-drinking in Guyana with its association with domestic and interpersonal violence that the disquisition objected to.

But the point your Eyewitness - who’s a “social drinker” who’s never resorted to violence - wants to make is, there’s no ineluctable connection between drinking alcohol and violent behaviour. The latter is culturally mediated.

So for those who would abolish alcohol - they need to look at the prior cultural patterns that lead to violence and other objectionable behaviour in some groups.

...till 2 o’clock in the marnin’

The “Rum till I die” ditty signals what some folks think is the purpose of alcohol for those that abuse it and destroy their liver and brains: they’re committing slow suicide.

Now on the sugar plantations, one could understand the frustration created in folks who were dragged from their tight-knit villages in India and now forced to struggle against an oppressive system on their own.

Strangers in a strange land who can’t take it no mo’.

But what is it today? Are the conditions of their existence in modern-day Guyana still lead them into a state of hopelessness that make them fall back on rum to numb their nerves? These are questions that should be looked into rather than banning rum shops and bars from serving alcohol past 2am.

With all the interventions that educate folks about behaviour that leads to self-destructive results - like, say, AIDS...couldn’t ministries like social services, public security, communities, etc get together and launch something to discourage violence-related drinking?

Or do we need a CoI?

...in all the wrong places

They say if you want to help an addict, remove him from environments that facilitate the addiction.

But the government’s -past and present - are licensing rum shops in every nook and cranny.

Where are self-destructive and violent drunks to go?

news

9

saturday, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Deadly Drop-in Centre fire

Commissioner installed to head inquiry

F

ormer Guyana Defence Force officer, Colonel Windee Algernon, was on Friday sworn in at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore as the sole Commissioner who will determine the cause and conditions that led to the death of the two boys while in the State’s custody at the child care, Drop-In Centre, on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Following the tragic deaths, President David Granger has ordered a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the incident.

Colonel Algernon, who was appointed as Commissioner on Thursday, was on Friday morning installed in the presence of Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

The Commissioner was expected to commence work from as early as the day of installation.

Following the brief ceremony, Algernon expressed her elation to have been selected by President David Granger to serve in that capacity.

Minister Harmon noted that Algernon will be expected to make comprehensive recommendations to ensure the safety of children

at the Hadfield Street location.

Harmon pointed out, “His Excellency has asked that a preliminary report be presented to him by July 22 and that the final report should be in by August 15, if the Commissioner finds that she needs additional time, his Excellency might be inclined to give that extension.”

Algernon is expected to determine the severity of the injuries the children sustained at the Drop-In Centre and the conditions they were exposed to.

According to Harmon, “anytime a life in Guyana is lost, it is something that will have to be inquired into... that we place a very high premium on the life of every Guyanese and therefore as the Government and the State, we will have to demonstrate that in a very tangible way.”

The Commissioner has also been tasked with establishing whether the conduct of the staff at the DropIn Centre was in compliance with the required obligations of the state and standard operating procedures.

According to Harmon, the State would await the report of the inquiry to decide on compensation for the par-

Former GDF officer, Colonel Windee Algernon

ents of two-year-old Joshua George and his brother, sixyear-old Antonio George who were killed on Friday, July 8 where fire ravaged the Drop-In Centre.

“The family has been contacted by the Ministry of Social Protection and they have been given some level of comfort. As far as compensation is concerned, we await the findings of the Commission,” he noted.

According to reports, just after midnight on Friday last, the two young brothers perished in a fire.

It was reported that the elder brother Antonio was

asleep in the dormitory when the fire started and as the younger brother Joshua was being taken out of the building by caregivers, he realised his brother was not with him.

The two-year-old managed to release himself from the grip of the caregiver and ran back into the burning building. The two brothers were trapped in the building and their charred remains were subsequently recovered.

Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Ann Greene disclosed that the two brothers along with three other siblings were taken into the care of the CCPA two days before the incident, following an investigation into allegations that they were neglected and abused.

Greene further stated that the Social Protection Ministry would take full responsibility for the tragic incident and bear the full cost of the funerals for the young children.

Nevertheless, civil society activists joined with the dead children’s parents on Thursday as they picketed the CCPA office, calling for answers over the deaths and the state of the building.

(Rennella Bourne)

Guyana is CDB’s sixth largest borrower

W

ith over US$290 million in loans, Guyana has been marked as the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) sixth largest borrower out of its 19 borrowing member countries, an International Monetary Fund country report said.

It stated that the CDB remains one of Guyana’s most important development partners, accounting for over 20 per cent of the country’s multilateral debt stock. Total loans approved for Guyana from CDB’s inception (January 26, 1970) to December 31, 2015 amounted to $298.3 million, representing 6.5 per cent of CDB’s total approved lending, the report indicated.

“Guyana is also the largest recipient of grant funding from CDB after Haiti, with cumulative grant approvals amounting to US$31.1 million as of December 31, 2015,” the report stated, explaining that of the total amount of loans approved, there are outstanding balances totalling $143.6 million as of December 31, 2015. As of that date, undisbursed balances remained of $57.15 million.

Most of the interventions programmed in CDB’s 201317 Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Guyana had already been approved as of December 31, 2015, the report explained, highlighting that these included the Sea and River Defence Resilience Project in the amount of US$25 million and the US$7.5 million Sugar

Mechanisation Project, which both remain under implementation.

The Sugar Mechanisation Project also entailed approval of a small grant component to address gender integration issues in the sugar industry. Other grants approved under the CSP totalled some $2.25 million as of December 31, 2015, which largely reflected the approval of the eighth cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund poverty reduction programme in Guyana (BNTF 8).

It noted that Guyana also benefited during this period from grant funding under CDB’s Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services programme, as well as the Standby Facility for Caribbean Single Market and Economy Implementation.

An uptick in approval activity is anticipated, commencing from the latter half of 2016. It stated that new resources have become available for Guyana and the project pipeline is currently being expanded and the CSP revised accordingly.

Presently, Guyana has been repaying its debt to the InterAmerican Development Bank at higher rates than its expected disbursements under the investment loan portfolio.

As of 31 January 2016, Guyana’s total outstanding debt to the IDB is US$488,044,005 and net loan flows are projected to continue to be negative in 2016.

10 News

saturDAY, juLY 16, 2016| guyana-times.com

Region 2 drainage cleaners still owed

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

S

cores of drainage cleaners of Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) Administration are still owed for work done and this is having a negative effect on their families and livelihood.

Drainage cleaners reported that they are owed for almost three months for the trenches they would have already cleaned and according to Region Two Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, all vouchers that were on his desk were signed.

Those who spoke with Guyana Times related that they depend on the money to sustain their families and often when inquiries are made at the administrative

at the recent Regional Democratic Council statutory meeting on 12 July, where the councillors were informed by Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt that numerous cleaners are still owed.

Ramdatt said regularly the cleaners have been complaining about the nonpayments and this is a recurring issue. He therefore asked the REO, Hopkinson, to comment since he is the accounting officer.

In responding, Hopkinson said there is not an instance where vouchers are lying on his desk unsigned and alleged that most times the vouchers do not meet him. He said whenever vouchers are brought before him, he carefully verifies and then signs. He also said

the act as fraudulent.

At that point, chairman Ramdatt said if they have staff in the system that are misleading them, then the REO is in a position to take disciplinary actions against them. He also instructed the REO to ensure that trenches are inspected before payments are made, to ensure proper accountability.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) councillor Naithram said that the non-payment of drainage cleaners has been raised numerous times at the RDC and there are often slow reactions. He said he cannot see why Head of Departments within the Administration are playing "blame games" and explained that the REO is in charge and should be re-

A trench at Golden Fleece in Region Two

level concerning payments they are being “pushed” around. The cleaners related that they are constantly faced with the issue and often have to incur additional expenses to travel back and forth to Anna Regina to solicit information.

Expressing their frustration, since there is a lack of communication when actual payments would be made, and often the information filtered down is misleading.

The issue of drainage cleaning was also raised

that the tendering process has become easier, once the works are approved then his signature is given, outlining that he is clueless why the issue of non-payment still exists among contractors.

He also said that he has discovered that officers of the administration are seemingly hiding vouchers, thus frustrating the system.

He also alleged that there are several discrepancies whereby drainage cleaners are paid and the trenches are not cleaned, describing

sponsible, adding that he cannot understand why the vouchers are not being processed in a timely manner.

He commented that the process is frustrating others while families are suffering.

The councillor said that during his visit to several backdams last weekend he observed that trenches were not cleaned according to specifications and called for closer monitoring from rangers, engineer and overseers.

Drainage cleaners are paid $35 per rod.

APNU/AFC Councillor blamed for lack of progress in Enmore-Hope community …“We have no power to do anything” – PPP Councillors

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Garbage on the roadside at Enmore, ECD

embers of the Enmore-Hope Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) voiced their frustration at what they say is the lack of constructive discussions at meetings, reportedly due to the constant disruption by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) elected Councillor Deochand Singh.

According to the Vice Chairman of the EnmoreHope NDC, Mark Mahase, since the formation of the Council, meetings have continuously been interrupted by Singh, who he said is one of the two APNU/AFC Councillors within the group of 18 Councillors.

“Our main concern is that in recent times, since the Council form, most of the meetings them tend to break up by APNU/AFC Councillor Deochand Singh, and as such, the Councillor[s] hardly get to do the planning they want to do and execute their duty that they want to execute and that is hindering the development of the community,” Mahase related.

Additionally, the Councillors highlighted that though the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02 states that “The local authority of a village or country district may, subject to the approval of the Minister, ap-

point fit and proper persons to be Overseer, Assistant Overseer, Clerk or other officers of the local authority, and the local authority may employ such servants as may be necessary for the efficient execution of the powers, duties and functions of the local authority under this Act,” they are rendered powerless, since the Regional Democratic Officer (REO) refuses to accept changes they have made towards the benefit of the village.

Elaborating on the situation, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Mohamed Ikbal Dawud, highlighted that the Councillors came to a unanimous decision to have the NDC’s previous tractor operator replaced by a new operator.

“We had a problem with the tractors, whereby they needed tyres. After writing to the region, tyres were sent a couple weeks later, brand new tyres. When the tractors go the first day to the dumpsite, two of the new tyres puncture. We get it replaced, the next day, it went to the dump site and it had another mechanical problem. We get it fixed. The third day again he go, problem again. We investigate him and find that he sabotaging the tractor. We issue him three letters… We had grounds to fire him,” Dawud said.

He continued, “the Chapter state the Chairman have all right to fire and hire a new operator and then inform the region cause right now there is no development in this community. Ninety per cent of garbage is all over the place. The old operator is not doing his job. We find out he taking payment from residents in the area to do their personal work and stop clean up the garbage and do what he supposed to.

He wasn’t doing his job so we had to fire him and hire a new operator.”

However, the Councillors noted that this action was not seen fit by the REO, who they said, threatened to have the Enmore-Hope overseer transferred to Buxton; another community on the East Coast of Demerara.

“The region is not supporting us. We have no power to do anything, it seem like. They ain’t giving we no response on what to do with the APNU/AFC Councillor.

They are not informing us about anything. They even want to send a new Overseer without ever telling us and that’s how we gotta work,” Dawud pointed out.

According to Dawud, the REO’s behaviour was “unacceptable.” He expressed hope that Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan will look into the matter.

Efforts to solicit a response from the Minister proved futile.

nEWS

11

saturday, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

“Meet the Public Day” in Linden

Land, passport, birth certificate issues highlighted

By Utamu Belle

R

esidents of Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) were afforded the opportunity of meeting directly with ministers of government and various agencies on Friday, during the hosting of “Meet the Public Day” organised by the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP).

Scores of citizens went to the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground to meet the officials including Ministers Joseph Harmon, Simona Broomes, Valerie AdamsPatterson, Sydney Alicock, Volda Lawrence, director of sports Christopher Jones, among others.

Agencies present were the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Water Inc and the National Insurance Scheme.

The ministers were greeted by residents who sought to have issues regarding land, passports, birth certificates and others rectified.

During an introductory address to the gathering, Harmon noted that the Public Day provided a chance for decisions to be made on the ground, as it relates to issues which affect people in the Region. The Minister

said the aim is to bring government to the people in an effort to serve them.

“Today, we continue a series of activities aimed at taking the government to the people. This is not just a ‘meet the people’, it is an exercise that deals with issues which affect you as citizens. And what we have done, we have actually brought the govern-

mism at addressing concerns and being provided the opportunity to serve the people of Region 10.

Speaking with this newspaper after making use of the service, a woman indicated that she was able to receive the help she needed for public assistance. The woman said the steps she had to take were outlined and she was

Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson addressing issues raised about housing in Linden

ment up here... so that they can listen to you and they can make decisions here. This is not just about listening because the decision-makers are here,” he said.

Also present was Regional Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira who said he was happy over the initiative.

During an interview Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes also expressed opti-

looking forward to doing so: “I need help with my children. I get four children and it’s hard, it’s very hard because I don’t get help from the father and I need help so I come to seek help with the public assistance to help with the transportation, to get food for they eat and stuff like that.”

Another resident Howell Hinds said that he was able to relate his water issues to the GWI representatives, as

Fire destroys Parika home, family suspects arson A family of nine from Parika, East Bank Essequibo are now homeless after fire of unknown origin destroyed their home.

According to Tandy Barrow, an occupant in the upper flat of the Lot 237 Railway Line home, she lived there with her mother and her two children, ages five and seven.

The occupants of the lower flat were Barrow’s cousin and her boyfriend along with three children. It was highlighted to Guyana Times that these persons would hardly be home.

According to Barrow’s recollection of the night, it was approximately 21:00h when she caught wind of the scent of diesel and kerosene as she was washing wares in the kitchen.

Barrow stated that at the time, her boyfriend was visiting the home and so she informed him of the unusual scent she smelled.

The woman related that less than a minute later, her cousin’s boyfriend approached the home and quickly related to her that flames were visible inside the lower flat, which was not occupied at the time.

“I look up the road and see my cousin’s guy coming and he came in the yard and told me that he’s seeing red flames from inside, downstairs …I turn around to tell my boyfriend and saw the smoke in the bathroom and smoke in the rooms,”

Barrow noted.

In a distraught state, Barrow told Guyana Times that it was then she started screaming. She indicated that it was with the help of her boyfriend, who opted to break the window and jump to safety since the stairways were blocked with flames, that she and her children are alive with only minor injuries.

She said: “My boyfriend collect the kids and when we went to the back, it was already in thick, black smoke.

We run to the front, it was the same. By the time we run back to the room, the whole house was in deep, black smoke. It started cutting breath because I remember at one time I didn’t

ly thought he would have jumped with the kids because they were holding on to him but he thought I had my daughter and he just jumped with my son.

But my daughter jump by herself. We all made it out safe.”

She highlighted that every possession she had was lost in the fire. She also noted that she suffered numerous scrapes and cuts, some of which required sutures and her daughter suffered a laceration to her wrist.

However, King, her boyfriend was currently bedridden due to what she described as a spinal injury which he suffered after jumping from the burning building.

The destroyed structure of the Parika home

know whether to breathe, I just didn’t know what to do cause I felt like I was getting delirious or something.”

Barrow then said that it was her boyfriend who “started breaking the windows and I remember jumping through and I real-

The police are still investigating the matter to determine its origin but Barrow noted that she suspected arson, since her relatives who occupy the lower flat had informed them sometime back that they had been receiving threats from anonymous persons.

they promised to look into the situation: “The kind of response I was able to get from the people here, I am satisfied because most of the problems that I came about, they gave me a positive indication that the matter is going to be handled…I hope that they live up to the promises made.”

A pensioner who spoke to this newspaper related that he was there to have a community issue addressed, as he highlighted that there were abandoned homes adjacent to his, which are overgrown by vegetation. He said he sought help since this was affecting him tremendously.

Speaking at the venue,

Representatives from the Ministry of Communities meeting with residents of Linden

however, deputy director of Community Development Councils Sandra Adams said there is a system in place to

allow for a follow-up to the issues discussed by residents who were all provided forms to fill out.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Jagdeo takes on Harmon over Jordan cites Caricom’s Tariff as release of project contracts reason for tax waiver removal

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inister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed on Thursday that Government cannot locate the contracts of two major projects that were signed under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration; however, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is saying otherwise.

At the post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Harmon disclosed that contracts for two controversial projects initiated by the former Administration – the Specialty Hospital and the Amaila Falls Hydro Projects – are yet to be located.

He was at the time responding to questions about the release of contracts for PPP/Cprojects, which Government stated are marred in corruption. The Opposition Leader had stated on Wednesday that there is nothing preventing the coalition from releasing these documents; however, Harmon the following day posited that confidentiality clauses in most of the contracts are preventing the State from making them public.

“I can say this to Mr Jagdeo, there are some contracts that have so much confidentiality about them that are so deeply buried, until now, I cannot see them… I can make reference to two such contracts; one, the Specialty Hospital… and the second one has to do with the Amaila Falls contract, never seen them,” he remarked.

The Minister of State went on to say that while in Opposition, they were never shown these contracts even though they were briefed about the projects. “… While we were in the Opposition, we were invited here to these offices to meetings and were told by the (PPP/C) Government that these were confidential arrangements and we are basically briefing you on some of them. But where is the con-

F

…says Govt willing to approach COTED for exemptions

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

tract, where is it?” Harmon questioned.

In fact, he further noted that as of Thursday morning, before the post Cabinet briefing, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had indicated that he is yet to see the Specialty Hospital contract.

However, Jagdeo has rubbished the utterances by the State official, saying, “In both cases, I can prove a different story”.

The Opposition Leader questioned how can Government say it cannot find the contract or the evaluation report for the Specialty Hospital Project, when they used the same documents to support the appointment of India-based company Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited.

“It was the same evaluation report that the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC Government used to justify their push of Fedders Lloyd as the new contractor, claiming that that company was ranked number two in the evaluation report, a contention that was proven to be inaccurate,” Jagdeo outlined in a statement on Friday.

Moreover, according to the former President, he is reli-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

ably informed that the Donald Ramotar Administration gave several briefings to APNU/ AFC on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, during which most of the technical documents were shared with them.

He added too that “I am also aware that in the postelection period, a CD containing the documents related to the Amaila Project was given to a Cabinet Sub-committee. It is not my fault if they don’t even know what they have. Mr Harmon can easily check that CD and find the documents,” the Opposition Leader posited.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo opined that the coalition Administration is fearful of releasing the evaluation reports and contracts for projects they dubbed corrupt because they would in turn be exposed for misleading the public in this regard.

“At the end of the day, APNU/AFC cannot run from its promise of being transparent and accountable to the Guyanese people. They have a responsibility to release the evaluation reports and contracts for those projects under the PPP/C they labelled as corrupt,” the former President stated.

inance Minister Winston Jordan has outlined that the recent decision by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to remove the tax waiver on manufacturing imports, which was being used by local manufacturers is in keeping with the Caribbean Community’s Common External Tariff (CET).

According to Jordan the CET was established under the Treaty of Chaguaramas and is being implemented in other Caricom countries. As such he noted: “The fact that we had been delinquent in the payment doesn’t mean that it is right to continue.”

The finance minister expounded: “It is not a local tax; it is under the Treaty of Chaguaramas and is required for all members of Caricom. We just can’t sit and cry over something that is not a government imposition and should have happened before.”

“It is a local manufacturer who drew it to our attention and once that became known we couldn’t just ignore it because we don’t know what would have been the subsequent consequences of having been told and us not acting on it. They could have complained further. They could have complained to Caricom because they themselves were being affected by the particular act,” Minister Jordan explained.

Referencing the Suriname Rudisa Beverage Company case of 2012, the Finance Minister stated: “You know the last time we failed to enforce the law or treat people equally; it cost us about $1.5 billion. If you remember the Rudisa case, we also have, I believe, a case outstanding with the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) where we failed to impose the CET for cement that came, extrare-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

gionally some years ago, and TCL took us to court.”

The minister said on the Government Information News Agency (GINA) that while government cannot arbitrarily grant relief from the CET, it has met with the Guyana Manufacturers’ and Services Association (GMSA) and indicated its readiness to approach the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) for exemptions on raw materials for local manufacturers.

He noted further that a list of raw materials has been requested from the GMSA, which upon submission, will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for representation to be made to Caricom for relief to be granted by COTED. The point man on finance expressed government’s willingness to explore other ways through which the local manufacturing industry may receive relief from the effects of the taxes being imposed: “Let’s knock our heads together and see perhaps where relief can be given in another area. The government is not averse in looking at any suggestion in that area.”

Local manufacturers have complained about government’s decision to implement taxes on im-

ported raw materials. In fact, the GMSA through its President Eon Caesar had even agreed to take the lead in suspending the previously unimplemented import taxes.

Caesar had said: “The GMSA members are concerned about the significant consequences which will be faced by manufacturers and their customers should these import taxes be imposed.”

The association President stressed further: “It is imperative that manufacturers, and more importantly the purchasers of products, be cognisant of the fact that this requirement would result in higher prices for products and services. This decision has a direct impact on the end users as products and services which they normally utilise would become more expensive.”

Opposition leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharat Jagdeo had also condemned the move by government, calling for an immediate reversal of what he termed “antimanufacturing policy.”

“The Government has gone completely insane,” Jagdeo declared in a statement. He posited that this was a desperate measure to bolster dwindling tax revenues.

“Rather than address the core reasons for the revenue shortfall, which is the precipitous drop in economic activities in the country and the ineptitude in defining a way forward, the government has resorted to targeting the productive sectors of our economy,” he said.

The former President asserted that government appeared to be ill-advised on policy matters: “[The change] … will have dire consequences for those companies and may result in the closure of some of them and the loss of thousands of jobs.”

Armed bandits rob Parika miner

A

Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) miner was on Friday robbed of in excess of $7 million in gold and equipment while returning home from a mining camp located along the Cuyuni River.

The incident occurred at about 04:30h at Aramu, Cuyuni River, when Ijaz Mohammed, 27, was exiting the backlands. Two masked bandits armed with what was described as AK-47s, reportedly pounced on the miner while he was on his motorcycle and demanded he hand over his valuables.

The armed bandits reportedly escaped with seven ounces of gold, an ex-

cavator fuel pump and his motorcycle. The young man’s father Shaheed Mohammed related that his son contacted him early Friday morning, and related what had occurred: “Well, this morning (Friday), about 04:45h my son called me and told me he get rob. Two gunmen run out the bush and stop him on the road,” he stated.

The father further explained that he was dissatisfied with the Police response to the report, saying that they were quite slow in reacting. He is however thankful that his son escaped unharmed.

Ijaz Mohammed

news

13

saturday, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

379 students graduate from YEST programme she is proud of the dedication and hard work which led to the success of the students.

The Minister told the graduates that they were exposed to skills training that now give them the opportunity to become well rounded individuals. “You are now in a position to play a meaningful role in the development of

Minister Nicolette Henry (second from left), Permanent Secretary Alfred King (left), and officials within the Education Ministry along with students who graduated from the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training programme

T

hree hundred and seventy nine students, who have successfully completed training in a variety of disciplines, are now empowered to become entrepreneurs. The large batch graduated on Friday, at a ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre.

The batch completed training under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST), conducted at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre (KKTC), Soesdyke/Linden Highway,

the Sophia Training Centre (STC) in Georgetown and the Vrymen’s Erven Training Centre in Berbice.

The programme, which was established under the previous Administration, is offered to youths between the ages of 16 and 25. Youths attending KKTC are trained for 10 months while those at the STC and Vrymen’s Erven Centre undergo six months of training.

Headed by the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport,

YEST continues to offer skills training and entrepreneurship, to enhance the employment potential of young people who have left the formal school system.

The students received training in the disciplines of cosmetology, information technology, masonry, carpentry, welding, and mechanics, among others at the various training centres.

Minister within the Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry, delivered the charge to the students, noting that

Over 26,000 shoes distributed to hinterland children

S

ome 26,086 pairs of shoes were distributed to children in hinterland and riverine communities by the Education Ministry under its ‘Footwear Programme’ initiative.

This initiative is in keeping with the Ministry’s overall mandate to ensure that all citizens of Guyana are given the best possible opportunity to achieve their full potential. Some $29 million were expended by Government to acquire the shoes for the children.

The Ministry commenced distribution of the 26,000 plus pairs of footwear in June to some 231 hinterland communities in the 10 administrative regions of Guyana. Some of the com-

munities to benefit from the Footwear Programme include Canal Bank, Matthews Ridge, Chinese Landing, and Wallaba in Region One (Barima-Waini); Kabakaburi, Kackney, Ulele and Jacklo in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); and Caria Caria, Fort Island and Lower Bonaskia in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

St Cutbert’s Mission, Long Creek, and Laluni in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Biaboo, Augsburg, and De Hopp in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Orealla, Bara Bara, and Leeds in Region Six (East BerbiceCoretyne); and Mineperu, Philipai, and Kaian in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

also received dozens of shoes from the Ministry.

Meanwhile, communities such as Chenapou, Mahdia, and Micobi in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Katoka, Nappi, and Baitoon in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo); and Kwakwani, Mabura, and Bamia in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) also benefited from the initiative.

According to the Education Ministry, the shoes have already been delivered and distributed to the communities.

In aid of its efforts, the Education Ministry received approximately 3000 shoes from the United States Embassy in Georgetown through its Humanitarian Assistance Programme.

your different communities, and eventually that of our country”.

The graduates were urged by Minister Henry to use the skills they have acquired to equip themselves for the challenges they will face. “There will be challenges ahead of you and you will have to translate what you

have learned during your training to deal with those challenges,” the Minister explained.

Minister Henry also encouraged the graduates to be responsible, positive, and passionate, and share their knowledge, to be a role model, and to give back to their communities.

14

guyana-times.com

saturday, july 16, 2016

Regional

Close to sedition Bus crash leaves 3 dead, 16 hospitalised in Jamaica T

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hree people were last night killed and several others injured when a public passenger bus overturned on the Spanish Town leg of the PJ Patterson Highway, in Jamaica.

The deceased have been identified as 54-year-old bus driver Everton Melhado of Dawkin district in James Hill, Clarendon; 67-year-old Veronica Edwards of Trout Hall Pass district, also in Clarendon and 60-year-old Hortense Barnett.

The Ferry Police say based on preliminary investigations, they suspect that one of the bus’ tyres blew out; the driver then lost control of the vehicle, which ran off the road and rolled over several times before coming to a rest on its roof.Members of the Fire Department, the Jamaica Defence Force as well as doctors and several ambulances

The wrecked minibus which overturned

were on scene to assist in the treatment and transportation

of the injured people.

Sixteen people, four of

them children, remain in hospital. (Jamaica Observer)

rinidadian Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley on Thursday rejected allegations made

by Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) General Secretary Satnarayan “Sat” Maharaj that former PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning, who died on July 2, was a racist. Speaking at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Rowley said the matter was not discussed at Cabinet but felt it important, as Prime Minister, to respond.

Before he refuted each of Maharaj’s claims, Rowley declared, “I do not appoint myself as defender of Patrick Manning but as defender of the public record.” Rowley said Maharaj’s claims could have the effect of misrepresenting the country’s history and, “the facts of certain situations with respect to public administration, public policy, racial solidarity and the peace and stability

of TT.” Starting with Maharaj’s claim that Manning’s closure of Caroni 1975 Ltd was a racist action, Rowley said history shows that the domestic sugar industry enjoyed some of its best years under the People’s National Movement (PNM).

As Agriculture Minister in Manning’s 1991 to 1995 Administration and part of Manning’s Cabinet when the decision was taken, in 2002, to close Caroni, Rowley said, “I take objection to that statement because it is not supported by fact.”

Stating the facts show Caroni’s closure, “had to do with the economics of the industry”, the Prime Minister declared, “So for somebody to get up today and to say the closing of Caroni (1975) Ltd was a racial act to suffer Indian people... is close to sedition... meant to create racial discord and disturb the peaceful fabric of TT.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

US fires back at The Bahamas, issues Antiguan residents benefit advisory to citizens travelling to the nation from duty-free waiver on mosquito related items

“T

ake that!” is what the United States seemed to be saying when it issued an advisory to citizens travelling to The Bahamas, just four days

after the shoe was on the other foot. But a US spokesman in the Caribbean nation says that’s not the case.

On Tuesday, just four days after The Bahamas

warned its citizens to be aware of potentially volatile situations in the US and act accordingly while in that country – following the fatal Police shootings of two black men last week, the deadly attack on Police Officers in Dallas, Texas, and subsequent protests – the US warned Americans of a significant increase in armed robberies throughout New Providence, the most populous island in The Bahamas.

It was the second security message issued this year.

In January, the US Embassy in Nassau put out a warning over crime in the Bahamian capital.

“This message is to re-

mind US citizens resident and visiting New Providence Island (Nassau) and Paradise Island to be mindful of their surroundings at all times and employ practical personal security awareness when in public and at home to avoid being a victim of crime,” the July 12 security message stated.

“Over the course of the past six months, the US Embassy has received reports of a significant increase in armed robberies throughout New Providence, specifically targeting patrons of ATM machines, parking venues at various retail locations, and armed carjackings.” (St Lucia online)

Trinidad PM to visit Jamaica on Sunday

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rime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, is expected to arrive in Jamaica on Sunday.

Rowley is scheduled to engage in political dialogue on matters of mutual interest to his country and Jamaica.

The visit, according to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, follows ongoing discussions between both Governments, towards the resolution of long standing bilateral and regional issues, including the Implementation of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market

Economy (CSME), and the related Free Movement of Community Nationals and Immigration matters, Trade and Energy Cooperation and Air Transportation.

Rowley and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness will discuss the signing of a Framework Agreement and the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is currently under negotiation, to provide a structured medium for bilateral discussions and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The prime ministers are also expected to engage on the Caricom

Trinidadian Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

integration process.

The Trinidad and Tobago prime minister, who will be accompanied by his wife Sharon Rowley, will spend four days on the Island.

He is expected to meet with the Chairman of the Caricom/CARIFORUM Review Commission, pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General and meet with the Leader of the Opposition. Rowley is also scheduled to engage with heads of bodies and entities on trade and business development. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Venezuela oil production hits 13-year low

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enezuela’s oil production fell to a 13year low last month, declining by 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) since the start of 2016 to 2.18 million barrels per day (mb/d) in June, according to the latest oil market report by the International Energy

Agency (IEA).

The IEA said that “further losses” are expected in the second half of 2016.

Meanwhile, Barclays estimates that Venezuelan oil production could fall as low as 1.7 mb/d before the end of the year.

Reuters recently report-

ed that, during the first half of this year, Venezuela's state-run oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) slashed its oil exports to Cuba by some 40 per cent, citing the company's internal trade data.

On Tuesday, Luis Morillo, PDVSA's General

Manager in Cuba, denied this, instead blaming a “technical and engineering difficulty at the Cienfuegos refinery”.

"There has not been any issue or reduction with the supply of Venezuelan oil to Cuba,” Morillo said.

Nonetheless, some joint

C

ontroller of Customs in Antigua, Raju Boddu, said residents on the island have begun to take full advantage of a duty-free waiver in place for all mosquito related items imported into the country.

The Cabinet decision, which was made in January, took effect in March.

Duties and taxes waiver will apply to mosquito screens, coils, repellents, window gauze/window screens, ladders, bed nets and insecticides.

Baddu said business owners and residents are currently able to import such items without hassle.

“There is no discrimination. Businesspeople and residents all across the

board are able to import the items. Even at the Caricom level, this is high on the agenda. All the countries have implemented this regime,” Boddu said.

The duty-free waiver was one of several measures taken by the member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in response to the Zika virus.

“From the emergence of the virus, immediately, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph took the initiative to put things in place,” Boddu said.

Antigua & Barbuda recorded its first case of Zika infection in May. No more cases have been reported since. (Antigua Observer)

Revellers to be searched, says Barbadian Police

‘R

evellers to be searched!’

That was the warning sent out by Acting Police Commissioner Tyrone Griffith, to revellers as well as spectators attending the two biggest events on the Crop Over calendar in Barbados – Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment – as the Police step up their efforts to reinforce security at both events.

Saying that “business

will not be as usual for revellers”, the Top Cop revealed that searches would be conducted continuously throughout these events.

“One can also expect that both revellers and viewers of the parades can expect increased checks in terms of searches and so my advice is for persons who are going to Foreday Morning to factor in an earlier time frame for arriving at the venue,” Griffith said. (Excerpt from Nation News)

ventures and state-owned firms in Cuba were recently ordered to reduce power usage.

Cuba's Economy Minister Marino Murillo, was removed from his post on Wednesday and reassigned to focus his efforts on tasks related to "updat-

ing the Cuban economic and social model." Murillo has been replaced with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a veteran Cuban politician who was previously overseeing the country's recent debt restructuring. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

saturday, july 16, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Turkey troops say they With 84 dead, France investigates seized power; crowds answer whether truck attacker acted alone Erdogan call to defy them French authorities were trying to determine on Friday whether a Tunisian who killed at least 84 people by plowing a truck into Bastille Day crowds had acted alone or with accomplices, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of Islamist militants.

Thursday night's attack in the Riviera city of Nice plunged France into new grief and fear just eight months after gunmen killed 130 people in Paris. Those attacks, and one in Brussels four months ago, shocked Western Europe, already anxious over security challenges from mass immigra-

T

urkish troops said on Friday they had seized power but President Tayyip Erdogan vowed that the attempted coup would be put down and crowds answered his call to defy a curfew order and take to the streets to support him.

Gunfire and explosions rocked both the main city Istanbul and capital Ankara in a chaotic night, but by the early hours of Saturday there were indications that the coup was crumbling.

If successful, the overthrow of Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, would mark one of the biggest shifts in the Middle East in years, transforming one of the most important US allies while war rages on its border. If it fails, the coup attempt could still destabilise a pivotal country in the region.

"We will overcome this," Erdogan said, speaking on a video call to a mobile phone held up to the camera by an announcer on the Turkish sister station of CNN. He called on his followers to

People stand on a Turkish army tank at Ataturk airport in Istanbul, Turkey, July 16

take to the streets to defend his government and said the coup plotters would pay a heavy price.

An official said Erdogan was speaking from Marmaris on the Turkish coast where he was on holiday. A Turkish official later said Erdogan's plane had landed in Istanbul.

A Turkish military commander said fighter jets had shot down a helicop-

ter used by the coup plotters over Ankara. State-run Anadolu news agency said 17 Police Officers were killed at Special Forces headquarters there.

As the night wore on, crowds appeared to be answering Erdogan's call to take to the streets, defying orders by the coup leaders to stay indoors.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Alton Sterling: Funeral held in US state of Louisiana

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housands of mourners gathered pay their respects to the family of Alton Sterling, a black man who was shot and killed by white police officers in the US state of Louisiana.

Sterling, 37, died on July 5 outside a supermarket in the city of Baton Rouge when police wrestled him to the ground and shot him, saying he had a gun. The

father of five, whose funeral was held on Friday, had been selling CDs. Footage of the moment Sterling was killed was captured on a mobile phone, which contains images some readers may find distressing, was circulated online – sparking outrage and then protests.

Sterling's killing was followed the next day with an-

other Police shooting. An officer killed the 32-yearold black man, Philando Castile, at a traffic stop in the mid-western US state of Minnesota. The aftermath of the shooting was also captured on video and streamed live by Castile's girlfriend on Facebook.

The deaths sparked outrage and protests in many cities across the US. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India 'gold man' battered to death

Datta Phuge was a money lender

A

n Indian man who bought one of the world's most expensive shirts made entirely of gold has been allegedly battered to death, police said.

Datta Phuge shot into the global limelight in 2013 when he bought a shirt made with more than 3kg of gold and worth US$250,000

(ÂŁ186,943).

A money lender based in western Pune, Phuge was called "the gold man".

Four persons have been detained for questioning.

Police suspect a dispute over money have led to the murder.

The Police said some 12 people attacked Phuge, 48,

in Pune on Thursday night.

One of the suspects had invited Phuge and his 22-year-old son to celebrate a birthday at an open ground in Dighi area when the men attacked him with stones and a sharp weapon.

Police said the son had witnessed his father being murdered and had been spared by the alleged killers.

"However, we are investigating how Mr Phuge reached the open ground where he was murdered," Dighi police station inspector Navnath Ghogare told the Press Trust of India news agency.

Phuge often wore gold all over his body: his knuckles, neck, and wrists were weighed down by signet rings, chunky bracelets, and a medallion.

"Some people ask me why I'm wearing so much gold but it was my dream. People have different aspirations.

Some elite people want to own an Audi or Mercedes, and have big cars. I chose gold," he told the BBC in 2013. (Excerpt from BBC News)

tion, open borders and pockets of Islamist radicalism.

The truck zigzagged along the city's seafront Promenade des Anglais as a fireworks display marking the French national day ended. It careered into families and friends listening to an orchestra or strolling above the Mediterranean beach towards the centuryold grand Hotel Negresco.

At least 10 children were among the dead. Of the scores of injured, 25 were on life support, authorities said on Friday.

The driver, 31-yearold Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was shot dead by

officers at the scene. He was known to Police for petty crimes but was not on a watch list of suspected militants. He had one criminal conviction, for road rage, and was sentenced to probation three months ago for throwing a wooden pallet at another driver.

The investigation "will try to determine whether he benefited from accomplices," Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said.

"It will also try to find out whether Mohamed Laouaiej Bouhlel had ties to Islamist terrorist organisations."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

FGM is child abuse, says UN Population Fund chief

T

he head of the United Nations Population Fund has, for the first time, described female genital mutilation as "child abuse".

Dr Babatunde Osotimehin told the BBC that the custom was a human rights abuse and needed to end immediately.

More than 200 million women and girls around the world have undergone the procedure, where parts of the female genitals are removed.

The UN estimates a further three million are at risk of being mutilated.

Dr Osotimehin said: "There is absolutely no reason to cut anybody, and it seemed to us that it is part of the gender imbalance that has always existed in these communities which are based on patriarchy. I think it's child abuse."

The organisation had previously referred to the practice as a human rights violation, but has stopped short of calling it child abuse.

FGM is practiced mainly in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

It involves the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.

Some countries in Africa are working to change traditional perceptions of FGM.

(Excerpt from BBC)

South China Sea: China 'has right to set up air defence zone'

A

senior Chinese official has said China has the right to set up an air defence zone over territory it claims in the South China Sea. The statement from Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin comes a day after an international tribunal said there was no legal basis for China's claims.

China has overlapping claims with other countries to reefs and islands across almost all of the South China

Sea. It has already said it will ignore the tribunal's findings. President Xi Jinping has said China's "territorial sovereignty and marine rights" in the seas will not be affected by the ruling "in any way".

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Tuesday ruled against China in a case brought by the Philippines. It said China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights and had

caused "severe harm to the coral reef environment" by building artificial islands.

In government paper on the tribunal's findings which was released on Wednesday, China reiterated its claims over the land and maritime territory.

Introducing the paper, Liu told reporters that China would establish an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea "if our security is being threatened". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Morocco seeks to rejoin African Union after Western Sahara row

M

orocco has sent a special envoy to lobby African leaders to rejoin the African Union 32 years after it left in a row over Western Sahara.

Taib Fassi Fihri met Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi and said Morocco wants to rejoin the AU without any preconditions.

Morocco claims Western Sahara as part of its territory, much of which it has

occupied since 1975. But the AU recognises Western Sahara as an independent state.

Morocco is the only African country not to be an AU member.

The AU, however, says it will continue pushing for the rights of Western Sahara to hold a referendum on its self-determination.

Brahim Ghali, the new leader of the North African territory is expected to at-

tend the African Union summit in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, according to the AU's deputy chairperson Erastus Mwencha.

Ghali was elected the Western Sahara president and secretary-general of the independence movement Polisario Front on 9 July.

He replaced long-time leader Mohamed Abdelaziz who died in May. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

16 news West Berbice burglar Bloomfield man to spend 11 years in jail for 2008 murder jailed for 3 years “ H saturday, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Chris Rampersaud

A

n East Berbice man was on Wednesday jailed for three years

by Magistrate Alex Moore for breaking into a woman’s home in Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, and stealing in excess of $1 million in jewellery and cash.

Chris Rampersaud of Canefield, East Canje, appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with breaking into the dwelling of Nafeeza Wazim on Wednesday, July 6.

Rampersaud, 37, pleaded guilty to the charge which said that on the day in question he broke into the home and stole six pairs of gold bangles valued $725,000;

three pairs of earrings valued $8000; four gold chains valued $122,000; four gold rings valued $72,000; and $160,000 in cash. The charge also stated that Rampersaud stole a quantity of Brazilian jewellery valued at $42,000.

He told the court that he broke into the home but only took the Brazilian jewellery.

He said he was caught moments after the crime and did not have all the items as stated in the charge.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Althea Soloman told the court that the Brazilian jewellery was recovered when Rampersaud was apprehended by publicspirited citizens.

Magistrate Moore said

if the other items were not recovered then there might have been some “private spirited” citizens among the group.

Previously, Rampersaud had been arrested in connection with the shooting of a security guard at the Berbice Educational Institute on 2 July.

While in custody he escaped; and it was on 6 July that he broke into the house at Bath Settlement and subsequently arrested.

Rampersaud had been convicted before for simple larceny. Magistrate Moore said that Rampersaud seems to have graduated from simple larceny and was now to breaking into homes.

The Magistrate noted that he was sending Rampersaud to a place where he will have time to consider his future.

He was jailed for twoand-a-half years for the house break-in and another six months for escaping from lawful custody.

The sentences are to run consecutively.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam said the Police are investigating other matters which Rampersaud may be involved in.

ow low could we as a nation get that it is socially acceptable for us as a people to refer to another as ‘Batty Shine’,” were the opening words from Justice Brassington Reynolds on Friday at the Berbice Assizes as he prepared to hand down a sentence on Omar Bacchus, 29, called ‘Batty Shine’ of Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice, for the murder of Chandradat Hemraj called ‘Sugar Boy’ and ‘Dry Shrimp in 2008 at Bloomfield.

Earlier, Bacchus had confessed to the lesser count of manslaughter after being charged with killing the mentally ill Hemraj, between August 30 and September 3, 2008.

The case for the prosecution was that sometime at Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Bacchus murdered Hemraj, 34, of Third Street, Bloomfield, Corentyne, Berbice.

The victim was found dead, days after he went missing, with his face down in a ditch at the back of a yard behind an abandoned house. He had left his home at Letter Kenny about three days earlier to attend a re-

Omar Bacchus

ligious function a few villages away, but failed to return home.

It is understood that he had returned to his home village, but instead of going home he stopped at a birthday celebration a few houses from where he lived.

While he was there he was asked to purchase some cigarettes and was given a bicycle and $1000 to run the errand. He never returned.

It was reported that during that time he was attacked

Regional delegates contemplate legal aid in civil, commercial matters

Delegates during the second day session of the Hague Conference on Private International Law

T

he opportunity to recover cost in civil and commercial matters is especially useful in the Guyana context as the Caribbean region contemplates the evidence and access to justice convention.

As the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) wrapped-up at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown on Friday, delegates from within the Caribbean were considering the aspect of legal aid that is afforded under the Convention.

Head of the International Legal Cooperation in civil matters at the Ministry of Justice of Brazil, Sâmia Cristine Farias de Albuquerque presented to the conference how the Evidence and Access to Justice Conventions was implemented in Brazil.

Justice Farias de Albuquerque pointed out that in Brazil, the Ministry of Justice in her country is the Central Authority for the conventions in both civil and criminal matters and other bases of reciprocity.

Brazil has had some difficulty in implementing the convention as the language was a major barrier, coupled with uncertainty of the foreign country assigning the same level of access

of justice to its nationals, Justice Farias de Albuquerque noted.

“In Brazil everybody can access the justice system with a public defence if you don’t have the money to pay for a lawyer. Anyone, you can be a Brazilian or you can be a foreigner resident or non-resident,” Justice Farias de Albuquerque said in her presentation.

This provision is provided even in civil matters, she noted. Further, Justice Farias de Albuquerque pointed out that the convention makes provisions for reimbursements to the states that are requesting evidence under the convention.

The revelation that Brazil most times provides legal aid to persons who access this convention, sparked discussion between legal practitioners at the conference from mostly Caribbean states.

Local mediator and Attorney Teni Housty remarked on the opportunities available for legal aid in this regard. “In the context of legal aid itself and access to justice, in Guyana, legal aid is based on an economic threshold for the applicant… the opportunity to recover cost is actually a useful one that can be pursued and particular-

ly pursued in an emerging Guyanese context.”

Guyana makes provision for access to legal aid in most criminal matters and in civil matters, aid is provided in divorce cases. There are similar provisions in at least five other Caribbean states represented at the conference.

Jamaican Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte noted that Jamaica’s small economy would make providing legal aid in civil and commercial matters expensive.

Echoing Forte’s sentiments, Belizean Supreme Court Judge Shona Griffith said, “We struggle to provide the criminal legal aid so I don’t know how it would be possible for civil legal aid.”

However, Turks and Caicos Islands Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale pointed out that the island states do offer legal aid in some civil matters, one being divorce. “But the State is competent to claw it back once the case is settled from the money that you’ve received. So if we helped you, we claw back all or some of it at the end of the day if you succeed,” Ramsay-Hale explained.

Latin American Representative of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), Ignacio Goicoechea pointed out to the delegates the Evidence and Access to Justice Convention is purposed to eliminate discrimination between non-residents and non-nationals.

Further, the convention does not require any implementation of mechanisms for legal aid.

Citing article one of the convention, Goicoechea told the delegates that nationals, “shall be entitled to legal aid for court proceedings in civil and commercial matters in each contracting state on the same conditions as if they themselves were nationals or habitual residents in that state.”

Further, “The only commitment that a state would assume in regard to chapter one which is legal aid is not to discriminate for residents or nationality,” Justice Goicoechea explained.

This means that states which cannot afford legal aid in civil and commercial matters, would benefit from non-discrimination abroad or against their nationals. The states which sign onto this convention are under no obligation to change their systems with regards to legal aid.

and beaten to death and was allegedly sexually assaulted. The $1000 was stolen.

When his body was found it was semi-nude with visible marks of violence. There were indications that he was also sodomised. However, no marks could have been seen at the time due to the decomposed state of the body. He had no shirt on and his pants and briefs were around his knees.

During the night of the beating a neighbour testified to seeing the accused beating Hemraj. The incident occurred about 23:00h in front of her gap. She had turned on her veranda light after hearing the sound of someone being beaten.

Blood was evident at the scene and from all indications Hemraj was dragged and thrown into the ditch.

A post mortem performed by Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan gave the cause of death as asphyxiation due to drowning and multiple injuries.

Before handing down the sentence Justice Reynolds heard from a probation report that the defendant was an alcoholic and supported his parents who were both alcoholics along with an elder sibling. The report also noted that he was a frequent user of marijuana.

Bacchus had been remanded since 2008, making him the longest remanded prisoner at the New Amsterdam Prison.

He told the court that despite his guilty plea, he did not kill Hemraj who he referred to as a friend.

Bacchus said he entered the plea because of the extended period during which he was awaiting trial.

Meanwhile, Attorney Perry Gossai in a mitigation plea said everyone has a right to a fair trial in a timely manner and in Bacchus’ case it was not timely.

Gossai said the system failed Bacchus because in his eight years in prison he could not have been taught to read or write.

He said that Bacchus was the breadwinner of his home and the fact that none of his relatives were present in court was because they could not have afforded to attend the sentencing session. [It cost $300 from Bloomfield to New Amsterdam].

Justice Reynolds said while he took all that Gossai said into consideration and despite the guilty plea and Bacchus maintaining his innocence, a life was lost and that was his main concern.

The Judge said the crime attracted a 25-year jail sentence but taking into account the time Bacchus has already spent in prison, the fact that he did not waste the court’s time, and all that was said about the defendant, he imposed an 11-year sentence.

17

news

saturDAY, july 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

3 in custody for Corentyne GPSU lashes out at GRA Chairman for staff dismissals businessman’s robbery

C

hairman of the governing board of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rawle Lucas has come under fire from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), for his decision to fire two senior officers of the tax body.

In late June, Lucas announced that the Board had given its no objection to the dismissal of two senior staff members; Head of the Human Resources Management Division, Archana Joshi and Head of Customs Jameel Baksh.

According to him, the move was taken as the organisation sought to realise its objective of improving its relationship with Guyanese taxpayers and increasing the collection of revenues.

But on Friday, the GPSU lashed out at Lucas, saying that his external interference has moved the environment of the organisation to a hostile and insecure one for staff at all levels, evidently resulting in low morale and motivation.

The workers union promised to assist workers who are currently being confronted with what it said are “unwarranted challeng-

GRA Chariman Rawle Lucas

es”. It promised workers too that they would be properly represented against excessive action being meted out arbitrarily and without merit. However, it urged all staff to maintain their professionalism and to continue to deliver quality service to the public which enhances the image of the Revenue Authority in the national interest.

The Revenue Authority said that it had made significant changes in what it deemed were some critical areas of operation, with the firing of the Heads of

the Human Resources and Customs departments.

“We were not satisfied with the extent to which our revenues were being collected with respect to our customs operation and we felt that it was in the best interest of the organisation to make some changes,” Lucas had explained.

Emanating from an indepth review by the Board and from a number of concerns raised by the business community, Lucas said the GRA has reshuffled the system, taking former head of the law enforcement and investigation division, Carol Chapman to oversee the transition programme.

The transition programme, he said, is the new vehicle now being used, to put the organisation back on its right path. According to Lucas, the GRA currently operates as a functional type organisation that essentially reflects functions or tasks that have to be performed by various persons.

According to him, it was found that those organisational arrangements are insufficient to enable the authority to maximise revenue collection. (Alexis Rodney)

Fire destroys Sophia home

P

olice have confirmed that three persons have been arrested in connection with the robbery at Chill Grocery and Parlour, located at Nigg South, Corentyne, Berbice.

Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam told Guyana Times that the police are very interested in stories told by two of the suspects in custody.

He noted that one of the suspects had in his possession a stolen motorbike when arrested. However Amsterdam said that the investigation is ongoing.

On Wednesday evening five men, three of them armed with guns and two with cutlasses, went to Chill’s Grocery and Parlour and attacked Mandeshwal “Chill” Kamalall and his family just as he was about to close for the day.

Kamalall said he was assaulted with a cutlass and put to lie on the ground, while two bandits stood guard and the others went into the shop where his wife Dharma Kamalall was with their two children ages 3 and 12. “…they put the gun pon me and knock me in me

Mandeshwal “Chill” Kamalall

Dharma Kamalall

head and in me face. And then they start demand fo money, an Ah tell them Ah gon give you” the businessman’s wife related.

She said that her threeyear-old daughter was assaulted and ‘chucked’ and threats were made to kill the child if she did not co-operate and take them into the upper flat of the building.

The businesswoman noted that it was at that stage that her 12-year-old daughter pleaded with the masked men not to hurt her baby sister or kill her mother. The bandits did not pursue their request to enter the residen-

tial section of the two-storey building, and escaped on bicycles with the day’s sales, $60,000; $35,000 which Kamalall had in his pockets, two cellular phones valued $85,000; $30,000 in phone cards and $35,000 worth of cigarettes.

Kamalall said shortly after the men fled, he contacted the Albion Police Station, but was told no vehicle was available to respond to his report; however Police arrived some 30 minutes later.

Kamalall sustained injuries to his back and face, while his wife had injuries to her head from being gunbutted.(Andrew Carmichael)

Apostille Convention: simple, much more effective means of certifying public documents – Hague Conference SG

T

A

The gutted Lot 5 Block R North Sophia home

family of four is now counting their losses after an afternoon fire destroyed the front building of a Lot 5 Block R North Sophia, Greater Georgetown property.

The fire began at about 18:15h. It is suspected to have originated in the bot-

tom flat of the building and quickly caught onto a mattress before reaching a wooded beam and engulfing the rest of the house.

At the time of the fire, no one was at home.

Mahadeo Mansaram, who lives next door, related that his daughter was the one who noticed the

What remains of the living room of the Sophia home

smoke emanating from the building and raised an alarm.

He explained that he, along with neighbours formed a bucket brigade and contained the fire until the Guyana Fire Service arrived on the scene.

A speedy response by the Fire Service ensured that the blaze was contained to one building and minor scorches to the neighbouring properties, despite having limited water in the truck.

One of the occupants of the building, Daniel Beckles related to Guyana Times that the property is uninsured and had it recently valued at $17 million.

Up to press time, the origins of the fire remains unknown as Fire Service officials are still investigating the incident.

he Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, abolishing the requirement of legalisation for foreign public documents (Apostille Convention), proposes a more efficient and effective means of certifying public documents that have to be sent overseas.

This is according to Secretary General, Hague Conference on Private International Law Dr Christophe Bernasconi, whilst presenting the provisions of the Apostille Convention and e-App Programme to participants of the Hague Conference at the Pegasus hotel. The three-day, Hague Convention Conference on International Family Law, Legal Cooperation and Commerce ended on Friday.

Dr Bernasconi added that the Apostille Convention is not widely utilised in the Caribbean region as such the focus of efforts should be on ensuring that it becomes a reality.

“The idea is that the competent authority either gets it in electronic form or scans the paper and issue electronically, and then the public document can easily be sent abroad…If you have an electronic document, you want to be in a position to issue electronic Apostille for scanned documents,” Dr. Bernasconi explained.

Public documents, according to the Convention, are those which emanate from an authority or official connect-

Dr Christophe Bernasconi

ed with a court or tribunal of the State and includes documents issued by an administrative, constitutional or ecclesiastical Court of tribunal (a public prosecutor, a clerk or a process-server). The main examples of public documents for which Apostilles are issued in practice include birth, marriage and death certificates; extracts from commercial and other registers; patents; court rulings; notarial acts and notarial attestations of signatures; and academic diplomas issued by public intuitions.

Dr Bernasconi believes that it’s just a matter of time before Apostilles are issued in electronic form due to the significant convenience that they offer. Columbia for example, he cited, issues approximately 6000 electronic Apostilles per day. He therefore urged countries which were not yet parties to the Convention to sign onto it in order to access the benefits.

Asked whether a significant legislative agenda has to be put in place to get to the point of electronic Apostilles, Dr Bernasconi said that States would first have to ask the basic questions then based on the response, make positive steps to remedy shortcomings.

“States would have to ask the basic question, if electronic documents are recognised as valid documents… that’s the basics all jurisdictions go through before electronic Apostilles are in place…the next level deals with the question whether scanned documents are treated as original documents… where the response is no, amendments must be made to necessary legislations to ensure scanned documents are treated as originals,” Dr. Bernasconi explained.

He added that under the Convention an Apostille issued by one contracting state has to be recognised in the other. According to the Convention, the only effect of an Apostille is to certify the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document has acted and where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. The Apostille does not relate to the content of the underlying document itself.

To monitor the Convention’s practical operation, Special Commission meetings are convened by the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference.

18

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

ARCHIE

A physical or mental challenge will allow you to show (March 21- off your skill and talent.

April 19) Contracts and negotiations will turn in your favor. Make some changes and enjoy the outcome.

ARIES

Personal matters will TAURUS leave you feeling uncertain (April 20- about what you should do May 20) next. Look at your options and consider calling in a favor that will enable you to take care of your concerns.

DILBERT

If you play by the rules, GEMINI you'll have no regrets. A per(May 21June 20) sonal change will build confidence and enhance the way you feel mentally and physically. Love is highlighted Stick to things and people CANCER you know and trust. Don't let (June 21- anyone talk you out of your July 22) hard-earned cash. Learn from past mistakes.

PEANUTS

Sport a trendy new look.

LEO Enhancing your appearance (July 23will result in compliments Aug. 22) and attention from someone special. Romance is encouraged and will improve your personal life.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Push for what you want.

VIRGO Take the initiative to help out (Aug. 23Sept. 22) where and who you can. Your concern and dedication will lead to knowledge and experience.

Speak up and take action.

LIBRA If you hesitate, someone will (Sept. 23take advantage of you. A pasOct. 23) sionate gesture will improve your status or reputation.

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD – ORIENT

SUDOKU

A get-together with peoSAGITTARIUS ple from your past will entice (Nov. 23- you. Catch up, but don't let Dec. 21) old times keep you from new beginnings and the things and people in your life that presently count.

(ORIENT: OR-ee-ent: To locate or place in relation to the points of the compass.)

Average mark 18 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 25 or more words in ORIENT? The list will be published tomorrow.

THURSDAY'S WORD – SCRIBBLE scribe sire slice slicer slier cire crib cries relic rice rile

rise isle bible bier bile birl bleb bribe bris lice lire

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

Don't believe everything SCORPIO you hear. Do things your way (Oct. 24and don't give in to demands Nov. 22) that are not in your best interest. Use your imagination when asked to help.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

A chance to change the CAPRICORN way you put plans into mo(Dec. 22- tion will surface due to inJan. 19) formation you gather while extending a helping hand to someone or something you care about.

Turn a chance to make AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- a change into an adventure Feb. 19) and a new beginning. Express your feelings and be clear as to what you want and what you will give in return.

PISCES A financial opportuni(Feb. 20- ty looks promising. The more March 20) you are willing to contribute, the more control you will have over the outcome. An unexpected gain is heading your way.

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

19

England vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s

Yasir takes limelight with Lord’s 5-for Y

asir Shah followed the lead of his captain to give Pakistan the edge after two days of the first Test at Lord’s.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s hundred provided the initial inspiration and Yasir backed that up with a virtuoso display to leave England battling for parity, his fifth five-wicket haul in 13 Tests, on a pitch that offered him little assistance, underlining his claim to be one of the most dangerous spinners currently playing the game.

It could have been worse for England, with Alastair Cook dropped twice off the bowling of Mohammad Amir on his way to 81. Amir eventually bowled Cook for his first Test wicket since he removed Graeme Swann on the same ground almost six years ago but the spotlight had already begun to shift to his team-mate Yasir.

The last legspinner to take a five-for at Lord’s was Mushtaq Ahmed in 1996 also the last time Pakistan won on the ground.

England had been 118 for 1, Cook and Joe Root adding a century stand for the second wicket, be-

on during the evening session, Amir had his moment of release.

He had initially struggled with his line and length, leaking 33 runs from six overs before lunch, but gradually became more comfortable as the adrenaline ebbed away. Rahat Ali was generally the most demanding of Pakistan’s leftarm trio and he removed Alex Hales in the second over of the innings, angling a delivery across to have the opener taken at third Yasir Shah is mobbed by his team mates

tively suggested his bowlers might be able to exploit before the Test, and Yasir in particular liked what he saw. James Vince briefly shimmered on an otherwise dull, cloudy day, before playing back to be lbw to Yasir - DRS confirming it would have clipped leg stump - for a fifth innings without a significant score at Test level; Gary Ballance clipped one four on his comeback but was then beaten by a gently turning legbreak, pushing down the wrong line.

Jonny Bairstow bristled with intent as he attempt-

Mohammad Amir back in action at Lord’s and he picked up his first wicket in six years when he bowled Alastair Cook

fore Yasir struck for his first Test wickets outside of Asia. Root, in his first innings replacing Nick Compton at No. 3, looked at something like his dynamic best before trying slightly too hard to force the pace and top-edging a slog-sweep to be taken at midwicket two short of a half-century. It was to prove a costly indiscretion.

Pakistan had their first look at England’s reshaped middle-order, an area Misbah had tenta-

dismissal of Misbah for 114, saw England wrap up Pakistan’s innings inside the first hour. Having been 282 for 4 shortly before the close on Thursday, Pakistan might have been disappointed to make only 339.

Misbah, fresh from becoming the oldest captain to score a Test hundred, began the second day with designs on seeing his side up towards 400 and a secure position from which his bowlers could mount

ed his latest England rebuilding effort, hammering boundaries either side of the wicket with the vigour of a blacksmith at his anvil, but he too fell to Yasir, attempting to cut a delivery that was too full and seeing it skid on to the stumps.

Misbah erred towards defensive fields, as his quicks struggled for containment, but he had a dual-purpose operator in Yasir, who settled into a 15-over spell that yielded 4 for 46 once he had switched

to the Pavilion End. Only the occasional delivery spun but Yasir, like an experienced engineer calibrating a favourite piece of machinery, twiddled away at the control panel, imparting drift and subtle changes of pace to leave England scratching their heads at 193 for 6.

They were grateful to Chris Woakes, who had earlier taken his maiden Test five-for, battling to the close. Woakes and Moeen Ali negotiated almost a dozen overs but Yasir again changed ends and an appeal that would once have been dismissed as highly speculative gave him his fifth victim. Joel Wilson adjudged Moeen lbw to a delivery spinning in from round the wicket and, with DRS registering umpire’s call on impact in line with off stump and ball hitting leg, Yasir did not have to consider retracting his sajdah of joy.

Woakes’ 6 for 70 had helped finish off Pakistan with only 57 added to their overnight score before the stage was transported back to 2010, as Amir prepared to bowl to Cook once again.

Amir’s first delivery in Test cricket after a five-year ban for his involvement in spot-fixing on this ground was met by a few pseudowitty cries of “no-ball” from the crowd and it was unceremoniously tucked away into the covers for a single

by Cook.

Much has changed in the intervening period but Amir’s tightly coiled action caused the England captain just as many problems as it did on their first meeting, when he picked him up three times in five Tests; when Cook dragged

Chris Woakes took two early wickets on the second morning

slip.

The England reply had been anchored by Cook, who benefitted from two glaring errors in the field.

When he had made 22, Amir slanted the ball in to take the edge, just as he had done as a teenager, only for Mohammad Hafeez to make a mess of a straightforward low catch at first slip. There was further anguish for Amir when he began his second spell during the afternoon, his first delivery luring Cook into a drive as the ball left him, only for the ball to hit wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed on the wrist as he dived to his left.

Cook had reached his fifty by that point and went on to pass Sunil Gavaskar’s record as the opener who has scored the most runs in Tests, but a rather less pleasing statistic for England soon emerged. Of the last eight Tests in which Cook has made a 50-plus score, none have resulted in victory (two draws, six defeats).

In the morning session, a burst of three wickets in eight balls, including the

an attack. He could only

add four runs to his overnight score, however, before Stuart Broad brought a delivery back to burst between bat and pad and rattle the stumps.

That dismissal meant Pakistan had gone from 310 for 7 to 316 for 9, with Woakes removing Sarfraz and Wahab Riaz in the preceding over. Sarfraz had looked in dangerous mood, frequently stepping down the pitch to cut and drive on his way to 25 from 29 deliveries but he gifted his wicket when slapping a short, wide delivery to backward point to give Woakes his maiden fivefor.

Two deliveries later, Wahab was following Sarfraz back to the pavilion, as Woakes followed up an excellent outswinger with one of the fastest balls of the match, full and ducking in past a flimsy defence to leave off stump flat on the ground. As the crowd applauded Woakes’ achievements, Amir walked out for his first involvement in a Test since the corresponding match at Lord’s in 2010. But this was far from the main event, as Yasir would later prove. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st innings Mohammad Hafeezc †Bairstow b Woakes 40 Shan Masoodc †Bairstow b Wo akes 7 Azhar Alilbw b Ball 7 Younis Khanc Ali b Broad 33 Misbah-ul-Haq*b Broad 114 Asad Shafiqc †Bairstow b Woak es 73 Rahat Alib Woakes 0 Sarfraz Ahmed† c Vince b Woakes 25 Wahab Riazb Woakes 0 Mohammad Amirc Root b Bro ad 12 Yasir Shahnot out 11 Extras:(b-4, lb-10, w-2, nb-1) 17 Total:(all out; 99.2 overs) 339 Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Shan Masood, 12.1 ov), 2-51 (Mohammad Hafeez, 16.4 ov), 3-77 (Azhar Ali, 27.4 ov), 4-134 (Younis Khan, 43.5 ov), 5-282 (Asad Shafiq, 84.2 ov), 6-282 (Rahat Ali, 86.6 ov), 7-310 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 94.4 ov), 8-310 (Wahab Riaz, 94.6 ov), 9-316 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 95.5 ov), 10339 (Mohammad Amir, 99.2 ov) Bowling: SCJ Broad 27.2-9-71-

3 (w-1), JT Ball 19-5-51-1 (w-1), CR Woakes 24-7-70-6, ST Finn 21-2-86-0, MM Ali 7-0-46-0 (nb-1), JM Vince 1-0-1-0 England 1st innings AN Cook*b Mohammad Amir81 AD Halesc Azhar Ali b Rahat Al i 6 JE Root c Mohammad Hafeez b Yasir Shah 48 JM Vincelbw b Yasir Shah 16 GS Ballancelbw b Yasir Shah 6 JM Bairstow†b Yasir Shah 29 MM Ali lbw b Yasir Shah 23 CR Woakesnot out 31 SCJ Broadnot out 11 Extras:(nb-2)2 Total:(7 wickets; 71 overs) 253 To batJT Ball, ST Finn Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Hales, 1.6 ov), 2-118 (Root, 28.3 ov), 3-139 (Vince, 34.5 ov), 4-147 (Ballance, 36.6 ov), 5-173 (Cook, 45.2 ov), 6-193 (Bairstow, 50.1 ov), 7-232 (Ali, 61.2 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 182-65-1, Rahat Ali 14-1-68-1, Wahab Riaz 14-0-56-0 (nb-2), Yasir Shah 25-5-64-5

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

Floor Champ excited for Olympic debut

Tour de France 2016…

Froome extends lead T

B

ritain’s Chris Froome extended his lead in the Tour de France to one minute and 47 seconds by finishing second in the Stage 13 time trial.

Froome clocked 51 minutes and 18 seconds for the 37.5km stage from BourgSaint-Andeol to La Caverne du Pont-D’Arc, which Dutchman Tom Dumoulin won in 50 minutes and 15 seconds.

Bauke Mollema finished sixth to go second in the overall standings.

There were doubts the stage would go ahead after Thursday’s attack in Nice.

Tour officials decided to continue with the race, with a heightened security presence, after at least 84 people were killed when a lorry drove through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city.

Yellow jersey holder Chris Froome, stage winner Tom Dumoulin (right) and the Tour’s other jersey wearers laid their bouquets in tribute to the Nice victims There was a sombre atmosphere at both the start and finish lines on stage 13, with most riders not learning of the news from Nice until they woke up on Friday morning.

“We want this day to be a

Britain’s Chris Froome extended his lead in the Tour de France to one minute and 47 seconds by finishing second in the Stage 13 time trial

day of dignity as a tribute to the victims,” said race director Christian Prudhomme.

“The race must continue.”

There was a minute’s silence held before the first rider set off on the course, and another minute’s silence was observed as the jersey holders stood on stage after the day’s racing had finished.

The riders, including Froome, placed their bouquets of flowers on an empty podium in a symbolic tribute for the victims in Nice.

Froome, who lives in Monaco, just 12 miles (20km) from Nice, said: “This is definitely a time for people to stand together. It definitely

puts things into perspective for us.

“I’m happy with how the stage went but everyone’s thoughts are with the people in Nice. It’s a special place for me, close to where I’m based, and I can’t imagine what everyone is going through.”

Stage winner Dumoulin added: “On one side I’m a very happy man but on the other side it’s a very sad day.

“I woke up to the terrible news from Nice and there was a question whether we should race. It was a just decision in the end to race. It’s terrible what happened and it shadows the day a lot.”

he 16-year-old is the current senior British floor champion and won bronze at the 2015 World Championships.

She missed the European Championships in June to concentrate on school exams.

“I had the opportunity to watch the all-around final in 2012 and it was incredible,” she told BBC Sport.

“From that, it made me want it even more, it was incredible and made me so motivated.”

Tinkler is one of five women in the gymnastics team, along with sisters Becky and Ellie Downie, Commonwealth champion Claudia Fragapane and Ruby Harrold.

Amy Tinkler will make her Olympic debut

She continues to train with South Durham coaches Nicola Preston and Rachael Wright in her native north east.

“Me and my coaches have taken each day as it comes

Lesnar notified of possible anti-doping violation

(BBC)

Rio 2016

Halep and Raonic withdraw from Olympics over Zika virus

Halep and Raonic are the first tennis players to cite the Zika virus as their reasons for withdrawing from the Rio Games

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omania’s world number five Simona Halep and Canada’s world number seven Milos Raonic have pulled out of next month’s Olympic Games in Rio because of concerns about the Zika virus.

Raonic, 25, was beaten in Sunday’s Wimbledon final by Andy Murray.

“I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns including the uncertainty around Zika,” he said.

Losing Wimbledon quarter-finalist Halep, 24, said: “I truly regret these circumstances.”

More than 20 male players have withdrawn from the golf competition at Rio 2016, with many concerned about the mosquito-borne virus.

Halep and Raonic are the first tennis players to make themselves unavailable because of Zika, which is linked to brain deformities in newborn babies.

“Family is much too important for me and I can’t risk not being able to have one of my own after my career in tennis is over,” said Halep.

Raonic, meanwhile, wrote on Facebook: “I do not wish to impact the decision

of any other athlete heading to the Games.

“I look forward to cheering on Team Canada this summer.”

The United States’ John Isner has pulled out to focus on his preparations for tour events, while Nick Kyrgios will not be involved because of a dispute with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller in giving his analysis said, “Raonic and Halep are the highestranked players to pull out of the Olympics, and the first to cite the Zika virus as a reason for their withdrawal.

“If there are other players who share their concerns, it is possible this news will make them feel more comfortable about pulling out.

“A significant number of men have already turned down the opportunity to play in Rio - Nick Kyrgios is in dispute with the Australian Olympic Committee, and others like Dominic Thiem, John Isner and Ernests Gulbis have indicated they would rather play for ranking points on the ATP Tour.

“In Gulbis’ opinion, a trip to Rio is nothing more than ‘tennis tourism’.”(BBC

Sport)

and we’ve not really spoken about Rio,” Tinkler added.

“Getting to the World Championships was incredible and we didn’t think that was going to happen so it’s amazing.” (BBC Sport)

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Brock Lesnar

rock Lesnar has been told of a possible anti-doping policy violation less than a week after his win at UFC 200.

Just six days after winning a bout at UFC 200, Brock Lesnar has been informed of a possible antidoping policy violation.

According to the UFC, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed Lesnar on Friday that he had committed a possible anti-doping policy violation, stemming from a test sample he

submitted on June 28.

The UFC issued a statement on Friday confirming that Lesnar had been notified of the potential violation.

“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an outof-competition sample collection on June 28, 2016.

USADA received the testing results from the June

28, 2016 sample collection from the WADA-accredited UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory on the evening of July 14, 2016,” the statement read.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed in close proximity to Lesnar’s bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.”

The 39-year-old Lesnar, who rose to fame as an MMA fighter and pro wrestler, is under contract with the WWE, but the organisation granted him an exemption for a “one-off” MMA fight at UFC 200 on July 9.

Lesnar defeated Mark Hunt and won a UFC-record $2.5million purse. (Sportsmax)

World number 6 Victoria Azarenka pregnant

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wo-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka has revealed she is pregnant.

The 26-year-old Belarusian said she planned to return to “the very top” of the sport after giving birth at the end of the year.

Azarenka and her boyfriend learned she was pregnant while she was recovering from a knee injury.

“We couldn’t be happier and feel very blessed to begin this exciting journey,” said the world number six.

“I have been truly inspired by so many strong female athletes who return to the very top of their sport after having children, and I

Victoria Azarenka won Olympic gold in the mixed doubles at London 2012

plan to do exactly that.”

Azarenka was Australian Open champion in 2012 and 2013 and a beaten US Open finalist in the same years.

She has not played since retiring from a first-round match against Italian Karin Knapp at the French Open in May. (BBC Sport)

YELLOW PAGES SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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SPORTS

3 Guyanese named In WICCBVI Team T

hree Guyanese blind and visually impaired players were yesterday named in a training camp for the West Indies Cricket Council Blind and Visually Impaired team for the World Cup T20 Blind Cricket Tournament in India from January 28 to February 14, 2017.

The Guyanese who are included in the squad are Leroy Phillips, Ganesh Singh and Kevin Douglas.

A total of 20 players were selected based on their performance in the recently concluded WICC Blind and Visually Impaired (WICCBVI) Regional T20 Tournament. The coaches for the participating teams were the ones who selected the team.

Those players were listed in the following category B1-players who are totally blind, B2-are players who are partially sighted while a B3 are players who are partially blind.

Here is the complete list for the training squad B1Leroy Phillips (Guy), Jason Rickets (Jam), Michael Durham (T&T), Anthony Cumming (Bar), Matthew Rodrigues (T&T), Ganesh Singh (Guy) and Marlon Cole (Jam).

B2-Gregory Stuart (Jam), Ricardo Manning (Bar), Caneel Graham (Jam), Alvin James (Jam),

The three Guyanese players selected for the training camp; from L-R, Leroy Phillips, Kevin Douglas and Ganesh Singh

KC Warde Ryan (Bar) and Mark Goddard (Bar) B3- Rodney Ramrattan (T&T), Dennol Shim (Jam), Loshane Myles (Jam), Kevin Douglas (Guy), Jennyson

Russell to face antidoping hearing next week

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Pooyah (T&T), Halden Forde (Bar) and Mark Sweeney (Jam).

The date and location for the training camp will be announced at a later date.

est Indies allrounder Andre Russell is set to face an independent antidoping disciplinary panel on July 20 in Jamaica for a preliminary hearing over alleged whereaboutsclause violations, his lawyer Patrick Foster has said.

“The matter is set

for hearing next week Wednesday at 10:00h,” Foster told Reuters. “The hearing will deal with preliminary matters, but evidence will begin on another date.”

In March this year, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) said Russell had reportedly

missed three dope tests in a 12-month period, which equated to a failed test under doping laws. Athletes are required make their whereabouts known to local anti-doping agencies to facilitate testing under the WADA code and face a ban of up to two years if found guilty of repeatedly missing them.

“We received notification of Russell’s violation about two weeks ago and I’ve appointed a panel to hear his case,” JADCO independent disciplinary panel chairman Kent Pantry had told Reuters around March 2.

Russell, 27, has been a leading player in the T20 format in recent times.

He played a crucial role in West Indies winning the 2016 World T20 title in March and April, and is a key performer in domestic leagues around the world.

Russell was part of winning campaigns for Sydney Thunder in the 2015-16 Big Bash League and for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League in February. He is also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the IPL and is currently playing for Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

Digicel Schools Football Championship 2016…

Sir Leon’s Lesson powers to S/Gtown title

Strong U-19 & U-15 teams named to defend titles

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The victorious Sir Leon’s Lesson team in all smiles as they collect their trophy and new uniforms from the Digicel representative

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ir Leon’s Lesson rocketed to the South Georgetown title in the Digicel Schools Football Championship when they defeated a hapless Lodge Secondary 15-0 on Friday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground, Camp Ayangana.

Six goals by Kiefer Brandt, a helmet-trick by David George, a double by Sylvester Richardson with supporting goals by Adrian Aaron, Jaheel Lancelot and Jaheel Evans led the route for the Sir Leon unit.

George was the first to score when he took a shot from the right edge of the box in the 17th; seven minutes later, he took a similar shot, this time from the left side which sailed over the keeper’s head.

Lodge came under attack from a series nifty offensive plays but they withstood the pressure until Brandt scored from inside the 18-yards box with piercing strike in the 33rd.

George, who was a men-

ace on the left wing, got his third goal when he wrapped his left foot around the ball unleashing a powerful strike that beat then keeper to his right in the 39th; on the brink of half time, Brant scored once more, capitalizing on rebound off the keeper.

Upon resumption, Lodge made some changes to their team but that did not stop the onslaught, as ten goals were recorded in the second half, the first of which was the Brandt’s fourth, with a successful shot from 25 yards from target in the 53rd.

Two minutes later, George headed his fourth into the left of the box after which Brandt, who seemed impossible to keep out of the action, etched his name on the score sheet for the fourth time with a simple tap in the 61st.

The Lodge team failed to gather any momentum, to put any pressure on their opponents, as frustration crept in, which saw three

players receiving red cards in quick succession.

The hammering continued for Lodge, as Aaron, Lancelot and Richardson notched goals in the 63rd, 65th and 71st to completely deflate their opponents.

Evans then joined goal spree in the 78th, while Richardson and Brandt treated themselves to more goals in the 80th, 85th and 87th.

The regional playoffs will commence on Wednesday thought out the country.

This year, the champion school will collect $1 million to fund a project of its choice. The second to fourth placed finishers will receive $700,000, 400,000 and $350,000 respectively, which will also go to a project of their choice. The regional champions are guaranteed $100,000 each.

Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) are the defending champions, winning the title four consecutive years.

MoH/ Petra Organisation, Busta Soft Shoe Football...

Keemo Paul

Travis Persaud

Sachin Singh

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) recently announced its Under-15 and Under-19 teams to participate in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Tournament in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines respectively.

A strong U-19 team comprises West Indies U-19 allrounder Keemo Paul, captain Travis Persaud and power hitting all-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Renaldo Ali Mohamed, will defend Guyana’s title and look to continue its dominance for a third straight year.

The team’s outstanding performance dates back to 2014 when Guyana won its first double- limited overs and three titles at home- under the leadership of Brian Sattaur and last year in Jamaica under returning skipper Persaud.

As a result of its supremacy three of its players were selected for the Youth World Cup and they assisted the West Indies U-19 team in winning the tournament.

The national U-19 team is currently encamped at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel and indoor facility at La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara. The preparatory camp will run until

July 20. The Regional U-19 tournament will take place between July 27 and August 21. Guyana is scheduled to depart for the tournament on July 24.

Unlike last year, the event will feature limited overs and three day cricket. The tournament will comprise three rounds of three-day matches during the first 11 days, and the Youth Super50 which fields seven teams – the six territorial sides from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a composite side from ICC Americas.

Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition, featuring seven rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches, with the top two teams qualifying for the Final to determine the tournament winner on August 21 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

The Coach of the team is Adrian Amsterdam while the Manager is David Black.

Meanwhile the U-15 squad was also named and will be coached and skippered by Julian Moore and Sachin Singh respectively.

Singh is a prolific left handed batsman and is currently a member of the Guyana U-17 team which is currently in Trinidad. Moore

on the other hand has been in charge since 2014 when Guyana won its third title.

Like the U-19s, the U-15s have also ascended at this level, winning the tournament for the last two years in Jamaica 2014 and Guyana 2015. The team is not as strong as the previous two years but they are expected to do well.

The tournament – in its 21st year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.

The U-15 tournament will run from July 27 to August 3.

Guyana U-15 Squad: Sachin Singh (captain), Seon Glasgow, Yeudistir Persaud, Mohamed Shoaib Shaw, Jarron France, Lance Roberts, Gevon Schultz, Amos Sarwan, Dwaine Dick, Nickeen Noble, Sheldon Charles, Leon Swamy, Nigel Deodat and Daniel Paul.

Guyana U-19 Squad: Travis Persaud (captain), Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Renaldo Ali Mohamed, Akinie Adams, Ronaldo Renee, Malcolm Hubbard, Keshram Shabodan, Joel Seitaram, Looknauth Chinkoo, Bhaskar Yadram, Joshua Persaud, Sylus Tyndall and Raymond Perez.

North East La Penitence West Side champs battle in sends Sparta Boss packing Wolf’s Challenge Cup tomorrow

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orth East La Penitence pulled the most the stunning upset in the Ministry of Public Health/Petra Organisation/ Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament when they defeated defending champions and favourites, Sparta Boss 2-0 on penalty kicks Thursday evening.

Playing at the Santos Training Ground, Brickdam, the feature match of the night ended 2-2 after some exciting battles.

Sparta was the first to score when Gregory Richardson hit the back of the net in the 10th minute and that looked to be the match winning goal until Devon Charles levelled the scores in the dying minutes that sent the match into extra time.

With the growing, crowd support, the North East La Penitence team grew in confidence, and Alwin Moore scored once more in the 32nd to create panic in the Sparta

T

Sparta Boss were outgunned on the spot kick by a composed North East La Penitence unit (File Photo)

Boss camp but Richardson restored hope when he scored his second in the 35th.

In the other match, Tucville won 3-2 on penalty kicks after goalless battle with Broad Street.

The finals are slated for Sunday and the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta where Tucville clash with North East La Penitence for Championship honours while Sparta Boss face Broad Street in the third place play-off.

The winner of the event

will collect $300,000 and the championship trophy while the second placed side will receive $200,000 and the runners-up accolade.

On the other hand, the third placed side will receive $100,000 and the respective trophy while the fourth place finishers will pocket $75,000 and the corresponding title.

On the individual side, prizes will be awarded to the event’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Highest Goal Scorer.

he nationwide Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball cricket tournament is set to continue this weekend after a break for the Independence Cup in New York and Hero Caribbean Premier League Matches in Guyana with a matchup between ‘Westside’ powerhouses set to take centre stage.

Former national open champions, Wolf Warriors of the West Coast of Demerara will battle their longstanding nemesis Speed Boat of the West Bank of Demerara in the opening match at Tuschen Ground tomorrow at 10:00h. both teams have been neck to neck in battles over the years with Wolf Warriors having the edge but the consistent Speed Boat can deliver the knockout blow at any time and should not be taken lightly.

Amreit Rai

The Wolf Warrior’s hopes for another victory rest on the shoulders of their veteran captain Amreit “Rocky” Rai and the Karim brothers; Sarfraz and Riaz while the

Speed Boat will be looking to Travis Drakes and Wazir Karim to lead them to victory.

The second match of the day brings together Superior Woods and Parika Defenders from 13:00h also at the Tuschen ground.

Over at the Malteenoes ground in Thomas Lands Georgetown there are four matches scheduled for tomorrow in the Masters category.

On Pitch one at 10:00h Floodlights take on Wolf Warriors Masters while on pitch two also at 10:00h, Regal Masters will be challenged by Fisherman Masters.

Later on in the day, on pitch one; Wellman battle with Enterprise Legends from 13:00h while on pitch two LOL Woodworking will battle Untouchables.

guyana-times.com

saturdAY, july 16, 2016

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Gayle, Shakib set up Tallawahs come from behind win T

he Jamaica Tallawahs turned the tables on the Guyana Amazon Warriors with a 5-wicket whipping with 25 balls to spare at

Sabina Park on Friday night.

The revenge victory was set nicely by specials from their injured captain Chris Gayle, Man of the match Shakib Al-

SCOREBOARD Guyana Amazon Warriors innings (20 overs maximum) DR Smith lbw b Imad Wasim 11 MJ Guptill* c †Sangakkara b Ste yn 0 CA Lynn c Russell b Imad Wasim 33 JN Mohammed not out 46 A Bramble† c Russell b Shakib Al Hasan 6 CD Barnwell run out (Powell) 8 V Permaul b Steyn 3 Sohail Tanvir not out 15 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, w-3) 6 Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 128 Did not bat: RR Emrit, Ali Khan, A Zampa Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Guptill, 1.6 ov), 2-36 (Smith, 4.2 ov), 3-55 (Lynn, 8.5 ov), 4-86 (Bramble, 13.6 ov), 5-99 (Barnwell, 16.2 ov), 6-105 (Permaul, 17.3 ov) Bowling: AD Russell 3-1-23-0, DW Steyn 4-0-312 (w-1), Imad Wasim 4-012-2, GE Mathurin 3-0-130, Shakib Al Hasan 2-0-20-1, KOK Williams 4-0-26-0 (w-2)

Jamaica Tallawahs innings (target: 129 runs from 20 overs) CAK Walton c †Bramble b Sohail Tanvir 2 AM McCarthy run out (Barnwell) 0 KC Sangakkara† c †Bramble b Ali Khan 0 R Powell c Ali Khan b Sohail Tanvir 0 Shakib Al Hasan not out 53 AD Russell c Zampa b Permaul 24 45 CH Gayle* not out Extras (lb-2, w-4, nb-2) 8 Total: (5 wickets; 15.5 ove rs) 132 Did not bat: Imad Wasim, DW Steyn, GE Mathurin, KOK Williams Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Walton, 0.2 ov), 2-2 (McCarthy, 0.3 ov), 3-2 (Powell, 0.5 ov), 4-2 (Sangakkara, 1.1 ov), 5-45 (Russell, 4.6 ov) Bowling: Sohail Tanvir 3-0-142, Ali Khan 3.5-0-48-1 (nb-2, w-2), V Permaul 2-0-27-1 (w-2), DR Smith 2-0-11-0, A Zampa 3-0-20-0, RR Emrit 2-0-10-0

Jason Mohammed top scored for the Guyana Amazon Warriors with 46 not out

Hassan and Imad Wasim with a magical spell of bowling.

The Warriors were sent in and got to an inadequate 128/6 with the consistent Jason Mohammed getting to 46 not out from 51 balls with a boundary and two maximums.

Chris Lynn made a quick fire 33.

Martin Guptill in his last match of CPL 2016 was caught behind for a duck to start the slide for the Warriors.

Imad Wasim took 2/12 and got great support from Dale Steyn 2/31 and Shakib 1/20.

Shaikb then joined forces with Gayle to put together a match winning partnership of 87 runs from 67 balls after the

Tallawahs were struggling at 5/45 in the fifth over and ear-

Guyana, Trinidad set up title clash

G

Shemaine Campbelle

Shemaine Campbelle making 16 each. Vanetta Watts collected three wickets for Jamaica while Shanel Daley, Stephanie Taylor and Nation claimed two wickets each.

Jamaica won by 43 runs and as a result collected five points while Guyana got none. Nation was named player of the match.

Guyana and current champions Barbados finished on same points but the host qualified to play the finals due to a better net run rate.

Windward Islands was the most unfortunate team in the tournament as they

were not afforded any opportunity to play due to wet grounds where they were scheduled to play.

The following gives an idea of how a team progress if points are leveled; note Item 17.10 of the Regulations for any clarification on the 2nd place team. In this case we had to use the last item point, which is the NRR. The two teams with the most points at the end of the round robin stage will contest the final. In the event of teams finishing on equal points at the end of the round robin stage, the right to play in the Finals and the play off matches will be determined as follows: The team with the most number of wins.

• If still equal, the team with the most number of wins over the other team(s) who are equal on points and have the same number of wins.

• If still equal, the team with the highest number of bonus points.

• If still equal, the team with the highest net run rate.

In a match declared as no result, run rate is not applicable.

be dependent on Faf du Plesis and Lendl Simmons with the bat at the top of the order with Devon Thomas coming down the order for the late assault.

Samuel Badree, Alzarri Joseph and Tabraiz Shamsi will be called on to do the damage with the ball on a pitch that has a little to offer all bowlers and batters a good day once they get in early.

The Warriors remain on top of the points table and will travel to St. Lucia where they will meet the Zouks in their final match in the Caribbean before heading off to Florida for their final two preliminary matches.

Tridents host defending champions in crucial clash

WICB Regional Women’s Super 50 Championship

uyana clinched a spot in the finals of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Females Regional 50 over Tournament although they lost to Jamaica in yesterday’s final round match at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Guyana will now meet Trinidad and Tobago in Sunday’s final at the said venue from 09:35h. Friday’s loss was Guyana’s first to go with one win and three no results. It was just the fourth match played out of some 15 that were scheduled to play in a tournament that was severely hampered by rain.

The match started in the afternoon and was reduced to 20 overs per side.

Guyana won the toss and invited Jamaica to take first strike. The visitors utilized the opportunity to score 125-8 at the end of their 20 overs. Chedean Nation and Rashada Williams were the principal scorers with 35 and 25 respectively. Erva Giddings took three wickets while Akaze Thompson picked up two.

In reply, the host was rattled for 82 in 17.4 overs, with Latoya Smith and

lier 4/2 in the second over.

Sohail Tanvir had 2/14, Veerasammy Permaul 1/27 and debutant Muhammad Ali Khan 1/49. The Warriors made one change with Ali Khan replacing Steven Jacobs.

The Jamaica Tallawahs will be in action again this evening when they meet bottom of the table St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 18:00h (19:00h Guyana Time).

The Patriots are struggling so far but with the powerful batting line up and attacking bowlers they can up their game on the Sabina Park track that may allow them to have a change in fortunes. Lot’s will

Hashim Amla

B

arbados Tridents with a no result and a victory so far in their home matches will go in to today’s key encounter against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders as the favourites in match 16 of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2016.

The Tridents will look to use home advantage and momentum from their last victory over the Patriots which was set up nicely by AB de Villiers with a solid knock of 82. Nicholas Pooran and skipper Kieron Pollard are also showing signs

of taking the match away from the opposition with purposeful knocks.

Their bowling seems settled with Wayne Parnell and Ravi Rampaul sharing the new ball with David Wiese and Raymon Reifer offering assistance in the seam department while Akeal Hosein and Imran Khan are taking care of the spin department but the guys in the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) camp are very well aware of the Tridents’ weapons and will be ready for battle.

Hashim Amla is the tournament’s leading run scorer and will look to the likes of Brendon Mc Cullum, once fit; Colin Munro who already has a century in the series; Denesh Ramdin; Umar Akmal and captain Dwayne Bravo to give them a good platform with the bat.

The bowling will be led by mystery spinner Sunil Narine and Bravo with assistance from Kevon Cooper and Anton Devcich.

The first ball is at 12:00h.

It’s sweet 16 in terms of the matches this year but 40 overs will determine who will come out celebrating at the mecca of Caribbean cricket, the Kensington Oval.

Barbados Tridents Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), AB de Villiers, Shoaib Malik, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Rampaul, David Wiese, Robin

AB de Villiers

Peterson, Raymon Reifer, Ashley Nurse, Wayne Parnell, Akeal Hosein, Imran Khan, Kyle Hope, Navin Stewart, Kyle Corbin, Steven Taylor, Shemar Springer Trinbago Knight Riders Squad: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Brendon McCullum, Sunil Narine, Hashim Amla, Umar Akmal, Kevon Cooper, Sulieman Benn, Colin Munro, Denesh Ramdin, Anton Devcich, Ronsford Beaton, Nikita Miller, William Perkins, Yannick Cariah, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Hamza Tariq, Anderson Phillip

Maddinson replaces Guptill in Warriors squad G

uyana Amazon Warriors have added Australian international Nic Maddinson to their squad for the remainder of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign as Martin Guptill has been called up to the New Zealand squad for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

Guptill played his final game of the Hero CPL last night against Jamaica Tallawahs in Sabina Park.

The Warriors captain Guptill scored 164 runs in seven innings at an average of 23.42 with his inning of 50 against Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence as his

Nic Maddinson

highest.

Maddinson, 24, made his

international debut against India in 2013, scoring 34 off 16 balls, and has represented Australia on two occasions in T20 Internationals.

The attacking left-handed opening batsman captained the Sydney Sixers in the 2015/16 Big Bash and in 50 T20 career innings he averages 23.93. In 56 First-Class matches to date, Maddinson has scored 3,417 runs at an average of 37.14, including seven centuries and he will link up with the Amazon Warriors squad for the match away to St. Lucia Zouks on July 24 at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

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

Gayle, Shakib setup Tallawahs come from behind win

Pg 23

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