Guyanatimes 4 july 2018

New CCJ P President to be sworn in today 17

– as St Vincent Justice Saunders takes the baton from Dennis Byron Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Issue No. 3613

Guyana should lead the charge in decriminalising marijuana Page 16

…once Caricom Heads agree to recommendation –SMART member

Bandits terrorise Canal No 2 Polder family – suspected getaway driver detained

Page 7

Cousins drown following fatal plunge at Mahaica Seawall

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Bandits cart off millions in jewellery from L Seepersaud Maraj and Sons P11

Children injured in 4-vehicle smash-up on P13 WCD

Man gets 23 years for sodomising, killing 9-yearP12 old boy

PNC chairmanship race heats up

Upcoming congress highlights emerging factions – Hinds P3

Grieving relatives and friends of the victims at the Mahaica foreshore on Tuesday prior to the recovery of the bodies

Another smuggling attempt thwarted at Lusignan Prison

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– items include cellphone, cigarettes, cannabis

Govt asks PAC to suspend oversight of 2016 AG report – Edghill takes officials to task for “seeking shelter” from Committee

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Cocaine found under vehicle at CJIA, 5 in P9 custody

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

PNC chairmanship race heats up

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 4 – 09:00h-10:30h and Thursday, July 5 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 4 – 07:55h-09:25h and Thursday, July 5 – 08:40h-10:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Upcoming congress highlights emerging factions – Hinds

...challenge suggests discontent with Williams’s incumbency

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning light cloudy skies will give way to thundery showers followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to East North-easterly and North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 08:19h and 20:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.42 metres and 2.34 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:51h and 14:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.80 metre respectively.

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Political analyst, Dr David Hinds

of overcoming Harmon’s challenge.

“We’re seeing two factions emerging within the PNC. One faction is what I would call; the old PNC. And then I think there is a new faction within the PNC; some people refer to it as the ex-soldiers.

But I think it’s more than the ex-soldiers.”

“I think it’s a faction looking beyond the traditional PNC way of doing things and it’s more the APNU type.

And I think Harmon represents that type. I think the APNU faction is less tribalist

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s the race to the People’s National Congress (PNC) chairmanship heats up and two clear contenders for the post have emerged, political analysts believe it will be a contest old versus new, highlighting factions within the party.

With the PNC congress slated for August 17, at least two contenders have emerged for the chairmanship post. Attorney General Basil Williams is the incumbent Chairman of the party.

Previously he was unopposed for the position.

But fellow Cabinet colleagues Joseph Harmon and Volda Lawrence have thrown their hats into the ring this time around. In an interview with this publication, political analyst, Dr David Hinds offered his thoughts on the race, which could be the forerunner to 2020’s General and Regional Elections.

Hinds posited that the developments indicate a faction within the traditional party faithful that want Williams ousted from the chairmanship, possibly based on his performance. Harmon’s entrance, he noted, indicates the presence of a newer, more coalition minded faction in the party.

“Two challengers to Basil Williams for Chairman, one can assume the general membership of the PNC may be dissatisfied with Williams’s tenure and they may be looking for someone new,” Hinds related.

“In the last week, we’ve had Volda Lawrence throwing her hat into the race. I think that Lawrence and Williams are vying for the same kind of vote amongst PNC members. So it means (her) very entry into the race is an indication that that faction seems to think Williams is unable to win and so they turn to Lawrence.”

The political analyst posited that what Lawrence and Williams risked was splitting this traditional factor. Hinds thus expressed the belief that if all three ran, one of them might drop out the race ahead of time to avoid splitting the vote and give the traditional faction a chance

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

that the other faction.”

Harmon is currently the General Secretary for A Partnership for National Unity, the coalition party the PNC joined. The Minister of State is also an Executive Member of the party. And since he announced his candidature in May, Harmon has taken to social media to forward his cause.

“That is the democracy

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

which we practise: so every member of the party can aspire to the highest office in our party. And like many others, I am a member of the party of long standing, and therefore have indicated that it is my desire and my interest in putting myself up as a candidate for the chairmanship of the party,” said Harmon, who seems to be the most popular candidate, and most competent and active Government Minister.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, through Director of Sport

Incumbent PNC Chairman Basil Williams

Christopher Jones, also recently announced her candidacy for the post. Lawrence, a long-time member of the party, had contested for the leadership back in 2012 against now President David Granger.

Back in April, Williams had hinted that he may run again for the chairmanship post. “I am servant of the PNC and a servant of my party. They know me. I have been working steadily throughout the years, and me and my comrades… So we don’t think that’s an issue,” he had stated.

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

Prison reform

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n Tuesday, the Director of the Guyana Prisons Service reported that lawmen were hunting an individual who attempted to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics, tobacco leaves, mobile phones and other contraband into the Lusignan Prison Holding Area.

He said that the incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning after prison officers observed the man acting in a suspicious manner at the north-eastern section of the penitentiary’s holding area, by prison ranks.

The media was told that when the ranks realised that the man was in the process of throwing a black plasticwrapped parcel over the fence, they discharged rounds at him, but he somehow managed to make good his escape leaving the parcel behind.

This incident is occurring just one week after Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had expressed absolute anger at the upsurge in cases regarding the smuggling and attempted smuggling of contraband into prisons countrywide.

Minister Ramjattan to his credit was even quoted as stating frankly: “You get angry at what’s happening, you feel a sense of despair, but really it just goes to show the quality of some of our prison officers that allow that to happen.”

He had also indicated that he has been having discussions with the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, so as to have funds allocated in the next budget presentation for the purchasing of scanners. He intends to have these installed at the entrances of each prison.

The truth is, the situation within the Guyana Prison Service and security sector has deteriorated under the watchful eyes of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change coalition Government despite the fact that this Administration has access to, and comprises, far more individuals who are security experts when compared to its predecessor, the People’s Progressive Party.

Minister Ramjattan must understand that his Government has to toughen its stance on the smuggling of narcotics and contraband into the prison system by strengthening the penalties associated with those crimes.

Higher fines and longer prison sentences cannot be discounted.

Also, the Government must pay thought to implementing a better system of vetting and promoting officers who serve within the Prison Service. Maybe, there is need for those in authority to relook at the working conditions and salaries paid to those within that law enforcement body. More training and human resource development courses are also recommended as a means of changing the behavioural patterns of prison officers who are lured into colluding with prisoners to make a big buck or ‘fast cash’ while within the walls of the prison.

If Minister Ramjattan is interested in his tenure and the reputation of the Government, he would also consider transfering top prison officials and perhaps even asking for the resignation of the current head of the establishment to allow for the appointment of newer and more independent leadership.

A robust civil society effort must be led which will see stakeholders from sides of the divide conducting more routine searches and raids of the prison facilities.

Government must also look at the integrity of the officers serving within the prison systems and the relationships that exist between wardens and hardened criminals. Both parties must be read the riot act and special emphasis must be placed on shaking up the establishment in order to make way for Government, Police and intelligence Informants to enter the system and work as undercover agents or double agents in order to understand how the smuggling of contraband takes place.

If any other disaster breaks out, Minister Ramjattan may find it necessary to tender his resignation. Integrity would demand it, because it would appear that he is unable to grasp the importance of his portfolio and the fact that he will be judged by the number of policy initiatives that would have been successfully piloted and implemented within the Prison Service, which in turn led to measurable benefits and reforms.

Intricate waterways. This overhead photo of the Canal Polder Conservancy shows the natural beauty of the Savannah that is aback Canal Number One polder. The canal is rich in various species of fishes and provides an ideal sport fishing location since it runs for miles. The conservancy water is always used during the dry season for irrigation of farmlands on the West Bank of Demerara, particularly the Canals Polder (Photo by Deopaul Somwaru)

We must live a life of high moral standard and ethics

Dear Editor, I have decided to pen this letter on moral standard and ethics from personal experience with people in Guyana, as well as those out of Guyana. The word 'ethic' can be defined as follows: ''a set of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct.

The basic concepts and fundamental principles of decent human conduct includes study of universal values, such as the essential equality of all men and women, human or natural rights, obedience to the law of land, concern for health and safety and, increasingly, also for the natural environment.''

Let me begin with work ethic with the question: How many people in Guyana go to work on time?

How many managers, supervisors, CEOs and clerks can you meet at 08:30h in their offices? I have visited several offices in Guyana and observed most workers going to work late and the bosses are never in office on time. I also observed that many workers just idle their day away collecting the Government’s money by false pretence, including their bosses.

If you call many offices to talk to a person in position they are always in a meeting or not in office or too busy to take your call. They never return a call or reply to your email, Facebook or WhatsApp messages etc.

I have seen these activities in most of our offices in Guyana more than 35 years now.

Over two months ago, I saw a vacancy at the University of Guyana. I sent

an application online I got a reply four days later stating that my application was received. After a month, I sent them an email of inquiry about my application.

They replied in a few days saying that my application is still under consideration. It's over two months now… I sent them another inquiry in a week and got no reply.

Here is the highest academic institution of learning taking months to process a job application and don't have the moral standard to write to me to say if my application was NOT accepted or to go for an interview. I may suffer a heart attack if they invite me for an interview.

My next experience is with the Legal Affairs Ministry. They wrote me a letter dated November 28, 2017, informing me that my ''Application of Appointment as Justice of Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits is now at the Minister of State for final deliberation.''

That letter was only sent to me because I wrote about it several times in the newspapers questioning why my Police report took over two years to be sent to the Legal Affairs Ministry.

After several inquiries to the office of the Minister of State by calls, to date it's about eight months now and I did not received an email, phone call nor letter pertaining to the status of my appointment. This procedure of my application started in 2003 since the People’s Progressive Party Administration about 15 years now and to date it would be better if I was told I am not appointed and reasons given. (I have done

over six Police interviews in those years).

What I have discovered in this country is simple matters that can take a week or a month will take years because of incompetence and lack or morality and ethics.

Sometimes Managers and Ministers are in their offices but they refused to answer calls; they tell their secretaries to say they are not in office. What are they telling their secretaries in simple terms is ‘'to lie for them’. A gentleman told me in Brazil you can buy a property and get the paper work done the same day or less than a week.

Here in Guyana, is months and years and the royal run around at the Guyana Revenue Authority for the compliance. In Trinidad you get your Birth Certificate same day; here is weeks and months.

I wrote a book and sent it to my publisher 01:35h I got a reply in five minutes. I sent Warwick University an email I got three replies in 10 minutes back and forth.

How do we compare ourselves with these institutions abroad? Why can't we be competent like them?

I haven't seen the great change of this country since modern technology all over you go is tons of old books and papers that should be replaced by CDs and flash drives. We don't have much work ethics in Guyana.

We are always late and used terms like ''it's better to be late than never'' we go to work late, watch TV late, wake late, and laze around our jobs doing nothing and people in this country have a real drinking problem they are always drunk even on their jobs.

Most times, people are pushed into offices because of political affiliations and they get FAT salaries for doing absolutely nothing. We must ask ourselves many questions like how competent is this person holding this office? What did he/she ever run efficiently before?

Are they honest? Are they punctual? Can they run this office? Do they have a stable family life? Are we very principled when it comes to keep our WORD AND TIME with people? You are a manager you invited an applicant for a job interview at 09:00h but you showed up at 12 noon. What example are you setting for that new applicant? NONE. You need to be fired.

Simple evaluation of people should not take us long.

But in this country people ''drag their feet'' on their jobs even our schools have teachers who need teachings themselves because they are never in class and they can never complete the CXC exam syllabus on time.

Our character, morality, integrity, punctuality and speaking the truth at all times are keys to the foundation of a person of exemplary character and attitude. Mahatma Gandhi had this to say about character: ''In times to come people will not judge us by the creed we profess or the label we wear or the slogans we shout, but, by our work, industry, sacrifice, honesty and purity of character.''

It's about time we as a people wake up to these truths about morality and ethics and inculcate more efficient work ethics.

Regards, Reverend Gideon Cecil

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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

‘Success’ and ‘failure’ in education

Dear Editor, The media has been full the last few days with stories of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ in terms of the National Grade Six Assessment.

Whilst a few students bask in their scores, thousands more lament the results.

Lists are made of the ‘good’ schools in terms of their exam results. The criteria for a ‘good’ school being one or more students in the top one per cent. No mention, of course, is made of the many others who ‘failed’ the exam from the same ‘good schools.’

This is not Guyana’s challenge alone.

A popular writer, John Holt, wrote a best seller, with the first line, “most children in school fail.” They fail to develop more than a tiny per cent of their capacity. Education worldwide is blindly focussed on a slavish pursuit of ‘completing the syllabus,’ with precious little reflection on how much of that sacred syllabus really matters. Few syllabi worldwide give more than scant attention to the environment, sexuality issues or world citizenship.

Whatever the merits of the Grade Six Assessment, it is surely time for a radical

look at what we are doing in education in Guyana. The Commission on Enquiry has come and gone and we read in the papers over the past few days that 40 per cent of students failed English, 62 per cent failed Maths and 54 per cent failed Science. So where do we go from here?

School of the Nations has made one attempt to respond to this urgent need in our education system by introducing the Cambridge University Certificate in Educational Leadership programme in Guyana. This is being offered in collaboration with the Education Ministry.

The Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, recently arranged for the Director of Nations, Dr Brian O’Toole, to meet with all the Regional Education Officers (REdOs) to discuss the programme and how it could be implemented across Guyana.

The first cohort of 35 teachers and administrators is now close to completion of the Certificate programme.

A second group is to start in September. Significantly, seven of the REdOs are pursuing the programme themselves.

Nigel Richards, REdO for Region One (Barima-Waini),

has organised the Cambridge Certificate for his region and 30 teachers gathered in Mabaruma last weekend to start the programme. This is being done in collaboration with the 23 trained teachers who are here in Guyana for the summer from USA as part of the LRTT (Limited Resource Teacher Training) programme.

The REdOs of Essequibo Coast and Berbice are planning meetings with all the head teachers in their regions to introduce the Cambridge Certificate programme in their region. Also plans are in train to take the programme to the Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Mahdia, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The Cambridge University Certificate programme focuses on leadership and the need for fundamental reform in education, not just in Guyana, but worldwide.

The Certificate begins by exploring the challenges facing education throughout the world and why so many children are failing.

The texts that accompany the course explore what contributes to the most success-

ful education systems internationally, eg in South Korea, Canada, Singapore and Finland, and why other countries, despite their wealth, such as USA and UK, are falling behind.

In the ‘progressive’ countries there is very little disparity between the best and the ‘poorer’ schools. In Canada, for example, there are good schools throughout the country, even in very isolated regions. In these countries, unlike Guyana, teaching is regarded as a very attractive profession.

One of the course texts states that a number of urban schools in the US are “sinkholes for poor minorities,” with a range of ages and abilities in one class.

Teachers are suffering from the demands of satisfying parents whilst, at the same time, attempting to respond to the competing demands of politicians and school administrators.

But rather than dwelling on problems, the Cambridge programme explores what can be done to respond to the challenge. Fundamental to the programme is the need for a whole school focus. The course promotes a reflective, inquiring, prob-

Heavy-duty vehicles cause tremendous damage to roads in city Dear Editor, The Mayor and City Council continues to express worry about the condition of many of its roads in different sections of the city. Many of its roadways are broken, in a state of disrepair and, in some cases, even impassable.

One reason for this is the use of these roads by single-axle heavy-duty vehicles. A classic example is the extant negative condition of David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens caused mainly by heavy-duty single axle vehicles hauling building materials and other things to an expanse of open land, which is now being developed by investors and other contractors, just beyond Cane View Avenue.

Irate residents have been complaining about the negative physical conditions of these roads, which make them unsafe.

It is public knowledge that the City Council does not have the where with-

al with all to carry out urgent road repair works. It is also public knowledge that the Council is called upon to fulfil its statutory duties, including road building, to citizens with a very narrow revenue basis. This coupled with neglect by property owners to honour their civic obligation, the lack of valuation in the city for over 20 years, steep the increases in the costs of goods and commodities used by the Council to provide service to the citizens and a high level of indiscipline, by some, to care for city infrastructure exacerbate the situation.

These are some of the reasons which influence the Council is action to begin consultations with owners and operators of heavy-duty single-axle vehicles to share the daunting challenges facing the Council and to allow those to make a contribution to the maintenance, repair and construction of roads in City of Georgetown area.

Also, Council is mull-

ing the ideas of approaching Guyana Revenue Authority for a percentage of revenues from licensing of vehicle, to assist with the construction and maintenance of roads and facilities that are connected to them.

Sincerely, Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer Mayor and City Council

lem-solving approach. Key elements of the Certificate programme are: how to get more teachers of quality, the need to promote more rigorous teacher training and the need to reflect on how to cultivate an ethos of striving for excellence on the part of persons in education.

Charismatic Leadership only produces temporary gains. There needs to be a move to a model of distributive leadership in which the focus is on changing the whole school. With charismatic leadership others just sit back and expect the leaders to do everything, heroic leaders in fact prevent the emergence of strong institutions.

We need to promote and nurture Emotional Intelligence in our teachers and move away from the arrogance and inflexibility of the past and embrace an atmosphere of self-awareness and empathy that will allow teachers to meet the stresses of modern day teaching.

One of the Cambridge texts states that 40 per cent of US teachers from Nursery to Fifth Form teachers are “disillusioned” and are just waiting to leave the job.

An essential element of the Certificate course is that good teaching is actually very hard and needs extensive training, the focus is to work with groups and not individual teachers. We don’t need more ‘projects,’ rather, we need a coherent plan. We need to move away from the fragmented, faddish and inflexible approach that we have pursued in education for too long.

We need to move away

from being consumed by data which often focuses on failures and on what can be easily measured. Teachers need to learn how to learn and how to embrace change and take risks. For far too long teachers have felt powerless and without a voice.

Their response is to leave the job.

We need to appreciate that good teaching is actually very hard and demands extensive training.

In sport, the arts, music it is the same. Ronaldo, Beyonce or Hale Berry rehearse and practice constantly – why should it be any different for teachers?

We need to develop ‘souls’ within our schools, characterised by care, trust and empathy on the part of the teachers. We need to help our teachers feel they are part of something bigger.

The wider community needs to be more effectively involved in schools. In Singapore there is a clear sense of pride and national direction and a very clear sense of where they want to go. How can we develop that same ethos in Guyana?

If we fail to begin this consultation the danger is that we will have more commissions of inquiry, more conferences and more state papers and still the key issues remain unresolved. In UK and USA this failure results in riots as the poor hit out at their lack of opportunity. How will the scenario play out in Guyana if we fail to act?

Sincerely, Dr Brian O’Toole, Director, Nations

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Foundation

The app was created by Gregg Murset, a father of six. Once you buy the applicafew years back, I wrote a post tion, participation includes issuing your about encouraging your child’s children a prepaid debit card loaded with sense of personal commerce – allowance payments placed there by you. mostly because my own daughter was a Like us, children can make purchases in semi-hustler growing up and ended up stores or online with the card. But parstarting an eCommerce business at a ents can also require that they save some young age. When children get used to the of their money, donate a portion of it to idea of creating their own income, wheth- charity or even invest it in the stock market – apart from the cash they might have fun with. In an in….The August vacation is alcreasingly cash-free most here, help your child mansociety, it’s something they’re going to age her/his money this summer have to learn how to do anyway. er that’s by pursuing outside forms of it Within the app, parents use their own or earning it from parents, it’s a great ex- portal to list household tasks — from ercise for learning what life will eventu- folding laundry to unloading the dishally expect of them when their parents washer to bonus allowance payments aren’t around to pay their way. for getting good grades. And for jobs no As a child, the merits of calling most one really wants to do, like picking up of your own (parents should have some dog poop? Perhaps assign a juicier carsay about it) shots while earning is a rot to it. Parents list the amount of alcompletely different feeling from a mom lowance each chore is worth and children browbeating you to clean your room, do now have options of deciding how much dishes, and take out the trash. It’s about they want to earn, perhaps within a cerresourcefulness and taking pride in a job tain dollar amount per week with some well done while stashing away the cash kind of minimum attached. Parents get to set up paydays, approve chores that or trading it for something special.

While the use of technology was bur- children have done (there WILL be dogeoning as my daughter grew up in the overs, forcing children to realise doing it ‘80s and ‘90s, there were no mobile apps right the first time has its benefits) and for keeping track of things. But times seeing when and where children are uschange. And while the debate rages on ing their money. about whether or not screen time is the But here is the kicker. All this aside, best way to let your child spend their the most interesting news about the youth, there is no denying that if we BusyChild app was a study the compado permit a degree of it, a good middle ny did to see how their brainchild was ground approach might be to offer them being used. Their research on an (inapps that can teach them a thing or two formed) group of users found that girls they can use later in life. were not being treated financially equalRecently I became fascinated by a ly to boys by the parents who use it. In product (no, I’m not representing it or a world where researchers are reporting hawking it in any way). BusyChild is a that women earn 82 per cent of what men mobile app and website that allows chil- earn and would have to work an addidren to earn allowance and use it to tional 47 days to make up the difference, spend, donate, invest or save, teaching how is it that pay discrimination starts them about modern money management. this young and starts with us?

By Dena Kouremetis

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Pay discrimination starts young BusyChild discovered that on average, boys earned twice as much per week for doing chores than girls and were awarded larger bonuses by parents. Were these stereotypes perpetuated by their own parents, just as teachers traditionally tend to make a bigger deal out of boys’ accomplishments at school than often dutiful, studious girls?

Technology is great. To a point. But parents, their practices, and their attitudes are the drivers here. So how can parents discuss personal finance topics with their children and take steps to ensure they are providing fair financial opportunities for each one, regardless of gender?

I contacted BusyChild creator (father of six) and CEO Gregg Murset for his take on the study. “Ensuring fair compensation for your daughters and sons while they are at home should be easy; however, it’s becoming evident that some parents didn’t get the memo. We don’t believe there is an overwhelming conspiracy against girls, but we think parents let the size of the job or the age of the child have too much influence on how much allowance a child gets for a chore. Whether your children are making a bed, doing the dishes, taking out trash or mowing the grass, if you pay based on the chore and not based on the child, it will be fair.

If the child does an exceptional job, give a bonus or a tip just like you would in the real world.”

He adds, “There has never been a more critical time for parents to talk with their children about personal finance.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be engaged to address the key topics of managing invisible money, building savings, student loans and equal pay in the workplace. Use current news headlines or family examples to help start the conversations, and parents shouldn’t be afraid to use their personal successes or failures to drive home the message.” (psychologytoday.com)

Money doesn't grow on trees

When kids see bills pop out of the ATM or a parent’s pocket, they don't realise that money is a finite resource.

Explain that you work to make money, and the bank is just a place that keeps it safe (try to banish your cynicism about the recent economic crisis!).

Work with your budget

The best way to teach kids to start managing money is to give them some. If they blow their allowance on a new Star Wars figure and don't have enough left for a DVD they really want, that's actually a good thing: "They learn first-hand the consequence of overspending," says Jayne Pearl, coauthor of Kids, Wealth, and Consequences.

Good things come to those who wait

Teaching kids delayed gratification will help combat the "buy now, pay later" mentality that could mire them in credit card debt later on. So, as much as you can, reinforce the idea that waiting pays off. For instance, make a homemade pizza together with all the ingredients your child loves; then microwave a store-bought frozen one. The homemade pie takes longer, but it tastes way better.

Don't spend it as soon as you get it

Curbing impulse buying goes hand in hand with teaching delayed gratification. Show by example. Before you go shopping, create a budget. Outline what you're going to buy, what stores you're going to, and the price range for each item. Then compare prices online and clip coupons together (consider letting your child keep the savings so she sees that bargain-hunting pays). She'll learn that planning purchases before you buy is the routine.

Saving is cool

Your daughter wants a new doll that she doesn't have enough money for? Tell her to save up! Once has enough, take her shopping and let her pay the cashier herself. She'll never forget how good it feels to work toward a goal and be rewarded in the end.

Keep track

Simply knowing where her money is going is a big step forward in your child's money management skills. Have her or him use a notebook or go on a computer to keep track of the money. Make a file (or use an old purse) where she or he can store receipts and statements.

Have a wish list

It's hard for kids to set priorities, so sit down together and make a wish list of the things your child wants to do with her money. Then help her rank the list by discussing what's important about each wish.

Make the most of savings

Introduce your child to savings vehicles that could earn her interest, such as savings bonds and certificates of deposit. Search for a compound interest calculator online and show her how just $1 can grow with interest over time.

She'll be amazed!

Be a little sceptical

While you don't want your children to think companies are out to get them, every now and then point out manufacturers' sales tricks. "Healthy scepticism is crucial not only so kids can resist the allure of products on TV, but also because it helps keep them from buying into the messages behind the ads – like if you have the right clothes and toys, you'll be popular," says Pearl. (Excerpt from parenting.com)

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Bandits terrorise Canal No 2 family – suspected getaway driver detained

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wo armed bandits in the wee hours of Tuesday terrorised a Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, family before escaping with a quantity of cash and jewellery but not before they were injured during a scuffle with the victims.

Brothers, Himkarran and Rabindra Sumdhat, of Lot 77 Alliance, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, had to receive medical attention after they were assaulted by armed bandits who stormed their homes at about 02:00h.

of whom was armed with a handgun. The duo then led him into the bottom flat of the two-storey home via the backdoor that was just pushed in.

The men’s father, Monoogi Sumdhat, explained that he was awakened by a rap on his bedroom door and as he opened it, he saw the two unmasked gunmen holding his son hostage.

“They bring we out in the hall (Monoogi, his sickly wife and young daughter) and put we to lay down…

And ask “whey de money

The suspected getaway vehicle used by the bandits

Guyana Times understands that one of the brothers was asleep in a hammock outside when he was awakened by two men, one

deh?” I tell them me nah work nowhere so me na get money. Then me son say the other house get some money. Then they tie we up and

take my son and go over the next house,” the former Wales Estate man related.

Monoogi further related that he managed to untie himself and ran out of the house. He made his way to a Policeman where he informed him of what was transpiring.

Back at his residence, two of his sons who are residing adjacent to each other in the same yard, were alerted by knocks on the door and only opened after they heard their brother calling out to them.

One of the men’s wives, Vidya, recalled that when her brother-in-law opened the door, the two bandits, holding her other brotherin-law at gunpoint entered the house.

“They rush in the room, and said nobody don’t move it’s a robbery… [One of the bandits] said put on lights, and pass all the money with the jewellery. I pass him the container with the jewellery and I gave him a bundle with hundred dollar notes.

He said if this is all and give my small brother-inlaw a hit with the gun and he pitch straight into the walldrobe and he said pass the rest of money and my husband take out the money and give it to them,” the woman recounted.

According to Vidya, over $700,000 cash was given to

the bandits. She continued that her big brother-in-law then jumped on the bandit with the gun and a scuffle ensued during which the perpetrator was disarmed.

“When they started to fight, the one with the gun tell the other one [who had the jewellery and cash] go and call the rest but when he run out through the door, I bolt it from the inside. They continue fighting inside however my brotherin-law get the gun from him and when he tried to shoot him, the gun snap so he outside [in the hall] and tried fixing it,” the woman further recalled.

Outside, the alerted Policeman, attached to the Wales Police Station, called for backup and as he was heading over to the house, he came under fire on the road and was forced to retreat.

Meanwhile, Vidya further stated that she run out through the back door to alert another brother-inlaw, who lives in a house at the back of the yard but he was already made aware of what was happening and was heading to the front house armed with a cutlass.

She added that her brother-in-law confronted the lone bandit in the house and dealt him a chop but he (bandit) managed to run out

The gun the bandit was disarmed of

the house and into a blue NZE Toyota motor car that parked on the road.

The woman added that her husband and one of his brothers went in pursuit of the bandit who went in the direction of the West Coast of Demerara.

However, their vehicle broke down at the Vreeden-Hoop junction and as such, reported the matter to the station there.

Ranks at the Leonora Police Station were alerted and set up a road block during which they intercepted a vehicle matching the description given by the victims.

The vehicle, which this newspaper was told is a rental, was impounded af-

ter the Police discovered a “suspected blood-stained jersey as well as traces of blood” inside.

A subsequent statement from the Police said the, “two male bandits suspected to have been seriously injured during [the] robbery… are currently being sought

by Police whilst the driver of a car reportedly used to transport the perpetrators, is being interrogated.”

Meanwhile, the victims handed over to the Police, the unlicensed 9mm pistol along with two live matching rounds that was taken from one of the bandit during the scuffle.

Further investigations are in progress. (Vahnu Manikchand)

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man charged for verbally abusing nurse in minibus

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avid Lewis, a 48-year-old bus driver of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was on Tuesday slapped with a verbal abuse charge when he appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

He was accused of verbally abusing a passenger who was travelling in his minibus, bearing registration number BSS 5193, and who requested that he stop speeding.

According to reports, the young woman is claim-

David Lewis

ing that Lewis was driving at a pace of 140mph which frightened her and as such, she requested that he slow down.

However, this angered the man who boasted of driving for some 23 years without being involved in an accident. He further told the young nurse that she can report the matter as he is not afraid of the Police.She was then let out of the minibus and further told by the driver that “you are a very stupid girl, same thing you frighten will kill

you”.

The young woman, Jeneal Lewis, made a Facebook post of her experience which the said driver saw and continued to publically verbally abuse her.

The matter was reported and Lewis was charged for overloading the minibus, speeding and conduct of driver.

He was granted $10,000 bail on all the charges and will return to the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on September 17 for trial.

Fleeing teen remanded for stealing from Hummer

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17-year-old boy was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a larceny charge.

Randy Smith of Chapelle Street, Georgetown, who

was apprehended last week after being on the run for a number of months, allegedly stole four shocks and four speakers from a Hummer between February and March 2018 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Upon his initial arrest,

the accused took Police to a location where the shocks valued $280,000 were found; however, the speakers with a value of $160,000 are yet to be found.

While leaving that location however, Smith escaped from the custody of

the ranks and was only recaptured last week.

The court heard that on the day of the robbery, Smith entered the vehicle belonging to Anthony Singh and removed the items. He will make his next court appearance today.

Preliminary…

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…ICJ matters he Guyana-Venezuela border controversy’s getting closer to a resolution…and it’s about time we got THAT monkey off our back!! The ICJ’s decided to rule on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case since Venezuela, at the last moment, balked. Now some folks are getting nervous…but while it’s not a cakewalk, these preliminary matters are pretty standard in international disputes – in a world of sovereign states.

But the Venezuelans are going to lose on their jurisdictional challenge – just as they will on the controversy they stirred up in 1962 – and it’s why they’ve invoking technicalities!! They’ve been trying to have their cake as well as eat it too! It was to the UN they brought their land grab of 2/3 of our national territory in 1962, claiming the “full and final” Arbitral Award – which they accepted since 1899 – was now “null and void”!!

And it was to the UN they were directed to by the Geneva Agreement they signed with us and Britain in 1966, in case the controversy wasn’t resolved by the Mixed Commission that was set up consequent to the international treaty. More specifically, the UN Secretary General who was authorised to select from the menu of measures contained in Art 33 of the Charter of the UN what might be the most appropriate mechanism.

Art 33 is pretty comprehensive: (1) “The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice.”

Now the UN Secretary General chose “mediation” – with no objection from Venezuela – in the form of his “Good Officer Process”. After decades of spinning wheels, Guyana pointed out that mediation was going nowhere and suggested “judicial settlement” – which meant transferring the matter to the ICJ which would use the principles of international law and precedents to resolve the controversy. And this is where Venezuela is showing bad faith and increasing international tensions by refusing to go this route and challenging the ICJ’s jurisdiction.

But as your eyewitness has pointed out before, jurisdiction is spelled out by Art 36 of the ICJ’s charter: “The jurisdiction of the Court comprises all cases which the parties refer to it and all matters specially provided for in the Charter of the United Nations or in treaties and conventions in force.”

This jurisdictional clause is contained by the terms of the “Geneva Agreement” – a treaty! – as explained above and can be brought by any one of the parties to the Agreement!!

Afterwards, we can appeal to the UN Security Council to enforce the judgement!! …Decriminalisation of marijuana Caricom may not have been able to get it’s act together on its raison d’etre – forming a Common Single Market and Economy – but what they heck…it looks like they’re about to legalise ganja!! Now, dear readers, don’t snicker!! First of all, in addition to cricket, surf and reggae, what else comes to mind about our beautiful islands. Why…that uplifting feeling that goes with reggae!! While for some, like your Eyewitness, just listening to reggae’s looping beats gets him high, ganja guarantees it for ALL!!

While throughout the world, the Jamaicans may have us beat with branding their reggae along with their “Jamaican Gold” spliffs, if Caricom can get the herb legalised and pass international muster, then it will be the salvation of our islands that’re facing such a bleak future with the passing of King Sugar!!

When the islands phased out sugar they thought they’d pick up the slack with tourism.

Didn’t work. Ganja should do the trick!! …elimination rounds While the PPP’s presidential candidacy has grabbed the headlines…the PNC’s contest for its chairmanship is essentially its mirror image, since that party’s chair is invariably its presidential candidate.

The last contest has gunshots, walkouts and charges of rigging. What’ll it be this time??

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

News

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt asks PAC to suspend oversight of 2016 AG report – Edghill takes officials to task for “seeking shelter” from Committee

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PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

fter back-to-back revelations of mismanagement and officials being thrown out of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Communities Ministry has requested that the Committee suspend its activities. The request has not gone down well with PAC member Juan Edghill.

On Monday, Edghill expressed his disapproval with regards to the recent letter addressed to the Chairman of the PAC, Irfaan Ali. The letter, written by the Permanent Secretary of

the Communities Ministry Emile McGarrel, requested that the Committee “suspend examination of the 2016 Auditor General Report for the remaining Regional Democratic Councils to allow for better preparations by regional officials.”

“The nation should be appalled that duly appointed accounting officers of the 10 administrative regions of Guyana are seeking shelter through the Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry from appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly,” he said in a statement.

In the letter seen by this publication, dated June 26, 2018, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry wrote that “while the Ministry is desirous of seeing this process through expeditiously, we are constrained to take this course of action due to the recent unsatisfactory level of performance by the PAC. This time will be used to have regional officials better pre-

PAC member Juan Edghill

pared to assist the PAC in carrying out its mandate.”

However, according to Edghill, this request is unacceptable since the PAC is where the accounting officers are ultimately held accountable for their actions.

“It is no secret to the public that some of these officers have been found to have violated the Procurement Act, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA), stores regulations and even policies set by the Granger Administration,” he said, recalling that of re-

cent months, the Regional Executive Officers (REO) and huge delegations have attended PAC meetings to give an account of their stewardship and to answer queries, raised by the Auditor General, in his report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

Moreover, the Opposition Member stated that “the ineptitude, incompetence accompanied by the twin sins of ignorance and arrogance have been on open display in some of these sessions.”

He further noted that most recently, the REO of Region Five wrote the Auditor General insinuating that documents would only be made available to the Audit Office when he approves it.

Nevertheless, Edghill asserted that while it is ultimately up to the majority of the members of the PAC – which the Government enjoys – to grant this request by the Ministry, he wants to “put on public record my strong disagreement to this request and I further object

Cocaine found under vehicle at CJIA, 5 in custody A

gents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) are currently grilling five suspects, including a shipper, after a quantity of cocaine was found under his vehicle at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to information received, the drugs were found under the vehicle of shipper, Navindra Sarwan, on Monday sometime around 23:00h by CANU ranks.

At the time, the vehicle

The suspected cocaine retrieved from under the shipper’s vehicle

was parked inside the compound of the CJIA CAMEX Bond at Timehri, EBD. It was reported that Sarwan was scheduled to ship ground provision and pumpkins on a cargo flight OJ 258 destined for Canada. After the suspected cocaine was found, Sarwan along with four other males were taken into custody pending investigations.

Meanwhile, the drugs were weighted and amounted to over seven kilograms.

Investigations are continuing.

Communities Ministry PS Emile McGarrell

to public officers stymieing the work of the PAC.” “This shameful and dismal performance of public officers must be dealt with by President Granger and the

Ministry of the Presidency because the buck stops at him, they are his representatives,” he maintained.

It was only a few weeks ago that lack of accountability for drugs warranted to Region Five caused PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali, to have Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ovid Morrison and team expelled from the Committee.

In addition, Ali had instructed the Finance Secretary to look into taking appropriate action against the accounting officer, who faced the heat from the PAC after Auditor General Deodat Sharma complained of being hindered in the execution of his duty by Morrison.

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Aspiring doctor tops Region 2 at NGSA

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leven-year-old Alex Muntaz of CV Nunes Primary School, Anna Regina, secured 516 marks at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and ultimately the top spot in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The elated lad credited his hard work and dedication together with support from his parents for his success.

Muntaz is a quiet,

easy-going person who has shown great potential at an early age. At his nursery school – Rainbow Nursery, he captured the top student position for all the years he spent there.

While at CV Nunes Primary he continued with his success story to top every class from Grade One to Grade Five. Now as top student for the Region, he was

Region Two top NGSA student Alex Muntaz

Alex Muntaz with his sister and parents

rewarded a place at Queen’s College, but owing to circumstances beyond his control he will attend the Anna Regina Multilateral School.

The young man expressed his thanks to his parents, Reyaz and Rebeccah

Muntaz, owners of Baby Doll Fashion. Although busy with their business, they found the time to assist him with his studies.

In addition, he thanked his teachers, especially Miss Nadie of CV Nunes Primary, and his lesson teacher, Sir Parmanan Jado, for being there for him.

When asked about his vacation plans he said that his parents are planning a trip to Barbados, because he has already visited the USA, Aruba, Trinidad, and Suriname.

His advice to his fellow students is to work hard; keep away from bad company; be good to your parents, teachers and society; go to your place of worship and be an example to others. He hopes to one day become a medical doctor.

Disappearing boys

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atiricus was stumped at the NGSA results, and it showed in his furrowed brow as he meandered to the Back Street Bar. While he was very happy at the first time perfect score, one obviously bright child had achieved, that that child was a girl and most of the other top performers were girls gave him pause.

It wasn’t that he had anything against girls – since his daughter was the apple of his eye and had done very well at academics, thank you! – but he wondered what was going on.

“So what you fellas think is behind this poor performance by boys?” asked Satiricus. “In our days, boys were on top!!”

“Budday, ah de same t’ing wha’ mek country pickney a do betta nowadays,” said Bungi. “Lang time, dem neva get de chance!”

“But girls always had to go to school with us,” pointed out Satiricus. “And yet we did better!”

“Me bin t’ink ‘bout dis problem, evah since me son nah do suh good when ‘e write Camman Entrance,” said Cappo.

“Me t’ink a beca’se dem na gat maan teacha na mo’ in dem school.”

“So you think it’s because there are no role models for taking education in the schools?” asked Hari.

“Budday, me na know ‘bout all dem fancy word,” replied Cappo. “But me son bin tell me book wuk a wan gyaalie t’ing.”

“And na only da,” said Bungi. “Bai pickney like fuh run aroun’ and t’ing. But fuh do good, dem gat fuh siddong and lissen all de time!”

“That’s a good point,” said Satiricus. “So maybe the Ministry should change the way how they deliver the education curriculum.”

“If yuh seh suh!” said Cappo. “But dem bai pickney nag uh buss dem head, if dem nah get wuk w’en dem done school.”

“Dem a get dem educa-shan when dem leff school,” agreed Bungi. “Nah everything big man know he l’arn fram teachah!!”

“I understand now,” said Satiricus. “I will tell my leader Nagga Man. If they get male teachers, get more action in the classrooms and provide jobs, boys will perform better in school!”

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kitty man wanted for murder of labourer

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for 31-year-old Damian Bissoon for questioning in relation to the murder of Taj Andrew Jarvis, who was stabbed to death on March 30, 2018 at Barr and Alexander Streets, Kitty, Georgetown.

Bissoon’s last address was given as Lot 34 Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown.

Jarvis, 27, of Dowding Street, Kitty, was stabbed to death during a robbery. Based on reports received, the now dead man and a friend were walking along Alexander Street about 20:00h when the knife-wielding suspect confronted them, demanding money.

An argument reportedly ensued among the men and it was at this time that the suspect dealt the deceased stabs to the left side of his chest and chin.

As a result of the injuries

Wanted: Damian Bissoon

Murdered: Taj Andrew Jarvis

Jarvis sustained, he reportedly collapsed, but the suspect further dealt him several kicks about his body before fleeing the scene. The friend who was with the now dead man at the time was unharmed.

The friend contacted the Police and an ambulance arrived at the scene.

Jarvis was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced

dead on arrival.

The Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who is said to be a 30-yearold resident of Shell Road, Kitty.

Meanwhile, anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Bissoon is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2262870, 229-2655, 911 or at the nearest police station.

Bandits cart off millions in jewellery from L Seepersaud Maraj and Sons

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andits have carted off millions in gold, diamond and silver jewellery after they broke into the popular L Seepersaud Maraj and Sons Jewellery Store located at Stabroek Market. It is believed the robbery was executed between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Guyana Times understands that upon arrival at the jewellery store on Tuesday morning, the owner and staff realised the stall was broken into. Upon checking, the entire store was ransacked and the vault was torched open.

In a press release late Tuesday night, the family said the robbery was the work of “highly-skilled thieves”.

“We have consulted with several security specialists and others trained in ironwork and welding, and we have been informed that it would have taken no less than five (5) hours for the vaults to be cut open. We have spoken directly to two City Constables who claimed that checks were done earlier in the market, but nothing was discovered.

As stall owners operating under market rules, we have no choice but to depend on the City Constabulary for security whenever the market is closed. At the time of writing this, we have not been contacted by anyone from the Mayor and City Council’s Office or the Town Clerk’s Office. We are surprised at the lack of care and diligence by the City Constabulary in not observing that such an elaborate crime was being perpetuated over so many hours. Additionally, the stall was secured with an alarm system that was being monitored by the MMC Security Force. We contacted

the MMC Security Force late this afternoon and we were informed that the alarm was indeed set off three times last night. However, MMC never informed us or the Police that the alarms went off. On every other occasion, whenever the alarm is set off, MMC would call us immediately and the fact that we never received any calls or reports from them is puzzling.”

While assuring customers that no one was hurt or harmed, the family said “our losses cannot be estimated at this time as we have not done a full check of inventory” and asked customers who may have information regarding the robbery to contact them or the Police.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Paul Williams headed a team to the scene, who were able to collect fingerprints from one of the heavy-duty safes in which the jewellery was secured. Upon closer inspection, the investigators discovered that the padlock to the stall was cut and the locks to the safe were torched.

The robbery has yet again raised concerns about security at the market. Police thought it was quite strange

that no one heard any abnormal noises or saw any abnormal movement since a robbery to that magnitude could take a few hours. It was later disclosed that the City Constabulary officers have access to the Market at all times through the southern gate.

Up to press time, no one has been apprehended in connection with the robbery.

Only recently, the City Constabulary named Stabroek and Bourda markets as popular criminal hotspots where consumers are attacked and robbed on a daily basis. These offences are suspected to be gang-related.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo has stated that the markets have been on the radar for quite a while now in light of the increase in criminal activities in those areas.

Foo explained that at the Stabroek Market, since it is a transportation hub, persons entering and leaving public transportation are the main targets. With respect to Bourda Market, most of the incidents occur among vendors and shoppers in the rush hours, when sales are at a peak.

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Another smuggling attempt thwarted at Lusignan Prison – items include cellphone, cigarettes, cannabis

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anks of the Joint Services stationed at the Lusignan Prison have once again foiled another attempt to throw illicit items over the penitentiary’s fence. This most recent incident occurred sometime around 02:15h on Tuesday.

According to Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, an unknown individual was seen by Police and prison ranks on duty at the North-eastern section of the holding area at the East Coast Demerara penitentiary.

At the time, the suspect was attempting to throw a black plastic wrapped parcel over the fence.

Samuels further reported that the ranks opened fire at the individual, who made good his escape. However, in the process, he dropped the parcel.

“Checks were conducted by both Police and prison ranks of the adjoining village and access roads. Unfortunately,

the individual escaped,” the Prison Director noted.

Nevertheless, he noted that upon examination of the area, 10 taped parcels were discovered along with a camouflage hat and short camouflage pants.

Samuels said the parcels, when opened, contained a total of 1002 grams of narcotics, a large quantity of tobacco leaves, four cellphones without SIM cards, one charger, one earpiece and 33 packets of Bristol cigarettes.

This incident comes less than a week after Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan expressed his disgust at the recent series of attempts to smuggle contraband and the discoveries of various illicit items at several prison facilities across the country, saying that steps are being taken to curb this practice.

“It’s like the abnormal seems to be the rule there, you know and we are trying as

much [as we can]. I now have to get technological about it.

You’d have to get scanners at the door that can pick up these things because I don’t think you can collude with scanners but… these scanners are very expensive and I hope people are not going to bypass the scanners too, that’s another problem but we’re gonna have cameras to ensure that the people will be seen who try to bypass,” the Minister told reporters last week.

Furthermore, he went on to recognise that the lack of proper management at these facilities is probably contributing to the increasing instances of smuggling attempts and the discoveries of dozens of contraband within the system.

Two Saturdays ago, an inmate at the Lusignan Prison was caught with a cutlass and a knife. This was followed by an attempt to throw several parcels of marijuana over the fence at the New Amsterdam

The items that were found outside the Lusignan Prison after ranks foiled plans to throw them over the fence

Prison the same day.

These incidents come on the heels of ranks of the Joint Services unearthing over 60 illicit items during a threehour routine search at the

East Coast Demerara penitentiary days before.

Following these incidents, the Prison Director had reiterated pleas to the public to cease such acts.

“I wish to encourage members of the public to desist from introducing contraband into the prison as it is a criminal offense that can lead to imprisonment and it also af-

fects the security of the prison,” he appealed.

The smuggling of contraband items remains a perennial problem within the prisons system and while authorities have been working to curb the practice, several prison officers have been caught facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be a “big business”.

Man gets 23 years for sodomising, killing 9-year-old boy

Deceased lad: Shaquan Gittens

Convicted killer: Ryan Bobb-Semple

wenty-five-year-old Ryan Bobb-Semple was on Tuesday sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to the gruesome killing of nine-year-old Shaquan Gittens whom he sodomised, strangled, dismembered and threw into a canal.

He pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Georgetown on Tuesday morning.

According to the facts of the case, the lad went missing on April 1, 2015 after venturing out into the streets to fly a kite in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, but his body was discovered several days later in a semi-nude state floating in a canal aback Houston, East Bank Demerara.

Bobb-Semple later confessed to taking the boy to an abandoned canefield where he committed the heinous acts before throwing the boy’s body

into the canal. Gittens’ cause of death was given as asphyxiation and drowning.

When the killer appeared before Justice Kissoon, he wore a worried expression, but did not have much reaction when the sentence was imposed.

His attorney, Maxwell McKay, in a mitigation plea, said that no one in their right mind could carry out such an act and noted his client’s need for psychiatric help.

Justice Kissoon’s sentence computation included nine years six months for the cruelty meted out to the victim.

The Judge ordered that Semple benefit from remedial training that is offered at the prison.

State Counsel Abigail Gibbs presented the indictment. No relative of either the killer or the young boy was present in court.

Guyana Times understands that Gittens’ mother chose not to attend the sentencing of her child’s killer.

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Children injured in 4-vehicle smash-up

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hree children are now patients at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) nursing severe head injuries after the Route 32 minibus in which they were travelling slammed into a Toyota Runx at Kastev, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Tuesday morning.

The accident occurred around 09:00h. The three children, aged six to eight, were being accompanied by their mother to school when the driver of the minibus lost control and collided with the Toyota motor car, HC 4537, which was attempting to make a U-Turn on the roadway.

As a result of the collision, the car ended up in a nearby trench, but not before crashing into a canter truck bearing registration number GMM 5017 and a parked Toyota Spacio with plates, HC 1607.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, the mother of the children was scream-

The mangled minibus after the accident

ing as she held them in her arms. They were bleeding profusely from their heads.

The woman and her children were picked up and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they were treated and subsequently transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Up to press time, the children were said to be in stable condition.

Public-spirited citizens were seen attempting to remove the driver of the minibus from the wreckage. His

The Toyota Runx involved in the accident

feet were reportedly crushed.

After being pulled out, the driver related that the driver of the Runx turned into his path and as such, he was unable to avoid hitting him.

“Is he fault, he unlicensed plus he saw me coming and he still turn, I couldn’t have done anything, bai,” the man, whose name was given only as Tiwari, alleged to this publication.

On the other hand, the driver of the Runx told the Police that he did indeed see the bus approaching him, but made a terrible misjudgement. The minibus, according to him, was speeding.

“I thought that I could’ve made the turn before the man reach, but he end up hitting me…de man de speeding,” he stated. In addition, it was later learnt that the driver of the Silver Runx was unlicensed.

Investigations are ongoing.

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cousins drown following fatal plunge at Mahaica Seawall

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The location where Robinson’s clothing was found by his cousin

he search for the bodies of two cousins came to an end on Tuesday afternoon when they were pulled from the Hope Koker, East Coast Demerara (ECD) after taking a plunge at the Mahaica Unity seawall on Monday and did not resurface.

The boys – 14-year-old Timothy Robinson, called “Dadoo”; and 10-year-old Timothy Yearwood – reportedly drowned after swimming at the seawall’s jetty around noon.

According to reports, the families of the boys became alarmed when the clothing of Robinson was found on some rocks at the said jetty.

Upon enquiring, the families of the boys were told that the two were seen swimming when Yearwood began to experience difficulties in the water which prompted Robinson to jump in to save him but both failed to resurface.

However, that was one theory told to the boys’

families. Another theory indicated that the two were gambling in a boat when they fell overboard.

Another theory indicated that two older boys were seen with the missing boys.

They were reportedly seen running from the said jetty just before the clothing of Robinson was found.

Donna Scotland, the mother of Robinson, said she last spoke to her son at around 11:00h on Monday.

She was getting dressed for a funeral when she in-

structed Robinson to clean her shoes and to later clean the yard.

Scotland noted that Robinson was supposed to pick her up from the funeral later that day with a bicycle but by the time she was ready, she could not find him and as such, she took a car instead.

The woman related that upon reaching home, Robinson still could not be found thus prompting her to send a nephew in search of him.

“After a while, I saw my nephew coming back with he (Robinson’s) clothes in he hand; he pants, he jersey and he hat. After he give me he clothes I started to cry and I call my neighbour them out and show them and I told them that something wrong,” the woman relayed in tears.

Scotland related that she and others went to the seawall where they were told that Robinson and Yearwood were seen earlier.

“When we reach, they said that Timothy and Daboo all of them went out at the beach (seawall) together and then we realised that is both of them we couldn’t find,” she ex-

Timothy Robinson, called “Dadoo”

plained.

However the mother of Yearwood, Norma Singh, said she last saw her son on Monday morning when she left for work.

According to the distraught woman, while at work, she received a call from someone informing her that Yearwood and Robinson went out to the jetty and only the clothing of the older boy was found.

As such, she quickly went home where she was further informed that the young men were feared dead. Singh told the Guyana Times that the news was surprising as the boys were not in the custom of going to the jetty.

Timothy Yearwood

“I was shocked because them boys don’t go there, it got a culvert in front here and them does usually go there,” Singh explained.

The woman added that her son is a very mannerly child and she is in disbelief while noting that the different story they were told left some loopholes.

The Police were informed and visited the scene but subsequently told the families to call them when the bodies of the boys were found. After intense search, the bodied of the boys were found.

Post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted on their bodies. (Kizzy Coleman)

Cosmetologist carrying 11-month baby busted with cocaine at CJIA – baby daddy wanted

A

New York-bound cocaine mule was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Monday evening, as she was about to travel with her 11-month-old baby.

The suspect has since been identified as 37-yearold Natasha Blair, a cosmetologist of Lot 92 GroveDiamond, EBD. According to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Blair used Cocaine mule Natasha Blair her body to accomplish X-ray and an object insert‘TWO Risky Concealment ed in her lower extremity Methods’; that is, ingestion was also observed. and insertion.

As such, Blair was adIt was reported that the mitted a patient, and one mother of one was booked large object suspected to to travel on flight BW 726 contain cocaine that was to JFK New York and on observed in her lower exthe day in question, she tremity has since been exchecked in her luggage at tracted. approximately 22:00h.

Regarding the ingested However, while on pellets seen in her digestive her way to the departure tract, the woman has solounge, she was intercepted far excreted three cocaine

by CANU ranks. pellets. She remains hospiThe woman was then talised. Her 11-month-old escorted to a City hospi- daughter, with whom she tal, where the suspected co- was travelling when she caine pellets were displayed was intercepted, has since in her digestive tract on an been handed over to her

Wanted: Sherwin Stoby, called “Kong”

grandmother.

Meanwhile, CANU said they are now in search of the father of the suspect’s child for questioning into the discovery.

He has been identified as Sherwin Stoby, called “Kong”. His last known address was given as Lot 87 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown.

The local drug enforcement body is asking anyone knowing the whereabouts of Sherwin Stoby, called “Kong”, are asked to contact the CANU Office at telephone: 227-3507.

news

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

WCD fisherman granted bail for allegedly assaulting wife

Ramsammy’s Ruminations A The Demerara River bridge – Minister Patterson is guilty of misconduct in office

S

everal weeks ago, I had intended just one column on misconduct in office by A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Ministers and officials.

The example of misconduct in office I wanted to highlight was the new Demerara River Bridge Project. But for several weeks now I have had to defer writing about that specific example of misconduct in office. There were other examples of misconduct that got my attention. It is, in fact, very difficult to choose which example of the several daily misconduct in office scandals to highlight.

In fact, right this minute there are several egregious examples of gross misconduct in office that should really bother people and lead to Dr Leslie Ramsammy national outrage. But I will keep my promise this week to highlight the misconduct in office of the Infrastructure Minister. The mismanagement of the new Demerara River Bridge Project is inept, but it also stinks with corruption and clearly exemplifies misconduct in office that unfortunately is the hallmark of this Government.

Even as news spreads like wildfire that the APNU/AFC Administration has abandoned the three-lane designed fixed bridge that they had announced and which was supposed to begin construction this year, even after they had shortlisted contractors, come more news that the Minister is now recommending that the old bridge will remain in usage after the construction of the new bridge.

The Minister sprung this surprise, announced by the Minister of the Presidency, without informing Parliament and without ever discussing with the public this possibility. He has not explained what this means for the people of Guyana, what kind of additional expense it will incur, what will happen with the tolls. For example, the toll on the new bridge is likely to be higher, to take into consideration the expensive nature of the new bridge.

If the old bridge will have a lower toll, would drivers prefer continued use of the old bridge and would this place more pressure for an even higher toll on the new bridge in order to meet the obligation of cost-recovery?

The Minister ignored the fact that this project was already advanced during the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government's tenure. During the PPP regime, a study was done that identified two sites and recommended a four-lane concrete fixed high-rise bridge.

The PPP was in the process of deciding whether the cost was too exorbitant and was in the process of deciding which location was the preferable one. The PPP also wanted to know whether building a bridge alongside the present one made sense.

Several millions of dollars were already expended on these studies. The Infrastructure Minister and his APNU/AFC Cabinet colleges behaved as if the Demerara River Bridge Project was born only after May 2015. They completely ignored the existence of studies that the Guyanese taxpayers had paid for, all because of political arrogance and because they wanted to delink any association with the PPP. They proceeded to contract consultants without any tendering and paid those consultants $146 million. Those consultants appeared to only consider sites they were instructed to examine. They recommended building a bridge from Houston, Greater Georgetown on the East Bank Demerara and ending at Versailles, West Bank Demerara, on private property owned by an APNU/AFC donor and activist.

They proposed a miraculous twist in order for the bridge to end up on that property.

The consultants had recommended a three-lane fixed concrete structure. The Minister then informed the Guyanese people that a tender would invite contractors to bid to build the bridge. Later he informed us that there was a short list and that construction would start this year. But there was a problem right away. No one could find any allocation in Budget 2018 that catered for construction to start this year.

Now we know why there was no allocation of funds to start the construction of the new Demerara River bridge in Budget 2018. It is that the Minister and his APNU/AFC colleagues were playing games with us.

They had no intention to follow the recommendation of their own hand-picked consultants. Now, they tell us that their chosen contractor will design a four-lane concrete fixed bridge, just as the consultants recommended in the study completed under the PPP. Just on a whim, they abandoned the $146 million study done by their hand-picked consultants. The story gets worse – their chosen contractor would design and build the bridge at a cost they will determine. We are buying a "pig in a poke".

This clearly is irresponsible, reckless, misconduct in office.

s cases of Guyanese women losing their lives at the hands of partners continue to be recorded, another alleged woman beater was hauled before the court on allegations of assaulting his spouse.

Thirty-five-year-old fisherman Seecharan Kissoon was recently arraigned at the Wales Magistrate’s Court for

assaulting his wife, causing her actual bodily harm.

The prosecution’s case stated that the matter occurred on June 24, 2018 on the West Coast of Demerara.

However, when Kissoon appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess, he entered a notguilty plea in a barely audible tone. The father of two said he had no previous court matters

even as the prosecution contended that Kissoon had previously threatened the Virtual Complainant.

As such, Kissoon was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 and will return to court on September 21, at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, the woman was encouraged by the court to seek a protection order

against the accused though she claimed that the assault was the first of its kind.

Just recently, a father was placed on a bond for six months after he assaulted his adult pregnant daughter who objected to his disorderly drunken behaviour. One women’s rights activist called for stiffer penalties for guilty perpetrators.

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News

Guyana should lead the charge in decriminalising marijuana …once Caricom Heads agree to recommendation – SMART member

A

member of the Society of Marijuana Advocates for Reform and Treatment (SMART) is calling on Government to take the lead in decriminalising marijuana once the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government agrees to recommendations made by the commission to this effect.

SMART member Leon Saul told Guyana Times on Tuesday that he supports the recommendations made by the Commission on Marijuana to decriminalise the substance across Caricom Member States.

However, he noted that for the most part, the coa-

SMART member Leon Saul

lition Government has been quite hesitant on the promises they have made with regards to decriminalise

marijuana in Guyana.

“I am thinking with the heads of Government agreeing to decimalising Guyana would finally take that forward movement, because a lot of promises were made and an entire jail has been burnt down in part by putting people in general in jail for a spiff or a small amount of marijuana,” he stated.

Saul said Government has to put aside the age old tradition of resisting the decriminalisation of marijuana because the country may be left behind especially with respect to utilising the substance for various economic reasons. He said, “When the regulations

are passed we will have more regulations as to who can and cannot smoke and it will bring some order to how it is being currently utilised,” he added.

The Commission in its report argued that a strictly regulated framework for marijuana akin to that for alcohol and tobacco, should be introduced. There was also accord among members of the

by approved institutions and researchers. But the Commission recommends that marijuana smoking and other uses should be banned in all public spaces.

The Regional Marijuana Commission was tasked to “conduct a rigorous enquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding mar-

Commission who argued that children and young persons must be protected from possible adverse effects of cannabis.

On the question of using marijuana and driving, the Commission agreed that drug-driving laws and mechanisms should be put in place to prevent persons from driving under the influence. At the same time, the report stated that the law must also ensure unhindered access to cannabis or marijuana for scientific and medical research

ijuana use in the Caribbean and to determine whether there should be a change in the current drug classification of marijuana, thereby making the drug more accessible for all types of usage (religious, recreational, medical and research).”

Another SMART member, Nicole Cole, had told Guyana Times that Government is not serious about changing the laws, as there had been enough time to get things in order, but

there is detected a clear reluctance. She said, “They’re playing Russian Roulette with the local Rastafari community.”

Cole charged that the coalition had given its word that it would review the narcotics law. The Rastafarian community had tied the review of the law to its political votes when the coalition had promised to do so.

She said the A Partnership for National Unity is currently pussy-footing and the Alliance For Change (AFC) has a motion before the National Assembly; but, she said, “Even that motion needs to be tweaked further to free Rastafari from Babylon chains!”

For almost three years, the AFC has still not managed to find support from APNU to support the motion in the name of AFC parliamentarian Michael Carrington to move the first reading of the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill. The motion to have the first reading of the Bill was tabled since December 10, 2015.

The Bill itself has not been made public.

Continued on page 17

wednesDAY, july 4, 2018

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17

News

New CCJ President to be sworn in today – as St Vincent Justice Saunders takes the baton from Dennis Byron

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the highest judicial forum in the Caribbean, will have a new President as of today; when Justice Adrian Saunders of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes over from Sir Dennis Byron.

The announcement was made by the CCJ on Monday. The event, according to a release, will take place as part of the activities before the 39th meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The conference will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“The event will be livestreamed, starting at 4pm AST, so that the public can also experience the event,” the release also said. The CCJ will also host two special sittings of the Court to commemorate its new President. The first will take place at the CCJ, starting at 09:30h on Friday, July 13.”

“The second Special Sitting takes place in Mr. Justice Saunders’ home country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday,

20 July at 9:30 am at the House of Assembly in Kingstown,” the court added.

Saunders is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) and the Course Director of the Halifax-based Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute’s CJEI’s Intensive Study Programme. He is also one of the Institute’s Directors.

Justice Saunders has also co-authored the book Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law and is a contributor editor of the Caribbean Civil Court Practice. In April 2018, he was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Global Judicial Integrity Network by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill – 1975) and the Legal Education Certificate of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago in 1977. He was called to the Bar of St Vincent and the Grenadines in that same

period that Sir Dennis was President of the Court, we went from attorneys having to courier voluminous files to the CCJ, to filing by email and now full e-filing.”

Final rulings

Incoming CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

year.

He worked with Sir Dennis at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and was later reunited with him in 2011 when Sir Dennis was appointed President of the CCJ. Through the development of measurable performance standards throughout the Court, Byron had facilitated a progressive environment that promotes sustainable growth and evolution.

In the release, Justice Saunders paid tribute to Sir Dennis’ tenure at the CCJ, “to say that his impact is immeasurable is not hyperbole. During the

Leguan Cottage Hospital without doctor for almost 1 week

T

he Leguan Cottage Hospital has been without a doctor for the past week and according to residents, they are forced to travel to the Leonora Cottage Hospital or the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) to access basic health care.

One resident, Hans Buer, said there were two residential doctors at the Hospital, and one requested and was granted a transfer while the other remained on the island. However, for almost a week the institution has been without a doctor.

“Patients now have to go to the mainland for treatment. It is well known that Leguan doesn't have a reliable ferry service to Parika. How the patients will reach now to a hospital on the mainland in time?

The promised better health care for patients doesn't reach Leguan,” Buer said in a social media post.

When Guyana Times visited the island on Saturday, residents said the Hospital usually has no problems apart from the issue of the doctor being absent. They related that they would be able to

The Leguan Cottage Hospital

access emergency services and medication, but would have to travel to WDRH or Georgetown Public Hospital for specialised treatment.

When contacted, Regional Health Officer of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Dr Ravendra Dudhnath told this publication that doctors were supposed to be stationed at the , adding that as far as he was aware, there were currently doctors in Leguan.

However, he declined to give any additional information as it relates to the number of doctors and directed all further questions to the Public Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings told this newspaper that she was unaware of such an issue at the Leguan Cottage Hospital, and promised to have the incident investigated. Several calls to the Minister for a follow-up on the issue went unanswered.

Another issue raised by the residents was the absence of the X-ray facility despite a building being constructed and an X-ray machine procured. The X-ray department at the Hospital was expected to be fully functional before the end of 2017, but is yet to be functional.

The final two judgements that Byron delivered was one on presidential term limits for Guyana and one that struck down mandatory death penalties in Barbados. In the case of Guyana, Byron presided over the 6:1 ruling upholding, among other things, term limits for Presidents.

The constitutional challenge case brought

by Georgetown resident Cedric Richardson in February 2015 had sought the court’s interpretation of the National Assembly’s changes to Article 90, as those related to four restraints on the freedom of choice by citizens at national elections.

Former Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang had ruled in July 2015 that the alteration of Article 90 by

Incumbent Sir Dennis Byron

the Act No 17 of 2000, in substance and effect, undoubtedly diminishes the democratic rights of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President.

He had noted that such an amendment needs a referendum and is invalid and without legal effect for reason of non-compliance.

He further ruled that Act 17 of 2000 seeks to dilute the pre-existing democratic rights of the electorate to elect a President of their choice. As such, while the Constitution provides for

representative democracy, such representative democracy cannot encroach on popular sovereignty from which it derives and which is entrenched by the requirement of the referendum.

However, the High Court’s decision was appealed by the Attorney General’s Chambers and former Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman; both of whom were named as respondents in the court action. They asked that the ruling be “wholly set aside”.

Guyana’s Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear the appeal against Chief Justice (acting) Roxane George’s decision to uphold the contentious appointment of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman James Patterson on July 25. The PPP has already indicated its intention to go all the way to the CCJ, if necessary… in which case Justice Saunders will likely deliver such a ruling.

Temporary bypass for Lethem trail

F

ollowing persistent rainfall and consequently impassable roads, which led to a fuel shortage in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) district, a temporary bypass has been carved out along the Linden to Lethem trail.

Information coming out of the area indicated that traffic is flowing at a reduced pace.

In recent days, critical movement of people and cargo in Region Nine was severely hindered by a truck which toppled last week on a bridge last week. Workers were on Tuesday still trying to remove the vehicle.

It was reported that rotten parts of the decking of the bridge collapsed under the truck’s weight.

It was further stated that the situation was compounded by part of the road between Aishalton and Wariwau being washed

The Linden-Lethem trail (file photo)

away owing to overtopping of the Ireng and Takutu Rivers along with continuing heavy rainfall.

Before the temporary bypass was made, buses were taking people and goods up to the blocked-off sections and on the other side, they had to board other vehicles to continue their journey.

Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock said recently that emergency construction works needed to be carried out before the bridge

was declared fully functional.

He had warned that a fuel shortage was imminent as tankers had been prevented from traversing the trail. Some vehicle owners had subsequently travelled to the nearby Brazilian community of Bonfim to search for fuel.

Severe flooding has been recorded in other communities in the South and Deep South Pakaraimas, and Central Rupununi.

Guyana should lead the charge...

from page 16

The draft bill stipulates that persons who are found in possession of the drug for personal use would be required to pay a fine of $10,000, or perform community service for a period of time, something that is being widely supported to review local marijuana laws.

Meanwhile, in Jamaica, while marijuana is illegal, possession of small amounts was reduced to a

petty offence in 2015. The country has also established a licensing agency to regulate a lawful medical cannabis industry on the island. Cultivation of five or fewer plants on any premises is also permitted in Jamaica, where the drug has long been culturally entrenched, although illegal.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has announced his support for

custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana to be removed from the law books in their entirety, but maintained that he is not in favour of the legalisation of marijuana for commercial purposes.

Jagdeo reminded that the People’s Progressive Party has made a commitment to support a ‘conscience vote’ should the matter come up for a vote in the National Assembly.

18

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wednesDAY, july 4, 2018

ARCHIE

Get involved in the process if you want things done (March 21- according to your specificaApril 19) tions. Speak up, listen and formulate your plans appropriately. Celebrate your accomplishments with someone special.

ARIES

Acceptance will make it TAURUS easier for you to rectify a (April 20- problem. It's time to set posiMay 20) tive plans in motion. Recollect certain experiences to help you make better choices now.

dilbert

Personal improvements GEMINI (May 21- will give you a boost. Trust June 20) in what you think looks best or is in your best interest, not in what someone bearing ulterior motives suggests. Good choices will come from within.

An open and receptive attitude will encourage others (June 21- to offer valuable information July 22) that can help you improve your life. If you try something new, positive change will take place.

CANCER

Peanuts

Keep your life simple to LEO avoid excess and argumenta(July 23- tive situations. Getting along Aug. 22) with others will be difficult but necessary. Practicality and moderation will be required.

Participate in life and meet VIRGO new people. The experiences (Aug. 23- you encounter will change the Sept. 22) way you do things. Someone

Calvin and Hobbes

quite different from you will spark your interest with an unexpected offer.

Do your best to help othLIBRA (Sept. 23- ers if you want to ward off critOct. 23) icism. Use your knowledge, intelligence and physical ability to bring about changes that will benefit a cause you believe in.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Slow down and smell the SCORPIO roses.

Live in the moment and (Oct. 24enjoy what's readily available.

Nov. 22) Look for obscure prospects that stimulate you to use your skills and talents in diverse ways.

Don't lose sight of your

TODAY’S WORD — ETYMOLOGY (ETYMOLOGY: et-ih-MAHL-uh-jee: The history of the origin and development in the meaning of a word.)

SAGITTARIUS goals. A steady pace and a (Nov. 23- tight budget will lead to victoDec. 21) ry. Don't allow anyone or anything to lead you astray.

Average mark 18 words Time limit 30 minutes

The past will offer you the CAPRICORN answers you are looking for.

(Dec. 22- Similar experiences will offer Jan. 19) insight into how best to bring about positive change as you ward off negativity.

Can you find 24 or more words in ETYMOLOGY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — LYRICAL

lacily lacy laic lair liar lilac lily

lira lyric racily racy rail rally rill

illy call clary clay airy ally aril

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

solution for last published puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Take the high road and be cognizant of what others are asking of you. If expectations are unrealistic, say so and counter with what's acceptable. A forward approach is encouraged.

Make personal finances a priority. Clear up pressing matters and ease stress that could lead to mistakes or ill health. Walk away from any negative implications you face.

wednesDAY, JUly 4, 2018

19

England win first-ever shootout to reach final 8 E

ngland’s new generation ended the World Cup penalty jinx by knocking out Colombia on spot kicks to reach the quarter-finals.

Eric Dier scored the winning kick after Jordan Pickford’s brilliant save from Carlos Bacca’s attempt, with England’s first-ever World Cup shootout win setting up a meeting with Sweden.

Gareth Southgate’s side had been seconds away from the last eight during normal time, with Harry Kane’s penalty after he was fouled by Carlos Sanchez in the box –- his sixth goal of the tournament – looking as though it was going to send them through.

But deep into injury time, Colombia threw everyone forward for a Juan Cuadrado corner, including goalkeeper David Ospina, and Yerry Mina headed a dramatic equaliser at the Spartak Stadium.

Kieran Trippier was standing on the line, but could not keep out the Barcelona centre-back’s third headed goal of the World Cup. The Three Lions had been on top for most of the 90 minutes,

but appeared understandably deflated in extra time – although Danny Rose and Dier missed late chances to win the game and avoid a shootout.

Henderson had a penalty saved by Ospina in the shootout, but Mateus Uribe smashed the following kick onto the crossbar to pave the way for Pickford and Dier to be England’s heroes.

No previous world champions stand between England and the final. The winners of their quarter-final will face either Croatia or hosts Russia for a place in Moscow on July 15.

The game itself had been a bad-tempered affair, with eight players booked in total – six Colombians, including Wilmar Barrios, who was lucky to avoid red for a first-half headbutt on Henderson.

England survive test of nerve

England has survived a test of nerve that will prove invaluable as they drive deeper into this World Cup after a night of noise, colour, and hostility in Moscow.

Southgate’s side cast off the clouds of dread that have

again performed solidly down England’s right.

England edge towards glory

Jordan Henderson was the only England player not to score in the penalty shootout

come over England in penalty shootouts in the past, a psychological lift that may yet help them further down the line.

Colombia made their intentions clear from the off.

This was going to be a scrap and Jose Pekerman’s side would be the beneficiaries if England were dragged into it.

England lived on the edge in those physical exchanges, but the manner in which they survived and came through that test will add an extra layer to the satisfaction.

And within the dogged team

performance, individuals once more made their mark.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford received some criticism for his performance against Belgium, but was outstanding in this match, not only saving that Bacca penalty but producing one of the saves of the World Cup from Uribe’s thunderous drive from 30 yards – which cruelly led to the corner that brought Mina’s equaliser.

And Trippier’s measured penalty was another indication of his growing maturity at this level, the Spurs full-back having

Southgate’s one-match-attime mantra has been designed to keep expectations in check as his side have been presented with their best opportunity at a World Cup since they reached the semi-finals of Italia 90.

If he was listening to the England fans who gathered and sang non-stop late into the Moscow night behind the goal in the Spartak Stadium, it may have dawned on him that keeping a lid on expectations is likely to be a losing battle.

England will have taken a lot out of themselves in this physically gruelling and mentally taxing last-16 game and they now face the well-organised and resilient Swedes.

If they can overcome Sweden, the possibility of a semi-final meeting with Russia or Croatia comes into view.

England found a way to win that has often eluded them, digging deep in the process – and they will have headed back to their Zelenogorsk training HQ in soaring spirits.

There is work to do, though, and this was not a flawless performance by any means.

Referee Geiger lost the plot

American referee Mike Geiger’s failure to clamp down on early misdemeanours led to him losing control of a game that Colombia seemed determined to turn into a battle.

Instead of imposing his authority on proceedings with firm decision-making, he instead indulged in lengthy discussion with players from both sides on numerous occasions.

It led to Colombia, in particular, pushing him to the edge – although England were not total innocents, with both Henderson and Harry Maguire leaving themselves open to accusations of being overtheatrical and many others sailing close to the wind.

This would have been a tough night for any referee, with players clearly failing to respect his decisions, and making no attempt to make the official’s life easier, but it is to be hoped officials with a greater sense of authority are handed the huge games that remain in Russia. (BBC Sport)

Finch records 172 in Australia’s biggest T20I win

R

ather than throw a kettle over a pub, it was Zimbabwe pasted all over the Harare Sports Club.

Aaron Finch bludgeoned his way to within three runs of Chris Gayle’s world-record Twenty20 score and bettered his own chart-topper in Twenty20 internationals as Australia cantered to a second victory in as many days in the triangular series in Harare.

Placing his stamp on the tournament and Australia’s short-form captaincy, Finch blazed 10 sixes in an opening stand of 223 – with a more subdued D’Arcy Short –that lasted until the final over of the visitors’ innings after they were sent in by Zimbabwe. Left with three balls to make the four runs he required to set a new world record score in all T20 matches, Finch was dismissed hit wicket when aiming for one mightier blow. Still, he walked off having delivered a comfortably matchwinning total for his team.

Despite a rapid start, as Billy Stanlake struggled to replicate the rhythm he had achieved against Pakistan the day before, Zimbabwe never truly threatened in the chase. Ashton Agar and Andrew Tye both delivered tight spells for the Australians,

on a sluggish surface that was by no means the easiest for batsmen.

Given the heights to which Finch soared, the contrasting fortunes of Short put his innings in context, while evidence remained of Australian frailties against spin bowling via the isolated economy of the slow left-armer Tendai Chisoro, who gave up a mere 19 runs from four overs, six of those from one ball.

Kyle Jarvis had dropped out of the Zimbabwe XI with a broken thumb, with his place taken by Chris Mpofu, while Australia were unchanged. Zimbabwe won the only previous T20 encounter between the two nations, at the inaugural World T20 tournament in Cape Town in 2007.

Walking to the middle with Short, Finch found his range in the third over of the innings by clattering John Nyumbu for a trio of

boundaries in as many balls, and the first six of the innings followed over wide long-on from Mpofu’s next over. From there the boundary was reached or cleared with alarming regularity for Zimbabwe’s Captain Hamilton Masakadza, who tried hard but was unable to plug the holes in the field.

Ryan Burl’s legbreak cost 30 runs from two overs, while a single over from Solomon Mire was hoisted for no fewer than 21. Finch’s half-century arrived in 22 balls, and he reached a second T20I century from his 50th. His previous T20 hundred for Australia had arrived in a flurry of shots at the Rose Bowl against England in 2013, where he set the mark for the highest international score of 156, made from a mere 63 balls.

Aaron Finch

If Finch’s scoring pace was not quite that hectic this time around, there was relentlessness in evidence that had him persevering until the final over of the innings, supported by Short, who, while not striking the ball with anything like the same authority, showed a willingness to complement his captain by rotating the strike. Both were to depart in the final over of the innings, but only after the first- ever 200 opening stand in T20 internationals and also the longest-ever partnership in T20Is in terms of balls faced.

Zimbabwe commenced their chase with only the faintest of hope, but the openers Mire and Chamu Chibhabha at least provided the small crowd with some reason for good cheer with an impudent opening stand that lifted the hosts to 42 in the fourth over. Chibhabha was then the victim of a curious caught behind decision, but Stanlake was unable to back up his Pakistan efforts, underlining the fact that a journey from promising fast man to consistent performer is still some way from completion.

Jhye Richardson, Agar and Tye all fared rather better, steadily working their way through the Zimbabwe batting order while choking down on the run rate. Agar’s spin was at times beguiling, not least when

he lured Masakadza down the pitch and then turned the ball past him for a deft stumping by Alex Carey.

In the end, Zimbabwe were limited to the most minor of moral victories by not allowing

themselves to be bowled out, but the margin was nonetheless Australia’s widest in T20 matches. Finch could not have done any more to make it so.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia Innings (20 overs maximum) AJ Finch (c) hit wicket b Muzarabani 172 DJM Short c †Moor b Muzarabani 46 GJ Maxwell not out 00 MP Stoinis not out 01 Extras 10 (lb 5, w 5) TOTAL 229/2 (20 Overs, RR: 11.45) Did not bat: TM Head, NJ Maddinson, AT Carey †, AC Agar, AJ Tye, JA Richardson, B Stanlake Fall of wickets: 1-223 (DJM Short, 19.2 ov), 2-228 (AJ Finch, 19.4 ov) BOWLING: J Nyumbu 3-0-44-0, B Muzarabani 4-0-38-2, CB Mpofu 4-0-53-0, TS Chisoro 4-0-19-0, RP Burl 2-0-30-0, CJ Chibhabha 2-019-0, SF Mire 1-0-21-0 Zimbabwe Innings (target: 230 runs from 20 overs) CJ Chibhabha c †Carey b Richardson SF Mire c Stoinis b Stanlake

18 28

H Masakadza (c) st †Carey b Agar 12 TK Musakanda lbw b Agar 10 PJ Moor † c & b Tye 19 E Chigumbura c Short b Tye 07 RP Burl c Richardson b Tye 10 TS Chisoro c Agar b Maxwell 06 CB Mpofu c Short b Stoinis 03 B Muzarabani not out 01 J Nyumbu not out 06 Extras 9 (lb 1, w 8) TOTAL 129/9 (20 Overs, RR: 6.45) Fall of wickets: 1-42 (CJ Chibhabha, 3.3 ov), 2-57 (SF Mire, 5.5 ov), 3-71 (TK Musakanda, 7.5 ov), 4-90 (H Masakadza, 9.3 ov), 5-98 (PJ Moor, 10.5 ov), 6-101 (E Chigumbura, 12.4 ov), 7-108 (TS Chisoro, 13.6 ov), 8-121 (RP Burl, 17.1 ov), 9-122 (CB Mpofu, 18.1 ov) BOWLING: B Stanlake 3-0-39-1, JA Richardson 4-0-23-1, AC Agar 4-1-16-2, DJM Short 2-0-20-0, AJ Tye 4- 1- 12-3, GJ Maxwell 1-0-7-1, MP Stoinis 2-0-11-1

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, JUly 4, 2018

Forsberg strike sends Sweden into last 8

S

weden will play England in the quarterfinals of the World Cup after defeating Switzerland in a strangely compelling but untidy tie in St Petersburg.

Emil Forsberg struck the decisive blow midway through the second half with a shot that deflected off the luckless Manuel Akanji and left Yann Sommer stranded in the Swiss goal. Sommer had brilliantly clawed away a shot on the turn from Marcus Berg in the first half and denied Haris Seferovic late on, but it was undoubtedly a game that was more about missed opportunities than good saves.

Both sides were guilty of squandering good openings – and Switzerland ended it with 10 men after Michael Lang was dismissed in injury time for a push on Martin Olsson, who was clean through on goal.

The referee initially gave a penalty, but changed his decision to a free-kick after a review. That will not bother the Swedes, who have reached the last eight of this competition for the first time since 1994.

Miss after miss after miss after miss The bottom half of the draw at the World Cup offers a superb opportunity for a relatively unfancied team to reach the final. Going into Tuesday’s two remaining last-16 ties, one of Switzerland, Sweden, England, Colombia, Croatia and Russia was certain of reaching the final. Of these, only the Swiss are in the top 10 of Fifa’s rankings.

And while the match in St Petersburg could not be said to lack passion or goalmouth incidents, the quality of finishing gave the impression that neither side was capable of taking the glorious opportunity in front of them.

The worst miss was by Sweden’s Albin Ekdal, who was superbly picked out by Mikael Lustig’s beautifully weighted cross, but horribly ballooned his strike well wide. A header would have been a much better option.

Striker Marcus Berg snatched a shot off target too after Ola Toivonen’s deft flick created the opening and had another effort blocked.

But it was not just the Swedes who were guilty of profligacy in front of goal. Steven Zuber was off target with a near-post header and later exchanged a series of passes with Blerim

Dzemaili, who had a great opening from 16 yards, but again showed a lack of composure that let the game down at key moments.

There were 30 shots from Sweden and Switzerland, but only seven on target in total.

Obdurate Swedes triumphed once more Sweden finished ahead of the Netherlands in their qualifying group and then defeated Italy in a play-off tie to reach the

what they are good at – and how to win football matches. And when at the end the Swiss pressed for an equaliser, Forsberg cleared from close to his goal and several team-mates put in desperate blocks as they showed that they will provide a difficult test for anyone who wants to s t o p them reaching the final.

hour mark.

And even when substitute Haris Seferovic did guide a header towards goal, he was denied by a good save from Robin Olsen. Berg attempted three shots in this match and has now had 13 shots without scoring at the 2018 World Cup, more than any other player.

Swiss regret It was an afternoon laced with regret for a Switzerland side that struggled to wear down their disciplined opponents.

Vladimir Petkovic’s team had lost just one of their last 25 games and come through a group stage in Russia that included Brazil and Serbia.

And having not reached the last eight at the World Cup for 64 years, Switzerland were favourites to win a tie against supposedly limited opponents. But their timing was off when it mattered most – perhaps epitomised most by one completely miscued strike from Granit Xhaka after Xherdan Shaqiri had played the ball invitingly into his path on the

“We’re not satisfied” – how the managers reacted Switzerland Coach Petkovic: “We’re sorely disappointed, the whole team is. We clearly wanted to do more. We should have done better but were simply below par and not good enough to win the game.

“There was something missing in that match from us, but in all the games Sweden have been involved in, their opponents have had a difficult time developing the emotions and momentum you need. In the last 10 or 15 minutes, we tried to play with more emotion and it went better, I think. But in the end it wasn’t enough.”

Sweden Coach Janne Andersson: “It was a surreal feeling to stand at the side of the pitch hearing the fans calling out my name, but football is a team sport and this team, for me, personifies that. We all work so hard for each other on and off the pitch. We know that we are a good team and that we have earned our successes.

“We’re all very happy about the successes we have seen so far. But we need to digest this quickly as we have another game coming up soon, on Saturday. It’s all about the process right now and it’s full steam ahead for us. We’re not satisfied with what we’ve done – we want to win the next match too.” (BBC Sport)

Wo r l d C u p .

Once here they finished top of a group that included champions Germany.

Underestimate them at your peril.

They averaged 38 per cent possession in the group stage and just 33 per cent against the Swiss, but they probably created more good scoring chances than their opponents. They were organised and obdurate, playing with a discipline that allowed them to frustrate the Swiss and try to strike on the counter.

They have a team that lacks star quality in the post-Zlatan Ibrahimovic era, but they know

David Richardson

D

David Richardson to step down as ICC chief executive in 2019

avid Richardson, the ICC’s chief executive since 2012, is to step down from the position after next year’s World Cup. He will move on at the end of his current contract, having overseen a period of great upheaval at cricket’s world governing body, with the process to find his successor set to begin immediately.

From the “Big Three” shake-up at the ICC – subsequently reversed – the reduction of the World Cup to 10 teams, and the recent confirmation of an ODI league and World Test Championship, Richardson has been a steadying presence at an organisation well accustomed to change.

His tenure also coincided with rising commercial returns – the ICC in 2014 announcing a “significantly” increased eightyear TV rights deal with Star Sports – and the creation of two new Full Members, in Ireland and Afghanistan, although that has been accompanied by criticisms about the level of finance and opportunity afforded to those outside cricket’s traditional strongholds.

“The hardest thing as a cricketer is knowing when the time is right to retire,” said Richardson, who will turn 59 later this year. “But for me, the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year is about right. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ICC and I am particularly pleased with what we have achieved in recent times in creating greater context for all formats of the game and securing increased opportunities and clear pathways for all members to play at the highest level.

“I will certainly do all I can over the next 12 months to ensure that we complete our work on the new global strategy for cricket aimed at

growing the game both in our traditional and new markets, and, in particular put on a World Cup that does the game proud.

“I’d like to thank the ICC Chairman and the current Board of Directors and member chief executives for their support and of course to my senior team and all of the ICC staff who are so dedicated to our great sport.”

A former South Africa wicketkeeper who became the ICC’s first general manager in 2002, Richardson was recommended as Haroon Lorgat’s successor owing to his long years at the organisation.

Initially working alongside a president, changes to the ICC’s constitution in 2014 saw the creation of a chairman. N Srinivasan, one of the architects of the “Big Three”, was the inaugural holder of the role, before his forced departure saw Shashank Manohar elected and the rolling back of several of the reforms initiated by India, England, and Australia.

“On behalf of the ICC Board, I would like to thank David for his service and commitment to cricket over the past 16 years and, particularly, over the last six years as CEO,” Manohar said.

“His achievements speak for themselves, but in recent history the commercial success of the sport, his leadership of the ICC team and establishing greater context for international cricket are of particular note.

“David will be missed by everyone in the game, but this is an opportunity for the ICC to drive forward our new global growth strategy, which David has played an integral part in developing, under new leadership. A global recruitment process will now get underway to identify the right person to lead the ICC.” (ESPNcricinfo)

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C

oordinators of the Marian Academy Chess Club are confident that the sport goes a long way towards improving academic performances. As such, the Club seeks to push the Chess in Schools mandate by hosting club meetings every week.

Instructor John Lee, who took charge of the club some six years ago, gave a little insight as to how the thriving club is conducted.

“Well, we have two departments: the primary and the secondary. The primary we focus on basics, how the pieces move, strategies, checkmates, that kind of thing. Secondary is more strategy, basically a more advanced level of play,” he shared.

“And what I do is I bring the secondaries [students] to national tournaments, when the Chess Federation has tournaments I try to take a team to compete.” This, he explained, gives the students exposure to other players, styles and strategies that they may not encounter within the school club.

When questioned about the academic performances of the club members, Lee posited that chess contributed positively to their overall well-being and their exam results were proof of that.

“Let me put it this way: a lot of my students here were

in top of the school for the [National Grade Six Assessment] NGSA and they usually are. Chess teaches them to think and to concentrate and they benefit from that,” Lee stated.

The Club completed yet another competition this past weekend, which saw participation from 57 of their members, across the primary and secondary departments.

Ethan Lee played impressively to cop the secondary top spot, while William Escarraga beat out all his opponents to win the primary category.

After the competition, National Chess Champion CM Wendell Meusa played a simultaneous exhibition against the young participants. A simultaneous exhibition or simultaneous display is a board game exhibition in which one player plays multiple games at a time with a number of other players. Meusa took on 50 children from the Marian Chess Club simultaneously walking from one board to another, immediately after making one or two moves per board and young players were amazed by this as Meusa checkmated the players one by one.

The Marian Academy Chess Club has produced a number of spectacular young players inclusive of Champion Ethan Lee and Sasha Shariff, who is slated to represent Guyana at the World Chess Olympiad later this year in Batumi, Georgia.

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Williams, Federer, Swan storm into Wimbledon 2nd round R

oger Federer and Serena Williams headline Wednesday’s second-round action, but the British support will be fully behind teenager Katie Swan. The 19-year-old from Bristol recorded her first Grand Slam victory on Monday to set up a match against Romania’s Mihaela Buzarnescu “Winning here is something I’ve dreamt about since I was little,” said Swan.

Federer, seeking his ninth title, faces Slovakia’s Lukas Lacko and seven-time winner Williams plays Viktoriya Tomova.

Elsewhere, Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki is up against doubles champion Ekaterina Makarova, and five-time champion Venus Williams faces Romania’s A l e x a n d r a Dulgheru.

In the men’s competition, threet i m e G r a n d Slam c h a m p i on Stan Wawrinka faces Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano and number three seed Marin Cilic is up against Argentine Guido Pella.

in his 6-1 6-3 6-4 win over Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.

Federer said he was not planning to retire any time in the near future, because he wants his four-year-old twin boys, Leo and Lenny, to have a memory of him playing.

“They wouldn’t know what I’m trying to do, really,” said the 20-time Grand Slam singles winner.

“They know that there is a trophy involved at some point if I do play well.

It would be helpful to play a few more years for the boys to really remember.”

T h e man looking to scupper Federer’s bid for a record ninth win is Slovakian Lacko.

The 30-year-old world number 73 is in good form,

Federer continues quest for number nine

The Swiss tennis great played like a 26-yearold, not a 36-year-old,

Katie Swan in action

having recently reached the Eastbourne final, where he was defeated by Mischa Zverev.

Williams “not 100% but on the right track”

Although world number 105 Arantxa Rus gave Serena Williams a relatively tough time in the opening game, Williams, with her immense experience, overcame the first obstacle to what might be an unlikely eighth Wimbledon singles title.

Unlikely because that was her first match since she pulled out before her eagerly-awaited French Open last-16 match against Maria Sharapova with a shoulder injury.

“My arm is doing much better,” said the 25th seed afterwards. “My serve is a little playing catch-up, but it’s doing better than I could have hoped, to be honest. It’s all on the right track.”

Bulgarian world number 135 Tomova stands in her way on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old defeated Anna Kalinskaya in qualifying and then Tereza Smitkova t o reach the last 64 o f a Grand Slam for the first time. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, JUly 4, 2018

Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club slated to host Emancipation meet

Ahmed set to replace Khan in TKR line-up T Fawad Ahmed

T

he Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club is gearing up to host its annual Emancipation race meet. The event, which will go down at its Bush Lot, Corentyne track, is slated for Sunday, July 29, 2018.

The races will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, and entries for those races will be closed on Sunday, July 22. In the event that there are fewer than five horses entered for any event, the Club reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after consulting with the horses’ owners. Additionally, owners of horses must pay at least $5000 for each horse at the point of entry. If not paid, the horse’s

name would not appear on the official programme and the horse would not be permitted to run.

Other racing conditions include: 1. Five horses must start before a third prize is paid; 2. Seven horses must start before a fourth prize is paid; 3. If only four horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 25 per cent and if only three horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 40 per cent.

Persons interested in entering their horses can contact Niketa Ross (662-4668); Isaac Dallo (325-3274, 689-0629); Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316); Justice Kennard (623-7609); Fazal Habibulla (657-7010); Dennis Deroop (640-6396) or Campton Sancho (602-1567).

Provisional Programme No. Class

Distance

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Entries

1

L-Non Winner

5 Furs.

120,000 60,000

30,000

15,000

13,000

2

N1 & Lower

5 Furs.

300,000 150,000

75,000

38,000

36,000

3

2 YRS (Guyana Bred)

5 Furs.

200,000 100,000

50,000

25,000

23,000

4

L (Open)

5 Furs.

140,000 70,000

35,000

17,500

15,000

5

Guyana Bred 3 YRS & Over (Open)

7 Furs.

250,000 125,000

63,000

31,000

29,000

6

E1 & Lower

7 Furs.

600,000 300,000

150,000

75,000

73,000

7

J3 & Lower

5 Furs.

160,000 80,000

40,000

20,000

18,000

he Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have recently disclosed that they are turning to Australia’s Fawad Ahmed in order to replace their prized leg spinner Shadab Khan. The Pakistani bowler, who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the formidable team, will this year be out of the Caribbean Premier League owing to other engagements.

As such, the Trinbago franchise has turned to another leg spinner in order to replace Khan’s brilliance. With 196 First Class and 35 T20 wickets, a T20 average of 27 and an economy rate of seven runs per over, Ahmed is set to bring added action to “the biggest party in sport” this August. The bowler has gathered his T20 experience from a number of successful stints in the Australian Big Bash tournament.

Speaking on Ahmed’s selection, Director of TKR Venky Mysore stated, “We were hugely disappointed to lose out on Shadab for this year’s tournament, but Fawad is a fantastic replacement. As a bowler who can turn the ball both ways we are sure he will be a fantastic addition to the TKR squad for the 2018 season.”

The Trinbago Knight Riders will jump start the 2018 CPL season against the St Lucia Stars on August 8 at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Guyanese women finish 2nd in trination hockey series

Team Guyana with Coach Damon Woodroffe and Manager Latoya Fordyce

G

uyana were comfortably positioned in the top spot after the first round of play; however, Trinidad had different plans going into the game at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at Wildey.

After a 1-0 loss to Guyana in the first round of play, Trinidad returned with a vengeance and determination to beat the Guyanese women.

The twin-island team got off to a rocket start against an unsteady Guyanese team as an early unforced error resulted in a Trinidad field goal by striker Brianna Gouvia just four minutes into the match.

Trinidad later capitalised on Guyana’s inability to regain their composure by netting a second goal thanks to Felicia King’s penalty corner in the 25th minute. In a flash, another goal came two minutes later off of Britney Hingh’s stick.

The second half of the encounter saw an improved performance from the Guyanese team. With more organised plays and increased possession, Guyana executed a swift right side attack that found striker Princessa Wilkie, who was able to elude the final Trinidadian defender and secure a goal for the team in the 49th minute. However, Guyana were unable to find the back of the net again; the match ending with a 3-1 victory for Trinidad.

Guyana then entered their final match in

the blistering Sunday morning heat against hosts Barbados with whom they drew 1-1 in the opening round.

Team Guyana seemed more relaxed and confident as the game began with accurate passes, better ball control, and a solid defensive structure. The game was a very physical one and the teams were evenly matched with some amount of frustration showing in both sides.

In the 40th minute of play, a penalty stroke was awarded to Guyana owing to a careless desperation tackle by the Bajans’ full back in the scoring circle. Former national captain Trisha Woodroffe stepped up to the challenge and sent a hard flat push to the left side of the goal, beating the Bajan keeper and putting Guyana at a 1-0 advantage.

In a twist of fate with just a few seconds remaining in the match-up, the Bajans secured a penalty corner against Guyana.

Barbados would save themselves from defeat as the goalmouth scramble that ensued saw the ball squeeze past eventual goalkeeper of the tournament, Alysa Xavier, ending the game at a 1-1 draw.

Trinidad eventually finished in first place with Guyana securing second. The three Caribbean teams will be pooled together in the upcoming Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, which are scheduled for July 20-August 3.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, JUly 4, 2018

23

Providence to host 5 Guyana Amazon Warriors group games

Guyana Amazon Warriors Home Fixtures:

– Trinbago Knight Riders also release home fixtures

F

ixtures for the Guyana leg of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have now been confirmed, with five group games set for the Providence National Stadium, Guyana.

The Government of Guyana signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) a few weeks back, thus confirming the Warriors would be treating their fans to some exhilarating cricket at Providence.

The home of the Guyana Amazon Warriors will then come alive from August 9 when they tackle the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots led

by Chris Gayle.

Warriors will then play St Lucia Stars and Barbados Tridents on August 11 and 12 respectively, before winging out for their away matches.

Upon their return to home soil, the three-

time finalists will have huge matches against last year’s fourth-place finishers, Jamaica Tallawahs on September 8 before playing current champions, Trinbago Knight Riders on September 9.

Speaking about the increase in matches from last season, Hero CPL’s CEO, Damien O’Donohoe said it was a delight to have confirmed the Warriors home games as they now look forward to the massive support from the Warriors’ Guyanese fans.

“We are delighted to confirm that there will be five home games for the Amazon Warriors in 2018. The Hero CPL has always had fantastic support from the Guyanese people and the Government.

We can’t wait to see sell-out crowds once again.”

Young and upcoming Guyana and West Indies

player Keemo Paul, of the Guyana Amazon Warriors said: “I can’t wait to get going for the 2018 Hero CPL and I know that the Guyanese cricket-loving public will show us great support.”

He continued, “Having five home matches at Providence will be a huge boost for us this year as we know home conditions well. A sell-out crowd will only help us as we look to bring the Hero CPL title to Guyana.”

Meanwhile, the defending champs have also released fixtures for their five home matches which all bowl off at 20:00h at the Queen’s Park Oval. The champs will first tackle the St Lucia Stars on August 8.

The Knight Riders fixtures will be split across two legs. Following their opening game against the Stars, they will play against the

2016 champions, Jamaica Tallawahs on Friday, August 10. They will then face the team they beat in last year’s final, the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, on Saturday, August 11.

The Knight Riders will then go on the road to play away matches before returning to Queen’s Park Oval for huge fixtures against Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents on Wednesday, September 5 and Friday, September 7 respectively.

Speaking about the announcement of the venue for the 2018 home fixtures, TKR General Manager Paul Skinner said: “We are very pleased to have our home venue for 2018 confirmed and would like to express our gratitude to all those at the Queen’s Park Cricket Club that helped us to pull this together.”

Thursday, Aug 9 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Providence Stadium, 6pm Saturday, Aug 11 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Stars, Providence Stadium, 4pm Sunday, Aug 12 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents, Providence Stadium, 6pm Saturday, Sept 8 – Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs, Providence Stadium, 8pm Sunday, Sept 9– Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders, Providence Stadium, 6pm

Trinbago Knight Riders fixtures: Wednesday, Aug 8– TKR v St Lucia Stars, Queen’s Park Oval, 8pm Friday, Aug 10 – TKR v Jamaica Tallawahs, Queen’s Park Oval, 8pm Saturday, Aug 11 – TKR v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Queen’s Park Oval, 8pm Wednesday, Sept 5 – TKR v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Queen’s Park Oval, 8pm Friday, Sept 7 – TKR v Barbados Tridents, Queen’s Park Oval, 8pm

Windies seeking Test ranking improvement as 1st Test bowls off

W

Shimron Hetmyer returns to the Test side

indies Captain Jason Holder and his team are on a mission to improve their Test ranking as they commence their campaign in Wednesday’s opener against Bangladesh.

Holder, along with teammates Shane Dowrich and Shannon Gabriel, all had upward movement in their Test Player rankings since the series against Sri Lanka. Holder is now 54th in batting and is 6th in the all-rounder’ list and a career-best 25th among bowlers.

Dowrich, who had a century under his belt in the Test against Sri Lanka, is 51st among the batsmen while Gabriel is now at 12th place following his man-of-the-match 13 for 121, the third-best haul ever by a West Indies bowler.

The chance to move from a low 9th place is possible if the Windies win a match in the series. The hosts warmed up well a few days ago in their 2-day practice game which ended in a draw.

Those probabilities based on points should the hosts win, lose or draw equate to: drawn series – Bangladesh 75, Windies 72; Windies win 1-0 – Windies 75, Bangladesh 69; Windies win 2-0 – Windies 77, Bangladesh 67.

This series is also an opportunity for West Indies to go past Bangladesh in the Test rankings. Bangladesh currently sits in eighth position with 75 points, with West Indies ninth on 72 points.

A win for the home side will see them overtake Bangladesh, while a drawn series will maintain the status quo. Bangladesh will remain in the eighth spot even if they win 2-0, though they will narrow the gap with seventh-ranked Pakistan.

Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer returned to red-

ball cricket with a ton while the rest of the team are still in top form following the recently-concluded Test series against Sri Lanka.

The left-handed Hetmyer was not picked in the XI for the first two Tests of the series against Sri Lanka, before being taken ill ahead of the third Test. Guyanese Keemo Paul, the right-arm fast bowler who had replaced Hetmyer in the squad, keeps his place in the squad despite his countryman’s return. Uncapped reserve wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton was the only player left out.

While commending the team for the performance against Sri Lanka, the West Indies selection panel said they wanted more runs from the top order. The selection panel “expects to see a greater effort from the top 5 batters and see them return to the focus and discipline we know they are capable of in the upcoming series against Bangladesh”.

“We congratulate the team on a drawn series [against Sri Lanka], but recognise that victory was within our reach. The selection panel also acknowledge and commend the strong performances of Captain Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel and man of the series Shane Dowrich.”

Meanwhile, the first Test bowls off from 10:00h today, July 4 at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Antigua.

West Indies Squad:

Jason Holder (Captain); Devendra Bishoo; Kraigg Brathwaite; Roston Chase; Miguel Cummins; Shane Dowrich (wicketkeeper); Shannon Gabriel; Shimron Hetmyer; Shai Hope; Keemo Paul; Kieran Powell; Kemar Roach and Devon Smith

wednesDAY, JUly 4, 2018

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