Guyanatimes

Jagdeo visits Drop-in centre` following fire

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Issue No. 2910

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Govt, Opposition should unite to create economic plan for Guyana – Hinds … says Guyana’s economy not in good state

Page 7

… calls for Ministry of Economic Planning Missing UG student

Body found in Demerara 7 River Page – friends arrested

CJIA expansion to be completed in 2017

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Man, pregnant girlfriend remanded on possession P8 charges Nandlall raps Govt over Bank of America withdrawal from local P10 banks

Page 17

Amazon Warriors spread cheer at Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre Page 13 Warriors Care: Members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors collaborated with Digicel on Friday and visited the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre where they interacted with differently-abled children, teaching them the tricks of good cricket. In photos are Devendra Bishoo signing a cap for a little fan while Christopher Barnwell teaches a youngster the art of batting (Dexter Ceres photo)

1 arrested following P16 robbery at Sophia house party

Bandits cart off GuySuCo’s payroll P9 Barry Dataram’s case

Investigation into CANU corruption P10 claim completed

Drop-in Centre fire

Miner, Broomes Page 3 Ministry clash on actions Page in mining accepts full 9 operations responsibility ... Minister awaiting GGMC report

– dead children were taken after being neglected, mistreated by family

Grandfather slapped with rape charge

P8

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saturDAY, july 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Private Sector needs to pull its “socks up” – David Hinds T

he removal of manufacturing tax waivers on the already laden Private Sector has been met with criticism from all ends and although political activist, Dr David Hinds believes the waivers are in order, he stated that it is the Private Sector’s responsibility to pull their “socks up.”

The Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times stated that while it is important for the local Private Sector to be given incentives, it is their duty to be enterprising and develop their own plan of action for surviving and developing the economy.

“I do agree that you have to give incentives to local Private Sectors, so the tax waivers were in order, but the Private Sector has a responsibility to be enterprising and I don’t think our lo-

cal Private Sector, as it is constituted really, is as energetic as it should be,” he remarked.

His comments follow petitions from the manufacturing sector to have the regulation lifted. On Thursday, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) announced that they will lead the way toward the suspension of the earlier unimplemented import taxes.

Earlier this week, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced that it will be removing the tax waiver on inputs previously enjoyed by the local manufacturing sector. This move is consistent with President David Granger’s assertion that businesses are becoming too reliant on concessions and are not doing enough to develop their enterprises and resources.

GMSA President, Eon

Caesar, stated that the new requirement would bear significant consequence and rocket the costs of items sold by the sector.

On the other hand, manufacturers would be required to pay more for raw materials. “This decision has a direct impact on the end users as products and services, which they normally utilise, would become more expensive,” he said.

Moreover this new requirement would create an uneven playing field for local manufacturers since foreign competitors would continue to charge current rates for their products.

However, Hinds suggested that there will always be challenges faced when manufacturing, especially given the state of the economy, but the Private Sector and Government need to come up with a package where all parties can benefit.

“I think a lot of the problems we are having is that

communities need to sit down and decide how are we going to distribute incentives, how are we going to manage resources, what is the best way to help the manufacturers here? Are they manufacturing things that can be placed on the international market? Are they manufacturing things that will take care of our needs here, so that we don’t have to import?” he asked, insisting that there is a bigger picture than incentives. “…the Private Sector needs to have its own plan about how it is going to contribute towards building this economy and benefiting its people,” he said.

Executive Member of the WPA, Dr David Hinds

Comparing Guyana’s Private Sector to Trinidad’s, Hinds indicated that Guyana should broaden its Private Sector by fostering room for more entrepreneurs. He explained that if incentives are given to persons to engage in small businesses then “you would have broadened the Private Sector and you would infuse the Private Sector with novel ideas and break the monopoly of a few business people”.

Nevertheless, he stated that these incentives should be tied to the entrepreneurs taking initiative and developing businesses that will benefit the country.

He argued that it is unfair for foreign investors to be given more concessions than local investors.

Entrepreneurs

we do not sit down as a people. Government with the trade unions, along with the Private Sector and the

“If you are going to develop the Private Sector here then you would have to give incentives, encouragement, and develop infrastructure for them. If you are developing infrastructure for foreign businesses, why not develop infrastructure for local investors. There has to be some parity between the benefits and the incentives given to foreign and local investors,” he said.

Hinds posited that Guyana will not just be developed by foreign investors, but more importantly by investments of the locals.

“If the people in Guyana are going to invest to help Guyana, then the authorities need to invest in the people,” he continued, adding that the scales should be balanced.

Currently, the GMSA is engaging the services of the GRA and the Foreign Affairs Ministry to commence the process of applying for a suspension of the import taxes.

“The GMSA is prepared to lead the process for a speedy resolution to the suspension of the import taxes, as this situation can have dire consequences for Guyana’s manufacturing, business and economic sectors,” Caesar stated, adding, “while this is our shortterm approach, the GMSA is prepared to engage with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade Department, to achieve the long-term goal of reclassifying items ineligible for import tax exemptions under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.”

Subsequently, he added that they are prepared to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the GRA and the Foreign Affairs Ministry to find a solution to concerns regarding the implementation of the import taxes, as well as the revision of the list of raw materials which are ineligible for tax exemptions under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which has been in existence for over 40 years.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, July 9 – 08:30h-10:00h and Sunday, July 10 - 08:30h-10:00h.

Ministry accepts full responsibility

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, July 9 – 07:10h-08:40h and Sunday, July 10 – 07:45h-09:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

– dead children were taken after being neglected, mistreated by family

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

By Ramona Luthi

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with chances of sunshine can be expected in the morning and afternoon, while clear to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Wind: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres per hour.

High Tide: 07:38h and 20:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.51 metres and 2.41 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:12h and 13:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.75 metre and 0.73 metre respectively.

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Drop-in Centre fire

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ocial Protection Minister Volda Lawrence and Director of Childcare Protection Agency (CPA) Ann Greene at a press conference on Friday accepted full responsibility for the tragic fire which claimed the lives of two young children on Thursday evening at the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre.

At the conference were the two Social Service assistants Sandra Jones and Rupert Hinds, who were in charge of the 31 children at the Drop-in Centre on that fateful evening. They were given a chance to describe the events leading up to the demise of Antonio George, 6, and Joshua George, 2.

According to Jones, who was in charge of the girls’ department at the upper flat of the centre, she noticed sparks emanating from a nearby electrical wire which quickly erupted into a flame and spread into an uncontrollable blaze. It was highlighted that she immediately began awakening the girls, who then rushed out of the burning building to safety, while she tried to battle the flames with the fire extinguishers.

“I was in the dorm upstairs and the girls already drop to sleep and whilst sitting down, I noticed the electrical wire on the wall start giving this whizzing sound, and next thing I know, there’s a big bunch of fire all over the place. I wake

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence

the girls up and try to save as much of them as I can. I saved all my girls. I got out all of the girls,” she related.

Hinds, the boys’ social service assistant voiced his recollection of the night, highlighting that Jones alerted him of the fire and so he tried to get the boys to safety, and then moved to assist Jones in taming the fire. “The elder child didn’t reach outside. He was still in the building. Maybe he might have gone back to get his brother” Hinds related.

Investigations are currently ongoing to determine exactly what caused the fire and the deaths of the two boys.

According to the director of the Child Agency, the two children along with their three other siblings were taken into care on Wednesday by the CPA, in anticipation of an investigation into the alleged neglect and abuse of the children.

She relayed that as per rou-

tine, the CPA took the children for medical attention the following day and it was confirmed that the children were victims of neglect and maltreatment.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Greene relayed that the Ministry of Social Protection would take full responsibility for the tragic incident and bear the full cost of the funeral for the

young children.

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence who recognised this incident as very heartbreaking, noted that while many fire prevention measures were implemented, including fire extinguishers, sand buckets and more importantly the training of staff, prior to the fire, there was more than could have been done.

She also highlighted that this tragic incident has been an eye opener and there is an intention to provide “safe spaces” for children within the various centres soon.

“This morning, when I got there, I realised, that we did not have a safe space for those children in the case of evacuation, not only from fire, but flood, earthquake, anything and perhaps in going forward this is one of the things we can look at,” the Minister pointed out.

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saturdAY, july 9, 2016

Views “One People divided by water” Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Aging populations

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t the just-concluded Caricom 37th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves once again brought the issue of the Region’s aging population to the front burner and made a passionate call for leaders to focus more on issues affecting our senior citizens.

Citing statistics from his own country, PM Gonsalves warned regional colleagues that even though the issue is not one that is known to dominate discussions at such levels, it has implications for a range of social policies for the Region.

This is even more so considering the fact that the Caribbean has been recognised as having one of the fastest growing older populations in the developing world.

According to an Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Brief (2015), “young societies of the past are giving way to communities where older persons form a much larger portion of the total population”.

The report indicated as well that the age structure of the Caribbean population will change appreciably over the next 20 years.

The issue of ageing has been on the Community’s agenda for close to two decades. The Caribbean Charter on Health and Ageing 1998 has as its guiding principle, a coordinated, systematic approach to ensuring the health and full integration of older persons into Caribbean societies and economies.

The Charter was adopted at the Second Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development in 1998, and launched in 1999, the year in which International Day for the Elderly was celebrated. It recognises the principle that “health and wellness encompasses the need for preventive strategies, creation of supportive environments and the availability of senior-friendly goods and services”.

Like the Charter, the Region’s vision of health, as articulated in Phase II of the Caribbean Cooperation in Health Initiative, addresses the issue of the health of the elderly. In this regard, six health promotion strategies were indentified for implementation: Healthy Public Policy; Re-Orienting Health Services; Empowering Communities; Creating Supportive Environments; Developing Personal Health Skills, and Building Alliances.

Among the specifics of these strategies are: developing and strengthening policies on ageing; developing a Bill of Rights in support of the elderly; sensitising health workers about the special needs of the elderly; strengthening primary health care services targeted at the elderly; establishing norms and standards for institutional care of the elderly; working with caregivers to ensure that standards of care are being met; preparing adults for healthy aging; educating the elderly on ways to maintain and improve their health and collaborating with Government organisations, NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and the media.

We support PM Gonsalves’ call for leaders to take urgent action to ensure that people attain old age in the best possible health. Everyone desires to reach their ‘golden years’ in the best possible health as better health is central to human happiness and well-being.

Regional governments must therefore continue to invest heavily on programmes and policies to improve healthcare delivery, inclusive of building and refurbishing hospitals and other treatment centres as well as training more specialist doctors among other things.

One of the main health challenges for older people everywhere is Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. The risk of developing all NCDs can be significantly reduced by adopting healthy behaviours, such as being physically active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding the harmful use of alcohol and not smoking or using tobacco products.

Hence it is necessary for countries to take appropriate steps to prevent NCDs, and to ensure that systems and services are in place to provide treatment and care when it is required.

Importantly too is the need for greater awareness and knowledge in the society about the dangers of chronic illnesses. Older people make important contributions as family members and volunteers etc. And as active participants in the workforce they are a significant social and economic resource. These are all issues that must be considered by governments and policy makers as part of their plan for their aging populations.

The Institute of Business Education on Friday held its third annual Culture Day and students took the opportunity to celebrate Caricom and its member states by exhibiting the features of the various countries. In this photo, students display the colours of Antigua and Barbuda (Dexter Ceres photo)

Municipality must be stopped now Dear Editor, There is a famous statement and provocative poem written by Pastor Martin Niem about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis; rise to power and the subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group. It deals with themes of persecution, guilt and responsibility and goes something like this: First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out; Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out; Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me; and there was no one left to speak for me.

And that brings me to

the main point of my letter, and that is my pleasure and satisfaction to see persons such as the British High Commissioner, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, Freddie Kissoon, the former Auditor Genera, Anand Goolsarran, and Consultant Earl John among other leading lights who have come out and criticised not only the crooked parking meter contract, but the corruption mafias that seem to be spreading through City Hall like an octopus, the problem the Council has been telling the citizens where their money is going and apologising for mistakes made, the fact that corruption is so pervasive there, the fact that the oppression of the citizens is getting worse with the various departments demanding more and more

bribes from vendors to persons wishing to have their building plans approved, the plundering of Council’s resources by the gang of four; and the fact that the scale of the Georgetown Municipality’s financial haemorrhaging being so immense that the term corruption barely seems adequate to describe what is happening at City Hall.

However, there is a strange silence coming from a number of well-known social and political commentators, from other prominent citizens, from the legal fraternity and from some normally vocal quarters of civil society, regarding these shameful goings-on at City Hall and that takes me back to the poem above.

I urge the new and decent Councillors of Georgetown

to join the Deputy Mayor without fear of being bullied and have a motion tabled and passed demanding that a full forensic audit be done starting with last year and going back for 20, I urge those honourable officers who are left at City Hall and who are aware of many of the unlawful activities that are being perpetuated by their colleagues to no longer remain silent but to speak up and speak out against these transgressions and I urge, citizens, business captains and other leaders in our society to say “Enough is Enough” the wanton pillaging of the municipality must be stopped now before everything is purloined.

Dear Editor, Why was it not of concern to the Georgetown City Council from the very beginning that they were obviously dealing with middlemen rather than the source as it relates to this whole parking meter debacle?

First they began dealing since 1995 with a representative from the National Parking Systems (NPS) Ifa Kamau Cush who is the chief executive officer of this locally-registered company, and who quite interestingly became the sole director of the company after the lone member of the board, managing director Patrick Triumph, resigned in April 2016.

Why would the Council want to deal with a one- or two-man company for such a large project? This is not

a small grocery store purchasing a couple of cases of canned mixed vegetables from a wholesaler.

This is a city engaging in a major project. Clearly these are just two middlemen working for a commission selling parking solutions for a larger company.

After questions began to be asked about the authenticity of this company which gave a fake address in New York City, we were then told that they were operating in association with another company, called Smart City Solutions Inc, which incidentally was registered on May 6, 2016 again with just two directors, Panama City-based businessman Simon Mosheshvili and the same Ifa Kamau Cush, and that the City Council had in

fact entered into a contract with Smart City Solutions Inc and not National Parking Systems as persons were first led to believe.

How then could the contract have been signed since November 2015 when this company was registered on May 6, 2016? It is no wonder this contract document is such a top secret document as it may have several versions and renditions.

With further questioning we were then told that NPS has been absorbed into Smart City Solutions, which is owned by a Mexican Company – Operadora de Estacionamientos Bicentenario, S A de C V a third company introduced into the equation.

If the mayor and councillors of the City of Georgetown

has a shred of decency, they would scrub this very dubious arrangement, and put the process out to tender.

In fact they would even reconsider the necessity for this parking through the process of consultation with the businesses and residents that reside in Georgetown. Is this what we the citizens voted for?

The deputy mayor and the other councillors are spoton to reject this controversial parking meter contract.

By the way they need to revisit all the contracts that were signed for the last year, moreso the ones that the previous councillors would have hastily signed off before they exited.

Sincerely, Deodarie Putulall

Why the middlemen at City Hall?

Sincerely, Shanta Singh

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, july 9, 2016

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

Indian, Filipino When Govt Smokescreen Americans suffered accuses at local bank from legal racism its old age citizens of “double dipping”

Dear Editor, Last July 4, Guyanese and other Americans celebrated the 240th anniversary since the United States declared its independence from Britain. It is a date that Guyanese should not forget for another reason. As a note of history, Indians (and that would include Indo-Guyanese) were not allowed to become naturalised citizens until the eve of the independence celebration of 1946 after the victory of WWII that ended in late 1945.

The Luce-Celler Act of 1946, signed on July 3, allowed Indians and Filipinos to be naturalised. The Act overturned federal immigration laws that discriminated against Indians and Filipinos by reopening immigration from India and the Philippines and allowing those nationalities (regardless of race) to become US citizens through the naturalisation process.

Prior to the passage of the Luce-Celler Act, only “white persons born in India were eligible to naturalisation in the US”. French, English, Portuguese nationals born in India could become US citizens, but Indians were barred from entry except as students, visitors, and tourists. There were few in each of those categories as Indians preferred to study in England and there were few Indians who went abroad as tourists.

Before the Second World War, US sought to enlist nationals of those countries to fight on its side against the Axis powers that threatened to destroy Europe and American interests. Many Filipinos and Indians enlisted and fought for the US, with many dying or injured in combat. The families of the dead and the injured soon found that they could not immigrate to the US and become citizens because of the legal discrimination against them as people of colour. Discriminatory restrictions on entry in the US for those Indians and Filipinos who survived combat remained in force.

Analogously, the US allowed whites from India and

other countries, including those who did not fight for America, to immigrate and become naturalised.

Feeling a sense of guilt, the Congress passed the Luce-Celler Act that permitted Indians and Filipinos who had legal status in the US to become citizens. The Act also activated an earlier law (approved some 40 years earlier and that was never put into effect) that allowed for a quota of 100 Indian immigrants per year. When a wave of Indian immigrants arrived in the US in the late 19th century, the US passed the Naturalization Act of 1870, denying Indians and other Asians the right of naturalisation. The racial discrimination against Indians stemmed from the court’s interpretation of “the Caucasian race”. Although Indians are considered as belonging to the Caucasian race, the court concluded that they were not “white” to be granted US citizenship; only whites were allowed citizenship. The Act also ended de jure discrimination against Filipinos. As the Philippines became officially independent from the US in 1946, Filipinos would have been barred from immigrating without the Act. Upon becoming citizens, the new Indian and Filipino Americans could now own homes and farmland and petition for family from their nation of birth, although only a maximum of 100 from each country were allowed per annum.

There were only about 2500 Indians who were eligible for naturalisation at the time of the Act. Those Indians who fought on the side of the US were not allowed into the country. It was most unfortunate that those Indians and Filipinos who shed their blood for America suffered racial humiliation, intolerance and exclusion. It was hardly different from the Hitlerite racism and theory of racial superiority they were called upon to fight and gave their lives.

According to literature on the issue, support for the Luce-Celler Bill came from “diverse segments of

American society, including colleges and universities, churches, writers and intellectuals, corporations, and Indian Americans themselves”. Among those who supported the bill were “W E B DuBois, Albert Einstein, Pearl S Buck, and Upton Sinclair”, all notable Americans. The great Einstein praised the Bill as being "an advantage for the US and in general for the stabilisation of peace and prosperity in the international sphere".

The literature also noted that Luce-Celler Act was inspired by the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1943, “which addressed Japanese propaganda that pointed repeatedly to Chinese exclusion from the US”. The US Government felt it was in “its interest to extend a similar gesture of goodwill to India to ensure the country would remain a stalwart against Japanese imperialism in Asia”. The US realised it needed to cement India’s friendship after the war as the colony was on the verge of getting independence, conditionality for it joining the war effort.

Millions of Indians fought alongside the Allied Powers in WWII and over a million Indians died or were injured in that war. Aside from the benefits accrued to the US

by Indian soldiers and investors, the Act addressed the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, It is ironic that the Government would salaciously announce that it’s going after those old folks that collect US$90 per month from the Guyana Government and live oversees. This a myopic view of the present government because the leaders don’t see the thousands of US dollars in potential healthcare costs if these old folks that a majority suffers from comorbidities were to live for two years minimum in Guyana.

For this reason, paying them a US$1000 per annum to stay away is a bargain.

I am pleased that the honourable Minister was careful enough, after causing panic, to explain the three types of pensions available to Guyanese, ie contributory pension (NIS), pension for retired public officers, and old age pension.

The former two she has no control over and they could only be changed by legislation.

It would be wise to focus money and time addressing the current pipeline of malfeasance. Don’t get me wrong, I like the minister, I think she is genuine.

Sincerely, Keith Bernard

Dear Editor, A few weeks ago I went to cash a cheque at a local bank. I could not find my Guyana national ID card, so before I left home I grabbed my newly issued drivers’ licence. I have been using my new drivers’ licence to conduct financial transaction.

However, my brother and several other persons had told me of the horrors they experienced at that bank, so as a precaution, I also took with me my Barbados national ID card.

When I arrived at the counter I presented the cheque and my drivers’ licence. The young lady told me that the bank does not accept the new drivers’ licence at ID. I then gave her my Barbados national ID card. Much to my dismay, I was told that the bank does not accept national ID cards from other countries. At this point I asked to speak with a supervisor.

The supervisor told me just what the teller had told me. So I asked the su-

pervisor to please explain the rational for these decisions. She told me that she does not make the rules. In an effort to have the cheque changed, I suggested that she call the issuer (they have his number), so as to verify that the cheque was indeed written to me. I was thinking that with two pieces of ID’s and a phone call to the account holder, that would have been sufficient to prove that I was who I said I was.

I was told in no uncertain terms that I would not be allowed to cash the cheque without my Guyana national ID card or my passport.

I had to leave the bank and return with my passport.

Last week I heard that one man had hundreds of millions of illegal money on his account. I would not be surprised if I heard that his account was at the same bank. These pathetic rules are only smokescreens.

Sincerely, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey

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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

guyana-times.com

Page Foundation Help for absentminded students

BY JUNE ALLAN CORRIGAN

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re you the kind of parent who frequently delivers a forgotten lunch or homework folder? Do all your reminders seem to fall on deaf ears? There’s an expression in parenting education circles: “A child who always forgets has a parent who always remembers.” In addition to the exhausting nature of this role, you might actually be doing your children a disservice. Continuous rescuing, reminding, and doing things that your children are capable of doing for themselves doesn’t help them grow into responsible adults. Where does the tipping point lie?

“There’s occasional forgetfulness that’s no big deal because we all make mistakes and as a family, we want to have each other’s back. But when it becomes a pattern of behaviour, you know it’s time to step in and implement the no-rescue policy,” says Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and author of The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic and If I Have To Tell You One More Time If you find yourself driving homework or other critical items to school at least a couple of times a month, it might be time to start some training in no-rescue parenting.

The process

Of course you can’t spring such a change on your child without any warning. McCready recommends doing a “reveal”

beforehand: Find a calm and quiet moment to explain your intentions. Tell your child that he is growing up and becoming more capable and independent.

Mention that one of the aspects of growing independence is remembering his own stuff. “You want to frame it in a positive way,” she says. Then explain that you will no longer be doing his remem-

his bag to make sure all the essentials are inside.

A central place to gather items needed for school (and assembled the night before). A reminder sign on the front door. Ask your child what would work best for him. Then – and this is the hard part for a lot of parents – you have to just step out of it and let the shift run its course.

To some, no-rescue

bering for him and if he forgets things, he’s going to have to deal with the consequences.

Ideally you want to start the process early.

You don’t have to be hardnosed when your child is in kindergarten, but you can increase your expectations as she gets older.

“The situations where you don’t rescue change and grow as a child changes and grows,” says Jackie Insinger, a learning and motivation specialist and founder of Insinger Insights. The goal is for children to learn accountability, responsibility, and resilience.

The next step is to set up your child for success.

Brainstorm ways to help him remember his items and tasks. It could be a laminated checklist on

parenting may sound like a throwback to the days when children were often left to their own devices.

McCready admits there are similarities, but the crucial difference is that no-rescue parenting involves training up front.

This parenting style may not sit comfortably with those who tend to hover or “helicopter” parent, in today’s vernacular.

Yet McCready firmly believes that we do our kids a disservice by rescuing them and that we foster an attitude of entitlement without even realising it.

Responsibility shift

Even if the change goes well overall, there might be a few hiccups along the way. Dionne Granillo Sanchez, a mom of three boys in Nuevo,

California, who decided to try no-rescue parenting, fought the urge to remind her 10-year-old to retrieve his homework from the counter where he’d left it as he headed out the door one morning. “I went back and forth and told myself, nope, that’s his responsibility. I need to let him learn a lesson. So I did.”

The fallout was minor but it did put her son in the position of having to explain himself to the teacher, something he didn’t like doing.

How a parent handles the situation in the aftermath is key. The last thing you want to do is say “I told you so.” This kind of response only causes a child to feel shame and humiliation and doesn’t help him do anything differently or better in the future.

Instead, focus on showing empathy and coming up with solutions. Phrases like “Wow, that must have been really difficult for you” and “How did you handle that?” work well here. “How a parent helps a child process the experience determines whether or not he feels humiliated, whether he wants to make a better choice next time, and whether he sees it as a learning opportunity,” McCready says.

Although it wasn’t easy for Sanchez to let her son go without his homework, when he got home she listened sympathetically while he relayed the consequences. She thinks the experience decreased the chance of something like it happening again.

“I know he’s more aware of things now. He’ll even

double-check with me that I signed a permission slip and placed it in his backpack,” she says.

Special circumstances

Children with ADHD or those who struggle with executive function skills can also benefit from norescue parenting. “You can tailor how you parent depending on the child in question, and that applies in all situations,” Insinger says. “How much can he or she handle? What kind of things can you expect them to do? If it’s little things, then do the little things. If it’s bigger things, then do the bigger things. But tailor it to the child so that they learn.

Teach them in a way that works for them.”

Bringing teachers and coaches into the loop helps across the board. Opening a discussion about the tasks your child is struggling with and what you’re doing to help him close the gap can ease the process.

“Oftentimes, behind the scenes, you can work out ways to keep things consistent, to help kids tap into that intrinsic motivation aspect of themselves to be able to accomplish the task,” Insinger says.

“Without you jumping in.”

How to implement a no-rescue policy

* Reveal in advance to your children that they’re now going to be responsible for their actions or lack of actions. Choose a time when no one is upset or frustrated. * Provide training and install systems to help them be more successful at remembering and completing tasks.

Get their input on what prompts they think would work best for them. * Step out of the situation once training and systems are in place and let the chips fall where they may.

Nothing will be accomplished if they feel that you’re always going to bail them out. * Empathize and focus on a solution when your children do mess up along the way – which they will. * They’re kids and they’re just learning, McCready says.

Never blame.

Instead, teach them to problemsolve. They – and you – will benefit in the long run. (schoolfamily.com)

What is your child’s learning style?

– understanding how your child learns can reduce frustration and improve achievement CONTINUED

BY EMILY GRAHAM

FROM FRIDAY

A

lthough it may be tempting to stick with what works, keep in mind that a child’s preferred learning style may change as she grows and that people who can learn in a variety of ways can more readily absorb information. McKay advises parents to help their children practice using different kinds of skills.

“Really well-balanced students will be able to be comfortable learning in all ways. Knowing that and working on that when they’re young gives them a competitive edge,” she says.

Parents can use a variety of approaches to help children learn Maths facts, for example. When a child gets bored with flash cards, a visual and auditory strategy, McKay suggests letting him play a family board game that uses two dice and asking him to count how many spaces each player should advance. This is a more kinesthetic approach but may also appeal to visual and auditory learners.

“Being able to tap in to different styles allows you a lot of novelty and adds a lot of fun to homework and chores and interactions at home,” McKay explains. For example, if a child resists studying her spelling words, you can ask her to spell the words on a table using Scrabble tiles.

Being aware of your child’s learning style can reduce homework battles and strengthen parent-child relationships.

“It’s very empowering for families to really understand each other and how they learn and how they think to work out problems,” McKay says. “This kind of involvement is a great way to bond with your children and to impart knowledge, and it’s really fun.”

Homework tips for each learning style Auditory learners are typically good at absorbing information from spoken words. Strategies that work well for auditory learners include: * Talking to themselves or with others about what they’re learning * Reciting important information aloud, perhaps recording it and playing it back * Reading a book and listening to the audio book at the same time * Using word associations * Setting information to a tune and singing it to help remember it * Limiting distracting noises Kinesthetic learners prefer to be active while studying and may not be able to focus while sitting still. Strategies for kinesthetic learners include: * Reading aloud and tracking words on a page with a finger * Writing things down multiple times to commit them to memory * Highlighting and underlining * Playing with a stress ball or toy while studying * Moving around or taking frequent breaks * Doing hands-on activities, such as building models or playing games Visual learners benefit from seeing information on a chalkboard or in an illustration and may grow impatient listening for long periods of time. Strategies for visual learners include: * Using flash cards * Studying charts, tables, and maps * Drawing illustrations * Writing things down and reviewing notes * Highlighting and underlining * Colour-coding information (schoolfamily. com)

news

7

saturday, july 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Govt, Opposition should Missing UG student unite to create economic Body found in Demerara River – friends detained plan for Guyana – Hinds … says Guyana’s economy not in good state … calls for Ministry of Economic Planning

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Dr David Hinds

olitical Activist, Dr David Hinds on Friday stated that Guyana’s ailing economy is caused by division among the people.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Hinds shelved claims that Guyana’s economy is in a good state and peddled the need for the institution of a Ministry of Economic Planning and the development of a national economic plan.

“Our economic problems stem from the fact that we have a divided nation and so therefore we do not have a common economic strategy,” he stated, asserting that when a group has power, it is likely to be less interested in including its opposition while those outside of power would be less interested in participating in a national endeavour.

“I think that our political divisions have contributed tremendously to our economic problems,” he said and urged both the Government and the Opposition to converse about the economic progression of the country.

“Both the Government and the Opposition should sit down and come up with a National Development Plan for Guyana.

A National Development Plan should not be developed by one party or one set of parties. The [People’s Progressive Party] PPP represents half of this country and the coalition represents the other half.”

“If they can find a mechanism where together they can come up with a plan then that would be the ideal thing, rather than one calling on the other to come up with a plan,” he added, noting that the parties should pool their visions for the economy and develop “something that represent and reflects the nation”.

“Both parties would have their vision of which direction they would want to see the economy heading but when you join together the vision is larger.”

Dr Hinds stated that while more emphasis should be placed on eco-

nomic development, he is not of the opinion that the Business Ministry is the “place for that kind of thing or the Ministry of Finance”.

He explained that those ministries would have their own agendas and given the magnitude of economic development, a need for its own ministry is much needed. “We need a Ministry of Economic Planning and even if not a ministry, there should be a prominent section that deals with economic planning,” Hinds reiterated.

Citing Guyana’s relationship to the Caribbean and a rapidly changing world, Dr Hinds stated that the country would constantly need to implement novel economic strategies.

“You can make a plan now and then something happens in Europe and you would have to adjust.

So given the nature of our economies, we would constantly have to adjust to things that are happening in the wider world.”

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran recently said the answer to the country’s economic woes could be found if a Ministry of Economic Development and Planning is established.

Goolsarran – who is a transparency advocate – said economic planning was a prerequisite for any country’s development and given Guyana’s economic status, it made sense for the country to have a Ministry of Economics.

“I don’t see the need for a Ministry of Social Cohesion, or why we should have separated Ministries for Business and Tourism.

The question is why a Ministry of Economics was left out by this new Cabinet?” he asked.

Although he was aware that the Finance Ministry had some responsibility for economics, Goolsarran stated that the Finance Minister’s portfolio was already weighty and the country’s economics would require more attention.

He also emphasised the need for an economic plan

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran

to take the country forward. “Guyana urgently needs an economic plan, especially in our current economic situation.”

Goolsarran had scolded the coalition Government for its denial of the current ailing state of the country’s economy. He said a three per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product did not mean that all was well with the economy.

“The Government is in denial that the economy is slowing down, but it is evident,” he stated.

Goolsarran indicated that 40 per cent of the youths are unemployed, there was evidence of under-employment, businesses were struggling and there was also the existence of parallel economies.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had affirmed, however, that the economy was in good shape by presenting statistics and explanations in support of the Government’s defence. He had cited the commendation of the International Monetary Fund on Guyana’s economic growth, which is projected to be four per cent this year.

Jordan also contended that the IMF report should not be doubted or challenged, since it was already established that the body was neutral.

The last National Development Plan was developed over a decade ago but was never implemented.

T

he body of Harris Anthony Persaud, 19, of Lot 21 Granny Field, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, was on Friday retrieved from the Demerara River in the vicinity of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara at about 17:30h.

The young man was last seen on Wednesday by his relatives when he left home to attend classes at the University of Guyana. Moments before receiving the harrowing news that his son’s body was found, Nandkumar Persaud revealed that his son’s failure to return home that evening had caused fear to grow as it was unusual for the teenager to stay out for such long periods.

“At 8 pm on Wednesday night, I called his cellphone and it was off. I called his office line phone and that rang out as well, and when that happened I knew he wasn’t at the office.

So I was of the view that he was somewhere in town and taking a late class but at 9pm I rung his phone and it was still off.

I then leave home and I went to his worksite. I meet there something to 10 and as I went there the office was closed,” he stated. The devastated father went on to explain that the security personnel informed him that his son did not go to work on Wednesday.

He indicated that he made contact with his son’s close friends to ascertain whether or not he was with them. “I know Harris has two friends, they normally move together. These guys also sleep over by me sometimes, on more than one occasion. I know them by their call names, one lives in Cummings Lodge, and the other one from Skeldon, Corentyne but he rents an apartment at Fourth Street, Cummings Lodge as well. I call on Wednesday night some time after 10pm, the boy answer his phone. I asked him, ‘Do you know the whereabouts of Harris?’ He tell me yes. He said Harris went to class, the two of them went together and then they went to another friend home and that Harris left some time after 12pm to go to work for 1pm.”

He said that he subsequently called the friend, whose home his son had earlier visited, and was told the same story.

The grieving father went on to explain that it was at this point that he realised that something was wrong, saying, “my son would never sleep out.

If he’s going to be late he would

Dead: Harris Persaud

call us, text us or text his sisters.”

Persaud related that the next day, he left home at 04:00h to search for his son.

He explained that he picked up his son’s friends and they all went in search of the young man. The man further related that the trio then ventured to Georgetown and made checks at various hospitals, and then made a report to the Police. Persaud also explained that the two young men were questioned separately by the Criminal Investigation Department officers and sent away.

The teen’s father went on to add that relatives met at the Vlissengen Road seawalls, where they discussed the situation and decided to restart their search from the beginning and do their own investigations. “We go back to the place where he was last seen, and that is by his friend’s apartment. As we go there, my nephew went ahead to the boy’s landlord and he had an interaction with the landlord and the landlord told him

that he saw the three of them leave together in a car, which is a different story we hearing now. Because they both of them were saying that my son left and come out at the road to catch something to go to work and the two of them were at the house studying. That’s the story them tell me. When we heard that, we draw suspicion that they know something. So we make a call to Sparendaam Police Station and we were told to ask these two guys to go along with us to the station,” he stated.

He explained that the two friends were escorted to the Turkeyen Police Station where they were further grilled separately. “I think one confessed that the three of them did leave and come down to Georgetown. We were told that the three of them were bathing and the boy slide down and drowned and they couldn’t ah save him. And they then took my son clothes and went on the East Coast and throw my son clothes and bag that way.

Eventually, the Police find the clothes. As I am standing with you here I just received a message that my son has been found on the river floating,” he disclosed.

On the day of his disappearance, the young man left home with the intention of attending classes at the University of Guyana, where he is a second-year civil engineering student. He leaves to mourn his parents and two siblings. He was described as a very friendly and jovial individual. Police have since detained the two friends as investigations continue.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS

Man, pregnant girlfriend remanded on possession charges

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man and his pregnant girlfriend were on Friday remanded to prison when they appeared at the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court before the Magistrate Christel Lambert.

Devindra Singh and Sasha Hopkinson of Lot 9 Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, both pleaded not guilty to the offence.

It is alleged that on July 6, 2016, they both had in

their possession 46 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Singh also faced another charge which alleged that on the same day and location, he had in his possession four grams of cannabis.

The Prosecution’s case contended that on the day in question, the Police acting on information, conducted a search at the defendants’ premises and

found the 46 grams of cannabis. A further search carried out on Singh found the additional four grams.

However, the defendant told the court that the cannabis in his possession is for medical purposes. He revealed that he is asthmatic and also has malaria and would use the cannabis for his illness.

He also pleaded with the Magistrate for bail, noting that his girlfriend is preg-

nant and has no relative to look into her welfare.

Hopkinson too pleaded with the Magistrate to grant her the pre-trial liberty but was unsuccessful.

Singh told Magistrate Lambert that he would take the blame for the drugs in order for his girlfriend to be released.

They were both remanded to prison with the case tol continue on July 21.

Businessman slapped Man restricted because of wounding charge with fraud charge

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businessman of Lot 780 Section C Grove, East Bank Demerara, was charged and taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the offence of intent to defraud.

William Ross appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on a charge which stated that between December 11, 2014

to February 2, 2015 in Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Elvis Alleyne $500,000. It is alleged that Ross pretended he was in a position to buy a Mitsubishi minibus for Alleyne, knowing it to be false.

He was released on $100,000 bail. The case will continue on July 18.

A

man on Friday was made to stand before the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court facing charges of unlawful wounding.

Trevor Martin of West Coast Demerara (WCD) pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to him by Magistrate Christel Lambert.

It is alleged that on June 23, 2016 he unlawful-

ly wounded Attena Shirley with intent to cause actual bodily harm.

The defendant was released on $55,000 bail.

As a condition of his bail, he cannot go within 100 feet of Shirley and must report to the Vreeden-Hoop Police Station every Friday until his next date in court which was set for July 25.

Grandfather slapped with rape charge

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pensioner of Bush Lot Village, Essequibo Coast, was on Friday remanded to prison for having sexual intercourse with his granddaughter.

The man was taken before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate's Court where the rape charge was read to him.

The grandfather was arrested 7 July, 2016 after it was alleged he had sexual intercourse with his 13-year-old granddaughter. Following his arrest, the man, who is a security

guard, was told of the allegation levelled against him and admitted to the offence.

He was remanded to prison until July 26 when the case will continue.

Carpenter charged for slapping ‘childmother’

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carpenter of Parade Street, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday to answer the charge of assault against the mother of his child.

Roy Charles appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh where he pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on 5 July he assaulted Ashanti Defamashi at Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

The Prosecution’s case contended that Charles slapped the defendant to the head and about the body.

No objections were made to bail and as such he was released on $20,000.

The case will continue on July 28.

Eyew tness Chickens coming home to roost...

T

...in Britain

hey say "politics make strange bedfellows" and there are few stranger bedfellows than George Bush and Tony Blair. As a Republican, you'd think Bush wouldn't have found much in common with a fella from the Labour Party like Blair, nuh? After all, you're talking about the party of the 1% in the US versus the party of the proletariat in "stiff upper lip" Britain. Talk about irreconcilable differences!!

But then, slick "Tony" tried to blur those categories with his "Third Way". The East and West may never meet, but "begad!" the lion of capitalism and the lambs of socialism would lie down together. Ever since WWII, Britain had to accept in its dealings with the US, it was no longer "Great Britain" but a junior partner who had to be aware of boundaries.

British leaders started to stress their "special relationship" with the US (George III?) to get a special squeeze...But actually, the US' "realpolitik" didn't give the relationship much mind - especially when the British PMs from Churchill to Thatcher still maintained residues of imperial hauteur. Until Tony Blair, that is. Blair decided to swear eternal fealty to Blair to seal the deal.

Across the pond, around the turn of the century Bush Jr (henceforth, "Bush the Lesser") got it into his head he just had to make a name for himself to get out from under the shadow of his old man Bush Sr. He was going to go one up on the old codger who'd fought a Gulf War against Saddam.

Bush the Lesser decided to remove Saddam Hussain as leader of Iraq as his claim to fame card. Bush the Lesser's rationale was to get rid of "weapons of mass destruction" (WMD) by Saddam - even though there was scant evidence of this.

So Blair assured Bush, "I will be with you, whatever".

Imagine that! Leaders of nations are supposed to always act in the interest of their own countries, excepting Blair!

So a year later, he supported the invasion of Iraq, and committed British troops even though his own intelligence service was never convinced of Bush's claims.

But unlike Guyana, institutions in Britain do what they're supposed to do. And an inquiry by a number of Privy Councillors, directed by Sir John Chilcot was initiated in 2009. Last week and seven years later it issued its report. Britain hadn't been threatened by Iraq, there was no conclusive evidence on WMD and the UN had been undermined.

Most observers had figured Blair sold his soul to Bush the Lesser when an open mike at a G8 meeting had the latter calling out to the former.

"Yo, Blair!! Whattssup?"

...on US Independence

Your Eyewitness knew things were tough in America.

Not for the 1% that Trump belongs to but for all the yahoos following him. But he didn't know just how tough until he read this letter from a fellow who's head of the baseball league in Guyana. Yes, Virginia...there IS a Baseball League in Guyana. And yes even in America they speak of the "Bush League"!!

The baseball entrepreneur claimed that the US panhandled local businesses to fund their Independence Day bash!! Imagine that!! Just to produce the new Independence Day movie (which wasn't that hot), the producer could come up with US$165 million and the local Embassy couldn't fund that hillbilly affair at the Marriott?

Jeez...this explains why the US gave out some 20,000 visitor visas last year. At US$160 a pop, they were able to rake in $30 million!

Sheesh! that might just buy 1 hour flight time on one of those Global Hawk drones!!

...on banking blacklist

The PPP pleaded with APNU/AFC for years to pass the FATF-demanded AML/CTF legislation. To no avail. And now even though no less than the American pro-consul assured that all was kosher, up comes Bank of America blacklisting our banks!

Say it ain't so, Brent!

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

news

9

saturday, july 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Miner, Broomes clash on actions in mining operations

... Minister awaiting GGMC report

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mining concessionaire has come forward with claims that Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes has been using her position in the Ministry to intervene in matters involving her close associates in a biased manner but the Minister has lashed back saying that the allegations are erroneous, distasteful and geared towards divisive and unproductive outcomes.

Clarence Rodrigues, a 53-year-old miner and concessionaire, has levelled allegations after the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), reportedly acting on orders, seized six of his mining claims at Ten Mile, Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) in light of a claim dispute involving Rodrigues and one of the Minister’s alleged associates.

Speaking on Rodrigues’ behalf, his Attorney, Malek Cave, told this publication that the six claims were issued in the name of John and Clarence Rodrigues, who are Amerindians, from Port Kaituma in 1982.

He further explained that John Rodrigues died

February, I have tried every senior functionary at the GGMC and I am yet to get an answer from them in regards to moving forward,” he stated, adding that he approached the Commissioner of the GGMC, Newell Dennison on the issue.

Cave expounded on the claims dispute, telling Guyana Times that an individual by the name of Van De Cruize was issued con-

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

in 2000, and since then, Clarence Rodrigues has been handling the affairs of the claims, and has been prompt with all payments.

According to the attorney, Rodrigues received the seize order from the GGMC “acting on the advice of Junior Minister of Natural Resources” on February 25, and has since been unable to operate on his claims.

He further explained that since that day, he has approached mining officials on Rodrigues’ behalf to ascertain the grounds on which his mining claims were seized; however, all of his attempts have been futile. “Since the 25th of

Clarence Rodrigues

The mining claims that were seized from Rodrigues

cessions in the vicinity of Rodrigues’ claims, and one of the blocks that was issued to Van De Cruize falls on Rodrigues’ mining claims.

According to the lawyer, Minister Broomes is a close associate of the said Van De

Bandits cart off GuySuCo payroll

B

andits on Thursday evening carried out a brazen robbery on a female employee attached to Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) relieving her of $1.5 million.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Ruimveldt, Georgetown Public Road.

According to information the employee was being es-

Cruize, and as such, used her position in the Ministry to act in a biased manner towards Rodrigues.

Rodrigues expressed his frustration with the situation, saying that he has been left in limbo. He related that earlier this year, his left leg had to be amputated due to diabetes and he has no other means of earning income.

He said he has eight young children to maintain, and as

corted by a security guard in a vehicle which was intercepted by the armed men. The bandits exited their vehicle and walked towards the vehicle in which the woman was sitting and forced them out.

As the woman and security personnel exited, the men took away the bag containing the money as well

as the .9mm service weapon of the guard.

The police have launched an investigation into the robbery.

When contacted Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that no one has been arrested but investigations into the robbery are continuing.

such, life has been very difficult for him and his family.

Commenting on Cave’s allegations of her association with parties to the conflict, Minister Broomes in a released statement said that “with the Rodrigues and Van De Cruize matter, first of all I want to make it clear that I have never seen

Van De Cruize or Rodrigues ever before when they came here one day at an Open Day. The matter of Van De Cruize was referred to me

by Minister Trotman”. She further noted that, “Cease work orders are not placed by a Minister or lifted by a Minister but is based on the Act. The Commissioner of GGMC is the only person who could rescind a cease work order so it has nothing to do with the Minister”.

The Minister further outlined that she views this attack as a deliberate attempt to implicate her and noted that, “this matter is out there and I think it is deliberate. I have not yet received a report on the conclusion of

the matter. In fact, Mr Van De Cruize keeps running, and crying every day that the GGMC dragging their feet and is taking a long time. But I have to wait on GGMC to do their work and then show me a report of the outcome.”

Earlier this year, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association issued a call for the Minister to be reassigned to another Ministry, since she has several mining concessions, which the Minister had said are now under the control of her children, and that her presence in the Ministry is a clear conflict of interest and poses a threat to impartiality.

10

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, july 9, 2016

News Nandlall raps Govt over Bank of America withdrawal from local banks

Barry Dataram’s case

Investigations into CANU corruption claim completed F

T

he inquiry into allegations of a smuggling ring at the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has been completed and was on Friday handed over to State Minster Joseph Harmon.

The allegations of corruption at CANU surfaced when self-confessed drug lord Barry Dataram, in an interview with HGPTV Nightly News Anchor Travis Chase, alleged that a number of officers within the anti-narcotics agency were integral in the facilitation of drug trafficking in Guyana.

However, upon hearing of these allegations, President David Granger launched an investigation

Barry Dataram

into the accusations.

Brigadier Bruce Lovell was appointed to head the investigation.

Lovell in launching the probe revealed the seriousness of the allegations made against officials of the State.

After completing the two-month investigation and handing over the report on Monday, Lovell noted that Government will find

Minister of State Joseph Harmon (left) receiving the report from Brigadier Bruce Lovell at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday

favour with the recommendations, as well as the conclusions and will take the necessary actions.

Meanwhile, after accepting the report, Minister Harmon stated that the probe was launched even amidst opposition.

“It is important for us to have these inquiries done… that is what we do; we get to the bottom of things, we get the facts and then we deliberate on it and the actions taken subsequently are actions, which are to be taken by the State,” he said.

The report will be presented to the President and a copy will be handed over to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.

Meanwhile, Dataram along with three others are facing drug trafficking charges, which alleged that on 16 April, 2015, at 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they had 129.23kg of cocaine in their

possession for the purpose of trafficking.

On the day in question, as was disclosed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Telford, ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit acting on information, entered the premises of the defendants and conducted a search in their presence.

During the search, the illegal drugs were discovered.

After being charged, Dataram told of a major drug network which exists at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport where CANU Officers are involved in smuggling drugs in and out of Guyana.

The self-confessed drug dealer also alleged that there is massive corruption at CANU, with drug lords giving money to facilitate the elaborate lifestyle of officers at the counter-narcotics unit in exchange for protection, and information on raids.

ormer Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Friday lambasted Government for one of America’s largest banks severing ties with local banks and stated that if they do not rectify the deficiencies swiftly, the situation will worsen.

With foreign banks, particularly those in the United States cutting relationship with financial institutions in the Caribbean over money laundering concerns, the Bank of America has penned its notice to sever ties with “indigenous banks” in Guyana.

On Friday, Nandlall said that when a bank of such magnitude pulls out of a country it will have an impact on that nation, noting that the future between international banks and Guyana does not bode well.

“Unless we rectify our deficiencies quickly, the situation will become worse. The government seems incapable of extricating Guyana from the problem they put Guyana in,” he said.

Guyana Times was told that the Bank of America sent a notice indicating that it was severing its corresponding relationship with “indigenous banks” in Guyana. The notice was sent about a month ago.

This matter was on the agenda for discussion at the 37th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting held in Guyana July 4 to 6, as Caribbean leaders try to tackle the cut-off of regional indigenous banks, referred to as de-risking – a situation that poses ominous costs for the Region, including crushing the wider economy.

De-risking is when international banks withdraw from their relationships with indigenous banks because of fears of money laundering and questionable sources of funds which would cause the international banks to re-

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

ceive heavy fines from their regulators.

Caribbean banking institutions rely on such relationships in order to allow residents to conduct international financial transactions.

However, since last year, the Region has been facing the impact of de-risking and the issue has been occupying the attention of Regional policy-makers, following signals by international banks that they were unwilling to continue carrying the business of regional banks.

Nandlall in a statement on Friday stated that during his tenure as Attorney General and Minister with responsibility over Guyana’s AML/CFT compliance regime, he had spent the greater part of three years battling with the Joint Opposition, in vain, to secure their support in the National Assembly to enact changes to our laws to make Guyana compliant with international standards in respect of Guyana’s AML/CFT regime.

“We explained at every available opportunity the dangers to which our nation’s financial and commercial sectors will be exposed.

We warned of the great volume of background information which will have to be supplied in relation to financial transactions both locally

and across borders.

We highlighted the unnecessary expenditures which will be incurred to do business across international borders.

We emphasised the severance of relations that would take place between banks in other countries and local bank.

We predicted that international trade and commerce between local businesses and those across our borders would decline,” he remarked.

He noted that although they secured the votes of the diplomatic community, the entire private sector, the labour movement, the religious organisations and almost every civil society organisation of worth the coalition government did not budge.

“They refused to budge.

They held the nation to ransom. At every meeting their political demands increased.

They accused us of creating panic in the country. They claimed that we are crying wolf; that nothing will happen if the Bills are not passed.”

He added that in the end the then opposition reduced this deep-seated national issue to that of a “political football”.

“They voted down the required AML/CFT Bill twice in the Tenth Parliament.

They caused CFATF to issue a series of adverse Public Statements against Guyana, informing the world that Guyana poses a threat to the global financial structures and warned countries to take the necessary steps to protect their financial landscape from the threat posed by Guyana’s financial sector,” he said, highlighting that Caricom and indeed the world took note and implemented countermeasures against Guyana. continues on page 11

nEWS

11

saturDAY, july 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Linden Hospital Board dubbed “illegal”

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he status of the Board of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) is in limbo once again, as it continues to be dubbed as “illegal”. During a recent public consultation of the medical institution, former Regional Health Committee Chairman and Member of the Board, Maurice Butters, questioned the legitimacy of the recently reconstituted LHC Board, when he posed the question to Junior Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, asking when the LHC would have a legally constituted Board. Butters hase always questioned the status of the Board, arguing that the Board was not installed correctly, and as such, it is illegal. However, in response to the question posed, member of the recently reconstituted Board, Valerie Adams-Patterson, noted that as far as she knew, the Board was legal.

“As far as I know, the Board of the Linden Hospital Complex was sanctioned by the Cabinet, it was advertised in the official gazette and for me… it’s legal,” she indicated.

Butters argued, alleging that just a couple months

Junior Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings

ago, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton visited Linden following the instillation of the Board and made it clear that “the Board is not a legal body”.

“There is no instrument to create that Board and they promised to have it done and since then to now nothing has happened… it was not published in the gazette either. What has happened, is that the Service Agreement which was signed by the Linden Hospital Complex and the Ministry of Health talks

Nandlall raps Govt over...

“It is now a nightmare to transact business with the local banking sectors.

Businessmen can relate the ordeal which they endure daily to conduct simple business transactions. As a result, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) begun a review process of Guyana.

Thus, Guyana is stained globally as a country that encourages money laundering and terrorism. A year after assuming the reins of Government, this very Joint Opposition, now in government with a controlling Parliament has been unable to extricate Guyana from the morass in which they

have dumped us,” he criticised.

He opined that Attorney General Basil Williams appears shockingly clueless on how to propel the nation out of this state of international delinquency: “As if he is on a trial and error mission, he piloted four Bills, thus far, through the National Assembly. Instead of advancing out of the process, we seem to be backsliding.

The level of incompetence is remarkable. He still, clumsily, blames the PPP/C administration for the technical deficiencies which afflict our system. A few days ago, he boldly informs the nation

about a ‘Board’, and that is how the word ‘Board’ came in to operation, but it is a Management Committee, not a Board, since 1996 to two years ago,” Butters contended.

He said further that draft legislations had been prepared in the past by the LHC Management Committee to corporatise the medical institution, then a Board would have been established based on that, however this was not done.

“We need to go back to that document and based on what is there in that document, it would lead the way forward,” Butters said.

In her response, Minister Cummings said Butters’ question was a very important one, more so since the Ministry is looking at regional health authorities and health sector reforms.

“I do agree with you (Butters). I guess the Senior Minister would have agreed because we are the Ministers of Health and if something doesn’t reach our desk…we are going to rectify the situation…we will get back to you on it,” she stated.

In moving forward, the Minister asked Butters if he is happy with the Board

or would like to change anything about it, to which he said he hopes the situation is speedily rectified.

However, speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, Butters stated that there has been no official word on the way forward as yet, while reiterating that the Board has never been legal.

According to him, Cabinet cannot give legality to a Board.

“There’s a process, and that has not been done. It must be published in the official gazette and there must be an instrument used. The instrument is that there must be an Act, which must be passed and gazetted. We already prepared a draft which was sent to the former Minister of Health and nothing happened,” he said.

Butters asked that the Public Health Ministry revisit the Act and the document, which he said states clearly how the Board is to be formed. In times past, he has attributed many administrative issues at the LHC, due to the “illegitimacy” of the Board which, he said, has its hands tied and as such, cannot make its own decisions.

from page 10

that we shall soon exit the review process.”

Nandlall questioned how is it possible to exit the review process and at the same time a huge bank, like Bank of America, cutting out.

“Someone is lying through their teeth. We continue to reel from the consequences of being an AML/CFT delinquent nation,” he said, adding that he disclosed that FATF’s latest Public Statement on Guyana contradicts the impression conveyed by the Attorney General that the country was exiting the FATF review process.

The Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB) quoted a November World Bank survey saying that about 75 per cent of international banks have experienced a reduction in correspondent banking services with the Caribbean being the worst affected.

CJIA Expansion Project

Houses being constructed for displaced families

A

One of the houses near completion

s works are progressing on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) runway extension, so too are works on the homes for the 19 families who will be displaced.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) had previously stated that the affected residents will be relocated some 200 metres to the west of their current location.

Construction on the identified plot of land has already begun and is expected to be completed this year.

The developed area will be equipped with roads and utilities such as electricity and water while the homes will become the legal properties of the residents. There are currently 57 house lots in the piece of area developed to relocate the residents.

However, during a visit to the site Friday, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson pointed out to reporters the location where the new houses are being constructed. He noted that the residents will have basic amenities such as water and electricity, things some of them do not have currently.

Minister Patterson told re-

porters that two homes being constructed by Government are what the two families currently have. He explained that following discussions with the residents and with their agreement, officials from the Ministry of Finance’s Evaluation Department inspected the 19 homes and drew up dimensions based on what was observed.

“You will see, we will be replacing what you have – no enhancement, no devolution.

Obviously, they had the option if they wanted to do the extra and make (wood houses) into concrete houses but we are replacing what you have existing. You are not making any profits, you not making any losses but they will now be legally on the lands,” the Minister stressed.

He noted that one of the commitments made with the residents were that those being relocated would get the bigger lots – 100x100 – while the others will have 50x100 lots: “It’s in acknowledgement that while they don’t have any legal standing here, we are working with them to have them relocate comfortably,” he remarked. (Vahnu Manickchand)

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NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Even with reduced tolls, East FIGO, PHM to bolster Street parking lot still empty cervical cancer prevention

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The parking lot on East Street

lthough the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has managed to have the East Street parking lot located obliquely south of the Georgetown Public Hospital, toll reduced, persons continue to refuse to park there because they are trying to evade what they call a “heavy toll.”

While Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has stated that he is unaware of any future prospects geared at tackling the problem, he noted that the matter of a possible further reduced fee has not been discussed among the councillors but they have noticed that persons would park around it.

Since its existence, persons have been resorting to parking their vehicles along-

side the already narrow road causing much traffic congestions.

The construction of the parking lot was done by a private contractor after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the M&CC. The project came under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and has been in operation since the beginning of the year. Persons desirous of using the lot were initially required to pay a fee of $360 per the first hour and $300 for every additional hour. This figure however, was reduced to $300 for the first hour.

“One time I noticed one car in the parking lot and several cars parked around the parking lot. I am really not aware if there is any

future plans for the parking lot,” Duncan said.

Residents in the area continue to call for the parking lot to be removed, insisting that as it stands there are no financial benefits being garnered. Prior to having to pay for parking, the tarmac which spans the width of New Market Street and Middle Street would always be crammed with vehicles. It was mainly used by hospital staff, visitors and other persons in the area.

Former Mayor Hamilton Green, under whose leadership the programme was launched, had stated that the installation of the parking lot was a way of injecting some level of discipline to the public and encouraging them to comply with traffic laws.

From left: Dr Kavita Singh Coordinator of Chronic Disease; Dr Karen Boyle Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Dr Carl Niamatali; Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare; Public Minister Health Dr, George Norton; Sarah Daniels, senior Medex; and Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Director (ag) of Maternal Child Health Programme

T

he International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics has partnered with the Public Health Ministry to strengthen the cervical cancer prevention programme locally.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton on Thursday met with FIGO President Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare to discuss details of the collaboration.

FIGO is an organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynaecologists on a global basis.

For over 60 years, this organisation has been collaborating with the world’s top health and donor bodies in developing countries and strengthening capacity through education and specialised training on various women’s health issues.

The FIGO actively collaborates with global, national and regional organisations to promote the wellbeing of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology, such as oncology, perinatal health, and safe motherhood.

During the meeting, Professor Purandare assured the Minister that he will avail his organisations’ resources to enhance Guyana’s public healthcare system.

In return, Minister Norton expressed gratitude to Professor Purandare for his interest in wanting to collaborate with Guyana.

He noted that he is looking forward to future collaborations with FIGO to advance the health of Guyanese women, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and cervical cancer.

The Public Health Ministry has sought assistance in improving existing protocols to screen women for cervical cancer and family planning policies particularly anti-contraceptives such as IUDs and injectables.

The Ministry and FIGO are also hoping to collaborate with the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation in developing a National Plan to reduce cervical cancer in Guyana.

The Ministry currently offers free Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid screening for cervical cancer and cryogenic treatment for persons who are detected with cancerous legions. The Ministry also has a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for all girls between the ages of 11 and13.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Amazon Warriors spread cheer Guyana Medical Relief, US embassy at Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre distribute 30,000 pairs of shoes

The Guyana Amazon Warriors team visited the Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre

By Romario Samaroo

A

fter Amazon Warriors defeated the Chris Gayle-lead Jamaica Tallawahs at the Providence Stadium, the team made a heart-warming early morning visit to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre on Carmichael Street, Georgetown, on Friday.

Children, parents and teachers all enjoyed an interactive session with the players as part of the collaboration between Caribbean Premier League sponsors, Digicel (Guyana), which organised the event.

Head of Digicel marketing Jacqueline James assisted the team in distributing autographed hats to the children of the Centre.

Digicel’s communications manager, Vidya BijlallSanichara said this is an event that Digicel has implemented with the Amazon Warriors team: “This is something we always try to do whenever we have the players. Last year we did a Kiddies Press Conference with the guys and some school children but as you know school is closed so we decided to visit and have a light moment at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.”

Bijlall-Sanichara noted the Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre was chosen because special needs is something close to the hearts of the Amazon Warriors and Digicel.

The children were treated with photographs and a fun-filled cricket session

A member of the US embassy’s HAP programme handed over the TOMS branded shoes to the Regional Education Office in Lethem for distribution to students in need

Amazon Warriors Captain Martin Guptill shares a light moment with a child of the rehab centre

Star batsmen Dwayne Smith and Christopher Barnwell enjoy a moment with residents at the Centre

with their heroes Captain Martin Guptill, Dwayne Smith, Asad Fudadin, and Digicel brand ambassadors Christopher Barnwell and Devendra Bishoo.

Captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Martin Guptill said that he was

thankful to be part of something this special: “It’s a very cool thing to do for us.

We don’t get to do these sort of things too often but when we can we take our time and come down and see these kids here and hopefully put a smile on their faces.”

National Hindu Youth Week to be celebrated − Dharmic Sabha

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ational Hindu Youth Week will start this year with a youth conference hosted by the Central Dharmic Naujawaan on July 16, at Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

According to a press statement from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, July 7 to 16 has been designated as the Youth Week. It stated that the event began 35 years ago with the aim of fostering activities essential to the development of Hindu youths.

At the conference this year the statement said,”hundreds of youths throughout the country are expected to attend and par-

ticipate in lively discussions based on pertinent presentations by their peers; under the theme “Moulding Tomorrow’s Hindu Leaders”.

A presentation is expected to be made by President of Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

Coupled with the conference, the Dharmic Sabha’s youths across the country will also be hosting activities during the week in their communities.

The week will commence with a Youth Camp, hosted by the West Coast Demerara Naujawaan, at the De Willem Mandir on July 9-10 at 09:00h each day. This activity will conclude with a Garba night.

The youths will also visit Bal Nivas, the Sabha’s

Shelter for children who are victims of abuse. The week of activity would conclude with a youth concert on July 17. In addition, a series of Youth Camps will commence and continue into the months of July- August.

“Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha remains committed to providing multiple platforms for youths and working with them to develop sound value systems, well-rounded personalities, a sound knowledge of Hinduism and a spirit of volunteerism,” the statement read.

Parents are being asked to register their children to the arts, craft and activity vacation programme by calling phone 227-6181.

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uyana Medical Relief in collaboration with the US embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Program, has begun distributing over 30,000 pairs of shoes donated by US company TOMS Shoes Brand.

This donation was coordinated by Sharir Chan, the chief operations officer for Guyana Medical Relief, a non-profit organisation established in 1984 in Los Angeles, California, and funded largely by donations in kind from the Guyanese diaspora.

With the assistance of the Ministries of Health and Education, and the

US embassy’s HAP, Chan has been coordinating the on-going delivery of these shoes to children and young adults in need. Ideally suited for the school uniform, the rubber soled, canvas shoes have been a welcomed gift to those in need.

The US embassy worked closely with non-profit organisations to deliver donations and supplies for people in need throughout Guyana.

In addition to securing shoes, the combined efforts of Chan, the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana and HAP saw the ordering, transporting and

delivery of nearly US$2 million worth of medical supplies and equipment in recent weeks, with additional supplies being shipped to Guyana. These much-needed medical supplies and equipment have been delivered to hospitals and health clinics throughout Guyana.

HAP is an initiative under the US embassy to assist Guyana’s communities, particularly in underserved regions in the areas of social, economic and medical development.

HAP works to bring together local and international agencies to reach common goals.

14

guyana-times.com

saturday, july 9, 2016

Reginal

US withdraws funding UK may join its Caribbean for Haitian elections territories as tax

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he United States says it will suspend funding to Haiti for the upcoming round of presidential and legislative elections schedule for October even as Washington emphasised that the suspension should not be seen as a “reduction in US support for the development of Haiti.”

John Kirby, the State Department spokesman said the United States had informed Haiti of the decision on July 1 that Washington was suspending “its assistance toward the completion of the presidential electoral process.

“We did not plan funding for two more electoral rounds in 2016 and 2017,” he added.

Haitian lawmakers are yet to agree on whether

Interim President Jocelerme Privert

they will extend the term of Interim President Jocelerme Privert, who came to office under the so-called February 5 agreement that was brokered after then President Michel Marelly left office without a successor being elected.

Under the terms of the agreement, Parliament had to elect an interim President for a term of 120 days and confirm a consensus Prime Minister.

Continuation of the elections process to the second round was scheduled to take place on April 24 and the new president, elected by that process, would have been installed on May 14, 2016.

But the election has not taken place and is now most likely to be held on October 9 and if a candidate does not receive the necessary amount of votes to prevent a second round, then that will take place on January 8, 2017 and the final election results will be published January 30, next year. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

havens after Brexit

O

nce free of European Union strictures following its exit from the EU, European Finance Ministers and financial experts have expressed concern that Brexit could prompt a “race to the bottom” on tax policy, with the UK joining its Caribbean territories as a tax haven type of economy.

Finance Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, announced that Britain would slash its corporate tax rates to one of the lowest of any major economy, in a bid to avoid what he called a “DIY recession” after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) reported.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne

The tax rate would be cut from 20 per cent to less than 15 per cent by 2020 in a bid to attract continued international investment after the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU. According to Reuters,

the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) head of tax, Pascal Saint-Amans, warned in a memo written around the time of the Brexit vote that “the negative impact of the Brexit on UK competitiveness may push the UK to be even more aggressive in its tax offer” and that “a further step in that direction would really turn the UK into a tax haven type of economy.”

Experts have long suspected that a British exit could lead to the adoption of tax haven-like policies beyond lower corporate tax rates, particularly in the financial services industry, in a bid to prop up the country’s finances in the wake of a potential postBrexit economic slump. (Excerpt

from Caribbean News Now)

Nevis Premier released Possible Zika-related from hospital in Canada death in Grenada

P

remier Vance Amory has been released from a hospital in Canada where he had been taken to whilst on official business.

A Government statement noted that Amory has been given a “a clean bill of health, as test results show there is no cause for concern.

“The symptoms of severe pain that the Honourable Premier presented with … were digestion related,” the statement noted.

G

The statement said that both Amory and Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris wanted to thank citizens who prayed for the se-

nior government minister’s health adding that Amory is looking “forward to resuming his work”. (Antigua Observer)

Friends, foes blast Peru President-elect’s call for protest

P

eru’s President-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski faced criticism from across the political spectrum on Friday for calling for a march on the incoming Congress to help him press opposition lawmakers to reopen a polymetallic smelter.

Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former investment banker who takes office July 28, asked a crowd in the Andean district of La Oroya on Wednesday to march to Lima to demand Congress extend the date by which the town’s nearly cen-

tury-old smelter must find a buyer or face liquidation.

Kuczynski’s centrist party will hold just 14 per cent of seats in the incoming Congress. The right wing party of his defeated run-off rival Keiko Fujimori, Popular Force, will have 56 per cent.

The comments inflamed tensions with opposition lawmakers ahead of his plans to ask them to grant him legislative powers to quickly push out his proposed reforms, including plans to ease taxes and boost infrastructure

spending.

“A President is supposed to call for reconciliation and dialogue... the next Congress hasn’t even begun and he’s already fostering conflict!” said congresswoman Luz Salgado with Popular Force.

Past demonstrations to revive La Oroya’s smelter, shuttered in 2009 amid pollution and financial troubles, have blocked the only highway connecting Lima to the central Andes and ended in deadly clashes with police. (Excerpt from

renada may have recorded its first Zikarelated death. Health officials are trying to determine if an individual who was being treated for GuillainBarré Syndrome (GBS), a known side effect of Zika, was actually infected by the mosquito-borne virus.

Zika has been strongly linked to the rare neurological condition that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system. GBS can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.

But because the disease can develop outside of contracting Zika, Health Minister Nicolas Steele said tests were being done to confirm whether the virus played any role in the death.

The deceased was one of two people being treated for

GBS in hospital. Steele said the other patient is improving. The Government says it spends EC$23,000 (US$8518) to treat one person with GBS. Earlier this week, Minister Steele said that with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Grenada was able to secure one dose of Immunoglobin,

which is used to treat the disease, from the eight available doses in Panama. Up to three days ago, there were nine confirmed and 30 suspected cases of Zika in the island, and the Health Minister said there was need for a collective effort to mitigate against the effects of the virus.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Hundreds line street for ex-T&T PM’s farewell

Reuters)

Religious groups join legal fight to keep anti-sodomy laws on the books in Jamaica

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ot only will gay rights activist and Attorney Maurice Tomlinson have to fight the government to get the anti-sodomy laws scrapped, but now he’s up against religious groups as well.

The Jamaica Supreme Court this week gave the nod for nine religious groups to be interested parties in the constitutional motion which he has brought against the Attorney General to have the 1864 Sodomy Law nullified in cases of adult consensual sex.

On the other hand, Public

Defender Arlene Harrison Henry’s request to be included in the case was turned down, but she has indicated she will appeal that decision. She had argued to be a party since her office was created for the purpose of protecting and enforcing the rights of citizens.

Tomlinson filed the claim in December last year, contending that the law violates several rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Last month, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed a case brought

by Tomlinson who had claimed

that the Immigration Acts of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago seek to prohibit homosexuals from entering those countries, and the two Caricom nations were therefore in breach of their obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

But the court dismissed his assertions, saying he was unable to show that he had ever been or would be in danger of being prejudiced by the existence of the challenged provisions of the Immigration Acts of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning will neither be buried nor cremated today. Instead, his body will be embalmed and placed in a crypt beneath the chapel at Belgrove’s Funeral Home in Tacarigua

H

(Trinidad newsday photo)

undreds of people of every age, class and political allegiance lined the streets of San Fernando on Thursday, as they bid farewell to former Prime Minister Patrick Manning, a man described as “a true San Fernandian”.

Traffic came to a standstill as commuters came out of their vehicles to witness the military procession tak-

ing Manning’s body to the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on Thursday morning for the first public viewing of his body since he died last Saturday.

The casket bearing his body was draped with the national flag and hoisted onto a gun carriage on Ruth Avenue before the procession along the Rienzi Kirton Highway.

As the spectators waited

for the procession to begin, a hush fell over proceedings and many wept as they looked on. Manning, who served as the Member of Parliament for San Fernando East during his four-decade political career, died at the San Fernando General Hospital two days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. (Trinidad Guardian)

saturday, july 9, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

12 people die in traffic jam in 2 dead as Typhoon Nepartak strikes Taiwan Indonesia at junction called ‘Brexit’

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welve people have died after being stuck in a three-day traffic jam in Indonesia at an intersection known as “Brexit”.

The traffic stretched for more than 13 miles (21km) at the junction for Brebes, a town on the main island of Java, as millions of people headed home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Locals refer to the toll gate at the intersection as Brexit, short for “Brebes exit”.

Indonesia’s roads are choked every year at the

T

yphoon Nepartak hit Taiwan’s East coast on Friday, leaving two dead and 66 injured, as well as forcing evacuations and disrupting services.

More than 15,000 people had to leave their homes as hundreds of flights were cancelled and offices and schools shut.

The typhoon packed winds of up to 198km/h (123mph) and made landfall just before 06:00 local time (22:00 GMT Thursday) in eastern Taitung.

The storm is expected to hit China’s Fujian province

by Saturday morning.

The storm has now weakened to a medium-strength typhoon, according to the island’s Central Weather Bureau and should be a tropical storm upon reaching China.

“The wind is very strong,” a resident of Taitung told

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was also badly affected by the typhoon

the Reuters news agency.

“Many hut roofs and signs on the streets have been blown away,” another resident said.

Some 270,000 households have been affected by power cuts, Li Weisen, Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operations Center spokesman told news

agency AP. He also added that railway services had been suspended, and more than 500 domestic and international flights cancelled.

Nearly 4400 soldiers have been deployed around the island, with 35,000 troops on standby to help with evacuations and disaster relief. (Excerpt from BBC News)

end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims, but the chaos at Brexit was particularly acute this year as tens of thousands of cars crammed on to the arterial highway, said Hemi Pramuraharjo, a transport ministry spokesman.

Pramuraharjo said several victims were elderly, while others died from fatigue and other health complications. Local media reported that a one-year-old was killed by fumes.

More than 400 motor-

S Africa honours black soldiers killed in World War I

Gambia and Tanzania outlaw child marriage

T

he Gambia and Tanzania have banned child marriage, with tough penalties for those who breach the rulings. Gambia’s President Yayha Jammeh announced that anyone marrying a girl below 18 would be jailed for up to 20 years.

In Tanzania, the high court imposed a landmark ruling outlawing marriage under the age of 18 for boys and girls. Some 30 per cent of underage girls are married in The Gambia, while in Tanzania the rate is 37 per

cent.

Before the Tanzania ruling, girls as young as 14 could marry with parental consent, while it was 18 for boys.

The BBC’s Tulanana Bohela in Dar es Salaam says this is a big win for child rights groups and activists, who will now have an easier time rescuing girls from child marriage.

The case was brought by lobby group Msichana Initiative.

Gambia’s President speaking at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at

the end of Ramadan, said parents and imams who perform the ceremonies would also face prison.

“If you want to know whether what I am saying is true or not, try it tomorrow and see,” he warned.

Women’s rights campaigners have welcomed the ban, however some say that it would be better to engage with local communities to try to change attitudes towards child marriage instead of threatening families with prison sentences.

(Excerpt from BBC NEWS)

ists have died on Indonesia’s roads during the holiday season, including those in the Brexit jam, Pramuraharjo said. Accidents are common during this time on Java’s potholed roads. The island is home to 144 million people.

Motorists posted pictures on social media showing cars stuck in miles of queues near the junction. Aerial photos captured a sea of motionless vehicles, with some drivers looking for respite from the jams away from their cars. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

The Delville memorial commemorates South African soldiers who died in Africa, Europe and the Middle East

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ore than 250 black South Africans, who perished during a bloody battle in World War I in France, have been finally commemorated for their role during the Great War, the country’s Minister of Defence has said.

Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans said on Friday in Dieppe in northern France

that it was the first time the lives of black South African troops, who died and were buried in Arque-la-Bataille in 1916, would be honoured and remembered.

The minister was speaking during a memorial service at Arque-la-Bataille in what she described as a bid to the rewrite “an objective just and authentic South African military history”.

“It is necessary to en-

sure that the historical role played by black South Africans in France is accorded the importance it deserves in the same spirit as that of white South Africans.

“The representation of Africans during the war is very minimal and it distorts the important role they played in various theatres of war,” she said. More than 229,000 South Africans, of which 21,000 were black, participated in the allied effort against Germany and its allies in WW I between 1914-1919.

Black South Africans, however, were considered unfit to serve as combatants because of their skin colour. They were not allowed to carry arms and their duties were mostly restricted to working in the dockyards and the railroads. Around 1120 black South Africans men died during the war in Europe, with 260 buried in Arque-la-Bataille. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Dallas shooting suspect stated China: Xinjiang Government he wanted to ‘kill white officers’ to ‘clear up’ ethnic names

D

Micah Johnson

esperate pleas for unity and calm reverberated around the US after five police officers were killed and seven injured when at least one sniper opened fire on a peaceful protest in Dallas, telling police he wanted to kill white officers.

The shooter, 25-yearold Micah Johnson, an

Army reservist who served in Afghanistan, was killed after lengthy negotiations with officers during which he articulated anger at recent police killings of African American men and told negotiators “he wanted to kill white people, especially white officers”.

The shooting, in which two civilians were also in-

jured, marks the deadliest assault on Police since the 9/11 attacks and threatens to plunge the already fraught discussion over race and policing in America to new depths of discord.

On Friday evening, Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings confirmed that Johnson was the sole gunman. Initial reports had suggested multiple snipers.

Detectives uncovered “bomb making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition, and a personal journal of combat tactics” at Johnson’s home, Police said in a statement.

The attack in Dallas followed the Police killings of two black men earlier in the week, Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota, both captured on graphic cellphone video prompting protests around the US, including the march in Dallas.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

A

uthorities in China’s Xinjiang region have announced their intentions to “clear up” inconsistencies in the names of people from various ethnic groups by the end of the year.

According to recent official media reports, the Vice Chairman of Xinjiang’s regional Government, Zhu Changjie, recently told reporters that “the Government is trying to develop a standardised system to input minority members’ names”.

Uighur, Kazakh and Tibetan minorities often have problems in putting their names on to official documents, which are built around accommodating short, Mandarin names – often no longer than three Chinese characters, or 10 Latin alphabet characters.

The new regulations seek to erase inconsistencies on identity and social security cards, and in medical insur-

Some groups see the move to formalise names as a way of undermining their ethnic identity

ance and education records, but may antagonise ethnic minority groups that see the move as a form of undermining their ethnic identity.

Popular news website The Paper said that moves, including standardising minority names, were being implemented following an “im-

portant speech” by President Xi Jinping in December 2015 on the need for national unity.

Government mouthpiece the People’s Daily said on July 3 that 27 initiatives were being introduced at regional level in Xinjiang. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

saturday, july 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

CPL T20 games add value to tourism Dialysis machines donated to GPHC and private hospital product in St Kitts and Nevis W O

ith millions of eyes on St Kitts and Nevis during the CPL T20 games, it can be said that there has been a significant boost in tourism as persons take action to the St Kitts tourism motto ‘Follow Your Heart’, says Stanley Knight, Permanent Secretary in the Youth, Sports and Culture Ministry.

Appearing on the radio-television programme ‘Working for You’ on Wednesday, Knight said that the Government of St Kitts and Nevis has part ownership of the local Patriots crick-

et team and this ownership exists as a part of the tourism brand. The part ownership stems from the contract to host the first few games and the finals. He explained

PS Stanley Knight

that the hosting of the finals is independent of that con-

tract which now allows for the branding of St Kitts and Nevis.

The PS said that the viewership of the finals is expected to increase: “One of the rea-

sons for this is that the media value increases as the lights on our facility are the best in the region and it allows for simply a much higher quality broadcast,” said Knight.

Knight added that hosting the finals also brands the country as a destination and gave an analogy of how the destination is branded.

“A man leaves his house intending to go somewhere but does not know where he is going,” he explained. “Where ever he arrives, he is going to say ‘Here I am’. The value of the CPL finals to us is that we are now giving those persons a specific destination to go to because we are telling them to ‘follow their heart’ to St Kitts.

That is the message we are trying to get across.”

Knight said that the brand can also be expanded into sports tourism: “If your passion is sport and if your passion is cricket, ‘Follow your heart’ to St Kitts and Nevis,” he said, adding that expanding the brand brings value to the country.

Knight said that the tourism product can also be extended into Pan-Caribbean travel when there is a slight decline in the North American, European visitors during the month of August.

He added that many persons often stay for Culturama, which is right on the heels of the cricket matches. (SKNIS)

n Friday, eight kidney dialysis machines were gifted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as well as two more to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital by The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the University of Vermont’s Medical School.

The handing over ceremony for the 10 machines valued at US$40,000 (GY$8 million) was conducted at the GPHC Kidney Dialysis Centre,

by Dr J R Deep Ford, who is also a former Professor of the United States’ Medical School.

According to Ford, this donation was initiated by a conversation between a group of Guyanese early in 2015, about the health system in Guyana, where the need for more dialysis machines was highlighted. He explained that a participant in that conversation was a Professor of Nephrology at the medical school, Dr Virgina Hood, and he identified her as the main architect in selecting and coordinating the donation of the machines.

It is expected that the machines will significant-

Three of the dialysis machines received from the University of Vermont’s Medical School

ly amplify the competence of Guyana’s health system by enabling it to serve many citizens suffering from damaged, dysfunctional or missing kidneys.

In expressing his appreciation toward the generous donation by the University of Vermont’s Medical School, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton noted that it will be of significant assistance to GPHC’s dialysis treatment.

“The GPHC Dialysis Centre continues to provide this life-saving procedure free of cost. However, there still exists a need to further build the capacity of the centre, and the

Ministry of Public Health is committed to ensuring that this is done. We cannot do this alone, and therefore we are grateful for the support of the University of Vermont’s Medical School with the donation of eight dialysis machines,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Helen Browman, also voiced her gratitude upon receiving the medical machines.

The Georgetown Public Hospital’s Kidney Dialysis Centre has been active for four years, where both Peritoneal and Haemodialysis is offered.

IBE hosts Caricom themed GWI warns against “fraudulent annual culture day on site” payments

T

he Institute of Business Education (IBE), 60-61 Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday held its third annual Culture Day, and students took the opportunity to celebrate the Caribbean Community (Caricom) by hosting an exhibition about the various member states.

The students were divided into groups that were tasked with educating visitors about each territory.

The students displayed the history, culture and traditional aspects of their selected countries by way of demonstrations and crafts.

Jamille Hatten, an English and Integrated Science teacher at IBE explained that the idea of a culture day based on Caricom, was inspired by a need to educate the students about the establishment and the members of the body.

According to the teacher the students already have a wealth of knowledge about what is happening in Guyana from a cultural perspective based on the last two annual observances of cultural day and the intention going forward with this year’s event was to focus on culture outside of Guyana.

He noted that the institution choose to highlight Caricom because of the re-

T

The “obeah or Voodoo man” of Haiti was one of the displays featured at the exhibition

cently concluded 37th Heads of Government summit held in Guyana.

“We want to make them more aware of what Caricom is about and what Caribbean countries are really for and what the cultures are. With that in mind we have the theme “One people separated by water” so with that theme we are running through with Culture Day 2016. We are just trying to show that even though we are different countries, different islands and so forth… our cultures might be similar and so on,” he stated.

He related that it took about three days for students to get the displays

ready, adding that both the school’s administration and students are looking forward to continuing the tradition.

“What we look forward to is the students learning much about our country,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Sherifa Parks, a fourth form student explained that the event has proven to be beneficial to her and other students as it has provided an opportunity to learn about Caricom in a fun and interactive way: “It was wonderful, we have learnt so much about the countries that we are displaying.

We’ve looked at their history, their foods and so much more,” she stated.

he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is advising customers to be on the lookout for persons fraudulently carrying out duties on behalf of the company.

According to reports, there are a number of persons who are being hoodwinked into handing over payments in order to prevent disconnection.

The company said it wishes to notify the public that even as their disconnection campaign intensifies, in no way are they collecting payment on site to prevent such.

The company said it received information that on Thursday last, re-

ports of fraudulent activities occurred on East Bank Demerara (EBD) between the hours of 11:30 and 14:00.

A resident of Public Road, Craig, EBD, called GWI to report that he paid two men from the company $6500 who visited his residence to disconnect his water supply.

GWI became aware of this when the resident called to query if this payment would be updated in their system.

The resident described the two men as short, darkskinned and of African descent, attired in T-Shirts displaying GWI’s logo. He noted too that they drove a white Spacio, bearing regis-

tration number PTT 6867, and even recalled that the same individuals had reconnected his water supply in 2014.

Other residence from the same area made similar reports of men matching the same description, requesting money to prevent disconnection of their water.

The matter was reported to the Grove Police Station and an investigation has been launched.

GWI has since advised that customers be alert of the present issue and be informed that no monies should be paid to GWI officials on the ground.

All monies are to be paid at GWI offices countrywide.

1 arrested following robbery at Sophia house party

O

ne woman is in Police custody following an attack by gunmen at a house party in B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Based on reports, at about 19:00h on Wednesday, four men, one armed with a hand-

gun, robbed several persons at a house party in B Field, of cash and other valuables, before escaping on foot.

Police were contacted and based on information provided went to a house in the very B Field where a .32 Taurus pistol and

one matching round were found.

In addition, several articles that were taken from the occupants at the house party were also discovered. The occupant of the house at the time was arrested and is assisting Police with investigations.

17

NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

CJIA expansion to be Argentina celebrates bicentennial completed in 2017 independence – looking to strengthen ties with Guyana

A This photo shows the point (green hill) up to which the sand filling has to be done

F

ollowing several delays, the contractors steering major expansion works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are confident that they will be able to complete the project by the end of next year.

This was disclosed on Friday by Project Manager of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Carmichael Thorne, who updated the media on the CJIA Expansion Project during a visit to the construction site.

At the project update briefing, Thorne noted that of the US$150 million, only some US$37.3 million has been expended to date. In this amount, some US$33 million was spent by CHEC which includes US$1.9 million of local funds put up by the Government of Guyana.

As it relates to the works being done, the Infrastructure Ministry’s Project Manager told media operatives that while the initial plan was for the northern end of the runway

However, he pointed to a massive area were works are being done at ‘Elevation 17’ level. According to the Minister, these lands will have to be built up to provide the runway end safety area, which will prevent accidents such as the Caribbean Airlines incident a few years ago.

Meanwhile, the CHEC Project Manager, Keliang Liu, outlined that they are hoping to have the lands completely sand filled by the end of year to commence ac-

A design preview of the CJIA upon the completion of the works

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson were part of the delegation during the site visit along with representatives from the Ministry, the CJIA, China Harbour and the consultancy company. Shadow Infrastructure Minister and Opposition Member Juan Edghill, was also present.

The US$150 million project was scheduled to be completed within 32 months of its commencement in 2013; however, Thorne noted that the deadline was extended to December 1, 2017 since the project would have experienced several delays.

In 2012, Guyana, under the leadership of former President Donald Ramotar, had secured a US$138 million loan from the China Exim (Export-Import) Bank to fund the expansion and modernisation project, for which the Guyanese Government has injected some US$12 million.

However, when the coalition Government came into power last year, the project was put on hold but following discussions between Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, and the contracting company, China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC), it was announced that the project will be continued.

to be extended, because of difficulties with the terrain a decision was taken to extend the runway from both the northern and southern ends in order to minimise the cost.

During the visit to the site, it was pointed out that the contractors are using a technique called ‘vibroflotation’. This is a method of improvement of non-cohesive soils by re-arranging the grain distribution pattern while applying cyclic vibrations which cause the outflow of granular soil. As a result, the compaction of soil and the pore volume reduction are obtained.

According to Patterson, this technology is new to Guyana and is being used as it has proven to be less time consuming than the sand filling process. “It’s a common technique outside of Guyana. In Guyana we would pack and pack and then compact but because of the depth and time, we decided to employ this new technique… This magnitude and height (of sand filling) was never done before in Guyana,” he emphasised.

At the southern end, Minister Patterson explained that the land needs to be build up to ‘Elevation 29’. A portion is currently built up to ‘Elevation 21’ but by next week, work will commence to take this portion up to the require amount.

tual works on the runway.

In relation to the other works to be completed as part of the CJIA Expansion project, Thorne noted that because the objective of the project is to cater for bigger aircrafts landing at the CJIA, the apron needs to be expanded as well to provide parking for the larger aircrafts.

With regards to the Terminal Building, he disclosed that they will be constructing a new arrival building while the existing terminal building will be rehabilitated and used for departure only. “So you will have all that space to use for departing passengers,” he remarked.

In addition, the Project Manager noted that an important new feature of the project is the boarding corridor and bridges which will be attached to the new arrival building and will lead passengers off of the plane into the terminal building.

Moreover, the media was taken around the facility and shown the new Guyana Defence Force Engineering Corps, the Police Outpost and Constabulary, and the K-9 accommodation and Kennel buildings which are mostly completed. As it relates to the other facilities such as utilities relocation and road diversions in the area, works are ongoing.

s Argentina celebrates a significant milestone, its 200th Independence Anniversary – the Bicentennial – the country is looking to strengthen ties with Guyana.

On July 9, 1816, one of the foundational acts in the history of the country occurred with “the Declaration of Independence of the Argentine Republic”. The Argentina Embassy in Guyana will be hosting a grant reception today to commemorate this occasion, as it reflects on the country’s past achievement and embark on deepening relations.

In this regard, Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Alberto Martino, said his country is looking at ways to explore more areas of cooperation with Guyana. “It is another kick of our renewable relationship,” he stated as he reflected on past ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Martino recalled in the 1980s when his country had to close its embassy here but managed to restore the relations back in 2011, when he was mandated by his Government to reestablish diplomatic relations with Guyana.

He noted that he came here back in 2012 and completed the structure after which he returned home, only to be sent back the following year as the Ambassador to Guyana.

According to the Argentine envoy, over the last three years there has been significant collaborations between the two countries particularly in the area of health and culture and but is looking to build on this especially in sports and security.

He noted that while there has been much cultural exchanges between the two countries over the years, this time around he is looking to

Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Alberto Martino

help Guyana build on its own.

The Ambassador explained that he has been in talks with the Ministry of Education’s Culture Department to have experts from Argentina come to Guyana to aid in restoring and bring back to life some 40 to 50 local masterpieces that are currently being kept in storage.

Ambassador Martino noted that experts in his home country already have the necessary information on these pieces and they have begun their recommendations to Guyana on how to restore the artworks.

“Once this process of interchange is finished, then we will have a team of restoration experts to come to Guyana for the first assessment… of course, this will be something that will take some time,” he stated, while adding that it can as long as up to a year’s work of restoration depending on various features of the pieces.

Moreover, another area that the Ambassador said he will be working with Guyana on is security. To this end, he disclosed that his country is particularly experienced in

the area of piracy, something which Guyana is could benefit from.

Additionally, he noted that the Ministry of Public Security has requested Argentina’s assistance in a number of areas including computer forensics and medical forensics among others. “We have held discussions with the Ministry of Public Security here. We’ve agreed on a number of areas.

I was able to submit the proposal to the Argentina government and we are now awaiting a response from them,” the Diplomat stated.

However, he pointed out that this process will take some time since Guyana has requested assistance in a large number of areas. “It is not one or two areas but rather, over twenty areas. This will take a bit of time, because the answer will not come one by one. We are waiting for all the packages to be finished then, hopefully, we’ll have a response in the next few months,” he stressed.

In addition, Ambassador Martino disclosed that he is currently in talks with Argentine officials to have a rugby coach to come here and assist with final training for the Rugby America North (RAN) Finals, slated for Mexico City in a few weeks.

He told reporters that the coach has already been identified and its now to approach him with the arrangements. The Ambassador noted that he is also working on long term arrangements with Guyana to develop the sport.

The Argentine Envoy noted that he is also looking at areas to increase trade with Guyana by getting more of Argentina’s primary products here and Guyana’s into Argentina. He also mentioned plans to work with Guyana in developing technology in the area of agriculture.

Regional officials want Linden airstrip fully operational

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian (fourth front right) surrounded by Councillors at the airstrip in Linden

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fficials of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) are seeking to have the partially abandoned airstrip at Linden be made fully operational once again, and have embarked on preparing a proposal to the Public Infrastructure Ministry in that regard.

According to information coming out of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), a meeting is being planned be-

tween Regional officials and the Public Infrastructure Ministry, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

The meeting is planned in an effort to foster the way forward so that the airstrip can be made operational.

An official of the RDC said the Council has agreed that it is a project which it would like to embark on and that Regional Chairman Renis Morian was expected

to put together a Plan and meet with the Council for consultations. Following the Council’s statutory meeting on Thursday, Morian along with several Councillors of the RDC paid a visit to the airstrip to have it assessed.

Councillor Gordon Callender disclosed that the airstrip was considered as one of the best in the country and that $200 million was expected to go towards its upgrade.

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

ARCHIE

Don’t let negativity bring you down. If you look beyond (March 21- recent setbacks, you will see April 19) a clear picture of what you should pursue next. Prepare to bring about positive changes.

ARIES

Spending time with some-

TAURUS one you love or making family (April 20- plans will bring you closer toMay 20) gether. Making home improve-

DILBERT

ments or hosting an event is favored. Put your energy into something worthwhile.

Progress comes from hard GEMINI work, not loose talk. If you (May 21June 20) get things up and running, you’ll get a good response from those you are trying to impress.

Change what isn’t workCANCER ing for you. Take the opportu(June 21- nity to make your life better.

July 22) Put a plan together that will help you fit in the things you love doing most. Romance is highlighted.

PEANUTS

Step outside your comfort LEO zone if it will help you bring (July 23about positive change in your Aug. 22) community or to your personal direction. It’s up to you to make things happen.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Take a moment to figure VIRGO out what will help you the (Aug. 23Sept. 22) most, and put your mind and body to the test. What you do will impress someone very special or influential.

An unexpected turn of LIBRA events will leave you in a po(Sept. 23sition that will require you to Oct. 23) take action. Now is not the time to procrastinate. Trust in your ability.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD – CLEAVER

SUDOKU

Your love of adventure SAGITTARIUS can lead to trouble. Be cau(Nov. 23- tious, and look before you Dec. 21) leap. Emotional problems will surface if you make assumptions or fail to get your facts straight.

(CLEAVER: KLEEV-er: A heavy, broad-bladed knife.)

Average mark 26 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 36 or more words in CLEAVER? The list will be published tomorrow.

THURSDAY’S WORD – DEPORT

depot doer dope dorp dote doter drop pert poet pore port prod

opted redo rode rope rote toed tope toper tore trod trope

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

Take a day trip or get toSCORPIO gether with people you find (Oct. 24stimulating.

A romantic eveNov. 22) ning or unusual activity with a loved one will bring about positive change in your life.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Use your experience to CAPRICORN make the right decision.

(Dec. 22- Getting together with peoJan. 19) ple you haven’t seen for some time will spark memories that could lead to an interesting reunion.

Question the way you feel AQUARIUS about the work you do and the (Jan. 20people you associate with. It’s Feb. 19) time for a change if you feel dissatisfied. Personal alterations will lead to professional decisions.

Focus on what you want PISCES (Feb. 20- to achieve. Partnerships look March 20) promising. Love, romance and a fun-filled day will lead to a positive lifestyle change.

saturDAY, july 9, 2016

19

Wimbledon Women’s Singles Final 2016… Tour de France 2016…

Serena Williams Cummings wins as Pinot ‘heavy favourite’ to cracks on chaotic stage beat Angelique Kerber

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S

Serena Williams has much more Wimbledon experience than Angelique Kerber

ix-time Champion Serena Williams will be looking to avenge her sister, Venus and win the title when she plays left handed Angelique Kerber in the 2016 Women’s Wimbledon singles final today on Centre Court.

Williams will be looking to equal Steffi Graf’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

Serena qualified after defeating Elena Vesnina 6-2 6-0 in the semi-final while Kerber who claimed the first major of the year in Melbourne, outplayed Serena’s older sister, Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the second semi-final.

Williams defeated Amra Sadikovic in the first round 6-2, 6-4, before displacing Christina McHale 7-6(7), 6-2, 6-4 in round two. Annika Beck was crushed in round three by the veteran 3-6, 0-6 while Svetlana Kuznetsova’s fourth round agony ended with Williams prevailing 7-5, 6-0. In the Quarterfinals Serena trumped Anastasia Pavlychenkova 6-4, 6-4 and beat Elena Vesnina in straight sets in the Semifinal.

Kerber’s title hunt has been much pleasing for her having disposed of Laura Robson 6-2, 6-2, in round one and Varvara Lepchenko 6-1, 6-4 in round two. Kerber battled Carina Witthoeft in the third round, prevailing

7-6(11), 6-1. The German then displaced Misaki Doi 6-3, 6-1 in round four before defeating Simona Halep 7-5, 7-6(2) then dumped the elder Williams 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final to set up the championship match with Serena.

While Kerber may not possess the power of her opponent, she is hard to get past, having made 85 percent of her returns so far helping her break serve 28 times.

Serena has experience over Kerber having won Wimbledon six time to Kerber’s single appearance on the grass, but Kerber has a six year youth advantage over 34 year old Williams.

Both finalists have made public their intentions of winning; "I made a lot of errors [in the Australian Open final against Kerber]. She came out swinging, ready to win.

She was fearless. That's something I learned. When I go into a final, I, too, need to be fearless like she was." Williams said heading into the Final for the ninth time.

Kerber is confident heading into the finals against powerhouse, Williams "I will go out there with a lot of confidence.

She [Serena] lost the [Australian Open] final against me and I know she will go out and try everything to beat me. I will just try to going out there

like in Australia, trying to show her, OK, I'm here to win the match as well. I have to play my best tennis to beat her in the final." The German stated.

Will Serena feel the pressure?

Williams last year moved ahead of Martina Navratilova into second on the list of most Grand Slam wins with victories at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and French Open.

That put the American within one of German legend Graf, who won her 22 majors between 1987 and 1999.

She missed the chance to draw level - and complete her first calendar Slam - when she was beaten by unseeded Italian Roberta Vinci in the US Open semi-finals.

Williams has lost the two major finals since beaten by Kerber at the Australian Open and world number two Garbine Muguruza at the French Open.

Tracy Austin, a twotime Grand Slam winner, thinks the pressure of moving level with Graf may be playing a part.

The ladies final serves off at 09:00 Hrs Guyana time.

Later, the Williams sisters will face Hungary's Timea Babos and Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan in the women's doubles final.

riton Stephen Cummings powered away on the Col d'Aspin to claim a second career Tour de France stage win as overall contender Thibaut Pinot cracked in a seventh stage that ended in chaos on Friday.

As Team Dimension Data rider Cummings celebrated his stunning solo win, back down the road the inflatable arch marking 1km to go deflated and slowed down the bunch, sending fellow Briton Adam Yates crashing.

Organisers said they were taking into account the times at the 3km mark.

Belgian Greg Van Avermaet retained the overall leader's yellow jersey at the end of the 162.5-km trek L'Isle Jourdain.

Cummings, who last year won in Mende, jumped ahead of the day's breakaway and held off 2014 Tour champion Vincenzo Nibali on the Col d'Aspin, the first big climb of this year's race, before descending safely to the Lac de Payolle to give his African-based team their fourth stage win this year.

Mark Cavendish had already won three sprints and Cummings showed again that Dimension Data could also play a role in the mountains as the Tour entered the Pyrenees.

Mask of pain

"Of all my victories, I think it's the best one. The Tour is the Tour, it's special," said Cummings, who was overlooked by British Cycling for this year's Rio Olympics that will be held on a course suiting his pro-

file.

"The Olympics is the Olympics, they made the selection. I'm over it, as an athlete you just deal with disappointment. This (the Tour) is the biggest show, it's much bigger than any Olympic Games."

In the main bunch, Pinot's FDJ team pulled in front at the foot of Aspin, a 12km ascent at an average gradient of 6.5 percent,

Cummings was part of a 29-man breakaway that split into several groups with about 30km left. He attacked with 27km remaining and never looked back.

Van Avermaet, who managed to be in the day's break, took fifth place, over a minute ahead of the top favourites, to extend his lead to 6:36 over France's Julian Alaphilippe and 6:38 over Spain's Alejandro Valverde.

Team Dimension Data rider Stephen Cummings of Britain wins on the finish line of stage 7

but the Frenchman, third in the 2014 Tour and one of the main favourites, was then dropped, his face a mask of pain.

He crossed the line more than 2-1/2 minutes behind the other top guns.

South African Daryl Impey (Orica-Bike Exchange) was second and Spain's Dani Navarri (Cofidis) took third place 1:05 behind Cummings.

Defending champion Chris Froome and last year's runner-up Nairo Quintana stayed fifth and seventh respectively, both 6:42 off the pace.

Van Avermaet, however, is unlikely to retain his lead after Saturday's eighth stage, a gruelling 184-km ride featuring three top climbs including the iconic Col du Tourmalet.

Bolt ready to run, invites fans to London for 200m

S

ix-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has declared himself fit and ready to run, confirming Friday that he will be competing at the London Anniversary Games in two weeks.

The 29-year-old world record holder withdrew from the Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships in Kingston with a hamstring injury on Friday, July 1, causing concern for fans and officials

alike, about whether he would be able to defend his Olympic 100m and 200 titles at the Olympic Games in Rio this summer.

However, having travelled to Europe to receive treatment from Dr Hans Muller-Wolfhart, Bolt is now ready to justify the medical exemption he was granted by the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA).

“This is Usain Bolt. Just want to tell everybody to

come out and watch me at the London Anniversary Games on Friday, July 22.

I’ll be there. I am excited to come back to London and I know it’s gonna be great, so fans come out and support,” Bolt said in a video posted on social media.

Bolt has been provisionally listed in Jamaica’s team to the Olympic Games and will have to prove his fitness if he is to make the cut and maintain his place on the team to Brazil. (Sportsmax)

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guyana-times.com

saturDAY, july 9, 2016

“Biggest party in sport�

2nd best T20 league T

wenty20 cricket has almost hijacked the cricketing world. This format and this concept originally rolled out by the England and Wales cricket board in 2003. Back then, it was more like a hit and miss game, primarily aimed at increasing the reach of the game. Even the players were not very serious about the format and for them it was more like a day out with friends in front of an audience. However, in 2007 this format saw a change, and cricket as a result changed.

The World T20 in South Africa revealed the true worth and potential of this condensed format. Just like that, the level of competition, the players focus and everything around the game flicked another switch, and this was a serious brand of cricket. And then came the Indian Premier League, which down the years has only gone from strength to strength. That the IPL has changed the dimension of cricket will not be an understatement by any means.

We take a look at the top 5 leagues in the world and have ranked them accordingly.

#1 Indian Premier League (India)

Few might argue that it was the Indian Premier League which shook cricket out of its perceived slumber, and has since maintained its charm. All the while the league has had its share of controversy and shady moments, but nothing has wiped off the popularity of the league. Also, the clout of BCCI helps, as it manages to hold the IPL during a phase when there are no International games on, and this allows all the top players to come and be part of the festivities. In a cricket crazy nation like India, any

will be played on weekends, and while this is concept formulated to attract audiences, it is also a format which takes a lot out of the players who have to constantly tune themselves to the fastpaced nature of the shortest format, as they have been playing either County Championships or Domestic One Day competitions.

However, the quality of cricket is something which is top notch and this is why we rank them above Ram Slam.

#5 Ram Slam T20 (South Africa)

Defending Champions Trinbago Knight Riders

reason to watch cricket will be grasped and this is where the IPL has found its success. Most certainly the biggest event in franchise cricket, the IPL remains to be a benchmark for other countries to follow and learn!

#2 Caribbean Premier League (West Indies)

The latest to join the T20 bandwagon is the Caribbean Premier League, and within 3 years it has become what many believe to be "the biggest party in sports". And then there are obvious reasons behind the success. The biggest one is the involvement of West Indian players, the most loved bunch of cricketers all over the globe.

This and the fact that they are the current World T20 champions has added to the charm of cricket. No wonder, many International stars have been snapped up by the franchises and this is adding many lures to the

competition.

Also, West Indies has always been a passionate place for cricket. Looking at the crowds and feeling the vibe of the Caribbean public during the ongoing CPL T20, one can only wonder the passion erupting when the Golden Era team would have been at their pomp. So much passion for the game, so much interest, tremendous attitude, all accompanied with music, rhythmic beats and smiling faces. The factors that are making CPL one of the hottest properties in the game. And the interest is on the rise, with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Mallya buying stakes in the different teams is an indication of the growing popularity of the league.

#3 Big Bash League (Australia)

Dynamic cricket, involved audience, bullish

marketing and frenzy all over, the keys of success of the Big Bash League in Australia. Cricket Australia quickly learnt that with the advent of IPL, there was no point in holding the eroded version of the state-wise T20 tournament. They got their acts together, meticulously planned everything and now they are reaping benefits. The time slot is critical to their success, it is the festive season in and around Christmas and New Year when holidays are on and families can afford to come out and enjoy three hours of intense cricket. The league has forged partnerships with brands like Warner Brothers, a massive achievement considering their target audiences are the youth and the school going kids.

These initiatives have all contributed and in the 5 years since its inception, the BBL has established a brand for himself.

#4 NatWest T20 Blast (England)

For a nation which is credited with introducing the T20 format, England have fallen way behind the pecking order with its domestic T20 competition.

And there are visible factors too, but surprisingly the authorities are still very content with this format. For starters, the format is a very long one as it does not have a franchise system in place. The various counties battle it out for supremacy, a process which is a far cry for the action-packed franchise system. Factor this: As many as 18 teams take part in the competition, which is almost thrice as the number of teams taking part in an IPL or a BBL. This makes the format so long that the fans find it difficult to keep track of their respective teams. And then there is a small matter of the scheduling. All the T20 matches

This competition was first contested in 2003-04 and has seen the participation of 6 franchise teams.

It is one of the oldest tournaments, and thus the fact that it has not yet managed to carve out a niche for itself is nothing but a crying shame. Although, the general public in South Africa have been quite receptive of the format, the sight of the empty stand all throughout the tournament is sore to the eyes. The main reason behind this is the fact that this tournament somehow does not get top quality international players into its fold. Also, marquee South African players give the tournament a miss, owing to the hectic schedule. Even if they do turn up, it is only for sporadic matches which are few and far in between.

Hence, there is no euphoria around when the Ram Slam is going on, few do not even bother to gather information about the champions and stuff. There is no denying the possibility of a more grand tournament in the years to come, but for now, there is a lot of catching up to do, both in the marketing terms as well as the level of players turning out for their respective franchises.

(Sportskeeda)

Caricom determined to dissolve WICB T

he Caricom has reaffirmed its resolve to dissolve the West Indies Cricket Board and said it would soon create another prime ministerial sub-committee that would have wider say on cricket in the Caribbean. A Caricom cricket review panel had made the recommendation to dissolve the WICB in November 2015, in a report that termed the board's governance structure as "antiquated", "obsolete" and "anachronistic".

"We will do everything possible to effect the decision," Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell told the Jamaica Gleaner at the end of the Caricom Heads of Government conference, which concluded on July 6 in Guyana. "We're looking at legal options on the basis that cricket is a public good run by a private institution."

The regional body also discounted the remarks of Gaston Browne, the Antigua and Barbuda prime minister, who had categorically rejected the idea of dissolving the WICB. Mitchell, who is the outgoing head of the Caricom sub-committee on cricket that had backed the panel's findings last year, said the opposition to WICB's current governance structure was not his alone, but a collective one and, hence, Browne's opposition did not carry much weightage. "[It is a] common position of the Heads, not individual positions, and we cannot operate on the basis of individual positions, it's about the Heads," Mitchell was quoted as having said

by CMC. "When I expressed my sentiments on cricket, it was about what the Heads said - the committee that we established jointly with the

West Indies Cricket Board and we agreed between the subcommittee and the West Indies Cricket Board to implement the recommendations.

"So it was not a Keith Mitchell decision, it was not a Keith Mitchell activity,

it was a committee set up by the West Indies Cricket Board and the Heads of Government."

The Caricom cricket review panel was appointed by the Prime Ministerial Committee on the Governance of West

Indies Cricket in the wake of the crisis that engulfed the board after the BCCI suspended bilateral ties and slapped $41.97 million as damages following West Indies' decision to pull out midway through their India tour in 2014. Set up to review the governance and administrative structure of the WICB, the fivemember panel, comprising V. Eudine Barriteau, Sir Dennis Byron, Dwain Gill, Deryck Murray and Warren Smith submitted a damning report.

Apart from its comments on the current set-up, the panel strongly recommended the establishment of an interim board in place of the WICB. However, Dave Cameron, the WICB president, rejected the panel's findings, saying they were not supported by facts.

The WICB received further support from Browne,

who broke ranks with Caricom. Browne continued to remain defiant even this week. "That (recommendation to dissolve) is a recipe for chaos and confusion and we are totally opposed to any forced dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board," Browne told the Gleaner.

Regardless, the Caricom heads have refused to give up their stance on WICB. According to Roosevelt Skerrit, the Dominica prime minister and chairman of Caricom, an additional subcommittee on cricket with a much wider scope will be appointed soon. "There were two before; one on governance issues and one of the larger issues confronting cricket‌this is a new committee on cricket mandated to examine all matters relating to the development of cricket, which is a very wide area of concentration." (ESPN Cricinfo)

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sports

Search for Under19s to defend World Cup title starts on July 27 S

T. JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional talent scouts will start the search later this month in St. Vincent for prospective players for the West Indies Under-19 squad that will defend the title at the next ICC Youth World Cup, due to be staged two years from now in New Zealand.

The Regional Under-19 boys’ tournament will take place between July 27 and August 21, giving the region’s best young players their first opportunity to showcase their talent and impress the West Indies selection panel.

The Windies Under19s, under the leadership of Shimron Hetmyer, claimed the ICC YWC title earlier this year in Bangladesh – and the WICB is looking to put things in place from now to ensure a robust defence.

“Being the team that will be defending the title, the bulls-eye will be on our Under-19s, so we have to once again start putting together the building blocks for a strong side that will be tough to beat,” said Roland Holder, WICB manager of cricket operations.

“Our success in this year’s tournament should hopefully inspire the next group of players and make them hungry for similar success when they see all the excitement that was generated after this year’s team won.

“They should be eager to play and the players should see this tournament as an opportunity to start the process. No one is guaranteed a spot, so it’s about them putting in the hard work and doing it on the field when the time comes.”

This year, the Tournament will comprise three rounds of three-day matches, which takes centre stage over the first 11 days, and the Youth Super50 which fields seven teams – the six territorial sides from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a composite side from ICC Americas.

Guyana are the defending champions in both formats. They won the previous three-day competition which was played two years ago in their homeland, and have won the 50 overs-a-side title over the last two years at home and in Jamaica.

The Guyanese will open the three-day competition against long-standing rivals Jamaica in the

MATCH SCHEDULE Regional Youth 3-Day Tournament Round 1 – Wednesday, July 27 to Friday, July 29 Guyana vs Jamaica – Park Hill Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Sion Hill Round 2 – Sunday, July 31 to Tuesday, August 2 Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – Park Hill Jamaica vs Barbados – Sion Hill Round 3 – Thursday, August 4 to Saturday, August 6 Jamaica vs Leeward Islands – Stubbs Barbados vs Windward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Sion Hill Regional Youth Super50 Tournament Round 1 – Wednesday, August 10 ICC Americas vs Guyana – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago – Sion Hill Barbados vs Leeward Islands – Park Hill BYE – Windward Islands Round 2 – Thursday, August 11 Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs ICC Americas – Park Hill Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – Sion Hill BYE – Guyana Round 3 – Saturday, August 13 Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Barbados vs Windward Islands – Sion Hill ICC Americas vs Trinidad & Tobago – Park Hill BYE – Jamaica Round 4 – Monday, August 15 Barbados vs Jamaica – Park Hill Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Stubbs ICC Americas vs Windward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex BYE – Leeward Islands Round 5 – Tuesday, August 16 Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Stubbs Jamaica vs ICC Americas – Park Hill Windward Islands vs Guyana – Arnos Vale Sports Complex BYE – Barbados Round 6 – Thursday, August 18 ICC Americas vs Barbados – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Park Hill Guyana vs Jamaica – Sion Hill BYE – Trinidad & Tobago Round 7 – Friday, August 19 Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – Park Hill Barbados vs Guyana – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Sion Hill BYE – ICC Americas The Final – Sunday, August 21 1st vs 2nd – Arnos Vale Sports Complex

eastern rural community of Park Hill.

At the same time on the outskirts of the Vincentian capital of Kingstown, Trinidad & Tobago meet sporting arch-rivals Barbados at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex on the southern side of the E.T. Joshua Airport, and at Sion Hill on the northern side of the airport, hosts Windward Islands tackle Leeward Islands.

In the first round of the Super50, Guyana face the composite ICC Americas

side at Arnos Vale, Jamaica meet T&T at Sion Hill and Park Hill hosts Barbados vs Leewards.

Hosts Windwards have drawn a bye.

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

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Patriots to contend Providence pitch and unbeaten Warriors

National U-17’s depart in search of regional title

BY DELVON MC EWAN

W

hen third place St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots face leaders and host Guyana Amazon Warriors from noon today they will have to contend with a slow Providence pitch and an inspired home team who remains unbeaten after three games.

The Patriots can find it difficult to get past the Warriors on a Providence pitch that is much more difficult to bat on as compared to the one at Basseterre, where they won just one out of four matches.

However, with a strong batting line up, comprising of talented stroke makers as well as power-hitters, if the Patriots can endure their allotment of 20 overs batting first or second, then the spectators will be in for a treat.

Since their first match against the Warriors, the Patriots have shown their potential with bat and ball, however, both departments have seen a seesaw displays so far. With a batting line up comprising Lendl Simmons, Brad Hodge, Devon Thomas, Carlos Braithwaite, NLTC Perera and Faf du Plesis, one would think that the opposition bowlers would be in for a hammering. However, this is not the case. So far the Patriots have scored the highest team total (2037) in this year’s tournament, but failed to reach 170 in their other matches.

And that score seems far from being likely in today’s match against the Warriors on a track which is liken by bowlers as compare to other pitches. The Patriots must be prepared to bat 20 overs if they are to win or come close to doing so.

Their bowling has been a bit worrying as well although it includes rated leg spinner Samuel Badree, Krishmar Santokie, Tabraiz Shamzi and Perera. They have all failed to out and restrict batsmen in their first four games. However, in Guyana they will be provided with assistance from the pitch, so the bowlers need to use it to their advantage.

Y

Captain Bhaskar Yadram

Devon Thomas plays a pull

In their first three games the Warriors seem to have found their chemistry and are on course to win a fourth successive game. They have batted well under varying circumstances and their bowling continues to be impactful. In addition their selection has gone well, with the right horses being entrusted for their courses. It is only a matter of maintaining the momentum to possibly win all their remaining home matches before going back on the road.

Sohail Tanvir, Adam Zampa, Rayad Emrit and Veerasammy Permaul have so far been very instrumental for the Warriors and they continue to receive invaluable support from the rest of the bowling unit. The bowlers have ensured they restricted their opponents to scores that are achievable.

Meanwhile, their batting have delivered on the back of Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Martin Guptill, Jason Mohamed and Anthony Bramble.

Besides their opening game their batting have not been tested and is yet to set a total.

The Warriors hold the edge going into this game but the Patriots can explode at any given time once they get their science right.

Guyana Amazon Warriors; Martin Guptill (captain), SohailTanvir, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, RayadEmrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammad, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan and Devendra Bishoo.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots; Faf du Plesis (Captain); Lendl Simmons; Samuel Badree; Brad Hodge; Thisara Perera; Jonathan Carter; Krishmar Santokie; Evin Lewis; Tabraiz Shamsi; Kieran Powell; JJ Smuts; Devon Thomas; Shamarh Brooks; Tino Best; Jeremiah Louis; Nikhil Dutta; Alzarri Joseph and Carlos Braithwaite.

Photo: Sohail TanvirCaption Sohail Tanvir appeals during battle between the Tallawahs and Warriors.

Mayors Cup tournament continues this weekend

T

he 22nd edition of the Mayors Cup knockout football tournament continues tomorrow, Sunday July 10 with double header action at the Victoria Ground, on the East Coast of Demerara.

In the opening game, Eagles from the mining town of Linden will come up against Uitvlugt at 18:00 hrs.

The second match of the

evening will be a quarterfinal clash between Ann’s Grove and Cougars FC at 20:00 Hrs. The top four prizes have been put up by Aruwai Resorts, Ansa McAl, John Fernandes and German’s Restaurant respectively.

The winner of the tournament will receive $700,000 and a trophy from Aruwai Resort. Runner up will receive 300,000

and the Ansa McAl trophy, third place will receive $200,000 and a trophy from John Fernandes while fourth place will take home $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy. Winners will also receive hampers from Ricks and Sari.

Top scorer of the tournament will be rewarded with a 3-piece suite from AH&L Kissoon.

esterday the national under-17 team winged out to Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the Regional Under-17 Tournament. The team will be lead by successful former under-15 captain and all-rounder Bhaskar Yadram, who won the Regional u-15 title in Jamaica 2014.

The tournament opens on Monday July 11 with Guyana set to face the Leeward Islands at the Inshan Ali Park. The team is on a quest to add to Guyana’s recent youth successes with a shot at an inaugural title at this level.

Former West Indies Under-16 player and wicket keeper batsman Joshua Persuad will be Yadram’s

deputy. These two talented players will lead a field of players who were outstanding at the Under-15 level which won successive Regional titles in 2014 and 2015.

Apart from the captain and vice captain Kevin Sinclair, Kurt Lovell, Kevlon Anderson, Alphius Bookie, Steve Deonarine, Sachin Singh and Ashmead Nedd.

All-rounders Javed Karim and Sagar Hathiramani are seasoned players and are also expected to perform with the bat.

Meanwhile, the bowling department will be led by medium pacers Collin Barlow, the hostile Joshua Jones and Kurt Lovell along with experienced left arm spinner Nedd. Off spinners Kevin Sinclair, Kelvin Umroa, Hathiramani, Yadram and Karim will complete a spin-heavy bowling department.

The squad recently concluded training camp at the Guyana Cricket Board’s La Bonne Intention facility, but was hampered from having outdoor sessions due to the inclement weather.

Following their first round fixture against Leeward Islands on Monday, Guyana will take on Barbados the following day also at the Inshan Ali Park. Round Three will see the Guyanese taking on Jamaica on Thursday July 14 at the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Balmain,

Vice Captain Joshua Persaud

Couva while Round Four will be played on Saturday July 16 as Guyana take on host Trinidad and Tobago at NCC. Guyana will wrap up the round robin tournament with their final game against the Windward Islands on Sunday July 17 at NCC. The full squad reads: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain), Joshua Persaud (Vicecaptain), Ashmead Nedd, Kevin Sinclair, Kurt Lovell, Alphius Bookie, Javed Karim, Sagar Hathiramani, Steve Deonarine, Kevlon Anderson, Sachin Singh, Kelvin Umroa, Collin Barlow and Joshua Jones.

The Manager is Nazeer Mohamed and the Coach is Gavin Nedd.

President’s XI take on India at Warner Park - “A good performance depends on how well we bowl” — Johnson

L

eon Johnson, captain of the President’s XI team which is set to take on India today in St. Kitts, says knowing the high quality of batting India possesses, over the next two days a good performance would be justified on how good his side bowl.

“A good performance depends on how well we are able to bowl, we would have achieve something knowing that India have a high quality batting line-up and how the pitch plays here in St. Kitts”, Johnson said replying to a question from West Indies Cricket Board Media in St. Kitts.

When questioned on what his team could accomplish in two days. Johnson said “a lot because places are up for grab in the Test team and performing against these international teams is always good, we saw last year when a couple of guys performed against Australia, they elevated into the test team. We’ll probably field for a day and bat for a day, so I feel we can accomplish a lot in these two days of cricket.”

According to Johnson,

Virat Kohli

most of the guys would have been doing work with their franchise leading up to their selection for this game.

However, he was personally doing some work with the assistant coach of the said team, Rayon Griffith.

In addition Johnson said,” they might be short on match practice but due to the franchise system they would have been practicing all year round.”

Since landing in St. Kitts two days ago, the team practiced yesterday and the manager and coach had a chat with the players.

Leon Johnson leads a

list of four Guyanese named to play for the West Indies President’s XI against the Virat Kohli led India side. Johnson joins opener Rajendra Chandrika, middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh and fast bowler Keon Joseph in a 12-member squad announced by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday.

The squad will play a two-day Tour Match against India starting Saturday in Basseterre St Kitts and Nevis. The game is the first of two practice matches scheduled for the touring Indian side.

The manager said he wants his team to come out on top and he believes that would be possible if they execute well. He continued by saying it is hard to get an outright win but he want his team to be competitive.

The full squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain); Jermaine Blackwood; Rajendra Chandrika; Roston Chase; Jason Dawes; Shane Dowrich; Shai Hope; Damion Jacobs; Keon Joseph; Marquino Mindley; Vishaul Singh and Jomel Warrican.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

Johnson to lead WI President’s XI against India — 4 Guyanese named in squad

L

eon Johnson leads a list of four Guyanese named to play for a West Indies President’s XI against the touring India side. Johnson joins opener Rajendra Chandrika, middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh and fast bowler Keon Joseph in a 12-member squad announced by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The squad will play a two-day Tour Match against the visiting Indian test team beginning today at the Warner Park Ground in Basseterre St Kitts and Nevis. The game is the first of two practice matches scheduled for the Indians.

Rayon Griffith, the man-

Leon Johnson

ager and assistant coach for the Guyana Jaguars, will turn out as Manager/Coach for the unit while Henderson Springer will fill the role

of Coach. Ariane Mangar will perform the duties of Physiotherapist and Hector Martinez Charles will be the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.

The team consists of six players who would have played Test cricket already.

They are Johnson; Jermaine Blackwood; Chandrika; Shane Dowrich; Shai Hope and Jomel Warrican.

The full squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain); Jermaine Blackwood; Rajendra Chandrika; Roston Chase; Jason Dawes; Shane Dowrich; Shai Hope; Damion Jacobs; Keon Joseph; Marquino Mindley; Vishaul Singh and Jomel Warrican.

St Pius win girls title

23

Digicel Schools Football Championships 2016…

Tutorial Academy embarrass regional champions to reach final the back of the nets again.

The other goals came off the booth of Jaleen Fraser in the 21st and 90+1 minutes.

TASS will now meet the winner of the Orealla Secondary versus New Amsterdam Technical Institute semifinal which is scheduled for today at the same venue starting at 14:00h.

TASS, previous regional champions have looked impressive throughout the competition disposing of Port Mourant Training Regional finalist; Tutorial Academy Secondary

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

T

utorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) have reached regional final of zone six in the 6th annual Digicel National Knockout schools football tournament with a 7-0 win over the regional defending champions Berbice High School (BHS) in their semifinal encounter on Thursday at the Burnham Park in New Amsterdam.

For TASS, Orin Glen opened the scoring in the first minute of play to stun the crowd which had come to back the defending champions. Five minutes later a defense error put TASS two up and then in the 13th minute

Part of the action at Burnham Park on Thursday

Joshua Wilson registered his first of two goals. Three minutes later Glen found

Centre, Tagore Memorial Secondary and BHS to reach the regional final.

“Teach Them Young” begins Monday

T The winning St Pius Primary School girls team

F

ormer champions St Pius Primary School girls’ team, defeated debutant Sophia Primary girls at the National Gymnasium on Wednesday, to capture the Department of Sports NSC 50 Shades of Games, and AL Sport and Tour Promotions 19th Annual End of school year Georgetown primary schools Windball Champions Trophy.

After reaching three digits twice in the competition and on both occasions without loss off their allotted five overs, St Pius decided to bat first and chalked up a challenging 09-2, with Donna Lowe 72 (10x6) and Alicia Maynard 26 (3x6).

Sophia in reply were restricted to 83-2, despite 38 (3x6) from Rasheeda Daniels 38 and 36 (6x6) from Roshanna La Rose.

Grahams Hall Primary girls copped the third place The tournament was not played for the last two years and did not see defending champions Redeemer competing to defending their title.

Speaking at the end of the competition, Sports Officer Alistair Munroe who organised the programme, emphasised the need for

sports to be a part of the education curriculum and thanked the Department of Sport for ensuring that the tournament returned to schools across the country.

“It is great to see that the programme made a return to schools in Georgetown where it was started and at the said venue.”

Munroe in addressing the twenty-two teams said Director of Sports, Christopher Jones who was not present at the games over the past week, made all the necessary arrangements so that students would be allowed to leave the classroom and compete and at the same time have fun. “And over the past week I know you made new friends, but do not forget our motto; we are One People One Nation With one destiny, so when you look around the venue all you must be seeing is your brother of sister,” Munroe added.

In closing, he said, “Let me take this opportunity to congratulate all the students who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment examination, especially those who were fully involved in sports especially Windball Cricket.”

Meanwhile, Sophia, in only their second tournament will meet Grahams Hall in the boy’s finals slated for next week at the same venue In semifinal action, Grahams Hall boys beat St Pius boys by 32 runs and Grahams Hall Primary defeated St Angela’s Primary by 7 runs.

Scores; Grahams Hall 88-1 with Anthony Geer 50, Omari Lallbachan 20 and Joshua Grootfaam 14.

St Pius reply, with 56-2 when their five-overs expired. Teon topped scored with 30 and Christopher Jupiter chipped in with 24.

In the other game, Grahams Hall 97-1 with Naqueen Walcott 48 NO and Akeilah Haynes 44 NO. St Angela’s 90-1. Shanay Davis 40 and Takiyha Texeira 20.

Meanwhile, in the other regions and sub-regions which did not compete in this programme will have an opportunity to do so include next term during Education Month. Those regions are; Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10. In Region Six, the programme was rained out twice in the Canje, New Amsterdam and it the Lower and Central Corentyne zones.

he highly successful “Teach Them Young” cycling programme returns to the inner circuit of the National Park starting on Monday July 11 and concluding on September 2, 2016. The eight weeks cycling camp caters for young students on school vacation and is opened to all school boys and girls, beginners and other persons interested in developing their cycling skills.

The programme is free of cost and conductor of the programme, national coach Hassan Mohamed urges parents to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll their children and get them involved in these activities as it would provide them with great benefits.

Coaching sessions will be held from Monday to Friday from 09:00h to 11:00h and participants will be exposed to the fundamentals of cycling and also be given the opportunity to participate in age group races. Interested par-

National Coach Hassan Mohamed with participants at a previous programme

ticipants must be in possession of a BMX, Mountain or Racing cycle along with protective head gear.

The programme started in 1977, producing the likes of then Christ Church Secondary School Students Hector Edwards and Leo Ramalho who would both

go on to participate at the Guyana Teachers Union National Championships in1979.

Reigning national road race champion Geron Williams is also a product of the “Teach Them Young” having begun the programme at the BMX level.

Horseracing set for Alness Village

T

he East Berbice village of Alness will come alive on Sunday July 10 as the Ryan Crawford memorial turf club will host a grand one day horse race meet. The event is scheduled to start at 13:00 hrs and promises to be an exciting affair for the entire family.

Five races are carded for the day with the feature race fetching a $200,000 first prize for horses classified in the “H” Class. Some of the top horses in action will be Bridle-stone Corner, Mansoon, Anfield, She’s So Special, Bird Man, Amazing Run, Silver Bell, Super Bowl and Glamour Queen from

Georgetown.

Sponsors of the event include Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Attorney at Law Rajendra Poonai, DelMar Gold Shipping, Nand Persaud & Company Ltd, Balram Shane, Chris Jagdeo Construction, Annirude Construction and Poonai’s Pharmacy.

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

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