Guyanatimes

156 students graduate P13 from GSA

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Issue No. 2939

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Rodney debate reopens decades old political wounds Page 16

…as APNU/AFC Govt rejects $400M CoI report

Teen killed after gun accidently goes off Page 7

Berbice family beaten, robbed during home invasion Page 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ferry operations resume at Supenaam

Clerk charged for stealing millions in fuel, gold P2

Curbing rise of suicide P9 motion thrown out of National Assembly

Oil spill clean-up company launched in Guyana

Brazil unfurled a vast canvas celebrating its rainforest and the creative energy of its wildly diverse population to the tune of samba, bossa nova and funk in welcoming the world on Friday to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

Racial/political discrimination

Granger to Jagdeo: “temper your language” Page 3

P2

P7

GTT says P12 dialogue with Govt more “due course” – not against liberalisation

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NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Ferry operations resume at Supenaam

RDC moves motions to stop Bosai dust pollution … monitoring bauxite shipments

A section of those gathered at the statutory meeting on Thursday

BY UTAMU BELLE

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MV Sabanto

fter a one week period to facilitate repairs to the Supenaam Stelling, ferries MV Sabanto and MV Kanawan has resumed operations.

The two ferries ply the Supenaam/Parika route transporting people, vehicles and cargo to and from Region Two. However, operations were halted after the captain of MV Sabanto reportedly lost control of the vessel while mooring.

Although the ramp is yet to be completely fixed, passengers and small vehicles have begun using the ferries again as they

are able to moor. However, truck drivers/owners are at a great disadvantage since they have to wait long hours to use the MV Malali and MV Makouria ferries.

Trucks have to wait in line for at least 4 hours to access these ferries.

As such these drivers are calling on Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson to immediately intervene to have the repairs done as quickly as possible.

On July 27, transport officials launched a probe into the crash which had resulted in damage to the back of the vessel and sections of

the stelling. The incident occurred about 18:30h as the vessel arrived from Parika with hundreds of passengers and vehicles onboard.

Persons who were on the ferry at the time of the incident began to panic as they were only able to disembark almost two hours later at 20:00h, while several vehicles were damaged as a result of the collision.

While the probe is ongoing, owners of the damaged vehicles are demanding compensation.

Authorities had warned that anyone found culpable for the accident will be sanctioned.

perations at Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) were placed under the microscope on Thursday, as Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Councillors made calls for proper systems of monitoring to be put in place by the Natural Resources Ministry to determine if anything apart from bauxite is being shipped out of Linden. The call was made after suspicions surfaced that apart from bauxite, other resources might also be leaving the shores of Guyana under the disguise of bauxite.

Councillors are also demanding that better systems be put in place regarding the company’s kilns to stop dust pollution in the community. During discussions at the monthly statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Regional Chairman Renis Morian, proposed that a motion be moved to have the Natural Resources Ministry put a system of monitoring in place to determine exactly what is being shipped out of Linden by BMGGI, in addition to another motion which deals with the dust situation.

Councillor Charles Sampson, who put forward the motions, argued that despite a recent report that the community is no longer suffering from dust pollution, the issue still remains.

“Bosai installed dust collectors on kilns 13 and 14... he dust collectors are not in-

terlinked. If one of the dust collectors shuts down during production, it will send dust into the atmosphere.

Bosai got dust collectors on the calcine, but what about the dryer? The dryers throw the most dust into the atmosphere... some days when you crossing the bridge, by time you get to the other side your whole face white... dust is real in this community, and Bosai got to do much better. They got to put a dust collector on number 10 kiln, the dryer,” the Councillor outlined.

He continued that micro sized dust can still be seen in the air, especially at nights when passing the bauxite company and it is uncertain as to how efficient the dust collectors are.

He said the onus is on the Natural Resources Ministry, the Public Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce that dust in the atmosphere poses serious threats to the lives of people in the community, noting that other areas such as West Watooka and Canvas City are adversely affected.

Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman called for a recommendation to be sent to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to have monitoring officials present to verify whether anything else besides bauxite is being exported. In his monthly report, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, related that there was a recent visit by a team from the Natural Resources Ministry

to Linden where meetings were hosted with BMGGI. Also speaking on the issue, Sampson noted that at the meeting, a question was asked about whether or not the quality of bauxite leaving the shores is known based on analysis.

“Whatever Bosai ships out, based on the quality, that determines how much would have to be paid to GRA... We do not know what quality of bauxite goes out of this country on a consistent basis by either RUSAL or Bosai... we are being fooled and the only way we would know is if we set up a laboratory and get the samples that Bosai analyse so that we can cross check... we might say that fresh water ain’t got value but you know how much for a bottle of water... this is what we does process to drink,” he said.

In putting forward the motion, Sampson called for all shipments and activities related to bauxite to be monitored to determine the quality and quantity, as well as for analysis to be carried out. As such, he called on Government to set up a laboratory.

Additionally, Councillor Gordon Callender said the Council needs to take stock of what is happening in the bauxite industry by taking steps to monitor operations.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Antonio Hackett with an amendment for the Maritime Administration Agency to be involved.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 6 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, August 7 – 05:30h-07:00h.

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The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 6 – 06:00h-07:30h and Sunday, August 7 – 06:40h-08:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers can be expected throughout most of the day, with light rain showers in the afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:30h and 18:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.58 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:04h and 12:26 reaching minimum heights of 0.60 metre at each respective low tide.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS M 04 05 15 19 20 21 25 Bonus Ball

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016

Daily Millions

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Granger to Jagdeo: “temper your language”

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

resident David Granger is calling on Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to refrain from divisive statements following comments made in New York about Government’s discrimination against Indo-Guyanese and other Guyanese who are supportive of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition.

Speaking on this week’s television programme, The Public Interest, the Head of State remarked that the Opposition Leader should “temper his language” as he responds to calls from commentators and various sections of society for Government to engage the indo-community more.

The President outlined that “crass” remarks such as those made by Jagdeo create divisiveness. “The language use by the Leader of the Opposition could be divisive and I would urge him to restrain his comments,” Granger stated.

The Head of State pointed out that Guyana is multi-religious community and his Administration does not want to religious extremism to exist here, having witnessed the damage it does in other parts of the world. Similarly, he posited that there is no room for ethnic extremism since that would pull the country apart.

Granger went on to say that his coalition Administration is pushing for a more cohesive society and has been reaching out to all section of the population.

“To suggest that Indians being persecuted does not necessarily call on the Government to reach out, we have! We are a multiethnic coalition; I would say we are more multiethnic than any other Government in the history of Guyana and we have reached out to all of the communities in Guyana but there will be extremists

President David Granger

to continue to speak in divisive terms and this is what you need to put an end to,” Granger posited.

He went on to say that the actions and comments of the Leader of the Opposition is working against the cohesive society that his Administration is working towards.

Jagdeo at a meeting with the Diaspora in New York two weeks ago said “Guyana needs a spirit of community to ensure that we defend our people through these dark times. There is an assault on democracy, on the people of Indian origin and there is an assault on the supporters of the PPP…” In fact, Government had even released a statement condemning his remarks but the Opposition Leader had maintained his stance, noting that the Jagan-founded PPP will continue to defend

the rights of Guyanese people.

Jagdeo said he was surprised Government would respond to comments he made overseas when he only repeated things that he would have said numerous times at home during press conferences and on the campaign trail of the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE).

“Despite the charges made, my record on bolstering racial harmony and advancing equal development across the country, regardless of race, speaks for itself.

That is not a position I need to defend. However, I have spoken out and will continue to speak out about the injustices against our people,” he outlined his in statement.

Moreover, the Opposition Leader posited that the Government-issued statement seems to be orchestrated by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

“I am inclined to believe that the Nagamootoo-styled statement has more to do with the reception given to me by thousands of people, representing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – in contrast to the small crowd and protest actions that greeted him.”

On the other hand, Government in its statement accused the Opposition Leader of race baiting and

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

calling his remarks “irresponsible, hateful, and malicious fabrications.” It said that the statements were made at a time when the nation is focused on the efforts to foster closer relations and achieve a greater level of social cohesion.

The Government said that it considers Jagdeo’s statements as reprehensible, which are aimed at “sowing seeds of division, discord and race hate”.

Nevertheless, several other politicians, social activists, including some sympathetic to the APNU/AFC Administration and even trade unions have all condemned the Government’s mass dismissal of hundreds of personssince it took power back in May 2015, most of whom are either of Indian origin or supporters of the PPP.

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guyana-times.com

saturdAY, august 6, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 2310544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

No need for draconian measures

A

fter some amount of confusion regarding the Government’s position on the issue regarding the repayment of the University of Guyana student loans, President David Granger himself has sought to set the record straight, saying that he is not in support of any form of travel restrictions on graduates and students who have defaulted in their payments since such an action would be in violation of the Constitution.

Certainly, the President’s latest pronouncement on the matter will serve to calm the high level of the fear and confusion which existed in the society when the issue first arose.

It was Government’s point-man on finance, Minister Winston Jordan who first indicated that steps were being taken to prevent UG graduates with outstanding debts from leaving the country, prompting huge public outcry from various sections of the population.

Jordan had declared that “all information on recalcitrant borrowers will eventually be put at all immigration points and we will set up a desk at the same time for those who would be stopped from travelling to make the necessary arrangements for payment of the loan or debt prior to departure.”

However, Ministers Carl Greenidge and Winston Felix appearing before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations last Wednesday stated that no such decision was made at the level of the Cabinet. They seemed to be very much unaware of what Minister Jordan was speaking about when he declared that travel restrictions will be placed on loan defaulters.

Minister Joseph Harmon also weighed in on the issue at the post-Cabinet press briefing this week, noting that while Cabinet did discuss the option, no definitive decision was taken on the matter. Harmon explained that while government wants students to repay their loans, it would not use a “sledgehammer approach” to achieve this.

This administration is known for sending confusing messages to citizens. We cannot fathom why Minister Jordan would make such a bold declaration which turned out to be the complete opposite of the President’s position on the matter. In this case in particular, it is quite evident that the government does not have a definitive position on the issue or has not given much thought to the issue holistically.

That said it is hoped that any repayment plan implemented by the government will be practical and convenient, taking into consideration all the issues involved. Draconian measures such as those hinted by Minister Jordan will place additional stress on persons who are already burdened with so many other challenges in present day Guyana.

The administration should take into consideration that perhaps many of these same graduates who are indebted to the university are still unable to find suitable jobs that match their qualification and training, or in some cases some are employed in low-paid jobs; hence it would be difficult for them to repay at the moment.

While graduates have an equal obligation to repay their loans and must do so by all means, we also urge the government to explore ways in which a more humane approach could be taken to addressing the matter. For example, incentives such as waiving of a percentage of the interest could be offered to those who are willing to repay within a certain time. Also who cannot repay at the moment due to certain circumstances must be given alternatives so there is a win-win situation for all parties.

There is certainly no need for draconian measures.

It is hoped that whatever decisions are taken by Cabinet regarding this matter, they will be communicated to the public via an effective channel so that there is little or no room for miscommunication. As it is, persons have to rely on what is being reported in the media for the necessary information and guidance on the subject matter.

Finally, as a start, now that the university has a spanking new building that accommodates the loan agency, a special desk should be set up dedicated to addressing queries/ concerns persons may have regarding their outstanding balances and other related concerns.

Too many times, simple transactions at the institution turn out to be very time-consuming and stressful due to unnecessary, complicated and bureaucratic procedures.

The opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics in Maracana - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Reuters)

If reparative justice is needed in Guyana, it is for poorest communities Dear Editor, Eric Phillips, Chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee, failed in his bid for a land grab by trying to make Africans an indigenous people of Guyana.

But he is at it again and this time he is staking his grab on a rewriting of history which denies truth and recorded historical facts.

In a letter to the press, Phillips wrote: “Emancipation is why Guyana is celebrating itself as a nation of 6 Peoples.

Without the humanisation of the swamps of the Guyana coastlands for over 200 years and with the loss of 450,000 African lives, there would be no Guyana of 6 peoples. As a matter of fact, if the British had treated the freed Africans with dignity and fairness in 1834, the Guyana of 1966, the year of Independence would have seen a nation of 3 Peoples and with a fundamentally different ownership of the economy. In essence, Guyana today would be essentially a nation of Amerindians and Africans who would have owned most of the businesses and who today would be the inheritors of oil and all the wealth in this beautiful nation of ours.”

He goes on to state that denying Africans “just reparations in terms of lands is simply another ‘crime against humanity’ by those who came after them and by those who disproportionally benefit today from the murder of 450,000 Africans.”

His words rise to a dangerous level of rhetoric that could inflame and incite.

This is beyond race-baiting and, perhaps, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo could say something to rein him in?

Phillips bootstraps the Amerindian community in his spurious “what if” argument but Amerindian leaders are quite capable of thinking and speaking for themselves and hardly need Phillips to speak on their behalf on any matter.

Wanting “reparation” means that Phillips views that an injustice has been done to Africans by history itself. His solution is to lay out a “what if” scenario then proceed from that point with a “truth” and “justice” that has no basis in fact.

Portuguese, Chinese and Indians came and laboured and helped to build this country. That is fact and it cannot be written away by anyone. Africans were educated and became professionals and took jobs in the public service including the police force. They are still there and the Granger Government has even gone further and remade the public service completely in their image. Boards, management, staff – the optics bears out the racial prejudice clearly.

Indians having rejected conversion to Christianity were shut out of any higher education and job prospects.

They stayed on the land and went into commercial business and agri-business like

cattle rearing and rice farming on a large scale, and, of course, stayed on as the bulk of the sugar estate labour.

These are all facts and truths that are also well known. Most of the large Indians businesses – like Gafoors and Muneshwers – started out as countryside shops before they expanded into the city. Even so, rural Indians are still today, like Amerindians, among Guyana’s poorest.

If any reparative justice is needed in Guyana, it is to these poorest communities especially now that the Granger Government is refusing any aid to the rice and sugar industries which are the livelihood of a large sector of the Indian community.

In making his case, Phillips unmasks what is already well known – that Africans are told by their leaders that Indians have stolen what is rightfully theirs. From this hateful “logic” have sprung the African cry of marginalisation and racial violence against Indians that target Indian businesses, homes and Indians themselves.

Human rights activists in Guyana have always stated that the physical and cultural violence against Indians is to make Indians disappear. Phillips brings the violence to another level by “disappearing” Indians from the scene altogether with his “what if” take on history.

In his letter, Phillips said that the Guyana

Reparations Committee has forwarded its claim and a request for a parliamentary resolution to Attorney General Basil Williams.

Since Phillips sits as a Presidential Advisor, there is every reason to believe that he has Government support for his land grab.

But who is Phillips’ constituency other than the African government leadership? I asked African neighbours, friends and a few strangers on the streets about Phillips and his claim for land as “reparation” and they mostly sucked their teeth before a few of them gave me an earful about how much they are struggling under the Granger Government. On the whole, they said they had no time for Phillips and his nonsense.

Phillips wants a big chunk of Guyana for himself. He alone knows what he will do with it.

Perhaps the legal minds of Ram, Ramkarran and Ramson can look at his claim which is based on a rewriting of all known history.

That Phillips can only make a case by invalidating facts should, in itself make the case invalid.

But perhaps, the legal minds can tell us whether such a case has any legal precedence and whether the Attorney General should even entertain Phillips’ current nonsense.

Sincerely, Shanie Jagessar

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 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

Government has Accountability watch by a responsibility Anand Goolsarran for job creation Dear Editor, President David Granger, in one of his Meet the Press Programmes last week, said that it was not the Government’s role to provide jobs for the people.

This is not just a slip of the tongue; this is a position of the APNU+AFC regime.

Recall earlier Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder in response to rice farmers’ plea for assistance, said the government had no responsibility to the farmers, that the rice industry was privately owned.

All the actions of the regime would confirm that this is the belief of the regime.

We cannot point to any project that has created employment and job creation.

Instead, the very opposite is true. The regime’s measures are impacting negatively on present employment.

The numerous taxes they have enforced are discouraging business activities and curtailing employment.

Things like licensing horsedrawn carts and donkey carts, charging people walking and selling, among others, are just ridiculous and senseless.

The introduction of parking metres in the city will also have a negative impact on business. It could drive some businesses out of the city, while severely restricting the commercial activities of others. In the final analysis, these will impact on employment. People will be dismissed and/or laid off their jobs.

The regime seems unconcerned about these effects

just as long as it collects its “pound of flesh.”

Apart from these, this mentality by the regime has led them to destroying jobs and means of income for a large group of persons.

The pending closing of Wales Estate and the closure of operations at LBI will have a devastating impact on employment in the country. Thousands of persons will be thrown out of employment.

Immediately, it would be the workers directly involved in those areas.

However, there are contractors and other businesses that provide (support) services to the industry that would also be affected.

Many self-employed persons in cash crop farming and small shop keepers in the villages will also be negatively impacted. They, too, would be thrown out of employment.

In passing, it is such types of activities that President Granger is recommending to create employment. The very ones that will suffer are suffering now.

How is that for an example?

Scores of cane farmers and hundreds of employees will also be cast on the breadlines to suffer when they become unemployed.

The Government, too, will suffer. Taxes from workers will not be collected and reduced importation will impact on customs. The NIS collection will be reduced, while the pensionable persons will keep growing.

These things are not inevitable, as the regime is implying. There is another way

- invest in the industry to increase its revenue stream so that it can quickly return to profitability and sustainability.

The regime speaks about how much it is giving now to the industry. This is nothing to what the sugar industry already gave to the government of this country. Moreover, it can do even more with the investment needed. This is not subsidy; this is sensible business investment policies.

It is such investments that would create jobs and build a vibrant economy.

When we examine the regime’s attitude to the rice industry, we detect the same disinterest. This is the time to also add value to rice.

With little investment, this industry can continue to make valuable contributions to our society.

Government spokespersons continue to talk about going into agriculture. They are encouraging young people to go in that direction.

However, if the two major agricultural products in this country - sugar and rice - are allowed to decline, what young person would take the exhortations by the regime seriously?

Job creation calls for initiatives to be taken by government, which will engender confidence and allow our country to grow. The regime is abdicating its responsibility in this area.

Action is needed now!

Talk is cheap.

Sincerely, Former President Donald Ramotar

Dear Editor, The watching of accountability by Anand Goolsarran is testimony to the dangers of having persons who are employed by the government, or have a private practice, to be granted access to the national newspapers and allow the individuals to publish columns on a weekly or regular basis for a fee or otherwise.

The particular column that reaffirmed my negative opinion on this practice is pitifully displayed in Anand’s Accountability Watch Column, dated Monday, July 25, 2016, in Stabroek News on page 21, with caption, “Three welcome developments, the appointment of the Tax Chief...”

Conflict of Interest is the catch phrase in Guyana today, though, like the term terrorist used in the United States, it escapes a universal definition.

When one examines Anands’s comments on the Appointment of the Commissioner-General, it is blatantly obvious that the focus of the Watch was not so much on the individual appointed, but on “a Canadian based Guyanese Chartered Accountant of good repute”, according to Anand; (this does suggest that the CommissionerGeneral appointed does not meet the Accountability watcher standard of good repute). Whether the good repute applicant was flown in at the expenses of the taxpayer or came using his/her own funds – again, points to some intimacy between the Accountability Watcher and the applicant.

It was noted by Anand that the successful applicant was qualified as a Fellow

Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), MBA and a Certified General Accountant (CGA).

Anand further revealed that the applicant owns an accounting and tax practice in Canada, worked with several international firms… and is also a Certified Fraud Examiner who is pursuing a law degree from the University of London; not a law degree from one of our non-global Caribbean Universities.

Readers, please note that the article by Goolsarran is supposed to be about the appointment of the now Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority in the person of Godfrey Statia, not of an unnamed applicant known to Goolsarran, who was not appointed to the position and whose non-appointment seems to displease Anand.

It is interesting to note that the person who was appointed as CG of GRA, unbeknownst to some readers of Accountability Watch, is qualified as a CPA, MBA, Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), has a law degree from the Hugh Wooding Law School, University of the West Indies and also has an accounting and tax practice in the United States.

Statia was also a Deputy Commissioner for several years at the Inland Revenue Department in the 1980s, which was headed by Edgar Heyligar, as was Khurshid Sattaur the former head of GRA (The GRA resulted from the merger of two departments, the Inland Revenue Department

and Customs and Excise Department).

Based on Goolsarran’s close examination of the original vacancy notice, he concluded that external candidates were placed at a disadvantage as the requirement for “15 years’ experience in customs administration, eight of which must be at an executive level”. As there was no provision for equivalent external experience, it seems to me the author/s of the vacancy notice saw no need to state the obvious, more alarming is Anand’s implicit view that non-external candidates were not placed at a disadvantage.

In addition to highlighting the good repute of the successful applicant, Monsieur Goolsarran in his article, described the CommissionerGeneral’s selection process as “in some ways this could be considered as bid rigging”, what a giant leap by our Accountability Watcher, perception and reality are both ignored, in a most tainted and vicious manner by our “Watcher”.

Our national newspapers should be very careful in appointing columnists and commentators who are employed by the government or carry on private practice that include government and corporate sector clientele – hence, Goolsarran, Ram and Lucas come to mind. Let these denizens of Guyana limit their opinions to “Letters to the Editor”.

To paraphrase Goolsarran, using the last sentence of his article, “failure to relinquish his positions is posing a serious conflict of interest”.

Yours faithfully, Nigel Hinds

Lack of pride the cause of West Indies cricket debacle

Dear Editor, Do West Indian cricketers lack pride (in playing for nation or region?) That is the charge being levelled, justifiably perhaps, by a leading Indian cricket commentator, Nirmal Shekar, writing in the prestigious The Hindu newspaper (published in Chennai).

The charge has come in wake of the West Indies’ dismal performance during the first two tests of the current series.(The West Indies miraculously saved face by holding on to a draw in the second test, thanks to rain that washed out oneand-a-half days of play).

Otherwise, it would have been another humiliating defeat that repeated itself so many times over the last decade even against not so strong opponents.

The writer, not unexpectedly blames, management, players, lack of team

spirit, and even selectors for the poor state of Windies cricket. As the commentator noted, during the 1970s and 1980s, Windies cricketers offered immense viewing pleasure (in the stands and on TV and even listening on radio) when they had a full arsenal of fearsome bowlers and brilliant batsmen in the line up.

In the last several years, there has hardly been either of the two with the exception of a gutsy Shivnarine Chanderpaul who the selectors discarded because of age even when he was performing better than the youngsters.

Even now, fans in India prefer to watch an obdurate Chanderpaul than what passes for cricket by the current crop of young players chosen by the Clive Lloydled selectors. Chanderpaul was dumped for non-performing youths – was that

the true reason or was the real reason Lloyd did not want Chanders to break records?

As Shekar commented, the performance of West Indians in the recent two tests was an embarrassment to the great Sir Garry Sobers who was being felicitated in the stands as he turned 80; at his age, he probably would have done much better with the bat than some of those chosen to represent the once mighty Windies.

Shekar writes: “Sir Garry would not have seen a worse West Indies side. He would have done much better all alone against the Indians than this entire West Indies team.” And this was the best team the selection panel said it could come up with.

Is it not time for the panel to go since the team it selected has failed the region time and again? Why seek the removal of the manage-

ment when management said it is the selectors who are responsible for selecting the worst team?

The selectors should have dignity and resign.

As Sir Garry told Shekar, when he (Sobers) was playing for West Indies, it was for pride. “We played for honour and pride…. It was all about the team and our personal goals were to be the best.” But not this crop of players for whom money is everything; (not honour, or pride or skill, as in the days when Kanhai, Kalicharran, Sobers, Richards, the three Ws, etc, dominated the scene.

This crop of players abandoned a tour to India for more money – honour and pride were not part of their thinking except for a Shivnarine Chanderpaul who wanted to play his final overseas series.

As Shekar noted, West

Indies cricket is in a free fall with crowd at matches being less than 1500 when at one time there would be 15,000.

This is attributed to several factors: bad selection of players put together by an inept selection committee; terrible management that is not interested in reform; 20/20cricket which has greater interests from players; conflict between players and management; conflict between players and the selection panel; monetary greed; bad habits of players.

As Shekar charges, the decline of West Indies cricket is a result of, more than anything else, “the character of players and culture of the team” the cricket respected commentator Peter Roebuck some years ago said.

So what is the solution to the problem facing regional cricket? Shekar feels West Indies are not inferior to their counterparts in oth-

er countries or from those of the past in the region itself. They need discipline and recognise they are playing for a cause (identity and pride – a motivation to win) and not just money and such a cause will once again propel the team to the top.

Shekar also feels the selectors must put the best team forward (age, race, and who will break record should not matter) – put its heavy arsenal of best batsmen and bowlers to full use.

But that is easier said than done as the selectors also have axes to grind and who will break or make records and the management is unwilling to make way for better administrators.

And it is not too late to bring back Chanderpaul and give him a fitting farewell in a last hometest match.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

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saturday, august 6, 2016

guyana-times.com

Page Foundation Ways to talk so your children will listen Keep away from nagging

At the end of each school day, I wanted the children in my class to tidy the room before home time. I felt that they should learn to tidy up after themselves and take pride in their room. I knew that if I went around asking each child to pick up their rubbish, wipe their desks, empty the rubbish bins, and clean the sink nothing would get done. So I created a job chart. Each job had a child’s name next to it and I showed it to them at the start of each week. I would rotate the jobs weekly to avoid monotony. I explained that five minutes before home time each day it would be “job time”. Just before the bell, I would walk around the room and pick which job or jobs were completed to perfection. That child or children would receive a bonus or prize. My room was immaculate each day and I hardly had to say a thing!

This can work well at home too. Either writing things down or having a chart with incentives in place, eliminate lots of nagging.

Model and expect good manners

Good manners at home or anywhere shouldn’t be optional. If you model good manners to your children and everyone else, they will see that good manners is expected and displayed on a consistent level. Start teaching your children to say the basics like “please” and “thank you” before they can talk. Children deserve the common courtesy of manners that adults use with each other. They will often

imitate the speech and behaviour of their parents and caregivers. Say “please”, “thank you” and “you’re welcome” to your children as you would anyone else.

Be gentle but firm

If you have made your decision about something, stick to it.

Make sure you and your partner agree on the issue and stay united on your decision.

Y o u r children may not like the decis i o n at the time, but they will know it stands firm and won’t bother persisting with either of you or playing one parent off against the other.

Make your requests important and speak as though you mean it. Requesting made in a wishy-washy tone gives children the impression you are not that concerned whether they follow your request or not.

Ask open-ended questions

If you want to get your children to think more and open their minds, you need to ask them open-ended questions. That is, questions that are not answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

They are invitations to say more, and share their ideas and feelings. For example,

instead of asking “Did you enjoy Peter’s party today?” you could ask “What was the best part of Peter’s party today?” Respond to their ideas to show them you are interested in what they have to say and that they are important to you e g

working on the computer are too distracting to give your children your full attention. If you really cannot talk at that point, don’t pretend to be listening.

Promise them a time when you can listen and be sure to follow through. Show that you are interested in what they have to say by using inquiry based listening. This is when you respond to them with words that encourage more conversation. For example “Sounds like you’re saying….” Or “How did that make you feel?” or “Do you mean….”

Make time for one-onone conversations

“Really?”, “I understand.” “What about…” “That is interesting”.

Give notice

If your child is fully engrossed with something or an activity and it is time to move on or leave. Give them some advance warning so they get used to the idea.

For example “George, it is nearly time to go. Start saying good-bye to the puppy please”.

Use enquiry-based listening

Show your children that they have your full attention and you care enough to listen to them. Reading the paper, vacuuming and

This is especially important if there is quite an age gap between your children. Sometimes older siblings talk over the top of the younger ones, and sometimes the younger ones just prefer to let the older siblings do all the talking.

Conversations with older siblings can sometimes be over and above the younger children level of communication. Plus older siblings require stimulating conversations where they can learn and inquire for more information. Therefore, try to get some one-to-one time with your siblings alone at different times so you can really talk at their level and use appropriate vocabulary.

It might just be while walking to the park, reading a book together before bed, or driving to get an ice cream.

It doesn’t have to be structured time, but make qual-

ity use of opportunities as they arise.

Be considerate

Think about the way that you talk to your friends.

Then think about the way you speak to your children.

Is it with the same consideration and tone? More wonderful relationships with children would develop if adults gave as much thought and consideration talking to their children as they do when talking to their friends.

Don’t interrupt

Try not to interrupt of scold your children when they are telling you a story.

Children will lose interest in sharing their feelings with you if you shift away from their story and use the time to teach them a lesson. For example, Henry came home really excited from Sally’s place and started to tell his mother all about the great time he had playing down by the dam. His mother rudely interrupted his story and began to lecture him on the

(Conclusion)

dangers of playing around water. Henry didn’t finish his story and thought twice about sharing his experiences with his mother the next time. Henry’s mother certainly should remind him of the rule about playing near water and ensuring there is an adult present, but at another time or at least when he has finished his story.

Make conversation a priority with your children

Open and comfortable communication with your children develops confidence, self-esteem, good relationships with others, cooperation and warm relationships with you. Take the time and effort to foster your relationship and communication skills by talking with your children as much as you can. Remember that talking with children is a two way street. Talk with them and then hear what they have to say. Listening is just as important as talking. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

Successful 2-way communication with your child

BY ROBERT MYERS, PhD

O

ne of the most frustrating challenges we face as parents is communicating effectively with our children.

Though we strive to open an honest two-way line of communication, we become frustrated when it appears that their attention isn’t solely on us or the conversation at hand. Yet we seem to find it’s perfectly acceptable to discuss things with them while reading the paper, folding clothes, or working on the computer, and then are often left wondering when the lines of communication broke.

Children are by nature easily distracted and not always responsive to their environment. It is the responsibility of the parent to emphasize positive patterns of communication and ensure the child learns that ignoring communication is not acceptable. Early prevention, in the form of educating your child about the proper forms of communication, is the key to ensuring that the non-verbal agreement does not take hold.

Teach your child by example. Remain completely and totally focused on them and the conversation at hand.

Turn off the television; allow calls to go to the voicemail, or go in a room where there are no distractions.

Talk to your child and explain to them in age-appropriate terms how they are communicating and why their method doesn’t work. Show your child how to communicate effectively, even when the questions are hard.

Make yourself an active listener. Let them voice their opinion or side of the story and ask questions to ensure you understand their viewpoint.

Be constant in the manner in which you communicate with your child. Send the same message with each and every interaction.

Allow your child to see that you will call their attention to those times that the unwanted behaviour rears its ugly head.

Kids will be kids and they will sometimes be distractive and non-communicative. You are the expert in knowing your child’s behaviour and can best judge the improvement in their communications. The best way to ensure healthy communication patterns is to model positive communication skills. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Oil spill clean-up company launched in Guyana

Teen killed after gun accidently goes off

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A Gaico employee demonstrating how the oil spill machine is operated

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resident David Granger on Friday commissioned Guyana’s first oil spill response operation service at the Gaico Wharf at Nismes, West Bank Demerara.

Gaico Oil Spill Response Operation Services, which was coined by Komal Singh, is set up as a pre-emptive measure against probable spillage once production commence in the future.

President Granger commended Singh for his “forward” thinking and initiative while stating that by casting his sight on Guyana’s emerging petroleum sector he has positioned himself, and moreover the company for ground-breaking incomes.

He stated that foresight and economic entrepreneurship will harness significant benefits and so Guyana should prepare itself for new economic sectors. He indicated that while Government is confident that the production of petroleum will create new opportunities, it will not end Guyana’s economic challenges: “We cannot therefore fold our arms and wait for the anticipated bonanza; we must create a balanced and diversified economy.” Thus, he posited that an “entrepreneurship culture” will allow Guyana to develop world class products and services within its green economy and enable it to be more resilient and less susceptible to economic shocks.

He explained that over the past century Guyana has been on the receiving end of such shocks because of its over-reliance on bauxite, fish, gold, silver and timber; and it is time to delve into free enterprise.

However, he did indicate that environment where entrepreneurship is fostered would require developed infrastructure, access to cheap electricity, innovation, and investments will advance the economy.

The Gaico company began in 1991 with Singh working on small construction projects in Region Three. Singh stated that he had noticed that there are a number of near misses of oil spills and decided to pursue the avenue of preparing for one in Guyana. He said that the company has since invested in a supply boat to work alongside rigs and supply them with fuel and cargo,

while preparing for any occurrence of an oil spill.

“Should there be a spill anywhere we can respond within 24 hours,” he said, adding that the company is in the process of putting together documents to gain approval for an oil spill facility which will collect the contaminated soil and process it.

He stated that he had recognised that Guyana was not prepared for any oil spills, thus “Guyana can rest assure that there is a company here today that will invest in to protect our land, our coastline, our birds, our mangroves, and all Guyana.”

On the other hand, Singh indicated that Guyana should not allow oil and gas to be a replacement of the country’s GDP but a plus to it while it strives to continue to develop its existing sectors. He said this outlook will create a sustainable economy because “come ten years from now when oil and gas finishes our economy will still have a base that can sustain itself.” He also stated the country should not be distracted by the expected revenue oil production would bring.

Oil and gas grouping Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Eddie Boyer stated that while he is pleased with the establishment of the public procurement commission, he is also extremely elated that local companies are not waiting for the production of oil but are taking initiatives to create businesses around the sector.

He stated that there is need for new entrepreneurs to meet the demand in oil production and so the PSC will be forming an oil and gas grouping, which will address matters relating to growth and development of the petroleum sector: “We will be ready when the industry begins its rapid growth.”

Recently, ExxonMobil discovered that the second exploration well in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana has a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oil-equivalent barrels. The wells are located in the Stabroek block which is approximately 120 miles (193 kilometres) offshore. It is predicted that production might begin in another five to seven years.

teenager was on Thursday evening killed after a gun he was carrying accidently went off at a farming camp at Canje Creek, Berbice. The shooting occurred at about 18:30h.

Dead is Handel Daniels, 17, of Caracas Village, West Canje, Berbice.

According to reports the teenager was in the company of others but left to use the washroom and as he made his way down the farming camp, the steps collapsed. From reports, the young man was carrying a

gun and it went off, hitting him once to the abdomen.

When contacted, “B” Division Commander Ian Amsterdam confirmed the fatal shooting while noting that a team of investigators was sent to investigate.

He revealed that after the teen was shot, he was picked up with the intention of seeking medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital but was first treated at Baracara Health Centre. The teen reportedly succumbed on his way to New Amsterdam.

This newspaper was told

that persons who accompanied the teenager for medical attention, could not give an accurate account of the shooting but related what was told to them by the injured lad before he took his last breath.

The men were detained and questioned but were later released.

The Commander is awaiting the return of the investigative team to brief him on the incident. The gun, Guyana Times understands, was not recovered.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

Blairmont Estate harvesters on strike

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ield workers attached to two gangs at the Blairmont Sugar Estate are on strike over a price dispute with management and in two days have cost the estate to lose 527 man days.

The workers began their industrial action on Thursday after being unable to come to an agreement with management over the price being paid per bed of cane. The workers are claiming that the cane is spaced and short which would result in them receiving low tonnage, hence the request for a higher price.

Two hundred and for-

ty workers attached to 61B Gang showed up for work on Thursday but did not work, while 260 workers attached to QHE6 Gang showed up on Thursday and took strike action. On Friday, all of the 240 workers attached to 61B took strike action while 145 showed up for work from QHE6 Gang and 97 refused to work.

The workers are also concerned about the state of the roads leading to the cane fields. The striking cane harvesters are being backed by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

Regional Branch Coordinator of GAWU Harvey Tambron says management benefited from a long out of crop period which could have been utilised to repair the roads. “Management had enough time to repair the roads. The roads are in a bad condition.” Tambron noted that management had the materials to carry out road repair during the out of crop period.

He said the work could have been contracted to harvesters.

The Blairmont Estate which commenced grinding on Saturday had a target of 20,281 tons for this crop.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Soesdyke man slapped Teens facing with murder charge larceny charge

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man from Soesdyke was on Friday brought before City Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the capital offence of murder.

Orel Cole, 26, of Lot 70 Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, is accused of killing John Knight on August 1.

His attorney Mark Conway told the court that the accused is a father of two who has no prior convictions. He also said that others are yet to be arrested in connection with the murder.

The Prosecution file was incomplete as such information surrounding the mur-

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Orel Cole

der remains sketchy.

He was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on August 30.

wo teenage boys were granted bail when they appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh, charged with larceny.

Ishmael Austin, 17, of Lot 1980 Nutmeg Street, Festival City, Georgetown, and Kelwin Ferley, 19, of Lot 2094 Nutmeg Street, both appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

It is alleged that on July 30, 2016, at Georgetown, they stole one black handbag valued $8000, one Movado watch valued $240,000 and $7000 in cash, property of Shelly

Benny.

The Prosecution objected to bail since the items were not recovered.

Both defendants also had matters of a similar nature brought before them previously, as such the Police Prosecutor asked that the magistrate take that into consideration and deny bail.

However, the Prosecution’s objection was overruled and the teens were released on $100,000 bail each. As a condition to their bail, the duo is to report to the East La Penitence Police Station once per week.

The case will continue on August 19.

Lindener opts for jail time instead of fine “Medicinal

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Lindener opted to spend two weeks in prison instead of paying a $50,000 fine for damage to property charge.

Andrew Eastman, 50, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman where he pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on August 3, 2016, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged a windscreen valued $30,000 at Coop Crescent, Linden, property of Terrence Reynolds.

The Prosecution’s case revealed that at about 11:00h the virtual complainant (VC) parked his minibus, BKK

Andrew Eastman

6538, in the vicinity of the boat landing at Coop Crescent, where the defendant was seen with a bat. Just moments later, the defendant smashed the windscreen while threatening the VC to hit him.

The unrepresented defendant told the Magistrate that it was one of the side mirrors he damaged and not the windscreen. Eastman told the court that he accidentally “jammed” the mirror of the bus.

Eastman was fined $50,000, but told Magistrate Latchman that he will serve the time in prison rather than pay the fine.

ganja” sends Lindener to jail

Cornel Jacobs

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Lindener, who claimed that he was given cannabis for the purpose of medicinal use, was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $30,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Cornel Jacobs pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on August 4, 2016, at Mackenzie Market, he had in his possession 12 grams of cannabis. Jacobs told the court that he is a coconut water vendor in the vicinity of the Mackenzie Market. He said that he was paid with the cannabis, instead of cash, for four coconuts by a customer who told him to boil the weed with “Bora Bora root” and “Bamboo leaf” to cure his illness. He added that shortly afterwards he was intercepted

by Police and found with the drugs.

The unrepresented man begged Magistrate Judy Latchman for leniency and promised he would not use the illegal substance anymore. This was to no avail.

Eyew tness It's only money...

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...to burn in government

he news that the Government spent almost $3 billion from the Contingency Fund boggles even your Eyewitness' jaded mind. Talk about profligacy!! After all, the Contingencies Fund is for spending the Government didn't anticipate when it presented its Budge – in our case back in February. So we're talking about spending an additional $3 billion on top of the $320 billion that was budgeted then!!

Back in the day when "a million dollars" still meant something, an American politician looked sceptically at his government's spending and remarked, "A billion here, and a billion there...and pretty soon you're talking about REAL money!" He was being ironic about the profligacy of the American boondoggles. But even with our Monopoly money, GY$3 billion is still real money to blow in a couple of months on "unforeseen circumstances". So the question is... where did all that money go?

Well we heard that $406 million was spent to complete the "Jubilee Park" on top of the $73 million allocated in the Budget – but given the more politically correct handle of "Durban Park Development Project"!! This of course, was after some still anonymous "businessman" spent still unknown hundreds of millions to take the project to its "halfway" state. At that time when the project moved from the Ministry of the Presidency to Infrastructure, Minister Patterson had claimed he would use $150 million from a "line item" in his budget and get the remainder from "grants".

So the question is - didn't the government know when the budget was prepared in February what the Durban Park project would cost? Did they believe the anonymous business man would've shelled out $1 billion – which is what this white elephant cost by the most conservative estimate – as a ""political investment" as was described by Minister Trotman? Or did they think he was just being patriotic?

As for the rest of the spending, in an unrelated transaction, $501 million was allocated to BK as part payment on the $1.8 billion agreed to for relinquishing claims on Haags Bosch landfill site. A sense of the kind of spending that actually went into purchasing anything tangible was $20 million spent by the GDF to procure "maps and writing materials" to facilitate the Jubilee Celebrations.

Obviously the GDF, being more familiar with Jungle Warfare, needed maps and instructions to traverse the treacherous terrain of Georgetown.

But what can you say? It's clear this government has its priorities about what's "important" and needs attention and spending. Calls for "stimulus spending" by wage earners and businesses to get the economy rolling, has clearly fallen on barren soil.

Pomp and parades takes precedence.

...your money – for Parking

In case you had any doubts the Parking Meter scam was a done deal, the Attorney General's pronouncement on the contract it was "examining", should disabuse you of that misguided notion. After weeks of "scrutinisation" the mountain produced a mouse - the contract "too heavily" favours the contractor!! You think?!

Nothing about the most opaque process since the Nazis had Germans contractors bid to construct their Concentration Camps!! We knew why THAT had to be kept under wraps, but why the secrecy by the Gang of Four at City Hall on Parking Meters. The Mayor's explanation that they didn't want any "industrial espionage" launched doesn't even deserve a snicker.

Now since this the first significant activity by a Local Government institution since the LGE, we hope the government understands the rest of the officials in the NDC's and other Municipalities are beginning to salivate at the signal of what's the "new" dispensation.

The cut has now jumped form 10% to "whatever the traffic can bear"!!

...to throw down black (walkway) hole

Your Eyewitness was shocked at the pic of the hole in the walkway of the school at Kato. What a construction travesty, he muttered.

Now he hears the hole was made by the inspector to measure the thickness of the concrete!!

A set up?

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

news

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saturday, august 6, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Berbice family beaten, Curbing rise of suicide motion thrown out of National Assembly robbed during home

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embers of Parliament on Thursday used the escalating rates of suicide and the urgent need to curb it as a political ball to criticise either side of the House when the motion was moved

by Dr Vindhya Persaud. The

tem to provide support to students of all ages. She said accessibility of poisons, especially in rural agricultural communities, also heighten the situation, making it the easiest method of committing suicide in Guyana.

Public Security Minister

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the prevalence rate is highest in Region Two. According to Dr Cummings, a mental health unit within the Public Health Ministry has been launched and is manned by a director and staff qualified to deal with the issue.

Meanwhile, Shadow Public Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated that if the Government is smart, it would prioritise its interventions to focus on these highrisk groups. He stated that it should pay attention to the geographical location of the problem.

“The Government’s plan

Guyana that will recommend protocols for medical management of these cases.

He added that the criminal prosecution and the imposition of custodial sentences on those who attempted suicide is an insult to human dignity.

Decriminalisation is more enlightened and humane way of dealing with the problem, he noted. Thus, he called for the law to be reviewed. Dr Anthony stated that for every case of suicide, they many more people who attempt it. The National Suicide Prevention Plan has estimated that in Guyana for every case of suicide there are 20 to 25 attempted suicides while actual suicide in Guyana varies from year to

Dr Vindhya Persaud

motion was defeated.

Persaud, an Opposition Member of Parliament, stated that the motion gave the National Assembly an opportunity to work together to curb the rising rate of suicide in Guyana.

Currently, Guyana is infamously known as the suicide capital of the world, with a rate of 44.2 per every 100,000 persons. It is estimated that some 200 persons die on average from suicide every year in Guyana.

Although suicide may be disguised as a culture, Persaud indicated that Guyana should not become complacent with the sporadic rises of suicide, rather it should consistently educate persons on valuing their lives.

She stated that suicide is ranked as seventh of the 10 major causes of death in Guyana and the leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24; and third leading cause of death among ages 25 to 44 years.

She lamented that it appears as though suicide was happening every day in Guyana.

Dr Persaud estimated that suicide costs the Public Health Ministry about $600 million to $900 million annually, exclusive of the loss of life, family income and the emotional and psychological grief for the family members.

Thus she argued that there is more room for research on suicide and an urgent need to change the law which criminalises it.

She wasted no time pinpointing the deficiencies in the public health sector, which, she says, are contributing to the rise in the epidemic. “The mental health services are inadequate to meet the demand, with only three full time psychiatrists (based in Georgetown and New Amsterdam), insufficient hospital beds and trained personnel in the National Psychiatric Hospital, and no day treatment or community residential facilities, and, inadequate numbers of counsellors, to help and treat patients.”

Further, she stated that there is a scarcity of counsellors in the educational sys-

Khemraj Ramjattan scoffed that the Opposition members would had the audacity to deride major efforts undertaken by the Government on the fight against suicide.

He chided the Opposition, stating that they never saw it fit to implement any of the measures proposed in its motion during its tenure in office. Moreover he stated that the motion is an attempt to pilfer the works the Government, since it included several of the ideas already being carried out by Government ministries.

However, he did agree that the fight against suicide requires a collaborative effort and that he is willing to work along with the Opposition to curb it. Nevertheless, he still casted his vote against the motion, stating that he could not support it in its original form.

Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings griped that the increase of suicide rates did not happen overnight, but has been rising significantly over the last decade and that nothing tangible was administered to deal with it.

She stated that Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has the largest population of attempted suicides, mounted at 36.8 per cent and although the highest numbers of suicide cases occurred in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam),

Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

has rightfully identified Region Two as having the highest suicide rates (52.7 per 100,000), followed closely by Region Six (50.1 per 100,000) and Region Three (37.3 per 100,000). Yet, the Government’s suicide interventions have been a one size fit all, instead of a custom made solution base on the regions peculiarities and specificities. This must change, to obtain meaningful impact,” he opined.

Similarly, he stated that some efforts have been made to establish a mental health unit, with responsibility for suicide but the unit is housed in a dilapidated building in Quamina Street.

He also lashed out that there is no National Poison Control Centre with a database of information on all toxic chemicals and poisonous substances used in

year but it is estimated that there are about 180 to 200 cases per year. “This I contend is quite high. The truth is I don’t think the Ministry of Public Health has real numbers and this is just a guesstimate,” he said, suggesting that to prevent this from happening in the future the Ministry or some other relevant part of the Government need to establish an attempted suicide registry.

invasion

The Berbice home which bandits invaded on Friday

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ix armed men on Friday morning invaded a Lot 2 Seawell, East Coast Berbice home, entering through the roof.

Reports are the armed men climbed onto the roof of the two storey home at about 03:00h.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Deoram Wearty, who sleeps in the lower flat of the building, said he heard strange sounds coming from the upper flat and upon checking, realised that persons were on the roof of the building.

Before anyone could have acted, the men, two armed with handguns and four with cutlasses, ordered the occupants to hand over cash and jewellery.

Wearty told this publication that when he and his sons did not comply with the intruders’ demands, they were beaten and one of the men fired a shot in the house.

He noted that it was at this point that an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery were handed over to the bandits.

This newspaper was told that neighbours, who heard the commotion, alerted the Police but the men escaped

on foot before they arrived.

However, the Police quickly cordoned off a section of the community but came up empty handed.

They recovered two spent shells from the scene.

As the investigation continued, four men from East Canje were taken into custody.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, said ranks were not able to recover any of the stolen articles.

Amsterdam noted that most of the robberies are being carried out with the aid of firearms. According to him, most of these robberies are being carried out during the morning hours.

“From our investigations, we have found that the bandits are always masked.

This suggests to us that there are specific groups in various areas in Berbice conducting the robberies…

Robberies use to be before midnight, we are now seeing robberies shifted to after midnight and what we getting now is the ‘kick down’ break in kind of robbery in the area, so there is a new trend,” Amsterdam said.

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016

News

Govt to roll out drug fighting strategy T

he reigns will be tightened on drug dealers in Guyana through the coordination of various anti-narcotics agencies as the State fights against drug trafficking, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has announced.

The Minister made the comment at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

According to Harmon, the recent establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) will change

the fight against drug trafficking through better coordination of all other anti-narcotics agencies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force’s Anti Narcotics Agency.

“What I can say is that the architecture of the fight against drugs will undergo some change with the establishment of our National Anti-Narcotics Agency that will see greater levels of co-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

ordination of the agencies that are involved in the fight against illegal drugs. And that is something that is going to happen soon,” Harmon explained.

The Minister of State asserted that this will ensure that drug dealers in the country are aware that government has taken a very firm stance on drug trafficking.

Harmon also highlighted that through the coordination of activities of these an-

ti-narcotic agencies, the fight against drug trafficking is expected to intensify as per the President’s expectations.

In response to questions, which arose pertaining to President David Granger never visiting the Head of CANU, James Smith, the Minister of State defended Granger, highlighting that the visit was never necessary since the Head of State meets with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, on a weekly basis.

NANA now functions as the main coordinating agency in the fight against drug trafficking, with CANU being the leading drug fighting agency in the country, along with the Police Narcotics Branch and the Guyana Revenue Authority, playing other key roles.

NANA is expected to manage and connect the other entities as they work along with international drug counternarcotics agencies in the drug fight.

New Prosecutor assigned to 3 witnesses testify Westford, Cummings case as PI continues Multiplex Mall owner’s murder

Former Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford

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new Police Prosecutor was on Friday assigned to lead the case against former Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford and her personal secretary Margaret Cummings, both of whom are charged with multiple counts of fraud.

Both Westford and Cummings made their

Margaret Cummings

appearance before City Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Prosecutor Tashanna Lake was assigned to be the new prosecutor.

The court was informed that the outstanding statements to be presented to the defence council will be handed over when the case

is called again on August 11, 2016.

At their last court appearance the matter, which was to commence, had to be postponed after attorney Neil Boston, a member of Westford and Cummings defence team, informed the court that the statements from a witness was not made available to them.

He claimed that his team would not be able to effectively function in their capacity to defend Westford and Cummings. He further made an application for continuance in order for the statements to be made available to them.

This application was supported by Neville Jeffers, who was prosecuting the case, after which it was granted by Magistrate Latchman.

In total, 24 charges of fraud have been brought against both Westford and Cummings.

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Dead: Ganesh Ramlall

he Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of the Multiplex Mall owner, Ganesh Ramlall, 48, continued on Friday at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Kurt Erskine of Lot 285 Section C Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, Fazeel Bacchus of Cornelia Ida, WCD, and Lennox Roberts of Tushen Housing Scheme, WCD, were all charged for the murder of Ramlall.

On Friday, three Police witnesses gave evidence before the presiding Magistrate. They all testified about their role in the

Fazeel Bacchus

Kurt Erskine

investigations. The case will continue on August 8, when another three witnesses are expected to testify.

Ramlall was shot five times on July 5, 2015, at his home by four armed men.

Lennox Roberts

According to reports, the man had just returned home from a barbeque and was in the process of using an outdoor lavatory was he was attacked and shot.

Information is that the man was shot to his head and chest. The bandits reportedly stripped the man of his jewellery and wallet before making good their escape.

Ramlall was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The dead man’s wife has already testified as to what she witnessed on the fatal night.

saturDAY, august 6, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

GTT systems up and running after cable damage F ollowing severe damages to GTT’s underground cables, the local telephone giant has announced that most of the systems are now up and running on all cylinders.

Last Sunday, one of the sub-sea systems that GTT uses suffered a breakage, causing some of its services to go down. These include the *100# system to recharge accounts, buy data plans and access to other services, including After Two Belongs to You. Chief Executive Officer of GTT, Justin Nedd, explained to reporters at a press conference on Friday, that the outage was caused as a result of flooding in Martinique, during which the underground cables were damaged inside a manhole.

“You got to pump out three meters of water, then get specialists to fix it and bring it up. But that’s a good outage. If it was much worse, like in the middle of the ocean, you’d have to sail a ship from Curacao, put down a remote-operated diving vehicle, pull up the cable and fix it,” he said, noting that that could take weeks.

The CEO noted that the current damages to the cables will take about ‘oneweek’ to be fixed and this is so because the consortium that owns the cables, Americas II, had to fly specialists from France to Martinique. Nevertheless, he disclosed that the repairs are expected to be completed by Sunday, but added there is no guaran-

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tee the cables will not face further damage in future.

“It’s a fairly complex system because the cables run from Brazil to Florida, that’s more than 8000 ki-

the local systems that were affected and were able to do so at about 07:00h on Friday by shifting all of its services onto a back-up system, otherwise known as the redundant routes.

“We do have redundancy. We have another cable that we use and that’s why the internet didn’t go down and that’s why so many of the services didn’t go down.

So we are well prepared, and really, we are the only provider that has that type of redundancy in the country,” he declared.

On the other hand, the outage had also caused major issues at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, whereby the damaged cables disrupted internet service to the airlines’ servers, affecting the

lometres of cables, so for me to say there will be no more outages with the cable again would be quite reckless,” Nedd remarked.

Nevertheless, the CEO outlined that since the outage, the company’s technical team has been working round the clock to restore

linkage between airlines’ check-in application hosts and the check-in counters.

Nedd explained that the airline reservation system, SITA, services were on the Americas II-owned cables and so when the breakage occurred, the systems on that service went down.

CEO of GTT Justin Nedd

“They had a back-up system which was not effective and we’ve since restored that back-up system. That’s why the services came back up within a couple days…they are on our alternate routes,” the CEO outlined.

Moreover, when asked, Nedd posited that he cannot quantify the losses incurred by the company as a result of the outage, but noted that the company is more concerned about restoring full services to its customers.

To this end, he expressed gratitude to GTT customers for their patience during the outage as he teased about rewards to come. The company had announced earlier in the week that because of systems being down, customers were given free mobile data but this offer ended when the systems were restored on Friday.

In addition, the CEO disclosed that prepaid customers who top up will get three times the credit they put in their phones. This offer takes effect from today while GTT has more exciting deals coming up.

(Vahnu Manickchand)

Excavator operator placed on $1M bail Friday as a condition of his bail.

It had been reported that the little boy lost his life after an alleged accident at the Number 63 Beach, as families went there to celebrate Emancipation.

Mootoosammy, a grade four student of Yakasary Primary, had gone with two of his brothers and an uncle for the outing to the beach when tragedy struck.

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Dead: Veeren Mootoosammy

37-year-old excavator operator of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was on Friday granted $1M bail when he appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on a manslaughter charge.

Vijay Arjunandan pleaded not guilty to the charge, which said that on August 1, 2016, at the Number 63 Beach, he caused the death of Veeren Mootoosammy, 9, of Lot 1 Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, while riding his jet ski.

Magistrate Charlyn Artiga also ordered that the accused lodge his passport and report to the Number 51 Police Station every

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 , 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Faulty Kato Secondary School GTT says dialogue with Government more “due course” AG office investigating − not against liberalisation

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uyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is looking forward to fruitful dialogue with Government as the country embarks on a liberalised telecoms sector following the passage of the Telecommunications Bill last month.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT Justin Nedd told reporters that while the company would want to see more included in the new bill, it is nevertheless committed and is confident about working with government and stakeholders to improve the local telecoms sector.

To this end, the CEO said he is eagerly awaiting discussions with government on the way forward. When Guyana Times probed further on the issues likely to be raised in such discussions, Nedd explained that because GTT already has a contract with the Government of Guyana, the company expects that

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

hindrance to liberalisation at all, it’s a matter of due course,” remarked the CEO of the local telephone giant.

Meanwhile, Government had previously stated that it is willing to listen to the concerns of GTT on the passage of the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2016, though it believes that the telephone giant has nothing new to express.

In fact, during an interview on the weekly televised programme “The Public

nothing we haven’t heard but we are prepared to sit and listen with them,” he stated.

The President noted however that by no means will government take any measures that will reverse the progress made to liberalise the telecommunications sector: “We want to make sure that they all recognise that liberalisation is the direction in which the country is travelling and we don’t want any impediments.”

On July 18, the much anticipated Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2016, was passed in the National Assembly, breaking the 20plus year monopoly that GTT had on the sector.

However, the company has long maintained that it is ready for liberalisation and a level playing field, teasing about exiting plans for customers.

In fact, at the press conference on Friday, Nedd revealed that among its plans going forward in a liber-

GTT Head office

the contract is respected.

“It is important for countries to respect contracts in order to stimulate or encourage foreign-direct investments. We are confident that the Government, GTT and our parent company ATN (Atlantic TeleNetwork) would sit and work out the details to that contract; issues on taxation and a few other matters but I don’t see this as a

Interest” two weeks ago, President David Granger made it clear that his administration is a consultative government and will therefore listen to the concerns of GTT. “It took a long time for us to bring to Bill to its present state. All parties now in the coalition participated in the Special Select Committee.

We heard evidence from the major companies, there is

alised market, is to “provide the fastest internet on the Essequibo Coast that they have ever seen.”

The CEO however pointed out that this initiative has been in the cards way before liberalisation was expected to be realised: “This has nothing to do with the passage of the Bill, this has nothing to do with liberalisation. This is all about GTT doing more, this is all about us really raising our game in terms of customer service; this is all about us building Guyana because we are for Guyana.”

(Vahnu Manickchand)

contractor – Patterson

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lthough Kares Engineering has indicated that they are willing to remedy the faults on the Kato school in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson stated that the audit report on the school has been taken to the Attorney General’s office for investigation, and given that the contracting firm would be under investigation, it would not be awarded the contract to amend the deficiencies.

Patterson said Kares Engineering was given numerous opportunities to correct its poor construction works but did not. He stated that they had even requested an independent audit report when an internal-audit was carried out.

Subsequent to an audit report and evidence of ‘slapdash’ works on the Kato Secondary School project, Kares Engineering has stated that no complaint of poor work was made when the building was completed and handed over to Government.

Kares Engineering indicated that it remains committed to the project and “is prepared to meet with the Government of Guyana to discuss issues with the building and how they can be resolved.”

“Kares Engineering is prepared to fix defects which should have been identified under the defects liability period and to remedy those that are applicable, despite the fact that the liability period has expired,” the company said in a statement.

However, the company stated that it was not in receipt of a complaint or request for corrective works.

The school, which was built at a cost of $728.1 million, has jarring evidence of poor construction. There is evidence of walls and flooring cracking, termites infesting the wood and cheap materials being used to build rooms.

According to Kares Engineering in a lengthy statement on Thursday, the school was built to rigid specifications set out by the Government of Guyana and the project was completed within budget, accepted and received by Government

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

without complaints.

It stated that the building meets, and in many

Ministry and bidding will commence soon for remedial works.

Patterson told the National Assembly on Thursday that both the contractor and the consultant defended themselves, claiming that they were pressured to complete construction. He made this statement during his presentation of the Technical Audit Report on the Kato School by Rodrigues Architects Ltd. Managing Director of Rodrigues Architects Ltd, Albert Rodrigues, had stated that the project was flawed from the design phase.

Stating the works were

Already, the stairways have begun to crumble at the Kato Secondary School althought the facility is yet to be commissioned

cases exceeds, the contract specifications, which was accepted by the supervising consultant. It noted too that all specifications and changes in the design or materials were made by Government.

On the other hand, Minister Patterson has placed the extremely defective school high on the Government’s agenda for projects to be completed, which could cost the Government another $140 million to fix.

He stated that the project is with the Education

substandard, Patterson indicated that 50 per cent of the concrete testing failed.

Nevertheless, he noted that the Ministry remains committed to correcting the deficiencies and ensured that when an audit into the repair project commences, it will be laid before Parliament for scrutiny.

The school, which was constructed to house 400 students, has been deemed unsafe and it has been advised that it should not be opened for the new school term in September.

Clerk charged for stealing millions in fuel, gold

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clerk was on Friday made to stand before City Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a charged of stealing $10 million worth of items from his employer.

Rondell Sahadeo, 28, of Campbellville, Georgetown, was not required to plea to the offence when it was read to him.

The charge stated that between May 29 and June 4, 2016, at Omai, Essequibo River, while being a clerk for Paul Garvy, he stole 710 grams of raw gold valued $5.7 million and 80 drums of diesel valued $4 million, property of Paul Garvy.

Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick had no objections when a bail application was made on behalf of the de-

Rondell Sahadeo

fendant. Bail was set in the sum of $1 million and Sahadeo was ordered to return to court on September 6.

As a condition of bail, the defendant was also ordered to lodge his passport at the Criminal Investigations Department.

NEWS

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saturday, august 6, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GEA launches video competition 156 students as part of Energy Month activities graduate from GSA T

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From Left: Paul White, Jamaul Wilson, Anisa Mancey, Tanisha Thompson and Rabindranauth Mohal

he Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) conducted its 52nd Graduation Exercise consisting of its biggest batch of 156 students, on Friday at the School’s Campus in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Attendees at the graduation consisted of the school’s Principal, Dindyal Permaul, Chief Executive Officer Brian Greenidge, director Dexter Allen, chairman of the board of directors and Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education Olatto Sam, as well as Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, among other board members, academic staff and the graduating students.

Speaking to the students the Minister of Agriculture congratulated them for having successfully completed their studies, and offered words of advice as the graduating class of 2016 moves on to other endeavours.

“As you go on to higher and better things, I hope you carry a positive mindset. Your thoughts are yours and must be controlled. It is perhaps one of the most important resources you have,” Holder said.

Holder further advised them to take control of their future and pursue jobs that would enable them to become independent, highlighting that there will be considerations of GSA providing assistance to graduates who may find it difficult in acquiring a job. He asserted that this may be done through the establishment of internship programmes within partnering entities.

“Seize the opportunity with open arms and commit to the task at hand…

The youth unemployment rate across the Caribbean averages 25 per cent, while here in Guyana this rate has been hovering close to 40 per cent. It is clear that we can turn to our agriculture sector for aid in tackling this problem.

Additionally, for the industry to attain sustainability, it must address the aging farming population by promoting greater involvement of our youths in agriculture.”

The Graduating Class of 2016 consisted of 84 pupils who completed their Diploma in Agriculture, 15 acquired a Certificate in Agriculture, 10 graduated with a Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health, 36 received a Certificate in Forestry and 11 acquired a Certificate in AgroProcessing.

Receiving the Chief Executive Officer Prize was Rabindranauth Mohal, who also acquired the spot of Best Performance in Agronomy, Experimental Methods, Veterinary Science, and Diploma in Agriculture Class.

Following him was Jamaul Wilson, who received the Chairman’s Prize, and also copped the position of Outstanding Performance in Forest Resource Management, Timber Harvesting, and Forestry Class.

Anisa Mancey was awarded prizes for Best Performance in Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Animal Physiology and Veterinary Anatomy, Animal Nutrition, Surgery, Animal Breeding and Reproductive Physiology, Pharmacology, and Best Overall Performance in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Class.

he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), as part of its Energy Month observances this year, has launched a video competition for secondary school students in Guyana to make a case to promote renewable energy development and reduce the carbon footprint within their respective schools.

Under the theme ‘My Green School’, the competition targets students of Forms One to Six (Grade Seven to Twelve) and was organised in an effort to sensitise youths at a secondary school level on energy use, environmental issues and sustainable development, as well as encourage learning in a creative format.

Inspired by the vision of the GEA, the students’ video should make a case to promote renewable energy development and reduce the carbon footprint within schools. Renewable energy and energy efficiency offers

the greatest scope for reducing Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuels, diversifying the energy mix and attaining energy security.

Recognising the importance of wider uses and exploration of cleaner renewable sources of energy, especially given the fact that Guyana possesses great potential in renewable energy sources, The GEA decided that in addition to first, second, and third place winners being awarded prizes, the school of the winning entry will be the recipient of a solar photovoltaic system or suitable energy efficiency technologies for a value of approximately $2 million.

The deadline for the submission of entries is September 16, 2016 at 15:00h. The guidelines and additional information for the competition can be obtained from GEA’s website www.gea.gov.gy.

The observance of

Energy Month serves to provide an additional platform that assists in fulfilling part of the mandate of the GEA by allowing “us to disseminate information essential to improving public awareness on sustainable energy, conservation and overall efficiency. The overarching objective being to ‘empower’ Guyana’s youths and citizens as a whole such that behavioural changes can occur thereby aiding in the country’s sustainable development and the realization of the vision of a ‘Green Guyana’.”

Caricom Energy Week (CEW) is an annual feature that is celebrated simultaneously across the Caribbean by Caricom member states. This year, a decision was made by Caricom to have the entire month of November labelled ‘Energy Month’. Hence, going forward CEW will now be CEM-Caricom Energy Month.

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guyana-times.com

saturday, AUGUSt 6, 2016

Regional

Nearly 200 Mexicans stuck at Madrid airport for days

Morocco boxer held over alleged sex attacks in Olympic Village

early 200 Mexicans have been stranded at Madrid-Barajas airport for days – some for as long as two weeks – waiting to fly home from Spain.

They have Aeromexico budget tickets, issued to airline staff and their relatives, which enable them to fly only if seats become available.

The airline says it advised ticket-holders not to fly during the peak holiday season. Most are sleeping rough at Barajas, lacking funds to stay at Madrid hotels.

The cheap tickets they bought are not available to the general public. Aeromexico rejected a

razilian Police said they arrested a Moroccan boxer on Friday for allegedly sexually assaulting two female cleaners in the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro.

Officers arrested Hassan Saada, 22, on suspicion of committing the assault on Wednesday, a Police statement said.

“According to investigations, on August 3 the athlete sexually assaulted two Brazilian room cleaners who were working in the Athletes’ Village,” it said.

The arrest came as Rio prepared to host the

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Many of the stranded Mexicans now lack the cash to afford airport prices

plea from the 183 stranded Mexicans to send an extra plane to pick them up, Spain’s Efe news agency reported.

A Facebook group called

‘Mexicanas en Madrid’ issued a public appeal for help.

“It would be good to supply them with food, drinks, damp towels, spare bottles

liance” aimed at blocking Venezuela from assuming its role as head of Mercosur as scheduled during the second half of the year.

A statement by Paraguay said its decision to call Ambassador Enrique Jara back to Asuncion for talks was “based on the statements made by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro about the government of Paraguay.”

Maduro had accused Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil of entering “a triple alliance” against his Government, a loaded term referring to the nineteenth century war in which Paraguay faced off against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, the bloodiest military conflict in Latin American history.

On state-run Venezuelan television this week, Maduro

for water, fruit,” their post said, adding that offers of temporary accommodation would be welcome too.

El Pais newspaper said some Madrid residents had offered to put Mexicans up for a few nights. Several passengers sent a group letter to the Mexican consul in Madrid requesting help, but embassy sources said they could not resolve “a recurring problem with this company [Aeromexico]”.

However, Consul Bernardo Cordova told the Mexicans at the airport’s Terminal One that he was in contact with Aeromexico and was assessing the passengers’ individual needs.

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opening ceremony for the Olympic Games on Friday evening, with world leaders visiting.

Police sources told the news site G1 that Saada was accused of calling the cleaners to his room and then touching them. A judge granted a Police request for Saada to be held in preventive detention for two weeks, it added.

The International Boxing Association lists Saada on its website as a light-heavyweight “newcomer to the international scene” who has won two youth titles in Morocco. (Jamaica observer)

Actor Danny Glover in line for UWI Paraguay recalls ambassador in diplomatic dispute with Venezuela honorary degree

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araguay on Friday recalled its ambassador to Caracas after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made disparaging remarks about Paraguay amidst a leadership dispute in South America’s Mercosur trade bloc.

Earlier this week, socialist Maduro accused Paraguay of being part of “an extreme right wing al-

(Excerpt from BBC News)

said, “now we are being pursued by the triple alliance or Latin American torturers.

We are being pursued by the corrupt, drug-smuggling Paraguayan oligarchy.”

Venezuela is under increasing international pressure to address an economic and political crisis in which Venezuelans are short of food and Maduro is accused of unfairly jailing opposition leaders. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The damage Hurricane Earl caused in Belize

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elizeans are cleaning up from the flooding and damage caused

by Earl when it hit the country early on Thursday morning as a Category One hurricane.

The system, which has since been downgraded to a tropical storm and is now drenching portions of southern Mexico, caused damage to houses, businesses, Government and private buildings. It also downed trees and electrical wires, leaving several roads blocked.

Hurricane force conditions were experienced

Earl’s winds tore off roof of the hotel in the distance and blew it to the highway and even further

primarily over northern Belize.

Following the first day of clean up, the Philip

Goldson International Airport (PGIA) resumed operations. All bus lines resumed normal schedule on

Colombian Government and rebels agree on demobilisation plan

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olombia’s Government and leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels took another step toward ending more than a half century of conflict on Friday, agreeing on a UNsupervised security protocol, timetable and other details for disarming the estimated 9000 guerillas.

The announcement came after the FARC and the Government of President Juan Manuel Santos signed in June an historic agreement that stated they had reached deals on all major is-

sues and established a de facto ceasefire and the parameters for the rebels to disarm and rejoin civil society.

Under the agreement, FARC troops will gather at 26 locations around the South American country and hand over their arms within six months of a final peace agreement going into effect.

Friday’s agreement stipulated that 50 FARC members would be free to monitor the process nationwide, and another 10 in each of the 26 locations. Under the agreement, the United Nations would have final say on any

disputes.

After more than three years of negotiations hosted by Cuba over such thorny issues as land reform, war crimes and drug trafficking, the two sides are close to a final accord that would be put to a referendum vote. If ratified, it would end the longest-running and last significant guerilla conflict in the Western Hemisphere.

The FARC grew out of a 1960s peasant revolt that exploded into a cocaine-fueled war that has killed at least 220,000 people and displaced millions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Friday.

A damage assessment and needs analysis began on Thursday, immediately after the all clear was given at 09:00h. At 10:00h, Tropical Storm Earl was about 30 miles North North-east of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Earl is forecast to move inland into the Mexican state of Veracruz late Friday.

No significant change in strength is anticipated before it makes landfall. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

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Danny Glover will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters

merican actor, producer and humanitarian, Danny Glover is one of three people to be conferred honorary degrees by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona.

The other awardees will be Jamaica’s track and field super star ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, and internationally celebrated Jamaican writer and poet, Lorna Goodison.

Glover and Goodison will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) while Fraser-Pryce, who became the first Jamaican woman to win the 100-metre Olympic gold medal in 2008, will receive the honor-

ary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), at Mona’s graduation ceremonies on October 28 and 29.

Glover is well known for his roles in the Lethal Weapon film series, as well as in a range of other movies, television shows and theatrical productions. He is also an active supporter of various humanitarian and political causes.

He has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 25 years. He is a friend of the UWI, and was honoured with the Bob Marley Award by the American Foundation for the UWI (AFUWI) in 2009. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Trinidad to host 12th conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas

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he 12th Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (XII CDMA) will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from October 10-12, 2016, in Port of Spain. During this threeday conference an unprecedented number of Defence Ministers of and delegates from the 34 nation states representing the Americas are scheduled to attend.

Prior to this conference, a two-day preparatory meeting was held in April marking the initial rounds of discussions among nations, officially launching this conference.

Although this is the 12th biennial Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas since its inception in 1995, Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to host this event. Previous host nations have included USA (1995), Argentina (1996), Columbia (1998), Brazil (2000), Chile (2002), Ecuador (2004), Nicaragua (2006), Canada (2008), Bolivia (2010), Uruguay (2012) and Peru (2014).

With the world’s eye on defence and security, the theme of this 12th conference is ‘Strengthening Defense

and Security Cooperation in the Hemisphere in an Increasingly Volatile Global Environment’.

The overall purpose of this conference is “to foster mutual knowledge, analysis, debate and exchange of ideas and experiences on defense and security matters” in attempts to better contribute to the development of its member states (CDMA Regulations - Title II, Article 2). There are three “Thematic Axes” that will govern this conference in light of the priority concerns facing this hemisphere. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

saturday, august 6, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the World

Attackers kill 13 at busy market in India’s Assam

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n armed separatist group is being blamed for killing at least 13 people and wounding more than a dozen during an attack on a busy weekly market in Kokrajhar town in India’s northeastern Assam state, officials said.

One assailant was killed during the attack on Friday and security forces were in pursuit of three or four suspects believed to be hiding in a nearby forest, Assam Police Chief Mukesh Sahay told reporters.

Though no group has yet claimed responsibility, Sahay blamed the attack on the outlawed National Democratic Front of

Security forces searching the blast area in Kokrajhar

Bodoland, an armed group that has fought for decades for a separate homeland for

the indigenous Bodo tribespeople in Assam.

“This attack is intend-

ed to destabilise peace in Assam,” Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state’s Finance and Health Minister, told the Reuters news agency.

A second Police official said that six attackers arrived in a motorised rickshaw and opened fire with automatic weapons and lobbed grenades into the crowded market in Balajan, just outside Kokrajhar town.

Three days ago, Police arrested members of the Bodoland front with a cache of weapons in the same area as Friday’s attack.

The Bodos are an indigenous tribe in Assam, making up 10 per cent of the state’s 33 million people. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Japan’s Emperor Akihito to address nation on Monday following abdication report

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apan’s Emperor Akihito will make a video address to the nation on Monday, the Imperial Household Agency said, amid media reports that the 82-year-old monarch wants to abdicate.

Public broadcaster NHK reported last month that the emperor, who has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer, had expressed his intention to abdicate in a few years. Ordinary Japanese sympathise with Akihito’s desire to retire, but Japan currently has no legal provision for abdication. The idea faces stiff Opposition from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s conservative base, who worry abdication will trigger debate about allowing a woman to become emperor.

“I think the Japanese people want to allow the emperor to abdicate,” said Miiko Kodama, a professor emeritus at Musashi University.

“However, it would be unfortunate for the Crown Prince if he takes the throne because the

has only one daughter. Since only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, the throne after Naruhito would

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pass to his brother, Prince Akishino, and then to nineyear-old nephew Hisahito.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa local elections: ANC suffers major setback

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outh Africa’s governing African National Congress (ANC) has suffered its worst electoral setback since apartheid ended in 1994.

With 98 per cent of the votes counted after Wednesday’s municipal elections, the party has lost the key battleground of Nelson Mandela Bay to the Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA).

The two parties are in a close fight for Johannesburg and Pretoria. But the ANC is still in the lead nationally, with 54 per cent of the vote.

The ANC has won more than 60 per cent of the vote at every national election since the end of apartheid more than two decades ago.

Unemployment and corruption scandals surrounding President Jacob Zuma have tarnished the ANC’s image.

Named after ANC liberation hero and South Africa’s

first democratically elected president, the loss of Nelson Mandela Bay is a big blow to the party.

Many of the leaders of the struggle against apartheid come from the area.

The DA, which took 46.5 per cent compared to the ANC’s 41 per cent in Nelson Mandela Bay, says it is in talks with other parties to form a coalition in the municipality on South Africa’s southern coast.

Its leader Mmusi Maimane said Nelson Mandela Bay had voted for change.

The ANC has conceded defeat in Nelson Mandela Bay after initially saying it was going to challenge the result. It looks like no party will win an outright majority in the economic hubs of Johannesburg or Tshwane, which includes the capital, Pretoria, and coalition negotiations are already underway.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

China’s 2-child policy set to bring 15 million extra newborns in 5 years

C Japan’s Emperor Akihito waves to well-wishers who gathered at the Imperial Palace to mark his 82nd birthday in Tokyo, Japan, December 23, 2015

people do not have the same emotional response to him as they do to the Emperor.” The video address will be aired at 15:00h (0600 GMT), said the Imperial Household Agency, the Government department responsible for imperial matters. Akihito has been cutting back on official duties recently, his place taken by his heir, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito. Naruhito

Malawi denies bail to HIV-positive man paid to have sex with girls Malawi court Friday denied bail to an HIVpositive man who is facing charges of having sex with more than 100 adolescent girls as part of initiation rites into womanhood.

Eric Aniva, 45, was arrested last month, after he revealed that families paid him between four and seven dollars to have sexual intercourse with their children, in a traditional custom meant to prepare them to become good wives.

Magistrate Anderson Masanjala denied him bail saying “it is wise for Aniva to remain on remand so that police can finish their investigation.”

He appeared before a packed courtroom without a lawyer, because he could

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not afford one. He could be jailed for life if found guilty of underage sex.

Aniva, who is from Malawi’s southern district of Nsanje, is one of the men known as “hyenas” who are paid to have sex with young girls after their first menstruation.

He is said to have slept with at least 104 women, some girls as young as 12-years-old. The ritual lasts three days.

Last month Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika ordered Aniva’s arrest, after he admitted to the act during a television interview.

He claimed that custom did not allow him to use condoms. Aniva’s trial will resume on August 15.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

hinese women are rushing to have a second baby after the country’s government allowed all families to have two children this year.

One expectant mother said her maternity hospital was so busy she was forced to bring two family members along to help her queue in order to finish all necessary checks in one day.

Authorities estimated that three million more babies will be born each year in the next five years during the ‘second-child baby boom’, according to a report on state-run People’s Daily Online.

Obstetricians across China have been over-

whelmed by the number of patients. Other cities, including Xiamen and Guilin, have also witnessed a shortage of hospital beds, obstetricians and postpartum nannies.

Chinese family-planning authorities predict that an extra three million babies will be born annually in the next five years, pushing the annual number of births to 21 million.

On January 1, 2016, the Chinese central government launched the so-called ‘universal two-child policy’ as a way to tackle the country’s aging population.

This means, all Chinese families who wish to have a second child no longer have

Women in China must make appointments months in advance to ensure they receive maternity care

to worry about hefty fines, mandatory sterilisations and barbaric forced abortions.

After the ruthless and

mandatory one-child policy was enforced for more than three decades, many couples in China yearn to have a second child.

(Excerpt from New Zealand Herald)

Florida cleared to release genetically modified mosquitoes in Zika fight

A ground keeper at Pinecrest Gardens uses a blower to spray pesticide to kill mosquitoes in Miami, as Miami-Dade County fights to control the Zika virus outbreak

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release of mosquitoes genetically engineered to produce dead offspring and thus combat the spread of the Zika virus has been

approved in Florida by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On Thursday, Florida officials said the same species of mosquito had trans-

mitted 15 Zika infections in the Wynwood neighbourhood of Miami, the first cases to be caused by mosquitoes in the mainland US. Hadyn Parry, Chief Executive of Oxitec, the company that created the genetically altered insects, said he was “really pleased” by the FDA approval of the experimental release, and called on authorities to grant Oxitec emergency authorization to release the insects in Miami as a control measure.

Oxitec, a spinoff from a project at Oxford University, was recently purchased by Intrexon, the corporation that produces non-browning “Arctic” apples and fast-fattening

“AquaBounty” salmon. The FDA announcement nearly clears the way for it to release the mosquitoes in an experimental trial on Key Haven, a small island in the Florida Keys. One obstacle remains, however: the voters of Monroe County.

In November, roughly 52,000 voters will decide if they want the trial to go forward. The referendum will not be legally binding, but most members of the elected Florida Keys mosquito control board have said they will abide by voters’ wishes. The trial has been hotly contested, with many residents vocally opposed to the mosquitoes’ release. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

16 NEWS Rodney debate reopens decades old political wounds SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

… as APNU/AFC Govt rejects $400M CoI report

T

he profoundly entrenched political divide in Guyana among its people and politicians was laid bare in the hallowed Chambers of National Assembly over the course of an hours-long marathon debate which began on Thursday evening and concluded in the wee hours of Friday morning.

The activity has since proven to be another failed attempt to bring closure to the 36-year-old enigma that has engulfed the June 13, 1980 bomb explosion that killed world renowned scholar, historian and political activist, Dr Walter Rodney.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, unsuccessfully piloted the motion which sought to have Government adopt the ‘Report and Findings’ of the Commission of Inquiry (C0I) – which had been initiated by former President Donald Ramotar, to inquire into the circumstances of the 1980 assassination of Dr Rodney.

$400M report rejected

Teixeira’s motion was also looking to compel the coalition, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to take measures to implement the recommendations emanating from the Commissioners in their report, “in order to ensure that the democratic architecture of the State is preserved and strengthened.”

This however, did not obtain.

In fact, Government rejected outright the findings of the $400 million CoI’s report.

Using its voting strength in the House, Government amended Teixeira’s motion to ‘acknowledge’ instead of ‘adopt’ the Commissioner’s report and findings.

Government’s amendments, promulgated by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, also modified the Opposition Chief Whip’s motion, to instead call on Government to examine the findings and recommendations in order to ascertain if any are acceptable to the administration and implementable.

The tumultuous debate obtained in the chambers since Opposition matters took precedence in the order of business for Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

The debate commenced in earnest on Thursday evening shortly, after 20:00h but did not wind up until 15 presentations later and a vote taken at minutes to 04:00h Friday morning.

Unfounded findings

Conjecture, speculation and unfounded findings based on hearsay evidence were among some of the reasons proffered on behalf of Government speakers in their rejections of the findings of the report and as such could not support the motion in the form it was presented.

Teixeira in presenting her arguments in support of

recommendations offered by the Commissioners suggest that they might have been out of touch with reality since they are applicable to the situation 36 years ago and not 2016.

Sgt Smith guilty

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

her motion, said the fact that the Report of the CoI was before the House was a small victory for transparency and accountability and she was hopeful that the engagement in the would serve to give some sense of closure for the Rodney family.

She espoused the merits of supporting such a motion in the National Assembly in an effort to right a wrong that had been perpetrated on the Rodney family, the WPA and the people of Guyana in general 36 years ago.

Nandlall, in his presentation to the debate suggested that the CoI could have only come to one conclusion since it is an accepted fact that Dr Rodney did die at the hands of Guyana Defence Force Sergeant Gregory Smith.

He later fled to neighbouring Cayenne (French Guiana), purportedly with the assistance of the State.

The former Legal Affairs Minister was also quick to point out that if President David Granger and Government had that many reservations with regard

WPA, PNC excluded

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who spoke in support of his Chief Whip’s motion, also told the House that it was as a result of the entreaties of the Rodney family, particularly his wife, Dr Patricia Rodney, which triggered the CoI. Attorney General Basil Williams, in his contribution to the debate reminded the House that he was in fact a part of the CoI deliberations and had cross examined Dr Rodney’s wife specifically on that matter. He categorically dismissed the assertions made by the two Opposition speakers and relied on the verbatim records of the CoI where Dr Rodney’s wife had denied making any such requests of the Ramotar Administration.

Who did it?

Williams rehashed his arguments to the CoI for the House and again suggested that the PPP, at the time under the leadership of Dr Cheddi Jagan, did in fact also have motives for Dr Rodney’s removal from the political scene, since the WPA was poaching its members.

The Attorney General lamented too that the CoI ignored the suggestion that the WPA itself or other external forces could have been involved in the plot to kill Dr Rodney.

He was adamant that the Commissioners were in fact handed a task to do and had to arrive at the conclusion which it did.

As far as Williams and Government speakers were concerned, the CoI did not bring any closure to the matter since the jury is still out on ‘who done it.’

Williams in chiding the report, its findings and the Commissioners said “we cannot accept and support the motion as worded… we can’t adopt the report because we don’t accept the findings.”

He suggested too that the

WPA Executive, Dr Rupert Roopnarine

the CoI, its Commissioners – jurists Sir Richard Cheltenham, Senior Counsel Seenauth Narine and Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown – and findings, he was well within his right to terminate the proceedings.

Nandlall suggested that for President Granger to continue with the CoI, it meant that he inherently adopted it.

He also sought to rubbish arguments proffered by some Government speakers that persons that could have supplied critical information to the inquiry were not allowed to testify.

Nandlall said if this was the case, President Granger was free to intervene and have the witnesses recalled but this did not obtain.

Convicted felon

Minister of State Joseph Harmon in his presentation to the debate, criticised the former Administration for preventing witnesses from being called to testify despite the fact that they had been flown into the country and accommodated at tax payer’s expense.

He singled out the then Crime Chief, Cecil “Skip” Roberts, former Army Chief Norman McLean and another person he identified as ‘Jomo the Nigerian’.

In rubbishing the CoI report, Minister Harmon observed that it had relied heavily on the hearsay testimony of the convicted felon Robert Gates, whose credibility was highly questionable.

He too sought to support his arguments by pointing to the extensive coverage afforded to the CoI using the State apparatus, including

PPP/C Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira the shady multimillion-dollar arrangement with Shaun Samaroo, whose reports were biased, inflammatory and aimed at tarnishing reputations, according to Harmon.

In dismissing the report, he said it failed to identify the intellectual authors of the assassination plot and further it also failed to provide any factual evidence in support of its conclusion that the Burnham Government had been at the heart of the plot to eliminate Dr Rodney.

The CoI, he said, missed out on an opportunity to provide closure and moral answers to the 36-yearold mystery but nonetheless the Administration was prepared to accept some, if not all of the recommendations since many are similar to those emanating from an earlier Disciplined Services report.

CoI report also ‘assassinated’

General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee, in his signature spirited contribution to the debate, lamented the assertions cast by Government speakers and said the proceedings in the House was tantamount to an assassination of the CoI’s report.

Rohee was of the opinion that it was distressing to listen to some of the presentations that were made to the Assembly against the motion. Cognisant of the fact that there are “not many around (still alive) today who can do so,” Rohee said, “what we witnessed here tonight (Thursday), is what I describe as an assassination of the truth.”

Upbraided by Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, over his use of the word assassination, Rohee remained steadfast in his position and suggested for the benefit of the Speaker and his insistence of the use of acceptable Parliamentary language that the “truth has been murdered,” by the Government speakers.

Deep divisions

He surmised in his presentation that the Commissioners arrived at the only logical conclusion in its report that Dr Rodney had been killed by a bomb delivered to him by Sergeant Smith, who was acting on the political directive of the State.

Rohee suggested this to be the reason that the APNU/AFC Administration – of which the PNC forms the largest bloc – was having difficulties in accepting the

findings and the recommendations and in an attempt to rubbish it, moved its own amendments.

According to the PPP stalwart, the debate in the House illustrated that “it is clear that there is a division in the House on this matter of national importance and significance.”

Rohee maintains that the findings in the report are obviously damaging to the current Administration and by logical extension, they have to reject it, “that is the only logical conclusion one can draw.”

Nagamootoo’s about-face

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was the first Government speaker to reject the motion saying all were in pursuit of the truth but this must be accomplished on the basis of credible evidence.

He queried whether this was accomplished by the CoI. Nagamootoo’s presentation was however tainted in large part by the persistent heckling emanating from his former colleagues in the PPP. Throughout the Prime Minister’s presentation he was being accused of making an about-face on the matter of Rodney’s death and Burnham’s guilt.

The House heard in no uncertain terms that Nagamootoo had been at the forefront of blaming the then President Burnham for Dr Rodney’s death.

The House was reminded that the former PPP strongman had led a procession following Dr Rodney’s death along with Working People’s Alliance members, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Professor Clive Thomas, among others and was chanting slogans to the effect that Burnham bore responsibility for Dr Rodney’s death.

He was ridiculed for refusing to embrace this position during the course of the debate since he would have left the PPP and joined forces with the PNC through APNU.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

WPA Executive Member and Education Minister for the APNU/AFC Government, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, another of the political stalwarts who over the years accused the Burnham Administration of murdering Dr Rodney, also stayed clear of repeating this allegation during the course of the debate.

He instead, during is unusually brief presentation, chronicled some of the key events that would have occurred over the years relative to Dr Rodney’s death and the investigation.

He recalled incidents such as an unsuccessful request of the French Government to have Sergeant Smith extradited from Cayenne.

By the time the matter was ready for a vote, the initial optimism expressed by the mover of the motion – Teixeira – had been tempered significantly.

According to the veteran politician, the nation is currently even more divided than it was in 1980 when

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

Dr Rodney was assassinated and this was brought to bear through the course of the debate.

Teixeira lamented the various levels of ‘misinformation’ that had been disseminated to the House by Government speakers.

She sought to rubbish claims made which suggested that the CoI had been established strategically ahead of the 2015 Regional and General Elections.

Connections labyrinth

According to Teixeira, at the time the CoI was conceived in February 2014, there was no discussions within her party relative to any elections, since the PPP had resigned itself to a 2017 General Elections.

She called many of the suppositions offered by Government speakers as merely smokescreens.

Teixeira refuted Attorney General Williams’ theories that the WPA and PPP might have been involved in Dr Rodney’s death since it was impossible for either of the parties to be in possession of the explosive ordinances and telecommunications device used against Dr Rodney.

She said the two parties were in Opposition at the time and did not have any access to such devices.

The labyrinth of connections between the death of Dr Rodney and the Burnham Administration cannot be explained away in any other way except to conclude the involvement of the PNC, according to Teixeira.

“I know this commission report hurts you, it hurts you bad,” blurted Teixeira.

According to the PPP/C Chief Whip, based on all of the evidence provided over the years, it is clear that it would be improbable, if not impossible, for any other body other than the State to have successfully accomplished the assassination plot.

Other speakers to the debate which punctuated by bouts of raucous heckling and verbal jousting included PPP/C Members of Parliament Neendkumar, Colonel Damon and Komal Chand while other Government contributors included Junior Public Works Minister Annette Ferguson.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland was forced to intervene throughout the course of the debate in an attempt to maintain decorum during the emotive affair.

guyana-times.com

saturday, august 6, 2016

17

ARCHIE

Pick up the pace and get things done. Good intentions (March 21- will get you into trouble if you April 19) don’t follow through or finish what you start. Share your feelings and concerns.

ARIES

An opportunity is heading TAURUS your way. Learn from the ex(April 20- perience you have acquired or May 20) add to your skills, knowledge or resume, and it will lead to greater success.

dilbert

Be careful when dealing GEMINI with people looking for assis(May 21tance or children trying your June 20) patience. Don’t fold under pressure or get involved in something that appears to be unrealistic.

Plan to while away the CANCER day with someone you love to (June 21- spend time with. A creative July 22) project you are working on will turn into a marketable pastime.

Peanuts

You have more options LEO than you realize. Walk toward (July 23change and make an effort to Aug. 22) learn as you go. Your ability to make things happen will put you in a leadership position.

Organise your schedule VIRGO carefully.

Make sure you al(Aug. 23Sept. 22) low ample time to take care of personal and physical needs.

Being receptive to someone’s overtures at social events will lead to a romantic encounter.

Calvin and Hobbes

Observe what’s going on LIBRA (Sept. 23- around you but don’t take acOct. 23) tion if someone opposes your suggestion. Bide your time and opt to make physical improvements that will boost your confidence instead.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Your intuition will help SCORPIO you make a good judgment (Oct. 24call.

Taking an unusual route Nov. 22) to help someone will turn into an even greater opportunity for you. Romance is on the rise.

You’ll learn the hard way SAGITTARIUS if you trust someone who’s (Nov. 23- trying to persuade you to take Dec. 21) a risk. Stay calm and don’t share your feelings regarding a personal matter.

Last Published word

solution for Last Published Puzzle

More physical action and CAPRICORN less emotional interaction (Dec. 22Jan. 19) will be required if you want to get things done on time.

Making a snap decision is not favored. Take better care of your health.

Evaluate the partnerships AQUARIUS you are involved in and make (Jan. 20choices that will encourage Feb. 19) equality and stability. A contract or agreement is favored and will help protect your interests.

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

PISCES Added discipline will help (Feb. 20- resolve issues with someone March 20) who doesn’t want to pull his or her weight. Don’t worry about losing a friend who continually takes your help for granted.

18

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, august 6, 2016

Rio welcomes world Meet the Guyanese with sultry music, contingent plea for conservation in Rio… R

IO DE JANEIRO (AP) — With fireworks forming the word "Rio" in the sky and supermodel Gisele Bundchen shimmering to the tune of "The Girl from Ipanema," Rio de Janiero welcomed the world to the first Olympic Games in South America with a serious message underlying the celebration: Let's take care of our planet.

After one of the roughest-ever rides from vote to games by an Olympic host, the city of beaches, carnival, grinding poverty and sun-kissed wealth opened the two-week games of the 31st Olympiad with a highenergy gala celebration of Brazil's can-do spirit, biodiversity and melting pot history.

The low-tech, cut-price opening ceremony, a moment of levity for a nation beset by economic and political woes, featured performers as slaves, laboring with backs bent, gravity-defying climbers hanging from the ledges of buildings in Brazil's teeming megacities and — of course — dancers, all hips and wobble, grooving to thumping funk and sultry samba.

But Brazil also packaged its party with solemnity, lacing the fun and frivolous show with sobering messages about global warming.

Images of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, swirling in the Earth's atmosphere were followed by projections of world cities and regions — Amsterdam, Florida, Shanghai, Dubai — being swamped by rising seas.

The peace symbol, tweaked into the shape of a tree, was projected onto the floor of the Maracana Stadium that filed with thousands of athletes from the 207 teams.

"The heat is melting the icecap," a voice intoned. "It's disappearing very quickly."

The crowd roared when Bundchen sashayed from one side of the 78,000-seat arena to the other, as Tom Jobim's grandson, Daniel, played his grandfather's famous song about the Ipanema girl "tall and tan and young and lovely."

In a video preceding the show, U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said the games "celebrate the best of humanity" and appealed for an Olympic truce, calling on "all warring par-

ties to lay down their weapons" during the two weeks of sporting achievement.

There were times after the International Olympic Committee selected Rio ahead of Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid in 2009 when it seemed that the city of 6.5 million people might not get its act together for the world's greatest sporting mega-event. The spreading health crisis of the mosquito-born Zika virus kept some athletes away.

Promises to clean up Rio's filthy waters remained unfulfilled. The heavy bill for the games, at least $12 billion, made them unpopular with many. Heavily armed security stopped a small group of protesters from getting close to the stadium ahead of the ceremony.

But with more than a dash of "gambiarra," the Brazilian art of quick-fixes and making do, Rio is ready.

Just.

The honor of declaring the games open will fall to Michel Temer, Brazil's unpopular interim president, standing in for suspended President Dilma Rousseff.

Her ouster less than four months out from the games for alleged budget violations was one of the many complications that roiled Brazil's Olympic preparations and impacted the opening ceremony itself. Fewer than 25 foreign heads of state were expected, with others seemingly staying away to avoid giving the impression of taking sides amid Brazil's leadership uncertainty.

As Brazilian officials took their seats in the stadium, there were shouts of "out with Temer" from sections of the crowd.

Greece, the historical and spiritual home of the games, led the march by athletes into the stadium.

They were being joined by a first-ever Refugee Olympic Team of 10 athletes, displaced from Syria, South Sudan, Congo and Ethiopia.

Their flag-bearer, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, fled war in South Sudan and ran her first race in a refugee camp in northern Kenya.

The athletes were given tree seeds, plus cartridges of soil. When they sprout, they will be planted in a Rio park.

With "USA" emblazoned on the back of his jacket,

Michael Phelps carried the flag for the U.S. team, the largest with 549 competitors. At his fifth and last Olympics, it was the first time the record holder of 22 medals had marched in an opening ceremony, having skipped previous ones to save energy for competition.

On behalf of all 11,288 competitors (6,182 men; 5,106 women), a Brazilian athlete will pledge an oath that they won't take banned drugs — a promise likely to ring false to many fans after the scandal of government-orchestrated cheating in Russia.

While it escaped a blanket ban, Russia is paying the price in the shape of a smaller team, whittled down from a 389 athletes to around 270.

Iran picked a woman, archer Zahra Nemati, as flagbearer for its team made up overwhelmingly of men.

Another woman pushed Nemati's wheelchair. She was paralyzed in a car accident as a teenager.

After the grandeur of Beijing's opening ceremony in 2008 and the hightech, cheeky inventiveness of London's in 2012, Rio's was earthier and less swish but more sobering with its gloomy environmental look at the future and deliberate penny-pinching.

Creative director Fernando Meirelles said their budget, slashed by half as Brazil's economic recession bit ever harder, "is 12 times less than London, 20 times less than Beijing."

"It is pretty tacky to be overspending," he said. "It is not a good message for the world. When 40 percent of the homes in Brazil have no sanitation, you can't really be spending a billion reals for a show."

"In the end I feel good that I am not spending money that Brazil hasn't got."

After Brazil's most famous athlete — soccer star Pele — said he will not appear, the Olympic mystery of who might light the cauldron remained intact.

The cauldron was designed by American sculptor Anthony Howe, who told The Associated Press he was inspired by life in the tropics. There will be two cauldrons in Rio, one at the Maracana and another open to the public in downtown Rio. (NBCOlympics)

K. A. Juman-Yassin GOA president

Garfield Wiltshire Chef-de-Mission

Hector Edwards General Secretary

NAME: Brenessa Thompson Age: 20 DOB: July 22 1996 Event: Athletics Women’s 100m Athletics Women’s 200m Height: 5’ 4” 1.63M Weight 62KG 137LBS

Name: Aliyah Abrams Age: 19 D.O.B April 03 1997 Event: Women’s 400m Height: 5’ 4” (1.63m) Weight: 53KG/ 117 LBS

Name: Troy Doris Age: 27 Dob april 12, 1989 Event: men’s triple jump Height 5’ 8” 1.72M Weight 72 kg 159 lbs

Name: Hannibal Gaskin Age: 20 DOB August 30, 1997 Event: Swimming Men’s 100m Butterfly Height: 5’ 8” 1.73m Weight: 68KG /150LBS

Jamila Keiza Sanmoogan Date of birth March 20, 1997 (Age 19) Height and weight 1.43 m /4' 8'' — 58 kg / 128 lbs Events Swimming Women's 50m Freestyle

guyana-times.com

saturday, august 6, 2016

19

Australia vs Sri Lanka

21 wickets fall on 2nd day SCOREBOARD T

he second day in Galle finished as it started: with Steven Smith at the crease facing Dilruwan Perera. Australia would take that result if it meant a captain's innings, a double-century to drag his side back into the series. The reality was a world away from that, for in between Perera had taken five wickets and scored a half-century, Rangana Herath had claimed a hat-trick, 21 wickets tumbled, and Australia collapsed to their lowest ever Test total against Sri Lanka.

This was the day on which Sri Lanka made certain that they would lift the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy for the first time. It was not yet struck in 1999, the only other occasion on which they beat Australia in a series. Indeed, that was the only other occasion on which they beat Australia in a Test. In the first 33 years of Test cricket between the two countries, Sri Lanka won just a single game.

They will now do so twice in a fortnight.

Australia were set 413 for victory, which would be the third-highest successful chase in Test history.

Gettable, perhaps, for an in-form batting unit on a pitch to their liking, if everything falls their way.

But this Australian outfit was demolished in the first innings for 106, on a turn-

Stumps - Day 2 Sri Lanka 1st Innings 281 Australia 1st Innings 106 (54/2 overnight score) Sri Lanka 2nd Innings 237 Australia 2nd Innings 25/3 (target: 413 runs) DA Warner not out 22 JA Burns c de Silva b Herath 2 NM Lyon c Silva b MDK Perera 0 UT Khawaja b MDK Perera 0 SPD Smith* not out 1 Extras 0 Total (3 wickets; 6 overs) 25 To bat: AC Voges, MR Marsh, PM Nevill†, MA Starc, JM Holland, JR Hazlewood Fall of wickets 1-3 (Burns, 0.6 ov), 2-10 (Lyon, 3.3 ov), 3-10 (Khawaja, 3.4 ov) Bowling: HMRKB Herath 3-116-1, MDK Perera 3-0-9-2

ing surface against a quality spin attack. Australia have as much chance of winning Olympic gold in baseball as they do of victory in this Test. And no, baseball is no longer on the Olympic roster.

By stumps, Australia were already 25 for 3 in their chase. Joe Burns had driven a catch to cover off Herath in the first over.

Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon had poked a catch to silly point off Dilruwan Perera. And next ball, Usman Khawaja had simply watched an arm ball from Perera crash into his stumps. He was holding his bat but chose not to

use it. Khawaja's dismissal was emblematic of the day: Australia had no clue whether each ball from a Sri Lanka spinner would spin or not.

And so at the close of play, Smith walked off on 1, with David Warner on 22, and a Sri Lankan victory inside three days appeared all but certain. The afternoon consisted largely of Sri Lanka's batsmen frustrating Australia, growing their lead and humiliating their visitors further.

Herath and Perera, who tormented Australia with the ball at either end of the day, scored nearly as many runs between them as Australia did in the first innings.

The story of this day was the first session, in which Australia lost eight wickets for 52 runs. The cricket felt like it was played in fast-forward and at times the action was so comical that the Benny Hill theme would not have been out of place. The pitch was turning, but it was far from a poor surface. But it was as if Australia's batsmen had never seen spinners before. What is this slow-bowling sorcery, they wondered.

Sri Lanka's spinners attacked the stumps and built persistent pressure. Herath turned some and skidded others on. So did Perera.

Lakshan Sandakan didn't, but that was only because all the work was done al-

Rangana Herath picked up his first Test hat-trick

ready. Such was the annihilation that he came on only to collect the final wicket, and finished with 1 for 0 from two deliveries.

Resuming at 54 for 2, Australia failed to survive even 20 overs of the day's play. Australia's 106 was their lowest total ever against Sri Lanka, and their lowest total in Asia for nearly 12 years, since they were skittled on a Mumbai dustbowl for 93 back in 2004.

Herath finished with 4 for 35 and Perera with 4 for 29.

Khawaja fell in the third over when he missed an arm ball from Perera and was bowled for 11 - at least he played at this one - and Smith departed next over when he played back and

tried to cut a slider from Herath. He too was bowled.

So much for the "play straight" mantra Australia had tried to instil on this tour.

Then came Herath's hattrick: Adam Voges drove on the up to cover, Peter Nevill was trapped lbw by another slider, and Mitchell Starc completed the trio when he leaned forward and was hit on the pad first ball.

Starc was given not out but Mathews asked for a review, out of hope more than anything. Surprisingly, the ball had struck in line and was hitting enough of off stump.

Herath entered the history books.

Only one other Sri Lankan had ever taken

a Test hat-trick: Nuwan Zoysa, who achieved the feat against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1999-2000. Herath's wickets left Australia at 80 for 7 and in serious danger of failing to reach triple figures.

In fact, they still needed two runs to avoid the followon, which appeared by no means a certainty.

They did scrape past that mark but soon Lyon was caught in close off Perera and Josh Hazlewood edged to slip off the same bowler.

Mitchell Marsh, at the other end while so much carnage was unfolding around him, slammed a couple of sixes to push the score past 100, but was caught at longoff when he tried for another off Sandakan's second ball.

(Cricinfo)

England vs Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston, 3rd day

Cook, Hales century stand caps England fightback A SCOREBOARD

lastair Cook and Alex Hales wiped out Pakistan's lead with an unbroken stand of 117 on a day that England showed commendable resilience.

Cook closed on 61, during which he become England's leading run-scorer across all formats. Hales was less fluent, but showed the determination he had against Sri Lanka earlier in the season and brought up his fifty from 116 balls off the final delivery of the day. The century stand was this pair's first in Test cricket, in their 18th innings together, and England's first since Cook and Moeen Ali in Abu Dhabi last October.

Pakistan's eventual advantage of 103 was good, but perhaps short of what they would have hoped for late on Thursday before Azhar Ali edged the final delivery of the day. In total, their last eight wickets fell for 143, with the last five managed just 42 as the flimsy lower order was exposed once Misbah-ul-Haq's diligent half-century was ended.

Unlike the opening day, England's openers were able to start in sunshine and the surface remained placid. The Pakistan seamers fed Cook with too much width early on and the fifty stand came up in the 15th over, with Cook contributing 36 of them. The

Stumps Day 3 England 1st Innings 297 Pakistan 1st innings (overnight score 257/3) Mohammad Hafeez c Ballance b Anderson 0 Sami Aslam run out (Vince) 82 Azhar Ali c Cook b Woakes 139 Younis Khan c †Bairstow b Woa kes 31 Misbah-ul-Haq* b Anderson 56 Asad Shafiq b Broad 0 Sarfraz Ahmed†not out 46 Yasir Shah run out (Woakes/†B airstow) 7 Mohammad Amir lbw b Woak es 1 Sohail Khan lbw b Broad 7 Rahat Ali c Root b Broad 4 Extras (b 5, lb 21, nb 1) 27 Total (all out; 136 overs) 400 Fall of wickets 1-0 (Mohammad Hafeez, 0.4 ov), 2-181 (Sami Aslam, 62.2 ov), 3-257 (Azhar Ali, 89.6 ov), 4-274 (Younis Khan, 97.4 ov), 5-296 (Asad

pace did not slow, aided by Hales also finding his groove after some hard work, notably when he flicked Yasir over the leg side. There was little help for Yasir, although he did spin one to bring an lbw appeal against Hales which went to review but had pitched outside leg.

It was Hales who took England into the lead with a textbook back-foot

Shafiq, 105.6 ov), 6-358 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 120.1 ov), 7-367 (Yasir Shah, 122.4 ov), 8-368 (Mohammad Amir, 123.6 ov), 9-386 (Sohail Khan, 127.6 ov), 10400 (Rahat Ali, 135.6 ov) Bowling: JM Anderson 29.17-54-2, SCJ Broad 30-4-833 (nb-1), ST Finn 27.5-7-760, CR Woakes 30-7-79-3, MM Ali 17-2-79-0, JM Vince 1-0-2- 0, JE Root 1-0-1-0

England 2nd innings AN Cook* not out 64 AD Hales not out 50 6 Extras (lb 4, nb 2) Total (0 wickets; 35 overs) 120 To bat: JE Root, JM Vince, GS Ballance, JM Bairstow†, CR Woakes, MM Ali, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson, ST Finn Bowling: Mohammad Amir 11-2-28-0, Sohail Khan 8-040-0 (nb-2), Rahat Ali 5-020-0, Yasir Shah 11-1-28-0

punched off Sohail Khan who struggled to replicate his first-innings performance. Mohammad Amir was the pick of the quicks, but Misbah will need a telling contribution from Yasir on the fourth day. When the players walked off, with nine overs unbowled due to various delays, there was a very different feel to the match than a few hours earlier.

Alastair Cook continued his fine form with another half-century

Younis Khan was slightly less jumpy than in the first two Tests but could not escape his rut, providing England their first wicket of the day when he glanced Woakes down the leg side - a similar dismissal to the first innings at Old Trafford off Ben Stokes.

Misbah continued to leave and defend against some tight bowling, only occasionally breaking free when he drove Stuart Broad for consecutive boundaries, in a manner very similar to how he has played throughout this cluster of England Tests in the last eight months. By lunch, the runs had started to come more freely.

Asad Shafiq started brightly at Lord's but has been slightly less productive

since and could not break the shackles in an 18-ball stay before losing his off stump when Broad made a delivery nip back which he was late on. At that point, Pakistan were yet to take the lead and England sniffed a chance to keep the Test even.

Not for the first time, Sarfraz Ahmed's appearance brought energy to the innings, both in his punchy strokeplay and eagerness to keep the strike rotating.

Misbah's early caution was also rewarded as he moved from 7 off 39 balls to a halfcentury off 93, although one of his boundaries came when an edge flashed past Joe Root who was stood at a very close third slip.

His dismissal had a dose of bad fortune about it, al-

though Anderson was unlikely to see it that way, when he defended at a ball which then came off pad and boot into the stumps. It gave England an opening at the lower order and brought a period where the umpires were in the thick of the action.

A superb piece of fielding from Woakes at deep square beat Yasir attempt to come back for a second, Jonny Bairstow doing well to gather the throw and break the stumps with his elbow - a dismissal which led to a thumbing of the Laws: it was perfectly legal, a run out can be completed by hand to arm providing the ball is under control.

Mohammad Amir's wicket also needed the intervention of the TV umpire when Woakes rightly thought the lbw shout had struck pad first, while Sohail Khan was lbw walking across his stumps at Broad. By then Anderson had been removed from the attack by Joel Wilson, following further feedback from the third umpire, and his over was completed by Steven Finn who was destined to end wicketless again when Cook added to England's list of dropped catches by shelling Rahat Ali at slip. It was the last moment that did not go right for them. (Cricinfo)

20

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, august 6, 2016

Sammy claims to be Hikers women trounce Old Fort dropped as captain — Pizza Hut GCC decimate Spartans, Hikers makes light work of Pitbulls

BY ROMARIO SAMAROO

A

s the Lucozade Indoor Hockey Tournament continued on Friday night at the National Gymnasium, Hikers completely destroyed the Old Fort team, while Pizza Hut GCC ladies made light work of the Spartans women.

In the first game of the

D

team, playing in the second contest of the night handed the Spartans team a sound thrashing, leaving them to suffer a 6-1 defeat.

Doubles from Gabriella Xavier and Kerensa Fernandes ensured this defeat.

In the 2nd minute of play, the Spartans defence was easily penetrated by Xavier

the score 6-1 at the end of the match.

In the only male contest of the night and the final match of evening, the Hikers male team made light work of the Pitbulls team, registering a 7-1 defeat.

Hikers got off to a flying start, scoring in the 7th minute of play as Randy Hope found a way through

Darren Sammy is the only captain to have two T20 World Cup wins

arren Sammy revealed to the world on Friday, via an uploaded video on his Facebook account, that he will no longer be the captain of the West Indies T20 team, adding that he was also dropped from the squad after a telephone call with the West Indies Chairman of Selectors.

In the six-minute video, the St Lucian star said “I got a call yesterday [Thursday] morning, it was probably 30 seconds, from the Chairman of Selectors telling me that they've reviewed the captaincy of T20 and I won't be captain anymore of the T20 team, [and] my performances have not merited selection in the squad.”

Sammy has captained the West Indies T20 team to two World Cup wins in the format.

The news came as a surprise to many as this would

be the first T20 outing after the T20 World Cup for the West Indies when they play India in two matches in late August.

The St Lucian noted that the two World Cup wins were the highlight of his sixyear tenure as captain of the T20 side.

The 32-year-old also made it clear that this does not mean he will be retiring from T20s, nor One Day Internationals while thanking his fans for the support throughout his career.

Sammy, who captains the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League, was cognasant of the fact that the sport must go on and West Indies Cricket must move forward.

“That's ok; I've always believed West Indies cricket is not about Darren Sammy.

They are looking to the future and I want to wish the

new captain – I don't know if it's out yet so I won't call any names. All the best as he looks to lead West Indies cricket and take it forward,” the all-rounder said.

The Zouks for the first time in CPL history made it to the knockout round but were halted by the Trinbago Knight Riders even though Sammy blasted 40 runs from just 22 deliveries.

The West Indies Cricket Board has not yet confirmed or denied Sammy’s message.

Sammy has played for the West Indies in 66 T20 games, striking at 148 and taking 44 wickets.

As the first player to represent the West Indies from St Lucia, as well as to lead the team to two World Cup T20 trophies, Sammy had the Beausejour Stadium renamed to the Darren Sammy National Stadium in his honour.

50 Shades of Tennis Camp enters final week

O

n Friday, the penultimate week of the 50 Shades of Tennis Camp ended and to date, it has been a success according to national tennis coach Linden Johnson, who is also the head facilitator of the camp. The event started with some 30 participants over two weeks ago and has since seen an expansion of more than 60 when the third and penultimate week ended.

“It has been a success so far because our target was to have 60 or more participants and today we have seen that amount which is good for tennis in Guyana,” said Johnson, in a brief interview with Guyana Times Sport at the camp’s location at the National Gymnasium.

Of the 60 plus participants, 90 per cent are first timers, 70 per cent are under-13s and approximately 40 per cent are female, which is an improvement from previous years, where the tournament was held under the title ‘Teach Them Young Table Tennis Camp’, before changing to 50 Shades of Tennis to commemorate Guyana’s 50th

Independence.

“Guyana’s top junior female player, Chelsea Edghill, would have been a product from the 2006 edition of this camp, along with several other male and female players. It is good to see the turn out of the children under 13 years, who could be nurtured for the future as well as the increase attendance in females.

There are also some participants from Buxton and beyond on the East Coast and Timehri on the East Bank,” Johnson detailed.

The event is separated into three categories, the mini-cadets, pre-cadets and children over 13. The minicadets are for 11 years and under and starts at 08:00h and concludes at 10:00h, before breaking for four hours to resume at 14:00h and end at 16:00h. Meanwhile, the pre-cadets are for children 13 years and under and runs from 08:00h to 12:30h. The timing for children over 13 is the same as the pre-cadets.

The camp is an annual initiative of the National Sports Commission, with the central aim of target-

ing players between the ages of four and 18 years, to have over 60 players’ (boys and girls) introduced to the sport, orientation, teaching and practicing the sport of table tennis in a fun way.

The objectives include helping players with the basic skills, assisting players with preparation for future tournaments, train and introduce students to the basic techniques of the game, discover the skills of children-talent identification, amuse children with sport skills and develop habits of healthy competition.

The camp is being conducted in theoretical and practical segments; that is, participants will have firsthand experience of the sport, as well as be knowledgeable of it. The duration is for 40 hours, lasting four weeks.

The panel of coaches includes certified International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) level 1 and level 2 coaches.

Participants will only receive certificates if they have an attendance of 90 per cent and higher.

Maria Munroe (14) passes the Old Fort defence to score the second goal for Hikers in the 11th minute (Dexter Ceres Photo)

night, the Hikers ladies took the game away from the Old Fort team, clobbering them with a 7-0 victory.

Latacia Chung opened the account for the Hikers in the 2nd minute of play followed by a superb shot by Maria Munroe nine minutes later.

In the 15th minute of play, Theresa Copeland struck the third goal for the Hikers and Charlyn Elliot registered the fourth in the 20th minute to give Hikers a 4-0 lead by half time.

The second half resumed in similar fashion with Tekisha Delion scoring Hikers’ fifth goal in the 22nd minute. Shortly after, Kenisha Wills marked the sixth goal in the 27th minute of play. Maria Munroe returned to put the final nail in the coffin to sink the Old Fort team to a 7-nil defeat in the 35th minute.

The Pizza Hut GCC

to register the first goal for Pizza Hut GCC. In quick succession, Tiffany Soloman matched her teammate to score the second goal for Pizza Hut in the fourth minute. Xavier would then return to blast her second and the third for Pizza Hut in the fifth minute.

By the 11th minute, Fernandes marked her first goal of the night to leave the score at 5-0. Rebecca Xavier soon followed suit and got in to the action, scoring in the 13th minute.

Fernandes came again to score her double in the 15th minute, leaving the score 6-0 by the halfway mark.

In the second half, the Spartan defence seemed impenetrable as the Hikers ladies were unable to score any goal in that session. However, Sarah Klatky scored a consolation goal in the 25th minute for the Spartans, leaving

the Pitbulls’ defence. In the 19th minute Devin Munroe came to score the second goal for the Hikers as the score remained 2-0 in favour of Hikers by half-time.

The second half was packed with excitement with the third goal of the Hikers coming from Arodyd Branford in the 24th minute and the fourth goal scored

by Captain of the Hikers, Robert France.

The fifth goal was scored in the 27th minute by Jero Bell before the Pitbulls team found a weak spot in the Hikers protection as Mark Sargent scored in the 29th minute.

Hope, who had opened the scoring for the Hikers, finished off the match blasting two more goals before the close of play in the 35th and 39th minute respectively, leaving the score standing at 7:1 at the end of the match.

Bolt determined to silence noisy opponents

W

orld’s fastest man Usain Bolt has promised that cynical opponents will feel the full force of his wrath when the Rio Olympic sprint events get under way next week.

Bolt will be looking to become the first man in history to win the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relays at three consecutive Olympic Games.

The athlete’s preparations for the Olympics were hit with a setback last month after he suffered a hamstring strain at Jamaica’s national trials. Bolt, however, insists he has fully recovered and is now fit for his triple title defense.

“I think they have not learned over the years that

Usain Bolt

the more you talk, the more I will want to beat you," Bolt

said on Wednesday.

"It's one of those things, but I'm looking forward to it, should be exciting and they will feel my full wrath as always,” he added.

"I'm feeling much more confident now. I'm much more comfortable with where I'm at.

"I never try to predict times, because you never know what will happen.

But for me the shape I'm in, I'll say I'm in much better shape, so I think 9.6 seconds definitely."

A few American sprinters, including Bolt’s main rival Justin Gatlin seemed to be critical of the sprinter after he received a medical exemption for the 200m at Jamaica’s national trials.

(Sportsmax)

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WICB Regional Under-19

21

SPORTS

Guyana disappoints again − West Indies U-19 Vice Captain Keemo Paul surprisingly rested

G

uyana’s horrendous run in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19 three-day tournament continued on Friday, as they were once again rattled for less than a hundred in their final match of this version against Trinidad and Tobago in St Vincent.

The reigning champions were dismissed for an embarrassing 85 all out in 44.4 overs, with only three of their batsmen making it to double figures.

Ronaldo Renee, who has been showing good intent from the start of the tournament, top scored with just 20 while his opening partner Joshua Persaud and Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed made 17 and 14 respectively.

In pursuit of 297 to gain first innings advantage, Guyana was off to a satisfactory start, reaching 30 without loss before losing Persaud, caught off the bowling of Jonathan Bootan. From then onwards, it was pure misery for the Guyanese batsmen as Bootan, who opened the bowling, made constant inroads to finish with 7-23 from 17.4 overs. He received support from Bryan Boodram, who collected the other three wickets to finish with figures of 3-29 from 18 overs.

That lackluster batting performance by the defending champs helped Trinidad to a lead of 211 and in sight of an innings victory. After being asked to follow on, Guyana slipped to 24-2 and showed signs of another poor batting display, before Bhaskar Yadram, who was

finally promoted to the top of the order where he usually bats, collaborated with skipper Travis Persaud who batted at four for the first time, to add an important and courageous 78 runs third wicket partnership.

T r a v i s

Persaud w a s unfortunate to be out in the day’s final over for 19 – caught Dejourn Charles, bowled Bootan – ending a determined innings which lasted 113 deliveries.

At close Yadram was unbeaten on 67 from 121 balls, an innings which included six fours and a six. It is the highest score by a Guyanese in this year’s tournament surpassing Renee’s 55 made in the opening match against Jamaica. Yadram’s effort also brought some pride to the Guyana camp after failing on previous occasions to make the match reach the last day.

Earlier, when the second day play started, Trinidad lost its final wicket for just an additional seven runs after resuming on 2899. Jerlanie Seales was the man to get out, run out by Sherfane Rutherford for 27, ending a stubborn 49 run partnership for the last

wicket. Jabari Mills was left unbeaten on 24.

West Indies Under-19 player Kirstan Kallicharan ( 91) and Joshua Da Silva (60) were the principal scorers in Trinidad’s first innings total of 296 all out.

For Guyana, it was Sylus Tyndall, Rutherford and Looknauth Chinkoo, who spearheaded the bowling with two wickets each.

Guyana will start the third day from 10:00h today with seven wickets in hand and 109 runs away from making Trinidad bat again.

An outright win against Guyana could see Trinidad rocket to the top of the points standing and state claim for the title.

Notable information from a source close to the Guyana camp informed Guyana Times Sport that Guyana rested its best and most experience player Keemo Paul since the game is of no value for Guyana.

Also absent from the team were Guyana’s leading wicket taker this year Akenie Adams through a shoulder injury and Keshram Seyhodan, Guyana leading bowler in the second round due to illness. The source also stated that there have been issues between the coach and several of the senior players due to some decisions made by the former.

At the end of day, two in the other two matches – Leewards need another 308 runs with all their wickets in hand to claim a come from behind victory of Jamaica and Winwards won first innings against Barbados and has a 216 runs lead with seven second innings wicket in hand.

Holder Praises Chase’s Heroics

W

est Indies skipper Jason Holder has praised the heroics of all-rounder Roston Chase in helping to rescue the team from a dire situation on Wednesday.

The regional team were looking down the barrel of a second straight defeat after the visitors held a 304-run first-innings lead and found themselves reduced to 48-4 in pursuit.

Chase, however, struck a determined unbeaten 137, which combined with other contributions from Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich and Holder ensured that Indians had to settle for a draw.

Holder believes the knock more than anything else showed the player’s battling qualities.

Roston Chase scored a brilliant century to draw the second test against India

"He is a character.

People don't know Roston off the field but he is a fighter. I played all my cricket throughout my entire life with Roston - junior cricket, [Under-] 13, 15, 17, 19, West Indies A and now West Indies senior team. I have honestly enjoyed playing with Roston because, the character he is, and you know the way he plays cricket,” Holder said.

"I think a lot of credit must be given to Roston.

To come in his second Test match and play the way he did, in these circumstances, full credit to him. I just hope he continues on in this vein. He knows that this is just the start, and hopefully he can have a longlasting career for the West Indies."(Sportsmax)

22 Mayors Cup resumes on Sunday en route to finals T

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016

he 22nd edition of Annual Mayor’s Cup is ready and rearing to excite the crowds when action resumes on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda, with four thrilling matches.

The knock-out competition will pick up where you left off with the first game kicking off at 15:00h – spectators will see the Police team face Campton followed

by Riddim Squad vs Beavers at 17:00h.

The third match of the day will be battled between Santos FC and Pouderoyen from 19:00h.

The last contest of the night will be played between Western Tigers and Den Amstel at 21:00h.

The tournament will then head into the quarter final stage scheduled for Friday, August 19, and then semi finals on Sunday, August 21.

Mayor’s Cup Executive Coordinator Lennox Arthur

The finals will be played the following Sunday, August 28.

All of the matches will be

played at the GFC ground, Bourda.

The teams will all be battling for the top prize of $700,000 and a trophy, compliments of Aruwai Resort while the second place finisher will receive $300,000 and the ANSA McAL trophy. Third place will take home $200,000 as well as a trophy made possible by John Fernandes and fourth place shall walk away with $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy. Additionally, winners will receive hampers from Ricks and Sari.

The top goal-scorer of the tournament will be the recipient of a three-piece suite, compliments of AH&L Kissoon.

This tournament is sponsored by Top Brands, Cummings Electrical, MACORP, Busta, Sterling Products and Bakewell.

Caribbean Mini/Pre Cadet Table Tennis Tournament

National teams begin preparation

T

he national mini and pre cadet table tennis teams are currently involved in intense training as part of their preparations for the Caribbean Mini/ Pre Cadet Table Tennis Tournament slated for Jamaica later this month.

At the National Gymnasium on Friday, the teams were involved in several exercises to improve certain facets of their game, especially the mental, tactical and technical aspects.

Guyana will be sending three teams instead of the required four to this year’s event. Those teams are mini cadet boys under-11, precadet boys under-13 and pre-cadets boys under-14.

According to national coach Linden Johnson, the mini cadet girls’ team is still in the development stage and due to this, the association does not want to field a team.

The following are the lists of the three squads: Under-11 boys – Colin Wong , Alex De Abreau, Dhanesh Persaud and Khristian Sahadeo.

Under-13 boys – Kaysan Ninvalle, Niran Bissu, Isaiah Layne and

Kishawn Deo. Under-13 girls – Neveah Clarkson, Abigale Martin and Thuraia Thomas.

The tournament which is held annually in the Caribbean, was last held in Guyana in 2013 where the host finished second behind Trinidad and Tobago.

However, due to structural issues, the tournament saw a two-year hiatus.

Prior to the Guyana leg of the tournament, the Guyanese were outstanding in Jamaica, where the tournament will be hosted this year. During that tournament, Guyana won several individual and team accolades. They were victorious in the girls’ doubles, the mixed doubles and the boys’ doubles while finishing as runners up in the boys and girls pre-cadet singles.

Meanwhile the U-13 team which comprised Kyle Edghill, Elishaba Johnson, Ravesh Muneshwar and Miguel Wong won team gold. That tournament concluded with the mini-cadets winning several individual and team prices.

Due to Guyana’s consistent performance in pre-

DCC summer camp to commence on August 8

Flash back to the 2015 annual summer camp – at centre is Alfred Mentore, President; Minister Keith Scott and further right is Coach Garvin Nedd with a portion of the participants at Demerara Cricket Club

T

he Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will be hosting its annual Summer Cricket Camp from August 8 to August 26, at the Club’s ground and pavilion on Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

The daily activities will commence at 09:00h and conclude at 15:00h.

The camp is open to any youngster between the ages of 10 and 16 years who have an interest in cricket and are looking to improve their skills and knowledge of the game.

The camp will run from Monday to Friday for just over two weeks, and will include classroom type instructions/lectures and on field fitness and cricket exercises, and there will be presentation ceremony at the end of the final day.

Registration and atten-

Christopher Jones

continued the high standards set by its predecessors and the rich legacy of the Club in continuing to produce talented players for Guyana and the West Indies.

He also took the opportunity to encourage the corporate community to join in sponsoring the camp as the Club seeks to identify new talents and ensure the longevity and continuity of this great sport that we all love.

Summer camps serves multiple purposes for youths, families and communities and is a great social cohesive opportunity to keep children occupied, away from social ills, and an ideal form of getaway during the school holidays which prevents them from getting involved in delinquent activities.

Fifth Felix Memorial cycle road race set for this weekend

C

Linden Johnson

vious tournaments, especially in Jamaica, Johnson believes his team will execute quality display in the August 22-27 tournament.

Not just the successful trend give the coach hope but also the talented players present in the teams provide optimism of their performance.

The three teams practice daily at the National Gymnasium from 08:30h to 10:00h then from 14:00h to 16:00h. They are scheduled to depart on August 21 and return on August 28.

yclists from across the country are invited to participate in the fifth annual Grenville Felix Memorial 50-mile cycle road race which will be staged on Sunday from 14:00h.

The riders are expected to pedal off from in front of the Felix residence at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice and proceed to Number 36 Village, Corentyne, before turning back to finish at the point of origin.

The first six finishers will receive prizes. There

irect of Sport Christopher Jones wishes to extend best wishes to Team Guyana at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“The pride of our nation rests on your shoulders and no doubt you will display the results of your hard work, zeal and dedication.

The country stands in awe as you represent the Golden Arrowhead with distinction in your disciplines!

We are confident that the spirit of Michael Parris who would achieved Guyana’s first Olympic medal in 1980 courses through your veins and will bring renewed strength and vigour to our success.

All the best...bring home GOLD,” Jones stated.

will also be prizes awarded to the first three juniors and the first three females. A total of 10 sprint point prizes will also be awarded.

The event is organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club, and is being held in honour of the late engineer, Grenville Felix, who passed away five years ago at the age of 96.

Felix, who was one of Guyana’s first engineers, worked with Bookers and the Guyana Sugar Corporation, as well as in various parts of the world.

According to the race coordinator, Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts this year’s event is expected to be bigger.

The Grenville Felix Memorial Trophy is a lean trophy and will be given to the first person who gets their name on it three times.

The race is being sponsored by the Felix family.

Andrew Hicks rode away with the first edition, with Neil Reece etching his name on the winner’s board on the second occasion and Mario King the third.

Seven Seas cycling resumes at National Park today

Director of Sport extends best wishes to Olympic team

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dance will be attracting a small cost while snacks and beverages will be provided free of cost.

The Club also bids farewell to Sachin Singh, Qumar Torrington and Ashmead Nedd, as they leave for England with the West Indies Team to participate in the U-16 West Indies tour. These three youngsters are products of the Club’s annual summer camp that is part of their calendar of events for the past six years.

President of the Club, Alfred Mentore, extended his best wishes to the youngsters as they embark on their international tour, and lamented that the success of these players are a testimony to the importance, need and benefits of the Annual Summer Camp.

Mentore further lamented that these players have

T

Kennard Lovell

he 13th annual Seven Seas 11-race cycling programme is slated to begin at the inner circuit of the National Park today from 09:00h.

The programme will be targeting a wide range of racers starting from the junior level all the way up to the veterans.

However, the main event of the day will see the top cyclists in the country match pedals. The race will include Andrew Hicks, Christopher Cornelius, Jornel Yearwood, and Raphael Leung; all of whom represented Guyana in the Junior Caribbean Championships, held in St Lucia.

Kennard Lovell will be looking to emerge victorious after five laps in the Veterans Under-45 race but will have to outride Junior Niles.

All eyes will be on Linden Blackman who is also expected to outride the other contenders in the five-lap race for Veterans Over-45 years.

In addition to these rac-

Andrew Hicks

es, there will be a 10-lap race for Juvenile riders as well as a two-lap race for BMX Boys 6-9 years old and a threelap race for BMX Boys 9-12 years old.

The event will also feature female riders as they compete in a three lap race for girls between the ages of 12 and 14.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Russell century gives Tallawahs 195 against Knight Riders A

brutal century from Andre Russell pulled the Jamaica Tallawahs from a bit of trouble to a dangerous 195 for seven.

The century, the first of his Twenty20 career, began with the Tallawahs in trouble at 67-4 in the 10th over.

Ten overs was all Russell needed as he raced to the quickest century in CPL history, striking the ball at 227 and getting to the landmark off 43 deliveries, striking 11 sixes and three fours.

Russell brought up the century in much the way he had batted through the innings, clubbing a massive straight six off the first ball of the 20th over from Anderson Phillip.

Chadwick Walton, 15, and Chris Gayle, 35, got the Tallawahs off to a reasonable start, but Cooper, who took three wickets in the innings got rid of both.

Before that Kumar

Andre Russell

Sportsfile)

(Photo by Randy Brooks/

Sangakarra holed out to long off in very underwhelming fashion off the bowling of Sunil Narine for five.

There was much pressure on young Rovman Powell but the powerful batsman was unfortunate enough to be out caught at short fine leg for just two.

Russell then teamed up with Shakib Al Hasan, who only managed 19 in a 100run partnership.

By that time, the damage had already been done, and when Shakib lost his leg stump to Cooper, the damage had already been done and the Warner Park Cricket Ground in St Kitts knew they were seeing something special.

Up to press time the Knight Riders have begun their reply with the score at 18-1 from 3 overs with Umar Akmal run out by Jonathan Foo for six. (Sportsmax)

Ronsford Beaton (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders looks back as Chadwick Walton (R) of Jamaica Tallawahs run during the Hero Caribbean Premier League (Photo by Randy Brooks/Sportsfile)

Rovman Powell (L) of Jamaica Tallawahs caught off Dwayne Bravo (R) of Trinbago Knight Riders (Photo by Randy Brooks/Sportsfile)

Jones aims for first Barbados medal in 16 years Deon Carter Domino competition Ground staff pull covers during the Hero Caribbean Premier League (Photo by Randy Brooks/Sportsfile)

B

Akela Jones

arbados has not had many opportunities at Olympic glory, their only medal coming 16 years ago from the sprinting of Obadele Thompson.

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, another chance comes the Caribbean island's way

through the efforts of heptathlete, Akela Jones.

Jones will also be competing in the high jump and has a chance at a medal in that event as well.

“Clearing 1.98m in the high jump played a part (in deciding which events to contest in Rio),” said Jones.

“The schedule allows me to do the heptathlon and the high jump. I was a little down not doing the long jump, but I am going for what’s best for me, for my country, my training and my coach. Based on the rankings, I am ranked higher in the heptathlon and high jump, so that made it easier to decide," said Jones.

Jones has been preparing well for the Olympics, winning the NACACA Under-23 championships in San Salvador last month.

She has also set personal bests in each of her heptathlon events.

“This is my first Olympics and I want to leave a stamp,” she said.

“I want to be in the final and get a medal.” (Sportsmax)

set for this weekend

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he 5th annual Deon Carter Domino Competition is slated for this weekend, commencing today at the Phantom Sports Club, Meadowbrook.

21 teams will be battling

in the two day competition for a chance to win the top prize of $150,000 in cash and prizes. Second Place will receive $60,000 while $30,000 will go to the third place winners.

The four-round competition begins at 16:00h on both days.

A number of corporate sponsors have already thrown their support behind this event such as Ansa McAl, Guytrack and Big Boss Trucking to name a few.

The matches are expected to have close rivalry with the likes of teams such as Phantom, Rage, Thunder, Killers, Amazon Warriors, Strikers, among others.

This edition will see a new twist with two female teams participating. These teams are Sea-Seven and Impressers.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016

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

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Pg 23

Russell century gives Tallawahs 195 against Knight Riders Pg 18

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