Monday, july 2, 2018

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Monday, July 2, 2018

Issue No. 3611

Govt pussyfooting around on teachers’ salary increase – GTU

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 remain critical following P15 EBD accident

Page 7

Financial bills tabled in Parliament

Legislation to meet conditions of US$35M World Bank loan

Sections of Leguan road deplorable

P10

Page 3

Ramkarran P16 backs creation of 3rd party for Guyana – to support establishment of a unity Government

One Mile Primary P12 celebrates NGSA victory Two elevators have been installed at one of the overhead passes at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). They will cater for the differently abled and elderly people who are expected to cross the roadway on a daily basis (Carl Croker photo)

Scrap metal trade

New legislation to guard against rogue operations – Gaskin Page 9

– as student places in country's top 10

Drunken father’s assault on pregnant daughter

Women’s rights activist blasts weak judicial punishment Page 8

Taxi driver P11 fined $10,000 for overload

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

Financial bills tabled in Parliament

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, July 2 – 05:30h-07:00h and Tuesday, July 3 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, July 2 – 06:45h-08:15h and Tuesday, July 3 – 07:25h-08:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected followed by light rain showers in the late morning into early afternoon.

Cloudy conditions and sunny intervals are expected for the rest of the afternoon with thundery showers and partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:49h and 19:17h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.41 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:50h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.

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Legislation to meet conditions of US$35M World Bank loan T

he recent tabling of a range of financial bills by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/ the Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition Government is primarily aimed at meeting certain conditions for the US$35 million World Bank loan that Government has been granted.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who said that the five bills are: the Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2018, Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2018, National Payments System Bill 2018, Bank of Guyana (Amendment) Bill 2018 and the Deposit Insurance Bill 2018.

Jagdeo explained that the contents of these bills have direct relation to Guyana being able to access the World Bank loan. According to him, while some may want to believe that the World Bank is giving the Government some assistance, it is more aimed at steering the Finance Ministry in a certain direction.

“The loan has several conditions. It will be helpful for Private Sector and all those who are interested in the legislation before Parliament now to look at this document,” he advised, while explaining that the World Proposed Programmatic Development Policy Credit lists several conditions that have to be met.

But the Opposition Leader noted that many of the conditions set out by this institution did not apply to the local economy. In some cases, it requires a longer phase. In other words, Jagdeo said that focus should be placed on looking

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

at the local circumstances before any change to legislation is made.

“There are procedures for winding up a bank’s operations, deposit insurance, emergency short-term liquidity facilities, all licensed insurance companies, cashless transactions (the payment system) and they have targets of what has to be done in how many years,” he added.

Another important observation made by the former Head of State is the fact that the Government can get the US$35 million if the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) works in a certain way.

He pointed to the fact that the World Bank has set as a condition that the FIU must have 20 reports referred to the Police for investigation into money laundering and 10 updates to all of the 2017 cases. The World Bank is also demanding 25 cases between June 2019 and June 2020.

Jagdeo has noted that the Government has not mentioned these facts, and he also believes that all of

the financial bills have been drafted by external consultants as well.

Only seven days ago, the US$35 million loan was approved by the World Bank to support Guyana’s efforts to strengthen the financial sector and fiscal management, and but more importantly, to better prepare the country to benefit from its newly-discovered oil and gas reserves.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan has said that the financing would provide critical support to Guyana’s reform agenda and efforts to strengthen institutions and build a resilient economy that was capable of withstanding both external and domestic shocks. These

reforms, he said, will be key to guide the management of oil revenues for the benefit of present and future generations.

Meanwhile, following the disbursement of this loan, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Tahseen Sayed said that Guyana was making important strides to promote financial resilience and improve fiscal management, and has embarked on a broad-based reform programme.

“These reforms will be key to build a strong economy that is underpinned by a strategic management of public resources for the benefit of the Guyanese people,” Sayed said.

The financing focuses on strengthening financial stability and enabling sound financial development to promote macroeconomic stability and long-term growth.

In particular, it will support banking reforms and depositor protection, the establishment of a deposit insurance scheme, implementation of a new insurance law, and the country’s anti-money laundering efforts.

This Development Policy Credit, the first of a series of two programmatic financial and fiscal development policy credits, is financed by the International Development Association (IDA).

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

Caricom and Guyana

T

oday is Caricom Day in Guyana, and even though the regional body has 15 members, we are one of only two territories that have honoured the day in this fashion.

The question as to why this was so raises the implicit question as to whether Guyana has more reasons than the 13 others to appreciate Caricom. Since in the realm of foreign affairs, every country is supposed to be looking out to protect and promote its own national interest first and foremost without apology, ultimately Guyanese have to ask what has Caricom done for them after 45 years of paying our dues – in all the ways demanded – in addition to hosting the Secretariat.

First and foremost, Caricom has stood in Guyana’s corner against the existential threat posed by Venezuela since it arbitrarily claimed two-thirds of our national territory in 1962. This is not inconsiderable support since the 15 votes of the bloc at the United Nations General Assembly and various UN agencies played a large role in fending off Venezuelan revanchism during the 1970s.

Their votes will be just as important in the upcoming period since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to eventually rule in our favour, but Venezuela has already pronounced it will not accept the jurisdiction of the court. World opinion will have to be brought to bear upon the Venezuelans and the Caricom bloc will form an invaluable core support from which we can expand.

The greatest failure from a Guyanese perspective is the refusal of Caricom to quit their handwringing on their imported food bill which inexorably grew from less than US$2 billion in 1973 when the group was launched to the present US$4 billion. The basic problem was the underdevelopment of the islands when they were colonies to simply produce primary agricultural products that would be manufactured to add value in the “mother countries”. Guyana always had the agricultural potential to solve what is now called a “food security” problem on Caricom’s agenda but it was not taken up.

In 2002, then President Bharrat Jagdeo proposed a plan, soon dubbed the “Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture”, which outlined the constraints to developing our agricultural potential and allocated responsibilities to members of Caricom based on their comparative advantage in particular areas. Guyana, for instance, volunteered agricultural land at very nominal rates to investors from the other members of Caricom. After years of interminable meetings and investigations and reports, Guyanese still have not been informed as to why the Jagdeo Initiative petered out. Cynics can only conclude, after witnessing initiatives such as Trinidad with their failed “mega farms” that there was no inclination from the other members of Caricom to have Guyana develop its agricultural potential.

Another high-profile failure has been the inability to consummate the Common Single Market and Economy (CSME), which was mooted since 1989 to guarantee the free movement of goods, services, people, capital and technology in Caricom.

The model which actually started its precursor, the Caribbean Free Trade Area (Carifta) in 1968, was the European Economic Community (EEC). When the EEC expanded not only the number of members but also their vision of creating greater unity and launched the European Union (EU) in 1973, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) was launched to emulate their goals.

Sadly, we have not been able to form a Common Market, much less a Common Economy. This failure has been due to the same parochialism that destroyed the West Indian Federation in 1962: each member refused to delegate executive authority to an extra-governmental body that could have responsibility AND authority to implement decisions taken by the Heads of Government (HoGs).

But that does not mean that Caricom does not have any other successes. Most of these, however, have been outside the political realm where the HoGs are not involved.

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), for instance, has successfully weaned us away from the metropole-centred and the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) has coordinated our response to communicable diseases.

Maybe Caricom can redeem itself by addressing the cricket impasse this week.

Members of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) during their presentation at the drumhead service on Sunday at the Drill Square of the Guyana Police Force to kick off the Force’s 179th anniversary celebration (Carl Croker photo)

How much longer have teachers with degrees in public management to wait to be upgraded in the teaching system?

Dear Editor, Teachers with degrees in public management should be recognised in the teaching system. Many teachers in the Business department who gained degrees in Public management have to utilise their degrees to help students with the business SBAs, and these teachers are currently not getting paid for their degrees.

The business SBA has changed to more like a research, and this is where teachers with public man-

agement degrees will have to utilise their knowledge gained from the degree.

The Ministry of Education needs to look at the courses offered in this four-year programme.

Most of the courses are Business and Accounts.

How can teachers in the Business department in Berbice promote themselves? The training for teachers in Berbice do not offer training in Business, and the Business programme (Degree in Public

Management) offered at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus is not recognised in the teaching system.

These teachers are very unhappy, because they have to utilise their knowledge gained from the degree programme to help students and they do not get paid for that. Teachers who gained degrees in Public Management were allowed to do the Diploma in Education (Business studies), and when they

completed that programme, they got an AM status instead of a TGM status.

The Ministry of Education should consider upgrading those teachers in the Business department with degreed in Public Management, because these teachers are efficiently utilising their knowledge and they deserve to be upgraded.

Yours sincerely, Nicholette Simpson

The next hurdle…

Dear Editor, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has made its ruling that the term limit for presidency in Guyana stays in force. It is the law, as the court asserts; no one can run for the office of President exceeding two times. It was a long anticipated outcome to a very simple case: whether we should set this matter to a referendum and let the people decide, or go the “political route” that this Government took upon itself and won.

The PNC/APNU Government, fearing the worst case scenario if they went to the people of this country, played their race trump card well and decided to go to their friends at The CCJ to let them legitimise their pathetic position; and the court graciously obliged.

Now, it is a hollow decision by this Byron fellow,

and an even hollower victory for the regime, because the PNC/APNU have to return to the same people of this country for a decision as to which person or party they would like to govern them.

Come 2020, this would be the next real case scenario that would confront them.

They cannot push that aside and pretend it does not exist.

Yes, elections are just around the corner, and that great decision would have to be addressed all over again.

A word to the PNC: Having been denied the ability to choose right now, we, the people, anxiously await that time when we would unequivocally cast our vote on the side of sound, educated reasoning as to who we want as our leader, party and Government.

That right none of these present voodoo doctors can

deny us. So, my advice to the Byron guy is: go into retirement with that seared conscience of yours.

Now, here is where the rubber hits the road: the PNC believe this ruling in effect cripples the PPP, because their “strongman”, Dr Jagdeo, cannot run for president; so it means that it automatically brings an end to the PPP’s fortunes.

Wrong! As the master statesman rightly said, this ruling does not in any way hinder him. Rather, it strengthens him as he works assiduously for, and with, the new PPP Presidential Candidate to win the next election. This is a bold and assertive statement coming from a man who knows what lies ahead. Statements like these unnerve the Government’s side, as all attempts to stymie Jagdeo’s

movements are met with even firmer resolve. The question right now is: How to stop an unstoppable PPP Train.

The situation gets even worse when you talk to Government’s very own supporters, who would use terms like these: “Things were better under The PPP,” or “You coulda see you way under the PPP, we can’t do that now.”

Those words are like pincers in their flesh, because those are the sentiments coming from within their ranks. How to deal with that groundswell of discontent against them, while at the same time the masses looking towards the Opposition for help is anybody’s guess what would be their fate come next election.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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Arrest Warrant Treaty for discussion at Caricom Heads of Govt meeting

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

A

s regional players gather for the 39th Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Conference commencing Wednesday in Montego Bay, Jamaica, tackling crime is expected to be the topic of interest.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, in a recent interview told Guyana Times, that the Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty would come up for discussion, among other issues that Caricom leaders have been “ironing out”.

The Treaty was signed

by Member States at the

38th Regular Meeting of Heads of State in July 2017 in Grenada. However, up to May of this year, Guyana was only one of three signatories to ratify the Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty. It is expected that more countries will operationalise the regional agreement, which will impact upon how Member States send and receive persons accused of committing crimes in their countries.

The 39th Regular Meeting will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre July 4-6 under the watch of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is currently serving as Caricom Chairman.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister also revealed that the meeting will also be graced with the presence of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Chilean President Sebastián Piñera.

When Guyana ratified the Treaty earlier this year, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had explained that the objective of the Treaty was to establish within the Caribbean Community a system of arrest and surrender of requested persons in the pursuit of crim-

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

inal prosecutions. He noted that it would be applicable for offences or executing custodial sentences where persons have fled from justice after being convicted or sentenced in another jurisdiction.

The Treaty required three signatures to bring it into force and Barbados and The Bahamas were the other two signatories. The Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty simplifies the procedure of returning fugitives to the country where charges have been laid. In addition, it also removes the complexity, costs and potential for delay in the

extradition procedures between and among some Member States, creating a more efficient system.

In recent times, two high-profile cases involving Guyana and the United States showed the need for

clear guidelines regarding the extradition of suspected criminals. The first is the infamous case of US businessman and philanthropist Marcus Bisram, who is fighting extradition to answer to a charge of

murdering a Berbice carpenter in November 2016 who allegedly rebuffed his sexual advances. There is also the case of Troy Thomas, who fled here after being wanted in connection with a Richmond Hill, Queens, New York murder that occurred in December 2011.

As Caricom countries continue to implement measures to address such matters, both Bisram and Thomas remain incarcerated as they continue to fight extradition on two sides of the Atlantic. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Labourer found hanging at Silver Hill

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21-year-old man was on Wednesday last found hanging from a chicken pen at Silver Hill, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The dead man has been identified as Nigel Samuels, a farm labourer of Silver Hill.

Based on reports received, the now dead man was employed with Wesley Smith and his brother Elvis Smith for the past two weeks, but only recently started to live at the farm with his school-age brother

who attends school a short distance away.

However, on the day in question, the now deceased man had breakfast in the morning as normal after which he went to tend to the chickens. After some time elapsed, one of the owners of the farm went to check on Samuels only to find him hanging from a piece of rope that was tied to a rafter in the chicken pen.

The Rural Constable in the area was immediate-

ly contacted and in turn informed the Police. The body was subsequently taken down and examined by the Police, but there were no marks of violence.

As such, the Police ruled out foul play, and the body was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). A post-mortem performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as hanging. The body was handed over to the family for burial.

Drivers continue to be victimised by traffic ranks

Dear Editor, It should be noted that roads in Guyana, like those in most countries, have legally assigned numerical maximum speed limits that apply to both urban and rural roads. As such, speed limits’ enforcement is the action taken by the appropriate empowered authority, the Guyana Police Force, to ensure that vehicles comply with the legal speed limits.

The methods used to enforce speed limits have always been controversial, and even more so in Guyana.

In most countries of the world, speed limit signs display the limitation using black text within a red circle with a white background. This design follows the "Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals ".

On September 25th, 2008, Guyana assented to

this UN treaty, but failed to comply with the UN Convention on signs and signals in the erection of speed limit signs across the country.

The Government, through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is mandated to ensure that drivers are safe, and do not exceed the legal speed limits. Based on the UN Convention, it is absolutely necessary to ensure there is proper installation of road signs along the roadways in Guyana, especially when there is a change of the speed limit on the road.

It is evident that drivers are being charged for exceeding speed limits when there are no speed limit signs erected. This is a clear violation of the rights of the drivers, and should be corrected immediately by the relevant authorities.

Presently, there are ad-

vertising signs erected by Pepsi and other companies to guide you in regard to the names of villages, and at the bottom of these signs, there is a small indication of the speed limits.

This is not legal, based on the Vienna Convention on Roads Signs, and as such, Traffic officers should stop this unnecessary victimisation until proper, visible signs are erected to display speed limits on the roads.

I am absolutely convinced that in Region Five and Six, drivers have the most traffic charges in the entire country on a yearly basis. This adds to the constant burdens that are now imposed on drivers: increases in fuel prices, payment of NIS, removal of tints, ban on used tyres etc.

While these are sometimes considered the law, Government continues to fail Guyanese. For example,

the ban on used tyres by the coalition Government leaves drivers with no other option but to purchase new tyres for their vehicles, while the Government, which is responsible for fixing the potholes, is unable to do so; and, as such, when the drivers drive into the potholes, their tyres are damaged and this results in drivers losing thousands of dollars because of the Government’s incompetence and mismanagement.

Since there is a campaign to enforce the tint law on vehicles, we need to establish if, since implementation of the tint laws, there has been a reduction in crime, as that was the intended purpose. There definitely was no reduction in crime, and since 2015, there is an increase of crime in Guyana; so we can conclude that the ban on tint was ineffective, and, as such, it

should be reviewed.

Finally Traffic officers issue speeding tickets if you exceed the speed limits by even one km per hour. This is definitely unreasonable, and provision should be made to ensure a 5 - 10kmper-hour flexible rage, to ease unconscionable burdens on drivers and help in

the elimination of corruption by Traffic ranks.

Based on the review by the masses, the present Minister of Public Security is incompetent, and fails in the management of this sector.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

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Foundation – my birthing experience derailed me and my son

…emotional scripting – working to evoke specific emotions in students – adds a new layer to lessons to make them more memorable

By Harry O'Malley

H

ave you ever finished teaching a class and thought, “Ugh. That was like pulling teeth! I felt like I was talking to a wall. Everyone was so unmotivated.” Of course you have – we all have. But why do experiences like this happen, and how do we avoid them? More importantly, how do we replace them with richer, more fulfilling experiences for ourselves and our learners? One approach is to try consciously using emotion.

Emotional scripting is a technique that involves intentionally creating different emotional states for learners at different stages of a lesson – it’s like an additional layer in a lesson plan. Instead of a plan that consists solely of a sequence of teacher and student actions, this technique adds the emotional states that will occur throughout each lesson segment.

By being mindful of the emotions we conjure in our students, we can turn dull, forgettable learning experiences into colourful, memorable ones.

An example of emotional scripting To see how emotional scripting can significantly change a learner’s experience without changing the content of the lesson, imagine asking students to complete a sheet of multiplication facts. Here are three possible ways to do this: Ask them to complete the sheet while you walk around and monitor.

Say, “Ready, set, go!” and then start a timer and play suspenseful music.

Ask students to close their eyes as you start some slow, meditative music. Count down slowly from five to one, and then ask students to open their eyes, pick up their pencil, and complete the sheet at their own pace. Instruct them to

put their pencil down once they finish, close their eyes, and wait for a bell to indicate the task is over.

The academic content of these three tasks is the same, but the emotions experienced are different. Each sequence could be appropriate depending on the context. Incorporating emotional scripting allows us to be intentional about what emotions we are prompting.

The wheel of emotions In order to inject emotion into our learning experiences, we can start by familiarising ourselves with the emotions we have to work with.

For that, I consult Robert Plutchik’s wheel of emotions.

Plutchik’s diagram features eight main emotions – joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, and anticipation – and other emotions that are varying intensities of these eight. The truth is, whether you plan for it or not, your students are always experiencing one or more of these emotions at all points in your lesson. Emotional scripting helps us move them through a specific sequence that we plan for.

Start with one emotion To get started with emotional scripting, it’s best to pick a single emotion and try inserting it into one of your lessons. Here are a few examples of how this might be done.

Surprise: After passing out copies of The Secret Garden, a colleague of mine had students reach under their chairs. There each student found a sealed envelope. When they opened it, they found the name of one of the characters in the book – they would be assuming that identity during the class’s reading of the book.

Disgust: After reading about cultures in which people eat insects, a colleague of mine engaged his students in a taste test. He had

By Megan McCue

them close their eyes and told them reach into a bag, pull out an insect, and start to chew it. The bag didn’t really hold insects – it contained candy. But until the students realised that, the feeling of disgust made the moment memorable.

Anticipation: In the activity “Will It Hit the Hoop?,” Dan Meyer repeatedly shows learners video of himself shooting a basketball. But instead of showing the whole shot, he pauses the video when the ball is at the top of its flight, robbing them of the satisfaction of seeing whether it goes in or not. They have to mathematically analyse the trajectory to make a prediction before the video is finally unpaused, revealing the fate of the shot—and the fate of their prediction.

Putting it all together Once you get comfortable with basic emotional scripting, you can experiment with designing whole lessons for emotion. For example, I designed a paper airplane lesson as a capstone to a unit on linear functions in eighth grade.

In the lesson, students create paper airplanes according to a set of rules and see how far each will fly. The students experience joy immediately just from knowing that this math class will involve making and flying planes.

As I describe the rules for making the planes, students begin to make predictions and anticipate the outcomes. As they wait their turn to fly, there is a bit of fear and apprehension – hoping their plane goes far with everyone watching.

And as students’ planes achieve different levels of success and do unexpected things, a broad range of emotions come into play: surprise, anger, sadness, and more joy.

Emotional scripting is a rewarding skill to add to your teaching toolbox, with the potential to make your classroom a richer, more enjoyable place. (edutopia.org)

I

’m not going to sugarcoat it: my pregnancy and birth were both commonplace, boring even, yet shockingly demoralising and traumatic upon reflection. I ignored all of my gut instincts, placing trust in strangers with white coats. At 40 weeks pregnant, my OB aggressively “swept” my cervix hours before pressuring me into an induction.

“Baby’s safer on the outside”, she assured me. Confused and scared, I quietly acquiesced, as my dream of a natural birth quickly vanished.

Babies actually vary in how long they stay in the womb, under normal conditions, by about 50 days (Montagu, 1968). A baby is thought to chemically signal when s/he is ready.

Informed consent was absent from the hospital’s one-size-fits-all procedures.

My labor was dictated by their rules and timetable: I watched in defeat as a whirlwind of interventions unfolded. My crumpled birth plan silently mocked me from the floor.

Informed consent is the ethical practice of informing patients about risks of optional treatment and giving them a choice about their implementation. A signature on a form with information is the standard way of obtaining consent.

Once my son was born, brief skin-to-skin was allowed before he was whisked away to be poked and prodded, screaming under bright fluorescent lights.

Lying awake in the hospital bed alone, I was suddenly struck by how numb I felt: completely void of emotions. I had no interest in my

baby. No maternal feelings to muster after my body had been flooded with drugs and stripped of its confidence, dignity, and power.

During unimpeded labor, various hormones in the mother’s body like oxytocin and epinephrine are released, suppressing pain, coordinating uterine contractions and supporting emotional bond-

fighting against my son’s needs and simply give in to my new reality?

Was it possible he wasn't just "manipulating" me?

Could my son actually guide me in my new role as mother?

Armed with a fresh perspective, I witnessed my maternal instincts begin to surface. Instead of daydreaming

ing, facilitating memory and social reward (Buckley, 2015; Lévy, Kendrick, Goode, Guevara-Guzman, Keverne, 1995). Artificial oxytocin given to induce labor interferes with these natural processes (Insel, Gingrich, & Young, 2001).

The first weeks postpartum are a blur. Vague images of takeout pizza and cracked nipples flash by. What I will never forget, however, are the intense feelings of helplessness and, I’m ashamed to admit, anger, that consumed me. My son had “colic”, and his cries pierced our ears and hallways at all hours of the day. I scoured books and online articles for remedies with no luck. A voice within whined desperately, “How can I get out of this?!”

The only time my son seemed content was while sleeping next to me at night.

His insistence on being physically close terrified me, as I’d been indoctrinated with SIDS and “spoiled baby” warnings, and was busy planning my escape back to work. He needs to learn to sleep alone in his crib, I scolded myself as he nestled into the crook of my arm each night. The rational part of my brain that had pushed me through pregnancy and birth was fighting hard to suppress my buried maternal instincts.

But my son was determined to bring my maternal instincts to life. One day, I was tired of feeling, well, tired, and sought out solidarity in a new mom’s group. The facilitator offered me her copy of James McKenna’s book, Sleeping with Your Baby, sending me home sceptical but curious.

That day was a turning point; his book sparked radical thoughts within me: Should I (could I?) stop

about getting my "real" life back, I slowed down and started tuning in to my son's subtle communication. I grew more confident in following his lead, and began embracing parenting practices I’d previously considered strange, irresponsible even: postponing full-time work and living off savings to be home, responding sensitively to crying bouts, carrying him throughout the day, breastfeeding on request, and safely bedsharing.

Babies, physiologically like foetuses until 18 months of age, expect the evolved nest to grow properly. The evolved nest is provided routinely in preindustrial countries where mothers have extended social support and the pressures to engineer a child’s development are absent.

Diverting from my society’s rules and expectations was not without its bumps in the road – new parenthood is territory both uncharted and often, uncomfortable. But this new way of seeing my child challenged me to be more aware, reflective, and empathetic. Over the months, my son and I built a magnetic, transformative bond that continues to humble me daily.

The trauma we both endured during birth was far from an ideal start, but it served a purpose on my journey towards a more conscious way of parenting. It is a daily reminder of the consequences of ignoring my inner wisdom. Whenever I find myself tempted by the quick fixes, fear, and doubt that our culture pushes on new and expecting parents, I simply look at my son and remember: Only when I turn inward and trust can I receive the innumerable life-changing lessons he is here to teach me. (psycholo-

gytoday.com)

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monDAY, july 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt pussyfooting around on teachers’ salary increase – GTU T he Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is growing weary of the continuous delays and excuses being made by Government with regard to the proposal for an increase in teachers’ salaries and other benefits.

While Education Minister Nicolette Henry has said that the matter was now in the hands of Cabinet and that recommendations were made and submitted for initial evaluation, the GTU said it was fed up.

GTU President Mark Lyte told Guyana Times on Sunday that the Union has learnt unofficially that the work of the High-Level Task Force of Public Education has been dealt with by Cabinet.

However, he said the Union was yet to hear a word from the Government on its decision.

Lyte recalled that the GTU had written President David Granger about the slow pace at which the negotiations were proceeding and not being able to get a response, among other concerns.

He said that missive was dispatched on June 5.

The Government responded and said that the Finance Ministry is advising Cabinet on the matter. The GTU only received the letter last Friday, June 29.

Asked whether the Union was confident that a decision could be made soon now that the matter was with Cabinet, the GTU President said there was not even the slightest optimism, given how the issue was dealt with.

GTU President Mark Lyte

“We are obviously very concerned because the Task Force has completed its work and we are still to hear from Cabinet on a decision… three months after,” he reminded.

Lyte also recapped that the Task Force had completed its work and handed over its report to the Minister on April 6, but there was still no concrete word on when Cabinet could make a pronouncement.

“All we are told is that the Finance Ministry is advising and that is not enough word for comfort,” he added.

The GTU official also pointed out that the Government has been claiming that teachers were important, yet its action seemed to differ as there was no real genuine effort being made to address their needs.

“And just recently, we were being told that private schools are outperforming public schools and only when exam time comes people feel it. But this is a result of the low motivation,” he explained.

The establishment of the Task Force, which comprised Government and Union representatives, followed on the heels of threats of strike action from the GTU in retaliation for the slow pace of addressing the pay increase for teachers. This led to its establishment to fast-track the salary issue.

Earlier in April, the same High-Level Task Force was engaged in a meeting, whereby the factors affecting teachers were discussed, with the possibility of them receiving an increase in their monthly salaries.

However, since May, it was revealed that the matter was within the remit of the Finance Ministry.

The Union has proposed a series of increases. These, it said, were proposed with the aim of improving the financial stability of teachers, who are the most significant figures within society.

A 40 per cent salary increase for public school teachers was proposed for the year 2016. Over time, the percentage would be increased for all categories of represented teachers.

For the year 2017, the Union was hoping to have bargained for a 45 per cent increase, which would then increase to 50 per cent for the remainder of the years indicated in the agreement (2018-2020).

Among its list of proposals that are still in queue for a response are the duty-free concessions that the Union has been making pleas for in the past few years.

The proposal had been reapproved by Minister of

State, Joseph Harmon, in 2017, but since then there have been no further discussions on when or if this would be implemented.

The GTU is hoping that negotiations with this current Administration would see teachers being placed in scales which will reflect the results of the debunching, in keeping with the Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) governing the period 2011-2015.

This would mean that teachers with advanced levels of training would be placed on a scale that is different from those of recently-graduated teachers.

Importantly, also, the GTU has proposed that the payment of sums of money in regard to debunching be retroactive to 2011,

when the previous MoU was inked. And if the MoU is approved, teachers would also benefit from monthly emotional, stress, risk and maintenance allowances.

The Union had said that the extensive proposal also included benefits for teachers serving in hinterland communities and addressed the need for scholarships and other non-salary issues.

“Rediscover your values,” Rev Massiah tells Police Officers

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine and other top-ranking members of the Disciplined Services at the drumhead service

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Sunday morning held a drumhead service to kick off its 179th anniversary celebration, at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

Amid rain showers, the service featured songs, scripture readings, prayers and thanksgiving, along with the piling of drums and laying of flags. It was the first event among many scheduled for the month of July.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that the GPF chaplain, Reverend Patrick Doolichand opened the ser-

vice with a prayer and was followed by the piling of the drums and laying of the flags by an all-female unit.

Delivering the feature address, Reverend Murtland Raphael Massiah commended the Force for the good work they have done for the citizens of Guyana in the past 179 years. He encouraged the officers to rediscover and uphold the values they were raised on.

“You must rediscover your set of values; you must cherish those values and you must protect those values and make those values clear and don’t shift from it.

By embracing those values, you will survive [another]

179 years.”

The drumhead service concluded with a benediction by Reverend Massiah, singing of The National Anthem and the unpiling of drums.

Attending the service were Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West; Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine; Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle; Director of Prisons (ag) Gladwin Samuels; several other officers and ranks of the Joint Services; members of the Diplomatic Corps; and other invitees.

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monDAY, july 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Drunken father’s assault on pregnant daughter

Women’s rights activist blasts weak judicial punishment

– says alcoholism wreaking havoc on society

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inister with responsibility for social cohesion and for culture youth and sport, Dr George Norton, had indicated in September 2017 that an Alcohol Control Bill would be introduced in Parliament. He had, at that time, called for increases in the ages of those allowed to purchase alcohol and those allowed to consume same, having also expressed concern at the way in which people conduct themselves while being under the influence of alcohol.

Just recently, a father of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara assaulted his pregnant adult daughter by cuffing and kicking her, because he “didn’t like the way” she was speaking to him after she had objected to his disorderly behaviour while under the influence, which normally includes swearing at family members.

Wales Magistrate Dylon Bess has placed that father on a 6-month bond to keep the peace, and he is expected to maintain sober conduct; failing which, he would be incarcerated for 6 months.

However, in the view of Social and Women’s Rights Activist Nicole Cole, a stronger penalty should have been imposed on that offender for his conduct, which she con-

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

tends is becoming “too normal” in our society.

“I think the father should have been incarcerated (in order) to send a strong message that the SOCIETY is serious about eliminating violence against women and children; because he has caused physical as well as psychological damage to his pregnant daughter and her child,” Cole told Guyana Times in an interview on Saturday.

She opined that being placed on a bond is “wholly egregious” for an act she views as cruel and inhumane

Women’s activist Nicole Cole

to the unborn.

“Did the magistrate, for one moment, stop and think about the long-term neuropsychological harm (done) to that unborn foetus? Where is the compassion for the pregnant woman and her unborn child? (This sentence is) an ABSURDITY by the Judiciary! (It is) wholly despicable! The punishment (imposed) by the magistrate points to the abnormal being viewed as normal. Violence is normalised by such weak judicial punishment for such brutality meted out to the

pregnant woman,” the activist stressed.

The Women and Gender Equality Commissioner also feels “wholly disheartened” by this recent case, which she surmises is on a long list of abuse against women; which is sometimes occurring without punishment.

Stressing that this further represents psychological issues within our society, Cole called for establishment of additional rehabilitation centres to deal with substance abuse problems.

“Only recently, there were reports of another pregnant woman being abused by her father, who subsequently committed suicide after failing in his bid to murder his spouse. What we now are witnessing is even nauseating, because even the unborn foetus is now being attacked violently, which smacks of a deep psychological malaise within the society!

Alcoholism is a disease, and it’s wreaking havoc in our society more than marijuana and cocaine, which are illicit drugs,” she noted.

The activist has said that more focus should have been placed on the “12 women” who have already met their demise for this year. She noted that there were about four murder/suicide cases recorded in the first half of 2018.

“I am in trepidation of what will be the final count,” Cole disclosed.

During last week’s ‘father assault on pregnant daughter’ case, Aleem Mohamed admitted that he had assaulted his daughter at the family’s home.

In March of this year, City Magistrate Judy Latchman fined Ibeniko Fredericks $100,000 or one month’s jail for unlawfully and maliciously assaulting his 16-year-old daughter in Georgetown after she had allegedly answered him rudely when he had enquired why she had come home late from school.

Fredericks had held on to her hair, pushed her down, and proceed to slap her. He was also alleged to have used a wooden scrubbing board and iron pipe to hit the teen.

Being abused is a violation of women’s human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. However, Reyona Payne, Rosemary Rudder, Ursilla Paradat, Darmattie Persaud, Diana Hernandez and Deorani “Priya” Inderpaul were some of the many Guyanese women who were literally slaughtered this year as the scourge of domestic violence seemingly consolidated its presence in Guyanese society. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Moral hazard…

O

…and Jordan pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that by offering tax amnesties to those folks who haven’t paid their taxes, Finance Minister Winston Jordan was opening up serious “moral hazard” questions.

The PPP’s General Secretary also noted this danger was identified by the IMF. Well!! Who told Jagdeo to raise this moral hazard danger!??!! Jordan came out swinging: “I don’t know what’s all this nonsense about moral hazard Jagdeo’s talking about!!”

This reaction was so heated and personal your Eyewitness assumed Jordan thought Jagdeo was accusing HIM of some moral lapse…like being caught in flagrante delicto?? But it soon became clear Jordan’s ire was raised because he didn’t fully comprehend the meaning of the term “moral hazard” as used by Jagdeo, who’s an economist. As such, the term refers to a situation when somebody has an incentive to take risks that OTHERS will pay for.

It’s like the fella who’s carelessly installing expensive but required electrical wiring because he has big home insurance: he figures he’ll just buy a new home if the place burns down!! In the case of the taxes, all Jagdeo said was, “People know that when you have tax amnesties, anyone can go in there and work out special deals because it is not transparently done.”

Now he was talking as an economist who’d been Finance Minister for years and President for another 12!!

He KNOWS what goes on with these “amnesties”!! Jordan, however, insisted, “There would be no reduction of tax; none at all…it is just the penalties that would be waived.”

From his reaction, it’s even clearer Jordan really doesn’t understand the ramifications of “moral hazard” – which is fatal for a man in charge of our national finances.

He should’ve considered Jagdeo’s caution from at least two different perspectives rather than his rose-coloured glasses. Governments in general – and this government in particular – may have policies that are straight up. But the policies have to be executed by INDIVIDUALS – and this is where moral hazard enters the picture. Take the dutyfree policy on vehicles for returning Guyanese…the policy’s very clear…but we know about the runnings – like with the Mook’s Lexus SUVs!!

So, with the tax amnesties, shouldn’t Jordan conduct a check (an audit!?!) on how the amnesties were applied.

The second area’s even more fundamental – and Jordan should be spanked for missing it. In Guyana, taxes have to be paid ahead of time – quarterly. A businessman who’s allowed to NOT PAY ON TIME – with no penalties imposed – will be encouraged to go this route. THAT’s moral hazard!!

The Government loses because it has lost the opportunity costs of the taxes not paid up front!

And we wonder why the economy’s tanking?! …and Amerindian (under) development PM Nagamootoo, in his role as apologist for the PNC-led Government with a column in the Chronic, confronts moral hazard issues every time he writes!! He recently expatiated at length about how much the Government’s done for Indigenous Peoples. One wonders which world he’s living in!! He mentioned the radio station – broadcasting Government propaganda day and night!! He spoke of his visit to the Rupununi last year when he observed the rainy weather flooding – apparently completely oblivious to the same flooding this year. Meaning nothing was done about it!! He went on and on about all kinds of innocuous Government programmes – all part of the Government’s pappy show about “doing something”.

But reality kicked in when Allicock, the individual who he boasted invited him to the Rupununi, was quoted in the same Chronic bemoaning that 40,000 out of 48,000 Amerindian youths were unemployed!!

So much for the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme Nagamootoo boasted about!!

The sad fact is Nagamootoo is just a shrill PNC shill!! …in constitutional interpretation The moral hazard question was raised when former PPP Exec Ramkarran – noting all Richardson had to show was the Parliament’s amendment of Art 90 “adversely affected” Art 1 and 9 to be unconstitutional – yet praised the CCJ’s decision.

Denying thousands of citizens from contesting the presidency doesn’t “adversely affect” democracy?

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

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Scrap metal trade

New legislation to guard against rogue operations – Gaskin ...database system among measures to trace metal transactions

By Jarryl Bryan

L

egislation intended to facilitate the full reopening of the scrap metal trade have been submitted to, and approved by, cabinet. Their now having been sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin is confident that the draft laws would allow for a more regularised trade.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Minister Gaskin explained that the draft laws contain provisions intended to guard against vandalism of metal, theft, and rogue scrap metal operations.

“The regulations have been completed…,” Gaskin related. “The draft legislation provides for the establishment of the Scrap Metal Unit within the Ministry of Business. It provides for oversight of the Unit by a board of directors,” he detailed.

“It stipulates what licences scrap metal dealers are allowed, and what criteria they need to meet to be licensed. It distinguishes between exporters and collectors of scrap metal, as well as special conditions for salvage operators,” he explained.

Gaskin also related that the law will cover the transportation and compacting of scrap metal. Theft of scrap metal, and especially metal that cannot yet be considered scrap, are legitimate concerns for many businesses. This concern also extends to decommissioned Government equipment which are not safe from rogue opera-

A scrap metal pile

tors.

According to Gaskin, the law will stipulate a time frame within which dealers must keep scrap metal, in order to prevent the disposal of someone else’s property and enhance the traceability of metal through a system. He related that dealers will be required to enter details of their transactions into a software system.

“It (the draft) speaks to issues like a timeframe between when you purchase scrap metal and when you dispose of it; so that if metal has been stolen and you’ve identified the source, you can go to the dealer and he can check his stock to see if he has indeed purchased stolen scrap metals. It’s done in other jurisdictions.

“The most important thing is that, as a dealer, you must have an approved scrap metal yard. It must be a yard that is properly approved and inspected by the Scrap Metal Unit, to ensure business is not being conducted on the parapets or

streets. All your business has to be done inside the yard, so we don’t have these unsightly heaps of scrap metal (lying around on the streets),” he declared.

Outdated

In 2016, an audit carried out

by Ram and McRae accounting firm into the Scrap Metal Unit had found that the laws governing the scrap metal trade needed to be completely revamped.

The report had cited a number of irregularities and uncertainties surrounding the trade, including the fact that the laws governing the operations are severely outdated.

The unit has its origin in the Old Metal Dealers Act, Cap. 91:08, first promulgated in 1900.

Supervisory responsibility for the unit has been transferred from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) by virtue of a 2012 Cabinet Paper dated January 31, 2012.

The CH&PA was conferred with specific statutory powers and duties, but those do not include regulation of the business of dealers in Old Metals, as described in the long title of the Old Metal Dealers Act 91:08.

The report has recommended that there be widespread consultation with key stakeholders before any concrete decisions are taken on the way forward in relation to the operations.

The document also pointed out that interim measures must be put in place, since the trade is currently at a standstill, and exports are temporarily banned. The auditors also noted that there is no consistent

policy towards the trade, with Government opening and closing the trade at will.

Noted also is that there is seemingly a total lack of coordination between and among the four agencies involved: the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Business, the Scrap Metal Unit, and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The report said it is unclear why responsibility for the trade was transferred to the CH&PA, and why no Export Duty is paid under the Customs Act. The scrap metal trade was banned under the previous administration, and this trend had continued intermittently. The ban on the scrap metal trade came about following persistent

complaints about vandalism.

There were also issues regarding management of the trade.

There have been intermissions, such as the three-month reopening of the trade last year.

It is understood that, as of last month, the trade has been reopened, but only on a limited basis.

At the launch of the Guyana Metal Dealers and General Exporters Association (GMD&GEA) earlier this year, executives had been heavily critical of the trade being banned and Government turning a deaf ear to the plight of would-be traders. The association had been explicit that the status quo of ‘Peter pay for all’ cannot continue.

10 news Sections of Leguan road deplorable monDAY, july 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A Vidya

lmost two years ago, residents on the island of Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) thought traversing the island would be made easier since sections of their road were resurfaced with asphalt for the first time, but that hope was short-lived when they realised only about 70 per cent of the island’s road would be upgraded.

Now residents are saying the narrow road is rapidly deteriorating with craters spanning the entire width and to depths of almost two feet in some places. The sections of bad road start after Endeavour Village and run to the back of the island.

One resident, Vidya (only name given), says her children are the ones who suffer the most, since quite often their school clothes and boots are soiled. She has been living on the island for over 17 years.

“When them ready for school them, have to ride in all the mud and them school clothes does nasty and all them boots. I like fuh see if somebody can come in and look at it. Now them get plenty car and tractor does run here and that’s why the road ah bruck up so them got fuh give we better road here, man,” she said.

Vidya is the mother of three children, two of whom attend the East Leguan Primary School in

A deplorable section of the road

Another bad section of the road

Endeavour, which is some distance away from their Canefield Village home. She said because she has to take care of her youngest, the older two would ride to school and when it rained, the mud would splatter them all over. This causes the teachers to fret about their untidy appearance, hence the reason she believes the road should be fixed as soon as possible.

Another resident, Bharrat Narine told Guyana Times that the road was in need of urgent repairs, but posited that those repairs would be useless unless the issue of the sea defence was addressed.

“This road cannot be fixed unless we do the sea defence because if you do this road is like best you nah do am. When the spring (tide) water come, it run off the (sea)wall clean and bottom it does undermine the land so the road will bruck up. The sea defence got to build first and then build the road. I see them bring some boulders and stone to fix the seawall, but nobody nah tell we nothing,” Narine said.

The man said the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was silent on those issues and called

Bharrat Narine

on the relevant authorities to have them addressed. He noted that with the current effects of climate change and rising sea levels, the integrity of the island must be safeguarded and to do so, they needed proper sea defence mechanisms to withstand the tide.

In the latter part of 2016, the Public Infrastructure Ministry repaired sections of the road within the island but skipped certain parts. It is those parts that the residents are calling for to be repaired. The call is prevalent among taxi drivers and minibus operators, since their vehicles are being damaged, costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

(Lakhram Bhagirat)

Region 2 top NGSA students to be honoured

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egion Two ( P o m e r o o n Supenaam) students who performed exceptionally well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations and have emerged among the top 10 performing students of that region will be awarded by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

In an interview with Guyana Times, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt disclosed that Region Two is very proud of the students who were able to achieve high marks at the NGSA examination. To further encourage the students, they will be awarded at a ceremony which will be held shortly.

The Region Two students who have performed exceptionally well are: Emily Jairam of Good Hope Primary, Annalisa Basdeo of Suddie Primary, Muneshwar Beepat of Aurora Primary, Tamesha Persaud of Hampton Court Primary, Anasie Fredericks of Tapakuma Lake Primary; Sasha Narine, Camera Persaud and Mavena Yogashur of Taymouth Manor Primary; and Alex Muntaz, Lisa

Region 2 Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt

Swally and Yogesh Chaitram of CV Nunes Primary.

Regional Chairman Ramdatt posited that education is the key to success, children are the leaders of tomorrow, and the best gift that parents can give to their children is a good quality education.

Congratulations were extended to the students, parents, teachers, and all those who played a part in helping the students throughout their primary school life.

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Belle West brawl lands men in court

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otaram Mohir and Rudy Welcome appeared last week before Wales Magistrate Dylon Bess after they had engaged in a brawl on June 19, 2018 at Bell West, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Having admitted to the charge, which detailed that

he had assaulted Welcome, causing him actual bodily harm, Mohir told the magistrate he had been the aggressor.

According to the facts of the matter, on the day in question, the two men were on the Bell West Public Road when, at 07:00h, a heated argument erupted between

them after Welcome accused Mohir of smoking cocaine.

This comment resulted in the defendant slapping and cuffing Welcome about the body.

Mohir and Welcome then informed the magistrate that they had settled the matter, and had no wish for its continuation in court. The matter was accordingly dismissed.

WBD man placed on bond for threatening neighbour

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ikhal Gordon of Westminster, West Bank Demerara and his neighbour, Ronorda Jackson, settled tensions late last Thursday when they appeared before Wales Magistrate Dylon Bess following a dispute over sand.

Gordon was arraigned on charges of using threatening

language, and later throwing stones at Jackson, after she objected to sand coming across into her yard.

In his explanation to the presiding magistrate, Gordon claimed his neighbour told him she would get “her man” to shoot him over the dispute. The accused admitted that he had threat-

ened Jackson and thrown missiles in her direction, but said this was done after she had hurled the threatening remarks at him.

The magistrate has placed Gordon on a bond to keep the peace for one year.

If he does not honour the court’s order, he would have to spend six months in jail.

Taxi driver fined $10,000 for overload

T

axi driver Visholall Basin was fined $10,000 by Magistrate Dylon Bess after appearing before the Wales Magistrate on a charge of overloading taxi HC 504 on June 13, 2018 at the Wales Public Road, West Bank Demerara

(WBD).

Basin explained that he was carting two extra passengers, but the Police have said they caught the accused breaking the law.

In a plea for leniency, the 34-year-old Goed Fortuin, WBD resident told the mag-

istrate that he has had no prior brushes with the law.

In determining Basin’s sentence, the magistrate considered that he did not waste the court’s time, but pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

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monDAY, july 2, 2018 | guyana

One Mile Primary celeb – as student places in country's top 10

T

he students, teachers and head teacher of the One Mile Primary School in the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), are celebrating that one of their pupils has topped the region with 521 marks, and seven other pupils have secured top spots in the region.

Topping the list of successful students is 11-year-old Shakina McGregor. She has secured a place at Queen’s College. Placing second in the Region is Somira Dainty with 519 marks, while Latanya Edwards placed third with 516 marks, and Zaria Jacobis placed fourth with 514 marks.

They were all awarded places at Queen's College.

Also performing exceptionally well were

Six of the seven top students (L-R): Somira Dainty, Zalika Dey, Shakina McGregor, Lat Edwards, Anton Ward and Zaria Jacobis

Oroyo Trotman with 513 marks, Anton Ward with 513 marks, and Zalika Dey with 513 marks.

They all were awarded places at the Bishops’ High School.

McGregor attributes her success to hard work and dedication on her part as well on the part

played by her parents and teachers. The aspiring doctor said the news came as a surprise to her, but she is grateful for it.

"It feels very overwhelming!” she said, noting that extra lessons and studies were also helpful. "I had to sacrifice playing games, watching

television…," she sai This top student has encouragement students writing the ams next year. "I w advise the other stud that will be writing exams next year to s hard and be dedica and when things s like (they’re) getting

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2, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

elebrates NGSA victory

p 10

kina McGregor, Latanya

ision‌," she said. his top student also encouragement for ents writing the exnext year. "I would se the other students will be writing the ms next year to study and be dedicated, when things seem (they’re) getting too

Some of the additional top performers of the Region and school

hard for you to handle, don't give up, just try again", she posited.

Dainty, meanwhile, noted that it feels good to be among the top 10 performers. She noted that the results came as a surprise, and she mused that her late- night studies paid off. An aspiring doctor, Dainty also advises students not to succumb

to peer pressure, and to focus on their studies.

Edwards, who is also an aspiring doctor, said making it in the top 10 list feels "pretty exciting!" "It was a lot of late nights studying with my family, teachers and friends. Certain times I wanted to just stop studying, but I continued," she said.

"I would like to thank Teacher Charlene, my friends, parents and the headmaster", Edwards added.

Zaria Jacobis said she was happy for her achievement. "I'm very happy right now. I never saw it coming. My teacher, Charlene Duke, she helped me a lot", the asturn to page 16 piring teacher said.

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monDAY, july 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Given the release of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results which showed an overwhelmingly poor performance in Mathematics, what do you think could be done to rectify this?

Tzaddi Franklin “The Ministry can examine the specific areas in which students failed as it relates to Mathematics. The teachers can also be assessed by the Ministry to review their teaching methods in the areas in which the majority of the students failed. If it is found that teaching methods contributed to the low rate of passing, the teachers can be trained on new methods which would allow students to better grasp the relevant concepts.”

Kester Whyte “I believe that Math curriculum needs a review and rework, because it’s not just NGSA but CXC Math as well. What I’ve found is that a majority of things taught don’t have much application in general life or are better suited to specific areas like engineering or physics. I feel that the key is, to keep the elements like addition, multiplication, sets, basic algebra and later incorporate budgeting, basic finance and accounting and find different ways to teach the subject. Educators should sit and talk more with children about their difficulties with the subject. If there is any way parents can help, then more power to them.”

Kristie Coleman “That’s been a problem in Guyana for the longest. The Education Ministry has to look at other ways to teach the subject, in my opinion. They need to sit down as a board and have a serious discussion and come up with effective ways to have the subject taught in an easier way.”

Justin Hamilton “I think parents need to do their bit and not leave it all up to the teachers as is the custom.”

2 remain critical following EBD accident

Shaunell Wilson “I never liked that subject myself. Since I started that subject I've always found it challenging. It’s a subject that has to be taught at a slower pace than the others. The teachers have to be quite skilled and patient.”

“Choose to change” - Sophia Training Centre graduates advised

F

The graduates and officials

One of the vehicles involved in the accident

T

wo drivers who were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre before subsequently being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) following a three-vehicle collision on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara on Saturday evening, remain in critical condition.

The names of these two individuals have not been released to the media, but hospital officials have confirmed that they have sustained severe head injuries and lacerations to their bodies.

On that fateful Saturday, at about 18:30h, Toyota 4Runner PLL 7337 was reportedly heading to Timehri while Toyota Carina wagon PLL 2247, carrying several occupants, including a man with an artificial leg, was heading to the city at a fast rate, and reportedly came

The wrecked Toyota Allion

into contact with the rear wheel of the 4Runner, thus causing the driver thereof to lose control of that vehicle.

The result of that mishap was that the 4Runner reportedly spun several times before coming to a halt facing the opposite direction, while the wagon collided headon with Toyota Allion PWW 6374.

Public-spirited citizens pulled the drivers of the two motor cars from the wreckage and rushed them to the Diamond medical facility; and at least three other persons who were injured were treated there and sent away.

Police are continuing their investigations into this accident, but the driver of the 4Runner has been detained.

ifty-nine graduates of the Sophia Training Centre were, on Friday last, challenged to choose change in order to grow.

“You have to choose to change; if you don’t change, you won’t grow. Change is the one thing that is constant.

Things will change, and as you start to move, the path will appear as to where you want to go,” Ministry of the Presidency staffer Shondell France told the graduates.

The graduates are all beneficiaries of the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) skills training programme 20172018.

The training was facilitated under Component One of the Inter-American Development Bank-funded programme aimed at reducing recidivism and strengthening community resilience to crime and violence.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) has stated that the students were tutored in Catering, Information Technology, Office Administration, Masonry, Plumbing, Welding, Sheet Metal work and Fabrication,

and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Speaking of the challenges she overcame -- having grown up in poverty, with a drug-addicted foster father from whom her mother eventually fled in the middle of the night, taking her children with her, France assured the graduates that the cycle of poverty can be broken.

“Commit to constantly improving yourself,” she advised.

“Invest in yourself, make the small changes; surround yourself with people who are going where you want to go. Choose to change,” she admonished.

France also encouraged the graduates to take responsibility for events occurring in their lives, and to be willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals.

Further, she charged them to assist others as they break the cycle of poverty.

The feature address and charge to the newly certified artisans was delivered

by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, under whose purview the CSSP is situated.

He noted that programmes similar to CSSP have helped to reduce crime and violence

among youths in other countries. He noted that the responsibility of reducing crime and violence, especially at the youths’ level, should not be shouldered by the Police alone.

He said there must be a social component, a programme that ensures young men and women from vulnerable communities can come forward and get vocational training.

Meanwhile, on behalf of IDB Representative Sophie Makonnen, Mariko Russel said, “Our hope is that students graduating today will be able to use the newly acquired skills in their future endeavours in life. We are aware that merely receiving vocational training does not guarantee obtaining employment”.

She recognised the graduating class as the “memorable first batch” of the CSSP, which the Ministry of Public Security implemented with funding from the IDB. Special awards were given to best graduating student Avinash Seepaul, second runner-up Ezekiel Roach, and more than a dozen other trainees for their outstanding performances in the various areas of training.

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monDAY, july 2, 2018

News

Ramkarran backs creation of 3rd party for Guyana – to support establishment of a unity Government

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ormer House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, SC, in his weekly column dubbed “Conversation Tree”, has called for the establishment of a third party, noting that this could help to make the Government more responsible and ensure that the revenues earned from the emerging oil sector were properly utilised.

According to him, with the current circumstances facing the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the deteriorating economic conditions facing the one-seat majority coalition, together with the pending establishment of an oil economy, are enough reasons to have a high degree of political unity.

Ramkarran believes this is necessary especially at this given point because it will help Guyana to preserve and safeguard the

Former House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, SC

billions of dollars likely to flow into the nation’s coffers from oil, instead of it being dissipated in waste, extravagance, and corruption.

“Having failed to establish inclusive governance, which both parties supported when in Opposition but failed to implement while in office, now is time for Guyanese to be offered a different kind of polit-

ical party,” he said, adding that Guyana needed a party with a programme of unity.

The former House Speaker views this as a way out of what he described as the debilitating ethno-political controversies and insecurities which have dominated Guyana’s politics. He said it has only bred suspicion, antagonism, and political unilat-

eralism.

“This third party can do so by recognising the existence of the two major parties, the support they receive and seek as its fundamental goal to encourage these two parties to work together for the future of Guyana. Decades of political effort, including the mandate of the electorate in 2011, have all failed.”

Ramkarran said if the third party wins the majority, it should accept the task of Government in order to prevent a constitutional crisis, pointing to the fact that under the Constitution, the party obtaining a majority or plurality must hold the presidency.

However, he said until the Constitution is amended, the party should be obliged to fulfil its constitutional mandate, but, not being committed to power, would propose a re-exam-

ination of this and other provisions. He said, “The difference is that, in accordance with its primary purpose, it will invite the other major parties to share in the Government in accordance with their percentage of support.”

Further, if a majority is not achieved, the prominent Attorney is suggesting that the third party remain in Opposition but strongly advocate and agitate for the establishment of a unity Government of the major parties.

“If the major parties recalcitrantly resist the call for unity, the third party will support the party that agrees to implement its policies of constitutional reform leading to inclusive governance and for economic and social reform, including strong measures against poverty, crime, and corruption,” he further suggested.

Ramkarran reasoned

that for decades, experts have concluded that the divisions created by ethno-political rivalries are major reasons for Guyana’s underdevelopment.

As such, he said a third party would not seek to replace the two major parties. It will seek to make them winners, with both serving in Government.

“The supporters of these parties will remain supporters and should not see it as a betrayal to support the third party, whose objective would be to ensure that there are no losers in elections,” he stated.

But equally important, Ramkarran said, the third party must never fall victim to the lure of political office. It must have a higher purpose that resonates with the Guyanese people – unity. “The unity that will be created is now a vital necessity. …Electoral pressure must be brought to bear,” he added.

LEN launches low-income One Mile Primary housing project in Linden celebrates... from page 13

– commissions 1st model home

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he Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has launched the Region 10 Low Income Housing Project with the commissioning of its first model home at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie on Thursday.

The home, which costs approximately $3.5 million, is the first of its kind in the bauxite mining community to be constructed with bauxite overburden as one of its main constituent materials. The blocks are made from that material, which is normally considered a waste product.

LEN is expected to collaborate with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and banking institutions to provide more of this type of home to low income earners.

The home was commissioned with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon during a simple ceremony at which Linden Mayor Waneka Arindell said it was a privilege to see the level of creativity coming out of Linden and Region 10.

“With the Government’s sustainable development cities and towns, this is one of the things and ideas to have this type of work done... I want to encourage LEN to continue to support these innovations,” Mayor Arindell noted, as she urged banks to continue assisting

The first model home at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie

young people with housing loans.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, Technical Assistant to that Minister, Remington Nelson, said it is common knowledge that Guyana as a whole, and Linden in particular, has a huge housing deficit, and the people that are mostly affected are those in the lower income bracket, including public servants.

She further stated that many young people cannot even qualify to obtain loans at commercial banks.

“It is a problem for which we need a solution...

Not only is this LEN’s low income housing project a

welcome contribution to Government’s efforts to provide affordable housing, it also illustrates that the solutions we seek may be found where we least expect -- right in our house, so to speak,” he said.

Quoting from the minister’s speech, Nelson said the project demonstrates innovation, imagination, ingenuity and initiative. He said the project has also provided jobs, will provide low income homes, and is useful in finding housing solutions.

“We are transforming useless bauxite overburden into valuable building blocks to provide homes for families at a reduced cost... the LEN low income housing project shows initiative

at work...let this project stand as a beacon of inspiration as to what can be accomplished when, instead of looking to someone else to solve your problem, you can ask yourself, ‘What do I have in my possession?’ “, Nelson posited.

LEN Chairman, Orin Gordon, in his address, also highlighted the project’s ingenuity, and noted that what is considered waste product is now being used to construct homes.

He said 100 percent of the materials were derived from within, and bought from suppliers and contractors in, Region 10. The spanking new home has as its main features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and sitting room.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Zalika Dey, who exclaimed: “I am excited, overjoyed and surprised!” She attributes her success to daily revision and perseverance even when she felt like giving up, in addition to the encouragement of her mother. The aspiring paediatrician or lawyer advises students to listen to their parents and teachers.

Anton Ward, who was very happy about his success, said the feeling was all too familiar to him, since he was part of the top 10 list of students at the school at the National Grade 4 Examinations two years ago. “It feels pretty exciting!” he said, adding that studying hard and familiarising himself with various concepts paid off.

The aspiring doctor attributed his success to the assistance and support of his mother. “All of that hard studying really paid off,” he explained.

Teacher Charlene Duke, who has taught at the school for 21 years, has three students in the top 10 this year. She said, “Hard work, devotion, dedication, sacrifice and encouragement” were what she believes led to their success.

She added that the collaborative effort and team spirit of teachers also paid off.

Despite challenges, Miss Duke said, she encouraged her students that the sky is the limit.

Headmaster Alister Fraser noted that, for the first time ever, this amount

of students has copped top schools. Some 15 of this school’s students have managed to secure spots at top schools in Georgetown.

For the first time ever, he said, four students have been awarded places at Queen’s College and four at the Bishop’s High at one sitting.

A collaborative effort by teachers, he said, was responsible for the school’s success, and he has congratulated the school’s top student and her teacher, Mr McLeod.

“I’m extremely flabbergasted! Extremely excited!

This is the first time that our school would have performed this well,” he noted. “I must say thanks to the hardworking staff of One Mile Primary School, especially the four Grade 6 teachers...they would have done an exceptional job... The excitement is too much! We’re more than overwhelmed, more than happy about this year’s performance”, he said.

Fraser added that the school would have applied different strategies this year and made fuller use of its teachers, especially those who excel at Mathematics, by having them conduct practical sessions.

The additional students on the school’s top list are Akili Reynolds (510 marks), Carlisa Trim (504 marks), Donny Gasper (503 marks) and Miranda Bishop (503 marks). They all were awarded places at St Rose’s High.

news

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monDAY, july 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local Government

Renaming regions, flags still on agenda – Bulkan ...says Govt awaiting conclusion of consultations

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

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he controversial idea of renaming administrative regions and implementing regional flags, having previously been floated by Government with lukewarm reception from the citizenry, is still on this administration’s agenda.

A more cautious approach is, however, being adopted, with Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan revealing that Government is waiting on consultations to be carried

out by regional officials in order to determine the fate of this idea.

In a recent interview, Bulkan related that he has been in contact with regional officials, whom he has been urging to carry out consultations. He noted that the sooner those consultations are carried out, the better would be the prospects of Government determining its next move in regard to the idea.

“Those consultations are actually the principal responsibility of the respective regional officers. I am continuously in contact with those RDCs, urging them to complete the consultations within their regions, (in order) to be able to make a determination (in regard to) whether those regions want to retain the names they currently have, or if those regions would like to have a different name. For instance, the Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo region is commonly referred to as the Rupununi,” he explained.

“So the opportunity is being offered to residents all

cluding problems in the education and health sectors.

Regional flags

Specimens of proposed regional flags

around Guyana to make a determination -- out of a consultative process -- if they want to keep their existing names or (adopt) a name they have ownership of. We would like to see the exercise completed sooner rather than later, but we are committed to allowing the democratic process to prevail. So all I can do is urge the respective RDCs to seek to conclude this process, so the administration can take it from there,” Minister Bulkan detailed.

This publication has previously reported Region Nine Vice Chairman Karl Singh explaining that, within each of

the other villages encompassing the Interior Savannahs, the village leaders/toshaos would have to embark on a process to get the views of each resident regarding the name change.

According to Singh, approval from any village would be valid only if two-thirds of that village’s population are in favour of renaming the region.

Personally, Singh has said, he is not against the renaming of Region Nine, but he believes that too much energy and time is being exerted in pursuit of this activity when there are more pressing issues to be addressed, in-

Renewable energy

A decision to have each region produce its own unique flag was announced by Bulkan back in 2016. He had noted then that the initiative was all part and parcel of a wider effort to promote the decentralisation of each of the 10 administrative regions and encourage each district to embrace its uniqueness.

Government’s proposal to assign separate flags to each administrative region has been strongly objected to by the parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which believes more time, energy and resources ought to be spent on better governance.

The PPPC has declared that the Golden Arrowhead is the constitutional flag of Guyana, and any other flag imposed anywhere in Guyana would be contrary to the Constitution of Guyana.

In addition, the party had noted that most residents would prefer jobs, enhanced public security, money in their pockets, better roads, improved potable water supply, and efficient garbage collection rather than other

flags.

“Rather than seeking to change things that obtained under the PPP/C, and to make things look different under the (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change) APNU/AFC, the Granger coalition Administration should change their racial and political, discriminatory and witch hunting practices, as well as their wasteful spending, and focus on improving the economic and social well-being of all Guyanese,” the Opposition PPPC Party had said.

Regional officials have previously related that they simply are not interested in the exercise. It seems, however, that Government is intent on forging ahead with the plan. Bulkan confirmed during the interview that the regions have specimens of proposed designs for flags.

He noted that the regional authorities have ben tasked with deciding on regional symbols to go with the flag specimens.

“At the end of the exercise, the Central Government will examine all the contributions and submissions that have been made, to do a full assessment of what will be the eventual end product,” he has disclosed.

Hosororo Creek target for hydropower facility ‘Two bridges are better – as HECI seeks authorisation from GEA

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egion One’s Hosororo Creek has been targeted by the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI) as the site for construction of a hydropower plant. Application for the requisite licence is currently before the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

According to the gazetted notice, HECI wants the requisite licence to construct and operate a 20-kilowatt hydropower facility at Hosororo. According to the notice, the energy derived therefrom will be used to supply the Mabaruma Power Company.

The notice also informs that “any person may, within 21 days of the first publication of this notice, lodge with the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency a petition to the Minister, objecting to the grant of the licence.”

Located in Guyana’s administrative area known as Region One, the Barima/ Waini region, Hosororo has been touted as a tourist destination. It has a waterfall at which work on creating a hydropower facility to service nearby communities was carried out years ago.

HECI is under the dominion of the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI). Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has only recently provided updates on a number of multi-million-dollar hydro and solar power projects that had seemingly been gather-

ing dust somewhere.

Patterson has also spoken of a US$3.8 million solar farm, to be funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and constructed at Bartica, Region Seven. The minister has indicated that con-

cial closure to the project, Government would take over the project.

In regard to the US$2 million Kato hydropower project, Patterson has said that funding has been secured for the project and work will commence when the weather

Water at the base of the waterfalls

struction of this farm would be completed by the end of 2018.

Meanwhile, the private developer of the Tumatumari hydro project has been given a deadline to reach financial closure with the project’s investors. By the time this deadline has arrived, all agreements are expected to have been signed and conditions met in order to allow for the dispensing of funds.

Patterson has noted that if that developer -- in this case the Tumatumari Hydro Inc -- proves unable to meet the July month end deadline set by the state for finan-

permits.

He has also spoken of securing funding from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to establish photo-voltaic (PV) farms at Port Kaituma (US$1.8 million), Kwakwani (US$2.6 million) and Matthews Ridge (US$2 million).

Renewable energy targets

Patterson has provided a breakdown of all the photo-voltaic solar systems they have been installed on Government buildings.

Referring to President Granger’s March

visit to India to attend the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit, he has said that now that Guyana is a member of this alliance, a line of credit of approximately US$15 million will be available to Guyana.

While it has not as yet been allocated, Patterson noted that the idea is to provide funding to utility scale energy for indigenous villages to the tune of four megawatts.

He revealed that the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs and the Ministry of Communities will identify these villages. All of this, according to Patterson, culminates in certain targets the Government is trying to meet in renewable energy installation.

“So, by the end of 2018, we would have installed about five megawatts of renewable energy; and that’s a commendable feat, coming from 2015 with zero,” Patterson has indicated. “And then, by the end of 2020, when all these projects would have been completed, there would be 29 or 30 megawatts,” he expanded.

“So we’re well on our way to achieving our target of trying to become as 100 per cent renewable energy-(powered) as (is) possible. So we have made progress, and we’re just about four or five per cent (completed) at the end of 2018, (but) we’ll triple that by the end of 2020,” Patterson had said.

than one’ – Harmon

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overnment is soon to commence construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River, but the Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to have said there is no reason for the current structure to be demolished.

Minister Harmon is reported to have said, “Two bridges are better than one”, and to have noted that, as Minister responsible for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), he would be lobbying for the upkeep of the current bridge even after the new one has been completed.

“I see absolutely no sensible reason to decommission one (when) you have another one. I will lend my voice to that chorus which says that we should keep both bridges,” he told staff members and special invitees at the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s 40th anniversary celebra-

tion on Sunday at the Umana Yana.

The new Demerara River Bridge will see construction of an approximately 1,500-metre-long fixed bridge with a movable span, and two approach roads of a total length of 600 metres. It is envisaged that the project will commence in 2018 and be delivered in 2020.

A ‘feasibility study and design’ report for the new Demerara River Bridge completed by consulting company Lievense CSO has determined that the proposed location of Houston-Versailles is the most ideal.

The structure, the report said, will provide the greatest socio-economic benefits for Guyana, and lead to the lowest urban environmental impact. Furthermore, it was recommended that the promotion of alternative transportation routes should be encouraged, to lend to the longevity of the new bridge.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, july 2, 2018

ARCHIE

You can make a difference if you give your all. If (March 21- you speak up and share your April 19) plans, you’ll get the help you need to get things done. Love and romance are encouraged.

ARIES

Easy does it. Making TAURUS hasty decisions or promising (April 20- more than you can deliver May 20) will end up being emotionally and financially taxing. Bide your time and protect personal possessions and passwords.

dilbert

Travel may entice you, but GEMINI (May 21- make sure your plans are well June 20) thought out before you take off. Don’t leave anything to chance. Romance and personal improvement will lead to happier days ahead.

Someone you help will change your way of thinking (June 21- or doing things. A meeting or July 22) new pursuit will surpass your expectations. A favor that will help you advance will be granted.

CANCER

Peanuts

Put greater emphasis on LEO how you handle your mon(July 23- ey. Emotionally motivated Aug. 22) spending will not make you feel better, but taking on a physical challenge will help you blow off steam.

A change to your environVIRGO ment will spark your enthu(Aug. 23siasm and encourage you to Sept. 22) start a new project or pursue something you’ve wanted to do for some time. Get moving.

Calvin and Hobbes

If there is something you LIBRA (Sept. 23- don’t like, change it. Don’t Oct. 23) wait for someone else to make the first move. What you contribute now will give your voice strength in days to come.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — ORACLES (ORACLES: OR-uh-kuls: Persons through whom a deity supposedly responds when consulted.)

The changes someone SAGITTARIUS else makes may not work (Nov. 23that well for you. Look at Dec. 21) the situation closely and proceed to do your own thing. Don’t take an unnecessary risk.

Average mark 37 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 49 or more words in ORACLES? The list will be published tomorrow.

If you open up about what CAPRICORN you want, you will be able to (Dec. 22- bring about positive change.

Jan. 19) Alter your living arrangements or consider how you can best utilize your space.

SATURDAY’S WORD — INUNDATE

idea inane indent indue innate intend neat nine nude unit unite

untie date daunt dean dent dentin detain diet dine dint duet

dune adieu adit aide anent ante anti audit aunt tanned tend

tide tied tine tinea tinned tuna tune edit ennui etui

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

Know what you want to SCORPIO accomplish before you get (Oct. 24started.

Having a destinaNov. 22) tion will make your journey that much easier. Strive for perfection and quality, not for quantity.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Inconsistency should be a warning sign when dealing with others. Take note of the other party’s spending habits and indulgences before you get involved in a joint venture.

Look at what you can do with what you already have.

Your wealth is within you, and using your attributes to get to where you want to go will be sufficient.

monDAY, JUly 2, 2018

19

Croatia players celebrate following their side's victory in a penalty shootout

Croatia send Denmark out of World Cup after Subasic heroics in shootout

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here are some matches in which the spectre of penalties begins to loom with indecent haste.

Everybody knew where this last-16 showdown was heading from an early point in the second half – possibly even sooner – and yet it might have needed only a single penalty.

The second period of extra time was rumbling to its seemingly inevitable conclusion when Luka Modric finally picked a pass and, all of sudden, Ante Rebic was clean through. He rounded Kasper Schmeichel and was brought down by the chasing Mathias Jørgensen. Penalty. Modric took it but his composure deserted him. The kick was too close to Kasper Schmeichel and he pulled off the save. And so the match proceeded to the full version, the fate of these nations coming down to the timehonoured test of nerve.

Croatia passed it, just about, after a hit-and-miss shoot-out – which neatly reflected what had gone before.

After two misses apiece, the Denmark substitute, Nicolai Jørgensen strode forward and saw his kick saved by

Danijel Subasic. Ivan Rakitic had one to win it and he made no mistake. It is Croatia who advance to a quarter-final against Russia in Sochi on Saturday.

Modric would score in the shoot-out.

His blushes were saved.

The weird thing was that the game had exploded into life at the outset, with the goals coming with the first two moves. Only once previously at a World Cup had both teams scored inside four minutes – the group tie between Argentina and Nigeria in 2014.

What followed was the slow death of a spectacle. The goals were undercut by comedy defending but there would be little to smile about for the remaining 116 minutes. Croatia had entered as arguably the team of the group phase. Everything had gone serenely for them and the thought did occur as to how they might react to a setback. The question was duly posed inside the opening minute.

Denmark swapped their left-backs, with Jonas Knudsen coming in for Jens Stryger Larsen, and the new man brought the weapon of his long throw.

From the first one, launched from the

right touchline, a gaggle of defenders jumped but nobody connected and the ball broke for Thomas Delaney.

The midfielder’s control was instant and he made a nice move and pass for Mathias Jørgensen, who saw the shooting chance open up. He went for it, jabbing the effort low, and what followed seemed to happen in slow motion. Domagoj Vida threw himself into a block but he did not make contact and the goalkeeper, Danijel Subasic, was slow to get down. He got a hand to the ball but he could not prevent it from trickling inside the near post. It was a horribly soft concession and Subasic will not enjoy watching the replays.

Croatia’s response was immediate and this time it was the Danes who could curse their defending. Ante Rebic was afforded too much space on the right and his short pass inside released Sime Vrsaljko, who banged over the cross. It did not look threatening but Henrik Dalsgaard’s clearance was panicked, it hit the covering Andreas Christensen in the face and ricocheted to Mario Mandzukic, who swivelled and

shot inside the near post. What a mess.

What a start.

The remainder of the game felt like a reaction to the initial chaos. Neither team had previously conceded in open play at the tournament; they were not exactly disposed to such openness, and they sought to reimpose order. Caution held sway and it became an awfully tough watch.

Croatia tried to get on to the front foot in the first half, with Modric and Ivan Rakitic playing as No 8s. They had openings but on each occasion, the final action was missing. Rakitic and Rebic forced Kasper Schmeichel into a double save before Ivan Perisic fired the rebound high; Dejan Lovren glanced wide from a Modric free-kick – a good chance – and Rakitic ran on to a cutback only to shoot tamely. Åge Hareide had tweaked his lineup but the creative burden still rested with Christian Eriksen. Almost everything in open play went through him. He flickered in the first half, seeing one effort blocked and playing in Martin Braithwaite, who shot straight at Subasic

from a tight angle. There was also the moment when Eriksen floated a cross towards the back post and watched it drift against the angle of the upright.

Subasic was relieved.

There were times when Eriksen pushed so high that he looked like a second striker. His stamina is the stuff of legend and the idea was that he could lead the press with the striker, Andreas Cornelius, who would be replaced by Nicolai Jørgensen.

It was tight and subdued; the emphasis on tactics rather than instinct and free rein. The locals in the crowd amused themselves with chants of Ros-Si-Ya. They were still giddy from their team’s penalty shootout win over Spain in the earlier kick-off and they were checking out what their quarterfinal opponents had to offer. On this evidence, it was not a lot.

The entertainment value was low; the second half and extra-time featured little more than hopeful shooting from distance and the Modric penalty.

It would need the full shoot-out to separate them. (The Guardian)

Hamilton retires from Austrian GP as Max Verstappen wins

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ewis Hamilton lost the world championship lead after retiring from a sobering Austrian Grand Prix for Mercedes, as Max Verstappen took an unexpected victory for Red Bull.

Hamilton retired due to a loss of fuel pressure with eight laps to go as he was looking to regain his title lead following a Mercedes strategy blunder and tyre problems.

His retirement, with title rival Sebastian Vettel finishing third in his Ferrari behind team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, puts Vettel into a one-point lead heading into next weekend’s British Grand Prix.

Mercedes will leave Austria and head to Silverstone with plenty on their minds as they ponder how what had looked set to be an easy one-two on a weekend they had dominated fell apart.

Their problems handed a first win on their home track to Red Bull, for whom Verstappen drove beautifully to control the race once Mercedes hit their problems, well out of reach of the pursuing Ferraris.

What had appeared set to be a comfortable cruise to a onetwo for Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas began to fall apart for Mercedes relatively early on.

Bottas started from pole but Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen muscled between the Finn and Hamilton off the line and took second place, with Hamilton into the lead and Bottas briefly falling back behind Verstappen into fourth after the first corner.

Bottas reclaimed second place with a brave move around the outside of Verstappen and Raikkonen into Turn Four and Mercedes looked to be in control.

But Bottas retired on lap 14

Nico Hulkenberg was the first to retire from a race which tested many of the cars to breaking point

of 71 with a loss of hydraulic pressure, and Mercedes’ strategists failed to react to the imposition of the virtual safety car, which remotely forces all cars to reduce speed, as his car was recovered.

Stopping under the VSC costs less time than during active racing and all the leading teams apart from Mercedes

took advantage. The world champions soon realised they had made a grave error.

Verstappen rejoined just 13 seconds behind Hamilton, with Raikkonen and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo also close enough to mean the Briton would come out behind them when he stopped.

Mercedes’ chief strategist James Vowles came on to the

radio to apologise to Hamilton, saying it was his error - a message he had to repeat later in the race after his driver complained about the team “throwing away a win”.

It was the third time this season that Mercedes’ strategists had made an error around a safety car - after Hamilton lost a win in Australia in March, they failed to stop him under a safety car in China.

But as it happened, Mercedes cascading series of problems made the strategy error moot.

Hamilton stopped on lap 25 for tyres and rejoined in fourth, ahead of Vettel. But the world champion was soon struggling with rear tyre wear and his rival closed in, and overlook on lap 39.

A dark stripe was appearing on Hamilton’s left rear tyre a sign of blistering, where the

rubber overheats, bubbles and tears badly - and it became clear Hamilton would have to stop again and fourth was the best he could hope for. Ricciardo had already run into his own blistering problems and dropped back, and would retire later with a broken exhaust.

But then on lap 63, Hamilton complained of a loss of power and pulled off the track with a loss of fuel pressure, his first failure to finish in the points since the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix, when an engine failure inflicted major damage on his title hopes.

Heading into the race, few would have predicted a Red Bull victory, after the team’s least competitive showing in qualifying of the year so far. Nor would anyone have predicted such a thrilling, eventful race when Mercedes looked set to dominate. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, JUly 2, 2018

Russia eliminate Spain from World Cup in last-16 penalty shootout W

hen the moment came, nerves taking hold of the Luzhniki Stadium, 144 million Russians and so many more across the globe looking upon him, Igor Akinfeev flew one way and the ball flew the other. But just as it appeared he might be beaten, somehow he, like his team, found a way to win. His left leg swung to kick Iago Aspas’s penalty clear and take the hosts through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, a 1-1 draw giving way to a 4-3 victory on penalties that sent white shirts flooding across the field while in the stands they erupted, celebrating the most improbable success, perhaps the most significant they have ever had.

It had been said that they were the worst team in Russia’s history, but they are still here, in their tournament.

It has been said that their opponents were the best team in Spain’s history, but no more. This was Andrés Iniesta’s final international game – the “saddest day of my career” he said – and others will follow the man who scored the winning goal in 2010, the last of their golden generation. Ultimately it had been a long, epic night, exhaustion and anxiety preparing an explosion. To resist is to win, as Juan Negrín famously declared. Russia had resisted, all right.

Spain passed the ball 1107 times but could not pass Russia. Fernando Hierro, the accidental manager who had to take over the day before the World Cup began, talked about the “fine line” and Spain had been close towards the end. When it came to the penalty shootout, David de Gea got a touch on three of the four but could not save any. Yet when they look back on these three weeks in Russia, Spain will reflect that they fell short, and it all began without a coach and in crisis.

That feels a long time ago now, but they have not been in Russia for long.

Certainly not long enough.

“We feel empathy with the fans, we feel the same way,” Hierro said.

“My last message to the players was that whatever happened, after the

game when we came back into the dressing room we had to be able to look each other in the eye and we can, all of us.”

They know that they have underperformed, though, especially here. It is never easy to overcome an ultra defensive side – and the Russians admitted they had hoped for penalties – but for too long Spain rarely even looked likely to.

Put bluntly, this game was mostly dreadful. There had been an own goal and a penalty and then there had been not much else until, at the last, there were nine more penalties, the tournament’s first shootout. One of them, Russia’s last, was scored b y D e n i s

Cheryshev, raised in Spain; two were saved by Akinfeev. Koke and Aspas missed. It has been a strange, strange World Cup for Spain.

It was 7.45pm when they were finally eliminated. It had been just after 5.30pm when a Mexican wave began to make its way around the Luzhniki, but this was no celebration, and certainly not like the one that followed later. It was instead born of boredom, maybe even resignation.

Russia were trailing, their plan to resist damaged by an own goal that arrived after 11 minutes, and any hope of a quarter-final place seemed to be slipping bloodlessly away. As the wave circulated the stands, in front of them the ball circulated on the pitch. A little slower. And always at the feet of Spain.

And that summed it up.

Yet momentarily it changed – with the wave itself.

Most importantly, it changed just long enough to put Russia level before they returned to defensive defiance.

As if stung by the wave, suddenly Russia hit a long ball up the pitch that saw Artem Dzyuba leap with Sergio Ramos, beating him to the ball and Russia were running, Roman Zobnin bending a shot just wide. A warning that, despite appearances, there was a game going on here. Something shifted. There was an intent now and soon there was even an equaliser.

Aleksandr Samedov took a corner and Dzyuba leapt again to head. Gerard Piqué jumped, arm outstretched above his head, inviting trouble. The ball rebounded from it and Björn Kuipers pointed to the spot, from where Dzyuba finished calmly.

It was Russia’s second shot on

Russia players celebrate after Iago Aspas had his decisive penalty saved by Igor Akinfeev

target. Which, tellingly, was two more than Spain had. Diego Costa had barely touched the ball, both penalty areas virtually untrodden territory. The Luzhniki had been lulled into a warm afternoon snooze, virtually nothing of note happening bar the occasional touch from Isco. Maybe Spain’s early lead was part of the reason they let it slip: the sense that there was no danger was precisely the danger.

They knew now, but could not react sufficiently. And so it continued, sapping the life out of everyone until the clock ticked towards drama, the abyss drawing urgency from them. Spain sent on Aspas, adept at accelerating, the saviour against Morocco, and he was quickly involved, but a sad fate awaited. He cleverly laid off for Iniesta with his chest, the shot saved by Akinfeev. From the rebound Aspas struck just wide.

Koke hides his embarrassment after seeing his penalty saved by Igor Afinkeev, the first of the Russian goalkeeper’s two.

Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar The best opportunity, if it can be called that, fell to Fedor Smolov, who swung wide. But mostly the fans just wanted the final whistle, even if they knew that would bring 30 more minutes to endure – for everyone. Yet the prize at the end of extra time was gigantic.

Rodrigo, sent on in extra time, turned sharply and raced up the right, forcing a good save from Afinkeev.

Following in, Dani Carvajal was denied.

For the first time it was getting frantic.

The rain came down, exhaustion crept in and Spain demanded the VAR as Ramos fell, held as he went down.

Up in the VAR room, they did not see much of note. Rather like everyone else in the stadium, then. Russia’s target drew closer, yet penalties were almost denied by Rodrigo 12 seconds after this reached 120 minutes. And then, at last, the referee sounded the whistle they pleaded for. And Akinfeev flew. (The Guardian)

Team Sky "confident" Froome will compete in Tour de France T

eam Sky are “confident” Chris Froome will compete in this month’s Tour de France, despite reports he is being blocked by the race organisers.

The Briton is under investigation by governing body the UCI after double the allowed level of legal asthma drug Salbutamol was found in his urine during his 2017 Vuelta a Espana win.

Under UCI rules, the fourtime Tour de France champion, 33, can continue racing, and he won May’s Giro d’Italia.

He expects to win the antidoping case.

UCI president David Lappartient said: “I have always said we would make known the general position of the UCI before the Tour and that will be the case.

“It begins next Saturday so we shall explain our position during the coming week.”

French newspaper Le Monde reports race organiser Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) does not want Froome to take part in the Tour while his case is pending.

Le Monde says ASO has a rule, in accordance with the regulations of the UCI, that “reserves the right to refuse participation in - or to exclude from - the event, a team or any of its members whose presence would be such as to damage the image or reputation of ASO or the event”.

Team Sky have appealed to the French Olympic Committee, and that will be heard on Tuesday, with a decision to be announced the

Chris Froome is a four-time winner of the Tour de France

following day.

A statement from the British-based team said: “We are confident that Chris will be riding the Tour as we know he has done nothing wrong.”

Froome’s wife and

representative Michelle told Reuters: “Chris will ride the Tour.”

His victory at the Giro after earlier wins in the Vuelta and Tour - meant he became only the seventh man to win three successive Grand Tours.

Should he win this year’s Tour, he will become just the second rider, after Belgian Eddy Merckx, to win four Grand Tours on the trot.

He would also join Merckx, Spain’s Miguel Indurain and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault as a record five-time winner of the three-week race.

Hinault, the last Frenchman to win the race, in 1985, has called for riders to strike during this year’s race in protest against Froome, but Team Sky said his comments were “irresponsible and illinformed”.

In 2011, Spaniard Alberto Contador took part in the Tour, despite an anti-doping case hanging over him after he tested positive for clenbuterol during the 2010 race, which he

won.

He was later banned for two years for doping and stripped of his 2010 Tour win.

Froome was notified of the “adverse analytical finding” on 20 September 2017.

The urine test, taken on 7 September, showed levels of Salbutamol, which is commonly taken for asthma, were at 2,000 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml).

That compares to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s threshold of 1,000 ng/ml.

The use of Salbutamol is permitted, without the need of a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), but only within certain doses.

No other samples taken from Froome during the race needed further examination.

(BBC Sport)

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sports

Hetmyer signals intentions with return hundred S

himron Hetmyer signalled his return to form with a solid ton as the Windies President’s XI secured a draw in their 2-Day practice match versus Bangladesh, ahead of next Wednesday’s first Test match.

At the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, Bangladesh racked up 403 in their first innings on Thursday, thanks to tons from Tamim Iqbal who scored 125 and Mahmudullah who retired not out for a classy 102.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan was also among the runs for the visitors as he grafted a brisk 67 while useful contributions came from Imrul Kayes, who scored 40, and all-rounder Mehedy Hasan Miraz, who made 28.

Windies bowling was led by another returning player in pacer Alzarri Joseph, who snared 4-53 from 15 overs.

Chasing a mammoth score with just one day of play meant the President’s XI needed big scores from their batters and that they got.

The Guyanese, who was sent home from the recently-concluded Sri Lanka Tests series due to illness, smashed a rapid 123 off 138 balls in 163 minutes, finding the ropes 19 times with a six. The Windies President’s

XI in the end finished on 310-8, which earned them a good draw.

Windies Captain Shamarh Brooks batted for 201 minutes and stroked 12 boundaries in his 72.

Support came from two other Guyanese in Test batsman Vishaul Singh (45), who narrowly missed out on a half-century and fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who hit 26 not out with three fours and a six.

Bangladesh began the day by removing the dangerous pair of Shayne Moseley and John Campbell early, both going without scoring.

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Bangladesh (1st Innings 403 for 8) Tamim Iqbal retd not out 125, Shakib Hasan* 67, Mahmudullah retd, not out 102) Joseph4-53 President’s XI (1st Innings) John Campbell lbw b A Jayed Rahi 0 Tagenarine Chanderpaul b K Islam Rabbi 24 Shayne Moseley c N Hasan Sohan b R Hossain 0 Shamarh Brooks* lbw b S Islam 72 Shimron Hetmyer b A Jayed Rahi 123 Jahmar Hamilton+ c Unknown b

S Islam 0 Vishaul Singh c and b M Mahmud Ullah 45 Romario Shepherd not out 26 Gudakesh Motie b M Showrab 8 To bat: Keon Harding, Alzarri Joseph, Odean Smith Extras (6b 4lb 1w 1nb 12) Total: 310 for 8 Bowling: Abu Jayed Rahi (13-439-2), Rubel Hossain (9-4-241), Shafiul Islam (12-1-48-2), Kamrul Islam Rabbi (13-0-3-411), Mehidy Hassan Miraz (112-40-0), Shakib Hasan (9-1-300), Taijul Islam (10-1-43-0)

ATP World Team Cup…

New 24-team tournament to launch in 2020

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Brooks and Hetmyer then led the charge as well as the recovery as their partnership helped bail their team out of trouble.

Singh and Shepherd, teammates of the four-time reigning regional champs Guyana Jaguars batsman, then knuckled down to help keep their team steady towards the end. For the visitors’ bowling Abu Jayed Rahi grabbed 2-39 while Shafiul Islam returned 2-48.

The first Test bowls off on Wednesday, July 4 at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground, Antigua with play set to begin at 10:00h daily. (Clifton Ross)

Shimron Hetmyer (left) and Alzarri Joseph have a chat following their top performances with bat and ball respectively

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21

T

Guyanese Kevon Wiggins aiming for the net

he National Sports Commission (NSC) extended congratulations to the Guyana National Senior Men’s Basketball Team on their historic win of the 2018 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship Tournament on Saturday, June 30, in Suriname.

The official statement, sent on Sunday afternoon, hailed the efforts of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Head Coach Junior Hercules, Assistant Coach Dennis Clarke and Team Manager Nigel Hinds for their robust programme, which continues to develop the young and talented players.

revamped World Team Cup will take place in Australia in the first week of January from 2020, the ATP said.

It comes after the International Tennis Federation set out plans for a rival 18-team end-of-season event to crown the Davis Cup champions from 2019.

In May, ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode said staging both tournaments within six weeks would be “insane”.

But on Sunday he said: “This announcement will change the landscape of the ATP World Tour.”

He added: “We believe this outcome will deliver long-term sustainability not only financially but also from a player health perspective, which is critical. This event

has huge potential and we now look forward to working together with Tennis Australia in bringing our vision to fruition.”

The World Team Cup will take place in partnership with Tennis Australia and will feature 24 teams, offering £11.35m in prize money.

Ranking points will also be available.

The tournament had previously taken place in Dusseldorf from 1978 to 2012.

Federations will vote at the ITF AGM in August on proposals to transform the Davis Cup, culminating in an 18-nation World Cup-style tournament at the end of the season in November.

The ATP and ITF had been in discussions to try to resolve the issue. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, JUly 2, 2018

Guyana claim inaugural CBC title!

O

n Saturday, June 30, Guyana’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team for the first time captured the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship as the tournament wrapped up at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal (NIS) in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The eventual champions played

undefeated throughout the 10team tournament with their final victory coming over Antigua and Barbuda, 83-70. Stanton Rose’s captain performance ensured the title was won with a game-high 23 points.

He was supported by Ray Victor, who finished with 13 points while Anthony Moe and

NYSCL/Independence Cup 2018

Regal knock out Floodlights

– set up final clash with Better Hope

R

egal Masters turned the tables on rivals Floodlights Masters to advance to the final of the 12th annual New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup in New York on Saturday.

In the final preliminary round match in the Masters Over-45, the 2017 champions Floodlights stunned Regal Masters in a low-scoring encounter at the Canarsie Park in Brooklyn.

When the draw for the semi-finals was done, it turned out that the Guyanabased sides would go head to head for

a crack at the title today. Regal Masters were sent in and got excellent contributions from their top order to put up 213 for 3 from their 20 overs. The new opening pair of Mahesh Chunilall and Throy Kippins put on 115 that laid the foundation for the massive total.

Chunilall’s good form continued, but he was the first to go for 34 (30 balls; 2x4, 2x6) in the 12th over bowled by Unis Yusuf (115). Eion Abel (08) followed shortly after, making the score 126-2. Kippins played some exciting strokes, but at 128 was run out for 70, after hitting nine fours and three sixes from 42 balls.

In the 15th over, Rudolph Baker and Eric Thomas joined forces and took the score to 213 for the same three wickets. Baker ended

on 44 not out (26 balls; 5x6, 1x4) and Thomas, 31 not out (16 balls; 3x6, 2x4) in an unbroken 85-run partnership.

In reply, the defending champions lost wickets at regular intervals with only opener Unis Yusuf showing resolve and hanging around for 41. At the halfway stage of the run chase, Floodlights were above the required run rate at 109 for 6, with only 105 required but with just four wickets in hand.

Regal Masters, who were sloppy in the field in the group stage, held their catches, and Floodlights were restricted to 176 for 8, falling 37 runs short and bowing out of the tournament.

Skipper Ramo Malone bat-

ted a t n u m ber 8 and tried desperately for 31 (14 balls; 3x6, 2x4), but the odds were heavily stacked against him and his side.

Pacer David Harper was the pick of the Regal bowlers with 3-28, and was backed up by Fazleen Mohamed with 2-21, Kippins 2-55 and Laurie Singh, who was very economical with 1-19 from four overs.

Regal Masters will meet Better Hope Masters at 10:00h today at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.

Better Hope edged NYSCL Masters by three wickets off the last ball chasing 129.

In the final of the Open Category, SVC All-Stars will meet NYSCL All-Stars at the same venue from 14:00h.

Shaine Webster contributed evenly, as 24 points were dropped between them.

The victory now means Guyana and the runners-up, Antigua, will be the Caribbean’s two representatives in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) AmeriCup qualifier tournament, which is scheduled to tip off in

September.

On the way to the final, Guyana defeated Barbados 76-71 to break the 24-year curse. Guyana’s only other success at the CBC is the 1996 Women’s Title, which was captured in the Twin Island Republic.

James, Smith and Scott deliver at API meet Kyle Greaux of Trinidad & Tobago (centre) exhales after winning the Men's A Class 200m ahead of Dominican Republic's Yancarlos Martinez (second left) and Guyana's Winston George (second right)

S

port enthusiasts and supporters were treated to an exhibition of talent and skill on Saturday evening as the third annual Aliann Pompey Invitational (API) was hosted at the Leonora Track and Field facility on the West Coast of Demerara.

Both local and foreign athletes converged at the synthetic track facility to compete for a number of prizes and the bragging rights of being the best in the Caribbean.

In a thrilling men's 100 metres, local boy Emanuel Archibald clocked an impressive 10.29s to cop the top spot ahead of his Guyanese and Caribbean counterparts.

On the other hand, it was the foreign-based athletes who dominated the female 100m event. As expected, Jamaica's Jonielle Smith clocked a swift 11.32s to cross the line in first place. She was closely followed by

Tawanna Meadow in 11.41s; the final podium spot was taken by Trinidad and Tobago's Reyare Thomas with 11.48s.

In what was his first outing in Guyana, Commonwealth Games 2018 gold medallist Troy Doris missed out on the top three of his triple jump event. Admitting that he was hindered by his injury, Doris leaped to 16.09m, just one metre short of Donald Scott's 17.22m which copped first place.

Another thriller for the evening's activities came in the 800m men's event.

Although the crowd was sure that a Guyanese would take the race, it was Quamel Prince who outran the bunch to clock a time of 1:48.70s. Guyana's Devaun Barrington was just a few seconds short with 1:51.87s and had to settle for second place while Anfernee Headecker came in third with 1:52.98s.

The headline event for the

Invitational was the men's 400m race, which attracted participation from London 2012 Olympic gold winner Kirani James. In what looked to be Guyanese Winston George's race within the first 250m, the tide quickly turned when James went into overdrive. James, who was coming back into competition after suffering from Grave's disease throughout 2017, eventually cruised to first place with a time of 44.99s, which is surely not his best but it was the track’s fastest 400m ever. Second place went to Nigeria's Chidi Okezie with 45.97s. George made sure the Golden Arrowhead would be featured on the podium with his thirdplace run of 46.13s. The up and coming Arinze Chance finished in fourth place, which meant that Daniel Williams would miss out on the top spots despite his urge to challenge the Olympian.

NBA free agency roundup…

Big names signing as world waits for LeBron T he NBA free agency period began at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, and the wait for LeBron James to decide where he will play next season officially began. But not everyone was interested in waiting around.

Reigning two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors will reportedly continue their successful partnership, agreeing to a twoyear deal with a player option for the second year late Saturday night.

According to multiple reports, Durant will make $30 million in 2018-19 and have a $31.5 million option for the following season. While h e d e clined his $26.2 million option for next season to become a free agent, Durant had said all along he wanted to stay in Golden State.

Durant, 29, averaged 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 68 regular-season games

in 2017-18, missing time due to a rib cartilage fracture.

In the postseason, Durant contributed 29 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 21 games, guiding Golden State past the San Antonio Spurs, the New Orleans Pelicans, the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

—ESPN reported that James’ agent, Rich Paul, is meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers’ brass in Los Angeles,

adding that James is not expected to attend the meeting despite being in Southern California.

James, 33, would have made $35.6 million in the 2018-19 season had he exercised his option with the Cavs.

According to ESPN, James could still fetch as much as $207 million over five years from the Cavaliers, while other teams can offer a max of $152 million over four years. James has been linked to multiple teams in free agency, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers and 76ers.

—At the stroke of midnight, Paul tweeted that he has “unfinished business” in Houston. At that same time, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the star point guard is poised to sign a four-year, $160 million max contract to stay with the Rockets. (Reuters) Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, JUly 2, 2018

23

2018 Rainforest Waters Senior Nationals Squash C/ships

Intense semis pave way for thrilling final round T

op seeds Alex Arjoon and Richard Chin highlighted the semi-finals of Saturday night’s pre-finals round at the Georgetown Club Courts as the Senior Squash Championships draw to a close.

The pair stole the show in their respective matches, thus setting up a thriller in Sunday’s finals. Despite the brilliance, shot retrieval and athleticism of Nyron Joseph, the unrivalled patience and skill of Chin’s thoughtful,

near-perfect execution and fortitude could not be overcome.

In a punishing five-game thriller, the lengthy rallies, interspersed with what would have at other times been sure winners, forced full use of the court and both players’ abilities.

Chin’s far from easy start saw an 11-5 first game victory, and his second closing in at 11-8. Turning the tables, Joseph answered back in the exact same vein with 11-8, 11-5 set wins before Chin closed off with a dominant 11-2 display.

The audience were silent for the most part – in awe, but the

Results – Saturday, June 30 Vets Lloyd Fung-A-Fat beat Tony Farnum 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4.

Women’s Semi-Finals Mary Fung-A-Fat beat Abosaide Cadogan 11-2, 11-2, 11-4.

Taylor Fernandes beat Ashley Khalil 11-6, 11-7, 11-6.

Classic Plate Sarah Lewis beat Tian Edwards 11-2, 11-0, 11-1.

Men’s Semi-Finals Alex Arjoon beat Jason Ray Khalil 11-7, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5.

Richard Chin beat Nyron Joseph 115, 11-8, 8-11, 5-11, 11-2.

Classic Plate Shomari Wiltshire beat Damien Da Silva 117, 6-11, 11-6, 14-12.

Regan Pollard beat Robert Fernandes 11-8, 11-7, 11-5.

Alex Arjoon and Richard Chin

Plate Jonathan Antczak beat Adam Alves 10-12, 14-12, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9.

Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Jason Van Dyk 12-10, 11-3, 11-2.

unison of the gasps, sounds of disbelief and sheer respect, for both players were evidence of their understanding that they were bearing witness to pure genius match play.

In the other main draw match of the night, Arjoon held off a spirited Jason Khalil in a four-match bout, which ended in an 11-7, 114, 5-11, 11-5 victory for Arjoon. In a fast-paced, hard-hitting game, the two boys fought hard for their wins before Arjoon finished the task of a 3-1 win.

The women’s main draw held no surprise for professional

Mary Fung-A-Fat as she shared the court with fast-improving Abosaide Cadogan. Cadogan was not yet ready to combat Fung-AFat’s level and succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. Taylor Fernandes made a clean sweep 3-0 over Ashley Khalil. Fernandes’ 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 triumph was testament to her disciplined training regime and game strategy.

The remaining semi-finals resulted in movement by Sarah Lewis, Shomari Wiltshire, Regan Pollard, Jonathan Antczak and Samuel Ince-Carvalhal into the finals.

monDAY, JUly 2, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 22

Guyana claim inaugural CBC title!

The 2018 Men’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championship holders, Guyana, display their hardware following their win in the final on Saturday

Croatia send Denmark out of World Cup after Subasic heroics in shootout Pg 19

Danijel Subasic of Croatia saves Christian Eriksen’s penalty in the shootout

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