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No. 104647

THURSDAY AUGUST 18, 2016

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English jumps, Math dips - Education officials deem CSEC results unsatisfactory - Inquiry into education system could pave way forward

Fatima Karim scored 19 Grade Ones

I want to be a petroleum engineer

Page 13

- says St Rose’s girl who scored the most Grade Ones

Mother killed, 2 Bandits given Granger sound beating daughter injured in Mahaica accident after botched unchallenged for 4 PNCR’s top job 11 - family were on their way to airport robbery Page

Dead: Bibi O’Donovan

Page

2 The car in which the mother and daughter were travelling to the airport

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Mother killed, daughter injured in Mahaica accident - family were on their way to airport

Sheneeza Lewis

Dead: Bibi O’Donovan

A MOTHER and daughter heading to the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle never got there after their vehicle crashed into a truck on the Chelsea Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Dead is 58-year-old Bibi Ameroon Hussein O’Donovan of 15 Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice. She was a Guyanese with British citizenship. Her daughter, 23-year-old Sheneeza Lewis, was injured. Lewis, also a British citizen, initially received treatment at the Mahaicony Hospital but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Reports disclose that the car being used by the mother and daughter, HC 6753, was heading to the airport for a 05:00h check-in when it slammed into the rear of a truck, GHH 7197, in the vicinity of the Mahaica Bridge. The truck was transporting bags of rice at the time. The driver of the car, who police said was speeding, is in custody assisting with investigations. The mother and daughter had been on a six-week vacation in Guyana. The father of the injured girl, Daniel Lewis, told this publication he visited his daughter Tuesday evening, but he is separated from the mother. “My daughter and her mother live in London and they were heading to the airport when I got the message. A friend with a lorry came and picked me up and brought me to the scene at Mahaica Bridge. “I was told that the car slammed into the back of the truck and my daughter’s mother lost her life and she was injured,” Mr Lewis stated. He said when he visited the Mahaica Police Station to give a statement, the police had the entire luggage, passports and valuables of the mother and daughter. “The police have everything,” Mr Lewis noted.

The rear of the truck after the car smashed into it

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

English jumps, Math dips

- Education officials deem CSEC results unsatisfactory - Inquiry into education system could pave way forward

By Ravin Singh GUYANA’s overall performance in English A at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination has shown significant improvement but there continues to be a decline in Mathematics, education officials revealed Wednesday. The results of this year’s performance at CSEC, offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), were announced by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) office at Kingston, Georgetown. The percentage of students who passed English A, with Grade One, Two or Three, moved from 49.36 percent last year to 59.3 percent this year. However, the statistics revealed that performance in Mathematics declined this year, with a pass rate of 38.37 percent, compared to 45.07 percent last year. This year, the number of students gaining Grades One to Three in the general and technical proficiencies increased by 0.67 percent over last year’s total score of 62.72 percent. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Delma Nedd, said the results were not satisfactory. She said failure to achieve a 50 percent pass rate in Mathematics was still worrying. Nedd said the Ministry hopes to address the issue in a comprehensive way once the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education system is completed and the report, with recommendations, is handed over, likely by December. EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES But despite the worry over Mathematics, the Ministry announced that of the 35 subjects written at this year’s examinations, the overall results indicated excellent performances in 15 subjects where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded 75 per cent. These subjects were: Agriculture Science (DA), Agricultural Science (SA), Biolo-

bean History, Clothing & Textiles, Economics, English A, English B, Geography, Integrated Science, Office Administration, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Social Studies, Spanish, Technical Drawing, Visual Arts, Human & Social Biology, Additional Mathematics, Electrical & Electronic Technology

and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Satisfactory performance was also recorded in Visual Arts with a pass rate of 55.55 per cent – having improved from 34.25 per cent in 2015 and 41.12 per cent in 2014. The overall performance in Chemistry, the Ministry said, was unsatisfactory with

a pass rate of 41.13 per cent. Of the 12,809 candidates that wrote the examinations earlier this year, 8269 were public candidates, while the remaining 4540 were attached to private schools. Subject entries between the 4677 male candidates and 8132 female candidates amounted to 73,303.

Schools which secured eight Grade Ones and more

Delma Nedd, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education speaks at the press conference Wednesday when this year’s CSEC results were announced gy, Food & Nutrition, French, Home Economics Management, Information Technology, Principles of Business, Religious Education, Theatre Arts, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Physical Education & Sport, Music, Building Technology (Const.) and Building Technology (Woods). Significant improvement was also noted in Biology and Physics. Grades One to Three passes in Biology moved from 59.3 percent last year to 76.38 percent this year, while Physics moved from 44.81 percent last year to 55.83 percent this year. Human & Social Biology showed improvement in Grade One to Three passes from 49.35 percent last year to 58.42 percent this year. In the Business Education subjects, the performance in most of these subjects was satisfactory. Principles of Business recorded an excellent performance with a pass rate of 84.91 percent. Principles of Accounts moved from 65.43% last year to 70.81 percent this year. Excellent performances were recorded in both Information Technology (General) and Electronic Document Preparation and Management, where the pass rates were 84.94% and 91.07% respectively. In the Modern Languages subjects, French recorded an excellent performance with a pass rate of 79.86 percent, compared to 54.96 percent last year. Spanish improved

from 60.51 percent last year to 66.33 percent this year. All of the students who wrote Music gained passes in Grade One, Two or Three. Theatre Arts, and Physical Education and Sports both recorded over 95 per cent passes in Grades One to Three. Performance in Religious Education improved, scoring 88.1 percent, compared to 81.45 percent last year. SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCES Meanwhile, “satisfactory performances” were recorded in 18 subjects where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded 50 per cent while Grades One to Four passes were in excess of seventy five percent. These included: Carib-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Bandits given sound beating after botched robbery A BARBER who is known for wearing a thick gold chain attracted the wrong attention when two bandits on a motorcycle visited his North Ruimveldt home Wednesday afternoon and attempted to rob him. The barber has been identified as 37-yearold Roger Lovell. According to reports, one of the bandits acted as a lookout at the man’s residence while the other made his way into Lovell’s home and woke him up by beating him with a gun. Startled, the barber was questioned about the specific gold chain. As the beating con-

tinued at gunpoint, Lovell used his bed sheet to wrap it around the bandit’s arm, tugging it towards a window. Both bandits were caught by the residents and beaten severely. “Police come here in time because they would of dead,” one man said. “I never see thief happy to see police,” another resident noted. Police recovered a .32 pistol and live rounds at the scene. Both bandits were admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital and one is reported to be in a critical condition. Lovell has also been hospitalized.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Another bus donated to President Granger’s Five Bs Initiative for use in Mabaruma, Barima-Waini (Region One). “This is the twelfth bus we are putting on the road. We’ve been distributing boats, we’ve been distributing bicycles and I’m really happy this morning to be the recipient on behalf of

President Granger for this bus,” she said. Insurance coverage for the bus will be provided by the North American Life Insurance Company Limited (Nalico) and North American Fire and General Insurance Company Limited

(Nafico). President Granger’s Five Bs programme continues to garner support nationwide from members of the private sector and private citizens who are interested in giving back through the initiative.

Buxton man dies in ATV crash Minister Ally happily receives the key from Mr. Robin Stoby, Chairman of GBTI to the “David G” school bus, as the directors look on (L – R) Mr. Suresh Beharry, Director of GBTI and Edward B. Beharry Company, Mr. Anand Beharry, Director of GBTI and Edward B. Beharry Company, Mr. Basil Mahadeo, Director of GBTI, and Mr. John Tracey, the Chief Executive Officer of GBTI

PRESIDENT David Granger’s Buses, Boats, Bicycles, Books and Breakfast (Five Bs) initiative received another boost from the private sector when a bus was donated to the programme on Wednesday. The 30 seater bus, which was donated by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Ltd. (GBTI) was received by Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally on behalf of President Granger

at the bank’s Headquarters in High and Young Streets Kingston, Georgetown in the presence of the Chairman and directors of the Bank, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted. According to the release, Robin Stoby, Chairman of GBTI said that the bank has always supported this and similar programmes that are intended to nurture the younger generation. “Education is something

which GBTI finds very important in the forward advancement of our society. We are committed to assist in whatever way we can in those institutions that require the kind of assistance that we can offer. We are happy to have made this gesture and we’re grateful for the way it is being accepted,” he was quoted as saying in the release. Minister Ally said that the bus is expected to be commissioned in September

THE rider of an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) succumbed to injuries he received Tuesday when he collided with a car on the Buxton Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Dead is Wade Paul, 55, of 106 Middle Walk, Buxton. Investigations by police revealed that the fatal accident occurred about at 13:00hrs. Paul, known as ‘Rastaman’ was reportedly riding the ATV at a fast rate east of the public road when he lost control and slammed into the front of motor car PPP 4124, which was proceeding in the opposite direction. Paul was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. According to an eyewitness, Paul was pitched some

The damaged ATV

10 metres away as the ATV toppled several times. The

driver of the car escaped without injury.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The PPP/C symposium

THE OPPOSITION People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) held a symposium in Georgetown recently to discuss among other issues, corruption, discrimination and militarisation of the State under the APNU+AFC administration. Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo is leading the case against the APNU+AFC and challenging the administration to behave responsibly and judiciously in matters relating to the citizens’ rights and laws. It is generally accepted that a militant Opposition can contribute to good governance through its vigilance of Government’s management of the State, development and execution of policies and programmes. Where the Leader of the Opposition and his team do such it would be consistent with its expected role. That being said, it should be said there is something unusual about Guyana’s politics and politicians. Those new to politics or now paying attention could be enamoured by the PPP/C’s militancy and without having the benefit of history may be quick to conclude that party’s management of the State’s business was exemplary comparatively to now, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. On the watch of President Jagdeo (1999-2011) claims of discrimination were widespread and evident. In 2010 Jagdeo filed a private lawsuit, claiming libel and asking the court to award compensation of $10 million against Kaieteur News and columnist Freddie Kissoon for his article: “King Kong sent his goons to disrupt the conference.” The suit contended that said article was “malicious, irresponsible and inflammatory, calculated and designed to excite racial hostilities amongst the people of Guyana with false and manufactured allegations.” Giving evidence on this matter Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon when questioned as to the absence of Africans as heads of foreign mission replied that there existed no qualified person. In 2003 Dr. Kean Gibson’s academic work: ‘The Cycle of Racial Oppression in Guyana’ was brought before the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) by the PPP/C aligned Indian Arrival Committee, and calls made for the book to be banned. Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis who accused the Jagdeo government of being involved in economic genocide within the African community in laying out the case of treatment of African workers was taken before the ERC by Rashid Osman, an act orchestrated by the Jagdeo government. During said period in excess of 400 young men, primarily Africans were executed by police and vigilante squads. Under the Coroner’s Act anyone meeting death under unnatural circumstance(s) an inquest ought to be held to determine cause of dead and who may be responsible. This law was never activated which under the law constitutes a denial of the right of those executed. Indians who indicated support for a political party outside of the PPP/C and any party it considers supportive of it, the machineries of the party and State were mercilessly used to go after them. This behaviour currently manifests itself as seen whenever Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo raises any issue, the party and Leader of the Opposition seek not to address the content of the PM’s statement but ruthlessly go after his person.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

AFC must assert itself Dear Editor,

I always preferred the AFC as the party to run the affairs of Guyana. I saw Khemraj, Nigel and Moses as focused, intelligent, patriotic men. The PPP and the PNC are national parties with huge followings but they are severely damaged; both of them. I can only support them if I hold my patriotic and objective noses. In fact I think that had it not been for our entrenched racism and protracted brain drain, both the PNC and the PPP (or at least their leaders) would have been relegated to the dust heap of history. How any right thinking Guyanese could represent the philosophies and ideologies of those two parties is beyond my imagination. Those two parties have collectively steered Guyana into a ditch and have almost suffocated us for the last 50 years. And yet none of the leaders of either party would offer even a modicum of apology to the Guyanese public for the albatross that they have been around our necks. There is this prevailing, pathetic pretense from the supporters of either party, that their leaders did nothing, or is doing nothing, wrong. It is as if when you subscribe to a party allegiance in Guyana, you become brainwashed and blighted. Why Guyanese – the poorest and most abused citizens in the Western hemisphere - refuse to hold their political leaders accountable is fodder for clinical psychologists and social scientists

to chew on for years to come. We saw what 50 years of mismanagement have gotten us. We are the richest natural resource country in the Caribbean, yet our successive governments have abused us and raped our economy. We have the lowest wage income brackets, the lowest GDP, the highest crime rate, the sickest people, the highest migration and deportation rates, the highest suicide rates and the most uneducated population. All this as we have come to our 50 years of independence. And the fact is that all these negatives were bequeathed to us by only two parties, the PNC and the PPP. Now we have come to more enlightened days. Technology and post modernism have gripped the world, yet Guyanese seems to be in a daze. We operate as if the shackles of nonchalance and dispassion have been welded around our collective psyche. In an age of the Obama-effect and the Arab Spring, Guyanese seem stuck in time. By a very slim margin the old guards were removed in 2015. The new guards have come in with obvious, paralleled desires as the guards we removed. And the very scary reality is that the old guards are waiting in the wings, to unleash on the Guyanese people the very attitudes for which they were removed. And it seems as if the new guards – like the old guards want to make sure that when they are removed from power, they never have to work another day in their life. And to think that these atrocious

behaviours, perpetuated by members of both side of the political spectrum, are been facilitated and endorsed by fellow Guyanese. There is an old familiar spiritual song which has as a part of its refrain this line, “There’s none so blind as he who willfully will not see.” I began this letter by noting my admiration for the AFC. I will close by restating it. It is clear that the problems which this government now faces are as a result of wounds inflicted by the PNC arm of the coalition. I would want to think that the AFC, if only in the interest of self-preservation, will regroup and rethink its relationship with the coalition. The AFC needs to do some introspection and consider its legacy. Does the AFC want to be tied to what appears to be a haemorrhaging, sinking PNC ship? I have always thought that the APNU/AFC marriage was a mistake; the incompatibilities are too many. The AFC has lost it voice. If the coalition government is the nation’s parents, then what I am saying is that the AFC is just standing there, watching while the PNC abuses their children. This should not be allowed to continue. Either the AFC asserts its rightful place in the marriage or realise that a divorce on the grounds of abuse and desertion is legally and ethically permissible. Regards Wendell Jeffrey

Audit cleared Commissioner of Forests DEAR EDITOR, With reference to Kaieteur News (KN 4th April, 2016) in which Dr. David Hinds is actually accusing Mr. James Singh (Commissioner of Forest) of “getting something in exchange for his silence and inaction” with regard to Bai Shan Lin being granted concessions. According to the final analysis of the Forensic Audit done on GFC,

“There is no clear evidence of malpractice by the GFC Head” to initiate criminal charges. This is the finding of a qualified Chartered Accountant who is qualified to pronounce on such matters and who criticised certain aspects of the granting of concessions to BSL by GFC. My point here is that the granting of these concessions is not done solely by Mr. James Singh (COF). Rather it is done through a collective decision which has to go through the hierarchy of GFC, including the board. Also, since the Forest Act prohibits transfer of control/ownership of

He who professes to be protector and defender of the laws, people and values needs to be careful of his conduct. And whereas Jagdeo and the PPP/C have a right to raise the issues highlighted at the symposium they equally have corresponding responsibilities to also avoid the things they condemned. The laws are not only made for the APNU+AFC government, but also the PPP/C in Opposition and in the Executive. As the party focuses on what it has called the militarisation of the State similar concern is being expressed across the political divide, including from the parties that have formed the government. There exists perception that whenever a job or assignment is to be appointed or undertaken preference is given to retired members of the military. Assessments are also being made as to the competencies of these officers relative to others possessing technical skills and in the political trenches

concessions without the approval of GFC, who are these “potential concessionaries” to whom these concessions should be reallocated, bearing in mind that all these concessionaries have TSA? Also, since the audit clearly states that there is no direct evidence to link the hierarchy of GFC to wrongdoing which could cause criminal charges to be brought against them, I think Mr. Hinds owes GFC, especially Mr. James Singh, an apology. A. Noel

for years and were targeted for the PPP/C’s wrath, when many of the same officers were beneficiaries of its largesse. It has been under the PPP/C’s management Guyana has acquired the infamous status by Transparency International as the most corrupt English-speaking country in the Caribbean. Forensic audits of State agencies have revealed the level of mismanagement that has occurred during that period. Suffice to say the grave injustices committed against the people and society under the past regimes the current government needs to be judicious in its management of the State and the treatment of the people to avoid its tenure being equated to that period. Perception informs reality and often time is reality. Where perception is inconsistent with intent it should be addressed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

urviving cancer and other

potholes in Guyana

“May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears”- Nelson Mandela

s I drew closer to my chemo finish line I wished I could throw my body over it and complete the race like Shaunae Miller’s Gold at Rio but cancer was a marathon race not a sprint, there were steps that have to be taken and hurdles that must be crossed before being even close to completing the race, and by completing I mean surviving. One such hurdle I was being faced with as the curtains on my treatment were coming down (just 2 more left! ) was that of my next move : radiation/ radiotherapy. I had been so consumed by the chemotherapy that I had not examined in detail what radiation would entail. Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. Other names for radiation therapy include radiotherapy, irradiation, or x-ray therapy. Other drugs are used along with radiation, these are called radio sensitizers, e.g. Chemo. This means they can actually make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, which helps the radiation to better kill cancer cells. There were three ways in which radiation can be given; as far as I was aware I would

be having the external ( beam) radiation at the Cancer Institute. External radiation (or external beam radiation) uses a machine called a linear accelerator (often called a “linac” ) that directs high-energy rays from outside the body into the tumour. In my case the tumour had been removed via surgery and this would target the area where the tumour was as well as the surrounding lymph nodes. The dose needed to kill the tumour or affected nodes is too strong to be given at once. The total dose of external radiation therapy is usually divided into smaller doses called fractions. The most common way to give it is daily, 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for 5 to 8 weeks. Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover. I recall Devika telling me her radiotherapy lasted approximately 30 days, 5 days a week for 5 minutes each. She related to me how fatigued and tired she would feel after her sessions which were pretty painless but the weak feeling would come on after thus leaving her to spend most of her days in bed. Of course this was only temporary but it did take a few months before Devika regained her ‘normal’ energy levels. Radiation itself didn’t scare me but did this mean I would be radioactive? Like should I stop using the microwave and my cellphone? Sounds funny but here are some possible side effects: 1. Fatigue (in part due to energy expended in replacing normal cells killed in the process) 2. Skin irritation, redness, lesions, peeling 3. Hair loss 4. Loss of taste 5. Erectile dysfunction 6. Decreased blood count (may be monitored by the clinician overseeing the treatment) 7. Increased susceptibility to infection 8. Difficulty swallowing and decreased appetite 9. Oral mucositis (cells of the mouth rapidly dividing) 10. Younger patients receiving radiotherapy are more likely to develop secondary tumors because of their longer post-treatment life span. 11. Large tumor masses often contain oxygen-poor cells in the center that are resistant to radiation therapy and therefore not affected by the therapy. Well, at least I know I can cross out erectile dysfunction ( ha ha) but only by doing it will I be sure of how my body reacts. I still had two more cycles of chemo to look forward to before becoming a walking radioactive biological hazard ( I joke). It was still a long way away from what was going on; my chemo side effects had decreased after the second week of my last (5th) session - well, all except the hives which I had still not adjusted to - would you adjust to random spurts of itching all over your body all day? Yeah, I think not definitely the worse effect ( aside from the vomiting) I have dealt with thus far - I doubt the radiation can beat this but only time will tell.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Some of the angry cane harvesters outside the GUYSUCO Office at Blairmont Wednesday

Blairmont cane harvesters continue strike SOME 200 cane harvesters at GUYSUCO’s Blairmont operations downed tools for the second day Wednesday to protest against what they described as management’s sudden and arbitrary decision to change the price rules for harvesting cane in thinly populated beds. “Under custom and practice in the past, the Estate used to do something called bed assessments, where they assess a bed of cane, and depending on the estimated amount of cane it can produce, they would compensate harvesters for the extra work or shortfall in meeting their quota,” said Hardyal Ramdihal, Field Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’s Union (GAWU). He added: “The day task for a harvester is three beds. Management is now demanding four beds per worker. The four beds will cover a bigger area in cutting and in loading will take more time. The cane is thin on the ground and short and in some cases enclosed in vines. But they do not want to give the workers any compensation for the extra work.”

He said that this sudden change by management was bad news for harvesters, since a cane harvester gets paid according to the amount of canes he harvests with 2.6 tonnes per day being the minimum. Production under this figure results in a harvester being only eligible for half a day's pay. An experienced harvester can harvest a well populated bed in two to two and a half hours but would have to spend as much as twice this time in harvesting a poorly populated bed. Ramdihal added: “Even if the harvester cuts four of these thinly populated beds there is no guarantee that these beds will yield enough cane for him to meet the daily quota of 2.6 tonnes to qualify for a day’s pay.” The workers are demanding the return of bed assessments and the return of fair prices by the management of the Blairmont Estate for these special field conditions. Some have asked for a flat pay of $1500 for harvesting these type of beds but management has rejected this request, they said.

“They know what is involved. Yet they hardening their hearts against us with this sudden change. This is a cruel act by management. This is colonialism all over again," one worker said. The angry workers protested outside the Blairmont Office Wednesday at one time lying down in front of the gate and blocking access to the compound; the Police had to be called in. Late Wednesday, Ramdihal disclosed that management of the estate called him and a few other workers to a meeting to discuss the problem but no agreement had been arrived at. He said: “The only thing of substance the management said is that the cane harvesters must go back into the back-dam and then they will make a decision on the prices to be paid.” He said that workers find this position by management unacceptable and the strike is likely to enter its third day Thursday. Generally, harvesting of the current crop usually lasts for seventeen weeks. This week is the third week of harvesting. (Clifford Stanley)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

ARIES - You might think you have not done enough work, but there is only one more hurdle to jump before you are given the green light on the road to your destination. The Aquarius Full Moon activates your 11th House of Long-Term Goals, urging you to envision the future and the steps you will need to take to make your dreams come true. However, you may feel stifled as forceful Mars inches closer to tough-guy Saturn. Nevertheless, hard work and brutal honesty are the tools necessary for your success. Stand up to the pressure and you will be granted a hard-earned victory sooner than you expect. TAURUS - It appears as if someone is pushing you to take on additional responsibilities. Don’t promise more than you can deliver now, even if you are willing to sacrifice some playtime to fulfill your obligations. Social demands may trigger your desire to retreat from the crowd. But it’s nearly impossible to remain isolated when the Aquarius Full Moon draws your energy from the subjective personal realms into your 10th House of Public Life, where you are more concerned with the objective issues of community and career. As George Eliot wrote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” GEMINI - Old fantasies are being washed away to make room for new dreams. The detached Aquarius Full Moon shakes up your 9th House of Higher Truth, reminding you that enthusiasm doesn’t necessarily alter reality. Your patterns of perception are changing; being more skeptical now isn’t a turn toward cynicism, but breaking with outdated ideas makes way for a fresh view of the world. Thankfully, responsibilities that previously held you back are now relaxing their grip. Don’t rush your first steps on your journey or you will be required to repeat them in the days ahead. CANCER - You’re capable of setting your pride aside today so you can talk about your needs. Fortunately, the Aquarius Full Moon lands in your 8th House of Intimacy, encouraging you to reveal your heart as you strive to express your individuality. Although this is likely the beginning of a more outgoing cycle for you Crabs, emotional tension boils over if you try to ignore your true feelings. Fear of change might be prompting you to overreact, but burying your head in the sand is not helpful. Adaptability in the face of adversity is your greatest ally. LEO - Don’t try to overcome a sudden cooling of interest from a person you admire by being too aggressive in your approach. The Aquarius Full Moon falls in your 7th House of Partnerships, triggering unexpected behaviour from a lover or a close friend. Or maybe you need to step back and look at things from a different angle to add more excitement to the relationship. Unfortunately, digging in your heels is not the answer; letting go of control is a must. Persistence, one of your greatest strengths, might actually be a weakness now. Pride is the longest distance between two people. VIRGO - You understand the consequences of a recent decision and realise that you cannot turn back from the choices you already made. The Aquarius Full Moon in your 6th House of Health can overwhelm you with a wide variety of different options about your daily routines. In fact, your emotions may be so strong now that any lingering doubt about the intensity of these times quickly vanishes. Although you might be tempted to do something crazy for fast results, self-restraint and self-respect are the greatest gifts you can give yourself at this time. LIBRA - You have run out of patience when it comes to people breaking promises, yet you might be ready to break a few of your own. The unconventional Aquarius Full Moon falls in your 5th House of Self-Expression, bringing out the quirky and playful side of your personality. Your craving for fun and attention is hard to ignore, possibly creating tension with your desire for privacy. But you have the right to take centre stage, and then retreat when you so choose. It’s fine to shine in the spotlight on occasion as long as you have an exit strategy in place. SCORPIO - You might not fully understand what’s unfolding on the home front now. However, once you accept that the emotional dynamics are beyond rational analysis, you’ll be able to glean important lessons from your experience. The quirky Aquarius Full Moon sinks into your 4th House of Foundations, surrounding you with a complicated array of alternatives. You intuitively know everything will work out fine, but frustration may take a few more days to play out as Mars moves toward its conjunction with uncompromising Saturn. Don’t give up; it is often the last key on the ring that opens the door. SAGITTARIUS - It’s gratifying to be right, but avoid getting caught up in the philosophical disputes where one side has to be the winner and the other side the loser. Nevertheless, the Aquarius Full Moon inspires your 3rd House of Information, encouraging you to ask tough questions and seek honest answers. Just remember: opinions are just ideas attached to a belief. Sharing your thoughts without taking yourself too seriously produces the best results. Buddha said, “The root of suffering is attachment.” CAPRICORN - You may discover discrepancies with joint finances when the independent Aquarius Full Moon rattles your 2nd House of Money. Your problem might be as simple as feeling annoyed if someone is too careless with cash for your taste. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep your reaction in check since an irritating Moon-Jupiter aspect possibly tricks you into believing you discovered a quick fix to the monetary crisis. Deviating from a budget can drain your resources, leaving you overspent in more ways than one. Saving money saves energy. AQUARIUS - Melodrama runs rampant while the partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius polarises your sign. This overstimulating Full Moon occurs in your 1st House of Personality, drawing your emotions very close to the surface. Others can see past your apparent detachment now. Your discomfort in dealing with your feelings could turn your frustration into anger as hot Mars moves to conjunct cold Saturn next week. As Tom Petty sings, “The waiting is the hardest part.” Make sure to utilise your wicked sense of humour as often as possible. PISCES - You want to break free from the past and apply your vision to a higher cause when you are coaxed to express your feelings more openly. Your lifelong pursuit of spiritual meaning is reinvigorated as the cosmos delivers you an inspirational message. However, you might be tempted to run away from the monotony of your daily tasks now. Although the rebellious Aquarius Full Moon rattles your 12th House of Secrets, escaping is not a viable long-term solution. A head full of fears has no space for dreams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Granger unchallenged for PNCR’s top job

By Ariana Gordon

AS the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) gears up for its 19th Biennial Delegates’ Congress, President David Granger will head into the conference unchallenged for the position of leader of that 59-year-old party. Other persons nominated for key posts include current Chairman Basil Williams, former leader of the party Robert Corbin, Volda Lawrence and Lurlene Nestor for Chairman. Williams told reporters at the party’s first press conference in over one year on Wednesday that he is ready to compete against the other nominees but noted that there is a possibility that he may be beaten by former leader of the party, Robert Corbin. Corbin had in the past said he is not interested in returning to serve on the executive of the party or in any public post. He has since been quoted in another section of the media saying that he is not interested in the nomination. The nominations for Vice Chairman include Lawrence, Dr George Norton, Joseph Harmon, Aubrey Norton, James Bond, Dawn Hastings, Christopher Jones, Winston Felix, Beni Raymond, and Clement Corlette. Ronald Bulkan, Larry London and Annette Ferguson have been nominated to serve as treasurer. However, London has made it clear that he is not interested in the post. Nominees have until August 24 to confirm whether they are competing for the posts nominated for. There were 73 nominations for the members of the Central Executive Committee. Meanwhile, the party chairman said the Biennial Delegates’ Congress will be held under the theme “PNCR-Vanguard of a Green Economy” in keeping with President Granger’s push for a green Guyana. “As the largest mass-based party in Guyana and the largest partner in the coalition, APNU+AFC Administration, the People’s National Congress Reform will lead and show leadership as we work towards achieving the goal

Chairman of the PNCR Basil Williams of a Green Guyana,” said Williams. Over 500 delegates and several hundred observers from all ten administrative regions of the country; the North America Region; and the United Kingdom are expected to attend the Congress. The party said it is proud to have entered government as part of a coalition administration in December 1964, while noting that it was the PNC on Independence Day 1966 that “embarked on the task of transforming a deeply divided colony into the united Independent State of Guyana.” “Congress is a working session. For us it is not a period of jubilation but rather two days of hard work, where we not only examine the state of the Party but make plans for the economic and social development of the nation,” the party chairman added. Williams announced that President Granger will deliver the keynote address to the Congress on Friday August 26 and thereafter deliberations will be made on matters of policy. The following day Oscar Clarke, General Secretary is expected to report on the work of the party. His report will be followed by two working sessions. On the final day of the Congress, delegates will vote for a Party Leader, Chairman, two Vice Chairmen, Treasurer and fifteen other members who will become the elected members of the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR. When asked to speak about security of those attending the Congress next week, Williams assured that measures are in place to ensure that all persons at the event are safe. At the party’s 18th Delegates Congress pandemonium broke as gun shots were fired causing supporters and delegates to run for cover. That matter was investigated by the police. “Democracy has its negatives in it—we are a democratic party, it is unfortunate that our democracy was abused–we can assure you that there won’t be a repeat of that…the arrangements that we are putting in place - any gridlock in terms of administrative, accreditation–we have them under control. You really can’t predict what is in a man or woman’s mind,” said Williams. Article 7.2 of our Party’s Constitution requires that the party have a Biennial Delegates’ Congress every two years. Meanwhile, infrastructural works are underway to the main entrance to Congress Place, Sophia and within the party’s compound but the party’s General Secretary maintained that work was scheduled to be done since January but due to inclement weather it was pushed back. “Works are not being undertaken because of Congress, these works were scheduled to be done earlier in the year but the imminent holding of the congress we better try to get some work done…” Clarke assured reporters that the project is not funded by the state.

A worker carries out his duty at Congress Place on Wednesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Blood Bank personnel to be trained in Argentina

THREE medical personnel from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) will be heading to Argentina on August 23 to receive training on Quality Management and Control. According to the Ministry of Public Health, the personnel will be based at the Garrahan Hospital in Argentina. The training represents Phase Two of a three-year programme which falls within the framework of the South-South Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. Acting Director of the NBTS, Dr. Pedro Lewis will be spending two weeks in Argentina, while Quality Manager Davina Singh and Donor Organiser Tonza Bamfield will be spending one week. Speaking at a press conference in the Ministry of Public Healthâ€™s boardroom Wednesday, Argentine Ambassador Luis Martino explained that the overall aim of the programme is to improve the blood safety levels in Guyana by building and strengthening human capacity, knowledge and technology. Phase One of the programme saw Dr. Ana Del Pozo, who has a strong background in the blood services sector, and Dr. Sebastian Oknaian, an expert in quality control in blood transfusion, visiting Guyana in 2013 and in December, 2015.

Ambassador Martino said that upon the completion of the first phase, the experts shared with him what they detected to be strengths at the NBTS. According to him, this upcoming phase will now allow the participants to have a firsthand view of the procedures and standards at the Garrahan Hospital. This will, in his view, help in the development of a plan for ongoing capacity building in all the regions with a blood banking presence. The third phase will entail a visit by the Argentine team to Guyana in December this year, followed by the continuation of training for the three NBTS medical personnel in 2017. Ambassador Martino said that if all goes well with the threeyear programme, they are ready and willing to broaden the scope of the South-South Cooperation in health beyond blood transfusion to other areas such as medicine. Dr. Pedro Lewis explained that the NBTS has already been able to improve its services due to the visits by the consultants during the first phase of the programme. Areas which have been improved include blood management and the collection of statistics.

He thanked Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton as well as Ambassador Martino for the capacity-building opportunities presented to him and his colleagues Ms. Singh and Ms. Bamfield also expressed gratitude for the opportunity and both stressed the importance of the work that they do at the NBTS. They spoke of the importance of the capacity-building exercises and assured that they will grasp all of the knowledge and experience that they can in Argentina so that they can share this with their colleagues in the other regions. In addition to the NBTS in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound, Guyana also has a blood bank at the Suddie Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex. The Public Health Minister expressed gratitude to the Argentine Government for their technical support in the implementation of the programme. He also stressed that the Ministryis working assiduously to improve healthcare services in general.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

I want to be a petroleum engineer

‒ says St Rose’s girl who scored the most Grade Ones WITH 19 Grade Ones and a Grade Two, Fatima Karim of St. Rose’s High in Georgetown, stood at the top of the list when the country’s top performing students at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations were announced Wednesday. With Guyana’s recent big oil find, she wants to become a petroleum engineer and has already decided that she wants to study at the University of Texas at Austin to make her dreams come through; but that’s perhaps after she is done with sixth form and the Caribbean Proficiency Exams, CAPE. Education officials did not announce a “top performer” but no one chalked up as much Grade Ones as Fatima. Outspoken, brave and assertive best describes her, but the 16-year-old was not quick to brag about her academic prowess when this newspaper caught up with her. Modestly, she said that while she worked hard, the

Fatima Karim scored 19 Grade Ones and a Grade Two

credit for excellent performance goes to Allah, her parents and her teachers. “It’s a great privilege. Thanks to Allah; he has given me this knowledge,” she told Guyana Chronicle in an interview. She is proud that her accomplishment has put her school again in the forefront, after being beaten by more prestigious schools for several years. That aside, she said the amount of passes one gets is not something to shout about. “It does not matter what grades you attained but how hard one had worked for it.”

For Fatima, working hard did not mean having a strict study routine. “I’m not really a scheduled person but I had to drop a lot of things to focus on my studies. She attended lessons six days per week, and for sure she took those seriously, but she treasured the time spent with her friends. ‘We were the loudest persons in class!” she confessed, and said that that interaction with the group of friends continued on social media. When it comes to the subjects, she was furious that she could have attained a Grade Two in Chemistry. “I’m dead serious; I’m going to review it, because that’s impossible!” And the performance that surprised her? “I think my biggest accomplishment is that fact that I passed Office Administration and landed a Grade One,” she giggled. Expressing gratitude, the top student labeled her teachers as “the driving forces within school” but placed

Berbice top student want to be physicist/petroleum engineer 17-YEAR-OLD Joshua Indarjit of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School earned 17 grade ones, effectively giving him a spot among the country’s top performers and the top student in Region 6. He was happy at the news of his performance, noting that he wanted to challenge himself by pursuing the maximum amount of subjects offered by the school. “I am a science student but I also believe in diversifying, so if one area does not work out there’s always another area to follow”, he said. Joshua is the cousin of Guyana’s leading neurosur-

geon, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi. He never had a schedule to study and this unnerved his mother, Ann, who spoke with the Chronicle. “There wasn’t any schedule to study and I was always on Joshua’s case, ‘Son, make a timetable and follow it.’ But his response is always, “Mom, it’s ok; I got this.’ He isn’t the type to be studying all the time. He does it when he gets the urge and inspiration,” she said. Joshua hopes to earn a scholarship to pursue his dream of becoming a physicist or a petroleum engineer. His advice to students who will be sitting the examination in 2017 is to work

Joshua Indarjit

smart, not hard. “Focus on your weak areas and set a goal and work towards it.”

special emphasis on Sir Kester, Miss Success and Miss Johnson. Fatima urged the next generation of CSEC candidates to remain focused. “If you plan to write a lot of subjects you have to stick to it! You have to fight, study and give each subject the same attention.” (Clestine Juan)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

West Dem Hindu School scores again had to be completed and a lot of studying was needed. But it was not all work and no play. Ramkumarie said she found time to kick back and watch some TV during her “very little” spare time. “Now that this is over with, my next step is to complete A Levels and move on to be a lawyer sometime in the near future.” Pritisha Baldeo – 14 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos Pritisha Baldeo, also of the

Ramkumarie Ramdass wants to become a lawyer

Ramkumarie Ramdass – 18 Grade Ones, one Grade Two 17-year-old Ramkumarie Ramdass of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, achieved 18 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the student of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School expressed great satisfaction upon hearing the results. She described her time prior to the exams as “taxing” due to the fact that School-Based Assessments

Pritisha Baldeo plans to study overseas to become a paediatrician

Saraswati Vidya Niketan school, secured 14 Grade One passes, three Grade Two passes, and three Grade Three passes. Pritisha, 16, from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibio, was happy at the results. She said that the journey to the exams was hard because she usually got home late from classes and continued her studies up until 2 to 3:00 am. However, apart from the intense studies, Pritisha said she would usually take part in dancing activities held by the school. “Going forward, I intend to study in New York where I’ll pursue studies in the medical field with the hope of becoming a paediatrician.”

Narindra Persaud – 14 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos The son of a fisherman, Narindra Persaud, of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan school, copped 14 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and three Grade Three passes. He said that most of his time prior to the exam was spent studying, given that he was not a sports fanatic and preferred reading. Narindra indicated that he is proud of his results because not only did he make himself proud but also brought a smile to the faces of his parents who, he said, worked hard to send him to school

very excited to be among the top performers. “Studying was never a norm for me; if I didn’t remember something, all I would do is a little review.

Narindra Persaud and his mom. The aspiring doctor, whose father is a fisherman, thanked his parents for working hard to give him all he needed for school

and ensured he got everything he needed in order to do well. Narindra hopes to become a doctor. Kimberly Najab – 15 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos Kimberly Najab’s followed in the footsteps of her sister, Victoria Najab, who topped the country at the CSEC exams last year. Kimberly attained 15 Grade Ones and three Grades Twos. She expressed much elation, noting that she was

Kimberly Najab plans to pursue studies in business

Hence, I spent time engaging in extracurricular activities.” Kimberly explained that she intends to further her studies in business. “I’d like to thank God for guiding me in a successful path, my parents for supporting me throughout my journey in school and finally my teachers, without whom this achievement would have never been possible.”

CAPE top performers dream big

Deenauth Mohabeer

Deenauth Mohabeer IN HIS first year of CAPE, he earned two grade ones (one of which he merited to top the Caribbean in), one grade two and three grade three passes. This year he upped his performance by being one of the top overall performers, achieving grade one passes in 6 Units and 1 grade two.

Deenauth, when interviewed by the Guyana Chronicle, said, “I feel a sense of accomplishment, partly due to my hard work and discipline towards my work.” He expressed thanks to God and to his family, “for their undying support.” He attributed his success to his teachers, whom he noted where not only from QC, but Jamaica, USA and UK. He reflected that his life at QC was “exceptionally well” and that it has been one of his most important experiences. But he said his five years at the Central High School provided him with the “foundation to excel.” As to future endeavours, he wants to pursue studies in Artificial Intelligence, especially in data mining. But in order for that to happen, he figures he will need a scholarship, which he is working tirelessly trying to earn. Ashley Anthony No stranger to being highlighted for her academic prowess, Ashley Anthony said that CAPE was a daunting task. She said the exams

were “manageable” but credited this to her preparation. “Pure Mathematics was the hardest exam, and I was a bit worried about the outcome.” However, she managed to secure a Grade One in the subject. The Queen’s College student said, “I would like to thank my

Ashley Anthony

parents, especially my mother, who at some points seemed more anxious than I was for my results; the teachers who worked with me

tirelessly; and my friends who were always supportive.” She intends on furthering her studies first with a second year of CAPE at Queen’s College, and then on to a university. She is unsure of a definite career path, but said, “I have been exploring the field of biophysics.” Shannon Woodroffe Not expecting anything less than the six grade ones she achieved from her first year of CAPE, the Queen’s College student and CSEC Regional Top Science Student for the 2015 sitting of the CSEC examinations, said that though Lower Sixth Form was “challenging”, she managed to successfully complete it. She expressed much gratitude to God, her parents, elder sister and teachers, who all helped her along her journey. She said, “For now, my next main focus is to continue my CAPE Studies to complete my Associate’s Degree in Natural Sciences.” She has also indicated that she will be pursuing a career

in STEM but is yet indecisive of what career path she will take. Shannon encouraged all future CAPE students to “remain

Shannon Woodroffe

focused and work towards the outcome you desire, no less.” While warning students to be efficient and diligent as the preparation time for CAPE is limited, she said, “Do not forget to take care of yourself: Sleep Well and eat well.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Top performers speak of career paths, and more studying Aadilah Ali – 18 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos Aadilah, en route to continuing her vacation Wednesday said, “I didn’t expect to do this well, owing to the fact that some of the exams were a bit difficult. I’d like to thank God for blessing me with this achievement, my parents for their support in all aspects and for always believing in me.”

were very hard” and he didn’t feel as though he put in as much as he could. His success indeed didn’t come easily, as he mentioned having to attend many lessons

Sariah Singh aims to become a doctor

now, she will be returning to Queen’s College to further her studies.

Kayshav Tewari wants to pursue studies in engineering, and later on, philosophy

Kayshav Tewari – 19 Grade Ones “TRULY, I always knew it in my heart that I could do this, even though seeing my results still sends chills into every inch of my body,” said Kayshav Tewari, decorated with 19 grade ones, “I still get ecstatic even thinking about it.” In expressing his gratitude, he said, “I would like to thank mother Saraswattie for her grace and blessings in guiding me to do my best.” He said his parents were his true inspiration, while his teachers molded him. He also had words of thanks for all his friends and colleagues. Giving advice to his fellow students, he said, “Excellence isn’t a skill. It is an attitude. When students set out to accomplish a goal they must believe with all their heart that they can do it. The moment one loses that conviction you lose everything else. Believe in yourself and have faith in God.” He also charged all his peers “to appreciate that as children of this great nation we must strive to put all our efforts to make it better.” He said that he would like to pursue studies in engineering and later on in life, philosophy.

Keval Lall – 15 Grade Ones Aadilah Ali will move on to CAPE and then pursue her goal of becoming a pediatrician

and study diligently. However, he is thankful to everyone who helped him along the way to his success, most importantly his parents, brothers and school mates. He said his favorite subject was Electrical and Electronic Technology. Keval wishes to pursue a career in engineering.

The ambitious young woman, who achieved 18 grade ones, 3 grade twos and one grade three said that she will be furthering her education by attending Sixth Form at her alma mater- Queen’s College and writing CAPE, where she plans on going into the Natural Sciences stream. She aspires to become a Pediatrician. Sariah Singh – 10 Grade Ones Earning 10 grade ones, Sariah Singh was full of gratitude for all those who helped her along this journey, including God; her family for their continuous support and love; her teachers for always guiding her; and her friends for always encouraging her to do better and being by her side. Though she is unsure of which area she would specialise in, Sariah would like to become a doctor. For

Shafeek Rayman wants a career in Accounting

Keval Lall is looking to move on to 6th Form before studying to become an engineer

Surprised at the unexpected 15 grade ones he received, Keval Lall, from the Anna Reginal Secondary School, noted that “the exams

Shafeek Rayman – 13 Grades Ones This Queen’s College student remains astounded by his performance after earning 13 grade ones and 1 grade two. He credited his success to God, who he said helped him to overcome all obstacles, his parents, his aunt Merlyn and all of his teachers, especially his Business Studies teachers and of course, his friends. He sought to encourage all students writing the examinations in subsequent years by saying, “hard work and dedication definitely pays off.” He is seeking to have a career in the field of accounting.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016 President of St Francis, Alexis Foster hands over the wheelchairs to family members of the recipients

Berbicians benefit from wheelchairs

TWENTY wheelchairs were donated recently to persons in Berbice by the St. Francis Community Developers in partnership with Food for the Poor Guyana. The presentations were done by Alex Foster to the family members of those who are in need of the chairs. According to Foster, the wheelchairs are from Food for the Poor, who last year received a donation from Free Wheelchair Mission in the United States who supports wheelchairs to people around the world. He further explained that Food for the Poor previously donated a total of 50 wheelchairs per year, however that has been increased with over 500 wheelchairs coming to Guyana last year alone, all of which were handed out. Due to the overwhelming response, another shipment of 500 came earlier this year, which are currently being distributed across the country. Foster told the Guyana Chronicle that he is very happy to be able to assist persons. “We are happy to be a part of and work with Food for the Poor to help persons in this region to acquire wheelchairs so that persons can be able to move a little freer and can be able to have some level of normalcy.” With the sizeable donation of chairs made, Foster is also calling on the relevant authorities to be cognizant of the fact that there are a lot of people who utilise the wheelchairs as their means of mobility and systems need to be put in place to facilitate them, especially at government offices and major businesses.

Food for the Poor donates clothing to Amerindian hostel IN recognition of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which was celebrated two Tuesdays ago, Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFP) donated a wide variety of clothing and bed sheets to the Amerindian hostel to assist that institution in its efforts to make life more comfortable for the 125 residents it houses. Shaundelle Inniss-Munroe, nurse attached to the hostel, said that they were grateful for the donation and hoped that the collaboration between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and FFP would continue. Over the years, FFP has been contributing substantially to the wellbeing of the Amerindian community. The non-governmental organization recently donated three computer systems to the Amerindian Villages of South, Central and North Rupununi. The computer systems in Maruranau, South Rupununi and Parisharra, Central Rupununi are already functioning. The donation of the computer systems to the Amerindian Villages is expected to contribute significantly to the educational needs of the indigenous peoples of our country.

Silochanie Singh receives the donation from CEO of Food for the Poor, Kent Vincent. Others in photo are Shaundelle Inniss, Wayne Hamilton and Compton Giddings

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Thursday, August 18, 2016 - 05:00 Friday, August 19, 2016 - 05:00 Saturday, August 20, 2016 - 05:30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Rollins leads American sweep in 100m hurdles RIO DE JANEIRO — Brianna Rollins won gold last night in the 100-meter hurdles at Olympic Stadium, leading an American sweep. Rollins won in 12.48 seconds, followed by Nia Ali (12.59) and Kristi Castlin (12.61). It's the first sweep of this event in Olympic history, and it comes one day

after the U.S. men were shut out of the 110 hurdles for the first time (in a non-boycotted Olympics). Rollins, who turns 25 today, is the 2013 world champion and former American recordholder. She claims her first Olympic gold.. Ali is a two-time world indoor champion in the 60 hurdles.

Bolt cruises in to 200m...

From back page

in Thursday's final after qualifying as one of two fastest losers. Bolt, who clocked 19.78 seconds, has won all seven of his previous Olympic finals, claiming gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012. The 200m world record holder was laughing as he crossed the line just two hundredths of a second ahead of Canada's Andre de Grasse. Bolt's previous best this year was a time of 19.89 at the London Anniversary Games. Gemili finished third in 20.08, with his place in the final confirmed following

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:45 hrs Boy Boy 09:20 hrs Gasoline 09:55 hrs Angel’s Power 10:30 hrs Pistolero 11:10 hrs Crown Of Roses English Racing Tips York 08:55 hrs Danielsflyer 09:30 hrs Fair Eva 10:05 hrs One Word More 10:40 hrs Found 11:20 hrs Pandora 11:55 hrs Hawatif Chepstow 09:10 hrs Diable D’Or 09:45 hrs Andaluste 10:20 hrs Zaria 10:55 hrs Carcharias 11:30 hrs Miss Marina Bay 12:05 hrs Senza Una Donna 12:35 hrs Edge

the third semi-final. Fellow Briton Danny Talbot missed out, despite running a personal best of 20.25 in the first semi-final. The top two in each semi-final qualified automatically, along with the two fastest losers. Gatlin's time of 20.13 was not enough to qualify ahead of Gemili or Turkey's Rami Guliyev, while another big name - Yohan Blake also failed to progress. The Jamaican, who won silver behind Bolt in London four years ago, has been hampered by injury over the past couple of years and faded to finish sixth in 20.37 seconds. (BBC Sport)

Fontwell 12:00 hrs Red Operator 12:30 hrs The Yank 13:00 hrs Satellite 13:30 hrs Wyndcrest 14:00 hrs Excellent Team 14:30 hrs First Avenue 15:00 hrs Deise Diamond Irish Racing Tips Killarney 12:20 hrs Wings Of Eagles 12:50 hrs Ti Amo 13:20 hrs Artful Artist 13:50 hrs Owen Na View 14:20 hrs Cogryhill 14:50 hrs Castle Falls 15:20 hrs Sic Et Now American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Dream Man Race 2 Shadow Rider Race 3 Chase Motto Race 4 Battle of Evermore Race 5 Summer Sweet Race 6 Ethan Hunt Race 7 Malibu Stacy Race 8 Mosler Race 9 Hot City Girl

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Herath spins Sri Lanka to series sweep

â€Ś left-arm spinner claims match-haul of 13-145

fluent innings at 68, bowling the southpaw around his legs in a dismissal that was a microcosm of the series in which the Sri Lankan spinners tormented the touring batsmen on tracks that suited them.

The match-winner for Sri Lanka yet again was Rangana Herath, who took 7 for 64 in the second innings and a match-haul of 13 wickets in Sri Lanka's 163-run win.

(REUTERS) - Sri Lanka completed a rare 3-0 sweep over Australia after left-arm spinner Rangana Herath spun the hosts to a comprehensive 163-run victory in the final Test in Colombo yesterday. Chasing 324 in a bid to salvage some pride, Australia surrendered to Herath's guile and folded for 160 before tea to lose their number one ranking to India and slip to third place behind Pakistan. Herath (7-64) claimed a 13-wicket match-haul to bag the man-of-the-match award while his 28 wickets from three Tests also made him the obvious choice for the man-of-the-series award. "What a fantastic moment," home captain Angelo Mathews said after lifting the

Warne-Muralitharan trophy. "Credit to Herath, for doing his thing. You just can't keep him away from the game. "He had a groin strain, he couldn't run, he couldn't jump. He was fantastic with one leg. One leg was enough for him to have a bowl on this type of wicket." Sri Lanka batted for 4.3 overs in the morning to add 35 runs to their overnight score of 312 for eight before declaring. IMPROBABLE TARGET Set an improbable victory target on a final day track, Australia needed a good start and the tourists got that from David Warner and Shaun Marsh who raised 77 runs, the highest opening part-

nership in the low-scoring series. Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera dismissed Marsh for 23 when the batsman defended a delivery and Kusal Mendis thrust out his hands at forward short leg to parry the ball and twisted his body backwards to complete a stunning catch. Warner brought up his first fifty of the series after lunch before the wheels came off Australia's challenge with Herath striking a double blow in his 10th over. The wily left-arm spinner bowled rival skipper Steve Smith (8) for the fifth time in six innings with the first delivery of the over and trapped Adam Voges leg-before with the last. Perera cut short Warner's

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings 355 (D. Chandimal 132, D. de Silva 129; M. Starc 5-63) AUSTRALIA 1st innings 379 (S. Marsh 130, S. Smith 119, M. Marsh 53; R. Herath 6-81) SRI LANKA 2nd innings (Overnight: 312-8) D. Perera lbw b Starc 8 D. Karunaratne stp. Nevill b Lyon 22 K. Silva c Smith b Holland 115 K. Perera c Nevill b Holland 24 K. Mendis lbw b Starc 18 A. Mathews c Smith b Lyon 26 D. Chandimal lbw b Lyon 43 D. de Silva not out 65 R. Herath c Smith b Lyon 5 S. Lakmal not out 4 Extras: (b-8, lb-3, nb-5, w-1) 17 Total: (for 8 wkts decl., 99.3 overs) 347 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-44, 3-69, 4-98, 5-156, 6-246, 7-276, 8-297. Bowling: M. Starc 19.3-4-72-2 (nb-5), N. Lyon 37-7-123-4, J. Holland 20-4-72-2, J.

Hazlewood 14-2-33-0 (w-1), S. Smith 2-013-0, M. Marsh 3-1-3-0, M. Henriques 2-09-0, A. Voges 2-0-11-0. AUSTRALIA 2nd innings (Target: 324 runs) S. Marsh c K. Mendis b D. Perera 23 D. Warner b D. Perera 68 S. Smith b Herath 8 A. Voges lbw b Herath 1 M. Henriques run-out 4 M. Marsh c K. Perera b Herath 9 P. Nevill c Mathews b Herath 2 M. Starc c K. Perera b Herath 23 N. Lyon lbw b Herath 12 J. Hazlewood stp. K Perera b Herath 0 J. Holland not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-6) 10 Total: all out: 44.1 overs) 160 Fall of wickets: 1-77, 2-100, 3-102, 4-114, 5-115, 6-123, 7-140, 8-157, 9-159. Bowling: R. Herath 18.1-3-64-7, D. Perera 22-3-71-2, D. de Silva 4-0-15-0.

After Moises Henriques ran himself out, Herath mowed down the Australian lower order to complete the whitewash. "It's been a tough series," Smith said after Australia exposed their spin frailties and slumped to their ninth consecutive Test defeat in Asia.

"We've been outplayed in all three matches in this series. I think Sri Lanka have played some great cricket over this series. Disappointing but a big learning curve for the guys as well." The teams will now compete in a five-match one-day series beginning in Colombo on Sunday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

AIBA drops officials after 'handful' of bad decisions THE International Boxing Association (AIBA) has dropped a number of officials after a review of their decisions at the Olympics. AIBA said that, after 239 bouts in Rio, "less than a handful of the decisions were not at the level expected". The body has admitted it is in a "transition process",

but said results of bouts already contested will stand. The reaction to Irish fighter Michael Conlan's controversial defeat prompted a reaction from AIBA. Conlan lost by unanimous decision to Russia's Vladimir Nikitin when many observers felt he had won comfortably. "We have a lot of educat-

ing to do and a lot of evaluating to do," AIBA official Tom Virgets told the BBC. "Along the way we have to sharpen the blade with our officials, with more training, more evaluation." The federation has since confirmed: "The concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio

Nikitin's victory over Conlan (right) came in for widespread criticism.

2016 Olympic Games." NEW RULES FOR RIO AIBA, which governs amateur boxing, has changed several rules for the Rio Games - allowing professionals to compete, removing the headguard, scrapping the appeals process and changing the scoring system. Five officials judge each bout and a computer randomly selects three whose scores are counted. There was also controversy when Russian world champion Evgeny Tishchenko was awarded all three rounds in his favour against Kazakhstan's Vassiliy Levit in the men's heavyweight final, despite a cut to his head and spending much of the bout on the back foot. Tishchenko was booed by the crowd after being given the unanimous points decision.

Irish official Michael Gallagher was one of the judges in the heavyweight final. An enraged Conlan said after his defeat: "I came for gold and I've been cheated. I'll not do another Olympics. I would advise anybody not to compete for AIBA." Virgets said of his reaction: "I can understand that frustration is heightened when there is a significant amount of media who also believe that he should have won. "We will continue to evaluate to where the media is educated, the coaches are educated as to the criteria better and the officials are constantly getting better so that hopefully we will come to an Olympics in the future and 100% of the bouts will be accepted by coaches, media, athletes and officials." Conlan's defeat prompted a five-year-old boy from

Dublin to offer him his school medal as a consolation "because you are a winner". Traditionally, judges would use a computer scoring system to count each punch. But now the winner of each round is awarded 10 points and the loser a lower number, based on criteria which include the quality of punches landed, effective aggression and tactical superiority. "We're getting better but Rome wasn't built in a day and we're going to continue to raise that bar of excellence," insisted Virgets, a member of AIBA'S executive board and chairman of its disciplinary committee. Asked about the judges in Rio, Virgets said: "We're changing them from being robots who press the button to being analysts of the bout."

Flying Stars to stage 25-lap Executive Memorial cycle road race on Sunday THE Flying Stars Cycle Club (FSCC) will stage a 25-lap cycle road race around the outer circuit of the National Park on Sunday, in memory of five of its past executives who have all passed away. According to the club’s treasurer William Howard, the event is in memory of the FSCC’s former executives Charles Chichester, Donald Robinson, Oswald Taitt, Cecil Anderson and Stanley Boyce. The event will cater for five category of cyclists and will commence at 09:00hrs from outside the National Park entrance on Carifesta Avenue. The categories that will be involved are Open/seniors, Juniors, Veterans Under-45 years of age and Over-45 years as well as Mountain bikers. Howard disclosed that the activity is

being sponsored by former national cyclists in the Diaspora including former national champions Neville Hunte, Victor Rutherford, Monty Davis, Randolph Toussaint and M. Rogers. Chichester once served as the club’s vice-president and was also a vice-president of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF). He was also the Sunday Editor of the Guyana Graphic (now Guyana Chronicle). Robinson who acted as president of the Guyana Olympic Association for a short time was the club’s president and also served as second vice-president of the GCF. Taitt was once a vice-president of the club and was racing secretary of the GCF as was Anderson who served in both capacities. Boyce, on the other hand, was an ordinary club member.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Brazil's Neymar nets fastest Olympic goal at 15 seconds

Patel spurs SCA to convincing win in OCA Under-19 final

By Alexandra Ulmer RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil's Neymar has not yet won his country a gold medal, but yesterday he at least pocketed an Olympic record - the fastest goal, at a dazzling 15 seconds into the game against overwhelmed Honduras. The men's semi-final had barely kicked off when Barcelona forward Neymar intercepted the ball, charged towards the Honduran side, challenged the goalie and bundled the ball into the net, sending the Maracana stadium into frenzy of cheers. "It was amazing to just arrive in the stadium and watch a beautiful goal," said Filipe Deliza, a 19 year-old law student from Rio at the packed Rio venue. "I was expecting Brazil to win but I was not expecting it would be so easy," added Deliza, wearing a yellow Brazilian shirt. Hurt Honduras were shaken by the goal and never recovered, going on to lose 6-0. "We didn't expect this,"

The victorious SCA Under-19 players pose with officials after their resounding win. (Pictures by Frederick Halley)

By Frederick Halley

Neymar of Brazil controls the ball before scoring as Allans Vargas of Honduras looks on. (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger)

Honduran keeper Luis Lopez told Reuters about Neymar's goal. "Honestly, it hurts." But soccer-mad Brazilians were delighted, chanting "Neymar!" during much of the match - including when he netted a penalty at 90 minutes to put the icing on the cake. Neymar will have to keep the magic going to allow Brazil to finally hoist the only international title that has so far eluded it. The South American powerhouse have lost three Olympic finals, including at London

2012. If he can lead his squad to triumph in Saturday's final, the team captain would cement his status as one of Brazil's greatest-ever players. He has already drawn lighthearted comparisons to other Olympic greats. "Neymar's goal, 15 seconds in, is the fastest in the history of Olympic football, 5.42 seconds more than Usain Bolt," the Rio 2016 Spanish-language account tweeted in reference to the Jamaican sprinter.

Brazil suffer shoot-out heartbreak, Sweden to face Germany in final SWEDEN will face Germany in the women's football final at Rio 2016, the former having knocked out Brazil on penalties at the Maracana. Hosts Brazil were agonisingly denied a place in the final of the women's football tournament at Rio 2016, courtesy of a penalty shoot-out defeat to Sweden. Despite being on the front foot for the vast majority of yesterday's match at the Maracana, Brazil were unable to break the deadlock against a team they beat 5-1 in the group stage. After 120 minutes of goalless action, Sweden ran out 4-3 winners on penalties. Pia Sundhage's team will now face Germany,

2-0 winners over Canada, in tomorrow’s final. Silver medallists at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, Brazil had high hopes of going one better on home soil, particularly after Sweden eliminated two-time reigning champions the United States in the last eight. That win also came in a shoot-out, the approach of Sundhage's side bringing condemnation from USA goalkeeper Hope Solo, who branded Sweden "a bunch of cowards". Sweden were again content to sit deep and get bodies behind the ball yesterday and their defensive solidity was ultimately rewarded. Cristiane of Brazil and Sweden's Kosovare Asllani

saw penalties saved in the shoot-out, before the fifth round of kicks proved decisive. Hedvig Lindahl dived to her right to deny Andressa Alves, meaning Lisa Dahlkvist's subsequent conversion was enough to knock Brazil out. A penalty put Germany on course for victory in the day's second semi, Melanie Behringer powering home from 12 yards in the 21st minute after Kadeisha Buchanan had been penalised for a foul on Alexandra Popp. Sara Dabritz doubled Germany's lead just before the hour mark, taking a touch with her left foot before firing home a low right-footed shot from the edge of the box.

TORONTO, Canada -- The Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) Under-19 final, featuring hosts Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) and Ottawa Valley Cricket Council (OVCC) turned out to be a lop-sided affair at the Ashtonbee Cricket ground last Sunday, with SCA recording a whopping 213-run victory over their counterparts in the 40-over contest. Led by a remarkable allround performance by Trushil Patel, who slammed a brilliant 74 and returned to capture five for 11, SCA made light work of OVCC who harboured thoughts of taking back the winning trophy to their hometown. Winning the toss and opting to take first strike, SCA reached a challenging 277 for eight in 38 overs when time expired. OVCC were required to chase 292 for an improbable win after and an additional 14 penalty runs were added to the original total. They succumbed to 79 all out in 27.5 overs, much to the disappointment of the spectators. OVCC’s reply started disastrously when their skipper Jack Batstone was brilliantly run-out in the first over via a direct throw from Patel at short mid-off. Batstone, who also opened the bowling and also kept wicket, didn’t face a ball. The captain’s dismissal was followed by a steady procession as OVCC never recovered. The all-round attack of SCA kept them in check while picking up wickets regularly. Patel, in particular, mixed his medium pacers with clever slow deliveries, as several of the OVCC batsmen were befuddled by his variations. In the end, he finished with five for 11 from six overs while left-arm spinner Thuvaragaan Pathmeswaran supported with two for three from four overs. Suvansh Chhabra (17) was the top-scorer for OVCC. Earlier, SCA were given a rollicking start of 114 off 93 balls by openers Towfeeq

MVP Trushil Patel receives one of his three trophies from SCA president Shiv Persaud.

Ahmed (58) and skipper Jordan Pirali (41) as OVCC paid the price for letting both batsmen off. Ahmed, the more attacking of the two, struck six fours and a six in his 58-ball knock while Pirali’s innings included four fours. The two set the stage for Patel who clobbered seven fours and a solitary six from just 56 balls as he raced to 74. Vihan Samararawickrama ended with four for 49 from six overs but the pick of the bowlers was off-spinner Cole Batstone with three for 38 from his allotment of eight overs. At the presentation ceremony which followed, Patel swept all the individual prizes for his team -- Best Bowler, Best Batsman and Most Valuable Player for the winning side while Cole Batstone was awarded the Best Bowler and MVP and Suvansh Chhabra took the prize for the Best Batsman on the losing side. Members and officials of the winning team were also recipients of medals. The match was graced by the presence of Federal Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, Salma Zahid, who pointed out that she is an avid cricket fan, recalling when her country of birth had won the World Cup under captain Imran Khan. She also urged the players to continue the path they

had started and promised help in the furtherance of the sport. OCA acting president Melvin John also congratulated both teams on their participation while saying both the SCA and OVCC should be very proud of their achievements. John also thanked sponsors Centennial College Alumni Association and Habib Canadian Bank for making the game a big success. His company, Power Play Sports also contributed as well as Mazz Mark Auto and Paul Peter Insurit Group Pan Express Travel and Shaeen and Tikka Kabab. SCA president Shiv Persaud also lauded the sponsors, players, OCA and members of his executive for the roles they played in making the game a reality. Persaud challenged the players to build on their starts while at the same time have fun and be disciplined while engaged in the sunshine game. Centennial College’s Dana Gour and Naveed Ul-Hassan of Habib Bank were also on hand to witness the day’s play. The SCA team was managed by Vish Jadunauth with Deo Samaroo as his assistant while Danny Singh served as coach and Yunus Motara as assistant. Gerard Fernandez coached the OVCC side with Darlene Batstone as the team coordinator.

Europe's top Olympic chief arrested in Rio over tickets sales POLICE in Brazil investigating illegal Olympic ticket sales have arrested the head of the European Olympic Committees, Irishman Patrick Hickey. Mr Hickey, 71, is suspected of being involved in a scheme to sell tickets for higher than their face value. He was taken to hospital as a precaution, and will probably stay the night there, police said. The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) said he had stood down temporarily from his roles after being arrested. Brazilian police said that when officers went to Mr Hickey's hotel room on Wednesday morning, they found his wife there with

his Olympic credentials. Mrs Hickey told them her husband had left Rio de Janeiro for Ireland at the weekend, they said. With the help of the hotel they began a search and found Mr Hickey in the room next door, they added. While police said they had reason to believe he was trying to escape, a video apparently of the arrest on the ESPN Brazil sports news website shows Mr Hickey answering the door naked to officers. Police said the arrest was related to that of fellow Irishman Kevin James Mallon on the day of the Olympic opening ceremony. More than 700 tickets organised in envelopes

mell pulled one back a minute later but Mark Sargeant’s 13th minute strike made it 4-2; Brumell added his second of the night and his team’s third in the 15th minute. Leung returned in the 16th to reconstruct that twogoal lead at the half in favour of the GCC side and complete his hat-trick. On the return, a trifecta of goals from Leung 22nd, 27th and 33rd ensured that the Pitbulls were now miles ahead of their competition though Stephon Sprosta managed to complete his hat-trick in the 38th as the game ended 8-4. In the second game of the evening the GCC Bounty side overcame their Vintage counterparts 8-3. Devin Hooper’s 2nd minute penalty corner followed by his penalty shot in the 10th had Vintage ahead early.

Strong Guyanese contingent for Suriname Drags

Azurdeen Mohammed’s Nissan GT-R (right) takes on Suriname’s Chevrolet Nova during an earlier round of Drags in Guyana. (Sean Charles photo)

By Stephan Sookram

Irishman Patrick Hickey

clearly marked for sale were found in a safe with Mr Mallon, Detective Ricardo Barbosa told the BBC. Police estimate the potential profits of the alleged scheme at 10m reals (£2.4m; $3.1m).(BBC Sport)

Pitbulls ravage Knockers; Bounty trounce Vintage HOCKEY action remained the centre of attention at the National Gymnasium on Tuesday night as the Guyana Hockey Board continued its LUCOZADE-sponsored indoor league. In the first game, the GCC Pitbulls held nothing back in their demolition of the Old Fort Knockers. The scoring for the Pitbulls began as early as the 3rd minute with Shaquille Leung leading the charge. However, Stephon Sprosta three minutes later drew the Knockers level through a penalty corner. The Pitbulls would go on to assume the lead in the 8th minute with Meshach Sargeant scooting home before extending the lead through Leung two minutes later. Knockers’ Robert Bru-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

However, the Bounty side managed to untie themselves from that bind and draw level with their counterparts, due chiefly in part to successful conversions from Kevin Spencer in the 12th and Peter DeGroot in the 15th. In the second half, Daniel Hooper in the 26th gave the Bounty side the lead for the first time in the game with Spencer adding his second in the 30th. Steven Xavier joined the party for Bounty a minute later before Hooper completed his second in the 36th and Kareem McKenzie got on the score sheet in the 37th. Eric Hing inked his name on the score sheets with two minutes to go but the side could not deny Spencer his hat-trick which came in the 39th and the 8-3 victory that followed a minute later.

SIX of Guyana’s best quarter-mile drivers will journey to Suriname next weekend to participate in MotoSur’s Suriname Drag Fest, dubbed the ‘Battle of the Guianas’. The Guyanese, namely Sanjay Persaud, Asurdeen Mohammed, Annand Ramchand, Shawn Persaud as well as the Dabi brothers Peter and Rondel will make the journey to take on the best of Suriname in a threeday affair. Sanjay, who rose to fame after months of work on his Mazda Rx-7 will hope to be

among the top contenders representing the Golden Arrowhead. He will have as backup Annand Ramchand and his team as well as Shawn Persaud. Meanwhile as if Guyana hadn’t enough firepower on the unit, the Dabi brothers, Peter and Rondel will also make the trip to the Dutch capital. Rondel with his Supra had ruled the roost locally until damage to his Toyota Supra ruled him out of the last encounter in Guyana. Meanwhile, his brother Peter, who pilots a Mazda Rx-7 will also be on the attack.

Considered by many locals as a dark horse, his title may have very much to do with the colour of his machine. The team will further be strengthened by reigning champion Asurdeen Mohammed who is expected to take both of his Nissan GTRs, Nismo and Godzilla, as they are nicknamed, to the three-day event. The three-day event will kick off tomorrow with a test and tune while the locals will take to the scene on Saturday followed by the final dial-in for the foreign competition. Sunday will see the grand finale of races.

Judge orders American swimmers not to leave Brazil By Tatiana Ramil and Daniel Flynn

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - A judge in Brazil has issued an order to prevent U.S. swimmers Ryan Lochte and James Feigen from leaving the country on the grounds they gave conflicting accounts of their robbery outside the Rio Games on Sunday, a Brazilian daily said yesterday. Lochte, one of swimming's most decorated Olympians, had already returned to the United States ahead of the court ruling, the newspaper quoted Brazilian police as saying. It was unclear if Feigen had also left the country. The Games swimming competition ended on Saturday. Lochte said he, Feigen and two other team mates were travelling to the Athletes' Village in a taxi in the early hours of the morning, after a party, when armed men carrying police badges pulled them over. The gunmen ordered them to drop to the ground and demanded

their wallets and belongings, Lochte said. Officials from the U.S. Olympic Committee and a lawyer for Lochte could not be immediately reached for comment. After the judge's decision, authorities requested a search and arrest warrant for the swimmers with the aim of finding Feigen's cellphone in order to identify exactly where the swimmers were on Sunday night, O Globo reported. Police sources have told Reuters in recent days they

have been unable to find the taxi driver allegedly involved in the incident or to corroborate any details provided by the swimmers. The judicial sources said police were concerned that Lochte had said only one man was involved in the robbery while his teammate testified that several men had robbed them. The source also said police were puzzled by video footage of the swimmers returning to the Athletes Village physically well and joking with one another.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad (1971) (2) Ajit Wadekar Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the margin of victory for India over the WI in the third Test of the current series? (2) Who top-scored in the third Test of the current WI/India series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 18, 2016

Digicel hands over sponsorship package for Boyce and … Record number of athletes Jefford Classic set to participate this year TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant Digicel yesterday handed over its sponsorship package for its continued support of the upcoming Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic VII, at which a record number of athletes are set to participate, including some of Guyana’s Olympians who participated at this year’s Rio Olympics. Communications manager of Digicel, Vidya Sanichara, yesterday, handed over the donation to chairman of the Boyce and Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce, at a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Barrack Street, Kingston. Also present at the head table at the ceremony were Digicel’s Events and Sponsorship executive Louanna Abrams, and Boyce and Jefford co-chairman, Edison Jefford. Speaking on behalf of Digicel, Abrams commended the organisers for making the event a continued success, and providing an avenue for sports and youth to be developed. Digicel is one of the sponsors who have been with the event since it first began back in 2010. “We would like to thank the organisers for once again having Digicel on board to sponsor this event, which is central to our company’s mandate of youth and community development and we try to do that through sport.

CAREBACO medal hunt begins today

Badminton coach Gokarn Ramdhani, with Guyana’s four-member junior team.

Digicel’s Communications manager Vidya Sanichara (right) hands over the donation to chairman of the Boyce and Jefford Committee Colin Boyce while flanked by co-chairman Edison Jefford (right) and Digicel’s Events and Sponsorship executive Louanna Abrams.

We’ve done a lot of work in the community of Linden, and we will continue to give our support to this tournament and to Linden. We are pleased to be the sole telecommunications sponsor of the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic,” Abrams expressed. In his remarks, Boyce thanked Digicel for its continued support, and for believing in the event from the start. He also took the opportunity to update on how preparations are going for the August 27-28 event. According to Boyce,

a record number of 178 athletes are scheduled to take part in the international event which also includes the participation of athletes from the Caribbean and USA. Locally five clubs are registered to vie for the $1M top prize that will be up for grabs. The clubs are the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Police Progressive Youth Club, Super Upcoming Runners, Mercury Fast Laners, and the Linden Combined Team. Olympian Winston George, who recently represented Guyana in the men’s

400m, is expected to be on show, while arrangements are still being worked out at the possibility of having fellow Olympians Brenessa Thompson and Aaliyah Abrams perform at the event. A number of Olympians from the visiting countries are also expected to participate. Approximately $2.9M in cash will be up for grabs, which includes the prize money for the eighth individual international event, and the male and female media races.

Aussies dethroned as No1. Test team AUSTRALIA have conceded the No. 1 Test ranking to India after losing all three Tests on their tour of Sri Lanka. Virat Kohli's team - currently ahead of Pakistan by one point must win the fourth Test against West Indies, starting today in Trinidad and Tobago, to retain their top ranking. Australia slipped to No. 3 after the 163-run defeat at the SSC; they had begun the series with 118

points but finished the contest just ahead of England, who also have 108 points at No. 4, on the ICC's rankings. As a result of Australia being whitewashed 3-0, Pakistan have risen to No. 2, having drawn their four-Test tour of England 2-2. Should India fail to beat West Indies in Trinidad, Pakistan will become the No. 1 ranked Test side for the first time. Sri Lanka's performance led

to them over-taking South Africa to move into sixth place with 95 points. They had begun the home series against Australia at No. 7 with 85 points. ICC Test rankings 1 India (112 points), 2 Pakistan (111), 3 Australia (108), 4 England (108), 5 New Zealand (99), 6 Sri Lanka (95), 7 South Africa (92), 8 West Indies (65), 9 Bangladesh (57), 10 Zimbabwe (8). (ESPN Cricinfo)

THE Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) four-member junior team will commence their quest for top honours today in the Caribbean Juniors Championships (CAREBACO) in Aruba. Guyana will be represented by SUNBURST and Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year Narayan Ramdhani, Jonathan Mangra, Priyanna Ramdhani and Ambika Ramraj. The championship, which runs until August 25, is divided into three tournaments namely, the CAREBACO Under-19 International (open for all international players), CAREBACO Under-19 team

championships (open only to CAREBACO members) and the CAREBACO Under-15 and U-19 championships (open only to CAREBACO members). According to a release from the association, the team should medal again for the sixth year. Further the association expressed gratitude to Mohamed’s Enterprise, Republic Bank, National Sport Commission, BK International, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Crown Mining, Gio Tech and Cosmopolitan Trading for their support in making the trip a reality.

First Test starts tomorrow at Kingsmead

South Africa vulnerable against improving Kiwis (REUTERS) - Two successive series defeats, the loss of their captain and a dramatic drop from the top of the Test rankings leave South Africa vulnerable as they prepare to host New Zealand in a two-match encounter. South Africa, the topranked Test nation before defeats by India and England saw them slide to sixth, return to the five-day format at Kingsmead tomorrow after a seven-month hiatus without injured skipper AB de Villiers and pace bowler Morne Morkel. In their absence the hosts face a tough examination against a youthful and confident New Zealand side. Kane Williamson, who has blossomed into one of the world's top batsmen, started his reign as New Zealand Test captain with two easy wins in Zimbabwe in recent weeks. The matches on flat surfaces in Bulawayo gave the Kiwi batsmen plenty of time at the crease to prepare for a formidable South African seam attack that is likely to welcome back Dale Steyn after he injured his shoulder in December. Also returning is Vernon Philander who was injured in

November playing a game of football. Kagiso Rabada, who took 13 wickets in South Africa's last Test outing against England, is set to complete a three-man pace attack. "From a seam bowling point of view they are strong, they have got a lot of variety," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson told a news conference. The touring team must decide whether to use two spinners to back up a pace attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and South African-born Neil Wagner. "We wouldn't be afraid of playing two spinners if we felt the pitch was going to be dry and turning," added Hesson. Conditions are uncertain for what will be a first-ever Test in Durban at this time of year, making it an even more difficult assignment for replacement captain Faf du Plessis. He is back for South Africa after being dropped for the previous Test against England in January. This will be the 15th series between the two countries. New Zealand have never won, with 11 South African victories and three draws.

Thompson completes sprint double in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO - Jamaica's Elaine Thompson last night became the first woman in 28 years to win the 100m and 200m at the same Olympic Games. Three days after winning the century sprint, Thompson took 200m gold in 21.78 seconds. The 24-year-old was 0.4sec ahead of silver medallist Daphne Schippers of the Netherlands. American Tori Bowie won bronze (22.15sec) at the Olympic Stadium. Thompson is the seventh woman to complete the sprint double at sport's greatest stage. World record holder Florence Griffith Joyner of the United States was the last woman to achieve this at the 1988 Seoul Games. Dutch Fanny Blankers-Koen (1948), Australians Marjorie Jackson (1952) and Betty Cuthbert (1956), American Wilma Rudolph (1960) and East German Renate Stecher (1972) were the others that accomplished the feat. World champion Schippers, hampered by a muscle problem when she finished fifth in the 100m, failed to live up to her status as favourite.

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson beats Dafne Schippers, who fell crossing the finish line, in the 200 meters. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times

Bolt cruises into 200m Rollins leads American sweep in final but Gatlin out 100m hurdles (From L) Andre De Grasse (CAN) of Canada, Usain Bolt (JAM) of Jamaica and Salem Eid Yaqoob (BRN) of Bahrain compete. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

The USA’s gold medallist Brianna Rollins, centre, silver medallist Nia Ali, right, and bronze medallist Kristi Castlin stare at the results board after finishing in the women’s 100m hurdles final. Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Story on page 22

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USAIN Bolt ran his fastest time of the season to win his Olympic 200m semi-final as Justin Gatlin missed out on a place in the Rio 2016 final. The Jamaican has already won the 100m and is aiming for an eighth Olympic gold by

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retaining his 200m title. But American Gatlin, who won silver behind Bolt in the 100m final, only finished third in his semi-final. Britain's Adam Gemili, 22, will compete Turn to page 22 ► THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016