August 15, 2016

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

APNU+AFC Govt Trampling On Guyana’s Constitution - PPP The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has condemned what it described as the persistent trampling and violation of the country’s by the David Granger Administration. General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee at a press conference on cited instances where Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence and Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simone Broomes, sought to give directives to the Public Service Commission (PSC). He also made reference to the firing of nearly 2000 Amerindians from their jobs by the APNU+AFC government. Minister of State Joseph Harmon had confirmed the dismissal of exactly 1,972 Community Service Officers (CSOs) in the hinterland regions. The CSOs were mostly Amerindians, who were employed by the former PPP government. According to Rohee, the Guyanese public were fooled into believing that the APNU+AFC Coalition could have provided jobs for them, however he reiterated the statement made by President David Granger, “Employment is not something to be provided by the government. There is selfemployment and we are working with the villages to generate more employment in those villages but it is going to be agrobased employment.” Rohee said that t the decisions taken by the Government are unconstitutional and inhumane. When asked if the Party will support constitutional reform to solve the issues mentioned, Rohee noted that the issues raised are merely administrative measures being taken to “rape the Constitution” and that Constitutional Reform is not high on the agenda for the Party at this point in time. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

CLEMENT ROHEE POORLY INFORMED ON FOOD AND DRUG MARLON COLE. General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee is of the view that Director of the government’s Food and Drug Marlon Cole is another victim of APNU+AFC witch-hunt.

Cole recently denied allegations of corruption which have their genesis in a reporter attached to a local online news outfit questioning Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, about Cole’s alleged involvement in several arrangements which appear shady. However Mr. Rohee, seems to know very little or totally misinformed to the many alleged corruption and the professional misconduct about Cole.

But Rohee is of the view that efforts are being made by the APNU+AFC Government, to fire by making allegations of corruption and professional misconduct. This newspaper was informed that Cole has since been sent on administrative leave, pending an investigation into his alleged corrupt practices. The Guyana Daily News has investigated Cole’s involvement in several shady deals and is in receipt of a letter and other documents from ICPA India, the drug manufacturer of Zerodol and Zerodol P. This letter was sent asking Cole and the Ministry of Health to desist from authorizing the importation of the drug, however, Cole is reported to have said that there is no evidence to suggest that such a letter was sent to his department at any time.

Other Sardine and Mackerel products imported into Guyana without manufacturer's address stated on the label

This newspaper is in receipt of a copy of the letter and will publish it along with other documents soon, which will indicate that Cole is lying and that he continues to allow his associates to import the generic formulation of the drug Zerodol, despite the warning reported by ICPA. Guyana is manufacturing the same drug as well, however, the generic formulation that is being manufactured by IPCA in India is not for export and is formulated for the sale only in India as reported by ICPA. This newspaper understands that another importer brought in two containers of Sardine and Mackerel which was delayed on the port by the department on the grounds that there was no manufacturer’s address on the label. But Cole told the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper “that when his department checked online and perused documentation for the products and those who are making the products, the search came up empty.” This newspaper understands that this is a lie because all documentation was submitted for this shipment to Customs and Food and Drug and it clearly disclosed all manufacturers’ information including their addresses.

It can be seen in the pictures provided that several other brands including the King Bell brand is manufactured by the same company and has no company address listed but is allowed into the country by Cole. Superfoods and several other businesses are of the view that their company is being victimized by Cole, who sends out his inspectors to advice businesses not to purchase their products. It has also been reported that there are several pending law suits from businesses suing Cole.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Manufacturing Sector Faces Major Challenges In Guyana Most Guyanese are in shock after learning that Guyana imports products such rice, coconut water, and roti from countries like Pakistan, Thailand and Suriname. An article in the Monday edition of the Kaieteur News revealed the grim state that the manufacturing sector is currently in. The sector has long posed that the main factor concerning the sector is the cost of production especially the cost of electricity in modern times.In the current age of manufacturing, the use of technology is imperative in the process of producing. In Guyana the major manufacturers are large companies with large scale facilities such as DDL, GUYSUCO and Banks DIH. The Guyana daily news interviewed several persons on the street and asked whether they knew Guyana imports rice and coconut water, roti and various other products that can be manufactured right here in Guyana. Most were shocked to learn such. One person said "to import Roti is just ridiculous," and another said "Guyana needs to start manufacturing their own stuff like coconut water, we don’t need to import that and as to roti from Suriname, who buys roti in a pack?" When presented with the cost of production, another person said "manufacturers need to work around it I guess, it doesn't matter how expensive stuff gets you have find ways to work around it, not because flour expensive you gonna stop sell bread."Others however, said that they did not see a problem with imports coming from Suriname or Caribbean countries and stated that "Guyana is a part of CARICOM and we must support other member countries but in the case of rice all the way from Pakistan, that’s another case entirely." The general opinion gathered from the interviews was that Guyana needs to do more in terms of small business manufacturing with rice, sugar, rum and timber being the major exports and have large factories and companies.

Roti imported from Suriname(Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

Coconut water imported from Thailand(Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

Karim’s Rice imported from Pakistan(Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Storage Bond Deal Is Offensive To Commonsense – Former Speaker PAGE 6

Former Speaker of the National Assembly and one time Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party, Ralph Ramkarran has heavily criticized the APNU+AFC government for the sole-sourcing of a drug procurement/storage bond. Questioning of Minister of Health, Dr George Norton by opposition members last Monday on an item seeking approval for $31,080,000, revealed that the sum was intended as expenses for renting a bond for the storage of pharmaceuticals. The Minister explained that rent of $19.2 million per month was being paid to New GPC and that the government wanted a cheaper facility in a hurry to avoid paying that ‘exorbitant’ sum. Consequently there was ‘sole sourcing’ and the contract was given to Linden Holding Inc. The size of the premises in Albouystown was 10,000 square feet and the rent was $12 million per month. Contrary to what the Minister said, New GPC had been storing government owned pharmaceuticals free of charge and had been doing so since it was the government’s main supplier of drugs under sole sourcing arrangements. It should be noted that since sole sourcing of pharmaceuticals came to an end, New GPC put forward a proposal for monthly rental at $16.2 million per month from March for its 70,000 square foot facility. The government then decided to sole source another facility and Linden Holdings was the beneficiary. It bought the property in which to store the pharmaceuticals in March and is receiving rent, even though the facility is not yet in operation because it is still under preparation. Ramkarran in his weekly column in the Stabroek News, ‘The Conversation Tree’ noted that “This deal, conceived and entered into by the government, smells. It is offensive to commonsense and to the Guyanese public and taxpayer and violates the government’s promises of transparency and an end to sole sourcing. This ‘arrangement’ fits squarely in the governance methods against which the population revolted in elections in 2011 and 2015 and about which the then opposition complained bitterly and vowed to end.” He further questioned, “How can rent of $12 million for 10,000 square feet be a saving on rent of $16 million for 70,000 square feet? My calculations show that $16 million divided by 70,000 square feet gives $228 a square foot and $12 million divided by 10,000 square feet gives $1,200 a square foot. This ‘deal,’ therefore, requires the taxpayer to fork out $1,200 a square foot when other premises are available at $228 a square foot.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

How can this be right?” Cabinet, which had previously approved the contract, appointed itself, through a subcommittee, to examine the contract and report, headed by Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. “No sooner had the sub-committee been appointed than it began to make excuses and set up defences. But Minister Trotman would not be drawn on the suspicious circumstance that the $25 million advance to Linden Holdings in July as rent and security deposit was to pay for the building which was bought for $25 million and for which transport was passed in the same July. In the meantime, while storage of our pharmaceuticals are not being threatened, the Guyanese public is being asked to pay $12 million a month for unfinished premises. Will we get an explanation for this?” Ramkarran stated in his article. According to him, “If the charges of $228 per square foot, or $16 million a month by New GPC is regarded as ‘exorbitant’ by the Minister and ‘punitive’ by the President; Linden Holdings’ 10,000 square feet would cost $2.28 million a month, not $12 million. The government needs to explain why the Guyanese people must lose $9+ million a month on this sordid deal.”

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Gov. To Hold Contractors Responsible For Faulty Works Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson is of the view that given the disaster surrounding the Kato Secondary School it is imperative for examples to be set of errant contractors and supervising consultants. He said that such disrespectful actions call for either blacklisting or taking those who are at fault before the courts to recover losses. The Minister told the media that he is appalled at the second-rate work on Kato Secondary and insisted that someone must be held accountable for the disaster at the region 8 school. Minister Patterson recalled that the contract for the project undertaking was awarded in late 2012 to Kares Engineering Inc. with works commencing in 2013, and a completion date set for April 2015.

He said that the project was afflicted with delays and an audit of the project revealed severe structural defects. According to reports, the findings revealed that approximately 60 percent of the project had defects, with another 30 percent just over the borderline. Only about 10 percent of the project was deemed structurally sound. Patterson also noted that the post-contract services of the supervising firm, Designs and Construction Services Limited (DCSL) failed to address the issue of amendments and extensions to the design contract buildings and that Kares Engineering Inc. simply failed to produce a completed project, according to the terms of the contract. The Minister admitted that the contractor was overpaid for the works completed and paid well in excess of the present value of works on site. Support for Patterson’s stance came from the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. The Prime Minster said that the issue of careless and inferior work by contractors is one which should be taken into consideration by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

“There is also the issue of contractors who are involved in underbidding for contractors and when you get down to examining the cost overruns, the total for the contract ends up being more than the engineer’s estimate for the project, as well as more than the other contractors who put in their bid for the project.” “When the Procurement Commission gets into full swing, it is hoped that this is something its members would look into.

But I am of the firm belief that once a company has shortchanged the

state and is in breach of its contract, then it should face penalties.

Sanctions have to be imposed by the relevant bodies, one of which is the Procurement Commission.” Meanwhile, Goolsarran, a former Auditor General, said he agrees 100 percent with the minister, while adding that amendments should be made to the Procurement Act so as to make it a law that those who have shortchanged the government would be blacklisted and prosecuted.

He added that Guyana’s weak public procurement system is what led to the loss of millions of dollars annually. He said that it is a broken system which often sees contractors p r o v i d i n g substandard work with little or no consequences, while stressing that the time is now to show that Government means business.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

McDoom Man Jailed For Breaking Into Woman’s House Kevin Christopher today appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh charged with breaking and entering the dwelling place of Elizabeth Johnson with attempt to commit a felony on August 11, 2016. The man pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Christopher who hails from McDoom, East Bank Demerara was unrepresented; he was released from prison three months ago after serving time for assault. He told the court that he committed the crime because he heard that the woman has been “talking his name” around the neighborhood he grew up in. The prosecutor after hearing this, made an application for the accused to be sentenced to the maximum of five years imprisonment, however the Magistrate chose not to since she is of the belief that Christopher suffers from a mental disorder. It was noted that the complainant on the night of August 10, 2016, at around 23:00 hrs secured her home via. bolt

and lock and proceeded to her bed to sleep. She was however awoken at 03:00 hrs when the accused reportedly touched her foot. The woman then raised an alarm and the neighborhood police was alerted. -ByJarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

3 Years Jail, $1.4M Fine For Jamaican Busted With Cocaine Jamaican National Easton Stapleton has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by Magistrate Fabayo Azore for the illegal possession of cocaine with the intent of trafficking. He was also fined GY$1.4M. Stapleton appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to traffic the cocaine in deodorant bottles via the Guyana Post Office.

He had told the court that he first attempted to ship the illegal substance through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) but was unsuccessful. The court heard that on August 10, 2016, Stapleton went to the Georgetown Post Office and tried to ship a package which contained 526g of cocaine hidden in a quantity of deodorant bottles and paper markers.

Ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit branch of the Guyana Police Force reportedly became suspicious when they realized the man was shipping deodorant out of the country and proceeded to search the package. They removed the ball top from one of the roll on deodorant bottles and found the cocaine which when weighed added up to the said 526g. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Sun And Power Boats Ruled On Sunday At Lake Mainstay Resort PAGE 12

Excitement and adrenaline dominated Lake Mainstay Resort on Sunday last, when the 16th Annual Regatta took over the unsettled black water. The uneasy audience, gathered on the shore to witness the best and most exiting annual water event in Guyana. The activity started around the 11:00hrs, when the sun was about to reach its higher altitude. The heat could melt the rocks, but with a refreshing lake on the site, there were no worries to be taken. It was a captivating atmosphere, the kind that you want to be part of on a hot summer day.

Delicious meals provided by the organizers of the resort, kept the mass satisfied while waiting for the event to start.

Igloo Ice Cream, Fun Park Merry Go Round, Trampoline and Bouncy Castle for the children and music provided by the Essequibo Champion Music Fusion, Exotic Dancers, Banks, Stag Beer, DDL and Xtra Beer for the adults, maintained the balance for the equivalent exchange of fun. Twelve categories of power boat racing, along with canoe and swim races were in the tittles. Two

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

teams faced the rage of the black waters. The teams of Neil Gonsalves and Pomeroon versus Dave Scott and the team from Bartica. “The Clash of Titans” was about to begin. With the clock on the ‘high noon’ the motors of the power boats could be heard.

Then everyone approached the shoreline. The cheering crowd dominated the lake, the excitement was tangible, there were those who enjoyed better with a ‘cold’ in hand and a box of food, and there were those who would examine the event with hawk eyes. A memorial race in the 90 HP category, was held in in honor to Orin Keith Belle’s `Iron Charlie’. The popular power boat racer of Bartica, passed away in a tragic accident on the same waters in August 2012.

This would become a permanent reminder of the deadly power of velocity, highlighting the necessary precautions to be taken in future events to avoid such. In the middle of the action, a focused spectator was the target of our correspondent.

With eyes on the horizon and holding a bottle of Stag Neil Andrew, shared his opinion about the event. “It is a family event, I like how people come and enjoy with all the family members. Music, food, the fun park for the children, the competition is the main attraction, but you can also enjoy of the different options that the Regatta offers.”

Three million dollars in cash prizes were given to the winners.

Official results will soon be released by director of the regatta, Mr. Wilford Jagnarine. The competition finished around the 17:00hrs, followed by the stage show which attracted a large crowd. -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

US Citizen Jailed For Using Fake Guyanese Passport was previously charged and fined for committing an offence of a similar nature. Hamilton was sentenced with 18 months imprisonment on each charge but it will run concurrently. The court heard that between January 1, 2015 and August 12, 2016 in Georgetown, Hamilton conspired with other persons to forge one passport in favor of Tara Ashley Vaughn, reporting the said passport to be issued by an immigration officer.

It was noted that August 12, 2016 the woman used the said passport to travel from Georgetown to Lethem and further tried to use the passport to travel to Brazil. Hamilton in the process tried to defraud Constable Steven Williams by trying to pass off the passport to be legal, however the passport was checked and it was revealed to be fake. Hamilton had reportedly told the officers that she paid someone US$1500 for the said passport. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore today sentenced Stacy Layne Hamilton to 18 months imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the forgery of a Guyana Passport and attempting to defraud a Guyanese immigration officer. Hamilton, who is a United States citizen, was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat, who pleaded with the Magistrate not to impose a jail sentence on his client.

However, the Magistrate heard from the prosecution that the woman

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Teenager Chopped, Beaten To Death At Wedding House Police are investigating the alleged murder of Daveand Sanchar, 13 years, of Plantain Walk, Triumph, ECD, which occurred about 2330h. last night at Plantain Walk Access Road, Triumph, ECD.Investigations revealed that Daveand Sanchar who was at a function in the said village, had an altercation with some men over a female.

He (deceased) subsequently left, and returned with a cutlass. A further argument ensued and it was alleged that one of the men took away the cutlass and dealt him a chop to his head. Whilst on the ground, he was given a severe beating with a stick.The victim was rushed the GPHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival.The suspects are all in custody assisting the police with the investigation.

Guyana Police Force Press Release

Dead: Daveand Sanchar (Guyana Chronicle/ File Photo)

Man, Wife Attacked By Bandits; Relieved Of Gun, Ammo handgun, of $500,000.00 cash (GC) and a quantity of colognes. In the process Lennox Albert was relieved of his licensed .32 pistol with ďŹ ve rounds.

Investigations revealed that the victims who operate a shop were in the process of closing the business, when they were attacked, and relieved of their belongings. The bandits who escaped on foot, have not yet been apprehended.

Guyana Police Force Press Release

Police are investigating an armed robbery committed on Lennox Albert, 59 years and his wife Verna Albert, 68 years, which occurred about 20:00h. last night at Nouvelle Flanders Village, WCD, by two identiďŹ able males, one armed with a

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL PAGE 17

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Latulippe Leaves T&T With Fond Memories When Gerard Latulippe bade farewell as Canadian High Commissioner to T&T on August 10, he took with him fond memories of our country’s food, people and culture. Latulippe would also leave our shores proud, fulfilled and satisfied, knowing that he has strengthened bilateral relations between Canada and T&T in the areas of trade, education, security, justice, culture and health. In his final interview at his St Clair office days before leaving, a smiling Latulippe confessed that he regretted not coming to T&T sooner.

From the moment Latulippe set foot in Trinidad in January 2013, the 72-year-old became captivated by our national instrument the steelpan. He had a weakness for the Indian delicacy doubles. And he was always drawn to the Lopinot’s Historical Complex to relax. But above all he could not believe the warmth of our people. “I just fell in love with your people who were so embracing and welcoming. I have made many new friends and will take back fond and enjoyable memories we shared.

My stay was worthwhile and rewarding,” Latulippe said. Latulippe described T&T in three words “happiness in life.” Reflecting on his term in office, Latulippe said while the country had seen political and economic changes, the one constant that has always been enduring and ever-growing was the relationship between Canada and T&T which was built upon strong people. Having heard about the country’s spiralling crime rate, Latulippe said he did not let that worry him when he was asked to serve. “Before I arrived crime was an issue and it is still an issue. But it is a complex issue.

I worked in Iraq, Libya and in the Congo in Africa so I was not dissuaded by what I read or heard,” he admitted. He said solving crime needed the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and communities. In his first two years as commissioner, Latulippe said through the Canadian government, T&T benefited in many areas and vice versa. Both countries have been tackling head-on issues of child marriages, domestic violence, entrenching the rule of law and combatting the scourge of crime.

“In the security sector, Canada provides cooperation and assistance in the form of training and capacity building in fields such as law enforcement, border services and the military to deal with issues such as drugs, organised crime, health pandemics and natural disasters.”

Gerard Latulippe

But more importantly, Latulippe said, both nations have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties. He said Canada’s investments are concentrated in the petrochemical, oil, gas and financial sectors. In addition, Latulippe said, Canada has been lending support to T&T in the areas of good governance, transparency, whistleblower and procurement legislations, campaign finance reform and a corruption free society.

“We have also been funding developmental programmes for Caricom countries through a Canadian $600 million grant, which was established in 2007. “I have worked tirelessly to make sure that Trinidad and Tobago is a shared partner in this programme.” On the flip side, Latulippe said many of T&T’s high school students continue to make Canada their country of choice to pursue their tertiary education. Every year, the High Commission in Port-of-Spain issues approximately 250 to 350 study permits to citizens of T&T. After settling in the job, Latulippe said the first thing he fought for was to have the Canada Fund for Local Initiative programme, which had been stopped, reinstated. “This permitted us to form nongovernmental organisations on matters such as child marriages, advancement of women, at-risk youth, citizen security and LGBT rights,” said Latulippe, who was named president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in Montreal.

He said Canada's long-term goal in the Caribbean region was to help build a more prosperous and integrated Caribbean community, one that can generate sustainable economic growth, and eventually provide opportunity and security to its citizens.

In calling for the revenue of oil and gas to become more transparent, Latulippe felt that the People’s National Movement was serious about addressing corruption and ensuring transparency. “I am satisfied with the way they have been dealing with whistleblower protection, campaign financing reform and procurement legislation. When you have dirty money in politics it ends up to be corruption within the Government. You cannot address corruption without first taking measures.” Smitten by our country, Latulippe said the first thing he gravitated towards was the steelpan.

In his spare time he frequented Silver Stars Steel Orchestra panyard in Port-of-Spain, where he listened to the different notes on the tenor and bass. “The steel pan is such a wonderful and amazing instrument. It has always captured my attention and heart.”

Latulippe said what also shocked him was how citizens joyously celebrated one another’s religion. “I am amazed how different religions can live in harmony. I saw Christians celebrated Eid and Hindus celebrated Christmas. Even the Muslims celebrate Divali. It showed that despite people’s religious beliefs you still live in peace and togetherness with one another,” he said.

Having accomplished his mission, Latulippe said he feels a sense of gratification, knowing T&T is where he would make his exit from the workforce. “When I leave Trinidad I will be retiring. It’s time to spend time with my wife Odette, children and grandchildren. I also want to finish writing my book and dabble in some poetry.” Reflecting on T&T’s diverse cuisine, Latulippe said of all the foods he had savoured, Indian was his favourite, especially doubles and roti. “Some of the meals I ate I can’t even remember the names. But the taste I will never forget.” Latulippe refused to name his successor. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 18

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Mayor: No Taxpayers’ Money Used For Arima Archway The ribbon for a $500,000 historical archway on O’Meara Road, Arima is expected to be cut by Arima mayor George Hadeed soon to welcome visitors and beautify the burgeoning borough. Hadeed assured that no taxpayers’ funds was used in the construction of the towering metal archway, which is one of four to be erected in Arima by supermarket chain Xtra-Foods in the coming months. In an interview, Hadeed said work on the archway was still needed, as photographs of the late Holly Betaudier, calypsonian Lord Kitchener and the First Peoples will adorn the top, while a $32,000 clock will be fitted in the middle on August 20.

Thereafter an official launch wil take place with a cutting ribbon exercise. The blue and yellow archway, designed in the shape of a crown and built by Cornelius Construction was installed two weeks ago, a stone’s throw from Xtra-Foods Arima branch. St James and Tunapuna also have archways. Hadeed praised Xtra Foods for the kind gesture and called on other businesses in the borough to give back to Arima. “I want to make it clear that no taxpayers dollars was u s e d i n t h e construction of the archway.

With the exception of the clock, this was a project fully funded

by Xtra-Foods. “We are in a highlyc h a rg e d p o l i t i c a l environment and

there are those who should know better and who are only looking for mischief.” Hadeed said while the archway was funded by XtraFoods, he teamed up with his councillors and generated funds to purchase the clock as a gift to burgesses. Marketing manager of XtraFoods, Daniel Austin, said the archway was part of the supermarket’s corporate responsibility in giving back to its large customer base and to beautify the borough. “It cost Xtra-Foods over $500,000 to put up this archway.”

Installing the photographs would cost Xtra-Foods a separate fee, which Austin refused to divulge. Discussions on the archway, Austin said, had been in the pipeline for over five years by its management.

“This archway will be the first of four for Arima,”Austin said. The second archway will be erected heading out of Arima closer to Maturita, another will be placed at the Arima Cemetery on the Eastern Main Road and the fourth will go up on the Blanchisseuse Road.

Construction of the three archways is expected to cost Xtra-Foods approximately $2 million.

Austin said the remaining archways would have to go through a series of approvals, which he anticipate would take a while. “We are eager to deliver on the other archways. But we don’t expect it to happen soon. It may take a few months.” Austin said with oil and gas prices plummeting, Xtra-Food was putting its resources into tourism, which was one way T&T can diversify the economy. “We will use the archways as a main tourism attraction. Arima is the only chartered borough in this hemisphere. “When someone comes into Arima they must feel a sense of pride and a warm welcome. It will create more commerce in Arima.” (Trinidad Guardian)

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REGIONAL PAGE 20

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Laventille Med Student Promises To Give Back Medical student Kourdell Powell intends to give back to his community in Laventille and the country when he becomes a full-fledged doctor. Secretary of the Association of Psychiatrists (APTT) Dr Varma Deyalsingh, treasurer of the Medical Board of T&T, heaped praises on Powell who resides in Rhyner Street, Laventille, for his commitment to medicine and social responsibility.

Powell, a second-year medical student at UWI, Mona, spent the last four months under the mentorship of Dr Deyalsingh where he was exposed to both the private and public health system. On presenting Powell with a Littman’s stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and a glucometer, Deyalsingh reminisced how he started social work when he was a medical student more than 26 years ago with the late MP for Laventille West, Morris Marshall.

Deyalsingh said both he and Marshall had a plan to help end the negative stigma which overshadowed the people of Laventille and it was the duty of those who had been blessed to lend a helping hand to the youths so they can become the shining stars of Laventille. “Good things happen in Laventille and the world must know,” he said. Powell expressed thanks to his mentor and gave a commitment he would return to take the baton from Deyalsingh to serve his community and country. (Trinidad Guardian)

Dr Varma Deyalsingh and medical student Kourdell Powell.

REGIONAL PAGE 21

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Prof: Isis Winning On Digital Battlefield When people begin to interact with Isis products on social media by retweeting, following and liking, Isis then “swarms in and makes contact.” Dr Anne Speckhard of the United States, who has interviewed close to 500 Isis defectors, made this observation. She said there needed to be engagement on the digital battlefield where Isis was currently winning. Speckhard serves as an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry in the School of Medicine at Georgetown University and is the director of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism.

She was responding to the question of how people are targeted and become radicalised. Speckhard said Isis was good at distribution of thousands of social media posts, videos and posters that grab the attention of vulnerable people all over the globe who were attracted out of curiosity, desire to belong, desire for adventure, purpose, significance, dignity, excitement, anger over social injustices at home, depression, trauma, mental illness and a plethora of other individual vulnerabilities.

She said such people would then be targets by Isis recruiters.

“Then like any other cult, they find what may motivate the individual to join and begin to meet those needs grooming them with attention, reinforcement, and seduction further into the group to finally overtake them leading to their own destruction and the destruction of others,” she added. Speckhard added that the easiest target were youth because they don’t have the perspective, experience and judgement to know that utopias never pan out.

She said Isis targeted everyone and did not mind who responded. “They can and will use anyone who is responsive to their calls. Women are invited to come and be wives, men to be fighters and both to mount homegrown attacks.” Isis fighters can be reintegrated into society The author of seven books, which include Talking to Terrorists: Understanding the Psycho-Social Motivations of Militant Jihadi Terrorists, Mass Hostage Takers, Suicide Bombers and “Martyrs”; Fetal Abduction: The True Story of Multiple Personalities and Murder; and Bride of ISIS: One Young Woman’s Path into Homegrown Terrorism, Speckhard said it was possible for Isis fighters to be reintegrated into society after being in war-torn Syria.

However, she said the important thing was to uncover what first made them vulnerable to believing Isis’ lies. “What were their needs, vulnerabilities and motivations for joining and to find how these can be redirected into nonviolent actions. “If an individual was passionate about world injustices and concerned about the plight of Muslims worldwide, can they turn that passion away from Isis to less violent ways to address injustices?” she said.

Speckhard said if their needs, motivations and vulnerabilities were not addressed, these continued to exist upon their return.

It was important to note too that Isis fighters have taken on a lot of trauma on the battlefield and were even more vulnerable.

“Thus, they can easily flip back into Isis even after publicly renouncing the group. Likewise, lonely individuals remain vulnerable to Isis members recontacting them and activating intimate bonds that may be idealised again after their return. So there are many deep concerns to address to safeguard society from these returnees.” From some of her interviews she found Isis defectors said they liked many aspects of Isis, especially Shariah training in which they were taught an ideal version of Islam which included an idealised Caliphate by a very charismatic and loving teacher—although he also taught them that all others are enemies of that dream and could be killed.

She said at the end of Shariah training some were asked to demonstrate their commitment by beheading a prisoner. “All of them believed for a time in the dream of a utopian Islamic Caliphate and understood that it was going to be achieved via violence, but overtime the extreme brutality and corruption were turn-offs and they ultimately got disgusted and decided it was not Islamic and also fearful for their own lives.” Speckhard said for countries in the region who are eyeing Isis it was important to look at the motivations and vulnerabilities of potential recruits and find genuine solutions. She said, “In my view, it’s not just the military battlefield where we need to fight Isis.

We also need to engage on the digital battlefield where Isis is currently winning. We need to break the Isis brand and one viable way of doing that is raising the voices of Isis insiders—defectors who are willing to denounce the group.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

Dr Anne Speckhard. Photo: Rhonda Krystal Rambally

REGIONAL PAGE 23

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Bahamas Police Seize More Than US$5m In Cocaine NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – Police say they have seized an estimated US$5million in drugs following an operation at the Freeport Container Port over the weekend. Law enforcement officers in Grand Bahama acting on a tip-off went to the Freeport Container Port Friday and conducted a search of a 20-foot container where they discovered seven duffel bags of suspected cocaine.

The bags weighed 253 pounds and the drugs had a street value of over US$5million. Police said no one was arrest and that investigations were continuing. They said they were urging the public “who may have any information …no matter how small or insignificant” to contact them. (Jamaica Observer)

Cocaine (file photo)

US Adds Four More Caribbean Countries To Zika Travel Alert List ATLANTA, USA (CMC) — The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added more Caribbean countries to its growing Zika virus travel alert list.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based CDC added the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Turks and Caicos Islands to its interim travel guidance related to Zika virus in the Caribbean.

Those previously included the Caribbean islands and territories of Barbados; Bonaire; Aruba; Curaçao; French Guiana; Cuba; Dominica; Belize; US Virgin Islands; Martinique; Saba; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Guadeloupe; Puerto Rico; St Martin; St Maarten; Trinidad and Tobago; Guyana; Haiti; Dominican Republic; Anguilla; St Lucia; Grenada; St Eustatius; Suriname; St Barthelemy and Jamaica.

In posting the latest travel alert for the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the CDC said it was working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus transmission. “Travellers to areas with cases of Zika virus infection are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus,” it said. “Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters. They also bite at night.

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.”

The CDC said some travellers to areas with Zika will become infected while travelling, but will not become sick until they return home, adding that they might not have any symptoms.

To help stop the spread of Zika, the CDC urged travellers to use insect repellent for three weeks after travel to prevent mosquito bites. It said some people who are infected do not have any symptoms. The CDC said people who do have symptoms have reported fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. It said the sickness is usually mild with symptoms that last from several days to a

week.

Severe disease r e q u i r i n g hospitalisation is uncommon, and the number of deaths is low, said the CDC, adding that travellers to areas with Zika should monitor for symptoms or sickness upon return. “If they become sick, they should tell their health care professional when and where they have travelled,” said the CDC, disclosing that it has received reports of Zika virus being spread by sexual contact with sick, returning travellers.

Until more is known, the CDC said it continues to recommend that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant take a number of precautions, such as not travelling to any area with Zika. If they must travel to or live in one of these areas, the CDC urged them to talk to their health care provider first, and strictly follow the outlined steps.

If pregnant women or their partner live in or travel to an area with Zika, the CDC recommended the use condoms or other barriers, “the right way, every time you have sex or do not have sex throughout the pregnancy”. Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that since February 1, 2016, Zika virus infection and the related clusters of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders have constituted a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)”. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 24

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Santo Domingo: All Immigration Services To Be Web Only All of the Immigration Agency’s services of foreigners’ residency and certificates for Dominicans will be processed digitally through its website which would have started August 1, director Ruben Paulino announced. He said Immigration’s new residency applications and other services allow the public to access its platform from anywhere in the world. “This will allow users to process their documents and get fast, safe and efficient responses and provide continuous monitoring the process and for the agency to communicate that way with them to inform them of corrections and any other aspect,” said Paulino in a press conference at Immigration.

The process lets the user apply for a residency permit or permission for minors or others from their home or office, once requested, the required documents are sent via the same route, and Immigration will provide a code or number with which it will monitor and then retrieve them on a computer to be installed in all airports, Malecon Center and Immigration headquarters. Prior to the process the user must pay the fee in the Reservas bank. The official added that Immigration paid US$200,000 for the equipment which made the technological platform possible. (Antigua Observer)

Rubén Darío Paulino, Center, in presser. (source: dominicantoday)

REGIONAL PAGE 26

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Jamaica: Police Search For Gunman Who Shot And Killed Footballer BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — Police say they have one his home when he was approached by a male who whipped out person assisting their investigations and are looking for a firearm and fired several shots, fatally wounding him. another, after a well known footballer was gunned down near his home on Friday. They said Jason Steven Young had just left Young was shot four times and collapsed on the sidewalk adjacent to a parked bus near the Roger’s Stadium. “The gunman managed to run… he was followed by an on duty police officer who … managed to fire shots in his direction, but missed. “The assailant escaped into nearby neighbours’ yards.

Presently, we have a person of interest in custody.

source: Jamaica Observer

Investigation is still young at this time and we are working very diligently on it and, hopefully, we might have a very successful investigation which might lead to an arrest,” said Sergeant Isaias Sanchez, Head of CIB, Precinct 1, Eastern Division South. “I can confirm that Jason Steven Young was the intended target. The motive of it is still unknown,” the senior police officer added. (Antigua Observer)

Jamaica: Minister Launches Mobile Post Office MINISTER of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley on Friday officially launched the mobile post office service in the community of Steer Town, St Ann. The mobile post office is an initiative of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica and is expected to serve more than 50 communities and adjoining districts currently without a static postal point. In his remarks, Dr Wheatley said the mobile service forms part of moves to modernise the postal sector to ensure its continued relevance.

“This is a bold and important initiative which is keeping with the department’s plans as well as its mandate, which is ensuring access of affordable postal services for all Jamaicans,” he said.

Dr Wheatley said while the mobile post office will serve all Jamaicans, pensioners and the aged are especially happy, given the fact that it will drastically reduce the need for them to travel long distances. He said the postal service has a rich history in Jamaica and the mission is to take it back to its glory days, with technology playing a major part.

“The sector has evolved considerably and now boasts a network of 283 post offices and 367 postal agencies across the island. I am pleased to see that the role of the post office is not only to receive and to send

mails, but the department has diversified its offerings to include bill payment and internet café services,” Dr Wheatley stated.

Meanwhile, the minister noted that the Postal Corporation of Jamaica is now embarking on a number of initiatives as a way of being more innovative. He said this includes the use of Zip Mail, which incorporates the use of technology to capture digital signatures upon delivery, as well as to allow people to track the movement of items online. Minister Wheatley also mentioned that there is an online postal shop where commemorative and collectors’ items are on sale. (Antigua Observer)

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Andrew Wheatley (right) cuts the ribbon to officially launch the mobile post office service in the community of Steer Town, St Ann, last Friday. Joining in the occasion are (from left) mayor of St Ann’s Bay Councillor Desmond Gilmore; Post Master General Michael Gentles; Minister of Labour and Social Security and member of parliament for St Ann North East Shahine Robinson; and chairman of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica, Marcus James. (source: Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 27

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Security Guard Shot Dead In Chaguanas

A violent war between two communities claimed the life of Chaguanas father Rodney “Darkman” Joseph, who was gunned down while on his way to work yesterday. Luckily for Joseph’s common-law wife, Neisha Richards, the cries of her two-year-old daughter Armani might have saved her life as she ran back to her Lion Drive, Chase Village, home before the gunmen attacked. Joseph, 40, a security officer with Guardsman Security Serviced Ltd, was shot five times by gunmen, who relatives and neighbours said were targeting people from their area. A report said Joseph was walking along Orange Field Road, Chase Village, around 5 am when a white vehicle pulled up and gunmen got out.

With his back turned, the men opened fire on him before returning to their vehicle and driving off. When Richards returned to meet him, he was found dead just outside the Orange Field Road, Gospel Hall.

Speaking at her home yesterday, Richards said she would normally walk with Joseph when he leaves home to get picked up for work in Point Fortin. She told him to go ahead and while putting a jersey on Armani, the child cried out, “My daddy dead,” even before she knew he was shot. Within a matter of a second, her husband was shot dead and the suspects gone. “He has little children, what I’m I going to tell them.

My son is nine years old and he had to see his father gunned down so?

This could never be right,” Richards cried out. As the breadwinner of the family, Richards is now left to care for three children, ages two, six and nine. With her birthday coming up next Sunday, plans were underway for a thanksgiving celebration with relatives and

A emotional Neisha Richards whose common-law- husband, Rodney Joseph, was gunned down yesterday. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH Insert: Rodney “Darkman” Joseph

neighbours. She said Richards had even promised the children to take them to Movie Towne and Harry’s Water Park, Rio Claro, with the salary he would have collected tomorrow. Residents: Three years living in fear Neighbours said three years ago, a group of boys from Beetham Gardens, Port-of-Spain, moved into Lion Drive and during J’Ouvert celebrations, were involved in an altercation with some residents of Mandela Street.

Since then, a war has broken out and they said men from Mandela Street have been targeting them. Richards said while certain people were involved in that incident three years ago, her husband never meddled. Her sister, Keisha said several people have been attacked and threatened, and Joseph’s death was the second since the war broke out. She said numerous reports and complaints were made to police, but no one seems to care.

While the grievance was originally with four men from their community, she said everyone is now being targeted. So much so that on July 21, residents were at the birthday party when gunmen came into the community and opened fire. She said women and children alike had to scamper for safety and luckily no one was injured. “We get no justice from the Freeport station especially. They’re waiting for mothers and children to drop dead before they do anything.

These young fellas here do not retaliate, they just came here looking for a different life, but the police want here to become just like Enterprise,” Keisha said. Several residents of Lion Drive attended Boom Champions 94.1 FM’s Wet and Skimpy party at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday night and she believes the gunmen were waiting for their return. She said with the attacks on their lives, residents are very careful about their movements. No one has been arrested for Joseph’s murder and they are not confident that anyone will be. (Trinidad Guardian)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Brexit: Government Under Pressure Over Article 50 Delay Claim PAGE 29

Downing Street is coming under pressure to clarify when the UK will formally trigger its departure from the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will not invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty this year. It was widely thought it would be triggered at the start of next year. But Downing Street declined to confirm this at a briefing for Westminster journalists earlier, amid claims it would not be triggered until after 2017. No 10 said the "full weight of the machinery of government" was behind Brexit.

Following the UK's vote to leave the EU, some Leave campaigners have been calling for Article 50 - which starts a twoyear Brexit process - to be triggered immediately. Mrs May, who is currently on holiday in Switzerland, has said this will not happen this year, and Brexit Secretary David Davis has predicted the trigger to take place "before or by the start of next year". 'Complex task' Asked about reports in the Sunday Times that the planned timetable could be delayed, the prime minister's spokesman repeatedly said "Article 50 won't happen before the end of 2016" but refused to comment further. If Article 50 did not happen in 2017, it could mean the UK did not actually leave the EU until 2020.

Downing Street said Brexit was "a serious and very complex task". "Brexit is a top priority," the PM's spokesman said, "it is important we deliver it and make a success of it." It comes after a reported turf war between two of the ministers responsible for making Brexit happen Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox. According to a letter obtained by the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Fox launched a bid to take over some of the powers of Mr Johnson's department. Mr Fox wrote to Mr Johnson to say responsibility for economic diplomacy should be moved from the Foreign Office to his I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr a d e D e p a r t m e n t .

Responsibility for delivering Brexit is split between three cabinet posts and departments: Mr Johnson at the Foreign

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Office, Mr Fox at International Trade, and Mr Davis, Secretary of State for exiting the European Union. The latter two departments were created in light of Britain's vote to leave the EU in the referendum on 23 June. In his letter, Mr Fox suggested that it would be "rational" to hand control of the Foreign Office's overseas economic policy to his department so that it could "take clear leadership of the trade and investment agenda". Clear leadership' He said it had become "clear" to him since taking up his new post that "existing cross-Whitehall structures have meant that HM Government has not taken the holistic approach it might have" in this area. "For British trade to flourish there are clear requirements on us: to build the trade framework in markets through trade policy, to establish the conditions for trade and investment through foreign diplomacy, and to reap the harvest of those efforts," he said. "The role played by economic diplomacy is crucial to delivery of the objectives I have been set by the prime minister as international trade secretary and I believe it is imperative that this capacity is fully aligned with government resources delivering trade and investment for the UK. "If we are to have a rational restructuring I think there is a reasonable proposition to transfer the economic diplomacy function from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office into the Department for International Trade." He said his proposal would enable the Foreign Office to "retain clear leadership on diplomacy and security", including oversight of the intelligence agencies.

Responding to the Sunday Telegraph story, a Foreign office spokesman said: " We d o n ' t c o m m e n t o n l e a k e d documents. "Alongside other Departments, the FCO are seconding a small number of staff with relevant expertise to the new Department for International Trade. "This is all part of the cross-government effort to ensure we make a success of Brexit." 'Dysfunction'

Labour said "turf wars" were an inevitable consequence of Brexit policy being split between various departments.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said Theresa May "created these three separate departments not because it made sense in terms of coordinating Whitehall's management of Brexit, but just to buy the loyalty of Liam Fox, Boris Johnson and David Davis".

She added: "Now we see the inevitable dysfunction and turf wars, as they fight between them to grab work that should have been co-ordinated out of the Foreign Office alone. "It is high time that the Tories stopped fighting amongst themselves, started thinking about the good of the country, and focused on clearing up the mess that they have created." Conservative MP and former Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said the Foreign Office should retain responsibility for "all elements" of foreign policy, including its trade and economic policy, which he said the department took "very seriously." Mr Burt told BBC Radio 4's The World At One it was "inevitable" there would be tensions as new departments tried to establish themselves. He said Mr Johnson, Mr Fox and Mr Davis did not have a track record as "team players" but that they now needed to "put those personalities together". (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 30

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Russian City Of Novosibirsk Bars Migrants From Many Jobs Foreigners in Russia's vast Novosibirsk region in Siberia will no longer be able to work as schoolteachers, bus or taxi drivers, timber merchants, lawyers or accountants under a new ruling. The ban, imposed by Novosibirsk governor Vladimir Gorodetsky, must be enforced over the next three months. The jobs now barred to foreigners also include preparation of children's food and work in mining or fisheries. In 2015 net migration to Novosibirsk was 12,365, most from ex-Soviet states. The region's statistics authority says (in Russian) the number of migrants from the ex-USSR settling in Novosibirsk region rose by 9,822 last year. Most of the newcomers were immigrants from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine, the Siberian news website Tayga.info reports. However, the region's total population is 2.76m, of whom 1.58m live in the city of Novosibirsk. The governor's ruling - effective for 2016 - did not explain the motivation for the farreaching ban affecting foreigners. Mr Gorodetsky is in United Russia, the party closest to President

Vladimir Putin and which dominates the Russian parliament. According to another Siberian news website, Sib.fm, in Russia last year only the North Caucasus had higher unemployment rates than Siberia. And a survey of Siberian cities found that youths in Novosibirsk were the poorest on average. It is Russia's third-biggest city, after Moscow and St Petersburg. A Russian government decision in December granted regional governors the power to restrict foreigners' access to certain jobs. (BBC)

Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia SCREENGRAB (NOVO-SIBIRSK.RU)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 32

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Syria Conflict: Bus Blast Kills Rebels Near Turkey Border More than 30 Syrian rebel fighters are reported to have been killed in a suicide bombing on a bus near the Atmeh border crossing with Turkey. Sources told Turkish media that the attacker detonated an explosive vest on the bus at the entrance to a camp for displaced people late on Sunday. The death toll was likely to rise, activists monitoring the conflict said. A news agency linked to the jihadist group Islamic State reported that one of its militants was behind the attack. Syrian opposition Orient TV reported that those killed were from "numerous" rebel factions, all of which are opposed to IS. Photographs posted on social media after the bombing showed the burnt-out remains of a bus and medics treating badly injured men. Large parts of Syria's north-western province of Idlib, where Atmeh is located, is controlled by rebel factions supported by the Turkish government. Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV reported that the fighters targeted on Sunday were part of a 600-strong force that had been preparing to advance towards the countryside north of the divided city of Aleppo, 50km (30 miles) east of Atmeh. On Monday, a Syrian military official and activists said government forces had repelled a rebel assault south-west of Aleppo, forcing rebel fighters to retreat from positions near a cement factory that they had seized the previous day. The UK-based Syrian Observatory, which monitors the five-year-old conflict in Syria through a network of sources, said at least 35 rebels had been

killed in the battle. Seventeen died on the government side, it added. The fighting in Aleppo, once Syria's commercial and industrial hub, has escalated in the past week, with the rebels severing the main route into the government-controlled west of the city. The offensive sought to break a siege by progovernment forces, who encircled the rebel-held east in July.

(BBC)

The rebels killed in the bombing were reportedly preparing to fight near the divided city of Aleppo(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 33

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

US Election: Trump Adviser Denies Ukraine 'Cash Payments’ Donald Trump's top aide has denied receiving "payments" from the former Russian-backed Ukrainian government.

"I have never received a single 'off-the-books cash payment,'" Paul Manafort said in a statement. The New York Times reported finding ledgers pledging $12.7m (£9.8m) in undisclosed cash payments to Mr Manafort between 2007 and 2012. Hillary Clinton's campaign has called for Mr Trump's team to disclose any pro-Russia links. "The simplest answer is the truth: I am a campaign professional. It is well known that I do work in the United States and have done work on overseas campaigns as well. I have never received a single 'off-the-books cash payment' as falsely 'reported' by the New York Times," the statement reads. The New York Times article said Mr Trump's campaign manager and his business played a key role in advising Ukraine's former pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled after an uprising in November 2013. Mr Manafort's work advising Mr Yanukovych's pro-Russia political party, ended when the country's parliamentary elections were held in 2014, he said in his statement. The New York Times report said Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau had discovered the listed payments in the ledgers of Mr Yanukovych's then governing Party of the Regions allegedly part of "an illegal off-the-books system". The bureau is also investigating business deals worth millions of dollars put together with the help of Mr Manafort's business. However, the bureau is yet to determine if Mr Manafort actually received any of the $12.7m. The Times quoted Mr Manafort's lawyer, Richard Hibey, as saying his client had not done so. "It is difficult to respect any kind of allegation of the sort being made here to smear someone when there is no proof and we deny there ever could be such proof." Mr Yanukovych fled to Russia after the uprising, miring Moscow and the pro-Western government in Kiev in bitter conflict since. Russia seized and annexed the Crimea region in 2014, and violence is continuing between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country, where some 9,500 people have been killed in more than two years of clashes.

Obscene messages' The Democratic Party insisted questions had to be answered given the “pro-[Russian President Vladimir] Putin policy stances adopted by Donald Trump". Mrs Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook said: "Donald Trump has a responsibility to disclose campaign chair Paul Manafort's and all other

campaign employees' and advisers' ties to Russian or proKremlin entities, including whether any of Trump's employees or advisers are currently representing and or being paid by them." The Democrats have accused the Russians of trying to aid Mr Trump's campaign. Mr Mook referred to Russian hackers believed to be behind a security breach that targeted key Democratic party bodies this year. At the weekend, a hacker reportedly linked to Russia also posted personal contact information online of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and hundreds of other Democratic party officials. Ms Pelosi said she was flooded with "obscene and sick" messages. After the earlier leaks, Mr Trump drew fierce criticism for apparently inviting Russians to find emails that Mrs Clinton had sent via a private email server, contrary to US government rules, while secretary of state. The FBI recommended no charges be brought. Mrs Clinton says about half of the 60,000 emails have been turned over to the state department, while the others were private.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails", Mr Trump had said. Mr Trump also drew fire by saying Russia would not enter Ukraine. When it was pointed out it had already annexed Crimea, he said he meant Moscow would not dare go further. Mr Trump has seen a downturn in opinion polls recently, following a string of controversial remarks. On Sunday, he tweeted: "If the disgusting and corrupt media covered me honestly and didn't put false meaning into the words I say, I would be beating Hillary by 20%." (BBC)

Donald Trump with Paul Manafort and Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka at the Republican National Convention(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 35

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Zephany Nurse Baby-Snatcher Jailed In South Africa A South African court has jailed a woman for 10 years for kidnapping a baby from her hospital bed 19 years ago and raising her as her own. The 51-year-old woman was arrested in 2015 after people noticed an uncanny resemblance between the girl, Zephany Nurse, and another girl at school. DNA tests carried out by police then proved that the two girls were sisters.

Judge John Hlophe told the defendant she had "betrayed" Zephany by her actions. The kidnapped girl's biological parents, Celeste and Morne Nurse, called her Zephany, but the name she grew up with has not been revealed to protect her identity. The convicted woman has also not been named for similar reasons.

Local media have previously reported that Zephany does not wish to have a relationship with her biological parents and considers the woman who kidnapped her as her mother. She has decided to continue living with her abductor's husband, whom she grew up believing to be her father. Outside the court, Zephany's biological grandmother Marilyn said she was not happy with the length of the sentence, but hoped that the family would now have a chance to bond and form a relationship with Zephany. The judge told the accused she had had "all the time in the world" to return the child but had chosen not to. Annual local media coverage of the parents' birthday celebrations for their missing baby daughter meant that there was no way the defendant could not have known they were still looking for her, he said. He also said her decision to plead not guilty and portray herself as a victim in the aair counted against her. It is a story

that has gripped South Africa, but now ďŹ nally has some form of closure. The 52-year old woman convicted of kidnapping Zephany Nurse watched stone-faced as the judge handed down his sentence. Members of the Nurse family and the family of the accused packed the Cape Town courthouse. Delivering his ruling, Judge Hlope criticised the woman for lying to the court during the trial. He dismissed as "a fairytale" her claim that the baby girl had been handed to her by another woman at a railway station. The soft-spoken seamstress raised Zephany as her own, just a few kilometres from the home of her biological parents.

The Nurse family's victory in court is bittersweet. The woman responsible for Zephany's kidnap may be behind bars, but their daughter has decided to continue living with the husband of the woman who kidnapped her. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 36

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Peru Quake Kills At Least Seven In Southern Arequipav A 5.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least seven people in southern Peru, local officials say.

Emergency workers are on their way to the affected area to search for survivors and provide mobile shelters. Officials said Sunday's quake had destroyed at least 80 homes in the Arequipa region.

Earthquakes are common in Peru. In 2007, almost 600 people died when an 8.0-magnitude quake hit the central coast area. The quake struck at 21:58 local time (02:58GMT) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. Its epicentre was 7km west of the town of Chivay, the USGS said. The worst affected districts are Ichupampa, Yanque, Achoma and Maca. At least 40 people are reported to have been injured. A local mayor told Peruvian media that "the quake was felt very strongly... we have lost contact with nearby villages and are asking for heavy machinery".

Arequipa Governor Yamila Osorio said she would travel to the affected area. The region was already suffering from freezing temperatures. Hours before the quake, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski had visited the area to assess the damage caused by the cold snap. (BBC)

Russian Pizza Restaurant 'Hacker' Faces US Trial The trial of a Russian man accused of orchestrating a hacking scheme that targeted US pizza restaurants is due to begin this week. Prosecutors allege that Roman Seleznev, the son of a Russian MP, was a "master hacker" behind a plan which led to $170m (£131m) of fraudulent purchases. He is accused of hacking into a number of outlets in Washington state in order to steal credit card data. However, his lawyers say the evidence is inadequate. The prosecution's witness list includes the owners and managers of Mad Pizza, ZPizza, Village Pizza and Casa Mia, among other restaurants. The Associated Press reported that Steve Bussing, who owns Red Pepper Pizza near Seattle, was forced to spend roughly $10,000 (£7,740) on a new computer system after his one was breached. Mr Seleznev and his girlfriend were arrested by US Secret Service agents at a Maldives airport in 2014. He is the son of Valery Seleznev, a Russian member of parliament for the Liberal Democratic Party. Lawyers have argued that Mr Seleznev Jr's arrest was a "kidnapping" or an "illegal rendition" that violated

international law, but a US District judge has blocked that argument from the trial. The hacking scheme is alleged to have been carried out between 2008 and 2014, ending with the arrest of Mr Seleznev in July of that year. (BBC)

One of the outlets allegedly targeted in the hacking scheme was Red Pepper Pizza, north-east of Seattle(GOOGLE)

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INTERNATIONAL PAGE 38

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

JFK Airport: All-Clear Given After Report Of Shots Police have given the all-clear at John F. Kennedy International Airport after reports of shots fired Sunday night inside Terminal 8, a New York law enforcement official told CNN. Two people reported hearing what they thought were shots fired, law enforcement sources said. Police went floor to floor to clear the airport and ensure there was nothing to be found, a source said.

Surveillance video from inside the terminal did not show any shooting. Police from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey evacuated the terminal to be cautious, spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. There were no injuries or arrests. Video and photos from the scene showed hundreds of stranded passengers waiting outside the terminal. Wenjay Sung, 37, a traveler from Arcadia, California, said he came out of a bathroom around 9:30 p.m. ET Sunday and started following a stream of people walking in one direction. An airport worker started yelling at the crowd to keep moving, Sung said. Sung did not see any law enforcement officers until "baggage claim and then I saw some more going up an escalator with very big guns." The quick police response was reassuring, he said. Though most people were nervous and some panicked, the scene turned into a "social atmosphere and everyone talked to everyone about the situation which made it a lot easier," he said. Sung said he walked away from the airport around 11 p.m. "The highway is right next to Terminal 8 and I just followed a bunch of people," Sung said. "There were cabs picking people (up) right off the

highway and Uber drivers (were) everywhere." Hundreds of bags and suitcases were left behind as passengers ran out of the airport. Law enforcement officials said it's possible that hoax 911 calls and word of mouth led to the panic. Officials are working to figure out exactly what happened, a law enforcement official said. In addition to the Port Authority police, the New York Police Department had its Hercules Strike teams, Critical Response Command, Strategic Response Group, Emergency Service Unit and patrol cops on the scene, according to New York law enforcement officials. (CNN)

Passengers are evacuated from Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Aiport.

Pokemon Go: Call For 'Pokestops' To Be Deleted In German Airport Security Zones Police and the airport operators association in Germany has at gunpoint. In response, the makers of Pokemon Go have said called for Pokemon Go features located beyond security controls to be deleted. It said so-called "Pokestops", where players can collect items such as eggs and Poke Balls, could bring risks. Players avoiding checks or opening emergency doors could cause "wide-reaching police measures and possibly civil damages claims". Pokemon Go was rolled out in Germany last month. The mobile game, which uses augmented reality, has become a global phenomenon. Separately, police in the city of Osnabrueck said they had rescued a man who "apparently wanted to catch a particular Pokemon" from railway tracks.

They said the inebriated 22-year-old told them his mobile phone had led him to the spot on Sunday morning. Several trains were delayed while the man was taken to safety, DPA news agency reported. Some banks in the city of Dusseldorf have also banned the game from their premises over data protection concerns.

Pokemon goes worldwide An American woman found a dead body while she was looking for a Pokemon in a river near her home. Police said the man had died within the last 24 hours and no foul play was suspected. Four people were arrested after they used the game to lure players to remote places and then rob them

people should "play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places" and "remember to be safe and alert at all times". The anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church in the US is the location of a "gym" in the game, and players planted a pink "Clefairy" Pokemon called Love is Love there. The church responded with a series of social media posts calling the Pokemon a sodomite. (BBC)

Pokemon Go was released in Germany last month(GETTY IMAGES)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu Declared Election Winner

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has been re-elected, according to official results, which are being challenged by the main opposition party. The electoral commission said Mr Lungu had secured 50.35% in Thursday's vote, just over the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round under a new electoral system. His main rival, Hakainde Hichilema, who alleges electoral fraud, won 47.67%. Earlier, his UPND party withdrew from the ballot verification process.

The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in the capital, Lusaka, says that thousands of Mr Lungu's supporters, dressed in the green and white of his Patriotic Front (PF), are celebrating on the streets. The UPND has accused the electoral commission of colluding with the PF to rig the result. "We have evidence to the effect that the votes for Hakainde Hichilema have been deliberately reduced in collusion with the Electoral Commission of Zambia," UPND lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told journalists.

“We have confidence that the constitutional court will rise above board and declare the results a nullity." The PF has rejected the

allegations. Election officials also denied the fraud claims, saying the slow publication of the results was because there were five different votes on Thursday - for president, parliament, mayors, local councillors and an amendment to the constitution on changes to the bill of rights.

Mr Lungu defeated Mr Hichilema in the previous election, last year, by less than 28,000 votes. This time, his margin of victory was about 200,000 votes. Last year's election was held because President Michael Sata died in office, the second time a serving leader has died in Zambia in the past five years. The constitution has now been amended so that the vice-president automatically takes office if a sitting president dies.

Zambia's election rivals: The 59-year-old lawyer became president in January 2015 in an election called after the death in office of President Michael Sata He served in Mr Sata's government as minister for justice and defence Support base: Home area of Eastern province, the capital, Lusaka, and the Copperbelt plus the Bemba-speaking regions Known for ordering a national day of prayer last year to help combat the economic problems facing the country Married with six children, this vote is seen as a personal referendum on him The 54year-old economist has contested nearly all elections in Zambia since 2006 A wealthy businessman, he has a solid track record in the private sector Support base: Home region of Southern Province and is popular with younger voters Known for being Zambia's second largest cattle rancher Commonly referred to by his initials HH, he is married with three children (BBC)

FUN CORNER PAGE 41

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

HOROSCOPE PAGE 42

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Daily Horoscope Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers today. You can bet that you'll draw attention to yourself.

Find out what they're up to, and see if you can pick up where you left off.

Real estate investments could be prosperous.

Don't expect romantic encounters to be lasting. You can get your point across if you don't beat around the bush.

You can make extra cash if you act on a hunch. Your pilgrimage may end up being fruitless. Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively.

A new relationship can be yours if you get out with friends. Controversial subjects should be avoided at all costs. You need to keep busy doing things that you both enjoy.

Focus on forming business partnerships.

Don't let siblings put pressure on you.

Wait and get all the information before consulting your boss.

Investments will cost more than you anticipated.

Don't get involved in joint ventures. Do not let inlaws upset you.

You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. Discord may arise with someone you're close to. You can offer your mate a commitment or promise that will help stabilize your personal life.

You must get out and mingle. You will have the discipline to make changes you feel are necessary.

Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction.

Your attitude could be up and down like a yo-yo. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind. You should teach children some of your unique creative talents.

Use your genuine warmth and compassion to win hearts. Conflicts over joint finances are likely. Try to channel your energy into professional endeavors.

You haven't been watching your spending habits and you may have been neglecting your duties.

Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely. Romance will be on your mind, and chances for ideal connections are in the works.

You may jump from the frying pan into the fire if you make a move today. You may have a rather hectic day due to events that children are involved in. Your emotions are fluctuating, so be careful not to say things you'll regret.

RECIPE PAGE 44

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: RASPBERRY OATMEAL COOKIE BARS Ingredients 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup rolled oats 1 /2 cup PALMBOOM* butter, softened 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 8 inch square pan, and line with greased foil.

Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Rub in the butter using your hands or a pastry blender to form a crumbly mixture. Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, and lightly press it into the jam.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool before cutting into bars. **Imported and distributed by SUPERFOODS

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Rio 2016: Bolt Makes History With Third Olympic 100m Title There was no stopping the peerless Usain Bolt as he became the first man to claim three Olympic gold medals in the men's 100 metres. The incomparable Usain Bolt made history at Rio 2016 on Sunday, defending his Olympic 100 metre title in style to become the first man to win the event three times. Bolt, who claimed 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay golds at each of the previous two Olympics and is chasing a 'triple-triple', once again got the better of arch rival Justin Gatlin with a time of 9.81 seconds.

The popular Jamaican now stands alone as the greatest

sprinter in history, having bettered Carl Lewis' achievement in earning back-to-back golds at the 1984 and 1988 Games. A Bolt victory - in what he insists will be his last Olympics - had appeared almost inevitable after the 29-year-old eased through the semi-finals earlier on Sunday in 9.86secs, despite easing up well before the line.

Not for the first time, Bolt's start in the final was hardly the best, but it did not matter as he gradually reeled in Gatlin before surging clear over the closing metres.

Gatlin - the gold medallist in Athens 12 years ago - was ultimately a relatively distant second in 9.89secs, while Canada's Andre De Grasse, 21, ran a personal best of 9.91 to pip Yohan Blake to bronze.

Akani Simbine and Ben Youssef Meite also broke 10 seconds, but all eyes were on Bolt as he added yet another glorious chapter to his remarkable career. Athletics' biggest superstar will now turn his attention to the 200m - starting with round one on Tuesday - and, with injury problems from earlier in 2016 seemingly behind him, it is hard to see anyone stopping Bolt from claiming glory once again.vv (SportsMax)

Today In Rio: Bolt Starts TrebleTreble Bid, Ennis-Hill Aiming To Close Out Rio 2016 Paralympic organisers have kicked thrower Luciano dos Santos Pereira out of the Games for doping. Brazilian Paralympian Luciano dos Santos Pereira has been kicked out of Rio 2016 after testing positive for two banned substances. Pereira participated in the F11 discus, shot put and triple jump at London 2012, but was unable to medal. He caused a brief stir in the triple jump when colliding with

a judge. The International Paralympic Committee confirmed on Monday that the 40-year-old had been caught doping at the IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Rio this May. A statement read: "The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that Brazilian thrower Luciano Dos Santos Pereira has been suspended for four years for an Anti-Doping Rule violation and consequently will no longer be competing at the upcoming Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. "Dos Santos Pereira returned an adverse analytical finding for two substances - stanozolol and oxandrolone - in a urine sample provided on 18 May 2016 after he had competed in the men's discus F11 at the IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an event that doubled up as the 2016 Caixa Loterias Athletics Open Championships."

Having blanket banned Russian competitors from the Paralympic Games over state-sponsored and organised doping regimes and cover-ups, the IPC once again outlined its hard-line stance against drugs cheats. It said: "The principle of strict liability applies to anti-doping matters. "Therefore, each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in his or her sample, and that an anti-doping rule violation occurs whenever a prohibited substance (or its metabolites or markers) is found in his or her bodily specimen, whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault." (SportsMax)

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Ali's Grandson To Play College Football At California

football at California. Biaggio Ali Walsh, a running-back for Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, announced the decision on Sunday on his Twitter feed following a visit to the campus in Berkeley.

He rushed for 2,451 rushing and scored 36 touchdowns as Bishop Gorman won its seventh consecutive state title in 2015. Ali Walsh reportedly had scolarship offers from Nevada and the University of Las Vegas, Nevada as well as from Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisville and Vanderbilt.

Upon committing to Cal, Ali Walsh claimed to have received congratulations from former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who starred for the school during his college career. The pair have reportedly struck up a friendship. The first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jared Goff, also played his college football in A three-star running back, Biaggio Ali Walsh rushed for 2,451 Berkeley before being selected by the Los Angeles Rams. rushing and scored 36 TDs in 2015 for Bishop Gorman HS in Las (SportsMax) Vegas. Muhammad Ali's grandson has committed to play college

Rio 2016: Bolt, Gatlin, Blake Coast To Men's 100m Final

The world’s fastest man Usain Bolt looked in ominous form as he secured himself a spot in the Olympic men’s 100m final on Sunday.

Joining the Jamaica in the final was compatriot Yohan Blake and American contender Justin Gatlin who also eased through in their

semi-final runs. It was Bolt, however, who clocked the fastest time of three races, working hard early in semi-final 2 before easing down a long way from the line for a time of 9.86s.

Canadian Andre De Grasse was next following Bolt to the line in a time of 9.92 and American Trayvon Bromell secured third spot in 10.01. Gatlin and Blake faced off in the final semi-final of the night and it was the American who led from start to finish with a 9.94 win. Blake, Bolt’s training partner, was right behind in securing the second automatic qualifying spot in 10.01.

In semi-final 1 Jimmy Vicaut of France was the fastest qualifier after registering a winning time of 9.95s. The Ivory Coast’s Ben Youssef Meite was a surprise qualifier for the final with a new national record of 9.97. Joining the duo in the final was South African Akani Simbine who clocked 9.98. for third. Nickel Ashmeade of Jamaica placed a disappointing fifth in 10.05, behind Turkey’s Jak Ali Harvey (10.03) a former Jamaican national. (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Making 100m Start Line My Gold Medal - Fraser-Pryce After struggling with injury in 2016, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was relieved just to make the start line for the 100 metre final in Rio. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce says reaching the start line for Saturday's women's 100 metre final was her gold medal. The Jamaican sprint legend was the champion in the 100m at Beijing in 2008 and four years ago in London. However, her reign as the queen of the event was ended by compatriot Elaine Thompson, who comfortably outpaced her rivals in a time of 10.71 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce had to settle for bronze, but the 29-year-old was relieved just to make the final having struggled with form and a persistent toe injury earlier this year. "I think I'm really happy about last night, considering everything that could have gone wrong and what could have gone right, it went right for me," Fraser-

Pryce, speaking courtesy of Nike, told Omnisport.

“Sometimes we don't get to choose what happens and we have to make the most of what we have and last night my greatest accomplishment was just standing at the line and having the chance to defend my title. "Considering how the season went and everything I was going through I was just excited to be there. My gold medal was being at the line." For Thompson, the focus now switches to the 200m where her main rival is expected to be Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers, and the 4x100m relay.

Asked about the showdown with Schippers, she said: "I just need to focus on me, because everyone out there is out to do their best. "I'm just looking to do the best as well, I'm looking to the challenge I'll just take it from there." On becoming 100m champion, Thompson added: "I went out there confident, I was smiling to get the nerves away.

"When I reached 60 metres and I realised I was clear I just started celebrating with about 15 metres to go until I reached the line. I was excited, I'm at my first Olympics and I'm just having fun."

(SportsMax)

Rio 2016: Cuban Bantam Weight Ramirez Moves On

Cuba bantam weight Robeisy Ramirez secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the men's 56 kg division with a split decision victory over Moroccan Mohamed Hamout on Sunday. Robeisy, who claimed the event at the London 2012 Games, fought an intelligent bout claiming the first and the third round, with a furious assault from the

Morrocan earning him the second.

In the end Robeisy, who showed skill and technical superiority throughout the bout, claimed the encounter with scores of 30-27, 2928, 28-29 on the judges’ cards. Next up for the fight will be Chinese opponent Zhang Jiawel on Tuesday. (SportsMax)

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#ReadySetRio: Van Niekerk Wins Men's 400m In World Record RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – South African Wayde Van Niekerk smashed Michael Johnson's long-standing 400m record when he stormed to Olympic gold on Sunday. Van Niekerk, running in the unfavoured lane eight, blasted off the final corner to time 43.03sec, 0.15sec quicker than Johnson's previous world best set in Seville in 1999.

Defending champion Kirani James of Grenada took silver in 43.76sec, with American Lashawn Merritt bronze (43.85). (Jamaica Observer)

Puig Hoping For Olympic Boost In Cincinnati Olympic champion Monica Puig is back in action on Monday at the Western and Southern Open, with Serena Williams looking for a third title. Monica Puig will be straight back down to earth with a bump after her Olympic triumph as she enters the Western and Southern Open in the first round. Despite her success in Rio, Puig still holds a world ranking of 34 and as such is not seeded for the first of two tournaments ahead of the US Open.

Puig begins her campaign against wildcard Louise Chirico on Monday and could face Garbine Muguruza and Serena Williams should she progress to the latter stages. "I just can't believe it," Puig said after her gold medal triumph. "This medal gives me a lot of confidence about what I can do. I hope I can use this as a boost so I can climb in the rankings." Williams - who Puig replaced as Olympic champion - will also be in action after accepting a wildcard and is chasing a third successive title at the tournament.

The world number one has seen the Australian and French Open titles slip from her grasp in 2016, and she was beaten by Elina Svitolina in the third round in Rio. One player who will not be standing in Williams' way is two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova after she sustained a right leg injury in Brazil.

Kvitova - who claimed bronze in Rio - withdrew ahead of Monday's first-round matches, the Czech expressing her disappointment at being unable to feature. "I'm really disappointed to withdraw from the Western and Southern Open,"

she said.

"I always look forward to coming back to play in front of the great crowds in Cincinnati and look forward to being back there next year."

While Kvitova may not be in attendance, there will be a strong field as attentions turn to Flushing Meadows at the end of this month with the likes of Garbine Muguruza, Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep all looking for morale boosting wins. (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Campbell-Brown Out Of 200m Heats Veronica Campbell-Brown could only go equal time and not enough to progress to the semi-finals.

27th fastest in the 200 metre heats on Monday. (SportsMax) Two-time 200 metre Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown failed to make it out of the heats as the event got under way at Rio 2016 on Monday.

Campbell-Brown won the event in 2004 and 2008, but was pipped to the podium in London four years ago, finishing fourth in the final, 0.24 seconds behind USA's Carmelita Jeter. The 34-year-old insisted in the build-up to the Games that retirement was not in her thoughts and had run a season-best 22.29 seconds twice this year. That time would have topped the ranking in the heats, but she could only manage 22.97 as she finished third in the final heat, just the equal 27th-fastest

Rio 2016: Van Rouwendaal Claims Open Water Gold Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal pulled away from the field to claim gold in the Olympic women's 10km swim at Rio 2016. Sharon van Rouwendaal claimed her first Olympic medal as she secured victory in the women's 10-kilometre swim off Copacabana beach. The Dutch swimmer moved clear on the third lap of the gruelling course in the Atlantic Ocean to take the title by 17 seconds from Rachele Bruni. Victory came in just under two hours for Van Rouwendaal, the 22-year-old showing great form in the open water after a disappointing swim in the pool earlier in the Games - where she failed to qualify for the 400 metres freestyle final. Brazil's Ana Marcela Cunha led after the opening lap of the course, but her advantage quickly faded with Aurelie Muller taking over at the front for France. Reigning champion Eva Risztov appeared to be well placed, but she was not able to trouble the top three as Van Rouwendaal pulled away. Only Muller, Rachele

Bruni and Poliana Okimoto could keep pace with Van Rouwendaal, but they could not deny her the title. Bruni and Muller had a tight battle for silver, but it was the latter who edged out her Italian rival with the crucial touch. However, Muller was subsequently disqualified at the end of the race, handing Bruni the silver and Okimoto the bronze.

(SportsMax)