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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Venezuelan crisis could be an opportunity for Guyana The ongoing crisis in neighbouring Venezuela should be seen as an economic opportunity for Guyana. Pregnant women, PAGE 2

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

children and even elderly Venezuelans crossed into Colombia , allowing them to buy basic foods and toiletries –which has become a rare commodities in their home country. This could be an opportunity for Guyanese food importers and distributors.

Venezuelans had gone weeks with limited basic food items like milk, flour, toilet paper, rice and sugar . It is even more tragic given that despite Venezuela's oil abundance, its state-run oil company, PDVSA, is broke.

Venezuela's oil production fell to a 13-year low in June, according to OPEC, of which it's a member. It's cash and gold stockpile are dwindling too. Veneuzuela's foreign reserves are now a mere $11.9 billion, according to its central bank. Two years ago it had $20 billion. The country has had to ship gold to Switzerland this year to help pay down its debts. Venezuela could be quickly approaching an economic judgment day. It owes about $5 billion in a string of bond payments between October and November.

Many experts believe the chance of default is very high. Since the collapse of the PetroCaribe deal with Venezuela in July, Guyana has not yet clinched a similar rice deal with any other country that would see local rice farmers exporting their rice at premium rates as they did with the “rice for oil deal” with the Spanish-speaking nation. The historic rice deal was sealed by the previous Government with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of President Hugo Chávez several years ago, which saw Guyana receiving oil in exchange for rice at premium rates.

The Guyana-Venezuela rice deal, arrangement was born out of discussions between the two Heads of Government – Presidents Jagdeo and Chávez and then thereafter, the GRDB facilitated the trade. While not aware of any arrangements of similar nature to the PetroCaribe deal, concerns have been raised about whether the Guyana Government intends to facilitate discussions with the Venezuelan Government to rescue the Venezuelan market either by initiating negotiations on renewing the PetroCaribe deal or forming another rice arrangement.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo had hinted that this was possible and had, on many occasions, encouraged President David Granger to discuss with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro the possibility of resuming trade between the two nations, even amid the border controversy and now the economic crisis. Venezuela has been by far the major market for Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for around 60 per cent of total exports in 2010. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for approximately 38 per cent of total exports.

The loss of the Venezuelan rice market was indeed a significant blow to the rice farmers, the entire industry and by extension, the entire economy. Under the PetroCaribe deal, Guyana was required to pay upfront a percentage of the cost of fuel acquired from Venezuela, with the balance, which was being placed in the PetroCaribe Fund at the Bank of Guyana, being treated as a loan repayable over 23 years, with a two-year grace period and two per cent interest.

Each deposit into the Fund was treated as a loan to the country on the same concessionary terms. This resulted in Guyana being able to defer its payments, which were at concessionary rates, over a longer period of time. Against this backdrop, is the Government of Guyana prepared to start trading with the sister country in these basic commodity? Are there policies in place to allow major trading deals with Venezuela in the area of commodity trade? -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

Thousands stranded as high speed internet goes down at CJIA

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lights leaving Guyana from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are experiencing delays and cancellations due to the collapse of the high-speed data link that serves the check-in system at the Airport. A senior airport official said the datalink, which has a much higher capacity, has been down for the past two days.

“The line that they provide the Internet connection is down so as a result of that the airline check-in system is not functional,” an official was quoted as saying. The official also noted that he has been advised that there is a problem with the Americas II Cable off the French Caribbean island of Martinique which feeds data to SITA, an international air transport communications and information technology provider.

However, GT&T is silent on the issue. The official said airlines have since been checking in outgoing passengers manually, causing tremendous delays. He said many of the delays have been due to operational problems being experienced by airlines and heavy fog.

Dynamics Airlines was forced to cancel one of its flights and Insel

Air’s outgoing flight was also cancelled. InselAir cancelled its flight because the crew time expired. Among those affected are numerous cub scouts who were in Guyana for a Caribbean Cuboree. -ByRonald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Reparation: The theme of Emancipation Day 2016 PAGE 6

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

The theme of reparation was sounded out this year by the multitudes that attended and spoke at the Emancipation Celebrations in the national park. It started with the ceremonial running of the Reparation Torch around the park by a group of athletes and ended with a lively speech which enlightened those who were in attendance. In an attempt to understand what Reparation means and why it is being fought for, the Guyana Daily News conducted an interview with Walter George who is a member of the Guyana Reparation Committee who expounded on the importance of reparation and what it is the committee is trying to achieve.

“It is a movement which the CARICOM member states have all agreed to and signed onto and is being used as a trading tool with the European Union and the United States of America,” George explained. He continued saying “That the Caribbean States are being graded by their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it is unfair when it is, that the bigger countries with the higher GPD’s had enslaved the African Ancestors of the small CARICOM countries and made their monies by the seed of them.” “A point system needs to be set up for the repair and compensation of the countries where by the Health, Cultural and Agricultural sectors need to be aided and a method for Debt Cancellation to be considered”, George went on to say.

The committee was set up with the goal of bringing to the attention of the “ruling countries” that what they would have done pre-emancipation is morally wrong and a crime against humanity and they need to be willing to return to the “crime scene” as George referred Athletes who participated in the to it and to make amends for what their ancestors would ceremonial running, holding the Reparation Baton. have done. In conclusion, George said that it is a fight which is ongoing and will continue to be, until fairness is meted out. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS A day of emancipation festivities in the National Park PAGE 8

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alking through the National Park today it is near impossible not to feel elated by the jovial celebrations and people around, from the salivating smell of the food to the enticing beats of the music. Thousands will ock to the National Park with their family and friends to revel together in the celebration of 178 years since the abolition of Slavery. One of the things the nationals as well as visitors always look forward to is the display of arts and crafts that dazzle the eye as well as educate the minds of the plethora of years of heritage and history.

A prominent display was the showcasing of the history of the Africans from the days of slavery to the modern day individuals who help to shape the world. Other boots showcase the history of the plantations as well as the history of the countries that slaves would

A section of the gathering at The National Park this morning.

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

have been taken from and their cultural impact on the modern day world. Other than being educated people look forward to the wide varieties of cultural food that will be on sale that tantalize the taste buds, from local cuisines such as Cook Up, Konkie, Black and White Pudding to not so traditional foods such as Bar-Be-Que and Curry.

To end the day/night activities there will be a cultural show featuring popular Reggae artist Luciano who promises to provide a show that will liven up the national park. Visiting the national park today will enlighten the mind on the struggles that individuals would have gone through in the years of slavery as well as provide for an entertaining day away from the stress of work. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

Government committed to providing enabling environment for job creation Government committed to providing enabling environment for job creation –President Granger President David Granger has said that his Government is committed to working towards the provision of an enabling environment for job creation for young Guyanese and is taking an active role in ensuring sustainable gainful employment. The President, in an invited comment, earlier this evening, said that the Government’s role is vital in the creation of employment for young people.

He noted that this role is particularly based on sound education systems and this is the best possible start any government can give young people to ensure that they get to school and receive the type of education, which can ultimately prepare them for the world of work. “In some cases we have had drop outs. As far as I am concerned, too many drop outs but even so, we are putting more emphasis on more technical and vocational education and soon measures will be introduced in the National Assembly to explain our youth policy and of course, let education be the centre piece of the youth policy.

So as far as Government is concerned, in the first instance, it must pay more attention to the traditional educational system and second, to get more young people into the technical and vocational training,” the President said. But while education is a key part of getting the youth population to work, the President understands that in order for the private sector to be an engine of economic growth, government must play a role in ensuring that an environment that allows businesses to thrive is available.

He said, “The Government has to work with the private sector. There is no way that the Government could give each and every person a job.

What the Government does is create a facilitating environment and by working with civil society, by working with employers, and by introducing policies which facilitate the type of job creation that we expect…so Government is not going to sit on its hands and allow young people to remain unemployed. Government is going to be an active participant to help young people to get into the world of work.”

Questioned on the role the education can play over time as a driver for the economy, the President said that there are two main areas in which educated young people would move more easily and more smoothly into self-employment.

“One of course is in the field of Information technology. I would say that Government has started to make strides. We have created the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and we will provide the facilities for more young people to get access to the information super highway. Information is important.

The other thing is that young people have to get the opportunity to go into private enterprise and fields like agro-processing and this will be one of the areas in both the hinterland and coastland in which young people could get this new technology so that from the time they leave school, they will be able to enter into some form of private enterprise,” the President said. In fact, the Head of State believes that job seekers must look beyond Government jobs and aim to be creators of their own wealth.

The President said, “I would discourage young people from seeking state employment because it is what one person once called employee poverty. The salaries are low and the possibilities are limited but an educated person is more likely to be innovative so there are many fields educated people can go into…so young entrepreneurs who are innovative and who can access information technology and likely to move ahead and Government can become facilitators in these fields.” In addition to creating the enabling environment for the creation of jobs, President Granger said that the young people can also expect efforts on the part of his Government, in the promotion and marketing of products, especially agricultural and value added products regionally.

He noted that these efforts can be seen in one of the mandates, which has been laid out for the newly appointed Foreign Service Officers, where they have been tasked with the promotion and marketing of Guyana’s products and investment potential. “Much of our agricultural produce, fish, vegetables, fruits, preserves can be sold in the Eastern Caribbean and its Government’s job to open those doors to new marketing opportunities through CSME [CARICOM Single Market and Economy]. So we have a role to play in helping bonafide producers to get their products sold.

We need to develop not only the services but we also need to develop products. In saying that, there are many areas in which Guyana has an advantage over Caribbean countries in terms of value added products… Government must have a type of education policy, which allows young people to go into these new fields and that’s the way we can open doors to President Granger new markets,” he said. (GINA)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

Golden Jubilee year an ideal opportunity to renew commitment to Emancipation ideals On August 1, 1838, following two hundred years of abhorrent enslavement, the freedom of Africans was restored. Captured, brought to the Caribbean and the Americas and forced to work on European owned plantations, the restoration of their freedom represents the original independence in our nation’s history.

The emancipation of African slaves predates the abolition of indentureship, the struggle for universal adult suffrage and labour rights, independence from colonial rule and the attainment of republican status.

On this occasion, 178 years later, we reflect on the struggles of the indomitable, original freedom fighters – Cuffy, Quamina and Damon and their comrades with whom they organized and mobilized to effect redress to the darkest of horrors of Caribbean history. On August 1st each year, we celebrate freedom, liberation and emancipation from an inhumane and repugnant system of human enslavement even as we reflect on the pre-1838 conditions and tribulations of the foreparents of so many of our countrymen and women.

While physical enslavement is a distant memory, as a nation, we must resolve to continue to emancipate ourselves from whatever vestiges of psychological bondage that may persist. Boldly, is it declared in the preamble to our constitution that “[w]e, the Guyanese people, proud heirs of the indomitable will of our forebears, in a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, proclaim this Constitution in order to: safeguard and build on the rich heritage, won through tireless struggle, bequeathed us by our forebears; affirm our sovereignty, our independence and our indissolubility.” We must continue to organize, mobilize and collectively lift our nation to higher heights socially, economically and culturally.

We must elevate our mindset, eschew mediocrity and believe in a culture of excellence. This year, 2016, the year of our Golden Jubilee is an ideal opportunity for us to renew our commitment to these noble ideals. There are, as well, powerful lessons following the abolition of slavery from which we must draw equal inspiration. The movement by the freed slaves to purchase land and establish independent coastal villages against challenging odds, remain one of the potent lessons of social upliftment in our history.

These villages endure to this day and were the precursors to the modern layout of our coastal plain where the vast majority of our population resides. This initiative and the struggles and efforts of our African ancestors redound to the benefit of all Guyanese. As a diverse nation of six peoples we must collectively build on these triumphs, persevere and resolutely aspire to greater heights and a deepening of the spirit of social cohesion.

His Excellency, President Brig. David Granger, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, Prime Minister and First Vice President The Honourable Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and the Coalition Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wish a happy, peaceful and safe celebration of this most significant occasion in our nation’s history and implore all Guyanese to inculcate in their own lives the lessons of perseverance, intolerance for unacceptable conditions and the struggle for a good life for all. (GINA) – message from the Coalition Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of Emancipation Day 2016

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS President calls on villages to return to historical pillars of success PAGE 14

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

-Emancipation message at Den Amstel President David Granger, today, called on the residents of Den Amstel Village, West Coast Demerara, to take up the mantle of continuing to build strong villages, through the upholding of the four historical pillars of success; family, religion, education and gainful means of employment, especially in the area of agriculture.

As the country prepares to celebrate Emancipation Day, tomorrow, President Granger, who was at the time speaking at the West Coast Demerara Group of Congregational Churches and the Religious Community of Den Amstel’s Inter-Denominational Independence and Emancipation Service, which was held at the Ebenezer Congregational Church in Den Amstel, earlier today, said that emancipation saw the development of new societies, which were established through village movements.

“That Emancipation movement led to other movements. It led to the village movement and last year I passed an order so that November 7 of every year is commemorated as the National Day of Villages. It is not a holiday but stamps have been issued and it is to be observed as the day when our first vil lage; Victoria was established. That of course led to hundreds of other villages and village movements and that includes, of course, Den Amstel. SoEmancipation was important because it started a trigger all of those movements. I’ve often said that these villages, which were established on the coastland, were the single most economic, social and political development in the history of our country,” he said. Homes, the President said, play an important role in every village, since these are responsible for families, for the teaching of values and the molding of mind and character. “First of all, its the home because there were no homes on the plantations.

People couldn’t marry and even if you had a partner, she could be sent to Wakenaam, your children could be sent to Bagotville. Family life was not permitted. After Emancipation, people trekked back so that they could reconnect with their wives and their children so that they could build and that is why they had to get off those plantations, so that they can build homes.

That was the first pillar on which these villages were built. Family and homes and keeping the family together and we must never forget that. Every child belongs in a home,” the President said. Places of worship, especially churches, during those days, also played a critical role in the establishment of villages since they set a foundation of strong morals, educated the young and helped to shape their future.

“The second pillar was the church and that is why I am so fond of the Congregational Church because they were on the scene, they took the licks, they took the prosecution, they stood by the freed Africans and gave them support,” he said. Education, which was in many ways linked to religious education, played a critical role in the development of villages and President Granger said that it continues to be important to the development of all communities and the country.

“Schools were the third pillar of which the villages were built and yes some people did leave the sugar cane plots to go to school and that’s why after Emancipation, so many of our teachers, our pastors, were educated people,” he said. The President, who has been pushing an ‘Every Child in School’ policy since his assumption to office, therefore called on all residents to make that policy their personal responsibility in a cooperative effort to stamp out illiteracy, truancy and delinquency, so that the villages, communities and ultimately, the country, can benefit from young, bright minds, which drive the economy forward.

“I want this church, this village, this community; I want this region to take a vow this new year’s day tomorrow that when I come back 365 days from now, you’ll be able to tell me that every child in this village goes to school… Let us look after our children. Remember those four pillars, let us keep the homes intact, let us respect and support the work of our churches, let us look after our schools and our places of work particularly our farms,” he said. The fourth pillar, he said, is the farm or investments in agriculture, which are necessary for food security, not just for the villages, but the country as a whole. Persons must be encouraged to become entrepreneurs so that farming initiatives in the villages can prosper, the President said.

“Integration started with these villages where there were homes, schools and farms and those were the four pillars on which these villages were established and when you shake those pillars, the house will fall. When you shake the home, the school, the church, the farm, the villages will collapse because you will have nothing to rest on… We have to plan, to perform and produce,” he said. Right Reverend Valeska Austin from the Den Amstel Ebenezer Congregational Church, in acknowledging the charge given by the President, gave the assurance that the church and the village will work together to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.

“The children are our future and Mr. President we will not let you down in this community. We will ensure that our children go to school,” she said.

Chairman of the Hague/Blankenburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Mr. Kenton Hilliman, in his brief remarks said the village movement was a tradition started by the freed slaves and is responsible for the establishment of Den Amstel. He noted that he foresees a bright future for the village since every stakeholder will be encouraged to pool their efforts, as in the past, to make the area a success story. (GINA) President David Granger is all smiles as he strikes a pose with a group of Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders, who participated in the Inter-Denominational Independence and Emancipation Service, during his visit to the Den Amstel Ebenezer Congregational Church, earlier today.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

Gate changes for new school term A special Cabinet meeting will be held Wednesday to review the controversial task force report on the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (Gate) and decide on the future Gate format, Education Minister Anthony Garcia has confirmed. Garcia spoke yesterday following hint of the meeting by OPM spokesman Stuart Young at last week’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

The meeting is being held a day before Prime Minister Keith Rowley proceeds on vacation. As a result of his departure date, Rowley will not be present for the weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday. However, he’ll be present for the special August 3 Cabinet meeting to consider the Gate report. Following Young’s announcement last week, sources said Wednesday’s meeting will likely have to take a decision on the Gate system at this time since schools and the university’s vacation will end shortly and a decision will have to be in hand in time for students accessing tertiary education particularly, to be able to make their arrangements.

Gate was introduced by the Patrick Manning government in 2004. Over 190,000 people have benefitted from it so far at a cost of $5.5 billion.

Some $650m was allocated for 2016 Gate. Government made it clear in the 2016 Budget that “a revised Gate programme will be announced in time for the start of the new school term with the aim of conserving expenditure and to ensure better alignment with the country’s development means.” Government stated it was forced to evaluate the programme and hinted funding would be granted on a needs basis.

In March, Government appointed a 16-member task force headed by management consultant Errol Simms to review Gate including tuition expenditure. The task force was mandated to report in July. Two weeks ago the completed report was leaked after being presented to Cabinet three days earlier. It was revealed the task force had recommended that University of the West Indies (UWI) students—now benefitting from the free Gate tertiary education system—could have to pay a third of their fees from this term while postgraduate students may have to pay their full fees.

The report also recommended that if tertiary institutions are not accredited by the Accreditation Council of T&T, by next year, funding will halt. UWI students have spoken against cuts in the programme and funding aspects. Garcia subsequently sought to allay fears indicating that the task force recommendations were not final and still had to be considered by Cabinet.

Asked yesterday about Wednesday’s special Cabinet session, Garcia said the meeting will be to obtain a government position on Gate since so far “all that has been said are mere recommendations from the task force.”

“All Cabinet members have been studying the recommendations and everyone will be giving input at the meeting and we’re hoping to get consensus on the way forward,” Garcia said. Last week, Government sources had indicated there is a “lot of waste and mismanagement” in Gate. They pointed to “people doing four and five degrees when Gate was never intended for that.” They also said schools which are not accredited are in the programme. Those sources projected that cleaning up of the “waste and mismanagement” will get going soon, likely this year.

But prior to Wednesday’s special deliberations on the report, they were unable to say if the report’s payment recommendation would be accepted by Cabinet for this year, or if for instance, students would have to pay more for tuition from next year, rather than this year. Or if an alternative to affecting tuition costs would be worked out. Yesterday former Planning minister, now Opposition MP Bhoe Tewarie—former UWI principal—who spoke ahead of Wednesday’s meeting agreed “there’s room for addressing the quality” assurance aspect of Gate.

But he didn’t agree there was justification for an increase in tuition cost. He said Government has to be concerned about sustainable funding for the target they set for tertiary education achievements “and that target can only be set in the role they see higher education play in development.” “It’s a known fact the government alone cannot sustain the funding required for an expansion of tertiary education. So on the basis of the targets set, they must indicate what government is prepared to fund—how much—and work with key stakeholders to determine alternative sources of funding that would ensure merit is applied in the system and ensure no one who qualified for admission and who doesn’t have the money will be denied education.”

Asked if Gate in its present form was financially feasible. Tewarie agreed there are things that need to be changed. “There’s room for addressing matters like duplication and for ensuring the education funded by the state is quality education. Duplication/waste arises when people do multiple degrees—human resources as well as management at the same level—and government pays for all this.”

“We (PP) started tightening Gate and setting up committees to review it. The 2015 expenditure was significantly less than 2014’s, because there’s room to manage Gate more effectively and to avoid duplication and wastage. Between 2004 and 2011, it was much worse than what it was in 2012 and onwards.” (SportsMax)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Niherst president The admits: Drastic cuts in education funding downturn in the economy has led to big cuts in expenditure for education and PAGE 18

Past participant of the Niherst Caribbean Youth Science Forum Krystal John performs during the opening ceremony of the youth science forum at the University of the West Indies Teaching and Learning Complex, Circular Road, St Augustine yesterday. PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

specifically for the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst) said Sylvia Lalla, Acting President of the institution. “Last October, with the steep downturn in T&T's economy, due to falling oil prices, the cuts in Government spending and allocations to public organisations like Niherst were very severe.

We are uncertain as to how this economic situation would have affected our planned activities for 2016, which included this forum. As a result, we had to reduce our overall costs by reducing some of our activities and other areas of expenditures. I am pleased to say that we made the Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) a priority,” she said. Lalla spoke yesterday at the formal opening of the 2016 Caribbean Youth Science Forum held at the Teaching and Learning Centre, University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine.

She said investing in these projects is investing in the country's future. “In this new post oil and gas era, we need to channel the creativity and the brain power of our people especially the young to develop economies that are forward looking, sustainable and globally competitive,” she said. She added that the country needs to transform older industries and to diversify the economy.

“It is precisely at times like these, in times of economic uncertainty and transition, that we must continue to cut new trails that can lead us to a more sustainable future as tra ditional routes fall away,” she said. Anna Singh, Acting Curriculum Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Education who spoke on behalf of Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, who was not able to be at the ceremony, said despite a bad economy and other social ills that exist in the world today, the youths of the country must have hope. (Trinidad Guardian)

PM heads to LA for US vacation Prime Minister Keith Rowley who leaves for the United States on vacation next week is expected to be back in time for start of screening of People’s National Movement’s (PNM) Local Government nominees which begins August 17. Rowley will leave on August 4 for Los Angeles for two weeks, PNM officials said last week. He’s said he will do a medical check while overseas and “take a few days off.” Rowley will leave soon T&T after Finance Minister Colm Imbert returns early this week from his overseas bond-raising trip. The office of the PNM general secretary recently issued an advisory on the local government nominee screening schedule recently.

The exercise will take place from August 17 to 26 to obtain nominees for the 136 positions in the 14 regional corporations. Of the 136 electoral districts, the PNM currently holds 84 areas in eight corporations. The Opposition holds 46 in six others and three areas each are held by the Congress of the People (COP) and Independent Liberal Party (ILP). Local government polls are due between October 21, 2016, and January 21, 2017. PNM chairman Franklin Khan said in June polls will “very likely” be held before year-end and “under no circumstances” will they be postponed. He said it would be kept within the three-month period, as Tobago House of Assembly elections are due January 2017. PNM sources last Saturday hinted polls will be between late November and early December. PNM screening starts at 5 pm on August 17 (at Balisier House) for nominees for Arima Borough Corporation and Diego Martin Regional Corporation. (See box) Following completion of a draft order for polls by the Election and Boundaries Commission - which made adjustments to boundaries in a few areas and cleared the way for polls to be held - PNM chairman Khan in May made it clear that the PNM was seeking high-calibre prospective nominees and no hopefuls could have any matters before the court or similar entanglements.

That will rule out at least one current councillor who has matters before the court, officials said. The Opposition UNC which started screening three weeks ago is expected to complete screening by mid-August, the party says. UNC which started screening in July has completed half of the nominees. Screening continues Wednesday at UNC’s new headquarters at Exchange Village, Couva, a stone’s throw from the previous Rienzi Complex base. The party moved into the new rented premises after being evicted by the All Trinidad General Workers Union this past weekend. Congress of the People general secretary Clive Weatherhead said the COP has to decide how it will participate in the polls and discuss the “how, where” and other questions of participation. He said so when asked particularly if the COP would be involved in any accommodation with the UNC as obtained when the Peoples’ Partnership coalition came into being in 2010. Former COP leader Prakash Ramadhar said last December the PP arrangement had ended. Weatherhead said the COP had just elected a new leader and was in discussion on many issues. Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah said the MSJ will contest local government polls and have meetings to finalise processes for this. Independent Liberal Party leader Rekha Ramjit said ILP hadn’t decided whether it would contest.

PNM screenings n August 18 at the South Regional office (Point Fortin Borough Corporation and San Fernando City Corporation), n August 19 at Balisier House (Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation and San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation). n August 22 at Balisier House (Chaguanas Borough Corporation and Sangre Grande Regional Corporation). n August 24 at South office (Princes Town, Mayaro/Rio Claro and Siparia Regional Corporation.) n August 25 at Balisier House (for Port of Spain City Corporation). n Prime Minister Keith Rowley August 26 at PNM’s south office (Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo & Penal/Debe Corporations).

(Trinidad Guardian)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

60 pregnant women infected with Zika There are over 200 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in T&T. Of this number, 60 have been diagnosed in women who are pregnant. Contacted yesterday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said 59 cases had been recorded in Trinidad, and one in Tobago. In seeking to reassure the infected people that every possible measure was in place to ensure they received the necessary treatment, Deyalsingh has maintained his confidence in the specialist team assembled by the Ministry of Health to oversee the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant people.

Asked to explain the disparity in the figures as last Friday he said he was aware there were only two Zika cases in pregnant women locally, Deyalsingh said he only received the official statistics early yesterday. Pressed to say if the ultrasounds had revealed any of the foetuses contracting microcephaly as a result of the mother being diagnosed with Zika, Deyalsingh said, “So far, there is no risk of microcephaly in any of the cases we have seen.” This was later confirmed by Dr Karen Sohan, Medical Chief of Staff, Mt Hope Women’s Hospital.

Microcephaly is a medical condition where babies’ heads are abnormally small. Adopting a proactive stance in April, the specialist committee which is led by Sohan was set up to develop specific processes and procedures to respond to the diagnosis of the Zika virus in patients, with special attention being paid to pregnant women and developing foetuses. The committee is set to meet later this week to discuss how they can strengthen operating procedures.

Urging citizens to continue to ensure their surroundings are free of any items that could act as a possible breeding site since the virus was spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, both Deyalsingh and Sohan agreed that the public’s response had been positive and had helped in keeping the number of cases down. The risk of more breeding sites increased with the rainy season at the beginning of June. However, Deyalsingh said, “While it has been a good thing, the public needs to keep up the pressure.”

He said the ministry would also continue its attack on various fronts including concentrated efforts by the Insect Vector Control Division to spray schools, homes and government buildings. Owners of vacant and abandoned lots have been asked to make an attempt to clean the premises also. Zika symptoms include a rash, fever, generalized pains and conjunctivitis.

Responding to questions yesterday, Sohan endorsed the ministry’s policy outlining the treatment of pregnant women as she explained, “There is a national policy whereby any woman who tests positive for Zika is referred for Foetal Medicine Services at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital.”

Adding that it involved patient counseling as well as detailed ultrasounds of the baby, Sohan said, “This has been operational since the first case was diagnosed. Zika is a new pathology and therefore as the numbers increase we would need to fine tune the service.” Revealing that only one baby had so far been delivered of a mother who had been diagnosed with Zika, Sohan said, “That baby is normal so far.” She went on to confirm, “To date, no babies have been born with microcephaly secondary to Zika.” Sohan added, “The most vulnerable time for the pregnant patient appears to be the period while the brain is developing.

The functioning cells of the brain are the neurons and these appear to be most vulnerable less than ten weeks gestation. There still appears to be a risk to the foetal brain although reduced, from 10 to 16 weeks. The virus has been shown to affect the growth of the baby up to 28 weeks gestation.” Stressing that new information was emerging daily about infection rates and vulnerable populations, Sohan said it was equally as important for all healthcare providers and patients to be updated. She said, “When the patient is seen, her care is individualised depending on the period of gestation.

Some patients will require only one scan whereas others require more frequent scans. At each visit, the ultrasound findings are discussed with the patient as well as a plan of management for the pregnancy. This information, including the detection of abnormalities is confidential, and involves the patient and her healthcare providers.” Sohan said while she was aware that there was also a policy for management of the babies following delivery, she was unable to comment as this was not her area of expertise.

Cautious approach It was only in April that scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States concluded after careful review of existing evidence that the Zika virus was a cause of microcephaly and other severe foetal brain defects. As the Caribbean continues to battle the virus, the authorities are now struggling to tackle it head on as more than 1,650 cases have been so far diagnosed throughout the US. Florida has announced aggressive mosquito-control measures, while athletes heading to the Rio Olympics, in neighbouring Brazil next week have expressed concerns about the virus.

Health officials in England have advised approximately 50,000 British citizens who are currently holidaying in Florida, to avoid having unprotected sex because of the risk of the Zika virus. In an article in The Telegraph dated July 30, the Public Health England (PHE) advised pregnant women to postpone non-essential travel to the southern US state. For those already there, the PHE advised them to refrain from unprotected sex for at least eight weeks, even if neither partner exhibited symptoms or if there is no prospect of pregnancy. On its website, the CDC advised that Zika could be spread via sex and urged people to use condoms. (Trinidad Guardian)

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INTERNATIONAL PAGE 22

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

Syria war: Russian helicopter shot down, killing five on board

A

Russian military helicopter has been shot down in Syria killing all five on board - the deadliest single incident for Russia's military since its air campaign began last September. The Mi-8 transporter was brought down by rebels, Russia says, in northern Idlib province. It was returning from delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged city of Aleppo, the defence ministry said. It is not clear which group brought the helicopter down. An alliance of forces, including hardline jihadist factions, is the dominant power in Idlib.

Jabhat Fateh al-Sham - formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra - is among those active in the province, and socalled Islamic State has vowed to carry out jihad against Russian forces. The helicopter was carrying three crew and two officers. Pictures on social media, purportedly of the latest Russian helicopter downing, showed burning wreckage and bodies, with armed men milling around. Footage showed at least one body being dragged away.

Another is seen apparently being trampled on. This is the worst single loss of life for Russia since it launched its air offensive in Syria in support of President Assad towards the end of last year.

Moscow says the helicopter was not involved in a military mission, but was delivering humanitarian aid. Rebel sources appear to confirm this. It may not have been known to those who shot the helicopter down, as most of Russia's airpower in Syria has been used for military purposes to support

pro-government forces. But it will further inflame feelings in Russia against rebels in Syria. Moscow has repeatedly said it sees little distinction between the rebels in terms of brutality and extremism.

The graphic images of victims posted online of the aftermath of the incident will add fuel to the fire. Russia has previously, though seldom, lost aircraft since it launched operations in support of the Syrian government at the end of September 2015. In July, two Russian pilots were killed when their helicopter was shot down east of the city of Palmyra by so-called Islamic State (IS). Last November, the pilot of a Russian Su-24 fighter plane was killed when the aircraft was shot down by Turkey on its border with Syria. A Russian marine sent on a mission to rescue the pilot was also killed when his helicopter was shot down.

Russia is a key backer of Syrian

President Bashar al-Assad and is supporting pro-government forces with air strikes on rebels. Government forces cut off rebel-held eastern parts of Aleppo last month. Russia and Syria announced the opening of what they called humanitarian corridors for civilians and rebels wanting to surrender, but few people are reported to have used them, fearing they would be targeted.

The child sitcom star killed in Aleppo Opposition activists have dismissed as a lie Russian claims that 160 civilians had left rebel-held districts. The United Nations has warned that basic supplies for the around a quarter of a million people who live in besieged areas will last only three weeks. On Sunday, rebel groups south of Aleppo launched a push to try to break the siege, in what observers said was one of the biggest counter-offensives in months. (BBC)

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 24

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

Thailand lese majeste: Woman charged over single word used

A

woman has been charged in Thailand family. Thai police dropped the investigation over a single word used in response to a into Patnaree Chankij after an international Facebook posting critical of the royal outcry earlier this year. But the country's attorney general decided to press charges against her under Thailand's lese majeste laws.

The 40-year-old had responded to a message critical of the monarchy with "ja" ("yeah" or "I see" in Thai). Patnaree Chankij is the mother of a prominent student activist in Thailand, Sirawith Seritwat. Thailand is holding a referendum next week on whether to accept a new constitution.

Sirawith Seritwat has been among those calling for a rejection of the new document. (BBC)

Zika: Mums-to-be to get Miami warning

A

woman has been charged in Thailand over a single word used in response to a Facebook posting critical of the royal family. Thai police dropped the investigation into Patnaree Chankij after an international outcry earlier this year. But the country's attorney general decided to press charges against her

under Thailand's lese majeste laws.

The 40-year-old had responded to a message critical of the monarchy with "ja" ("yeah" or "I see" in Thai). Patnaree Chankij is the mother of a prominent student activist in Thailand, Sirawith Seritwat. Thailand is holding a referendum next week on whether to accept a new constitution.

Sirawith Seritwat has been among those calling for a rejection of the new document.

(BBC)

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INTERNATIONAL PAGE 26

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

US launches air strikes on IS in Libya S enator John McCain and other Republican leaders have c o n d e m n e d D o n a l d Tr u m p ' s remarks about the family of a fallen US Muslim soldier. Mr McCain said Mr Trump did not have an "unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us". Mr Trump has come under fire for criticising the Muslim American parents of a US soldier killed in Iraq. Democratic lawmakers and the soldier's father have called on Republicans to disavow Mr Trump."I cannot emphasize enough how deeply I disagree with Mr. Trump's statement," Mr McCain said in a statement.

"I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our R e p u b l i c a n P a r t y, i t s o ffi c e r s , o r candidates." Mr McCain, a war veteran and the party's 2008 presidential nominee, thanked the Khan family for immigrating to America, adding "we're a better country because of you." Last year Mr Trump sparked a backlash after he said Mr McCain was not a war hero because he was captured in Vietnam.The latest escalation comes as Republican leaders have stepped forward to rebuke Mr Trump's fight against the Gold Star parents. In the US, parents who have lost a child in war are known as Gold Star families. Reaction to Mr Trump's comments South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Mr Trump's former primary opponent, said: "'Unacceptable' doesn't even begin to describe it." House Speaker Paul Ryan condemned any criticism of Muslim Americans who serve their country, but avoided mentioning Mr Trump. Ohio Governor John Kasich tweeted: "There's only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honour and respect."Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush called Trump's remarks "incredibly disrespectful."

Veterans of Foreign Wars President Brian Duffy: "Election year or not, the VFW will not tolerate anyone berating a Gold Star family member" The couple's son, US Army Capt Humayun Khan, was killed by

a car bomb in 2004 in Iraq at the age of 27.

Pakistani-born Khizr Khan and his wife, Ghazala Khan, appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week to speak about their son's sacrifice.In an emotional speech, Mr Khan said his son would not even have been in America if it had been up to Mr Trump, who has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US. In an interview with ABC's This Week, Mr Trump suggested Mrs Khan may have not been allowed to speak. "She had nothing to say... Maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me." Mrs Khan fired back in opinion article for the Washington Post, saying she was too upset to speak at the convention.She said Mr Trump was ignorant about Islam and did not know the meaning of the word sacrifice. "Walking on to the convention stage, with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself. What mother could? Donald Trump has children whom he loves. Does he really need to wonder why I did not speak?" she wrote.

On Monday, family members of eleven service-members killed in action wrote to Mr Trump, expressing dismay at his treatment of the family of Humayun Khan, and demanding an apology."When you question a mother's pain, by implying that her religion, not her grief, kept her from addressing an arena of people, you are attacking us. When you say your job building buildings is akin to our sacrifice, you are attacking our sacrifice," their letter said. "This goes beyond politics. It is about a sense of decency. That kind decency you mock as 'political correctness'," it went on to say. Mr Trump's running mate,

Governor Mike Pence, released a statement on Sunday avoiding the crossfire and saying he and Mr Trump both believed Captain Khan was an American hero.However, Mr Trump took to Twitter on Monday to criticise the Khans for appearing on television, adding that the story was not about Khizr Khan, but rather "radical Islamic terrorism" and the US. Mr Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski also defended his former boss, saying Captain Khan would still be alive if the billionaire was president "because he would've never engaged in a war that didn't directly benefit this country".Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton attacked Trump's treatment of the Khans during a campaign stop at a church in Cleveland, Ohio. "Mr. Khan paid the ultimate sacrifice in his family, didn't he?" she told the African American congregation. "And what has he heard from Donald Trump?

Nothing but insults, degrading comments about Muslims, a total misunderstanding of what made our country great - religious freedom, religious liberty," she said.Grey line How many Muslims are there in the US? Pew Research Center's 2014 Religious Landscape Study found that 0.9% of US adults identify as Muslims. A 2011 survey of Muslim Americans, estimated that there were 1.8 million Muslim adults (and 2.75 million Muslims of all ages) in the country. That survey also found that a majority of US Muslims (63%) are immigrants. Demographic projections estimate that Muslims will make up 2.1% of the US population by the year 2050, surpassing people who identify as Jewish on the basis of religion as the second-largest faith group in the country (not including people who say they have no religion). A Pew Research Center report estimated that the Muslim share of immigrants granted permanent residency status (green cards) increased from about 5% in 1992 to roughly 10% in 2012, representing about 100,000 immigrants in that year. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 28

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

US launches air strikes on IS in Libya

T

he United States has carried out air strikes on positions of socalled Islamic State in Libya, following a request by the UN-backed government there, the Pentagon says.

The strikes targeted positions in the port city of Sirte, an IS stronghold. Libyan PM Fayez Sarraj, in a televised address, said the strikes caused "heavy losses".

We s t e r n p o w e r s h a v e b e c o m e increasingly concerned at Islamic State's growing presence in Libya.

The air strikes are the first such US military intervention co-ordinated with the Libyan unity government. The Pentagon said Monday's strikes, authorised by President Barack Obama, were in support of government forces currently fighting IS militants. The government began an offensive against IS fighters in Sirte in May and said two

weeks ago that it had made its largest gains to date.

Western officials say the number of IS militants in Libya, previously estimated at 6,000, is declining in the face of concerted government action and pressure from other militia. "These actions and those we have taken previously will help deny ISIL a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States and our allies," the Pentagon statement continued, using another term for IS. Mr Sarraj said no US ground forces would be deployed. Libya has become increasingly divided since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with competing governments and rival militias seeking to gain territory and influence.

The chaos had left Libya vulnerable

to an influx of IS fighters, many from Syria. The United States has voiced strong backing for the unity government, or Government of National Accord, which began operating from the capital, Tripoli, in April. US Secretary of State John Kerry declared in May that it was the "only way to generate the cohesion necessary to defeat Daesh [IS]". (BBC)

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RECIPE PAGE 30

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

Ingredients

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: KONKIE

2 cups corn flour 1/2 cup plain flour 1 cup grated coconut 3/4 lb grated pumpkin 1/2 lb grated sweet potato 6 oz PALMBOOM* margarine 1 cup MILKO* milk 1 egg (beaten) 3/4 lb brown sugar 4 ozs. raisins 1 tsp spice 1 tsp almond essence 1 tsp grated nutmeg 1 tsp salt Fresh Banana leaves

Directions Mix the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, sugar, spices, raisins, flour, corn flour, and salt together in a large bowl.

Add the beaten egg, melted butter/margarine, and milk. Mix thoroughly by hand to combine. You should have a thick mixture that drops slowly from a spoon. Add more flour if the mixture is not thick enough; add a bit more milk if it is too thick.

Fresh green Banana leaves are traditionally used to wrap the conkie mixture. If you have these, strip leaves from stalk with a sharp knife then briefly singe them over an open flame to make them more pliable. Cut the leaves into individual 8" squares.

Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the centre of the banana leaf. Fold the leaf around the mixture, taking care not to rip the leaf.

Steam the conkies on a rack over boiling water in a large saucepan for 1 hour or until they are firm.

Unwrap and enjoy!

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PAGE 32

Zouks beat Tallawahs twice in two days to roll into semis

T

he St Lucia Zouks continued their winning form at the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as they defeated the Jamaica Tallawahs for the second time in two days. This win was not enough to secure a place in Playoff 1 where a route straight to the final was up for grabs but they will head to their Playoff 2 match against the Trinbago Knight Riders full of confidence and hopeful of victory. On Saturday when these two teams met at this ground the Zouks batted first and blasted their way to 206-3 on the back of an excellent opening stand from Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles.

Today’s Zouks innings was almost a carbon copy as Fletcher and Charles put on 104 runs for the first wicket from 68 balls. Both men were brutal on everything that the Tallawahs’ bowlers served up, and both of them made half centuries in the process as the Zouks made 194-3 from their 20 overs. Charles was the first man to go, well caught in the deep by Chadwick Walton off the bowling of Garey Mathurin for 64 from just 35 balls. Charles was replaced by Mike Hussey who didn’t find the same fluidity as the openers. He made just eight runs before he too was caught on the boundary by Walton, this time it was Rovman Powell that was the bowling – it was his first wicket in T20 cricket.

Having made 74 not out in the last game Fletcher carried on that form as he laid the foundation for a match-winning total and set up the fifth win for the Zouks in the last six matches. Fletcher eventually fell for 70 (54), also caught by Walton who seemed to be everywhere in the field. Shane Watson took up the boundary hitting on his way to a 17-ball 42 that included five Hero Maximums.

64 runs came from the last five overs as the Zouks set a target of 195 to win. It would take a fine batting performance from the Tallawahs to chase that down and they would need runs from Chris “Universe Boss” Gayle.

When Gayle began his innings looking to blast the ball as far as possible from the very beginning he seemed to think that he needed to go big early on to get up the win. He rode his luck in the PowerPlay with several balls landing just out of the reach of fielders.

That good fortune did not last for Gayle, eventually getting caught on the long-on boundary by Daren Sammy off the bowling of Watson for 30 from 15 balls. Fellow opener Chadwick Walton also went inside the PowerPlay as the Tallawahs reached 51-2 off the first six overs of their chase.

Kumar Sangakkara looked to set a base in order from which to launch the chase but he fell for 24 to the first ball of Gidron Pope’s spell to leave the Tallawahs in real trouble at 75-3 with the Andre Russell and Rovman Powell at the crease. Anything is possible with Russell in the middle and he immediately looked to up the run rate, particularly off the bowling of Grant Elliott who conceded 27 runs from two overs. But his pyrotechnics did not last long either, falling to the bowling of Delorn Johnson for 21.

The Tallawahs did a decent job at keeping up with the rate but were losing wickets throughout. When Powell fell in the 16th over there was no coming back despite some lusty blows from Alex Ross as the Zouks won by 17 runs. This match ends the hugely successful Florida leg of the Hero CPL which has seen great cricket and big crowds. Now the tournament moves on to St Kitts & Nevis for the knockout stage. (SportsMax)

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PAGE 34

Chang, Ozaki through to round two in Nanchang

K

ai-chen and Risa Ozaki were among the winners on the opening day of the hard-court tournament in Nanchang. Last year's runner-up Chang Kai-chen booked her place in the second round of the WTA Jiangxi Open on Monday with a victory over Zhang Yuxuan.Chang, beaten

by Jelena Jankovic in the 2015 final in Nanchang, was made to work for her victory over Zhang and prevailed 7-5 46 6-3 despite serving 14 double faults and being broken six times. Seventh seed Risa Ozaki was another winner on the opening day of the hardcourt event, seeing off Han Na-Lae 6-3 6-1 in just an h o u r a n d 2 1 minutes.Japan's Ozaki took advantage of her Korean opponent's service struggles to break on seven occasions in a routine first-round victory. Han Xinyun, seeded eight, was

pushed all the way by Junri Namigata before winning 2-6 6-4 75, while Nicha Lertpitaksinchai, Jang Su-Jeong, Misa Eguchi, Duan Ying-Ying and Zhang Kai-Lin are also through to round two. (SportsMax)

Rahul unbeaten on 107 at lunch on Day 2 as Windies toil at Sabina

L

okesh Rahul scored an unbeaten century as India went to lunch on day two of the second Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston on 185 for 1, just 11 runs shy of the host's first innings total of 196. Rahul resuming from his overnight score of 75 with India on 126 for one, was

unbeaten on 107 as he and Cheteshwar Pujara (37*) made slow going against a more disciplined West Indies attack on the second morning.The pair who have so far added 98 runs for the third wicket only managed to add 59 runs in the morning session as the West Indies bowlers probed away without success on a hot Sunday morning. Shannon Gabriel has so far conceded 21 runs from his 11 overs. Miguel Cummins impressed but proved unpenetrative giving up 44 runs from the 12 overs he has bowled in the match so far.

(SportsMax)

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PAGE 36

Warriors move to the top of Hero CPL 2016 as Tridents hopes end

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors claimed a tight victory in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) against the Barbados Tridents at the Central Broward Stadium inLauderhill, Florida on Saturday. Fine half centuries from Chris Lynn and Jason Mohammed proved to be decisive as the Tridents were left to rue a disappointing batting display.

The win meant the Warriors overtook the Tallawahs at the top of the table while simultaneously ending the Tridents’ hopes for qualification.The Tridents elected to bat and got off to a steady start, reaching 38 at the end of the PowerPlay for the loss of Ahmed Shehzad for 6, caught by Jacobs off the bowling of Dwayne Smith. At the o t h e r e n d S t e v e n Ta y l o r s h o w e d increasing intent, striking seven oundaries before he fell for 37 to a Chris Lynn catch.

Local boy Taylor had looked in good touch, scoring his runs off just 21 balls before he became Adam Zampa’s 14th wicket in what has been so far an outstanding Hero CPL 2016 for the talented Australian leggie.The fall of Taylor stalled any momentum, however, and when the Tridents reached the tenover drinks interval having posted only 60, the Warriors could be confident of restricting their opponents to a low total.

The Tridents’ hopes, meanwhile, rested on the shoulders of Shoaib Malik and captain Kieron Pollard, who had promoted himself up the order to try to increase the scoring rate. Both batsmen were finding it difficult to get the ball away in the face of tight Warriors owling, however, and boundaries continued to be in short supply as the overall run rate hovered at around a run a ball. Gradually, though, Pollard began to find his touch, taking two fours off Zampa’s third over before swivelling to hit a Hero Maximum as part of a Chris Barnwell over that went for 17.Malik gradually began to score with more

freedom, too, as the pair put on 81 for the second wicket. However, both batsmen fell within two balls of each other to put the Tridents back into difficulty. First Malik holed out to Chris Lynn off a Rayad Emrit slower ball for 35 before the Warriors claimed the big wicket of Pollard, caught by Jason Mohammad at deep square leg to give Sohail Tanvir his seventeenth wicket of Hero CPL 2016.The Tridents skipper had scored 47 off 36 balls, the dismissal leaving his team on 131-4 before some late hitting, aided by two dropped catches in the final few deliveries, finally got the Tridents up to 158-6, a score which had perhaps looked unlikely earlier in the innings. The Tridents needed a strong bowling performance to keep their qualification hopes alive, and they got off to the best possible start as Raymon Reifer bowled Dwayne Smith with a first-ball inswinger to shatter his off and middle stumps. It was a beautiful delivery, inducing Smith to play outside the line of the ball as it nipped back in between bat and pad, and the Tridents’ tails were up.New batsman Chris Lynn quickly settled, however, striking four boundaries in the first two overs together with the first Hero Maximum of the innings as he overtook Hashim Amla at the top of the Hero CPL 2016 Leading Run Scorer table. With 27 runs coming from the first two overs Pollard called on his spin bowlers in an attempt to slow the scoring. Both Akeal Hosein and Imran Khan started well, with the latter unfortunate not to pick up a wicket in his first over as Pooran missed an opportunity to stump Nick Maddinson as the New South Welshman looked to advance down the wicket. Khan was to gain revenge in his second, however, as Maddinson holed out to Ahmed Shehzad, leaving the Warriors on 44-2 at the end of the PowerPlay.After his explosive start

Lynn had settled into a steadier rhythm and was content to work the ball around the field for singles as pace off the ball proved to be the best tactic for the bowling side, Khan finishing with 1-16 off his four overs. The Tridents desperately needed wickets, however, and when Lynn began to attack again, hitting two Hero Maximums off David Weise’s first over, the game began to slip away.The thirteenth over proved to be significant with 20 runs coming from it, Lynn swiping a boundary to reach a 37 ball fifty before Jason Mohammed struck two huge Hero Maximums to bring up the fifty partnership. The wicket of Lynn, caught

by Pollard at long-off from the bowling of Reifer for 57 (44) - quickly followed by that of Anthony Bramble, plumb to a Pollard slower ball - gave the embattled Tridents a glimmer of hope, but with wickets in hand the Warriors were always in the driving seat.Consecutive sixes from Chris Barnwell and Mohammed calmed any nerves in the Warriors dugout, the latter reaching a fine half century thanks to another Hero Maximum in the penultimate over before winning the match in some style with another as the target was reached with three balls to spare, Mohammed finishing with a fine 57 off 41 deliveries. (SportsMax)

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PAGE 38

Jamaican forward Barnes traded to Vancouver

J

amaican striker Giles Barnes has been traded by the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Houston Dynamo to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a deal that the club said was in its best interest. The club will reportedly receive a percentage of any future transfer fees if Barnes is loaned or transferred outside the league. According to reports Barnes signed a new contract last offseason worth a reported $750,000 per year.

By freeing themselves from Barnes' salary the Dynamo create space to work the transfer window that ends on Wednesday. "We felt this move was in the best interest of our club moving forward, providing us with valuable roster and budget flexibility while bringing in

valuable assets in the short and long term," said Houston Dynamo vice president and general manager Matt Jordan said in a release. "This move also provides a greater opportunity for our younger attacking players to make an impact this season." The 27-year-old Jamaican international played in 113 MLS games since joining the Dynamo in 2012, scoring 31 goals.

Former coach Owen Coyle named Barnes the team captain at the start of the season but while Barnes was with Jamaica'sational team for Copa America, however, Coyle left the team.

Wade Barrett took over and was eventually named the interim coach for

the rest of the season. When Barnes returned to Houston, Barrett had given the captain's arm band to veteran defender DaMarcus Beasley. (SportsMax)

Montoya finalises Valencia switch

M

artin Montoya has completed a move to Valencia on a four-year deal, confirming his permanent departure from boyhood club Barcelona. Valencia have signed Martin Montoya on a four-year deal after Barcelona agreed to cancel the right-back's contract two years early.

Barcelona secured the €50million signing of Valencia playmaker Andre Gomes last week, with Montoya's switch

thought to be related. Winger Cristian Tello has also been linked with a move to Mestalla. Montoya made 67 appearances in five seasons for Barca's first team, winning LaLiga three times, as well as two Copa del Rey crowns and one Champions League success.

A struggle at Inter saw a season-long loan move cut short last term, although Montoya restored his reputation with 13 appearances at Real Betis as they earned a 10th-place finish in their first season back in LaLiga. (SportsMax)

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PAGE 40

Knight Riders brush aside Patriots to finish Hero CPL group games with a win

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors claimed a tight victory in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) against the Barbados Tridents at the Central Broward Stadium inLauderhill, Florida on Saturday. Fine half centuries from Chris Lynn and Jason Mohammed proved to be decisive as the Tridents were left to rue a disappointing batting display. The win meant the Warriors overtook the Tallawahs at the top of the table while simultaneously ending the Tridents’ hopes for qualification.The Tridents elected to bat and got off to a steady start, reaching 38 at the end of the PowerPlay for the loss of Ahmed Shehzad for 6, caught by Jacobs off the bowling of Dwayne Smith. At the other end Steven Taylor showed increasing intent, striking seven oundaries before he fell for 37 to a Chris Lynn catch. Local boy Taylor had looked in good touch, scoring his runs off just 21 balls before he became Adam Zampa’s 14th wicket in what has been so far an outstanding Hero CPL 2016 for the talented Australian leggie.The fall of Taylor stalled any momentum, however, and when the Tridents reached the tenover drinks interval having posted only 60, the Warriors could be confident of restricting their opponents to a low total. The Tridents’ hopes, meanwhile, rested on the shoulders of Shoaib Malik and captain Kieron Pollard, who had promoted himself up the order to try to increase the scoring rate. Both batsmen were finding it difficult to get the ball away in the face of tight Warriors owling, however, and boundaries continued to be in short supply as the overall run rate hovered at around a run a ball. Gradually, though, Pollard began to find his touch, taking two fours off Zampa’s third over before swivelling to hit a Hero Maximum as part of a Chris Barnwell over that went for 17.Malik gradually began to score with more freedom, too, as the pair put on 81 for the second wicket. However, both

batsmen fell within two balls of each other to put the Tridents back into difficulty. First Malik holed out to Chris Lynn off a Rayad Emri slower ball for 35 before the Warriors claimed the big wicket o Pollard, caught by Jason Mohammad at deep square leg to give Sohail Tanvir his seventeenth wicket of Hero CPL 2016.The Tridents skipper had scored 47 off 36 balls, the dismissal leaving his team on 131-4 before some late hitting, aided by two dropped catches in the final few deliveries, finally got the Tridents up to 158 6, a score which had perhaps looked unlikely earlier in the innings The Tridents needed a strong bowling performance to keep thei qualification hopes alive, and they got off to the best possible start as Raymon Reifer bowled Dwayne Smith with a first-ball inswinger to shatter his off and middle stumps. It was a beautiful delivery inducing Smith to play outside the line of the ball as it nipped back in between bat and pad, and the Tridents’ tails were up.New batsman Chris Lynn quickly settled, however, striking four boundaries in the first two overs together with the first Hero Maximum of the innings as he overtook Hashim Amla at the top of the Hero CPL 2016 Leading Run Scorer table. With 27 runs coming from the first two overs Pollard called on his spin bowlers in an attempt to slow the scoring. Both Akeal Hosein and Imran Khan started well, with the latter unfortunate not to pick up a wicket in his first over as Pooran missed an opportunity to stump Nick Maddinson as the New South Welshman looked to advance down the wicket. Khan was to gain revenge in his second, however, as Maddinson holed out to Ahmed Shehzad, leaving the Warriors on 44-2 at the end of the PowerPlay.After his explosive start Lynn had settled into a steadie rhythm and was content to work the ball around the field for singles as pace off the ball proved to be the best tactic for the bowling side Khan finishing with 1-16 off his four overs. The Tridents desperately needed wickets, however, and when Lynn began to attack again hitting two Hero Maximums off David Weise’s first over, the game began to slip away.The thirteenth over proved to be significant with 20 runs coming from it, Lynn swiping a boundary to reach a 37 bal fifty before Jason Mohammed struck two huge Hero Maximums to bring up the fifty partnership. The wicket of Lynn, caught by Pollard at long-off from the bowling of Reifer for 57 (44) - quickly followed by that of Anthony Bramble, plumb to a Pollard slower ball - gave the embattled Tridents a glimmer of hope, but with wickets in hand the Warriors were always in the driving seat.Consecutive sixes from Chris Barnwell and Mohammed calmed any nerves in the Warriors dugout, the latter reaching a fine half century thanks to another Hero Maximum in the penultimate over before winning the match in some style with another as the target was reached with three balls to spare, Mohammed finishing with a fine 57 off 41 deliveries (SportsMax)