August 20, 2016 by Guyana Daily News

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Malaria-Page3 Outbreak In Region 7

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Police To Step Up Traffic Safety Campaign The average person is on the roadways at least twice daily, going and coming from work, school or wherever they might have been heading to or from, whether it is via public or private transportation. As of lately it seems as if we might be better off if we all were to go back to the days when we walked to our destination as road fatalities continue to climb. With the number of fatal accidents for the year so far being approximately 80, it may be safe to assume that one cannot be completely confident when one walks out of the door and onto the roadways. Despite the strong presence of the traffic arm of the Guyana Police Force stepping up their road safety campaign, there are still multiple accidents which occur that can be avoided. Traffic Chief Deon Moore has told sections of the media that the police are looking into clamping down on the number of accidents which occur as a result of public transportation. He also reiterated in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) that something needs to be done about mini-busses which are in violation of their road license by placing stickers and branding on their vehicles. In Guyana it is a known fact that the busses which have those brandings and stickers are known as the “top busses” and also known to be the “wild” busses on the road. As the Guyana Police Force continues to do what they are trained to do it is only right that the drivers of every motor vehicle enforce what they were taught and be a defensive driver.

Jagdeo: Govt Wants $400M More Durban Park Project

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that it will not renew the contract of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam. A statement from the Ministry revealed that the position will soon be advertised with the hope of finding a suitably qualified candidate by next month end as there was no automatic replacement from the current pool of Assistant Chief Education Officers. According to the statement, Sam has served the sector with distinction and zeal for the past eight years, five of which he served as CEO. The Ministry expressed thanks to Sam for his contributions and extends best wishes to him for all future endeavours. The CEO was absent from the Ministry’s press conference on Wednesday to announce the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The presentation of CSEC results which was previously presented by Sam was instead presented by acting Chief Education Officer (Nursery) Ingrid Trotman. Efforts made by Guyana Daily news to contact Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine for a comment on the matter proved futile. Sam was appointed the CEO of the Ministry in 2011 and among his many achievements had served as the Director of the New Millennium Institute and introduced the phonetic-based literacy instructional programme through the Reading for All Learners Programme (RALP). He also lectured at the University of Guyana (UG), School of Education and Humanities, the Departments of Foundations and Education Management and Curriculum and Instruction.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Malaria Outbreak In Region 7

An outbreak of malaria in region 7, village of Cuyuny-Mazaruni has caught the attention of the health authorities. The outbreak is said to be in a village called ‘Ciudad’ close to the Venezuelan border, according to reporters in the international media. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease, caused by parasitic protozoans. The survival rate depends on the early detection of this. Venezuelan nationals who cross the border with the disease, settling in the illegal mining areas of the region, have been reported to be the main source of the eruption. The poor work conditions represent a breeding ground for the mosquitoes. The lack of health supplies has caused a state of emergency to be declared in the area and the difficulties in the communication have placed the zone in isolation. The issue did not come to light until an article was published in the ‘New York Times’ this week. The ‘gold call’ as a lure from the mineral, keeps representing an issue in national soil, putting the authorities under constant pressure, trying to control the illegal arrival of desperate immigrants. According to a report from a national newspaper, Public Health Minister. Dr. George Norton said that “the Vector Control Unit and the Regional Health Officers will be deployed to the Region.” The cases of malaria have been relatively controlled, since a major decrease from the year of 2012 to date. But the fight continues “with Guyana recording at least one positive case of malaria within every hour,” President David Granger had said on May last at the PAHO/WHO launching of the Health@50. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/world/venezuelamalaria-mines.html?_r=0 http://www.inewsguyana.com/malariaoutbreak-in-region-7/

Govt To Replace Olato Sam As Chief Education Oﬃcer

Olato Sam

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Loan For Specialty Hospital Cancelled T h e The Minister told the State newspaper that the government’s gove rnme nt of Guya n a decid ed to canc el the US$ 1 8 milli on line of credit deal with India for the construction of a Specialty Hospital in Guyana, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan is reported to have told the State newspaper, Guyana Chronicle. According to the report in the State newspaper, the original ﬁnancing, from India’s Exim Bank, was for US$18M, but funds were expended on the original contract to Surendra Engineering, leaving about US$14 million. But the previous government was forced to terminate the 2012 contract, citing fraud, and sought to recover the funds with about US$14 million remaining.

decision to cancel the Line of Credit was communicated to the Indian High Commission on Wednesday and a decision was taken to terminate the Line of Credit, because the time has already lapsed. The Minister also cited the uncertainty over when a new contractor could be sought to design, build and outfit the specialty hospital and it would only result in further commitment fees, which essentially amounts to wasting money when no project exists at the time. He said that Fedders Lloyd owns the design it had come up with for the project According to the Guyana Chronicle, when the new government took office they sought to salvage the project and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with another Indian firm, Fedders Lloyd, to design a new facility with the remaining funds. However, in mid-June the government announced that India was not interested in pursuing the project with Fedders Lloyd, as the World Bank had blacklisted the company until 2020, because of its procurement policy. According to Jordan, the government is still engaging the Indian government to modernize hospitals in Guyana of which includes West Demerara Hospital, as well as the hospital at Suddie on the Essequibo Coast, and in Bartica in Region Seven.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Sod Turned For Construction Of New Health Post In Kurutuku, Region 7 As the Ministry of Public Health continues with its efforts to Treated mosquito nets as well as medication were handed over ensure every Guyanese has equal access to health care, subject to the residents by Minister Norton, along with a quantity of Minister, Dr. George Norton yesterday turned the sod for the clothing which was donated by Food for the Poor. While in the construction of a new Health Post in the remote village of region, the subject Minister and his team also took the Kurutuku in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). The new Health post opportunity to visit the site where the Eteringbang Health post will benefit some 100 persons who reside in the village, as well is being refurbished. The building is expected to be completed by mid – September. as those in neighbouring villages. Construction is expected to commence within the next few days, since the materials have already been procured and the MOPH contractor is already on site. Dr. Norton pointed out that the village is very remote and is a far distance from Bartica, which has the nearest hospital, as well as the nearest Airstrip at Eteringbang. According to him, it is expected that basic deliveries will be done at the new Health Post, which would also provide pre and post- natal care and other inpatient services, particularly for those who may contract Malaria. Currently, there is one Community Health Worker (CHW) in the village, and Dr. Norton expressed hope that in the very near future, the ministry will be able to have a Medex or even a trained midwife at the new Health Post. He informed that his officers have already taken the names of two persons from the village who are interested in pursuing studies to become a CHW and they hope to have them on board soon. Minister Norton said that the plan is to ensure that regular visits are made to the village, so as to ensure that the contractual obligations are met. The new building will measure 25 by 50 feet and will accommodate the Health Post as well as living quarters. Meanwhile, one of the residents of the village, Rosita Lewis pointed out that the CHW is currently working in a section of the teacher’s quarters, which is not ideal and poses a challenge, especially when caring for pregnant women. As such, she stressed that the building will afford him a space to carry out his functions comfortably, and for this, the villagers are very grateful. Lewis said that the previous government was constantly promising to have the Health post constructed, but never fulfilled its promise. The villager expressed gratitude to the Public Health minister for ensuring that they have a new Health Post. Minister Norton was accompanied on his visit by Region 7 Engineer, Adrian Ragoobeer, as well as other officers from the ministry, including Director of Health Minister, Dr. George Norton (second from left) turning the sod for the construction of the new Health Post in Kurutuku, Region 7. Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako and Director Public Also in the photo are Residents of Kurutuku, Region 7 Engineer, Adrian Ragoobeer (fourth from left), Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako (third from right) and other officers from the Ministry of Vector Control Services, Dr. Horace Cox. Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton hands over some of the treated mosquito nets to Kurutuku Resident, Lena Lewis. Also in the photo are Director of Vector Control Services, Dr. Horace Cox (left) and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako (right)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Diversification- The Tool To Unlocking The Full Potential Of The Berbice Region President Granger As Berbice Expo And Trade Fair Kicks Off At The Albion Sports Complex The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce last evening official kicked off the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne under the theme “Promoting entrepreneurship for a diversified economy”. This year marks twelve years since the expo has been in existence and saw participation by corporate Guyana, several Government Ministries and small business operators. Given the current world trends where countries are being forced to adopt to economic and climatic changes to thrive, the theme which embodies the need to diversify and develop entrepreneurial skill was well suited and mirrored in the remarks of the various speakers. The Exposition is the single largest event in the region and allows for both large and small businesses to gain from sales and promotions. During his opening remarks, Secretary of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Poonai Bhigroog, expressed his satisfaction and gratification with the Chamber’s efforts in successfully organizing another such event. “I am happy to see that the Chamber of Commerce has recognised the need to promote entrepreneurship and diversification.” Mr. Bhigroog said. Bhigroog made a call on Guyanese to seek new avenues by diversificating their produce when dealing with the rice and the sugar industries. “We have to explore new ways to keep rice and sugar alive.” he added. Agriculturally, the region is probably Guyana’s largest producing regions given that most of its agricultural activities are rice, sugar, fishing and cash crop based. For 2015, the region produced ¼ of the national production for rice and just over ¼ of the national production for fish. Many business operate in fishing, etc., but the major strength lies in agriculture. Appeals were also made for persons to practice Climate Smart agriculture. Guyana has the potential to supply fruits and vegetables to its sister CARICOM countries on a large scale basis and the Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Marketing Corporation has been working tirelessly with farmers to ensure that the best possible markets are tapped into. This, however, can only be achieved through smart and planned agricultural practices. During his feature address, President David Granger appealed to the Corentyne as a whole to change so that the Corentyne can be better. “This is a vast region. You have the potential to give your residents the good life. You are gifted with a strong production base and an abundance of talent.” President Granger said. The president also urged the residents to adopt new avenues and diversify the market in order to stimulate growth in the economy. “You have to change because even if you are depending on rice and sugar and you are getting good prices for a year, you can almost guarantee that you will get unsatisfactory prices another year due to fluxuating world market price.” President Granger added. The president called on the relevant authorities to develop a Corentyne action plan solely based on information and information technology, adding that that is the gateway to several opportunities. He added that there is a need for information to make informed decisions. “You can sell your products but you need information about what the market is calling for.” President Granger said. President granger also called on residents to be cautious of contraband trade. In order for Guyanese manufacturers to make a greater impact on the local, regional and international market, they need to be more innovative.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Diversification- The Tool To Unlocking The Full Potential Of The Berbice Region President Granger As Berbice Expo And Trade Fair Kicks Off At The Albion Sports Complex (Cont’d) More emphasis needs to be placed on packaging and the innovation of new products. If products are to be sold internationally, entrepreneurs need to place more emphasis on their creativity when packaging creating and packaging their products. The region is full of resources and there is great room for agro-processing to develop and add growth to the region. Also speaking at the opening ceremony was the president of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mohamed Raffik. He expressed that over the years the expo has evolved despite a number of challenges faced by the Chamber of Commerce, adding that there is still room for growth. In his message he expressed that in today’s global village scenario, Guyana needs to boost diversification in its economy. This, he said, can only come about with its citizens’ willingness to be imaginative, to think outside the box, to shed fossilized mind sets and prejudices, to inculcate the entrepreneurial spirit, to reach out to one another for ideas and partnership and cooperation. “Sugar production is linked to every person’s life in this region. We are producing sugar at US 40 cents per pound and selling it for US 20 cents per pound. It is unfortunate that we are in this state. For too long sugar has been a political football and it is time the people of this region wake up and stop making sugar a political football. We must also understand that rice is a business and we have to run it like a business.” Mr. Raffik said. He called for persons and government to employ better technology for the industry and move away from labour intensive practices to fully exploit the sector’s abilities. During his remarks, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin said that government will continue to work with persons to formulate commodities to uplift the economy which will involve a diversification program to reduce import and advance export. “Even as El Nino posed great challenges for the region, Guyana is still expected to see a four percent growth in the economy.” Minister gaskin The Business Minister in clearing the air pointed to the fact that Guyana’s economy is the only one in the region with positive growth. This flies in the face of Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who publicly pronounced that Guyana’s economy is in a downward spiral. Echoing similar sentiments during her remarks, guest speaker Ms Patricia Bacchus, CEO of Caribbean Containers Inc. She described Guyana’s economic status as “handsome given the state of other Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago, who are experiencing economic contractions rather than economic growth.” She added that

industries like the rice and sugar industry are susceptible to a number of factors such as world market prices. “If you remove rice and sugar from the equation, manufactured products would account for about three percent GDP.” she said. Ms. Bacchus also urged the residents of Corentyne to explore diversification. “Do not put all your eggs in one basket. I see diversification as simply adding more baskets to put your eggs. Reengineering the way we do business is as important as diversification given the integrated world economic trade arena.” she added. The remaining days of the expo will see patrons getting a chance to visit booths set up by the Ministry of Agriculture. They will be given the opportunity to see the various products and the services they offer while having the opportunity to clear up issues with extension officers. The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair continues until Monday 22nd August. Patrons will have the opportunity to sample and purchase different items from exhibitors like Digicel, Ansa Mcal, Edward B. Beharry and Company and other small businesses. Ministry of Agriculture Guyana Press Release

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Man Shot Dead By Police Constable Outside Camp Street Prison PAGE 11

An unidentified male was shot dead on Friday night after he allegedly created a ruckus outside the Camp Street prison and attacked ranks who were guarding the perimeter of the prison. According to a police release, the incident occurred at about 23:50h outside of the Georgetown Prison on Camp and Durban Streets. The police revealed that earlier in the night, the unidentified man went to the back of the prison on John and Durban Streets, behaved disorderly and threw down some steel barriers, in the presence of the ranks guarding the perimeter of the prison. He was taken into custody by ranks of a police patrol but subsequently returned and continued the said behavior and action, south in front of the prison. The police release noted that a police constable armed with a service weapon and under the supervision of a subordinate officer, approached the unarmed man, who allegedly then attacked the rank. In the process the Constable discharged a round, hitting him in the lower

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abdomen. He was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and died while receiving treatment. Investigations are in progress, including one by the Oﬃce of Professional Responsibility.

Martyrdom And Freedom – The Demerara Slave Rebellion The 193rd anniversary of the Demerara Slave Rebellion of 1823 was celebrated today at the 1823 Monument at Atlantic Avenue. The struggles of those who fought for freedom are not forgotten. The monument was designed and built by United States-based Guyanese sculptor Mr. Ivor Thom in commemoration to the largest slave rebellion in the history of the Western Hemisphere, which helped to accelerate the abolition of slavery, qualified as one of the most important events in Guyanese and Caribbean history. Today’s celebration was hosted this morning by President David Granger, Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with several African cultural groups in Guyana. The participants made the venue ‘shine’ from early hours in the morning, in remembrance to the hundred martyrs who were killed on August 20, 1823 at Bachelor’s Adventure on the East Coast, during the Demerara Revolt, which lasted two days, involving more than 2,000 slaves. Floral tributes were placed in front of the monument by President Granger and invited personalities. Dancing groups show their talent, on a nostalgic display for those who fell. President Ganger announced the erection of a memorial site at Independence Park, to commemorate the public executions of more than 200 African rebels during the Revolution. “This atrocity, the arrest and consecutive executions at The Militia Parade Ground, were perhaps the single most significant event in the abolition of slavery in the British colonies. The Demerara was the turning point in slave society and I commemorated today as one of the most important events in Guyanese and Caribbean history,” President Granger said with a patriotic voice on the podium. “Future generations must not forget that freedom was bought at the high price of the martyrdom of hundreds of Africans on 20th August 1823,” he concluded. This is the first time that a national ceremony is being held to

commemorate this historic event at the monument site since it’s unveiling in 2013. Source: http://gina.gov.gy/martyrdom-and-freedom/ -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

President David Granger at the Commemorative Ceremony at the Monument on Atlantic Avenue.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

GuySuCo Denies Paid-Release For Workers Attending GAWU’s Congress The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has accused the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) of not facilitating the paid-release of the delegates coming from the various estates to attend the union’s congress which is taking place today at the Bath Primary School in West Coast Berbice. The union in a statement on Saturday also revealed that GuySuCo said it will not assist the workers with transportation from the estate locations to the Congress venue. As has been the practice ever since GAWU’s recognition in the sugar industry forty (40) years ago, the union would have applied and have no difficulty for the paid release of those workers selected to attend the congress. The union explained that in a letter dated July 07, 2016, it sought a meeting with GuySuCo to discuss the release of workers to attend the congress but that letter was not acknowledged by the Corporation. “The Union, considering the time factor, dispatched another letter dated August 09, 2016 with the names of those workers who would be attending the Congress and eligible for the customary assistance. The Corporation promptly responded by letter dated August 11, 2016 saying that it would not facilitate the paid-release of the delegates coming from the various estates and would not assist in their transportation from the estate locations to the Congress venue,” GAWU’s statement noted. According to the union, it was reported to GAWU that the financial situation has restricted the Corporation from approving the release of the workers and assisting in transportation. “The GAWU Congress, held once every three years, must be convened in order for the union to remain a properly constituted trade union, an important legal requirement and a measure upholding the Corporation and Union relationship. In the circumstance, the union is of the firm

view that as has been the practice the Corporation should be fully supportive of the Union’s Congresses.” The GAWU is of the strong view also that GuySuCo’s present position is nothing but a form of union-busting and follows an anti-worker tendency. “The paid-release of workers in the Trade Union Movement by employers is a benefit that goes back many years and which was won through struggles. The given excuse of affordability, the Union takes with more than a pinch of salt. Graver financial circumstances confronted the Corporation in the 1980s and early 1990s when GuySuCo had difficulties to supply its quota of sugar to the European Union (EU) but this did not restrict it from honouring this most important obligation to the workers and their Union,” GAWU noted. The statement further noted, “It is, therefore, incongruous of GuySuCo to adopt this anti-sugar worker and anti-GAWU decision. Indeed, it seems, sugar workers and GAWU are identified for discriminatory and strong-arm treatment. Such treatment is an ominous sign and does not augur well for the industry.”

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS ‘I Believe In Empowering Women To Speak For Themselves’ – First Lady Tells Port Kaituma Self Reliance Graduates PAGE 14

Thirty women were, this morning, deemed women of success by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, in her address at the closing ceremony of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, held at the Port Kaituma Community Centre, Matarkai Sub-Region, Barima-Waini (Region One). “Your education is a lifelong process, while you would have completed this workshop you will continue to learn, to grow, to support each other… Go back to your communities and help other women to develop, not only in the business sense but also in all the things you would have [acquired from] the programme,” Mrs. Granger told the graduates, who hail from Matthews Ridge, Baramita, Arataka, Four Miles and other communities. The First Lady then encouraged the women to share what they have learnt with the other women in their communities. “I don’t believe in speaking out for women. I believe in empowering women to speak for themselves. We believe that when women become empowered they empower their families and they are able to contribute in a much better fashion to the communities in which they live,” she said. Facilitator of Interweave Solutions, Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran said the workshops focus on ensuring that each woman knows the importance of conducting legal and legitimate business.“We talk a lot about the importance of getting legal, registered businesses, conducting your business through the proper tax regime as established by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), ensuring that you follow through with National Insurance Scheme (NIS), ensuring that the business you operate is not only successful, but legal,” he said. Echoing a previous remark made by the First Lady about the link between empowering women and an overall enhanced standard of living for families and communities, Mr. Pooran said this theme is central to the training. “The more women that are empowered, the more women that have jobs or own businesses, the greater our impact on poverty and a [reduction] of suffering in the community. Not only are we changing the dynamic for you personally, but we’re changing the dynamic for your family, your children and your husband. [You are benefiting] … you are going to be running successful small businesses,” he said. Mr. Pooran reiterated that his organisation is proud to partner with the Office of the First Lady because of the transformation the training has fostered in people’s lives. “Good homes and strong families build strong communities, and in consequence they build a stronger nation, and for these reasons Interweave Solutions is very proud to be associated in participating with the First Lady’s office in this programme,” he said. In fulfilment of the social aspect of the workshop, the women have already formed themselves into small groups that will meet to find solutions to social problems affecting their communities. The groups are the Protective Women’s Group, the Matthews Ridge Women’s Group, the Baramita Successful Women’s Group and the Sunflower Women’s Group, which are all focused on combatting the prevalence of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse. Meanwhile, in her address to her fellow graduates, Ms. Sophia Shelto, a business owner of six years and the president of the Matthews’ Ridge Women’s Group, said that the workshop has taught her several aspects of business management, which she intends to apply to hers. “By applying the ‘Six Ps’ to my business I am confident that I will succeed,” she said. Ms. Shelto also

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pledged to use her role as leader of her social welfare group to keep the members motivated and inspired to continue learning. “As president of my group, we are committed to review and keep learning and improving ourselves by working together to create our group’s action and agenda; continue community action and service, help recruit new members and teach them about Self Reliance,” she said.” The Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop for Women has already been held in Lusignan, Demerara-Mahaica Region; Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice Region; Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo; Rosignol, Mahaica-Berbice, Mabaruma, Barima-Waini Region; Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni and in Mahdia, Sub-Region Two, Potaro-Siparuni Region. The workshops are held under the auspices of the Oﬃce of the First Lady and are funded by the Ministries of Social Protection and Indigenous Peoples’Aﬀairs. MOTP Press Release

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger delivering her remarks at the closing ceremony of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, held in Port Kaituma, Matarkai Sub-Region, Barima-Waini (Region One).

Participants of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop for Women proudly display their certiﬁcates with( seated L-R) Ms. Crystal Baptiste and Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran of Interweave Solutions, Colonel (ret’d) Yvonne Smith of the Oﬃce of the First Lady, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Member of Parliament, Mr. Richard Allen.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Barbados Government Nudges Banks With Increased Tax BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Saturday August 20, 2016 – Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler has announced an increase in a tax on bank assets, on the heels of banking institutions not passing on to customers the benefits of the elimination of a minimum interest rate. Sinckler said the 0.15 per cent increase in the Bank Asset Tax – up from 0.2 per cent to 0.35 per cent – is expected to raise an additional BDS$14.3 million (US$7.15 million) in revenue. Delivering the 2016 Budget this week, Sinckler complained that although the April 1, 2015 removal of the minimum 2.5 per cent interest rate by the Central Bank of Barbados was intended to ultimately benefit consumers, that had not happened. “It was hoped that by freeing banks of this requirement, that as banking institutions received the benefits of a lesser cost burden at this end, it would have fed through for a faster and deeper benefit for consumers of banking services in many other critical portfolios,” the minister said. “To date, however, I must confess that like the average Barbadian, I am particularly unimpressed with the efforts made by the banks in this regard. As such, and as a little reminder to them of the need to share their new found and much appreciated benefits from the liberalization of the minimum savings rate, I have decided to use a little more concrete persuasion to nudge them along in the desired direction,” he said. The increase in the Bank Asset Tax took effect immediately, with the assessment for the assets starting from April 1, 2016. “The expected intake from the tax for a full financial year is estimated to be $33.3 million using the 2015 asset base of the banking system,” Sinckler said. President of the Barbados Economic Society (BES) Jeremy Stephen has warned that customers could

end up hurting more as a result of the tax increase. “Banks are not in the business of absorbing taxes, so more than likely this will be passed on to consumers, and as such you can expect even further interest rate cuts, unless consumers decide to move their money out of that liquid banking system and into say, Government debt, which is really what I believe is the intent here,” he told online newspaper Barbados TODAY. And President of the Barbados Bankers’ Association (BBA) David Noel has called for the tax to be shared equitably across the entire ﬁnancial sector. (Caribbean360)

THE INCREASE IN THE BANK ASSET TAX IS EXPECTED TO RAISE AN ADDITIONAL BDS$14.3 MILLION (US$7.15 MILLION) IN REVENUE.

Bribery In Bajan Business? PrivateBarbados Sector Leader Raises Eyebrows TODAY. Speaking on a radio talk show, Sir David charged

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Saturday August 20, 2016 – The umbrella agency of private sector organizations in Barbados has stopped just short of admitting that some of its members engage in bribery and corruption. While making it clear he did not have any evidence that business people were bribing politicians as claimed earlier in the week by former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, new Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) Charles Herbert said in any case, if there were an easier way of conducting business here, there would be no need for bribery. “It is very hard for us to know how much of it [corruption claims] is true. What I would say is, when there is an ease of doing business, bribes go away, because you don’t need a bribe to get something done quickly. The minute there are delays, it opens the door for bribery because there is something to bribe you to do. So we can get rid of it by solving the ease of doing business,” Herbert told online newspaper

that there was a high level of corruption in Barbados, which was being swept under the carpet. While he did not cite specific examples, Sir David said there was evidence to suggest rising incidence of corrupt practices both at the private sector and Government levels, with the business community offering bribes to people in the public sector. “The bribers are usually the people in the private sector. All the big international companies that get exposed from time to time, they would have bribed the politician who is then held up to ridicule and exposed and often a lot of them get away. They are the ones in the wrong. You have to look at the briber and the “bribee”,” he said. In response, Herbert suggested that there was a culture within the public sector that encouraged bribery. Insisting that any form of corruption was wrong, the BPSA head spoke of the difficulty faced by businesses in getting things done. “It is difficult to do everything. It takes three days to get a liquor licence; it takes a month to get an amalgamation through Corporate Services; it goes on and on. Everything we do is difficult to do,” Herbert said. Therefore, he said, some within the business community might feel that in order to keep their businesses afloat they had to circumvent the system by offering kickbacks. In fact, Herbert said, some members of the private sector were able to get things done which others found difficult to achieve. But, while bribery might be suspected in some instances, he was not prepared to point fingers at anyone. “We don’t know if it is because they push harder than us, because they know somebody that we don’t know, or if they are bribed. We don’t know. So unless you have actually paid a bribe yourself, then you don’t know if bribing happens. “It is a tacit innuendo to spread; but the truth is, if it barks like a dog, smells like a dog and walks like a dog, it probably is a dog, though you can’t prove it.” Herbert said. (Barbados TODAY) (Caribbean360)

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Doctors Welcome PM’s Prostate Campaign cancer in T&T “we are ﬁnding and discovering more cases...the good thing is

One of the country’s leading urologists Dr Lall Sawh yesterday said he saw sudden change in the attitude of patients who came for prostate examinations. Instead of being apprehensive, the men showed a willingness to be examined. Sawh credited Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s statement which appealed to men over the age of 40 to get tested for prostate cancer, some of whom have immediately taken his advice. Rowley, at his first public appearance after undergoing medical tests in the US, on Thursday said he was cancer free and urged men over 40 to do a prostate examination. “Today at the office patients who were scheduled to come in... it was easy to examine their prostate. They told us that the Prime Minister say that we should get examined so they do it. They said they were more motivated to have the examinations done. As they walk in they were saying, okay Dr Sawh, let’s get this examination done today. There was no reluctance at all. The Prime Minister did an excellent job by urging these men to do the test. He reached out to them. And I think they have taken him seriously.” Of the 25 patients Sawh examined at his private practice yesterday, he said between 15 and 18 came for prostate examinations. Sawh agreed with Rowley that men refuse the examination because of the macho image they try to project. He said men generally do not like to be probed. “Unfortunately this is their mentality. I think it was an excellent way the Prime Minister put the message across. As a matter of fact, I want to commend him for bringing the issue to the fore because we are limited in our outreach.” Sawh said he hoped that the attitude of men does not become a seven-day wonder. “You know after seven days they forget everything. “They come in the office petrified. They don’t want to do it at all. You have to talk them into it.” Whenever he has a lecture about prostate cancer, Sawh said, women would quicker show up than men, which defeats the purpose. Dr Michael Rampaul, senior urologist at the San Fernando General Hospital, also agreed that Rowley’s appeal was a wise and brilliant move. “I want to tip my hat to Dr Rowley for speaking out about the issue.” Rampaul said while they do not have updated statistics of prostate

that we are ﬁnding them earlier and people are becoming aware.” He said there are three stages of prostate cancer. In the early stage there are no signs. Rampaul said the disease can be cured if detected early. Agreeing with the PM that cancer was more common among African men, Rampaul said our western diet also contributed to the disease. For this year, Rampaul said he has diagnosed between 15 and 20 new cases of prostate cancer patients at the hospital and his private practice. Rampaul said men are lackadaisical. “They don’t care to go for a check-up. There is a lack of exposure and information.” Rampaul said women get their pap smears and mammograms done. “ Wo m e n a r e n o t embarrassed by these tests and examinations. The men they have this macho thing about them...When men come for the test for the ﬁrst time they are very apprehensive. They have this fear out of ignorance that it would cause pain.” H o w e v e r, a f t e r t h e examination Rampaul said they realise it was not as bad as they t h o u g h t . ( Tr i n i d a d Guardian)

Dr Michael Rampaul

Man Gets 30 Months Jail For Bogus Cheques cheques.” Recalling the recent seizure of 500-plus fake debit cards, the

Fraud Squad investigators are warning members of the public to be wary of fraudulent cheques and making withdrawals at automated teller machines. Their warning came as a Marabella construction worker Hayden James, 42, was yesterday jailed for 30 months on two fraud charges relating to a forged cheque. Noting that there have been a lot of fake commercial bank cheques circulating, the investigators said the fraudsters were well organised and professional. “We are seeing a lot of fraud with commercial cheques, they are making the cheques and the identiﬁcation cards, they are depositing the cheques in the bank and then making withdrawals.” As a consequence, the oﬃcers are advising banks and business people to be extremely cautious when accepting and cashing cheques. He also advised business people not to attempt to clear cheques by calling the bank because the criminals are intercepting calls. “So when you think you talking to someone in the bank, you really talking to one of the criminals. Go in to the banks to verify all

Hayden James

officers said information from Interpol led investigators to search a room at a popular Port-of-Spain hotel where two Bulgarians were staying. Interpol had informed the local law enforcement officers that the foreigners were seen tampering with ATMs in Barbados. “When using your ATM cards ensure there are no foreign objects or smudges before you push your card in. If your card gets stuck do not put in your pin number.” They said the criminals were hiding small electronic devices in the machines to read and record the information on the cards. He also advised card users to try to keep minimal sums of money in the account so in the event their card becomes compromised they will not lose a large sum of money. Yesterday, in the San Fernando First Court, before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John, James, who was arrested after he deposited a forged cheque valued $40,000, pleaded guilty to two charges. Prosecutor Ramdath Phillip said on July 11, James went to First Citizens’ Marabella branch where he deposited a cheque made payable to him in the sum of $40,755.10 and drawn on the account of Gulf Insurance Ltd. He withdrew $35,000 and used $1,341.18 to purchase US$200. However, the insurance company later informed the bank that they never issued a cheque bearing that number to James and he was not entitled to the money. He was charged by PC Hosein following an investigation supervised by Supt Tootaram Dookie, ASP Kent Ghisyawan and led by Sgt David and Popan. James had several previous convictions, but his attorney Ainsley Lucky asked for mercy, saying, “He found himself in a desperate situation. Economic challenges propelled this man to do what he did. This was the last act of a desperate man.” Phillip said none of the money was recovered. Asked by the magistrate where the cheque originated, Phillip said inquiries into that were still to be carried out. Forde-John sentenced James to 30 months on each offence, but ordered that the sentences run concurrently. (Trinidad Guardian)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Result Stands

The independent body appointed to manage elections in T&T acted illegally when it took a decision to extend last September’s general election by one hour due to heavy rainfall in Trinidad. High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armorer made the statement in the Port-of-Spain High Court yesterday, as she dismissed five election petitions filed by the United National Congress (UNC) challenging the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) decision. However, Dean-Armorer ruled that the UNC had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant the election result being invalidated. “The court is prohibited from declaring an election invalid where the court finds the occurrence of a breach or breaches of an official duty or of the election rules and it appears to the court that the breach did not materially affect the election,” Dean-Armorer said as she noted that even if all the votes cast during the one-hour extension were to be deducted from the votes obtained by winning candidates, the election result would remain the same. “I have, in these petitions, striven to hold the balance to protect the will of the majority while ensuring that the patent mistakes have not reduced the election of 2015 to a mere sham,” she added. The UNC now has 14 days in which to appeal the judgment. The Court of Appeal’s eventual decision on the petitions will be final as it and not the Privy Council, has exclusive jurisdiction in election cases. While in her 53-page judgment, she said the EBC went beyond its constitutional and statutory remit in extending the poll, as it had no express power to do so, DeanArmorer said she felt that the EBC acted out of “genuine concern” for voters who it felt might be disenfranchised by the inclement weather conditions on election day. “Torrential rains and flooding on the 7th September 2015 may have impelled the EBC to issue the directive which they did. Nonetheless, the uncontrollable weather conditions did not confer on the EBC the power to direct that the law be broken. “The EBC, itself a creature of statute, ought at all times to abide by the clear dictates of the law and ought not to purport to dispense with those dictates even if faced with an apparently insurmountable problem,” she said. Apart from the EBC’s unlawful extension, Dean-Armorer said it was in substantial compliance with election rules and regulations. “In my view, there is no evidence to suggest that the conduct of the election was other than free or fair. “There was no allegation of intimidation or of the unavailability of election material such as ballot paper or ink. There was no evidence of trickery or fraudulent counting of votes or false declaration by election officers,” Dean-Armorer said. She also rejected the UNC’s claim that EBC officials committed corrupt practices when they allowed voters to cast their ballots after the traditional 6 am to 6 pm period of voting had elapsed. Dean-Armorer said they were acting on the directives of the EBC and that the UNC could not prove that they acted with malicious intent. In addition, Dean-Armorer rejected the UNC’s contention that it had been prejudiced by the

decision, as many of their election officials had issues in receiving confirmation of the extension from the EBC. “The evidence discloses, however, that the opposing camp had a similarly well organised machinery and because of the late notification of the extension and the uncertainty, the PNM party organisers themselves abandoned any efforts to attract supporters to make use of the extended time,” she said. Opposition pays legal costs Dean-Armorer criticised the UNC for asking her to consider its supporters who failed to take advantage of the extension, as the UNC had failed to bring them to testify in court. “In my view, this is asking the court to embark on an exercise of pure speculation,” she said. She also questioned the UNC’s decision to file petitions only in six marginal constituencies—La Horquetta/Talparo, Toco/Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, St Joseph, San Fernando West and Moruga/Tableland. The La Horquetta/Talparo petition had been dismissed at a preliminary stage by Dean-Armorer and later the Court of Appeal, as they ruled that it had been served on the PNM after the time frame for doing so had elapsed. “The ordinary man in T&T would recognise that the poll was conducted peacefully throughout the day and that the only obstacle was presented by inclement weather, over which the election laws had no control. My assessment, of the view of the ordinary man, is strengthened by the reflection that the election was challenged in only six of 39 constituencies in Trinidad, in spite of the fact that the very widespread multiple breaches took place throughout the island of Trinidad,” she said. As part of her decision, Dean-Armorer ordered that the UNC pay the PNM’s legal costs for defending the petitions. However, the judge exempted it from the EBC’s costs as Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, pointed out that the EBC was found to have acted illegally. (Trinidad Guardian)

High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armorer

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Venezuela Oﬃcial Suggests The Arrest Of Its Citizens In Guyana Was Unlawful PAGE 20

By Dennis E. Adonis CARACAS, Venezuela -- A Venezuelan government source with close ties to President Nicolás Maduro has suggested that the arrest of 14 Venezuelans in the Essequibo region by Guyanese officials may have been a breach of international norms since Venezuela views the area as disputed territory. His comments were made in response to the publication of an article in the Guyana Guardian on Monday, which highlighted the plight of several food seeking Venezuelans being stranded at an illegal border crossing at Turumban, as they pondered whether to enter Guyana via the Essequibo where 14 of their countrymen were arrested by Guyanese border police. While presenting a unofficial map that shows the Essequibo as being a part of Venezuela, the official maintained that the Venezuelans, who may be using the Cuyuni river to enter Bartica, were doing so legally since Venezuela considers the entire Essequibo region as historically theirs. He did not specify whether any future arrest of Venezuelans in the Essequibo region would provoke a response from Venezuela or whether he was speaking officially for the Venezuelan government. Nonetheless, even though Venezuela has never officially commented on the arrest and deportation of the Venezuelan 14, Maduro himself has maintained that the Essequibo is a part of his country’s territory. However, contrary to his claim, the jungle-covered and mineral-rich region was awarded to Guyana via an 1899 tribunal that settled the boundaries between the two countries. And by all international accounts, the Essequibo region continues to be recognized globally as an integral part of Guyana. While some has considered the border issue as a political rhetoric, many Venezuelans who are already in Guyana seeking food, medicine and other supplies maintained that

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

they are not a part of any such conﬂict and is afraid that raising the issue now would only make it harder for the ordinary people like themselves. Since the start of the Venezuelan food crisis, an estimated two to three thousand Venezuelans cross illegally into Guyana weekly via the Essequibo region in search of food and medicine. For the most part, Guyanese police and soldiers monitoring the border often ignored their illegal entry and allow them in, even though this is against the country’s oﬃcial policy. An unprecedented number of Venezuelans have since taken up temporary shelter in the capital city of Georgetown and the town of Bartica, where many Guyanese opted to provide them with food and shelter in hope that some economic normalcy may soon be restored to Venezuela, so that they can return to their families soon. (Caribbean News Now!)

Venezuelan President Nicola Maduro points out the Essequibo region on a map, which labeled the Essequibo as a state of Venezuela

Belize Decision A Signiﬁcant Human Rights Landmark, Says UN Special Envoy BELMOPAN, Belize -- The decision of the government of Belize to accept the judgment of the High Court to decriminalise consensual sexual acts between adults in private has been described as a signiﬁcant human rights landmark. Dr Edward Greene, United Nations (UN) secretary-general’s special envoy for HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean congratulated the government and parliament of Belize following the judgement last week, which amended Section 53 of the Belize Criminal Code. The National Evangelical Association of Belize and the Roman Catholic Church had urged the government to appeal the decision for a number of reasons. “This decision … is as important as the judgment of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in taking the understanding and application of human rights to a level that recognises the inalienable rights, dignity and respect for all regardless of race, class, gender and sexual orientation,” Greene said. The UN special envoy indicated that it was his hope that “CARICOM governments would use this occasion as an opportunity to revisit the PANCAP Justice for

All road map which has been the subject of discussion and debate by a wide cross-section of stakeholders throughout the region”. (Caribbean News Now!)

Dr Edward Greene and Wilfred Erlington, Attorney-General and Minister of Foreign Aﬀairs after discussions on the PANCAP Justice for All Roadmap with representatives of Belize cabinet , January 2015

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Youthful Candidates For PNM Screening A total of 21 candidates were screened for the nine electoral districts within manager for San Fernando East, MP Randall Mitchell,” she said. “So I’m no PAGE 21

the San Fernando City Corporation at the party’s regional headquarters in San Fernando on Thursday night. The screening panel was led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and other party executives. The party’s general secretary, Ashton Ford, told the media the party had screened candidates for the Arima and Diego Martin Corporations on Wednesday night at the Balisier House in Port-of-Spain. “As I said last night we were at Balisier House where we dealt with Arima Corporation and Diego Martin Corporation. We took decisions for those two corporations and we will release the names after the general council on Saturday,” Ford said. He said the willingness of younger nominees to serve is a good sign for the party’s future. “I must say we are impressed with the quality of candidates coming forward, they are young people. We have a 26-year-old, a 29-year-old, so it looks as though the party is in good hands because once you offer yourself to serve the community at that age, it signals to the community that you are prepared to work and develop the city.” Ford said the party would continue its screening until Wednesday. “Tomorrow we will be screening for San Juan/Laventille Corporation at Balisier House and on Monday we are dealing with Tunapuna and Sangre Grande. Tuesday, there is a break, and Wednesday we are back here in San Fernando for Point Fortin, Mayaro, Siparia and Princes Town corporations.” Although there was not a large crowd present, the nominees were well received by their supporters after their time in front of the panel. A big screen was also put up across from the office and the Olympic games were streamed live, much to the delight of those waiting outside. At the end of the screening, Attorney General Faris AlRawi and Finance Minister Colm Imbert joined supporters outside to look at the Olympic Men’s 200m race on television. Candidate hopefuls Hopeful candidate for Mon Repos/Navet District, Patricia Alexis, told the T&T Guardian that she was confident of her chances as she had been working behind the scenes for quite sometime in the party. “I’ve been working with the Mon Repos/Navet District for sometime. I served as area manager with San Fernando East (constituency). I’ve also done the local government campaign with the sitting councillor and I’ve also been the campaign

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new face within the constituency, we’re still doing a lot of work in the area so it’s like home, it’s like family.” Incumbent Springvale/Paradise councillor Naigum Joseph said although he had been through the process already, it was still a learning experience. “Even though I am an incumbent I felt like it was still a learning process, they asked some questions about local government reform and I think I handled it well,” Joseph said. “I am confident on the work that I have done for Springvale/Paradise and I believe that the national and the local executive knows my ability and knows what I have done.” Several incumbent candidates, including Mon Repos/Navet councillor Shaka Joseph and Cocoyea/Tarouba’s Rondell Donowa, did not offer themselves for re-election. San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein also spoke to the media but he declined to speculate whether he would return for a second term in the office, saying, “I don’t know the future, only the master knows that.” Hosein did say he had accomplished what he set out to do during his term as mayor, including dealing with the city’s homeless problem, traffic problems and beautification of the city. (Trinidad Guardian)

PNM candidates nominated for screening in the local government elections, Naigum Joseph and Teresa Lynch, give the thumbs up as they wait for their turn to go before the PNM executive at the PNM South Regional oﬃce, San Fernando, on Thursday. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

IMF, Gov't To Discuss Relationship After Extended Fund Facility KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is scheduled to arrive within the next month for discussions with the Government on a successor relationship to the four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which ends in April 2017.

Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance

Finance and the Public Service Minister, Audley Shaw, made the announcement during Friday’s 13th IMF quarterly review media briefing, held at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Shaw told journalists that while there are “various options” from which to choose, the Government is exploring the possible implementation of a “precautionary” arrangement. This, he explained, will facilitate continuation of the administration’s structural reform programme with specific measurable performance objectives and potential financial support, in the event of natural disasters and oil price spikes, “the sort of things that can affect your balance of payments”. Noting that Jamaica is on a “good trajectory”, consequent on implementation of the IMF-supported economic reform programme, Shaw said follow-up relations with the institution will not require another EFF arrangement. “As a Government, we have indicated publicly that we are not resiling from continuing a relationship with the IMF,” he said. In her remarks, Head of the IMF’s Staff Mission Team to Jamaica, Dr Uma Ramakrishnan, advised that the members held preliminary discussions on the matter with Government representatives during the just-concluded 13th review for the April to June quarter. She indicated, however, that any recommendation for an alternative arrangement must be approved by the IMF’s Executive Board before it can be implemented. (Jamaica Observer)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Glass Bridge: China Opens World's Highest And Longest

It's finally happened. The much-heralded "world's highest and longest" glass-bottomed bridge has opened to visitors in central China. It connects two mountain cliffs in what are known as the Avatar mountains (the film was shot here) in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province. Bridge in numbers Completed in December, the 430m-long bridge cost $3.4m (£2.6m) to build and stands 300m above ground, state news agency Xinhua reported. It has been paved with 99 panes of three-layered transparent glass. And according to officials, the 6m-wide bridge - designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan - has already set world records for its architecture and construction. The year of glass bridges Glass bridges in China have been a popular craze for the daring photo opportunities they provide. Events like mass yoga displays and even weddings have been staged on several such bridges. One couple celebrated their special day by dangling in mid-air from a bridge in Pingjiang, also located in Hunan province. But how safe is it? This was the question on everyone's minds as the city geared up for the bridge's official opening. But officials have staged high-profile events to try and reassure the public of the bridge's safety. Officials sent in sledgehammers and even drove a car, filled

with passengers, across the bridge earlier this year. The BBC's Dan Simmons was invited to take a bash at the bridge. Park oﬃcials have said a maximum of 8,000 visitors will be allowed on the bridge each day. So those wanting to add another thrill to their bucket list are strongly encouraged to book their slots in advance. (BBC)

Bin Laden Raid Bestseller's Author To Pay $7m A former US Navy Seal who wrote a bestseller about his role in the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden is to pay nearly $7m (£5m) to the government for violating non-disclosure agreements. Matt Bissonette failed to get clearance from the Pentagon before the book No Easy Day was published in 2012. He has agreed to forfeit all profits and royalties, as well as film rights and speaking fees. In exchange, the government will dismiss other liability claims. The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a May 2011 Navy Seal raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and his body was buried at sea. Navy Seals - special operations commandos - usually abide by a code of silence and do not publicly take credit for their actions. In the settlement filed at a district court in the state of Virginia, Mr Bissonette acknowledged he had failed to submit his book for review ahead of publication. He also apologised, saying in a statement that he had acted on the incorrect advice of his lawyer. "It was a serious error that I urge others not to repeat," CBS news quoted him as saying. "Although I never intended to endanger my former colleagues, I now recognise that failing to seek pre-publication review could place them and their families at greater risk, for which I especially apologise." Osama bin-Laden addresses a news conference in Afghanistan in this May 26, 1998 file photo. The former commando, who wrote under the pseudonym Mark Owen, will have four years to pay the bulk of the money to the government, according to the Associated Press news

agency. He has 30 days to pay $100,000 made from presentations he gave using slides that were not approved by the Pentagon, it says. His account of the Abbottabad raid has been questioned by another member of the elite Seal Team 6 unit that carried out the operation, who has a diﬀerent version of how Bin Laden was shot dead. (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Slender Man Case: Morgan Geyser, 14, In Not Guilty Insanity Plea One of two girls accused of stabbing a 12-year-old classmate to court that it was reasonable to try both girls as adults because the please the online horror character Slender Man has pleaded not guilty crime was planned and violent. Their lawyers had argued for the case in a US court on the grounds of mental illness. A judge in Wisconsin to be heard in juvenile court, saying both teenagers were suffering has now appointed two doctors to evaluate Morgan Geyser. She and from mental illness. Anissa Weier, both now aged 14, are being tried as adults, charged Following the attack, both suspects were found walking near a local with attempted murder. The girls could face decades in jail if highway, and a knife was found in one of their backpacks, police said. convicted, Their victim was stabbed 19 times in May 2014 but The girls had planned to stab their friend during a sleepover at Ms survived. She was found crawling from woods by a cyclist near the Geyser's house where they had been celebrating her birthday. But instead they decided to commit the crime the next morning in a city of Waukesha. She had stab wounds to her arms, legs and torso. Ms Weier pleaded not guilty last year. Investigators say the two girls nearby park. After the attack, they reportedly intended to walk to had been plotting for months to kill their victim in "dedication" to Slender Man's mansion, which they believed was situated in Slender Man, a fictional horror website character. They spoke of their Wisconsin's Nicolet National Forest. The victim has recovered and desire to become the paranormal figure's "proxies" by killing to returned to school. The next court hearing is in October. (BBC) demonstrate their loyalty, police said. Grey line Who is Slender Man? He is a skinny, shadowy figure, who has appeared in photos, drawings and articles across the internet. Some claim he has tentacles emerging from his back and most say he wears dark clothes and has a pale face. The schoolgirls involved in the attack in Waukesha say there were inspired after reading about him in a creepypasta, a short online story designed to shock or scare the reader. Slender Man first appeared on the internet in 2009. Eric Knudsen from Florida created the character in response to a call for submissions from the online forum SomethingAwful and posted the picture of the figure behind a crowd of people. Last month, an appeal court in Wisconsin Morgan Geyser had invited her friends over for a sleepover for her birthday before the crime(AP) confirmed an earlier decision by a lower

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

California Wildﬁres: Blue Cut Blaze Curbed As Evacuees Return

Firefighters in California have gained ground in tackling the massive Blue Cut wildfire, containing around 40% and allowing many evacuees to return home. But it was also revealed that some 96 homes had been destroyed in the fire since it broke out on Tuesday. Some 58 sq miles (150 sq km) have been charred in San Bernardino County, 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Several more fires continue to burn in other drought-stricken parts of California. Fire spokesman Brad Pitassi said late on Friday: "It's looking very good", adding that more gains were expected on Saturday, despite firefighters continuing to face dry, hot and windy weather. He said the number of buildings destroyed could have been far higher. Blue Cut, named after a narrow gorge where the blaze broke out, had led to an evacuation order for 82,000 people on Tuesday. Many people have now been allowed to return but others were left homeless. Johanna Santore was running an errand when the fire gutted her home. She fears she may have lost her pets. “I'm actually feeling numb,'' she told Associated Press from an evacuation centre. "It's like a nightmare. We don't plan on rebuilding. We plan on leaving." Other fires still burning around the state include: Santa Barbara County: Two campgrounds evacuated North of San Francisco: Lower Lake fire now 75% contained after destroying 175 homes Sierra Nevada's Sequoia National Forest: Several hamlets evacuated (BBC) The man who owned the Summit Inn on Route 66 for 50 years visits its charred ruin on Friday, saying “it's over"

Yemen Conﬂict: Major ProRebel Demonstration In Sanaa

Large numbers of Yemenis have taken part in a demonstration in the capital Sanaa in support of Houthi rebels and their allies, who control the city. Demonstrators backed a new governing council announced by the rebels. Shortly afterwards, bombs were reported to have been dropped nearby by planes of the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognised government. The Saudis have been repeatedly criticised over civilian deaths in air strikes in Yemen. On Thursday the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said it was withdrawing staff from six hospitals in north Yemen after a coalition air strike hit one of its buildings, killing 19 people. Separately, the US military has cut the number of its advisers directly supporting the Saudis' air war in Yemen from about 45 to five, US officials announced. However they said this was not related to growing international concern over civilian casualties. In another development, Saudi officials said one person had been killed and six others injured in cross-border rocket fire from Yemen that hit the city of Najran. It was the third such attack in a week. Sanaa-based political analyst Hisham al-Omeisy, who was at Saturday's rally, told the BBC it was attended by nearly 100,000 people. “Suddenly the Saudi jets started circling on top of us, and as always, we thought they would just fly by, just trying to scare the crowd," he said, speaking to the World Service's Newshour programme. "Suddenly they started bombing and the crowd started running. I basically bolted out of the area. People started screaming... Because everybody's very well armed, they started shooting their AK-47s and their machine guns into the sky." AP news agency said the presidential palace in the city and other areas had been hit in coalition airstrikes, leaving an unknown number of casualties. Yemen's Mareb Press website said coalition planes had raided al-Nahdein mountain, overlooking the palace. The Saudi-led force has been carrying out air strikes in Yemen since March 2015 to try to oust the rebels and defend the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. The UN says more than 6,500 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since then. It estimates that more than 80% of the population needs humanitarian aid. UN figures also suggest that forced displacement across Yemen is on the rise, affecting more than two million people. (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Afghan Troops 'Retake Kunduz District From Taliban’

Afghan government forces have recaptured a key district of the northern province of Kunduz from the Taliban, the provincial governor says. Asadullah Omarkhel's announcement came hours after Khanabad district was seized by Taliban fighters. But local sources told the BBC that Taliban fighters were still present near the district headquarters. The newly arrived government forces aimed to open the road link to the city of Kunduz, the governor said. Afghanistan's independent Tolo TV news channel also reported that government troops had recaptured Khanabad, which is about 30km (19 miles) east of Kunduz. Earlier on Saturday the Taliban attacked from several directions, forcing government troops to retreat to Kunduz city, which briefly fell t o t h e Ta l i b a n l a s t y e a r . Widespread fighting The Taliban have made gains since international troops officially ended their active fighting role in 2014. Afghan security forces are currently battling the insurgents in nearly half of the country's 34 provinces. Earlier this week, the Taliban captured a district in neighbouring Baghlan province and there has also been fighting in Helmand in the south and in eastern Nangarhar province. Kunduz is one of Afghanistan's largest cities and has long been a strategically important transport hub for the north of the country. But it has always held symbolic significance for the Taliban because it was a key northern

stronghold before 2001, when the group was ousted from power. Hundreds of civilians from the area have reportedly fled east towards Takhar province. A spokesman for Takhar's police force said measures were being taken there to counter any Taliban attack. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses in Kunduz city said some officials were fleeing to the airport there as fighting had now reached the gates of the city itself. Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of Kunduz provincial council, told AP: "If the central government does not pay attention to Kunduz, the Taliban will overrun Kunduz city as they did last year." Taliban fighters freed more than 600 prisoners in their attack on Kunduz city last September, among them nearly 150 insurgent fighters. (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

World Mosquito Day

World Mosquito Day was first established in 1897, when the link between mosquitos and malaria transmission was discovered by Sir Ronald Ross. It aims to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented, as well as fundraising for research into the cure of malaria. It is also a salute to the groundbreaking work of Sir Ross and scientists who have followed him. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine celebrates World Mosquito Day with exhibitions and parties designed both to entertain and to inform, while other celebrations include Malaria No More’s ‘Mozzy Air’ campaign, encouraging people to take anti-malarial when flying to malaria zones, and Nothing But Nets’ twitter campaigns to provide mosquito nets for poor communities. Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. Once an infected mosquito bites a human and transmits the parasites, those parasites multiply in the host's liver before infecting and destroying red blood cells. The disease can be controlled and treated if diagnosed early on. Unfortunately, this is not possible in some areas of the world lacking in medical facilities, where malaria outbreaks can occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malaria symptoms can be classified in two categories: uncomplicated and severe malaria. Uncomplicated malaria is diagnosed when symptoms are present, but there are no clinical or laboratory signs to indicate a severe infection or the dysfunction of vital organs. Individuals suffering from this form, can eventually develop severe malaria if the disease is left untreated, or if they have poor or no immunity to the disease. Symptoms of uncomplicated malaria typically last 6-10 hours and occur in cycles that occur

every second day, although some strains of the parasite can cause a longer cycle or mixed symptoms. Symptoms are often ﬂu-like and may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in areas where malaria is less common. In areas where malaria is common, many patients recognize the symptoms as malaria and treat themselves without proper medical care. Uncomplicated malaria typically has the following progression of symptoms through cold, hot and sweating stages: § Sensation of cold, shivering § Fever, headaches, and vomiting (seizures sometimes occur in young children) § Sweats followed by a return to normal temperature, with tiredness. Severe malaria is deﬁned by clinical or laboratory evidence of vital organ dysfunction. This form has the capacity to be fatal if left untreated. Source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-mosquito-day/

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 30

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

North Korea Calls UK-Based Defector 'Human Scum’ North Korea has branded a UK-based diplomat who defected to South Korea as "human scum". Thae Yong-ho, deputy envoy in London, and his family are now under the protection of the South. Without listing his name, the North's Korean Central News Agency said the envoy had been accused of leaking secrets, embezzlement and child rape. It said the UK had been told in June and had been asked for his return but instead handed him to South Korea. In a commentary, the KCNA said "[the fugitive] should have received legal punishment for the crimes he committed, but he discarded the fatherland that raised him and even his own parents and brothers by fleeing, thinking nothing but just saving himself, showing himself to be human scum who lacks even an elementary level of loyalty and even tiny bits of conscience and morality that are required for human beings". The KCNA accused the UK of "handing over the fugitives without passports to the South Korean puppets and neglecting its duty to protect diplomats living in its own country". Britain's Foreign Office has not commented on the affair. 'Terrifying lies' Mr Thae is thought to be the highest-ranking North Korean official ever to defect. His main mission in London had been to spread positive perceptions of the North Korean leadership. Seoul announced on Wednesday that Mr Thae had arrived there but refused to give further details about the defection. In the past, Mr Thae had argued the British were brainwashed by their ruling class into believing "shocking, terrifying" lies about North Korea under its leader Kim Jong-un. "If

the people in this country, or in America, knew that there is a country in the world where there is a free education, free housing, free medical care, then they'd have second thoughts," he had said in one speech. The BBC's diplomatic correspondent, James Robbins, says it now looks as if Mr Thae's heart may not have been in the task of defending North Korea. South Korea spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said: "On his reasons for defection, Minister Thae cited disgust with Kim Jong-un's regime, admiration for South Korea's free, democratic system and the future of his family." (BBC)

Mr Thae (seen on the right in this ﬁle picture) is now under the protection of South Korea(GETTY IMAGES)

Bali Killing: British Man, Australian Woman Arrested A British man and an Australian woman have been arrested in connection with the beach killing of a policeman on the Indonesian island of Bali. They have been named by police as David Taylor and Sara Connor. The body of local traffic police officer Wayan Sudarsa was found on Wednesday, lying on a beach at Kuta. A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office confirmed it was "providing assistance to a British national who was arrested in Bali". The pair were reportedly arrested as they sought protection at the Australian consulate in Denpasar, Bali's capital. Statements from nine witnesses led to the arrests, said Bali Police Chief Major General Sugeng Priyanto. Beach death Mr Sudarsa's bloodied body was found on the beach outside the Pullman hotel in Kuta, Bali's most popular beach resort. Police said the officer had deep wounds to his head. A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office told the BBC that as well as providing assistance to a British national it was staying in contact with the local authorities. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the department was "providing consular

assistance to an Australian woman in Bali". Bali is a popular Western tourist destination, known for its tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches. Petty crime is common on the island, though more serious crime is rare. (BBC)

Briton David Taylor is escorted by police in Bali, Indonesia(EPA)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 32

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Syrian War: Turkey To Play More Active Role

Turkey says it will take a more active role in efforts to end the war in Syria and accepts President Bashar al-Assad as an interim but not long-term player. But announcing the Turkish policy shift, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim insisted that Mr Assad "can't have a role in Syria's future". "He is one of the actors today, whether we like it or not," Mr Yildirim said. Fighting has continued in the city of Hassakeh, where Syrian government jets have bombed Kurdish areas for two days. Hassakeh, 80km (50 miles) south of the Turkish border, is mainly controlled by the Kurdish YPG militia, but Mr Assad's government forces are trying to push them out. Turkey is staunchly opposed to Mr Assad, but is also fighting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - an ally of the YPG. Turkey does not want the Kurds to consolidate any territorial gains that could help the PKK. "In the six months ahead of us, we shall be playing a more active role," Mr Yildirim said. "It means not allowing Syria to be divided along ethnic lines." A future political settlement for Syria must not include Mr Assad, the PKK or "Daesh" - the so-called Islamic State (IS) group - he said. Map of Syria and Iraq showing control by state and non-state armed groups Turkey is backing rebel groups fighting to oust Mr Assad, though it has not committed regular troops to the war in Syria. Turkey is hosting about 2.7m Syrian refugees. Earlier this month Turkey patched up a bitter quarrel with Russia, whose air force is providing vital support for Mr Assad with daily air strikes against the rebels. The UN Children's Fund (Unicef) on Saturday called for urgent action to help more than 100,000 children "trapped in the horror" of Aleppo, ravaged by intense fighting and heavy air raids by Syrian government and Russian planes.

The children's plight was symbolised this week by the pictures of Omran Daqneesh, an injured five-year-old boy rescued from the rubble in Aleppo. The images of him with a head wound, looking utterly bewildered and shocked, stirred international outrage. The London-based Syria Solidarity Campaign reported on Saturday that Omran's 10-year-old brother Ali had died of his injuries, after the family home was hit by a bomb. Activists in Aleppo also reported Ali's death, al-Arabiya news said. The YPG has emerged as a major fighting force in northern Syria in the past two years, becoming a key ally of the US-led coalition against IS. Kurds made up between 7% and 10% of Syria's population of 24.5 million before the uprising against President Assad began five years ago. (BBC)

Turkish troops face a huge security challenge along the Syrian border(GETTY IMAGES)

Australia v New Zealand: All Blacks Hotel Room In Sydney 'Bugged’

New Zealand Rugby says a Sydney hotel room where the All Blacks held meetings was bugged before their first Bledisloe Cup match against Australia. The New Zealand Herald reported that a "sophisticated" listening device found on Monday had been hidden in a chair. The All Blacks beat Australia's Wallabies 42-8 on Saturday. The CEO of New Zealand Rugby, Steve Tew, said in a statement that Australian police and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) had been informed. Saturday's game is the first of three in the annual Bledisloe Cup between Australia and New Zealand - which the All Blacks have not lost in 13 years. Tew said: "We are taking this issue very seriously, and given it will be a police matter, it would not be prudent to go into further details." The New South Wales Police Force said in a statement that they had become aware of the allegation on Saturday, and had attended a hotel in Double Bay, an area of Sydney. Superintendent Brad Hodder told local media that a forensic team were looking at an "electronic device". Tew added that he had spoken to ARU chief Bill Pulver who was "just as shocked as I was", but added that it was not a "catastrophic issue" for Saturday's match. "We haven't made any accusations of anybody so there's no room for denials," said Tew. Pulver told the New Zealand Herald that the idea of a bugging was "ludicrous" and said the ARU was not involved. He said: "Mate, of course [the ARU is not involved]. "I just think it's a ludicrous concept that there are listening devices being placed in team rooms. I don't know how that could happen." The paper reported that hiding the bug "was a highly skilled and meticulous act and whoever put it there would have needed a significant amount of time to have pulled off such an accomplished job". Indications are that the device was working and would have transmitted conversations about the All Blacks' strategy for Saturday's match. The game is the only one in this year's tournament scheduled to take place on Australian soil. The other two games are scheduled to be held in New Zealand cities. The All Blacks have won the Cup 43 times while the Wallabies have won 12 times. The hotel where the All Blacks were staying has started its own investigation into the incident, the statement by New Zealand Rugby said. (BBC)

FUN CORNER PAGE 33

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Human Bones - Word Search

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

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CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 35

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WANTED VACANCY

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SERVICES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

PAGE 36

Hello friends, this year, we have decided that “HeadStart- Edu Power Drive” will focus on two areas: A book drive for the library at Toka Primary, Region 9 and one week computer training at Paramakatoi Secondary School in Region 8. Our main objective is to make the project more impactful by giving a child a book to read and by oﬀering a skill which is essential in this technological age. We are sourcing textbooks for primary school students.

704 Sports bar Club and Sky Lounge

Organized by The Global Shapers Community- Georgetown Hub. The Global Shapers Community is a network of hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. Thomas Road, Thomas Lands,Georgetown Sunday 21 August 2016, 18:00 till Sunday 21 August 2016, 21:00 h t t p : / / w w w. w h e re v e n t . c o m / d e t a i l / G l o b a l - S h a p e r s Community-Movie-Night-for...

Pokémon Lovers will ﬁnd the perfect venue on Saturday 20 at the 704 Sports bar Club and Sky Lounge, when the Club opens its doors to invite to all pokemonsters lovers to gather and enjoy catching the all! Ladies FREE before 10pm

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HOROSCOPE PAGE 38

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Daily Horoscope They may cost you dearly. Believe in yourself and so will those who count. You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair.

Visitors may relieve the tension. A little volleyball or other outdoor sports should be on your agenda. You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate's whims.

You are best to tuck your money away where no one will be able to touch it, including yourself. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet. You need more time to think this whole situation through.

DifďŹ culties relating to children will be stressful. Changes in your home environment may cause friction. You may be emotionally unstable if you let someone you care about get away with verbal abuse.

You may want to take another look at the investment you are about to make. Try to curb your tongue and let others at least get a word in. Chronic health problems are likely to surface if you are keeping your problems locked up inside.

Avoid being overly opinionated or you will alienate friends. You can make a serious attempt at quitting those bad habits that you've picked up over the years. You will need to do a lot of research if you wish to get to the bottom of things.

You're best to avoid disputes. Make plans to do the things you enjoy. You have worked hard and the payback is now.

Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home. Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to. Discuss your objectives with peers or lovers.

Your partner may be somewhat irritable today. You can be sure that any dealing with large institutions should go well. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. You could meet potential new mates if you go out with friends or take pleasure trips. You can make excellent career moves if you are open to the opportunities that exist. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely.

You will have opportunities to advance, but you may have to be willing to make some changes and possibly a residential move. Friends and relatives may not understand your needs. You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you. Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own. Communication will be your strong point and you should be able to persuade others to see things your way. Business partnerships should turn out to be quite lucrative.

RECIPE PAGE 39

Ingredients

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: PLANTAIN CAKES

2 - 3 small ﬁrm yellow plantains 1 tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda to every cup of crushed plantain 1 tbsp herbs ½ tsp white pepper 1 oz PALMBOOM* margarine COCAMAR* oil for frying *Imported and distributed by SUPERFOODS

Preparation Peel the plantains, boil, then mash/pound them when cooked. Put to cool. Add the other ingredients and mix well. Shape into cakes 1½ inch in diameter. Fry in smoking hot oil until brown. Drain on brown paper to remove excess oil.

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Rio 2016: There You Go, I Am The Greatest, Says Bolt

Usain Bolt completed his history-making 'triple-triple' at Rio 2016. "I'm just happy to have done what I came here to do," he said. After completing a clean sweep of sprinting golds for the third successive Olympics, a jubilant Usain Bolt proclaimed: "There you go, I am the greatest." Bolt improved his perfect record in Olympic ﬁnals to nine wins from nine by anchoring Jamaica to victory in the 4x100 metre relay on Friday. The peerless Jamaican will therefore depart Rio 2016 having once again claimed gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, as he did in the previous Games in Beijing and London.

Bolt had stated an ambition to be ranked alongside sporting greats such as Pele and Muhammad Ali following his 200m win and was understandably triumphant following his latest success. Having dubbed himself "the greatest", he told the BBC: "I'm just happy to have done what I came here to do. I'm proud of myself and I have to give thanks to the guys [team-mates Asafa Powell, Nickel Ashmeade and Yohan Blake].

They really came through for me. "The pressure is real, but I look at it as an accomplishment. I enjoy pressure. I live for these moments. I came through and I'm just proud of myself. "I'll stay up late tonight, just talking and having fun. I'm just happy, I'm just relieved. I've done it. I never knew from the start that this was going to happen to me. It's just a brilliant feeling." Japan and Canada took silver and bronze behind Jamaica, the latter promoted from fourth after the United States were disqualified. Powell, who ran the first leg for Jamaica, said: "It was never in doubt. We went out there very confident. I love running with these guys. "The confidence we have, it's hard to go out there with pressure." In a reference to Bolt, Powell added: "We just wanted to get the stick in that man's hand." (SportsMax)

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Today In Rio: Neymar To Lead Brazil's Bid For Glory, Farah Seeks Fourth Gold

It has been one of sport's longest-standing anomalies, but Brazil can finally win an Olympic gold in football on day 15 at Rio 2016. An entire nation will hold its breath in expectation of a home triumph as Brazil's men go in search of football gold on the penultimate day of Rio 2016 action. Neymar will carry much of that weight on his shoulders when the hosts – whose women lost their bronze medal match to Canada – take on Germany, a nation to whom they lost 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup on home soil. But while Brazil's national sport may ultimately hog the limelight for its citizens, there are events across the Games on Saturday sure to captivate the watching world. Caster Semenya will put aside all the off-track talk about her when the South African runs in the 800 metres final, while Great Britain's Mo Farah seeks a fourth Olympic gold in the 5000m. Elsewhere, the women's basketball and golf conclude on day 15. It defies belief that Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, have never won gold in football at the Olympics. At London 2012 they stood on the brink of bringing to an end one of sport's greatest anomalies, but Mexico prevailed at a packed Wembley Stadium. With the nation's women having come up short this time around, the men will now be expected to deliver. SUPPORT STRENGTHENS SEMENYA There is perhaps no athlete whose participation has received as much attention as in the case of Semenya. Her home nation has rallied around in support on social media and the 25-year-old, who qualified for the 800m final

with the fastest time, has been buoyed by that. A GREAT BRITON Team GB are enjoying their most successful Olympics away from London and Farah can add to their gold tally, while taking his personal collection to four. Farah led the way in the 10,000m, despite a fall, and qualified for the 5000m final following another stumble. Having done the double in 2012, Farah is on course to repeat the feat, and few would bet against him. DOMINANT USA SEEK ANOTHER GOLD The United States women's basketball team are one match away from a sixth consecutive Olympic gold. A familiar foe stands in their way, with beaten 2008 and 2012 finalists Spain charged with pulling off what practically amounts to mission impossible. Of course the beauty of sport is that no outcome is ever a foregone conclusion, but a Spain victory would be one of the biggest upsets of not just this Games, but any. ONE MORE ROUND From the outset golf's return to the Olympics was embraced by the women and a thrilling competition concludes on Saturday. Inbee Park leads heading into the final 18 holes, but world number one Lydia Ko was in ominous form in the third round, shooting a stunning 65 to trail by only two strokes. (SportsMax)

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Zidane Cautious Over Ronaldo Return Zinedine Zidane hopes Cristiano Ronaldo will be ready for Real Madrid's home game against Celta Vigo, but remains cautious. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has refused to set a date for Cristiano Ronaldo's return, but is hopeful the Portugal international can make his comeback in next week's home game against Celta Vigo. Ronaldo will miss Sunday's LaLiga opener against Real Sociedad due to the knee injury he picked up in the Euro 2016 ﬁnal, but recently returned to training as he edges closer to a comeback. Zidane was optimistic on the 31-year-old's ﬁtness, but rejected the notion Madrid would ask Portugal coach Fernando Santos to rest him from September's internationals. "I cannot give you a concrete date as to when Ronaldo will be back. He has returned to the pitch and is training with the ball, which is a good sign," Zidane said in a media conference on Saturday. "The most important thing is the way he feels. He could be ready to make his return against Celta. Next week will be important for his recovery. “He is desperate to return as soon as possible. I am happy to see

him training again. "We have not thought about asking Portugal not to call him up for the international games yet. We have time to think about that after the game [against Sociedad]." Madrid will also be without Karim Benzema versus Sociedad and Zidane is adamant they will not rush the Frenchman's comeback. "Karim's situation is different to that of Ronaldo," Zidane added. "He has been having some problems with his hip and his back. I have been speaking with him and we don't want him to enter the pitch and get injured again. We want him to be 100 per cent first. "I can't go into details. I have been talking with the medical staff and they are better placed to fully explain his situation." Zidane will be counting on Gareth Bale to lead Madrid's attack in Ronaldo and Benzema's absence and he is confident the Welshman is ready to step up. "Bale can be our leader, just like always," the Frenchman continued. "He is an important player for us and he showed as much last term. I believe he can continue on the same path. "He wants to make more history with this club. It is an important year for him." (SportsMax)

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Simeone Open To More Atletico Signings Amid Vitolo Rumours With reports linking Vitolo with a move, Diego Simeone says he could make more Atletico Madrid signings before the transfer window closes. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is open to making further signings before the transfer deadline on August 31. The 2014 Spanish champions have enjoyed a strong window to date, with Nicolas Gaitan, Kevin Gameiro and Sime Vrsaljko arriving, while star names including Antoine Griezmann and Jose Maria Gimenez have committed their futures to the Vicente Calderon. Reports in Spain on Saturday have claimed that Simeone is targeting Sevilla winger Vitolo in a €25million deal, with Oliver Torres expected to join Porto for €15m to make room for the 26-year-old. And Simeone says he is keeping his options open in the ﬁnal 11 days of the transfer market. "Things look good, we've worked well, although the group has been split up with players arriving," he said, speaking ahead of Sunday's LaLiga opener against Alaves. "There's a

lot of excitement and enthusiasm. "There are a few days to go until the market closes, and until the end, we're open to exits or signings. "We needed Gaitan, he has huge quality. He's a player who will have important minutes. "Vrsaljko has come to improve and compete with Juanfran. Gameiro has speed, he's strong and we'll have to take advantage of that. "We want to improve the numbers on last year and to continue getting better. It won't be easy because there are major competitors, but we feel strong. "It will be difficult to decide this year. We have a very balanced squad. I'll have to be as lucid as possible." Simeone believes last season's LaLiga2 champions Alaves will offer a stern test for his side, but he is confident they now boast a number of options to change their tactical approach in more difficult matches. "Alaves have quite a new squad, with attacking wingers, a very good press and a defensive grouping," he said. “We have players ready to change, we have options to play in different ways. I don't think we'll change much but we have the options to bring variety. We always have the same style - to go forward." Earlier on S a t u r d a y, A t l e t i c o announced the signing of goalkeeper Axel Werner from Boca Juniors, where he will spend the campaign on loan. "The transfer of the young Argentine goalkeeper was completed early this morning and he has signed a five-year contract," Atleti said in a statement. "At the same time, Atletico Madrid and Boca Juniors have sealed an agreement for the goalkeeper to join the Xeneize on loan for this season." (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: 'Nightmare' For United States After Being Denied Relay Bronze

"It was a nightmare," said Justin Gatlin, after finding out about United States' disqualified bronze medal while doing a celebration lap. A bronze medal was not what the United States men's 4x100 metre relay team had in mind on Friday, but they were initially happy to take it considering Jamaica's dominance during the Usain Bolt era. Partway through their lap of honour, though, the flag-draped Americans received unexpected bad news. They had been disqualified, leaving them off the podium while Canada moved up to take bronze. No official reason for the DQ was immediately announced, but it appeared Justin Gatlin received the baton from Mike Rodgers out of the zone on the first pass. "It was the twilight zone. It was a nightmare," Gatlin said. "You work so hard with your team-mates, guys you compete against almost all year long. All that hard work just crumbles." USA Track and Field subsequently announced it had appealed the disqualification. First-time Olympian Trayvon Bromell brought the US home third behind Bolt-propelled Jamaica and surprising silver medallist Japan in a time of 37.62 seconds. Bromell, who has been bothered by an Achilles problem in recent days, fell to the track and eventually was helped off in a wheelchair, missing out on the muted celebration begun by veteran teammates Gatlin, Rodgers and Tyson Gay. That did not last long. "Hell, we already did the victory lap and then when we talked to TV, they told us," Gay said. “They said Justin got the stick before the zone. He's saying he didn't." The DQ was an unpleasant reminder of past missteps. USA finished second behind Jamaica in London but had to give back its silver medals last year thanks to retroactive punishment for a positive doping test by Gay in 2013. And the Americans did not even make the final in 2008 after Gay dropped the baton during their semi-final heat. They will have four more years to try to find a winning formula before the Tokyo Games. The good news for the US: Bolt will not be there. (SportsMax)

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Rio Recap: Brilliant Bolt Earns Ninth Gold, Germany Claim Women's Football Crown Jamaica's Usain Bolt won a ninth Olympic gold medal in typical dominating fashion, while there was history made for several other nations. - Usain Bolt completed the stunning 'triple-triple' he had yearned for, winning gold with Jamaica in the 4x100 metres relay final. - Vivian Cheruiyot won Kenya's first gold in the women's 5000 metres courtesy of a perfectly paced late charge, as 10,000m champion Almaz Ayana surprisingly faded late on and took bronze. - Germany are Olympic women's football champions for the first time after defeating Sweden 2-1 in the final at the Maracana. Two-time reigning champions Netherlands were stunned in the women's hockey final, losing in a penalty shoot-out to Great Britain. - The United States will face Serbia in the final of the men's basketball competition, after the two nations inflicted respective defeats on Spain and Australia. QUOTES OF THE DAY "To win an Olympic medal is special. To win an Olympic medal with your wife standing next to you, taking the penalty [stroke] in the pressure moments, is so special and we will cherish this for the rest of our lives." - Great Britain's Kate Richardson-Walsh on winning gold in the women's hockey alongside her wife Helen. "It was pathetic. Nothing Australian about it," - Joe Ingles reflects on Australia's heavy loss to Serbia in the men's basketball semi-final. Andrew Bogut added: "They [Serbia] kicked our ass from start to finish." "When we fenced one another we'd get really aggressive." - Gold medal winner in the women's modern pentathlon, Chloe Esposito, speaking about her brother Max, who is also in Rio competing in the men's competition. "I am going to dance and sing and it won't matter if I'm a little bit out of key." - Germany coach Silvia Neid after her side won the women's football tournament. UNSUNG HERO Cheick Sallah Cisse made history by winning Ivory Coast's first gold medal at an Olympic Games, and did so in stunning fashion. The 23-year-old - competing in the final of the men's 80kg taekwondo division - landed his winning kick on Great Britain's Lutalo Muhammad with one second of their bout remaining. Muhammad was leading 6-5 and looked to have the gold medal all but wrapped up, but Cisse had other ideas, spinning and delivering a three-point kick before running away towards the

crowd in jubilant celebration. Asked what he will do when he gets home, Cisse said: "I want to hug my parents, this is the first thing. And I want to hang the medal around the neck of our president." MEDAL WATCH Cisse delivered his country's maiden Olympic gold and Dilshod Nazarov did the same for Tajikistan. The 34-year-old won the final of the men's hammer, making history for the Asian nation. "The reaction back home is going to be hard to imagine. I've got hundreds, maybe thousands of 'likes' on my Facebook account, so I think the country were behind me tonight," Nazarov said. COMING UP Hosts Brazil face Germany in the final of the men's football tournament on Saturday, with Neymar and Co. looking to secure their nation's first title in the competition. There is also the final round of the women's golf, while Mo Farah will be looking for a fourth Olympic gold in the men's 5000m and Caster Semenya is the favourite for the women's 800m. AND FINALLY Estelle Mossely made history on her 24th birthday by becoming the first woman to claim an Olympic boxing gold for France, while her fiance Tony Yoka reached the men's super heavyweight final. Mossely recovered from a poor start in the women's lightweight final on Friday to edge out China's Yin Junhua on a tight decision. Yoka, meanwhile, got the better of Filip Hrgovic and will face Joe Joyce for gold. (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Mission Accomplished For Bolt, Cheruiyot Claims Shock Win

Friday's track and field action featured an enthralling w o m e n ' s 5000m final and another gold for Usain Bolt in his l i k e l y Olympics farewell. Usain Bolt's apparent Olympic farewell ran perfectly to script as he completed an unprecedented 'tripletriple' by leading Jamaica to victory in the men's 4x100 metre relay final at Rio 2016. Bolt has said he plans to retire following next year's World Championships in London, meaning Friday most likely provided the final chance to see the most successful sprinter of all time performing on the grandest stage. Fittingly, Bolt streaked clear of his rivals down the home straight to secure his ninth Olympic title and third of this Games, with Japan claiming a shock silver and Canada promoted to bronze when the original third-placed finishers, the United States, were disqualified. That decision was duly appealed. While Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake, Nickel Ashmeade and Bolt won the final race of the day, the USA were able to celebrate a gold medal in the women's 4x100m relay - long jump champion Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, English Gardner and Tori Bowie recording the secondfastest time in history, a scintillating 41.01 seconds. There was a significant shock in the women's 5000m final as 10,000m champion Almaz Ayana dramatically failed to claim her second gold of the Games, Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot instead prevailing. In the absence of world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva, who announced her retirement on Friday having been among the many Russian track and field athletes banned from Rio 2016, Greece's Ekaterini Stefandini edged out Sandi Morris of the USA to take gold in the women's pole vault. Reigning Olympic champion Jennifer Suhr finished equalseventh, having been badly hampered by illness following

her arrival in Rio. The men's hammer final was won by Dilshod Nazarov - Tajikistan's first Olympic gold medallist while Matej Toth and Liu Hong were the respective champions in the men's 50km and women's 20km race walks. The men's event saw world record holder Yohann Diniz finish eighth despite collapsing during the race. HIGHLIGHT While Bolt will rightfully claim the headlines, arguably the most dramatic action of the day came in Friday's first final on the track. Victory for Ayana - who shattered the 10,000m world record on her way to gold last week - looked to be a formality when she surged ahead with eight laps remaining, However, the Ethiopian faded badly late on and had to settle for bronze as Cheruiyot and Hellen Onsando Obiri timed their attacks to perfection and secured a Kenyan 1-2. RECORD-BREAKERS Cheruiyot's powerful finish saw the 32-year-old - so often the bridesmaid but never the bride in previous Games - set a new Olympic record for the women's 10,000m. Her time of 14 minutes and 26.17 seconds comfortably beat the previous mark set by Gabriela Szabo at Sydney 2000. QUOTES OF THE DAY "Hell, we already did the victory lap and then when we talked to TV, they told us. It has to be the worst luck for this country ever. It's always something weird, stupid. Simple mistakes always cost us," - Tyson Gay was far from impressed with the disqualification of the US 4x100m relay team. "After I raced I was told I was disqualified. But after some time I was told I'm officially third place. It made me so joyful I jumped up in the air," Hirooki Arai of Japan thought he had lost his bronze medal in the 50km race walk, but he was soon reinstated into third position. "My fourth Olympics and I hadn't had gold. Today I said 'I am not going to lose'," - Cheruiyot rightly believed this was her time. WHAT'S NEXT? It is a case of finals only in the Olympic Stadium from now on. The final day of track and field action sees medals decided in the women's high jump, men's javelin, men's 1500m, women's 800m, men's 5000m and the two 4x400m relays. Mo Farah, Caster Semenya and Asbel Kiprop will be among the biggest stars on show. (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: USA Sprint To Women's Relay Gold Tori Bowie rounded off a sensational 4x100 metre relay for the United States as they took Olympic gold on Friday. United States put their semi-final troubles behind them to claim back-to-back women's 4x100 metre relay gold in a time of 41.01 seconds at Rio 2016. The defending champions needed a re-run of their semi-final after dropping the baton, having been impeded by Brazil on the second changeover. Having secured their place in the final, the quartet of Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, English Gardner and Tori Bowie put in a stunning performance to claim gold. Gardner sparked their quest into life on the third leg before handing over to Bowie, the 25-yearold stretching away to finish in the second fastest time in women's relay history. Individual sprint queen Elaine Thompson had to settle for silver as Jamaica – champions in 2004 – struggled to keep pace with the Americans, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce bringing them home in 41.36secs. Great Britain's squad completed the top three in a new national record of 41.77secs, Daryll Neita holding off the challenge of Germany on the final leg. (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Jamaica, Bahamas, Cuba Through To 4x400m Final, T&T Disqualiﬁed

The Jamaica, Bahamas and Cuba booked spots in the final of the men’s 4x400m relay but there was disappointment for Trinidad and Tobago who was disqualified from the event. Javon Francis put in a strong anchor leg run, set up by a diligent third leg from Peter Matthews as the team finished as Friday night’s fastest qualifiers in 2:58.29.

The United States finished in second spot in 2:58.38, with Botswana third in 2:59.35. Poland who finished fourth in 2:59.58 were also among the fastest qualifiers. Bahamas’ Steven Gardiner anchored the team to second place in Heat 2 of the event, finishing in 2:59.64 behind first place Belgium. Belgium finished in top spot in 2:59.25. The 3:00.43. (SportsMax) Cubans were third in 3:00.16, while Brazil finished fourth in

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ICC To Conduct Technology Trial For No-Ball Detection

Four side-on camera angles will be made available to the TV umpire in a bid to improve the detection of front foot noballs, the ICC said. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will conduct a video technology trial to help detect front foot no-balls in England's one-day international series against Pakistan. Instant replays will be used by the television umpire in an attempt to better judge the fairness of deliveries, communicating their findings to the on-field officials through "pager watches". The trial will be carried out in the five-match ODI series between England and Pakistan from August 24 to September 4 and means only the third umpire will call front foot noballs, unless side-on cameras are unavailable. The ICC will hope the trial could help extinguish fall-out from erroneous calls, such as when Doug Bracwell bowled Adam Voges in the final over of day one of the first Test between New Zealand and Australia at Basin Reserve in February, but umpire Richard Illingworth incorrectly signalled a no-ball. Voges went on to score 239 as Australia secured a crushing innings and 52-run victory. An ICC statement read: "To help the TV umpire judge noballs, the four dedicated side-on run-out cameras that are part

of the broadcast coverage will be provided on split screen feed and automatic slow motion replay, and the TV umpire will be able to rewind-forward through the toggle wheel. "The on-field umpires will wear 'pager' watches, which will vibrate as soon as the TV umpire communicates to them that a front foot no-ball has been bowled. “If for some reason the signal is not sent through the 'pager' watch, then the third umpire will use the normal verbal communications system to advise the on-field umpire that a front foot no-ball has been bowled." ICC senior manager of umpires and referees, Adrian Griffith, added: "This trial is being carried out to ascertain if there is a way in which front foot no-balls can be called more accurately and consistently, while also assessing the TV umpire's workload and identifying the impact it will have on the flow of the game. "While we need to find out if the technology set-up for this purpose is fit, at the same time we feel this is the right time to conduct the trial as the TV umpires will have more information than ever before to share with the on-field umpires, which, in turn, will help them in correct decisionmaking. "To ensure that the match officials are thoroughly briefed and trained for this trial, the ICC will conduct training sessions with the umpires and match referee in Southampton on Monday and Tuesday. "The results of this technology trial will be shared with the ICC Cricket Committee, which will advise the ICC on future action." (SportsMax)