August 9 2016

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Government must breakdown racial barriers In Guyana the behavioral pattern as it relates to ethnicity is less rigid than during the colonial days; however it still exist to some degree and even more evident during elections period.The current Government is perceived as an African Government rather than a Guyanese Government. “It is our Government’s duty today, as it was fifty years ago, to protect the interests of all and not of some. The people cannot be imprisoned in ethnic enclaves. The people are not the property of one or other political party.

Forbes Burnham’s ideas were for all time and for all Guyanese… We recall Forbes Burnham’s wise counsel of cohesion today, whenever the voices of divisiveness are raised; wherever the hand of hostility tries to hit and hurt our vulnerable citizens and by whosoever peddles the propaganda of separateness among our people,” President David Granger had recently said. This statement has since caused some to question why a current Guyanese President hold on to policies that were perceived racist fifty years ago. Some have opined that in order for Guyana to move forward race politics must be rejected, the policies of the country must reflect a Guyanese culture and not one race or religion. According to historians the need for cheap labor landed both groups, Indian and African in the Caribbean. Africans were brought to these shores and were enslaved on sugar and cotton plantations from the 17th century until the early 19th century when the slave trade ended. Slavery was abolished in both colonies in 1833. (Hintzen 1989) East Indians were imported into the two colonies as indentured laborers to replace Africans on the plantations. Racial stereotypes developed early in the two colonies. British planters characterized Africans as physically strong but lazy and irresponsible. East Indians were stereotyped as industrious but clannish and greedy. These are views that are still present today. Racial discrimination in Guyana has had its tentacles in the colonial days, Guyana has a rich historical past but this is marred by one for one race politics. Racial discrimination was created by the Colonial masters and then adopted by the East Indians and Africans in Guyana. Racial

conflict continues to affect our society unless the people come to common terms. This racial divide has detrimentally affected Guyana negatively; the effects can be noticed socially, economically and politically.

Racialism will continue to exist unless there is more regard for coexistence between East Indian and African and the Government of the day must set the right policies in place to deter any form of racial discrimination.Africans were enslaved in Guyana and Indians were brought as indentured servant. The two major ethnic groups have a high degree of ethnic conflict which is fueled by their political systems along virtually rigid ethnic lines. Racial issues had destroyed any possibility of lower class solidarity, where ideological viewpoints would replace racial identification. Ideological appeals to class during the early phase of the nationalist movement served more as an adhesive holding these racially diversified groups together, rather than as a basis for the compression of a confederated mass movement. Race became the preeminent ingredient in the organization of popular political participation. (Hintzen 1989). Burnham’s appeals to race was successful in bridging the AfroGuyanese. This strategy convinced the powerful AfroGuyanese middle class to accept a leader who was more of a radical than they would have preferred to supportCheddi Jagan strengthened his hold on the Indo-Guyanese Community. Though he openly expressed his admiration for Josef Stalin, Mao Zedong, and, later, Fidel Castro Ruz. Jagan felt that his Marxist ideals could be applied uniquely to Guyana.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Scrap Metal Dealers Take Protest Outside President’s Office

Scrap Metal dealers today picketed the Ministry of the Presidency, urging government to lift the suspension on the scrap metal trade. The trade was closed last year by the APNU+AFC government to facilitate forensic audits into the sector. It was decided at a recent meeting between the Guyana Metal Recyclers’ Association (GMRA) and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin that the trade will be reopened in November.

However, in an interview with Guyana Daily News, Secretary of the GMRA, Michael Benjamin said while it has been confirmed that the trade will be reopened in November, there was no specific date set in November and this is what worries the association.

He related that currently the fraternity of GMRA is suffering tremendously because of the closure. “There is a lot of foreclosure of properties, repossession of equipment and there was a lot of advances taken from buyers overseas and we are not able to fulfil our obligations and they are contemplating on taken legal action against us,” the Secretary said.

He contended that the longer the process takes the more in debt they become and the scrap metal dealers will become frustrated. “There is a lot of broken homes, families that can’t pay their mortgage and rent and this all makes the situation even more complicated,” Benjamin explained. He pleaded with the government and President David Granger to rethink and reanalyze the November reopening since it is almost to the end of the year and there is a decrease in export.

Benjamin explained that the association is in debt to many companies; the Secretary said that debts owed to one exporter is well over $10 million.

The scrap metal industry creates jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers which add up to approximately twelve hundred persons. The Ministry of Business developed a Some of the protestors outside the Office of the President. proposal which was taken to Cabinet for approval on April.

That proposal was deferred to facilitate wider consultations. In December 2015, six months after the trade was suspended, Cabinet had approved exportation of all containers of scrap metal stored at city wharves prior to the suspension of the trade. The forensic audit which force the closure of the scrap metal trade concluded in December. Since the suspension, the association believes lawlessness has become the order of the day where the government close the legal trade and does nothing to curb the illegal trade which the GMRA claims still continues. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

Secretary of the GMRA, Michael Benjamin

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

PPP Councillor Finds HiddenbasisBank Accounts At City Hall every month.” The City Councillor claimed that he has

Accusations continue to mount against the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of secrecy and possible corruption after People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Councillor Bishram Kuppen claimed that he discovered four bank accounts which are not being reflected in its financial statements. The statements were presented at statutory meetings of the city council recently.

Councillor Kuppen on Monday told reporters that the discovery of the four accounts was made at the first statutory meeting after he went through the financial statement. In an article in the Guyana times, Kuppen was quoted saying “I went through the entire report; it was a very thick report and towards the end would have the financial statement reconciliation, the heading of it would be reconciliation of the main account, right away I wanted to know are there secondary accounts? Are there more and I posed that question to the Council. After a number of attempts, the City Treasurer just blurted it out that there were four additional accounts, and each subsequent statutory meeting, I keep pushing for those additional accounts to be included in the reconciliation of the financial statement. All those accounts should be included.” He further noted, “There is the widespread perception that corruption is rampant at City Hall. This perception is fuelled by the lack of accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars spent on projects with no public tendering, improper financial reporting, four hidden bank accounts which are not included in any financial reports to Councillors, and financial deficits being reported on a consistent

consistently called for a forensic audit of city hall’s finances and that he was not the only Councillor to do so. Kuppen said he attempted to move a motion for a forensic audit on three previous occasions by submitting a written request to the Mayor and Town Clerk to have the motions included on the agenda for the statutory meeting. On each occasion, he said, the Town Clerk responded that he found fault with the motions but did not advise what those deficiencies were. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

Sophia Man Charged With Larceny August 8, 2016. North, who was represented by Attorney Daniels, entered a not guilty plea to the charge. His Attorney in a bail application noted that Dwight, 28, is the father of five and he is the sole breadwinner of his family. The court also heard that the accused manages a small business with his wife and has no previous convictions. The application was however objected to by the Prosecution, which stated that though North has no previous convictions he is currently on bail for committing an offence of the same nature. As such, bail was denied. It is alleged that on the date in question at the Zone 31 minibus park at Stabroek, North who hails from ‘B’ Field, Sophia, stole from Preston one gold band valued at GY$75,000. It is further alleged that on the same day, North either during or after he committed the offence, he made use of threatening behavior and personal violence against the virtual complainant. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Dwight North was today remanded until September 5, 2016 after he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrate's court charged with larceny and making use of personal violence against Adrian Preston on

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

PPP rubbishes Granger’s explanation for Gov’t-appointed GDF officers

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) continues to maintain that President David Granger has embarked on a studied and conscious policy of discriminating in favour of ex-soldiers when it comes to finding persons to fill vacancies in the state and government structures. General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee told a news conference on Monday at Freedom House that “The incessant practice of finding either serving or ex-military officers rather than qualified civilians to practice state-craft will inevitably result in the creation of a command-type administration for the first time in our country’s political history.”

President Granger has already defended his decision to hire ex-military officers in government by explaining that, “These are human beings. These are people with skills. They’re not a separate breed of citizens. We can’t deprive them of their rights if they have the talent, the experience, [and] the qualifications. I don’t discriminate against them.” The President had also revealed that when he assumed office in May 2015, there were about 10 officers whom the PPP administration had already appointed but Rohee denied this. “To claim there were already ten officers in the employ of the previous PPP/C government is to be disingenuous to say the least.

What the President did not say was that at no time was there ever an outcry from the civilian population that the PPP/C government was looking first to the military to find persons to fill key and critical posts either at government agencies and departments or to head Commissions of Inquiry as if in pursuance of affirmative action in favour of military personnel,” the PPP General Secretary told reporters. Rohee further noted that the President’s claim that the military personnel he has employed are “human beings” and that “they are skilled” is unconvincing.

“And so the question remains what is the basis for a final decision whether a soldier or civilian is best suited for the job? The answer lies in the addage; practice is the criterion of truth.” The APNU+AFC government recently appointed Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell and Retired Colonel Windee Algernon to conduct Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) into the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and a recent fire at the Children’s Drop-In Centre which killed two children.

Nazrul Hussain, who is a serving colonel, was also appointed to head the Department of National Events of the Ministry of the Presidency. Under the PPP administration, Major-General Joe Singh was appointed Chairman of the National Task Force Commission; Retired Col. Chabilall Ramsarup was appointed Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); Colonel Brassington Reynolds was appointed a Judge; and Colonel Jawahar was appointed AccountantGeneral.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

President reveals three-pronged approach for protection, management of Guiana Shield Representatives from Brazil, French Guiana, Colombia, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and St. Vincent are taking part in the fourth International Congress on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield, which is being hosted in Guyana this year at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal.

President David Granger in his address, called for a threepronged approach to be adopted for the effective protection and preservation of the Guiana Shield. This approach includes the establishment of a scientific research institute, the setting up of strong mechanisms for data and information sharing and adequate investment and funding.

Explaining the need for a functional scientific research institute, President Granger said that the Guiana Shield commands a common regional resource, which will require regional cooperation and coordination and noted that wildlife species in the Shield do not recognise territorial boundaries. Big cats like jaguars, for example, require undisturbed corridors to roam and extend their habitat.

Efforts at protecting biodiversity in one country must be supported by the other member countries. The sustainable management of the Shield must become part of the regional integration process in South America so that a comprehensive biodiversity policy for the entire Shield can be developed,” President Granger said. As it relates to information sharing, the President said that action needs to be taken to develop an inventory of the various species of flora and fauna, particularly those threatened with extinction. He noted too, that the Shield is extensive and many of its areas are unreachable and still unexplored. He said that the scientific community needs to gain access to these areas in order to study and document their biodiversity. With regard to investment, President Granger reminded the gathering that the Guiana Shield provides environmental services to all of humanity and as such, incentives are needed to ensure that countries can keep their forests intact. “Green economies need investment to sustain protected areas and for sustainable energy. The absence of investment will place pressures on the governments of the Shield, particularly, the three smallest States, if they are to move towards resource extractions and it may tempt them, perhaps, to go into directions, which lead to deforestation and destructive mining [and] which could have adverse effects on biodiversity,” he said. The President told scientists and board members of the International

Biodiversity Society of the Guiana Shield (IBG) that this fourth congress has an important role to play in presenting the Shield’s importance to the Continent, to the Caribbean and to the world. As such, he said that it must not ignore the need for institutions, information and investment as means of ensuring the Shield’s ecological integrity. “This is a moment in eternity, which we cannot allow to slip by. This is the time for the scientific community, governments, nongovernmental organisations and communities to forge partnerships to protect the Shield’s biodiversity, while allowing states to leverage the Shield’s high endemicity, cultural diversity and intact ecosystems for inclusive growth and secure futures,” President Granger said. The International Society on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield (IBG) is an international society without political, national, social or cultural affiliations. The Society aims to contribute the knowledge and stewardship of the biodiversity of the Guiana Shield; it supports the conservation, preservation, and sustainable management of the natural, rural and urban ecosystems within the shield. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith announced that for the first time, the university will be offering a doctoral programme in biodiversity in the new academic year. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

III IBG in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Guyana wins bid to host IV IBG. (Guiana Shield/ File Photo)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Miner Remanded On Gun, Ammo Charge Nineteen – year – old O’Neil Melbourne today appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, charged with being in possession of three live rounds of ammunition and one double gauge single barrel shotgun without being the holder of a valid firearm license. He was allegedly caught with the items on August 2, 2016 at Aurora Mountain Top, Esssequibo and was remanded to prison until September 5, 2016 where he will return before the Chief Magistrate for commencement of trial. Melbourne pleaded not guilty to the charge; his lawyer told the court that the teenager is a miner who works in the interior with his father. The prosecution objected to bail. Melbourne’s attorney stated that the facts surrounding his client’s arrest are false, stating that his client was not in possession of the firearm. The lawyer explained that his client and another unnamed employee of his father were walking through the jungle to an area where Melbourne was going to pick up his sister and return her to the camp where they lived, when the employee heard the police and threw the gun and

the shots some distance away. According to the lawyer, the police then encountered the men, searched them and the surrounding area when the firearm and ammunition were found.

-By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

3 Years Jail For Venezuelan Woman Caught With Ammo Venezuelan National, Vaz Ozmilla Pincer appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, charged with the illegal possession of 10 rounds of live .38 ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder. The woman, who does not speak English, heard the charge read and translated to her twice, to which she pleaded guilty both times. As such, she was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The court heard that on August 1, 2016 at Aurora Mountain Top, Essequibo, police ranks acted on information received and visited the residence of Pincer, where they searched her bedroom in her presence. During the search, ranks found the ammunition. The 28-year-old woman who was unrepresented in court, appeared extremely emotional and made multiple outbursts. The woman initially stopped the Prosecutor while the facts were being read, stating that she was not in the room while it was being searched but was outside and saw what was happening through a window. An Attorney who was present in the court at the time made an input on the woman’s behalf stating that the possible language barrier was the reason behind her outburst since she might not have understood what it was she pleaded guilty to.

Magistrate Daly took this into consideration and opted to have the charge read again. The Venezuelan national then cried out during the second reading of the charge

stating that she would like to know the possible outcomes if she was to plead guilty or not guilty. Her final outburst came as she heard her sentencing translated to her, at which time she started crying stating that she is in Guyana legally and has three children. The woman was reassured by the Magistrate and translator that she was not being charged and sentenced because of her nationality. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

18 Months Jail For House Thief

Manraj Adnarine on Tuesday appeared for the second time before Magistrate Delon Best in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court charged with two counts of breaking and entering and larceny, which allegedly took place on June 17, 2016. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Adnarine in his last appearance had entered a plea of not guilty and was granted $100,000 bail.

However, today he told the Magistrate that he is unable to pay the sum at which bail was set and therefore he opted to change his plea to guilty. The court heard that that on June 17, 2016, Adnarine broke into the Ruimveldt dwelling home of Frederick Richard and stole one gold chain valued at GY$200,000; one gold band valued at GY$200,000 and one tape deck valued at GY$30,000. On the same day, he also stole from Tamella Lowenfield one television valued at GY$60,000 and one bicycle valued GY $25,000. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

No Public Tendering For $12M Drug Storage Facility - Health Minister Admits The controversy continues with the pharmaceutical storage bond located at Lot 29 Sussex Street, Charlestown.

This newspaper was reliably informed that the building was owned by a man named “Dennis”, who inherited the property from his parents. According to reliable sources, he subsequently sold the building to a known financier of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government for $25 million.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, told the National Assembly on Monday that government was paying the New GPC $19.2 million a month to store the pharmaceuticals and wanted a cheaper facility. He later said that with the “exorbitant price called by the New GPC” there was an urgency to find a new storage facility.

As such, the government now pays the new rental company, registered as Linden Holding Company, $12.5 million a month and according to the minister there was no public tendering because it “was an emergency.”

The big question arises how can a building with 3000 sq.ft for storage located in Sussex Street, be rented for $12.5 million monthly; this works out to be US$60,000. This means that a total of USD$4,167.00 per sq.ft. is being charged by the owner of the building, which is far more than the most luxurious apartment in Manhattan, Dubai.

Opposition members grilled Norton on Monday about the building’s capability to store medical supplies, but Norton noted that the company’s facility was PAHO/WHO approved. When asked by PPP Parliamentarians, the Health Minister could not provide answers to questions relating to the contract signed with the company; he however promised to provide it at a later time. The first floor of the building is approximately 3000 sq. ft, the second floor is converted to an apartment which is not part of the storage, which means that the $12.5 million is the rent for the first floor of 3000 sq. ft of the building. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton (Guyana Chronicle/File Photo)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS ‘Talk Name’ Row Ends In Murder PAGE 12

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

A man is in police custody following the murder of a miner on Monday night at Jackass Landing, Puruni River, Mazaruni.

Dead is Clint Peters, who was stabbed several times. According to a police release, investigations revealed that the suspect accused Peters of talking his name, as a result an argument ensued and the suspect stabbed Peters multiple times about his body with a knife. He was rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The assailant was captured by public spirited citizens and handed over to the police.

Taxi Driver Robbed, Relieved Of Car; Bandits Caught Good police work led to the capture of two of four men, who robbed a taxi driver on Monday night. According to a release from the Police Force, the robbery occurred at about 2100h at Bachelor’s Adventure East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Suresh Vilvhire, a taxi driver of Good Hope, E.C.D. Investigations revealed that Vilvhire was hired by two suspects who instructed him to drive to a location where they were joined by two more suspects, one of whom placed a cutlass to his neck and relieved him of his valuables and the motor car and left him on the public road in the vicinity of Bachelor’s Adventure E.C.D. The victim alerted a passing police patrol, which gave chase and the vehicle and two of the suspects were apprehended in ‘B’ Field Sophia.

Investigations are in progress.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Man Stabbed To Death In Sisters Village PAGE 14

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

An argument between two men has left one dead and the other in police custody. Dead is Arnold Rattan of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who was stabbed several times at approximately 23:55h on Monday at Long Pond, Sisters Village.

Investigations revealed that Rattan and another man had an argument when Rattan was stabbed to his chest. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and died whilst receiving treatment. The assailant was captured by public spirited citizens and handed over to the police. The Police Force lauded the efforts of citizens who continue to support law enforcement.

3 Years Jail For Man Caught With Gun, Ammo A Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo man was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. According to a police release, Paul Primo was arrested on August 8, 2016 with the illegal items in his possession at Arakaka, North West District. He appeared before Magistrate Wilson at the Mathews Ridge Magistrate Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Body Of 14-Year Old Fished Out Of Trench The body of a 14-year- old girl, identified as Malika Hamilton was this morning fished out of a trench at Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). The teenager who is said to be from Two Friends Village on the East Coast, left her home on Monday afternoon and never returned. She was last seen by residents in the neighbourhood, on the Public Road, in the company of two men. One eyewitness said that she was eating biscuits at the time when they saw her. A search party was formed by her parents and extended family on Monday evening. Her body was found by the team this morning in trench in the vicinity of the Savannah.

It is unclear if any marks of violence were found on her body. Hamilton was a student of Hope Secondary school and the former Queen of the 2015 Ann’s Grove Calabash.

She was 2nd Runner Up at this year’s pageant.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

First Lady accepts invitation to participate in NA education extravaganza First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, accepted an invitation extravaganza will be hosted in early December in New from the Gordon Family and Friends of New Amsterdam to be Amsterdam. the guest speaker at an education extravaganza that has been MOTP Press Release planned to promote literacy. The meeting was held at the Office of the First Lady at State House. The group comprised Leader of the group, Ms. Marva Gordon, Ms. Catherine Archer, a former Regional Education Officer, Ms. Simone Dainty, Literacy Coordinator at the Department of Education in East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six) and Ms. Janice John, a retired Headmistress. “I am happy to participate in anything that assists in the education of children and in enabling them to grow and develop,” the First Lady said. Mrs. Granger also said that she is particularly pleased that Ms. Gordon has engaged with the Ministry of Education to ensure that children in difficult circumstances are included in the programme. In an invited comment, Ms. Gordon said, “Our main goal is to promote reading, literacy and numeracy”. She said that the group has First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is been hosting this event for the past five years and the sessions are flanked by (from left to right) usually very interactive. Ms. Gordon said she expects that as Ms. Simone Dainty, Ms. Catherine Archer, guest speaker the First Lady will engage with the children and Ms. Marva Gordon and Ms. Janice John encourage them to continue to pursue learning. The

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL PAGE 17

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

$300,000 Bail For CTTRC Workers On Fraud Charge A businessman from central Trinidad and four employees of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) appeared in court yesterday, accused of conspiring to defraud the local government corporation of $149,500. CTTRC CEO Carol Dyal; Barry Samaroo, a chief engineer; Maniram Mohess, a county superintendent; Ian Gokool, a road officer; and Mahase Sookai, a businessman, were not called upon to plead to the fraud charge when they appeared before Magistrate Christine Charles in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court.

Accompanied in court by their relatives, the group stood silently in the prisoner enclosure of the court as the charge was being read. Asked for their opinion on bail, police prosecutors asked Charles to attach conditions to the bail requiring the accused to report weekly to police for the duration of their case. Charles refused the request and noted that none of the five had criminal records. She then opted to regularise the $300,000 bail each was granted by a justice of the peace while they were in police custody.

“The sum of bail fixed seems to be reasonable and if they decide not to comply the consequences will be obvious,” Charles said.

The group is accused of conspiring to defraud the corporation through the installation of outdoor exercise equipment at the San Pablo Recreation Ground and the Todd’s Road Activity Centre. Sookai’s company was allegedly awarded the contracts and was paid although no work had been done. The offence is alleged to have occurred on September 20, last year.

The contract was awarded during the 2014/15 fiscal year, but cheques and other documents related to this were seized by Fraud Squad officers at the CTTRC last November. On November 25, Fraud Squad officers questioned senior employees in the accounting department as they searched the compound and seized financial records, including cheques and files of contractors contracted by the corporation, as well as other documentary evidence associated with alleged corrupt payments to certain contractors.

Last Friday, police went to the CTTRC office, along Railway Road, Couva, and held the employees who were being investigated for corruption. The charge was laid by Insp Ramdhanie Dipchand of the Fraud Squad. The group will reappear Regional corporation worker Ian Gokool leaves the Port-of-Spain in the Couva Magistrates Court on Magistrates’ Court yesterday. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ Thursday. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 18

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Garcia: Talk About Rowley Disrespectful

Education Minister Anthony Garcia says people are making a big deal about the health of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and it was also disrespectful to the PM. Garcia said so as the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and other Cabinet members remained mum on medical examinations done by Rowley at a clinic in California, USA, yesterday. Garcia said, “I don’t know why people are making such a big deal.

There shouldn’t be all this speculation that is rife all over the place.This is disrespectful to the office holder too.” Garcia said he holds firmly to the view that a Cabinet member’s health is his personal business. “If he prefers, he can disclose it to the public,” he added. Garcia said a relative of his who served as a minister had health issues and disclosed it to the public but on her own volition.

OPM’s communications researcher, Amanda Reason, said she had no information to disclose to the public at the time on Rowley’s medical tests at the US clinic.“As soon as we have information we will disclose it to the public,” she said yesterday.

Rowley, who left for the US last week, indicated in an electronic message to a daily newspaper the medical tests were prompted by “changes” relating to his health his local doctors felt should be investigated further. He said the examinations should take about a week and as soon as he is able to travel, he will return home. Rowley also said he believed one’s health should remain personal even if he is a public figure. However, public speculation about the PM’s health continues to be widespread, with many citizens, including political analysts and public figures, stating Rowley should come clean about his medical condition.

His Cabinet colleagues contacted by the T&T Guardian for a response on the issue would not talk, one even stating a government minister’s health is his personal business. Political analyst, Dr Winford James, on the other hand, said precisely because a prime minister is a public figure, he ought to disclose issues about his health. The question, he said, was how much. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said, “I have nothing to say on the health of the Prime Minister. Let the Office of the Prime Minister deal with that.” Public Administration and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie said he had nothing further to add to what the PM had said about his health.

Several calls to the cell phone of Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Stuart Young were met with a voice recording. Disclosure critical Stressing he was talking about any holder of high political office and not Rowley, James said it is important the population knows as much as possible about such an office holder because he represents us at home and abroad.

“No question, we ought to know. The question is how much. “While we should not get into the details, which can be sensitive, certainly if a prime minister has, say, cancer, the public should be informed.” Referring directly to Rowley, James said it was not known if the Prime Minister went to the US to treat an existing medical condition or for a possible precautionary check up.

“My information is that he is taking this opportunity to do a comprehensive medical check up on this trip. “You have that provision in insurance you know. And when he signs out (of the clinic) he can come back and tell us.” James added, “Except we have reason to doubt, the Prime Minister said he is doing a medical check up. And when he is done we must ask if all is well.

“And if all is not well he should say what it is. This is normal in a democracy. People have certain expectations about the health of a public figure. “Obama can’t be sick without the American press knowing about it.” James said Rowley has to judge whether he will give the public information and not jeopardise his political fortunes as a prime minister and his Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley party’s fortunes as the ruling party. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 20

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Watery Deaths Seatbelts are meant to save lives but this was not the case for Frank Moses and his friend Jeneice Bailey, who died when the car they were in skidded off the road and plunged into a swollen river at Santa Flora, where it is believed the safety devices kept them pinned down as they drowned. Moses’s twin brother Frankie, who was driving the car, escaped shortly before the car sank hood down into the river off the Santa Flora Main Road. The accident occurred around 4 pm on Sunday.

Frankie was too traumatised to speak yesterday, but other relatives said he told them he tried to save his brother and friend but the Frank Moses’s common-law wife Joanne Assong seatbelts were jammed tight and prevented him from getting out of recalls her last moments with him yesterday the sinking car. Frank Moses, 54, of Alexander Road, Point Ligore, worked as a foreman at the Point Fortin Borough Corporation. Bailey, 35, had two children, Kareem, 11, and Afeisha, 10, and worked at a bar close to her home. In an interview yesterday, Moses’s common-law wife, Joanne Assong, said he went to the market with her on Sunday morning and promised to return home early to help her clean the yard.

However, she said, while at the market Moses met friend Steve Romeo, who asked him for a lift home. “My husband was a good, kind-hearted man. He agreed to drop home Steve, so he dropped me home first and said he was coming back to eat lunch,” Joanne recalled. She said she did not know what happened after that, but some time later she got a call that his car had sunk in the river.

Describing Frank as a loving husband, Assong said it was unfortunate that the seatbelt which was meant to save him ended up killing him.

“It real hard thinking about life without him,” Assong said. Meanwhile, Bailey’s mother, Jill, was inconsolable and declined comment on her daughter’s death. However, Bailey’s sister, Ebonie, said the mother of two had plans to do nursing. “She did not enroll as yet but that was what she wanted,” Ebonie said. She described Bailey as outspoken and fun loving. A neighbour, who requested anonymity, said Bailey had been out liming for much of the day.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Forensic Science Centre, St James, for autopsies. Investigations are continuing. Rare occurrence—Batson Former president of the group Arrive Alive and one of the coordinators at the Road Safety Council, PC Brent Batson, said yesterday that the deaths of Jeneice Bailey and Frank Moses should not deter people from wearing seatbelts. Saying seatbelts have been proven to save lives, Batson said what happened to the two friends was a rare occurrence.

He said the focus should be what caused them to run off the road and end up in the river, noting there is no real evidence to suggest that the seatbelts were jammed. “We do not know if the belt was jammed or if the occupants panicked. We don’t know whether the angle of the occupants was such that the survivor could not access the latch to release the seatbelts,” Batson told the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview.

“We are uncertain about how much water they could have been submerged in before they died. We cannot say the seatbelts caused the deaths because we do not know the facts.” He admitted, however, that seatbelts are built to lock with inertia, which is every object’s resistance to changing its speed and direction of travel. Batson also said there was nothing preventing people from buying seatbelt cutters in the event of an emergency.

However, he pointed out that even if there is a crisis, it may be difficult for someone trapped in a car to access the glove compartment where the seatbelt cutter would be stored. He called on citizens to remember the importance of wearing seatbelts in the event of an accident, adding that one stands a better chance of survival with them on. (Trinidad Guardian)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Fay Tortello To Be Buried Thursday

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Fay Tortello, the eldest sister of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, is to be buried on Thursday, August 11. OBSERVER ONLINE has been reliably informed that she will be buried following a church service at the Sts Peter and Paul Church on Old Hope Road in Kingston, starting at 10:00 am. Tortello, who was also honorary Italian Consul in Jamaica, was born on August 4, 1931.

She died on Emancipation Day, August 1, in the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) following a prolonged illness. In a news release on her death, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed regret at her passing three days before her 85th birthday. The prime minister described her as a savvy businesswoman and added that, as consul for Italy, she brokered a number of projects between the Italian and Jamaican governments, including the rehabilitation of JPS power plants in Old Harbour, and the upgrade of the Bustamante Hospital in Kingston at no cost to Jamaica.

“She was known for her dynamic and forceful personality and was a favourite caller to Wilmot ‘Mutty’ Perkins' radio talk show. She would sometimes argue with him on a range of topical issues in the 1990s,” Holness said. The prime minister also recalled that “Mrs Tortello often used a keen sense of humour to sharpen her strong political points. Her voice was easily identifiable and she was the only one to call him by the nickname, ‘Willy’.”

Fay Tortello He said that, “Miss T”, as she was popularly called, had no interest in sitting on large committees or boards. “Instead, she often quietly helped friends in need and supported causes in which she believed,” he said. Tortello leaves behind three children – sons George and Philip Crimarco, and daughter, Dr Rebecca Tortello Greenland, as well as seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (Jamaica Observer)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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NJAC’s Daaga Dead At 81 Revolutionist and Founder of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal Daaga, born Geddes Granger, died yesterday at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Daaga, as he is popularly known, suffered a seizure while at his home in Laventille yesterday afternoon and was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment. However, he died a short while later, about 1.35 pm. Daaga was the father of four children. On Saturday he would have celebrated his 81st birthday.

Political leader, Brother Wasim Mutema, yesterday described Daaga as a humanitarian, “he was one who fought for the rights of the people. His heart went out to the people. He wasn’t the type to think about status or educational backgrounds.” A close friend of the family said Daaga recently contracted a virus but was said to be fighting it and in good spirits. “He never was flat down in bed and he was walking, talking and doing everything as normal so we are just shock and saddened as to how sudden he left us,” the family friend said. In 2013, Daaga received the nation’s highest national award—The Order of the Republic of T&T—for work in the sphere of national service.

In 2010, Daaga was one of five political leaders that signed the Fyzabad Accord leading up to the 2010 General Election which saw the birth of the People’s Partnership. In the party’s 14-month performance review, during an interview with the T&T Guardian, Daaga threatened to walk from the People’s Partnership government if he felt that his people were being betrayed. He was bestowed with the position of Cultural Ambassador to Caricom by then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar, in a release yesterday, extended condolences to Daaga’s family and friends. She described Daaga’s journey as a monument to service, determination and fortitude. “When in April 2010 he said, ‘my dreams have come true… never again would you be servants in your own country, this land is yours’, it was the fulfilment of a long-held vision for a nation that could stand together as one people, above all other differences celebrated by our diversity,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“He was one of those elders whose advice I always treasured, as one who was already a seasoned veteran by the time I entered politics many years ago,” she added. Reminiscing, Persad-Bissessar said one of Daaga’s most timeless philosophies was “the people is the Government,” which, she added, was the talk he walked in his long march to political power, and in his time as ambassador extraordinaire. “What it meant to me was that true power resides in the men, women and young people whose lives we influence when we hold power, and therefore a vision for the future and mode of Government must come from those very people,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“As a pioneering politician, a social activist, a political elder and a Statesman, his forthright wisdom and boundless energy will be missed, and will never be forgotten. His fight was for the people, and in his life time, he was able to win power and indeed, did all he could to govern for the people. We are deeply saddened and send our hope for his family for God’s hand in this time of tragedy,” Persad-Bissessar said. Daaga had described himself as the “shadow minister” for Laventille, a community in which he spent his entire life.

Around Independence 1962, Daaga formed an organisation called Pegasus, which attracted some of the most prominent and influential persons of the day.

It was the first body to give national awards. It took the lead in honouring citizens long before any government national awards were introduced. It also took the lead in honouring national heroes, the first two being Arthur H. Mc Shine who was responsible for the Trinidad Cooperative Bank (the Penny Bank) and Captain Arthur Andrew Cipriani.

Five years after founding Pegasus, Daaga entered the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and became president of the Guild of Undergraduates.

With an equal concern for national development, Daaga inspired the university toward a hitherto unseen type of student activism that ranged from teaching voluntarily in the more depressed areas to providing assistance in solving all types of communal problems.

In 1974 he was made leader of the Caribbean Steering Committee for the Sixth Pan African Conference that was held in Tanzania. This organisation had included the leadership of most, if not all progressive political organisations in the Caribbean, and included persons like Raymond Charlotte of Cayenne, Tim Hector of Antigua, Bobby Clarke of Barbados, Eusi Kwayana of Guyana, Maurice Bishop of Grenada. (Trinidad Guardian)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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Crime patrol cop charged with robbing family, while in uniform A Police Constable was remanded in State custody to today following his appearance before an Arima Magistrate yesterday charged with robbing a Carapo family of cash and other items, including a car, while wearing his police operational uniform.

Richard Radix, aged 29 , is a father of three children and lives at Santa Rosa Heights, Arima. He appeared before Magistrate Indar Jagroo charged with robbing the Carapo family and their relatives of $135,000 is cash, jewellery, smart televisions, cellular telephones and a Mitsubishi Lancer station wagon. Up to the time of his arrest he worked at the La Horquetta Police Station's Crime Patrol Unit.

Radix was arrested at the Arima Police Station when he reportedly heard, “his name being called,” relative to the robbery. It was alleged that the offences occurred during the early hours of July 30 when according to the charges as read, SRP Radix along with other persons went to the Lakeview Road, Carapo home where they held up seven people. As a result a total of four counts of robbery with aggravation charges were read while one count of house-breaking with intent was also read. Representing the interests of Radix was attorney, Don Lezama who appealed for bail for client.

He cited that the offence was bailable even in the face of the Anti gang act which allows a Magistrate to deny bail to an accused for up to 120 days if it is alleged that the individual used a gun in the committing of a crime. The provisions of the Act however have a 'sunset clause' and is expected to expire on August 15, 2016 as the bill requires a special majority in parliament in order to be extended but with the current Opposition not supporting the extension of this bill it is expected that the automatic denial of bail for gun and gang related offences will be an option no longer be available to Magistracy.

Court Prosecutor Sgt Bain however objected to the request of the defence attorney stating that, “the court should respect the act which says he's not entitled to bail and the charge was being armed with a gun he did rob x, y and z and his having a gun puts him squarely in the bail denial act.” In the end Magistrate Jagroo adjourned SRP Radix's matter to today. “I don't think that the court could comment on that sunset clause that expires on August 15,” said Magistrate Jagroo who assured that he will make a decision on Radix's bail. (Trinidad Express)

Charged: Special Reserve Police Constable Richard Radix (face partially hidden), on his way to the Arima Magistrates' Court on Monday.

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Syria Conflict: UN Says Water And Power Cuts Threaten Two Million PAGE 26

Children in the Syrian city of Aleppo are at "grave risk" of disease unless water supplies are immediately repaired, the UN children's agency says. The United Nations says an immediate pause in fighting is needed to allow the water and electricity networks to be fixed. Some two million people are without vital supplies, the UN says. Fighting between government forces and rebels has intensified in recent weeks.

At least 250,000 people are believed to have been trapped in rebel-held areas of eastern Aleppo since a key route into the area was closed by government forces in early July. On Sunday, rebels cut off the government's key access route into western Aleppo. They have since come under intense air bombardment from pro-government forces.

Unicef said the whole city had been without running water for four days. "Children and families in Aleppo are facing a catastrophic situation," said Hanaa Singer, Unicef's representative in Syria. "These cuts are coming amid a heatwave, putting children at a grave risk of waterborne diseases. Getting clean water running again cannot wait for the fighting to stop. Children's lives are in serious danger."

Temperatures have hit 40C (104F) in the city this week. The UN echoed Unicef's concerns, and said only a full-fledged ceasefire or weekly 48-hour humanitarian pauses would enable them to reach

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

everyone in need and replenish the "dangerously low" food and medicine stocks. "The targeting of hospitals and clinics continues unabated, seriously jeopardising the health and welfare of all citizens of Aleppo," said Yacoub el-Hillo, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, and Kevin Kennedy, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis. Aleppo was once Syria's commercial capital and also boasted a rich architectural and archaeological heritage. Much of it has been destroyed or looted during more than five years of war. (BBC)

Parents Of Americans Killed IntookBenghazi Sue Hillary Clinton on himself." The suit also claims Mrs Clinton made "false

The parents of two Americans killed in a 2012 attack in the Libyan city of Benghazi have sued Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Patricia Smith and Charles Woods, parents of Sean Smith and Tyrone Woods, filed a lawsuit against Mrs Clinton for wrongful death and defamation. The suit claims the former secretary of state's use of a private email server contributed to their sons' death. The parents also accuse her of defaming them in statements to the media. Islamic militants attacked a US diplomatic compound in 2012 and killed four Americans, including ambassador Chris Stevens, while Mrs Clinton was secretary of state. Though a House Republicans committee cleared Mrs Clinton of any wrongdoing earlier this year, the issue has dogged her presidential campaign. The suit was filed on behalf of the parents by the conservative group Freedom Watch. The parents, who have both spoken out against Mrs Clinton, argue her "'extreme carelessness' in handling confidential and classified information" on her private server may have revealed the location of State Department employees in Libya. Those details, the suit argued, could have been obtained by "hostile adversaries" who may have hacked her server and ultimately led to their sons's deaths. FBI director James Comey announced last month that it was "possible that hostile actors gained access" to Mrs Clinton's email server, but added the agency did not find conclusive evidence that it was hacked. Chris Stevens, the sister of ambassador Stevens, told The New Yorker earlier this year that she did not blame Mrs Clinton, saying it was "inappropriate" to make the Benghazi attacks as a political issue. "The Benghazi Mission was understaffed. We know that now. But, again, Chris knew that," she said. "It is not something they did to him. It is something he

and defamatory statements negligently, recklessly and purposefully and/or intentionally with malice" in public statements. The parents said Mrs Clinton blamed the attack on a controversial YouTube video mocking the Islamic prophet Muhammad, but later denied making those statements. Nick Merrill, a Clinton campaign spokesman, said in response to the suit: "While no one can imagine the pain of the families of the brave Americans we lost at Benghazi, there have been nine different investigations into this attack and none found any evidence whatsoever of any wrongdoing on the part of Hillary Clinton." (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Quetta Hospital Bombing: Pakistan Lawyers Strike In Protest PAGE 27

Lawyers across Pakistan are boycotting court to mourn the loss of some 70 people, many of them lawyers, killed in a bomb attack in Quetta. In Balochistan - Quetta is the provincial capital - markets and schools have been closed. The bomber targeted crowds who had gathered outside a hospital to mourn prominent lawyer Bilal Kasi who had been murdered earlier on Monday. Taliban faction Jamaat-ulAhrar says it was behind both the attack and murder. 'Action plan' The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) said its lawyers would be boycotting court proceedings, and observing a week of mourning. Many lawyers are expected to take part in rallies across Pakistan on Tuesday. "We [lawyers] have been targeted because we always raise our voice for people's rights and for democracy," SCBA President Ali Zafar told reporters in Lahore.

"Lawyers will not just protest this attack, but also prepare a long-term plan of action." Monday's bombing targeted lawyers and journalists who had crammed into the emergency department of Quetta's Civil Hospital where the body of Mr Kasi had been brought. Former provincial bar president Baz Muhammad Kakar was one of at least 25 lawyers killed. TV news cameramen Shahzad Khan and Mehmood Khan were also among the dead. At least 120 people were injured.

Bilal Kasi, who was head of the Balochistan province bar association, had earlier been shot while on his way to the court complex in Quetta.

He had strongly condemned the recent murders - including those of fellow lawyers - in Quetta in recent weeks, and had announced a two-

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

day boycott of court sessions in protest at the killing of a colleague last week. Balochistan, Pakistan's poorest province, has long been plagued by insurgency. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar [The Party of Freedom Fighters] split from the Pakistani Taliban two years ago. It has claimed a number of major attacks, including a suicide bombing that killed more than 70 people, including many children, at a park during Easter celebrations this year. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif flew to Quetta after the attack, and said "all state security institutions must respond with full might to decimate these terrorists". (BBC)

Lawyers around Pakistan are remembering their dead and injured colleagues in Quetta(REUTERS)

Woman Dismembered By Boyfriend In Guyana Receives New Arms, Hands On L.I. ALBERTSON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Some New Yorkers have given an extraordinary donation to a young woman who endured a horror. The woman was mutilated by an abusive boyfriend, and her children were killed. As CBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported exclusively to the woman, Natasha Houston. The simple act of pushing open a car door is a struggle for Houston, in what amounts to a painful reminder of an unthinkable act by a man she once loved – a man who was easily enraged. “He would start hitting me — that’s ‘his business. ’I was to ask no questions,” Houston said. “He was just slapping me, choking me, cuffing me into my head.” Houston, 23, wears the scars of the horror she survived in her native Guyana – a horror that left her two children dead. “He padlocked the door with me inside with my kids,” she said. In July 2013, Richard Lord – armed with a sword he used to cut sugar cane – hacked off Houston’s right arm. “I knew this hand was already lost because of how it was, so I started to fight with him with this hand — the left hand,” Houston said. Lord then slashed Houston’s left hand, leaving her defensive as he slaughtered their son Saif Lord and daughter Kimberly Houston — and left Natasha Houston for dead. “It broke my heart — to hear that would happen to someone,” said prosthetics maker Dan Bastian. Bastian, an amputee himself, learned of the tragedy from a group of Guyanese New Yorkers, who had been pooling resources for a year to get Houston help in the form of new arms and hands. “At least it’s a start; it gets her back out in the community,” Bastian said. “She can actually use the functional arms.”

In the U.S., prosthetics are readily available, covered by insurance and highly advanced. But in Houston’s native Guyana, prosthetics are antiquated and Houston was told they could not help her. But on Long

Island, Houston was given a left hand. “It has acrylic nails. It’s custom painted to match her skin exactly with the veins; the palms,” Bastian said. Houston also has a body-powered right arm. “She can open and close the hand; lock and unlock the elbow so that she can hold things,” Bastian said. Houston was immensely grateful. “I have a life back, and I’m thankful for everything,” she said. And with her life, she wants to help other women unable to break free of abuse. “I want them to know that don’t stay in any form of abusive relationship, because it’s going to end worse,” she said. “They say they’re going to change, going to change, it’s going to stop.” Houston returns this week Guyana as a proud and brave survivor. Lord was never caught. But he was found dead weeks after the attack – he had committed suicide. (CBS New York)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Putin Mends Broken Relations With Turkey's Erdogan The leaders of Russia and Turkey have patched up a damaging quarrel, pledging to restore close economic relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian trade sanctions on Turkey would be phased out "step by step". "The priority is to get back to the precrisis level of co-operation," he told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in St Petersburg. Their relations soured last November when Turkey shot down a Russian bomber on the Syrian border. It is Mr Erdogan's first foreign visit since an attempted coup last month. He has since launched a far-reaching purge of the armed forces and other state institutions.

Speaking in St Petersburg Mr Erdogan thanked Mr Putin, saying a call from the Russian leader after the coup "meant a lot psychologically". He said "the Moscow-Ankara friendship axis will be restored".

After Turkey shot down the Su-24 jet Russia imposed trade sanctions and suspended Russian package tours to Turkey. Now Russia has decided to resume those package tours - an important source of income for Turkish resorts. On the Syria conflict Mr Putin acknowledged big differences with Mr Erdogan, but said "we will look for solutions". What could each side gain from the visit? The war of words over the downed Russian jet delivered a big blow to trade. Turkey's exports to Russia in the first half of this year fell to $737m (£567m) - a 60.5% slump compared to the same period last year, Turkey's Daily Sabah reported. The dispute put two major joint energy projects on hold the TurkStream gas pipeline across the Black Sea and the Akkuyu nuclear plant being built by Russia's Rosatom in Turkey. Russia halts Turkey gas project talks In St Petersburg both leaders pledged to restart those projects. Akkuyu will benefit from being designated a "strategic investment", Mr Erdogan said.

Before the dispute, Russia was a major export market for Turkish fruit and vegetables - so now Turkey is anxious to get the Russian import ban lifted. What led to the thaw? In June, the Kremlin said Mr Erdogan had apologised for the downing of the jet and had sent a message expressing "sympathy and deep condolences" to the family of the dead pilot. Then, after the 15 July coup attempt in Turkey, Mr Putin expressed support for Mr Erdogan. He did not criticise Mr Erdogan's

crackdown on political opponents and purge of alleged "plotters" in state institutions. The BBC's Sarah Rainsford says Russia is keen to capitalise on Turkey's cooling relations with the West following the failed coup. Mr Erdogan was angered by criticism from the EU and the US of the mass detentions of suspected plotters. He demanded that the US extradite Fethullah Gulen, the US-based Muslim cleric whom he accuses of organising the coup. But the US says Turkey must provide solid evidence before such a move can be considered. What tensions remain? They back opposing sides in Syria. Turkey is furious at the scale of Russian air support for Syrian government forces, as Mr Erdogan reviles Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia has accused Turkey of backing Islamist antiAssad groups, including some accused of "terrorism" in Russia. Turkey is at war with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the PKK's Syrian allies. Mr Erdogan has accused Russia of arming the PKK. For centuries Russia and Turkey have been rivals for influence in the Caucasus and Black Sea region. Turkey was also angered by Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, accusing Moscow of violating the rights of Crimean Tatars. The Muslim Tatars have long had close ties to Turkey. (BBC)

Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan shook hands warmly after months of angry rhetoric(EPA)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Delta Cancels 300 More Flights After Power Cut

US airline Delta has cancelled at least 300 more flights after a power cut on Monday that resulted in the cancellation of 1,000 flights and delays for about 2,800 more. The company has not yet given details about the financial damage. But correspondents say it is likely to amount to millions of dollars. The meltdown exposes vulnerabilities in Delta's computer system, which is over-reliant on IT systems that date from the 1990s, correspondents say.

Although the airline was back online late on Monday, it was still dealing with the knock-on effects a day later. Its main challenge will be to find sufficient seats on planes during the busy summer holiday season for tens of thousands of passengers whose flights were cancelled. The flight tracking service FlightStats said there were nearly 600 delayed flights on Tuesday, with cancelled flights closer to 330. More than 1,000 people spent Monday night at Narita airport outside Tokyo, with Delta spokeswoman Hiroko Okada

More than 1,000 people spent Monday night at Narita airport outside Tokyo(AP)

warning that more delays were expected. There were similar scenes earlier in the day throughout the US. "We were able to bring our systems back on line and resume flights within a few hours yesterday but we are still operating in recovery mode," a Delta statement said on Tuesday. The problems began when a switchgear, that helps to control and switch power flows in the same way as a circuit breaker does in people's homes, malfunctioned for reasons that were not immediately clear, experts say. The Atlanta-based airliner says it will pay compensation to customers affected by significant delays or cancellations.

The meltdown raises questions over a recent wave of four US airline mergers that resulted in four large carriers controlling 85% of domestic capacity, The Wall Street Journal reported. It says this has resulted in the creation of companies that are too large and too dependent on IT systems that date from the 1990s. Delta merged with Northwest Airlines eight years ago.

Computer systems used by the airlines control everything from flight dispatching, crew scheduling, passenger checkins, airport departure information and ticket sales. They are gradually being phased out and updated but remain vulnerable, IT experts quoted by the newspaper said. The disruption was so severe on Monday that, at one point, Delta warned passengers that information provided by its employees, website and app may be out of date.

The overnight power failure took place in Atlanta, near Delta's headquarters, the company said, causing computer systems to crash. Many travellers posted their unhappiness on social media, making #Delta a top trending topic. The airline serves about 180 million customers a year, employing over 80,000 people, its website says.(BBC)

Texas Baby Dies From Zika-Linked Defect A baby born in Texas with the Zika-linked birth defect microcephaley has died, health officials say. The baby was infected in the womb while the mother was travelling in Latin America, though state officials have not identified where. Harris County, where the baby was born, now has two reported cases of babies born with microcephaley. The defect causes abnormally small heads and possibly other developmental damage.

The case is the first Zika-related death reported in Texas. The Zika virus, frequently transmitted by mosquitoes, often causes no symptoms, but is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. In a statement, the Texas Department of Health Services said there was no risk of locally contracted Zika in Texas. There are 97 cases of the virus in Texas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nationwide there are 15 cases of Zika-related birth defects and six pregnancies losses associated with infection. The baby's death comes a day after Florida health officials identified a man in

West Palm Beach who had contracted the virus. Florida is the only state in the US to have local cases of Zika. Seventeen people in Miami contracted the virus from mosquitoes in the Wynwood neighbourhood. (BBC)

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Israeli Woman And Baby Kept At Airport In DNA Case An Israeli woman and a baby who returned from Sri Lanka have officials had doubts about her story. been kept at Tel Aviv airport since Saturday amid questions over the "There were a few indications which raised a certain amount of child's origins. Galit Nakash is to take a DNA test to determine if the suspicion," spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. "That is why we girl is her biological daughter, following a court hearing. If the did not allow the child and Galit to enter the State of Israel. "It results are negative, authorities say they will return the child to Sri doesn't mean she is wrong but we have a legal duty to check it out. If Lanka straight away. Ms Nakash was stopped when airport officials the DNA tests show she's the mother then that's wonderful and the found she had used another child's passport to leave Sri Lanka. She problem is over. If not, the child will immediately be sent back to says she gave birth at a hospital in Sri Lanka during a business trip where she came from, as required under the Hague Convention [on but that her visa application for the baby, named Tahel, was turned child abduction]," Mr Nahshon said. "Nobody is trying to take the child away or create a tragedy, but the circumstances are extremely down.

On Tuesday a court in Tel Aviv accepted her request to undergo a suspicious." (BBC) DNA test in Israel. Ms Nakash's lawyer, Matan Hodorov, said his client and the one-year-old child are being moved to a facility at Ayalon prison in Ramle until the results of the test are known on Friday. Mr Hodorov said Ms Nakash, 49, turned down an Israeli request to take a DNA test while she was in Sri Lanka because she did not trust the process there.

He said when Ms Nakash, who runs an export business and comes from Tel Aviv, re-entered Israel, the passport she used for Tahel carried the name of a different child. However he said he was "confident the DNA test will prove Galit is the mother [of Tahel]. "We have all the correct medical documents from the hospital in Sri Lanka where she was born," he told the BBC. Suspicions raised The Israeli foreign ministry The woman and baby were stopped on arrival at said Ms Nakash was denied a visa for Tahel because Israel's main international airport(REUTERS)

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Israel: 'Gaza UN Worker Helped Hamas’ Israel has charged a UN aid worker from Gaza with using his position to help the militant Hamas movement, in the second such case in a week. Israel's Shin Bet security agency said Waheed Borsh, an employee with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Gaza since 2003, admitted aiding Hamas. It said he used UN resources to build a military jetty and prioritised rebuilding homes of Hamas members.

Last week Israel charged a Gaza charity chief with diverting funds to Hamas. It said Mohammed Halabi, World Vision's Gaza project manager, channelled millions of dollars of charity money to military uses. Mr Halabi's lawyer said his client denied the allegations. In a statement, the UNDP said it was "greatly concerned by the allegation" against Mr Borsh, adding it had "zero tolerance for wrongdoing in all of its programmes and projects". The organisation said it hoped he would be given a fair trial.

Other suspects In a statement on Tuesday, Shin Bet (ISA) said Waheed Borsh, 38, had been arrested on 16 July. It said he had been instructed by Hamas to ensure UNDP projects would benefit the militant group. The ISA said Mr Borsh confessed to carrying out activities that aided Hamas. This included informing the group when weapons or tunnel openings were found in houses where UNDP workers were operating, it said. As a result "Hamas would take control of the site and confiscate the arms and other materials," the ISA said.

Concealed tunnels have been dug by militants for use in carrying out attacks on Israel. Mr Borsh is also alleged to have persuaded his managers to focus on rehabilitating areas where Hamas members live. Parts of Gaza were heavily damaged in the war between Hamas and Israel in 2014 and are still being rebuilt. Shin Bet said Mr Borsh had revealed that other Palestinians working for aid organisations were also working for Hamas.

Hamas said the allegations were "incorrect and baseless" and part of Israeli efforts "to tighten the siege of the Gaza Strip by prosecuting international relief organisations". Israel said it expected the UN to "unequivocally condemn Hamas for exploiting the humanitarian aid system for its own aims and... to ensure that humanitarian activities actually assist those in need in Gaza instead of assisting the terrorist leaders of Hamas". Hamas is designated a Israel said Waheed Borsh used his position to serve terrorist group by Israel, the US, EU, and UK Hamas' interests(ISRAEL SECURITY AGENCY) among other countries. (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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DIY (DO IT YOURSELF): CD/DVD WALL ART

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

Daily Horoscope Don't get involved in joint ventures. Pamper yourself for a change. Don't be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition.

Be sure to take care of any minor ailments.

Attend trade shows that will allow you to look at new products. You may come down with minor infections if you have allowed yourself to get rundown.

Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends. Travel may be confusing. You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate.

Visitors may relieve the tension. You will be able to catch up on overdue paper work. Unexpected changes in friendships could occur.

Limitations at work might set you back. You will be in an overly generous mood today.

Refrain from arguing with your mate.

You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. Let your lover know what your personal intentions are. Try not to hang out with coworkers if you wish to avoid problems later.

This is a good day to check out your investments.

Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers today. Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soul-searching.

You will be able to close any deals successfully.

Organization will be the key to avoiding discord and family feuds. You should be promoting your ideas.

Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy. Older family members will make demands on your time. Your greatest gains will come through your creative ideas.

You have a lot to offer. Don't spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results.

Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing.

Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies, and matters of a private nature today. Frustrations and limitations could cause anxiety today. You will be in the mood for competition, and your ability to lead a group will bring you popularity.

You can pick up wonderful buys if you really look hard today. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to ďŹ nish your work. Be careful what you consume today.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

RECIPE PAGE 38

Ingredients

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: CURRIED CHANNA

1 can FARMFRESH* chick peas 1 chopped onion 1 tbsp COCAMAR* cooking oil 2 tbsp SPICIA* curry powder 1 clove FARMFRESH* garlic, minced 1 tbsp ORDERICH* ketchup Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp hot pepper sauce potatoes (optional) *Imported and distributed

by SUPERFOODS

Preparation Drain chick peas, retaining half cup of liquid. Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Add curry powder, cook gently for one minute. Add chick peas to onion mixture, fry for about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and reserved liquid. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Serve hot.

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Rio 2016: Your Caribbean Olympic Schedule

Rio 2016: Your Caribbean Olympic Schedule From swimming to save her life to winning a heat at Rio 2016 in less than a year, Yusra Mardini is unaffected by coverage of her story. Refugee Olympic Team swimmer Yusra Mardini is remaining grounded despite widespread attention her story has received during Rio 2016. When fleeing Syria less than a year ago, Mardini was aboard an overcrowded vessel that began to sink in the Aegean Sea. Mardini dived in and helped push the dinghy safely to the Greek island of Lesbos, before going to start a new life in the German capital Berlin. The inspirational 18-year-old won her 100 metre butterfly heat, and, although her time was not fast enough for a place in the semi-finals, she is not letting the media attention go to her head. "There are a lot of stories about me and a lot of people want to take a picture," she said.

"This is really good, because it is helping to send our message to the world, and show everyone that refugees can do something. "But I'll never be like [Michael] Phelps, as big or as famous. I didn't achieve a lot until now. If I can achieve something, maybe I can be like him. "I'm not going up to other athletes, famous athletes, to get photos. I don't like to disturb them while they are trying to get on with things.

Maybe I'll get some at the end. "I was shaking at the start, before my 100 metre fly race, opening my jacket. I was very nervous. But it was cool [winning the heat]. I expected a new personal best, but I didn't do that." Mardini will swim in the 100 metre freestyle on Wednesday, but she already has one eye on a medal push as part of the Refugee Olympic Team when the Games head to Tokyo in 2020.

"I'm not thinking about if I'll compete for Syria or Germany now," she said. "The IOC has been supporting us refugees. Syria and Germany are both my homes, and now the IOC is my home, too. "I have three homes. The IOC is supporting us for Tokyo.

We're going to have to win a medal. We have to."

(SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Jamaican hurdler Russell passes fitness test, cleared to compete in Rio Jamaica’s 400 metre hurdler Janieve Russell passed a fitness test with flying colours Monday and should lead Jamaica’s charge at the Rio Olympics for a medal in the event once a perceived glitch with the athlete’s entry for the event is sorted. Russell, Jamaica’s best 400-metre hurdler this season, based on the 53.96s she ran in Rome on June 2, suffered an injury at the end of June and was granted a medical exemption that allowed her to forgo competing at the Jamaican national championships. She had until Monday to prove that she was fit to compete in Rio once competition in track and field begins on August 12. According to head coach Maurice Wilson, Russell met and perhaps exceeded expectations. “Miss Russell proved her physical fitness this morning to the coaching staff,” said Wilson while speaking with Sportsmax.tv. “This was my first time seeing her run over hurdles although I had seen her doing other track workouts. We were satisfied with her performances and concluded that she is in the same shape before being given the medical exemption or even possible better.” Based on her performance she has been recommended for inclusion in the team. “(We’re) only to sign off with management,” the head coach revealed. The day’s proceedings were not without drama, however, as early media reports from Jamaican media in Brazil suggested that Russell would not be representing Jamaica. Her name was not included in the list of final entries on the website of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF). Instead, were the

names of the top three finishers from the national championships – Ristanana Tracey, the national champion, Leah Nugent and Kaliese Spencer. “There is some issue with the entry but I think it is more of a misunderstanding, because I was assured that it was signed off on personally by our Chef de Mission (Vishu Tolan),” Wilson said. Once that matter is sorted, Spencer, who was third at the championships, is expected to make way for Russell.

(SportsMax)

Warriors saved their worst performance for last The Jamaica Tallawahs are still celebrating their victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final of the 2016 Hero CPL in St Kitts on Sunday night. The Warriors, on the other hand, are lamenting yet another failure to win the elusive title, despite being in three consecutive finals. Captain Rayad Emrit lamented the lack of batting rigidity throughout an innings where they were dismissed for just 93, with only Sohail Tanvir making a significant contribution. “We just didn’t get the runs that we wanted. All in all I am really proud of the guys. Obviously we didn’t get enough runs on the board and we kept losing wickets at crucial times, we didn’t have any partnerships at all,” he said.

Chris Lynn, who has been in form this season after two disappointing seasons with the Tallawahs, failed to deliver in the final. He said, however, the team can take a lot of positives about how well they have played throughout this edition of the Hero CPL. “It is disappointing, but I said in the team meeting beforehand, regardless of how we played tonight we had a really

good tournament,” Lynn said. “We were the underdogs in the actual tournament and we had some very good performances.

We can hold our heads high, and we have got the motivation to go one better next year.” (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: T&T's Chow flies flag into single sculls quarterfinals Trinidad and Tobago's Felice Chow rebounded from her failure to qualify for the women's single sculls on Saturday, to find her way into the event via Sunday's Repechage. The Trinidad and Tobago rower, finished second in Repechage 1, just behind Algeria's Amina Rouba, to grab the last spot from the 'heat'.

Rouba was first past the post in 8:04.21, while Chow clocked in at 8:04.91. There was not so much good news for Chow's Caribbean counterpart, Emily Morley of the Bahamas, who was fourth in 8:22.77. Chow will compete in Quarterfinal 2 of the event on Tuesday at 7:40 am. Chow joins Bermuda's Michelle Pearson in the Quarters. Pearson will make a bid for a semifinal place from Quarterfinal 3. (SportsMax)

Rio 2016: Slow start leaves Jamaica's Atkinson last Alia Atkinson failed in her bid to become only the second person breaststrokers for a few years now, looked a little out of sorts in Olympic history to win a medal for Jamaica outside of track throughout the rounds, with her 1:06 times, clearly not enough and field. Atkinson, who has been among the world's elite to get on the podium. The country had been hoping, however, that the swimmer could get her rice right for the final. Two strokes into the final, it was clear that things had not gone according to plan. Atkinson's normally fast first 50 was not working out, she was trailing badly and needed to catch up.

Atkinson drove hard during her second 25 metres but that effort to get her back into the race proved too much and the Jamaican national record holder at 105.93, had nothing left in the tank for the last 50. Fading badly, Atkinson finished eighth in 1:08.10, a performance that could not be faulted. The race was won by the United States' Lilly King in a championship record 1:04.93, while Russia's Yulia Efimova was second in 1:05.50. Efimova split the United States pair in the race, with Kaitie Meili finishing third in 1:05.59. Atkinson's rival at this distance over the last few years, Lithuania's Ruta Meilutytė, has also not been at her best this season, and was seventh in 1:07.32. The field was rounded out by Shi Jinglin of China, 1:06.37, Canada's Rachel Nicol, 1:06.68, Hrafnhildur Lúthersdóttir of Iceland, 1:07.18, Meilutytė, and Atkinson. (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Road race casualties open time trial door for Thomas Geraint Thomas will participate in the men's time trial at Rio pretty big knock, but other than that my legs are feeling good and 2016 following a number of withdrawals of athletes injured in I'm looking forward to racing again on Wednesday." the road race. Injuries suffered by riders during the Olympic (SportsMax) men's road race have enabled Geraint Thomas to compete for Great Britain in Wednesday's individual time trial. Vincenzo Nibali - who suffered a broken collarbone - and Sergio Henao were high-profile competitors to crash out on the final Vista Chinesa descent during Saturday's 237.5-kilometre race, with Thomas also suffering a fall. In the women's event the following day, Annemiek van Vleuten was hurled from her bike through the same section and suffered a concussion and three small spinal fractures, prompting criticism of the course. Thomas, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, joins Team Sky colleague and Tour de France winner Chris Froome in the start list, but admitted his involvement in the event at Pontal does not come in ideal circumstances. "Whilst I'm thrilled to represent my country in a second event in Rio, the circumstances surrounding my inclusion are unfortunate and I’d like to wish all those who withdrew through injury a quick recovery," said Thomas in a statement. "I lost quite a lot of skin in my crash and my hip took a

Rio 2016: Armitstead could have avoided doping controversy, says Cavendish Lizzie Armitstead is not a drugs cheat but has only herself to blame over her missed tests controversy, says Mark Cavendish.

Mark Cavendish is adamant Lizzie Armitstead is not guilty of doping offences, but says she could have done more to avoid the furore caused by missing three drugs tests. Armitstead, the road race world champion, was cleared to compete at the Rio Olympics - where she placed outside the medal positions - after successfully arguing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport that procedures were not properly followed by UK Anti-Doping for the first of the missed tests. The 27-year-old has protested her innocence that she is a clean athlete, a view endorsed by fellow Brit Cavendish. However, Cavendish believes Armitstead brought the controversy on herself by failing to follow the necessary procedures. "Did she dope? No, and I don't believe she did," Cavendish told Sky Sports. "Was it an administrative error? Yes. Was it her fault? Yes, absolutely. I know from personal experience how difficult the whereabouts system can be. "But I have an alarm on my phone every night at 6pm and my wife has one on her phone and she makes a habit of when we talk every night she will ask me 'Have you done your whereabouts?'

"But I don't think it is fair that you can get a bigger sanction for an administrative failure than for an actual doping offence. It's ridiculous. "I had a missed test with the Giro d'Italia and I think

the majority of sports people have a missed test because you are a bit blase until you get your first missed test. "You are a bit blase until you miss your first test, but missing three? "I think Lizzie herself could have prevented the chaos that she's in but I think she's done well to deal with it, get on her bike and show why she's world champion." (SportsMax)

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Rio 2016: Smith's courage commended after pommel fall Great Britain missed out on bronze in the men's team gymnastics after Louis Smith's failed pommel routine, but his courage has been lauded. Louis Smith's error on the pommel horse ended Great Britain's medal hopes in men's team gymnastics final, but his courage has been commended by the head of the national governing body of the sport. With Japan and Russia leading the charge, Britain were battling it out with China for the final spot on the podium at the Rio Olympic Arena. In a bid to launch his country - also represented by Brinn Bevan, Kristian Thomas, Max Whitlock and Nile Wilson - into the top three, Smith made a switch to his routine for one of heightened difficulty. Although the 27-year-old fell from the pommel and China took bronze, British Gymnastics chief executive Jane Allen lauded his bravery to rise to the challenge on the biggest stage. She said in a statement: "Great Britain performed magnificently to stay in the fight right to the end with each team member producing something special when it was needed under enormous pressure - Nile's high bar, Brinn's pommel and vault, Kristian's vault and Max's floor and pommel. "Finally a special word on the courage of Louis Smith to step up for the team and try to execute a routine that he does not normally perform, packed with difficulty and added at the last minute. "Those close to gymnastics will know that even if Louis had achieved a maximum score for his usual

routine it would not have been enough to lift Great Britain above fourth, so there was no option but to go for it and he did, under enormous pressure and this should be acknowledged. "The final scores showed that even this would not have been enough. The team will be naturally disappointed but we want you to know all of us at British Gymnastics are immensely proud of you."

(SportsMax)

Rio 2016: Van Vleuten thanks well-wishers as recovery continues Message of support have flooded in for Annemiek van Boardman following Van Vleuten's crash, with the Vleuten, and the Dutchwoman took time to thank the Briton stating he was "angry" about the "dangerous" well-wishers. Annemiek van Vleuten has sent a route. (SportsMax) message of thanks for the support she has received in the aftermath of her horror crash in the women's road race at Rio 2016. The Dutchwoman was leading in Sunday's race before losing control on the final descent and crashing off her bike at high speeds. Van Vleuten was shown lying motionless after the incident, but on Monday she insisted she "will be fine" after it was confirmed she had sustained a concussion and three minor fractures to her lower spine. And Van Vleuten posted a picture on Twitter on Monday showing a dressing above her left eye. Accompanying the photo was a post that read: "Thanks for all the messages. "Hard to deal with my disappointment but also proud about our performances #teamNL." The course for the road race was criticised by Chris

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Rio 2016: Bahamas' Joanna Evans misses out on 200, 400 free The Bahamas' Joanna Evans missed out on places in the 400 metre and 200 metre freestyle events after heats in the pool at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro today. Jones, finished second in the first heat of the 400 free but found her time, only good enough for 13th, putting her out of the straight final for the event.

The Bahamian, who hit the wall in 4:07.60 was beaten by Japan's Chihiro Igarashi, 4:07.52. Jones would have had to be about four seconds faster to have qualified, with the slowest in the final, Australia's Tamsin Cook, doing 4:04.36. The shorter event went even worse for Jones, who ended 37th overall after finishing heat 2 of the 200 metre freestyle in fifth place with a time of 2:01.27.

Here she had to be five seconds faster than she was, with the slowest qualifier for the semi-final of the event, Brittany MacLean of Canada, squeezing in with 1:57.74. Jones will again take to the pool on Thursday, where the longer 800 metre freestyle might be more to her liking. The only other Caribbean athlete in the pool, Jamaica's Alia Atkinson, finished eighth in the 100-metre breaststroke. (SportsMax)

Braithwaite leads powerful T20 line up for two-match India series Carlos Braithwaite will lead a full-strength West Indies squad to face India in two T20 Internationals in Florida at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale on August 27 and 28. Braithwaite, 28, replaces two-time T20 World Cup winning captain Darren Sammy, who was informed last Thursday by phone that he would be dropped from the team. The 2016 World Cup champions have recalled Samuel Badree, who was injured during the World Cup in India in April. Also in is mystery spinner Sunil Narine, while the remainder of the squad includes Andre Fletcher, Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons and Marlon Samuels. Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne backed Braithwaite to thrive in his new role as captain. “Brathwaite is one of the most talented players in the T20 format of the game and his humble and committed approach to the game can inspire young and upcoming players,” said Browne. “We are looking forward to a competitive series against India in these matches.” The selection panel has expressed its thanks to former captain, Daren Sammy for his leadership of that format of the game for the two World Championship titles in 2012 and earlier this year. Prior to the matches in Florida, the squad, all retained players and franchise players from the Caribbean Premier League, will participate in a players’ symposium on Wednesday, August 24 to look at the role of players and their

responsibilities leading up to 2018. The Test team will start their third match of the four-match series in St. Lucia on Tuesday, August 9. The fourth and final Test is scheduled for Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, August 18 – 22.

India won the first Test in Antigua and drew the second in Jamaica. India leads the series 1-0. (SportsMax)