Kaieteur News

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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

GUEST EDITORIAL

Too many “dead-beat” fathers

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ociety can no longer ignore the fact that we have too many fathers who do not take care of their children financially. Too many of our babies are born out of wedlock, and too many young boys and girls are brought up by single parents, usually by a mother who is likely to be dealing with so much more. Recent statistics have revealed that the country has a young population, but there are numerous children in our midst who will never experience the love, care or attention of a father or a grandfather. It is estimated that a significant percentage of our children in Guyana were born out of wedlock and that fatherless children are eighteen times more likely to display violent behaviour, ten times more likely to run away from home, twice as likely to drop out of school, twelve times more likely to involve in crime or become gang members, and more than twice as likely to experience teen pregnancies. Some in society have labelled them the generation of misfits and miscreants who are irredeemable. Others have deemed them to be unrepentant, but the fact they are the product of their environment should concern us all. It is no secret that many of the crimes being committed daily in the country are done by youths, many of whom grew up in environments bereft of sound parental guidance and nurturing. Today, there are so many young men who very rarely take care of their children. This is the scenario throughout the country. Our fatherless children are crying out for help, and as adults, we must help them before they turn to crime. Those who fail to adequately fulfil their role as fathers and support their children should face punitive action. It is true that men in general, regardless of status, education or race were not taught or properly schooled or socialized to be good fathers, hence their struggle to become good dads. While the problem is mostly visible among the poor, it also exists among the middle and upper classes who can afford to provide financial support for their children, but often neglect them. Children need both financial and emotional support from their parents. They also need their fathers. It cannot be denied that the breakdown of parenting has contributed to the kind of angry, violent and deviant behaviour that exists in our schools and society today. This will continue to haunt the nation for as long as we continue to ignore this social phenomenon. Over the years, laws have been enacted to deal with what is commonly known as “dead-beat fathers”, but the bottom line is most of these laws are not being enforced. What is needed is a state of urgency to address this issue before it gets worse. Despite public awareness programmes that encourage the use of condoms, unprotected sex is still very prevalent, especially among youths. Teenage pregnancy is common in the country and this undesirable situation is further compounded by worrying levels of incest, and the irresponsible and predatory acts of stepfathers forcing themselves on young girls, sometimes inexplicably with the consent of their mothers, or some mothers turning a blind eye because of “economic necessity”. Thus, we are faced with the continuing issue of teenage girls becoming pregnant. The biblical prophecy about children having children rings true. This nation needs to wake up and face the fact that unless serious plans, projects and programmes are devised and implemented to deal with the issue of fatherless children and teenage pregnancy, we will end up being a nation of talkers and not doers, and of propagating fatherless children and teenage pregnancy.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Halt the trial and error approach to GuySuCo DEAR EDITOR, The trial and error approach to Guysuco continues with the Special Purpose Unit and NICIL at the helm, more SPU than NICIL. The Minister of Agriculture has now made it pellucid that Guysuco no longer falls under the Ministry of Agriculture but the Ministry of Finance. His happiness with this new ‘trial’ is understandable since he and his Ministry have made several ‘trials and errors’ from 2015 to 2018 resulting in the dissipation of $32 billion dollars with nothing to declare except increasing underperformance and drastically dwindling production levels of the entity. More remarkable, also, is the fact that during this same period Wales, Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon Estates were closed and over 5000 workers booted resulting in social and economic chaos in these communities. The ‘sugar experts’ did not do any feasibility study to measure the negative social and economic impact of these closures although they were repeatedly educated by

GAWU and the Opposition. It is clear that these ‘trials and errors’ were probably the result of a ‘don’t care a damn attitude’ but the consequences are extremely costly to our already depressed economy. We are now told by another ‘sugar expert’ that to keep the remaining three estates alive and to bring them to profitability there is a need to inject $30 billion. I could recall that the PPP in their Manifesto had planned to inject $20 billion into Guysuco to continue its mechanization process and to bring it back to profitability without any closures or job losses. After getting into power many negative terms were used by this Government to label and get rid of Guysuco. More notable are the ones used by the former Sugar workers’ ‘champion’, Moses Nagamootoo, who likened Guysuco to a ‘black hole’ and the sugar workers as ‘raiders of the Treasury’. The Government through the Ministry of Finance now sees Guysuco as being ‘viable’, a complete about turn from what is said a few months ago. Moreover, the ‘sugar ex-

perts’ now need $10-15 billion to reopen the operations at Wales, Rose Hall and Skeldon in a ‘miniaturize’ way so that they can become more lucrative to the 70-odd investors who have expressed interest to purchase the estates as they are, that is , in their current conditions. At this point I want to bring to the attention the destructive capabilities of this Government. When these estates were closed these factories were cannibalized to a large extent and the parts moved to the remaining three estates so the amount of monies required will be to largely replace these cannibalized parts and which I do not for a moment think will be enough the even ‘miniaturized the operations’ at these estates. It will be another $15 billion down the ‘dark hole’ created by this Government. This reminds me so much of the TATA buses which were cannibalized one after the other until all said ‘tata’. These estates should be sold as they are! Incompetence and corruption reign supreme in this Government! Why the need for a syndicated bond of $30 billion?

We are told that this amount will provide capital, support infrastructure maintenance and upgrade at Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt. In addition, funds are expected to go towards developing co-generation capacity for the estates’ operations and sold to the national grid. While this may look good on paper, the reality is far different. According to the COI, at that time, Guysuco has the capability of supplying 17MW of power to the Grid but GPL can only take 15MW. Therefore, with co-generation capacities at Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt will GPL be in a position to effect the transmission? The same COI had said that land sale at Ogle and LBI can generate in excess of $57 billion It stated that Ogle has 26 acres while LBI has 2,282.5 acres which real estate dealers have proposed can be sold at a whopping $25 million per acre. So why go into more debts when you can sell these lands and have enough monies to conduct your ‘experiments’? A point to note is the fact that this Government continued to harp and sing that the (Continued on page 6)

DEAR EDITOR I did not vote in the 2015 elections but after observing what has happened in Guyana after President David Granger came to power and the fight back being carried out by former President Bharat Jagdeo, I know I must vote in 2020. What Mr. Jagdeo reminded us in a visit to our village over the Easter weekend is that his party PPP never ran away from a political fight and never will. I left that meeting so excited. This is the only country I am from; I cannot go to any country and call it home. Right now Donald Trump is telling my relatives in the USA that they do not belong there and can be deported. I cannot go to India because they will treat me as a second-class citizen because I do not know the Hindi language. I cannot go to Africa; they will reject me like Idi Amin and Robert Mugabe, because I do not look like them. Guyana is the only country that no one can deport me from; Guyana is home. I say to them in the Granger regime, you cannot chase me out from Guyana because I am ready to stand and fight for my political right, so do not even try. To all Guyanese, the ultimate fight is between the PNC and the PPP; do not get distracted by all the small third parties,

they are up to no good. I know the PPP for 23 years and yes I got tired of Donald Ramotar and his incompetence and that is why I did not vote in 2015. But after three years of the PNC government run by Mr. Granger, I can say I had a chance to know both sides. I know the tactics from both teams; I understand the mechanics of their respective governments and I am now convinced if I have to choose between the PPP and the PNC, I have no choice but to choose the PPP if this country is to survive. Over the last three years, all I am hearing from this PNC government is slogans. But slogans do not feed our families. They said that they want the state media to be run independently as a taxpayerowned organization but today they have made the state media into another PNC outfit, nothing else. This is the same old PNC all over again that my parents told me about in the Burnham days. But I say to the PNC, as you continue to mismanage the country, the interest of the people will triumph. The people will triumph over your evil and deceit. If we allow this kind of stupidity to ruin this country, as practiced by the members of the Granger Club, then it is shame on us because we are

allowing the country to perish.I say it is our duty not to allow this country to perish because of the actions of the wicked PNC leaders and the opportunists in the AFC and WPA like Ramjattan and Roopnaraine. My last word of exaltation

is that we have so much at stake today. We have gone so far even to the point of starting the plans for the hydrop o w e r p l a n t u n d e r M r. Jagdeo which would have secured the country, (Continued on page 5)

Jagdeo convinced me to vote in 2020

A conclusion of President Granger

DEAR EDITOR, President David Granger over the Easter weekend visited Region Six to distribute kites in two towns, Rose Hall and Corriverton, but surprisingly he decided to forget his recently purchased expensive fleet of vehicles to visit by helicopter. The sudden change of transportation from ground to air transportation leaves many questions to be answered. The President is afraid that protesters will picket him at the Berbice Bridge entrance so he decided to change his mode of transportation to enter Berbice. Unfortunately for him the protesters outsmarted him and picketed at Republic Square Corriverton where the kite distribution activity was held . The protesters were there to welcome him in Region Six but was disgusted by his presence at this historic place where the worst incident in Guyana took place under his leadership. On February 22, 2018 one of Granger ‘s Minister sof Government was instrumental in stopping a National event. The police even seized the National Flag because local democracy was at work. As a so-called advocate of local democracy this was the President’s best chance to show the protesters and the people of Corriverton that he is not a dictator by apologising to the people of Corriverton and order the dismissal of the said minister in question. The distribution of kites with Granger pictures pasted on them and the refusal to take the necessary action on a national issue is the confirmation that Granger believes in dictatorship which is here to stay. Zamal Hussain

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Not qualified to knock the PPP DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the pen name “Albert Allen’s” letter, “The PPP losing power in 2015 was necessary,” in Kaieteur News dated April 1, 2018. In his convoluted letter to attack the capability of the PPP to win the 2020 elections, the author failed to address the fact that Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo controls the key positions of the PPP and dictates who should be the next potential leader of the party. So, I will focus on the issue of whether Dr. Frank Anthony is a transformational leader, able and ready to lead the country to victory in the 2020 general election, by itemizing the following: 1. Ranked as the second highest vote-getter in the last PPP congress of 2016 and at the other previous congresses, Dr.Anthony has gained the respect and support of most party members in and out of the PPP circle. He could easily have scored the highest number of votes

but for the political interferences of Mr. Jagdeo. 2. On many occasions, Dr. Anthony travelled the length and breadth of Guyana to assess the needs of poor areas only to meet interferences by Mr. Jagdeo’s forces. Recently of the four areas that he had scheduled to meetwith supporters and to sensitize them of the work and beliefs of the late Dr. Jagan, Mr. Jagdeo directed the “breakup” of three of those four visits along the Essequibo coast a few weeks ago by summoningCentral Committee and Executive member, Gail Teixeira, to hold parallel meetings in neighboring villages where Dr. Anthony held his meetings. 3. Dr. Anthony is viewed by thousands of Guyanese as a fit and proper person to have been the General Secretary of the Party. And of course, with no skeletons in his closet and no baggage as alluded to in Allen’s letter, he is a strong

family man (unlike Mr. Jagdeo) and comes from a solid PPP family. 4. That Gail Teixeira is a capable member of the Executive to lead is false and misleading. She has demonstrated a history of failures, starting as Minister of Health; she brought the government into disrepute as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, and continued asan abysmal failure at Home Affairs where she managed to survive for only one year. She is a “mook” because she follows Mr. Jagdeo sheepishly and repeats what he says slavishly. Hence, she would be a disaster as a presidential candidate. She is definitely not presidential material. It was Dr. Anthony who was a beacon of success as the Minister of Sports,Youth and Culture. 5. The declining number of vo t e s u n d e r M r. Jagdeo’s Administration was slowed down by (Continued on page 6)

Help us implement the Gatekeepers’ programme, and while the paper to help us realize the Programme this current government did prom- goal of implementing this DEAR EDITOR, The Gatekeepers’ Programmeme was launched under former Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy to train lay counselors, individuals who would possess the skills and knowledge to be proactive first responders in tackling suicide and abuse. A number of persons who were trained under this programme indicated to The Caribbean Voice that the programme was beginning to make an impact when it was dropped, after Dr. Ramsammy was replaced by Dr. Bheri Ramsarran as Health Minister. Since the launch of our campaign in 2014 we have been lobbying for a return of

ise to bring it back, a timeline to do so has not been set up. Consequently we reached out to Seva International, an NGO based in India, which offered us a trainer for a period of one year. While we are not paying for the services of the trainer we need to cover her living expenses and the cost of the training programme for the year, estimated at just under US$32,000. Towards this end we have set up a ‘gofundme’ account and are humbly requesting readers of this news-

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training programme by donating (no amount is too small) to our ‘gofundme’ account which can be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/ lay-counselor-trainingprogramme or through the ‘gofundme’ link at the top of the cover (first) page on our website, www.caribvoice.org. We also implore you to please share the link as widely as possible and urge family, friends and colleagues to support our efforts. Sincerely The Caribbean Voice

Ramotar needs political and moral credentials to criticise DEAR EDITOR, I read with both amusement and varying degrees of contempt a letter written by former President, Donald Ramotar, published under the caption, “Chronicle halt on Hinds’ and Lewis’ columns was inevitable”. In his missive Ramotar sought to lecture David Hinds and me on the political practice of Walter Rodney, democracy, race, and dictatorship. As a practitioner of politics it will be remiss of me to take the position that I am beyond criticism. Similarly, it will be foolhardy of me to believe that every position I have taken in my more than four decades in the political struggle of the country, has been flawless and that I am beyond being taught anything politically by my peers. To assume those postures will be misplaced arrogance of the highest order, on my part. Throughout my political life I have been guided by and have adhered to the principles of criticism and self-criticism. While I do not seek to set standards for other political people to follow, I would expect that persons like Donald Ramotar, who seek to admonish me, will at the least, bring to the debate, political and moral credentials consistent with their criticisms. On this score, I submit here that Mr. Ramotar does not and cannot lay claim to possessing, either or both of these requisite credentials. For 23 years this self-proclaimed honourable gentleman and his comrades in the

PPPC, including former President and now Secretary General of the Party and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Bharrat Jagdeo, misruled the country. During their tenure, Guyana experienced the rise of the criminal state, and the decimation of the working class. Workers found themselves in the worst condition ever in the modern history of this nation and, because of the PPP’s rape of the Industrial Relations process, were unable to defend their interests. Race relations were deliberately manipulated to the advantage o f the new barons in the PPPC. The nation saw the unprecedented transfer of wealth from the state to segments within the race group from which the PPP derived its support. For most of its tenure in office the ruling PPP’s criminal conduct w a s f u r t h e r highlighted by its sponsorship of racial/state-sponsored extrajudicial killings w h i ch culminated in the slaughter of more than 400

citizens, most of whom were African young men. Mr. Ramotar has been at the centre of power in Guyana for the duration of the PPP’s 23 years in government. Like all the other leaders of his party who occupied the seats of power during that time, neither he nor his party did anything to significantly advance the fortunes of the other race groups in Guyana, in spite of how much they have pretended to have done so. They failed and in fact, did not attempt to transform Guyana into a united progressive nation with an increasing working class that was better organized to defend its interests. For a party which prided on calling itself the vanguard of the working class, its leaders left the working class in a worst state than when it took office n 1992. It is not surprising that Ramotar deemed me a racist.This is not the first time he had done so. He claimed in his letter that my concerns are only with (Continued on page 6)

Jagdeo convinced... From page 4 only to see Mr. Granger and Mr. Ramotar destroy it all. I say the time is now to rally around Mr. Bharat Jagdeo and keep these other evil forces out like the Ramotars and the Grangers. We have to make a choice today; it is time to sweep out the old, like the Ramotars and Grangers who have led the nation to ruination. It is time for the younger people like the Jagdeos and James Bonds to take the nation to prosperity. Surujdai Lilmohan

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Who has the vision? DEAR EDITOR, Our two primary political leaders, President Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo lack any sort of vision for the future of our country. They both hold unique and important roles when it comes to gathering votes every election cycle (as they each have their fair share of strong devotees) but when

have they ever shared their vision for Guyana? During the 2015 elections cycle, the young people were treated to a form of politics that included several forms of image-tarnishing, political pandering and vague promises. What we never got was a full vision from either of the main parties. Where are the Guyanese

Ramotar needs ...

From page 5 African interests. Even if his statement is true what is wrong with me assuming that posture? Ramotar and others in the PPP leadership are aware that his utterance is nothing more than a statement of convenience that is intended to deceive readers.My political history speaks volume for itself. It can stand up honourably, to any objective assessment. The same cannot be said for many of my detractors inside and outside of the PPPC. I say without fear of contraction that if Guyanese had practised the racism that I have been accused of practising, Guyana would have been a much better country today. Tacuma Ogunseye

political leaders who can stand up on a platform and inspire hope for our future? Where are the Barack Obamas, Hillary Clintons and Emmanuel Macrons? Today, the leaders at the top level are all old timers, who have played the political game in Guyana for decades. Where are our young vibrant leaders who have a 21st century vision for a better Guyana? Where are our Bernie Sanders who are willing to stand up against the status quo and fight for a better future? Guyana is at a pivotal point where a large group of young and educated people are emerging ready to take charge of the future of their country. But, where is the leader to inspire them? And if we must stick with Granger or Jagdeo, will either of them dare to dream? To dream for our future? To dream for the country? Think of the wonders we can do if we unify Guyana under one dream. Sincerely, Concerned Student

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Halt the trial and error ... From page 4 PPP bankrupted Guysuco, although they failed to mention that the same COI had clearly stated that out of the $82 billion debts more than 75% was long-term liabilities! Now this Government feels comfortable in plunging Guysuco into a short-term liability which must be repaid in just four years. This is bound to be another costly ‘error’ since no proper feasibility is done. This can be concluded from the fact that this decision came as soon as the new

Chairman for Guysuco is appointed. This same person is the Head of the SPU and I do feel that he should be tested on the closed estates rather than allow him an additional three guinea pigs! Another, alarming fact is that all the assets of NICIL and Guysuco have been used as collateral for the syndicated loan and it said that the repayment of the loan will come from selling lands, privatization, co-generation and value-added products, so why not sell the lands men-

tioned above now rather than later? More loan costs will be added to Guysuco’s already huge burden. Is this a prudent move by the Chairman? Lastly, it is time that these ‘trials and errors’ are brought to an end, rather than squandering another $45 billion on the closed and the existing estates, the entire Guysuco should be fully privatized now! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor –Region 6

Not qualified to knock the ... From page 5 M r. Ramotar. In fact, Mr.Jagdeo brought in the lowest number of votes for the PPP in the 2011 elections. 6. The issue of Dr. Anthony being lazy and not being able to handle President Granger is a fallacy being peddled by those who want to destroy his character. He is a tried and tested leader who moved up in the

ranks of the Party from a young Pioneer to General Secretary of the Progressive Youth Organization, to the Central and ExecutiveCommittee of the Party. Over the years he has amassed a huge arsenal of experience under the leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Jagan. As a Minister, and Central and Executive Committee member over the years, he has garnereda tremendous ability to administrate and has the cojones to deal with the likes of Mr. Granger and the APNU/ AFC. 7. How does Albert Allen who is not a member of the Executive or the Central Committee of the PPP or even a member of the Party know all these thingsthat are published in

his letter? Albe r t A l l e n i s a pseudo-Bharat Jagdeo in disguise and this letter engineered by him is obviously a distraction of the real issues in the PPP. 8. It is now an open secret that Mr. Bharat Jagdeo wants to run as the presidential candidate for the PPP in 2020. That is why he has invested so much money in hiring Queens Counsel to present his case to the CCJ. That is why he is actively trying to destroy persons whom he sees as rivals. That is why there is now an orchestrated attack on Dr. Anthony. But the electorate will have the last say, and I am confident they don’t want Mr. Bharat Jagdeo again. 9. If Mr. Jagdeo is the smart political leader as Albert Allen thinks he is, then he should advise him to step aside, because if he is the candidate then the PPP will not be able to win any general elections in a hurry. Lalman Ramsundar

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

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Global action urged to beat scourge of malaria A clarion call has been made on a global scale for collective efforts to be made to undermine the decades long scourge of malaria. In the forefront of this appeal is the RBM Partnership, which is the global platform for coordinated action against malaria. The movement is one that mobilizes for action and resources and forges consensus among partners. The partnership comprises more than 500 partners, including malaria-endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, non-governmental and community-based organizations, foundations and research and academic institutions. According to RBM, its strength lies in its ability to form effective partnerships, both globally and nationally, allowing for partners to work together to scale up malaria control efforts at country level, coordinating their activities to avoid duplicated and fragmentation, and to ensure optimal use of resources. RBM has been intensifying its efforts globally, and has even reached out to Guyana, as World Malaria Day [April 25] draws near to solicit support to help roll-back the impact of the disease. Malaria, which is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, is a lifethreatening disease. Infected mosquitoes carry the plasmodium parasite and, when this mosquito bites, the parasite is released into the bloodstream. “With [less than] one month to go until World Malaria Day…the RBM Partnership to End Malaria is calling on political and business leaders, scientists

...as World Malaria Day 2018 nears

and citizens worldwide to declare they are ready to beat malaria – one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases, that puts half the world at risk and costs a child’s life every two minutes,” said RBM in a statement disseminated globally.It was pointed out that a move in this direction is especially needed, since after a decade of progress, malaria cases have increased for the first time, and funding for malaria treatments and prevention has plateaued. “April will be a momentous month in the global fight against malaria. We must ensure a renewed attention and commitment to ending malaria for good – from the highest political level down to local communities where the everyday fight against the disease is being fought,” said Dr. Kesete Admasu, Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. The month is already set to be pivotal for the global malaria community, with the Malaria Summit held alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London on April 18 and the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria [MIM] conference taking place in Dakar, Senegal from April 15 20, 2018.The Malaria Summit and supporting public facing campaign ‘ Malaria Must Die,

So Millions Can Live’, is designed to shine a spotlight on the critical and pressing decision Commonwealth leaders face urging them to continue their work towards beating the disease with renewed financial and political commitments or risk putting our hard-fought progress in jeopardy. The high-level event takes place the day before the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, bringing together business leaders, philanthropists, scientists, Heads of States and civil society to announce new commitments to beating malaria. The commitments will be paired with a call to action to Commonwealth leaders, who represent citizens making up six out of 10 malaria cases globally, to commit to accelerating progress against malaria.The MIM conference, taking place simultaneously, will showcase the latest scientific breakthroughs coming out of the heavily burdened continent, giving scientists and researchers an opportunity to collaborate and share ideas as well as their latest research findings. Other national and local events worldwide are planned in the lead-up to and on World Malaria Day 2018 to raise awareness, celebrate progress and commit to new actions.

“This World Malaria Day, we are coming together as a global community to renew political commitment, step up funding, speed up scientific innovations, and spur citizens and communities action around the world... The malaria fight is at a crossroads, If we don’t seize the moment now, our hardwon gains against the disease will be lost. We’re ready to beat malaria – are you?” asked Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, RBM Partnership Board Chair.This year marks the 10th World Malaria Day, an internationally recognised day to examine the global efforts to prevent, control and end malaria.

The call to bolster the malaria fight comes at a time when the local Ministry of Public Health is poised for support. Currently in its initial phase is an initiative that will see the Ministry, through its Vector Control Services Unit, working to help bring to fruition the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programmes [CCP] Breakthrough ACTION programme.The Johns

Hopkins’ CCP was founded over 30 years ago as a part of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, and is located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.According to information published at https:// ccp.jhu.edu/projects/ breakthrough-action/ on November 27, 2017, CCP was the recipient of a five-year award with a US$300 million (Continued on page 30)

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Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Former Solicitor General files legal action over unpaid pension, gratuity

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ormer Registrar and Solicitor General, Sita Ramlall has filed an application in the High Court over money she claims has been withheld from her since her retirement. In the application drafted by a battery of lawyers, including Nigel Hughes, Ramlall is seeking all pensions and gratuity earned during her public service until the date of her retirement. Ramlall is seeking in excess of $66M in pension and gratuity with effect from January 2017. She is also asking the Court for an order directed to the Attorney General, as representative of the Government of Guyana, the Minister of Finance, the Finance Secretary and the Accountant General to make payment for all accumulated leave

amounting to 443 days during the period 1993-2008 and amounting to the sum of $20,653,103 and leave passage allowance for the year 2017 amounting to the sum of $764,200. In the application filed on February 27 last, Ramlall is claiming vindicatory damages in excess of $1M for the violation and infringement of her fundamental rights and freedom. The retired Registrar is therefore seeking a declaration by the Court that she is entitled to be paid pension and gratuity as a result of the applicant’s retirement from public office, pursuant to the Pensions Act, Chapter 27:02. Ramlall believes that the withholding of payment of pension and gratuity since her retirement is a violation of and contravention of the

Former Solicitor General, Sita Ramlall

Attorney General Basil Williams

applicant’s fundamental right and freedom to pension and gratuity guaranteed under Article 149 B of the Constitution of the Co-operative Re-

public of Guyana. The application outlined that “Article 149 B provides that every public sector worker shall enjoy an absolute and enforceable right to any pension or gratuity granted to him or her under the provision of any law or collective agreement of any kind whatsoever.”She is also claiming withholding of payment in lieu of leave for 443 days for the period 1993-2008, amounts to a deprivation of

property in contravention of Article 142 (1) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Ramlall views that the withholding of payment of Leave Passage entitlement for the year 2017, earned in the year 2016, also amounts to deprivation of property in contravention of Article 142 (1) of the Constitution. In the affidavit in support, the former Registrar and Solicitor General noted she has over 50 years of service to the State of Guyana, starting from 1966 – 2017. Ramlall detailed her public service career and qualification and noted she only ceased performing active duties as Solicitor General in December 2016. The retired Registrar explained that at the time she was on vacation leave for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. Ramlall outlined that it was during this time that she began to have difficulties accessing her vacation allowance and other benefits. She said that she has since had meetings with the Attorney General Basil Williams and Permanent Secretary

of the Ministry of Legal Affairs Delma Nedd, to whom she expressed both orally and in writing, the request for her pension and gratuity due as a result of her service to public service. The applicant claimed that the parties had requested that she provide proof of her service before any action could be taken on her behalf. “I orally informed, Ms. Delma Nedd that it was not my responsibility to provide my record of service; a record of service within the personnel office of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Judicial Service Commission and the Public Service Commission. She said Nedd later informed her that the Accountant General “approved the payment of an advance of my gratuity which has since been paid”. However the remainder of her calculated retirement package from the public service career has not been paid. This has resulted in the legal action taken by Ramlall. The matter is set to come up tomorrow (April 5) at the High Court, before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George.

Boy, 7, dies after struck by drunk driver in E’bo

A seven year old child yesterday lost his life on the Aurora Public Road on the Essequibo Coast, after he was struck down by a speeding car. The child was identified as Jadesh Mohanlall of Aurora Village. According to police reports, the car was driven by a 43-year-old businessman, who was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol. Investigations revealed that the child ran out from a yard and into the path of the motor

car. The child was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital by the driver, but subsequently succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment. The driver remains in custody assisting with further investigations. Yesterday’s road fatality was the second on the Essequibo Coast, occurring in less than a week. Both were as a result of persons driving under the influence of alcohol.

This past Easter weekend, the bullet-riddled body of a mother was left lifeless on a city street after an alleged incident said to involve an officer of the Guyana Defence Force. The incident has left many people in shock and wondering how an incident like this could involve a member of the Disciplined Services. Guyanese need to exit their state of delusion. The reality is that throughout the history of Guyana’s army, there have been disturbing incidents of violence and criminality involving its ranks and ex-ranks. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, there are persons in the public who believe that these acts of violence are aberrations and not a cause for concern for the military.Last year, Stabroek News columnist Allan Fenty related how former Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis, produced a list of persons from within the army who were involved in criminal activities. Perhaps Lewis was

trying to demonstrate that the army is not necessarily better than the police when it comes to abiding by the law. Fenty produced a list of dangerous criminals who were former members of the Guyana Defence Force. They ranged from Eye-lash to Blackie London. In a similar column entitled “Old army, new GDF” written 15 years ago, Fenty had provided a shortlist of notorious and dangerous criminals who had previously served in Guyana’s army. These included, “Henry Sumner, `Eyelash” - shot dead by police, Orson Benn, “Jungle Commando”, shot dead by police; Godfrey Smith - Soldier” - in prison for murder, Cecil Albert Mc Donald, “Beast” - shot dead by police; Linden London, “Blackie”, shot dead after siege by Joint Forces; Michael Craig, shot dead by New York police; Andrew Douglas - then at large; Trevor Brooks, Maurice Connelly , etc - etc - etc. “ The army, therefore, has

always been faced with a problem. But it has not sought to address the problem as to whether there is a link between the training or lack of training and the criminal predisposition of many of its ranks.Last year was another bad year for GDF. Two of its ranks were placed before the courts for choke-androb. Two others for stealing ration. Three ranks were remanded on murder charges, one for rape, another for a multimillion-dollar heist and another for trafficking in narcotics. One rank was arrested after a child was found in possession of a flash grenade.The question has to be asked as to why army ranks and ex-ranks have been featuring in the news so often for the wrong reasons. Which other institution has seen so many of its employees and ex-employees implicated in unlawful conduct? If the embarrassing indiscretions in 2017, and what has since followed in 2018, are not cause enough for con-

DEM BOYS SEH

Prisoners and lawyers calling de shots Long time a court was a place wheh people use to frighten to even walk past. And if a man had to go to court he would put on he best clothes, shine he shoes, and look very sharp. Now times change. De only thing people don’t do is to go in de court wid threequarter pants and tear-up jeans. Dem boys hear something else happen. A lawyer was in court texting a magistrate. Imagine de magistrate, before he listen to de case, he busy pun he phone texting wid de lawyer who defending de people who commit de crime.Imagine de text reading, “You got to free me clients.” De Magistrate gun test back, “What’s in it fuh me?”Wha dem didn’t bargain for was people in de court had phones too, suh dem tek out de lawyer photo texting de magistrate and de magistrate texting back. De poor magistrate nearly lost he wuk. Is only because de Judicial Service Commission sorry fuh him mek he still got a job. But he had to run and lef de case.De lawyer had

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Wednesday April 04 ,2018

de nerve to appeal. He go to de High Court fuh protest because as far as he concern de magistrate got to stay pun de case. Dem High Court judge didn’t mek joke wid de lawyer. Is de same thing another lawyer who claim that a judge give he client too big a sentence. He file a protest.But dem boys seh de stupidness don’t only happen in Guyana. Two prisoners get away from a jail in Colombia. Dem get de prison officer drunk then dem tell him that dem want to go pun de road to buy more likker. Imagine de guard open de prison gate and de two men gone.Guyana got prison guards like that, but most of dem would let de man go if somebody hand over a small piece. One prison warden use to let prisoners go home and sleep, provided dem come back in de morning. All dem had to do was to lef couple case of Guinness fuh him. Talk half and watch how prisoners running things.

cern within the army, then nothing ever will be. The army has a problem. It needs to address this problem and not pretend that it does not exist. The army has to make an assessment as to why it is producing such a higher number of ranks and ex-ranks whose conduct are unbecoming. Is it that the nature of the training is responsible? Or is it the lack of training? Is it that when persons leave the army they are not equipped to deal with civilian life after such a prolonged period in a command-styled institution? Or is the army recruiting the wrong persons? Is it that the recruitment policies of the army are so flawed that too many criminally-inclined persons are gaining admission into the army? Psychological testing must become compulsory for

entrants into Guyana’s military. This testing must be done to ensure that those who enter the army have the right attitude. It makes no sense employing someone with the right physical and educational attributes, but whose attitude is going to embarrass the army. Psychological testing is one way of ensuring that there is an objective process of assessing the attitude and pre-dispositions of recruits. Many large companies today are placing greater weight on psychological testing of employees, because they know that a worker with the wrong attitude can do greater harm than an unqualified and inexperienced worker. It is easier to train an unqualified and inexperienced worker than it is to undo the poor attitude of

workers.Psychological testing must also be done on all ranks, including junior and senior ranks, commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Junior ranks leave the force at age 45 years. They should do so free of any psychological trauma which may be linked to the way they were treated within the army. The army can no longer ignore the headlines in the newspapers about its ranks. And while it would be unfair to generalize aberrations onto the entire army, the large number of unsavory incidents involving military and ex-military personnel is a cause of worry as to whether Guyana has a deformed military.

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Kaieteur News

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

PPP leaders’ night of long knives Life is funny you know. Life can hit you hard, only to pick you up and hurl you onto a pedestal. The youngest puisne judge appointed in recent memory is Gino Persaud. At his age (he is in his thirties) he has a huge number of years on the bench if he chooses to stay. The fellow may end up as

Chief Justice or Chancellor, though I feel a future government (God forbid, not this one or a PPP one) ought to abolish the office of chancellor. If you are not familiar with the name of Gino Persaud, then you need to check up on the human rights abuse record of presidents Jagdeo

and Ramotar (how can Guyanese forgive these two autocrats?). Mr. Persaud was identified by the foreign company, Credit Bureau, to head its office in Guyana. He was sent to Slovakia for training and was about to take up his post in New Market Street when the company was fully established here.

President Ramotar intervened and indicated that his government would be unhappy with such a person, given the fact that he once headed the Guyana branch of Transparency International. Persaud lost out because of the autocracy of the PPP leadership. I could go on to give literally hundreds of examples where good, Guyanese professionals were victimized by Jagdeo and Ramotar. Readers should ask the legal advisor to Minister Harmon, Geeta Chandan, why she is no longer a magistrate. This columnist knows of terrible things done by the Jagdeo and Ramotar presidencies for which there would be millions of lawsuits or my life would be under threat. One is just hoping and praying that before we go into the next election, these nasty things will become public through prosecution. Last week I was on the beach with my dog and this young man, with a huge cigar in his mouth and dapperly dressed approached me. He introduced himself and when he did so, I detected the strong resemblance to his father, Rev. Denzil Hinds. Hinds, during the PPP government, was a PNC employee, and his wife was a magistrate (Elizabeth). For some reason the husband’s status affected the wife’s status. Young Hinds told me he still remembers those days of

how the politics of Guyana affected his parents. Young Hinds indicated that he is practicing law in St. Kitts. He asked if he could disturb me and my dog, because he had a legal theory he wanted to share with me and wanted me to write on it. I listened. Now I am writing on it. I am not a legal expert, though I find what Hinds told me plausible, but I will leave it up to the experts. Hinds could be wrong, he could be right. His point is that the acceptance that Bharrat Jagdeo has immunity from prosecution is falsely premised. He argued that Jagdeo cannot be prosecuted for action that was directly related to state functions. According to Hinds, when the conduct of a president was done without any connection to state functionalism, then constitutional immunity does not apply. Hinds gave an example. If a former president physically harmed a woman when he was president, how is that related to his official duties as president? I hope Hinds is right. It is unfortunate if he is wrong, because I believe many of the wrong things that Jagdeo and Ramotar did were not covered by state functions. From my layman’s knowledge, if a president told a governmental functionary that he must give a piece of public property to the

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.

Frederick Kissoon president’s cousin, how can that be subsumed under his presidential duties? The violations of the cabals of Jagdeo and Ramotar should never be allowed to become dormant, because of what the PPP leadership is doing – from the top men Jagdeo and Ramotar - to the unknown underling – posing as saints and democrats. The letter pages are filled with the adumbrations of Ramotar and other PPP leaders. Jagdeo holds a weekly press conference condemning acts of the current government that are obscure footnotes to what this man did when he ruled Guyana. This column was motivated by the words of a PPP mandarin – Hydar Ally – in the Kaieteur News last week. Ally complains that his letters are not being carried. He ended his complaints with the following words – “…in the market place of ideas, let a thousand ideas bloom”. This man was a PPP Permanent Secretary from 1992 to 2015, making him one of the longest (if not the longest) serving PS in the history of Guyana. During his domination and that of his party the market place of ideas was replaced by the night of long knives.

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Kaieteur News

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Sand Creek rodeo making strides While the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo in Lethem has become a fixture on the Easter calendar of events, the Sand Creek Rodeo also provides an impressive lineup of exhilarating experiences. What started as a simple cowriding activity has grown into a popular exhibition of cowboy skills. This flagship event, which is usually held after the massive Rupununi Rodeo, attracts visitors from across Guyana and other countries. Declaring the rodeo opened on Monday at the E. Andrew Rodeo Ground, in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) Chairman, Brian Allicock explained that over the past five years the event has expanded and seen major improvements. “It was not like this, there was no chute, pavilion, commentator, or stalls. Now we have a few stalls, the commentator’s booth, fence line and the corral has expanded to hold more animals. We now have a stage for the band to perform. This was all possible because of the people from within the regional structure, mainly Lethem. The business people especially, who put their efforts together to host this grand event here.” According to the Regional Chairman, plans are underway to have the rodeo incorporated as an annual event in Region Nine’s developmental plans. Bareback bronco (horse riding), bull riding and line dancing were just some of the activities which entertained the audience. Roasted alligator, liver, beef, pork, chicken, monkey liver soup, cassava bread and other Indigenous delicacies were also in abundance at the event. Chairman of the Sand Creek Rodeo Committee, Fransisco Gomes noted that initially, the rodeo had the “minimum of activities and zero side attractions” however, with persistence and much effort, the event has been significantly transformed and continues to make strides. “For the past five years, it

Scenes at the Sand Creek rodeo

has been growing. We’re focusing on improving the stalls for proper seating accommodation, building a benab for the dance floor and the main sitting area. We would also extend our pavilion, so we have lots of things to work on for the future.” The chairman said the community will soon receive its tourism grant from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. This will be invested in the rodeo and other tourist attractions. The event also has its economic benefits for vendors who anticipate huge profits. Dorothy Simon said all her produce is usually sold out, earning her a sizeable profit. “Last year everything we had sold out and this year it’s even better; so far business is going great.” Residents and visitors alike agreed that the rodeo is

a major attraction worth witnessing. Member of Parliament, Alister Charlie was part of the large crowd that enjoyed the thrills and spills of the fearless vaqueros. “Being from Sand Creek, this is one of the most anticipated events. Sand Creek is now becoming a gateway in the Rupununi in this part of the hinterland. Since it (the rodeo) began here, every year it is improving and becoming more popular.” First-time visitor, Morbheinn Nicol from Scotland said: “I have never been to a rodeo in my life so coming here is great, the people here are fun and it’s really enjoyable.” Those who were successful in the 22 competitive events were awarded cash prizes for their efforts. (DPI)

Wednesday April 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Public education key to ensuring better participation at LGE – Minister Bulkan With the sum of $2.9 billion allocated to ensuring democratic governance at the Local Government Elections (LGE) slated for later this year, the Ministry of Communities is working to ensure a greater level of involvement at the local polls. Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan had explained that the multibillion-dollar allocation from central government demonstrates its unequivocal commitment and determination towards democratic governance. Bulkan noted that while it is the principal responsibility of the Elections Commission, the Ministry had committed to continue with its campaign on public education; something he stressed is still needed among Guyanese “That is why the work that is being done - to help to equip and empower our local democratic organs which allow for capacity building and institutional strengthening - is so critical. It is those organs that will have the responsibility to deliver on behalf of the residents in the respective areas.” “I will be the first to admit that there is still a great degree of lack of understanding of even what are the responsibilities of local government organs in our engagement and interaction with the public; that there is still this mindset that it is central government that is responsible for the conditions in the individual communities,” Bulkan explained. This year will see the holding of the second local government elections (LGE) under the coalition administration. The planned LGE in 2018 will mark the first time in the country’s postindependence history that consecutive local government elections would have taken place as legally due. The funds allocated are also in accordance with the Ministry of Communities’ responsibility to prepare the system to deliver in accordance with the strategic policy of decentralisation. As such, the Ministry has noted that the focus for 2018 is to expand and improve participation under the theme: “shared prosperity and the good life for all”, promoting greater involvement in local government. “Public education will serve as the vehicle for more meaningful community involvement in the management and decision making of LG (Local Government) jurisdictions to support growth, and sustainable

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan development of LG spaces.” According to the Ministry, as part of recognising the historic and institutionally transformative period, their strategic effort in 2018 will focus on entrenching the system and the community understanding of the role of local government. “We will deliver this through multiple initiatives public education on constitutional and legal provisions for LDOs (Local Democratic Organs) on authority and responsibilities, and development model/policy direction to empower LDOs to manage the economic space and develop in partnership with national government.” As part of the process, the Ministry has been actively involved in the process to strengthen the Guyana Association Municipalities (GAM) to provide effective service to all municipalities. “The institutionalisation of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee, the Regional Development Consultative Committee, and the Regional Agricultural and Commerce Exhibition, is also part of mechanisms designed to promote entrepreneurship, investment, partnership and collaboration between and among stakeholders/agencies within a development space.” The Ministry noted that promoting community engagement and participation, both elected and unelected components in all facets of LG operations, by training councillors and residents is also part of the agenda. “ S u s t a i n a b l e environmental and good practices for a green and prosperous economy will also feature high on training and awareness agenda for 2018, including the integration of the SDGs.”

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Govt. confuses Concession Agreement with a PSA …Makes puzzling comparisons between oil deals in Saudi Arabia and Guyana While Guyanese lawyers, b u s i n e s s m e n , environmentalists and opposition politicians believe that the nation is being shafted in its agreement with ExxonMobil, the Government remains convinced otherwise. To this extent, the Government has seemingly launched a Public Relations campaign in an effort to get the citizenry to “know the facts” and appreciate the ExxonMobil contract. On Monday, Government’s Department of Information (DPI) released an advertisement noting the provisions of the first contract signed in Saudi Arabia. However, in the ad,

government examined a “Concession Agreement” signed by Saudi Arabia when the ExxonMobil contract with Guyana is actually a Production Sharing Agreement. The comparison is therefore inappropriate and at worse, misleading. Governments choose among many contracts to delegate the exploration and the extraction of oil. However, the basic contract types are concession agreements, production-sharing agreements, service contracts and joint ventures. The contractual form changes between and within countries, but the most common contracts are

concession contracts and production sharing agreements. Further, the highlighted contract by DPI was signed way back in 1933, some 84 years ago. The money quoted in the contract would have been worth much more back then than it is now. Government also neglected to note that in 1948, Saudi Arabia decided that its take, which represented way more than Guyana would be getting, was not adequate and several rounds of negotiations started. The concession agreement DPI referenced said that the operator was, “…The exclusive right, for a period of 60 years to explore,

Government’s baffling attempt at Public Relations prospect, drill for, extract, treat, manufacture, transport, deal with, carry away, and export oil and oil products, and to create the facilities to carry out these activities.” It states that the company was granted an ‘exclusive’ exploration area of more than 400,000 sq miles, covering almost all of eastern Saudi Arabia. The DPI ad also states,

“In return for these concessions, the company agreed to meet the following conditions: A loan of £30,000 gold or its equivalent, was to be payable within 15 days of the effective date of the agreement; an additional loan of £20,000 gold after 18 months if the agreement was still in force. Repayment of those loans was to be made by deductions from one-half

of the anticipated royalties owing to the government.” “An ‘annual rental’ payment of £5,000 gold, was to be payable in advance until the discovery of commercial quantities of oil. Upon discovery of oil in commercial quantities the company was to make an immediate advance royalty payment of £50,000 and another payment of the same amount one year later.”

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Lands and Surveys still working to update accounts to Auditor General’s satisfaction

T

he Guyana Lands and Surveys Com mission is still working to update its accounts to the Auditor General’s professional satisfaction as specified in the laws of Guyana. There were several discrepancies highlighted in an audit of the agency’s finan-

cial statement of 2010. The Audit was initially done by chartered auditors attached to TSD LAL and Company, then passed to the Audit Office of Guyana. The Audit Office only sent copies of the report to Lands and Surveys Commissioner and Board on November 3, 2016.

The report recorded both auditing agencies saying that there were several instances where records could not have verified. Auditors had concerns about the General Reserve Fund, the revaluation reserve, accounts receivable and prepayments and the property plant, plant and equipment.

Auditors noted that the included in the General Reserve Fund of $19,727,860 was a debit balance of $18,574,293 which could not have been verified. Further, the revaluation reserve of $536,125,787 included a debit balance of $9,047,168 which could not have been verified. Also, auditors noted that no detail was provided for the verification of the balance of $536,125,787 at 31 December 2010. Accounts receivable a n d p r e p a y m e n t s of $95,539,261 included numerous balances coming forward from previous years which were not settled subsequently. Auditors noted that no age analysis and impairment review of the balances was done. “Also, no response was received to the confirmations sent to selected debtors.” Auditors noted too that a physical verification of property, plant and equipment stated at $894,768,917 was not done neither was an

impairment review. It was also stated that the fixed assets register did not contain all assets owned by the Commission and could not be compared to the general ledger. And, evidence of ownership of properties and vehicles were not seen. Auditor General Deodat Sharma stated, “Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraphs, I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion. Accordingly, I do not express an opinion on these financial statements. Sharma also stated that the financial statements did not comply with the requirements of Section 28(2) of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Act 1991 which states that the books and accounts of the Commission shall within three months after the end of each financial year of the Commission be audited by the

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma Auditor General or by an auditor authorized by him. “This was not done as the audit was not completed within the stipulated time.” Yesterd a y, C o m m i s sioner of Lands and Surv e y, Tr e v o r B e n n s a i d that the issues highlighted in the 2010 audit went unaddressed for several years. He said however that recently, “there have been significant changes.” He said that he was not at liberty t o l i s t t h o s e changes as the financial statement for 2017 which would reflect those changes is still to be completed.

More than 300 stranded as Kanawan breaks down More than 300 passengers stood frustrated at the Supenaam Ferry Stelling yesterday, as they were denied access to the rollon ferry, Kanawan, for almost an hour. The ferry was scheduled to depart the Supenaam Stelling for Parika at 16:00hrs yesterday. Reports are, however, that the Kanawan failed to start due to engine problems, thus delaying departure time for up to an hour yesterday. In the meantime, passengers - most of whom were

returning to Georgetown after the holidays - were stranded outside the gates. Vehicles waiting to board the Chinese-built vessel, on the other hand, were backed up to the main road. The two Chinese made ferries, Kanawan and Sabanto, are the two most important vessels plying the Supenaam to Parika route, via the Essequibo River. Passengers continue to complain bitterly, however, about the poor and sluggish service which is being offered by these two ferries.

Just recently, passengers were stranded on the stelling after one of the ferries was reportedly out of fuel. Instead of boarding the ferry on schedule, passengers were forced to wait outside, some with heavy baggage tired and hungry. Businesses also depend on the ferry to have their goods and produce transported out of the region. The ambulance service also makes use of the ferry when taking patients for surgery to the city.

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32 cases disposed of in January session of Demerara Assizes According to information from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), 32 out of 229 cases were disposed of at the January session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. During that time, Justice James Bovell-Drakes, Justice Navindra Singh and Madam Justice Simone MorrisRamlall heard a total of 24 cases. The remaining eight were nolle prosequi by the DPP. Of these 24 cases presented at the High Court in Georgetown, 12 were for the offence of murder, 11 for sexual offences and one for the offence of attempted murder with an alternative count of wounding with intent. There were four guilty pleas, 10 convictions, seven not guilty verdicts by jury and three formal verdicts of not guilty. Ten of the 24 cases were prosecuted by State Counsel Abigail Gibbs, State Counsel Tiffiny Lyken and State Counsel Natasha

Backer before Justice Navindra Singh. Of the 10 cases, nine were for the offence of murder, while one was for attempted murder. ln three of the eight murder trials, the accused persons pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were sentenced respectively to 12 and half years imprisonment, 10 years imprisonment and 23 years imprisonment. In another two murder cases, the accused were found unanimously guilty by the jurors. They were respectively sentenced to 70 years and 80 years imprisonment. In another two matters, no case submissions were upheld and the jurors were directed to return formal verdicts of not guilty. In the other matter the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a not guilty verdict for the offences of murder and manslaughter. While in

Govt. must reveal steps taken... (From page 17) of these contracts is a single clause that speaks to how the Government of Guyana should deal with inflated costs, once detected by these entities. While such lose provisions exist, other nations have ensured that the necessary provisions have been taken to guard against inflated costs. Liberia, for example, is known for its oil-rich potential just offshore West Africa. Its oil industry has attracted multinationals such as Chevron and ExxonMobil. Even though the Government of this English-speaking nation is elated to have the attention of these oil giants, it is by no means an indication that there would be a free for all for those entities as it relates to inflated costs. In one of its PSAs, Liberia ties ExxonMobil and its other oil partners to a strict set of provisions. The 2013 Production Sharing Agreement says, “If any such inspection or audit is finally determined to have overstated Petroleum Costs or understated revenue derived from Total Production by more than three percent (3%), all costs of the inspection or audit shall be borne or reimbursed by the Contractor and no portion of such costs of inspection or audit may be included in Petroleum Costs. Appropriate adjustments in payments and cumulative recoverable costs shall be made to adjust for all misstatements identified as a result of any such inspection or audit.” (More in this regard on the contract can be seen by following this link: (http://www.theperspective.org/2012/ block_13_agreement.pdf)).

Cops hunt suspects in... (From page 18) them deh passing up and down this afternoon. The (market) Constable dem been right here when dem tek out the gun.” The distraught woman said that the robbers escaped with money she and her husband garnered from selling goods between Sunday and Easter Monday. The money, she disclosed, was to pay persons who had supplied them with stocks. Reports are that the bandits are well-known in the Albouystown area and would oftentimes be seen riding around the market. According to an eyewitness, “I know them (the bandits) by seeing them. I don’t know them by their names. One of them had on a black jersey and the other one had on a red jersey. They (the bandits) does be riding about this market every day. After they shoot the man, they ride through James Street (Albouystown).” The shooting brought a female market constable to tears. The constable related that she was conversing with Doodnauth and his wife when the bandits launched their attack. Other market vendors were also brought to tears by the unexpected shooting.

one other murder case, the accused was found unanimously guilty by the jury. The accused will be sentenced during April pending a probation report. While in the other matter for the offence of attempted murder the accused was acquitted by the jury. Another 11 of these 24 cases were prosecuted by State Counsel Orinthia Schmidt, State Counsel Narissa Leander and State Counsel Seeta Bishundial in the Sexual Offences Court. Madam Justice Simone Ramlall was the trial judge. Of these 11 sexual offences cases, four were for the offence of Rape. In two of these matters, the accused were found guilty by jury and sentenced respectively to 45

The High Court in Georgetown. years and 40 years imprisonment. In the one other matter, the trial judge up held a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict

of not guilty. And in the one other case, the accused was acquitted by the jury which returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

ln another five matters for the offence of Sexual Activity with a Child Family Member, one accused was sentenced to life imprisonment and must Continued on page 27

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Child rape case for High Court

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The matter against Vishnu Persaud for the rape of a nineyear-old girl now goes to the High Court for trial. Persaud, who allegedly sneaked into the child’s home on September 21 last, and raped her, underwent a Preliminary Inquiry before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Magistrate Court in Vreed-en-Hoop. The Magistrate ruled that sufficient evidence had been established against the accused for him to stand trial before a judge and jury at the High Court. The 34 year-old minibus driver was placed on $100,000 bail after his initial appearance before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Wales Magistrate’s Court. In February, he was charged with rape of a child under the age of 16 years before the matter was transferred to the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court. The man is said to have jumped over a verandah at the girl’s home when her parents were away and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her. The child’s mother had related that the suspect went to the home on September 21, last, to meet with the child’s grandfather and noticed that the girl was home alone. He allegedly climbed onto the verandah, entered the home and raped the child. “My brothers and him does drive bus together and when they get problems, he does complain to my father. So on that day, one of my brothers and him got into an argument and he told my brother that he will ‘f*** up

his family and he left the Number 32 Bus Park,” the child’s mother alleged. The woman added that her daughter was sick with the flu and diarrhoea and had stayed home from school with her grandfather. But the grandfather had to leave home to run an errand. “My daughter said she heard the guy calling and when she went out, he asked her where her grandfather was and my daughter informed him that he was not at home, so he asked she who was at home, and my daughter said she alone…then she went in back the house and continued watching television,” the mother recounted. She added that her daughter told her that shortly after she went inside, the man confronted her from the verandah and threatened to kill her if she made any noise. “She said that the man took off her clothes and raped her on the chair and when the pain became too much, she started crying and he put his hands over her mouth, but she managed to bite him and push him off and run and lock herself in the toilet.” The mother said that her daughter later spotted her attacker at a bus park, and he was wearing the same attire that he was dressed in when the attack occurred. The child’s relative apprehended the suspect and took him to the Vreed-enHoop Police Station where he was released on $100,000 bail after two days.

Wednesday April 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Waterfront enhancement enhancement:

Now a town, Bartica, a Regional Seven riverain community that is one of the gateways to the hinterland, has been make strides in improvements. This waterfront area, with its booths, ready in time for the annual regatta over the weekend, is but one of them.

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32 cases disposed... From page 25 serve 45 years before becoming eligible for parole. Another accused who was indicted on four counts was found guilty by the jury and given two life sentences which are to run concurrently, with a minimum of 40 years to be served before being eligible for parole. The accused in one other matter was found guilty and sentenced to nine years imprisonment. In another two of these cases, both accused were acquitted by the jury There were two matters for the offence of Rape of a Child under 16 years. In one case, the accused was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. The other accused who was indicted on four counts was also found unanimously guilty and sentenced to two life sentences, which are to run consecutively. Meanwhile, State Counsel Mandel Moore and State Counsel Lisa Cave prosecuted three matters for the offence of murder before Justice James Bovell-Drakes. In two of these matters, the jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty. In one of them, the state served Notice of Intention to Appeal. In the one other matter, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The eight matters nolle prosequi by the DPP were for Sexual Offences. The complainants in these matters indicated in written statements that they did not wish to proceed with their matters.

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Kaieteur News

YouTube shooting: Three shot at California HQ, female suspect dead (BBC) A woman shot and wounded three people at YouTube’s headquarters in Northern California before killing herself, police say. A 36-year-old man left in a critical condition is believed to be the suspect’s boyfriend, CBS news reports. Two women, 32 and 27, were also shot. San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini said officers arrived at the scene at 12:48 (19:48 GMT) local time. Officers found a “chaotic scene” with “numerous people fleeing”, he said. One person with a bullet wound was found at the front of the company headquarters,

Mr Barberini said. Minutes later officers found a woman who appeared to have shot herself, he said. Two further victims were later discovered at a nearby business. An employee at a nearby fast food restaurant told Fox station KTVU he had treated a young woman who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. He said he had fashioned a makeshift tourniquet from a bungee cord as they waited for first responders. Some 1,700 people work at the YouTube HQ. Images broadcast on local TV stations showed employees leaving with their hands

raised. Other footage appeared to show evacuees forming a queue before being individually frisked by police. Video captured by a nearby helicopter showed a glass door shattered in its centre, with glass fragments strewn across the ground outside.The three wounded were taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Officials said the 32-year-old woman’s condition was serious and the 27-year-old’s condition was fair. YouTube product manager Todd Sherman tweeted that people fled the building in panic as the shooting unfolded.

India’s Supreme Court to hear appeal on ruling that sparked Dalit protests

Police beat a protester in Ahmadabad during demonstrations Monday New Delhi (CNN) India’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal against one of its rulings after it sparked deadly protests by lowercaste Indians on Monday. The court’s judgment has faced fierce opposition from critics who said it would weaken protections for the country’s Dalit and other low-caste communities. On Tuesday, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the high court had agreed to hear the case after a request by the government following Monday’s protests, when tens of thousands of Dalits took to the streets. At least 10 people died when the demonstrations turned violent. “I want to assure the people that there has been no dilution whatsoever by my government, rather after coming to power and examining the SC/ST Prevention of

Atrocities Act, we have taken a decision to strengthen it,” Singh said in parliament Tuesday. The Supreme Court ruled last month that police could not immediately arrest someone upon the filing of criminal charges under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which governs how the government prosecutes cases of hate crimes against lower-caste people and people belonging to tribal communities.While the court said the decision was meant to protect people from false accusations, Dalit activists see the decision as simply another step in what they see as eroding protections for a minority community under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which came to power in 2014 with the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“There’s no protection for Dalits in India, especially after the BJP came to power,” said Kandula Ananda Rao, the president of the All India Dalit Rights Federation, and who took part in Monday’s protests.The Dalit are one of the most marginalized groups in the country, a legacy of the now-outlawed caste system which stratified Indian society for generations. Members of the higher caste sometimes consider Dalits impure, and in certain places, they still aren’t allowed to enter the homes or temples of the upper-caste community or share utensils with them. In recent years, reports of violent incidents against Dalits have increased dramatically, activists say, pointing to incidents in different states across the country where upper-caste mobs often beat or killed lower-caste Indians.

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

US plans 25% tariffs on 1,300 Chinese imports (BBC) The US has published a list of about 1,300 products from China it plans to hit with a 25% tariff. The White House says the proposed extra tax on the imports is a response to unfair Chinese practices around intellectual property rights. The wide-ranging list includes items such as medical products, televisions and motorcycles. Economists have warned the move could prompt China to retaliate and lead to higher prices for American consumers.The release of the list comes just after China hit $3bn worth of US products with tariffs in response to steel and aluminium tariffs the US has imposed. The products on the list the US published on Tuesday represent imports worth about $50bn annually. Last year the US imported goods from China worth about $506bn. The office of the US Trade Representative, which handles trade negotiations, said the amount is “appropriate both in light of the estimated harm to the US economy and to obtain elimination of China’s harmful acts, policies and practices”. A final list will be determined after a public comment period and review expected to last about two months. The plans for tariffs are the result of an investigation that US President Donald Trump ordered last year into China’s intellectual property practices. Last month, he said the

Motorcycles made in China are among the imports that would be hit with a tax probe found evidence of problems, such as practices that pressure US companies to share technology with Chinese firms and ordered a list of products drawn up for tariffs.US business groups have urged the two sides to try to resolve the issues through talks, expressing concern that threatening tariffs could lead to a dispute that hurts the US economy. The US Chamber of Commerce said: “The administration is rightly focused on restoring equity and fairness in our trade relationship with China. However, imposing taxes on products used daily by American consumers and job creators is not the way to achieve those ends.” China’s economy has become less dependent on exports in recent years, which is likely to blunt the effect of the tariffs, according to analysts for S&P Global Ratings. They said the US is the desti-

nation for only about 15% of China’s good exports. The list includes parts of communication satellites, aviation equipment and brewery machinery, as well as more niche products such as bakery ovens and rocket launchers. Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US, said he does not think the Chinese will take the list seriously, pointing to low-demand items like monitors with video cassette recorders. Instead, he said the main outcome is likely to be higher prices for American manufacturers - and, eventually, consumers. That may not be enough to persuade the Trump administration to opt for a different strategy, he added. “At this point, if the Trump administration does not follow through on this they’re going to lose face and credibility,” he said.

Dutch lawyer is first person to be sentenced in Mueller probe, gets 30 days in prison (CNN)A Dutch lawyer tied to former Trump deputy campaign chairman, Rick Gates, became the first person to be sentenced in Robert Mueller’s investigation when a federal judge sentenced him on Tuesday to spend 30 days in prison and pay a $20,000 fine after he admitted to lying to investigators. Alex van der Zwaan, who worked with Gates and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort while he practised law at a large international firm, admitted to lying and failing to turn over emails to Mueller’s team in February. He was wrapped into the special counsel’s investigation last fall after his firm, Skadden Arps, began to cooperate in an investigation of Manafort and Gates’ alleged contact with Ukrainians and

Russians during the 2016 election. He lied in his first voluntary interview with investigators in November, and according to both Judge Amy Berman Jackson and prosecutor Andrew Weissmann on Tuesday, was “caught redhanded.” Van der Zwaan’s communications with Gates and a person with Russian intelligence ties became important to the special counsel’s broader investigation, as it pursues crimes related to Russian interference in the 2016 election, Mueller’s team has said. Van der Zwaan “took steps to ingratiate himself with” Gates and Manafort and hid that from his law firm, “and that’s why he lied,” Jackson said Tuesday before she delivered his sentence. “This is not something that happened to him. This is

something he did,” she added. “He put his personal interest ahead of the interest of justice.” Van der Zwaan’s wealth and family connections were apparent as he awaited his sentence during the two-hour court appearance. Though he slouched with his arm on the defense table, pursed his lips and stroked his chin throughout, the 33-year-old lawyer spruced up his navy suit with cufflinks, a teal tie and white pocket square and slickedback hair. He was accompanied by about eight lawyers and supporters, including his father. “What I did was wrong,” he said to the judge, reading quietly from a single sheet of paper after his defense attorney and the prosecutor each spoke. “I apologize to the court for my conduct. I apologize to my wife and family.”

Wednesday April 04, 2018

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Kaieteur News

New ultrasound and x-ray machines for Region 4 RDC As is customarily done on Tuesdays, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board yesterday opened several bids for a variety of ventures With the aim of strengthening the health system in the region, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 4 had procured for the supply and delivery of one new Ultrasound Machine to the regional stores. Four bids were received for this Project.

Five companies bid for the procurement of gym equipment for the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, Ministry of Public Security.

The RDC also received bids for the supply and delivery of a new X-Ray Machine. Finally, the Public Security Ministry also received bids for the supply of one Steel Boat for the Guyana Prison Service. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education invited bids for the development of a framework for curriculum reform; only two bids were received for this project.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) received seven bids for the provision of dietary supplies.

SHERIFF ST. COCAINE BUST...

One jailed for 4 years, fined $6M; two remanded

Bids were received for the supply of spares for the maintenance of Buoys and Beacons for the Maritime Administration Department.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), received bids for the supply of two new dump trucks.

Eight companies bid for the supply of one new 30-seater bus and two new motor cars for the Department of Public Service (DPS) at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Ministry of the Presidency also received bids for the supply of computers and printers.

JAILED AND FINED: Ryan Fowler

REMANDED: Mark Gomes

REMANDED: Mohammed Kadir

Three men appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday, and were charged for having in their possession, on March 29 last, five pounds of cocaine, which the court heard was concealed in a yellow Shell gas cylinder. Two of the accused, Mohammed Kadir, 38, of 16 Goedverwagting, West Bank Demerara and Mark Gomes, 33, of Campbellville, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge, while 33year-old Ryan Fowler of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, pleaded guilty. According to the prosecution, on the day in question, the men were in their vehicles, in the vicinity

of Sheriff and John Streets, Campbellville, around 19:45 hrs, and had no knowledge that they were being monitored. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford told the court that the three men, on March 29 last, were attempting to traffic 2.250 kilograms of cocaine, when officers of the CANU observed the occupants of the two vehicles in a tradeoff. It was reported that on the day of the exchange, Fowler came out of his vehicle with the gas cylinder and took it to another vehicle. This was when ranks from the CANU intervened and began to search the vehicles. The drug was subsequently unearthed

and tested on spot, and the three men were escorted to the Police Headquarters. Fowler told the court that he was going to make a statement at the time and admit that the drugs found were his, but he was told not to by one of the police officers. The description of the police officer is unknown. As a result of his guilty plea, Fowler was sentenced to 4 years in prison and fined $6 million dollars. The prosecutor objected to the other two men being granted bail due to the fact that there was enough evidence that led to them being involved in trafficking the illicit narcotic. Kadir and Gomes were remanded to prison and will appear in court again on April 17.

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Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, conducted a site visit to the Lethem Industrial Estate while he was in the border town over the weekend. Construction of the facility, which is located on the outskirts of Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), is right on schedule and, once completed, will be a stimulus for entrepreneurs within Lethem and the wider Region Nine area, a government release said. Minister Gaskin, who also has the responsibility for tourism, pointed out that a business incubator is being established to give small businesses an outlet where they can cultivate and acquire enough skills in an enabling environment with the necessary support mechanism.

Kaieteur News

“The project is likely to be operational by next year we are pinning a lot of hope on how that estate develops.” The goal is that within a year of the establishment, the businesses should be in a position to branch off independently and possibly expand. The industrial site is expected to be a source of employment for residents of the town. “When the estate is open, it will take a while to get full occupancy, it’s a long-term project, but businesses that will be opened in that environment will require employees and staff at a variety of levels and we expect that these positions will be taken up by persons from Lethem or by the region, and we expect that the Brazilian market will play a role in the viability of the businesses that are

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Construction of the Lethem Industrial Estate is said to be on schedule looking to be established,” Minister Gaskin emphasised. The Ministry of Business has responsibility for industrial estates at Lethem, Belvedere, Eccles, and Coldingen.

The latter two - which have a combined total of 120 developed plots - house close to 60 developed estates providing jobs for about 4,000 Guyanese. The main indus-

tries are wood-processing, cement and block-making, food processing, fish processing, furniture manufacturing, metal fabrication and pharmaceuticals.

In the 2016 National Budget, the government allocated $212M for the development and repair of the industrial estates at Belvedere and Lethem.

Global action urged to beat... From page 7 [equivalent to G$60 billion] ceiling from the United States Agency for International Development [USAID] to lead its social behaviour programmes around the world. In essence, it was pointed out that Breakthrough ACTION uses state-of-the-art, evidence-based tools to encourage people in developing countries to adopt healthy behaviours, from using modern contraceptive

methods to sleeping under bed nets to being tested for HIV.Based on reports from CCP, “this work not only harnesses the power of communication – from mass media campaigns to TV and radio dramas to simple posters in a health clinic – to inspire long-lasting change but also takes advantage of other behavioural science approaches such as behavioural economics, market insights and human centred design to improve programmes.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Shaw calls on J’cans to invest more in idle lands

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw (centre), tastes shredded coconut at the St Mary Agricultural Show at Gray’s Inn Sports complex, Monday. Others (from left) are Highgate Senior Citizens Club member, Louis Chambers; and President of the club, Robert Osbourne. KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — New Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw, has reiterated calls for Jamaicans to invest more in farming on idle lands across the island. Speaking at the St Mary Agricultural Show at Gray’s Inn Sports complex, Annotto Bay, St Mary, Monday, Shaw said more investments from Jamaicans are needed in the agricultural sector, “so that we can ensure food security and decrease our importation to satisfy the demands of our local market”. “In Jamaica, we are too blessed with so many acres of idle lands. We have got to put them into production,” the minister emphasised. “I am tired to see idle lands [of which] a lot was in sugar, and all over the world, sugar is a declining business, but even in sugar, we can rationalise our sugar lands and make them produce more efficiently while we make other lands available for use,” he added.The minister pointed out that numerous

hectares of idle lands already have irrigation, which investors will not have to worry about before planting. “Plenty of the idle lands are between St. Catherine and Clarendon. There are 18,000 hectares that are idle, and 70 per cent already has irrigation,” he noted. Shaw also called on more Jamaicans to set up small gardens in their back yards, as is done in other developed and developing nations. “Last week, I went to a conference in Argentina in a place called Mendoza, and when I was flying across the South American continent (Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina), all I could see is production. Everywhere, something was being produced, whether grapes or corn…Where you don’t see crops growing, you see cattle. When I fly over Jamaica, I am tired to see idle lands,” he said. The minister pointed out that countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic export a lot of fresh vegetables and pro-

cessed foods to the United States, and Jamaica needs to do more of this.Shaw said since he has been working in the capacity of Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, he has been impressed by the interest, involvement and initiatives of youth in agriculture. “I’ve seen so much initiative and enterprise. I’ve seen so many young entrepreneurs who are committed to doing something and devising new products from our locally produced material, and this is how we are going to move in Jamaica, from poverty to prosperity,” he said. The St Mary Agricultural Show was being held for the 32nd year, under the theme ‘Climate Smart Agriculture, the Key to Food Security’. Annually, the event is hosted to bring farmers from the parish of St Mary, neighbouring parishes and other stakeholders together, where ideas for innovation are shared, along with the introduction of new technology, which they can incorporate in their practice.

I know of no such meeting Trinidad Express - There is even more confusion surrounding last week’s diplomatic blunder in which T&T voted against Dominica’s bid for a waiver of its Organisation of American States (OAS) contributions for the next two years, as Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley directly contradicted the contents of a news report this weekend in which Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is quoted as saying that he would be speaking with Rowley. Rowley Monday disavowed any knowledge of a scheduled telephone call with Skerrit, saying that the report was either the product of irresponsible journalism or people being open to mischief from fake news purveyors.

Dr Keith Rowley

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World Bank funds for agricultural sector ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – The Dominica government says the World Bank is providing US$25 million to rehabilitate the agricultural sector following the devastation caused by the passage of Hurricane Maria in September last year. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Dominica will also benefit from a US$40 million allocation for housing under a multi-million dollar package “and the World Bank has agreed with us to fast track or to advance those funds and US$25 million are for agriculture. Skerrit said he is hoping that the Ministry of Agriculture would hold public consultations very soon regarding the various components of the funds.“It is very extensive and if properly implemented…it could benefit agriculture dramatically in

Roosevelt Skerrit Dominica, because you are talking about the resuscitation and revitalisation of the agricultural centres, where you will be propagating plants, providing tangible support to farmers. “You will be providing di-

rect support to farmers on the farms. We are looking at the possibility of a credit scheme. So there are a number of components to the agricultural initiative,” he said, adding “we are bringing in a new structure in agriculture to help focus on these components. Skerrit said that the funds would also be used for infrastructure with US$1.8 million also being used for social intervention “to help households with some direct cash support and we would be targeting the most vulnerable communities and most vulnerable homes in Dominica”. He said the World Bank is assisting Dominica ‘in putting the framework together for that and we are hoping very soon that it will be in place and advanced to the benefit of the k9st vulnerable communities and households in our country”.

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Finance Minister says foreign exchange improving… BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Finance Minister Chris Sinckler says the foreign exchange reserves situation in Barbados is improving and that the island’s Central Bank will soon inform citizens about the state of the economy.“For the time being, the country continues to function, people continue to go about their daily business, foreign purchases are being made, we have not heard the banks complaining that there’s no foreign exchange in Barbados to conduct business,” Sinclair told reporters, adding “so hint , hint”.Last month, former central bank governor, Dr DeLisle Worrell, said the government was in danger of losing control of the BD$2 to US$1 exchange rate, and that the “Central Bank’s foreign reserves continue to be in free fall, with the failure of government’s corrective strategy.“The current costs of government operations exceeded revenues by BDS$288 million (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) between April and December last year, and Central Bank’s

BLP leader calls for vigilance

Finance Minister Chris Sinckler and BLP leader Mia Miottley lending to the public sector increased by BDS$372 million during the year. Unless this gap is closed foreign reserves (forex) will be exhausted and government will lose control of the exchange rate,” Worrell wrote in his March Economic Letter.Worrell, who was dismissed by the Freundel Stuart government last February, said the accelerating loss of foreign reserves in 2017 is evidence of the failure of government’s adjustment policies. Reserves, which fell BDS$246 million in 2016, declined by BDS$274 million in 2017. Since December 2012 the Central Bank has lost over $1 billion of foreign exchange. Meanwhile, the leader of the main opposition Barba-

dos Labour Party (BLP) Mia Mottley is urging Barbadians to keep a close eye on the finances of the country given that there is no Parliament and the new financial year has started. Addressing the opening of the BLP campaign office on the outskirts of the capital on Monday night, Mottley urged civil servants to be the guardian of the island’s finance in the absence of a sitting legislative chamber. She told supporters that with the 2018-19 financial year starting today, the Freundel Stuart government, which has not yet named a date for the general election, is free to spend money without oversight.

Wednesday April 04 ,2018

Kaieteur News

Tensions run high ahead of Brazil court’s ruling on Lula prison Brasília (AFP) - Tensions ran high yesterday in Brazil ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on whether former president and election frontrunner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva should start serving a 12 year prison sentence for corruption. The court showdown scheduled for today has become a focal point for Brazil’s deeply divided electorate in the run-up to October’s presidential election. Those on the left, who remember Lula for lifting tens of millions of people out of poverty during his two terms between 2003-2010, see the threat of prison as an attack on democracy.At 72, the Workers’ Party founder is seeking a third term in office and leads easily in opinion polls.“I did not accept the military dictatorship and I will not accept this dictatorship of the prosecutors,” Lula said late Monday to a crowd of supporters in Rio de Janeiro. His backers were organising a rally in Brasilia today, with opponents also set to gather, separated by a metal fence and a heavy police presence. Anti-Lula protesters were also planning rallies in Sao Paulo and Rio yesterday. Lula was sentenced after being convicted last year of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe from a huge construction company seeking government contracts. He appealed in a lower court but lost.Under current law, that means he should go immediately to prison, while con-

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, seen here addressing a rally of leftist parties Monday. (AFP Photo/Mauro Pimentel) ducting further appeals. However, Lula has asked the Supreme Court to allow him to remain free while pursuing those appeals. The case has put the top court under huge pressure. On Monday, more than 5,000 judges and prosecutors signed a petition against granting Lula his habeas corpus request. Deltan Dallagnol, the chief prosecutor in the giant “Car Wash” anti-graft investigation that has upended Brazilian politics over the last four years, tweeted that he was fasting and praying for the court to rule against Lula. On Monday, the chief justice of the Supreme Court warned against violence — a real fear just days after shots were fired at two of Lula’s campaign buses in the south of Brazil, without causing injuries.“This is a time when

we have to ask for calm,” said Carmen Lucia, president of the court. “Calm so that ideological differences don’t become the source of social disorder, calm to break with the picture of violence.”Lula is not the only one causing waves this week. Current center-right President Michel Temer, who already faces two corruption charges, is embroiled in new controversy following the arrests of several close associates on graft charges. They were charged last Thursday in connection with a “Car Wash” probe into whether port logistics company Rodrimar was given contracts at Sao Paulo’s huge Santos port after bribing Temer. A third charge could be announced, although for now, Temer is at little risk of facing prosecution.

Peru to Maduro: You’re still not welcome at Summit of Americas LIMA (Reuters) - Peru’s new foreign minister said yesterday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was still not welcome to attend a regional summit in Lima next week, upholding a decision by Peru’s disgraced former president.U.S. President Donald Trump and heads of state from across the Western Hemisphere plan to travel to Peru for the Summit of the Americas, which will celebrate the theme “democratic governance fighting corruption” from April 13-14. In his first speech as Peru’s foreign minister, Nestor Popolizio said Peru’s decision not to invite Maduro to the event reflects the view of a dozen countries that have been pressuring Venezuela to hold free and fair elections. Maduro’s refusal to heed calls for democratic reforms “negates even the slightest

notion of democracy and represents an insurmountable impediment to taking part in the Summit of the Americas,” Popolizio said before a crowd of diplomats and journalists in the foreign ministry. “This is a firm decision that is not up for revision,” Popolizio said.Maduro has vowed to attend the Summit of the Americas despite Peru’s ban, which the centerright government of former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski announced in February. Maduro says Latin America’s right-leaning governments are part of a U.S.led international conspiracy to topple him and take control of Venezuela’s oil resources.Kuczynski had been one of Maduro’s most outspoken critics, calling him a “dictator” and demanding he step down.But Kuczynski resigned after a scandal last

Nicolas Maduro month and was replaced by his vice president, Martin Vizcarra. Vizcarra declined to weigh in on Maduro and the summit last week, saying he would leave it up to the foreign ministry.

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Kaieteur News

Fortunate Bayern come from behind to beat Sevilla SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Bayern Munich fought back with a deflected own goal and a late header from Thiago to claim a 2-1 win at Sevilla in an exciting Champions League quarter-final, first leg clash yesterday.Pablo Sarabia had put Sevilla ahead in the 32nd minute when he got the better of Juan Bernat to control Sergio Escudero’s cross and fire home at the back post. However, five minutes later Bayern levelled when Sevilla’s Jesus Navas agonisingly deflected Franck Ribery’s cross past home goalkeeper David Soria at the near post. With Sevilla tiring, fivetime European champions Bayern took advantage and Thiago headed the winner with the help of a deflection off Sergio Escudero in the

68th minute. “Sevilla are a good team and it’s not easy here,” said Ribery. “We reacted well to going behind. You can’t make any mistakes, you always have to be awake.” Experienced Bayen coach Jupp Heynckes said his team needed a slice of fortune to help turn the tide in their favour. “Psychologically it was very important to equalise quickly, even if it took a bit of luck,” he said. “But if we want to win the Champions League we need to improve.”Vincenzo Montella’s Sevilla were unlucky to go in level at the break, having had the better of the first half and demonstrating the spirit that saw them knock out Manchester United in the last 16.Despite

the absence of suspended playmaker Ever Banega, the Andalusians defied their underdog label and might have been awarded a penalty when Joaquin Correa was felled by Jerome Boateng but instead he was booked for diving. Sarabia should then have put the hosts ahead but fired just wide after the ball dropped perfectly for him in front of goal. The Spanish attacking midfielder made amends with the opening goal before Navas’s own goal levelled the scores.Sevilla nearly found the net just after the break but Javi Martinez made a superb perfectly timed last-ditch tackle on Franco Vazquez in the area to snuff out the chance. After that the hosts ran out of steam and Soria had to

Wednesday April 04, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A social event could bring a fascinating new someone, perhaps from a different culture, into your life, Aries. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Are you falling for someone you know on the job, Taurus? If so, you might find out that your feelings are reciprocated. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Love and romance are first and foremost on your agenda for today, Gemini. You and your romantic partner may leave a gathering of friends to be alone together and talk. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A festive event takes place in your home today, Cancer. Is it a family member's birthday? A lot of lighthearted banter takes place alongside intense discussions of deep subjects and stories of strange events occurring around the world. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Throwing away your map frees your mind to perceive reality as it is, rather than how its drawn. At this point in time, its more important to make your own connections rather than relying on anyone elses VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Financially, things seem to be going great for you right now, Virgo, and therefore you could plan to make an investment in your home.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) At this time, Libra, most of your focus is on either a group you're affiliated with or an intellectual subject in which you have an intense interest, or perhaps both! SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might decide to spend much of your day alone at home, Scorpio, perhaps working on a creative project of some kind. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Expect to be surrounded by genuine love and affection today, Sagittarius. Friends, family members, and a very special romantic partner could pay you far more attention than usual. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Idealistic love could come your way today, Capricorn. This might involve a colleague or possibly someone in a group with which you're affiliated. It might even be someone you've never before considered as more than a friend AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Travel by air, perhaps in the company of some friends, could well be in the works for you, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A lucky break could put you into a higher financial bracket than you were two days ago, Pisces. Career matters, perhaps those concerning the arts, could be involved in some way.

make a fine save to deny Martinez before Thiago got the winner with a downward header that was deflected from another Ribery cross. “The team are a bit hurt, but we played against a great side,” said Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi. Sevilla now need an unlikely triumph against the Germans in Munich in next Wednesday’s second leg to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time.

Yussuf century... From page 42 Yussuf; Abel slammed seven fours in a top score of 62. Tidy bowling and fielding by Fisherman Masters thereafter then restricted Regal Masters batting. Their batsmen were guilty of trying too hard and perished attempting to hit out. However despite losing Hardyal for 14, David Harper for one and Lynden Lyght for four, the match came down to the wire with 12 needed from the final over. But with Eric Thomas still at the crease Regal Masters could have still prevailed, however when Thomas perished for 22, Fisherman Masters breathed a sigh of relief as Regal Masters finished on 180-7. Yussuf claimed 3-19 to take the man-of-the-match award while Mohabir had 2-26 and Pooran Singh 2-31. Fisherman Masters overcome HS Masters by four wickets in their semi final encounter. Batting first, HS Masters managed 142 all out in 10.5 overs. Danny Mohanram made 37, A. Sukram 25 and Clyde Hoyte 19. Pooran Singh and Zameer Hassan had two wickets each. Fisherman Masters responded with 146-6 in 16.2 overs. Yussuf and Hassan got 28 each while Nadram Samlall had 3-32. Regal Masters beat Tropical Spring in the second semi final. Speaking at the presentation ceremony president of the GSCL Inc Ian John congratulated the winners and thanked the participating teams.

Rain forces... From page 41 and third and fourth place finishers $100,000 and $75,000 respectively. The Plate final carries a winning prize of $50,000 and a trophy. The Organisers recognized the support of the Guyana Police Force, residents of the East Coast communities and even those from other areas.

Wilder says ready to fight Joshua in Britain (Reuters) - America’s WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder says he is willing to face Anthony Joshua in Britain in a fight for the undisputed crown.Briton Joshua (21-0) collected his fourth world heavyweight title belt on Saturday when he defeated Joseph Parker in Cardiff and then challenged Wilder (40-0) to a fight in Britain. “Anthony, I am so glad we finally heard from you on Saturday and that you want to fight me as your next opponent and you want the fight to happen in the UK,” Wilder, 32, said in a statement. “I accept that challenge and I am ready to come to the UK for my next fight. There is nothing on Team Wilder’s side to prevent me from fighting you next.“Thanks Anthony, I can’t wait to meet you in the ring.”The WBC title is the only one remaining on Joshua’s radar after he added the WBO championship to his WBA, IBF and IBO titles

Deontay Wilder has said ‘he is ready to come to the UK to fight Anthony Joshua next’. (AP) by defeating New Zealand’s previously unbeaten Parker on Saturday by unanimous decision.

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Wednesday April 04, 2018

Briana Williams’ double highlight of Jamaican Carifta domination Jamaica Observer Briana Williams completed the only sprint double after she won the Under-17 girls’ 200m on Monday’s final day of the 47th CARIFTA Games at the Thomas A Robinson stadium in Nassau, Bahamas, as she completed the weekend with three gold medals and two records. Williams, who is in her second year of representing Jamaica, added the 200m gold to the 100m she won in a new championships record on Saturday as well as the Under-17 girls 4x100m relays that she led to a record run on Sunday. Jamaicans broke three sprint hurdles records yesterday as they swept the hurdles and the 200m gold medals and strolled to a 34th-straight year of topping the medals tables, marred only by the disqualification of the Under-20 girls’ 4x400m relay team late Monday. There was a botched exchange on the second handover between Sanique Walker and 400m hurdles champion Shiann Salmon, where the baton fell and Salmon picked it up instead of allowing Walker, the incoming runner, to retrieve it, as per IAAF rules. The Jamaican team led by at least 50 metres at the time. Jamaica had won 83 medals, just shy of the 86 copped last year. As they did in the 100m on Saturday, the Jamaicans swept all four gold medals in the 200m, but only Williams managed the sprint double.

The Florida-based athlete, who just turned 16 in the last two weeks, got off to her usual fast start, despite a false start by Bahamas’s Megan Moss, and ran from the field to win by a wide margin in 23.11 seconds (1.1m/s). Shaniqua Bascombe of Trinidad and Tobago took the silver in 23.75 seconds and Jaida Knowles of The Bahamas, who was second in the 100m, took third in 23.85 seconds. Andre Bent, who won the boys’ Under-17 100m gold medal, had to be content with silver, as his teammate Rajay Morris won in a wind-aided 21.25 seconds (2.2m/s) to Bent’s 21.42m. Terrance Jones of The Bahamas was third in 21.69 seconds. Ockera Myrie upgraded her silver from the Under-20 girls ‘100m to gold in the halflap yesterday, running a windaided 23.34 seconds (2.4m/s), beating French Guiana’s Gemima Joseph (23.70 seconds) and Devine Parker of The Bahamas, who just missed a medal in the 100m, got a bronze in 23.77 seconds. Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor easily won the Under20 boys’ gold medal in 20.38 seconds (1.1m/s) and said afterwards that he had “just come out to win so the time is faster than I expected”. Joel Johnson, of The Bahamas, the 100m winner, was second in 20.90 seconds, while Xavier Nairne came from well behind to snatch the bronze in 21.07 seconds. Jamaica dominated the sprint hurdles, sweeping all

Christopher Taylor of Jamaica cruises to victory in the boys’ Under-20 200m, winning gold in a time of 20.38 seconds. four gold medals yesterday to add to the four gold medals earlier in the week in the intermediate hurdles. There were three new championship records along the way, while Amoi Brown and Orlando Bennett both retained titles they won last year.Crystal Morrison in the Under-17, Vashaun Vascianna in the Under-17 boys and Brown, all broke impressive records. Morrison clocked 13.11 seconds (1.7m/s) and her teammate Ackera Nugent ran 13.35 seconds, both under the 13.51 seconds set by Melaine

Latin American fans buying World Cup tickets faster than Europeans ZURICH (Reuters) Latin American fans are buying tickets for the World Cup in Russia faster than Europeans, according to figures published by global soccer body FIFA yesterday. FIFA said that 394,433 tickets were sold in the most recent sales period and 216,134 of those were allocated to fans from the host nation.

Fans from the United States were the biggest buyers among foreign supporters with 16,642 tickets, even though their team has not qualified. However, as the numbers are based on country of residence, a proportion of the U.S. sales could come from the nation’s large Hispanic community. The next five biggest purchasers were Argentina (15,006), Colombia (14,755), Mexico (14,372), Brazil (9,962) and Peru (9,766). Germany, whose team are the defending champions, was the top European nation with 5,974 tickets allocated while China (6,598), Australia (5,905) and India (4,509) completed the top ten. China and India have also failed to qualify. F I FA s a i d a t o t a l o f 1,698,049 tickets have been

sold overall since sales began in September, again dominated by fans from Latin America. U.S. residents were the top purchasers with 80,161 tickets, followed by Brazil (65,863), Colombia (60,199), Germany (55,136), Mexico (51,736), Argentina (44,882), Peru (38,544), China (36,841), Australia (34,628) and England (30,711). Russian fans have acquired 796,875 tickets. The final batch of tickets will go on sale from April 18, the organisation said. A number of European countries and the United States are in a major standoff with Russia, with expulsions of diplomats on both sides, over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England last month. Britain has blamed the attack on Russia which has denied responsibility.

Walker in 1999. Barbados’s Sarah Belle took the bronze with 13.55 seconds. Vascianna’s 13.60 seconds (1.9m/s) was faster than the 13.75 seconds set by Guadeloupe’s Wilhem Belocian in 2011; Jahvel Granville, who led off the record-breaking Jamaican Under-17 4x100m relay team, won the silver medal in 13.77 seconds. Raymond Oriaki won the bronze in 13.94 seconds. Brown, who last year just missed Samantha Elliott’s record of 13.42 seconds set

Jamaica’s Briana Williams sprints to victory in the Under-17 200m in a personal best 23.11 seconds at the FLOW Carifta Games inside the Thomas A Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday. (Photos: Leo Hudson) in 2010, ran 13.15 seconds (1.0m/s) as her teammate Dazsay Freeman took the silver in 13.39 seconds, also under the previous mark. The Bahamas’s Sasha Wells was third with 13.44 seconds. It was Freeman’s secondstraight silver medal as he took second in the Under-18 final last year. Bennett had to come from behind to defend his Under20 title, charging over the last three hurdles to catch Guadeloupe’s Jeanice Laviolette who led most of the race from lane one. Bennett ran a wind-aided

13.55 seconds (3.0m/s) just edging Laviolette- 13.52 seconds and Oscar Smith from The Bahamas third in 13.57 seconds. Brithon Senior, also of Jamaica, was fifth in 13.76 seconds.Shaqueena Foote was the only Jamaican winner in the 800m when she added the Under-20 girls’ title to the 1500m she won on Saturday, winning in two minutes 07.56 seconds, beating the defending champion and teammate Chrissani May, who took the silver in 2:09.00 and Guyana’s Joanna Archer took bronze in 2:11.62.

Ronaldo’s outrageous bicycle kick caps emphatic Real win TURIN (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a bicycle kick which was outrageous even by his standards to lead Real Madrid to an emphatic 3-0 win away to Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg yesterday. With his back to goal, Ronaldo launched himself into the air to meet Dani Carvajal’s chipped ball and produced a perfectly-executed bicycle shot which flew past keeper Gianluigi Buffon and put Real 2-0 ahead. The goal was greeted by applause even from Juventus fans who only minutes earlier had hounded and insulted Ronaldo when he shot wide. The Portuguese had got Real off the mark with a thirdminute goal, scoring for a record 10th successive Champions League game, and Marcelo was also on target as Juve’s five-year unbeaten

Ronaldo smashed home an overhead kick to double Los Blancos’ lead in emphatic fashion at the Allianz Stadium. (EPA) home record in European competition crumbled. A red card for playmaker Paulo Dybala in the 66th minute completed a miserable evening for the Serie A champions, beaten 4-1 by Real in last season’s Champions

League final. “When you play against sides like this, you need a little bit of luck and, more than anything else, to meet Ronaldo on a bad night,” said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Wednesday April 04, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Sodhi stands firm as New Philander bowls South Africa Zealand hold on for series win to record win over Australia

Colin de Grandhomme held firm, leaving England needing four wickets from the final session ©Getty Images CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) - Tail-ender Ish Sodhi hit a gutsy halfcentury as New Zealand fought a defiant rearguard action on a tense final day to hold on for a draw in the second test yesterday and secure a first series win over England since 1999. Winners of the first test in Auckland by an innings and 49 runs, New Zealand were 256 for eight when the umpires offered Sodhi the light, still 126 runs in arrears but with the all-important draw secure. England made the perfect start to the final day when Stuart Broad claimed wickets with the first two deliveries but the tourists were unable to winkle out the final few batsmen as the fading light cast long shadows over Hagley Oval. Opener Tom Latham scored a gritty 83 but it was spinner Sodhi’s 168-ball 56 not out in partnerships with Colin de Grandhomme and then Neil Wagner that most frustrated England. “Series victories, especially over England, don’t come around that often and just to be part of this, especially when I was quite disappointed with my performance with the ball, was massive for me,” Sodhi said. “The whole time I was thinking about batting as straight as I could, they started bowling bumpers around the wicket and I found them quite hard to pick up so there were some tough periods there.” England skipper Joe Root tried every bowling option available to him and his team had their chances to take wickets throughout the day, even if none of

them were clear cut. The draw brings an end to a tour Down Under that started in October and also included a 4-0 Ashes defeat, helping extend England’s run without a test win overseas to 13 matches. New Zealand’s success in the series was built on their new ball attack and Tim Southee was named Man of the Match for his 6-62 in England’s first innings, while his partner Trent Boult won the series award for his 17 wickets over the two matches. “The bowling attack has been brilliant,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. “But those two guys in the last session, Sodhi and Neil Wagner - just a phenomenal effort. It was an amazing day of test cricket.” DRIVING SEAT England, humiliated when dismissed for 58 in the first innings in Auckland, had been in the driving seat in Christchurch after scoring 307 in their first innings and 352-9 declared in the second after New Zealand’s first knock of 278. “We threw absolutely everything at New Zealand today, very proud how we went about it as a group. Fair play to New Zealand, they hung on very well.” Root said. “Bar that first innings, we’ve played some good cricket and especially in this game, I think we showed what we are about.” The hosts resumed on 42-0 on Tuesday and seamer Broad removed Jeet Raval (17) with his loosener before coming up with a peach of a delivery to take the key wicket of

Williamson for a golden duck when the New Zealand captain edged behind. R o s s Ta y l o r ( 1 3 ) blocked to prevent a hattrick but soon became spinner Jack Leach’s first test victim with a reverse sweep straight to Alastair Cook at short backward square. Henry Nicholls also made 13 before he became paceman James Anderson’s 531st test victim, miscuing a drive that took an edge into the hands of Cook in the slip cordon.BJ Wa t l i n g s c o r e d a b a t tling 19 before getting across the crease to flick Mark Wood to Anderson at backward square before Leach got his second wicket when Latham top-edged a sweep. Sodhi put on 47 runs for the seventh wicket with de Grandhomme and New Zealand looked in real trouble when the allr o u n d e r p u l l e d a Wo o d bouncer to Leach at fine leg. Wagner came out and joined Sodhi at the crease, however, and the pair batted through more than 31 overs until the paceman was dismissed after a 103ball knock for seven runs in what turned out to be the last action of the series. “Waggy was really good, he got me through the tough periods,” said Sodhi. “He’s a fighter when he bowls and he showed it with the bat today and he dragged me along with him.” Scores: New Zealand 278 and 256 for 8 (Latham 83, Sodhi 56*) drew with England307 and 352 for 9 dec (Vince 76, Stoneman 60, Root 54, de Grandhomme 494).

Vernon Philander ran through Australia on the fifth day, taking six wickets for three runs ©AFP JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Vernon Philander grabbed six wickets in a devastating spell of seam bowling as South Africa crushed Australia by a record 492 runs to clinch the four-match series 3-1 yesterday, leaving the tourists with much soulsearching to do. The scandal-hit tourists had promised to fight for a draw on the final day to end a controversial tour on a positive note but their resistance lasted just 83 minutes as Philander ripped through the batting order to finish with career-best figures of 6-21. Australia were bowled out for a paltry 119 in their second innings to succumb to their heaviest ever loss to South Africa in terms of runs, their second biggest defeat against any opponent and the fourth biggest loss in test cricket. By contrast, South Africa completed their biggest victory over the Australians in tests by runs, and sealed their first home series win over the demoralised visitors since 1970. The Australians have been rocked by a ball-tampering scandal in which former captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft were sent home after the third test before being slapped with hefty bans. Since that incident in Cape Town, they scored 447 runs for the loss of 30 wickets as the “mental disintegration” they are so famous for inflicting on opponents proved to be their own downfall. “I don’t think it was one day too many, it was probably a few … but there has been enough spoken about the week that we have had and we are disappointed with the

way we handled it,” new captain Tim Paine told reporters. “This group had a chance to show some fight and determination today and we weren’t able to because mentally we weren’t quite there. “At the moment there is a fair bit of disappointment and borderline embarrassment in our change room.” Paine conceded that South Africa had been the better side since Australia claimed a 118-run win in the opening test in Durban and that the tourists had wilted under the pressure. “The performance is concerning, no doubt about that. From the Durban test match, South Africa outplayed us purely on skill,” he said. “But we have also got some guys here who have played international cricket for a very long time and they will have to step up again now that we have lost two of the best players in the world for the foreseeable future.” MORKEL WICKETLESS Philander took six wickets for three runs in 32 balls to carve through the tourists and keep fellow seamer Morne Morkel (2-28) wicketless on his final morning of international cricket before his retirement.Australia resumed on 88 for three, but lost the Marsh brothers in the opening over as Shaun (seven) got an inside edge on to his pad and was caught by Temba Bavuma, and Mitchell was snatched by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, both off Philander. Peter Handscomb (24) was bowled after chopping on to his stumps and Paine (seven) edged to De Kock as the tourists struggled to cope with Philander’s seam movement. Pat Cummins (one) left a delivery that cannoned into

his off-stump and Chadd Sayers (zero) edged to Dean Elgar at gully as the Australian innings ended in a rush of failures. The match ended when Nathan Lyon (nine) was run out, a chaotic end to what has been a shambolic series for the Australians. “This means a lot to us,” South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said. “And I believe this is the best we have been right through a series. Credit to everyone that played their part, at various times a lot of guys put their hands up so we can say this was a collective team effort. “We all know there were a lot of incidents in this series, but after each day I would sit in the dressing-room and sense that there was a calmness to our emotions and we were really just focused on winning games of cricket.” Tempers boiled over in the series on a number of occasions, but Paine said he was looking forward to sharing time with the South Africans. “We have been invited in (for a beer), though it’s a bit early, it might be a coffee,” Paine said. “We have got some young players in our team who will learn a lot from going to have a beer with some of the experienced players in the South Africans have got. We are very happy to do that.” Scores: South Africa 488 (Markram 152, Bavuma 95*, de Villiers 69, Cummins 5-83, Lyon 3-182) and 344 for 6 dec (Du Plessis 120, Elgar 81, Cummins 4-58) beat Australia 221 (Paine 62, Khawaja 53, Cummins 50, Philander 3-30, Rabada 353, Maharaj 3-92) and 119 (Burns 42, Philander 6-21) by 492 runs.

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Wednesday April 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

GTTA names squad for Caribbean National Club Basketball Championships 2018 Pre-Cadet Championships in July Eleven clubs to contest Road to Mecca V To better fortify Guyana’s chances and effectively plan Guyana’s participation and representation in the 2018 Caribbean Pre Cadet Table Tennis Championships scheduled for July 2018 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the newly elected executive committee of the association has named the squad with a view of selecting the final representatives for the upcoming tournament. The squad is a very formidable and talented one and includes the likes of 2016 Caribbean Cadet Champion Kaysan Ninvalle, 2017 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Caribbean World Hopes qualifier selectee Krystian Sahadeo, Nkechi McCrae, Thuraia Thomas (Caribbean Bronze medalist 2016), the talented Dhanesh Persaud, Colin Wong along with new and emerging talents Jasmine Bilingi, Akera Watson, Quanna Torrington, Samara Sukhai, Tatyanna Mohamed and Roseanna Sanders. The Caribbean Pre Cadet Table Tennis tournament is a signature event on the GTTA

calendar of activities since it forms the incubator and debut for development of young regional table tennis talents. It is key to note that the championships will be used to select the best two Caribbean 13 years and under and 11 years and under boys and girls to participate in the Latin American World Hopes training and competition slated for later this year. This would allow the players, if selected, to benefit from international training and exposure and if select as part of the Latin Hopes team be given training exposure and equipment to sport as an induction to the ITTF development programme. The GTTA has commenced the implementation of its national table tennis for schools programme which is part of its plan to synchronize with the ITTF hopes programmes. The executive committee will be meeting with the parents, coaches and stakeholders to map out its plans for the teams engagement at the championships.

-Berbice Association to have new representative this year

Narayan Ramdhani arrives in Gold Coast, Australia Guyana’s Badminton player Narayan Ramdhani arrived in Gold Coast Australia on Monday for the Commonwealth Games 2018. He participated in the Flag Raising ceremony yesterday with the rest of the Guyana Teams and also started his first training sessions at the Main Hall, Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre getting in shape for his upcoming action on April 10th in the Men’s Singles Round of 64 Event. Narayan is up against Vernon Sameed of St. Helena in the first round. Leading up to this match he will be in constant training daily to get his game plan to the best possible way. Tomorrow he will also take part in the Opening Ceremony of the CG 2018.

Action during last year’s Road to Mecca IV between Pacesetters (Stephan Gillis with ball) and Plaisance Guardians. Much action is anticipated in this year’s tourney which bounces off Saturday.

Narayan Ramdhani with Badminton Legend and world’s top player Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia who has won 691 Championships to date.

Shadab Khan fined for... From page 42 who is Walton’s teammate at Islamabad United, admitted his offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee David Boon. As per the ICC’s code, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. This is the first time Shadab has been caught breaching the player code. If he accumulates three more demerit points within a 24-month period, it will translate into suspension points that will earn him a one-match ban.

There will be 11 clubs participating in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) 2018 National Club Championship (Road to Mecca V). Six clubs from the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), which is the local association for two-time defending champions Bounty Colts, while the usual four from the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) and one team from Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA). Colts defeated LABA’s Victory Valley Royals 85-83 in the closely contested 2017 final at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last Christmas Eve to successfully defend their 2016 title. Meanwhile, Kobras (third seed in 2018) who had to play the qualifiers to reach the tournament last year, defeated Dyna’s Ravens 76-75 after extratime in the third place playoff. This year, Ravens didn’t make the automatic cut in Road to Mecca V after their poor performance in the just concluded GABA 1st division knockout tournament. Republic Bank Nets, which finished second behind Colts in that knockout tournament, usurped Ravens in this year’s National tournament.

Ravens are still in with a chance and will play the winner of last night’s GABA qualifier between Pepsi Sonics and Eagles for their place in Road to Mecca V which carries a total prize purse of $2-million. Last year’s Berbice representative Rose Hall Jammers will not be returning to National Championships which will see the winning team pocket $600,000 since they are soon to be dethroned as BABA champions. In the ongoing BABA tournament that concludes this Saturday, Rose Hall Jammers lost 58-37 to Canje Knights in that tournament’s

second semi-final, while Hopetown Stealers got past Fyrish Black Sharks 54-49 in the first semi-final. The winners of the final, the 2018 BABA champion will be the lone Berbice representative in Mecca V.The 2nd place finishers of the Mecca will receive $400,000 and 3rd $300,000 while the tournament’s MVP will walk away with a handsome $200,000, the player with the most points $100,000, most rebounds $100,000 and the most improved player $100,000 along with team and individual trophies and fan giveaways. (Calvin Chapman)

Wednesday April 04, 2018

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Kaieteur News

RERC Easter Regatta Grass Track Meet

Rasul and Vieira (125cc Pro.), Sears (125cc Novice), O. Young (Quads), Fagundes (Bush Bikes) are Overall champs

Steven Vieira

Tevin Sears - 125cc 2-Stroke Novice champion

Under-16 BMX winner, Joseph Wendano

Franklin Wilson story and photos The Red Earth Riders Club (RERC) of Bartica successfully brought off their first Grass Track Meet of the year, held to coincide with the Bartica Easter Regatta activities on Saturday last at the Mongrippa Playfield, Mongrippa Hill, Bartica. Fans and lovers of the sport came out in their numbers, braving the mid morning and early afternoon heat to enjoy the thrills, skills and nimbleness of the athletes as they maneuvered their machines on the dirt track. Despite the dusty nature of the track early on (Fire Service being summoned to wet the track mid afternoon to keep the dust down) fans enjoyed every race as they cheered the competitors on and were left in awe on a few occasions when there were some spills. Nonetheless, when the dust was settled as the sun began to set, emerging as the Overall Champions were Bobby Rasul and Steven Vieira joint winners of the 125cc 2-Stroke Professional Category. Rasul and Vieira finished with 24-points apiece as a result of one first, second and third place finish. Steven Nobrega was next with 12 points followed by Ravin Ramcoomar and Andrew Wong with 10 points each. Wong, the pride of Bartica in this format of the sport, was involved in an intense battle with Vieira and Rasul. Vieira prevailed in the first Pro race even as Wong fell off his machine twice due to some mechanical issues with his suspension. Wong later changed his machine and went on to defeat Vieira and Rasul in a thrilling race which he led from mid way the first lap, Vieira and company left in the trail of dust playing catch up. That was also the case in the Open race which was the

Joint 125cc Professional Overall winner, Bobby Rasul receives one of his prizes. penultimate event of the day. Oliver Young was unstoppable in the Quads events racking up two wins in as many starts to end with 20-points, four more than his younger brother Dave Young who could only manage the runner-up spots in both events. The joint 3rd place finishers were Mark Fagundes and Romario Smartt who both collected 10 points each. Tevin Sears was unstoppable in the 125cc 2-Stroke Novice championship accumulating a total of 28 points from his two wins and one second. Sears had lost the first race to Daniel Hardeen but revved his way back into contention by taking the next two races where he relegated Hardeen to the runner up spots in each race to win the Overall prize by two points. Hardeen ended with 26 points, Avo Ramcoomar was 3rd in this category on 12, while

fourth was Nandram Mohamed two points adrift. In the Bush Bikes showdown, Mark Fagundes reigned supreme with a win and a second place which was enough to land him the top prize with 18 points. Trailing him was Antonio Jardine on 10 points followed by Romario Smartt on 8 with Zameer Shariff and Lancelot Douglas tied on 6 apiece for 4th place. Dave Young rebounded to claim first place in the Side by Side 5-lap contest, Kacy De Agrilla 2nd and Antonio Jardine 3rd. In the Open race a 7-lap showdown, Andrew Wong won from Steven Vieira, Steven Nobrega and Romario Smartt in that order. There was also a 3-lap race for Under-16 BMX cyclists which was won by Joseph Wendano from Keanu Moore and Daniel Luz. Sponsors of the event were B. Lalta & Sons, KGM Security, El-

Mark Fagundes being rewarded. egance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Gold Target, V. Ramsingh & Sons General Store, Atlantic Marine and Supplies, Indo & S o n s M i n i n g , W. G o l d e n , Mohamed’s Enterprises, Gary Young & Red Earth Riders, Gold X Trading, BLB Signature, Pandit Motors Spares & Service, W.

Golden, Ramnarine Trading, S.K Minerals, Thomas Mineral Trading, Cyril Scarder’s Meat Centre, Nicholas Kadir, Devon Henry’s Heavy Duty Spares, Evan’s Grocery – Fat Man, M. I Yassin General Store, Freddy’s Taxi Service, R. Baksh & Sons and Dino’s Investments.

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Wednesday April 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Babar, Fakhar lead Pakistan to 3-0 sweep ESPNcricinfo - Pakistan won with 19 balls to spare to complete a 3-0 sweep. But given how ordinary West Indies have been on tour, this was a competitive match. West Indies’ 153 could have proved handy on a different surface against another side, but in Karachi, it just didn’t seem enough against Pakistan’s firepower. Fakhar Zaman’s early onslaught - a brutal 17-ball 40 brought the asking rate down drastically and from there on, West Indies had no answers. Babar Azam continued his rich vein of form to stroke an unbeaten 51 to go along with his 97 not out on Monday, as Pakistan won in a canter. West Indies lost Chadwick Walton for a duck but seemed to recover courtesy a 72-run stand between Marlon Samuels and Andre Fletcher. As solid as they were, what West Indies needed them was some bighitting madness to the innings. Yet, it was a massive improvement to the shoddy batting of the previous two matches. Fletcher found his timing as the innings progressed as he top scored with 52, only for a mini-collapse to set West Indies back. It began with Shadab Khan cleaning up Samuels with another gem of a googly, the variation so well con-

Shadab Khan celebrates the wicket of Marlon Samuels. (AFP) cealed that Samuels didn’t seem to realise the stumps had been rattled. Fletcher was run out following a brilliant piece of fielding - and a direct hit - from Mohammad Nawaz. The debutant Andre McCarthy top edged Shadab to longoff, while extra pace from Faheem Ashraf trapped Rovman Powell in front. 74 for 1 suddenly became 97 for 5. The last four overs proved profitable as Denesh Ramdin outwitted, outthought and outclassed Pakistan’s death bowlers. The absence of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali might have had something to do with that, but

GCA’s NYTS 50 overs U-19 cricket DCC and TSC notched up victories, while the game between New York Tri State and GCC at Ogle was abandoned due an unfit ground in the latest round of matches in the GCA’s NYTS’ 50-over cricket tournament yesterday. Four-wicket hauls from Sagar Hertheramani and Daniel Mootoo and a shotfilled 45 from West Indies U16 Captain Sachin Singh led Host DCC to a 59-run win against Bell Air, while pacer Anthony Antonio, Mark Baptiste and Antonio Hetsburger shared eight wickets between them before Adrian Hinds registered an unbeaten 40 to see TSC beating GNIC by 10 wickets at MSC. At MSC, GNIC won the toss and opted to bat in a match reduced to 25 overs due a wet outfield caused by overnight and early morning rain and quickly slumped to 39-9 in sunny conditions and a sluggish outfield; eventually being dismissed for 69 in 19.2 overs. Hetsburger (3-12), Antonio (3-16) and Baptiste (2-10) were the architects of destruction for TSC who galloped to 70 without loss. The left-handed Hinds

Usman Khan and Faheem are hardly poor substitutes. Ramdin, however, was all over them in a show of power hitting Lahore Qalandars fans will be wishing he had shown when he was with them just last month. He smashed three sixes and four fours as he surged to 42 off just 18 balls, and West Indies scored a respectable enough 153. West Indies, however, failed to carry that momentum. Fakhar ’s fireworks aside, Babar was his usual consistent self, almost effortlessly cruising to another 50 as he anchored Pakistan’s chase. Rayad Emrit, who was hammered

to all parts of the underrenovation National Stadium in the first two games, w a s We s t I n d i e s b e s t bowler on the day, conceding just 24 in four overs. Unfortunately for the Jason Mohammed’s team, however, he didn’t take any wickets, and thus West Indies were never in with a shot of defending the target. After Babar fell, new boys Hussain Talat - who has had a series to dream of - and Asif Ali took command of the chase. There was no pressure on them, really, but even so, the lack of drama with which they calmly steered the team home was impressive. In the end, it

ended all too quickly as West Indies’ bowling disintegrated completely, and there’s plenty to be said about the limita-

tions of the visitors. Today, however, the story was all about Pakistan - all about Karachi.

DCC, TSC win, NYTS/ GCC washed out

Adrian Hinds hits a six during his unbeaten 40 for GNIC at MSC yesterday.

GNIC’s Mark Baptiste produced a lively spell at MSC yesterday.

was in an aggressive mood from the start; smashing four fours and a six, including two fours and a six in GNIC’s Skipper Euan Blair when the pacer insisted in bowling short in an over which cost 19 runs.Hetsburger (14) played the sporting role as TSC raced to victory in just 9.3 overs. The run out of Rashidi Benjamin (6) after he

had got going with a pugnacious pull for a boundary off Antonio, at 7-1, triggered a dramatic collapse and GNIC never recovered despite a 30-run last wicket stand between Jomal Davis (14) and Leon Chesney undefeated on 13. Three wickets tumbled for no run as Rashidi Benjamin, Jeremiah Benjamin (0) and

Raymond Bandu (1) were quickly sent packing as Baptiste and Antonio got the ball to bounce disconcertingly to leave GNIC on 7-3.Things got progressively worse when Trevon Jones (0) got a leading edge and spooned an easy catch as Antonio struck at 13-4 before Akeem Williams was magnificently taken low to his left at slip by Mark Rampersaud off the lively Baptiste seven runs later. Wickets continued to tumble before the last pair, the only batsmen to reach double figures, got their team past the 50 mark.

The bowlers were backed up by an absolutely brilliant fielding display from a team that has been without a usable ground for close to two decades now. At DCC, in another rain affected game which was also reduced to a 25-over affair, DCC made 148 in 23.4 overs as the left-handed Sachin Singh clobbered five fours and three sixes in 45 and got support from Windies U-19 World Cup player Ashmead Nedd who hammered six boundaries including two sixes in a quick-fire 39. Garrick Persaud (15) and Alphius Bookie (13) were the

other batsmen to reach double figures. Sidiq Khan (4-21) and Kesur Seepersaud (4-13) bowled well for Bell Air who were routed for 89 in 24.1 overs despite 23 from Andrew Samaroo and 20 from Khan.Mootoo (3-11), Hertheramani (3-10) and Diquan Bamfield (2-25) bowled DCC to victory. The competition continues today from 09:30 hrs with Everest facing Bell Air at Ogle, GNIC opposing GCC at Bourda and the visiting NYTS line-up battling GYO at MSC. (Sean Devers)

Wednesday April 04, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Guyana continue unbeaten run in Regional U-15 cricket Hosts Jamaica saw their title hopes dashed after crashing to a four-run defeat to Guyana in their crucial Regional Under-15 cricket match at Port Esquivel Sports Club Monday. Guyana, with their fourth consecutive win, now move to 24 points atop the standings after the penultimate round of games. Jamaica remain on 12 points. Jamaica started the day on six points adrift of Guyana and needed to win to stay alive in the tournament. They won the toss and asked Guyana to bat and the visitors piled up 181-6 from their 50 overs on the back of a splendid 72 from captain Zeynul Ramsammy. Having lost two quick wickets at 7-2, Ramsammy entered the fray and held the innings together with five measured fours from 137 balls. He got good support from Romel Datterdeen who hit three sixes and a four in his 43 not out from 46 balls. Mavendra Dindyel chipped in with 33. Sherwayne Thomas took 3-33 and Javon Nembhard captured 2-15 as Jamaica restricted Guyana to a more than reasonable score. Jamaica started tentatively, but sure, as openers Jordan Johnson and Adrian

Weir put on 111 for the first wicket before the stocky Weir was bowled for 48. Weir, who struggled to run singles, hit four fours and two sixes from 96 balls. Losing coach Phillip Service said it was a learning experience for his youngsters. “We restricted them to 181 and we thought it was a competitive score. But at the same time we could have restricted them to another 20 runs (fewer) than that and that became crucial in the end,” Service pointed out. Guyana’s coach Winston Smith could not contain his joy, noting that he dropped a pace bowler to facilitate another spinner, which worked wonders. “We realise in the Caribbean that they couldn’t play good spin because we knew the condition wouldn’t be conducive for spinners,” said Smith. Scores: At Port Esquivel Sports Club: Guyana won by four runs. GUYANA 181 for six off 50 overs (Zeynul Ramsammy 72, Romel Datterdeen 43 not out, Mavendra Dindyal 33; Sherwayne Thomas 3-33, Javon Nembhard 2-15). JAMAICA 177 for eight off 50 overs (Jordan Johnson 56, Adrian Weir 48; Jeremey Sandia 4-29, Jonathan

The Guyana Under-15 team celebrate their latest win by indicating the number 4 and head to the fifth and final win for the title today. Rampersaud 2-35). Barbados, who started the day on 12 points, were expected to pick up maximum points against bottom-placed and pointless Leeward Islands in their game at Windalco cricket ground and that they did. Scores: At Ewarton Sports Complex: Barbados won by 140 runs. BARBADOS 252 for four

off 50 overs (Jaden Leacock 86, Jacob Bethell 81, Romario Roach 25, Johann Layne 25 not out; Akadianto Willett 249). LEEWARD ISLANDS 112 off 43.1 overs (Carlon Bowen- Tuckett 29; Tariq O’neale 4-15, Johann Layne 2-19). In another game, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands, with six points each

Pele Alumni Annual Youth Education...

entering the contest at Chedwin Park. And Trinidad came out tops by a 47-run margin. Scores: At Chedwin Park: T&T won by 47 runs. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 236 for five off 50 overs (Andrew Rambaran 71, Narad Kissoondath 56, Rajeev Ramnath 31, Ronillster Perreira 23 not out; Omari Venner 4-26).

WINDWARD ISLANDS 189 all out off 47.4 overs (Divonie Joseph 55, Yawani Joseph 54, Sky La Feuille 30; Ronillster Perreira 2-15, Andrew Rambaran 2-40). The fifth and final round will be played today with Jamaica taking on the Windward Islands and Guyana playing Barbados in what is expected to be the title decider. (Jamaica Observer)

East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Rain forces Organisers to postpone final until Saturday

Participants and their assistants in the Parliament Chambers yesterday during their visit. From page 35 Cutlery/Crockery Practice and Information TechnologyToday’s Needs. The Alumini also partners the Ministry of Education on

a yearly basis to run off an Essay Competition which sees participation from eight of the nine Districts. Some of the top students are then drafted into the Pele Alumini

Scholarship Programme. Five such children are presently part of the programme and they receive a monthly stipend towards their educational

pursuits. Other Directors are Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton who is the Treasurer of the Alumini with Keith Michael Layne aka ‘Bumpy’ serving as Secretary.

A consistent downpour and the forecast of more rain led to the postponement of the scheduled final of the East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition on Easter Monday, at the Haslington Market Tarmac. Another large turnout of fans left the arena disappointed after it was announced that the new date for the semi-finals and final is this Saturday, at the same venue. Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, who was at the venue very early in the day spearheading preparations for the final showdown decided to call off the night’s proceedings after learning that more rain was forecasted for the area, indicating that players’ safety was his first priority.Baptiste, under whose stewardship the street phenomenon has reached new heights commended the fans for their steadfast support throughout the tournament, but

more particularly those that braved the inclement weather to attend the final. “I know they (fans and players) are disappointed, but me too since I anticipated another large turnout and the fans responded, but the players safety was a major concern for me, while the wet surface and more rain that was forecasted prompted my decision to postpone the g a m e s u n t i l S a t u r d a y, ” Baptiste told the media. In the championship semi-finals: Buxton Diamond take on Paradise-A21:15hrs, while Uprising go up against defending champion Melanie-B-20:30hrs In the Plate Semi-finals: Belfield Warriors tackle BVA-20:00hrs and this will be followed by the clash between Vi c t o r i a and Mahaica-19:30hrs.The ultimate prize of $400,000, bragging rights and a place in the national playoffs will go to the overall winner, while the runner-up takes home $150,000 (Continued on page 35)

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Wednesday April 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Banks United Circle Tennis claim NSC title Elections of Georgetown Banks United Circle Tennis (BUCT) won the National Sports Commission/ AL Sport and Tour Promotions Sponsored Season Opener Circle Tennis competition by defeating rival Victory Chasers Circle Tennis Club recently at Thirst Park. Banks UCT won the toss and invited Victory Chasers to the circle first, they scored 255-8 off eighty (80) delivers; Shemeeza Abrams lead the way with 86 ( 11x6s), Shavaun Henry made 49, Befron Osborne 33, Ngagi Osborne 28and Thekla Aaron 27. Banks in reply reached their target ending on 258-6, with two deliveries remaining; Roanna Charles scored 62,

Football Association Member Clubs As mandated by the Constitutions of all Georgetown Football Association member Clubs, we hereby give notice of our upcoming election of Office bearers, which is schedule to be executed during the month of April in the year 2018. Below is the list of clubs holding elections:

Banks captain receiving the winner’s trophy from Sports Officer Alistair Munroe.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Camptown Football Club Northern Rangers Football Club Santos Football Club Wolves Football Club Riddim Squad Football Club Huston Stars Football Club Flamingo Football Club Eastville Football Club

21/04/2018 12/04/2018 11/4/2018

13/4/2018

GFF fines Ann’s Grove for their no-show against Milerock last week NSC Windball camp concludes at National Gymnasium The Guyana Football Fed- If fines and fees are not paid Leticia Bellille 58, Simone Williams 43 and Shumain Bobb 39. S. Abrams and R. Charles

both received an award for contribution in their respective teams. Meanwhile, the

organisers thanked the Management of Banks DIH for their support in allowing them to use the venue and lights.

Students and officials of AL Sport following the presentation ceremony. Students drawn from seven secondary schools competed in a one week National Sports Commission/AL Sport & Tour Promotions

Windball cricket development camp held recently at the National Gymnasium and organised by Sports Officer Alistair Munroe.

Students were taught about the basics of the game and urged to take sports seriously. Participants received certificates of completion and

came from Queen’s College, Carmel, Charlestown, L’Aventure Secondary, Central High and School of the Nations.

Shadab Khan fined for verbal abuse ESPNcricinfo - Pakistan wrist-spinner Shadab Khan has been fined 20% of his match fee after being found guilty of verbal abuse during the second T20 international against West Indies in Karachi. Shadab’s offence amounted to a Level 1 breach of the ICC’s code of conduct, which also earned him one demerit point. The incident occurred in the ninth over of the West Indies chase, when Shadab dismissed Chadwick Walton. After being taken for 11 runs in his first over by the batsman, Shadab returned to clean him up with a wrong’un off the first ball of his next over. Shadab then followed up by pointing his finger at the departing Walton, and made an inappropriate comment. Shadab, (Continued on page 38)

Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed celebrate a wicket. (AFP)

eration (GFF) has sanctioned the Ann’s Grove United Football Club (AGU FC) for a noshow at their scheduled GFF Elite League match on Saturday, 31st March against Milerock FC at the No. 5 Ground, West Coast Berbice. This sanction was activated in accordance with Rule 4.16 of the GFF Elite League Season III, which, states the following: 4.16 A No-show is when a team willfully does not appear at a game without a specific agreement approved by the GFF. The penalties for a No-show are as follows: 4.16.1 A 3-0 loss, a 3-point deduction from their standings and a League Fine of $200,000. 4.16.2 All fines and fees must be paid before the next scheduled match of the Club in the Elite League.

within the prescribed time, the GFF may consider options on continued participation in the League. 4.16.3 A club may be expelled from the league if it accumulates two No-shows within one season. A team unable to attend a scheduled game because of an accident, weather or “force majeure” should immediately notify the GFF. GFF will review each situation and a decision rendered. It therefore has resulted in Milerock Football Club being awarded a 3-0 victory, while three points have been deducted from the AGU FC points tally on the Elite League Points Table. The AGU FC is also required to pay the fine of two hundred thousand Guyana dollars (G$200,000) before the next scheduled match this Friday.

Yussuf century hands Fisherman Masters eight-run win over Regal Masters By Zaheer Mohamed Led by a fine unbeaten century from Unnis Yusuf, Fisherman Masters defeated Regal Masters by eight runs to win the final of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) Pooran Singh 50th birth anniversary softball tournament which was contested on Sunday at Malteenoes Sports Club. Yussuf struck an unbeaten 124 to guide Fisherman Masters to a commendable 183-3 off their allotted 20 overs, batting first. Pacer Laurie Singh handed Regal Masters the breakthrough when he bowled Ramo Malone for five with the score on 25. Mahendra Hardyal then removed Jagdesh Persaud for 10 before Singh sent back Troy Ramsaywack

for nine leaving the score at 62-3. However Yussuf and Zameer Hassan put on 126 for the fourth wicket to steady the innings in favourable sunshine. Yusuf struck 11 fours and eight sixes while Hassan made 31 not out with three fours. Singh claimed 2-17 and Hardyal 1-30. Regal Masters were off to solid start with Mahase Chunilall and Eon Abel adding 98 for the opening stand to set their team well on course before Chunilall was bowled by Stanley Mohabir for 38 after hitting two fours and a similar number of sixes. Abel and Mohendra Arjune (09) then took the score to 124 before they both fell in quick succession to (Continued on page 35)