Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

K

aieteur News is today commemorating the 25th anniversary of its launch. The newspaper initially appeared as a weekly edition, then a bi-weekly newspaper, before graduating to a daily.

The newspaper's entry occurred when the liberalization of the print media was still in its infancy. At the time, the two dailies were the state-owned Guyana Chronicle and the Stabroek News, the latter of which had only been established eight years earlier. Not many persons felt that there was economic space for a third newspaper.

However, led by its indefatigable publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News defied all expectations. The newspaper, today, enjoys the highest circulation of all local dailies and also publishes a highly popular New York edition geared for the diaspora.

Kaieteur News has become known as the people's champion. It is the most reliable

5 K 2 AIETEUR

NEWS IS

Thursday Edition April 04, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 14 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

today

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 148,947

and dependable source of information and commentary on developments in Guyana.

K aieteur News has acquired a formidable reputation for exposing corruption and skullduggery.

In the process, the newspaper has attracted its fair share of enemies, and has been the victim of acts of terror and victimization – including official acts of vindictiveness.

Committed to the ideals of fearless journalism, it has been a price which the newspaper has willingly shouldered.

As Kaieteur News celebrates its 25th anniversary, it expresses its heartfelt appreciation for the committed and unwavering support offered by its readers, newspaper vendors, advertisers, and most important of all, its hard-working and dedicated staff, for their contribution to making Kaieteur News the best at what it does.It promises to continue to be the people's newspaper.

A radio station is born

T

oday marks 25 years since Kaieteur News was born. It was on this day that a newspaper emerged to challenge the established publications of the day.

To coincide with this anniversary is the launch of Kaieteur Radio - 99.1FM, the nation's latest radio station. This station promises to be as bold as the newspaper. It also promises innovative programming. The

station is also broadcasting on 99.5 in Berbice and 99.7 in Essequibo.

The official launch will take place at 13:00 hours today. Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Lall, will make a statement outlining the aims and objectives of the radio station.

That statement will be broadcast live, reflecting the first official statement to be broadcast on the radio station.

The reliable Kaieteur News printing press will continue to deliver the news as it always has done

Dual citizenship confusion hits Parliament...

Three Govt. MPs, Opposition Chief Whip move to renounce status

AFC calls for Constitutional amendment Companies in natural resources sector opposed to contract disclosure - Trotman

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Thursday April 04, 2019

Chronicle board votes in tie-breaker to send GM home

T

he Chairman and B o a r d o f Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), which publishes the Guyana Chronicle, yesterday said that it has terminated the services of Sherod Duncan. The termination was effective the previous day.

According to a statement from the Board of Directors of GNNL, Duncan served as the company's General Manager from 1st June 2018 to 2nd April 2019.

His appointment took effect from June 1 and he was on probation for a period of six months.

The decision of the Board of Directors followed a five-hour long meeting at the company's office, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park.

At the meeting, Duncan was accompanied by his legal representative, attorney-at-law, James Bond.

GNNL's board said that the former GM had an opportunity to provide the board with an explanation and respond to the findings and contents of an audit report dated 18th March 2019 and additionally to answer questions posed by Directors.

“He was asked to show cause why he should not be

disciplined in accordance with the recommendations of the report presented by the Office of the Auditor General.”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had ordered a full investigation into mismanagement at the GNNL under Duncan's tenure as General Manager between 1st June 2018 and 10th September 2018.

The Board said that in accordance with this directive, it had enlisted the services of the Office of the Auditor General.

“A special audit on the overall management and governance of the Guyana National Newspapers

Limited in the areas of financial management, human resource management and administrative management for that period was, therefore, done.

It is noteworthy to mention that during the investigation Mr. Duncan was sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the audit.” The final audit report which followed Duncan's response to the earlier draft report was on Tuesday examined first by the Board and senior management and then by the Board together with Duncan and his attorney in detail.

According to the board, all directors who were present were of the view that the numerous breaches identified in the report in all

Terminated: Sherod Duncan areas under review were serious in nature and that some form of disciplinary action against the General Manager was necessary, especially given the fact that he was on probation.

“In the end, one director recommended a one month suspension and an extension of the period of probation.

Two directors recommended an extension of the period of probation while three directors held the view that Mr. Duncan's services should be terminated with immediate effect for 'gross misconduct'.”

The board comprises a chairperson and six directors (one of whom was absent at the time of the vote) and a workers' representative without voting rights.

“Following the call for a vote on the matter of termination of services, three directors voted against while three voted in favour of termination. There was a tie.

Invoking Article 94 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, the Chairman

exercised her right to a casting vote in favour of termination of services.”

The Chairperson of the Board is Geeta ChandanEdmond.

Article94 states, inter alia: “Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In cases of an equality of votes the chairman shall have a second or casting vote”.

The board said that Duncan's services were as a consequence of that outcome terminated with immediate effect.

“The requisite communication to Mr. Duncan and his attorney would have by now been dispatched. At all material times during this process, great care was taken to ensure that due process was adhered to and that fairness and natural justice prevailed.

The Board wishes to thank Mr. Duncan for his services and wishes him every success in his future endeavours,” the statement from the board said.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 03

Govt. clarifies…

Harmon, Greenidge and Roopnaraine decide to renounce foreign citizenship - resignations of four ministers will not take immediate effect

T

he Ministry of the Presidency has announced that three parliamentarians for the Coalition Government will renounce their foreign citizenship.

The three senior ministers, from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which forms the larger faction of the Coalition Government, are Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who has charge over Public Service.

Greenidge and Roopnaraine both have citizenship for the United Kingdom while Harmon has for the United States.

Until now, Government has said that it will await the final decision of the region's highest court - it is now at the Caribbean Court of Justice before making a move.

The issue of dual citizenship arose after a noconfidence motion was carried in the National Assembly on December 21st, triggering early elections, according to the Constitution of Guyana.

However, the Coalition Government challenged the legality of the vote in the 65seat National Assembly arguing that the absolute majority of 34 is needed to

the two factions that forms carry it and not 33.

They also argued that the the Government.

The government vote of the Government p a r l i a m e n t a r i a n , statement on Tuesday said Charrandass Persaud, who that other ministers would joined with the Opposition in perform the functions of the helping to pass the motion, ministers who resigned. It was not legal because he had will also disclosed that not right to be in the National g o v e r n m e n t i s Assembly since he had dual contemplating rehiring the (continued on page 20) citizenship with Canada, a conflict with Constitution.

Both the High Court and Court of Appeal have agreed that no person with dual citizenship can sit as a member of the National Assembly. It was later found that a number of Members of P P Parliament (MPs) on both Parliamentarian sides of the House had dual Gail Teixeira has citizenship. initiated the process of renouncing her foreign ACCEPTED citizenship. Opposition On Tuesday, it was Leader Bharrat Jagdeo announced by Government informed the media of this that President David Granger d e v e l o p m e n t d u r i n g a had accepted the resignation weekly press conference of four of his ministers as held at his Church Street they all had dual citizenship. Office, yesterday.

By virtue of those Giving the media an resignations as MPs, the update on the matter, Jagdeo ministers would have also said that Teixeira, the not been able to continue to Opposition Chief Whip in function as ministers.

Parliament, will be T h e m i n i s t e r s w h o renouncing her Canadian resigned included the three citizenship. Jagdeo said he named above and Dominic has seen documents to Gaskin, who holds the confirm that she has started portfolio of Minister of the process and he is hoping Business. Gaskin is the son- that the process could be in-law of President Granger expedited. but belongs to the Alliance In r e l a t i o n t o P P P For Change, the smaller of Member of Parliament (MP)

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge

L

eader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) , Raphael Trotman, is of the firm conviction that the time has come to amend the constitutional provision which stipulates that a dual citizen cannot sit in the National Assembly.

He expressed this view yesterday at his party's press conference which was held at the AFC's Head Office in K i t t y. R e s p o n d i n g t o questions from Kaieteur News on the said provision, Trotman noted that it essentially shuts the door on the Diaspora. The lawyer commented, too, that it is doing the nation a disservice.

State Minister Joseph Harmon

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, moves to renounce status

P

Dr. Adrian Anamayah Odinga Lumumba, who has US Citizenship, Jagdeo said he (Lumumba) had indicated his intention to renounce, but he has not started that process.

With respect to PPP MP, Adrian Anamayah, the

AFC calls for Constitutional Amendment

By Kiana Wilburg

Public Service Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

Trotman said, “I believe that I can give a take that is the party's take. There isn't any one of us who doesn't have a relative living in one of the developed countries, either in Canada or the US or the UK...And I remember about 15 years ago, I read a World Bank report that said, of all the countries in the world, Guyana was the most affected by the brain drain. It went on to say that 86 percent of all of our graduates now live and work in a developed country.”

The Minister said this means that 14 percent of the citizenry is left with the task of managing a country. Trotman stressed however that this is an impossibility. Furthermore, Trotman said that of the 14 percent, half is preparing to

leave and for the most part, the other half is caught in social divisiveness.

The AFC Leader said, “...It is impossible for Guyana to be developed by a small group when the critical mass of our talent resides outside of Guyana.

The AFC has always stated publicly that we wish to have Diaspora representation not just in Parliament but also in government, and we maintain that. We will be pushing for this amendment. We have to take a second look at it, because this is going to do damage...”

He added, “I don't believe that the framers of the Constitution who sat and I have to admit that I was one of them at the time - … intended

that we would lock the door on the Diaspora.

The truth is, and we wouldn't want to admit it, but we cannot develop Guyana in the manner and pace at which we wish to if we close the door to the Diaspora.”

The Minister said that the Diaspora has a right to be represented in the House, and in the same breath, sought to applaud the fact that Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin who was born in the UK, has taken the decision to resign from the Parliament.

Trotman also praised his APNU colleagues, Ministers Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine who have indicated that they will renounce their foreign status.

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira Leader of the Opposition said that he will not be renouncing his US citizenship and will resign a Member of Parliament.

Both the Opposition and G o v e r n m e n t Parliamentarians were under the microscope for their stance on MPs of having allegiance to a foreign land after the High Court and Court of Appeal passed definitive rulings upholding Article 155 of the Constitution which states that 'No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state'.

The Government on Tuesday announced that four of its Members of Parliament who have dual citizenship would be resigning from their positions and also giving up the position as Ministers, but later explained that three of them have indicated that they would renounce their foreign

Odinga Lumumba citizenship.

Jagdeo had stated, at a previous forum, that “the PPP will uphold the law,” as it relates to dual citizenship and parliamentarians.

He had said that the PPP has no intentions of returning to the National Assembly for business as usual. “The thing is that they will not be at any sitting of the National Assembly, so they don't have to resign,” Jagdeo noted However, he said that if there is need to return for the handling of issues relating to the holding of elections, those who want to hold on to their dual citizenship will be recalled and replaced.

Further Jagdeo had called the Government of Guyana “duplicitous”, for not removing its Members of Parliament who have dual citizenship from the National Assembly.

Last week, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had told reporters that the Government would await the appeals that are before the Caribbean Court of Justice before it takes action against its Members of Parliament who have dual citizenship.

PAGE 4

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

This country needs more like IPED

A

constant cry from the ambitious and creative is lack of capital. Many daring individuals find themselves trapped against this immovable wall, and with no way around it. Lack of capital means lack of movement; it could mean the end of a lifelong dream, perhaps a real meaningful one that could benefit initiator and community, if not society.

Where to start in the quest for elusive seed money, startup investment cash? How to locate a place or person or party that lends a financial hand to make things possible, through that first fateful belief? The lending coastline is barren. For the big financial institutions are neither too impressed nor too patient nor too moved by fulsome entrepreneurial dreams and empty pockets. The two when operating under the same roof and in the same presence are shunned and dismissed: no interest; no chance taken; no satisfying of sophisticated risk and return matrices.

The unending plight and lament of the little people struggling individuals with no credit history, sometimes paltry income records - is of an absence of financial substance, of the missing persuasive power of context and the character of cash in some form, any form. It is because no collateral means nothing, as in nothing doing.

The powerhouse lending institutions have nothing on which to call in the event of failure and default. Conservative and prudent it is called in that starched world. And all of this when added up: history, credit, collateral and the rest of the unsaid can mean goodbye. It usually is.

Time to say hello to IPED. First to recognize its stature and work, and then to laud it for the difference it is making in so many lives and places. Commendations are due to IPED for its positive contributions and needed presence.

When the environment is surveyed, and all things considered, IPED has to be considered a truly exemplary presence, one that is committed to staying the course; for even though the statistics is not impressive, they are solid.

Because it takes a nonprofit organization to touch untouchables: Small man and woman, small businesses, small loans.

Its applicant base, the ones that met the mark, is diversified and includes women and youths and those from rural areas. These are not the kinds of situations that make a Credit Officer’s eyes gleam. These are the people who are most acutely short of capital, that ever-present reality that dooms so many dreams.

IPED makes the dreams and ideas and hopes come alive.

It does so by giving the opportunity and wherewithal for a start. Through an increasingly mature programme of risk taking and confidence building; of chance taken and continuity provided, many an individual and family have progressed to the next level through personal growth, and all the self-esteem that comes from that comforting place.

IPED, as expressed in recent news coverage, uses the surplus generated from its core lending operations to extend more loans to more areas and more fledgling businesses hoping for just such a critical development. This activity can only empower more; incentivize more: small start, big dreams, and bigger results. This is the manner, tried and true, that converts potentials and possibilities into realities.

Things happen when the moment is seized.

For the most part, grateful and empowered borrowers learn discipline; run a tight ship; cultivate tendencies toward clean recordkeeping, honest labour, and the existence of a paper trail and history, on the books and for the authorities that matter. In this way, profile is established and enhanced. This is about real books, with real risks and real returns. Credit information and tax presence all registered and maintained. Families and communities are built from these small starts.

This country needs more like IPED, with more money available to lend to those many more people seeking more opportunities to grow. IPED diverges dependence on government; fosters independence; drive; self-sufficiency; pride; ownership; appreciation for risk, thrift, sacrifice.

People thrive.

GUYANA YOUTH CORPS REMAINS A MAIN PILLAR OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEAR EDITOR, They gathered to launch the Guyana Youth Corps on Thursday, 28th March 2019 at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, young enthusiastic smiling faces, happy to be part of this grand occasion geared to promote Youth empowerment, hundreds of young people drawn from the Administrative Regions of this bountiful country confounding those embroiled in political confrontation and ethnic hatred.

Our Government will continue to focus intensely on training our young people to manage and execute the policies for the benefit of all Guyana and the wider Caribbean community, with a con-

sistent effort to take the lead role in realizing the full potential of Regional integration and a model for international relations.

Our Guyana National Youth CORPS must be the repository from whence the leaders will rise to play their roles effectively fostering national development.

Our children must be taught the importance of the nuclear family in human growth and development leading to self- actualization and building of a happy cohesive nation.

The state neglect of the Social Work professionals must be addressed to stop the brain drain to other countries

of the developed world where Social Work is treated as a key to youth, family and community development, a profession that ranks amongst the five (5) highest paid jobs in the United States, Britain and Canada.The GUYANA YOUTH CORPS to be effective must be complimented with Government provision of Sports and Cultural facilities to engage all youths in activities all around the country, those recently elected councillors have that role to advocate and bring these issues to the attention of the officials of the various Ministries who have the responsibilities to address issues that hinder the development of the Sports

and Cultural Tourism Industry here in Guyana.

President David Arthur Granger must be commended for supporting his Government’s re-establishment of the Guyana National Youth Corp, which was first launched under the PNC Government in 1968. This institution will once again bring stability and hope in the lives of young people nationwide, those who may not have excelled academically, now have an equal opportunity to share in the building of this prosperous nation through technical, vocational and entrepreneurial training.

RAS AARON BLACKMAN

WE SHARE THE DREAM FOR A GOOD LIFE AND A PROSPEROUS COUNTRY DEAR EDITOR, I note with great interest a letter written by my good friend Clement Rohee, published in Kaieteur News, March 30, 2019 titled ‘The PPP never claimed Purity.’

Mr. Editor, on a serious note, let me first compliment my friend Clement Rohee on his excellent penmanship and I do regard him as a friend and respect him for defending the Party of his choice.

However, his criticisms of Eusi Kwayana seem harsh and certainly myopic.

They say every story has two sides, but in Guyana, every story since I joined the public political arena seem to have three sides; your story, my story and the whole story.

Because of that condition, sometimes I say to the public and our young people – ‘May God help us to navigate through this royal triangular road’ to get to the whole story and the whole truth.

As I compliment Clement for his letter, I am responding from far away in Texas, and do not have access to my records.

Clement Rohee’s letter inferentially chides Mr. Kwayana’s reference to the Houston Constituency in the 1961 General Elections.

Recall, as a result of an election petition Hamilton Green (PNC) vs. then the declared winner George Henry (PPP), the High Court determined that there existed certain improprieties and squashed the Elections and ordered that a by-election be held post haste. The margin of victory by Henry was a mere 400 odd votes.

However, it is crystal clear that it was the PPP Administration that frustrated the holding of the Houston ByElection as ordered by the High Court.

I read the contention in Mr. Rohee’s letter but had the then Government facilitated the byelection the same list would have been used.

One of the witnesses during the trial established that a Mr. Sukhoo who he knew and who walked with a distinctive limp had voted earlier the morning but he observed Mr. Sukhoo with the same limp with a different shirt had turned up and voted in the afternoon session.

I support the position taken by Kwayana since I was the PNC Candidate that contested in the Houston Constituency and today feel aggrieved since I was denied the opportunity with the PPP Candidate to face the electorate a second time.

My friend Clement must know that any movement on the list as he alleged would not have been engineered by any one-group. He knows that I know that Elections and politics in every Country democratic or what have you is not the business of gentlewomen and innocent school children be it in the United States, Russia, Europe, the Latin America, Africa or India.

In his letter, he is accurate that the results did give the PPP, 20 out of 35 seats; the PNC got 11 seats and the UF, 4 seats.

At that time, our country was a divided place.

The major ethnic groups did not trust each other. There was violence and disruption.

There was distrust and disunity and let no one side blame the other and if anyone from the PPP attempts this, I can relay the many horror stories beginning with the Ishmael family (PNC) experience at Tain Village on the Corentyne.

Because of the above situation, even though, the PPP

got 20 seats, an analysis showed that they obtained 42.5% of the popular votes cast in the country; the PNC got 41% of the popular votes but only secured 11 seats.

PNC Leader Burnham on the heels of Dr. Jagan’s call for immediate Independence agreed that in the vitriolic environment, you could not grant independence to a Party that did not enjoy the support and confidence of the majority of Guyanese, these days we say absolute majority (SIC) and therefore advanced the arguments for fresh election using proportional representation before Independence.

I have had cordial conversations with both Former President Donald Ramotar and others and I made a proposal to him one day that a group of us should meet to record the political and social history of

Guyana for most of the 20th century, a period which saw two world wars, the cold war, the independence struggle and neo-colonial tactics and strategies, which ravaged economies and frustrated the efforts of small countries like Guyana for real independence.

I believe such a venture is necessary so that we can bequeath to succeeding generations the factors and the whole truth, vital ingredients, if we are to overcome our troubled history and give us an opportunity to make a reality of the dream.

I am sure Clement Rohee, Donald Ramotar, Eusi Kwayana and yours truly share the dream for a good life, a prosperous country where we share love and experience decency throughout (Continued on page 6)

Disgusted by that image DEAR EDITOR, On Monday, an image was carried in your news of a deceased man. I find it very disgusting that this is or was the best image of the deceased that the journalist could’ve found, and worst yet, after being checked, that journalist was still allowed to print such.

This is not the way someone who has passed on should be portrayed, even if that person was a horrible individual.

This wasn’t done to Osama Bin Ladan, Sadam Hussein, Hitler and I don’t think that this young man, who could not have done quarter of a quarter of the above-mentioned names would have done, should be displayed.

I would hate to assume that this was left to be OK because of the ethnicity of the individual. We were angered when Chronicle labelled Charandass a Judas on the entire front page

of its newspaper, we boycotted them also. WE are angry at the Kaieteur News for this, and WE are asking that an apology be meted out to the family of the individual and the readers of this Newspaper, like myself who became disgusted afterwards.

Jafar Gibbons EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Reader, while the photo was indeed approved and passed, the fact that it is of concern to you and others, it must be noted that it was done without any malice or ill intent.

However, since it has been found to be offensive, we at Kaieteur News will not hesitate to extend heartfelt remorse to our readers as well as the family of the deceased for printing such an unflattering image and will endeavour to be more sensitive when dealing with such matters.

Thursday April 04, 2019

BRAIN DRAIN: THE CONTINUED STIGMA IN THE CARIBBEAN DEAR EDITOR, From Cuba in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, North America has masterminded the importation of the intellectual minds from the Caribbean.

Fast forward to the point that scholars after attaining their quality education in the Caribbean has found the negative attraction to migrate to North America for greener pastures.

I have concluded that the design of the education system must be re-examined in order to help stop that bleeding.

It is as a result of too much white collar education as opposed to blue collar education.

Moreover, the education system should be adjusted to the needs of every individual Caribbean country.

Why produce too many lawyers whereby fishing and agriculture are the main stay of the economy.

Another food for thought echoes amongst class in society.

A make-believe class that frustrates the growth and development of one country but rather creates a craving environment for mass migration among the so-call educational elite.

It has become apparent that the school system from elementary to graduate school has failed to prevent this brain drain epidemic from declining.

In retrospect, what are the possible solutions that one could think of?

A meaningful consideration should be given to a micro view that does not include mass television influence.

Nonetheless, a macro view that comes with an adequate developmental and economical plan can enrich the needs of the Caribbean islands. An example, cocoa beans may fit in a small project assistant team that will eventually create jobs and supply local mar-

kets at a reasonable price.

With overtime, the thought that the grass is greener elsewhere will gradually diminish.

Moreover, a combined view with a few modifications may adequately find common grounds that may or can harmoniously reduce the long-term suffering of the educational elites migrating to the mainland.

Last but not least, poverty and under development prevail amongst countries that have suffered from the epidemic called the brain drain disease.

In conclusion, in the integrated Caribbean, there should be a constant form of dialogue in other to induce a broad based awareness on an ongoing basis in other to cure and prevent that massive educational brain drain from plaguing the entire Caribbean.

Glenville Remy

This recent development did not occur letters reflecting the deep mas is looking and that overnight scorn with which the popula- SOCU will garnish and DEAR EDITOR, I have read with some humour the recent resignation of the four members of the APNU. I must say that giving the autocratic and dogmatic utterance of Comrade Harmon, I was indeed surprised at their resignation.

Obviously, the Christian president would like to appear as if he is a genuine believer in fairness, truth and honesty, but alas, the die was cast since December 21st, 2018.

This recent development did not occur overnight, but because of sustained pressure and shame brought to bear by the numerous criticisms by the opposition PPP, The Hon. Dr. Jagdeo, and the numerous

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

tion has judged them.

This action by the “Fantastic four” is in direct opposition to the national sentiment that they have so vociferously pontificated, except for one ex MP,( he hardly talks) they all professed their love and devotion to our dear land of Guyana.

Yet when it came to crunch time, they would not relinquish their foreign citizenship for the USA, Great Britain, not Canada, but they have ALL jumped ship.

How ironic and shameful of these who were selling out and prostituting our natural resources to China and others.

I trust that Dr Clive Tho-

freeze their bank accounts and other asserts for investigation. They may wish to send a letter immediately to those foreign missions in GUYANA under the Anti Money Laundering Acts that may exist under their respective laws How shameful that these Fantastic Four did not see it prudent to follow the patriotic actions of the two Guyanese patriots in the PPP and choose to demonstrate that their hearts lie with the Guyanese people whom they choose to serve instead of with a foreign flag.

Respectfully, Mr. R Kissoon

CAN THE MINISTER OVERRIDE THE ROLE OF THE GGMC? DEAR EDITOR, The issue of mining in the Marudi area continues to be a huge problem and concern for most of the people in the South.

This was clearly said at the recently held statutory meeting of the South Rupununi District Council held in Sand Creek from the 14th to 16th March, 2019.

We have heard that the Minister of Natural Resources gave permission to the small miners to mine on top of Mazoa, which is in the concession of the Romanex Company.

The question is who really grants that kind of permission?

GGMC or the Minister? What is the role of the GGMC and the Minister in this and other similar cases? Can the Minister override the role of the GGMC? The Minister was asked by a resident of Aishalton, “How can he unilaterally grant permission without consulting the members of the village first and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of the people?” They were never afforded an answer. Where is the meaningful and effective participations of Indigenous Peoples that this and other governments are always claiming to exercise when activities that will have a negative impact on the lives of the people are concerned? Can Romanex, who has not been granted a mining authorization yet, give permission for small miners to mine within their concession? What is really happening? Now we are being engaged in the formulation of a REDD+ Strategy while the mining activities, which are the largest contributors to Deforestation and Land Degradation, continues and is encouraged by the Government, and especially the Ministry of Natural Resources, as is evident in the recent meeting in Aishalton. I am made to feel and conclude that our contributions to a healthy ecosystem, environment, forests, water,

biodiversity and all living things do not matter and are of no use to the authorities, even as they try to live up to their international obligations, especially under the Paris Agreement of 2015.

On December 14 of 2018, the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination advised that the government stop all mining activities on Marudi Mountain, which is the traditional lands of the Wapichan People, and an important FRESH WATER SHED for the country, and to desist from issuing more mining concessions in the area.

Guyana is not only a signatory to the Convention; this Convention is explicitly incorporated into our Constitution (see Article 154A). It is clear to us that Guyana’s international legal obligations and its Constitutional commitments do not matter or mean anything to the Minister and the Government that he repre-

sents.

Will the government wait for something catastrophic to happen before they take corrective and immediate actions to protect the lives, way of life, and cultural heritage of the South Rupununi residents?

We have provided evidence, including GPS points, photographs, and documented studies of mercury pollution in our waters and mercury contamination in our people at dangerous levels above the safety limit set by the World Health Organization, and yet this evidence is not taken seriously, if at all.

We once again demand Mr. President and all other relevant actors and agencies to take urgent steps to rectify this matter.We will relentlessly continue to pursue this matter as we Wapichans have obligations to our future generations.

Yours respectfully, Chief Kokoi Tony James, A.A.

The Constitution is always the Supreme Law of the land DEAR EDITOR, The words of yore by Manusmriti (Hindu-Dharma first law maker) as an advice to those who hold the reigns of political power (PNC-led coalition government) of the day, states, “The king (Head of State) who governs according to his arbitrary will and not harmoniously with the Constitution,

and is actuated by low and selfish desires is killed by the Constitution itself”.

Faithfully yours, Paul Ramrattan

PAGE 6

Some people would not recognize development even if it is hitting them in the head DEAR EDITOR, The 21st December, 2018 for various reasons would have to go down as one of the most historical day of Guyana.

What happened on that date of the passing of the No Confidence Vote. All be it by a vote from or by a member of the Alliance for Change A.F.C. Party.

I am certain that it was particularly galling for members and supporters like myself who are loyal and who have sworn allegiance to the party.

The A.F.C. like many other Political Parties has a constitution, which all members must subject themselves to.

It caters for persons to become members and it also caters for their resignation in the event they become dissatisfied or do not like the direction the party is going. And it is no different with the other organizations, be it business, sports, cultural and religious.

But whatever is written in the Bible and other religious books would come to pass.

I remember the story of the Thirty Pieces of Silver, some people will sell themselves cheap, and betray the trust others placed in them and if you don’t believe me, you can ask Dave Cameron and his running mate - Emmanuel Nathan. Yes Bob Marley was perfectly right, ‘some would eat and drink with you and behind you, them su su pon you’.

The reality of the situation is in the aftermath of the

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

N.C.M. the politicians, the journalist, columnist, political analysts and letter writers had a field day, and a very few played much attention to various developmental works, the many infrastructural projects from roads to river defence that are currently taking place and the many that are already completed within the tenure of the APNU/AFC Government. You see development in all the 10 Administrative Regions, or simply put from Barama to Berbice and from Lethem to Linden.

The Demerara Distillers Limited Warehouse at Diamond, the soon to be renovated Ferry Stelling at Vreeden-Hoop and Georgetown, the Massive development currently taking place at Lethem, the highways on the West Coast and East Cost of Demerara, the decentralization of Government essential services to other regions.

The many wells that are being dug around the country; the erecting of sea defence across the country; particularly on the West Coast Demerara and the Essequibo Coast, and the Supenaam Water Front Enhancement Project.

The construction of the Aurora Primary and Nursery Schools and right next to the school the newly constructed Police Station, not forgetting the commissioning of the pumps at Land of Plenty, and other areas, for drainage purposes, the massive concrete

bridge that is to be commissioned in Region 1, these are only a few of the projects mentioned here.

In relation to the Supenaam Enhancement Project that can be described as a masterpiece. It’s a project that many people, tourist, local and foreign and commuters and the general public use to comment adversely on, and quite rightly so, because it was in a deplorable state for decades.

The embarking and disembarking areas were barely useable and the environment was projecting the residents and the Regional Administration in a negative way, and that is putting it timidly.

I have caused a few letters to be published in the letters columns of the daily papers, but apparently the previous administration was not too concerned and although this project is soon to be completed, it is not too soon to commend the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for having the foresight and also the contractor for the quality of the work that is being done, because I have seen a photograph of what same would be looking like on completion.

It is unfortunate that persons who are not supporters of this government are finding fault with the Supenaam Water Front Enhancement Project, but if you are looking for faults and faults only that is what you will surely find. It is amazing how some people

Stop the dangerous and divisive game DEAR EDITOR, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo is playing a very dangerous and divisive game in this society and is being called on to stop it.

On the matter of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) and the role of the APNU+AFC coalition government in making sure resolution is brought about to the nine-plus years impasse, Mr. Jagdeo brings not one iota of morality to the conversation. His criticism that the coalition was engaged in a “circus there just for political reason” is reprehensible (Guyana Times, 25th March 2019, “Govt’s handling of RUSAL matter was too ‘political’”).

In principle, there is nothing wrong with the Opposition holding Government to account, for that is one of its responsibilities, but this is not what is being done. The duplicitous and anti-national conduct of Mr. Jagdeo must not be countenanced. The BCGI impasse started under the Jagdeo presidency and his government did nothing to seek to bring about a resolution. His administration’s refusal to address the impasse saw the Opposition, under the leadership of Robert Corbin, taking a noconfidence motion to the National Assembly against the Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir. The motion was defeated by the PPP/C parliamentary majority.

Even when the impasse was recently intensified and Mr. Jagdeo was called on to add his voice to citizens/ workers’ quest to have the sovereignty of this nation respected, in the face of threat by a foreign group, he remained silent. When he spoke to the impasse, it was

primarily to criticise the government and Guyanese as he let the BCGI Russian management off the hook. His role as president and leader of the opposition on this matter has been one of maintaining an acrimonious industrial environment with the violation of the laws and transgression of workers/ citizens’ rights.

He has to be mindful that his conduct continues to display the actions of someone who cares not a damn about the workers/ citizens, Constitution and Laws of Guyana, but that of pursuing self-interest and eternal quest for power.

Last week, he claimed the Critchlow Labour College was partnering with the coalition government in training youth drawn from areas such as Sophia. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and there exists no doubt such misinformation forms part of the strategy of misleading the nation to increase tension and division.

Mr. Jagdeo is not known to be careless with the facts; he is known to deliberately misrepresent the facts in furtherance of self-interest.

I hope he is aware, it is not lost on society, the devious game he is playing in demanding that parliamentarians who hold dual citizenship resign from the National Assembly, consistent with Article 155 of the Guyana Constitution, and the High and Appeal Courts’ ruling on the matter. Evidently such compliance he seeks not for his own but for others; and there is marked difference between has resigned or will resign, the latter he promised for PPP/C parliamentarians violating Article 155.

The life of this Parliament has not come to an end. If Mr.

Jagdeo is serious about the Rule of Law, he would not be demanding of the government what he is not prepared to implement on his side of this House. He must not be allowed to mount the pious perch when he and his party are just as guilty as those he accuses. The Rule of Law applies for all who reside, work, visit here and do business with Guyana.

After securing weeks of screaming headlines about the importance of compliance with the Constitution and courts’ ruling, on Monday he sneaked another deception on the nation or rather revealed his true intent all along, thinking it would go un-noticed. The nation has been advised that “Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday clarified that although those holding dual citizenship in his party will stay away from the House sitting, they will not resign” (Kaieteur News, 2nd April 2019 “Parliament should be guided by court ruling on dual citizenship - former speaker”). This is an act of horning the nation. You are not working, and have refused to resign even as you demand same of others, and still expect the taxpayers to pay you as Members of Parliament.

Mr. Jagdeo or the PPP/C has no special privilege or right to cherry-pick the law or courts’ ruling; a conduct this nation borne witness to during his presidency and which he wants to continue as Leader of the Opposition.

All, including the media, must hold him to account for conduct that tramples the nation’s honour, and creates turmoil, tension and division amongst her people.

Lincoln Lewis

High GDP means nothing unless it translates to better life for the masses DEAR EDITOR, I listened and watched with keen interest as Minister Jordan talked about the 4+ percent growth rate experienced in 2018 and his prediction for double digits (10+) this year. I don’t know whether this was a gimmick since it was aired on April 1st. That caveat aside, I take the view that the true test of these national growth rates is better standard of living/improved well-being of the masses.I have no problem with the fact that economists and governments have addressed the ‘well-being’ and ‘human progress and happiness” by focusing on economic growth or income of the economy through indicators, such as, Gross National Product (GNP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), despite their inadequacy as measures of human progress and development. My major concern is that in numerous cases, the lagging economies, including Guyana, have boasted about their high growth rates without any mention of the impacts on people. Despite such positive national growth rates, the populace experience declining real improvements in their much anticipated and politically promised socioeconomic well-being, progress and ebetter-life happiness.A high growth rate, other than a showpiece for the performance of the economy, must be reflected in the life experience of the people. It should be related to several pertinent economic and social objectives of the society. For example, high rates of economic growth must result in high rates of employment through broadening of the economic base and job creation ventures to offset, for example, displaced labour due to technological advancements or fluctuating market forces and increasing costs of living. What we have seen so

far is the complete opposite of such reality. Further, it must afford economic support to those in unpaid work such as subsistence agriculture, or caring for children, the sick, the elderly and those with disabilities. Additionally, such growth rates should put an adequate quantity of foods on the kitchen tables of the poor, usually the majority of the populace. The overall objective of a high national growth rate should be to improve the well-being and happiness of the lives of the masses, something that is far from realization in Guyana.

Briefly, while Guyana’s 2018 4+ percent growth rate paints a positive picture of the state of the national economy, the realistic experience of the populace projects a different image; a huge number of people are out of jobs, their plights exacerbated by declining foreign reserves and the concomitant rising costs of living. In essence, the positive national growth rate is yet to translate into the ‘good-life’ or better life for the masses.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh

We share the dream for a...

From page 4 the ‘territory of our 83,000 square miles while yielding ‘Not a Blade of Grass.’The words in the song ‘Let us Co-operate’ written by W.R.A Pilgrim (Billy Pilgrim) made popular during the hay days of that great Institution, Guyana National Service (GNS) is our challenge today – ‘Can we do it, yes we can.’

Hamilton Green

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 07

Companies in Natural Resources Sector opposed to contract disclosure - Trotman

By Kiana Wilburg

absence of legislation.

A

REVENUE WATCH Revenue Watch, a nonprofit policy institute that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good, has also called for there to be the practice of contract disclosure in Guyana and other emerging oil producers.

The grant-making organization has noted that Governments must be held accountable for all contracts they enter, be they for the provision of roads or the purchase of goods.

And when the contracts concern non-renewable resources, Revenue Watch said that the need for scrutiny is even more pressing.

In this light, it said that the growing interest in mining, oil and gas contracts on the part of concerned citizens around the world makes a great deal of sense.

Given the history of government corruption and mismanagement of extractives, along with the environmental degradation, community displacement, violent conflict, and human rights abuses, Revenue Watch said it is no wonder that the calls for better government management of and more corporate responsibility in the extractive industries have never been louder.

Revenue Watch argues that contract transparency is critical to addressing better resource management and bringing contract stability to an industry that is notorious for corruption.

It said, “Over the long term, governments will be

bout two years ago, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman pledged that all contracts in the extractive sector would be made public.

But as it turns out, many companies in the industry are not open to cooperating with the government on this front.

This was noted yesterday

by Minister Trotman during a press conference that was held at the Alliance For Change (AFC)'s Kitty Headquarters.

There, the AFC Leader was asked by Kaieteur News to respond to criticisms that the government is taking a piecemeal approach when it comes to the release of contracts.

The Attorney-at-Law categorically stated that this is not the case.

“We did publish the oil and gas contracts. But what you should know is that each and every contract has a confidentiality clause in it.

Therefore, a government on its own cannot go and publish the said contracts.

So for all the oil companies, we wrote them about the intention of government to publish and they had to refer to their principals and then the contracts were published.”

The AFC Leader continued, “We have written to other concessionaires for the mining and forestry sectors and some expressed objections to the publications. Some of them said they need further clarifications. So if we just go ahead and put them out there then we would be

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman opening ourselves to a lawsuit. It is not that we are doing it in a piecemeal manner. We have made efforts ...”

Trotman added, “When we took over, we found that some contracts were negotiated by the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) and some by the Ministry of Finance. So there is no one repository of all of them.

Some of them have gone missing...So it is not as easy as with oil and gas, because all of those were with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) ...”

The Minister of Natural Resources further noted that the companies have not given legal clearance on this issue as they are worried about their competitors having access to their information.

He added as well that the government is not in a position to compel the companies to engage on contract disclosure in the

Driver in fatal accident turns self in after fleeing Police Outpost The mini-bus driver who escaped from the Madewini Police Outpost while he was detained for the death of motor cyclist Collin Bourne surrendered to police yesterday.

This was disclosed by Traffic Chief Leslie Isles, who also said that the driver was deemed to be intoxicated.

The two ranks who were on duty when the driver escaped remain under close arrest.

The driver was shackled and on a bench when he slipped out of the outpost on Monday night.

He was one of two drivers who allegedly struck down Bourne on Sunday night on the Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Police said minibuses PHH 3467, BVV 5802 and motorcycle CH 6758 were involved

in the accident.

A release stated that that the driver of minibus PHH 3467 was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway reportedly at a fast rate of speed while minibus BVV 5802 and motorcycle CH 6758 were proceeding in the opposite direction with the cycle in the rear, when Bourne overtook BVV 5802 and collided with minibus PHH 3467.

Bourne fell in the path of BVV 5802 and was struck. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The drivers were breathalysed and one the driver of PHH 3467 - was found to be above the legal limit.

able to negotiate better deals, as the information asymmetry between governments and companies closes.

In the shorter term, contract transparency will help government agencies responsible for managing and enforcing contracts, of which there are many, work in tandem.

With contracts publicly available, government officials will have a strong incentive to stop negotiating bad deals, due t o c o r r u p t i o n , incompetence, or otherwise.”

R e v e n u e Wa t c h continued, “Citizens will better understand the complex nature of extractive agreements if they are out in the open and explained by the contract parties.

States and companies may not be hiding anything of great import, but so long as contract disclosure is scattered and leaked materials suggest hidden horrors, that perception will persist—providing easy fodder for demagogues and politicians to make calls for expropriation and renegotiation in cases where

it is not merited.”

The organization added, “Furthermore, contract transparency will result in more stable and durable contracts, both because they are less subject to the population's suspicions and because the incentives for governments and companies to negotiate better contracts will be increased.”

In short, the organization said that contract transparency is a necessary element of any effort to promote the responsible management of natural resources for growth and economic development.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday April 04, 2019

Jagdeo highlights glaring irregularities in naturalisation application

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday highlighted what he described as indicators of a corruption racket within the Department of Citizenship.

He told a room full of media operatives that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) has reason to believe that there is “rampant people smuggling” which is being facilitated by the elements of the State.

Jagdeo said that his party has been investigating the disturbing trend in which he believes is directly linked to corruption at the Department of Citizenship.

“We believe that a lot of people are being smuggled through Guyana and that, within the Department of Citizenship, in the Ministry of the Presidency, there is an enormous cesspool of corruption.”

Although he did not provide evidence to corroborate his contentions, the Opposition Leader highlighted at least three instances in which advertisements for foreign nationals applying for citizenship here, bore suspicious information.

He said that the party took notice of several ads publicized in the State -

owned Guyana Chronicle in which persons were applying for citizenship by naturalization.

“We have one here; an advertisement indicating the application for naturalisation on March 29, a notice was published for Hajime Beltran Abreu of lot 39 O w e n S t r e e t , K i t t y, Georgetown applying for c i t i z e n s h i p b y nationalization, but on March 27 the same photograph appears as applying for citizenship with a d i ff e r e n t n a m e a n d address— he is now Rubesh Abdus of Lot 0 Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine.”

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo The PPP Chairman pointed to another case where one Gabriel St. Juste of Lot 56 Burma, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, is applying for c i t i z e n s h i p b y naturalization.

“This advertisement is dated February 5, 2019 but then, two days later, the same photograph appeared in the newspaper. This time, the man was named Daniel Garcia Farres of lot 10 Norton Street, Cemetery Road, Georgetown.”

Jagdeo noted too that another foreigner Julio Antonio Beltran utilized the lot 39 Owen Street, Kitty, Georgetown address to apply for citizenship.

He called on the media help shed light on the issue.

Copies of the advertisement highlighting the discrepancy with one of the applicants “This cannot be a mistake; this is a pattern and it is happening right before our eyes at Chronicle and

they believe that people are not seeing it, because most of us do not pay attention to this issue,” Jagdeo stated.

'Pastor' gets more jail time for sexually assaulting second pre-teen

T

he pastor who was recently sentenced to four years in jail after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, has been jailed for a further three years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting her 11-year-old sister.

The man, John Craddle, 48, who gave his address as Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice, told the court that he is the Pastor of The Caribbean International Ministries Church of the said area. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting the two girls while pretending that he was doing bible studies with them. The act was committed back in September 2018.

Craddle appeared yesterday before Magistrate Renita Singh in the Albion Magistrate's Court and was sentenced to three years in

jail. The case was prosecuted

by Police Woman Inspector Althea Solomon. The convict was previously sentenced to four years after being found guilty of assaulting the older sister.

Craddle, who speaks with a Barbadian accent, suddenly appeared in the village and had professed that he was a Pastor of immense powers. He established the Caribbean International Ministries Church.

After gaining the confidence of the members of the community, he began telling them about how it was important to have their children brought up the right way. He was subsequently entrusted with children of the community to conduct Bible Study.

He would regularly visit homes where he would eat

and drink and be left alone with children. It was during one such session during the month of September 2018 last when he was alone with the children that he fondled their breasts and vagina.

The girls subsequently reported to their parents what the man had done to them.

The matter was reported to the police and he was arrested and charged. He denied, but the children maintained their stories. .

After being found guilty, Craddle confessed and apologized to the court and said he was sorry.

He begged the court for mercy. Magistrate Singh once again admonished Craddle and told him that the court must send a strong message to people who want to commit such immoral acts especially trying to use the name of God in doing so.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 09

Confusion galore in the government

T

he government continues to make missteps because of its failure to think through decisions properly.

In rushing to satisfy one requirement of the law, consideration has to be given to all of the ramifications of that decision.

As such, all the implications should be addressed. Unfortunately, this is not happening within the government, and it has ended up tripping over its shoelaces.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the resignations of four Members of Parliament (MPs) on the government side had been accepted. That statement, however, was not clear as to what was accepted –

the resignation of the persons as Ministers, or as both Ministers and MPs. It is obvious that the President has no authority to accept any resignation of an MP. He only can accept the resignation of a Minister.

A second statement was issued yesterday, adding further confusion to the developments.

That statement averred to the President accepting the resignations of four coalition government MPs, but that the resignations would not take immediate effect until all processes are complied with.

This statement seems to imply that the President was speaking about these persons' resignations as Ministers not taking immediate effect.

The government is in total confusion on this issue.

Yesterday's statement tends to suggest that until the resignations of the MPs are accepted by the Speaker and replacements are appointed, only then will the resignations as Ministers take effect.

It seems as if the government is missing the point that there is need for resignations. Dual citizens, by virtue of the declarations of the courts, are automatically disqualified from being MPs and consequently from being Ministers. Once a person is not eligible to sit in the National Assembly that person cannot sit as a Minister. There is no need for any processes other than notification.

Resignation does not

Dem boys seh...

Dual citizenship is fish or fowl, not all two When Charranrass vote wid de opposition it was a sign that nutten could ever be right in de country. All these years people who born in England and living in Guyana had no problem.

Nobody use to talk about dual citizenship.

Imagine de Governor was not Guyanese but he had to decide if something could be law or not. But as dem boys seh, we de people of this country does always spoil everything. People sit down and since dem believe that dem more nationalistic than everybody else, dem decide that people who got two passport can't sit in parliament.

And is Basil de Willie cause that. Things was going good. Everybody know Gail in parliament fuh years. De late Janet who Jagdeo insult

had no problem. In fact, she become president.

But Basil de Willie see a chance to sweep de slate, suh he go to court and challenge dual citizenship. He win de case. De Chief Justice and de Chancellor both agree that if a person got two passport then he or she can't sit in parliament. Now Gail who was a Canadian fuh more years than some people live in Guyana got to decide whether she got to be Canadian or Guyanese.

Lumumba studying hard whether fuh give up he second passport.

Li'l Joe, Carlie, Roops and Dominic decide to resign and three of dem seh dem giving up de odda passport. Dem boys finding out that it ain't easy. Trotty suddenly find out that de constitution lopsided. All of

a sudden he feel dual citizenship is not a bad thing because nuff Guyanese jump ship long ago and now dem want come back to serve.

But de same Trotty was wid de people who was changing de constitution and dem didn't notice any problem wid de law concerning dual citizenship.

But dem boys know when you own stick beat you is a proppa licking you does get, De dual citizenship lash both sides. He now know that nuff Guyanese live overseas and does come home to serve. Wha he really mean is that some does come to collect perks.

He sorry he can't suck cane and whistle. De law seh is either you is fish or fowl.

Talk half and know you can't play hop scotch in parliament.

arise. By operation of law, once a person is a dual citizen, that person can no longer sit as an MP. A person who is ineligible to sit in the National Assembly does not need to resign; that person is disqualified from sitting by o p e r a t i o n o f l a w.

Resignation is not required.

A person who is not a member of the National Assembly cannot sit as a Minister. Therefore dual citizens cannot sit as Ministers.

But to add to the imbroglio, it is now being suggested that the three APNU Ministers will renounce their foreign citizenship. If this is the case, then there was no need for them to have resigned in the first place.

Once they plan to renounce their citizenship, they will become eligible to sit in the National Assembly, and also to perform the functions as Ministers of the government.

It now appears as if the implications of the decision to resign as MPs were not fully understood. It appears as if there was the view that these persons could still be Ministers, notwithstanding the statement by the government that they had resigned as Mps. What we have had coming out of the government were two hopelessly contradictory statements.

The first indicated that the resignations of four coalition government MPs had been accepted. As

pointed out before, the President cannot accept any resignation of MPs - that is for the Speaker. But also, a dual citizen is automatically disqualified and therefore the need for resignation does not arise.

Now that it is being reported that three Ministers propose to renounce their citizenship, it means that there is no question about the legality of them performing the functions of Ministers. As long, as they renounce their foreign citizenship, they are qualified to remain as Ministers and MPs.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday April 04, 2019

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The Ivelaw Griffith interview sickened me to the core T

he dual citizens that made laws for my country and initiated policies for my country have resigned. They should not have been there in the first place. My position on the diaspora working in Guyana has been pellucid and inflexible in the thirtyone years of my newspaper career.

Guyanese who gave their talent and genius to other countries throughout their working career must not occupy positions which locals are qualified for.

The qualificational comparison must not be technically misleading. If a local with an ACCA worked for twenty years in the financial sector of Guyana, a person from the diaspora

with five more years experience should not get the edge because of the five y e a r s d i ff e r e n c e . T h e essential criterion when judging the two applicants must be dedicated service to Guyana.

The United States demands that green-card holders must reside within the US for a specific period in each calendar year or have it cancelled.

The point is you must service the land that gives you the right and privilege of residency. There are many reasons why I do not support the APNU+AFC regime, will not vote for it, and want it out of majority control of government.

O n e o f t h e s e explanations has to do with

the appointment of Dr. Ivelaw Griffith as ViceChancellor of UG as against Dr. Mark Kirton. The former is an American citizen who lived 30 years out of Guyana before becoming Vice Chancellor; the other is a Guyanese citizen only.

Kirton worked for 34 consecutive years as a UG academic. He is of the same age as Griffith and they have the same academic record.

Before he took up his Guyana job, Griffith gave an interview with the Stabroek News in which he waxed lyrical about his thirty years outside of Guyana. I read that interview and I was in a vortex of uncontrollable rage. I contributed four years as a student fighting to make UG a better place and faced

immense victimization for my student activism.

I gave 26 years of academic service to UG and again faced colossal oppression, and I opened up the newspapers to read an American citizen will head UG and this citizen is talking about his positive experience of living outside of Guyana for 30 years; mind you, not 30 months. When I read that, Kirton's image came right in front of me.

A vacancy exists at one of our primary institutions, and a nationalist with only Guyanese citizenship was overlooked for a foreign applicant.

To add insult to injury, the next year, the government awarded this gentleman the CCH award while on that very list, Kirton and Adam Harris were given the lesser award of AA. Do our leaders know who Mark Kirton and Adam Harris are, and what they have contributed while living in Guyana? How could I ever support such a jejune, arid, visionless government?

On Sunday afternoon, we saw with graphic evidence how untenable it is to have

dual citizens making priceless changes to our country. At an emergency management committee confabulation of the AFC, Dominic Gaskin told his colleagues he will not renounce his British nationality. All Guyanese must probe the mind of Gaskin when he declared that intention.

Simply put, Gaskin was telegraphing his thoughts on the benefits of British citizenship, which he wants while having the privilege of administering the affairs of the Guyanese people. The goodies that come with British status, Gaskin will receive.

They include free top class medical treatment and top class university facilities for his children, but this same Gaskin sits in Cabinet and watches as the Georgetown Hospital kills poor citizens and UG offers tenth rate laboratory facilities to our students.

Diaspora Guyanese only want to come back to fill high-paying jobs. We must stop that. Dr. Baytoram Ramharack, who writes nonsense about my country,

Frederick Kissoon once told me after applying to UG, the salary that the job carried was one that he couldn't work for.

A Guyanese with a doctorate from Oxford University, Jewel Thomas, is working for that meagre salary right now at UG. Two other Guyanese that write nonsense about my country from their base in the US are Tarron Khemraj and Sasenarine Singh. Both didn't come for the 2015 elections, but both requested high-level positions. The nationalist, patriotic thing to have done was to come to Guyana and work your way up to eventually earn those prestigious positions you wanted.

In other words, show that you want to make a contribution to your country by living here. But no! They are writing about my country while refusing to serve it.

Maybe when the PPP comes back in power they will return. The only problem with that is that the PPP ain't coming back.

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday April 04, 2019

Ramjattan rejects Jagdeo's claim to usefulness in Oil Sector

M

inister of P u b l i c Security Khemraj Ramjattan has responded to claims made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, that he has amassed enough policymaking experience and institutional knowledge to make a positive difference in Guyana's budding oil and gas sector.

Ramjattan is of the opinion that Jagdeo's policymaking experience is replaceable, and that his claim to usefulness in Guyana's budding oil and gas industry is unfounded.

Jagdeo had said, “I don't mind folding up my sleeves and working in a dark room

to just see that we create a framework that the oil money would be managed by all Guyanese, to avoid the Dutch Disease.”

He claimed that through his travels to countries that have oil, including Angola, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, as well as his exposure to their experiences, he has amassed the institutional knowledge needed to ensure Guyana doesn't fall prey to the resource curse.

“I believe that I have a role to play,” he had said.

However, at yesterday's impromptu Alliance for Change (AFC) meeting in Bartica, Ramjattan was asked whether he would

consider working with or learning from Jagdeo, given his touted usefulness to the oil sector.

He rejected Jagdeo's assertion.

According to Ramjattan, the former President has actually shown himself to be the opposite of beneficial to the country. He said, “If we were to take the examples of what he did in relation to a major sector called sugar, we shouldn't be dealing with him at all.”

He said that Jagdeo contributed to the collapse of the sugar industry, even though Jagdeo and quite a few other members of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) have experience in

that sector. “[PPP members] have a lot of big sugar history, with Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) and The National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), all their supporting unions and arms, and of course, the great (Dr. Cheddi) Jagan.”

Ramjattan said that Jagdeo, as President, was so unsuccessful in his handling of the sugar industry, because, when the current administration assumed power, “we had to bail it out to right size it.”

He said that the cause of the industry's failure was bad management by GuySuCo

(Guyana Sugar Corporation) and the PPP. Additionally, Ramjattan said that much of the policymaking experience that Jagdeo touts is mirrored, or even magnified in the coalition, since the current Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, was hired by Jagdeo when he was President, to work on budgets.

“Jordan was his budget director in the PPP days.

Winston Jordan used to be the one preparing the budget and giving major policy orientations behind the scene. He was a major lecturer at the University of Guyana. Bharrat Jagdeo, when he became President, brought in this man to help him.”

He said that if anyone should be touted as having necessary policymaking experience, it would be Winston Jordan.

Even on Jagdeo's claim

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan of learning from oil-based economies, Ramjattan said that that is inconsequential, since the government has relied on experts from countries such as Norway, Canada and America to assist with the development of the sector.

He also brought attention to the fact that Jagdeo has already served two terms as president, saying that he should step aside and give other people a chance to work.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 13

Ramjattan visits Bartica

M

inister of P u b l i c Security Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday spearheaded an assessment visit to the Municipality of Bartica, where he toured several public security facilities, and the Mazaruni Prison construction site. He also visited the sites of two fires which struck the community on Tuesday last.

Ramjattan's team met with regional officials of Region Seven to discuss the

implementation of a contingency plan to sustain the regional administration, and maintain its functions under the prevailing circumstances.

This comes after the unexpected occurrence of fire at the Regional Stores Bond and Fuel Depot, destroyed millions of dollars in fuel, equipments and supplies. A second fire which resulted in the death of centenarian, Ethal “Aunt Lou” Moseley occurred at residence First Avenue,

opposite the popular Top Notch Bar. During a visit to the site, Minister Ramjattan sympathized with relatives of fire victim and heard about the contributions of Aunt Lou, who was a seamstress in her younger years and trained many others in the trade of fabric and clothing design.

The Minister and team of officials also toured the facilities of the Police Station and Fire Station.

During his visit to the latter,

IDB launches new sustainability report with a focus on housing and urban issues WA S H I N G T O N CMC – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) yesterday la u n c h e d i t s 2018 Sustainability R e p o r t , f eaturing projects, initiatives, and research, with a focus on housing and urban issues in the context of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

It said in Latin America and the Caribbean, cities are essential for econ o m i c development with 81

p e r c e n t o f t h e region´s population living in cities, a rate which will reach 90 per cent in 25 years.

IDB said city managers require new tools to foster sustainable growth given that the physical size of cities in the region is growing at two to four times the rate of population growth.

“We seek to transform the region, fostering lowcarbon, resilient and inclusive development” said

Juan Pablo Bonilla, the manager of the IDB’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector.

“Cities are already on the frontlines of action for global sustainability and will play an increasingly important role in the future.”

The IDB said that significant levels of investments are needed to fulfill the commitments agreed on the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.

From left: Minister Ramjattan, Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford and REO for Region Seven Kerwin Ward during yesterday's visit Ramjattan announced that Government has secured new fire tenders for the town.

He personally thanked all workers for their professionalism and hard work in handling the recent blaze in Bartica. He noted investigations are currently ongoing to determine on the cause of both fires.

While at the Police Station, Ramjattan encouraged ranks to challenge themselves in

spite of their current limitations and incapacities.

He noted that Guyana is on the verge of economic boom with the coming of oil. The Public Security Minister reassured ranks that things will change for the better.

The Minister and his team of officials conducted a visit of the new facilities currently being constructed at the Mazaruni Prisons Compound, The $3.5B Project being

done in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by February 2020, and the second by the end of the same year. Once completed, the facility will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 400 inmates.

The contract for the construction has been awarded to Kee-Chanona Limited of Trinidad & Tobago Nabi Construction Inc., of Guyana.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Ministry of Public Telecommunications' ICT pilot project off to positive start

T

he Ministry of P u b l i c Telecommunicati ons' ICT (Information and Communications Technology) pilot project, to selected secondary schools to intern with local ICT companies commenced on March 25th at the Carmel and Charlestown Secondary Schools in Georgetown.

Scores of senior students and teachers attended at both schools, and representatives f r o m Ta g m a n M e d i a , Intellect Storm, Nexus Hub and the Brainstreet Group fielded a host of queries, especially about the students' skills with art and how it could be translated into IT products like Animation.

Private sector companies are also partnering with the

Ministry in this initiative, to interest more students and show them how their skills could be gainfully utilized via ICT. The project will continue on Friday April 5th at the Queenstown Secondary School on New Garden St., Queenstown, at 10:30hrs and Minister Catherine Hughes is expected to join the panel of ICT professionals.

This time, the panel is expected to include the heads of the University of Guyana's Computer Science Department, and the Government Technical Institute.

Guyana Industrial Training Centre instructors are expected to return and speak with students individually about the wide

range of tech subjects on the curriculum at the institute.

This pilot project also entails Ministry's Innovation Department, working alongside teachers in schools identified to select one student from each school for a paid Internship at the five (5) Guyanese IT companies during the August holidays.

So far this has proven to be a successful pilot and Training Co-ordinator, Donnella Collison calls it “Proof of Concept�. The entire panel which includes senior officials from the Education Ministry will continue the outreach at the Lodge Secondary School, D'Urban Backlands on Monday April 8; and at St. Mary's Secondary in Charlestown on the following day.

Thursday April 04, 2019

Stanleytown man busted with 60lbs of ganja at his apartment

B

' Division's Special Crime Unit yesterday arrested a man at his Stanleytown, New Amsterdam apartment after a search unearthed a quantity of marijuana.

In police custody is 27-year-old Dean Grenville.

According to the police, Grenville who had been under the radar for sometime was busted with 60 lbs of the illicit drug at his apartment. It was disclosed that while Grenville lives in the bottom flat of the building and the cannabis was found there, a magistrate occupies the upper flat but was not at home at the time.

The ranks swooped down on the location at just around 11:15 hrs yesterday and subsequently conducted the search when the 16 parcels were found taped and compressed.

The unemployed man is being processed for court.

Arrested: Dean Grenville

The seized ganja

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

Two accused arraigned Cops on separate rape charges recover

T

wo men appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday on separate rape charges; one of them is accused of having sexual intercourse with a 15year-old girl. Remanded to prison was Aduke Josiah, 33, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on August 8, 2018, at Plum Park, Sophia, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Kaieteur News understands that on the day in question, the teen was at home alone when Josiah forced his way into her room and had sexual intercourse with her. The young girl later told her parents what transpired and a report was lodged with the police.

The police prosecutor was opposed to bail being granted to the accused citing the serious nature, the prevalence of the offence and the penalty it attracts.

Further, the prosecutor stressed that the alleged incident occurred when the

Aduke Josiah

girl was only 15.

The prosecutor also asserted that should Josiah be released on bail there is the likelihood he will tamper with the virtual complainant as well as witnesses in the matter.

After considering these factors, the Chief Magistrate remanded Josiah to prison until April 12, for reports.

Meanwhile, Brian Parris, 45, was released on $100,000 bail after he was also slapped with a rape charge.

Particulars of the allegation stated that on August 24, 2018, at Fourth Street, A l b e r t t o w n , Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a woman without her consent. According to information, the woman was at home relaxing when Parris entered and began chatting with her before forcing himself onto her.

The matter was reported, an investigation was carried out, resulting in Parris being arrested.

Parris was instructed to make his next court appearance on April 10.

two unlicensed pistols in separate raids

A

bout 13:45h on Tuesday, ranks in 'E' Division acting on information received went to a location at Park Lane, Amelia's Ward, Linden, and found an unlicensed .32 pistol with seven matching rounds.

Police said that three males have been detained for questioning.

Meanwhile, ranks in 'F' Division while on patrol duty in Crabu Backdam, Kaikan Village, Mazuruni River, about 17:30h Tuesday, arrested a 53-year-old miner of Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, after he was found in possession of an unlicensed pistol without ammunition.

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday April 04, 2019

4 years in jail, $13M fine for waitress busted with coke

A

dmitting that she had nothing to say in relation to her guilty plea on a cocaine trafficking charge, 23-yearold Reena Jagernauth was yesterday sentenced to four years' imprisonment for the offence when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann

McLennan.

Jagernauth, a waitress, of Paramaribo, Suriname, confessed that on April 1, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara, she had 4.853kg (equivalent to almost 11 pounds) of cocaine in her

possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to facts presented by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question Jagernauth was an outgoing passenger at the airport destined for Panama via Copa Airlines.

While at the airport, ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch observed her acting in a suspicious manner and approached her, during which they requested to search her person and luggage. The ranks found a quantity of cocaine stashed in book covers, deodorant and cream bottles, make-up kits and hair-cutting machines.

Police say that the woman admitted to the crime while in custody at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Reports indicate that Jagernauth cut holes in the centre of four books and stuffed the illicit

Reena Jagernauth being escorted from the courtroom drugs inside.

Reports are that she also attempted to glue the covers of the books together. In

addition to the prison term, the Chief Magistrate ordered that the drug trafficker pay a fine of $13,146,777.

GuySuCo warns of flooding as squatters block Non Pareil drainage reserve

T

he Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) has expressed concern over the recent squatting on the drainage reserve at Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara. “ T h i s r e c e n t development will prevent the corporation from maintaining the drainage system to prevent flooding to Non Pareil, Strathspey and neighbouring villages,”

GuySuCo said yesterday.

The drainage outfall is located between Non Pareil and Strathspey villages and operated from three pumps at Strathspey at the old railway to the sea sluice. This area cannot be de-silted and maintained, with squatters currently on the eastern reserve, GuySuCo said.

“The rainy season (MayJune rains), will commence in a few weeks and GuySuCo

would not be able to effectively operate the drainage pumps which could result in severe flooding for prolonged periods if the outfall is not de-silted.”

The squatters' buildings and pickets/rails are on the eastern embankment of the outfall channel, which is required for machine access and placement of sludge from the drainage canal.

This is especially so between the East Coast public road and the Strathspey sea sluice.”

GuySuCo said it is appealing to all relevant authorities to take the necessary actions to clear the reserve before the May-June rains begin, so as to prevent severe flooding of residential communities as well as lands being used for agricultural purposes, such as cash crops.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 17

Community radio stations integral to empowering citizens at grassroots level - GNBA Head Nagamootoo noted the historic nature of the event.

Describing it as a “revolution of radio broadcasting in Guyana” he pointed to the fact that for the first time in the history of national broadcasting, radio has been carried to the wider hinterland.

“We have now brought to the attention of the world that we have nine peoples

GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers

T

he Guyana N a t i o n a l Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is moving towards the implementation of community radio stations as part of a plan to empower citizens at the grassroots level.

Chairman Leslie Sobers told Kaieteur News that community radio is a major part of the Authority's work plan for this year. The aim, he said, is for the GNBA to use the community radio to create a more informed populace.

“Radio has always had a special place in the Guyanese community. The villages are important and community radios will help citizens from across the country participate fully in the economics of the country.”

Sobers said the plan is intended to remove inequality, as well as encourage greater participation and input in important national matters.

“For instance, if a community has an issue with marijuana, the frequency can be used to share valuable information on the topic.”

Additionally, Sobers noted that community radios are intended to improve village economies by giving residents a medium through which they can promote their product and services to attract wider markets.

He stressed reliable and accurate public information can play a significant role transforming communities,

noting that radio stations will ensure that residents have up to date information on issues such as healthcare, education, citizenship, security and the environment.

The GNBA chairman said that at present there is wide availability of frequencies for community radio.

“We will have to conduct training and sensitise community representatives on the proper way to utilize their frequencies. At present, Port Kaituma, Matthew's Ridge, Wakenaam, Leguan, Essequibo Coast, Linden, Ituni, Kwakwani, Belladrum , Ithaca, Black Bush Polder, Whim and New Amsterdam are earmarked for community radio projects.”

T h e G N B A ' s announcement comes days after more than 40 regional radio broadcasters, drawn from Indigenous Communities in Regions One, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine, participated in the first ever Regional Radio Workshop being held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) in Georgetown.

The broadcasters were exposed to guidelines on how to use their respective stations, and how to provide quality programmes.

They were exposed to sessions on the Guyana Constitution, the Amerindian Act and defamation laws.

During the opening of the conference, Prime Minister Moses

residing in the far-flung hinterland and that they can communicate with the rest of the world in their own languages; that's a revolution.”

According to the Prime Minister, while the idea of community radio stations has been around for some time now, it was not undertaken until the Coalition Government took

office in 2015.

“I found strong support from President David Granger.

He's not afraid to expand t h e h o r i z o n o f communication and information…The President had said that we need public community radio stations in every region. We now have in five, and I'm sure in due course, we will have in every region.

We should have radio stations in every capital city

in every region in Guyana, so that we can all be linked.”

Additionally, the Prime Minister announced that talks have started with the National Communications Network and the Department of Public Information and National Centre for Educational Resource Development, to add public information content through the Guyana Learning Channel television stations in 16 locations in the hinterland.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 19

U.S. focused on business climate change in Guyana (/fpif.org) With the oil giant ExxonMobil preparing to drill for oil off the coast of Guyana, U.S. diplomats are working to empower U.S. businesses to develop industries in the small South American country, where an anticipated oil boom is expected to generate unprecedented profits.

According to the State Department's 2018 Investment Climate Statement, Guyana is becoming an attractive location for international investors.

Future drilling by ExxonMobil “would generate billions in revenue for the country and could potentially transform the social, political, and economic landscape,” the State Department reported.

Given the anticipated oil boom, many investors hope to ride a wave of oil and oil-related wealth to newfound riches.

“Foreign investment is likely to greatly increase in the coming years,” U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch recently commented. “Guyana has vast untapped resources, so the potential is enormous.”

U.S. efforts to attract investors to Guyana are part o f t h e T r u m p administration's broader goal of opening international markets to U.S. businesses.

Although President Trump identifies himself as “TariffMan,” or someone who creates barriers to trade in the U.S. market, he wants to reduce all such barriers to trade in other countries.

“I'm opening up markets like nobody has ever opened markets before,” the president boasted last year.

The State Department has a team of about 1,500 officers working at U.S. embassies

around the world with the “primary goal” of opening markets, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. As Pompeo told an audience of oil executives and energy investors last month, U.S. diplomats are “working to ensure that markets are open for American businesses all around the world.”

If “you want to attack markets all around the world,” Pompeo said in a separate i n t e r v i e w, t h e “ S t a t e Department's here to help you.”

Since the discovery of oil off the coast of Guyana, U.S. diplomats have been relentlessly attacking markets in Guyana. In diplo-speak, they are working to create a better “business climate.”

When previous U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway arrived in the country in 2015, he announced that he had come with a mandate from Washington to “improve the country's overall business climate.” One of Holloway's priorities was to establish an American Chamber of Commerce there. When it

opened last year, he mused about whether its opening had “set the record for the fastest l a u n c h o f a n o ff i c i a l AmCham affiliate.”

“Of course,” he told his audience, “I am not sure whether anyone could make remarks here tonight without mentioning oil.”

For U.S. officials, oil has been the main focus of their efforts in Guyana. According to ExxonMobil, there are more than five billion barrels of oilequivalent located in the Stabroek Block, an area about 100 miles off the coast of Guyana.

The anticipated oil boom has not been without its challenges, however. Over the past several years, U.S. diplomats have been scrambling to quell numerous controversies, including concerns about the likelihood of an oil spill, a controversial oil contract between ExxonMobil and the Guyanese government, and an ongoing border dispute between the Guyanese and Venezuelan governments over the area where the oil is

located.

Fortunately for ExxonMobil, the company has had a powerful friend in President Trump. Since entering office, the president has been working to unleash the power of U.S. oil companies.

Early in his presidency, President Trump gave the oil industry one if its biggest gifts by withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. Meanwhile, his administration has been questioning the science on climate change, repealing regulations that reduce carbon emissions, opening new parts of the country for drilling, and defending the use of fossil fuels.

“The oil and gas industry, I want to promise you, has no greater friend than President D o n a l d Tr u m p , ” Vi c e President Mike Pence told the

Oil and Gas Association last month.

U n d o u b t e d l y, t h e administration's actions are contributing to a dramatic redistribution of power in the global oil market. Just last year, the United States emerged as the largest oil producer in the world.

“We're getting close to where we'll have true American energy dominance,” Secretary of State Pompeo marveled at a recent energy forum.

In Guyana, the anticipated oil boom will only add to the Trump administration's efforts to achieve American energy dominance.

Although the oil is located off the coast of Guyana, its production and distribution remains largely under the control of ExxonMobil. Indeed, oil will be drilled by ExxonMobil and sold into the marketplace by ExxonMobil.

The people of Guyana, who have been promised great riches, will most likely never

see the oil. In fact, they do not even need it. When the Guyanese government entered the Paris Climate Agreement, it acknowledged that the country could very likely eliminate its dependence on fossil fuels over the next several years.

“Given our solar, wind and hydropower potential and relatively small national demand, we believe that with adequate and timely financial support, Guyana can develop a 100 percent renewable power supply by 2025,” the Guyanese government reported in its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution.

U.S. officials, however, have been far more focused on achieving business climate change in Guyana. As Trump has been trashing the Paris Climate Agreement, the U.S. embassy in Guyana has been working to leverage the anticipated oil boom into an extravaganza of wealth and profits, all with little concern about the environmental impact.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday April 04, 2019

Providence, Diamond sidewalks to be completed by May

T

housands of persons will soon benefit from the sidewalks being built by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in the communities of Providence and Diamond.

Commencing in January 2019, the project was slated to be completed in March.

However, there were a few unexpected setbacks. In an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), an engineer within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Carissa Goodings, illustrated those challenges.

“We had two main challenges. Firstly, the utilities in terms of the alignment…We had an encounter with the GTT fibre cables. We had to work around those and that created delays,” Goodings explained.

There was also a modification in the design of the sidewalks in Providence.

Goodings clarified that the initial design of the project

included sidewalks slated to be built on the southern side of Red Road; along the stretch bordering Massy supermarket, Qualfon and Texila American University.

However, due to structural complications with the concrete drains adjoining Massy, a decision was made to build the sidewalks on the opposite end of the road.

With an extended project deadline of May 31 in sight, the commuters of the area are eagerly anticipating the prospect of having sidewalks.

Nearby pedestrians that work within the area shared their thoughts with the DPI. One such person was Keith Blackman who said, “I think it is a great idea because this road is very narrow and to actually put a sidewalk will secure persons so that when they are walking there wouldn't be any issues… no accidents.” A nearby employee in the area, Amera Damon noted: “the sidewalk is very important for our safety since a lot of

vehicles have been passing and the road is very narrow.”

Over in the Diamond housing scheme, works are approximately 70 per cent completed, with the construction of sidewalks currently taking place between First and Second Avenues. The sidewalks will culminate just outside the Diamond Secondary School. Student of the school, Zachariah Raymond, shared his thoughts about the sidewalk, “it is very useful; you do not get harmed by being knocked down on the road”.

The staff responsible for Traffic, Safety and Maintenance at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has been working aggressively to identify areas in need of proper road signs, lights and other safety features to safeguard commuters. Plans are currently in place to upgrade many of those very safety features in the country, with a number of the contracts already out for tender. (DPI)

A section of the sidewalk at Diamond is already in use

Workers at it in Providence

Harmon, Greenidge and Roopnaraine...

From page 3 ministers in other positions.

NOT IMMEDIATE Yesterday, government in another statement, retreating f r o m Tu e s d a y ' s announcement, said that the resignations from Parliament will not take immediate effect.

“President David Granger, this morning, stated that while he has accepted the resignation of the four coalition government Members of Parliament, their resignations will not take effect immediately as there are several processes which have to be applied.”

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, the Head of State made it clear that the replacement of MPs can be done only when those MPs submit their letters of resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly as is prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana.

It was pointed out that Article 156 (1) (a) of the Constitution states that “A member of the National

Assembly shall vacate his or her seat therein - if he or she resigns it by writing under his or her own hand addressed to the Speaker or, if the Office of the Speaker if vacant or the Speaker is absent from Guyana, to the Deputy Speaker.”

The Ministry of the Presidency also pointed out that Article 156 (3) further says a member of the National Assembly elected on a list shall cease to be a member of the Assembly if he or she declares in writing to the Speaker or to the Representative of the List from which his or her name was extracted that he or she will not support the list from which his or her name was extracted; or he or she declares in writing to the Speaker or to the Representative of the List from which his or her name was extracted, his or her support for another List.

“Additionally, Article 156 (4) (a) says, “The Speaker shall declare the seat of a Member of the National Assembly vacant where – the

Speaker receives a written declaration of the Member of the National Assembly...”

The ministry said that the President reminded that the nomination of new members can be done only after the extraction of names from the National Top-Up list is approved by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“As such, the four m i n i s t e r s , M r. C a r l Greenidge, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Mr. Dominic Gaskin and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine will remain ministers until the aforementioned processes are completed.”

It was disclosed that the President, moreover, has not approved replacements at this time.

The ministry said that the resignation of the ministers is in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana as well as the March 22, 2019 ruling of the Court of Appeal relative to the validity of the no-confidence motion passed on December 21, 2018.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 21

Albion workers warned to return to work by Saturday

T

he Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) is becoming increasingly concerned with the developments relative to employees on strike at the Albion Estate, who were transferred from Rose Hall Estate as a result of the transitioning process in the Corporation.

“Some of the Cane Harvesters have been on

strike for the past two days and their stated reason being that they are entitled to severance payment.

The Corporation wishes to state that the strike action is illegal and is in breach of the 'Extant Collective Labour Agreement' existing between GuySuCo and representative Union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU),” according to the

corporation yesterday.

Additionally, GuySuCo said, the job opportunities for employees from Rose Hall Estate at Albion and Blairmont Estates, is a part of the Corporation's response to the engagements since 2017, between the Corporation and these employees as well as many stakeholders including GAWU, to explore all possibilities to maintain

employment for as many employees as possible from the Rose Hall Estate .

“Further, the corporation wishes to state that the transfer of the employees from Rose Hall Estate to the Albion Estate was done in accordance with the Labour Law of Guyana under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA) section 21 (4) (b).”

Prior to the transfers,

Four Tax Sites launched

T

he Guyana R e v e n u e Authority (GRA) has operationalised four Tax Site locations; City Mall on Camp and Regent Streets, the Guyana Post Office Headquarters on North Road and the GRA Headquarters under the tent in the compound.

These three locations will be opened from April 3, 2019 and will be operational until April 30. The fourth site is located at the University of Guyana's Centre for Information Technology, from April 15 to 18.

According to GRA's Communications Officer, Fabian Clowes, these 'Tax

- to enable early tax submission Sites' will only be facilitating submission of tax returns.

Taxpayers should ensure that their returns are filled before filing for their claim.

Clowes explained that persons should ensure that the information on their tax returns, and in any documents attached, are true, correct and complete in every respect.

He emphasised that returns must reflect all sources of income and underscored that the Tax Sites will not be taking any cash payments.

Clowes also reminded taxpayers that returns should be submitted at the earliest possible time, since late submissions attract penalties.

This is often a percentage of the tax assessed and where a demand notice is issued and the time specified for submitting the return has expired, interest is added on.

Taxpayers can also use GRA's 'e-Services'. This IT platform was created in 2017 to allow taxpayers to submit their returns without leaving their homes or offices.

With e-Services, an

individual can file his/her income tax and property tax returns while an employer or business can file yearly and monthly PAYE and VAT Returns.

The GRA official reminded that April 30 is the due date for submission of I n c o m e , P r o p e r t y, Corporation and Capital gains taxes. (DPI)

management of GuySuCo held several discussions with th e emp lo y ees in th e presence of their Union (GAWU), informing them of the benefits to be gained from being transferred and remaining in the employ of the Corporation.

“Once again, the Corporation would like to take this opportunity to remind the employees of the value that it places on their service and would be appreciative to have them

remain in its employ.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Corporation is keen on providing them with continued employment, so that they are able to take care of their families and expenses, as well as enjoy the benefits as employees of GuySuCo.” H o w e v e r, t h e Corporation warns, it is a commercial business. The workers were told to report for duty by Saturday the latest.

PAGE 22

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

Teachers urged to take legal action against police FOR RENT

FOR SALE SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES,AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC'S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 TO LET Business space to rent. No restaurant. Serious enquiries only. 233 South Road 2250198/615-0317 1 Room apartment suitable for singles. 5 Minutes drive from Harbour Bridge. Parking, light and water. 676-6312

German shepherd for sale.

Tel# 655-2342, 629-3372, 2182383 1 250 KVA Onan generator powered by Cummins #2690603/644-1190 1 CAT 215 Excavator, 1 Honda 450 Atv, 2 8-cu yds Mack Mixer Truck, 1 Pneumatic 9 wheeled tryre roller #2750367/683-7225 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1 CAT 428 Back-hoe, CAT 215 Excavator spare parts, 2 Bitumen spray kettle. #2750367/683-7225

Private custom brokerage.

Training course/ AW lecturer with 30 year experience. April 29. Call 694-8322,690-4225.

Reg now & save Learn photoshop, illustrator, coreldraw, indesign, after effects, premierepro. One-onone training. Call 233-2389

Newly renovated apartment for rent at Peters Hall. #2239677/ 698-5800/ 648-1391 Fully furnished apartment in South (AC, Cable & Internet) #691-1918/223-4390 1 Bedroom for working couple/single person $35,000 & $32,000 monthly. Light & water included. Lodge. Call: 623-0076 VEHICLE FOR SALE Foreign used 6x4 sinotruck Howo dump truck & excavators for sale. Tel: 5023408/677-8104

German shepherd pups. 10 weeks old. Fully vaccinated and dewormed. Contact number 619-9203

Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501

Mixed blue pit for sale. 9 Weeks old. 698-6796

Toyota axio, bed frames, vanity, generator, portable AC, fridge. Owners migrating. Call 611-7106

Four pure breed German Shepherd pups (Black & Tan) Seven weeks old. Tele# 626-0953/ 650-9998.

2 6" Double diamond lavrador. $400,000. 16ft Steel wash plan for gold mining. $1.5M Call 613-5062 MWM 6 cylinder turbo 215 HP engine with 8/6 Berkley pump. Excellent condition. $2.5M. Call 613-5062

LAND FOR SALE

Free classes in April for children show in Physics, Reading, Maths etc. Ages 313. For info call 675-4379

One business place in Durban St W/Ville available from June 1st. Tel 616-2445

30x50 Rubberized tarpaulin $120,000. Stihl fogging machine $150,000. Call 6135062

10 Acre farm land with a variety of fruit trees at Kuru-Kururu Soesdyke Linden H/way. 30 million negotiable. Tel: 6435203

EDUCATION

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

475 acres of transported water front land @ Hogg Island, Essequibo River. Suitable for farming, cattle rearing etc.

Contact: 617-4004 Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Parfaite Harmonie transferrable 2.5M, Parfaite Harmonie 1.6M, Farm 3.5M, Herstelling 5.5M, Diamond 11M. 666-2326

Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Learn graphic design and Schoonard $3M Dairy with video editing. One-on-one foundation & Fence $2M Farm $3M Tel# 656-0701/651-1969 training. Call 233-2389

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Fabs Rental, Beterverwagting ECD Cars from $4000 #6040883 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657. yashardabhola4@gmail.com LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) says it is encouragVACANCY ing teachers who were allegServers & counter attendants. edly stripped searched by Send applications to German’s Restaurant. 8 New Market Street G/Town. $14,000 starting salary Receptionist. 25-50 yrs. 233 South Road Lacytown or call 225-0198 Industrial Sales WANTED Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in 1 Security personnel to work Sales, must own vehicle, email shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 227r e s u m e : 5536/ 223-0504 vacancy@josarltd.com Seamstress. Contact: 691Wanted: Security guard. 1918. Monday to Saturday Apply asap to manager: 9am to 4pm Herdmanston Lodge Peter Mechanic and trainee Rose & Anira Sts mechanic needed in Kitty. Call DemBake @ Land of Canaan 623-0318 is seeking distributors & experienced drivers & sales One experienced cook agents.

Email CV: needed. Call 223-7165 admin@demerarabakery.com / Live in waitress to work in a 266-5848 bar. Must have ID. Age 18Driver for office in Eccles. Age 23yrs old. 221-2785 25 to 45. Call 642-9823 Attractive waitress wanted.

Vacancy for general manager Speaking spanish would be at Dollar Stretch Store. Lot 16 an asset. Call# 615-0915 Robb Street. Tel# 654-0141 Wanted experienced hire car Vegetarian Gardens: driver at Ramada Princess Accountant Clerk. Hotel. Contact 616-5419, 265info@vgiworld.com 227-7714/ 7075 223-3448 Live in or live out domestic Hick’s Ville Hotel worker. Call from Monday Receptionist, hotel Saturday between 8:15 attendant, washer/ pressure.

4:15PM 223-7500 info@vgiworld.com 2310951/3 Wanted sales driver.Tel# 627Hardworking, physically fit, 5726/ 227-6659 team player. Perform with minimum supervision, willing Wanted workers at Magic to learn. Plant Shop# 648-1821 Touch car wash & detailing.

Tel# 669-4676 (8am-5pm) Vacancy for general manager Experienced - shop worker/ at Yugs Variety Store. Lot 4 handyman & couple for Robb Street. Tel# 654-0141 interior & G/Town. Age 18-40 yrs. Tel: 231-0363 Call between Maid/cleaner, porter/laborer. 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday Apply with handwritten Friday application, police clearance.

Wieting & Richter Ltd. 10-13 Cashier/waitress, night supervisor, assistant cook.

Water Street, Georgetown Apply within 172 Sheriff Vacancy for maid living within Street or call 225-7933 Kitty. Can cook indian dishes.

Working hrs 9-2:30 Monday One ice machine operator needed. Call 223-7165 to Saturday. Call 223-5897 Driver needed. Must have a sound secondary education.

For more information please call: 223-0090

Porters. Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville

Vacancy exists for certified accountant.

Bring in application to Agri Parts Machinery and Services.

Wanted experienced washbay worker. # 233-5227, 682-1616.

Nandy Park E.B.D

Urgently needed soursop Bond clerk/ factory worker. leaves and stem from 50lbs to Must have a sound secondary 1000lbs. Tel#609-8281 education.

For more information please call: 223- Land to buy. Parfaite 0090 Harmonie, Herstelling, Farm, Eccles, Province, Tuschen, Vacancy for abled porter boys. Diamond. Best price and cash.

Call 223-5897 Call 666-2326

police officers investigating a robbery at a school to pursue legal action.

ABUT secretary general, Ashworth Azille, said the advice to pursue the legal action came after the police failed to respond to the allegations made by the teachers.

He said while the union itself could not take legal action on behalf of the teachers “we have made our legal counsel available to do that on behalf of each individual who was so affected by the actions of the police”.

Speaking on a radio station yesterday, Azille said he could confirm that the affected teachers would have met with the attorney “to work out all the details” regarding the pending lawsuit.

In October last year, several teachers at the secondary school claimed they had been violated by the police when they were stripped search after a teacher had reported that over EC$4,500 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) had been stolen from her bag.

The teachers claimed that when the police arrived after classes had been dismissed 14 teachers, who were still on the compound, were each made to strip naked and searched by a group of police officers.

In addition, the male and female teachers, were also made to squat in front of strangers.

“It is something …we are not relenting on because we feel very strongly that the actions of the police …were pretty much unprofessional…”

Will CAL benefit from LIAT Trinidad Express - Last month, one of the biggest business stories in this part of the world was the news that regional air carrier, LIAT, needed US$5.4 million in emergency funding to ensure the airline did not run out of the cash it requires to continue operating.

According to its website, LIAT is jointly owned by 11 Caribbean countries and a number of regional institutional investors, but four countries are reported to own 94.7 per cent of the airline— Barbados, Antigua, St Vincent and Dominica.

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Contracts approved for major drainage works in city The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday disclosed that contracts have been approved for cleaning of the city’s drainage facilities, and that it will be partnering with the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) to carry out the rehabilitation, maintenance and operation of said facilities.

“In 2019, NDIA will be responsible for 93,421 metres of main drainage canals in Georgetown. An allocation of $274 million will be spent on Georgetown drainage for 2019,” Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said.

Church and Sussex Streets as well as Ruimveldt are to benefit from three high capacity, mobile pumps to reduce the occurrence of floods.

Additionally maintenance work will be done on other pumps in the capital city, inclusive of seven mobile and

two fixed drainage pumps at Kitty and Liliendaal.

NDIA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dave Hicks said that the authority will also be involved in rehabilitating drainage channels in Georgetown.

“We will also be using our equipment to rehabilitate the La Penitence South channel which is 5,600 metres long.

These works will be broken up into eight sections since the pontoon has to be demobilized and re-launched around bridges, main access roads,” Hicks said.

The Deputy CEO further stated that even as major works are expected to commence shortly, squatting activities continue to obstruct works of that nature in areas such as La Penitence.

“The NDIA was able to fabricate a mud bin on the pontoon and mount an excavator to carry out excavation

Works being done on the East La Penitence Channel works on the La Penitence South drainage channel.

The channel runs from the eastern extreme of the Lamaha Springs area to the westerly extreme draining

into the Demerara River via a double door sluice north of Ruimveldt Police Station.

A pontoon was launched with an excavator into the channel in the vicinity of Mandela Avenue and the machines are working westerly towards the pedestrian bridge near the Brickdam Secondary School. To date, 260m

of this 380m stretch of channel has been excavated,” Hicks said.

Some of the areas drained by this channel include Lamaha Springs, Lamaha Park, Guyhoc Park, Tucville, Freeman Street East La Penitence, Middle Road, Laing Avenue and Albouystown.

The decision to have NDIA commence drainage works in Georgetown followed the recommendations of a Cabinet Sub-committee meeting which was chaired by the Agriculture Minister and also included Ministers of Public Infrastructure and Communities respectively.

Colm: 70 bids for refinery …Heritage loses US$2.76M Squatter wins housing lottery

NEWSDAY - Finance Minister Colm Imbert said some 70 bids had been made to take over the former Petrotrin refinery, mothballed by the Government over its high operating costs. Imbert, acting for Energy Minister Franklin Khan, replied to several listed questions in the Senate on Tuesday.

“To date, expressions of interest have been received from 70 interested parties consisting of a wide spectrum of companies in the energy industry.”

He said all 70 parties are eligible to access a data room at the refinery once they show their technical and financial capacity, and sign a non-disclosure agreement.

“The data room will be available to the end of April 2019 to allow preliminary submissions from interested parties, at which time a short list of qualified bidders will be prepared.”

He added that final proposals from qualified bidders must be sent in by June 15.

“An international investment banker with extensive experience in the industry, namely the Bank of Nova Scotia of Houston, Texas, USA, has been engaged to provide technical advice in the short listing and evaluation of proposals for the sale and/or lease of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery.”

Mark asked how the bank had been selected, but Imbert did not know although he promised an answer if the query was filed as a fresh question.

Mark asked if Scotiabank (TT) former head Richard Young had recommended the bank, but Senate President Christine Kangaloo disal-

Colm Imbert

lowed the query.

Opposition senator Saddam Hosein, in a new question, asked of the fortunes of Petrotrin’s successor companies from December 1, 2018 to February 15, 2019.

Imbert said the Heritage Petroleum Company, which handles exploration and production of crude oil for export, has made a US$2.76 million loss.

He added that for a similar (but unstated) two month period, the former Petrotrin had incurred a loss of US$50 million (although he did not say if this was for E&P operations or also included refinery operations.)

Conversely, Imbert said Paria Fuel Trading Company which imports refined fuels had made a US$46 million profit.

His replies pertained to the period December 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Imbert blamed Heritage’s loss on teething problems.

“I expect it will move from a very small loss into profitability.”

Wade Mark has asked an

urgent question about a pungent smell from gasoline sold at the pump by NP. Imbert said an NP shipment on March 7 had been tested and met all requirements of quality, but had a pungent smell.

A chemical scavenger had some effect on removing the problem from super gasoline but not from diesel.He said a fresh batch of oil received yesterday (Tuesday) had met the standards, although there would be a residual odour in the tanks.

Asked the fate of the Petrotrin Sports Club, Imbert said the company’s board is looking at commercially viable options while the Government is examining its use in the public interest, even as he himself mulled a hybrid approach.

Otherwise he said a request for proposals document is being prepared for the lease and/or sale of the Augustus Long Hospital, decommissioned since last November.

Forty-one year-old Ayasia May LaFleur is the proud owner of a new, semi-furnished home at the New Prospect Housing Scheme. The soon-to-be formerresident of GuyHoc Park Squatting Area and mother of nine was squatting since the age of 23.

She explained that she applied 12 years ago for a house lot, and hoped that her fortune would change.

LaFleur decided to visit the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s Open House Exhibition on Sunday, March 31. Like hundreds of others, she filled out a coupon for a chance to win a free house courtesy of the CH&PA. She was in the Giftland Mall shopping when she got the call.

“I was so happy. I screamed out in the Mall. Everybody around me wanted to know what happened but my friend who was with me said, ‘Ok take it easy.

Let’s go and hear what they have to say,” she recalled.

When she arrived at CH&PA, she affirmed her good fortune. Asked about her present circumstances, La Fleur said she was squatting, “on a government reserve and really wanted to move for a long time.”

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Adams-Yearwood said she had fervently hoped that the house would be won by someone, “who really, really, really needed it.” According to the minister, the house is valued at $4M and the plot of land is $100,000. The lucky LaFleur only has to pay $100,000 for the land, within the next six months.

The new homeowner will receive the keys to her home on Friday. It will be equipped with a microwave, bed, television and

An ecstatic Ayasia May LaFleur maybe a few other amenities, the minister added.

According to the CH&PA, more than 50 per cent of Guyanese are applying for house lots within the low-income bracket and providing for those applicants, the agency is collaborating with several private developers to make that possible.

The homes that were on show at the recently held Open House exhibition at Prospect, EBD, range in price starting at $4M, $6M and $9M. The exhibition ended last Sunday.

The CH&PA has stated that will move beyond single units and duplexes and add condominiums to the housing developments. (DPI)

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Westbrook’s historic 20-20-20 carries Thunder Russell Westbrook had 20 points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-103 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

It was just the second time in league history a player had at least 20 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a game. Wilt Chamberlain had 22 points, 25 rebounds and 21 assists in a 1968 game.

Westbrook finished off the feat in the final minute, nabbing Lance Stephenson’s miss with 41 seconds left, drawing a large ovation from the crowd.

He clinched the triple-double — his 31st of the season — with 4:38 left in the third quarter, hitting a contested jumper.

Warriors 116, Nuggets 102 Golden State took a big step toward securing the top seed in the Western Conference,

overcoming the ejection of Kevin Durant to crush Denver in Oakland, Calif.

The win gave the Warriors (53-24) a two-game lead over the Nuggets (51-26) with just five to play.

The Warriors also earned a potential tiebreaker by virtue of their third straight win over the Nuggets after an October defeat, claiming the season series 3-1.

In a marquee matchup of big men, DeMarcus Cousins outplayed Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, contributing 28 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocked shots, helping the Warriors to their fourth win in their last five games.

Rockets 130, Kings 105 James Harden recorded his 32nd double-double, and visiting Houston completed a sweep of its four-game season

series with Sacramento.

Harden paired 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting with 10 assists and sank 7 of 12 3pointers for Houston (5028), which led by as many as 30 points. The Rockets improved to 17-4 since the All-Star break to move a half-game ahead of Portland in pursuit of the third seed in the Western Conference.

Eric Gordon added 19 points, Danuel House Jr. scored 19 off the bench, and P.J. Tucker chipped in 13 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that gave the Rockets a 6246 lead at the intermission.

Spurs 117, Hawks 111 Derrick White and Marco Belinelli led a fourth-quarter surge as San Antonio rallied past visiting Atlanta.

White, who hit 10 of his 12

Thursday 04 April 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might find it difficult to connect with others today, Aries. Your brain may seem like it's in some other dimension.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Things may be coming to a dramatic climax for you, Taurus. It may seem like everything is working against you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Dig out the paints and get your creative energy flowing, Gemini. Keep in mind that you might not have the discipline or commitment to finish any project you start today, but you most certainly won't lack creative energy.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today is a terrific day for you, Cancer. You finally seem to have a grasp on your thought processes and inner emotions.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There may be some rough spots today that could be difficult to iron out, Leo. No matter what you do, you land just a bit short of the mark. Perhaps your indecisiveness is making it too difficult for you to be effective.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Nurture your artistic, romantic side today, Virgo.

Your feet may be a little cold, but that's what you get for splashing around in the rain.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today may be one of those days when you feel all dressed up with nowhere to go. Don't worry about the details, Libra. Follow your heart to a fantasyland and join the outlandish and bizarre.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a fantastic day, Scorpio. Elements of your life seem to be falling into place.

You're in a period when you're beginning new cycles of love and mental activity. These beginning points are highlighted.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is one of those days in which you can't figure out what to order for dinner.

You're the official owner of the cloudy head today, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A friend or colleague could introduce you to a way to increase your income by doing what you love most, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It might seem like your brain and heart are working against you today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your moods are always fluctuating. Today looks like you're on an up note, Pisces, so enjoy the caring, sensitive mood of the day. You should find that you can clearly express your emotions on a more intellectual level

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Reggie Bullock (35) looks on. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

shots, finished with 23 points, and DeMar DeRozan went for 29, as the Spurs (45-33) kept pace with Oklahoma City (45-33) in their duel for seventh place in the Western Conference.

The Spurs trailed by as many as nine points in the fourth quarter before rallying into the lead during a stretch in which White scored seven straight points.

Prize money....

From page27 ‘when I was a genuine chance that if you win you’re going to get $900,000, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

While Davies has 20 LPGA victories, including four majors, she has not won since 2001, but finished in a tie for second at the Founders Cup last year and believes that she could win again, which is why she plans to keep playing for as long as she can.

Davies still hits the ball further than many peers half her age, flying it some 260-270 yards with her driver and sometimes not even using a tee when she wants to hit a fade, but acknowledges her short game often lets her d o w n . ”If my short game was better I’d be really competitive,” she said. “But my chipping is not as good. And I don’t hole as many putts as I used to, and these young girls are phenomenal now so I’ve got my work cut out, but I’m still trying.”

It is what keeps her on the LPGA Tour, when she could be well excused for choosing instead to tend to her vegetable garden at home in Surrey and enjoying her career earnings of more than $9 mill i o n . ”If I start shooting 77-plus every round then obviously I’ll be gone,” she said. “But while I can still shoot under par and feel like I’ve got a chance, if I wake up on Thursday morning and feel like I can win the event, I’ll keep going.”

It has been tough going so far this year with four missed cuts in four starts, but at the 50and-over senior level she is in a class of her own. Last year she won the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open by 10 shots over Juli Inkster at Chicago Golf Club and will defend her crown at Pine Needles from May 16-19. And, no matter what, will be back again next year. ”I want to play 20 more (Senior Opens),” she said. “I have no plans to retire.”

PAGE 26

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

GOA Olympic Solidarity Sports Administrators’ Course conclude, all 18 successful

T

he Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Sports Administrators Course was attended by 18 participants, all of whom successfully completed it. The course was held from last Thursday to Sunday at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre in Mackenzie, L i n d e n .

The successful administrators were Richlin Paton, Delon Peters, Lisa Chee-A-Tow, Christol Thom, Melissa Jos e p h , S h a n n a C h e s t e r, Jamila Chapman-Wills, June Harris, Dr. Karen Perreira, Nichola Jacobs, Nyamikky Johnson, Annetta Assanah, Irin Cadogan, Shanees Velloza, Cliffana H u n t e r, D i l l i o n S c i p i o , Swain Ross and Dwayne M c K i n n o n .

Attending the closing cer-

emony as the Guest Speaker was Linden’s Mayor, Waneka Arrendel, who reminded those in attendance that Linden was always at the top of its sport games. She said the GOA must be commended for having the certification course in Linden as it shows recognition of what Linden has done in the field of sport over the years while noting that, “We are proud of the training that you have given to the residents of Linden.”

Course Director, Claude Blackmoore, in giving his overview said: “I would like to say to each one of you who are present, congratulations on a work well done.

Congratulations on what you have produced in terms of your actions. Congratulations in the manner in which you presented yourselves. Con-

The participants of the course along with Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrendel (seated 3rd left), flanked by GOA’S Garfield Wiltshire (2nd left) and Charles Corbin. gratulations in the various pieces of issues which you identified and which you have made suggestions.”

D’ Andrade wins Harold Suepaul 6km race in T&T

From left, Lionel D’ Andrade, Shivran Baboolall and Richard Jones with a representative of the sponsor on the podium following the Diamond Dash event.

Guyanese Lionel D’ Andrade continued his fine showing in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend when he captured the Harold Suepaul 6km race and placed second in the Diamond Dash 5km event.

On Saturday, D’ Andrade won the Harold Suepaul 6km race in a time 18 minutes 17 seconds while fellow Guyanese Kelvin Johnson

took the runner-up spot in 18:29 and Kriston Charles of the Twin Island Republic placed third in 19:51.

On Sunday in the Diamond Dash, D’ Andrade clocked 16:25 to finish behind Shivran Baboolal of Trinidad and Tobago who won the race in 15:57; Richard Jones also of the host nation placed third in 16:42.

Hardik’s all-round effort ends Super Kings’ unbeaten run ESPNcricinfo - Sometimes six overs is all it takes in T20 cricket. For 14 overs, Chennai Super Kings’ bowlers were all over the Mumbai Indians batting order, restraining them in supreme fashion.

At 82 for 3, Mumbai were going at less than six an over, and seemed incapable of breaking out of the straitjacket the likes of Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja and Imran Tahir had put them in.

Vitally, though, although Mumbai were being tied down, they did not collapse. Krunal Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav put on 62 off 49 together through the middle overs, laying a platform. With clean hitters like Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard to come, perhaps laying a quiet platform was all Mumbai’s top order needed to do.

Hardik and Pollard were unstoppable in the last two overs of the innings, propelling the team from 125 for 5 at the end of the 18th over, to 170 for 5 after 20 their partnership worth an invaluable 45 off 12 deliveries. Hardik was the more brutal of the two, walloping two sixes over midwicket and another over third man, as well as crashing a four through the covers, to reap 25 not out off eight deliveries.

Pollard reminded the IPL of his own devastating potential, making 17 not out off seven. It was one of the IPL’s most efficient - Dwayne Bravo - that the pair took to pieces in the final over of the innings, plundering 29, after Bravo had conceded only 20 from his first three overs.

Hardik’s match-defining allround magic Having been Mumbai’s most impactful batsman, Hardik also returned the best figures in the match, dismissing MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, before later removing Deepak Chahar to claim outstanding figures of 3 for 20.

Earlier, he had waltzed in during the 17th over, Mumbai’s innings, made one run off his first two balls, then exploded.

The first of his three sixes was off a Shardul Thakur short ball, which he deposited high into the stands beyond midwicket.

The best strokes came against Bravo, next over. The helicopter shot to put the near-yorker into the stands beyond long-on was sublime - Dhoni watching on from a few metres away.

Hardik then crashed Bravo to the extra-cover boundary, before last ball, scything him over backward point for six. From looking like they were headed for a seriously subpar score, some dauntless death-overs hitting had hoisted Mumbai to a thoroughly competitive one.

Mumbai’s bowling support acts Jason Behrendorff and Lasith Malinga also played important roles, the former finishing with 2 for 22 from his four overs, having dismissed Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina with the new ball. Malinga, who took 3 for 34, removing S h a n e Wa t s o n , K e d h a r Jadhav and Bravo, is expected to be unavailable for Mumbai’s next two matches, as he returns to

Sri Lanka to play in the provincial one-day tournament.

Thanks to these two, Super Kings’ chase also began poorly - Rayudu nicking Behrendorrf behind in the first over, before Malinga had Watson caught at point soon after. Raina and Jadhav seemed to be getting the innings on track when they struck 27 off the first 21 balls they faced, but Raina was soon caught brilliantly at the deep-point boundary by Pollard, who stuck out a hand high above his head to intercept what would have been a six. Behrendorff was the bowler. This was a blow from which Super Kings would never really recover.

The Jadhav-Dhoni go-slow A scoreline of 33 for 3 after five overs is never promising, but perhaps even that is little excuse for the partnership that followed.

Jadhav and Dhoni made only 54 off 55 balls together, allowing the required rate to balloon above 14 by the time they were parted. Dhoni struck no boundaries in his 21ball 12.

Jadhav struck five fours through the course of the partnership, but himself only made 36 off the 35 balls he faced in its duration. Then Hardik dismissed them both in the space of four balls in the 15th over, leaving two new batsmen with a near-impossible req u i r e m e n t .

Mumbai Indians 170 for 5 (Suryakumar 59, Krunal 42, Jadeja 1-10) beat Chennai Super Kings 133 for 8 (Jadhav 58, Hardik 3-20, Malinga 3-34) by 37 runs.

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Who’s Who in the Fruta Conquerors FC Team for the Caribbean Club Shield 2019 Fruta Conquerors Football has been drawn in Group A of the Caribbean Club Shield 2019 being played in Curacao from tomorrow.

The GFF Elite League Season 3 champions will open their account against Scholars International Sports Club of the Cayman Islands from 15:00hrs at the Ergilio Hato Stadium.

Name: Derrick Carter Position: Goalkeeper DOB: 16th September 1982

Name: Dennis Ricardo Edwards Position: Midfielder DOB: 18th June 1994

Name: Vurlon Robert Mills Position: DOB: 11th February 1988

Name: Dexter George Position: Physio DOB: 27th February 1984

Name: Domini Leondrose Garnett Position: Forward DOB: 23rd August 1994

Name: Eon Lennox Alleyne Position: Forward DOB: 10th April 1992

Name: Trevor Jones Position: Defender DOB: 2nd September 1997

Name: Gregory Fitzpatrick Richardson Position: Forward DOB: 16th June 1982

Name: Jahall Peter Greaves Position: Midfielder DOB: 29th August 1992

Name: Jermine Jeffrey Junor Position: DOB: 25th February 1993

Name: King Solomon Austin Position: Defender DOB: 7th January 1986

Name: Odette Elizabeth Maxwell Position: DOB: 16th September 1970

Name: Quincy Adams Position: Defender DOB: 7th January 1989

Name: Anthony Benfield Position: Midfielder DOB: 10th December 1990

Name: Linsworth Reuben Sampson Gilbert Position: Head Coach DOB: 17th June 1965

Name: Nicholas Douglas Mc Arthur Position: Midfielder DOB: 21st December 2001

Name: Ryan Elijah Hackett Position: Midfielder DOB: 11th September 1999

Name: Simeon Atta Moore Position: Defender DOB: 28th May 1998

Name: Leon Sealey-Yaw Jnr. Position: Goalkeeper DOB: 2nd January 1998

Name: Jersild Hughwri Twumasi Wright Position: Goalkeeper Coach DOB: 22nd September 1982

Name: Rishawan Keta Sandiford Position: Defender DOB: 19th February 1987

Name: Raushan Odelis Ritch Position: Midfielder DOB: 5th November 2000

Name: Sherwin Everton Skeete Position: Defender DOB: 31st October 1994

Prize money in women’s golf nothing to complain about: Davies Reuters - Prize money in women’s golf pales in comparison to the riches on offer for men, but Laura Davies thinks the $70 million up for grabs on the LPGA Tour this year represents success by any reasonable measure.

Never mind that the PGA Tour

will distribute about $500 million to its players in 2019.

Women’s professional golf is doing just fine, according to D a v i e s .

At 55, the Englishwoman, who has more than 30 years on the tour, remembers the days when only a couple of dozen

elite LPGA players made a decent living, while the vast majority scraped by with barely enough to cover their expenses. It is a different story now.

Last year 14 players had more than $1 million in official LPGA earnings, while 101 players cracked six figures. That does not take into account off-course

earnings from sponsors and commercial endorsements. ”I think we’re doing great,” Davies told Reuters ahead of next month’s U.S. Senior Open at Pine Needles in North Carolina. At the U.S. Women’s Open this year, we play for $900,000 to the winner.

Alright, the guys are getting two million, but who cares? ”If you’d told me back in my day (Continued on page 25)

August 3, 2018 England’s Laura Davies in action during the second round.

Reuters/Jason Cairnduff.

PAGE 28

WCC/Birbal Constructing Establishment T20 - Wakenaam

Osborne’s ton, Sukram’s 6-wkt haul propels Sans Souci; Good Success & SS Jaguars triumph Opener Wayne Osborne blasted a fine century while medium pacer Heera Sukram bagged six wickets to guide Sans Souci to a 169-run victory over Zeelandia when the Wakenaam Cricket Committee/Birbal Constructing Establishment T20 tournament commenced on Sunday last.

Osborne struck eight fours and nine sixes in his entertaining 121 while Jaggernauth Manbodh slammed five fours and six sixes in scoring 75 as Sans Souci posted a challenging 288-7, batting first at Z e e l a n d i a .

Teenage spinner Ryan Atkinson grabbed 4-35 and Ajay Ghansham 3-51. The home team was bowled out for 119 in 17.1 overs, in reply.

Navishaul Pooran struck 45 as Sukram bagged 6-19 and Devon Rambarran 2-12.

At the Wakenaam Community Centre ground (WCCG), Sans Souci Jaguars beat Noitgedacht Sports Club by 47 runs. Sans Souci Jaguars batted first and managed 1679. Beesham Moses stroked 62 while Zameer Zaman made 39; Michael Retemiah took 2-24 and Matthew Cheong had 23 2 .

Noitgedacht SC were bowled out for 120 in 16.2 overs in reply. Jaleel Brown made 19 as Nokta Moses picked up 3-22, Derwin Daniels 2-12 and Beesham Moses 2-13. Good Success defeated G Square Cavaliers by 10 wickets.

G Square Cavaliers took first strike and were sent packing for 109 in 20 overs. Mahendra Dindyal scored 28 and Balram Persaud 16. Gurnauth Khemraj captured 3-22, Diquan Clarke 2-10 and Imran Khan 2-14.

Good Success responded with 110 without loss in 9 overs.

Mahase Ramnarine slammed eight fours and six sixes in a top score of 83 while Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon made 22 not out. The Competition continues on Sunday.

Heera Sukram

Wayne Osborne

Mahase Ramnarine (left) and Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon,

Regal Cricket Teams Fundraising Raffle Drawn

Regal Masters strike a pose before their opening match in the Florida Cup 2017 before moving on to win the Masters title.

Regal Masters and Regal All-Stars are preparing for battle in the annual Florida Cup from April 12-14 and have completed a major fund raising event to help make their trip to the USA a little easier.

On Sunday last at the GNIC Sports Club ground, Woolford Avenue in the City, their mega raffle was drawn as was scheduled after being launched in January with tickets going at $500 each.

The draw was conducted in the presence of players from Regal Masters, Wellman Masters, Fisherman Masters and President’s XI Masters as well as softball cricket fans. Some braved the hot sun and had their tickets anticipating their numbers being pulled from the many duplicate ticket stubs.

Despite not getting their expected rewards some felt pleased to support the defending Florida Cup champions in their bid to bring

back glory. The touring party is expected to number about 40 persons including players in the All Star and Masters Categories as well as support staff. The monies raised will be used for airfare and other related tour expenses.

This year, 28 teams will be in action across the All-Stars, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over50 categories. Regal All Stars and Regal Masters won titles when the tournament was last held in Florida in 2017. The following tickets were drawn for the respective prizes and winners must contact 610-7902 to claim prizes: Prize Ticket # Double Door Refrigerator 2 3 5 5 40" Smart Television 7 5 9 3000 Watts Generator 3 6 2 4 Four-burner Gas Stove 4 1 9 Multispeed Blender 4 8 3 Consolation Prizes 2745, 1839, 1815, 1677 and 3827

YBG Regionals – Berbice

Technical Institute and Multi win in New Amsterdam Zone

Jaggernauth Manbodh, Beesham Moses

Netball U16

Barbados, St. Lucia remain unbeaten

St John’s, Antigua, CMC – Barbados and St. Lucia seemed headed for a collision course that will decide who win the Caribbean Netball Association’s Jean Pierre Memorial Youth Championship.

The two teams won both of their matches on the fourth day of competition on Monday at the YMCA courts to remain unbeaten in the tournament which concludes to-

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

day. After brushing aside Bermuda 41-11 in the morning period, the Barbadians dismissed hosts Antigua & Barbuda 61-3 in the evening session to collect their fourth win.Goal shooter Dalia Knight led the way for the Barbadians in the evening contest with 28 goals from 36 attempts, Sumara Benn, daughter of former West Indies left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, netted 20-from-24, Chiara Chase made

9-from-12 and Derica Haynes 4 - f r o m - 5 .

The St. Lucians prevailed 2322 over Grenada in an early morning contest – and returned to crush Bermuda 4122 in the evening with Dasha Eugene logging 37-from-46 and Trenice St. Croix 4-from5 for the winners. Trinidad & Tobago, behind a 21-goal performance from Kelelicia George, stopped Dominica 3019.

The New Amsterdam Zone of the Berbice Regionals for the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF), organised by Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) bounced off in lush sunshine and was greeted with much enthusiasm from high school ballers who have not had much competition in the ancient county, last Saturday at the Vryman’s Erven Hard Court.

Two games were contested, both in the Boys’ Under-18 Division, with New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (NAMS) beating the home side Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) 2820 in first match while New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) made light work of Berbice High School 34-21 in the feature game.

The top scorers for the winners in the feature game were Keyon Ckarke with 18 points while Kareem Dover hooped in eight points during the 13 point win. Meanwhile, Charles Williams netted 14 points during the loss for BHS. The feature game of the day started under protest with

BHS claiming that NATI had two players on their roster who were no longer students of the institution and the organisers of the event has noted that final result will be reviewed following an investigation. In the opening match, Shaquan Lucas led NAMS to victory with 7 points while his teammates Tarek Roberts and Intiaz Jaundoo netted 6 points each. Tayron Evans (7) and Brandon Gajraj (5) were the best performers for the losing VESS team. The Regionals/ NSBF is sponsored by Edward B. Beharry Company Ltd. Meanwhile, the Berbice Zone Regionals will continue tomorrow from 15:00hrs at the Vrymans Ervin Court with Berbice High bouncing

against Vryman’s Ervin School to be followed by a clash between New Amsterdam Multilateral and New Amsterdam Technical Institute. The Georgetown/ East Coast Regional pre-season will also bounce off tomorrow from 15:15hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Following are the fixtures: Game 1: Tutorial High v Central High CASH Time: 3:15pm Game 2: President’s College v St. Joseph High CASH Time: 4:00pm Game 3: Queens College v Saints Stanislaus College CASH Time: 4:50pm Game 4: The Bishops High v St Roses High CASH Time: 5:35pm Game 5: Christ Church v Brickdam Secondary CASH Time: 6:25pm Game 6: Marian Academy v GTI CASH Time: 7:10p

Thursday April 04, 2019

Stag Beer Easter Futsal

California Square, North East and Silver Bullets big winners on night two Group round-robin play among the 32teams contesting the Stag Beer Easter Futsal Festival continued on Tuesday night at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with seven entertaining matches.

Each game on the night, with the exception of Kingston’s 2-0 (Stephan Reynolds 15th & Nigel Denny 19th) win over Broad Street, produced four goals or more, North East, California Square and Silver Bullets of Linden whipping their respective opponents.

A hat-trick from Calvin Moore along with a brace from Alwin Moore, an own goal and a solitary strike from Keifer Brandt allowed North East to thump Fearless 7-1. Fearless’ solitary strike came off the boot of Marcus Wilson.

Earlier, David George had banged in a hat-trick for California Square which trampled Sophia 6-1. Levi Canterbury, Meshack Barriot and Travis Hercules scored one goal each for the winners, all after Dwayne Lowe had given the losers an early but short lived lead in the sixth minute of the encounter.

The men from the ‘Bauxite Mining Town’ didn’t feel out of place in Georgetown as Silver Bullets banged five past Spot Even with braces from Jermaine Samuels and Omar Wilson while Damon Williams notched the fifth.

Among other results for the night, Tiger Bay beat Albouyston ‘B’ 4-1, Gold is Money walked past Ansa McAl 4-0 and Sparta Boss got the better of Norton Street 4-2. Old Skool Ballers

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

gifted Germans a walkover in what should have been the opening match of the night.

The tournament continues tonight with eight more showdowns from 20:00hrs. The winners of the tournament will pocket $700,000. Apart from STAG Beer, other sponsors of the event include Dynas Trading, Star Party Rental, Sonic Boom and 94.1FM. Please see tonight’s fixtures below: 20:00hrs Leopold Street vs. Gaza Squad 20:30hrs Show Stoppers vs. Young Ballers 21:00hrs North Ruimveldt vs. Stevedore 21:30hrs Sonny vs.

Hustlers 22:00hrs Diamond vs. Agricola 22:30hrs Future Stars vs. Melanie 23:00hrs Back Circle vs. Stabroek Ballers 23:30hrs Benn Street vs. Alexander Village

Concacaf Project Manager, McIntosh visits GFF’s Durban Park Project Site Senior Project Manager of Concacaf, Howard McIntosh, is in Guyana for a two-day visit which began yesterday with a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) followed by a visit to the Homestretch Avenue located plot of land that has been leased by the Government of Guyana (GoG) for 25 years to the GFF to construct a football complex.

The media was invited to the latter activity yesterday which was also attended by Director of Sports Christopher Jones, and President of the GFF, Wayne Forde. Gianni Infantino; President of FIFA, had visited Guyana in 2017 and paid a courtesy call on H.E. President Granger, an activity that was vital in streamlining the GoG leasing the Durban Park land for the GFF football complex’s development.

During his brief address at the site of the Project which is scheduled to begin later this year, McIntosh stated that good partnerships are keys to major development, “Without partnership among the government, media and corporate sponsors, we cannot go forward.”

The three officials during yesterday’s Site visit.

Forde shared with the press during the site visit that McIntosh is here for a couple of reasons, “First, to convey to all of Guyana, (Concacaf) President Victor Montagliani’s congratulations for qualifying for the Nations League and Gold Cup while being updated on the projects the GFF have been running locally.”

The GFF head further posited that, “He (McIntosh) has been integral in providing guidance to the GFF on compliance and getting support from FIFA for

our projects.” Meanwhile, NSC’s Jones reiterated support of the GoG while referencing the GFF’s costly venture of preparing its team which eventually qualified for a maiden Gold Cup as a model for investment in sports. “The Government is very pleased to lend support to football. We not so long ago saw that once you make investments in sport, you get rewards with the qualification of Guyana for the Concacaf Gold Cup last month.” (Calvin Chapman)

PAGE 30

Thursday April 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

Blaze Regional Women’s T20 Dottin’s unbeaten cameo leads Barbados to ‘double’ with 8 wicket win against Guyana

By Sean Devers An explosive undefeated 43

by West Indies Women’s allrounder Deandra Dottin led two times 50-overs Champions Barbados to an emphatic eight-wicket win over host Guyana in the final match of the Blaze Regional Women’s T20 cricket tournament at Providence last night to give the ‘Double’ after taking both titles this year.

Watched by a fair size and vocal gathering, Guyana were kept in shackles throughout their 20 overs as their batsmen only managed to reach the ropes six times and never clear it at all. Skipper Shemaine Campbell hit two fours in her top-score of 18 but it came from 28 balls while Cheery Ann Fraser who made 15 also reached the boundary twice.

Guyana Under-19 Captain Shabika Gajnabi, arguably the second best batsman to

Campbell, also hit a four in her 12 but it took 27 balls while opener Melani Henry, who struggled to run between the wickets, was the only other Guyanese to reach double figures with 10 from 24 balls as Guyana limped to 87-7 when their 20 overs expired.

Skipper Hayley Matthews had 2-13 from four frugal overs to finish with 11 wickets, the most in the tournament, while pacer Shakira Selman supported with 2-16 for the new Champions who replied with 86-2 in 16.1 overs.

Player-of-Match Dottin, who ended with most runs (222), reached the boundary six times and cleared it twice in her pugnacious 28-ball unbeaten 43 and shared in an unfinished 58-run third stand with Kaysia Knights who ended on 24 from 17 balls with two boundaries to see their team to victory with 23 balls remaining.

The pair came together after

Small was bowled by the impressive Giddings for one at 8-1 in the fifth over to take her wicket tally to 10 wickets.

Mathews and Kycia Knights then added 20 for the second wicket before Matthews (15) was removed by Grimmond at 28-2.

Earlier, Guyana won the toss and elected to on a low and slow track in cool conditions and a fast outfield but Tremayne Smartt (2) was run out in the first over with the score on five. Grimmond was bowled by pacer Sheneta Bruce for a duck in the second over at 6-2 before Campbell and Henry took the score to 42 before Henry was bowled by Selman.

Campbell pulled Shainilla Connell for four and repeated the shot off Selman for the same result but never looked settled as the struggled to score freely.

Matthews removed

Skipper Shamaine Campbell pulls Shakera Selman during her top-score for Guyana in a losing effort.

Campbell at 48-4 and next bowled Akaze Thompson for a duck before Gajnabi and the left handed Fraser carried to score to 71 before Gajnabi was caught and bowled by Selman

while Fraser who swept and cover drove Danielle Small for consecutive boundaries was bowled by Connell in the 19th over at 75-7.

Plaffiana Millington executed

a glorious cover drive for four off Selman to unbeaten on six and with her was Erva Giddings on five as Guyana failed to reach 100 for the first time in both tournaments.

Nation blasts 62 as Jamaica win last game; Winwards beat winless Leewards

By Sean Devers The final round of the Blaze Regional Women’s T20 tournament was contested yesterday at Providence with three matches and although defending Champions Jamaica will not retain their title they closed off with a seven-wicket win against Trinidad and Tobago while the Windwards beat the Leewards in the two games played during the day to leave the Leewards as the only team without a victory.

Jamaica responded to T&T’s 145-6 in 20 overs by reaching 146-3 from 18.4 overs as Chedean Nation clobbered 62 from 53 balls with seven fours and a six and featured

in an unfinished 90-run fourth wicket stand from just 49 balls with Chenille Henry who hammered four fours and a six in a 21-ball 42.

When the Trini lasses batted, Britney Cooper top scored with 30 (4x4) from 27 balls and shared in a 45-run fourth wicket stand with her skipper Merissa Aguilleira who was run out for 10.

Cooper got support from Stacy Ann King (26) and took her runs tally to 183, while Rachel Vincent and Anisa Mohammed made 26 each with Mohammed being unbeaten.In the afternoon game, Windwards defeated the Leewards by 11 runs after making 114-8 in 20 overs and

dismissing the Leewards for 104-9 in 20 overs. Stacy Ann Adams who made 19 with a six and a four and Narrisa Crafton who hit a six and a four in 13, had given the Windwards a 35-run opening start before Crafton was stumped off Rozel Liburd in the 7th over.

Melissa Howard prised out Juliana Nero (1) and Adams in the space of a run to leave them 47-3.

Skipper Afy Fletcher scored 24 (4x4) from 18 balls before she was run out and along with Swayline Williams who also made 24, added 36 for the fourth wicket to steady the ship before Flectcher departed at 84-4.

Nobody else got into double figures before Williams was also run out as Amanda Edwards had 2-21 while Howard took 2-27 for the Leewards. Saneldo Willett top scored with 25 (1x4 2x6) while Edwards hit a six and a four in 18 but only Terez Parker (12) and opener Jamella McClure (10) of the other batsmen reached double figures.

Parker and Willett added 26 for the fifth wicket while Parker added 24 with Edwards for the sixth wicket but it was too little too late to give the Leewards their first win. Pearl Etienne had 3-14, while Fletcher followed up her 24 with 2-23 and Adams captured 2-13.

Windwards Captain Afy Fletcher followed up 24 with 2-23 yesterday.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 04, 2019

PAGE 31

World Classic Powerlifting Championships Space Gym powers Carlos Petterson’s quest for glory

Carlos Petterson (left) accepts the ceremonial cheque from Space Gym Manager Lucas Matos in the presence of Physio Ms. Kathlyn Paul and Space Gym Trainer, Tremel King.

S

pace Gym has once again stepped up to assist one of t h e i r G y m members who is seeking to topple his opponents at the upcoming International Powerlifting Federation ( I P F ) , Wo r l d C l a s s i c P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships set to take place Helsingborg, Sweden from June 3-15, next.

Yesterday at the gym’s headquarters, Albert and Croal Streets in the City, Manager Lucas Matos handed over a cheque to Carlos Petterson to assist in offsetting expenses associated with the trip to S w e d e n .

In handing over Space Gym’s contribution, Matos stated that they were very pleased to once again lend support to one of Guyana’s best in the sport. ”Carlos Petterson is on his w a y t o t h e Wo r l d Classic/Raw Powerlifting Championship and we at Space Gym join in wishing you all the best in your endeavours to do yourself and nation proud. We are well aware that it is not an easy task but we do know that you are a disciplined and committed athlete and we are supporting you all the way.”

Lucas also pointed out that there is need for a more consorted effort from the relevant stakeholders to assist athletes in their quest to represent the nation citing that preparation is not easy given the fact that nutrition is very important also and many times athletes have to be running around looking for sponsorship which presents challenges for

t h e m . ”But we here at Space Gym are well aware of Carlos’ attitude to training and being the best as we experience it almost every day. We will continue to support our athletes in any way we can.

Many of you can recall that we just supported the Golden Jaguars to get in shape for the Belize match which Guyana won 2-1 and qualified for the first time in its history for the Gold Cup in the USA. We at Space Gym would like to extend congratulations to the GFF and Guyana for this achievement and wishes the team well at the Gold Cup.” Petterson expressed thanks to Matos and Space Gym for their continued support and promised to make Guyana proud. Up to yesterday, the penultimate day of nominations, Petterson was one of 35 competitors in the 93kg Open Class.

Being trained by Guyana’s most accomplished powerlifter, ‘Big’ John Edwards, Petterson would be travelling to Sweden with his Physio, Ms. Kathlyn Paul. Guyana Amateur Power Lifting Federation (GAPLF) Vice President, Ms Nadina Taharally would be making the trip as Manager.

Also contributing to Petterson financially to date is Guyana Shore Base Inc., located at Houston, East Bank Demerara. (Franklin Wilson)

rt o p S

Double Champions Barbados celebrate both the 50-over & T20 titles (Sean Devers photo)

Blaze Regional Women’s T20

Dottin’s unbeaten cameo leads Barbados to ‘double’ with 8 wicket win against Guyana P. 30

Concacaf Project Manager, McIntosh visits GFF’s Durban Park Project Site P. 29

Deandra Dottin, who ended 43 not out, survives a close run out as Mandy Mangru breaks the wicket.

Nation blasts 62 as Jamaica win last P.30 game;Winwards beat winless Leewards

Concacaf’s Howard McIntosh (center) shares a light moment with GFF’s Wayne Forde(right) and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones during yesterday’s site visit at the GFF Durban Park Football Complex.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.