Kaieteur News

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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

Corruption thrives in secret places

T

he concept of open data has been gaining mo mentum among local governments in recent years, but some cling stubbornly to the culture of opacity. Open data refers to the process by which governments disclose information that is relevant to citizens and stakeholders in the public domain. This is crucial as it injects more transparency into governance, thereby making administrators more accountable. Opening up documents, budgets and decisions also helps spread awareness about government processes among citizens, thus giving them a sense of ownership and participation. There are countries that have taken some strides towards openness. Guyana has enacted the Freedom of Information Act. But such transparency has largely been restricted because no member of the public has ever been able to access anything through the Freedom of Information Act. One now wonders whether the Act was mere window dressing to perhaps cover the deeds of people in high office.Guyana’s move toward openness has come to the fore. There has been the release of the oil contracts, something that is still a secret in neighbouring Trinidad after more than one hundred years.But there is still much more to be achieved when it comes to openness. The previous government refused to disclose anything of national interest, citing confidentiality clauses. Political leaders who should be leading by example too prefer to hide behind closed doors. Municipal councillors do not disclose related party interests, making it near impossible for citizens to grasp whether political decisions are influenced by conflict of interest. Contrast this with London where the pecuniary interests of each councillor are openly available on the website of the Greater London Authority, with a detailed break-up of contracts and corporate ties they may hold or sponsorship they may have received. Then compare this with Guyana where public officials refuse to disclose their assets to the Integrity Commission, and they do so with impunity. A lack of information isn’t the only hurdle towards building effective citizen-government ties. Community participation too is seriously wanting. Citizens rarely know where or how the city council and the other municipalities spend the money it collects by way of taxes. Guyana needs laws mandating public disclosure but this would be a pipe dream. Even now there is talk about this government being corrupt. People do not need the evidence but they need a forum to question their officials. They want their officials to account for any newfound wealth.This opacity is dismal at a time when cities across the world are investing all energies in open government practices. Participatory budgeting in municipal budgets was initiated as way back as 1989 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and nearly 1,000 cities including Montreal, Seville, Chicago and NYC have used it since. Chicago was one of the first municipalities to appoint a chief data officer in 2012 and discloses useful data including boundaries of beat police officials, the status of pothole repairs, and city-owned land inventory. “The city will post online and in easy-to-use formats the information that Chicagoans need most. For example, complete budget documents will be available in straightforward and searchable formats. The city’s website will allow anyone to track and find information on lobbyists and what they are lobbying for as well as which government officials they have lobbied,” promised Mayor Rahm Emanuel in his elaborately laid out Chicago transition plan of 2011. New York took a similar step with the council approving a local law that required agencies to open up all their data by 2018. Guyana may need to go this route. After all, the public needs to know.

Thursday April 05 ,2018

It is decent and the right thing to give the PM an official welcome back DEAR EDITOR, In your daily edition of April 1, 2018, a letter writer, Minette Bacchus, poured scorn on what was her interpretation of a planned welcome ceremony for the Honourable Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on his return from medical treatment abroad. I wish to address some disturbing points, and inaccuracies raised by Ms. Bacchus. It is appalling that we do not show the type of respect and appreciation for our national leaders. A Prime Minister is an important national and constitutional office holder. In accepting this office,

Mr. Nagamootoo and family gave up his and their private lives to serve the nation. He is totally committed to the nation, and his entire life embodies national service. It is time that we treat these office holders with the dignity they deserve. The work of a Prime Minister is gruelling, and can take a toll on the mental and physical health of the office holder. In that regard, the state is duty bound to provide medical care for the Prime Minister. Is Ms. Bacchus suggesting that the Prime Minister should not have received medical treatment abroad if it is not available in Guyana?

Any third rate insurance company would provide the same coverage to an ordinary man, so why shouldn’t the nation which he serves and sacrifices his health for not provide same for him? It is human and decent to celebrate life. We need to learn to give roses to fellow humans when they can smell them. As a national leader, Mr. Nagamootoo returns to Guyana after a successful medical procedure. He was in our prayers, and it is decent and the right thing to give him an official welcome back. We must demonstrate our care for our own Prime Minister. Further, Ms. Bacchus inaccurately stated that there

was no welcome back for then Opposition Leader Hugh Desmond Hoyte on his return from the same successful procedure abroad. This is totally inaccurate. PNC supporters and the public thronged the Timehri airport and welcomed Mr. Hoyte back with joy and emotional fervour. It was an organized event that demonstrated our appreciation for his return to us. He was still without his voice and his late wife Joyce gave a speech on his behalf. It is time to get facts right, and treat our leaders with decency and dignity. Yours truly Jerrick Rutherford

Please do not convert our U.S. dollars! DEAR EDITOR, It was just a few days ago that I was attracted to a news item that was attributed to Minister Harmon indicating that Government was in the process of placing the proceeds of the US$18M Signing Bonus into the Consolidated Fund. This I understood to mean that the funds would be converted into Guyana dollars. If indeed that were to be the case, then it would represent a blatant misuse of scarce foreign currency, coming at a time when the bills for Guyana’s legal representation in relation to its border dispute with Venezuela have started to roll in. Further, if such action is being taken to appease the legal purists, then Government should be bold enough to change the law to allow for the Consolidated Fund to become a multi-currency Fund into which funds other than Guyana dollars can be placed. While according to the late Charles Dickens “the law is an ass”, we should not allow the law to make asses of ourselves by doing things that are patently ludicrous. A logical extension of Minister Harmon’s statement is that in the coming years, the hundreds of millions or even billions of U.S. dollars flowing from oil revenues into our Treasury will have to be converted into Guyana dollars and placed into the Consolidated Fund. Not only can this “wash” of Guyana dollars lead to spiralling inflation, but it can also result in a breakdown in fiscal discipline, since Government might be tempted to go on a spending spree without the benefit of a careful screening of its activities. Such action as contem-

plated is also short-sighted, in that Government itself needs foreign exchange to pay debt service on the various loans, which it has secured from international institutions such as the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank, bearing in mind that most of the projects (roads, water, electricity) that have been funded from these loans do not themselves generate foreign exchange. Thus, by keeping a portion of its oil revenues in U.S. dollars, Government can better manage its debt service obligations as well as its exchange risks on these foreign loans and also have access to foreign exchange for other purposes whenever needed. As I indicated in an earlier letter, the Consolidated Fund can be a multi-currency fund comprising hard cur-

rency (such as U.S. dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros) along with Guyana dollars, with its reporting to Parliament being done in Guyana dollars. I would further suggest that a prime, strategic priority for a small open economy like Guyana’s must be not only the earning but also the prudent management of foreign exchange. We are already witnessing the proliferation of imports and the adoption of lifestyles befitting of First World citizens, well before the oil revenues start to “kick-in”. Looking ahead, I would suggest that in the coming months, the Minister of Finance establish, with the assistance of the IDB or the World Bank, a Treasury Management Unit to manage our future flows of U.S. dollars. This Unit should be

staffed with well-trained finance professionals (MBAs in Finance) who can be exposed to the fundamentals of Investment Management by way of training attachments to the IDB or World Bank, with such training being further complemented by short-term programmes run by a number of Wall Street entities such as Moody’s or New York Institute of Finance. We cannot wait until 2020 to address these issues. The time for action is now. Finally, some eighteen years into the twenty-first century, we need to be bold and imaginative in addressing contemporary issues and those of the immediate future, rather than being shackled by the practices of the past. Do the right thing, Minister Jordan, by putting the country’s interest first. Steve Fraser

Victim blaming is shifting responsibility away from the killers DEAR EDITOR, The media has a critical role to play in changing how domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence are addressed in Guyana. The murders over the weekend have generated stories, which follow a genre of ‘why didn’t she do something about the abuse?” Victim blaming is very easy to do and is always instinctive. Victim blaming is trying to find out from friends and relatives...what did she tell you...? Why didn’t she leave? Victim blaming is shifting responsibility away from the killers, the community of the killers and the system, which nurtures killers of family members, to those who for

many reasons, are trapped in abusive relationships. The web of abuse includes not only personal circumstances but family, community, cultural and systemic issues which trap many people. No survivor of domestic violence owes anyone any explanation for entrapment. The media have not asked the family, friends, colleagues of the men who killed the women they were supposed to love about the environment, which nurtured the killers. There are no stories about whether the abusers and their friends have spoken about relationships and maintaining equality and dealing with infidelity. There are no stories,

which question the police about the consequences of not doing the intense training required to deal with domestic violence. The Army in releasing its statement to distance itself from the recent perpetrator did not say what mechanisms it has in place to help other abusers in its ranks. The media could ask though, and reinforce for the public, that the responsibility for abuse is squarely on the abuser and those who nurture the abusive behaviour. No one has asked the Army if they knew they had such an individual in their midst, and what mechanisms they intend to put in place to heal those who might have similar instincts. Vidyaratha Kissoon

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 05 ,2018

The situation in the sugar industry is quickly evolving, not necessarily in the best direction DEAR EDITOR, Our Union recognized, over the Easter Holidays, a number of reports in various sections of the media regarding happenings and developments in the sugar industry. For the GAWU, the shining of the spotlight on the industry is both welcome and an encouraging sign. And, for the thousands who have been affected by the callous plans to minimize the industry it serves to tell them they have not been forgotten and there is still a great deal of concern about their well-being. Though there hasn’t been any official announcement, as far as we are aware, we saw an April 02, 2018 report in another section of the media, quoting GuySuCo’s Chairman, Mr Colvin Heath-London as saying “the SPU operations, in conjunction with GuySuCo, will be able to employ directly and indirectly in excess of 1000 people”. While heartened that as many as 1,000 retrenched workers have been re-employed, if the number is indeed accurate, it pales in comparison to the roughly 7,000 persons placed on the breadline following the closure of sugar estates in the last two years. For many of them, they still remain jobless eking out a living on whatever may come their way. Certainly, this is not the way our people should live. Undoubtedly, the champions of our independence, in their wildest of dreams, would have never have wanted the freedom they and others struggled for, and eventually won, to mean this humility our people find themselves in, and the miserable existence they are now forced to contend with. But while there seems to be some elation in the partial employment of 14 percent of the retrenched workers, the fact is that a large number of those workers who have been re-engaged have not been hired by the SPU but by con-

tractors, and are engaged on short-term contracts. As the April 02, 2018 Stabroek News reported, those workers are being paid a flat rate which for instance, does not take into consideration the conditions of the canes they harvest; the additional distances that they may be required to walk to load the canes; or if they are required to wait on punts to load canes. Added to that, no personal protective equipment, though required by law, is provided to them, neither are the workers in receipt of any tools to carry out their tasks. Furthermore, several important benefits, won out of the struggles of workers over many years, have been discontinued. Moreover, the workers are required, from their earnings, to make their contributions to the NIS and worse yet, when the crop comes to an end, their employment with the contractor simply ceases to exist. Undoubtedly, it is a very depressing situation, and when looked at in totality, the workers are definitely worse off. Really, how much different, if at all, are such retrogressive conditions different from the pre-independence era? Clearly, at this stage of our development, it is a retrograde step, and for us it is disheartening that workers are seemingly being taken advantage of, especially when they and their families find themselves in such a distressing and vulnerable situation. As we reflected on what is playing out in the sugar industry, we recalled not too long ago that Guyana, with the assistance of the ILO, launched its Decent Work Country Programme. A report from the DPI informed that Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo at the activity said, “…we want to improve the lives of our people and how we can make Guyana a country where there is sustainable livelihood based on the availability of

decent work”. Today, weeks after, the Prime Minister’s utterances ring hollow in the sugar belt. The April 02, 2018 Guyana Chronicle also quoted GuySuCo’s Agricultural Director, Dr Harold Davis Junior as saying that around 60 percent of the $30B financing that was recently secured would be spent improving GuySuCo’s three factories. Dr. Davis argued that the factories are in need of significant capital injection. This, however, is a perennial tune of GuySuCo. We recall, the recently departed CEO of GuySuCo, arguing as far back as 1993, the factories were falling apart and required substantial capital expenditure. Interestingly, a quarter century has gone by since then and the very factories remain operable. We accept that some investment may be needed, but we are not convinced at this time that the vast sum quoted is required. We also share the view that the sum sought, and apparently approved, could

have been utilized to improve all the estates and thus prevented the precarious situation thousands find themselves in nowadays. The GuySuCo Agricultural Director said investments would also be made in co-generation and the production of plantation white sugar. Moving in this direction was also suggested by GAWU, and while we welcome these initiatives, we recognize that conspicuously absent, so far, is a clear, defined and well-thought-out plan to support the investments contemplated in order to make GuySuCo viable. Certainly, the sugar workers, and more so the Guyanese people, need to be aware of what is intended and the path that will be taken to reach the destination. This is especially notable considering that $30B of the Guyanese people’s assets has been collateralized in a deal for which the details are still to be disclosed. Added to (Continued on page 6)

What have we from our highly-paid consultants? DEAR EDITOR, When it was announced that ExxonMobil had discovered oil in Guyana, we were told that Guyana had retained and was getting advice from some of the best consultants in the business. In fact, Minister Trotman regularly touted this and was seen around town in the company of several of these advisors. Over the last two years, thousands of US dollars were paid to these consultants, but still it seems like we are no further ahead in terms of being prepared to manage an Oil and Gas Industry. Here is brief synopsis of where we are: The Production Sharing Agreement continues to be controversial, and has led to more questions than answers; to date there is no

Local Content legislation; there is no established framework for a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and the much anticipated Petroleum Commission is yet to be set up. Now we are witnessing the second installment of advisors led by Sir Paul Collier. One is tempted to ask what these well-paid consultants were doing for the last two years. As Commander in Chief, President Granger should demand an answer to this question from his subject minister. Can Minister Trotman explain to the Guyanese people exactly what his Ministry received from the first group of advisors in exchange for the dollars spent? Sincerely, Joyce Thompson

Surely Exxon has the most to lose by any oil spill DEAR EDITOR, One notes with a long eye roll, another sensational and deceptive front-page headline in which Chris Ram claims “ExxonMobil effectively bans fishing in huge swathe of Guyana’s waters.” For the record, Exxon’s total Stabroek Block, of which the Liza fields are a minute part, is 26,806 sq km. Guyana’s EEZ is 138,240 sq km. The article fails to indicate

where in the PSA Exxon bans fishing causing “hundreds of millions of dollars” in losses. Ram also claims with clairvoyant certainty that Exxon will “render barren the environment”. Surely, Exxon is the most concerned and has the most to lose by any oil spill. Just ask BP whose 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster has cost it, to date, in fines and lawsuits US$42B. Yours sincerely, Earl Hamilton

Mr. Frederick Kissoon has written yet another untruth DEAR EDITOR, It is not my habit to respond to things written by your Columnist, Mr. Frederick Kissoon. I have not been doing so since he has no constituency and, therefore, has no responsibility for people’s welfare. He has the luxury to be very irresponsible. He does not have a constituency. However, in the Kaieteur News of April 4, 2018, he wrote that; “…Mr. Persaud (Gino Persaud) was identified by a foreign company… to head its office in Guyana…”

He went on to say; “…President Ramotar intervened and indicated that his government would be unhappy with such a person”. Let me say categorically that I never spoke to anyone to deny Mr. Gino Persaud a job. It is just not true. I have decided to respond because if I don’t then Mr. Kissoon will continue to repeat this untruth as he is wont. Thank you, Donald Ramotar Former President

Our mosquito repellents are floor strippers DEAR EDITOR, Whatever we rub on our skin enters the body, the blood stream, and eventually must have a discourse with our liver - so the biologists imply. Because we’re tropical, mosquitoes are our natural tormentors. I, time and time again, use mosquito sprays when working at the computer etc. and it was brought to my attention by my wife that the spray is lifting up the floor polish. I’m not sure whether the contents of something that can work as a mild floor strip-

per is ideal to spray or rub on my skin. The two brands I use are manufactured locally by separate companies. I spoke to a drugstore owner, he said that one brand got sprayed on his cell phone by mistake and it totalled the face of the phone. I’m not sure who is the authority that can advise on this; I’ve discontinued both, but I am aware that other citizens are still using mosquito repellents. I do hope for a public response. Barrington Braithwaite

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Kaieteur News

Kudos to the Massy Group DEAR EDITOR, I use this opportunity to commend the Massy Stores (supermarket) at Providence. On the 29th November, 2017, I wrote a letter in Kaieteur News, on the security situation at that location, and from thereon to now, Massy Stores has one of the finest security (stores,

parking lot, gates, road). Congratulations to the Massy Group of Companies for heeding the call; customer relationship will grow from strength to strength. I do hope others will follow. Yours co-operatively, Parmanand Ram

The situation in the sugar .... from page 5 that, Dr. Davis is quoted as having said “[what] we cannot go back to is a labour intensive sugar industry, we can’t go back there, we have to change this industry if it is going to be competitive, it has got to be a modernised industry”. From that statement, it could be said that employment in the industry would be reduced. This is in contrast to what President David Granger said in his message to the National Assembly on January 10, 2018. At that time, President Granger informed that “[t]he Government is committed to making the industry efficient and competitive… preserving three enlarged estates and protecting the jobs of over 11,000 workers”. The GAWU also recognized former GuySuCo HR Director, Mr Earl John, in the March 30, 2018 Kaieteur News, coming to the defence of his colleagues in management. In seeking to explain the situation, Mr John refers

to figures related to workers’ earnings contained in the Sugar CoI report. It is dismaying that the former GuySuCo director has chosen to rely on the data of the CoI, which has already been disproven by our Union. Certainly, Mr John, who was the industry’s chief HR person for several months, would know that the data he is referring to does not bear any semblance to the reality. Also, the former HR Director would also know that between 2015 and 2016, workers’ nominal incomes fell by 15 per cent. At the same time, remuneration relating to the Corporation’s topmost personnel rose by just over 80 per cent between 2015 and 2016. Mr. John also speaks about the Corporation’s provision of health care to workers and their families, seeming to forget that such facilities were not given freely but won through the struggle of the workers, both past and present, and are financed through the sweat and tears

of the workers who are up before the crack of dawn and work in the rain and shine. The sugar industry’s health facilities are also available to those in the management who probably seldom utilize the services, given their ability to seek care at private medical institutions. While Mr. John readily relies on the CoI report with regard to workers’ earnings, that same report also recommended that the Corporation’s health facilities “…should be maintained, especially as the public health services are still deficient and/ or inaccessible”. The situation in the sugar industry is quickly evolving, not necessarily in the best direction. For the workers and those who depend on the industry, this is not the news they would wish to receive at this time. For us, it is indeed saddening that we have reached the state we find ourselves in, especially recognizing that it was not necessary, given the opportunities for improvement and sustainability, and the serious consequences which have flowed from the decisions that have been taken. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

Thursday April 05 ,2018

Appointment of our distinguished judges to their rightful substantive positions DEAR EDITOR, The recent recommendation by the Bar Association for appointment of both the acting Chancellor and Chief Justice of the Judiciary to substantive positions would be good to end the unfortunate situation of two senior jurists acting for far too long. The fact that Acting Chancellor CummingsEdwards has presided in

Guyana with an excellent record in many settings, must give her the advantage in the impasse over the president’s nomination. Following through on the Bar Association’s recommendation would be the solution to prevent a long process of non-agreement between Government and Opposition - a throwback to the unfortunate situation where a remarkable

Guyanese jurist, Justice Chang, was in an acting position for over a decade in the previous administration. The stability of Guyana’s justice system must be priority over personal wishes. I strongly urge that the president implements the recommendation of the Bar Association of Guyana. Dr. Davendra Anand Sharma

We do not need to be lackeys to our This education involves the justly deserved disdain the teaching of morality. We from the people whom they desires need to integrate the lessons have sworn to serve.

DEAR EDITOR, A good friend of mine has dedicated himself and his resources in many ways to the success of Guyana. And while I have not done much if anything to further the development of our country, he has indulged me by listening to what I have to say concerning Guyana’s needs and how they might be met. This is where he and I diverge. My friend, being a successful entrepreneur at an international level, sees the success of Guyana being achieved by training the workforce to take pride in their jobs and to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. He stresses that we need to graduate from mediocrity and develop our products, whether it be manufacturing, agriculture, service or the medical field. My friend has a perfectly viable means of achieving this goal, but I, being a humanist, see a need for another kind of development that involves education.

of morality into everything that we do so that we can succeed in our jobs without compromising our sense of right and wrong. Success that leads to material gains or wealth without morality is not success. If people “succeed” in their business at the expense of others, it cannot be moral. Unless there is a convergence of our business practices, politics, justice and social equity with morality, the seed of discontent will be planted. It will grow into a tree that bears the bitter fruit that will spread across the land and poison our society against the different classes. The obvious example of this discontent deals with the hypocritical politicians who have eclipsed their oath of office by embracing the machination of bribery and double-dealings. While it is obvious that they do this because they are following the appetite and philosophy of the lower self that more is better, they are oblivious that any misbegotten boon has a price. These politicians do not have to look at history to see the price despots eventually pay for their thievery. They only need to pay attention to

This is the lesson of morality that they need to be taught. They need to learn from Ms. Diane, a centenarian who believes the best food is the food one gets from one’s labour (See Stabroek News, Sep. 5, 2016 — An old woman who never betrayed her dignity). They need to learn that satisfaction does not come from the quantity of the fine food one eats. This is seen in Solzhenitsyn’s ‘One Day in the Life of Ivan Densovitch’ where a toothless prisoner eats a crust of black bread. His appreciation for a mere crust transforms his meagre morsel into a communion and sacrament. Many of our politicians in office need to read the books with the greatest theme (man versus himself) and ask whether they have triumphed over their greed and arrogance. They need to confront the fact that they will never escape the wrongs that they do by following the part of the self that will eventually lead to blindness, deafness and brazen actions that are contrary to the prosperity and respect of our country. As I write this, I know I can buy any of the expensive bottles of water. However, none of that fancy bottled water will ever be as sweet as my first sip of water away from home when I was in Mrs. Downer’s Lil’ Infant class. The taste of the tin cup will always be with me and can never be duplicated. The dark cool water that I drank from Mappa Lake above Kwakwani and at the upper reaches of the churning Demerara River where we caught himara, remains a part of me. I still remember the plain glass of water I drank when I visited the president, because I was in the presence of a good man. Maybe, we need to remember the good, clean and simple things that we enjoyed, and realize that we do not need to be lackeys to our desires. Stanley Niamatali

Kaieteur News Editorial

Thursday April 05 ,2018

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Ramjattan supports police in deadly seawall shooting of three bandits P

ublic Security Min ister, Khemraj Ramjattan, yesterday supported the police version of events surrounding the March 15 shooting at the Georgetown seawall. That shooting ended in the death of three men, believed to be bandits. “I am on the side of the Police Commissioner [David Ramnarine]. I believe his version and what transpired is the truthful version. At this stage; however, we are going to ensure that there be a full investigation,” Ramjattan stated. Dextroy ‘Dutty’ Cordis, 46, of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah, of Buxton, East Coast Demerara; and Errol Adams, aka Dynamite, 57, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, and also of Buxton, were all shot dead in a confrontation, police said in statement that day. The Public Security Minister noted that for the majority of cases, any good responsible government will attach some credibility and reliability to police investigators unless there is something so egregious that will lead to immediate questions about police conduct. Just like all suspects, Ramjattan noted that the police reserve the right of presumption of innocence which should be across the board. “I don’t want us to start demoralizing our policemen. There is an extraordinarily negative view that can happen and I am going to support our policemen until such time as they are proven to have done something wrong,” Ramjattan stated. He explained that police

Shot dead: Kwame Assanah

Shot dead: Dextroy ‘Dutty’ Cordis

investigators are awaiting statements from three alleged eye witnesses being assisted by attorney Nigel Hughes, who has been retained by the Cordis family. They are responding to allegations that the police used excessive force. The three witnesses, according to Hughes, are fearful for their lives and prefer to speak with an investigator independent of the police probe. Investigators have found several loose ends in the version of events told to the media by Devon Lyte, who claimed to be one the three witnesses to the shooting. He claimed to have been standing on the roof of a building under construction at the Ministry of Education Sports Club Ground at Carifesta Avenue which runs parallel to the seawall. Investigators have since discovered that Lyte was not on the roof of the building. Further, the shooting took

place at least 350 yards (1050 feet) from the work place. Between Lyte and the scene of the incidents, were almost two and half football fieldswith the NIS and GNS Sports Club Pavilions in betweenwith trees. According to Ramjattan, there are some questions to be asked of the Lyte’s version of being on the roof. “These matters can have a way with them, but the trouble is that the coroner’s inquest is going to find out even better because they can be the witnesses being called there and I hope the coroner being the kind of investigator, they [witnesses] are not going to be afraid to come forward,” Ramjattan stated. He noted that investigators want to complete the file and send it to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office in accordance with the regular procedures that will most likely lead to a coroner’s inquest. The police said that they

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan answering questions from reporters about the deadly seawall shooting. were alerted to the men who were trailing a customer from a Robb Street bank. They confronted the men. A 9mm pistol along with a magazine containing seven live rounds and four spent shells were found next to Cordis’s body. Motorcar, PTT 9034, a black Toyota IST, which was being driven by Assanah at the time of the confrontation, was searched. The car was registered to Claire James of Lamaha Park. Items found included a supernumerary precept, one driver’s licence, ten passports belonging to Assanah and family members, a key used by trunkers, two handcuff keys, a bandana and clothing. Cordis and Adams were known to the police, but family members insist that Assanah was not a bandit.

La Parfaite man charged with murder of ex-girlfriend Two days after a minibus driver allegedly confessed to killing his exgirlfriend during an argument, he was yesterday charged and remanded to prison for murder. Thirty-nine-year-old Lauric Fiffee also known as “Shaquan” o f We s t m i n s t e r, We s t B a n k Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert in the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court. He was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on March 31, last, at Westminster, West Bank Demerara, he murdered Rosemary Rudder. He was remanded to prison and was instructed to make his next court appearance on June 14. According to reports, the dead woman, 32-year-old

Rosemary Rudder, a caterer of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, had visited Fiffee, at his Westminster, West Bank Demerara home around 22:30 hrs on the day in question. She had shared a relationship with him. It was reported that on arrival at his home, she saw him in the company of another woman. Rudder and Fiffee then got into a heated argument which resulted into a scuffle. It is alleged that during the scuffle, the minibus driver choked Rudder and she collapsed to the floor. The man subsequently left the woman lying motionless in the house and went to make a report at the police station. The police then visited the scene and took Rudder to the West

The dead: Rosemary Rudder Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination performed on Rudder revealed that she died as a result of compression to the neck consistent with choking and compounded with blunt trauma to the head.

Law enforcement officials described the shooting as resulting from increased surveillance in response to the recent spate of robberies committed on customers after they had conducted financial transactions at various commercial banks. Guyana had been under siege with a significant number of persons robbed and shot, after being trailed from the banks. There were deep suspicions that bank employees were working in alliance

with bandits. This was never substantiated.

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Thursday April 05 ,2018

Shot in head and back at work… Beware of oil companies and their

Market vendors call for armed security

Two days after he was shot to the head by bandits, La Penitence, Georgetown Market vendors, Doodnauth Danasri and his wife, are calling on the relevant authorities to deploy armed security to keep round the clock vigil at the market. Doodnauth, 62, and his wife Meena of Lot 200 Seventh Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara were attacked by four bandits—two of whom arrived on bicycles just after 17:00hrs on Easter Monday. While his injuries are not life threatening, Doodnauth who was seen with two sets of stitches—one on the right cheek and to the side of his head—still has to visit the hospital for check-ups. He was also shot once to the abdomen. In speaking with this publication yesterday, Doodnauth who was back at work related that he is grateful for life and that he and his wife are now scared to sell in the market after 16:00hrs. He said that although several female constabulary ranks were present when the bandits launched their attack, they could not have aided since they were all unarmed. As such, the father of one made a call for armed security to be placed at the market. He even appealed for there to be regular police patrol at the market given its location and close proximity to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The couple said that in recent times many brazen daylight robberies have been

Market Vendor Doodnauth Danasri was back at work yesterday. In fact, he turned out to work the day after the robbery carried out at the market and the perpetrators are not being apprehended. They recalled that sometime last year, a vendor who sells fruits and vegetables at the same market was shot in the foot by bandits before being relieved of cash. The couple who has been vendors for over 38 years related that this is the first time a robbery of such nature was committed on them. Meena questioned, “Is weh they get the gun from?”

It was observed by this publication that after hours lights would be switched on in the market and there would be a few vendors selling mostly vegetable just outside Twin’s Pharmacy to cater for late shoppers. Over time, it has also been noticed that mostly armed female city constabulary ranks would keep watch at the market during late hours. And even if they are armed, it would mostly be with batons. According to reports, Doodnauth had just offloaded stocks on the stall when the unmasked bandits pounced on him, demanding that he hand over cash. Kaieteur News understands that two other bandits were on the lookout. The bandits on the bicycle targeted Doodnauth’s wife who was wearing an apron containing over $100,000 in cash. But as Meena attempted to escape from, their accomplices cornered her just in front of Twin’s Pharmacy. One of them placed a gun and knife to her chest before grabbing the cash from her apron that was tied around her waist. The bandit then discharged three rounds at her husband. Two of the robbers escaped on foot with their two other accomplices behind them on a bicycle through James Street, Albouystown. The monies, which the couple earned over a two-day period were to pay suppliers. Kaieteur News was informed that the gunman discharged three rounds—two of which (Continued on page 22)

gold-plated administrative costs - Int’l Expert warns W

hen oil compa nies invest in your country, don’t presume for one minute that they are doing you a favour. Every cent spent on exploration, development, production, training and employment of locals and expatriates would be recovered. In many cases, oil companies which form a consortium for a project would borrow from their parents companies. And there are innumerable case studies which show that it is in these instances, corruption takes place. This dose of reality was recently provided by Local Content Expert Anthony Paul to those who attended the enlightening Spotlight on Energy forum which took place in Port of Spain a few weeks ago. There, Paul said that oil companies are often borrow-

International Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul ing funds, many times from their parent entities, at rates higher than bank rates and

with administrative costs that are gold plated. He said that Trinidad and Tobago, like other nations, needs to be wary of this. The Chatham House Advisor who is the author of Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy, reminded that oil investors have o n e c l e a r, simple goal; that is, converting the wealth of the people and taking it to their shareholders as quickly as possible. Along the way, they will employ several strategies towards getting huge profits. If the rights systems of controls are not in place, Paul is on the record as stating that significant revenue to the state would be lost. (KIANA WILBURG)

CANU ranks testify in trial of baker, wife caught with ganja in gas bottles Two Custom Anti – Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks yesterday testified in the trial of a couple who is accused of trafficking 57.9 grams of marijuana. It is alleged that between November 14 and November 15, 2017, Colin Denny, a baker, and his wife Malika Softleigh, trafficked the narcotics. Both defendants have denied the allegation and are out of $400,000 bail, each. They are being represented by Attorney-atlaw James Bond. The trial is being conducted before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Yesterday, CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford called two witnesses; an intelligence officer told the court that on November 15, last, he was a member of a search party that carried out a narcotics investigation in Georgetown. The rank told the court that based on instructions he received, he uplifted a camera and a memory card from CANU Headquarters. The rank said he then went to Lot 6 ‘C’ Tucville Terrace, Georgetown. On arrival at the address, he said he observed the property was secured by a concrete fence and the gate was locked with a chain and padlock. The court heard that the officer and other ranks went into the yard and they were given instruction to take photographic exposure of the house. He was then given further instruction and as a result, he went to the

Colin Denny and Malika Softleigh East La Penitence Police Station for assistance. He and the officer then returned to the said apartment where they used forced entry to get into the apartment. On entry into the apartment, the rank said a search was done on the upper flat of the building and nothing of evidential value was found. The court heard that the ranks then went to the lower flat of the building and in the kitchen area they observed three 100 pounds white gas cylinders. An officer then conducted a sound test on the bottles which give a hallow sound. This made them suspicious that something was in the bottles. The bottles were then taken into possession by the officers. On completion of the search, the ranks went back to CANU Headquarters with the gas bottles. At CANU Headquarters, the rank took photographic exposure of the cutting of

the bottles and the marking of the suspected narcotics. On completion, 36 photographs were taken. The matter was adjourned until April 6, for continuation of the trial. According to information, CANU ranks acting on an intelligence report, found the cannabis in three 100-pound gas cylinders at the Tucville address. The cylinders were allegedly purchased by Softleigh, had been sent to Berbice and were then returned to Georgetown, at the home of Softleigh’s cousin at Tucville. It was reported that while the cylinders were at the Tucville address, they were open and mud was found stuffed into the bottom along with black plastic. When the plastic was removed, several parcels of transparent packages, containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, were found. Both defendants were arrested and charge for the offence.

Thursday April 05 ,2018

Kaieteur News

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Body of hotel owner...

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From page 14 call out to Patrick Wilson, another employee at the hotel. He said that he told his colleague about the behaviour of the cat, after which he went outside and climbed onto a shed from where he saw the keys to open the door to Room 10 on the bed. The witness explained that he pushed a pipe through the window and collected the keys from the bed and handed them over to Wilson who used them to open the room door. According to Eastman, the cat made a sudden dash into the room and ran out back purring. He added that he warned Wilson to not go into the room and he complied. From kneeling in a passageway next to the room, Eastman said he saw his boss lying motionless under a bed and summoned the police. Also testifying yesterday was a female police lance corporal who is stationed at the Brickdam Police Station and attached to the Criminal Inves-

Market vendors call... From page 8 hit Doodnauth at the side of his head and on the chest respectively. After collapsing to the ground, the injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by ranks from the nearby

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From page 18 was the first time in the history of Science Exhibitions

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Ruimveldt Police Station. The injured man received medical attention and was discharged the said evening. He said that the bullets only grazed him. Investigations are ongoing and police are still to apprehend the suspects.

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tigation Department (CID). The police rank said that on November 14, 2013, she and a party of policemen along with Phylicia Williams called 'Red Girl' went to a house located at Lot 185 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown where they met a 16-year-old occupant. The then 16-year-old, the policewoman disclosed, told her something and gave her a small cellular phone which contained a Digicel SIM card. When questioned by the jury to reveal what the teenager had told her, the lance corporal said that the teen told her that she got the phone from a young man she knows by the alias 'Big Foot.” Also testifying was Detective Sergeant Rawle Nedd who told the court that some time after the killing, a wanted bulletin was issued for Leitch and that he surrendered in the company of his mother and reporter, Michael Jordan, at the CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The trial is continuing.

that nursery schools were able to take part in this spectacular event and also the first time Arts were included in the competition. Exhibits from Primary, Lower and Upper Secondary, Sixth Form and University students were highlighted in 24 different categories. These included Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Technology, Mathematics, Biology, Social and Behavioural Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Physics. Present at the exhibition were students representing District Eleven from St. Rose's High school who showcased Green chemistry and its stimulation. There were also students from Diamond Secondary, Saint Stanislaus College and representing Linden, with students from Mackenzie High School. Anna Regina took part in the exhibition representing Region Two. The projects will be judged based on their oral presentation, project booklets and the way the students deliver themselves. The exhibition will last for three days. During the three days, students will be entertained with the popular movie Black Panther; in addition to a variety of Cultural Displays and a Camp Fire. The winners will be announced the conclusion of the exhibition.

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Thursday April 05 ,2018

Consistent Power outage continues to plague the E’bo Coast

T

he blackout contin ues in Region Two [Pomeroon/ Supenaam], as consistent load shedding continues to plague the entire Essequibo Coast. Over the past week, the inadequate supply of power by the Guyana Power and Light [GPL], has severely affected Essequibians, especially business owners. According to reports, some communities along the coast experience long hours of power outages during the day, while others are affected in the nights. Business owners are complaining bitterly about the losses they continue to incur daily, as a result of these frequent power outages. It is unclear to Essequibians at this moment, the reason behind the frequent blackouts, since GPL recently acquired four rented sets, which were

supposedly to end the blackout nightmares. Sometime last month, however, the state-owned Power Company issued a re-

lease which indicated that the frequent power outages were linked to fuel related issues. The interruptions then, according to the company, was

referred to as ‘trips,’ and lasted for approximately 15 minutes. It is unclear at this time whether or not these ‘fuel’

Many are still in shock and disbelief, after witnessing the horrific death of sevenyear-old Jadesh Mohanlall, of Aurora Village,Essequibo Coast. The boy was struck down on the Aurora Public Road last Tuesday, after he allegedly ran into the path of a speeding car. The child lived with his father, stepmother and stepsister, in their Aurora home, which is located about three miles north from Supenaam. At the time of the accident, the child was at home with his father Balram Mohanlall, who told this publication that he was unaware that his son had left the house. According to the 31-yearold labourer, he was only made aware of the accident

after he heard screams from neighbours who were reportedly the first on the scene. The man told this publication yesterday, “I only hear the scream and I run outside. When I come outside, I see he deh till up the road on the road corner, with he face down.” The father added, “By the time I reach he… he de already deh in a bad shape and already unconscious, so we get the same car driver to take he to the hospital because nobody else wanted to do it.” One neighbour who was also the first on the accident scene, told Kaieteur News that witnessing the child she knew from a kid battle for his life was the worst thing she had ever endured. The woman noted that at one point, the

young boy regained consciousness-crying out for severe pain. She added, “I couldn’t believe this was the same child that use to run over at me. He head had about five huge cuts, this child foot break to such an extent that he bones all de showing… when I first arrive on scene, I knew to myself that he was a goner. The saddest part of it is that he had to endure all that pain before he died.” After battling for his life at the Suddie Public Hospital for more than two hours, the seven-year-old finally succumbed to his injuries. The 42-year-old driver of the motorcar remains in police custody, assisting with further investigations.

“ The dead child: Jadesh Mohanlall.”

“The three remaining generators at the Anna Regina Power Plant.”

Eyewitnesses describe death of seven-year-old as most horrific

Confess to robberies or play Russian roulette A labourer was yesterday remanded to prison on two robbery under arms charges after he appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Twenty-four-year-old Jerome Smartt, of ‘C’ Field Sophia, denied the charge which alleged that on March 29, last, at Crane Place, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, with a handgun, he robbed Jamal Angus of $40,000, one cellular phone and other items. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, at Prashad Nagar, Smartt while armed with a handgun he robbed Donald David of one cellular phone. The unrepresented accused denied both charges after they were read to him by the

-detectives allegedly told accused

Remanded: Jerome Smartt Magistrate. The defendant told the court, on the day in question about 07:00 hrs, he was approached by two police officers who told him

that he was wanted for questioning in relation to two robberies. He added that the police officers conducted a search on him and they found one of the stolen cellular phones. “When the police find the phone on me, I told them I found it, and one of them placed a gun to my head and told me that if I don’t confess to the robberies, they would play Russian roulette. “Madam I’m not stupid. When I heard that they gon play Russian roulette with my life, I decided to fabricate a story and tell them that I did robbed the persons. I told them what they wanted to

hear because I know when I come to court I will plead not guilty to the charges.” Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not disclose any facts in relation to the robberies. However, she objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature of the offence, the penalty the charge attracts and the fact that a weapon was used to carry out the robberies. The prosecutor’s objection was upheld and the defendant was remanded to prison. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on April 25.

related issues were resolved, since all efforts to contact the company’s public relations officer, again proved futile. Sometime mid last year, the power grid within the Pomeroon/Supenaam region was converted from 50 hertz, to 60 hertz. This necessitated the rental of four Caterpillar sets, which provided generation compatible with the converted network. Upon visiting the site yesterday, however, it was discovered that one of the generators was removed. It re-

mains unclear at this time as to where this generator was relocated to, though there are claims that this missing set was moved to Bartica. GPL in its release last month noted that three new 1.78 Megawatts generators have been acquired by the company, but were not put into operation. The new generators are currently being assembled, and will be commissioned with the new power plant at the end of the second quarter in 2018. [Romario Blair.]

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Thursday April 05 ,2018

Tullow Oil deals signed by disgraced Peru ex-president under fire LIMA (Reuters) - Pedro Pablo Kuczynski’s critics call it his last act. Hours before the former Wall Street banker resigned Peru’s presidency in scandal last month, Kuczynski signed five oil contracts granting London-based Tullow Oil exploration and drilling rights off Peru’s northern coast. Lawmakers have vowed to investigate and try to repeal the contracts. They say there should have been a public auction, an environmental study and consultations with fishermen, biologists and coastal residents about sites that lie in an important fisheries area rich in biodiversity. Critics are unconvinced by Peru’s oil promoting agency, Perupetro, which said the contracts followed months of negotiations and should be celebrated for the $200 million investment they will bring to a country where bidding rounds are often canceled due to lack of interest. “It’s not normal for a president, just before resigning, to sign five decrees giving away our resources,” said Congresswoman Karla Schaefer with the conservative party Popular Force. “Given Mr. Kuczynski’s background, it raises a lot of questions. ”Kuczynski’s less than

two years in office featured clashes with Popular Force lawmakers who depicted him as an unscrupulous lobbyist. He resigned after being implicated in an alleged votebuying scheme to prevent possible impeachment over payments his consulting firm received from Odebrecht, a company at the center of a massive graft scandal.Kuczynski denies wrongdoing and has promised to cooperate with public prosecutors investigating him. Kuczynski’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comment about Tullow Oil. The company has been cautiously reviving its search for new oil and gas resources after emerging from one of the longest downturns in the sector’s history with a $3.5 billion debt pile. For foreign investors in one of Latin America’s most stable economies, the latest controversy brought reminders of a how a more than yearlong graft scandal involving Odebrecht has heightened scrutiny of government contracts and fueled political feuds in Peru. Tullow said it started direct negotiations with Perupetro as allowed by Peruvian law in November. “Both the terms and conditions of our contracts and the process for approving them are similar to those signed

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. REUTERS/ Mariana Bazo/File Photo with other oil companies in 2017,” it said in a statement.

But leftist lawmaker Hernando Cevallos said

Peru’s new president, Martin Vizcarra, should rescind the contracts. “This area is the source of 40 percent of our fishing,” Cevallos said. Vizcarra’s office declined to comment.Yuri Hooker, a marine biologist who researches undersea life in Peru, said three of Tullow’s oil concessions contain high levels of biodiversity. “This whole area is one of the most important breeding places in the Pacific for whales and dolphins, as well as fish and invertebrate species on the verge of extinction,” said Hooker.The

former head of Perupetro, Francisco Garcia, said Tullow will have to secure environmental approvals before drilling, and denied anything irregular about the contracts. A minor oil producer, Peru has struggled to lure investments to its prospects as bigger players in the region such as Mexico have grown more competitive by cutting red tape. “Now all we’re doing is driving companies away,” Garcia said, adding that he resigned last month because most of his time was spent responding to lawmakers.

Army, Police top brass shunned UK... From page 3 Chief-of-Staff Best. Rohee never responded. According to Hughes, his firm also expressed concern that the crime scene was being “contaminated and degraded as time passed, and we wanted our experts to observe the entire process in the investigation.” After the US team indicated that it was “either not willing or available,” Hughes wrote to the Commissioner saying that the UK experts were in Trinidad and could come “at very short notice.” Greene, he said, responded in a letter indicating that the US team was no longer available “and I should maybe refer to Rohee” about the UK forensic team. According to Hughes, he would later be involved in “a testy exchange” with Greene, in which he indicated a loss in confidence in the ability of Guyana Police Force to conduct a fair investigation. “You will no doubt recall, that when it became apparent that the capacity to conduct an comprehensive independent investigation into these gruesome murders was beyond the capacity of the Guyana Police Force, we secured, retained and recommended to you one of the premier investigative services in the world…an offer you declined, despite the fact that

the Americans had made it clear that they were unable to provide any assistance because of budgetary constraints,” Hughes's letter to Greene stated. “Our client learnt through the press that you had an expressed preference for forensic services from Trinidad and Jamaica…“It might have slipped your recollection that our client has not been informed of the results of the DNA identification procedure, which was apparently conducted by the Jamaican experts. “This is a continued source of considerable pain for all of the relatives of the deceased, as they were unable to have the remains of their deceased relatives scientifically identified, so that they could bring closure to this extended period of agony.” In his “testy exchange,” Hughes also indicated to Greene that, “since at the end of June we had offered these services, it appeared that he (Commissioner Greene) had deliberately delayed the investigation.” SLAIN MINER'S PHONE BEING USED Hughes also told the Commission that in August 2008, his firm received information that the cell phone of slain miner Dax Arokium was being used.“We managed, through our own resources, to get a printout of all the calls that had been made from his

phone. We believe that phone was being actively utilized. “ He said one call was made in August 18, at around 14:04 hrs. The calls continued up to August 25, 2008. Hughes said that his firm tried both the listed and blocked numbers, and got responses on two occasions. But the individuals answering terminated the calls when “we didn't provide the appropriate response.” Hughes said he informed Commissioner Greene of the use of the slain miner's phone. According to the attorney, Greene denied having information about Dax Arokium's phone number. “We responded that this is not correct; Mr. Arokium had specifically provided that information to the police officers and…the Minister of Home Affairs who visited his home. “ Slain Miner's mom Hughes also read what he described as “a revealing and moving” statement that he had taken from Yonette Torres, the mother of slain 17year-old miner, Nigel Torres. In her statement, Mrs. Torres, who is from Kwakwani, said that on June 5, she saw Dax Arokium going in the backdam. “I asked if he knows my son and he said yes, and I told him to ask my son to be careful.”Later in the week, she allegedly saw police vehicles

speeding to the waterfront. On Father's Day, she saw a number of Joint Services ranks. She asked one of the ranks if there was anyone in the backdam, “and he said, with his face suspicious, that there was no one in the backdam. He then told me that they had 'boomed the backdam', (destroyed everything). “The next day my sister asked when last I had seen my son and I said that I didn't know, and I was beginning to worry. She then said that I should ask around because she had heard that the Joint Services had shot some boys down in the backdam.” “Later…I heard from one of the sisters in my church that my son was indeed dead. She said had spoken to 'Mr. Rookies' (Arokium) who went into the back-dam and had seen nothing but bones. “I don't feel that it was Fine Man and his gang that did this act because Fine Man is said to have cooked, eaten and then tied up and burnt the entre place, and there was no smoke that could be seen by the helicopter that was constantly flying above. “I gave a picture of my son and a statement to a police rank who asked if I thought that is the Joint Services or Fine Man, and I said I don't know.” Hughes also referred to a statement he had taken from a Mr. Fernandes, who alleged that around July 7, 2008, police ranks had come to his camp, where they had found some 'weed.'The ranks had then taken him and another worker to Christmas Falls and had given then cutlasses and ordered them to “clean up,” the area.Hughes said that Fernandes stated that while they were at Christmas falls, they heard gunshots. He was kept at Christmas Falls for most of the day, and he later learn that “the men at Lindo Creek had been killed.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 05 ,2018

Barbados to start exploration for petroleum resources offshore next year BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Barbados will begin exploration for potential offshore petroleum resources next year, Minister with responsibility for Energy, Darcy Boyce, has said. Boyce, speaking at a regional symposium on Strengthening CARICOM Energy Collaboration in Trinidad and Tobago last week, said that Barbados had successfully negotiated exploration licences for two blocks with the Australianbased BHP Billiton and had awarded another block to the Spanish-based Repsol. “BHP Billiton is now in the final stages of the EIA (Energy Information Administration) process, and once complete, we expect exploration to begin within the next year.” Boyce, noting that Barbados had a substantial offshore petroleum acreage comprising more than 70 000 square kilometres, said that going forward, it was the intention of the Energy Division to continue to market the island’s offshore acreage internationally, with the hope of generating more investment and exploration

opportunities.He said in consideration of the industry’s renewed interest in offshore deep-water exploration, particularly within the Caribbean region, it was Barbados’ intention to restart its licensing efforts within the next year. He gave the assurance that as a tourist oriented country, great care was being taken in the pursuit of this initiative, in order to ensure the preservation and protection of the coastal and marine environment. “We have established a robust regulatory regime in terms of our offshore petroleum legislation and will continue to ensure that we learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions, and explore op-

portunities for developing stronger partnerships with our regional counterparts,” Boyce said. He said it was therefore necessary to strengthen collaboration with both the established and emerging offshore oil and gas jurisdictions within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), describing this as a critical step in charting a successful energy future. “The region is fast becoming a hotbed of activity due to its promising and largely untapped offshore petroleum potential and it is therefore imperative that we work closely together in building capacity and developing a collective resilience,” he said.

Region urged to uphold standards for imported products BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROS&Q) began a three-day meeting yesterday with Barbados Industry and Commerce Minister Donville Innis warning regional importers of attempting to bring in inferior products into the Caribbean. Outlining a number of guidelines for improving the quality of regional standards, Innis told the delegates to the 32nd meeting of the CARICOM body that stiffer laws are needed ensure the standards in the countries are upheld. “I see it quite often when importers bring into the islands items and then they are stopped at the border by vigilant standard officer and then politicians then “receive calls asking for importers to be accommodated. “May I suggest that all importers arm themselves with knowledge of our standards including acceptable labels prior to placing your orders. “After all we would dare not think of exporting our products to developed countries without understanding their standards,” he told the regional delegates, adding “so why should we accept theirs…if they do not conform to our standards. CROSQ is the regional centre for promoting efficiency and competitive production in goods and services, through the process of the verification of quality. The organisers said the meeting here will discuss how standardisation, trade and trade facilitation, and international health matters, among other issues, fit into the quality agenda of the region. According to the organisers, the third day of the event, which is exclusive to the direc-

Donville Innis tors, will plan the direction and development of quality infrastructure for the year ahead. The Secretary General of the Genevabased International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Sergio Mujica, is also attending the meeting here. In his address, Innis said that some regional countries have a wrong priority and were not paying their dues. “I am deeply troubled for those member states that are not paying their dues to regional institutions. I have been a Cabinet minister for 10 years and have attended many CARICOM meetings, engaged in some of the most robust debates…only to find that those keeping the most noise have not paid their dues to the institutions.

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Prime Minister receives report on OAS “mishap” PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has been presented with a report on the circumstances that led to Trinidad and Tobago being the lone country at the Organisation of American States (OAS) not to back a waiver hurricane ravaged Dominica had been seeking on its assessed quota contribution to the OAS for the 2018-2019 period. A brief statement from the Office of the Prime Minister noted following his return to Port of Spain from Tobago yesterday, he “received a full report of the details of the OAS mishap. “Prime Minister Rowley requested this report from the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dennis Moses prior to his visit to Tobago over the Easter weekend,” the statement said without giving any other details. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to the OAS, Anthony Phillip Spencer, had on March 23 said during a special meeting of the OAS Permanent Council that despite the “goodwill” expressed by the other delegations, including those from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), his country would not support the waiver, adding that Port of Spain would instead consider supporting either the “deferral of payments of contributions by member states and where possible the implementation of a payment plan”. Dominica is recovering from the destruction caused by the passage of Hurricane Maria on September 18 last year and the island had gone to the OAS meeting here last week urging member countries to approve of the waiver estimated at US$20,000 annually. Dominica’s alternate representative to the hemispheric body, Judith-Anne Rolle, told the meeting that the post disaster assessment situation in Dominica undertaken in collaboration with a number of regional and international organisations, including the World Bank and the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had painted a very dismal picture of the island. “The post disaster needs assessment also concluded that Hurricane Maria resulted in total damages of US$931 million and losses of US$382 million to the productive, social, infrastructure and cross cutting sectors amounting to 226 per cent of the GDP gross domestic

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

product) of 2016, “ she told the meeting. Last week, the Trinidad and Tobago government said “a suggestion by a public servant at an OAS meeting that Dominica’s dues not be collected at this time but be deferred to some future time in no way reflects any change in the demonstrated concern of Trinidad and Tobago for the welfare of the people of Dominica”. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it regretted the “misrepresentation of the position of Trinidad and Tobago offered by a public official of Trinidad and Tobago” and that an investigation has since been launched into the matter. “Trinidad and Tobago’s solidarity with the people of Dominica is without question. The actions, cooperation – be it technical, financial or diplomatic – with Dominica and advocacy overtime, most re-

cently in the advent and aftermath of hurricanes, Erika and Maria attest to the strong and abiding relationship between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the “position presented at the OAS is not aligned with the actions, policy or orientation of Trinidad and Tobago towards Dominica. Earlier this week, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the relationship between the two CARICOM countries “is still solid” and that “The Trinidad and Tobago government and indeed the whole of TT have been very supportive of our efforts. “I do not think that the PM would have been aware of the vote at the OAS prior. This is one of the usual miscommunication occurrences which happens to all of us from time to time,” he said.

Grenada to host seminar on SMEs S T. G E O R G E ’ S , Grenada - CMC – A one day seminar aimed at sensitizing entrepreneurs and financial agents on the role of smallmedium enterprises (SMEs) to economic development, as part of the implementation of the National Export Strategy, gets underway here later this month. The April 13 event is being organised by the Grenada government in collaboration with the Barbados-based Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Grenada Investment Development Corporation. The seminar on “Access to Finance; and a Link Caribbean Pitch Competition,” will also address the challenges faced by SMEs from local financial institutions. The organisers said that

the “Link Caribbean Pitch” Competition is being implemented by Caribbean Export Development Agency with support from the World Bank under INFODEV’s EPIC programme. The programme’s aim is to discover potential entrepreneurs with executable and investable ideas, who are seeking financial and other support. The main objective is to develop an Angel Investing Ecosystem in the Caribbean, they added. They said five pre-selected firms will be given 15 minutes to pitch their business ideas to five judges with the winner being awarded EC$5,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to advance their business venture.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 05 ,2018

PM predicts continued economic growth for St. Lucia CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is predicting continued economic growth for St. Lucia this year after indicating that the island had recorded growth of 2.5 per cent in 2017. Chastanet, delivering the EC$1.48 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) budget to Parliament on Tuesday night, said that St. Lucia has seen renewed investor, business and consumer confidence in local economy. “Several foreign direct investment projects in the pipeline are at an advanced stage and are expected to come on stream in 2018,” he told legislators.He said that preliminary figures for 2017 indicate that the economy has started to grow again by the notable margin of 2.5 per cent. “However, I wish to repeat, it is imperative, that we remove the impediments to further growth. If we do not accommodate growth through investment it will be temporary, unreliable and therefore unsustainable”. Chastanet said that growth over the last year was driven largely by a strong recovery in the tourism sector and also reflected increased activity in construction, wholesale and retail and manufacturing sectors with positive spin-offs on other sectors. He said overall growth was tempered by a decline in output from the agricultural sector, which was affected by the passage of tropical storm Matthew late in 2016. Prime Minister Chastanet said his administration had identified three areas of the financial sector that require reform. “This sector underpins every area of economic activity in the country. It affects the degree to which the business sector can invest and fund daily operations while, for consumers the sector facilitates consumption and savings. Without consumption and investment, economic activity comes to a halt.” Chastanet told legislators that i is important to note that the island’s commercial

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet financial sector witnessed one of the largest expansions in credit in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) prior to the 2008/09 global crisis and conversely, had one of the largest contractions. “Slow recovery in this sector, partly due to delayed legislative reforms, has impeded financial intermediation, although the credit union sector has taken up some of the slack. Mindful of these hindrances, the government is committed to fast track reforms to improve the environment within which financial institutions operate,” he said. Chastanet said this would include broadening the scope and making it easier to use multiple sources of collateral, reforming the existing framework surrounding insolvency as well as reforming the existing framework surrounding foreclosure. “The issue of foreclosure has long been a vexing problem in our country, fraught with many of the issues surrounding insolvency – outdated legislation and a lack of will to press for change. Change must come however, if as a country we are to have access to financing for viable projects that is currently tied up in non-performing loans,” Chastanet said, adding that government is in consultation with all parties and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank to determine the best way forward.

Prime Minister Chastanet said that among the project earmarked for 2018 include the construction of hotels in Choiseul, Pointe Seraphine, Micoud and the Gregg Norman Golf Course as well as “continued development of the Pearl of the Caribbean Project” in the south of the island.But he said in spite of these positive developments “a number of factors are limiting our growth potential” and that his administration is addressing them through what he termed “the foundation for growth”. He said these initiatives include these include “investing in our people; upgrading our physical infrastructure, improving public sector efficiency and managing the cost of debt” “These four planks …will be critical in positioning St. Lucia and St. Lucians to maximize our growth potential and the benefits to be derived therefrom. “Underpinning our growth strategy will be the need to build resilience in all that we do. Resilience is an important component in making our growth sustainable, which in turn will enable us to finance our social assistance programmes for the vulnerable among us; provide opportunities for all St. Lucians to improve their quality of life and allow us to face the challenges of climate change with greater confidence,” Chastanet said.

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Thursday April 05, 2018

Grange says CARIFTA success a sign of bright future KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Sports Minister Oliva Grange has hailed the achievement of Jamaica’s track and field team, which dominated the 47th CARIFTA Games in Nassau over the Easter weekend.The regional powerhouses finished top of the standings with 82 medals overall – 44 gold, 27 silver and 11 bronze – to once again set themselves apart from their rivals.Grange said the performances were a reflection of the resources committed to tracking and field, and also highlighted a bright future for the island. “I watched with elevated pride as we won medal after medal,” said Grange. “I want to congratulate the athletes and the coaches

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for the tremendous work that they have been doing to keep Jamaica firmly in the top ranks of world sport. “We are seeing a wonderful transitioning as some of our senior athletes leave the track and what I have seen at CARIFTA tells me that the future is secure.” The standout of the weekend was 16-year-old United States-based Briana Williams who completed the cherished sprint double in girls Under17 division.She broke a twodecade old record in winning the 100 metres and had a hand in another as she helped Jamaica win the sprint relay, to notch her third gold, and take the Austin Sealy Award for the Most Outstanding Athlete.

Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State for Sports, said Jamaica’s athletes were fine examples of investments well placed.“When we see Christopher Taylor, Brianna Williams, Shiann Salmon and the relay teams executing almost perfect races we can say that any investment by the government or the private sector in developing sporting facilities and programmes is money well spent,” he said. “I think we have an exciting time ahead and I am looking forward to being a part of this exciting development.” Jamaica swept the 1500m finals, the sprint hurdles and the sprint relays while winning three of four of the 100m finals and the 4x400m relay finals.

Thursday April 05, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) After a few days that were a bit serious, Aries, today you awake with a light heart and boundless energy! Your capacity for seduction will be at its peak, so why not use it to your advantage? TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) If you have children, Taurus, you could be feeling a bit overworked and overwhelmed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You think of yourself as fairly modern in your thinking, don't you, Libra? But have you really been able to reject tradition entirely? SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There is some likelihood of a slight career conflict, Scorpio. You might have to deal with a co-worker who steps on your toes or runs roughshod over your gentle nature.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Feeling grumpy lately, Gemini? Don't fret, because your bad mood won't last. This attitude is unlike you. Co-workers notice your change in personality but still treat you with consideration and respect.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) For a few weeks now you've understood that each day brings its share of constraints, Sagittarius. For example, today you could feel doubts about your physical appearance.

CANCER(June21–July22) How hard you have to work to achieve your purposes, Cancer! It's as though you carry around an overstuffed sandbag and each step requires a huge effort!

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This is a day to think about your private life, Capricorn. Expect to be particularly sensitive to all kinds of demands from those close to you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You could have an urge to invent new things, Leo. You feel compelled to create something in the artistic, technical, or philosophical field.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today can be a relaxing day, provided you make the necessary effort to deal with material constraints, Aquarius. You would like nothing better than to spend much of the day planning fun activities for the future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Generally, you come up with the perfect, witty answer one day too late. Impulse and intuition take a back seat to your excellent selfcontrol. The day ahead presents one opportunity to let go of the inhibition that sometimes stymies you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There is a lot on your mind today, Pisces. Over the last three weeks you've analyzed your relationships on a deep and profound level.

Hamilton chasing maximum points and another record (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton will be out to secure maximum points, and equal a Formula One record, in Bahrain on Sunday after victory was plucked from his grasp in the Australian season-opener. Mercedes’ four times world champion has scored in his last 26 races, one short of Kimi Raikkonen’s unprecedented run of 27 with Lotus in 2012-13, and stood on the podium in 19 of them. The 33-year-old Briton, who last drew a blank when he retired with a blown engine while leading the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix, will also be looking to make a statement as he moves on from Melbourne. Hamilton was on his way to a comfortable win from pole position at Albert Park when an ill-timed virtual safety car and a computer bug threw Mercedes’ strategy predictions off and handed victory to Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel instead. “It feels like a dark cloud but it’s not,” he told reporters after finishing second. “We have a great car, we are still the world champions and with a couple of adjustments we can win the next race.” Hamilton has taken two of Mercedes’s three wins from the last four years in Bahrain but Vettel and Ferrari broke the stranglehold last year when Bahrain followed China as third round of the season. Mercedes are expecting another thriller under the floodlights. “We saw in Melbourne that the Ferraris in particular were very quick, so I expect it to be a close battle,” commented team boss Toto Wolff. The circuit’s four long straights could allow Ferrari to edge closer but Vettel —

Travis Belgrave’s... From page 35 (Mecca) is usually contested during year-end but it was brought forward by the GABF to facilitate every active player a fair chance to gain selection to Guyana’s National Basketball squad since the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Americup 2021 Caribbean pre-qualifiers will tip of in Paramaribo, Suriname, this June. Following the conclusion of Mecca on April 28th, the top players will begin encampment for the CBC tournament.

set to start his 200th race — may need another dose of luck to celebrate an unprecedented fourth win in Bahrain. Ferrari will also have to watch out for Red Bull, whose Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap in Melbourne and piled the pressure on Raikkonen in his bid for a home podium. “The track is one that I’ve always done well on,” said Ricciardo, whose lowest finish in Bahrain since he stepped up to Red Bull in 2014 is sixth. “So let’s hope it continues to be good to me.” Sunday will also set the stage for another hard-fought midfield battle. McLaren, who have Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company as major shareholders, will hope to win that one after ending their first race with new engine partners Renault solidly in the points.

But they will have to overcome a Haas team whose Ferrari-powered car drew intense scrutiny after they stunned rivals with their pace in the opener. The U.S.-owned team will be hoping to put behind them the disappointment of having both drivers retire in Melbourne after botched pitstops while on course for a best-ever result. Off the track, the big story will be a presentation to teams by commercial rights holder Liberty Media and governing FIA of how they see the future unfolding after current agreements expire at the end of 2020. New engine regulations are a key part of that, with the focus also on Ferrari after the Italian team threatened to walk away from Formula One if they do not like what is being proposed.

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Liverpool stun Man City with 3-0 win at Anfield LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool ripped apart Manchester City with three goals inside the opening 31 minutes as they won their Champions League quarter-final, first leg tie 3-0 yesterday. Anfield has witnessed many memorable European nights over the years and this will take its place among the most spectacular as a simply devastating, first-half display was crowned with goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex OxladeChamberlain and Sadio Mane. The tie may not be over, with 90 minutes remaining at the Etihad on Tuesday, but Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp, who has enjoyed more wins over City counterpart Pep Guardiola than any other manager, will be delighted as his commitment to attacking football was amply rewarded.Liverpool are the only team to have beaten City in the Premier League this season, with a thrilling 4-3 victory in January, and they re-

peated the formula of that success by attacking City’s defence from the outset. Roared on by a particularly vocal home crowd, Liverpool put the Premier League’s champions-elect under intense pressure from the first kick and it took just 12 minutes for City to crack. After a City corner, James Milner launched the ball forward, Salah broke from the halfway line and played the ball inside to Roberto Firmino. His shot was blocked by City keeper Ederson but Firmino pounced on the loose ball and slipped it to Salah, who fired home. City responded with a swift counter-attack of their own but Leroy Sane, who had broken from deep, screwed the ball wide when he could have played in team mate Kevin De Bruyne. UNSTOPPABLE DRIVE Liverpool were rampant though and harrying City off the ball in midfield when Milner won back possession

and moved it straight to Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Arsenal midfielder unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25 metres to make it 2-0 in the 20th minute. City were now reeling and looked nothing like the team that has marched so convincingly to a 16-point lead in the Premier League and it was not long before Juergen Klopp’s side made it 3-0. Salah floated a teasing cross from the right towards Mane, who rose above the City defence to power a header past Ederson and send the Anfield crowd into delirium. City came out brightly after the break though, finally managing to find some composure with their passing. Liverpool were unable to get back into their first-half rhythm and they suffered a blow when Salah went off injured in the 52nd minute. Guardiola’s side were back in their familiar role of

CARICOM busy laying groundwork for restructuring: Gonsalves KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – CARICOM is pressing ahead with plans to ensure the restructuring of the governance of West Indies cricket, undeterred by the International Cricket Council’s request to have Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron present at any meeting between the two bodies. In fact, chairman of CARICOM’s cricket subcommittee, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, said the proposed meeting with the ICC was intended be an open discussion and he expected that CWI would have a presence. Cricket’s world governing body told CARICOM last week it was prepared to meet but would only do so with Cameron present, since “Cricket West Indies is our member.” “I have no problem with that because what we have to say to the ICC and what we have to discuss with them, we’ll discuss it openly,” Gonsalves told WE FM Radio here. “There’s no problem with that, I’d expect them (CWI) to be there.” That meeting, requested by CARICOM to convey the “desperate urgency” of the need to have West Indies cricket governance restructured, will not take place as hoped on the sidelines of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government summit

Chairman of CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial subcommittee on cricket, Dr Ralph Gonsalves. in London later this month, because of a scheduling conflict. However, Gonsalves said the rescheduling of the ICC meeting would not prevent CARICOM from continuing to lay the groundwork for the implementation of a new governance structure. “A few days ago I spoke to the CARICOM Secretary General (Irwin LaRocque) and we discussed the question of getting the consultants who provide a broad framework through which the legislation, due to be passed in our respective countries, so we are proceeding with our work,” the St Vincent and the Grenadines leader said. At last February’s twoday Inter-sessional in Haiti, CARICOM leaders strengthened their position on the proposed governance overhaul,

affirming legal advice which validated their concerns over CWI’s right to manage the “public good” of West Indies cricket. According to CARICOM, “a legislative approach” was required if West Indies cricket was to be turned around, and best practices of governance achieved. Gonsalves, who assumed the chairmanship of the cricket subcommittee two years ago, also re-stated CARICOM’s stated position, contending that “good governance and transparency” remained paramount. “What the CARICOM Heads decided is that while we are not going to get involved in the management of West Indies cricket, it’s a public good and it just can’t just be managed by a private entity,” Gonsalves pointed out. “It has to involve all the relevant stakeholders and this is how it has to be structured, complying with all the best practices of good governance and transparency.” CWI has fiercely resisted any overhaul of its governance ever since the 2015 CARICOM-commissioned Governance Report – authored by prominent regional academic and UWI Cave Hill principal Professor Eudine Barriteau – called for the “immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board.”

Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool ahead from close range in the 12th minute after a mistake from Manchester City’s Kyle Walker. (Daily Mail) controlling possession, but were struggling to create chances with Sane wasting a promising opening at the back post, one of a series of frustrations for the German left winger.A miserable night for Sane, who was superbly

handled by young Liverpool right back Trent AlexanderArnold, was completed when he was ruled offside as he broke down the left and crossed for Gabriel Jesus to put the ball in the net. Yet the fact that City’s late

pressure was accompanied by audible tension from the Liverpool fans was a reminder that the tie is not over. Few teams could overturn a 3-0 deficit against Liverpool but Guardiola’s side is certainly one of them.

Bidding for Indian cricket rights nears a billion $$ ESPNcricinfo - The bidding for the television and digital rights to broadcast Indian cricket from 2018 to 2023 is closing in on the billion-dollar mark, and the e-auction will enter a third day and resume at 11am IST today. The bid value had reached INR 6032.50 crore (USD 925 million approx) by 6pm yesterday - the second day of the e-auction in the Global Consolidated Rights (GCR) category, which includes worldwide television and digital rights. The figure has already passed the previous cycle’s winning bid of INR 3851 crores (USD $750m approx. at the time) by 56.6%. As things stand, the average cost per match for the Indian cricket rights is about INR 59 cr, which is higher than the average cost per IPL game for the 2018-22 period - INR 54.5 cr - when Star India bought the rights in September 2017. The first day of the auction had ended at 6pm on Tuesday, with the highest bid at INR 4442 crores (USD 680 million approx.).

Yesterday, the bids that were made public were of INR 4517.25 cr, 4565.20 cr, 5488.30 cr, 5748 cr, 6001 cr, 6003.09 cr and 6032.50 crore. Once the process began on Tuesday, participants had an hour to raise after every bid, making the eauction a multi-day process because proceedings could not go beyond 6pm IST on each day. The process will continue until the participants notify that they do not wish to bid higher. The bidders were narrowed down from six to three - Sony Pictures Network India, Star India and Reliance - after the BCCI’s legal team carried out technical and feasibility checks before the e-auction began. There were three categories of rights on sale: the Indian television rights and rest of the world digital rights (GTVRD), digital rights for the Indian subcontinent alone (ID), and the global consolidated rights (GCR) comprising worldwide TV and digital rights. The successful bidder will get to telecast 102 m e n ’s international

matches over the five-year period compared to 96 in the previous six-year cycle from 2012 to 2018. The 102 matches will be split among the home seasons as follows: 18 in 2018-19, 26 in 2019-20, 14 in 2020-21, 23 in 2021-22 and 21 in 202223. The rights will also inc l u d e m e n ’s d o m e s t i c matches as well as the India women’s international matches. In 2012, Star TV, then owned by Rupert Murdoch, had won the rights to broadcast Indian cricket until 2018. That deal, which also included internet and mobile rights, was valued at INR 3851 cr (approximately USD 750 million at the time). The other bidder that year - at INR 3700 cr (USD 727 million at the time) - was Multi-Screen Media (Sony). The sale of these rights will mean a second huge payday for the BCCI in less than a year. In September 2017, the BCCI had sold the worldwide IPL television and digital rights for the period 2018-22 for INR 16,347.5 cr (US$ 2.55 billion) to Star India.

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Barcelona secure big win Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft accept ball-tampering sanctions as Roma self-destruct

De Rossi stretches and inadvertently puts through his own net after trying to prevent Andres Iniesta’s pass from finding Messi. (Reuters) BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp yesterday and take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in three years. Roma’s captain Daniele De Rossi hit an unstoppable shot into his own net to break the deadlock in the 38th minute of what had been a delicately poised first leg and a second own goal 10 minutes into the second half, this time by Greek defender Kostas Manolas, stretched the runaway La Liga leaders’ advantage. Barca defender Gerard Pique piled misery on the Italians four minutes later, mopping up the rebound after Luis Suarez was thwarted by goalkeeper Alisson before Roma’s top scorer Edin Dzeko struck at the right end to give his side faint hope of a turnaround in the second leg.

Suarez effectively vanquished those hopes, however, by notching his side’s fourth goal three minutes from time, scoring for the first time in the Champions League in over a year. Five-times European champions Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League and were overwhelming favourites against Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, who are third in Serie A and have never gone beyond the quarter-finals since reaching the 1984 European Cup final. Roma set up to cancel out Barca and had managed the game well until De Rossi’s untimely own goal. Dzeko could have won a penalty in the ninth minute when he was pushed over by Nelson Semedo and winger Diego Perotti failed to hit the target from a free header at the start of the second half when they were only a goal down. The visitors suddenly

came alive after Pique’s goal had given them a near-impossible task, however. Barca goalkeeper MarcAndre ter Stegen nearly gifted them a goal when he darted from his area and lost possession but the German recovered to make a brilliant save to deny Roma substitute Gregoire Defrel and he tipped over a long-range strike from the Frenchman a minute later. Dzeko’s close-range finish could have been a rallying cry for the Italians but Suarez showed no mercy down the other end, pouncing on a failed clearance by Federico Fazio and hammering in his first European goal in his last 11 games. The Uruguayan’s strike all but cemented Barca’s place in the Champions League semis for the first time since winning the competition in 2015 after quarter-final defeats by Atletico Madrid and Juventus in the last two seasons.

Pique tucked home from the rebound after Suarez’s effort was saved by Alisson before wheeling away in celebration. (Reuters)

ESPNcricinfo - Former Australia captain Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not challenge their bans from international and domestic cricket, and their 12-month ban from leadership positions thereafter, imposed by Cricket Australia for their role in the ball-tampering incident in the Cape Town Test against South Africa. “I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country,” Smith said on Twitter yesterday afternoon. “But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.” Smith’s acceptance of his 12-month ban means that he will be able to return to topflight cricket only around April 2019, about two months before the World Cup is due to begin in England. Shortly after Smith’s tweet, Bancroft followed suit, saying he too had accepted his nine-month ban. “Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down,” he said on Twitter. “I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support. The other banned player David Warner and has not yet announced whether he too would accept his sanction, or take the matter to a hearing. Warner was banned from in-

Steven Smith gave an emotional press conference on returning to Australia from South Africa, Sydney, March 29, 2018 ©AFP ternational and domestic cricket for 12 months and also banned from holding leadership positions in Australian cricket for life. A day before Smith and Bancroft said they would not be challenging the sanctions, the Australian Cricketers’ Association had said the punishments were “disproportionate” to the gravity of the offence - ball-tampering - and appealed to CA to reduce them. The ball-tampering controversy that erupted on the third day of the Newlands Test, when Bancroft was caught on camera rubbing the ball with sandpaper, also led to Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann resigning at the end of the Test series in South Africa. In the days after the incident, a CA investigation claimed that Warner had come up with the idea and got Bancroft to tamper with the ball, while Smith was in knowledge of the plan and did not prevent it. Even before CA’s investi-

gation was complete, following the uproar from the public and the government in Australia, the board had stood down Smith and Warner as captain and vice-captain ahead of the fourth day of the Cape Town Test. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was appointed captain, and Smith and Warner took the field under him as Australia lost the Test that day. The three players involved were sent home ahead of the final Test in Johannesburg, but before they left South Africa, CA chief executive James Sutherland informed them of their sanctions. Smith and Bancroft held emotional press conferences during which they expressed extreme remorse as soon as they touched down in Sydney and Perth respectively on March 29. Warner held his press conference on March 31 and also broke down while expressing regret over his conduct in South Africa.

Pakistan series a chance... From page 33 handful of matches.Veteran Marlon Samuels was the most senior member of the squad while Denesh Ramdin, while also experienced, was returning to the squad for the first time since being dropped from all formats in 2016. The likes of captain Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine all opted not to travel for the series, which marked the return of high profile international cricket to the country following a nine-year break. Law said while the series result had not been in the Windies favour, the fact international cricket was back on Pakistani soil represented a success. “I’m a big believer that if cricket came back here it would be well received,” he

pointed out. “There were close to 30,000 [spectators] for the first two games and we probably passed that [for the final match]. People of Pakistan have been starved of cricket … so it’s been a success from that point of view.” West Indies will have some time off before their next engagement, when they take on Sri Lanka in three Test in

the Caribbean in June. And Law said rest and preparation would mark the Windies schedule in coming weeks.“We’ve got a bit of time off. We’ve got the IPL window so mostly the international boys will be having some rest and then we have a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka coming up in June so there will be bit of preparation that.”

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Protestors, delays and rain backdrop as Commonwealth Games opened GOLD COAST, Australia (Reuters) - Indigenous rights protestors, a heavy rain shower and transport issues provided a turbulent backdrop to the opening ceremony of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games yesterday. About 100 noisy but peaceful protestors were contained by police outside the venue some 90 minutes before the official start of the ceremony, attended by Britain’s Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The protestors, carrying signs that read “colonization is not a game”, had earlier disrupted a leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay and demanded Britain’s royal family members ask them for permission to visit “stolen” land. Organizers also had to scramble to get spectators to the stadium after significant backlogs at transport hubs for shuttle buses, which organizing committee chairman Peter Beattie acknowledged on Twitter. “There was a delay at Broadbeach,” Beattie wrote. “Extra buses were dispatched. I understand the backlog has cleared. Thanks for your patience.” A torrential downpour then began just minutes before the ceremony started at 8pm local time (1000 GMT) to an estimated global viewing audience of more than one billion and about 35,000 at Carrara Stadium. STRONG AB ORIGINAL INFLUENCE Despite the protests outside, the ceremony drew heavily on Aboriginal culture and symbolism, with 11-yearold Isabella Graham starting the countdown with a mes-

Some members of the Guyana delegation at the Commonwealth Games take a photo prior to the opening ceremony. (Gokarn Ramdhani facebook) sage on a smartphone welcoming competitors, officials and fans to the “oldest living culture on Earth”. Aborigines inhabited Australia more than 50,000 years before the First Fleet sailed into Botany Bay near Sydney in 1788 after the country had been declared ‘terra nullius’, or unoccupied. Aboriginal musicians also played didgeridoos while children from the local Yugambeh people performed traditional dances before Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were accompanied by local elders Ted Williams and Patricia O’Connor. Williams and O’Connor welcomed all of the competitors, officials and fans

on behalf of the traditional custodians of the land. “Jingeri,” O’Connor said, a traditional Yugambeh welcome. “On behalf of the Yugambeh people, I welcome you. “This ceremony tonight is an acknowledgement of the truth of our past. The power of the future and an invitation to stand together united.” The strong beach and surf culture of the city of about 640,000 that sits some 80-kilometres south of Brisbane was also heavily referenced throughout the ceremony. Junior surf life savers, all carrying surfboards emblazoned with the

Aussie boxer gifted first medal of Games without a punch thrown GOLD COAST, Australia (Reuters) - Australian boxer Taylah Robertson has secured the first medal of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games — nine days before her first bout. The 19-year-old from Queensland state’s Sunshine Coast is guaranteed at least a bronze in the women’s 51-kg division after receiving a free pass to the semi-finals. Only seven boxers are competing in the category and both losing semi-finalists receive bronzes.

“Can’t wait to get in the ring and represent Australia on such a big sporting stage,” Robertson, who has her semi-final on April 13, wrote in a post on her Facebook account. Her coach Mark Evans said it was “just the luck of the draw”. “For some reason the numbers in that division were down. When you look at some of the boys divisions, some of them have 24 to 26 boxers there,” Evans told local media. “We’ve got a guaranteed bronze but I’m tipping that color might change.”

country’s name, escorted each of the 71 teams from mostly former British colonies in the Parade of Nations, led by Scotland, the previous hosts of the Games in 2014. Predictably, a massive sustained roar began about 20 seconds before the host nation Australia, who have more than 470 athletes competing, had even entered the stadium as the last team.

The Games were officially opened after about two-anda-half hours when world hurdles champion Sally Pearson presented the Queen’s Baton to Prince Charles, ending its 388-day and 230,000-km journey. “The ancient stories of the indigenous people of Australia remind us that even though we may be half a world away we are all connected,” the Prince said as he read the Queen’s message.

“Over the years these friendly Games have showed the potential of the Commonwealth to connect people of different backgrounds and nationalities. “In this spirit of co-operation and togetherness, common ground has been established and enduring friendships forged.” Competition begins today with the men’s and women’s triathlon to be among the first medals awarded.

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Inter-County U-19 tourney bowls off Tuesday By Zaheer Mohamed The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has teamed up with Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company once again to host their annual Inter-County U-19 threeday and 50-over tournaments set to commence on Tuesday. The tournament, which involves Essequibo, GCB Select U-17 XI, Berbice and defending champions Demerara, was launched yesterday at Hand-in-Hand office at Avenue of the Republic. Both parties view this tournament, which is being used as a yardstick to select Guyana U-19 team for the regional competition, as vital for the development of the game. The Cricket West Indies U-19 tournament will be held in Barbados later this year. Last year Guyana won both the three-day and 50-over tournaments and these achievements are a direct reflection of the developmental structures that are in place for

the growth of the game here. Speaking at the ceremony, Hand-in-Hand Director and Fire Manager, Howard Cox said they are happy to be associated with the tournament once again and wished the teams well. He added that Guyana has been doing well in the past four years at the U-19 and senior levels and they have seen a number of players being elevated to the senior West Indies team. Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie said he is delighted at the venture once again which is viewed as a vital part of cricket development in Guyana. He said that the tournament will also help to prepare the players shortlisted to represent Guyana at the Regional U-17 tournament which will be held in July in Trinidad and Tobago. Sanasie noted that five players, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Bhaskar Yadram, Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Persaud and

Raymond Perez were selected for the West Indies U19 side in the recent U-19 World Cup which is a testimony to Guyana’s dominance of regional cricket at this level. The senior team also won the Regional four-day franchise tournament for the past four years. Sanasie expressed gratitude to Hand-in-Hand for their support, adding that their contribution has given the GCB a great opportunity to provide the U-19 players with an ideal preparation ground. In the first round of the three-day, the Select U-17 will play Demerara at Everest, while Essequibo will take on Berbice at Lusignan. The second round will commence on April 14 with Demerara playing Berbice at Bourda and the Select U-17 facing Essequibo at Everest. In the third round on April 18 Essequibo will battle Demerara at Tuschen and Berbice will take on the Select U-17 at Bourda.

Thursday April 05, 2018

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Kaieteur News

GCA’s NYTS 50-over U-19 Cricket

Wins for NYTS, GCC and Bell Air Rubis

Ariel Tilku top scored for Everest in a losing effort yesterday at Ogle. The visiting New York Tri Stats of the USA was the only unbeaten team after yesterday’s preliminary round of the GCA’s New York Tri State 50 overs U-19 tournament and along with GCC, DCC and MSC have qualified for tomorrow’s semifinals. In yesterday games the Americans beat GYO by three wickets at MSC, GCC got past GNIC by three wickets and Bell Air Rubis defeated Everest by 97 runs at Ogle. At MSC, GYO, led by an explosive 96 with five fours and 10 sixes by opener Yeudister Persaud struggled to find momentum and only Dwain Dick (16) of the other batsmen reached double figures on a flat track in hot conditions, as they reached 144-9 innings closed in 27.4 overs.

Only 10 GYO players turned up for this game and Persaud and his brother Dhanesh (0) put together 30 for the ninth wicket before Yeudister was last out caught on the boundary trying to reach his century with a six. Pacer Yash Khangura had 4-6 from his 10 overs to register the most economical 10-over spell in the tournament, while the expensive Gotham Ravindran (2-66) and Aaron Seepersaud (2-37) were the successful the bowlers for the NYTS who responded with 149-7. Isaiah Jagernauth top scored with an unbeaten 33, while the 21-year-old Akshay Homraj, who played for Guyana in the 2013 and 2014 Regional U-19 tournaments, made 28, Raymond Ramrattan, the only batsman with a ton in the competition,

Marlon Boele had 5-25 at Ogle. made 20 and Mark Pooran was not out on 22. Mohamed Khan had 2-29 and 10 year-old Dhanesh Persuad, who is the 15-yearold sibling of Yeudister, represents Guyana in Table Tennis, finished with 2-21.

West Indies hover above ninth in Tests as SL beckon LONDON, CMC – West Indies’ upcoming series against Sri Lanka will be critical for the home side as they seek to avoid slumping to ninth in the ICC Test rankings. In the latest rankings released yesterday, the Caribbean side were eighth on 72 points but just one point ahead of Bangladesh in ninth. The Windies take on Sri Lanka in a three-Test series in June, and will need a positive result if they are to increase their points tally and make gains on seventh placed Pakistan on 88 points. West Indies have had a torrid time in the longest format over the last year, winning just three of 10 matches.

They have lost 12 of their last 20 Tests and won four. Only last December, the Windies suffered a 2-0 whitewash in New Zealand, with both Tests ending inside four days. West Indies will take on Sri Lanka from June 6-27, starting at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain before heading to the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia for the second Test, and wrapping up with a historic day/ night Test at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. The hosts will hope history works in their favour as the Sri Lankans have never won a series in the Caribbean in three previous attempts, and have won just one Test

in six. India, meanwhile, top the Test rankings with 121 points with South Africa remaining second but gaining two points from their Test series win over Australia to move to 117. New Zealand have overtaken Australia to move into third on 102 points, following their series win over England. ICC Test rankings 1 India 121 2 South Africa 117 3 New Zealand 102 4 Australia 102 5 England 97 6 Sri Lanka 95 7 Pakistan 88 8 Windies 72 9 Bangladesh 71 10 Zimbabwe 1

Semis set for tomorrow

GYO’s Yeudistir Persaud drives elegantly during his blazing 96 at MSC yesterday.

Andrew Samaroo made 58 for Bell Air Rubis at Ogle. At Ogle on the East Coast, an entertaining 58 from Andrew Samaroo and 38 from Saadiq Khan, who shared in a 90 run third wicket stand, pushed Bell Air Rubis to 171 in 43.overs. The pair joined forces before Khan was caught and bowled by Marlon Boele at 111-2, Boele had 5-26 and Raynaldo Mohamed 2-25 for Everest who were skittled out for 74 in 22.4 overs. Ariel Tilku (16) and Joshua Rampersaud (15) were the only batsmen to get into double figures and batted for

Yash Khangura had 4-6 from 10 overs in a superb spell of fast bowling at MSC yesterday. a very long time. Keeshore Seepersaud (36) and Khan (3-4) were the best bowlers for Rubis. At Bourda, GCC defeated GNIC by seven wickets after reaching 93-7 in 16 overs replying to GNIC’s 90 all out. GNIC batted first and despite fighting knocks of 33 from Euan Blair the Woolford Avenue Club fell 10 short of a

three figure total as Lester Cupidore grabbed 5-9 from six frugal overs for GCC who was led to victory by an unbeaten 28 from Shamar Ryan. Anduggies Rodrigues supported with 23 as Trevon Jones (3-6) and Fadal Hack (26) were the most successful bowers in a losing effort. (Story and photos by Sean Devers)

Pakistan series a chance to assess players, says Law KARACHI, Pakistan, CMC – West Indies head coach Stuart Law believes the three-match series against Pakistan provided an excellent opportunity for the assessment of players on the fringe of international selection. The Caribbean side was without several of their leading players and suffered a humbling whitewash in the short Twenty20 series at the

National Stadium, but Law said the benefits of the series went beyond the result. “It is a great opportunity for our young players and a great opportunity for me to see what the young players have got as well and not just in a practice regime or in domestic cricket, but in international cricket against a quality outfit like Pakistan,” the Australian said here. “That’s the thing we’ve

got with this team here, everyone is learning. It’s very difficult to learn in an atmosphere like this. We’ve struggled but at least we’re showing some fight.” The 13-man squad included four debutants – Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Odean Smith and Andre McCarthy – while several other members of the squad had only played a (Continued on page 31)

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Seven achieve yellow belt in ‘MAXIDO’ adult self defence system

Sensei Mortley, Master Max, Lady Sensei Bonita Montague, & Master Lancelot Wilkie who officiated in the grading. Last Saturday at the Police Officers’ Mess Hall, seven of the first batch of 12 “MAXIDO” adult self defence system students were graded to ‘Yellow Belt’ status, under the examining eyes of invited Martial Artists, 5th Dan Black Belt Master Lancelot Wilkie, 5th Dan Sensei Cheteram Mortley, overseas-based Lady Sensei Bonita Montague and

Founder/Chief Instructor of MAXIDO, 5th Dan Master Max Massiah. The students who were aged between 20-60 years of age, displayed Kata and demonstrations of the techniques learnt during their 6-week ‘Accelerated’ training course. Those elevated to Yellow Belt ranking were Christopher Chin, Shellon Nedd, Leslie Sobers, Timera Aaron, Althea

The new yellow belt students with Sensei Max Massiah (centre) after the grading.

Croal, Claudette Andrews and Clive Jordan. MAXIDO was launched last October in the USA where the 1st training class was conducted with students, age ranging from 30 to 72 years old (the eldest being a female). This training was specifically formulated for business owners, professionals, workers, law enforcement and security personnel, with spe-

Play underway in Sueria Manufacturing T20 Magic Moments Cricket competition The Sueria Manufacturing T20 Magic Moments Cricket competition for teams in Berbice continued recently with a number of matches in the Upper Corentyne area. The competition is being played in four Zones namely, West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. Each Zone will crown its own Champion before they move on to the finals to decide the overall Magic Moments T20 champion of Berbice. Results of matches played are: Skeldon Super Kings s w a m p e d N o 7 3 Yo u n g Wa r r i o r s b y 7 w i c k e t s . No73 were skittled out for 76 in 19.4, Lakeram Latchman contributed 20. Bowling for Super Kings there were 3 wickets each for Totoram Tajram and Claude Parks. They then raced to 77-3 in 10.3 overs with Rajram 29 and Sherwin Murray 22. Latchman picked up 2 wickets bowing for Young Warriors. No72 All Stars defeated No 71 Cricket Club by 71 runs after reaching 165 in their 20 overs with A. Hemshan 55 and Tramdass 20. Bowling for No71 CC, D. Ramdat took 3 and N. Mohamed 2 wickets. They

then fell for 94 with P. Jaggurnauth scoring 52. B o w l i n g f o r N o 7 2 , T. Ramsarran picked up 4-17, w h i l e T. R a m d a s s , A . Hemshan and B. Deonarine snared 2 each. No72 Cut and Load got the better of No70 Spartans by 26 runs. Cut and Load compiled 198 with Rishi Persaud 62 (4x4, 7x6), R. Joseph 36, Abdullah Ajib 35 and Imran Khan 34. Bowling for Spartans, O. Khemraj took 3wickets. They in reply fell short at 172 with Tarice Chaitram 94(7x4, 8x6) and Deochan 22. There were 2 wickets each for Ramesh Joseph and P. Michael bowling for Cut and Load. Crabwood Creek Sports Club defeated newcomers Tonyo by 3 wickets. Tonyo made 141with T. Pooran 50 (2x4, 6x6) and F. Mohammed 24.Bowling for CWC Sports Club, Chandradat with 3 was supported by Q. Khan and P. Totoram 2 each. They they in turn made 148 in 17 overs with L. Seegobin and F. Hussein 38 each and D. Sookran 23. P. Pooran collected 2 wickets for Tonyo. J u k e s t o w n Wa r r i o r s hammered No68 Turn Team by 9 wickets. Turn Team were dismissed for 78 in 18.3 overs with J. Jholesi making 3 6 . Te r r e c e Beresford grabbed 4-13,

while J. Byass and O. Kyte took 2 wickets each. Jukestown Warriors in reply hurried to 81-9 in 10.2 overs with Beresford clobbering 55(5x4, 2x6). Scottsburg United whipped No71 Sports Club by 7 wickets after bowling them out for 45 in 14 overs. Nicoli Cereas was the main destroyer with 4-11, while Alvin Jeffery 3-11 and Raj Sooknand 2-2 supported. Scottsburg replied with 493 with Cereas making 19. No43 Scorpions stung Yakusari Horizons by 7 wickets. The Horizons never rose to the occasion and were dismissed for 77 in 12 overs. There were 2 wickets each for C. Persaud B. Deen and M. Drepaul. The Scorpions raced to 83-3 in 7 overs with R. Pataya 33(3x4, 3x6). No64 Fighting Marines out gunned No70 MYO to win by 5 wickets. No70 MYO scored 126 in 19 overs with Alim Khan 40 and Nazir Khan 37. Charles France 4-13, Sean Persaud 3 and Deonand Sugrim 2 were the top bowlers for the Fighting Marines who replied with 127-5 with Shiraz Khan scoring 48. Amad Khan and Fazil Alli with 2 wickets led the effort for No70 MYO. Skeldon Titans gained walk over from Mabicuri who failed to show for their encounter.The competition continues. (Samuel Whyte)

cial emphasis on the elderly & females, all who are/may be subjected to stick-ups, bullies, unlawful assault, domestic/physical abuse, muggings, rape etc. The founder, Massiah, noted that all the techniques are basically strict 4-second (or less) applications of submission and breakage/dislocation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers with a theme

of pain application for bullies. The Chief Instructor complimented the students on acquiring their Yellow belt while reminding that constant practice with dedication must be the foremost on their mind, and the techniques learnt are only to be used in extreme circumstances, in cases where their only choice is to defend themselves and family after all attempts to diffuse a situation

and prevent themselves from being harmed has been exhausted.The MAXIDO Dojo is located within the compound of SWANSEA in Waterloo St, (between Lamaha & New Market Sts). Classes are held Monday to Thursday between 5 to 7pm. Max Massiah can be contacted on (592) 609-8132, for those who wish to learn MAXIDO.

Regal Sports U-19 40-over in Wakenaam

Wins for Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure and GSSC/SS/Melville Zeelandia and Good Success/Sans Souci and Melville have recorded victories when the Wakenaam Cricket Committee/Regal Sports U-19 40over tournament commenced recently. At Zeelandia, Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure combined defeated G Square Cavaliers by 34 runs. Batting first, Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure managed 193 all out in 35 overs. Ricky Persaud made 40, Mahendra Jadookul 29 and Drayshower Phillips 20; Mahendra Dindyal claimed 316 and Tashal Surujpaul 3-42. G Square Cavaliers responded with 159 all out in 20 overs. Dindyal led with 40, while Romario Stephen made 39 and Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon 23. Jadookul captured 4-30 including a hattrick and Ryan Atkinson 2-18. At Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success, Good Success/Sans Souci and Melville combined

Mahase Ramnairne

Mahendra Dindyal

beat Noitgedacht Sports Club by 73 runs. Good Success/Sans Souci and Melville took first strike and posted 180 all out in 21 overs. S. Hansraj scored 48, Mahase Ramnarine 40 and Beesham Moses 27; Fitzroy Retemiah grabbed 4-32, Michael Retemiah 2-26 and Matthew Chung 2-30. NSC were bowled out for

107 in 12 overs. Chung struck 58 as Ramnarine picked up 321 and Quacy Whyte 3-27. The competition continues on Saturday with G Square Cavaliers facing Noitgedacht at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground and at Zeelandia, Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure will play Good Success/Sans Souci/Melville.

GSCL Inc Over-40 and All Stars tourney set to commence April 22 The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL Inc)/Ink Plus/ Top Brandz and Chung’s Global Enterprise Over-40 and All Stars tournament is set to on April 22 in Georgetown. Registration is currently underway at the Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, 69 Seaforth Street,

Campbellville and teams can contact the office on 226-4205, 225-4802 or 6107902 for more information. The winning teams will receive a trophy and $100,000, runners up a trophy and $25,000, while the man-of-the-match in both categories will be rewarded.