Detecting police misconduct DEAR EDITOR The avowed intention of Government is the reform of the Guyana Police Force. Incidents of misconduct in the professional (and personal) lives of officers and ranks have reinforced the need for a mechanism to identify the indicators of undesirable behaviour, and to detect, address and remedy those problematic behaviours in the Force. In other jurisdictions an Early Intervention System (EIS) has been introduced which identifies employees whose conduct indicates emerging problems affecting the quality of their work performance. I share two instances of its use in the United States, which unarguably - has a high rate of
unprofessional police conduct.The Christopher Commission, which was appointed to investigate problems within the LAPD in response to the March 3, 1991 beating of Rodney King, identified a group of 44 officers with particularly serious performance records. The Commission after perusing departmental records recommended the creation of an EI system, since it was determined that the department took no effective action to either discipline or correct the behaviour of those officers.The following year, using a similar methodology, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) identified 62 deputies who were responsible for the initiation of almost 500 use-
of-force/harassment complaint investigations. Among them were seventeen deputies who were responsible for 22 civil lawsuits that resulted in damage awards or settlements of about $3.2 million against the County. The Kolts Commission like the Christopher Commission, concluded that the LASD had “failed to deal with officers who have readily identifiable patterns of excessive force incidents on their records.” Of particular concern was the fact that nearly all of the 62 deputies were still on patrol duty, with many serving as Field Training Officers (FTO), thereby heightening the prospects of “imparting their (Continued on page 6)
Government’s flip-flop on ... From page 4 guidelines and a defined macro-economic framework. It leads to the ineluctable conclusion that the Government is managing the affairs of this nation on a day to day basis and without any discernible developmental plan. FIDUCIARY DUTY It is reasonable to assume that since the monies are loaned from commercial banks, the terms of repayment and the rates of interest are not concessionary. I am informed that the massive asset base of GuySuCo is being used as collateral security for this loan. Yet, there is no disclosure of what use will be made of this money, what objectives will be achieved by this massive financial injection and how this loan will be repaid. The nation is in the dark about these fundamental issues. It is impossible to conceive that the commercial banks would have approved the financing without being satisfied, based upon some plan, projection or feasibility study, that the venture has some likelihood of success. Why is this very information, which would have been presented to the bank or at least, a synopsis of it, not being made public? The people of Guyana are the shareholders of GuySuCo and those who are in charge of the
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
management of GuySuCo owe the shareholders this fiduciary duty. This is not a matter of political courtesy but of legal right. The news reports indicated that the monies are going to be spent to improve “infrastructure” at the estates. These patronizing generalizations are absolutely unacceptable. To date, no one has indicated whether a single worker will get back his job with this massive financial injection. It is to be noted that 30 billion dollars injected into the industry as subsidies, at a rate that it was done under the PPP administration, would have kept all the estates open for four years without a single loss of job. After the closure of five estates and with nearly ten thousand persons without a job and after a 32 billion input as subsidies by this Government, another 30 billion is being poured into the industry with no empirical data to indicate that the industry will be in any better position than it is today. My real fear is, that come next year, by this time, we would be told that the 30 billion dollars would have been expended, but there is nothing to show for it, and the banks will end up owning most of the massive asset base of GuySuCo. As a consequence, future generations of Guyanese will be burdened
with the task of repaying these humongous loans that the Government continues to pile up. It may be apposite to recall, that it was only in 2008, that Guyana completed the repayment of a loan taken by the Burnham administration in the early 70’s to construct a hydro-power plant at Upper Mazaruni which never generated a single kilowatt of energy. So, tens of thousands of Guyanese ended up paying for a loan taken even before they were born and from which they derived not a single benefit. From the little that I have observed in the Press, I think that the head of the SPU, Mr. Colvin Heath-London means well for the industry. I take this opportunity to congratulate him for getting rid of the disastrous Clive Thomas Board. I humbly advise him to shy away from the nontransparent and capricious approach that he inherited from his predecessors and to adopt one that is accountable, consultative and premised on a plan that is, ultimately, designed to protect and secure the long-term future of the industry and its workers. If he does so, he would be assured of the Opposition’s support. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law
Things have not changed much since The ‘top layer’ we got rid doctors that I visited those days private recognised. Until a primary of served a hidden positive DEAR EDITOR, On the subject of mosquitoes, some years ago, while watching a TV cookery programme, I learnt that garlic and mosquitoes were natural enemies. Thus, a question that had puzzled me from age 12, was solved for me at age 70+. When I spent a holiday with my Indian relatives on the Essequibo Coast, while the insects ate me alive at nights, my relatives were left alone they ate garlic-laden meals daily, I did not. Problem solved. I named it “the Dracula effect”. So, some garlic kept nearby may help. Unexpectedly, I came back to the city suffering from malaria, which none of the
school doctor guessed what it might be. My mother was advised that Dr. BettencourtGomes who was the specialist in the field, was contracted to a private hospital, but a written request from a highlyplaced person might help. My mother got such a letter from the then Bookers Managing Director, Mr. Follett-Smith, whose son she ‘minded’ at one time. Problem solved - malaria, which none of the practising doctors had come across before. The specialist acted promptly, gave me a prescription for the medicine required - quinine, dispensed at the Georgetown Public Hospital. I gradually got better and finally recovered.
purpose, now no longer there. 2. About policing. In the 1990s, I observed how young police officers on the beat behaved towards citizens when there was no need for it. Outside the Bourda Market on one occasion, when a simple request would have achieved the action needed, so many swear words were used instead, that I found it necessary to observe audibly “Why would anyone want to visit Guyana”? I was at the time a temporary resident, accustomed to polite UK standards. Things have not changed much since those days. Back to the drawing board! Geralda D.
Labelling of a welcome ceremony as excess sounds desperate DEAR EDITOR, In response to my letter on the welcome home for the Honourable Prime Minister, Minette Bacchus attempts to demonstrate that the APNU+AFC government is acting without prudence and proper public relations. She also attacks me personally, even though she doesn’t know me nor do I her. In an elevated form of discourse you win respect and audience by attacking the arguments to which you are opposed, rather than the individual. It is very inappropriate and crass to label someone because of their views. I have never and will never make a judgment on Ms. Bacchus or align her with a political outfit because of our opposing views. I do strongly suggest that she check her facts before publishing them, as she opens herself and Kaieteur News to legal issues. She labels me an AFC supporter. I have never been in anyway affiliated with or supported the AFC. I have and will never encourage executive
lawlessness, and suffered under the PPP when I spoke out against it. My scorn and contempt for the rapaciously corrupt, and discriminating PPP regime, and my support for the good governance brought back by the APNU+AFC Administration, is well known.Ms. Bacchus intones that the larger issue is that taxpayers should not ‘fund’ a welcome ceremony. What taxpayers should not fund is a private post-surgery vacation for the Prime Minister and his family, but a simple welcome ceremony that demonstrates respect, warmth and care for the second highest office holder in the land is totally appropriate. The cost of such an event is minuscule when compared to its value. Ms. Bacchus seems to know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. This government has reduced the excesses of the previous government in mammoth ways, and having some speeches and flag wavers at the airport to show appreciation for the Prime Minister does not raid the
treasury in the way that it was previously done. How does this simple event compare to: -The millions spent on a minister’s cosmetic (not lifesaving) dental work? -Using state funds to develop and move the NCN tower at the palatial and scandalous Pradoville 2 Housing Scheme? -Parliamentary approval of the ‘daylight robbery’ pension package that Jagdeo gave himself? -The ridiculous acquisition of the state property Red House for a paltry sum by the PPP? -Government advisors being paid millions?Acquiring of prime state lands for government officials at grossly undervalued prices? (Continued on page 6)
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
The sugar industry remains too important for haphazard decision-making DEAR EDITOR, Region #6 RDC Councillor, Mr Haseef Yusuf in letters appearing on April 04 in two dailies contended that the entire GuySuCo should be privatised. While the GAWU agrees that Mr Yusuf is entitled to his view, like any other person, we, at the same time, do not share his viewpoint. The privatisation of GuySuCo offers the Guyanese people no assurance that the estates would remain operational. We need just to look at what happened in Jamaica when it took a decision a few years ago to privatise its industry. When that industry was privatised, the private investors promised brighter days ahead. But the February 01, 2018 Jamaica Observer reported Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry Donovan Stanberry as saying ”the country has not seen the economic benefits of the privatisation of the sugar
industry that was anticipated when renewed efforts to divest started in 2005". The Jamaican experience is not an isolated situation as the world has seen similar situations playing out. Even in Guyana, the privatisation experience has not been necessarily positive, with quite a few of the entities privatised in the latter 1980’s and early 1990’s having either folded up, or are operating at a smaller scale. Certainly, one does not get a great deal of confidence that the situation would be any different with respect to the sugar industry. Moreover, when taking account of this Government’s track record regarding transparency, the confidence barometer dips even further. While we agree and share Mr Yusuf’s view regarding the return on investment regarding the $32B the Government said it injected into GuySuCo, we do not believe we should throw the
baby out with the bathwater. The GAWU has consistently questioned how the massive sum was utilized and up to this point, all we have heard is a deafening silence. Regarding the $30B financing secured, we also have several questions and look forward to engaging the SPU about the plan that will guide the huge sum secured. The sugar industry still remains too important for haphazard decision-making as recent experience has taught us. The industry’s transformation from a sugar to sugar cane industry offers it the best chance for success. Such transformation, we contend, must be guided by plans grounded in reality and implemented by knowledgeable personnel with the involvement of the workers and their representative organisations. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
Labelling of a welcome ceremony... From page 5 Those are examples of executive lawlessness, not a simple welcome ceremony. In every modern democracy, medical coverage for elected office holders is provided for by the state, and in those same states, access to health care and its quality needs continuous improvement.Office holders including public servants are paid and receive benefits based on their office. Should a clerk/typist be paid the same salary and benefits of a Permanent Secretary? Should a Permanent Secretary not be given a driver and official vehicle because a clerk/typist doesn’t get one? Ms. Bacchus states that the current government is practicing what it accused the former government of. Nothing could be further from the truth. Show me one current government minister that acquired money and wealth in the short time span that the previous government ministers did. The previous government was so ridiculous that they didn’t care about the ‘optics’ Ms. Bacchus
referred to. Yes, the government increased the salaries of ministers, and they were clear that they expected the ministers to focus on their work, and not acquire assets by corrupt means. It must be noted that at the same time the salaries of opposition parliamentarians, including the Opposition Leader, increased.The previous government sold state assets for giveaway prices to their benefactors. Those are examples of executive lawlessness and an abuse of taxpayer money, not a simple welcome home ceremony. I further challenge Ms. Bacchus to prove that the annual jaunts to Babu John to remember Cheddi Jagan was not at least part-funded by taxpayers under the PPP. I will readily agree that this government is not one that ‘dresses’ up its actions by costly public relations. They are too transparent for their own good. They refuse to waste taxpayers’ money on massive public relations bills, and pay ghost letter writers (another corrupt activity of the PPP regime). The government is open with the
conduct of its business, so they do not need to waste taxpayers’ money on costly spin doctors to “Tell them that the thing nah look good, and it gun backfire.” In a functioning democracy like ours, the people will decide on the fate of this government in 2020, and I am sure that when you compare the track record of this government and the PPP on wasting taxpayer dollars, it will be a no-contest in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition. The current government is fiscally prudent with the management of the nation’s coffers, and in no way behaves like the previous one. There is no established or prima facie evidence of corruption and collusion by the political directorate, and this must be commended. Attacking and labelling individuals, and the labelling of a welcome ceremony as excess, sounds as desperate as the PPP. I can anticipate Ms. Bacchus’ response, but would not respond further at the risk of sounding like her. Yours truly, Jerrick Rutherford
Saturday April 07, 2018
Jagdeo will surprise us with the candidate for 2020 DEAR EDITOR, I believe that if the decision in third term case allows for Jagdeo to run again for President, he will do so, but somehow I also feel that he is giving a lot more thought to 2020 than we think. Better yet, if the ruling prevents him from running, I believe he will surprise us. You see for me, Jagdeo is a smart fellow, and he knows what it will take for the PPP to win.Although, he might be the most capable and competent person to run the Government, he knows that you have to win power first, and so I believe his pragmatism will come to the fore regarding his decision as to who will be the candidate. (Did I hear someone say that it is not his decision? Schuuppps!) He knows that the PPP base to which he is a
‘demigod’ is not enough, and that those votes that went to the AFC in 2015 will not go to them again, but they will not come to the PPP either, since they will become the prime targets for the rigging. He knows too that the important Amerindian vote would be played with the usual political power patrimony, and that the overwhelming sentiments and support in Richmond Hill and those places cannot be translated into votes here. So what is the position? Now we all agree that although this APNU/AFC Government is a total failure, it still will not be an easy task to win over African Guyanese support, which Jagdeo himself has deemed necessary. Neither would those who
tasted power from 2015, let go easily. He knows that too. So, what will he do? It is the candidate, stupid!Here is where I believe that Ralph Ramkarran comes in. Since the 2011 elections results, Ralph has been talking about the need for realistic inclusionary governance, and 2015, if nothing else, showed that the zero sum PPP/PNC outcomes of the past are no longer tenable. Whatever we do, the future will be different. Jagdeo knows too that there is no one who can appeal to African Guyanese more than Ralph. Not even him. So my feeling is that he will likely be talking with Ralph, and notwithstanding what transpired before, I believe he will disappoint many in the PPP, worse yet, if the CCJ disappoints him. Interesting times are ahead. Yours faithfully, Balgobin
Detecting police misconduct From page 5 ‘street wisdom’ to patrol deputies.” Editor, I have always been impressed by Barrington Braithwaite’s passion and expectations of fair play and justice for all. It is also my belief that it is incumbent upon policy makers in all spheres to apply their best effort to ensure that ranks at all levels, are prepared to manage the complexities of policing. Gilmartin (2002) in “The emotional survival for law enforcement officers”, offers that police work exerts particular physiological, emotional and psychological strain on law enforcement practitioners. An early intervention system (formerly known as an early warning system) is a data-based police management tool designed to identify officers whose behaviour is problematic, and provide some form of intervention to avoid or correct misbehaviour. As an early response, the system is intended to alert the Force to these individuals and warns the potential deviants while providing counselling or training to help them change their problematic behaviour.
Furthermore, the Force is expected to intervene before such an employee reaches a situation that warrants formal disciplinary action. The conclusion of Walker et al, Supervision and Intervention within Early Intervention Systems: A Guide for Law Enforcement Executives instructs that “Early warning systems appear to have a dramatic effect on reducing citizen complaints and other indicators of problematic police performance among those officers subject to intervention (2005).” However for the EIS to stand a reasonable chance of success, it must function to help identify and address problems before police (and army) personnel get into serious trouble and/or before their well-being is compromised.” It should not be thought that disciplinary framework (warts and all) is being replaced by intervention, but I support the view that the EIS should be seen as a tool to reward positive police behaviour. Several guidelines are offered from the reading I have perused including: A. All ranks must be able to recognise behaviours that indicate that they may be having problems coping with their occupational pressures. The Force Administration can provide the necessary assistance to help individuals address their problems and lead happy productive lives. B. The early identification of potential miscreants with problems, and a menu of remedial actions can increase organisational accountability, and offer employees a better
opportunity to meet the organisation’s values, vision and mission statements and to live a healthier life. C. EIS is a problemoriented approach, which can alert management to undesirable behaviour patterns over a specified period of time, and can provide a way to provide non-disciplinary direction and training before the rank becomes a liability through assistance strategies for the specific issues affecting a member. D. Intervention will include counselling, retraining and psychological evaluation if warranted. It is not intended as the only way for ranks to address their problems, but rather as a tool to help subordinate officers, middle and senior managers, and the administration to determine if job stress or performance problems exist. The benefits of early intervention include helping ranks with problems or lower skill levels, controlling complaints and increasing public confidence, getting supervisors more involved with ranks’ development, identifying training needs and supporting the termination of those who are irredeemable. Editor, these suggestions are proffered out of a sense of wanting a police force, which we can truly describe as professional in all senses of the term. I trust that it will stimulate discussion, and debate Yours faithfully Patrick E. Mentore Former Head Strategic Management Dept. Guyana Police Force
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
ExxonMobil to stand all expenses for audit of records held outside Liberia
In all Production Sharing Agreements (PSA), the Government is allowed to conduct audits of the records held by oil companies. But this usually comes with conditions which can either be in favour of the State or the oil company. In Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement with US oil giant, ExxonMobil, the government is allowed to conduct audits on the company’s records once seven days notice has been given. If there are important records for ExxonMobil regarding works here, but these are held outside of Guyana, the government is not allowed to go after those
documents. While this situation only benefits ExxonMobil, the oil giant had no qualms in signing on to better arrangements with the Liberia. ExxonMobil agreed that it would keep all of its relevant accounting records in Liberia. Should it fail to do so, and there are documents needed for an audit that is out of the jurisdiction, then the company would stand all associated costs for the government to retrieve those records and audit them. The contract between Liberia and ExxonMobil states that “the Contractor shall keep registers and accounting books at the
...Guyana denied this opportunity in its oil deal location at which the Contractor has established regional or international group accounting operations from time to time. The Contractor shall maintain copies of such registers and accounting books in Liberia after the Operator has established a local office.” It goes on to state that at any time, with 60 days’ Notice to the Contractor, the Ministry of Finance of Liberia, at its sole expense, may, acting in accordance with international accounting and
World Customs body lauds GRA’s modernisation drive The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) came in for high praises from the SecretaryGeneral of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Kunio Mikuriya, for its “determined” efforts at modernization. In a letter of appreciation for the hospitality extended to him during his recent mission in Guyana, GRA said that Mikuriya acknowledged “the progress made to date in terms of information technology and partnership with the business community. ”“Rest assured that the World Customs Organisation (WCO) remains available to provide appropriate advice and assistance where required… I look forward to fur-
ther enhancing the cooperation between the WCO and GRA…” Mr Mikuriya remarked in the letter addressed to the GRA’s CommissionerGeneral,GodfreyStatia.Mikuriya, who has been the sitting WCO Secretary-General since 2009, was in the company of Sharon Davies, Technical Attaché, Capacity Building Directorate during an assessment tour of the GRA on March 19 and March 20, 2018. The purpose was to review the GRA’s needs and priorities, particularly in the field of human resource development, risk management and post clearance audit. The course of the visit also included a guided tour
Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Kunio Mikuriya of wharves, the scanner operation site and the Entry Processing Unit.The WCO recently co m p l e t e d a Mercator Programme Scoping Mission to Guyana identifying key areas of Customs operations where GRA could benefit from WCO’s assistance.
Berbice carpenter murder… Two witnesses testify as PI continues The Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt, a Number 70 Village carpenter, whose lifeless body was found along the public road in the said village continued yesterday with two witnesses making an appearance at the Number 51 Magistrate Court.Both witnesses gave brief testimonies and were cross-examined by Attorneys Sanjeev Datadin and
Bernard Da Silva. Datadin stood in Siand Dhurjon’s absence, he is representing two of the accused. The prosecution was led by special prosecutor Attorneyat-law Stacy Goodings. The next court date is set for April 19, 2018.Faiyaz Narinedatt was allegedly murdered and his body dumped and run over by a car after he allegedly had an altercation with a
US-based businessman, Marcus Bisram.Bisram is alleged to have ordered his beating.The businessman fled Guyana and was arrested last July, with a New York court subsequently ordering his extradition to face a murder charge.Five persons – Orlando Dookie, Diodath Datt, Niran Yacoob, Radesh Motie and Harri Paul Parsram – have all been charged.
auditing standards and through an internationally recognized independent auditor, cause an independent financial audit or review of the books and records of any Person participating in the oil project with the contractor. The Production Agreement says that the Contractor or such person will cooperate to provide copies of the information, books and
records needed to complete thereview or audit.The oil deal notes, however, that if the Contractor or such person is unable to provide or procure the provision of the information, books or records needed to complete the audit in Liberia, the Contractor or such Person, shall bear both the reasonable travel cost of a reasonable number of auditors to travel to the place
where such information, books and records may be obtained and their accommodation costs for a reasonable amount of time necessary to complete their review. The Government of Liberia was also careful to note that such costs shall not be included in ExxonMobil’s Petroleum Costs which can be recovered.
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Deputy Solicitor General wrongful dismissal case against AG…
State wants uncle to recuse himself from hearing matter
The State is moving to have former Justice of Appeal, Nandram Kissoon, recuse himself from hearing a matter involving his niece, Prithima Kissoon, the former Deputy Solicitor General. The former Appeals judge is the Chairman of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal (PSAT). That tribunal on Wednesday, April, 2018 heard the application filed by the younger Kissoon, on the March 7, 2018. She alleged that she was wrongfully
terminated by the Public Service Commission in breach of her right to a fair hearing and rules of natural justice. According to the Attorney General Chambers/ Ministry of Legal Affairs, the former Appeals judge presided over the proceedings. According to the AG Chambers, adapting the old adage “not only must Justice be done but it must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done”, Oneka Archer-
Caulder and Judy StuartAdonis, representing the State made an application that the Chairman, who is the uncle of the woman, recuse himself on the grounds of bias. “Mr. Kissoon who acknowledged that he is indeed the uncle of the Appellant, nonetheless insisted that the State files an affidavit in answer with submissions addressing the issue of bias. The matter comes up for hearing again on April 24, 2018 at 2:30 pm.” The AG Chambers said that it is worth noting that Ms. Kissoon filed proceedings, not so long ago, in October 2017, in the High Court for the identical reliefs as those she is currently seeking before the Appellate Tribunal.
Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General Basil Williams “Premised on this fact, Ms. Archer-Caulder expressed her concern to the Tribunal that it appears that the Appellant may be forum shopping. Ms. Kissoon was represented by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Nigel Hughes,” the statement from the AG Chambers/Ministry of Legal Affairs said. The Deputy Solicitor was sent on leave early last year pending a review of the cases that she would have handled. Kissoon, who was later fired, on the other hand has been accusing the Attorney General of abuse.The AG Chambers/Ministry last year claimed that Kissoon held the post of Deputy Solicitor
Former Deputy Solicitor General, Prithima Kissoon.
Chairman of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal (PSAT), Nandram Kissoon.
General within the Ministry from March 2013 to August 2017. The Ministry noted that at the time of her dismissal, Kissoon was being paid in excess of $1.2M per month, inclusive of allowances. It was noted that during the period November 2015 to January 2017, an investigation was undertaken in the litigation department at the Ministry, after it was discovered that Kissoon, who was tasked with the responsibility of conducting cases of grave importance to the State’s interest, had committed several breaches and violations under the rules and regulations of the Public
Service Commission. These breaches, according to the Ministry, included improper preparation and drafting of legal documents, disobeying lawful instructions of her superiors (insubordination), failing to attend court in several critical matters, gross dishonesty in official dealings, improper conduct and dereliction of duty, amounting to breaches under Section G of the Public Service Rules 1998 as amended by 2004. As a result, several memoranda were sent to the Kissoon regarding her conduct. The charges were all denied by Kissoon.
Saturday April 07, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
GTUC, FITUG rally against “moves” to transfer GuySuCo back to Agri Ministry
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), are strongly objecting to moves to return the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) back under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture. The statements would come after recent attempts were made at the level of Cabinet with proposals to scrap the current Board that was appointed and place the corporation back under the Ministry. It will be recalled that at the end of last year, the shares of GuySuCo was transferred to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a stateowned entity that handles shares and investments of state entities. Under NICIL, a Special Purpose Unit (SPU) was also established last year to handle the assets and privatization and divestments of the four closed sugar estates- Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales. Before that GuySuCo was under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Last year, the Ministry and the cash-strapped GuySuCo came under severe criticisms after more than 4,000 workers lost their jobs within weeks at Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore. The Cabinet was not informed officially and there was discussion of those redundant workers, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, later admitted.The life of the previous Board of Directors for GuySuCo, under Professor Clive Thomas, was not renewed. A new board under Colvin Heath-London, who also heads up the SPU, was appointed.However, it appeared that at the Cabinet level, there were objections to the new board which includes prominent activist and businesswoman, Annette Arjoon-Martins, and Rosh Khan. The Ministry of Agriculture, which was allocated to the Alliance For Change under the Coalition Government, reportedly wants GuySuCo back. According to officials, there have been proposals to bring back Errol Hanoman, the former Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo whose
FITUG head, Carvil Duncan
GTUC head, Lincoln Lewis
contract ended in December. However, the Cabinet is reportedly divided on the matter and some ministers are distancing themselves from what was described as a fiasco over those workers being sent home. Dismayed Yesterday, it appeared that the union bodies are backing the Heath-London led board. For FITUG and GTUC to band together now on such an issue would be highly unusual. They have been at
loggerheads over the years with separate May Day rallies. “…Like many Guyanese and even those beyond our country’s shores, have been following very closely the developments in the sugar industry in recent times. Some 7,000 workers have lost their jobs following the closure of Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates in the last two years. Despite repeated calls and sincere advice not to proceed in this direction, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo), under its previous leadership, proceeded with what could only be described as a disastrous policy that has severely undermined the social fabric in several sugar communities and has
Parliament to debate British consulting firm involvement in local politics PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says he asked to debate the activities of the British based political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica (CA) in Trinidad and Tobago politics. Rowley, speaking at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday, said that the parliamentary debate will be held “at the earliest opportunity,” and that it will also form the basis of a Joint Select Committee meeting to be chaired by the Minister in the Office of the Attorney General, Fitzgerald Hinds whose team will be able to summon “local and foreign witnesses to speak about their involvement in this scandal.” Last week, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi told Parliament that whistle-blower, Christopher Wylie, had told United Kingdom lawmakers that the company, which combines data mining, data brokerage, and data analysis with strategic communication for the electoral process, had undertaken work here in 2013 under the former People’s Partnership administration headed by former prime minister Kamla Persad Bissessar. But she has denied the allegation, saying that AlRawi’s statement, “by virtue
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of what appears to be calculated omissions and deliberate vagueness, amounted to a mischievous effort to mislead the Parliament, and by extension, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, in what is undoubtedly an important issue regarding their privacy rights in the uncontrolled and largely unregulated global virtual world of social media”. However, Al-Rawi said he it was therefore “incumbent upon the Office of the Attorney General …to cause an audit of all government ministries, statutory authorities, state enterprises and the National Security Council to see whether any contract was established, whether any pay-
ments were made and whether any services were rendered by …Cambridge Analytica, Aggregate IQ (AIQ) and the Strategic Communications Laboratory (SCL) Group”. He told legislators that during the 2015 election campaign, “citizens will recall there were wide scale receipts of unsolicited personalised political messaging from entities promoting the United National Congress”. The Congress of the People (COP) party, which formed part of the coalition People’s Partnership administration, as well as former national security minister, Gary Griffith, have both expressed support for the probe to be conducted by the Attorney General.Rowley told reporters that people in high political office had worked with foreign entities to invade the privacy of citizens and that the country had been “used as a basis for extending apparent criminal conduct around the world.“There’s evidence being collected internationally that people in Trinidad and Tobago, in the political arena and possibly in Government, worked with foreigners and entities outside of Trinidad and Tobago to access citizens’ information, private, personal and protected by law,” he added.
hovering clouds of despair over thousands of ordinary Guyanese,” the union bodies said in blaming the ministry and previous GuySuCo management. Against that background, FITUG/GTUC said that they were extremely dismayed to learn that attempts are being made, or possibly a process has been put in motion, to reverse a decision to transfer responsibility for the GuySuCo from the Ministry of Finance and the NICIL back to the Ministry of Agriculture. “Our organisations must pointedly say that it cannot support such a move recognizing the clear failure of its past leadership. Our nation has seen sugar production declining by over 40 per cent between 2015 and 2017 in spite of the support provided by the State; at the same time, the workers and their representative organisations have been treated in a most distasteful and disdainful manner and have seen several hard won benefits simply taken away; and we cannot forget the massive failure of the resuscitated and shortlived GuySuCo other crops division which despite millions being expended has not gotten off the ground and former cane fields converted for seed paddy at Wales are slowly being overtaken by bushes and vines.” We Object The union bodies said that certainly the sugar
industry, which is so important for many reasons, cannot afford to be placed back in the hands of those who provided such ruinous leadership. “Our bodies sincerely contend and strongly believe that moving in such a direction will only serve to inflict further harm on the sugar industry which is now nearly four (4) centuries old – the oldest economic endeavour in our country. “This is not in the interest of the Guyanese people, especially the tens of thousands who depend on the industry’s operations. Such a reality, we hold, will bring about irreplaceable harm to our country and set back our progress and development.” The union bodies acknowledged that there have been strides made recently. “While we are aware of allegations that NICIL hasn’t had the proudest of records, we, at the same time, note attempts being made to resume operations at the three recently closed estates. FITUG/GTUC while pleased with this development also cannot fail to express our concern over the contractualisation of the 1,000 workers who, reportedly, have been re-employed. “Though we understand this is a temporary arrangement, we at the same time, cannot turn a Nelson’s (Continued on page 22)
Gunmen raid Cuyuni camp, kill Dominican Republic miner Police have launched an intense manhunt for three gunmen who killed a Dominican Republic miner around 02:00 hrs yesterday during a brazen attack on a camp at Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni/Mazaruni. Police identified the victim as Pedro Pablo Rosario, 55. Indications are that the gunmen escaped with an undisclosed quantity of gold. The camp in which the attack occurred is said to be owned by a Kitty dredge owner. According to reports, Rosario was relaxing in a hammock when the gunmen entered the camp and shot him. They then held the other em-
ployees at gunpoint before fleeing with two mats from the operation’s sluice box. The killing occurs at a time when Government has sent security forces to the Cuyuni/Mazaruni and other areas in the wake of escalating attacks on miners and other businesses in the area. Just recently, a group of miners appealed, via newspaper advertisement, for “urgent help”. According to the advertisement, miners operating in the Cuyuni River, which separates Guyana and Venezuela, are being threatened by the operations of the Venezuelabased ‘Sindicato’ gang. They alleged that gang
members are demanding food, cash and other valuables from miners in exchange for safe passage. According to the advertisement, the gang was demanding a gram of gold for every five drums of fuel that had to pass. A few weeks ago, the Sindicato reportedly moved down-river and set up a camp on the Venezuela side of the river, about three miles from Eteringbang. Government officials have announced that more law enforcement officers are being dispatched to interior locations of Region One (BarimaWaini) close to the Guyana/ Venezuela border.
PAGE 22
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
GTUC, FITUG rally against...
FOR RENT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, FREEZERS,SALE OF AC’S TEL:6294946,225-4822 Babysitting Company name: B-Z-Bee Babysitting Club Inc. Contact: 663-0924/ annalisp.alp@gmail.com, FB: B-Z-Bee Babysitting Club Inc Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Ps 2 games $900 Ps 3 games $1200 Xbox 360 $4000 and repair to all systems.Call:6722566/265-3231 1 small ice machine $47,000 1 indoor restaurant gas grill $120,000 #220-1716 1 chowmein machine/ dough sheeter for pastries and cutter $275,000 1 large gas deep fryer $220,000 #220-1716 Freezers for sale. Call: 671-3004
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 2 bedroom house for rent Parfaite Harmonie WBD #6254118 2 and 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury to rent long and short term #666-7028/ 691-1432 1 bedroom apartment 573 Uitvlugt housing scheme West Coast Demerara. Tel#663-2882 Space to rent, display rack, computers and office furniture for sale. Contact: 624-6783 Room to rent & (2) bedroom fully furnished @ Providence& Diamond. Tel#660-7716
Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flatbed, Flatbed with crane & hauler, Foden 6x4 Dump truck. Call: 659-3100 New triangle truck tyres, front & all-wheel drive, size 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022 Motors 220 Volts, water pumps, Generator iron cage, Fans, Wine-making equipment Tel#225-8183. Call after 9am One pair complete Massey Ferguson, wheel size 30 #6223197 (1) 8 apartment buliding located on the E.C.D Tel#6295582 (Selling)
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
VEHICLE FOR SALE Bluebird 2012 model-$2.7M Axio 2010-$2.6M Tida-2010 $2.1M All vehicles unregistered #655-3400 1 Longbase canter $1,200,000 Negotiable 1 RZ Minibus $500,000 Negotiable #6284436 Nissan Bluebird, Excellent condition #664-0802 1 Laurel car with extra engine, excellent condition, air conditioner working $400,000 #652-0709 1 Toyota 2 RZ minibus in excellent condition with rim & AC BMM series, Price $1.1M Neg Contact:6530120/646-9417 TOLET 1 & 3 Bedroom apt in a gated community in Versailles WBD. Call: 264-2946 House situated at Parafaite WBD. #622-3197 Rooms in Albertown & 1 house in Good Hope, 5 bedroom, 4 self contained. Tel#225-3234 PROPERTY FOR SALE
PEN PAL
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 2-flat 3 bedroom wooden building situated at 154 ‘B’ Shell road, Kitty 2 lots East of Kitty Market.670-2653
Overseas Indian Male seeks female age 30/35 yrs, write to M.D 7475 Goreway Drive #47 Mississauga Ontario L4T 3T3 Canada.
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 6878445
SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009
1 Female cashier must have CXC Maths,English, EDPM, Accounts for immediate employment. #601-2622/2317839 1 Live in maid. Contact: 6955505/611-6364. Call between 9am-4pm 2 Housekeeper to work shift system at Land of Canaan. Tel# 225-6337 One clerk must be computer literate. Call: 225-4822/6294946 Dispatcher, driver & contract cars. Tel# 231-0316/231-0002 One experienced cook wanted. Call: 226-0554/6238654
Cottage house, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room located @ Fourth St Pearl, EBD Tel# +1-407-2883883 MF 390 Tractor 4 wheel drive. Contact: 258-0100
WANTED Looking to buy a house or empty land, Preferences-EBD Public road. Buyer #1917-6225810/694-3331 One maintenance person. Ages 20-35 yrs. Contact 6289268 between 9-5 Mon-Fri.
One radiator workman preferably from the West Coast of Demerara. Contact Charran’s Radiator Works Tel#622-5721 One full time auto body technician for repair center. Must have previous experience. Call: 222-0675 One service manager for repair centre, must have previous experience. Call: 6472022 1 Male cook to cook in interior #699-4718 Live in general domestic and 1 experienced cook (Live out) #610-3974 Land in Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Eccles of anywhere on the West Coast. Tel# 642-1252/697-6311 1 Able-bodied male clerk. Call: 231-2029/219-4533/616-5954 Wanted urgently one bus driver RZ Bus #BSS 1605 Contact: 603-2640/218-4636 Responsible hire car drivers and contract cars. Tel# 2317200 Driver, Cashier, Pastry maker/ cake decorator, curry cook, counter server, Apply H/ written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce St
VACANCY Female kitchen assistant for interior location. Job entails assisting cooks and general cleaning. Call: 618-2020 Exists for one experienced dispatcher- Call: 231-5784 Earn 5-20K working from home www.jobfairworldwide.com Tel#622-1957/652-8829 Cook/Baker & Welder for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 Paralegal with degree in law. Duties: secretarial, clerical & research tasks. Email: lawofficegy@gmail.com/ guyana@hotmail.com Cashier at Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff & Craig Street C/ ville. Apply in person with written application. Contact: 227-5771 1 person to make and bake bread and pastries. Call: 2262320 or Charlotte & Wellington St L/town 1 Office Clerk. Tel#233-2725 1 female cashier to work shift at Durban & Haley streets, Delicious Restaurant. Contact: 231-5108 Vacancy exist for (1) experienced pharmacy technician to work @ reputable pharmacy in Diamond (Flexible hours)- Call: 645-3422 LAND FOR SALE Uitvlugt (100x50) $2.6M Farm $2.8M Schnoord $2.4M Parfaite $1.4M Harmonie 2nd Avenue $2.3M #611-7223/6560701 1 House lot situated on the West Sea Coast of Windsor Castle, Essequibo. Land size: 48x155. Tel#648-1397 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 Parfaite Harmonie- $1.4M Uitvlugt $2.4M Zeelugt $2M Tuschen $3.3M Tel# 6976311/642-1252 18,731 acres mining land Gold & Diamond Mazaruni $5,000,000 USD Contact: 6951356, 687-8445
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Classic Ride Taxi Service- (1) Female Dispatcher needed #233-5227 Nandy Park EBD Experienced security personnel needed. Serious enquiries only. Tel# 673-6354
EDUCATION Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379
From page 21 Eye to the expansion of such informal employment relations in our country.” The statement urged those contractors to ensure that workers NIS payments are honoured. The FITUG/GTUC also said it is aware the recent $30B financing secured to improve the viability of the remaining GuySuCo estates. “We welcome this initiative and look forward to learning about the plans to realize the viability objective which is necessary and needed in these times. While our bodies believe that a workable plan must involve the workers and their organizations who are critical in reaching the desired ends and goals. “We believe the present direction the new leadership is taking the sugar estates is one whereby many lost jobs would re-emerge. In such circumstances, the stakeholders would unavoidably be involved in the thrust to make the industry sustainable.” The organisations said that they strongly uphold that it is time to end the hopscotching approach to the sugar industry in the interest of all concerned.
Govt's “callous ... From page 12 the Government of some privatization proceeds in the short term is simply not worth the long-term effects of deprivation of some safety net to the workers. Ram said that businesses must be encouraged and given incentives to employ terminated GuySuCo employees. He added that new economic activities, and businesses, established in the areas affected by the closures, which create new employment should be granted the incentives available under Section 2 of the Income Tax (In Aid of Industry) Act. Ram also recommended that direct and indirect contributions to the welfare of terminated GuySuCo employees including scholarships to the children of those workers should be made tax deductible, at least for businesses. “This is no more than an indicative list. It is not exhaustive and I am sure these can be added to. The challenge is whether the Government has closed a discussion which it never started or encouraged; has ceased to listen, and equally important, whether the Unions representing these workers and which have become financially strong on the dues from those workers, have the will and the energy to defend and advance the cause for the workers.”
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Rose Hall guard’s murder… Teen store employees, mom remanded
A
Carlos Bollers (left) and Yuvraj Singh leaving the court yesterday.
Carlos Bollers mom, Lalita Bollers
Date extended for replacement of controversial bulldozer The obsolete bulldozer that still sits outside the Regional Democratic Council, Region Six is yet to be taken away by the contractor who provided it. A sum of $15M was issued to the contractor in the form of a cheque signed off by the Region for a D4D Caterpillar bulldozer. The machine was taken to the Regional Democratic Council compound in January. A few days later, it was discovered that the bulldozer was covered in dirt and several parts had deteriorated. After this was brought to light by the media, the supplier met with the Regional Executive Officer, Region Six, Kim Stephens, and was given 60 days to supply a brand new machine and take back the one he handed over. Up to today, the bulldozer has not been returned and the $15M still remains with the supplier.According to the Regional Chairman, David Armogan, one of the options now will be to have the supplier provide a manager’s cheque, which was supposed to be done in the initial stages but wasn’t. “If he doesn’t deliver a proper machine, or take back the machine then we can confiscate the bond. (We need) a manager’s cheque from the bank so that we can hold on to something substantial in case he doesn’t deliver on his promise.” He stressed that all machines should be inspected and given the green light before given to the Region. “The man should not have been paid unless the bulldozer was certified; that was the first mistake that was made.” Armogan revealed that
The bulldozer in question.
the REO had initially stated that no money was paid to the supplier but later recanted and declared it a mistake on her behalf and said the money was paid.“I don’t know if she didn’t remember or if it was deliberate. That is a judgment that has to be made by an
individual. My position is that we were misinformed and then she subsequently corrected that,” Armogan said.Armogan then admitted that the REO is responsible for what was supplied to the region. “At the end of the day, (Continued on page 24)
43-year-old woman, her 19year-old son, and their 17-year-old alleged accomplice were yesterday remanded to p r i s o n i n connection with the murder of 52-year-old security guard Munesh Prem Ay a s a m m y Munien. Carlos Bollers, 19, of Lot 11 9 Wi l l i a m s b u rg , Corentyne, Berbice, and his alleged accomplice, Yuvraj Singh, 17, of Lot 23 Guava Bush, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice were charged with murder when they appeared at the Albion Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Renita Singh. The charge read to Bollers and Singh stated that on Saturday, March 31,
2018 at Rose Hall Town, they murdered Munesh Prem Ayasammy Munien, called ‘Tad,’ in the course of a robbery. Both teens told the court that it was their first offence. The prosecution stated that their file was incomp l e t e . Meanwhile, the charge read to Bollers’s mother, Lalita Bollers, of Lot 1E Ramphal Street, Corentyne, Berbice, stated that while knowing that Bollers and Singh, on March 31, last, murdered Munien, on Sunday, April 1, she received, released and comforted the two accused. The three were remanded until April 23, 2018. The other employees that were held for the murder/robbery are expected to be re-
l e a s e d . On Saturday, March 31, 2018, the body of Munesh Prem Ayasammy Munien was found slumped on sandbags in Sukhram’s General Store and Agro Chemicals, located along the Rose Hall Town public road. The victim bore a gaping wound to the throat, a wound to the head and his legs appeared to have been broken. Some $1.5M was said to be missing from the s t o r e . Employees of the business, including Bollers and Singh, were taken into custody. Police said they subsequently recovered some money at the home of Bollers’ mother.
PAGE 24
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Appeal Court agrees that former GPF Taxi driver charged for sexually grooming Superintendent’s dismissal was unlawful 15-year-old relative A
A taxi driver was yesterday granted $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he denied a charge of sexually grooming a female relative. Thirty-one-year-old Daniel James denied the charge which alleged that between December 12, last, and January 18, he communicated with a child under the age of 16, via WhatsApp, with intention to engage in sexual activity with her. According to information, the defendant when he first started to communicate with the 15-year-old knew that the child was underage and he continued to communicate with her. It was also reported that during the month of January, the defendant made arrangements to meet and have sex with the teen. A relative of the teen saw the conversation between the teen and the defendant and reported the matter to the police station. An investigation was
Charged: Daniel James later carried out and the defendant was arrested and charged for the offence. The Magistrate instructed the defendant to make his next court appearance on April 16 for report.
former senior po lice officer is elated after the Appeal Court ruled yesterday that his dismissal from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was unlawful. Simon McBean, a former Superintendent, took legal action against a decision by former Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang to dismiss a civil suit brought against the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Attorney General over the dismissal. The Appeal Court ruling paves the way for McBean to be awarded damages and superannuation benefits which are still to be determined by the court. Representing McBean were Attorneys Patrice Henry and R. Satram who argued that the dismissal letter was a nullity since the appellant had no hearing despite expressed legislation that outlines the proceedings to be used under the Police Disciplinarily Act, Chapter 17:01. Representing the PSC and the Attorney General’s Chambers was state Attorney Judy Stewart-Adonis who argued that the genesis of McBean’s case is that he would have been a beneficiary of a scholarship in London. Adonis further argued that when McBean left the
Former Superintendent Simon McBean jurisdiction he had effectively terminated his employment. However, the court unanimously agreed that it was undisputed that he had no hearing and even if he had intended to terminate his employment, it was not consistent with his conduct which showed that he had returned to Guyana and resumed duties with the GPF. The court held that even if that was his thinking, the respondent would have affirmed or waived the repudia-
tion of his contract of employment. In the end, it was unanimously agreed by the court that McBean’s dismissal was unlawful. The court then allowed the appeal and remitted the matter back to the High Court for assessment as to the quantum of damages and superannuation benefits. The Appeals Court was constituted by Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan and Arif Bulkan and Justice Rishi
Persaud. In 2009, McBean received a letter of dismissal from the secretary of the Police Service Commission. The letter stated that McBean was dismissed with effect from December 25, 2007, for what the PSC described as his unauthorised participation in a Master’s Degree course in Global Security and Policing at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. It further stated that he breached proceedings and regulations but did not stipulate what proceedings and regulations were breached. McBean had applied to the Guyana Police Force Administration for study leave but got no response. He then applied for no-pay leave and also got no response. McBean then applied for annual leave, which was in excess of 100 days and was granted same. McBean used his annual leave to travel to England; during his time there, he got ill and submitted sick leave and was unable to return to Guyana at the end of his annual leave. He was able to complete his Master’s Degree. Prior to his dismissal, McBean served 17 years in the Guyana Police Force.
Multi-million £££ UK project to make... From page 18 minimization has become critical. As such, she stressed, “This Smart Hospital initiative will definitely support the country's green development agenda... [and] vulnerability to natural disasters and exposure to catastrophic climate change makes it essential that Guyana provide health facilities that can function to the optimum and provide the req-
uisite emergency services especially in times of calamity,” said Minister Lawrence. Even as he too viewed the smart hospital initiative as a money saving concept, PAHO Representative, Dr. William Adu Krow, expressed optimism that other sectors would also take advantage of the available benefits. “It is envisioned, and it is one of the objectives of the
project, that this concept of Smart Facilities will be adopted by other sectors such as Education, Public Infrastructure and Tourism. We see the concept as an opportunity to attract funding and we are hoping that other donors will support it,” added the PAHO Representative. Speaking of the expected impact, Dr. Adu-Krow noted
Date extended for replacement ... From 23 I have to be advised by the REO. They are the people who deal with payment of monies and so on because they have to account for it. “I can ask questions about financing of the region but when you are given wrong answers, you are not sure until later on when you find out.” The REO, Kim Stephens, has since issued a letter that was distributed to councillors at Thursday’s statutory meeting to respond to PPP councillor Haseef Yusuf’s letter written in a section of media and accusing the REO of corruption in relation to the bulldozer. In the letter, she asked that proof be given by Yusuf of the “alleged corruption”.
Yusuf in his letter was questioning whether there was a bond in place when the bulldozer was purchased. “I wrote in this letter that we were told that the supplier had signed a bond to the value of $15M and should the supplier fail to replace the bulldozer then the bond should be forfeited”. The letter issued by the REO also had performance bond attached that was dated March 14. Yusuf explained that, “It means then that this bond is for the new contract for the bulldozer to be supplied. There this bond does not cover that bulldozer that is sitting out there; there was no bond for that bulldozer and that was the bond I was asking about. I am not asking about a bond for this new
contract”. Yusuf stressed that he asked about the bond in February. He said that the letter does refer to the old transaction but an entirely new one. Adding to what Yusuf would have said, Regional Vice Chairman, Dennis De Roop, stated, “That bond was not provided. I want to ask if there was a bond there. It seems that there was none then. Now we are seeing a new bond. “I want to ask if the Regional Administration has entered into another contract with the supplier because this bond covers another particular period from March - June”. De Roop suggested that legal action be considered as the next step against the supplier.
that healthcare facilities become smart when they link their structural and operational safety with green interventions, at a reasonable cost-to-benefit ratio. A safe hospital, he therefore explained, is a facility, which offers services that remain accessible and function at maximum capacity in the same infrastructure, during and immediately following the impact of a major event. According to Dr. Adu Krow, “It is widely acknowledged that climate change is a pervasive threat and is conceivably the biggest challenge faced by our generation. Therefore, what we decide to do today will decide the fate of all future generations.” He noted that it is cardinal for moves to be made to conceptualise and implement purposive, apposite and cogent interventions to exculpate the adverse effects of climate change. Dr. Adu Krow therefore underscored that “in green hospitals, air quality improves, water and energy costs decline, and people's working conditions improve through enhanced physical access to hospitals, improved access to safe water and improved safety conditions.”
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Caribbean nationals urged not to fret over new US immigration initiative KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – The United States Embassy here has defended the decision to collect social media identities from nearly everyone who is seeking entry into the North American country, saying Caribbean people should not fear the new rule. “Social media wasn’t so prevalent back when these documents were created…so now the government wants to update and include additional information to be with the times,” said Jeremiah Knight, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, adding that the aim is to have the visa forms align with technological advances. The proposal, if approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), would require most immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants to list all social media identities they have used in the past five years. It will be used to vet and identify them and could affect an estimated 15 million people yearly. Immigration officials said the proposals support President Donald Trump’s promise to institute “extreme vetting” of foreigners entering the United States to prevent terrorism.US citizens will have 60 days from March 30 to comment on the proposal and Knight said following the 60 days period, the comments or recommendations will be submitted to OMB for any issues to be addressed with another 30 days being allocated to deal with those issues.Knight, speaking on a television programme here, said Washington is also increasing its security checks. “Some people on social media fill it with particular organisations that might be of some concern, or their commentings raise awareness to government entities, so they want to
Jeremiah Knight just do some balances before people (apply) for immigrant and non-immigrant visas.” He said the processing time of visa applications will not be affected due to the increased information required and urged applicants to “be honest and complete” with the document.Previously, under rules instituted last May, consular officials were instructed to collect social media identifiers only when they determined that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting. The American Civil Liberties Union expressed concern, saying the move would have a “chilling” effect on freedom of speech and association.
Bank workers protest ‘as negotiations stalled’ Trinidad Guardian - Republic Bank Ltd workers protested Thursday after talks between the bank and the union, Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU) for the bargaining period July 2017-May 2020, “stalled”. The workers and the company are at loggerheads as the bank has tabled six per cent wage increase, while the union has tabled 19 per cent for the same period. In the face of the protest action, the bank stated: “Independent reviews of compensation packages, within the banking and financial services industry in Trinidad and Tobago, all confirm that Republic Bank’s salaries and benefits are among the best in the country.” BIGWU’s Labour Relations Officer Jason Brown said, in a telephone interview Thursday, there are several issues which have culminated over time that pertain to the current negotiations. For instance, he said “over 500 workers were affected last year when the bank took away the mall allowance, and the union had to fight to get it back. The bank, without any
consultation with the union, changed the hours of work (of employees who work at the malls) and took away the allowance.” He added that there are issues of job evaluation which are before the court, there are issues where the bank has not paid workers for three days and it is also before the court. Brown said there was an occasion during the last negotiations where workers were ill and could not report for duty.“There is an issue where the bank has adopted a performance appraisal system which is a bit oppressive to workers. That performance appraisal system is something that allows them to get a percentage increase in their salary.”In response to the scheduled protest action, RBL yesterday defended its compensation package offered to employees saying that the packages are based on job roles, and the salaries are paid commensurate with the industry standard, taking into consideration the prevailing economic climate. In a statement yesterday, the bank said, “independent reviews of compensation
packages, within the banking and financial services industry in T&T, all confirm that RBL’s salaries and benefits are among the best in the country.” The bank said it was currently in negotiations with the union for a new collective agreement related to its clerical staff. The bank said it noted, with concern, “incorrect and misleading statements made in the media by representatives of the union over the last week.” “Compensation packages are determined based on job roles and the salaries paid within the specific industry, and grouping for comparative jobs. Consideration of the prevailing and projected economic climate is also relevant in determining wage proposals. Republic Bank adopts this approach,” the bank said. “Additionally, in recognition of the valuable contribution made by all employees of Republic Bank to its annual performance, its staff share in the profits generated each year by the Group, through its profit sharing plan.
800 Venezuelans flee to Brazil daily to escape insecurity, hunger: UNHCR GENEVA (Reuters) - More than 800 Venezuelans stream into northern Brazil each day, the United Nations said yesterday, citing Brazilian government statistics on people fleeing the worsening crisis in the economically crippled nation. More than 52,000 Venezuelans have arrived in Brazil since the start of 2017, including an estimated 40,000 living in Boa Vista, capital of Roraima state, it said. About 25,000 of the migrants are asylum seekers while 10,000 have obtained temporary resident visas and the rest are seeking to regularize their status, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said. “We are stepping up our response in Brazil as the number of Venezuelan arrivals grows,” UNHCR spokesman William Spindler told a news briefing. “According to the government’s latest estimates, more than 800 Venezuelans are entering Brazil each day.” Venezuelans have also fled to Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Argentina and Peru, while others have sought refugee status in the United States, Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica, according to
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Venezuelans walk to show their passports or identity cards at the Pacaraima border control, Roraima state, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce the UNHCR. President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas is faced with widespread discontent over hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicines during a fifth year of recession that he blames on Western hostility and the fall of oil prices.Venezuelans report they are fleeing insecurity, violence and often a loss of income, Spindler said. Many
are in desperate need of food, shelter and health care. UNHCR is working with Brazilian authorities to register Venezuelans to ensure they have proper documentation that entitles them to work and access services, Spindler said. Ten shelters have been opened in Boa Vista, each with 500 people, but some Venezuelans are living on the streets, he said.
Trinidad monitoring arrest of three nationals by Venezuelans in territorial waters PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday said it is in contact with Venezuelan authorities after three nationals were detained on Thursday and are due to appear in a court in the South American country “at a date and time still to be confirmed’.The Ministry of National Security said that it wanted to assure citizens that the “incident appearing on social media allegedly involving Trinidad and Tobago nationals being chased by Venezuelans in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago is currently engaging its attention”.It said that contact had been made with the Venezuelan Embassy here and ‘the matter is currently being addressed”According to the statement, the “latest information is that three Trinidad and Tobago nationals are in the custody of Venezuelan authorities and are due to appear in a Venezuelan court at a time and date still to be confirmed.“Based on information received from the Venezuelan authorities thus far, several Trinidad and Tobago vessels were pursued by Venezuelan vessels, for fish-
ing illegally in Venezuelan waters. The chase apparently encroached into the waters of Trinidad and Tobago. “It should be noted that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, makes it illegal to enter the waters of a sovereign state without permission of that state. Further, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard maintains a steady presence on the South Coast of Trinidad as part of its routine operations,” the Ministry of National Security said. It said that regarding the incident “the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard reported that during routine operations
Thursday, two unidentified pirogues were observed crossing between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago waters.“However, it appeared that when the chasing vessels observed the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard vessel, they retreated to Venezuelan waters. The Coast Guard vessel, in accordance with international law, did not pursue those vessels into Venezuelan waters.“This matter will continue to be monitored by the Ministry of National Security with emphasis on the protection of our Trinidad and Tobago nationals in accordance with the law,” the Ministry of National Security noted.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
South Korean court jails former president Park for 24 years SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court jailed former President Park Geunhye for 24 years on Friday over a scandal that exposed webs of corruption between political leaders and the country’s conglomerates. Park became South Korea’s first democratically elected leader to be forced from office last year when the Constitutional Court ordered her out over a scandal that landed the heads of two conglomerates in jail. The court also fined Park, the daughter of a former military dictator, 18 billion won ($16.9 million) after finding her guilty of charges including bribery, abuse of power and coercion. “The defendant abused her presidential power entrusted by the people, and as a result, brought massive chaos to the order of state affairs and led to the impeachment of the president, which was unprecedented,” judge Kim Se-yoon said as he handed down the sentence.
Up to 1,000 Park supporters gathered outside the court, holding national flags and signs calling for an end to “political revenge” against her. The court found Park guilty of colluding with her old friend, Choi Soon-sil, to receive about 7 billion won ($6.56 million) each from Lotte Group, a retail giant, and Samsung, the world’s biggest maker of smartphones and semiconductors, while demanding 8.9 billion won from SK, an energy conglomerate. Most of the money was intended to bankroll nonprofit foundations run by Choi’s family and confidants, and to fund the education of Choi’s horse-riding daughter, the court said. Prosecutors sought a 30year sentence and a 118.5 billion won ($112 million) fine for Park.Park, 66, who has been in jail since March 31 last year, has denied wrongdoing and was not present in court. The judge said Park had
shown “no sign of repentance” but had instead tried to shift the blame to Choi and her secretaries.“We cannot help but sternly hold her accountable,” Kim said. ‘HEARTBREAKING’ Park apologized while in office for seeking help from Choi, who had no policy or political experience, but that was as close as she came to admitting any guilt. Kang Chul-koo, one of Park’s state-appointed lawyers, said he would discuss with her the possibility of an appeal. “We tried our utmost but regret the result turned out very bad,” Kang told reporters at the court. “The truth will be revealed one day.” The sentence will be a bitter blow for Park, who returned to the presidential palace in 2012 as the country’s first woman leader, more than three decades after she left it following the assassination of her father.Her ouster from office last year led to a presidential election won by the liberal Moon Jae-in, whose conciliatory stand on North Korea has underpinned a significant warming of ties between the rival neighbors. Moon’s office said Park’s fate was “heartbreaking” not only for herself but for the country, and added that history that was not remembered would be repeated.
South Korean ousted leader Park Geun-hye arrives at a court in Seoul, South Korea, August 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo “We will not forget today,” the office said. Park is the latest former leader of South Korea to run afoul of the law.Two predecessors, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, were convicted in 1996 of mutiny, treason and corruption and sentenced to long prison terms but both received presidential pardons
and were freed after a couple of years.But Moon took office pledging to end the practice of pardoning public and corporate officials convicted of corruption. WATERSHED? Park’s friend, Choi, was convicted and jailed for 20 years after a separate trial in February.
The chairman of the Lotte Group, the country’s fifthlargest conglomerate, Shin Dong-bin, was jailed for two years and six months. Samsung Group heir Jay Y. Lee was jailed for a similar term on charges of bribery and embezzlement but in a surprise decision in February, an appeals court freed him after a year in detention. Park’s supporters and opponents reflect divisions in a society still haunted by Cold War antagonism. Most supporters are older conservatives who remember her father’s authoritarian 18year rule, beginning in 1961, when their country began its remarkable surge toward becoming an economic power. Younger, liberal voters, who staged months of protests against Park before her ouster, will be hoping the verdict will be a watershed in efforts by the new government to end the self-serving collusion between political leaders and the powerful conglomerates known as chaebol. “The ruling will be a lesson for many companies,” said Choi Woon-youl, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party.“They have to boost transparency and sever the ties of collusion with government. If you have nothing to hide, whether about management or succession, you don’t have to be bullied by the government.”
n
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Trump threatens more China tariffs, Beijing ready to hit back BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China warned yesterday it was fully prepared to respond with a “fierce counter strike” of fresh trade measures if the United States follows through on President Donald Trump’s threat to slap tariffs on an additional $100 billion of Chinese goods. Trump, in light of what he called China’s “unfair retaliation” against earlier U.S. trade actions, had upped the ante on Thursday by ordering U.S. officials to identify extra tariffs, escalating a tit-for-tat confrontation with potentially damaging consequences for the world’s two biggest economies. China’s Commerce Ministry spokesman, Gao Feng, called the U.S. action “extremely mistaken” and unjustified, adding that the spat was a struggle between unilateralism and multilateralism. He also said no negotiations were likely in the current circumstances. “The result of this behavior is to smash your own foot with a stone,” Gao told a news briefing in Beijing. “If the United States announces an additional $100 billion list of tariffs, China has already fully prepared, and will not hesitate to immediately make, a fierce counter strike.”
While U.S. officials said they were prepared to talk the issues through with China, there was no clear path to communication. Both Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow were on television to promote the idea of talks, with Mnuchin telling CNBC “we are in communication regularly”. Gao was speaking shortly after Trump defended his proposed tariffs on U.S. radio, saying the move might cause “a little pain” but the United States will be better off in the long run.Asked in an interview with New York station WABC about the effect on U.S. stock markets, Trump said the market has gone up (since he took office) “so we might lose a little bit of it.” “So we may take a hit and you know what, ultimately we’re going to be much stronger for it.”Financial markets have been roiled by the prospect of threats becoming action and U.S. stocks tumbled yesterday as investors worried about an escalating trade war.Kudlow told Bloomberg Television Trump and America’s top trade official Robert Lighthizer were “thinking about submitting a list of suggestions to the Chinese.” On Wednesday, China
unveiled a list of 106 U.S. goods including soybeans, whiskey, frozen beef and aircraft targeted for tariffs, just hours after the Trump administration proposed duties on some 1,300 Chinese industrial, technology, transport and medical products. Washington called for those $50 billion in extra duties after it said an investigation had determined that Chinese government policies are designed to transfer U.S. intellectual property to Chinese companies and allow them to seize leadership in key hightechnology industries of the future.China said it was not afraid of a trade war, even though it did not seek one, and accused the United States of provoking the conflict. Gao said comments from U.S. officials about ongoing talks about trade issues were incorrect. “Under these conditions, the two sides cannot conduct any negotiations on this issue,” Gao said, without elaborating.Kudlow, who has repeatedly sought this week to soothe markets with mention of possible talks, told Bloomberg Television there were always ongoing discussions on trade between the United States and China but that negotiations on the tariffs had not begun.
Brazil’s Lula fights prison order, won’t turn himself in – source
(AP Photo/Andre Penner) Supporters of Brazil’s former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with signs that read in Portuguese “No to prison for Lula,” gather outside the Metallurgic Union headquarters after an arrest warrant for da Silva was issued. BRASILIA/SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil’s former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will not turn himself in to serve a 12-year prison sentence for bribery until a higher court rules on a last-minute appeal, a party source with knowledge of the matter said yesterday. Lula’s lawyers urged the Superior Court of Justice, Brazil’s top appeals court, to suspend the prison order. They argue they have not exhausted procedural appeals
and painted the case as an effort to remove Lula from the presidential race he leads.It was not clear if the higher court would rule before a 5 p.m. (2000 GMT) deadline for the former president to start serving his sentence. Federal police in Sao Paulo declined to say if they would attempt to forcibly take Lula into custody, a move that could trigger intense clashes with his supporters.The court yesterday rejected a third-party’s request that Lula remain free, but had yet to rule on the
same plea made by Lula’s own lawyers, his legal team said. Lula spent his last hours ahead of the deadline with aides and allies at the headquarters of a steelworkers union he once led in metropolitan Sao Paulo.Hundreds of die-hard supporters, dressed in the trademark red shirts of Lula’s Workers Party, surrounded the union building yesterday afternoon. They cheered spirited defences of Lula made by union leaders standing atop a sound truck.
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 07, 2018
Saturday April 07, 2018
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
BCB President meet Youth Cricketers assures them of a bright future - Inter County Cap to be re-introduced Newly elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, accompanied by Vice President Albert Smith and Senior Coach Julian Moore, met with forty Berbice Under-19 Cricketers as part of his Berbice wide meetings with Cricket Stakeholders and players. The meeting was held at the Albion Sports Complex on Sunday last and followed meetings in Lower Corentyne, Upper Corentyne, the Berbice Under-17 Team and Umpires Association. Meetings would also be arranged in the New Amsterdam/Canje and West Berbice areas as the Berbice Cricket Board seeks to keep Berbicians informed of the massive developments taking place in the Ancient County
and listened to suggestions on how to develop the game. Foster in a lengthy presentation assured the young cricketers that the Berbice Cricket Board only interest was the development of every player in Berbice inspite of race, creed, the areas they lived in or Clubs they play with. The Berbice Cricket Board, he stated would not only organise Cricket at all levels - Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Female, Intermediate, Double Wicket, Second Division and First Division but would also invest heavily in Coaching, Social Skills Seminars and Educational Programmes that would assist them to develop into well rounded individuals. Noting that only eleven crick-
BCB Vice President Albert Smith (centre foreground) pose with the Players after the Meeting. eters make up a team, he urged the players to take their education seriously and to develop other skills off the cricket field. Foster informed the Under-19 Players that they were role models, mentors to Un-
Saturday April 07, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You could be feeling restless and frustrated due to a temporary separation from a partner, Aries, perhaps a business partner but more likely a romantic one. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A rather disconcerting rumor about your job could reach your ears, Taurus. Perhaps you'll hear that the company is being sold or undergoing a shakeup in the hierarchy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A number of great ideas either for new creative projects or enhancing ongoing ones could pop into your head during the day, Gemini. If you don't write them down immediately CANCER (June 21–July 22) A person with whom you work, probably a woman, could leave suddenly without notice or stated reason, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Someone you've wanted to hear from for a long time, perhaps an old friend who lives far away, could ring you up today while you're out, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A rather upsetting dream could disturb your sleep tonight, Virgo. When you wake up and focus on the real world, it could seem so bizarre as to not be worthy of serious consideration. Nonetheless, write it down.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A colleague or possibly a romantic partner could be in a rather touchy mood today, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You tend to be very intuitive, Scorpio, but today you could find your psychic abilities shortcircuit. If you give readings, don't schedule any for today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some rather upsetting news about a friend could come to you today, Sagittarius, probably over the phone. This could be the truth, but more likely the facts have been distorted in the retelling. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you could receive a lucky career break of some kind that brings some extra money your way, Capricorn. The downside is that you might have to put in many extra hours. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) An unexpected visit from someone who lives far away is likely to throw your schedule off kilter, Aquarius. Even though you'll be glad to see your friend, the visit could require a lot of calls to break appointments and postpone meetings. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) An unexpected financial setback could have you reeling at first, Pisces. Perhaps an emergency, such as a toothache or car breakdown, requires a substantial expenditure that you hadn't planned for.
der-15 and Under-17 Players in the county and as such it was crucial for them to set a proper example for mothers to follow. He advised them to Say Yes to Education, Religion and No to Drugs, Crime, Alcohol, Tobacco. He also advised the youths to avoid Nightlife and to always listen to the advice of Legends of the Game. The Berbice Cricket Board President also urged the players to become students of the game by doing research on its history, rules and structure. The Players were told that it does not make any sense to be a good player on the field, if they are ignorant of the game. F o s t e r, p l e d g e d h i s support for each player and stated that he was always available to meet with them to discuss solutions to any problem. He also committed the Berbice Cricket Board to providing Coaches to assist the players, even on a one by one basis if the player request assistance. Foster also announced to the appreciative youths that the Berbice Cricket Board would once again be providing Inter-county Caps to every Berbice Player in the future and would be hosting several Social Skills Programme to educate its junior players on topics such as; Public Speaking, Table Manners, Personal Hygiene, Public Manners and Personal Etiquette. Vice President Albert Smith, who is also Head of the Berbice Cricket Board Cricket Development Committee, reminded the players that there would be a no-nonsense approach to indiscipline. Players would have to be disciplined in all aspect of their game; Smith stated that representing Berbice is a privilege not a right. The highly successful Cricket Coach, who is also
Chairman of the BCB Selection Committee, pledged to the players, that every Berbice Team would be selected based on performances but warned that indiscipline could result in a player been bypassed. Senior Coach Julian Moore also stressed the importance of discipline, prepa-
ration for matches and getting the proper equipment/ gears for the game. Moore, a Level Three Cricket Coach, urged the young cricketers to be more focused on their individual game while taking advantage of the opportunities being presented to them.
PAGE 32
3rdLGC Club Tournament on today Today, from 12:30pm, competition for the 2018 Lusignan Golf Club Champion Title continues with this 3rd Tournament for the year having great possibilities of upsets as golfers strive to take up the challenge thrown out by Club President Aleem Hussain that the Executive will make a clean sweep of the top places. Tee-off is scheduled for 12:30pm and it is certain that former Captain and veteran golfer Patrick Prashad as well as former Guyana Open champions Mike Mangal and Avinash Persaud, as well as Guyana Open aspirants Richard Haniff and ‘Max’ Persaud will be digging in for extra performances. Executive members, Secretary ‘Pandit Ravi’, Treasurer Shaw and President Hussain will have their work cut-out to stay at the forefront.
Saturday April 07, 2018
Kaieteur News
It promises to be an exciting tournament as each golfer’s Club Tournament score receives points that will be added at the end of the year and the best aggregate over a certain number of tournaments out of the 10 to be played will be used to determine the Champion. In addition, President Hussain advises that lots of benefits will go to the Champion including umbrellas, golf clubs, golf bag, $50,000 cash, preferred parking spot, free locker, 5% off Assuria Discount Card (good at 60+ locations), a trophy and of course, a full year of bragging rights. Spectators at this Tournament are allowed in free, so all are welcome to view the event and of course enjoy the ambience of the Lusignan Golf Club.
BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 Inter-Club
Leon Swammy double century latest highlight Benjamin, Shiwambar, Algu, Fraser, Sinclair and Deonarine hit centuries The Berbice Cricket Board organised New York Business Group Under-19 Cricket Tournament bowled off last weekend with matches across the Ancient County. The Tournament which is being sponsored by a group of New York based Guyanese Businessmen is one of several junior cricket tournaments being organised by the Berbice Cricket Board for 2018. The sponsorship for the tournament was organised by Mr. Orvin Mangru of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. The Opening round of matches was highlighted by a superb 215 not out by Tucber Park opener Leon Swammy. Swammy maiden double century featured 26 boundaries and three sixes. Centuries were also recorded by Garfield Benjamin, Alex Algu, Kevin Sinclair, Steve Deonarine, Nickel Fraser and Torend Shiwambar. Scores are as follows: 1) Tucber Park defeated Rose Hall Canje on first innings at Canje. Tucber Park 415 for 1, Leon Swammy 215 not out, Garfield Benjamin 130 not out and Brandon Corlette 58. Rose Hall Canje 45 all out, Rueben Latcha 7 for 11 and Joshua Singh 2 for 13. Tucber Park 113 for 1, Abdul Ramsammy 50 not out, Marlon Mickle 60. 2) Young Warriors gained first innings points from Kendall’s Union at No.19. Young Warriors 228 all out. Alex Algoo 118, Trevon Stanislaus 52, H. Harris 3 for 43, Sadiek Khalil 2 for 30 and A. Harris 2 for 40. Kendall’s Union 156 all out. Mark Barker 34, Guerel Hitnarine 45. Alex Algoo 2 for 46, J. Anderson 2 for 33 and Trevon Stanislaus 4 for 34. Young Warriors 106 without loss. Alex Algoo 94. 3) Tucber Park obtained first innings points from Kendall’s Union at No.19. Kendall’s Union 110 all out. Sakiek Khalil 39, Avinash Ramnarine 37. Leon Swammy 4 for 32, Rueben Latcha 2 for 8. Tucber Park 282 for 3 declared. Steve Deonarine 153 not out, Brandon Corlette 38 not out, Mark Barker 2 for 63. Kendall’s Union 38 for 3 at close of play. Avinash Ramnarine 21 not out. 4) Paradise Challengers crushed Bush Lot Rising Star by an inning and 140 runs at Paradise. Paradise Challengers 219 for 3 in 50-Overs. Windell Fordyce 42, Nickel Fraser 112. V. Budhoo 2 for
Garfield Benjamin and Leon Swammy 41. Bush Lot Rising Star 34 all out. Q. Aulder 3 for 8, D. Bharrat 3 for 2 and D. Ramoutar 2 for 2 and batting a second time 45 all out. Q. Aulder 4 for 26 and L. Ramkissoon 3 for 8. 5) Upper Corentyne defeated No. 48 Challengers by an inning and 115 runs at No.48. Upper Corentyne 254. Torend Shiwambar 110, Shakeel Jordan 35. N. Nauthsingh 2 for 47, B. Malchand 2 for 48 and R. Dayaram 2 for 4. No. 48 Challengers 20 all out. Kameshwar Chaterpal 5 for 5, Shakeel Jordan 4 for 14. Batting a second time 110 all out, T. Dayaram 32 and K. Persaud 24, Kameshwar Chaterpal 5 for 17 to end with match figures of 10 wickets for 22 runs. 6) Upper Corentyne eased past Albion ‘B’ by an inning and 58 runs at Skeldon. Upper Corentyne 192 all out. Afseer Husain 46 not out, Torend Shiwambar 83. Ravendra Ganesh 6 for 52. Albion ‘B’ 81 all out. Hermendra Gurdyal 16 and Gourav Ramesh 18 not out. Shakeel Jordan 2 for 10, Torend Shiwambar 2 for 16, Afseer Husain 2 for 10. Batting a second time after been asked follow on, Albion ‘B’ was dismissed for 53. Gourav Ramesh 20. Afseer Husain 6 for 14. 7) Port Mourant defeated Albion ‘B’ by an inning and 72 runs at Port Mourant. Albion ‘B’ 62 all out. L. Cecil 24. Mahendra Charran 7 for 15 and Cheddi Boodhoo 2 for 18. Port Mourant 203. M. Charran 29, Surendra Budhu 41. Gourav Ramesh 4 for 85 and P. Ganesh 4 for 42. Albion ‘B’ 69 all out
Surendra Ramcharitar 39. M. Charran 3 for 23, A. Tahag 3 for 13 and Cheddi Boodhoo 2 for 8. 8) Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ defeated Tamarind Root by an inning and 101 runs at Hampshire. Tamarind Root 78 all out. Rico Ramsammy 26, Keith Simpson 7 for 21, Kevin Sinclair 3 for 43. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ 305 for 5. Kevin Sinclair 113, Kevlon Anderson 40, Chanderpaul Govindan 56 not out, David Orahalad 61. Jai Tiko 2 for 82. Tamarind Root 126 all out. Rico Ramsammy 51, Jai Tiko 36, Kevin Rupert 30. Vijay Gopilall 3 for 14, Kevin Sinclair 2 for 34. 9) Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ defeated Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ by an inning and 127 runs at the Area ‘H’ Ground. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ 47 all out. Simon Naidu 21. Keith Simpson 5 for 15 and Kevin Sinclair 5 for 12. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ 229 for 6. Kevlon Anderson 50, Kevin Sinclair 76 and Nicholas 46. Matthew Pattaya 2 for 28 and Simon Naidu 2 for 42. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ 55 all out. Angelino Ramdihal 21, Nicholas 4 for 7 and Lucas Arthur 2 for 10. 10) Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ defeated Big Star by 144 runs. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ 190 all out. Angelino Ramdihal 42, Tagwah Ross 30, Jonathan De Veira 37. J. Brusch 4 for 53 and K. Hooper 3 for 56. Big Star 53 all out. Christopher Deroop 3 for 08, Tagwah Ross 2 for 12, Simon Naidu 2 for 10 and Matthew Pattaya 2 for 6. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ 64 for 4. Tagwah Ross 30 not out. Big Star 57 all out. B. Dowra 23. Simon Naidu 6 for 13.
Saturday April 07, 2018
PAGE 33
Kaieteur News
Games - Highlights on day two of the Commonwealth Games GOLD COAST, Australia (Reuters) - Highlights on day two of the Commonwealth Games yesterday (times in GMT): 1130 AUSTRALIA’S LEWIS SEALS SWIMMING GOLD Clyde Lewis won gold in the men’s 400m individual medley, with Scotland’s Mark Szaranek taking silver and New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt securing bronze. The Australian swimmer, named by his father after the orangutan from the Clint Eastwood film “Every Which Way But Loose”, ended up in the race after training partner Mitch Larkin dropped the event from his schedule. 1121 MORTON TAKES CYCLING GOLD IN WOMEN’S SPRINT FINALS Australia’s Stephanie Morton won gold in the women’s sprint, finishing ahead of New Zealand’s Natasha Hansen and compatriot Kaarle McCulloch. 1000 CHALMERS WINS 200M FREESTYLE GOLD Australian duo Kyle Chalmers and Mack Horton won gold and silver respectively in the men’s 200m freestyle final, with South Africa’s Chad Le Clos missing out. Scotland’s Duncan Scott won the bronze medal while Le Clos finished a disappointing seventh. England’s James Guy also had a poor run and finished in fifth position. 0945 VASEY CLINCHES SHOCK BREASTSTROKE GOLD England’s Sarah Vasey beat record holder Alia Atkinson of Jamaica to win the women’s 50m breaststroke final with the 21-yearold notching a time of 30.60 seconds. Atkinson sealed the silver medal and Australian Leiston Pickett grabbed the bronze. 0940 SCOTLAND’s ARCHIBALD OUSTS WIASAK Scotland’s record-breaking track cyclist Katie Archibald won the gold medal in the women’s 3000m individual pursuit after beating home favourite Rebecca Wiasak. Archibald set a new Games record in the qualifiers earlier yesterday. Australian Annette Edmondson beat compatriot Ashlee Ankudinoff in the bronze medal race. 0935 LE CLOS WINS 50M GOLD South African Chad le Clos won the gold medal in the men’s 50m butterfly final on Friday. Trinidad and Tobago’s Dylan Carter won the silver medal followed by Le Clos’ compatriot Ryan Coetzee in
Gareth Evans lifts to win Gold medal in the men’s 69Kg Weightlifting final on Friday morning. (AP)
third. 0845 TEAM INDIA WEIGHLIFTERS SUFFERING IN PHYSIO’S ABSENCE Indian weightlifters have been forced to treat their team mates after their physiotherapist Aakranth Saxena was denied accreditation and was refused entry into the Games Village. “Athletes within our team have tried to treat each other’s injuries because our physio is not allowed to come into the Games Village or for our competition,” Mirabai Chanu, a gold medallist in the women’s 48kg event, said. “I have struggled with my recovery due to the absence of my physio. Accreditation issues should have been sorted out earlier to enable our physio to be with us.” Men’s silver medallist Gururaja Poojary shared his compatriot’s sentiments. 0730 CANADA’s PITCAIRN SET TO BECOME OLDEST GAMES ATHLETE Canadian shooter Robert Pitcairn will become the oldest athlete in Games history as he prepares to make his debut at the age of 79 years and nine months at the fullbore shooting events, which start on Monday. “My goal is to stand on the podium with my partner Nicole Rossignol in the pairs event, and then again for the individual event. I trained hard, I’m aiming for that, and I am going to get them,” the former commercial pilot said. 0655 TANFIELD SURPASSES ARCHIBALD IN MEN’S PURSUIT England’s Charlie Tanfield dashed around the track in four minutes 11.455 seconds to set a new Games record, surpassing Scot John Archibald’s mark, which was set earlier in the qualifiers. The duo will face each other in the gold race later on Friday. New Zealand’s Dylan Kennett and home hope Jordan Kerby will race for the bronze medal.
0640 WEIGHTLIFTER EVANS GRABS WALES’ FIRST GOLD Wales weightlifter Gareth Evans has won the nation’s first gold medal at this year’s Games in the men’s 69kg final after lifting a combined total of 299kg. Sri Lanka’s Indika C. Dissanayake Mudiyanselage won the silver medal after lifting a total of 297kg followed by India’s Deepak Lather in third. 0615 ARCHIBALD SETS MEN’S INDIVIDUAL PURSUIT RECORD Scotland cyclist John Archibald has emulated his sister Katie Archibald’s feat to set a new Games record in the men’s 4000m individual pursuit qualifiers with a time of four minutes 13.068 seconds. Katie set the women’s 3000m pursuit record hours earlier. 0600 INJURED GOVERS OUT OF AUSTRALIA’S HOCKEY SQUAD Blake Govers has been ruled out of the Australian men’s hockey team due to a broken finger sustained during a practice match earlier this week. The 21-year-old will be replaced by Tom Wickham as the hosts open their campaign against South Africa on Saturday. 0520 CRICKET GREAT TENDULKAR LAUDS MEDALLIST CHANU Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar has praised weightlifter Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu after she won the gold medal in the women’s 53kg final earlier on Friday. The legendary batsman tweeted: “Continuing from where she left off four years ago in Glasgow. Congratulations, Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu on giving India it’s second Gold Medal in the ongoing Commonwealth Games. Proud moment.” 0455 ARCHIBALD SETS 3000M PURSUIT RECORD Scottish track cyclist Katie Archibald blazed across the line in three minutes 24.119 seconds to set a Games record in the women’s 3000
metres individual pursuit, with the previous mark only set two qualifying races earlier by Australia’s Rebecca Wiasak. 0430 SNOWSILL BACKS IN-FORM DUFFY FOR OLYMPIC GOLD Former Olympic and Commonwealth triathlon champion Emma Snowsill says Bermuda’s Flora Duffy can follow up her gold medal at Gold Coast with another at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. “There are other athletes in the mix, building towards Tokyo, but Flora is definitely the favourite,” Snowsill, who won the gold medal at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, told reporters. 0340 AUSTRALIA’S
M O RTO N S E T S I N D I VIDUAL SPRINT RECORD Defending champion Stephanie Morton set a Games record in the women’s cycling individual sprint, qualifying top with a time of 10.524 seconds. The 27-year-old Australian, who won gold in the team sprint with Kaarle McCulloch on Thursday, was followed by Canadian Lauriane Genest and New Zealand’s Natasha Hansen in third. 0157 INDIAN CHANU WINS WEIGHTLIFTING GOLD Indian weightlifter Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu won the first gold medal of day two in the women’s 53kg final.
The 24-year-old lifted a combined total of 192 kgs, 10kgs more than silver medallist Loa Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea, with Canada’s Rachel Leblanc-Bazinet grabbing the bronze medal. 0115 PEATY QUALIFIES FASTEST FOR SEMIFINAL Olympic champion and world record holder Adam Peaty has qualified the fastest for the men’s 100 metre breaststroke semi-final. Peaty’s England team mate James Wilby and Scotland’s Ross Murdoch, who won gold and silver respectively in the men’s 200m breaststroke final on the opening day, are also through.
PAGE 34
Kaieteur News
GABBFF/Fitness Express Novice Championships set to dazzle at NCC least 26 male and female tomorrow evening - Atathletes to hit the stage President of the Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Coel Marks has indicated that to date, a total of 26 male and female athletes have already signed up to take the stage come tomorrow evening when their Novice Championships are held at the National Cultural Centre from 19:00hrs. Sponsored by Fitness Express, GABBFF, Chakras Massage Parlour, The Trophy Stall, Ghandi’s General Store and Coel’s Boutique, tomorrow evening show will showcase newcomers to the sport of body building who will be eager to make their mark as new kids on the block. Marks informed that the federation will be accepting late registration up until tomorrow so as to facilitate late registrants.
The Men’s Physique and Miss Bikini categories would see six male and an equal amount of females flexing against each other for the top prize and bragging rights. The likes of Tariq Dakhil and Xavier Kirton in the Men’s Physique, while in the Bikini contest, two of the ladies are Angeica Barroncas and Indera Moore. Some of the other athletes who would be on stage tomorrow night are Fabian Ria (Heavyweight), Odwin Yansen (Light Middleweight) and Pierre Wagner (Welterweight) among others. Fans would be in for an extra treat with last year’s Overall winner, Nolan Smith teaming up with Eybo Orford as the two Guest Posers.
Narine ready to start for KKR despite woes over action MUMBAI, India, CMC – Kolkata Knight Riders believe beleaguered West Indies spin wizard, Sunil Narine, will be ready for the start of their campaign in the Indian Premier League, after returning home recently to undertake remedial work on his action. The 29-year-old Trinidadian was reported for an illegal action during the recent Pakistan Super League, putting in doubt his stint in the lucrarive Twenty20 showpiece which bowls off today.However, KKR assistant coach Simon Katich said Narine had worked hard on correcting the necessary flaws in order to ensure his availability. “Obviously there were some issues recently in the PSL where he was playing for Lahore [Qalandars], but he’s since gone back to Trinidad and spent a lot of time with Carl Crowe, working on his action,” Katich told a media conference “Carl’s his coach, last few years he’s been working with him since he first got reported. He’s done a lot of hard work there. We ’ r e p r e t t y c o n f i d e n t with where he’s at with the action at the moment, so hopefully we’ll see him back out there on Sunday.” Off-spinner Narine’s career has been plagued by question marks over his action and he was slapped with a banned 2-1/2 years ago af-
Saturday April 07, 2018
NSC Easter Swimming programme concludes at NAC By Zaheer Mohamed The National Sports Commission, Ministry of Presidency Department of Social Cohesion Easter Swimming programme concluded yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), Liliendaal. The programme, which lasted for eight days, consisted of 104 male and female participants between 6-16 years old who were tutored in breathing while swimming, gliding, kicking, threading, streaming, position and free style. President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud encouraged the students to put into practice what they were taught so they can continue to improve. He added that there is a need for young swimmers and made mention of young Leon Seaton who represented Guyana at the recently concluded Carifta Games in Jamaica. Supervisor of the National Aquatic Centre, Wilton Spencer said he was pleased with the programme and all the participants showed signs of improvement to the extent that they were selected to give demonstrations. He
thanked the coaches and staff for a job well done. Coach Denroy Trotman, in a invited comment, indicated that he saw a lots of improvement during the programme and advised parents to encourage their children to get involved in clubs because its does not stop here. He said that the exposure was good but there is a still a lot of work that needs to be done. Trotman stated that plans are in place to extend the programme throughout Guyana and there is enough expertise to do so. Renee Whittaker, one of the best graduating students, said the programme went well. She informed that even though she was scared at first, she felt better as it continued. Whittaker said that she is looking forward to improve her strengths and weaknesses in the sport and hopefully represent Guyana in the near future. Whittaker, who attended Success Elementary School on the East Bank of Demerara, said she developed an early passion of the sport and is happy for this opportunity.
Corona Futsal Semi Finals on tonight at Gymnasium
KKR off-spinner Sunil Narine. ter being reported following a One-Day International between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Pallekele. He was cleared by the International Cricket Council to resume bowling just prior to the start of the 2016 edition of the IPL.Narine has been a key member of KKR’s attack in his six seasons at the franchise, grabbing 95 wickets at an average of 21 and an economy rate of six.However, after taking 67 wickets in the first three seasons, Narine’s returns have waned in the last three with just a yield of 28 wickets.His value as an allrounder has risen in the last two seasons, gathering over 200 runs in each of the last two seasons at the top of the order.Katich said Narine’s importance in the batting lineup was still key even though
it had not yet been decided exactly what role he would play. “Last year, initially, he didn’t open – we had Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn that opened, but then after game two, when Chris Lynn hurt his shoulder, we had to rejig the team balance-wise,” Katich explained.“We felt that Sunny (Narine) opening was going to give us an advantage with the balance of our team and also free him up to play a role at the top of the order, which he did a very, very good job of. “He’s primarily one of our main spinners, if not our number one spinner, but given the balance of our team, you never know where he’s going to bat, so it all depends on what we feel the best combination is.”
The long awaited semifinals of the Corona Cup futsal tournament will kick off tonight at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue where the final two teams who will contest for the $600,000 1st prize will be decided. There will be four exhibition matches played before the first semi-final between Alpha Warriors and Leopold Street at 22:30hrs followed by the Bent Street versus Sparta Boss’ second semi-final match which kicks off at 23:15hrs. Tonight, the teams will receive their cash
prizes for their respective finishes during the group stage with the winners’ pocketing $40,000, second place $30,000, third place group finishers $20,000 and last place finishers of the four-team groups that contested round-robin play receiving $10,000. In addition, one Hero 150cc motorcycle will be given away to a lucky fan tonight. The runners up will pocket $400,000 and third place finishers $200,000 in the tournament which is sponsored by Top Brandz, Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales and Namilco.
Road to Mecca V tips off today The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) will be a hive of activity for the next three weeks with the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Basketball Championship (also known as Road to Mecca V) which bounces off this afternoon. Fans will be able to witness four exciting matches amongst the country’s top basketball clubs during today’s opening day with the final game finishing around midnight, free of cost. Kobras and Eagles will clash in the first game at 16:00hrs. The second game will be between two-time defending champions Bounty Colts and Half Mile Bulls at 18:00hrs followed Victory Valley Royals versus Republic Bank Nets at 20:00hrs and Plaisance Guardians will sweat with Dyna’s Ravens in the feature game which tips off at 22:00hrs on Saturday. Mecca V will see a total of $2million in cash and prizes being doled out. The winners will cash in on $600,000, 2nd place finishers
$400,000 and 3rd $300,000, while the tournament’s MVP will walk away with a handsome $200,000, the player with the most points $100,00, most rebounds $100,000 and the most improved player $100,000 along with team and individual trophies and fan giveaways.