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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
GUEST EDITORIAL
BOTH PARTIES ARE RESPONSIBLE
I
n office for almost three years, the government has passed four national budgets and yet Guyanese still do not have a better grasp of its fiscal policy for the ensuing year. It is true that the government inherited a poor economy from the last administration and it must be commended for having stayed the course of fiscal prudence and for the strong possibilities that now exist for a robust economic growth to occur. The government has gained experience on the job and has become a formidable force to be reckoned with regarding good governance. However, it is not clear that it has a fair understanding of what is really happening in the country regarding the needs of the people. The impression one gets is that no one is firmly in charge or understands the nuances of governance or how the various pieces of the governance puzzle fit to make the whole. After more than 50 years of independence, Guyana still faces some major economic challenges and no side of the political divide is without blame for the underdevelopment of the country. They have been equal contributors to political missteps, gross inefficiency and political violence, all of which have stymied economic growth over the years. Successive governments of both political parties have placed political expediency and party interests over sound economic management. Though the PPP will not confess to this, there is evidence to show that it is guiltier of this than the present government. However, the people are not consumed by which party to blame. Instead, the hope is for both political parties to put aside their differences and work together to develop the economy and steer the country in the right direction. A healthy, growing economy starts with the engagement of all stakeholders, not a vaunted few who may believe that if the government attracts big projects, the benefits will trickle down to the people. That has certainly not been the case since independence. Those in authority should understand that all the fiscal and macroeconomic indices must be properly aligned for the economy to function effectively. They must also be aware of the needs of the people, especially the poor and the lower working class who can fall through the cracks if the economy remains stagnant. The historic fact is one cannot fudge the truth with regard to the economy. Economic reality is what it is. Figures do not lie. So the government would be well advised to be careful when predicting growth rates based on present economic performance. Those in previous administrations would want us to conveniently forget their complicity in massive corruption and the plundering of the treasury which have virtually decimated the entrepreneurial class and resulted in the horrible suffering of people. This is a reminder of what can happen to the emerging young entrepreneurial class when governments become predatory. The people must not forget the reckless spending of the past as well as the broken promises and empty dreams that were spawned. With revenue from oil expected in 2020, there must be a systematic and careful approach on how to develop the economy. The oil revenue cannot be used as a cookie jar from which money can be taken and used to throw at every problem. There must be a more prudent and robust use of the revenue in the context of the country’s most important needs, it should not be used as a piggy bank to be raided at will.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
GuySuCo privatization offers no assurance DEAR EDITOR, Region 6 RDC Councillor, Mr Haseef Yusuf, in letters appearing in the April 4, Guyana Times and Kaieteur News titled “Save GuySuCo another $45B” and “Halt the trial and error approach to GuySuCo” respectively contended that the entire GuySuCo should be privatised. While 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 in-
dustry. When that industry was privatised the private investors promised brighter days ahead. But February 1, 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 1980s and early 1990s 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 thought 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 a plan 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
National Consensus to Save and Revitalise the Sugar Industry Dear Editor, There are public calls for high level national conferences to find an agreement on ways to save and revitalise the Sugar Industry of Guyana to make it a viable and profitable industry again, from the growing of sugar canes to the manufacturing of sugar and its by-products. The National Assembly should engage in good faith discussions on the future of the sugar industry and arrive at a consensus on the best way forward. The nation expects mature and serious encounters in the National Assembly, free of rancour and abuse of each other, and from the partisan blame game for cheap political points. This is a test for all the political parties and Members of the Assembly and the Government to debate, and then to confer
in good faith in the Select Committee to find common grounds on the future of the industry, putting partisan political consideration aside. Failure to arrive at a national consensus by the National Assembly and the Government would be a source of grave disappointment to all in this country. The Members of the National Assembly must take into consideration the Government’s Commission of Inquiry Report into the Guyana Sugar Corporation,(GUYSUCO), October 2015. They must give serious consideration to the recommendations on the way forward for this vital industry, in particular recommendation (iv), which states “... the COI does not recommend the closure of any estate at this time.”The National Assembly
must take into account recent studies and the views and positions of various stakeholders and put all on the table on the National Assembly, including the view that the Industry has the capacity to increase its production by at least one hundred thousand tons of sugar annually which can turn around the industry. This must be considered among others to find a broadbased national consensus to restore the viability of the Sugar Industry. Serious consideration must also be given to the contributions of the Sugar Industry to the national treasury of foreign currencies over the years. The industry is still a significant foreign currency earner.Many knowledgeable and experienced persons on the Sugar Industry are convinced that the industry can be saved and revived to profitability. This re-
quires determination and the right decisions from the best practices in the cultivation of sugar canes, to producing sugar and its potential for value added products, and other revenue earning ventures flowing from the Sugar Industry. The challenge is for the National Assembly and the Government to find common grounds on the future of this industry taking into account the livelihood of workers and their families, and adjoining communities of sugar estates. The citizens of this nation are looking to the political leaders to find acceptable solutions to the challenges facing the future of the Sugar Industry in the interest of all and the national good. It is not too late to save and revitalise the sugar industry to profitability. Yours sincerely, Joshua Singh
The level of insensitivity demonstrated by political leaders and supporters needs to be checked DEAR EDITOR, Prime Minister Moses Nagamooto is back and was welcomed at the airport by a flag waving entourage of government and party officials, and other well-wishers. According to the government released information he has resumed official duties right away, which is advising us he is in fit and proper health. Instead of Guyanese discussing hearing from the prime minister his appreciation of the support and outpourings received during his period of illness and recuperation, Jerrick Rutherford apparently believes there is soundness in making obtuse arguments of the worthiness of a welcome ceremony.
How this can achieve political capital for the coalition parties and government is anyone’s guess. Reference is being made to his letter “Labelling a welcome ceremony as excess sounds desperate” (KN April 7, 2018) My view on this issue from the beginning has been that there exists a dilapidated healthcare system that cannot deliver optimum services for the society. In the sordid reality there continues to be disparity in care as obvious whenever the political leaders have a health scare, need or concern there can have same attended to in the United States and other societies where those governments invest in their healthcare system.
The politicians and wellconnected remain and ensure that they are in a position to access better services which are often funded by the government/taxpayers. In the prime minister’s case where the Guyana Chronicle (April 1, 2018) reported there will be a “welcome ceremony” for him on his return would have meant additional funding from the taxpayers, who have already funded his overseas health bill. The level of insensitivity that is demonstrated by political leaders and supporters of blind loyalty needs to be checked. It remains unfair to take more fun ding from the masses, who when faced with
similar circumstance, have to lay in a bed at the public hospital, praying to God not to die. Juxtapose this with those who are elected to improve the healthcare system and their chances of quality service and continuity of life accessed not here but in other societies. This is not a healthy picture. Guyana doesn’t have a healthcare system, we have a sick system, and its ugliness is represented in the oceanic disparity in service available to the masses vis a vis the privileged and connected. Seeking to justify by further diversion of asking for proof that there are corrupt ministers and that this (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Lack of infrastructure facilities adversely impacting development of pomeroon river communities DEAR EDITOR, On April 5, it was reported in the State News Media that Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson, who was accompanied by Regional Councillor Juilian Cummings, visited the riverine communities of Friendship and Martindale on the Pomeroon River to address concerns affecting the livelihood and well being of residents, particularly the clogged canals which were adversely affecting ingress and egress to their homesteads. Over the years, these neglected communities have suffered from the lack of basic infrastructures such as
roads, electricity, potable water and sewage disposal. Therefore, the people should not delude themselves into thinking that anything substantial will be done anytime soon to improve their lot from Minister Ferguson’s visit since the Government has no development plan for this considered backwater area. However, it’s worth a try for them to seek assistance from the State as they do not have the financial/technical resources to do much of the “heavy lifting” required to improve their communities nor the political clout to effect the necessary changes. Firstly, the Government should be requested to pro-
vide a dragline/excavator through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to clear the clogged canals of silt and vegetation. This will enable residents to get their produce to market, their children to school and their sick to the hospital in a timely manner. Secondly, the cultivated areas should be empoldered to prevent flooding from excessive rainfall, runoff from adjoining lands and overtopping from the Pomeroon River. Next, the Government should provide low-interest loans for Residents to buy Solar generated electricity for their homes which is cost-effective vis-a-vis diesel-gener-
ated electricity. Loans should also be provided to assist the residents to purchase 400/500 gallons PVC tanks to store rainwater for their domestic use. A pit latrine designed with the help of the local sanitary inspector could take care of waste disposal. If adequate financial resources later become available, the pit latrine could be upgraded to a septic tank installation. Water transportation would be the modus operandi for these communities for the foreseeable future. Therefore the Government should make available duty free Yamaha 25 HP outboard motors for the people to buy as well as provide them with technical assistance to help them design
and build efficient and cost effect boats to meet their needs. Minister Ferguson had informed residents of the Pomeroon Region that drainage and maintenance of canals within their communities were not areas for which regional Governments receive funding to manage on behalf of the Central Government. Further, she claimed that the complaint she was requested to look into did not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) but she would nevertheless engage further with executives of the RDC and other ministers of the Govt when she returned to office. It is inconceivable that Minister Ferguson was oblivi-
ous to the fact that the Central Government has been and is spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars to provide drainage for Georgetown, East Coast Villages, and other coastland areas. Further, the Honourable Minister must have been aware that the MPI has been dabbling with the drainage of Georgetown, East Bank of Demerara villages and elsewhere since 2015. The rainy season is expected to commence in a few weeks time. It is important therefore for the Government to start addressing the needs of a desperate people, thereby alleviating them out of their misery. Yours faithfully, Charles Sohan
Needed - a mechanism to defuse Bartica in need of nursing school ticking time bombs DEAR EDITOR, TCV has been in the forefront of calling for mental health training for all police officers which would not only make them better prepared to handle cases involving mental health issues such as child abuse, domestic violence and suicide, but will also make them more aware of mental health issues affecting their colleagues. This issue was also raised in a recent meeting with the personal assistant to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan. Also TCV recalls being contacted by the GDF, a few years ago, to conduct suicide prevention workshops for members of the GDF. Our follow up attempts to finalize arrangements for the workshops elicited no responses from the source that had made initial contact with us. However, the issue of mental health workshops for the GDF members was also raised with Minister Ramjattan’s Personal Assistant in that recent meeting. In an article in 2016, the US magazine, ‘Psychology Today’ pointed out that “Almost a quarter of (US) military members have symptoms of at least one mental health condition.” In fact, research
indicates that soldiers and police in general are more susceptible to mental health dysfunction than the general population. And Guyana would be no exception to this reality. Thus whether through The Caribbean Voice, or any other entity or combination of entities, all members of the GPF and the GDF should be provided with urgent mental health training on the one hand and enough psychologists (one psychologist, cen-
trally located would be woefully inadequate) to ensure a proactive approach to diagnosing and addressing mental health issues. Referencing Captain Orwain Sandy, one letter writer asked whether there are more ‘ticking time bombs’. The Caribbean Voice urges the establishment of a mechanism, in both the GPF and the GDF, to detect and defuse all such time bombs before further harm results. Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice
Unprecedented plots to kill the President DEAR EDITOR, Several news agencies reported that a trio, including of a pensioner, will soon be charged with threatening to assassinate His Excellency President David Granger. This is the third time, in the span of about a year, that a person or group of persons has reportedly threatened to assassinate the President. W h e t h e r t h o s e p e r s o ns were/are indeed serious is a matter for the Police Force to determine. What is striking to me is somewhat the regularity that persons are seemingly making threats to the
President’s life. It could very well shine a light on his popularity or unpopularity in this case. The fact remains that none of his predecessors, as far as the public knows, has received the level of threat he is receiving. Mr President, if indeed the accusations are true, it may be wise to change gear and adopt a more endearing approach in general governance for a start. Yours sincerely Patricia Persaud
DEAR EDITOR, Over one hundred residents, young people in particular, are calling on the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government for the establishment of a nursing school in Bartica, Region Seven, to support this recently commissioned town and its environs. Parents and nursing students have disclosed the difficulty faced in having to travel outside of Bartica to attend nursing school in other regions and the high cost associated with the rental of apartments, food, transportation and utilities among other obligations. On numerous occasions, members of the government, and even President David Granger himself would have visited Bartica and would have promised to upgrade, improve and develop Bartica following its township status. After numerous requests by residents of Bartica, the Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) makes representation on their behalf to have the govern-
ment develop this facility soon. Under the last administration, BUYDG had made requests for the improvement of the health sector in Bartica. Deficiencies in the system included shortage of medication and absence of an ambulance at Bartica Hospital among other issues. The current government has managed to address some of these matters and the sector itself has seen some expansion which now increases the demand for more nurses to be included in the town’s health sector. Young people who recently completed secondary school in Region Seven and are leaning toward the health profession are loudest in their calls for the nursing school since they know they have to seek the training outside of Bartica at this time. BUYDG, fully supports the residents’ request for the establishment of the nursing school in Bartica. With the expansion of the town, its rise to becoming a green location with high economic and social prospects, the need for
better health care is paramount, a nursing school is just an investment in that direction. The BUYDG will be seeking an engagement with the relevant government agency and we trust that there will be full support for this absolutely necessary facility. Region Seven is well known for its mining contributions to the nation and is seeking this advantage toward improving the health sector in the region. We see great potential with this nursing school and look forward to Government’s support of this project. Yours Faithfully Micah Williams
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Kaieteur News
Separating race from politics DEAR EDITOR, We have made a fateful and depressive decision to align our political system along racial lines. We have seen its destruction unravel us. I have always wondered why we must be in a situation like this and why is it we cannot separate politics and the development of Guyana from who we are as different races. After learning more about our beloved brother Walter Rodney, I understood that race and politics have always been a tool of manipulation to control the people and keep them with just enough to survive but not enough to thrive and have a voice for determination. When the slave masters left our country, our own brothers and sisters who had some position of control wanted to live like the slaves masters so they continued the trend of the British to exploit their own.
As our leaders schemed and propagated the divide and conquer strategy by putting Indians and Blacks against each other, it morphed into an uncontrollable beast that we now accept as normal. But we never took the time to see that upper class blacks exploited other blacks; upper class Indians did the same to their own race. And sadly, all political campaigns in Guyana have always been about racial division. The truth is that there have always been only two choices in Guyana— either the PPP or PNC. If someone chooses to cross the line on the grounds of politics, they would immediately be branded a traitor on either side. In effect we have closed all possibility of hope to have a political system that support objective thinking based on what Guyanese deserves and not a politician or party wants. Rodney was the only
leader that offered a way that was better for Guyana and that is why he was killed. But it is important that we do not forget what Rodney stood for. His dream must live on and grow so that we can find a way forward that gives us a better future I chose to support the PPP in 2015 not because of race but because I believe that they are more efficient and progressive than the PNC. As a mixed race Guyanese coming from an Indian and Amerindian mother and Black and White father, I have embraced my African, Amerindian and Indian roots because at a deeper level there is not much difference between them. We all need the same things; to provide for our families; a better life for them that are not hard as we had it and that our politicians do not forget this simple need as they take control of our tax dollars. Malcolm Watkins
The level of insensitivity ... From page 4 government may be corruption free is attempting to belittle the intelligence of society about the concern for our poor healthcare system and the discrimination in treatment to access. Where corruption exists society can continue to rely on media reports or someone using the media to alert us. Corruption has not been eliminated with the advent of the Coalition in May 2015. There have been some improvements in legal compliance and other systems to tackle it. The yearly Auditor General Report highlighting cor-
rupt practices, including nonimplementation of its recommendations, remains of concern. The global corruption watchdog, Transparency International, has not reported Guyana a corrupt-free society. The yearly trek by the PPP/C government to Babu Jaan and the spending of taxpayers’ money to commemorate this exercise in honour of Dr. Cheddi Jagan has nothing to do with this issue under discussion, unless it’s to say if the PPP/C government abused taxpayers and their resources a copycat approach by the coalition government makes it acceptable. This again is intended to in-
sult our intelligence. It would be remiss to ignore admittance by Rutherford that the coalition government is “raid[ing] the treasury,” though not as bad as the previous government, as though being less bad makes it justifiable. His exact words are herein quoted “….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.” The coalition needs to take note even among the blind loyalists there is recognition of similarity of inappropriate behaviour between them and the previous government. It is hoped that good sense on the part of coalition leadership would inform and guide decision-making. At the same time it is not lost on the masses that the prime minister is still to reach out, via press statement/ conference or other form, in thank you for the outpouring of support and well-wishes. This simple courteous act makes for good politics and public relations. Minette Bacchus
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Lula’s arrest is shameful
DEAR EDITOR, The arrest and sentencing of former President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, is one of the most shameful pages in the recent history of Latin America. It is hard not to conclude that this is a vicious political act to prevent Lula from being a candidate in the Presidential election later this year. Lula has done a great amount of work to lift the vast masses of Brazilian people out of poverty. He has worked hard for the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean. He remains the most popular leader in Brazil and one of the most respected in the region. This jailing of Lula is an attack on democracy in our region. It is endangering all the democratic gains
made by the people of Latin America and the Caribbean; gains that were achieved through struggles in which many lost their lives. I extend solidarity to the peoples of our continent and the Caribbean in general and to the democratic forces in Brazil in particular on the attack on one of our foremost fighters for peace and social progress. I join my voice with the millions throughout the world in calling for the immediate release of President Lula. I call on the government of Guyana to condemn this attack and demand the release of President Lula. Let us work together to stop the persecution of the patriots of our continent. Donald Ramotar Former President
Mr John got it wrong
DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU recognized that Mr Earl John in a letter appearing in the April 06, 2018 Stabroek News responded to some aspects of the contentions our Union raised in its letter that appeared in the April 05, 2018 Stabroek News and Kaieteur News and the April 06, 2018 Guyana Chronicle. Mr John it seems is upset, for whatever reason, for our Union’s consistent defence of the sugar workers who have been treated in a most disdainful manner in recent times. While Mr John contends that our Union is in a “dated box”, we wonder whether the author misspoke, or is conveniently forgetful. Our Union has been in the forefront representing changes to move the sugar industry away from its current configuration to one which is more realistic and viable. Our suggestions on this score have also been shared by many individuals and organisations, including GuySuCo of which he was a senior executive.
It is difficult then to see how we are dated. Nevertheless, we saw from GuySuCo, under its previous leadership, moves to take the Corporation down the same failed path of other crops diversification. It is clear as day to see those who stand in the “dated box” as Mr John puts it. The letter writer then urges the Union to pursue “…appropriate strategies to bring balance back to workers’ lives”. But this is what we are doing, and have been doing, as we represent the reopening of the estates identified for closure by the past GuySuCo leaders, and press that workers’ rights be respected. Separately it is generally known, unless one lives under a rock, we went as far as engaging the Administration and sharing with them our views on what could be done to make workers lives a bit easier. On the question of the health services provided by the sugar industry, we urge the writer to re-read, carefully, our letter, as we never had any claim to
Returning the prisoner Dear Editor Some days, positive news emerges. All is not lost. The mother who promptly returned her son to the police following his escape from custody must be commended. Such actions are setting the right example unlike some others who choose to take matters into their hands. A recent case comes to mind. Shamshun Mohamed
fame that the health services were granted during our presence in the sugar industry. We simply contend that those health services, like so many other things workers enjoy today, came not out of the benevolence of the owner-class but through the re a l i t y o f t h e w o r k e r s struggle, which is clearly inscribed in the history of this country. Mr John then speaks about the implication of providing health services on GuySuCo’s cost of production. The Sugar CoI which the author has referred to on several previous occasions, at page 42, advised that the Corporation’s Health Care costs totaled $300M in 2014. That sum is less than half of what went to the Corporation’s big-boys at the top-echelon, who number just a few, in 2016. We must admit that we agree with Mr John when he said we must move “…onto a pitch that we can practice playing forward as a team”. Whilst our Union always embraced and showed a strong desire to move in that direction it is indeed unfortunate such lofty goals could not have been realized when he was at the helm. Nevertheless, we look forward to moving in this direction, belated as it may be. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
NCN’s 98.1, HJ’s Boom FM among stations to be taken off air “very soon”
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ational Communi cations Network (NCN) 98.1 Hot FM and Hits and Jams Radio 94.1 Boom FM are among those to be taken off air “very soon.” Yesterday, Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers indicated he will not be backpedaling on the sub-committee’s decision to take serious measures against those owing millions of dollars in backed-up fees. However, he decided
against publishing the list of all non-compliant broadcasters who as a result of their errant ways will no longer be allowed to operate. Instead, Sobers provided a list of all compliant radio stations. He said that some broadcasters made efforts on Friday, and yesterday, to either pay off their fees, while others entered into a payment scheme with the Authority. On the other hand, some broadcasters totally ignored the warning featured in this
newspaper just a few days ago. Sobers said that GNBA was grateful that some broadcasters paid off, as it is not the desire of the authority to take stations off air. However, he said, “we have been patient and now it is time for us to take necessary measures.” Sobers said that only the following are being deemed legal broadcasters :Blackman and Sons, Brutal Group Inc, CNS Sharma, Two Brothers Corporation, Multi Cultural
Communication, Kaieteur Radio, I-Radio, Pinnacle Radio, Freedom Radio, Radio Guyana Inc, Little Rock Radio and NTN Radio. The GNBA Chairman said that radio stations that continue to operate while owing are doing so illegally and “in the very near future we will make moves to take them off air. “ Sobers was keen to note, “When I say in the very near future I mean in coming days, not weeks.” Notably absent from the list provided by So-
Georgetown Chamber still to meet Minister over parking meter concerns The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Movement against Parking Meters, (MAPM) have said that they would be taking steps to file their objections to the recently approved parking meter bylaws. During a joint press conference at GCCI headquarters, Waterloo Street, Georgetown, yesterday, representatives of the two bodies sought to further register their concerns regarding the contentious project. Last week the revised parking meter bylaws were approved by a majority vote of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC), after thirteen councillors voted in support of the project. In addition to expressing discontent at the manner in which the project was handled, GCCI and MAPM announced yesterday that
- set to file objections over bylaws steps will be taken to file objections in relation to the metered parking. The GCCI disclosed the objection will be copied and forwarded to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. According to GCCI Executive, Nicholas Deygoo, the Chamber has written to the Minister several times within the past months, requesting an audience with him. He said however that Bulkan is yet to meet with the Chamber. Members of the GCCI Executive are fearful that fewer people will come to the city to shop if the Minister of Communities approves the bylaws and the meters are reactivated. Deygoo noted that there was a decline in the flow of customers at the initial implementation of the project. Meanwhile MAPM‘s
Marcel Gaskin noted the group is not totally against metered parking. “If these things are properly addressed in a proper manner, we would have no objection to parking meter system in the City.” Gaskin stressed that there was no impact assessment, feasibility study or means test to determine people’s ability to pay, only evidence from the brief implementation of metered parking which resulted in a severe slump in business activity. Gaskin also noted that of concern is the award of the contract to Smart City Solutions in alleged breach of municipal and national procurement tender procedures. The revised bylaws must be publicized across the City for at least 14 days before they are sent to Minister of
Communities for approval and thereafter published in the Official Gazette Last year amid widespread public outcry, including weekly street protests by civil society and groups, central government had suspended the parking meter bylaws.The MAPM had led the city-wide protest action against the contract signed between the M&CC with SCS.MAPM had called for the requisite standard of consultation, which it was confident would reveal that the contract entered into by the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown with SCS and the aforesaid bylaws ought to be revoked in their entirety. The Body remained resolute in its call for complete revocation and said it will continue to work until this objective is achieved.
TSC and School Boards on path to promote more teachers Efforts are being made by both the Teaching Service Commission [TSC] and the Ministry of Education’s School Boards Secretariat to fill some crucial positions within the public school system. By way of advertisements the two bodies have signalled that teachers can apply for various existing vacancies. With regards to the TSC, teachers are currently eligible for a number of promotions including heads of Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Practical Instruction Centres Institution. The Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU] just last month had expressed hope that the recently installed Teaching Service Commission [TSC] would fast-track
efforts to ensure that teachers would be granted promotions they are eligible for. A new Commission was appointed in February of this year. According to GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte, “we are happy to see a new Commission in place because since September of last year we hadn’t a Commission.” The lack of a Commission, according to Lyte, would have essentially stalled the promotion process for teachers. Public school teachers were last elevated to senior positions early last year. However, those promotions were for the year 2015. This was due to concerns relating to the promotion process that had caused it to be a matter for the court. In 2015 the union had moved to the court
to have the TSC and the School Boards review their preliminary lists of senior promotions. Because of that court matter, the 2015 promotions were held up and were only fast-tracked last year despite the court’s ruling towards the end of 2016 in favour of the review called for by the GTU. According to Lyte, while the union is anxious to see the Commission get started on new promotions, it is accepting of the fact that it “will have a lot of work to do in order to make that possible.” In the meantime, he said that “our concern is that several teachers within the system have not had a chance to be promoted within the last two years. For almost three years, some teachers have
not benefited from promotions, and so we would like the Commission to bear that in mind...we are not laying any blame, because we recognise this Commission is new and will need to settle in before the work really gets down.” This is especially in light of the fact, Lyte noted, that the Commission has on board four individuals who are new to its work. Sitting at the helm of the Commission as Chairman is Mr. Allan Munroe and Ms. Avril Crawford is the Vice Chairperson, while the other members are new. According to Lyte, the union was optimistic that senior promotions for teachers could take effect from the new (Continued on page 22)
bers were two of the more popular radio stations—98.1, owned by the state and 94.1 owned by Hits and Jams. Kaieteur News understands that those who are yet to pay their fees owe millions of dollars. Last week, Sobers told Kaieteur News that at the beginning of the year, he met with all broadcasters—television and radio. During his meeting with radio broadcasters, Sobers informed them of the Board’s decision to facilitate a payment scheme that they should take advantage of to fulfill their financial obligations. The Board decided to have all broadcasters, individually, pay half of their debt within the first quarter of the year, giving them the rest of the year to pay the balance in monthly installments.But the first quarter elapsed without all broadcasters coming in financial compliance. Sobers indicated that one broadcaster, whom he did not name, cried out that he cannot make the payment. The broadcaster reportedly indicated that he will be filing for bankruptcy. Sobers said, “That will not stop us; we will
GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers still be going after him. We cannot allow him to come and operate here, make money, claim he folded, and go away with all the money he owes us. “ The Board, according to Sobers, had made a decision that something had to be done, and gave the subcommittee, with responsibility for licence fee and legal issues, a mandate to take the necessary appropriate action. The committee had a meeting last week to decide what form of “appropriate action” must be taken. They decided to take errant broadcasters off air. When stations are taken off air, further measures can include the seizing of equipment.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
REO authorizes driver to sign off on region’s fuel purchases, vehicle repairs
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heavy duty vehicle driver was autho rized to sign off on payments for fuel and vehicle repairs across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), which alarmed state auditors. The matter became contentious when it surfaced yesterday during an appearance by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. Morrison disclosed to the bi-partisan committee that he authorized the driver, identified as Frank Wilson, to sign off on fuel purchases and vehicle repairs. The full scope unearthed by auditors indicated that the driver certified and signed off on payments for maintenance works. Wilson, who lives next door to Morrison, was also serving as the requisitioning officer for fuel and spares since October, 2016. Morrison stated that Wilson was authorized to un-
- was promoted on contract without post being advertised
Region Five REO, Ovid Morrison dertake the tasks because he was performing the duties as the region’s transport officer. Morrison told the
PAC that he pe r s o n a l l y signed off on transactions relating to Wilson’s vehicle to safeguard the process.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrell, agreed that he would not have such a system in place. PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali, drilled Morrison about the details surrounding Wilson’s employment. He could not provide details. Unsatisfied about the responses, Ali called for a break to allow Morrison to get the information. Upon resumption, Morrison withdrew a previous statement that he was unaware when Wilson was appointed as the region’s transport officer.Morrison shared that he wrote a letter dated October 2017 to the Department of Public Service, seeking approval for Wilson to fill the post of transportation officer. Although Wilson was
performing the duties of transport officer, in the letter read to the PAC, Morrison stated that there was need to appoint a transport officer to curb the misuse of government vehicles. Morrison stated that he interviewed Wilson, appraised him and been found him to be responsible and knowledgeable to perform the function of transport officer. Wilson’s hiring was subsequently approved by way of a letter dated January 31, 2018. A contract was signed on February 15, 2018, with Wilson. The REO admitted that the process required an internal job posting and admitted that this was not done. PAC member, Juan Edghill inquired how Wilson knew that the position was open if it was not advertised inter-
nally or externally. Morrison stated that it was clear that the skills needed to fill the post were not within the region’s staff structure. “You cannot determine that, because you did not avail yourself of the information that is more widely in the system. The processes are there to ensure efficiency, to ensure accountability, to ensure fairness, to ensure transparency. Part of the reasoning behind putting the posting is to ensure that every single person has equal access and equal opportunity to whatever is available in the organization,” Ali stated. Morrison assured the PAC that all hiring will be done in confirmation with the process.
GNBS now internationally certified Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin hands over the ISO9001:2015 certificate to Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, Director of GNBS
Minister Gaskin with staff of GNBS
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he Guyana National Bureau of Stan dards (GNBS) is now internationally certified, as it has attained its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Certificate. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin yesterday
handed over the certificate to the agency at the Herdmanston Lodge. “I think it is another step in the right direction. It is consistent with the mandate of the bureau; if you are promoting standards and you are assisting in the accrediting of
various bodies, it is only natural that the bureau is accredited as well,” the minister said while commending the agency. Attaining the ISO9001:2015 certificate has always been a goal for the agency for a number of years,
according to Director of the GNBS, Candelle WalcottBostwick, who noted that the bureau has worked consistently towards improving its system internally.“We cannot sell standards or tell persons how standards will benefit them and we are not demon-
strating that. We are indeed using the standards to improve our system so that we can become more efficient.” According to the Director, last year the agency made a commitment to achieve the certificate in one year - this was achieved in January 2018. She commended her staff for their dedication to ensuring all of its Standard Operating Procedures were in keeping with the requirements. “Now that we have received this certification, it is a demonstration that we will provide quality, consistent and reliable services…we will consistently improve our internal system so that we can serve you better.” The ISO 9001 is the inter-
national standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system. Organisations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The GNBS aims to improve the quality of goods and services in Guyana by partnering with Government, consumers, and industry through the process of standardisation. It also aims to promote the National Quality Infrastructure for economic, social development and consumer protection in partnership with key sectors through Standards, Metrology and Conformity Assessment.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
PAGE 09
The pressure is back T
he public are b r a c i n g themselves for difficult times. All indications are that the crisis in the economy will get worse and bring greater pressures on citizens. The reintroduction in Georgetown of parking meters will once again lead to a decline in businesses. Not only will established businesses be affected, but so too will market and pavement vendors.
Parking meters will mean that less people will visit the main commercial districts in the city. Less consumers will mean less sales for businesses and vendors. This will have a ripple effect on employment, since store owners may be forced to lay off workers. It will affect the transportation sector. Less business for buses and taxis. The last time that the parking meters were in force, there was a decline in
sales. The commercial sector s u ff e r e d a d e c l i n e i n business ranging from 3070%. The reintroduction of parking meters can spell doom for the business community, which is already suffering because of the problems in the economy. The Mayor and City Council is presumptions to reintroduce the parking meters, albeit with reduced fees, after there has been such public outrage over the parking meter contract. A
Ramotar gave construction company oil block
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ABI Oil and Gas Inc, whose parent company is NABI Construction, was able to secure an oil block in the Guyana Basin. The company was given the block less than two years after it was set up in October 2010. By June 2012 President Donald Ramotar and Company Secretary/ Director of Nabi Oil and Gas Inc., Rafael S. Nabi, had already signed an agreement similar to other existing contracts. The company was granted a lease for 2,300 square kilometres onshore in the Mahaica-Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara area. This area is considered part of the Guyana Basin which encompasses both onshore
and offshore. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the company's activities are dormant. The Ministry said that during the last quarter of 2013, the company conducted a geochemistry survey and was supposed to be analyzing the data it had gathered, but “the company's activities have been dormant since that time.” The Ministry also released the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that was signed in 2012. That agreement did not include a signing bonus. It features a cost-recovery ceiling of 70 per cent pegged on the price of oil being US$100 and above per barrel and 75 per cent should the price fall
below US$100. The remaining 25 per cent or 30 percent portion of profit oil will be split between the contractor and Government on a 50/50 basis if production remains below 50,000 barrels per day. Should it top that level, the production will be shared on a 55/45 in favour of Government. Royalty is one per cent payable from the Government's share of the profits. The PSA also features a Stability Clause similar to those in the ExxonMobil, CGX and Tullow/EcoAtlantic contract. Nabi's contract also features the cheapest annual licence fee when compared to the other contracts. That company has to pay US$10,000 per year.
Dem boys seh...
Guyanese getting de smell of de cheese but Exxon have de factory
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hen dem boys talk how bad de contract that Guyana sign wid Exxon was, nuff people refuse to listen. Nuff of dem cuss dem boys and seh how dem want tek bread out of people mouth. Dem boys talk bout how Guyana get rob; dem talk bout how Exxon had all de skills to negotiate while Guyana had nobody who could match de oil giant. Then dem boys talk how it strange that while dem criticizing de contract, de Govt was saying nutten and de opposition was saying nutten. De silence mek dem boys believe that both sides tek something that force dem to shut every opening dem got in dem body—dem eye, dem ears, dem two nose hole
dem mouth and of course, yuh know… Every day dem boys talk. Dem see de contract as a lang rope wid a li'l piece of cheese at de end and Guyana was de rat to follow de cheese. When it get de li'l piece of cheese it think it get de world not knowing that at de odda end of de rope was de cheese factory. Now dem boys feel vindicated. A world renown media entity that scrutinize and analyse every major business in de world also criticize de contract. It seh Exxon Mobil Corp. get such a sweetheart deal from Guyana, that de IMF seh Guyana should rewrite dem tax laws. Exxon paying less tax to Guyana than any company wid half that size paying to
Norway, Brazil, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. Dem got some Guyanese business places who paying more tax than Exxon and dem own just a few acres. Dem boys now know through de same report that Exxon was given 11.5 million acres, equivalent to about 2,000 times what de U.S. got in de Gulf of Mexico. Exxon gun pay Guyana 52 percent of positive cash flow over the life of Exxon's initial project, compared with between 63 percent and 72 percent wha it paying for developments in Liberia, Mauritania, Ghana, Senegal and Papua New Guinea. Talk half and do de Maths to wuk out de deal wha Soulja Bai and ee team sign.
legal challenge to the contract has not yet been determined by the Court, but this has not dampened the enthusiasm of the Council in reintroducing parking meters. The Council can get away with this action because those who voted in favour of the reintroduction of parking meters know that come local government elections later this year, the majority of the citizens of Georgetown will vote along political lines, and this guarantees these councilors reelection. The protests over the parking meters are likely to resume. But already some parents are already on the picket line, protesting another issue. A small group of parents are protesting the hike in student fees at a private school. While all parents will feel the pressure from the increases in fees, only six of them took to the picket line to protest the increase. The other parents have not shown any solidarity with those on the picket line. But that is the story of Guyana. Only a handful of people come forward to take a stand. There is some confusion within the media about the increase in fees. The school has explained that it was forced to increase its fees to meet increased costs. This could well be a valid reason
if it is established that school fees have not been increased for years. No one should expect the school to be carrying increased costs, including higher salaries for teachers, without having to raise fees. Fees are the principal source of the school's revenues. If fees have not increased for years, then a significant increase may be justified. Some media houses have pointed out that the increases come after the government would have revoked the value added tax of 14% on education which was imposed in 2017. However, the removal of the VAT does not nullify the need for an increase. The VAT is a tax which has to be remitted to the government. The removal of the VAT does not provide extra revenues to the school. It does not reduce the costs of the school. The increase could also be a function of demand and supply. It could be that more students are applying for the school than it can accommodate, and therefore as with the law of demand and supply, the higher the demand, the higher the price. Costs are increasing. Prices are increasing in the economy. There is no reason to believe that the school is not being affected by these higher costs in the economy. Two weeks ago, the cambios were buying US$1
at G$210 and reselling at G$213. This represents a depreciation of the Guyana dollar and it will result in higher import prices. The parents of that school are no doubt concerned about the size of the increase in fees, but they should try to appreciate that the school is also facing pressures of higher prices and increased demands for higher wages, and have to find a way of meeting these demands. These are tough times. The economy is fizzling. The economy is not healthy. All the major sectors, except for gold, are struggling. The unemployment rate remains high. Five thousand sugar workers are on the breadline. The rural economy is grinding to a halt. The increase in vending is a sign of the pressures facing citizens. People are hustling for a dollar. They are selling whatever they feel they can to bring in a buck. When the fastest growing business is the selling of dog food, you know that the economy is heading for the doghouse. Brace yourself for pressure!
Chinese businessman charged with receiving $8M worth in stolen foodstuff
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Chinese national who is the proprietor of Convenient Supermarket, located on Durban Street, Georgetown, was yesterday charged for receiving $8M worth in stolen foodstuff. Xin Lin, 29 of Lot 3 Durban Street, Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. Lin denied the allegation which alleged that between July 1, 2017 and April 6, 2018 at Durban Street, Georgetown, he received a quantity of food stuff valued $8 M, knowing same to have been feloniously stolen or unlawfully obtained, property of Toucan Distributors. Attorney-at-Law Nekeisha Persaud asked that bail be granted to her client in a reasonable amount. Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore told the court that Lin and Toucan Distributors are business partners. Facts stated that on the day in question police acting on information went to Lin's business place where they conducted a search and found a quantity of stolen foodstuff. Lin was then arrested and taken into custody. The Magistrate after listening to the facts granted bail in the sum of $250,000 to the defendant.
Charged Xin Lin The father of two was instructed to make his next court appearance on April 30 for statements.
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Prisoner on the run after escaping from custody 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. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Babysitting Company name: B-Z-Bee Babysitting Club Inc. Contact: 663-0924/ annalisp.alp@gmail.com, FB: B-Z-Bee Babysitting Club Inc
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Freezers for sale. Call: 671-3004 Cottage house, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room located @ Fourth St Pearl, EBD Tel# 219-5462, 625-3981 Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flatbed, Flatbed with crane & hauler, Foden 6x4 Dump truck. Call: 659-3100
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 2 and 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury to rent long and short term #666-7028/ 691-1432 Room to rent & (2) bedroom fully furnished @ Providence& Diamond. Tel#660-7716 Two Bedroom apartment, bottom flat $40,000 #687-3017 small family Space to rent, display rack, computers and office furniture for sale. Contact: 624-6783
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 (1) 8 apartment buliding located on the E.C.D Tel#6295582 (Selling) Whole chicken $300 per lb (50 lb up) chicken foot $140 per lb, liver & gizzert. Contact: 699-7415, 696-5424/610-6196 2008 Primo car with treadmill, fridge, stove, bed, all Ashley furniture etc $4M Call: 6117223/656-0701
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
VEHICLE FOR SALE Bluebird 2012 model-$2.7M Axio 2010-$2.6M Tida-2010 $2.1M All vehicles unregistered #655-3400 1 Toyota 2 RZ minibus in excellent condition with rim & AC BMM series, Price $1.1M Neg Contact:6530120/646-9417 One Mitsubishi canter, Excellent condition, long base, engine #4D335A2F3513 $2,000,000 neg. Call: 698-8820 1 Toyota Tundra 4WD. Excellent condition $2M Call: 220-6380/618-1395 PROPERTY FOR SALE
CAR RENTAL SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009
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 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
EDUCATION Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379 Computerized accounting, Quickbooks, Peachtree, POS $35,000 Diploma in Computers 9 courses $40,000 MicroGraphics Vreed-enhoop #264-3057
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 EDUCATION Study in Canada/USA 100% Acceptance Registration for September, 2018 MicroGraphics Vreed-en-hoop #264-3057/613-4354
Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818
WANTED Looking to buy a house or empty land, Preferences-EBD Public road. Buyer #1917-6225810/694-3331 Dispatcher, driver & contract cars. Tel# 231-0316/231-0002 One experienced cook wanted. Call: 226-0554/6238654 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 Driver, Cashier, Pastry maker/ cake decorator, curry cook, counter server, Apply H/ written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce St Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Urgently (1) industrial electrician knowledge of motor rewinding will be an asset. Please call: 644-9084/664-9635 One family to work at wildlife farm at Timehri. Housing provided. Please call: 2270373
One 312 Hymac operator, must have mechanical skills, housing provided. Please call: 2-flat 3 bedroom wooden 227-0373 building situated at 154 ‘B’ Shell road, Kitty 2 lots East of Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Kitty Market.670-2653 Live in waitress to work in bar. Property for sale (1) 3 story 18-25 yrs old, must have ID building at 97 Sugarcane street Contact No: 221-2785 S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 687- We buy land in Eccles, Farm, 8445 Herstelling, Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Covent Garden 3 story commercial Call: 611-7223/656-0701 building,120ftX60ft Building TOLET 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Plot B Herstelling, EBD $95 Rooms in Albertown & 1 million neg. Contact: 609- house in Good Hope, 5 3777/697-4557 bedroom, 4 self contained. Tel#225-3234 2 Storey commercial building at Durban & Haley street Top flat, fully furnished two $28M, Price negotiable, bedroom apartment in serious enquiries only. Riumveldt, Georgetown. Call: 227-8529 Contact: 625-8884
A prisoner is on the run after escaping from custody. According to reports, the man escaped from the residence of a prison officer around 16:30 hours on Sunday. He was said be to clear-
VACANCY 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 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 One maid preferably residing on the East Bank. Call: 2278529 Handyman and Counter Staff wanted to work @ The Garage Bar & Grill Tel#223-2800/6091400 One office clerk, must be computer literate. Call: 6144358 Inventory clerk, Tool room clerk, Female cleaner Call: 2332745 LAND FOR SALE 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 Farm, Light, water, road, new air conditioning unit, 4 piece lobby set $3.5M Call: 6117223/656-0701 Parfaite Harmonie (upfront) $1.6M Schoonord $2.6M Uitvlugt (100x50) $2.8M Harmonie high income $2.6M Call: 611-7223/656-0701
Deryck Oudkerk ing the yard of weeds, under the supervision of the prison officer, when he slipped away. Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels told this publication that the escaped prisoner is 23-year-old Deryck Oudkerk from Upper Watooka, Linden. He said that Oudkerk was serving an 18-month sentence for Larceny, when he escaped. The prisoner was working at an officer’s residence at Ann’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara. Samuels said that efforts are being made by the police to recapture him.
TSC and ... From page 7 school year which begins in September. From all indications, both the TSC and the School Boards Secretariat are taking the necessary measures that will allow for the realisation of the GTU’s expectation. Based on an advertisement in the daily newspapers, the Board-governed schools have also invited suitable applicants to apply for a number of senior positions including headmaster, head mistress and heads of departments for secondary schools, technical institutions and the Cyril Potter College of Education.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Traffic backups as work begins on Good Hope Bridge
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uch-needed rehabilitation work on the Good Hope Bridge, East Coast of Demerara, that commenced last week, is currently ongoing. The work yesterday, when school reopened after the Easter holidays, led to headaches to commuters. Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Sherod Parkinson explained to the Department of Public Information that the scope of the work includes demolition of the old Acrow Panel structure and reconstruction of a concrete one. “When we change from the Acrow Panel Bridges to
the free stress concrete bridges, there is no disruption to traffic, no maintenance issues, and everything flows smoothly, we don’t expect to have any problems with the bridge in the near future,” Parkinson explained. A $23.5M contract was awarded to BK International for repairs to the bridge. Parkinson said these upgrades should have been completed last year along with the Annandale and Lusignan bridges, but there were some challenges, particularly in relation to traffic.“We thought it best not to run all three bridges at the same time because of traffic issues with the construction of the other two, but because
they were in an area where there were more access points to leave and enter the railway embankment, the traffic burden wasn’t felt much by the driving public, but because of the location of this bridge, there seems to be a greater impact on traffic,” the Senior Engineer stressed. Parkinson is calling on citizens to be patient as the contractor steps up the pace of work to complete the bridge before its scheduled onemonth duration. He stressed the importance of the repairs to the bridge. “It’s best to have this short discomfort to replace the bridge rather than have it collapse and result in the loss of a life”.
Demolition of the old Good Hope Bridge
Skeldon’s A&E doctors ‘sit-in’ over supplies shortage
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high-level meeting is planned for today following yesterday’s ‘sit-in’ by physicians attached to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of the Skeldon Hospital, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). The ‘sit-in’ didn’t disrupt operations in other parts of the hospital, according to Alex Foster, the point person for the Public Health Ministry in Region Six. According to the ministry in a release yesterday, A&E physicians were upset that critical supplies were unavailable to treat their patients forcing them to take industrial action. Permanent Secretary, Collette Adams and other Ministry officials, according to the statement, are mystified by yesterday’s industrial action by the Skeldon Hospital physicians. Adams said the hospital received supplies from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) last Thursday. She further disclosed that no hospital authority or the doctors complained to the Ministry or the Union about shortage of supplies at the A&E.The ‘sit-in’ by the A&E employees was “not authorised” by the Public Service Union (PSU), bargaining body for the Public Health Ministry employees, said Adams, who had talks with the bargaining body representatives yesterday. Today’s talks involving “all the stakeholders” are expected to pave the way for a return to duty by the striking A&E physicians, Foster said via a telephone interview. The medical supplies are expected at the Skeldon Hospital this morning.
Skeldon Hospital’s A&E doctors are expected to be back at work after a sit-in yesterday.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Syria ‘chemical attack’: Russia U.S. wants U.N. vote on Syria and US in fierce row at UN gas attack inquiry today
(BBC) The US and Russia have traded barbs at a UN Security Council meeting on the alleged chemical attack in Syria. Russian representative Vassily Nebenzia said the incident in Douma was staged and that US military action in response could have “grave repercussions”. US envoy Nikki Haley said Russia - a Syrian military backer - had the “blood of Syrian children” on its hands. Earlier, the UN human rights chief said world powers were treating chemical weapons use with a “collective shrug”. US President Donald Trump pledged later on Monday that the incident would “be met forcefully”, adding that the US had a lot of mili-
tary options and a decision on a response would be taken “tonight” or “shortly”. Calling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a “monster”, Ms Haley said that if the UN Security Council acts or not, “either way, the United States will respond”. “Meetings are ongoing, important decisions are being weighed even as we speak,” she said.Washington has not ruled out military strikes. In April last year, the US fired cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase after a Sarin nerve agent attack on the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun killed more than 80 people. International investigators held the Syrian government responsible.The Syrian-American Medical Society said more than 500 people
were brought to medical centres in Douma, in the Eastern Ghouta region, near the capital Damascus, with symptoms “indicative of exposure to a chemical agent”. It said this included breathing difficulties, bluish skin, mouth foaming, corneal burns and “the emission of chlorine-like odour”. Neither the death toll nor what exactly occurred can be verified as the area is blocked off with access denied. The estimates of how many people died in the suspected chemical attack range from 42 to more than 60 people, but medical groups say numbers could rise as rescue workers gain access to basements where hundreds of families had sought refuge from bombing.
Trump vows quick action on ‘barbaric’ Syria chemical attack WA S H I N G T O N / UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday promised quick, forceful action in response to a “barbaric” suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, appearing to suggest a potential military response. Speaking at a meeting with military leaders and national security advisers, Trump said he would make a decision by Monday night “or very shortly thereafter” on a response, adding that the United States had “a lot of options militarily” on Syria.
“But we can’t let atrocities like we all witnessed ... we can’t let that happen in our world ... especially when we’re able to because of the power of the United States, the power of our country, we’re able to stop it.” The suspected chemical weapons attack late on Saturday killed at least 60 people, with more than 1,000 injured in several sites in Douma, a city near the capital, Damascus, according to a Syrian aid organization. Two days later, the White House was still only able to say that the attack fit the pat-
tern of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s chemical weapon use. Initial U.S. assessments have so far been unable to determine conclusively what materials were used in the attack and could not say with 100 percent certainty that Assad’s government forces were behind it. Asked at a Cabinet meeting earlier on Monday if Russian President Vladimir Putin bore any responsibility for the attack, Trump said: “He may, yeah, he may. And if he does, it’s going to be very tough, very tough.” On Sunday, the U.S. president who had sought warmer relations with Russia criticized Putin by name on Twitter as he castigated Russia and Iran for backing “Animal Assad.” The U.S. envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Washington “will respond” to the attack regardless of whether the U.N. Security Council acts or not.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States plans to call for a U.N. Security Council vote today on a proposal for a new inquiry into responsibility for use of chemical weapons in Syria after reports of a poison gas attack on a rebel-held town, diplomats said. After President Donald Trump warned on Monday that there would be a “big price to pay” for the suspected attack over the weekend, the United States circulated to the 15-member council a revised draft resolution to establish an international inquiry, which it initially suggested on March 1. If the U.S. text, which was seen by Reuters, is put to a vote, diplomats said it would likely be vetoed by Syrian ally Russia. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, France, Britain or the United States to pass. The council met publicly on Monday over the latest suspected chemical weapons attack. In closed-door discussions that followed, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said she planned to put the draft reso-
lution to a vote on Tuesday, said diplomats, who requested anonymity. At the public meeting, Haley said, “The world must see justice done,” adding that the United States would respond to the chemical weapons attack in Syria regardless of whether the Security Council acted or not. “This is basically a diplomatic set-up,” said Richard Gowan, the U.N. expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “Russia will inevitably veto the U.S. resolution criticizing Assad, and Washington will use this to justify military strikes,” he said. “A breakdown at the U.N. will also make it easier for France to justify strikes.” Washington bombed a Syrian government air base last year over a toxic gas attack.A Syria medical relief group said that at least 60 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured at several sites in the attack on Douma on Saturday. Russia and Syria said there was no evidence that a gas attack had taken place.Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the United States, France and
Britain of stoking international tensions by engaging in a “confrontational policy against Russia and Syria.” He told the council, “A broad arsenal of methods is being leveraged - slander, insults, hawkish rhetoric, blackmail, sanctions and threats to use force against a sovereign state. “Russia is being unpardonably threatened. The tone with which this is being done has gone beyond the threshold of what is acceptable, even during the Cold War.” A previous joint inquiry of the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had found the Syrian government used the nerve agent sarin in an April, 2017 attack and has also several times used chlorine as a weapon. It blamed Islamic State militants for mustard gas use. That inquiry ended in November after Russia blocked for the third time in a month attempts by the U.N. Security Council to renew its mandate for another year. Moscow slammed the joint U.N. and OPCW inquiry as flawed.
Trump brands raid on lawyer Michael Cohen’s office ‘disgraceful’ (BBC) US President Donald Trump says the FBI raid on the offices of his personal lawyer was a “disgrace” and an “attack on our country”.“I have this witch hunt constantly going on,” he told White House reporters. Officials in New York seized “privileged communications” between Michael Cohen and his clients, his lawyer said after the raid on Monday. Documents regarding a payment to a porn actress were also seized, US media say.Law enforcement acted on a “referral” from Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating suspected Russian meddling in the 2016 election.Mr Trump criticised the investigation and described Mr Mueller’s team as “the most biased group of people”.Mr Cohen has come under increasing public scrutiny since he admitted to making a $130,000 (£92,000) payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, just days before the 2016 presidential election.Ms Daniels claims she had a sexual encounter with Mr Trump shortly after his wife Melania gave birth to their son and says she was
President Trump (left) called the raid of Mr Cohen’s office “a disgrace” paid to keep quiet about the affair.“Today the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York executed a series of search warrants and seized the privileged communications between my client, Michael Cohen, and his clients,” Mr Cohen’s lawyer Stephen M Ryan said in a statement.“I have been advised by federal prosecutors that the New York action is, in part, a referral by the Office of Special Counsel, Robert Mueller.”Mr Ryan called the raid “completely inappropriate and unnecessary”.“It resulted in
the unnecessary seizure of protected attorney client communications between a lawyer and his clients. These government tactics are also wrong because Mr Cohen has co-operated completely with all government entities, including providing thousands of non-privileged documents to the Congress and sitting for depositions under oath,” the statement said.Mr Trump, who has denied having an affair with Ms Daniels, said he was unaware of Mr Cohen’s payment to her and referred questions to the lawyer.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 10, 2018
National Security Minister calls for tougher action against drug dealers ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – A five-day workshop for border security officers in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) began here yesterday with National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore urging that more action be taken by law enforcement agencies to deal with drug dealers and other criminals. “We have to hurt those bandits and criminals especially those who traffic cocaine and illegal firearm and we have to also understand what is happening today. I am very concerned about the cross-fertilization of crimes. Persons who are actually engaged in cocaine trafficking are the very same ones who are engaged in the transportation of illegal firearm,” Blackmoore told delegates. The Trinidad-based CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) in collaboration with the Dominica Police Force and the Ministry of National Security are hosting the training workshop for the border security officers at the national level. Blackmoore told the ceremony that the Dominica government is committed to ensuring that border security personnel are equipped with the necessary tools of trade “to combat and militate against the illicit activities. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you, the border is a link to a quantum of activities that threatens the national and regional interests. In response therefore, you as agents of our borders must lead a collective effort that will apply multi-directional pres-
National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore sure on those criminals and bandits seeking to conduct illicit activities”. Blackmoore said that the criminals must be made to understand that the collaboration between security agencies has facilitated the “timely exchange of information and intelligence. He urged law enforcement agencies to improve in securing convictions on individuals who bring in illegal items into the country, adding “at the court level we need to do better in securing convictions, it means therefore while it is important for you to properly interrogate people it is also equally important or even more important in the preparation of the case file”. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Richmond Valentine, who said the workshop was timely, noted “it is
imperative that border security officers are equipped with the required knowledge and skills to prevent or detect actions by individuals which have the potential to threaten national security.” He said that the advancement in technology provides for the use of different systems or protocols that will enhance a country’s ability to secure its borders acknowledging that criminals were continuously examining the various security measures in place with the sole intention to manipulate them for personal gain. “There must be continued surveillance and high level of alertness by law enforcement officers so that suspicious persons or activity can be detected very early to allow for timely intervention,” said Valentine.
Apple says all its facilities now powered by clean energy (Reuters) - Apple Inc (AAPL.O) yesterday said it had achieved its goal of powering all of the company’s facilities with renewable energy, a milestone that includes all of its data centers, offices and retail stores in 43 countries. The iPhone maker also said nine suppliers had recently committed to running their operations entirely on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, bringing to 23 the total number to make
such a pledge. Major U.S. corporations such as Apple, Wal-Mart Inc (WMT.N) and Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) have become some of the country’s biggest buyers of renewable forms of energy, driving substantial growth in the wind and solar industries. Alphabet’s Google last year purchased enough renewable energy to cover all of its electricity consumption worldwide. Costs for solar and wind
are plunging thanks to technological advances and increased global production of panels and turbines, enabling companies seeking to green their images to buy clean power at competitive prices. “We’re not spending any more than we would have,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for environment, policy and social initiatives, said in an interview. “We’re seeing the benefits of an increasingly competitive clean energy market.”
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Tuesday April 10, 2018
St. Lucia PM worried at ongoing situation in Venezuela CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The St. Lucia government said, yesterday, it remains ‘extremely concerned’ at the ongoing political and economic situation in Venezuela after Trinidad and Tobago reported that a number of Venezuelans were entering the oil-rich twin-island republic illegally and seeking asylum. “Trinidad, Colombia, the rest of Latin America, have for the past couple of years been feeling the impact. Thousands of people, if not millions of people are migrating from Venezuela and as the situation continues to worsen, this becomes even a greater threat to the region and I am very concerned as to the impact here in St. Lucia,” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told reporters. The Acting Chief Immigration Officer in Trinidad and Tobago, Charmaine GandhiAndrews, last week told a select Joint Committee of Parliament that an estimated 2,000 Venezuelans have applied for asylum there in recent months. The committee was told that in 2015, there were 29 male Venezuelan detainees, but one year later the figure had risen to 125, including 97 females. Last year, there were 45 men and 82 women. She said that on a weekly
Allen Chastanet basis, between 150 and 200 Venezuelans come here by sea, some of them, illegally. Prime Minister Chastanet told reporters that ever since his ruling United Workers Party (UWP) came into office over a year ago, security has remained the major priority for the island particularly as it relates to the ongoing situation in Venezuela. “We are only six hours away by a fast boat from Venezuela, so we’re very vulnerable,” he said, expressing concern also at the “deteriorating” economic and political situation in the South American country. He said that criminals appear to be doing what they
want and people were using Venezuela as a transshipment point for drugs from Colombia into Venezuela and the Caribbean. “We have seen a huge influx of drugs and arms associated with Venezuela,” Chastanet said, adding that the security situation in the hemisphere could be affected if the situation in Venezuela continues ‘unabated.’ Chastanet, who has long been a critic of the situation in Caracas, said that human rights were also being affected and that some were living in denial and pretending it is propaganda to suggest that there is a problem in Venezuela.“People would not just be leaving that country if in fact it was just propaganda. There is a problem, and we are hoping that the government in Venezuela would recognise that there is a problem and part of that problem is when you go against your own rule of law and your own constitution,” Chastanet said. He insisted that Castries was aware of the long standing friendship with Caracas. “Their goodwill to us is not what is in question. “What is in question is what they are currently doing. The impact it is having on their country and the security risk that they are creating for the rest of us,” he added.
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Tuesday April 10, 2018
Caribbean countries named in US report on drugs and money laundering WASHINGTON, CMC – At least four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have been named by the United States as major illicit drug producing countries. In its 2018 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, the State Department noted that the Bahamas, Belize, Haiti and Jamaica were also described as major drugtransit countries. According to Washington, a major illicit drug producing country is one in which 1,000 hectares or more of illicit opium poppy is cultivated or harvested during a year; 1,000 hectares or more of illicit coca is cultivated or harvested during a year; or 5,000 hectares or more of illicit cannabis is cultivated or harvested during a year.
The report notes that Jamaica remains the largest Caribbean supplier of marijuana to the United States and the Caribbean islands. “Although cocaine and synthetic drugs are not produced locally, Jamaica is a transit point for drugs trafficked from South America to North America and other international markets,” the report noted, stating that in 2016, drug production and trafficking were enabled and accompanied by organized crime, domestic and international gang activity, and police and government corruption. “Illicit drugs are also a means of exchange for illegally-trafficked firearms entering the country, exacerbating Jamaica’s security situa-
tion,” the report stated. It said that drugs flow from and through Jamaica by maritime conveyance, air freight, human couriers, and private aircraft. “Marijuana and cocaine are trafficked from and through Jamaica into other Caribbean nations, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Jamaica is a transit point for cocaine moving from Central America to the United States, and some drug trafficking organizations exchange Jamaican marijuana for cocaine.” The report noted that factors that contribute to drug trafficking include the country’s convenient geographic position as a waypoint for illicit drugs traf-
ficked from Latin America include its lengthy, rugged, and difficult-to patrol coastline; a high volume of tourist travel and airline traffic; its status as a major transshipment hub for maritime containerized cargo as well as inadequate educational and employment opportunities for atrisk youth who engage in crime and a struggling economy that encourages marijuana cultivation in rural areas. The report notes that while the government and law enforcement authorities are committed to combating narcotics and illicit trafficking “their efforts were only moderately effective in 2016 because of insufficient resources, corruption, an inefficient criminal justice system,
and the inability of lawmakers to adopt meaningful legislation to combat corruption. “In 2015, legislation to decriminalize the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana for personal use (including religious purposes) went into effect.” The State Department also named Belize as the lone CARICOM country identified as a major source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics. Regarding money laundering, Washington named all the15 member CARICOM countries “whose financial institutions engage in currency transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from international narcotics trafficking”.
But it acknowledged that the “complex nature of money laundering transactions today makes it difficult in many cases to distinguish the proceeds of narcotics trafficking from the proceeds of other serious crime. “Moreover, financial institutions engaging in transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds of other serious crime are vulnerable to narcotics-related money laundering.” Washington said that this year’s list of major money laundering countries “recognizes this relationship by including all countries and other jurisdictions, whose financial institutions engage in transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from all serious crime”.
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Tuesday April 10, 2018
Tuesday April 10, 2018
‘Captain America’ Reed swaps... From page 31 had established his championship credentials with five PGA Tour wins and runnerup finish at the last major the 2017 PGA Championships at Quail Hollow, Reed, who had never had round under 70 at Augusta National, was not rated among the hot favorites when the year’s first major got underway. But after opening the tournament with three straight rounds in the 60s Reed had everyone’s attention. Only is final round 71 kept Reed from writing his name in the Masters record books as the first golfer to post four sub-70 rounds. “You know, just kind of one of those things that you expect that trying to go win your first major that people are going to make runs and it’s not going to be easy,” said
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Reed. “You’re going to have to go out and play a good round of golf and shoot under par.” McIlroy, three shots back and playing in the final pair with Reed, had to get off to a quick start and he did just that, chopping two shots off the deficit in just two holes. Reed sent his opening tee shot deep into the pines and opened his account with a bogey and McIlroy amped up the pressure with a birdie at the second while Reed settled for a par as the American’s advantage narrowed to one stroke. But the rollercoaster ride had only just begun as the third hole saw a two-shot swing back to Reed, who birdied the hole while McIlroy took a bogey to put both men back where they started. While Reed steadied him-
self McIlroy unraveled, taking bogeys at five and eight to drop into a pack that included Spaniard Jon Rahm and Fowler four back of the front-running Reed. McIlroy, who squandered a four-shot lead at Augusta National in 2011 by shooting a final round of 80, was out of the race by the turn and will have to wait another year for his chance to become the first European to complete the career grand slam. “Just wasn’t meant to be,” shrugged the Northern Irishman, after slumping to a final round two-over 74 to finish six shots back of the leader. “At least I put myself in the position. That’s all I wanted to do. “The last four years I’ve had top 10s but I haven’t been close enough to the lead. Today I got myself there.
Tuesday April 10, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A group of friends might want you to go out with them today, Aries, but you probably won't feel up to it. Your financial situation could also require a little belt-tightening now TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you could feel full of energy and eager to get out for some exercise, Taurus, but other responsibilities might threaten to keep you from doing it. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your energy is probably pretty low today, Gemini. You won't feel like socializing, nor will you feel like staying in and reading or watching TV. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Career and financial goals could seem completely stalled, Cancer, and this could have you depressed, frustrated, and in something of a panic. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A colleague could be in a very bad mood, Leo, and therefore not the easiest person in the world to deal with. In fact, today he or she could resist working at all, and you might feel obligated to take up the slack. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Plans to go away on vacation or perhaps a business trip could be put on hold today, Virgo. Events you might have been scheduled to attend could be temporarily postponed.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This isn't a good day to visit the racetrack, Las Vegas, or any store that sells lottery tickets. Stay away from the stock market, too, Libra. Speculation of any kind now could be risky at best and disastrous at worst. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, you're likely to want to retreat into your bedroom and slam the door today. You won't feel like talking or socializing with anyone, not even those closest to you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This might prove to be one of those days in which it's very hard to get anything related to work or communication off the ground, Sagittarius. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might have planned to make a particular purchase today, Capricorn, but a quick check of your financial situation could reveal that it would be better if you waited until your next payday. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A lack of physical and mental energy as well as motivation could have you in a lethargic mood today. You won't feel like doing much of anything. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Usually you enjoy talking with others, Pisces, but today you won't even want to answer the phone. Your physical stamina and mental energy are low
Woods’ rousing comeback aided by humility AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Years of trials and tribulations have given Tiger Woods a new character trait – humility, which could prove a valuable tool in his rousing comeback bid to return to the top of the golf world. Woods did not deliver a storybook chapter at the Masters, finishing one-overpar 289 in a tie for 32nd. But the now mellower 14-times major champion accepts that he is in a process after spinal fusion surgery a year ago. “My swing is slightly off. I was pleased with the way I was able to drive it, but I just could not convert with my irons. I struggled controlling the shape. Can’t control the distance,” he told reporters. After the self-critique, former world number one Woods was asked about the importance of competing at Augusta National for the first time in three years. “I missed the challenges out there. I missed it. I missed playing out here. I missed competing against these guys,” four-times Masters winner Woods said after shooting a final-round 69 that included an eagle at the parfive 15th. Five years removed from his last PGA Tour win and 10 years since his last major championship win, Woods has stirred the golf industry with his return to competition, contending at tournaments and showing glimpses of his once dominant form. Since the 2008 U.S. Open, he has overcome a broken leg, knee operations, a marital break-up, sex addiction treatment, four back surgeries, a video of his prescription drug-induced DUI and stopstart comeback efforts cut short due to back pain before his last-ditch fusion proce-
Highlights on... From page 30 men’s pairs as they fought back from a 5-1 deficit to beat defending champions Paul Foster and Alexander Marshall of Scotland 12-10. The Cook Islands’ Aidan Zittersteijn and Taiki Paniani took bronze with a 17-11 win over Malta’s Shaun Parnis and Brendan Aquilina. 0015 DECATHLON BEGINS AT ATHLETICS TRACK Canada’s Damian Warner began the defence of his decathlon title with a season’s best 10.29 seconds in the 100m.
dure. “Clearly, all the things that he’s been through have at least done a little bit to humble him,” mental game expert Dr. Joe Parent told Reuters in an interview. “Humility was not one of his strong suits early on. Tiger never really admitted that he was struggling with anything.” Parent remarked that was key to moving forward. “If you have a little bit of humility it’s easier for you to accept what your limitations are. Then you can play within yourself and then you can adjust your game to the requirements of the golf course,” said Parent, the author of “Zen Golf”. “The length of time that it’s taken for him to work on his injuries and get to playing on this level, I think he has gained some perspective on how long these things take. “Unlike the earlier Tiger, ‘unless I win, I’m wasting my time’, he’s taking the increments as positive signs. Now he’s saying, ‘Look at the steps
I’ve taken. Look at the progress I’ve made.’” MIRACULOUS RECOVERY Woods calls his recovery a “miracle” and some experts view it in a similar light. Dr. Qusai Hammouri, an orthopaedic surgeon at New York’s Staten Island University Hospital, told Reuters that Woods’ comeback from back fusion surgery was “inspiring and surprising.” “Once you’ve demanded from your body a certain amount of effort that caused that injury... I don’t think we return you to the level that you had before,” he said. “You can rehab and strengthen yourself and we can get you better. But I don’t think you return to your baseline of before. Some decrease in your abilities can be expected.” Woods has noticed limitations but the supremely talented athlete has still managed to construct a swing that allowed him to reach a swing speed of a tour-leading 129 mph.
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Kaieteur News
Sunrisers bowlers prove too much for Royals ESPNcricinfo - In a nutshell The highest successful chase in Hyderabad over the last three seasons has been 147. Without David Warner, their highest run-getter in each of the previous three seasons, it was a brave call from new Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson to field first and his bowlers justified that call in style. Rajasthan Royals huffed and puffed to 125 for 9 and then saw Sunrisers canter home by nine wickets on the same Uppal surface where the ball appeared to be doing all sorts of tricks when they batted. Shikhar Dhawan slammed a half-century, Williamson warmed up with an attractive knock and the home fans returned home a happy lot. In his first game for the new franchise who acquired him for a steal at INR 50 lakhs (US$ 78,000 approx), Australia fast bowler Billy Stanlake used his 6'’7 height to generate zip and awkward bounce to bowl four impressive overs that also fetched him the big scalp of Ben Stokes for 5. Then spin twins Shakib Al Hasan and Rashid Khan applied the brakes in the middle overs, finishing with combined figures of 3 for 46 off eight overs to derail Royals. Barring Sanju Samson’s 42-ball 49, there was little of note from the top order. In reply, Sunrisers completely took the surface out of the equation as Dhawan and Williamson’s 121-run second-wicket stand snuffed out any inkling of hope Royals may have had of salvaging the match. Royals’ top-heavy batting strategy backfires In pushing Rahul Tripathi,
Reprieved on zero, Dhawan slammed a 33-ball half-century as Sunrisers cruised to a nine-wicket win. (BCCI) who enjoyed phenomenal success as an opener in 2017, to No. 5, they may have erred right at the outset. Tripathi’s attacking instincts and the ability to find boundaries at will in the Powerplay - reflected in his Smart Strike Rate of 201.82 made him vital to Rising Pune Supergiant’s plans last season. When he walked in to bat on Monday night, Royals were struggling at 63 for 3 in the ninth over. D’Arcy Short, BBL 201718’s highest run-scorer, ran himself out in the first over. Samson walked in at No. 3 and began with two pleasing back-to-back boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar - first a punch on the up through cover and then a wristy flick to bisect midwicket and midon - but couldn’t quite main-
tain the tempo after the Powerplay that fetched 48. This, even as Ajinkya Rahane struggled at the other end. The Rashid-Shakib unison Where sides often decide to open with spin, Williamson held Rashid back for after the first six. His Smart Economy Rate of 4.89 between overs six and 15 was second-best to Sunrisers’ MVP of 2016, Mustafizur Rahman, whose economy rate was pegged at 4.66. Rashid made the ball talk immediately, beating Stokes twice and conceding just one off his first over. This pressure to hit out resulted in Stokes holing out to long-on in the next over. Shakib then did what he usually does - play the holding job to perfection by varying his lengths and pace cleverly. Since 2015, he averages
Billy Stanlake stood out as much for his stature as his bowling. (BCCI) 38 in the middle overs and rarely strikes in this period. On Tuesday, he picked up the wickets of Tripathi and Samson in the space of four deliveries in the 14th over to leave Royals tottering at 95 for 5. This left Jos Buttler needing to repair some late damage to haul them close to 150. It proved to be a task too steep as Buttler would chop on to Rashid’s slider. That Royals eventually got to 125 was down to Shreyas Gopal’s run-a-ball 18 full of dinks and dabs. Their overseas bowling aside, Siddarth Kaul exhibited Sunrisers’ local fastbowling depth. Preferred over his state team-mate Sandeep Sharma, Kaul impressed to pick 2 for 17 off his four overs to ensure
they didn’t leak runs towards the death. Dhawan makes Rahane pay Dhawan doesn’t figure on top of the Smart Strike Rate list, he goes at 114.57, but he has still managed to remain effective for Sunrisers, because they have had the belligerence of Warner to bank on. On Monday, Wriddhiman Saha was sent up to open, but fell in an attempt to loft over the infield. Dhawan then took over and played Warner’s role to perfection in slamming a 33ball half-century. This came with some luck, however, as he was put down at first slip on 0 in the very first over. Looking to flay a Dhawal Kulkarni lifter outside off, Dhawan found a thick edge that was put down by Rahane on the second attempt.
Dhawan’s first scoring shot five deliveries later also flew over slip. Edgy, he may have been initially but he soon found his rhythm by slamming Kulkarni for a four and an upper cut for six off his next over to set Sunrisers on track. This meant Williamson didn’t need to flex his muscles, and relied on pure timing and hand-eye coordination to pick runs. ] Their half-century stand was raised off just 27 balls. It really was all too easy from there. Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 127 for 1 (Dhawan 77*, Williamson 36*) beat Rajasthan Royals 125 for 9 (Samson 49, Kaul 2-17, Shakib 2-23) by nine wickets
Highlights on day five of the Commonwealth Games GOLD COAST, Australia (Reuters) - Highlights on day four of the Commonwealth Games on Monday (times GMT): 1220 SIMBINE STORMS TO 100M GOLD South African sprinter Akani Simbine romped home to win the men’s 100 metres gold in 10.03 seconds, ahead of compatriot Henricho Bruintjies. Jamaica’s former world champion Yohan Blake started poorly out of the blocks and had to settle for bronze. 1150 AHYE WINS 100M GOLD Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye clocked 11.14 seconds to win the women’s 100 metres gold.
Jamaica’s Christania Williams and Gayon Evans take silver and bronze respectively. 1100 LITI CLAIMS GOLD WITH RECORDBREAKING LIFT New Zealand weightlifter David Liti claims Commonwealth gold in men’s +105kg division with a Games record total of 403kg. Samoa’s Lauititi Lui took the second spot, while Muhammad Nooh Dastgir Butt of Pakistan finished third. 1000 TITMUS WINS WOMEN’S 800M FREESTYLE Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus collected her third medal at the games with victory in he women’s 800m freestyle.
Jessica Ashwood (silver) and Kiah Melverton (bronze) make it another Australian one-two-three finish. 0945 AUSTRALIANS SECURE ONE-TWO-THREE IN 200M BACKSTROKE Australian swimmer Mitch Larkin took his third gold of the Games with a time of one minute, 56.10 seconds in the men’s 200 metres backstroke final, ahead of team mates Bradley Woodward and Josh Beaver. 0800 WILSON MAKES ITFIVE England gymnast Nile Wilson won his fifth medal at Gold Coast after securing top spot in men’s horizontal bar. The 22-year-old earlier won silver in the parallel bars, having already won all-
around and men’s team gold as well as rings silver behind team mate Courtney Tulloch. 0730 ENGLAND’S GEMILI OUT OF 100M FINAL English sprinter Adam Gemili has pulled out of the 100 metres final with a thigh injury. The 24-year-old, who won the silver medal at the Glasgow Games four years ago, ran 10.11 seconds in his semi-final to qualify for Monday’s final. 0630 KINSELLA CLAIMS GYMNASTICS GOLD English gymnast Alice Kinsella won gold in the beam. The 17-year-old, who won bronze in the all-around and silver in the women’s team fi-
nal, finished ahead of Australia’s Georgia-Rose Brown. Kinsella’s team mate Kelly Simm took bronze. 0615 TRANSGENDER WEIGHTLIFTER WITHDRAWS WITH INJURY Transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard withdrew midway suffering an arm injury, having led the standings after the snatch in the 90+kg division. Samoa’s Feagaiga Stowers went on to claim gold. 0230 EUROPEAN CHAMPION GALE SUFFERS SHOCK EXIT Australian boxer Caitlin Parker beat favourite Natasha Gale of England in the women’s 75kg division quarter-finals. 0200 GREENE OUT OF GAMES WITH INJURY
Wales’ former world 400 metres champion Dai Greene has withdrawn from the Games with a hamstring injury. Greene won the European and Commonwealth titles in 2010 and was crowned world champion a year later in Daegu, South Korea. “I am really disappointed to miss out on what would have been my fourth Commonwealth Games,” the 31year-old said. “It’s been an emotional 18 months and this is hard to take at such a late stage.” 0145 WALES PAIR WIN BOWLS GOLD Daniel Salmon and Marc Wyatt clinched Wales’ first bowls gold medal in the (Continued on page 29)
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Bounty Paper Towels Second Division Leagues
Old Fort & Sequel win in Men’s division, Pizza Hut GCC dominate Women’s category
Bingo Spartans midfielder Dominique DeGroot has her show blocked by Pizza Hut GCC. Old Fort men continued their fine form and winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Bounty GCC as the Bounty Paper Towels second division league continued on Sunday at the St. Stanislaus College ground on CARIFESTA Avenue. On the distaff side, favourites Pizza Hut GCC maintained their unbeaten form in the ladies competition with a 6-2 victory over the Bingo Spartans. Bounty GCC men seemed destined for victory as their match against Old Fort got off to a cracking start with a bullet of a shot from Shaquille Leung scoring in the 6th minute. A penalty stroke conversion eight minutes later by Meshach Sargeant saw the Bourda boys head into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Old Fort national Striker Jael Gaskin then came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and evened the
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score within 15 minutes through a pair of goals of his own. With the match deadlocked at 2-2, the brilliance of Old Fort midfielder Omar Hopkinson was once again the deciding factor for his team. Hopkinson produced a skilful individual run to finish with a goal four minutes from full time that secured the 3-2 victory for Old Fort who now sit at the top of the men’s pool. The Sequel were forced to work in the early stages of their match against the feisty Saints U19s. With the Sequel goalkeeper still gearing up on the side-line, crafty Saints midfielder Edmund Chinian snuck in a goal in the opening minute to surprise last year’s winners. The Sequel recaptured control of the game soon after and emerged 3-1 winners with goals from Alan and Philip Fernandes along with Damon Woodroffe. In the female division,
Pizza Hut GCC were all smiles as they faced the Bingo Spartans in their ladies clash. With Pizza Hut taking the lead in the 10th minute through Vanessa Pires, they never seemed threatened. Young striker Sarah Klautky extended her team’s lead by one with a breakaway goal in the 13th minute, while team captain Carina Moller slammed home a quartet of goals to take Pizza Hut’s total to six. Makeda Harding managed a field goal in the 27th minute and Dominique DeGroot converted a penalty stroke ten minutes later to add consolation for Spartans, finish with the final score 6-2. The Old Fort Shooting Stars and Woodpecker Hikers played to a nil-all draw despite several chances by both sides. Matches continue this Saturday and Sunday at the St Stanislaus College ground from 15:00 hrs.
Hikers striker Nicole Eastman on a counterattack against Old Fort.
Queen’s Prize Pairs Finals - Day 1
Braithwaite and Goodluck 7 off the pace, 11th of 16 nations
The Guyanese shooting team Down Under from right, Lennox Braithwaite, Paul Slowe and Ransford Goodluck. The Guyanese duo of Lennox Braithwaite and Ransford Goodluck are 7 points off the pace following day one of action at the Commonwealth Games Fullbore Championships – Queen’s Prize Pairs Finals. Competing at the Belmont Full Bore Range, the pair ended the day with a total of 293 points and 29 Vs, ending the day with the distinction of being the only Caribbean nation to shoot possible on a day when the big guns held the sway. At the 300 yards range, Goodluck shot a possible 50:6, while Braithwaite only dropped a single point 49:5. At 500 yards, it was Braithwaite who shot a possible 50:5, while Goodluck only dropped one point, 49:6. It was at the 600 yards range that the Guyanese lost a combined 5 points, Braithwaite losing three (47:4) and Goodluck, 2 (48:3). It was a good day for the local sharp shooters given the high level of competition
in Australia and they also ended the day as the top Caribbean nation. The Jamaican pair of Denis Nelson and David Rickman is 13th on the grid with 280:12, followed by Barbados’ Richard Arthur and Jason Wood (274:20) in 14th, Trinidad and Tobago’s Michael Perez and Delborn Joseph (268:12) in 15th and Antigua and Barbuda’s Edworth Benjamin and Desroy Maile (266:11) in 16th. Three nations are separated by Vs at the top having dropped a single point, England 299:39, South Africa 299:37 and Australia 299:35. Scotland and Northern Ireland are 4th and 5th on 298:31 and 298:30, respectively. Wales and Jersey are next on 297:34 and 297:23, followed by New Zealand, Canada, Guernsey on 296:34, 295:33 and 294:30. Yesterday, the Pairs Championship was set to be completed with the 900 and 1000 yards shoot. The Individual competition will commence after.
‘Captain America’ Reed swaps cap for Green Jacket AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Patrick Reed fought off furious back-nine challenges from Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler to record a one-shot victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday, trading in his ‘Captain America’ cap for a Green Jacket. The final round began with Reed holding a three-shot advantage over Rory McIlroy, but while the Northern Irishman’s challenge faded Reed had to hold off his hard-charging U.S. Ryder Cup team mates to claim his first major championship. Needing a two-putt par from 26 feet at the 18th to clinch the title, Reed ran his first putt four feet past the hole, took a deep breath and held his nerve rolling a kneeknocker into the cup for a one-under 71 that ended Fowler’s hopes of a playoff. The fiery leader of recent U.S. Ryder and Presidents Cup efforts, Reed displayed plenty of the same brash spirit that earned him the ‘Captain America’ moniker while adding his name to the list of Masters champions. “Today was definitely probably the hardest mentally a round of golf could possibly be,” said Reed, who posted a 15-under 273
total. “It was going to be tough, anytime trying to close off a golf tournament is really tough.” Fowler, who remains without a major title, had put the pressure on with a back nine charge that featured six birdies over his final 11 holes, including one at the last, but his 67 and 14-under total would not be enough. Before Fowler took up the challenge of overhauling Reed, it was Spieth leading the chase with a sizzling eight-under 64 that matched the lowest final round at a Masters to finish two shots back. Sitting nine shots off the pace at the start of the day, Spieth was an after thought as spectators filed into Augusta National but was once again in the Masters spotlight when the Green Jacket was up for grabs. In four Masters appearances, Spieth also has two runner-up finishes and a tie for 11th last year.“With eight people ahead of me starting the day, to get that much help and shoot a fantastic round was nearly impossible,” said Spieth, whose only blemish was bogey at the 18th after his tee shot hit a branch. “But I almost pulled off the impossible.”While Reed (Continued on page 29)
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Tuesday April 10, 2018
Kaieteur News
Bradley Fredericks returned unopposed as UDCA President for fourth year For the fourth year Bradley Fredericks was elected unopposed as President when the Upper Demerara Cricket Association held its Annual General Meeting last Saturday at Hymara Park. Fredericks thanked the clubs for having faith in him and electing him once again to head the Association and pledged to work towards enhancing cricket in the Region. “All the competitions are being played in the other Associations but none in Upper Demerara; we do not get any sponsorship and we have to play tournaments with money from our pockets. However, we are thankful that you stick with us no matter the challenges.” According to Fredericks, the UDCA is being sidelined and no school cricket is being run in Upper Demerara. He noted that the UDCA is
not getting any support or finances from the Guyana Cricket Board although the UDCA is a legal body. “We want the Guyana Cricket Board to understand that we are by law legal and we are the constituted fifth cricket Association.” The President also noted that there is continued lack of sponsorship and there is need for urgent repairs and upgrading of the grounds and there are no cricket gears and balls for the clubs. With all the hiccups the President promised to have a lot of cricket played in 2018 and to seek assistance in upgrading the grounds in the Region. The clubs represented were Royal Champions, Coomacka, West Watooka, Muritaro, Young Achievers, Ituni Warriors, Dora and Malali, Christianburg and
From left, President Bradley Fredericks, Vice President Clayton Van Hersel, Secretary Eutol Wilson, Asst. Secretary Fiona David, PRO Jacquey Bourne and Asst. Treasurer Victor Persaud. Absent is Treasurer Noreen White. Endeavour. The executive body is President – Bradley Fredricks, Vice President – Clayton Van
Hersel, Secretary – Eutol Wilson, Asst. Secretary – Fiona David, Treasurer – Noreen White, Asst. Treasurer – Vic-
tor Persaud and Public Relations Officer – Jacquey Bourne. Chairman Competition Committee – Selwyn Gra-
ham and the Trustees are Jeffrey Gill and Hilton Lyle. The Returning Officer was Ronald Williams. (Jacquey Bourne)
White Tiger Martial Arts Academy hosts second Taekwondo examination White Tiger Martial Arts Academy hosted its second Taekwondo examination on 25 March last at the New Amsterdam Town Hall. Fifteen students participated in this examination scoring between 66 and 79 percent. A graduation ceremony was held on April 4 where students received the certificates, new ID cards and report card. The examination was based on the theory and practical in keeping with the standard of White Tiger Martial Arts Academy. Students Entering the examination at the white belt (10thkup) must obtained 70% minimum to be eligible to skip a level which would put them at yellow belt (8thkup) below 70 and no lower than 60% they obtain yellow tip (9thkup), however entering at yellow tip (9thkup) students must make a 75% to skip a level which would take them to green tip (7thkup) since they are able to skip if you are below yellow belt (8thkup) by testing (examination) and if a task was given NAME Amaru Moseley Andrew Layne Malachi Sinclair Aiden Kirton Justin Grant Jeremiah Fraser Chris Hope Jamaine Caster Marcus Humphrey Adrian Larose Anthony Larose Joshua Hamilton Tyrese Hall Vishon Yearwood Julez Harry
as a bonus at the higher level 8thkup and above. Student who participated in the examination were Amaru Moseley, Andrew Layne, Malachi Sinclair, Aiden Kirton, Justin Grant, Jeremiah Fraser, Chris Hope, Jamaine Caster and Marcus Humphrey for Tiger Warriors, and for Young Tigers and Tigers Adrian Larose, Anthony Larose, Joshua Hamilton, Tyrese Hall, Vishon Yearwood and Julez Harry. Students are placed in different age categories; three to five ( 3-5) tiny tigers, six to nine (6-9) tiger warriors, ten to thirteen (10-13) young tigers, Fourteen to seventeen (14-17) tigers, Eighteen to Twenty-Nine (18-29) adults and Thirty and above (30 & Above) seniors. Though every student passed the exam, recognition award was given to the most discipline, most punctual, most improved and first place for each category.] The most improved for tiger warriors was Amaru Moseley, most ENTER EXAMAT RANK 9thkup (yellow tip) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 9th kup (yellow tip) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 10thKup ( white belt) 10thKup ( white belt) 10thKup ( white belt) 10thKup ( white belt) 10thKup ( white belt) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 9th kup (yellow tip) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 10thKup ( white belt) 10thKup ( white belt)
Grandaunts showcasing their certificates at the ceremony held on April 4. discipline Aiden Kirton, most punctual Jeremiah Fraser and first place Chris Hope, Young tigers and tigers most improved Joshua Hamilton, MARKS 79% 73% 74% 74% 74% 66% 79% 75% 78% 76% 69% 76% 72% 69% 79%
most discipline Anthony Larose, most punctual Adrian Larose and first place Julez Harry.Chief instructor, founder and president of
PROMOTED TO 7thKup ( green tip ) 7thKup ( green tip ) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 7thKup ( green tip ) 8thKup ( yellow belt ) 9th kup (yellow tip) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 8thkup ( yellow belt) 6thKup ( green belt ) 7thKup ( green tip ) 7thKup ( green tip ) 7thKup ( green tip ) 9th kup (yellow tip) 8thkup ( yellow belt)
White Tiger Martial Academy, Master Marcello Small, stated, that apart from martial arts training, children are taught to embrace the spirituality and religion since martial arts does not discriminate against religion but as an instructor he is here to enlighten individuals. Tomorrow the WTMAAwill be holding a public talk on mental illness at the New Amsterdam Town Hall the general public is invited, which will be followed by the Grandmaster Monasingh Memorial Tournament on the 6th of May and a Day of Sport at the Esplanade ground May 20th. Other activities at the Academy are tour, spelling bee, debate and Mathematics competition also their award ceremony where
members of the academy will be awarded for outstanding academic achievement for the term ending July 2018.WTMAA will be celebrating its 1st anniversary on May2nd; a special programme is planned for this celebration. The academy will be expanding to three new locations: Port Mourant, Albion and Rosignol. Interested person can contact Mr. Small on 673-9221 or visit their website www.wtmaagy.com for more information.Gratitude is extended to Banks DIH, A. Ally and Sons, Courts Guyana ltd, J’s Supermarket, Gajadhar Singh Store & The Candy Shop for the contributions to youth development in New Amsterdam.
Tuesday April 10, 2018
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Kaieteur News
2018 GBBFF’s Novice Competition
Persaud (Male), DeSousa (Female) are overall Champs
The winners of the various categories pose off before Persaud (2nd from left) was adjudged the winner. Story and photos by Sean Devers Despite some glitches which contributed to a late start, a good turnout att e n d e d S u n d a y N i g h t ’s Guyana Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (GBBFF) Novice competition at the National Culture Centre. The competition attracted the largest ever female participation and proved very competitive and entertaining. When the dust had settled, Sarwan’s Gym 53’s Sudarshananda Persaud and a superbly toned
crowd favourite, Brazilian Diciula DeSousa from the Space Gym emerged overall winners in the Male and Female categories respectively. Apart from the pose offs there was plenty of entertainment with a Couple’s dance, an entertaining routine from Eydo Orford, while last year’s Novice winner Nolan Smith was the guest poser and informed that he would be participating in this year’s Seniors.The raucous crowd was also involved with a ‘best legs’ for female fans and a push-up competition in 30 seconds for Male fans. Orford won $20,000 for doing
Tariq Dakhil from the Space Gym won the Mr Physique.
52 push-ups before his 30 seconds expired. The popular Shawn Henry, whose voice is usually the loudest in the audience at Bodybuilding events, received a special trophy for being the ‘Best Heckler’ much to the amusement of the crowd, while the humorous Coel Marks performed the role of MC for the night’s event. The competition, which was sponsored by Fitness Express, Trophy Stall, Gandhi’s General Store, Chakra Massage Studio and Coel’s Boutique, commenced with the National Anthem while the Miss Bikini contest was dominated by Brazilians lasses. Vishaw Ramcharran from ‘Life Gym’ won the junior category with Leakram Seawarai of Muscle-mania having to settle for second place. In the Miss Bikini Category, the Brazilian pair of DeSousa and Angelia Barrones from the Space Gym took the top two spots, while Jennifer Gordon of Fitness Paradise finished third. Gordon’s Gym mate, Abigail Adams, was fourth, while Indera Moore from Sarwan’s Gym 53, Littia Daniels and Kristen Odle, both of Fitness Paradise, finished in that order. Over 40 Bodybuilder Allan Savory from the Flex Gym, was the lone contestant in the Masters and also in the Heavyweights and won in both Categories. Persaud was adjudged the best in the Bantamweight category with Piere Wa g n e r ( F l e x ) , Vi s h n u Ramcharran (Life), Leakram Seawarai (Musclemania) and Annad Mangal (Gym
The overall winners S. Persaud and D. DeSousa.
Female winner Diciula DeSousa is flanked by 2nd place Angela Barrones and Jennifer Gordon. 53) finished in that order. In the Welterweight category, the Guyana Defence Force pair of Odwin Yansen, who won and Donston Richmond were the only contestants. Fabion Roza was the lone Athlete in the light Middleweight category, while Tario Dakhil of Space Gym won Mr Physique category with Renaldo Caldeira (Space), Xavier Kiton (Gym 53), Onai Vasconcellous (Life), Nevon Pinketom, Vishnu Ramcharran (Life) and Donald Lindie (Gym 53) finishing in that order. The winners of the different Male Categories competed against each other for the overall crown.
The next GBBFF Competition is scheduled for the Marriott Hotel where
the Senior Bodybuilding Championship will be held on July 15.
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Tuesday April 10, 2018
Kaieteur News
Elizabeth Styles ECD 40-over cricket
Buxton Carl Hooper CC ‘A’ snatch victory from jaws of defeat In brilliant sunshine on a ground surrounded by houses with spectators in them watching what turned out to be a riveting contest in Mahaica, Buxton snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a thrilling three-run win against home team Strathaven last Sunday. Reduced to 35 overs contest due to overnight rain and a moist pitch, Buxton opted to bat and got a steady 46-run start from their openers, but it all went downhill from there. Opener Marvin Cato made (45) but only tail-enders, Kwesi Douglas (19) and Andrea McFarlane (20) made any score of significance as the visitors fell for 156 in 34.3 overs. R. Arjune (3-21), S. Persaud (2-9), G. Hemraj (1-32) and three run outs undermined the Buxtonians.
The hosts in reply fell for 153 with nine balls left in the exciting game which went down to the wire as disciplined bowling from Andrea McFarlane (3-25), Rawle Merrell (2-25) and Clive Andries who represented Guyana in both cricket and Football, had 1-26. When Strathaven slumped to 45-5 from 14 overs, Buxton must have thought they had the match signed, sealed & delivered. However, Z. Salim (48) & D. Hemraj (36) orchestrated one of the better recuperation efforts in a low scoring contest on a tricky surface. With tension mounting, thoughts of the game slipping away was present on the glum faces of the Buxtonians before another unexpected twist occurred when the
breakthrough came through McFarlane with the score on 143. What followed was a sea saw battle and Buxton sensed the opportunity and pounced like a Starved cat, clawing their way back into the contest. Suddenly, from 143-6 it became 150-9 with three needed to win from 12 balls. Members of the Community were now out in their numbers, taking whatever vantage point that was present to see the end of this spectacle and screams of victory was heard coming from the nearby homes for the hosts. However, the party spoiler was David Glenn who had 225 after taking the last wicket with a brilliant yorker and the shocked onlookers couldn’t believe what they had seen.
Ahye makes history with 100m win, Blake stunned GOLD COAST, Australia, CMC – Michelle-Lee Ahye handed Trinidad and Tobago their maiden global women’s athletics gold and their first overall in two decades, when she sped to victory in the 100 metres final at the Commonwealth Games here yesterday. The pre-race favourite was away from the blocks first and led all the way to cross the line in 11.14 seconds, with Jamaican Christania Williams clinching silver in 11.21 and countrywoman Gayon Evans securng bronze in 11.22. However, there was no such glory in the men’s final for hot favourite Yohan Blake who stumbled out of the blocks, failed to significantly recover and could only nick bronze in 10.19 seconds. South African Akani Simbine swept gold in 10.03, dragging teammate Henricho Bruintjies with him for silver in 10.17. The result was a massive disappointment for Jamaican Blake, widely viewed as the heir apparent to recently retired legend Usain Bolt. Significantly, his anticipated victory in yesterday’s final was seen as the first step to his future domination of the
event but that never materialised, leaving many with doubts over the 28-yearold. Running out of lane seven, Blake stumbled briefly over his first few steps before regaining his balance but by then, Jason Rogers of St Kitts and Nevis in lane three had grabbed the early lead with Kemar Hyman of Cayman Islands also showing speed. At 50 metres, Simbine hauled himself into contention before bursting to the lead and though Blake finally found some momentum, it was not enough to see him top the podium. “I was stumbling all the way and I didn’t recover from it. I’ve been feeling good and it was not to happen today,” a frustrated Blake said afterwards. “I’m disappointed because I’ve been feeling good. I didn’t get the start and I was all over the place. I couldn’t recover from it. “I couldn’t catch the field as I wanted to. I was supposed to take this [race] very easily because I was ready and feeling good. It was just never meant to be I guess.” He added: “Maybe I was
too confident and over thought it.” Hyman finished fifth in 10.21 and Rogers sixth in 10.24, as Simbine became the first South African to win a Commonwealth 100m title. Ahye, however, delivered the Caribbean’s big moment, leading a podium sweep for the region in style. Sixth at the 2016 Rio Olympics and at last year’s World Championships in London, Ahye made no mistake this time around. Starting from lane four, Ahye was a clear leader after 30 metres with 20year-old Trinidadian Khalifa St Fort chasing her from lane two. Williams challenged late from lane five and Evans came flying on the outside but Ahye crossed the line first, pumping her fists in elation. “I think my family and country will be very proud. It means a lot to me to represent Trinidad and Tobago,”the 26-year-old beamed afterwards. T&T’s last individual gold medal came at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur when Ato Boldon captured the 100m in a record 9.88 which remains intact.
Regal to the rescue
Saheed Mohamed (centre) and Anthony Khan (2nd from right) receive the covers from staff of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sport; from left; Mario Allicock, Russel Jagbeer and Romesh Boodhoo. (Freelancer photo) Local businesses, Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies and Regal Sport has injected new life into two city cricket clubs with projects that will last for years to come. Through Managing Director, Mahendra Hardyal, the business chain donated three heavy duty covers to the Everest Cricket Club on Friday last and has begun repairs to the perimeter fence at the GNIC Sports Club ground on Saturday. Hardyal, who is a sports enthusiast, said, “It has been too long that we have been going to Everest only to hear matches are called off or delayed because of inadequate covers. So with this donation, I
hope we don’t hear these excuses again.” Each of the three covers measure 33x43 feet and together will comfortably cover the centre square and should minimize seepage once used properly at the club’s Camp road and Carifesta avenue location. However, Hardyal only has one request to go with the donation, “I hope every club member play their part in ensuring that the covers are taken care of properly and that they are used for the intended purpose.” Meanwhile, over on Woolford avenue, members of the GNIC Sports Club joined staff of Regal stores to clear the eastern part of the
Staff of Regal and members of GNIC during the clean up on Saturday on Woolford avenue. (Freelancer photo)
ground including the trench in preparation for the erection of the new fence. Hardyal said, “For too long the fence has been down. We (Regal teams) use the facilities and we want to do so in a safe and comfortable environment also, it’s an eye sore to the area. So we will fix it and hope it’s maintained.” Hardyal, who is the owner of the Regal Masters and Regal All Stars teams, noted that after the fence, the next project will be the installation of floodlights at GNIC. The successful businessman stated that, “Night time sports, including cricket, is the future so we are working towards that.”