Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 12, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Education is a distant dream A question for Rupert Roopnarine of the Guyanese proletariat and the Prime Minister DEAR EDITOR, I am appalled to learn that the tuition fees for University of Guyana students will increase by 35% over the coming three years. This is yet another assault on education. Since the beginning of the Government’s term there has been an unrelenting attacking on education in Guyana. In less than two years, education is now significantly more expensive and harder to access. This goes against the utterances of promotion of education and instead aims at reducing the country’s already limited human capital. This assault has its genesis upon ascent to public office, the initiative which provided cash grants for students across the country were eliminated. Through the elimination of this subsidy, the government has increased the burden on parents and this has possibly forced some students to drop out of school. Unlike the Ministers of Government who earn exorbitant salaries and gave themselves a humungous increase, ten thousand dollars mean a lot for many families in the country. If the government

was aware of this reality, they would understand. After the cash grants were discontinued, the next and most vicious assault to date came in the form of VAT on education .This is the assault that has consumed the news since the petit bourgeoisie was most affected, the middle class generally gets what they want, if the middle class had been as affected by the loss of the cash grants as the lower classes were, the outcome would have been significantly different. However, it’s not just middle class people affected, many families in Guyana make a significant effort in order for their children to receive a better education, as highlighted by a private school operator; some students arrive in BMWs while many others arrive on foot. Then came the latest attack on education; a 35% fee hike on UG’s fees over the coming three years. As it stands, many students already find it difficult to amass the current tuition fee; the 35% increase will surely cripple them. There are many students at UG who are from rural areas in the country.

This has the effect of added burdens on the parents of these students who would have sacrificed meals and basic amenities in a concerted effort just to see their children pursue higher education, how can one justify this unconscionable act? We are faced with a government who is making education access and affordability considerably more expensive at every possible opportunity. This is in a country that is in dire need for education. It should be the reverse with government subsidising the sector more. Fees at the University of Guyana should be used as a tool to rectify the imbalance between social and natural sciences at UG. More than two-thirds of students at UG are in the social sciences, the reverse should hold, the fees should be used to correct this misallocation of human resources rather than to crowd out the poor. We plead with the government to reverse these policies and let education be a human right and not a luxury for the wealthy, or a distance dream of the proletariat. Stephen Kissoon

Pawns and fools in a game of power struggle DEAR EDITOR, I spoke recently about that fact that Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP do not support constitutional reform because of the 23 years they were able to use the 1980 Burnham Constitution to keep Guyana stifled. They are now saying that breaches to the constitution are the reasons for the lack of their support of any reform. That is like someone saying, “I will not leave this broken relationship until my husband or wife stops abusing me.” What the PPP is doing is running down the clock until the next general elections where they believe that they stand a good chance of winning because the Coalition is substantially weakened as the AFC’s Indian voters are pledging to return to the PPP fold, while the other AFC supporters are begging for a 3rd party. If the argument of Mr. Jagdeo is that the constitution is broken and that the Coalition is compounding the brokenness, would it not stand to reason that these are all the more reasons to speed up the reform process? Who does Mr. Jagdeo think he is

fooling? He is stalling. I was a part of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) that was formed in the 80’s. Several of Guyana’s opposition parties were a part of this PCD; including the PPP and the WPA. Dr. Cheddi Jagan was a frequent figure when we met for consultations on ways to bring about free and fair elections in Guyana. One of the most discussed items on our agenda was the reformation of the “Burnham Constitution” because we saw how it divided the country and how it was oppressive. We got President Jimmy Carter to support us and he eventually came to Guyana and convened a process that eventually brought about the change we all longed for. Imagine then my complete frustration that after 23 years of PPP unilateral rule, we still have the most repressive components of the 1980 constitution being used to

retard Guyana’s development and harmony. Recently, the Prime Minister, Mr. Nagamootoo brought in some UN experts to discuss the process to constitutional reform. When the three-man team visited the PPP office, they were told that the PPP will only support the reforms if the Coalition institutes the outstanding Commissions. A few weeks ago the Carter Center sponsored a forum at the UG Turkeyen Campus, to discuss the way forward on constitutional reform. Again, none of the PPP representatives were there. How can you say that you support constitutional reform and yet be placid about any drive that would facilitate it? Dr. Jagan must be turning in his proverbial grave. Jagdeo is appearing to be concerned about the involvement of the British and the UN, as if those entities will do anything to the constitution that Jagdeo Continued on page 6

DEAR EDITOR; On the matter of VAT on education there are two issues here. One is, VAT being paid by the business that provides private education and; two, is VAT being paid by the students who access the service of private education. There exist two clear distinctions, i.e. the provider of the service (business) and the receiver (students) of the service, and these ought not to be conflated or confused in analyses or policy making. Education is a fundamental human right. You cannot charge VAT on services such as education and health which the people access because it is not only inhumane, it is unconscionable and flies in the face of every government’s responsibility to ensure citizens have

access to such services for theirs and the nation’s wellbeing and development. Having taken note of the government’s evolving position, including that of the Minister of Education and Prime Minister, what the society needs to hear from these officials, is where they got the idea of taxing school fees from and which countries are doing likewise. There is no denying the government has to find revenue to run the affairs of State but it has to be sourced from the proper areas, and based on a system that is conscionable and designed to achieve results that would be to the benefit of the people. Placing VAT on school fees is punitive and deprives citizens of accessing a service which its country, in its Constitution, has not only guaranteed as a fundamental

right but also allows the option of choice (private or public). For profit business that provides education will attract taxes consistent with the law under which it is required. The not for profit providers and government can look at ways of ensuring shared social responsibility, such as sponsorship of a public good. Frankly, I don’t think the issue of VAT on school fees, like some other areas, were properly thought out and in that the society has come out against it the government feels cornered. This notwithstanding, given that it is human to err, the government has to be mindful that digging in on a policy (taxing school fees) that lacks the humanity that ought to underpin its responsibility and the benefit to the receiver will hurt it more. Lincoln Lewis

I am appealing to the NIS to correct my pension DEAR EDITOR, My name is Mangree Basdeo and I worked at GuySuCo’s Wales Estate for thirty seven (37) years. I am currently receiving a pension from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) calculated on nine hundred and thirty two (932) contributions that were made to the Scheme through contributions by the employer and myself. I represented to the Scheme, through my Union, that all my contributions were not

reflective in the NIS records. Subsequently, I secured a statement issued June 02, 2016, which advised that I have contributed one thousand, four hundred and fifty three (1,453) contributions. My efforts, so far, to get the Scheme to re-calculate my pension based not on nine hundred and thirty two (932) but on one thousand, four hundred and fifty three (1,453) contributions are in vain. Through your newspaper, I

am kindly seeking the publication of this letter which might persuade the Scheme to provide me with my correct rate-of pension which I need at this time aged 65. I am satisfied that my Union - The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) - has written many letters to the General Manager of the Scheme to have this matter resolved. Thank you. Mangree Basdeo

Time to start thinking of moving the capital DEAR EDITOR, Your editorial “The Time Will Come” (April 6, 2017) argues that because of the consequences of global climate change “the time will come when we will have to move” the capital to the Interior. It then goes on to a rg u e , c o r r e c t l y, t h a t “moving the capital is certainly not an option at this stage of our development. We simply

do not have the money.” But unremarked upon is that in a few years it is likely that Guyana will emerge as a petroleum exporter and when it does, at least a partial relocation will become financially feasible. But more than money will be required if interior settlement is to rescue the country from the rising Atlantic Ocean.

It will take many years of planning to ensure that the move will be implemented successfully. Now is the time to start the process. Jay R. Mandle W. Bradford Wiley Professor of Economics Colgate University

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 12, 2017

NEPOTISM IS A BIG PART There is a shortage of foreign OF APNU+AFC’s POLITICS exchange on the market DEAR EDITOR, APNU+AFC is as obvious as it is obvious that water is wet. From Central Government and the Cabinet to the Public Corporations, Government Agencies, Local Government bodies and the level of individuals in the public service, corruption is metastasizing. One thing is certain, APNU+AFC is driving the frenzied corruption, empowering an architecture that condones widespread corruption. The corruption architecture was established from the start. Joe Harmon, the Minister of the Presidency, publicly articulated a policy that APNU+AFC considers jobs, both paid and unpaid, and other favours extended to APNU+AFC’s political donors and activists as “legitimate” honorific rewards for donors, friends and families. Another APNU+AFC senior spokesman, Raphael Trotman, reinforced this concept by arguing that such donations are political investments. He posited that APNU+AFC considers such political investments legitimate and is obligated to reward donors with government contracts and other favors. While APNU+AFC now sees this as “legitimate”, they had once agreed with the rest of us and the rest of the world that this is opportunism. Nepotism is an egregious component of APNU+AFC’s architecture, where family, friends and political donors are awarded with jobs and other influential positions, such as non-paid advisory status, which can be used to gain prestige and influence for ulterior motives. APNU+AFC provided early signals, through official and unapologetic public pronouncements by Harmon and Trotman, that its posture relating to nepotism is one of friendly accommodation and a political architecture to promote the interests of APNU+AFC. Family, friends, political activists and donors are everywhere to be found in the public service today. There are clearly certain jobs that are always preserved for political appointees. This is true in every country. But when traditional public service positions are politicized and extended to family, friends, political activists and political donors, nepotism replaces the independence of the public service and is against the people, whether they voted for you or not. Nepotism started from the inception from within Cabinet when two Ministers - Nicolette Henry and Annette Ferguson - were awarded scholarships to the UK and America at a cost of about $3.4M each. This is in spite of the pronouncement by the President that he had approved a humongous pay increase for Cabinet because his Cabinet had the most qualified, well-trained and competent people. A Board Member of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Guyana Chronicle, Ms. Tabitha Sarbo Halley, has a $3.4M scholarship in America and the

daughter of Minister Rupert Roopnarine has a UK scholarship worth $2.7M. There are dozens of other training and scholarships given to relatives, friends and donors. None of them competed with other citizens for these scholarships. As these scandalous revelations come to people’s attention, APNU+AFC has announced they have established a scholarship panel to bring transparency and accountability in the awarding of scholarships. The panel is as follows: Mrs. Ingrid Fung, Ms. Donna Chapman, Ms. Elizabeth Alleyne, Ms. Claudette Austin and Mr. Randolph Leitch. There are many people now shaking their heads. A majority of people in Guyana have no confidence that this panel could effectively erase the nepotism that is so evident in APNU+AFC’s scholarship awards. The nepotism train includes a generous dishing out of jobs to family and friends. I am not referring to the appointment of the President’s son-in-law as a Minister or the Prime Minister’s son-in-law as an “honorific” negotiator, liaison officer and salesman for the privatization of the Skeldon Sugar Factory and maybe other national assets. One Minister has his sister, brother-in-law and nephew working with him, none of whom meet the qualification criteria for the jobs they have been given. They are all paid more than many persons with much more senior positions in the public service and benefit from a government vehicle for work and recreation purposes. This travesty, in fact, is widespread and reaches every sector and every ministry and government agency, as regular staff have been terminated or transferred to create room for family members, friends, activists and donors. The tentacles of nepotism snares government contracts for construction and services away from legitimate and qualified contractors. While much national focus has been on the Central Government and national agencies, contracts at the local levels have become a soup of nepotism. The recent complaints from the Mahdia Chambers of Commerce in Region 8 are, unfortunately, the rule rather than the exception. They claim that the $1.63B 2017 Budget allocation is being used to give contracts for works in the region to family, friends and activists of APNU+AFC. They cited examples such as a person sitting on the Tender Board Evaluation Committee to evaluate a tender of a family member, the spouse of a member of the tender board given a dietary contract for the North Pakaraimas schools, a 2016 $100M dietary contract for Kato Secondary School which is still not in operation and an 8’X8' clay block incinerator for $11M. Nepotism is ominous hallmarks of dictatorial regimes. By now, APNU+AFC brazenly tattooed with nepotism as a badge of honor, is deep in the chasm of bad governance with all its sinister consequences. Beware Guyana. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

DEAR EDITOR, The current APNU-AFC regime seems bent on a policy of reversing the economic and social gains made by the previous PPP/C administration. The recent budget has demonstrated that this socalled caring government is really heartless. It has resorted to propaganda and political chicanery. A 3-card trick is done to deceive and all the preelection promises made by coalition have now vanished in thin air. Perhaps the most punishing and heartless was the decision taken by the administration in the last budget to place the Value Added Tax on water and electricity which apart from the burdens faced by the consuming public would also have an indirect impact on the overall cost of living. Water and electricity are two unavoidable inputs in the production of goods and services which will invariably be passed on to consumers by way of higher prices. And as if these were not enough, the regime has now extended the VAT on private schools which understandably has generated protest actions by private education providers and affected parents and students. It is not that the administration inherited an economy that was in bad shape. On the contrary, it inherited a robust and

growing economy which was among the fastest growing in the region. The rate of growth averaged five percent in ten consecutive years prior to 2015 which catapulted the country from low income to middle income status. The debt burden which was in the vicinity of ninety five percent of revenues in 1992 was reduced to a mere five percent. Actually, the fiscal, monetary and other policies of the then PNC regime led to extensive borrowing which was utilized mainly to finance public sector deficits and repayments of debts. External debt service as a percentage of exports was 87.5% in 1990. Debt service payments were US$161.3M in 1991 with interest payments alone eating up some 58% of current expenditure. By contrast, wages and salaries accounted for a mere 6% of total expenditure. The huge debt payments plus extravagance a n d corruption had eroded living standards. More than 60% of the working people existed below the poverty line in 1992. The then Finance Minister Carl Greenidge in July 1991 in Paris said that the average daily cost of food items increased by 39% between January and May alone! And all of that, in the face of rampant inflation which had reached 104.7%, instead of the budgetary

Pawns and fools in... From page 5 and the PPP cannot have altered. It takes two thirds of the Parliament to amend the constitution. Again this is just the stalling game of Jagdeo. Jagdeo knows full well that the PNC has zero appetite for the amendments to anything Burnham. The PNC tried to reform the party by adding “Reform” to its name (PNC-R). Where is that Reform today? Where is even the “R”? Mr. Nagamootoo, an outsider inside the PNC, is playing along with the PPP because he too knows that Jagdeo only wants to get back into power; he cares nothing about any substantial reforming of the constitution. The Burnham Constitution is just fine for a young dictator like himself. So it is the Guyanese people who are being made fools and pawns in this power struggle between these two parties. Until there is an objective, mitigating force in the parliament to formally institute articles for the amendment of the Guyana Constitution, it is not likely to happen. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu

53%. My fear is that unless something dramatic happens to arrest this precipitate decline in the foreign exchange reserves and for that matter the performance of the economy as a whole, there is a real danger of the country reverting back to the days of a sliding exchange rate, rampant inflation and the hoarding of foreign currency not to mention currency flights out of the country. This will further weaken the local currency and result in unchecked inflation and a situation where an increasing supply of money is chasing fewer goods. Put in a different way, the purchasing power of the local currency will decline and the basket of goods and service will get smaller. The Granger administration inherited a good wicket from the previous PPP/C government and it therefore has no one but itself to blame for the current unsatisfactory state in which the economy has now found itself in. The two main sectors of the economy namely rice and sugar are underperforming which is already impacting adversely on the economy. Gold production buoyed by favourable market prices has saved the day but with fluctuating prices for the commodity and high levels of undeclared gold, the prospect of gold mining hangs in the balance. The current administration has clearly embarked on a denial mode by creating the impression that the economy is doing well when the whole of Guyana knows otherwise. As in the pre-1992 period, the structure of the economy is already moving in an unfavourable direction from the productive to the nonproductive sector. Agriculture, once the backbone of the economy and major source of employment and foreign exchange is de-emphasized in favour of the service sectors. A recent attempt by a reporter to obtain a small amount of foreign exchange from the banking system and which was published in that paper exposed the lie that there is no shortage of foreign exchange on the market. The current regime will in a matter of a few months complete two full years in office. The balance sheet is not looking good and if present trends in the economy persists which seems highly likely, the future of Guyanese looks bleak. Hydar Ally

Wednesday April 12, 2017

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Kaieteur News

PPP would be willing to replace Carter-Price formula By Murtland Haley With the Carter-Price formula being used by the Guyana Elections Commission for 25 years in six elections, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, said on Monday that his party would be willing to participate in a change of the Carter-Price electoral formula in the future. Speaking at a press conference in the Office of the Opposition Leader, Jagdeo was asked to respond to an article carried by this newspaper last week suggesting that the CarterPrice formula has outlived its usefulness. According to the former Head of State, the formula is all that Guyana has at the moment but that he would be willing to participate in discussions regarding a change. However, this participation would only be forthcoming from the People’s Progressive Party Civic if the new formula can assure, in a highly politicised environment like Guyana, an independent, impartial and fair elections machine in the country. The recommendation to replace the Carter-Price formula was made in a 2005 report prepared by former Chief Elections Officer of Jamaica, Carl Dundas titled “Final Report on Redrafting and Modernizing the Electoral Laws of Guyana”. The publication was

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Jagdeo said on Monday that he has not read the report, even though he was President at the time and that it was provided to all political parties when published. Despite this, he said that his party has an open mind to anything that will ensure fair action and transparency at GECOM. “The only thing that we want out of GECOM is to have a machinery that is impartial, independent and will conduct free and fair elections; and so we have an open mind to how that evolves in the future but that would require Constitutional change; and you know in this climate, it seems very difficult that we will have those any time before the next

elections.” He said that at the moment, Guyana has a formula in its constitution that governs the machinery and leadership of GECOM, including how it conducts itself. “It is that formula that we are trying to ensure is applied in a manner that is consistent with our constitution, hence the list and the work now on submitting some additional names to the President.” This attention of the publication was drawn to the report after former GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally wrote a letter in Kaieteur News of April 7, 2017 in which he mentioned the work done by Mr Dundas and could not say why the recommendations were never implemented. The Carter-Price formula was created by former United States of America President, Jimmy Carter, and former Prime Minister of Belize, George Price. Based on records, the formula was first used in the 1992 elections and underwent a number of modifications in 1995 in preparation for the 1997 elections. According to the formula, the Commission at GECOM is made up of six political appointees, three from each major political party and one Chairman who is appointed by the President from a list of six names provided by the leader of the Opposition.

The Guyana Elections Commission However, the 2005 study suggested that this system be quashed and an independent Electoral Management Body be established. The report

mentioned a number of countries which had adopted a successful EMB formula, which include Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The report said that the EMB approach in the context of Guyana is to construct a formula that avoids party nominees as commissioners (Continued on page 30)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Fish vendor, family homeless after #43 Village fire Remains of the home.

Eight persons, including a nine-month-old are now homeless after the home they occupied for just over a year was completely burnt to the ground. The family of Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, is now contemplating the next move since the blaze. Achana Rawana aka ‘Shereen’, told reporters that approximately a year ago she, her husband, who is a fisherman, bought the two-storied wooden structure and moved it to the location where it was burnt. “Meh move it by the school street fuh rest am down. About six months now me carry over me wardrobe, bed and everything. After the rain me na bin get fuh do nutten more. Then yesterday me daughter seh leh we move over dem clothes and me seh today we gun move over completely. I never know this morning meh house go ketch fire with all meh ting inside.” The woman who is a fish vendor at the Rose Hall Town Market, related that she is presently staying in a house and was expected to vacate the home within a week. She stated that when the week is up she will have nowhere to go and will have to resort to renting a house to stay in with her husband and children. The devastated mother of five said that she suspects arson since there is no electricity on the property and no-one was at home. Her

husband who is out at sea is not aware of what happened but is expected to return within the next 15 days. According to her, “Meh husband na know nothing cuz me can’t get contact with he till he come back”. She lamented that it took her over ten years to achieve the little she had and with this tragedy she will have to start all over again. All of her children are teenagers with the eldest being 19 and the youngest 14. She also has a nine-month-old grand-daughter who stays with them. The only items she was left with are a refrigerator, a television and a microwave which were not moved over to the house as yet. The building which housed two bedrooms in the upper flat and a kitchen downstairs was bought at a cost of $500,000. The woman stated that nearly $2 Million went up in flames. The fire reportedly started at 2:30 Tuesday morning; the fire service when contacted arrived an hour later. Through her tears, Achana Rawana pleaded for any assistance that may help her to rebuild all that she and her husband worked tirelessly for. Persons desirous of making a contribution may contact her on cell number 689-8662/325-5172 (Shereen). Investigations are ongoing into the origin of the fire.

Achana and her family.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Cops seek help in tracking down driver in fatal hit and run

Publish that! The President of Guyana is correct. The Minister of Communities was only expressing an opinion in his letter to the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle which was critical of the perceived prominence given to a story about oil rather than the swearing in of the Mayor and Deputy Mayors. Not many people will agree of course with the Minister’s judgment on this issue. Developments in Guyana’s oil and gas industry are of far more importance than the swearing in of Mayors and Deputy Mayors. Local government elections have changed nothing in this country. Local democracy is no different today than it was two years ago. The swearing in of the Mayors and Deputy Mayors could hardly be objectively compared to the news about oil. But the Minister is entitled to his opinion. He certainly felt strong enough about the matter to pen a letter to the editor. He is entitled to that right. The media corps in Guyana is very touchy. Reporters have this attitude that somehow they are God’s gift to Guyana. They, generally, do not take criticisms well. The Guyana Press Association overreacted to the Minister’s letter. The press body accused the Minister of trying to dictate media content. That is far from so. The Minister’s letter was innocuous. It was not

intimidating. The letter did not constitute interference in the media The Minister was merely expressing an opinion. The Guyana Chronicle treated it as a letter like any of the other letters written by a citizen. The Guyana Press Association should stop making an issue of a non-issue. The fact that it is a Minister and he was critical of the importance which the newspaper attaches to a story should not be cause of concern. The GPA should not be worried. While it is true that Ministers have hardly, if ever, written letters complaining about the importance attached to stories, it is not as if the Minister was trying to dictate anything. He was complaining about the prominence that was given to one new item in relation to the other. The Minister has expressed an opinion and was in no way attempting to instruct the media. The Guyana Press Association should be more concerned with the structures which are being erected by government to manage the news. These developments have implications for the future of journalism in Guyana. Journalists pursue news. They do not wait on press and news releases. The government is establishing a massive press bureaucracy and is packaging news and sending this out to the various media houses that are

DEM BOYS SEH...

Guyanese want live like Yankee but… Everybody does know how Guyanese in authority does behave like pigs. If a policeman stop somebody he better watch how he talking to dem. If he talk too strong or if he only grab dem is because he is a bully and a brutal fella. Of course when that happen nobody but Soulja Bai gun get de blame because anything bad that happen now a days is Soulja Bai cause it. People does only talk. Dem don’t act. But when it happen in de States is alright because Guyanese does tek anything that happen to dem in de States. If dem walking and de police stop dem fuh nutten is alright. Dem wouldn’t seh one word. All dem gun seh is how dem deh in de people country and is like when you go to a person house you got to tek wha dem give you. But when dem deh in Guyana dem does even tell people how to behave in de people own house. A man buy he plane ticket in de States and go pun a plane. De plane was full suh de airline drag de man off. Dem buss up he mouth. Up to now people talking bout de dragging and dem mekking de airline pay. In one day dem drag US$750 million of dem money from United Airlines because that is de plane that cause all de confusion. By de time de people done dem boys believe that de airline gun deh dragging itself pun de road like a car. Dem boys seh that dem want people to know that people got power. Imagine Guyanese people got to pay through dem nose fuh food stuff when de price should be lower and dem ain’t saying nutten. Taxi charging dem a ton of money and dem tekking it. All dem can do is cuss de government like if is de government cause it. Dem boys seh if people want to live like Yankee dem got to know to behave like Yankee. Talk half and act, don’t talk.

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Kaieteur News

only too willing, and some may say lazy enough, to accept these releases and to republish them as news items. The executive arm of the state has established a number of media units which are competing for personnel with both the state and private media. The government has been able to lure away persons from both the state and private media because of the high salaries that the government is paying these persons. This is unhealthy competition. The Guyana Press Association should be concerned about the size of the media bureaucracy within the government, a development that will haemorrhage personnel from the stateowned and private media. The government can afford to pay top salaries, including high salaries to relatively inexperienced persons. The government does not have to rely on circulation and advertisement. It can simply pay its media staff salaries from the amount voted to the various ministries. The Guyana Press Association may not want to dictate the employment policies of some of these media units within the government but they should at least request that there be greater transparency in employment practices since hand-picked persons affects the professionalism of the profession especially when political considerations are involved. A major concern right now is the fact that a great many media houses that are concerned with ensuring the independence of the media are the very ones who have become dependent on press releases and new releases from government press agencies. They are simply regurgitating news releases out by the government. The opposition is also in the same line of work. They are sending out releases. But they are also holding weekly press conferences in which the government is being lambasted. The massive PR and media bureaucracy of the government is ineffective. The government is taking a hammering. It has a massive communication and media network which is absorbing millions of taxpayers’ dollars each week but yet has been unable to effectively counter the arguments being made by the opposition. And that is a fact, not an opinion.

Commander of ‘C’ Division Marlon Chapman is seeking the public’s help to identify the driver who fled the scene after hitting down and killing 23-year-old Corneille Grimmond on Sunday night. Stating that “a life had been lost,” Chapman said that he is seeking assistance from “anyone with information that can lead to an arrest.” He said that what has made the investigation difficult is that no one has reported seeing the driver, and police found nothing at the scene that would allow them to identify the vehicle. Grimmond, of Lot 6 Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara, was found almost lifeless with multiple injuries, consistent with that of a

Corneille Grimmond motor vehicular accident, on the Happy Acres Public Road about 23:00hrs on Sunday. A driver has told police that he was proceeding

east along the northern side of the road, when he observed Grimmond lying on the roadside “panting for breath.” With assistance from two of his passengers, and ranks from a Professional Guard Service vehicle, the driver rushed Grimmond to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Hospital’s Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigators have retrieved several pieces of a broken vehicle mirror at the scene. The victim was found about 70 feet from the debris. Police have also obtained statements from several individuals.

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...

Magistrates Fabayo Azore and Ann McLennan and the price of life Magistrate Fabayo Azore sentenced a maintenance worker to four years’ imprisonment for conviction on a death by dangerous charge. The same magistrate dismissed the case against another driver with the identical charge after he killed a dance instructor. This is after the family accepted $5 million in compensation. Now here is the interesting part about the second driver. He was also charged for the following; driving without being the holder of a driver’s licence; driving without a third party insurance and driving a

motor vehicle without the consent of the owner. For more details on this stark contrast in sentencing see the Kaieteur News of March 18, 2017. I acknowledge the letter published in this newspaper by Mr. Morris Springer generated my interest in this case. The information I got from the Kaieteur News was that the charges were dismissed because of the compensation. Is that possible legally? I can remember there were reports in the press that it doesn’t matter if compensation is offered in these situations; the formal trial should still go through. In certain criminal

cases it is definitely possible that an accused can walk if money is accepted by the victim. But not in traffic cases. John slapped Mary in front of a bartender and waitress. John is charged. Those are the three witnesses. John pays off Mary. Mary tells the bartender and the waitress she isn’t going to testify and if summoned she will not turn up in court. Mary asked the other two not to testify. Even if the police subpoena them, who says they will be reliable witnesses? John’s smart lawyer will get him off. The situation is totally different in death by dangerous driving. If George kills a child on the road while coming back from the airport alone, where are his friends to testify that he did not drive dangerously? From the police measurement, the prosecution may have a strong case. If his mother agrees to accept money, she cannot help the driver because she is not a witness.

If compensation does not affect the course of prosecution why did the magistrate dismiss the charge? As stated above, my information was based on the reporting by this newspaper. If under the law, despite compensation the case has to go on then did the magistrate err? I spoke to police prosecutor Bharrat Mangru to get an angle on the law. I thought a prosecutor was preferable to a lawyer; after all, they prosecute. Mr. Mangru declined to speak about the provisions of the law. I told him I just wanted to know what the law says and that I was not seeking a comment. He referred me to the DPP. Prosecutor Steven Telford offered to give a professional opinion on the provisions of the law. He said that despite compensation the DPP can still proceed. So there you have it. So why didn’t the prosecutor proceed with the trial of the driver who killed the dancing instructor? Did the DPP agree to discontinue

thus leaving the magistrate to dismiss? Let’s move on to a sad case and Magistrate Ann McLennan. The magistrate, as reported in this newspaper, fined a pastor $100, 000 for death by dangerous driving. The victim, Lennox Allicock was riding on a motorcycle with his daughter when he was killed. The prosecution’s case was that the godly fellow, failed to halt at the stop sign at Quamina Street when it meets Camp Street. Allicock had the right of way on Camp Street. Ms. McLennan ordered the pastor to pay the child $500, 000 for injuries suffered. My opinion is that it is outrageous to fine someone $100, 000 for death by dangerous driving. A life was lost because a man who preaches the word of God refused to obey a stop sign. If you run a red light or go through a stop sign with a vehicle you will kill pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. You must pay a heavy penalty for being so

Frederick Kissoon uncivilized. Conviction for death by dangerous driving must carry a mandatory jail sentence, not smoking a marijuana cigarette. We should end on the theme of money talks. Let’s conclude with logical deduction. If the maintenance man who got four years had five million dollars to offer, then he would have walked. It means therefore that money talks. I cannot see it any other way. I don’t know to drive, I have no license, I sneak out the yard with my father’s car, I drive dangerously, I kill a person, my dad pays the relatives compensation and bingo, I am free. What a rotten country.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Tender Board cancels opening of bids for Sheriff St./Mandela Ave. expansion During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), tenders were open for the design of a new sanitary landfill at Bartica. A financial proposal was submitted by ESP. Services Incorporated in association with Caribbean Engineering and Management Company Incorporated. The bid price was announced at USD$175,902 + $10.7M. Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) is the procuring entity for Consultancy Services for the Design of the New D’Edward Village sluice, West Coast Berbice. SRKN’gineering is the sole bidder for this project with a bid price of $13.9M. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is the procuring entity for the supply and installation of one 6.0 kW Hybrid Solar system.

Finally, under the Public Infrastructure Ministry, tenders were open for the milling of asphalt concrete at Canal Number One and Two Polder, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara).

South Caribbean Distributors was the sole bidder with a proposed sum of $10M for the delivery; installation and testing of spray booths for the Government and the Leonora Technical Institutes. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Education. Bids were also submitted for the supply, delivery and installation of testing equipment for the Leonora Technical Institute.

Bids were submitted for the execution of Geotechnical surveys from Columbia to Reliance, Essequibo Coast Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam). The procuring entity is the Ministry of Agriculture.

Tenders were submitted for the procurement of vehicles for the Education Ministry. This contact was divided into four lots. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is the procuring entity for two contracts. The procurement of vehicles:

Bids were submitted for the supply, delivery and installation of masonry equipment for the New Amsterdam Technical Institute.

The procurement of musical instruments:

The Office of the Prime Minister was listed as the procuring entity for specialised equipment for the Bartica Radio, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). No bids were submitted for this project. The Prime Minister’s Office was also listed as the procuring entity for specialised equipment for the Mahdia Radio Station, Region Eight (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo). Telecommunications Systems Development was the sole bidder for this project with a bid price of $ 3.3M. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is the procuring entity for the rehabilitation of office space for the authority at the second floor of the Guyana Post Office (GPO) building.

Southland Caribbean Distributors with a bid price of $2.4M was the sole bidder for the supply, delivery and installation of solar panels for the National Library. Finally, tenders were open for the supply, delivery, installation and testing for Secondary Competency Certificate Programmes (SCCP) equipment.

Expressions of Interest (EoI) were submitted for the rental of office Building, Ministry of Legal Affairs.

The GRA was also listed as the procuring entity for the construction of a guard hut and chain-link fence at the entity’s Railway Embankment parking lot.

Tenders were also submitted for the supply and delivery of four reconditioned vehicles for the Supreme Court of Justice

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure was listed as the procuring entity for several projects including the procurement of 14,000 meters of geo grid. Ming’s Products and Services is the sole bidder for this project with a bid price of $25.3M. Tenders were also scheduled to be opened for the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Enhancement Project (Lots Six to Seven) however, the opening was cancelled. The submission date was extended to May 2 of this year.

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo admits PPP’s interference in press freedom but says APNU+AFC overdoing it By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has admitted that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), while in Government, was guilty of interfering with press freedom. However, the Opposition Leader is of the opinion that the Coalition government is taking it to another level. Jagdeo is urging President David Granger to retreat from this “dangerous” path. Recently, President Granger said there is nothing wrong with a government minister writing to suggest where articles should be placed in the state newspaper. Jagdeo said that Granger’s comments were made after Minister of

Communities Ronald Bulkan came under fire for penning a letter to the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle. In that letter, Bulkan condemned the newspaper for not giving enough prominence to the article on the swearing-in of mayors and deputy mayors. Bulkan had expressed concern that the article on mayors was relegated to page eight. President Granger said that he does not view it as interference in the work of the media, but as the Minister giving his opinion on the matter, just as every citizen has a right to do. He also said the Guyana Press Association’s (GPA) condemnation of the Minister’s action is not justifiable.

However, Jagdeo—who led a government that was guilty of similar transgressions—said that Granger is totally out of place and is guilty of reneging on promises to allow press freedom. Jagdeo said that it is unfortunate that Granger does not see the wrong in Bulkan’s actions. He said that while the President announced that his Ministers can direct where the articles are to be placed, he “skillfully” avoided saying if they are also free to direct the Editors on content. “Because the GPA spoke about the minister who insisted that articles about himself and PNC must be sent to him before publishing.”

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan Jagdeo said that this goes to the heart of editorial independence of the Chronicle. “They have to

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

President David Granger

send their articles to be cleared elsewhere that means the content is determined by the executive.” The Opposition Leader referred to the directive from the PM that all headlines must be cleared with his office. In 2016, the Prime Minister was criticized by the US State Department over his 2015 attempt to suppress freedom of the press, particularly in the state media. This is what Jagdeo referred to. Nagamootoo had reprimanded a reporter attached to Chronicle over an article which he thought was unfavourable to the government. The offending article was published on August 25, 2015 under the headline “Govt. blunders on Budget Estimates … violates laws assented to by President Granger”. Following that contentious front page headline, the Office of the Prime Minister had declared that it would be vetting all headlines before their publication. Jagdeo added that Imran Khan who is the Director of Public Information and an executive of the AFC, is also the Chairman of Chronicle Board. “When we were in Office the last two chairpersons were not members of our party. Imran Khan is a leading member of the executive of the AFC.” Jagdeo said that the Director of GINA is another card holding member of the AFC executive. The Director of GINA under the PPP was “at that time” not a card holding member of the PPP. “So this is even more political than when the Peoples Progressive Party was in office,” said Jagdeo. He went further to say that it is not only more political but smacks of AFC cronyism. “These are the same sort of things that they campaigned and claimed that they detested,” said Jagdeo. President Granger has

long maintained that his government would not meddle in the affairs of the media but Jagdeo said that this is just dry talk. The GPA most recently condemned the continued role of Khan, as Chairman of the Board of Chronicle. GPA said that this sends an unmistakable signal of the executive government controlling the work of the Chronicle. The President of the GPA is a former editor of the Chronicle under this present administration. A letter from the Association said, “A senior government Minister continues to dictate coverage of his office to the Editor- inChief and often has stories sent for his approval once it has to do with his office or the PNC, the main party in the governing coalition.” In addition, GPA said that it is aware that the weekly meeting of the Prime Minister with senior executives of the state media continues to be used as a tool to dictate editorial content and to silence or trivialize opposition views. “These actions run counter and, in fact, are in direct opposition to President David Granger’s repeated assertions that his Government will allow state newspaper, TV and radio to function as independent entities.” The association said that it is calling on President David Granger to ensure that Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and the rest of his Cabinet understand his stated policy on the state media, and to urge them to let their actions be guided accordingly. GPA will be transmitting its statement to the association of Caribbean Media Workers, international press freedom body Reporters Without Borders, and other international bodies as part of a dossier of instances of the deteriorating state media climate in Guyana.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Money laundering investigations…

Rasul’s transactions reveal he struck a rich gold vein at Gold Board A mining company under scrutiny for questionable transactions with the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) sometimes visited the offices as many as seven times a day. Those multiple visits should have raised immediate suspicions because they indicated that R. Mining Inc. was supposedly washing down at its mining operations several times a day. However, the reality is much different. It is logistically impossible to produce that much gold from the operations of R Mining and have it brought before closing time to Bartica and to the Brickdam office of GGB, insiders say. Yet, R Mining managed the amounts over a three-month periodSeptember to November, 2016 without any attention raised. There is no other company that can do that much gold daily except for the two large scale ones. R Mining is related to embattled licensed gold dealer, Saddiqui ‘Bobby’ Rasul, who was last week slapped with several charges relating to an alleged $950M fraud at the Bartica branch of the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI). He is on $3M bail. At least three banks have closed his accounts and he and his companies are now under investigations by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for suspected money laundering activities and for a determination whether there was any collusion at GGB with regards to his transactions. The Ministry of Natural Resources has also reportedly mandated the new board of directors of the GGB to investigate. According to details of transactions seen by Kaieteur News of Rasul’s activities, he conducted his business with GGB using at least two companies- R Mining Inc. and SSS Minerals Trading Enterprises. The latter is licensed to buy gold from miners and sell to the gold board. However, the bulk of the gold sold came through R Mining, a company that was supposed to be engaged in mining activities. Using R Mining, Rasul benefitted from not paying, over those three months under review, almost $100M in taxes. It is believed that declarations by R Mining were deliberately structured

GOLD DEALER: Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul so as to avoid the mandatory two percent taxes that normal, small miners have to pay. Mining companies are not obliged to pay the two percent upfront when they are declaring. Officials are convinced that the anomalies or red flags were there in plain sight and should have been picked up by watchful officials of the GGB and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Officials at that location are quite familiar with what to look for when it comes to suspicious transactions. During the period, Rasul’s companies sold GGB some 31,790 ounces, collecting over $7.67B in payments. R Mining alone conducted the bulk of the transactions, amounting to $4.7B. It was not unusual for Rasul’s employees to turn up at GGB’s office, conducting between five and six transactions daily for R. Mining, GGB insiders say. The visits were reportedly made at the Brickdam office of GGB as well as at the Bartica branch, Region Seven. Rasul was reportedly arrested more than a week ago after cheques he deposited at the Bartica branch of GBTI bounced. By then, he had collected more than $950M. His staffers and others reportedly cashed the cheques. GBTI, facing such a major fraud, reported the matter to the police and Rasul was arrested and later charged. The female bank manager who allegedly facilitated the transactions has also been detained and could face charges once investigations against her are completed by police. Rasul’s activities are not only under scrutiny here, but reportedly by the US authorities.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Berbice Hire Car Association protests ban on used tyres

Dr. Veersammy Ramayya More than 80 Hire Car operators attached to the Berbice Hire Car Association, on Tuesday braved the rain and stood in solidarity against the decision taken by government to ban the importation of used tires in Guyana. The ban officially took effect on April 1, 2017. The drivers also protested the monthly selfemployed contribution of $8,600 to NIS; a tax they only learnt of on Monday when they were stopped by officers carrying out a campaign at Whim. One driver, 61-year-old Yadram Latchmanarine stressed that government needs to reverse the ban or

come to a compromise that will benefit both the country and its residents. He said, “I driving for a whole year now and it ain’t easy to buy tyre. This ban thing is putting pressure on the people and especially them drivers who can’t afford to buy brand new tyre. We is poor people. Where we finding money fuh buy new tyre from.” The irate drivers explained that the list of disadvantages of having used tyres is still not enough to impose a ban. Another driver noted that transportation cost will be increased if government is unable to find a solution. “Is nah tyre does cause accident. Speeding and drunk driving does cause accident. Me can’t find $30,000 every time I need new tyre. Me nah even mek that kinda money every month. They just pressuring poor people. If we raise the fare, everybody gone cry and say it too high and still people will suffer”. Former Regional Executive Officer, Dr. Veersammy Ramayya, also joined the protest line in support of the cause. In an invited comment, Ramayya stated that government needs to find a

Hire car drivers yesterday. solution to prevent further escalation. Ramayya noted that the price of new tyres is still too expensive although government claims to have reduced the taxes. “The quality of tyres I have seen is poor and the price is over $30,000 just for one. How can you expect poor people to facilitate such expenses?” Veersammy further stressed that the NIS contribution is “inconsiderate”, noting that hire car operators make an average of $3,000 daily. “How do you expect these people to pay $8,300 every month with all the

expenses they have. And plus you want them to buy brand new tyres. These people have bank loans and they have to take care of their family. How you think they will do that if you take out NIS and $30,000 for a tyre?” Drivers lamented that the NIS contribution was imposed without no consultation and called on government to review the imposed taxes. During the 2016 National Budget Presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan highlighted government’s plan to impose a ban on the importation of used tyres in keeping with their vision to promote a green economy. Although the move was applauded by some, others expressed concern citing the cost of new tyres despite plans to lower the importation taxes attached.

A hire car driver displays a document he received from NIS officers.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Opposition denies role in foreign currency shortage Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has denied allegations to the effect that the shortage of United States dollars on the local market and consequent depreciation of the Guyana dollar was orchestrated by him and his Party to destabilize the government. Jagdeo said that if that is the case, then it is to be understood that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) also colluded with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to undermine the government. “So did we tell the IDB to write that report too? Did we tell them to write that foreign remittances are down? Did we tell them to write that foreign direct investment is down? Did we tell them to write that proceeds are down from rice, bauxite and sugar?” Jagdeo urged, “Look at the balance of payments number in (Minister of Finance Winston) Jordan’s Budget. If the supply to the market is down and the demand is still there then you are going to have depreciation of the currency.” Jagdeo also noted that the

IMF did a study where it found that the lack of coordination between the banks in setting a rate of exchange was another factor that led to the current situation, “The IMF did not state the PPP…This is the reality of the situation but the PPP gets blame for everything.” Jagdeo also said that the government is to be blamed for its incompetence and its “harsh” measures. Jagdeo said that “this thing about going into people’s bank account, blocking them at the airport, these SARU raids will not do good. It will make people want to hold more foreign currency.” The Opposition Leader said that there is a “thriving black market for currency exchange now.” A few weeks back, the US to Guyana dollar exchange reached a record high. The exchange was $230 to US$1. Through interventions by the Bank of Guyana, the rate is now $215 to US$1in banks and cambios but Jagdeo said that the black market is making huge profits and the government is, as a result, losing revenue.

Alleged Parika wife killer remanded

MURDERED: Dhanwantie Ram

MURDER ACCUSED: Ganesh Dhanraj

Two days after he was shot during a police arrest, 30year-old Ganesh Dhanraj was yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of his wife, Dhanwantie Ram, whom he allegedly strangled in her one-bedroom Parika, East Bank Essequibo home. Dhanraj was arraigned in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool, who ordered him to return to court on June 5. According to reports, Ram, a 29-old housewife was on her way to the Parika Police Station to make a police report against her reputed husband when he dragged her into their home and strangled her during an argument on April 5.

Ram’s body was discovered by her father and sister in a sitting position on a chair in the living room of her home with a mat thrown over her. A postmortem gave the cause of death as compression of the neck due to strangulation. It was reported that after Dhanraj killed his wife he plunged into the Essequibo River and escaped from police. However, police apprehended the alleged killer on Sunday after he was found hiding out in an unoccupied house. The alleged killer was shot to the right arm by a police rank after he plunged into a trench located a short distance from his wife’s home.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

Petroleum Commission Bill to be passed by August The Petroleum Commission Bill 2017 is expected to be passed into law by the National Assembly before the annual recess begins in August. This is according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. According to a statement released by the Ministry, yesterday, the Bill which is the legal architecture for the Petroleum Commission of

Guyana, is set to be taken to a Special Select Committee after tabling in the National Assembly tomorrow. The government entity said that the Bill has been the subject of consultation for a number of months. It will be laid in the House by the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. The Bill is expected to undergo further scrutiny and refining during a period in the

...after scrutiny in Special Select Committee Special Select Committee despite already undergoing a number of changes following talks with stakeholders. Based on a copy of the draft legislation, the Bill has 51 clauses and will essentially create the Commission which will have responsibility for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the policies,

laws and agreements for petroleum operations. Besides this, the Commission will also have responsibility for ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental standards and to ensure local content and local participation in all of the activities. Further, the Commission will have an

advisory role to the subject Minister regarding matters related to the operation of the industry. It will be managed by a Board of Directors that will comprise experts in various fields as well as representatives of civil society and the parliamentary opposition. On the issue of research, the Ministry said that the Commission will also ensure that it accesses the necessary research into the industry so as to not be reliant purely on data that the petroleum operators provide. During consultations last month, stakeholders from the industry and civil society raised concerns and queries on the establishment of the board, powers of the minister and remuneration of staff. Minister Trotman had said during those discussions that the appointment of the board will be inclusive. “The board shall consist of a Chairperson, appointed by the Minister, the Director of Petroleum and not more than seven other persons who shall comprise representatives of the parliamentary opposition and civil society.� Minister Trotman

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman explained that the Commission also draws from similar commissions established in Africa and Trinidad and Tobago. The Petroleum Commission will be a semi-autonomous organisation like the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). Oil was discovered by ExxonMobil, a US exploration company, offshore Guyana in 2015. It has been confirmed that the find was commercial and that full production will commence by 2020. Guyana is currently introducing new legislation and systems in place, along with training technical staffers in preparation.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Amerindians being misled by PPP over lands CoI Ministerial Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams, on Monday registered his concerns over the apparent condemnation of the President-ordered Lands Commission of Inquiry (CoI) by several Region One (Barima/Waini) residents. Williams said that his source of concern is that Amerindians are being misled by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). On Sunday, a release was disseminated to several media houses which stated that 800 Amerindians from more than 13 villages unanimously passed a motion at the Mabaruma Sub-Region District Conference of the PPP/C, reportedly joining with several organisations condemning the establishment of the CoI which aims “to examine all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling, the individual, joint and communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans and any other matters relative to land titling would be for public welfare”. According to the release, the delegates and observers

at the conference viewed the establishment of this COI as an “expression of gross disrespect to the Amerindian People of Guyana and indeed, Indigenous people everywhere.” “They view this initiative as a vulgar and divisive device to distort our history, deny Amerindians their rightful place as the first people of this land and to deprive them of their ancestral legal entitlements to traditional lands recognized long before independence and which successive PPP Governments committed billions of dollars towards

ensuring that land titles were issued to the Amerindians for these lands.” The release stated. Further, the release stated that the Commission was established without any consultations. “The delegates and observers unanimously resolved not to recognize this Commission and are calling upon the President and the Government of Guyana, to rescind it immediately. “ A m e r i n d i a n entitlements to traditional land must not be and cannot be confused with the rights of any other ethnic groups. They are separate issues and must remain so.” Williams told Kaieteur News yesterday that the CoI was ordered by President, David Granger, and the Ministry is not in a position to pronounce on works of the commission. Williams said that the Ministry would have been provided with the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the CoI and from that, the Ministry sees nothing that speaks to the depriving of lands. He noted also that the Ministry has representation on the Commission in the

The first phase of actually crafting the draft of a National Energy Policy has been completed. The second phase of the project, which entails the document being opened for public scrutiny and feedback, has commenced. The draft document is intended to update the 1994 National Energy Policy of Guyana. It not only addresses the growing concerns related to the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, but goes further to highlight the implications of global warming. Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, had said that even though Guyana has tremendous alternative power potential, it is still heavily dependent on fossil fuel for its energy needs. This is especially necessary, given Government’s concerns that the current regime of low oil prices might not be sustainable. The policy also supports Guyana’s ‘Go-Green’ efforts. “Oil products have negative impacts on local and global air quality, coastal ecosystems, drinking water, and the country’s commitment to international climate change initiatives.

There are further concerns about the negative impacts of oil spills on the coastal and marine environment,” the ‘rationale’ of the draft document read. It was explained that from 1994 to now, there have been several initiatives and studies that were aimed at putting Guyana on a path of diversifying its energy supply. The most significant of these plans include the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the Guyana Power Generation Expansion Study, an Assessment of Fiscal and Regulatory Barriers to Deployment of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies in Guyana, 2014, and the National Development Strategy, 2001 to 2010. According to the draft document, the Government’s energy objectives are aimed at the six major economic subsectors. These are Residential, Agriculture, Transport, Mining, Industry and Commerce and Tourism. It further specified the overall objectives for energy demand and end use as being to, “decrease energy use through energy conservation and efficiency per unit of the Gross Domestic Product; increase the demand for clean

and sustainable energy from renewable energy resources; increase the likelihood that consumer energy consuming behaviour and decisions will be in keeping with the principles of the Green Development Strategy.” It was highlighted in the document, that “the current supply of energy to Guyana comprises imported petroleum products (80% of primary energy), two electric grids that generate power from fossil fuels to supply the main population areas, a number of isolated mini-grids, and biomass in the form of sugar cane bagasse and fire wood (collectively 19% of primary energy), that are used for heat and electricity.” It was explained that the two grids are the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) and Linden. “There are vast resources of hydro that are not currently utilized. There are significant resources of solar, wind, and other biomass. There is also the potential for participation in cross border electric grids, and the development of large scale hydro power resources under the Brazilian- led Arco Norte project that connects the State of Roraima in northern Brazil to the three Guianas and the Caribbean Sea.”

- Ministerial Advisor

Ministerial Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams

Draft Energy Policy enters second phase

person of David James, the Legal Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and another representative. Williams said that he is confident that the Commission will – when it feels necessary— pronounce or make the relevant ‘clarifications’ as it relates to purpose of the Commission;

and what it hopes to achieve. He added that the ‘misinformation’ being peddled is an attempt being made by the General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, to get ‘political mileage’. “We express sympathy…Sympathy because our brothers and sisters were misled. By being misled, they came to a conclusion resulting in that statement. But they have not

faulted. The person, whom they consider to be honourable, faulted. This is sensitive issue…There needs to be constructive engagements. The Ministry rejects out of hand the misinformation, “ Williams said. The Ministerial Advisor said that the Ministry has embarked on a programme which will, amongst other things, bring clarity to the issue.

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Males between 25-45yrs to work as operator @ Ice Factory in Rosignol. Call: 6183800 between 8am-5pm. SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

TOURS Rodeo, Lethem Rodeo, Brazil, Falls and sightseeing, April 13- 17th. Call: 665-5171, 639-2663, 2237589,658-3758,673-2348

Live in domestic must know to cook Indian dishes 25-40yrs, live in or live out waitress 18-25yrs from E.C.D – Call: 698-7172 Land to buy La Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen or anywhere. Call: 666-2326 1 Handyman to work @ the Kalyan Mall & Shopping Plaza, 162-163 Lamaha Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Call: 227-6681/655-9187/6273390/647-0933 1 Experienced general domestic to work in G/town, must know to cook Indian dishes. Call: 656-6388 Experienced curry cooks, puri cook, waiters & cleaners. Apply Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street, Day Shift Only.

MASSAGE Angels Massaging Spa. Come relax and be pampered. Call: 694-9775

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FORAIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

2 Bedroom Executive furnished Apartment in residential Area, close to Ogle Airport with all modern amenities.Call:622-5725/6641070 Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business.Call: 2267012 Well maintained self contained 2 bedroom apartments @ William Street, Campbellville -$45,000. Call: 226-6787

FULL TIME WAITER/ WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTURANT, SHERIFF STREET, EXPERIENCEDPREFERRED. CALL: 219-0161/219-0158 Customer Service Representative. Call: 645-0110 Plumber/ Mason for septic tank repairs. Call: 223-6147 or 669- 7064

VACANCY

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500

House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land 91X50, house 40X28, 3 rooms, 1 self-contained$23M. Call: 718-213-6496/ 617-7691

WANTED Maid required for domestic work and cooking. Call: 6588669. Driver for water truck, preferably on the E.B.D- Call/ Whatsapp: 682-1048 Workers needed for interior. Call: 674-1767 One female shop assistant to work in the Interior, age 2345. Contact: 668-6421 One nail technician at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road Ruimzeight. Call: 269-1524/ 656-3561

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician –Call: 231-0655 Room attendant, male security age 30-55, 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Experienced carpenters – apply in person to Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling Stabroek.

LAND FOR SALE nd

Diamond Scheme ( 2 Avenue), Eccles Scheme (middle) negotiable. Call: 6097766/225-8427 (must be sold)

General Domestic to work 3 days per week, wash & clean. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda.

Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938

Looking for experienced all round IT specialist. Send CV t o jobs@expresstruckingcorp.com or call 227-6025.

La Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M, $1.4M, $1.6M, Tuschen Phase II $1.3M, $2M, Uitvlugt -$2M, Herstelling -$3.5M .Call: 6046724

Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks. Call: 6144358

La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.6M, $1.8M, Tuschen Phase II - $1.3M, Uitvlugt $2M, V/Hoop -$27M. Call: 666-2326 Farm (East Bank) $3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Uitvlugt -$2.6M, Providence -$5M, Bartica - $3M. Call:2333006; 658-5897; 651-1969

TO LET 4 AC Rooms/2 large hall with 1 extra room, suitable for business/ offices @ 21 Seaforth St. Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 226-4877, 624-7436, 654-9350 Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 227-1218

EDUCATIONAL French Classes: 276B Peter Rose Street, Monday-Friday open from 1-5pm, www.alliancefrancaiseguyana. com. Tel: 226-1882

Experienced Cashier, Apply at Hacks Halaal Restaurant, with written application, 5 Commerce Street.

CAR RENTAL

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Two general workers to work shift system. Call: 218-1400

We are buying land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt, Melanie (East Coast). Call: 233-3006/ 658-5897/651-1969

CAR RENTAL

FOR RENT

PROPERTY FOR SALE

2 & 3 Bedrooms, fully furnished luxury apartments, long and short term rental. Call: 665-3505/ 655-6270

Classes for slow learners in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, and much more for children all ages. Call: 675-4379 Kids Easter Computer Classes (2 weeks program) $4,000, Diploma in computers, Computerize Accounting @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 WANTED One cashier, Attractive salary. Phone 696-9386. Or send application by WhatsApp and SMS

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Pork knocker Dawchan Nagasar is acting General Secretary of FITUG remanded for murder …over stabbing of drinking partner

MURDER ACCUSED: Stanislaus Clement A 24-year-old pork knocker has been remanded to prison for stabbing his drinking partner to death with a broken bottle. Stanislaus Clement, of Surama Village, Lethem, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, yesterday, in the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts and was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Particulars of the charge against him alleged that on April 5, at 111 Miles Mahdia Landing, Potaro R i v e r, h e m u r d e r e d Reginald Charles also known as ‘Short Man.’ According to the police, 30-year-old Charles, a miner, and the accused were consuming alcohol at a shop when an argument broke out. A scuffle ensued during which Clement broke a bottle and stabbed Charles to the neck and chest. Charles managed to run to the Mahdia Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical attention. Clement reportedly confessed to the crime. The unrepresented murder accused will make another court appearance today before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for assignment.

At the NAACIE Delegates Conference in 2014. NAACIE’s Dawchan Nagasar (left); Muriel D’Aguiar; the then Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul; Honorary Member of NAACIE, Ashton Chase; and the late former General Secretary of FITUG, Kenneth Joseph. Dawchan Nagasar has been appointed General Secretary acting of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). The federation said that it is pleased to have Nagasar, who has replaced deceased Kenneth Joseph, taking up the high-level position. The union said that it has no doubt that he will continue the positive work of his predecessor to

advance the cause and struggle of the working-people of Guyana. Nagasar, who is also the acting General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), has long been associated with that Union in which he has served at several levels.

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Husband stabs man to abdomen for taunting his wife …court hears A man is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after he was stabbed to the abdomen by another man who accused him of taunting his wife. Yesterday, Leeland Marco appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was accused of wounding Terrence Lindo with intent to commit murder on April 8, at 111 Miles, Mahdia. The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Police Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that Lindo was consuming alcohol at a place when Marco and his wife walked past. The prosecutor related

REMANDED: Leeland Marco that as the man and his wife were walking, Lindo began “troubling” the woman and her husband got annoyed,

whipped out a knife from his pants pocket and stabbed the victim. However, Attorney Madan Kissoon who represented the accused told the court that his client pushed Lindo into a nearby drain that was under construction. According to the attorney, the victim fell and landed on some steel rods that were being used in the construction process. Prosecutor Telford indicated that the case file is still incomplete because detectives have been unable to take a statement from the victim who is unable to speak. Marco will return to court today before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Cop testifies to finding blood in car …as PI into murder of hospital dispatcher continues Police Sergeant, Rawle Nedd, continued testifying yesterday when the preliminary inquiry into the murder of Melissa Skeete, a former dispatcher at the Georgetown Public Hospital, continued before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Alan Sim, of Lot 86 Paradise, East Coast Demerara, is currently on remand for the woman’s murder which occurred on November 23, 2015 at Carmichael Street, Georgetown. It was reported that Skeete, formerly of Lot 94 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was stabbed multiple times about her body by Alan Sim with whom she once shared a relationship . According to reports, the woman left work on the day in question, in Sim’s car, PRR 6841. It was reported that after the stabbing Sim kicked the injured woman out of his car

on Carmichael Street, Georgetown in broad daylight. Skeete was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by a man who saw her lying on the road in a pool of blood in the vicinity of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. She succumbed while receiving treatment. Yesterday, Sergeant Nedd who is attached to the Crime Lab at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters (CID), Eve Leary gave testimony in relation to an examination he conducted on a motor car and finding what appeared to be blood. Thereafter, the police witness was cross examined by Latchmie Rahamat, attorney for the murder accused and then reexamined by Police Prosecutor Stephen Telford. This preliminary inquiry will continue on April 25.

Also scheduled to appear in court on this same day is Alan Sim Jr., the son of Alan Sim. The murder accused’s son is accused of being an accessory to the crime. It is alleged that between November 23 and November 25, 2015 at Georgetown Alan Sim Jr., received, comforted, maintained and relieved his father after he murdered Skeete. Alan Sim Jr. has been released on bail. Police Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Stephen Telford, had told the court that after Alan Sim murdered the woman he contacted his son to clean blood stains from a motorcar. He said that the man’s son subsequently collected the vehicle from Diamond, East Bank Demerara and took it to an East Coast Demerara wash bay, where he removed the blood stains and number plates.

Cops retrieved bullets, spent shells... (From page 3) combustible substance to set his client’s arm alight during the interrogation. To which Ross replied, “No sir I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Hughes further suggested to the witness that he instituted charges against Wayne after it became known that he made certain allega-

tions against members of the Guyana Police Force in relation to another murder. The witness also denied the allegation. The policeman’s testimony was followed by the evidence led by Sharon Pryce. Pryce told the court that she is the owner of the Burgundy 212 car, which Doris used as a taxi during the year 2014.

Pryce revealed to the court that the car had only been bought a few months before Doris began utilising it as a taxi. Pryce is among eight witnesses to testify in the trial to be called by State Prosecutors, Shawnette Austin, Mandel Moore and Tamieka Clarke. A Voir Dire has since commenced into the matter.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kerosene bottle found at the scene of Kildonan fire - son’s alibi does not match The fire that claimed the life of 82-year-old Rudolph Ross on Sunday is turning out to be a possible case of arson. Investigators in Berbice who detained the son of the dead man are piecing together the circumstances surrounding the fire. According to a reliable source a kerosene container was found at the scene of the aftermath. This is believed to have been used to set the twostorey concrete building

alight. According to Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, the son of the dead man has been giving investigators various alibis. According to him, “It’s just not adding up but we are working on it.” Reports have also surfaced that the man in custody is a former member of the Guyana Police Force. He also not long ago remigrated to Guyana and was staying with his father at the Kildonan home. According to information received recently the father

What remains of the building.

Dead: Rudolph Ross and son had an argument the day prior to the fire. The argument reportedly stemmed from the son wanting the property to be transferred to his name but his father was not in agreement. Rudolph Ross lost his life after he was trapped in the fire that engulfed his property at Lot 14 Kildonan Village, Corentyne Berbice. The fire reportedly began in the kitchen of the home at approximately 4:30 hrs. Residents who gathered to help fight the blaze and save the pensioner were unsuccessful. A Post Mortem Examination conducted on the badly burnt body revealed that he died of suffocation due to smoke inhalation. Investigations continue as the son remains in custody.

2017 NGSA commences today Pupils across the country will from today commence the 2017 sitting of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The scheduled assessment will be conducted today [Wednesday April 12] and tomorrow [Thursday April 13]. The assessment is designed to determine where pupils are likely to undertake their secondary education. The Ministry of Education had been utilising social media and text messaging services to issue reminders that were intended to help pupils prepare for the assessment. In an advisory issued by text messaging service, the Ministry urged that “children should read each question carefully before attempting it. Look out for words such as NOT, EXCEPT or NEVER,” the Ministry urged in its message. Grade Six pupils were required to sit three mock examinations earlier this year in preparation for the NGSA. Pupils are usually tested in the subject areas of Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies at the NGSA. Mathematics has been one of

the areas that the pupils have, over the years, been showing severe signs of weakness. This had, moreover, prompted a Governmental order for measures to be engaged by the Education Ministry to address poor performances in Mathematics. Chief Education Officer [ag], Mr. Marcel Hutson, during an interview with this publication, revealed that the Ministry had introduced measures that were directing keen focus on helping pupils to apply problem-solving skills. ”I think that over the years, when we look back at the statistics, when we would have done the analysis, we would have seen that they experienced difficulties in problem solving or higher order thinking and I believe the kind of approach that we are seeing now are those approaches to address these difficulties. The measures that we have implemented are geared to get our children to become solution oriented with regards to the problems they would have seen,” Hutson explained during an earlier interview with this publication. He added, “We don’t want our children to give up and

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say this is too difficult a problem for me to solve, but by having the exposure and the experience I think that over time our children will become better and better.” As part of the measures to address the performances in Mathematics, aimed at improving the NGSA performances, were the hiring of monitors and coordinators. This as p e c t h a s b e e n deemed difficult, according to Hutson who also noted that “these persons are tasked with focusing specifically on Maths in the school system.” Hutson is confident that the efforts plugged into preparing the pupils will translate to improved Mathematics performances at this year’s NGSA. Pupils will participate in English and Science Papers One and Two today and Mathematics and Social Studies Papers One and Two tomorrow. Based on an advisory issued by the Education Ministry Minister, Rupert Roopnaraine will today visit pupils of Plaisance and Bel Air Primary Schools ahead of the start of the assessment.

White House accuses Russia of deflecting blame on Syria attack (Reuters) The United States accused Russia yesterday of trying to shield Syria’s leader from blame for a deadly poison gas attack last week, as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson brought a Western message to Moscow condemning its support for Syrian President Bashar alAssad. Senior White House officials, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said Assad’s government carried out the April 4 sarin nerve gas attack on civilians in Syria’s Idlib province, killing 87 people including many children, to put pressure on rebels who were making advances in the area. Russia has defended Assad, a staunch ally, against U.S. allegations that his forces carried out the attack, saying there is no such evidence. Russia has blamed Syrian rebels. “Russia is on an island when it comes to its support of Syria or its lack of, frankly, acknowledgment of what happened. The facts are on our side,” White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters. But at the same briefing Spicer drew criticism after he sought to underscore the ghastliness of the gas attack by saying, “You had someone as despicable as Hitler who didn’t even sink to using chemical weapons.” Nazi Germany used gas chambers to kill millions of Jews during the Holocaust. Spicer said in a later statement, “In no way was I trying to lessen the horrendous nature of the Holocaust. I was trying to draw a distinction of the tactic of using airplanes to drop chemical weapons on population centers. Any attack on innocent people is reprehensible and inexcusable.” The White House officials said Russia has frequently offered multiple, conflicting accounts of Syrian government aggression, including the incident in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, to create confusion and sow doubt within the international community. “Russia’s allegations fit with a pattern of deflecting blame from the (Syrian) regime and attempting to undermine the credibility of its opponents,” one of the White House officials said. The United States launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian airfield last Thursday to retaliate after the attack. The attack has thrust the administration of President Donald Trump, which came to

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson disembarks from a plane upon his arrival at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, Russia yesterday. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov) power in January calling for warmer ties with Russia, into confrontation with Moscow. U.S. intelligence indicates that the chemical agent in the attack was delivered by Syrian Su-22 aircraft that took off from the Shayrat airfield, according to a White House report given to reporters. In a four-page document, the White House sought to rebut many of Moscow’s claims about the circumstances of the attack. The report said the Syrian planes were in the vicinity of Khan Sheikhoun about 20 minutes before the attack began and vacated the area shortly afterward. “Additionally, our information indicates personnel historically associated with Syria’s chemical weapons program were at Shayrat airfield in late March making preparations for an upcoming attack in northern Syria, and they were present at the airfield on the day of the attack,” the report said. It was part of a U.S. government effort to increase pressure on Russia to drop its support for Assad, who has been fighting a six-year-old civil war against mostly Sunni Muslim rebels.

TILLERSON MESSAGE Tillerson carried a message from world powers to Moscow yesterday denouncing Russian support for the Syrian leader, as the Trump administration took on America’s traditional mantle as leader of a unified West. Tillerson earlier met foreign ministers from the Group of Seven advanced economies and Middle Eastern allies in Italy. They endorsed a joint call for Russia to abandon Assad. “It is clear to us the reign of the Assad family is coming to an end,” Tillerson told reporters in Italy before departing for Moscow. “We hope that the Russian government concludes that they have aligned themselves with an unreliable partner in Bashar Al-Assad.” He said Russia had failed in its role as sponsor of a 2013 deal under which Assad promised to give up his chemical weapons arsenal. Russia says the chemicals that killed civilians last week belonged to rebels, not to Assad’s government, and has accused the United States of an illegal act of aggression against Syria on a false pretext.

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Youth drowns at Parika while taking girlfriend for a swim Police yesterday recovered the body of a 20year-old man at an East Bank Essequibo foreshore, a day after he drowned while taking his girlfriend for a swim. The victim, identified as Richard Ramkissoon, of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, is believed to have drowned around 08.30 hrs on Sunday, while assisting his

19-year-old girlfriend, Bibi Hussain, to swim near the Parika, Essequibo Sea Dam. Passersby had managed to rescue Hussain. According to reports, Ramkissoon, who works at a Vreed-en-Hoop store, had visited his girlfriend, who lives near the Parika Sea Dam, around 08.30 hrs on Sunday. The girlfriend reportedly

indicated that she was going to the river “to dump chicken skin,” and Ramkissoon and the girlfriend’s 14-year-old sister accompanied her. Ramkissoon reportedly then suggested that they all swim. When both girls said they could not swim, the youth reportedly said they would hold onto him while he took them into the water. He reportedly took the younger sister out first, and brought her back to the shore, but he told the elder girl to “put her hands around his neck,” while he took her into the river. With the girlfriend clinging to his neck, Ramkissoon reportedly swam some 20 feet out from the shore, when he suddenly began to experience difficulty swimming. He then reportedly began to sink, but made an effort to push his girlfriend to the surface. An alarm was raised, and persons nearby plunged in and rescued the elder sister but were unable to locate Ramkissoon.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

GPHC urged to adopt CICU model to... (From page 18) hospital and its staff and also the university students to benefit more from what’s being done here. I am happy that we can provide the services where person can come here and get the attention and go back to their families,” the Public Health Minister added. But, according to the Minister, she is nevertheless concerned about care patients receive after they are discharged from hospitals across the country. She moreover reminded that that Community Health Workers (CHWs) have a very important role to play at the pri-

mary health care facilities since ‘aftercare’ is of vital importance to every patient. “We have to ensure that when persons return to their community they don’t go back to the traditional medicine but continue to access the kind of care they need. Many times we as a people are not cognisant of how important a step by step process is,” she continued. Present at the recent tour of the CICU were Ms. KesaundraAlves, Chairperson of the GPHC Board; Mr. Sheik Amir, Director of Medical and Professional Services; Mr. Allan Johnson, GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dr. Wayne Warnica.

PPP would be willing to replace... (From page 7) and instead use a participatory format that entails three levels of screening before the names of independent individuals are submitted to the President for formal appointment. “The essence of the approach is to constitute, by Constitutional amendment, a panel of four eminent, independent Guyanese citizens of highest integrity to receive nominations through advertisement (or otherwise) within a stipulated period of six weeks, from political parties, professional bodies, civil society organisations, privatesector commercial bodies, trade unions, the Judicial Services Commission and individuals.” The panel would include personalities such as the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, the Chairperson of the Ethnic

Relations Commission and the Head of the Women and Gender Equality Commission. Each commissioner would have to satisfy criteria for nomination which include their willingness to serve, a fit and proper person to hold office of commissioner, of unquestionable personal integrity and has an established record of non-partisanship and impartiality politically. The report went further to suggest amendments to Article 161 of the Constitution which has been a controversial subject of late regarding its interpretation. The reports suggested the deletion of the current Article and substitute it with a totally different provision. According to the amendment, immediately following appointment of the Commission, the Chairman and Vice Chairman shall be selected by secret ballot by the members of the Commission.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

Venezuela says second young man killed in anti-Maduro protests (Reuters) Venezuela’s state prosecutor’s office said yesterday a 20-year old man had been fatally shot in the neck on Monday night while he was at a protest in the city of Valencia, the second confirmed death in antigovernment unrest in the last week. Opposition lawmakers said Daniel Queliz was killed by security forces while he was protesting. The prosecutor’s office said in a statement it was investigating the incident. His death comes on the heels of the killing of 19-yearold Jairo Ortiz on the outskirts of Caracas on Thursday in the area of an opposition protest. A police officer has been arrested. Lawmakers also said that an elderly woman asphyxiated to death in Caracas after tear gas entered her apartment during Monday’s protests. Reuters was not able to confirm the report. The deaths come as demonstrations against unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro escalate

amid a grueling economic crisis and what critics say is his transformation into a dictator. Maduro counters that under a veneer of pacifism, the opposition is actually encouraging violent protests in a bid to topple his government. Venezuelans have been suffering food and medicine shortages for months, leading many to skip meals or go without crucial treatment. But after years of protesting with little results, street action had ebbed until a Supreme Court decision in late March to assume the functions of the oppositionled congress sparked outcry. The court quickly overturned the most controversial part of its decision but the move triggered condemnation at home and abroad. News that the national comptroller on Friday had banned highprofile opposition leaders Henrique Capriles from office for 15 years also drew broad criticism. L AW M A K E R S

PROTEST Around a dozen opposition legislators on Tuesday held another surprise protest at the headquarters of the National Guard to decry excessive use of force - including tear gas dropped from a helicopter and fired into a Caracas clinic. “Here we are... to demand elections now, an end to repression, respect for the constitution, a reversal of the coup, so that Venezuela can be in peace and we can all progress,” said opposition lawmaker Tomas Guanipa, brandishing a blue constitution in his hand. State officials via social media have shown images and videos of demonstrators vandalizing public property and throwing rocks at police. “Who is taking responsibility for damage to public property and persons?” said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino on Twitter, posting pictures of demonstrators kicking police officers and breaking into an office of the Supreme Court. “What is their agenda? Terrorism, chaos, death?”

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North Korea warns of nuclear strike if provoked by U.S. (Reuters) North Korean state media warned yesterday of a nuclear attack on the United States at any sign of American aggression as a U.S. Navy strike group steamed toward the western Pacific. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged China to do more to rein in its impoverished ally and neighbour, said in a Tweet that North Korea was “looking for trouble” and the United States would “solve the problem” with or without Beijing’s help. Tension has escalated sharply on the Korean peninsula amid concerns that reclusive North Korea may soon conduct a sixth nuclear test and after Washington said at the weekend it was diverting the aircraft carrier strike group Carl Vinson toward the Korean peninsula in a show of force. U.S. officials have stressed that stronger sanctions are the most likely U.S. course to press North Korea to abandon its nuclear program, but Washington has said all options - including military ones - are on the table. It said a U.S. strike last week against Syria should serve as

a warning to Pyongyang. North Korea said it was prepared to respond to any U.S. aggression. “Our revolutionary strong army is keenly watching every move by enemy elements with our nuclear sight focused on the U.S. invasionary bases not only in South Korea and the Pacific operation theater but also in the U.S. mainland,” its official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump had put North Korea “clearly on notice” he would not tolerate certain actions, but dismissed Pyongyang’s nuclear attack threat. “I think there is no evidence that North Korea has that capability at this time,” he said. “Threatening something that you don’t have the capability of isn’t really a threat.” North Korea remains technically at war with the United States and its ally South Korea after the 1950-1953 Korean conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. It regularly threatens to destroy both countries.

Sailors conduct flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson flight deck, in the South China Sea April 8, 2017. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Brown/Handout via REUTERS However, North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, two of them last year, and is working to develop nucleartipped missiles that can reach the United States, presenting Trump with perhaps his most pressing security headache. South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn warned of “greater provocations” by North Korea, includ-

ing a possible nuclear test, given a meeting of the country’s Supreme People’s Assembly and upcoming national anniversaries. He ordered the military to intensify monitoring and ensure close communication with Washington. North Korea convened a Supreme People’s Assembly session yesterday, one of twice-

yearly sessions attended by leader Kim Jong Un, and reported a successful national budget execution and personnel appointments, the official KCNA news agency said. The agency made no mention of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program or being under threat from the United States. Saturday is the 105th an-

niversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, North Korea’s founding father and grandfather of the current ruler. A military parade is expected in Pyongyang to mark the day and North Korea often marks important anniversaries with tests of its nuclear or missile capabilities. Men and women in colorful outfits were singing and dancing on the streets of Pyongyang, illuminated by better lighting than seen in previous years, apparently practicing for the parade. TRUMP PRESSES CHINA Trump said in a Tweet that a trade deal between China and the United States would be “far better for them if they solved the North Korea problem”. “If China decides to help, that would be great,” he said. “If not, we will solve the problem without them!” Trump pressed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to do more on North Korea at a meeting in Florida last week. China’s U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, called the Korean situation “tense” and repeated China’s call for a return to dialogue with North Korea.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

Risk of mass starvation rising rapidly in Africa, Yemen - U.N.

Women and children wait to be registered prior to a food distribution carried out by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Thonyor, Leer state, South Sudan, February 25, 2017. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola. (Reuters) The risk of mass starvation in four countries - northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen - is rising rapidly due to drought and conflict, the U.N. refugee agency said on Tuesday. About 20 million people live in hard-hit areas where harvests have failed and acute malnutrition rates are increasing, particularly among children, it said. In South Sudan, where the United Nations declared famine in some areas in February, “a further 1 million people are now on the brink of famine”, UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards said. “We are raising our alarm level further by today warning that the risk of mass deaths from starvation among populations in the Horn of Africa, Yemen and Nigeria is growing,” Edwards

told a news briefing. “This really is an absolutely critical situation that is rapidly unfolding across a large swathe of Africa from west to east,” he said. People are on the run within their countries and greater numbers of South Sudanese refugees are fleeing to Sudan and Uganda, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said. A preventable catastrophe, possibly worse than that of 2011 when 260,000 people died of famine in the Horn of Africa, half of them children, “is fast becoming an inevitability”, Edwards said. TOO LATE “Always the problem that we have with humanitarian crises in sub-Saharan Africa is that they tend to get overlooked until things are too late,” he said. “A repeat must be avoided at all costs.”

“There’s acute malnutrition, very high rates, if you don’t help people with worsening rates of malnutrition, people die.” Seven million people in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin are suffering from food insecurity, Edwards said. Food security in 4 countries is expected to continue to deteriorate until at least mid-year, he said. UNHCR is scaling up its operations but has a funding shortfall, with some country programmes only funded at between 3 and 11 percent, he said. Overall the United Nations has appealed for $4.4 billion for the four countries but has received less than $984 million to date, Jens Laerke of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Samson’s maiden ton razes Rising... (From page 36) ball in the 19th over. Samson’s 63-ball 102 was the 43rd IPL hundred, and the sixth slowest. The Morris massacre Daredevils were 166 for 4, with ten balls left in their innings, when Morris entered the picture. Of those ten balls, Corey Anderson would only face one, wisely taking a single off it - wisely, because Morris was in utterly unreal form, dispatching seven of the nine balls he faced to or over the boundary, all off the middle of his bat. Zampa went for 22 in the 19th over, and Stokes for 23 in the 20th. There were three massive sixes in Morris’ innings, but his best shot went for four an off-stump yorker from Stokes, squeezed past back-

ward point with a cleverly manipulated bat-face. A non-rising Pune chase Rising Pune’s bowlers had sent down a number of freebies to get Daredevils’ innings going. Daredevils’ bowlers did not return the favour. There were only four boundaries in Rising Pune’s Powerplay overs, and three wickets. Two fell to Zaheer Khan’s slower ball, and one the debutant Rahul Tripathi -

to a fast and accurate bouncer from Morris. With the required rate nearing 12 an over, Faf du Plessis and Stokes fell in the next two overs, trying to manufacture shots. From 54 for 5, there would be no way back for Rising Pune. Scores: Delhi Daredevils 205 for 4 (Samson 102, Morris 38) beat Rising Pune Supergiant 108 (Mishra 3-11, Zaheer 3-20) by 97 runs.

Francis move confirmed... (From page 33) Kingston. The sprinter told a British newspaper recently that the “dysfunction” within the Antigua federation had been behind his decision. “There were a lot of

things [with deciding to leave Antigua] – bad treatment and things going on. There was a lot of dysfunction within the athletics federation. I know for sure things can be better with Great Britain.”

Wednesday April 12, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can learn a great deal more if you listen rather than rant and rave. Erratic behavior at home may be hard to handle. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances. Try to bend to their wishes if you want to avoid conflict. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may have a problem dealing with elders. You will be popular and will easily attract members of the opposite sex. Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early. You can surprise members of your family, which in turn will bring you a pat on the back. Travel will be favorable and bring you the greatest rewards.

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Kaieteur News

with your loved ones. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself. Try to think things through. Face any emotional problems head-on to avoid situations getting out of hand. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Be discreet about any information you uncover. You should get out and meet some of those clients that you only speak to on the phone. Work quietly behind the scenes for best results. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life. Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies. You may make someone else look bad. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be diplomatic but stem. Trying to deal with your mate will be unproductive and possibly hurtful. A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may find yourself caught in a triangle. You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated. Don't trust coworkers with important or personal information.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may have a hard time relating to children today. Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. Efforts made to improve yourself will turn out to your satisfaction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Advancement can be yours if you put your efforts into work related matters. You will be able to make changes regarding your living arrangements. Don't press your luck

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Spend time with youngsters today. Look into ways that you can make extra cash. Avoid boredom by being creative in your endeavors.

Infantino leads sod turning ritual at... (From page 36) putting on a fence.” 5. Bids were submitted in June, 2016 and the winning bid was valued at G$128,982,471. 6. The project is expected to be completed four months from the agreed date of signature. The start date is to be decided.

7. The consultant to the project is Marcel Gaskin and Associates; they will provide supervision of the works. 8. All funds have been approved for the project. The Goal Project will be constructed at Providence, East Bank Demerara, following the acquisition of a 30-

year lease for 8.5 acres of land from the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). This will provide a FIFA-approved home for the Federation, which will, among others, facilitate the national team’s training sessions and host international matches.

Malik’s unbeaten 100 and Hafeez’s 81... (From page 35) boundary off Junaid Khan in the first over, while Walton stroked Mohammed Amir past point and through mid-on for boundaries. But with the score on 31 Lewis (16) impetuously hooked Junaid Khan to Hafeez before Walton, who reached the boundary thrice from 27 balls, was bowled by Hasan Ali at 40-2. The 50 posted in 12 overs and Kieran Powell (16) was dropped off Imad Wasim before edging a boundary in the same over as the pair struggled to score. As the pressure mounted Powell lost his head and his wicket when he charged Wasim and was stumped after taking 34 balls for his 23 and the Windies, who had inspired renewed confidence among their die-hard fans with their first match win, were precariously placed at 68-3. But Hope was still there and was joined by the in-form Mohammed, the hero of Sunday’s win. But on a track which was offering more help to the spinners than in the first two games, level-headed batting with plenty of common sense were needed. Mohammed greeted legspinner Shadab Khan with a flowing cover drive for four and despite the lack of boundaries, the partnership was gradually building. Mohammed pulled Ali for six, while Hope swept his 74th ball for his only four to move

Grove Hi Tech... (From page 33) closing time on the final day. Grenades will face Central FC in their opening game on Sunday May 14 at 20:00hrs, two days later they will oppose Cibao FC also at 20:00hrs. The respective group winners will play in the final with the second placed teams clashing in the 3rd and 4th placed matches on May 18. The competition’s champion will qualify for the newly re-formatted Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, while the second third- and fourth-place clubs will participate in the Confederation’s newly launched club championship for Caribbean and Central American clubs that kicks off in August.

into the thirties before Mohammed hit a boundary off Shadab Khan’s last ball as both batsmen made concerted efforts to step on the gas and the partnership reached 50. Mohammed was beginning to find his touch and deposited Ali high to mid-wicket where Shoaib Malik took the catch but stepped over the boundary. Hope then pulled Amir for four as the tempo picked up to the delight of the gathering which included the touring American youth cricketers. Mohammed soon reached his fourth ODI 50 from 59 balls with three fours and two sixes, while Hope reached fifty for the second time in ODIs. His first was converted into three figures and his half-century came from 97 balls and included one boundary. Mohammed celebrated with consecutive boundaries off Junaid Khan before he edged the pacer to the Keeper two balls later to leave West Indies on 169-4 in 41 overs to

end the 101-run stand. Shadab Khan was back and Hope, desperate to improve his poor strike rate, dumped him over mid-wicket for six, while Jonathon Carter (11) lofted Shadab Khan for six before being bowled by the leggie at 192-5 in the 44th over. Hope changed gear and clobbered Junaid Khan for six and dumped Shadab Khan onto the roof of the stand but was taken at long-on attempting another big hit off the legspinner at 211-6 in the 46thover. West Indies then lost three wickets in their last four overs as Pakistan maintained their stranglehold. West Indies will play eight more ODIs (three against Afghanistan in the Caribbean and five against England in England) before September 30, the cut-off date for teams ranked below eight to play in a qualifying tournament next year for the 2019 World Cup. West Indies are ninth just below Pakistan, who will play in Champion’s Trophy in June.

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

RHTY&SC’s Hilbert Foster humbled to be honoured for contribution to Cricket L o n g s e r v i n g RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster last week was honoured by local sporting group, The EXERCISE for his outstanding contribution to the development of cricket in Guyana. Foster was honoured along with four other sporting officials – Stanley Ming (Motorracing), George Braithwaite (Football), Lavern Fraser (Netball) and Fizal Khan (Football). The Exercise Group consists of youths and its main objective is to push sports and social development for their peers. The founder of the Group is Stabroek News Sports Reporter and National youth cricketer, Royston Alkins. Foster described the Award as a surprise, but a humbling experience. The RHTY&SC, MS Secretary stated that to be honoured by youths who are primarily based in Georgetown means that he and the RHTY&SC must be doing something right. Foster, who has been honoured by numerous organisations, stated that he accepted the Exercise Award because it was given by Youths, a section of the Guyanese population that he

has worked hard to assist over the last 34 years. Foster first served as Public Relations Officer of the ST. Francis Roman Catholic Youth Club before founding the RHTY&SC, M.S in 1990. The RHTY&SC, MS under Foster’s leadership has grown into one of Guyana’s leading cricket Clubs and has won the Guyana Cricket Club of the Year Award five times – 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2016. The Club has also won three national Cricket Championships including one female and has produced a total of sixteen national senior cricketers (Eight males, Eight Females), over fifty national juniors and over 100 for Berbice at all levels. The RHTY&SC, MS has won a combined 56 major cricket championships in its 27th year’s history, while having the largest cricket development programme in Guyana. Under Foster ’s leadership the Club has Guyana’s only female cricket team, while its eight cricket teams are the only ones in Guyana to undertake

social development activities. The teams combined undertake over 200 programmes/activities under a wide array of subheadings. The RHTY&SC, MS has also assisted over 140 other cricket Clubs across Guyana to fulfil their mandate by donating millions of dollars’ worth of cricket gears, trophies and other materials to them, while also providing cricket gears to dozens of youths to assist them to fulfil their dreams of playing the game. These players include ShimroyHetmeyer, Rajendra Chandrika, Guadakesh Motie, Askay Homraj, Linden Austin, Loyden Lewis, Shawn Perriera, Shemaine Campbelle and Plaffina Millington among others. Foster also spearheaded the restoration of the Area ‘H’ Ground from a swampland into a modern sports venue by raising over $20M. The RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO also headed the Special Events Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board from 2008 to 2014 and successfully

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receives award from a Representative of the Exercise. implemented over 1500 programmes/activities. He also secured sponsorships for over fifty cricket tournaments at the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, Under 23, Female, Intermediate, Inter Zone, Second Division and First Division levels. He also spearheaded hundreds of projects that transformed Berbice Cricket and its image to the highest level ever. The veteran Cricket Administrator also

successfully led the massive celebration of the BCB 70th and 75th Anniversary in 2009 and 2014 respectively. The RHTY&SC, M.S Secretary/CEO dedicated the Exercise Award to every member of the Club especially its Management. Special Mention was made of his brother Keith, Robbie Kissoonlall and Keith Hicks who were with him from the formation of the Club in 1990. The Awards were part of the Exercise Youth Group

celebration of International Day of Sports and was held under the theme “Giving athletes a say, peace in play”. The Exercise is a non-profit initiative that seems to enhance the involvement of Guyanese athletes in multitiered activism within society. The organisation, which has been in existence for two years, is aiming at developing the capacity of athletes both on and off the field.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Grove Hi Tech duo signs with Grenades FC for CFU Club Championship Finals Lloyd Matthews and Denzil Crawford joins GFC’s Curtez Kellman

Denzil Crawford - Grove Hi Tech Following on the heels of club mate Domini Garnett signing with Trinidad and Tobago’s Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA, Grove Hi Tech Football Club, an affiliate of the East Bank Football Association has seen two more of their young players gaining overseas contracts. Twenty year-old Lloyd Matthews (defender) and 19 year-old Denzil Crawford (midfield/forward) have signed with Antigua and B a r b u d a ’s G r e n a d e s Football Club which has qualified for the Caribbean Club Championship finals that will be played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from May 14-21, next. Grenades Football Club President, Chester Hughes said he was happy to reach out to the Guyanese club for the two young players whom he believes with this opportunity can do themselves and Grenades

Lloyd Matthews - Grove Hi Tech

FC proud. Georgetown Football Club’s Curtez Kellman has also signed with the Antigua club; the trio is expected to leave Guyana this week to join their other teammates. Grenades FC has a rich history ever since established and has been competing in the Antiguan and Barbuda Football Premier Division since 1990; the club is based in St. John’s, Antigua. Grenades FC has been drawn with two-time defending champion and tournament host Central FC (Trinidad & Tobago) in Group A and will also face Cibao FC (Dominican Republic). San Juan Jabloteh FC (Trinidad & Tobago) was sorted in Group B with Portmore United (Jamaica) and Racing FC (Haiti), in Group B. East Bank Football Association President, Franklin Wilson said that he is excited for the two players

to have been given such a huge opportunity to represent at the highest club level in the Caribbean. ”Both Matthews and Crawford have been consistent high performers at the junior and senior levels for their club, playing in the various age group East Bank competitions. They have also done well in the inter association tournaments in the past two years so I am confident once they continue to be disciplined and work hard, they will reap the rewards. This is a chance for them to prove that they have the requisite talent to propel their respective careers to another level, thanks to Grenades FC.” Wilson also expressed thanks to both the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association and the Guyana Football Federation for the roles they both played in facilitating the transfers mere hours before the (Continued on page 31)

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Francis move confirmed by authorities LONDON, CMC – British athletics authorities have confirmed the transfer of Antigua and Barbuda sprinter Miguel Francis to represent the United Kingdom. The 22-year-old, who was born in Montserrat but represented Antigua, applied for the transfer prior to the Rio Olympics and is now eligible to turn out for his new country “with immediate effect.” “British Athletics can confirm it has received confirmation from the IAAF that Miguel Francis is eligible to compete for the British Athletics team with immediate effect,” a statement from British Athletics said recently. “Francis started the process to transfer allegiance from Antigua & Barbuda in August 2016, prior to the Olympic Games in Rio, and is now eligible to compete subject to meeting the required selection criteria for a Championships team.” Track and field’s world governing body, the IAAF, announced last February it had frozen all new applications for transfers of allegiance. Francis was eligible to compete for Britain by virtue of having been born in Montserrat, a British overseas territory. A former training partner

Former Antigua and Barbuda sprinter, Miguel Francis. of sprint legend Usain Bolt under coach Glen Mills, Francis turned out at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2015 World Championship in Beijing.

Only last year, he set a new A n t i g u a n a t i o n a l record in the 200 metres, clocking 19.88 seconds at the Racers Grand Prix in (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

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Bounty Farm Ltd sponsors Lian Winter

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Wins for Plaisance, Tutorial, Marian Academy and Bishop’s High in NSBF Georgetown zone

Nigel Bowen

Roger Perreira, accountant, Bounty Farm Ltd hands over the sponsorship cheque to Stephanie Fraser, head coach of the Dorado Speed Swim Club, while Lian Winter (2nd right), and her dad, Duane Winter share the moment. The 2017 Swimming Championships will be held in Nassau, Bahamas from Saturday to Tuesday. Guyana will be represented by a four person delegation, two pool swimmers and two open water swimmers. Bounty Farm Ltd as part of their corporate

responsibility has made a financial contribution to assist Lian Winter to be able to attend the championships. This is her first Carifta Games and she will be competing in six events, 50, 100 and 200 butterfly and 50, 100 and 200 Backstroke. Roger Perreira, accountant, Bounty Farm

Ltd presented the sponsorship cheque to Stephanie Fraser, head coach, Dorado Speed Swim Club in the presence of Lian Winter and her dad, Duane Winter recently at a simple presentation ceremony. The company wished the young swimmer every success.

Plaisance Secondary School, Tutorial High, Bishop’s High and Marian Academy recorded wins on Sunday in the Under-19 Division, when the Georgetown zone of the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Plaisance defeated St. Joseph High School 57-41 with Nigel Bowen scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double and Andrew Johnson 10 points. For St. Joseph High, Denzil Ross finished with 14

Zion Gray points with Tahir Meusa scoring 11 points with six rebounds. Tu t o r i a l H i g h b e a t School of the Nations 50-20 with Zion Gray putting up 20 points and Denzil Logan 19 points. Meanwhile, for Nations, Lyndon Dorway scored six points and grabbed six rebounds. Marian Academy joined the winners’ row with a 5532 win over Government Technical Institute (GTI) with Timothy Thompson putting up a double-double, 28 points and 15 rebounds, Jahleel Young eight points

Andrew Johnson and five rebounds and Jether Harris six points and six rebounds. For GTI, Shamar Huntley had 10 points and five rebounds and Darnell Hamer 10 points and six rebounds. Bishop’s High secured a walkover Queen’s College. The tournament will break for the Easter Holidays and will continue on April 28 at the same venue. The NSBF Regional Tournament is sponsored by Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd and National Sports Commission.

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Brighto Paints Q-Mobile ODI Series

Malik’s unbeaten 100 and Hafeez’s 81 give Pakistan 2-1 series win Shoaib Malik plays off the back foot en-route to his century (Zaheer Mohamed photo.)

Shai Hope hits out during his top score (Zaheer Mohamed photo.) By Sean Devers Pakistan’s two most experienced batsmen, Mohammed Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, with a combined age of 71 and 420 ODIs between them, shared in an important 113-run fourth wicket stand to see their team to a 2-1 series with a crushing six-wicket win at Providence yesterday in the final game of Brighto Paints Q-Mobile series against We s t I n d i e s , w h o s e automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup is now in jeopardy. Hunting their first series win since 2014 when they beat Bangladesh 3-0, West Indies were restricted to 2339 off 50 overs despite a 101run fourth wicket stand between Shai Hope, whose pedestrian paced 71 lasted 112 balls with a four and two sixes and Jason Mohammed, who followed up his match winning 91 in the second ODI with a 64-ball 59 with five fours and two sixes. Excellent ‘death’ bowling by the Pakistanis ensured the last four overs cost 21 runs and produced

three wickets to restrict the Windies as Mohammed Amir (2-41), Junaid Khan (260) and 18-year-old Shadab Khan (2-57) took the wickets for Pakistan who reached 236-4 from 43.3 overs. An attacking 81 from 86 balls with eight fours and two sixes from 36-year-old Hafeez and a solid unbeaten 100 from 111 balls with eight fours and two sixes from 35year-old Shoaib Malik ensured Pakistan had not lost an ODI series to West Indies since 1991 when the Caribbean side, under Richie Richardson, won 2-0 in Pakistan. Pakistan began their runchase in horrendous fashion when Shannon Gabriel had Kamran Akmal for a first ball duck and could have had also Ahmed Shehzad before he had scored in his next over had Chadwick Walton at mid-on not floored a regulation catch. Babar Azam punched Gabriel imperiously for four past extra-cover to rekindle memories of his master-class century on Sunday. Shai Hope held an acrobatic catch off Skipper

Jason Holder, diving full length to his right to send Shehzad (3) on his way at 162 and when Gabriel scattered the stumps of Azad (16) at 36-3 in the 9thover, the fans were dancing in the stands. Malik cut Holder for four and Hafeez greeted Devendra Bishoo with a boundary off his first ball, while Veerasammy Permaul, back in ODI colors for the first since November 2013, was introduced to bowl in tandem with his Albion team mate for the first time in an ODI and the pair was not short of encouragement from the crowd which had built up close to 4,000. Hafeez, scoring much faster than in his last innings, cut Permaul for four and swept Bishoo for four behind square, while Malik hit Permaul for a couple of fours in his third over. Ashley Nurse was pulled for four by Hafeez to post his 31st ODI fifty from 58 balls with six fours, while Hafeez wacked Gabriel over his head for six and pulled for four and the game was beginning to slip away from the West Indies.

With Permaul proving expensive, Mohammed was introduced and Hafeez danced into him and lofted an effortless six. Hafeez was removed by Nurse at 149-4 with Pakistan needing 84 from 20 overs and Malik, who finished the game with a six to reach his ninth ODI hundred, featured in an unbroken 87-run stand with Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (24). Earlier, Evin Lewis got going with a square driven (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

Samson’s maiden Infantino leads sod turning ritual at ton razes Rising Pune Guyana’s FFP National Training Centre

Sanju Samson’s 63-ball 102 contained eight fours and five sixes © BCCI ESPNcricinfo - A maiden T20 hundred from Sanju Samson and a blistering unbeaten 38, off just nine balls, from Chris Morris, led Delhi Daredevils to their first 200-plus total since April 2012. It was more than enough to give them their first win of the season, as Rising Pune Supergiants who were without Steven Smith, their regular captain and best batsman - crumbled in the face of a steadily mounting asking rate, folding for 108 in 16.1 overs. The efforts of Samson and Morris - helped by some not particularly clever death bowling from Ashok Dinda,

Adam Zampa and Ben Stokes - brought Daredevils 76 runs off their last four overs. It was the third-best last-four tally in the IPL, behind two Royal Challengers Bangalore blitzes, and it undid the c o n t r o l R i s i n g P u n e ’s bowlers - Imran Tahir in particular - had exerted through the middle overs, and ensured they would be chasing 206 rather than, say, 184. An innings of three thirds Samson walked in after Daredevils lost Aditya Tare in the second over and began with a flurry of boundaries

against Rising Pune’s quicks, piercing the field with a series of drives and punches through point and cover. Capitalising on the width given by Deepak Chahar and Dinda, Samson scored 31 off his first 14 balls, hitting six fours in that time. With Sam Billings similarly positive at the other end, Daredevils scored 62 for 1 in the Powerplay - their best effort since scoring 64 against Deccan Chargers in May 2012. The spreading of the field and the introduction of slower bowlers - Tahir, Zampa and Rajat Bhatia slowed Samson down. He didn’t manage a single boundary as he went from 31 off 14 to 54 off 45, with Rishabh Pant - who smacked 31 off 22 - assuming the dominant role in a secondwicket partnership worth 53. Then came the third phase of Samson’s innings, which began with a straight six off Zampa. From that ball on, Samson made 48 off 17 - the bulk of them in a 19-run 18th over from Dinda - and reached his century with another six off Zampa before being bowled by his quicker (Continued on page 31)

The commemorative turning of the sod plaque carved on local wood is unveiled by President Infantino and Minister Henry. By Franklin Wilson After touching down in the Land of Many Waters at around 08:30hrs yesterday, President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Mr. Gianni Infantino made his way to the site for the FIFA Forward Programme sponsored Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre at Providence, EBD where his led the turning of the sod rituals. Joined by Minister within the Ministry of Education w ith responsibility for Youth, Sport and Culture Ms. Nicolette Henry and GFF President Wayne Forde, the trio did the traditional turning of the sod at the

Providence location for the FIFA Forward Programme (FFP) funded facility. Infantino expressed delight at being able to visit Guyana and to participate in the sod turning exercise. He noted that the facility would change the landscape of not only football but will also contribute to the society as a whole. He commended Forde and his executive for doing a great job at the helm: “They are thinking big, they are dreaming big but what is most important, they are putting it in practice; they are acting, they are not just t a l k i n g a n d t h a t ’s important.” ”For this reason, FIFA is proud to be here to be helping the football association of Guyana and

the government to really put in place this fantastic development project.” Minister Henry in brief remarks complimented FIFA for making the project a reality. “We are certainly grateful for this initiative which will go a long way in terms of development of sports not only in terms of football. So on behalf of Government and people I’d certainly like to say thank you for making this happen.” A p l a q u e t o commemorate the sod turning exercise was also jointly unveiled by President Infantino and Minister H e n r y. I n f a n t i n o w a s accompanied on this trip by Véron Mosengo-Omba, FIFA Director of Member Associations and Development for Africa and the Caribbean; Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Advisor to the President and Jasmin Frei, FIFA’s Office Manager, Executive Office of the President. Please find below some Facts on the Project… 1. The facility, when completed, will be officially known as the Providence Technical Centre and Mini Stadium. 2. The work will be done in two phases – site preparation and laying of the Astro Turf. 3. Dwayne Ferdinand and Home Designs and Engineering Associates will execute the preparatory works and Green Fields will execute laying of the Astro Turf. 4. The contract for the preparatory works involves “removing of the top soil, putting on the construction fill (laying of the white sand), laying of drainage pipes, compacting to necessary specifications and (Continued on page 31)

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

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DMLAS, NAFICO and GPL support RHTY&SC Cricket Teams Say NO Efforts The effort of eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS to get over 60,000 youths in Region 6 to Say NO to Drugs, Suicide, Crime, Alcohol and YES to Education, Life, Peace and Sports received a major boost last Thursday. Three companies – Demerara Mutual Life, North America Fire Insurance and Guyana Power and Light Company donated a combined total of $200,000 worth of trophies to the campaign which is administered by the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell U n d e r- 1 7 a n d S e c o n d Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams. The RHTY&SC during the year would use the trophies to host numerous Educational and Sports events under its Say NO/Say YES Programme, while some would be used by the RHTY&SC, M.S 27th Annual Award Ceremony scheduled for the 23rd of April, 2017. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster also explained that the Club on a monthly basis receives requests for as much as 24 trophies from other NGO’s, Schools, Churches and Clubs for the hosting of cricket, football, athletics, Cultural and Educational Events. The Club tries as much as

Asst Organising Secretary Robbie Kissoonlall receives sponsorship from representatives of NAFICO. possible to fulfil every request once a proper investigation is done to verify the events would be actually held. The RHTY&SC, Foster stated, strongly believes in using sports, education, culture and religion as an alternative to a Life on the road for youths and as such is very grateful for the support of the three companies as the Club strives to fulfil its target of 500 programmes/activities during 2017. The RHTY&SC during the year would be hosting a number of sporting tournaments itself with at least twenty tournaments at all ages, two five a side football tournament, three basketball tournaments, t w o v o l l e y b a l l tournaments and several athletics meets. The Club would also support the hosting of

scrabble, chess, softball, dominoes, table tennis and cycling tournaments during 2017. Asst. Organising Secretary Rabindranauth

Kissoonlall expressed gratitude to the three donors for their support and reassured them that the trophies and medals would be used for the intended

DMLAS CEO Geoffrey Brewster hands over cheque to Robbie Kissoonlall. purpose. Special mention was made of Chief executive Officer of GPL Mr. R. Homer, General Manager of North America Fire

Insurance Basil Mahadeo and Marketing Manager Mr. Clarence Perry of DMLAS for their assistance in obtaining the donation.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast of Demerara segment…

Fifteen matches highlight tonight’s commencement

Part of last year’s action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast of Demerara Competition.

Defending champion Beterverwagting (BV) ‘B’ will open up the defence of their title when they face Golden Grove South in the second fixture of a 15match programme as action in the 5th edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast of Demerara leg commences tonight, at the Haslington Market Square. In the first fixture of the evening, Nabaclis take on Lusignan Prison and already fans would know that teams

representing the penal colony carry huge support so the former better be ready for the battle. The event is expected to feature teams from East Coast communities as they battle for prize monies in excess of $600,000 including trophies. The winning team will take home $250,000 and the Championship trophy along with the right to represent the zone at the National Playoffs in June that will

feature teams from each leg, while the second, third and fourth placed finishers

receive $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

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Wednesday April 12, 2017

Kazi Azaria is back as top horses show good form for Guyana Cup Fever 2017

The inform Brave Sky out of the USA of the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice Stable.

Jack In My Style after training. Over the past weeks most of the tracks and open spaces on the coastlands have been fully occupied as trainers, jockeys, grooms and owners’ of the top horses in Guyana were busy whipping their charges into shape for the Guyana Cup fever 2017 horserace meet. Organised by the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise and friends, the horserace meet is set for Sunday at the Port Mourant (Big Yard) Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice. With just a few days to go b e f o r e r a c e d a y, t h e horseracing fraternity in Guyana is buzzing with

excitement as most of the grooms and trainers take the horses to the track. With close to $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives available and over 70 horses entered so far, the activity is expected to be the biggest for the Easter Holiday weekend. The feature event has a full complement of the best runners in the country lining up for competition in what is expected to be a scintillating event. The Jumbo Jet stable has reportedly entered 13 horses for the event. All the top runners have been burning up the tracks

and look good during training and turfites and punters will be hard pressed to pick winners. The B1and lower line up, which is still incomplete since some of the owners wants to make some last minute adjustments, already has a fearsome lineup that includes the returning Princess She Not, Kazi Azaria and CP Got Even and a fearsome pack of Spit Fire, Jack in MY Style, Golden Blue Echo, Lady Budapest, Brave Sky, Just call me Boss, Keep on Swinging and Climate Change will be looking for a change of

fortune as they hunt the $1M and trophy up for grabs. The other events are the E3 and lower West Indies bred non earners for 2016 and 2017 and E3 US and Canadian bred non earners for 2016 and 2017 over 1200M. The 4-year-old West Indies bred and G3 and lower event over 1200M which incidentally is the distance for all the other events. The race for animals classified H3 and lower. The event for 3 years old Guyana bred and horses classified ‘I’ 1 and lower. The race for Guyana bred

three years old maiden horses. There is the event for animals classified J2 and K and the L and lower event. Among other animals set to compete are –Release the Beast, Red and Lovely Super Bowl, Cat Messiah, Settling Star, Sweet Return, Isn’t She Charming, Firing Line, Big Man Boss, Goodwill Boy, Amazing Run, Light UP Canada, Witchie Poo, Campador, Red and Lovely and Its My Choice, T and T, Puppy Tail, Party Time, Flow Joe among others. Top horses, stables and jockeys will be awarded

compliments of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. A number of added attractions and incentives including free kites will be given away on race day. There will also be bouncy castle, trampoline and other attractions for children. Information can be accessed by contacting Chandu Ramkissoon (6249063 or 608-9063, 2320633), Jingo Jagdeo on 6187278, Ramnauth on 6971 9 7 9 o r 3 3 3 - 5 3 11 o r Amernauth on 649-8231. (Samuel Whyte)

Super 4 Massive Easter Sunday Football

Perennial rivals to collide at Den Amstel on Sunday following tournament draw Arch rivals Den Amstel and Uitvlugt Warriors have booked a date in the second semi-final of the Super 4 Massive Promotions annual football fest which is set for the Den Amstel ground this Sunday. The teams along with Coordinator Franklin Wilson met on Sunday afternoon last at the Den Amstel Community Centre with the Director of Sports, Christopher Jones and West Demerara Football Association President and Secretary, with Orin Ferrier and Adrian Giddings also present. Prior to conducting the draw, the teams were further briefed on the one day fiesta which would see the two semi finals being played for 40 minutes (20 minutes each half) with the third place match and final being played for 60

The representatives of Den Amstel, Uitvlugt, Pouderoyen and Eagles FC pose with Director of Sport Christopher Jones and EDFA President Orin Ferrier. minutes and 80 minutes, respectively. Being the #1 seeded club in the association, Den Amstel were given the privilege of drawing their opponent, Coach O’Neil Heywood pulled old rivals Uitvlugt from

the bag which meant that Eagles and Pouderoyen will meet in the first match of the day at 17:00hrs. All the clubs stated that they are happy to have been afforded the opportunity by the organizers, Super 4 Massive - Alex Greene,

Akantunde Rudder aka Rigget, Roger Miller and Miles Miller who are from the Village of Den Amstel but resides overseas. The top team will walk away with $100,000 with the loser of the final pocketing $50,000, while

the 3rd place winner will receive $20,000. There would also be individual prizes Best Yo u n g P l a y e r , B e s t Goalkeeper and Highest Goal Scorer. T h e o rg a n i s e r s a r e extending thanks to the

West Demerara Football Association, Management Committee of the Den Amstel Community Centre and the Commander of D Division of the Guyana Police Force, West Demerara, Leslie James for their support to date.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 12, 2017

PAGE 43

FIFA investing more in Guyana’s development – Infantino Aiming to work with Government and CARICOM to build partnership By Franklin Wilson FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrapped up a hectic half day visit to Guyana yesterday touting that the world body will be investing more in the nation’s development. Among the persons visiting with the FIFA boss were Véron MosengoOmba, FIFA Director of Member Associations and Development for Africa and the Caribbean; Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Advisor to the President, Jasmin Frei, FIFA’s Office Manager, Executive Office of the President, Pablo Aimar a former Argentine national midfield player and former Columbian national Juan Pablo Angel. Infantino who also turned the sod at the FIFA Forward Project facility at Providence, East Bank Demerara stated at his wrap up press conference held at the Pegasus Hotel that Guyana, like other Caribbean territories is blessed with talented players in all sports. Meetings were held with His Excellency President David Granger and the CARICOM Secretary General. In sharing briefly the outcome of the interface with both dignitaries, President Infantino said that it was very cordial and they will cooperate and work

When Presidents Meets! President Infantino displaying President Granger’s #9 shirt in the presence of Government Ministers and GFF Executives led by President Wayne Forde yesterday. together. ”Our objective is to work with the governments of all Caribbean to bring football forward.” Noting that this is their main mission but unfortunately it would have been forgotten a bit in the past since FIFA did not have the spotlight on football as it should have been, lamented Infantino. ”Now we are focusing on football and we are we are very pleased, very happy with the progress, with the dreams which are coming true and which will impact greatly Guyana’s football and the whole Guyana society.”

GFF Head Wayne Forde in his remarks noted that his executive has demonstrated over the past 17 months that the focus is on football in keeping with the new FIFA mandate. He alluded to a robust youth development programme which would get better with time. However, Forde cautioned that results would not be instantaneous since the process in developing excellent players would take time. ”But one of the things that we have on our side is that we have a parent body that sees the value of the work that we are doing, a president that has taken bold

Doping should be made a criminal offence - Paula Radcliffe BBC Sport - Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe says doping should be made a criminal offence. It emerged last week that the reigning Olympic and London Marathon champion Jemima Sumgong had tested positive for EPO in an out of competition test. Sumgong - the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic marathon gold was due to defend her London title on 23 April. “The costs for those who cheat have to be made much greater,” Briton Radcliffe told BBC Radio 5 live’s Sportsweek. “I do advocate making doping a criminal offence so that you can face criminal sentencing and criminal sanctions. “If it became a criminal offence it makes it easier to

Paula Radcliffe (Getty Images) track and be able to search where you have strong suspicions.” In 2015, the Sunday Times claimed the London Marathon had been won seven times in 12 years by athletes who had recorded suspicious blood scores. That followed details of 12,000 blood test results from 5,000 athletes published by the newspaper,

in partnership with German broadcaster ARD. A BBC State of Sport investigation last month found more than a third (35%) of amateur sports people say they personally know someone who has doped. Half said performanceenhancing substance use is “widespread” among those who play competitive sport.

initiatives in setting out the forward funding programme that has more than tripled the funding that, not only Guyana but many of my fellow colleagues within the region and throughout the world will enjoy.” Forde also noted that the level of accountability and transparency that are being built within the federation’s administrative structure is consistent with what is required to rebuild the image of the game. ”FIFA alone cannot do this, every member association has to play its part, Guyana has stepped forward and has played its part. We are in a mood of reform and we will continue in that process. I use this opportunity to reassure President Infantino and the football family that the football federation executive committee has the resolve to see this job through. We are committed and we are working diligently every day to create better future for all of our footballers, young boys and young girls.” Forde underscored what President Infantino had said early in his remarks that the aim of his visit was to explore new possibilities in terms of a collective

approach between the Government of Guyana, GFF and the CARICOM Community. ”I see endless possibilities in that relationship, because if there is one thing that is constant in building a relationship is that you have to start talking. I think that if we can all sit around the table and have good conversations, we’re going to find solutions.” Forde alluded to finding solutions to the high costs of travel in the region, erecting proper playing facilities whilst also finding common ground in devising a football curriculum that results in creating a rounded player. Forde posited that football in the CFU region will see brighter days in the future. Quizzed on what FIFA will do to ensure that the Forward Project comes to fruition, Infantino said that it is the GFF that will have to work to ensure it is pointing out that things must be done in a transparent and accountable way whilst applying good principles of governance. ”Whatever we are doing in FIFA now, we have increased the funding by three times so each association today receives

US$1.250m every year in running costs and project related costs. In the past it was US$250,000.” Infantino was clear in pointing out that to access these funds; there are clear conditions that must be followed with regards to transparency, accountability and compliance which the GFF has embraced totally. ”That’s why we are working together and you will see great results because we are both men of action and you will see the action on the field.” Meanwhile, President Infantino also visited the joint Scotiabank Youth Academy which was specially put on for him at the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue. In his remarks to the young players, the President encouraged them to play and enjoy the world’s most beautiful game. “Believe in yourself, believe in you as a football player, believe in you as a person that’s even more important, you’ll see football is a school of life, you learn a lot, you learn to be a teammate, you learn to respect your teammate and be there for the other. You learn to win, you learn to lose, you learn to love.”

t r o Sp Infantino leads sod turning ritual at Guyana’s FFP National Training Centre

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (center) flanked Minister of Sport Ms. Nicolette Henry and GFF Head Wayne Forde performing sod turning rights yesterday at the Providence Forward Project facility.

Brighto Paints Q-Mobile ODI Series

Malik’s unbeaten 100 and Hafeez’s 81 give Pakistan 2-1 series win

The victorious Pakistan team with their hardware following the series triumph. (Zaheer Mohamed photo.) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210