K
Cops question NEWS Jagdeo over his Babu Jaan comments
Thursday Edition
AIETEUR
April 18, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 16 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Price $80
Online readership yesterday 118,004
Substandard US$150M airport warrants - Opposition full-fledged probe Leader Woman accused of murdering mother faints twice in court - Magistrate orders psychological evaluation
Teixeira, Anamayah resign as PPP MPs Parliament to reconvene on April 26 - GECOM funding not on agenda
American Airlines aims to service NY-G/T route - will conduct daily Miami flights from next month
The unconscious Kamela Jameer being taken away by police ranks to the hospital.
City Council to remove threecard tricksters, other scam artists
PPP wants clean Peru's ex-
elections, but hires president US firm linked kills self to to tampering avoid arrest
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Thursday April 18, 2019
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Woman accused of murdering mother faints twice in court - Magistrate orders psychological evaluation
T
h e F o r t We l l i n g t o n Magistrate's Court was in total chaos yesterday when 41-year-old murder accused Kamela Jameer, a mother of two, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, to answer to the charge of murder, committed on her 71-year-old mother Rookmin Jameer at their Lot 305 Tempe Village, West Coast Berbice residence. Before the charge could be read, the woman fainted in the courtroom, putting a halt to the proceedings for a few minutes. Magistrate Singh recessed for 10 minutes and instructed that the woman be taken to the briefing room to be revived. When she returned for the second time, she was crying uncontrollably and
the Magistrate stated that he would only accept the swearing of evidence by the CID rank, but would not read the charge, in light of the condition she was in. Jameer fainted a second time and the Magistrate instructed ranks to take her to the hospital for medical attention. A psychiatric evaluation was also ordered. She is currently under guard at the Fort Wellington Hospital and is set to appear again in court today. The woman's brother Shaheed Jameer and other relatives were present at court in support. The brother told Kaieteur News that despite what his sister allegedly did to his mother "is still my sister and I forgive she". He asked that the accused be counselled, since it is his belief that she
Murdered: Rookmin Jameer
has struggled mentally since her children were taken away from her. Shaheed Jameer explained that sometime ago, during the woman's previous marriage, she lost her home to a fire and shortly after, her marriage fell apart and "dem children go and live with their father". Those troubling events, he opined, contributed to the mental state she is in presently, but stressed that there is no excuse for her actions. "Is like I lost two people in my life, my mother and my sister, but we got to trust God and we got to forgive. I forgive she,� the distraught man said. Rookmin Jameer was
The house where Rookmin Jameer was murdered
murdered last Friday. Her daughter Kamela, who lived with her, had initially told police that she went to church Friday afternoon and upon her return she found her mother in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor in the bottom flat of their twostorey wooden home, with her throat slit. However, her story seemed 'fishy' and police decided to detain and question her and her present partner. It was during the questioning that she reportedly cracked and confessed to committing the heinous act. She is said to have told investigating ranks that she and her mother were involved in a heated
argument that afternoon over some money she stole, the row escalated and she grabbed a chopper from the kitchen counter and slashed her mother's throat. She then waited until the woman was dead and contacted relatives and the police. A post mortem examination conducted on the pensioner revealed that she died from shock and hemorrhage due to an incise wound to the neck. Her funeral is set to take place today.
Kamela Jameer
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL Committed to the hard way
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obody has to deport them back to Guyana. They are there. Already right here in the midst of a tight capital city. The numbers are more than is realized and troublingly so. Too often they are observed only through individual nearness, or in very small handfuls. But without a doubt, they are hungry and huddled and hurting. Try a random walk with them; maybe more than just one, if only to register the gravity of a situation right before the eyes. Can’t be missed. Cannot be avoided nor denied nor ignored. There they are: a prime gathering spot and location is up and down Regent Street, but particularly east of Camp Street. Almost corner after corner and around into the secondary side streets, it is a lengthy cardboard congregation of the collapsed and the forlorn. For a thin sheet of discarded cardboard box is what suffices for a bed. A bed on the stone of the street. That is what substitutes as a feathery, dreamy, sometimes rainy, many times steamy cushion of tortured, nocturnal haze. Circle around the corners amidst the glass towers and latest machines that purr a sweet satisfying engineering rhythm, and there are only the human relics of dissipation, misfortune, and wastage; and of those who have stumbled and fallen by the wayside on the downside of life’s bitter treacheries and disappointments. They are more than those seen or believed to exist. There they are: legless, mindless, foodless, homeless, and all hopeless. They wait and hope for the next compassionate passerby, some kindly Samaritan to keep them going. And this is the way it is: uptown, downtown, and crosstown, an army of young, old, men, women, diverse as the rainbow, but lacking in its glow. Hollow eyes, crazed eyes, desperate eyes, longing eyes. Enough to bring weeping. The skin crawls as the pores cringe in involuntary reflex. So much is needed by these many: a roof, sometimes a shirt, food for those ravaged by ailments, age, addiction, and wanting but having nothing. It is a scavenging existence. Hostile, competitive, ugly, stomach-churning. They need more than a hand and a handout; they need medicines and care that can be sustained, and which could nurture them to someplace other than where they are. Many of them would not want to leave the mean streets; too much discipline; too much confinement and restraint. They are too much in love with the loose, wayward freedoms of the street, the wide-open sky of reckless liberties tasted, savored, relished. The challenge is how to find a way to help them beyond a paltry dollar; most times, it is a dollar used for the worst purposes: to feed a habit, to extend that rush hour of ecstasy, to perpetuate an existence that knows not family nor support structure nor bottom. There is only the jostling, taunting, tripping camaraderie of those who have lost at the loser’s game. And who keep going back for more of the gutters and unending terrors. There are no winners: not the stricken, not community, not family, not society. Something has to be done; something more; something more programmatic and structured and comprehensive and inclusive. There is a need for more than the trained and academics, and wonderful helping hands and hearts. In addition to all of those, there has to be those who know that road, having traveled it and pierced by its horrors and hemorrhage of the spirt, the mind, and the will to live. And who are now willing to coordinate and pilot the lost flock with some substantive assistance from the state. There is that, though it is never enough. The biggest problem is that most of the inhabitants of the streets are committed to the hard way. They will refuse, fight, and evade hands extended. That is part of the tragedy. The sum of the tragedy itself.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Politicians are not in power to do as they please DEAR EDITOR, Something is wrong with the mentality of the Guyanese politician as it relates to appearances. ‘Not only must justice be done; It must also be seen (appear) to be done’ is an age old expression that all progressive and successful societies have lived by for centuries. Since our independence in 1966, almost fifty-three years ago, we have seen most of our politicians defy this standard by behaving in ways that demonstrate that they either never understood it or just never cared. Our politicians behave in a way that gives us the impression that they believe that we put them in power so
that they could do as they please. We remember the haughtiness and arrogance of the Burnham era. They gave us the impression that because they were members of the Burnham cabinet they expected absolute subservience from the Guyanese masses simply by the way they carried themselves in public. In those days humility was not a word that anyone could associate with most of the members in power. Of course there were exceptions and we need to acknowledge those exceptions like Desmond Hoyte and Cheddie Jagan who really loved Guyana and never displayed any characteristic connection to having a right or entitlement
to that power. And then came the Jagdeo/Romotar era, a time when Guyana was thrown into a dark stretch of history where almost everyone in power behaved like they were born into a kind of royalty that frowned upon anything resembling justice if it in any way affected even the most fickle of their wishes....a time when our country was subjected to non-stop abuse of power and the actual appearance of injustice. Today we see Ministers defending themselves against allegations of improper contracting either by themselves or by members of their immediate families, provoking
unnecessary situations in the public square over simple things like the parking of a vehicle and suggesting that certain jobs can only be held by members of a particular Party. All this demonstrates a lack of understanding that justice must also appear to be done, even as it must be done i n i t i a l l y. I t i s v e r y disheartening for Guyanese voters to see this level of behaviour continue from administration to administration by their political leaders when they expect the highest levels of excellence given what the average Guyanese citizen has not only experienced but also witnessed in this area and in the past. Concerned Citizen
That “economic genocide” notion DEAR EDITOR, During the PPP administration, the word marginalization was glibly used by some apologist of the PNC including one Trade Unionist who went further by using the term “economic genocide” against Africans, despite the fact that then, all government services were predominantly staffed by Africans including the N.I.S. As far as I am aware, there were no comprehensive analysis including facts to justify this claim as compared to what is currently happening against East Indians by the APNU
administration. At the very beginning and in almost every sphere of public service, including GECOM “economic genocide” against East Indians, commenced through dismissals, victimization and prosecution. It started in the Police Force, where Ramnarine was demoted, at GECOM through the unilateral appointment of an African chairman and in the Public Service where 99% of Permanent Secretaries are Africans, and I am sure a closer examination of other top positions in the Public
Service would reveal a similar trend. Apart from data, one only have to look at the many photos of government activities in the newspaper to visually conclude that only one segment of the Guyanese public are benefitting from this APNU genocide against East Indians, including the most recent one of 99% Africans being employed in the Immigration Department. But, the employment policy within the Public Sector is only the tip of the iceberg when one considers the “economic genocide”
against East Indians in the sugar industry where countless households are left jobless and in the rice industry where deliberate financial burdens are imposed through increased taxation and neglect by the Ministry of Agriculture in containing a paddy bug infestation. And, it has not escaped my attention that while sugar workers have to pay a fee to access the backdam in order to survive, the government has allocated 2 billion dollars to assist their African communities, Mocha, Itaka, (Continued on page 5)
Thursday April 18, 2019
HOLD REFERENDUM ON THE CCJ AND PRIVY COUNCIL DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to “CCJ celebrates 14 years …” (Apr 17, ’19). The CCJ brags about celebrating 14 years of its existence and rendering 34 judgments. Can people trust the CCJ? The Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley describes the court judges as “politicians in robes” and promises to pull her country out of it and return to the London Privy Council. Many of the CCJ’s judgments would not pass muster if appealed to the Privy Council. The late Fenton Ramsahoye and Karl Hudson Phillips told me that Law Lords in England laugh at some of the judgments rendered by the CCJ. Other Senior and Queens Counsels I spoke with in Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados said many of the rulings of the CCJ would have been reversed if appeals were allowed in the Privy Council. Politicians, lawyers, laymen and former judges I spoke with in the region say “thank God for the Privy Council” when referring to some of the judgments of the CCJ. In other words, they are saying their country’s judicial system is best protected with the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. The CCJ was launched or created without the approval of the people in the region. Of the four nations (Guyana, Barbados, Dominica, Belize) that accept the CCJ as final court of appeal, not one of them held a referendum on accepting its jurisdiction. Referendums held in
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Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines rebuffed the court as final court of appeal; the people prefer the Privy Council. The Barbados government had promised to hold a referendum before accepting the CCJ as its final court but changed course when public opinions revealed the court would be rejected in a referendum vote. Instead, the government joined the court without the promised referendum. In opinion polls I conducted in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts, Antigua, and Guyana, the population overwhelmingly opposed the CCJ as final court of appeal for their country. In a survey I conducted just last week in Trinidad, by two to one, voters rejected the CCJ. Voters say they have greater faith in the Privy Council of London. The seven judges of the court and their staff should visit the four countries where the CCJ has jurisdiction to get the population’s view on the court. They will be surprised with the findings. If the Chief Justice (President Adrian Saunders) has faith in the court, he should urge the four governments to hold a referendum on whether each should continue with having the CCJ as their final court of appeal or return to the Privy Council. The people in the region would be looking at the judgments in two upcoming important court cases relating to the appointment of GECOM Chair
and the no confidence motion — whether 33 is a simple majority or absolute majority of 65. The CCJ judgments will determine whether long held mathematical concepts have to be redefined and whether amendments to a constitution have legality. Queens Counsels and Law Lords are having a field day in the UK upon learning that two judges say that 33 is not a majority of 65. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)
Spotlight on Yearwood and Hughes signals urgent need for public declarations of interest; new policy guidelines and transparency DEAR EDITOR, Quite a number of writers have raised concerns about the conflict of interests that arises when contracts are awarded to relatives of public officials, especially at the level of Ministers/ Parliamentarians, or when they are awarded to businesses owned by such public officials. Even if these officials had nothing, directly or indirectly, to do with the awarding of contracts, there will always be the perception of undue influence and or
That “economic genocide”... From page 4 Buxton, B.V. and Cove and John, while continuing with their subsidized electricity to Linden. So, what is the position of the Trade Unionist and other apologists including our two judases where there is an abundance of evidence of “economic genocide” against East Indians. One cannot help but observe the boisterous, belligerent and bullying attitude of this Trade Unionist and his government lackeys when African jobs were threatened at RUSAL but, his silence on the employment policy against East Indians in the Public Service and at GECOM is deafening. And, with the disintegration of the sugar industry where thousands of workers are unsure of their N.I.S. pension at age 60, can this Trade Unionist say what opportunities of employment do Indians have outside of the Public Service where kit and kin are guaranteed a pension at age 55, N.I.S. pension at age 60, and an old age pension at 65? And, to add insult to injury most of these geriatrics are employed as consultants and legal advisors in most government departments and ministries.Is this not a deliberate attempt of “economic genocide” against East Indians by an unscrupulous regime? Yours sincerely D. Singh
corruption when officials of the upper echelon of government are involved. Guyana is a ‘small’ country where everyone knows everyone and generally, only a small bunch of individuals with the wherewithal – finance and connections - establish companies and seek ‘sweetheart’ deals through their contacts/positions/influences. It is therefore, difficult to foresee, any time soon, a change in this phenomenon that would create a more level playing field and allay the public perception of corruption. However, in the interest of building an equitable society, the practice of awarding ‘conflict of interest’ contracts must be stopped. The Guyanese collective have the power to change this abuse of office/power by government officials. They can do so by putting pressure on the government to establish policies and guidelines, not only to inform the contract awarding process to public officials, but also to get the general public involved by improving transparency. The following are some of the areas the policy guidelines should address: a) Ministers/public officials should publish in the media a declaration of their
interest /connection to the firm/company bidding for a contract; b) Bidding process should be open and transparent; c) A select ad hoc committee should review/determine winners of the bid; d) Publish the winner of the bid in the media; e) Limit the number of contracts that can be awarded to the particular firm in a given time period; f) Establish clear timelines for completion, and monitor project for quality; g) Sanction defaulters for untimeliness and poor quality; h) Sanctions can be heavy fines, or disqualifications from future biddings (or jail terms for certain projects which may pose threat to life or limb). In a nutshell, the current political and perceivable ‘corrupt’ contract awarding practice must be stopped. To that end, the populace must pressure the government to act. The government, however, need show they have the ‘testicular apparatus’ to implement policies which would bring greater transparency on the process as well as limiting the number of bids by public officials. Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh
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There is indeed a very glum outlook DEAR EDITOR, I note Freddie Kissoon’s article on US visa applications in which he suggested “it would help the researchers too if the Embassy would publish statistics of how many visitors remained in the US in 2017.” As luck would have it these figures are available and show that of the 68,760 “expected departures” of persons issued with non immigrant visas for that year a total of 2,262 were suspected to have overstayed their visit a rate of 3.29%. Many would
see this as very low and indeed it is in the range for Caribbean and Latin American countries. So it would be difficult to conjecture that the sharp decline in the issuance of non immigrant visas in 2018 was triggered by overstays. I would say to Freddie that there is indeed a very glum outlook among PPP supporters towards Guyana and many even better off Guyanese have migrated in recent years. Much of this is due to them believing the drum beat of alarm and pessimism from the PPP aligned
media. It’s strange given the strong growth in the economy 4.1%, strong sales by all the big local companies, increases in bank loans and most notably declines in crime. Life goes on. Governments are not saviours and after 23 years when clearly not much was done for the working class it is hard to see how a PPP government would be much different if they ever make it back into office. Yours sincerely Albert Russell
Congratulations to the PPP are in order DEAR EDITOR, As a traveller, I wish to congratulate the PPP Top Brass for hiring a top Washington US based Firm to help them with their campaign activities, basically to enhance their PR. We live in the fascinating and fast changing world. Is this the same party leadership that openly criticize the PNC for its US connections while proclaiming the virtues of the Communist system and preaching the wisdom of Russia and the USSR? On the heels of this, $31M, we assume US investment, we note allegations about the police being directed by Congress Place to charge Dr. Jagdeo, then one
Thursday April 18, 2019
Kaieteur News
of their kit and kin brings a charge against GECOM to abort house to house registration. No one can fault the PPP over the years. They have learnt well from Dr. Gobellez. Adolph Hitler’s propaganda Minister, whose technique was to repeat a lie, keep staining your opponent and the people will soon believe what they say. This is the same party leadership that, disregarding protocol and decency, delivered a good cussing out to the US Ambassador on the eve of his departure and instead of an expected apology the next day, a horrified nation had the person represented the President proudly referring to the
verbal assault at the US Ambassador’s residence as a “Ferrel Blast” and the same party who consistently accused successive of US Governments of being partial to the PNC. This is the same Party whose top member once said ‘you can faster stop tomorrow than to you can stop communism.’ (Amen). We await the next propaganda ploy from the PPP Top Brass. Once again, congratulations to the PPP are in order as they h a v e cause to disappear from our minds, the hundreds of young men killed by the phantom gang, the Roger Khan campaign, t h e hundreds of corrupt dealings and the disregard for law and order. Let us give jack his jacket. Nigel Bacchus
GAWU is not daunted by those who spread patent falsehoods DEAR EDITOR, Our Union saw in the April 17 Kaieteur News a letter titled “The GAWU/PPP relationship is unhealthy” under the hand of “Local Observers”. The letter which can only be seen as yet another futile attempt to tarnish our Union’s efforts and work in the interest of our membership and workers generally. Through the letter, the author/s, choose to make several baseless and unsubstantiated statements in an effort, obviously, to sully the GAWU’s name and reputation. The author/s begins by advancing that our Union encouraged the recent picketing by the Uitvlugt cane cutters. Our Union stands with the Uitvlugt workers who, in our view, should not have been treated the way they were. In fact for the “observers” information, discussions following the workers protest actions, saw the rationale/s advanced by the Union being accepted and a commitment being made to ensure that adequate work is provided to the cane cutters, once all things are equal. Certainly, a rational mind would find it an injustice to wake up in the early-morning hours to reach to work only to arrive and then be told that there is no work available especially when earnings are required to feed mouths and send children to school, among others things. We see the “observers” charging that our Union is an arm of the PPP. This, as the GAWU has pointed out on several occasions, is blatant
falsehood. Our Union is an independent organization that has its own Constitution and leadership elected regularly through Congresses. The GAWU, has on several occasions, demonstrated its independence. Those facts are there for even the casual observer to see. We wonder how is it that the author/s didn’t recognize this fact considering he/she/ they said they visited our website. On this matter, the GAWU regards itself as a mass-based organization and, probably, has among its membership workers who are supportive of all political organizations in our country. We respect our members’ right in this regard and, therefore, we are not aligned to any political organization. The “observers” allege that our Union remained silent on the sugar industry during the PPP time in office. Of course, this again is a figment of the author/s imagination. The GAWU during the respective PPP/C administrations raised its voice and expressed concern. To suggest otherwise, as the author/s sought to do, is to be disingenuous in our view. The author/s also says that our Union is probably too critical of the Government. But, must the GAWU remain mute and blind when the GuySuCo, undoubtedly with the blessings of the Administration, perpetuates assault after assault on the sugar workers? That is not in GAWU’s DNA as we remain committed to safeguarding and
furthering the interest of our members. Our Union will not remain silent and will continue, at every opportune moment, to draw attention to the plight and circumstances of the workers the GAWU represents. The author/s says the Government “…wonder why they are being hit unfairly from all sides”. We wonder whether the “observers” fully contemplated what he/she/ they were saying. While we aren’t specifically aware of what is meant by “all sides”, from the GAWU’s perspective we are morally and dutybound to speak-up and speak-out. In terms of the perceived unfairness, isn’t it unfair to deny sugar workers, a section of the State employees, no pay rise since 2015; isn’t it also unfair to suspend benefits and ignore longstanding norms and practices, and isn’t it unfair too to send home 7,000 sugar workers, plunging them, their families and their communities into misery, without any social safety net. We recall a senior Government leader, a few years ago, saying that “zero was an insult” and that we should “light a candle for sugar worker”. Today, shouldn’t we all be lighting candles as the Government imposes not only insult but injury to the sugar workers? The GAWU hastens to wonder why would the “observers” want to seek to denigrate the GAWU standing up for its members, is it a case that our work has gotten under the not-so-thick skin of some people who are embarrassed when they are obviously exposed? Whatever is the motivation, the GAWU will not be daunted but remains committed to ensure that equality and social justice prevails. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
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Parliament to reconvene on April 26 ...GECOM funding not on agenda The Parliament Office has announced Friday, April 26th as the next sitting for the National Assembly, but it is not likely that funding for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), critical to the holding of early polls, will be dealt with. The Opposition has been saying that it will not be participating in the sittings, and will hold firm that it is focused on early elections. According to the Order Paper released, April 26th will see the holding of the 113th sitting of the National Assembly. At the sitting, several reports being circulated. The reports include the Women and Gender Equality Commission Report on “Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls”; Final Report into the Investigation of Employment Practices at the Guyana Elections Commission and the Appointment of Roxanne Myers to the Post of Deputy
Chief Election Officer; Loan Contract No. 4698/BL-GY dated December 10, 2018 between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for an amount of US$11,640,000 to finance the Strengthening of the Energy Sector Program; the Annual Report of the National Insurance Scheme for the year 2016; The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Tax Laws) (Tullow Guyana B.V., Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. and Total E&P Guyana BV) Order 2019 – No. 2 of 2019; and the Audited Financial Statements of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology for the year ended 31st December, 2014. Also to be circulated will be Audited Financial Statements of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for the year ended 31st December, 2016; the Annual Report of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest)
The next sitting of the National Assembly will be held on April 26th, it has been announced. for the year 2016; the Annual Report of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards for the years 2012 and 2013; the Annual Report of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission for the years 2012 and 2013; and the Annual Report of the Guyana National Printers Limited for the year 2015. There will also be (Continued on page 26)
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Kaieteur News
Teixeira, Anamayah resign as PPP MPs Two of three dual citizens from the People’s Progressive Party, Gail Teixeira and Adrian Anamayah, have resigned as Members of Parliament. This announcement was made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference yesterday. Jagdeo said that the third parliamentarian aligned with the PPP, who has dual citizenship, Odinga Lumumba, has not yet resigned, but is expected to do so. Jagdeo said that Te i x e i r a , w h o w a s t h e Opposition’s Chief Whip, has served 24 years in Parliament, and that her resignation, in spite of the work she has put in, displays her respect for the rule of law. He said that though she has resigned, she is on the list for the upcoming election cycle and will be part of the government, should the party win the election. On the other hand, the Opposition Leader said that the coalition government displayed duplicitous behaviour by its handling of the vote of Charrandass Persaud in support of the No Confidence motion, on December 21, 2018. Jagdeo said that before the 2015 election, the coalition had campaigned in the diaspora, promising inclusion for them. Now, he said, they have forgotten those promises now that they’re in government. “They then went to the court and challenged Charrandass’ dual citizen-
Adrian Anamayah, former PPP MP
Gail Teixeira, former Opposition Chief Whip
ship” – on the basis that he is a dual citizen.” He said that members of the Alliance for Change, for instance, were quite vocal about delegitimizing the vote of the expelled AFC member. And now, Jagdeo said, those same individuals are changing their tone to say that there is value in having dual citizens in parliament, and have indicated that they would like to reform the law to reflect that. Jagdeo has described this as duplicitous behaviour. “ N o w, (Raphael) Trotman,” Jagdeo exclaimed, “he says it’s an enlightened view to have people from abroad be members of parliament.” The Opposition Leader said that he shares the view that it is not wrong to have dual citizens in par-
liament. Jagdeo said he agrees with “all of our people – wherever they live – being able to contribute to the development of Guyana”. “We must not exclude our own people, our diaspora, but we must not suddenly shift our positions based on convenience” However, he said that the opportunistic flip-flopp i n g o f A F C l e a d e r, Raphael Trotman, and other party members on the issue is characteristic of duplicity in the party. Jagdeo said that the PPP will not change its stance on the issue to its convenience, like the coalition has been doing, and that the PPP will respect the rule of law. “We will put in our manifesto a process that could lead to constitutional reform in the future, like we did before the constitutional changes of the early 2000s – a body established with five members from the opposition, five from the government, and ten from civil society – a broad-based body.” “If the people of the country want it, then we must accept that,” he said. It is this mechanism that the PPP would use to reform the law which bars dual citizens from serving in the National Assembly.
Thursday April 18, 2019
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Too little, too late The children writing the National Grade Six Assessment would wish that the examinations were held every day. They have been treated with so much kindness and consideration, far better than at Christmas. The children are made to feel extra special on the days when they have to write examinations. The parents go out of their way to treat them with extreme love and affection. Parents go to great lengths to ensure that there is no psychological pressure on their children. They do not shout at them. They do not assign them any chores for fear of placing any pressure on them.
Parents wake up early to prepare a special meal for their children who are writing the examinations. The parents know what meals the children like and they prepare a special treat on examination day to send them on their way. The children are encouraged to eat as much as they can and take seconds if they so desire. Parents shower affection on the children. They hug and kiss them. They walk them to school, hug them again, and wish them luck in the examinations. They ensure that they have extra pens and pencils, rulers and sharpeners. During lunchtime, they take a very special meal for them. It is either Church’s or Pizza, things
that the children like. Before the kids leave for the afternoon session it is more hugs and kisses encouraging them to do their best. When they return from school, they are told to take it easy, to relax. The children must remain in a stress-free environment in preparation for the second day of examinations. Nothing is done to place any form of stress on them. They are given words of encouragement. And the cycle of special meals, hugs and kisses and encouragement begins all over again when the second day of the examination commences.Somechildrenendupwondering whether their parents had an overnight epiphany.
Dem boys seh ...
American Airlines want kick out de airlines who struggle wid Guyana When dem got sugar ants does follow. Guyana got to be a bowl of sugar water. Anybody who see a bowl of sugar water gun see nuff ants running to get in and anodda set trying to get out. American Airlines suddenly see Guyana got honey. Before Exxon find honey in Guyana, American Airline didn’t even know wheh Guyana deh. All dem pilots think Guyana was Ghana. Suddenly when Exxon find oil dem find wheh Guyana deh pun de map. And of course wheh honey deh all man Jack want to come. That is how dem apply to de coalition to fly nonstop, back and forth between Guyana and New York. This is de time Soulja Bai should remember who was de carrier all de time and who was
there for us. He should remember America stop all direct flights from Guyana to New York. It stop CaribbeanAirlines, Fly Jamaica, Suriname Airways and all regional airlines from flying direct to New York. Now dem want dem airline alone to fly direct to New York. Dem mean to tek all de business and shut out all de people who been shuttling Guyanese all over de place. Dem was de only airlines there for us. Dem boys seh you never forsake de old fuh de new or be ungrateful to de people who stand by your side. Caribbean Airline is de one that was and still is flying Soulja Bai to Cuba fuh he medical checkup. Before now, America did hold de handle of de knife and
Guyana hold de blade. Now is de odda way round; Guyana hold de handle and dem hold de blade. Soulja Bai should demand that America grant de same permission to dem regional airlines wha American Airline want Guyana grant dem. It’s only fair that we have a level playing field in de airline industry. How lang de field not level Soulja Bai should refuse de application. After all is a business everybody got to look out fuh dem own self. Is nah dem boys seh suh. Trump is de man who seh put America first. Dem boys want to know why dem can’t put Guyana first by demanding equal opportunity. Talk half and stand up fuh dem airlines wha been wid Guyana through thick and thin.
Ifthechildrenweresopampered throughout the remainder of their school days as they are during examinationdays, their performance would be much better. But the problem with parents is that they reserve the best treatment, towards their children, for examination days. Parents should not wait until examination days to create a pressure-free environment for their children. They should feed them well before and after the examinations. They should ensure that the children are always treated with kindness and consideration.Home should always be a caring and loving environment for the children so that they can enjoy their childhood and they can develop a hunger for learning. Most parents expect that special treatment on examination days will have a miraculous effect on the
performance of children. They do not appreciate that learning is a process that takes time. Children need consistent support to bring out the best in them.Displaying special love and attention only on examination days is not going to reverse all those othertimeswhenchildrenweremade to feel unappreciated and unloved. The fancy meals at lunchtime on examination days are not going to compensate for the years of previous neglect of the nutrition of the children. It is not going to work any miracleson examination day itself. It will only, in the eyes of the children, expose the hypocrisy of their parents. The children will privately question why it is that they are only made to feel special on examination days. In fact, all this special treatment can backfire, because when the children do not perform as well as their parents expect, the parents are bound to vent their
frustration on the children and point to the fact that they went out of their way to make them feel special and loved when the children were sitting the examination. Parents must love and show affection to their children all year round, and not just at exam time. They should show love to their children, because this will create an environment in the home that is conductive to learning. Many parents have little time for their children before examination. But come examination day, the children are given the best treatment. It is too little, too late.
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Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
GCCI: Where did the world get the Guyana nationality from? The president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) uttered a statement that in terms of rational life is incomprehensible. I cannot understand the things that Guyanese say and do. It conforms to my theory that the Guyanese personality, the Guyanese character and the nationality of Guyana are inscrutable, and in the most negative and tragic ways. With every passing day I see human action in this land that drives deeper into my soul the belief that the Guyanese national is
ontologically flawed. Here are just a few examples. Ten, not two or three, but about ten times I have seen what I am about to describe. Drivers would have the green light. You would blow on them to just hurry a little bit to catch the green. They wouldn’t. Well fine! That is perfectly logical. Persons may just want to take their time. But here is where the weirdness comes in. Instead of accelerating a wee bit to catch the light, they take their time and illegally drive through amber. Going through the amber is unlaw-
ful, for which there is a charge. How do you explain this weirdness? It is either you take your time and stop at the amber or drive up a bit and catch the green. Do you know how many times I have seen drivers and motorcyclists enter a semidesert parking lot and put their machine right behind a parked vehicle, thereby hindering the person from their exit action. How do you account for this type of irrationality? Here are just two more examples. There is a sign located on the southern parapet on the Railway Embankment just a few yards west of the traffic lights at UG Road. I live just nearby. The signs says, “No trucks and lorries; bridge under construction.” This sign was put up there four years ago. You are deliberately misleading lorry drivers and truck owners, because the bridge had long been dusted and dried. How can any government be so illogical? Here is the one that takes
the cake. President Granger, when asked how he could put an environment economist in charge of the oil sector rather than a petroleum specialist, quite calmly told the media, the man selected will find the relevant experts. So I guess the head of our oil sector is a clerk. We come now to Mr. Boyer, the head of the GCCI. I really don’t know if this gentleman is the son or nephew of Eddie Boyer, who achieved national attention by being the close friend of then president, Bharrat Jagdeo. The Mayor of Georgetown told the nation that over 140 business entities owe the City Hall rates and taxes in the vicinity of over 8 billion dollars. Mr. Boyer and his friends in an organization that under football “genius,” Clinton Urling, the owner of German’s Soup Shop in Tiger Bay, had lost its voice when Jagdeo (Putin) and Ramotar (Medvedev) ruled Guyana, were annoyed with the Mayor. The GCCI issued a press
release telling the nation it was displeased with what the Mayor disclosed. Does this statement make any sense? It does not. And to say it is bizarre and macabre is to put it mildly. How can any person be so silly to be displeased with what the Mayor said? In making that statement, the elected mayor is fulfilling his obligation to the people of Georgetown. The GRA has publicly lamented that property tax payment has been dismal over the years. The police commissioner has chastised bad drivers on our roadways. The Education Ministry observed over the years that teachers are going to UG while they should be in the classroom. Business owners have long voiced public dissatisfaction with the workplace competence of UG graduates. In none of the examples I cited here, did I see any press release by the relevant organizations denying what was pronounced on? So how do you explain the displeasure by the GCCI? I don’t think it
Frederick Kissoon can be fathomed. This is Guyana, where nothing makes sense, and sense when it exists dies very quickly. This is a country where logical thinking hardly exists and when it is present in society, it quickly vanishes. The one that I really like is the saga at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They put an environment specialist to head the oil sector. They put an oil specialist to head the environment sector. Of course, expect more. I will not be surprised if one day we wake up to find that a botanist is in charge of the surgery department of the Georgetown Hospital and the hospital’s Chief Surgeon is assigned to run the Botanical Gardens.
Thursday April 18, 2019
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PPP wants clean elections, but hires US firm linked to tampering By Kiana Wilburg The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been saying for months that its principal concern at this point in time is having free and fair elections. But on March 7, last, the Party contracted the services of lobbying firm, Mercury Public Affairs, which has been implicated in a scheme to hide foreign influence peddling in the American 2016 elections. Mercury has also been described in the US media as being the “go-to lobbying shop for clients looking to get in the administration’s good graces.” At his press conference, Kaieteur News challenged Jagdeo to say how his party could express the desire to have “free and fair elections” but still hired a firm that was part of a plot to do the opposite in America. The Opposition Leader said that based on his research, it is a case of a partner of the firm versus the company. He said, too, that he is “very happy” with the firm, its credentials and bipartisan nature. Justifying the move by the PPP, Jagdeo said that the party needs a strong presence in Washington. He said that the opinions of many organizations including multilateral financial institutions, and even the American government, could be tainted by the “lies the government has been telling...” The former President said, “So we needed to have a presence there, so we can bring a balance to what is being peddled and so we took this step and will continue with that presence...”
Jagdeo disclosed that he is aware of the negative reports on the firm, but his main concern is that it is bipartisan and that it is effective in getting the party’s message to the leaders of the US Government. The PPP has paid the company US$150,000 thus for its services in this regard. Jagdeo also said that the main focus of Mercury Public Affairs is not on the elections campaign, but providing advice on the party’s presence in Washington and ensuring its views are heard by policy makers there at every level. He said that this is already happening. He said, too, that the contract which comes to an end on June 5, 2019, will be reviewed before it is renewed. PROBE INTO FOREIGN LOBBYING FIRMS According to two news sites, the Associated Press (AP) and The Hill, prosecutors with the Justice Department (DOJ) are ramping up their investigation into the foreign lobbying of two firms linked to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. The prosecutors have been interviewing witnesses about the Podesta Group and Mercury Public Affairs, the AP reported, citing individuals familiar with the investigation. The probe stems from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election. Mueller handed it off to prosecutors in Manhattan because the issue fell outside the scope of his own probe, according to the AP. The Podesta Group and Mercury Public Affairs are
believed to be “Company A” and “Company B” as referenced in a grand jury indictment against Manafort and his deputy associate Richard Gates last year. The firms came under scrutiny for their work to benefit a pro-Russia party in Ukraine. They were accused in the grand jury indictment of being paid millions through offshore bank accounts set up by Manafort and Gates. Manafort faced charges for failing to register as a foreign lobbyist and was convicted of attempting to avoid paying taxes on income he earned for the work. The firms didn’t register the lobbyists doing work for Ukraine as foreign agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act while doing that lobbying. The firms have since registered lobbyists under the act, according to the AP, and said they relied on outside counsel in making their decisions. Mercury spokesman Michael McKeon told the AP that the firm has “always welcomed any inquiry since we acted appropriately at every step of the process, including hiring a top lawyer in Washington and following his advice.” “We’ll continue to cooperate as we have previously,” he added. A spokeswoman for Podesta declined comment to the AP. (See Links for more details: https://thehill.com/ policy/cybersecurity/419907prosecutors-ramping-upprobe-into-foreign-lobbyingby-firms-linked-to and https:/ /www.thedailybeast.com/ robert-mueller-targeted-twolobbying-firms-one-is-thriving-in-trumps-dc?ref=scroll)
Murder accused jailed for 12 months for robbing fruit vendor Twenty-four year-old Jason Howard, who was last year committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown for the murders of an elderly rice farming couple, was yesterday handed a 12-month jail sentence after he was found guilty of robbing a fruit vendor at gunpoint. After being on trial for more than a year before City Magistrate Annette Singh, Howard was convicted of the crime. On October 12, 2016, at Church Street, Georgetown, while armed with a gun, he robbed Bibi Bacchus, a fruit vendor, of $100,000 in cash. The Magistrate said that in arriving at such a decision, she
carefully considered the evidence presented by Police Prosecutor Gillian Simmons, who called several witnesses to testify, including the victim. Back in 2016, Howard and three other men were charged with the April 17, 2016 murders of Mohamed Munir and his wife Jamila Munir, who were burnt to death after bandits, set their Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo home ablaze. Furthermore, Howard has several pending robbery under-arms matters before the court. He was among the 13 prisoners who escaped from the Lusignan Prison in July 2017, and was sentenced to one year imprisonment.
Jason Howard
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Kaieteur News
Jagdeo questioned by cops over Babu Jaan comments insisted that it remains a professional organization and any action previously or currently being taken, is wholly pursuant to legal advice obtained and or to engage in investigations. The PPP, in a statement hours earlier, noted it was in receipt of information from a usually reliable source that the police had been instructed by Congress Place and the Office of the President to ar-
At centre: Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo being questioned by ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department, (CID) (backing the camera) in the presence of his attorneys. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo was yesterday questioned by ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department, (CID) over statements he made during his address at a rally held in commemoration of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s founding leader Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, Corentyne, last month. Kaieteur News understands that the police paid Jagdeo a visit at his Church Street office where they put to him several allegations in the presence of his attorneys Anil Nandlall, Sanjeev Datadin and Priya Manickchand. Jagdeo has been accused of inciting his party supporters with the comments, he made in regards to the government during his address at Babu Jaan on March 10th
last. During his speech, the opposition leader had, in reference to the government, urged his supporters to “chase them out.” Jagdeo had emphasised that the government has been illegal following the contentious no- confidence vote passed in the National Assembly on December 21. In a statement on Wednesday, the Guyana Police Force denied being ordered by anyone to arrest and charge the Opposition Leader over his alleged inciting racial hostility during a speech at Babu Jaan. The force said it had taken note of a press statement by the PPP in which the party alleged that the police have been instructed by Congress Place and the Office of the President to arrest, detain, and charge Opposition
Leader and General Secretary. “The Guyana Police Force wishes to clearly refute such statement and to inform all and sundry that the Ministry of the Presidency, the People’s National Congress – Reform or A Partnership for National Unity have not given any such instruction or advice.” Additionally, the Force
rest, detain and charge Jagdeo. “This speech was widely covered in the media. It is devoid of any racial content whatsoever. It simply called upon all Guyanese to reject the Government, including the President and the Prime Minister, after March 21, 2019, “by chasing them”. “From that date, the Government would have become illegal and the President, the
Prime Minister and Ministers of the Government would no longer be lawfully entitled to hold their governmental offices because of the successful passage of a no confidence motion passed against the Government in the National Assembly on the 21st December, 2019, and the ruling of the Chief Justice, which upheld the validity of that no confidence motion,” the statement added.
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Robert Persaud will play no role in elections campaign - Opposition Leader Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo made it pellucid yesterday that former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, will have no role to play in the PPP’s election campaign efforts at this time. The PPP General Secretary made these and other related statements at a press conference that was held at his office on Church Street. There, the former President was asked if Persaud, who has been expressing nationalistic views on the oil and gas sector in some sections of the media, will be playing any role in the party’s campaign. Jagdeo said, “Persaud has no role to play in the campaign at this time...He has not indicated that he wants to play a role in the campaign and so I will not speculate about any-
Former Minister Robert Persaud thing.” Asked if he would accept an offer by Persaud to help in this regard, Jagdeo said the party would have to decide on that. The PPP General Secretary said, “...There is a place for everyone. What role he
plays if he expressed that interest is a different matter for the party. Robert Persaud is right now not part of the PPP...He said even before the elections, that he wanted to take a sabbatical from politics and that’s it. He did. He said that pre-2015 elections.”
City Council to remove three-card tricksters, scam artists – perpetrators will face full force of the law The Mayor and City Council, through the City Constabulary, yesterday began a full-fledged campaign to rid the city of the ‘threecard tricksters’ and scam artists operating around the Stabroek, Georgetown, Demico House Outlet. Speaking to this publication, Inspector of City Constabulary Investigation Department, Petal Bancroft-Anthony noted that while her department has been targeting criminal elements in and around Georgetown’ the ‘three-card tricksters’ have continued to elude them. She said that patrols around the area have seen the ‘three-card men’ retreating when ranks are on location, but soon returning again after officers move to other sections of the city. To put a halt to their operations, the City Constabulary will be having ranks stationed in and around the Demico House area, op-
erating on a twenty-four hour basis. The inspector is sounding a warning that perpetrators will receive the full force of the law if apprehended. The Inspector spoke of the harassment of citizens by the tricksters, who would lure unsuspecting persons to play the card game and would allow them to win small amounts as an encouragement. After successfully persuading the individuals to make bigger bets, the men would then apply their ‘card tricks’ relieving the victims of large amounts of cash. Many times their scam tactics are observed/discovered by the victims who would protest and most times the scenario that follows is one of ‘fiery cuss outs’ sometimes to the point of the tricksters threatening to get physical. She explained that the City Constabulary has done a pretty good job of ‘clean-
ing up the Stabroek area of idlers and criminal elements and will in no way tolerate the operations of scam artists who are bent on using evil schemes to extract cash or any form of valuables from innocent members of the public Another exercise to be staged soon by the City Constabulary is ridding the bus parks and market areas of gamblers who congregate to play card games for cash. She made particular reference to those who have been operating outside the Stabroek Demico outlet (at the Sophia Bus Park) around the clock, placing emphasis on the ruckus they create and violent fights that customarily would break out as a result of disagreements. The City Constabulary is calling on the public to report instances of these offenders, and not to be lured with promises of large winnings.
Man gets three years for ganja Daniel France was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $30,000 on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. France, who appeared in Court Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before
Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty yesterday, pleaded guilty to the charge read by Police P r o s e c u t o r, Sean Blackman. According to the police on April 15, last, a t M a n d e l a Av e n u e , Georgetown, France was found in possession of 25
grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. In an explanation following the guilty plea, France told the Court that he is unemployed but uses the substance as medication to treat symptoms of a stroke, which he suffered about a year ago.
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GPHC commemorates new, improved Maternity Ward -Plaque designed and constructed by staff unveiled
The plaque that was designed and constructed by GPHC staffers Yesterday the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) held a simple ceremony to commemorate its new Maternity Ward and unveiled a plaque that was designed and constructed by the staff. Manager of Quality Improvement Department Ms. Leslyn Holder in her remarks before presenting the results of the Health Care Competition said that, “A hospital, in fact any health care setting can be a very busy place, demanding the undivided attention of its leaders. Clinical leaders are central to achieving the highest standards attainable.” She went on to say that “Medical leaders are role models to other levels nursing staff, and other staff within the health care sector. They need managerial skills to run a busy ward and the clinical expertise to make the right supervisory decision.” CEO of the corporation,
Retired Brigadier George Lewis in his brief remarks before introducing the guest speaker said jokingly “I have a few remarks which is going to be about 20 pages”. “As we strive to achieve our theme, which is, striving for excellence in health care, I wish to say that our anniversary celebration which would have started on Sunday with a church service, and continues with the unveiling of the plaque.” He then went on to list the entire series of events they have planned, saying that all the activities were to showcase what is being done at GPHC. Apologizing for the absence of the Chairperson of the Board, Ms. Kesaundra Alves who is away on travel duty, he spoke about the significance of the event and the gratitude felt to see 20 years as a corporation. Pleas were made to members of the public to give respect to the healthcare work-
Officials and staffers pose for a photo opportunity ers and to desist from both physical and verbal assault, as recently happened to two doctors. Admitting that some members of staff may fail to uphold the motto “We Care”, Lewis stressed that he is committed to working to fix that issue. The general public was asked to be patient and still give the respect due and it will be returned. Following her introduction by the CEO, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence took the podium where she warmly greeted the audience with “It’s a wonderful day isn’t it? It’s a beautiful day in this place called Guyana.” Minister Lawrence congratulated the GPHC on 20 years of excellent service and charged the staffers to continue more of the same for (Continued on page 30)
Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence (at right, backing camera) joins in applauding the unveiling of the commemorative plaque
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Thursday April 18, 2019
Police now have security ring on East Bank, Harbour Bridge with live video feeds
This overhead walkway at Diamond, EBD, like the rest, has security cameras providing live video feeds. The Demerara Harbour Bridge has been working with authorities in the fight against crime.
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uthorities are quietly building their arsenal in the fight against crime. One of the biggest
weapons, it has now emerged, will be security cameras on the East Bank Demerara. For several months now, the Demerara Harbour Bridge
has been working quietly to hook up cameras on the five overhead walkways located between Diamond and Houston, East Bank
Demerara. With the cameras at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the police have in reality locked down an entire area, one of the busiest in the country. The cameras have the capability of picking up hit-and-run vehicles and robbers getting away from scenes. The disclosures were made Monday by the bridge corporation's General Manager, Rawlston Adams, during an update of the activities that are underway by the state-owned company. Adams disclosed that for several years now, to improve the operations of the 40-yearold bridge, a number of initiatives were undertaken. One of them was security at both ends of the bridge. Using its own funds, staffers and equipment, the corporation was able to install security cameras. The cameras were then linked to the police's operations, with the live feeds used to solve a number of crimes. A few months ago, thanks to government's ongoing programme to interconnect its state entities, a fibre cable was dropped at the Harbour Bridge office. “The possibilities of fibre are endless. We literally have at our fingertips the possibilities of changing how we do business because of connectivity.” And the changes are happenings. There are five overhead walkways built over the last two years. They are located at Diamond, Providence, Peter's Hall, Eccles and Houston. On them, the Harbour Bridge staffers have placed more than three dozen cameras transmitting videos to servers and then to the authorities that are monitoring. In coming weeks, it is the plan to install about two dozen
more directly overlooking the traffic lane. According to Adams, with the bridge being linked to the database of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), there are other possibilities. “So we are looking at a system where we could be able to identify if a vehicle has a wrong plate, based on colours or vehicle make. Our system will red-flag it, and it will be sent to the authorities.” With 60 cameras between Diamond and Houston and those on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, a ring has been created in a hotspot area. According to Adams, the Demerara Bridge has been investing in some of the best servers and storage equipment. “We decided to push the limit. We started sending things years ago to the police. It is definitely bandwidth that is helping.” The cameras will also in the long run serve to help map traffic patterns,
something the Bridge authorities and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure have been working on. Congestion is a major issue. Adams explained that as long as an accident occurs and it is ascertained that a particular vehicle is involved, it becomes easy to help solve a crime. “If somebody said to me the car is a greenish car…that is all I need to know, along with the time. We can check the overhead walkway cameras and if that is not clear, we go to the next one. Maybe, he or she will have to stop at a traffic light and we can get the number plates. We can pull in vehicles, check for damage, and that is how you are able to piece together things.” The bridge disclosed earlier this week also that it is testing an automated toll collective system to help make traffic management easier and reduce waiting time.
General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation Rawlston Adams explaining some of the workings of the server and other equipment.
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Thursday April 18, 2019
2019 NGSA results will surpass that of previous years - Education Minister
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, and Chief Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson, engaging the students of Ketley Primary School. [Ministry of Education photo]
Minister Nicolette Henry encouraging the pupils of St. Gabriel's Primary School. [Ministry of Education photo]
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he 2019 National Grade Six Assessment [NGSA] commenced yesterday and senior Ministry of Education officials were on hand to encourage some of the young pupils as they prepared to get down to business. Visiting the Ketley, St. Stephen's and St. Gabriel's P rimary S chools w ere Education Minister, Nicolette Henry and Chief Education Officer Mr. Marcel Hutson. At the schools they urged the pupils to do their absolute best. As she offered words of encouragement, Minister Henry reminded the pupils to ensure that they read and understand each question on their examination papers before attempting to answer. She also urged them to relax and ensure that nerves do not get the better of them. Following the visits, Minister Henry, during an interview with members of the media, said that given the hard work that would have been done by the Ministry of Education, it is expected that the results will surpass all previous years. Minister Henry noted that based on the information
provided to her by the technical officers in the Ministry, particularly the Chief Education Officer, she is of the view that the students are prepared for this year's examination. According to Mr. Hutson, with the work done with teachers and students, he is confident that the Grade Six students are prepared for the examination. He noted too that among some of the interventions this year were the mathematics camps, training for teachers and diagnostic examinations. Given the extensive preparation for the NGSA this year, Minister Henry expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Chief Education Officer, and all the technical officers and the thousands of teachers across Guyana, as well as parents that did a lot of hard work with their children. The start of the NGSA yesterday saw pupils writing English Language and Science. The assessment, which will decide which secondary schools the pupils will attend, will conclude today, with them writing Mathematics and Social Studies papers.]
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American Airlines aims to service NY-G/T route American Airlines has signaled intentions to introduce daily flights to Miami and will soon start the process required to similarly service the New York-Georgetown route
- will conduct daily Miami flights from next month
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mere five months after American Airlines made its first flight from Miami to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, the US carrier has announced plans to go daily from next month. It will also start the application process for flights servicing the highdemand New York/John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) –
Georgetown (GEO) route. Tens of thousands of Guyanese live in the New York area. Ye s t e r d a y, J o h n Williams, Senior Analyst of International Government Affairs, American Airlines Inc., wrote Lt Col (Ret'd) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Williams informed the aviation regulator of
American Airlines' additional and enhanced
service between Guyana and the US.
“Due to the successes of our current Miami (MIA) Georgetown (GEO) flight, beginning next month, per our IATA Summer 2019 schedule filing, we will increase MIA-GEO to daily Airbus 319 service.” Williams also disclosed that it is the plan to upgrade to a bigger plane on the Miami route. “Later this year we plan to upgrade the MIA-GEO aircraft from the 128-seat Airbus 319 to the 172-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.” In addition to the MIAGEO changes, American said it will soon file a formal application with the authority to begin non-stop daily service between Georgetown and New York's J o h n F. K e n n e d y International Airport (JFK). “The GEO-JFK flight will begin December 18th, 2019 (or sooner) and be operated with 172-seat Boeing 737-800 equipment. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in the first part of May (with the 'Subject to
GCAA's Director General, Egbert Field Government Approval' notification until formal approval is granted by the GCAA).” American Airlines said it will be issuing a press release shortly. “American Airlines is fully committed to continuing serving Guyana and applauds the authority for its leadership and help in making American Airlines service to Guyana a major success.”
US Army's New Horizons personnel to build three community centres, women's shelter
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ew Horizons, the U.S. Southern Command's annual training exercise, kicks off in Linden next month. The three-month event will involve U.S. military civil engineers and medical professionals, who will work alongside Guyanese military and health professionals in joint humanitarian assistance exercises. According to the U.S. Southern Command's w e b s i t e (www.southcom.mil), New Horizons personnel and their local counterparts will work at various locations in and around Linden, Port Mourant, New Amsterdam and Georgetown, to
construct three community centers and one women's shelter. U.S. military doctors will also be present to provide medical care to Guyanese citizens during the exercise, including ophthalmologic care and surgery. The N e w H o r i z o n s exercise will conclude in August 2019. New Horizons is an annual U.S. Southern Command training and humanitarian exercise that is led by the Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) in various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Guyana previously hosted successful New Horizons exercises in 2004 and 2009.
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22 workplace deaths reported last year The gathering at the Symposium yesterday
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott delivering remarks
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rom a total of 560 r e p o r t e d workplace accidents, 22 or four per cent resulted in the loss of lives during last year. This was disclosed by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott at the Ministry's Occupational Safety and H e a l t h ( O S & H ) Department's Symposium, which opened yesterday at Herdmanston Lodge under the theme “Safety and Health and the Future of Work: Building on the k n o w l e d g e a n d achievements accumulated over the years.” Minister Scott emphasised that four per cent is too high and his
ministry intends to ensure that all employers understand that in this country, the employees and their health come first, and that the laws of Guyana at all stages must be enforced, the ministry said in a statement yesterday. “ We h a v e n o t y e t computed the cost of compensation paid by the National Insurance Scheme and other costs through civil proceedings. However, we have a policy in this ministry that any fatal accident must be immediately investigated. And I can say without fear of contradiction that we have attained and maintained 100 per cent reporting and investigations of all fatal
accidents that are work related in this country since 2016 to now,” the Minister related. The Minister, who has the responsibility for labour, stressed that safety must be given the prominence it deserves in the strategic plan of every enterprise. He alluded to the challenges stakeholders had to confront in the realm of OS&H in recent times, including leakage of mercury at the
Guyana Gold Board, leakage or escape of ammonia at a fishing enterprise on the East Bank Demerara and contamination and death of Chinese nationals at the Manganese Company in North West District. “These incidents have tested our preparedness to deal with major issues like oil spills which we hope will never occur. We have the equipment and have to go to any part of Guyana to
investigate accidents,” Minister Scott stated. The Minister encouraged stakeholders to improve their work ethic and to prioritise the safety of workers so that workplace accidents can be avoided. He said a forensic investigation of all accidents, particularly those with fatal consequences, shows that they were avoidable if the necessary standard operating
procedures, including risk analyses, were carried out. Meanwhile, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Eslyn Harris pointed out that OS&H stands at the forefront of the standards within the workplace, but there is always the need for improvements. “There must be continuous improvements (continued on page 25)
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Substandard US$150M airport warrants full-fledged investigation - Opposition Leader
T
here must be a t h o r o u g h investigation into the renovation done on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, made this assertion yesterday, during a press conference. Eight years after the signing of the contract, China Harbour Engineering Corporation Limited (CHEC) is preparing to hand over the renovated airport. But there are questions about the quality of work done by the contractor. The project has been marred by one problem after another. The largest ongoing infrastructural undertaken by the government, it has s p a n n e d t h r e e administrations thus far. It was inexplicably modified by the Coalition Government starting in 2015, with Guyana getting a considerably smaller airport, though still obligated for a US$150M bill. Jagdeo had said that the Airport is a “rehab project”, and that it is not a new, stateof-the-art airport, as was initially promised. He said that he believes the cause of this is collusion, involving government officials. He had sought to dispel the notion that the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is to blame for the variation of the project. A number of local contractors had expressed shock at some of the prices that the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, in late 2011, agreed to in its contract with China Harbour. “They argued that it was a corrupt PPP contract. Now, they have decided to pay more when we are getting less,” said the Opposition Leader.
The CJIA's terminal building. At extreme right is the smaller building that CHEC constructed while the rest is the older, gutted airport structure.
Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo The project initially promised a brand new terminal building, with it being a two-storey structure, with glass roof and highlights. It also was meant to be accompanied by eight passenger bridges. Jagdeo said that, as it is, there will be a runway, a part of the apron, a rehabilitated terminal building instead of a “spanking” new one, and only four bridges. Further, Jagdeo said that for the runway, it was necessary to get a “huge” apron so that eight aircraft could stand at the same time, including the much larger vehicles, but that the current set-up is not enough.Jagdeo believes the variation was so drastic that it is now a rehabilitation project, instead of a “new” airport. It has been uncovered by this publication that many of the costs placed in the contract's documents signed by the Jagdeo-led government and CHEC were astronomically inflated. For example, according to the 2011 contract, Guyana agreed that CHEC would install 36 of the 46-inch screen monitors for the
Flight Information Display System. Each was worth a whopping US$6,548.90 each ($1,310,000). In total U S $ 2 3 5 , 7 6 0 . 4 0 ($47,152,080) would have been set aside for those 36 of the 46-inch TVs. On the local market, each at 2011, when the contract was signed, would have cost about $300,000. That is only one of the many examples of the inflated prices. Just recently, Kaieteur News reported that, under the agreement, CHEC received access to sandpits. There were no costs to the pits. The pits are located in the vicinity of the runway which was being extended. The Chinese contractor reportedly placed a cost of $7,000 per truckload for moving sand from the pit to the runway area. This works out at a massive US$35M in sand alone that CHEC reportedly charged Guyana for the project. This is just one of many issues uncovered by Kaieteur News. Then, came the additional fees. Effective April 1st, 2019, passengers using the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were expected to pay an additional $4,000 in fees, thanks to the US$150M renovations. The fees include an airport security fee for $4,300, up $1,800 from (continued on page 26)
22 workplace deaths reported... From page 23 within existing services for members, along with the development of requisite training and skills. Work continues to be a vital component of modern living. Most people spend a third of their adult life at work contributing to their own wellbeing and the society, thus the working environment can - if it remains unchecked - negatively impact millions of lives around the world.” Harris stressed that work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses occur every day and many people lose their lives every year.
Therefore, the need for advancements in OS&H in the workplace is clear and urgent. She called on stakeholders to work together to ensure that workplace accidents are completely eliminated, since the task cannot be achieved alone. The Symposium saw presentations from the panelists which included representatives from the Government, University of Guyana (UG), Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) among others.
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Kaieteur News
Thief shot after robbing trainee nurses
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A 27-year-old ‘D’ Field, Sophia resident was shot in the abdomen on Tuesday night, shortly after he had robbed two trainee nurses on Main Street. According to a release, public spirited citizens had apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police. The ranks were escorting him to an East Bank Demerara Police Station lockups, when
he fled from the police vehicle on High Street. After a period of pursuit, he was shot by one of the armed escorts. Police said that the suspect is stable. “The Guyana Police Force applauds the efforts by members of the public for supporting law enforcement and wishes to thank those responsible for the apprehension of the suspect,” the release said.
Substandard CJIA renovation warrants... From page 25 $2,500 and the passenger facility charge which moved from $1,100 to $3,300, an increase of $2,200. The airlines operating have reportedly informed travel agents and other stakeholders. The taxes are being collected from the point of sale and are shown on passengers' tickets separately. Guyana learnt of the increases via a circular dated January 25, 2019 by the CJIA to airlines. “These charges were sprung upon us, without any consultations with us, the airline, or anyone else. What are we paying back for?” Jagdeo said yesterday. Already inflated and with little or no explanation from
Government where the money went, a number of contractors have communicated to this publication that the kind of work done at the terminal building could have been done for US$5M, as opposed to the US$150M that was paid to the contractor, through a loan Guyana has to repay. Jagdeo said “I look at what the contract was and I look at the airport we're supposed to receive. Then, I look at what we are getting now and it makes me angry – extremely angry that we're being ripped off because of complicity with this ministry. This government has taken a project that is supposed to be a showpiece, an airport for the future, and shifted it into a rehabilitation project.”
Parliament to... From page 7 presentation of a number of important Bills. These include the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Bill 2019; the Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2019; the Custom and Trade Single Window System Building 2019; the Customs (Amendment of Schedule) Bill 2019; the National Accreditation Council (Amendment) Bill 2019, among other busi-
nesses to be conducted. The request for more funds for general elections was expected to be tabled at a time when the Caribbean Court of Justice gets ready to hear appeals related to the no-confidence motion that was carried on December 21st, the last day that the National Assembly was held. There were calls for early elections based on the constitution. Subsequent appeals to the courts have put paid to this. GECOM said it needs more than $3B to ready itself. GECOM also wants to carry out a house-tohouse registration which could take several months. Government officials had said that the request for additional funds has to follow a number of processes before it is approved by Cabinet and taken to the National Assembly for deliberations.
PROPERTY FOR SALE South; Aubrey Barker 100x100.$35M, John street Cambellville $40M, Thomas street Cummingsburg 27M.Contact#231-2199, 6187483.
Thursday April 18, 2019
Kaieteur News
Consumer Affairs Commission urges shoppers to learn their rights The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) launched its website in early 2018 which allows customers to find information on laws surrounding consumer rights, to make reports and to learn of other services it offers. The CCAC is also looking to create a Better Business Bureau; because when consumers make reports on matters such as faulty equipment hazardous products not correctly labelled, expired goods and non-refundable purchases, the commission can only serve a warning, often leading to repeat offenders for bad business practices. On the note of consumers ensuring they know what is right, Communications Officer of the CCAC, Allison Parker explained even though customers have rights, they have a responsibility to ensure they are following the right procedures to get the results they need. She said items are
Communications Officer, CCAC, Allison Parker returned under two conditions: either the buyer finds the product defective or they just decide it is not what they desire and decide to have something else (buyer’s remorse). In cases of ‘buyer’s remorse,’ the consumer is required to return the item in seven days as opposed to a manufacturer’s defect which
has a six-month warranty. Consumers are required to return items in original packaging and with no signs that suggest the equipment was tampered with, should they need an exchange for the item or a refund. Furthermore, all items that require a refund will incur a 10 per cent restocking fee.
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Antigua PM backs China’s aid packages to the region ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has again criticised the position of the United States regarding China’s assistance programme to the region, saying that Beijing is providing loans at even better rates that the World Bank. This is the second time within a seven month period that Browne has publicly criticised US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who has likened China to a predatory leader. But speaking at the handover ceremony for the Grays Green Community Centre which was funded by Beijing, Browne said he had “gone as far rebutting” Pompeo to tell him that Washington’s position regarding China “was not so, and called upon him and the United States to put a framework in place so that developing countries could benefit similar to what the People’s Republic of China is doing. “I am pleased to announce that just yesterday there was a release coming from the OPEC organization in which they reckon that they will form this tropical arrangement between OPEC. Canada and the European Union to put together a better developmental paradigm to assist developing countries in the world.” Browne said that the World Bank, a developmen-
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Kaieteur News
Mike Pompeo tal lending agency, cannot even match the lending rates being provided by China. He said Beijing extends loans up to 20 years with a five years moratorium at two per cent interest and “not even the World Bank as a developmental institution (provides) that type of concessional funding. “Not even during a disaster because when Barbuda got decimated by Hurricane Irma (2017), the World Bank agreed to come to our rescue and we engaged them, they offered us a loan of up to 40 million dollars over 10 years at four per cent; we said to them, the term is too short interest too high. “They said to us, if we want better terms, we had to get a donor to give us 20mil-
lion dollars so that they can write down their terms probably maybe down to one per cent over 20 years,” Browne told the ceremony. He said that various projects here have been made possible through grant funding from China in an effort to demonstrate its willingness to assist developing countries globally. “This very project for which we are having the handing over ceremony was a grant in excess of 20 million dollars grand compliments the government of the People’s Republic of China and they have made numerous grants in the past, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, that was a 70 million dollars grant from the People’s Republic of China.
Peru’s ex-president Garcia dies after shooting himself to avoid arrest LIMA (Reuters) - Peru’s former president Alan Garcia died in a hospital in Lima yesterday, hours after shooting himself in the head to avoid arrest in connection with a bribery probe, authorities said yesterday. Garcia, who had six adult children, was 69. A skilled orator elected president twice, first as a firebrand leftist and then as a champion of foreign investment and free trade, Garcia had been dogged by allegations of corruption in recent years that he had repeatedly denied.
Garcia was one of nine people a judge had ordered to be arrested yesterday for alleged involvement in bribes distributed by Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company that triggered Latin America’s biggest graft scandal when it admitted in 2016 that it had paid kickbacks to politicians across the region to secure lucrative contracts. While three former presidents in Peru have also been ordered to jail in connection with Odebrecht, Garcia had blamed his legal troubles on political persecution, accus-
ing President Martin Vizcarra without evidence of trying to silence him. “Others might sell out, not me,” Garcia said in some of his last broadcast comments on Tuesday, repeating a phrase he has used frequently as his political foes became ensnared in the Odebrecht investigation. Members of his oncepowerful Apra party announced his death to crowds gathered outside of hospital Casimiro Ulloa, where he suffered three cardiac arrests and underwent emergency surgery.
U.S. slaps new sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela to pressure Maduro
FILE PHOTO: Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks next to Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel, wearing a Venezuelan flag sash, during their meeting at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela May 30, 2018. REUTERS/Marco Bello MIAMI/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration yesterday imposed new sanctions and other punitive measures on Cuba and Venezuela, seeking to ratchet up U.S. pressure on Havana to end its support for Venezuela’s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Speaking to a Cuban exile group in Miami, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said the United States was targeting Cuba’s military and intelligence services, including a military-owned airline, for additional sanctions and was tightening travel and trade restrictions against the island. Bolton’s speech followed the State Department’s announcement yesterday that it was lifting a long-standing ban against U.S. citizens filing lawsuits against foreign companies that use properties seized by Cuba’s Communist government since Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution.
President Donald Trump’s decision, which the State Department said could unleash hundreds of thousands of legal claims worth tens of billions of dollars, drew swift criticism from European and Canadian allies, whose companies have significant interests in Cuba. The Cuban government, which could be hindered in its efforts to attract new foreign investment, denounced it as “an attack on international law.” Taking aim at Venezuela, Bolton said the United States was also imposing sanctions on the country’s central bank, restricting U.S. transactions and prohibiting access to dollars by an institution he described as crucial to keeping Maduro in power. Bolton also announced new sanctions on Nicaragua. While accusing Cuba of propping up Maduro with its
security forces in the country, Bolton also used the opportunity to issue a warning to “all external actors, including Russia,” against deploying military assets to support the Venezuelan leader. “The United States will consider such provocative actions a threat to international peace and security in the region,” Bolton said, noting that Moscow recently sent in military flights carrying 35 tons of unknown cargo and a hundred military personnel. However, Cuba appears unlikely to be budged by the Trump administration’s demands to dump Maduro, a longtime ally of Havana, and Maduro has also shown little sign of losing the loyalty of the Venezuela military despite tough oil-related U.S. sanctions on the OPEC member-nation.
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‘Great Minds’ initiative expected to boost Region Four’s 2019 NGSA performances
Regional Education Officer Tiffany Harvey and Regional Executive Officer Pauline Lucas (seated) are flanked by pupils of the ‘Great Minds’ initiative, teachers and Cadet Officers within the Region Four Department of Education. Although this year’s sitting of the National Grade Six Assessment [NGSA] only commenced yesterday, officials attached to the Region Four Department of Education are convinced that pupils within the district are poised to surpass last year’s performance. This is in light of the fact that the Education Department, long before examination time, was putting systems in place to ensure that the results this year would be significantly improved from that of 2018. At least this was the disclosure of Regional Education Officer (REdO), Tiffany Harvey, who revealed that the plans for 2019 started a year ago “when we took the cream of the crop from the 56 primary schools and created a special programme dubbed
Great Minds.” Harvey who told the pupils sitting the NGSA this year she has great expectations because of this very initiative. She revealed that it was birthed by the Ministry of Education and has been overwhelmingly supported and adopted by her education officers. She said that they are proud of what they have been able to achieve thus far, and have challenged the children to push themselves further. Explaining the workings of the ‘Great Minds’ initiative, Harvey said that it was with enormous support from all the schools in Region Four, that the pupils drawn from East Coast and East Bank of Demerara have been meeting for the past year at weekends and during holidays. These meetings, she said, were held
at the BV primary school, where they have been tutored by several teachers working on the project. The Regional Education Officer said that the Region intends on continuing the project, noting that in the near future it is hoped that this process will begin at the Grade Five. “We want to ensure that we solidify the programme by giving the pupils a solid two years, instead of the one that was created by the Ministry of Education. “However, this is the first year, and we are going to review it after the release of the 2019 results because as the REdO, I am very confident that Region Four will do exceptionally well, especially these 27 pupils of the Great Minds project,” a confident
Harvey said. REdO Harvey further stressed that the pupils themselves are eager and have been showing equal commitment as the teachers. For this reason, she described the initiative as being very successful thus far. She added that over the years the focus has been on pupils who are not that strong and who have needed remedial work. However, the pupils who have been known to be “high flyers” have been forgotten as the perception is there that they are ok and will continue to do well. But according to Harvey, “the Great Minds initiative has helped to remove complacency as the pupils would know that while they are at the top of their respective class or school, there are others who can challenge
them, thus forcing them to do better.” “They would recognise that while they may have it easy at their respective school, when they are faced with pupils doing equally well or even better than them, they would recognise that there is no room for complacency. As such, they must ensure that their performances remain intact since their performances must be at a certain level if they want to remain at the top,” Harvey said. The REdO added that the programme will continue to challenge the pupils to increase in terms of their performances, while at the same time motivating them to continue studying and/or doing exceptionally well. Stephanie Datta, who is a pupil of the Enmore Hope Pri-
mary School who was part of the programme and is now an NGSA candidate, said that while she is excited, she is somewhat nervous and fearful. She, however, said that she is very thankful for the support and assistance given by the teachers. The 2019 NGSA candidate yesterday urged her colleagues to remain focused and be determined to do their best. Meanwhile, Videsh Dowulatram, who attends the Mon Repos Primary School, boldly said that his school will do well, even as he admitted to being very eager and excited to complete the two-day exams. The REdO yesterday visited several schools where she sought to encourage and motivate the NGSA candidates.
GPHC commemorates new, improved Maternity Ward... years to come. She then said that if before becoming the Minister of Public Health she had said anything to offend or wrongfully accused anyone, she humbly apologises, because “You have to be in the house to know where it leaks and this is one house that leaks a lot”. She also hinted that they are going to need two bill to display all the services offered at the corporation. The staffers were again encouraged by the Minister as she echoed the CEO’s sentiments. Meanwhile, the results of the Health Care Competition were announced by Ms. Holder and the order
was from third runner up to the winner in three categories; Best Ward, Best Clinic and Best Health Centre, after being judged on Interviews and Inspection, Charting and Processes Safety-wise among others. In the Best Ward Category; Adult I.C.U copped the 4th prize, Cardiac I.C.U 3rd, Maternity H.D.U 2nd and 1st prize went to Paediatric H.D.U. In the Best Clinic Category, the Oncology Department placed 4th, Accident & Emergency 3rd, Cardiology 2nd and Diabetic Foot Centre First. F i n a l l y, i n t h e B e s t Health Centre Category, Enmore Polyclinic placed
4th, Industry Health Centre 3rd, Campbellville Health Centre 2nd and Kitty Health Centre placed 1st. All placements would be receiving a plaque on April 30th at the final celebration for the weeks of events. Certificates would also be issued to all participants. At the conclusion of the addresses, the choir performed for the gathering. The attendees were then led to where the plaque was standing and it was unveiled by Minister Lawrence and a senior medical official. Sister Jennifer Nelson gave the vote of thanks.
Choir members flank the Health Minister
Thursday April 18, 2019
Peru’s ex-president kills self to avoid arrest LIMA (Reuters) - Peru’s former president Alan Garcia died in a hospital in Lima on Wednesday, hours after shooting himself in the head to avoid arrest in connection with a bribery probe, authorities said on Wednesday. Garcia, who had six adult children, was 69. A skilled orator elected president twice, first as a firebrand leftist and then as a champion of foreign investment and free trade, Garcia had been dogged by allegations of corruption in recent years that he had repeatedly denied. Garcia was one of nine people a judge had ordered to be arrested on Wednesday for alleged involvement in bribes distributed by Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company that triggered Latin America’s biggest graft scandal when it admit-
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ted in 2016 that it had paid kickbacks to politicians across the region to secure lucrative contracts. While three former presidents in Peru have also been ordered to jail in connection with Odebrecht, Garcia had blamed his legal troubles on political persecution, accusing President Martin Vizcarra without evidence of trying to silence him. “Others might sell out, not me,” Garcia said in some of his last broadcast comments on Tuesday, repeating a phrase he has used frequently as his political foes became ensnared in the Odebrecht investigation. Members of his oncepowerful Apra party announced his death to crowds gathered outside of hospital Casimiro Ulloa, where he suffered three cardiac arrests and underwent emergency sur-
gery. Garcia’s death shocked the Andean country that had watched him become one of the world’s youngest presidents when elected at 36 in 1985, a term that was marked by a severe economic crisis and the rise of leftist rebel groups. He was elected to another five-year term in 2006 after remaking himself as a free-market proponent. Interior Minister Carlos Moran said at a news conference shortly before Garcia died that the former president had told police he needed to call his attorney after they arrived at his home to arrest him. “He entered his room and closed the door behind him,” Moran said. “Within a few minutes, a shot from a firearm was heard, and police forcibly entered the room and found Mr. Garcia sitting with a wound in his head.”
Israeli flight attendant in coma after getting measles (CNN) An Israeli flight attendant has slipped into a coma after contracting measles, according to health officials. The 43-year-old woman has encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, a well-known and potentially deadly complication of the virus. She was otherwise healthy before getting measles. “She’s been in a deep coma for 10 days, and we’re now just hoping for the best,” said Dr. Itamar Grotto, associate director general of Israel’s Ministry of Health. The fli g h t a t t e n d a n t , who works for El Al, the Israeli national airline, might have contracted the virus in New York, in Israel or on a flight between the two, Grotto said. Health authorities do not believed that she
spread the virus to anyone on the flights. She’s unable to breathe on her own and on a respirator in the intensive care unit at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, near Tel Aviv. She developed a fever on March 31 and entered the hospital that same day. Ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States and Israel started with parents who’ve chosen not to vaccinate their children, according to health authorities. Authorities believe that the flight attendant was vaccinated as a child, but the vaccine isn’t perfect, and in her case, it didn’t work. “I knew this was going to happen sooner or later,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University and an
adviser to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines. “We have the reintroduction of a serious viral infection with a population that’s withholding the vaccine from their children, and now it’s spreading beyond that population.” One dose of vaccine not optimal Like many others of her generation around the world, the flight attendant, who has not been identified, received only one dose of the measles vaccine when she was a child. It wasn’t discovered until later that one dose is only about 93% effective. More recently — in the United States, starting in 1989 — children have been given two doses, which is about 97% effective, according to the CDC.
Columbine-obsessed’ woman accused Corruption in Venezuela has created a cocaine superhighway to the US of Denver school threats found dead Colombia and Hondu- official. Every shipment 240 metric tons (265 tons
(BBC) An 18-year-old woman suspected of making threats to Denver-area schools has been found dead in an apparent suicide, according to police. Sol Pais was reportedly obsessed with the 1999 Columbine high school massacre, in which two teenagers murdered 12 students and a teacher. The alleged threat led to school closures, affecting more than 400,000 students, and a manhunt for the woman. She flew to Denver ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Columbine shooting. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader told reporters on Wednesday that she died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI earlier tweeted there was no longer a threat to the community and the
suspect is deceased. Officials said at a news conference that local schools would reopen on Thursday and events marking the anniversary of the 1999 shooting would continue on Saturday. The Miami Beach high school student travelled to Denver from Miami on Monday night and purchased a pump-action shotgun and ammunition, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said. At a second news conference later on Wednesday, FBI Denver special agent in charge Dean Phillips said that “a combination of her actions and comments” alerted authorities to Pais as a possible threat. Mr Phillips said that Pais made comments in person and online related to her “infatuation” with Columbine. And she had purchased three one-way tickets to Denver
from Miami for 15, 16 and 17 April, before taking the first flight on Monday. Mr Phillips said Pais went directly to purchase the weapon after landing. Authorities are now conducting an investigation to ensure Pais had no accomplices and that there is no further threat. “You should feel confident that your law enforcement community is protecting you and keeping you safe,” Mr Phillips said. Police had considered her armed and extremely dangerous. Nearly 30 armed officers swarm the woods near the Echo Park Campground in the Arapaho National Forest, CBS News reports. The Echo Lake Lodge, nearby to where she was reportedly found, does not open until late May due to weather.
ras (CNN) Cocaine trafficking from Venezuela to the United States is soaring, even as the country collapses. And US and other regional officials say it’s Venezuela’s own military and political elite who are facilitating the passage of drugs in and out of the country on hundreds of tiny, unmarked planes. A months-long CNN investigation traced the northward route of cocaine from the farmlands where much of it is grown in Colombia, and found that the number of suspected drug flights from Venezuela has risen from about two flights per week in 2017 to nearly daily in 2018, according to one US official. This year, the same official has seen as many as five nighttime flights in the sky at once. Planes loaded with Colombian cocaine used to depart from Venezuela’s remote southern jungle regions. Now they take off from the country’s more developed northwest region to reduce their flying time, US and regional officials also said. Officials involved in combating the deadly trade describe a ridiculously profitable courier system for the Venezuelan government. “Drug smugglers are more and more exploiting the complicity of Venezuelan authorities, and more recently the vacuum of power,” said one US
of cocaine from South America is so lucrative that the planes flown by traffickers are cheap in comparison; most are used only once and then discarded or set on fire upon arrival. A sizable fraction of the profits go to countries through which the drugs pass, from the jungles of Colombia through Venezuela and often to the Honduran coastline. A confidential 2018 US radar map of the plane routes seen by CNN shows their departure from northwestern Venezuela’s Zulia region, their passage north to the Caribbean, and then their sharp turn West toward their destinations in the remote farmlands of Guatemala, on the Honduran coastline, and some in the Caribbean. From there, the drugs are shipped up to Mexico and then distributed to American cities. One US official estimated that in 2018 alone,
40
for US readers) of cocaine c r o s s e d i n t o Ve n e z u e l a from Colombia to be flown out of the country. Other officials involved in combating the drug trade said that estimate was conservative. So much pure Colombian cocaine, when cut and distributed, could fetch around $39 billion on the streets of the US, according to an estimate by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for CNN. US officials recently expressed concern that a proposed ban by President Donald Trump on all types of aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador would create a “bonanza” among the Venezuelan-led traffickers, as US aid to these three Central American countries specifically targeted the cocaine trade. “Right now, it’s wide open,” said one US law enforcement officer, “then it’ll just be a free for all.”
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Dominant Nadal mak es makes winning start in Monte Carlo Reuters - Rafa Nadal produced a claycourt masterclass to pick apart fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1 61, as the world number two began his Monte Carlo Masters title defense in stunning fashion on Wednesday. Playing his first match since injuring his knee at Indian Wells last month, Nadal showed no signs of rust as he raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set on Court Rainier III. Bautista Agut did get on the board but Nadal clinched the opening set and put his opponent under further pressure with another break of serve at the start of the second. There was no stopping Nadal who regularly moved Bautista Agut out of position, opening the court up effortlessly
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his second round match against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut REUTERS/ Eric Gaillard
with powerful forehand combinations. After saving three break points at 2-1, Nadal displayed his clinical side at the net to
secure a 4-1 advantage and went on to claim a convincing win. The 11-times Monte Carlo champion extended his
Thursday 18, April 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Money matters are highlighted today, Aries. You can expect to spend a lot of time with the calculator as you balance your checkbook or begin to work on your budget. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) An unexpected financial windfall could come your way today, Taurus. You may stand there with an open envelope in your hand, unable to speak. Whether it's an unanticipated bonus, gift, or surprising stock dividend, invest the money wisely. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Even though you're slaving away at work, your mind is very much on romance. Passion is running high, especially yours, Gemini! CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you had to score your life right now, it would have to be a perfect ten. You look great, your career is going well, and your domestic life is harmonious. Could there be anything more to life? LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might want to leave the office early today to finish all those pressing errands, Leo. Phone calls could keep you busy, as could small tasks that still need tending around the house. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There's a lot of work to be done today, and much of it centers on finances. f
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be privy to some information today that will ultimately result in financial gain, Libra. You may get wind of a new company and be one of the first investors. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Expect to receive some great news today, Scorpio. Answer your phone and check email all day, because you never know when it will come. Indications suggest that success in all aspects of your life is coming. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your optimistic nature has served you well. This quality makes you a great manager since you can motivate and inspire co-workers. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You woke up feeling happy and enthusiastic, Capricorn. Your intuition tells you that you will achieve whatever you set your mind to. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Whether you spend today with your feet on the ground or in an airplane, you're eager and enthusiastic about your life direction. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Success and good fortune are strongly indicated today, Pisces, along with a sense of optimism. All sorts of changes and surprises lie in store for you. You may receive information from a business partner that radically changes your short-term plans.
winning streak to 16 matches at the tournament and will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. “It was a great start, it’s good to be back here,” Nadal, the 17times Grand Slam winner, said. “I’ve had some great moments on this court, I really enjoy playing here.
Archer gets first England... From page 35 who’s available? Of those who are available, what’s the strongest squad that gives us the best chance to compete and play well? So, as soon as Jofra became available, we discussed whether we would select him in squads … as soon as he became available, we have given him the opportunity.” Archer played a handful of matches for West Indies Under-19s back in 2013 before turning his attention to England. He holds a UK passport through his father. He was quickly snapped up by county Sussex where he has had a massive impact across all formats, in his first two full seasons.Archer has also become a highly sought-after T20 asset and is currently plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals in the lucrative Indian Premier League where he has taken 10 wickets in eight matches. He produced an outstanding on spell on Tuesday after learning of his selection, grabbing three for 15 from four
overs in a losing cause against Kings XI Punjab. “He’s a very relaxed person, he has a very understated manner. He was very excited about the opportunity,” Smith said. ”He obviously had a game to go and play for Rajasthan, which obviously went pretty well for him. So I think the most important fact is not necessarily what he said, even though he was very pleased and excited, but also what he did. Ultimately that’s the business we’re in.” Pacers Mark Wood and Chris Woakes, both of whom were named in the World Cup squad, had earlier this week warned about disruption to team unity if Archer was selected. Woakes said it would not be “fair morally” for Archer to be included and a settled member of the squad to miss out. Another Barbadian, fast bowling all-rounder Chris Jordan, also overlooked for World Cup selection but has been included for the series against Ireland and Pakistan.
Zeelandia/ Maria’... From page 38 Devendra Hansraj 2-21. At the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, G Square Cavaliers overcame Noitgedacht Sports Club by 20 runs. Batting first, G Square Cavaliers managed 171 all out in 27 overs. Romario Stephen and Kumeshwar Singh handed them a decent start with a first wicket stand of 51 before Singh was caught off Terrence Softley for 19. Softley then removed Marlon Dindyal for three before Stephen and Dwayne Gokul steadied the innings with a third wicket partnership of 74. Gokul was run out after hitting five fours in scoring 35 while Stephen was bowled by Cleon Retemiah for 55 with eight fours and one six. Following their separation, G Square Cavaliers lost wickets at regular intervals as Retemiah and Softley took two wickets each. Noitgedacht SC suffered an early set back in the chase before Fitzroy Retemiah and Andrew Binda kept them in the hunt with a fourth wicket stand of 51. Retemiah hit three fours and one six in a top score of 29 while Binda made 25 with four fours, but after they were dismissed in quick succession, G Square Cavaliers picked up wickets regularly as Noitgedacht SC were bowled out for 151 in 20 overs. Kumeshwar Sudin grabbed 423, Stephen 3-27 and Sachin Dindyal 2-24. The competition continues on Saturday.
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Champions League - Quarter-Finals - 2nd Leg
Spurs stun Man City on away goals in modern classic BBCsport - Tottenham overcame Manchester City in a classic encounter at Etihad Stadium to reach the last four of the Champions League for the first time. Fernando Llorente’s goal, bundled in from a corner and confirmed by VAR 17 minutes from time, gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side victory on away goals on a night of tension, attacking quality and defensive frailty that ended City and Pep Guardiola’s quest for a historic quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. In a game of relentless drama,
City even thought they had won it in injury time only for Raheem Sterling’s goal to be ruled out for offside by VAR. Spurs were protecting a 10 lead from the first leg but an opening 21 minutes of chaotic brilliance saw City lead 3-2 on the night as both teams exchanged goals at will. Sterling lit the blue touchpaper on a thunderous atmosphere when he curled in a precision finish from the edge of the area after only four minutes, but Spurs responded with a double from Son Heung-min as he took advantage of er-
rors by Aymeric Laporte. Bernardo Silva put Spurs level on the night with a shot that deflected past Hugo Lloris then Sterling arrived on the end of the outstanding Kevin de Bruyne’s cross to score at the far post. It left City effectively needing to win the second half and they looked on course when Sergio Aguero crashed home their fourth after De Bruyne sliced Spurs open before Llorente, on as a first-half substitute for injured Moussa Sissoko, bundled in from a corner via his hip - the goal given after a VAR check for handball.
Llorente’s goal was his eighth of the season. In one last extraordinary twist, City thought they had snatched victory and Sterling a hat-trick, but emotions switched instantly as VAR
had the final word once again, ruling that Aguero was in an offside position as Bernardo Silva diverted the ball into his path.
Spurs go on to face Ajax at the end of unforgettable encounter that left everyone involved stunned and breathless.
Easy Liverpool win over NBA roundup: Nuggets, Raptors Porto sets up Barca semi even series Sadio Mane also scored a hat-trick for Liverpool at Porto in their last-16 meeting last season.
BBCsport - Liverpool swept aside Porto with a thumping 6-1 aggregate victory to set up a mouth-watering Champions League semifinal tie with Spanish champions Barcelona. Leading 2-0 from the first leg at Anfield, goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk underscored an accomplished performance by Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Reds had been forced to survive an early bombardment in the saturated Estadio do Dragao, before Mane opened the scoring with a sliding effort - from Salah’s scuffed shot
- which was confirmed by VAR. Salah stroked in a second after the break from a superb counter-attack before Real Madrid-bound defender Eder Militao pulled a goal back for the hosts. Liverpool reasserted their authority though with close-range headers from Firmino and Van Dijk sealing an impressive victory. Remarkably Porto had looked capable of capitalising on a sluggish Liverpool start until Mane’s goal swung the momentum of the second leg back in the visitors’ favour. Until then Liverpool were the beneficiaries of errant finish-
Former president Rousseau... From page 36 on-the-field peformances declined. He oversaw the controversial 1998 tour of South Africa which was nearly boycotted by a players strike, and was forced to fly to London to meet with players in order to rescue the tour. That same year, the board copped heavy criticism after
the first Test against England at Sabina Park here was abandoned after 62 balls due to a dangerous pitch. Skerritt’s controversial sacking as team manager in 2001 also precipitated a chain of events which led to Rousseau’s resignation. He was replaced by prominent Barbadian and legendary former West Indies fast bowler, Sir Wes Hall.
ing from the home side - with Moussa Marega notably failing to convert any of his five chances in the opening 20 minutes. Liverpool will face Barca who beat Manchester United in the last eight - in the first leg of their semi-final at the Nou Camp on Tuesday 30 April. Mane, Salah and Firmino were all scorers when Liverpool thrashed Porto 5-0 in their last-16 tie at this venue in February 2018. And like in that game, the Reds’ attacking triumvirate were again on the mark in another emphatic win that was underpinned by the clinical nature of their finishing. Senegalese forward Mane’s anticipation brought Liverpool’s opener, with his 22nd goal of the season ensuring he is already two goals better off than his tally in 201718.Mane and Salah’s goals arrived with the Reds’ first two efforts on target - with Salah’s strike in particular highlighting the threat Klopp’s side pose when they break with speed.
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives on Quincy Pondexter (3) of the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 114-105 win on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Reuters - Jamal Murray scored 21 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, and the host Denver Nuggets rallied from down 19 to beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-105 in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday night. Nikola Jokic had 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, Gary Harris scored 23 points, and Paul Millsap had 20 points for Denver. The Nuggets tied the series 1-1 and ended San Antonio’s seven-game playoff winning streak in Denver. DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points and LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points for the Spurs. Murray, who missed his first eight shots, hit five consecutive shots in the fourth quarter, including two straight and a pair of free throws that gave
Denver a 99-97 lead, its first advantage since 17-16. The Nuggets were ahead by three before Murray drained two 3pointers to make it 110-101. Raptors 111, Magic 82 Kawhi Leonard scored 37 points on 15-for-22 shooting from the field, and Toronto defeated visiting Orlando to even its first-round Eastern Conference playoff series at one game apiece. Pascal Siakam added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who never trailed. Kyle Lowry contributed 22 points and seven assists for Toronto while Serge Ibaka chipped in with 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Aaron Gordon scored 20 points for the Magic, who split the regular-season series 2-2 with the Raptors. Terrence Ross added 15 points for Or-
lando while Evan Fournier scored 10 points. Trail Blazers 114, Thunder 94 - CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 62 points as Portland swept to a victory over visiting Oklahoma City. McCollum scored 33 points and Lillard added 29 as the Trail Blazers seized a 2-0 lead in the first-round Western Conference playoff series. Maurice Harkless chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds for Portland, which led by as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter. Paul George tallied 27 points with eight rebounds for the Thunder, who led by as many as 10 points in the first half. Russell Westbrook collected 14 points, 11 assists and nine boards for Oklahoma City but shot only 5 of 20 from the field.
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Bravo says Caribbean side Sadaf Khadem: Iranian female focussed ahead of World Cup boxer halts return over arrest fears Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Marquee batsman Darren Bravo said Wednesday West Indies would not be overawed by their opposition at the upcoming ICC World Cup in England, but would be focussing on executing their unique brand of cricket. The two-time World Cup champions are not among the favourites for the May 30 to July 14 tournament largely due to their lowly number nine ranking, with hosts and world number England the hot favourites. ”To be honest, most other teams are quality teams but having said that, when we played against England no one gives us a chance, so I think that once we concentrate on what we have to do as a team, I think that is the most important thing,” the lefthander said during the Windies training camp at 3W’s Oval. ”We are not going to focus very much on the opposition. We have certain plans and certain roles we want to execute and I believe that the results will take care of itself. As I said before, no one gave us a chance against England and we went out there and proved that we can beat the best team in the world so we just have to go out there and continue believing in ourselves as much as possible.” Bravo was referring to the recent five-match series home series against England which the hosts drew 2-2, with one match rained off. Written off before the start, West Indies played outstandingly after losing the opening match by 26 runs at Kensington Oval, rebounding to win the second match of the doubleheader by 26 runs. Rain forced the abandonment of the third ODI in Grenada before England clinched the fourth contest at the same venue, despite West Indies’ record 389 in pursuit of 419. West Indies crushed England
Khadem was trained by Mahyar Monshipour, a French-Iranian former world boxing champion. Darren Bravo drives during a net session at the 3W’s Oval here Wednesday. (CWI Media) by seven wickets in the final match in St Lucia, with Chris Gayle slamming an astonishing 77 off 27 balls to end the series with 424 runs. ”I think it was a fantastic series for us as a team led brilliantly by Jason and Chris Gayle,” Bravo said. “I think Chris set the tone at the top of the order in the ODIs that gave the motivation to go out there and perform against the best team in the world. It was a very good series and I am happy that it was very competitive and it should give us confidence moving forward.” Bravo is part of the Windies 14-man squad preparing for the tour of Ireland which runs from May 3-17 in Dublin. They will clash with the hosts and Bangladesh in the triangular series. The camp is being overseen by new interim head coach Floyd Reifer who was appointed last week, and the experienced Bravo said he was making the most of the preparation, especially with former Test batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan playing a key role with
the batting group. ”The coach outlines what he wants from us and we try to come up with the brand of cricket we want to play,” said the 30-year-old Bravo, who averages 32 from 102 One-Day Internationals. “Moving forward the guys have been working on their technical areas as much as possible. Now we have Sarwan who came in for a couple of days to help us with our batting. He has been working tremendously well with us. I had a couple sessions, so far so good.” Hopefully he will be with us moving forward to Ireland because I believe with a young batting team like this, someone of Sarwan ‘s stature will mean a lot to us as a batting unit. We will see how it goes but so far the camp has been going well. “It has been a lot of hard work, fitnesswise and otherwise and we are enjoying it.”
WIPA conveys condolences at the passing of Patrick ‘Pat’ Rousseau, O.J. Kingston, Jamaica - The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) would like to convey condolences to the family and friends of former West Indies Cricket Board President, Pat Rousseau. Patrick Rousseau reportedly passed on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 after a long battle with illness. Mr. Rousseau served as WICB President between 1996 and 2001 and was a celebrated Jamaican attorneyat-law for decades, serving
several corporate companies and earning national recognition, the Order of Jamaica, for his contribution to nation b u i l d i n g . WIPA remembers the noteworthy contribution President Rousseau made to the development of West Indies cricket, and to the successful bid for the ICC Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. WIPA President and CEO, Wavell Hinds, expressed “I pray for comfort and strength
for Mr. Rousseau’s family at this time. Like many others, I am proud of Mr. Rousseau’s several achievements over the years. On behalf of the executive, management and staff of WIPA, I extend condolences to his family and friends. We celebrate Mr. Rousseau’s invaluable contribution to Jamaica, to the people of the West Indies, and to West Indies cricket.
BBCnews - An Iranian who became the first woman from her country to contest an official boxing match says she has cancelled her return home from France after hearing a warrant had been issued for her arrest. Sadaf Khadem beat the French boxer Anne Chauvin in an amateur bout on Saturday. She had planned to fly to Tehran with her French-Iranian trainer this week. Khadem was quoted by a sports newspaper as saying she believed she was accused of violating Iran’s compulsory dress code by boxing in a vest and shorts. Iranian officials have not commented, but the head of Iran’s boxing federation denied that Khadem would be arrested if she came home. ”Ms Khadem is not a member of [Iran’s] organised athletes for boxing, and from the boxing federation’s perspective all her activities are personal,” Hossein Soori was quoted as saying by an Iranian news agency. Khadem fought in a green vest and red shorts with a white
waistband - the colours of Iran’s national flag - in Saturday’s bout in the western French town of Royan. The 24-year-old had to fight abroad as, despite having the blessing of Iranian sporting authorities, it proved too complicated to fulfil their requirement that the bout be refereed and judged by women. Khadem had been expecting a hero’s welcome when she returned to Iran. But while she travelled to Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport with her trainer Mahyar Monshipour - an Iranian-born former World Boxing Association champion who also serves as an adviser to the French sports minister - she said they were told that warrants had been issued for their arrest. ”I was fighting in a legally approved match, in France. But as I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt, which is completely normal in the eyes of the entire world, I confounded the rules of my country,” she told the L’Equipe newspaper.
”I wasn’t wearing a hijab, I was coached by a man - some people take a dim view of this.” A spokesman for the Iranian embassy in Paris told Reuters news agency on Wednesday that he could not comment on whether Khadem faced arrest in Iran or on her decision not to return to Iran. Under Iranian law, women and girls as young as nine years old who are seen in public without a headscarf can be punished with a prison sentence of between 10 days and two months, or a cash fine. Iranian sportswomen are required to cover their hair, neck, arms and legs when competing. Until recently, Khadem would not have been permitted to take part in an official boxing match wearing a hijab or a full body form fitting uniform for religious regions. But the International Boxing Association (AIBA), amateur boxing’s governing body, changed its uniform rules at the end of February.
Archer gets first England call-up but ignored for WC squad London, CMC – Highly-regarded Barbadian fast bowler, Jofra Archer, was on Wednesday ignored for England’s preliminary 15-man World Cup squad but has been named to face Ireland and Pakistan, leaving the 24year-old still without an outside chance of turning out at the ICC showpiece starting next month. Selectors opted for an unchanged unit meaning there was no space for Archer, who qualified to represent England last month after England and Wales Cricket Board amended its eligibility criteria. However, Archer will be part of the 14-man squad which takes on Ireland in a solitary One-Day International on May 3 in Dublin
and a one-off Twenty20 International two days later in C a r d i f f . He will also line up to face Pakistan in a five-match ODI series from May 5-19, after which the World Cup squad will be finalised. ”The selection panel would like to give Jofra Archer the opportunity to stake a claim for the final World Cup squad, which will be announced in a little over a month. He’s someone who has very quickly shown what he can do on a big stage,” selector Ed Smith said in a media interview. ”I like to keep things very simple on the selection panel: (Continued on page 31 )
Jofra Archer
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Differently Able athlete William France completes eye surgery in T&T Differenly Able Athletics Club (DAAC) Founder and Amputee, William France M.S., who is also a veteran marathon athlete, in addition to being a pioneer of equal participation in sports in Guyana, has returned to Guyana following successful corrective eye surgery in Trinidad and Tobago. France was diagnosed with cataract in both of his eyes last month, but thanks to the contributions of many he was able to complete the surgery in the Twin Island R e p u b l i c . The total budget for the trip, surgery and one month of rehabilitation was pegged at $1.2 million. H.E. David Granger sponsored the airfare while the Ministry of Public Health contributed handsomely with USD$4000 towards the bill. Also making contributions were the National Sports Commission (NSC), Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, Ramchand’s Auto Sales and Spares, Gafoors Shopping Complex, Dr. Bowman from Mocha Arcadia, Mr. French from Pritipaul Singh, Charles
William France standing with some of his medals and trophies he would have won over the years. Miller and Leslie Blacks. During a brief interview with Kaieteur Sport, France expressed thanks to every person and organisation that supported him and explained that the surgery was a success since his eyesight has increased majorly.
France also revealed that he is not ready to retire and he will be holding a fundraising walk on April 27th in Essequibo, from Coffee Grove to Queenstown before winging out to Canada next month for the Winston Forest Half Marathon race.
Team Mohamed’s Enterprise patronises GMR&SC again A section of completed work on the left fence that borders the Drag Strip at South Dakota Circuit.
The generosity of Team Mohamed’s Enterprise to local motorsports continued yesterday with them volunteering more infrastructural works at the South Dakota Circuit. The team, which is responsible for the lengthening of the 1000ft drag strip to the full quarter-mile last month, has again chipped in. This time, the team has opted to renovate the fencing on the drag strip and replace all the older fencing that spectators would often rip through. Just recently, team principal, Maurice Menezes, said that
Thursday April 18, 2019
Kaieteur News
they are keen on developing the sport here and are hoping that more of Corporate Guyana can see this and come forward. He further noted that while the team is more than happy to give back to Motorsport, the team alone cannot develop the sport and its facilities. Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), Rameez Mohamed, in a media correspondence, openly expressed the thanks of his committee, competitors and race fans for the gesture.
The release noted that fans can now be contained and the strip will be free of straggling spectators who would often try to get close to the action. Team Mohamed’s Enterprise is home to the Nissan GTR Trio of Goliath, (The current quarter-mile record-holder), the NISMO, and the recently acquired former world recording holding Ekanoo racing G T R . Apart from that, the team is also the current Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) Superstock class champion.
Draw complete for Caribbean preliminary round of Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying
M
iami, Florida – Yesterday morn ing the draw for the preliminary round of the Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship took place, revealing the four groups in the Caribbean Draw.The initial round of qualifying in the Caribbean
phase will take place from July 17-21 across four different venues. Upon the completion of round robin play, the group winners will advance to a final play-in match, with the two winners of each play-in match advancing to the Concacaf Men’s Olympic
QualifyingChampionship.The winners of the three series, scheduled to take place during the first three weeks of July, will also advance to the Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship. The 16 teams were drawn into four respective groups as follows:
Former president Rousseau dies Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Former Cricket West Indies president, Pat Rousseau died here late Tuesday following a long illness. The prominent Jamaican lawyer and businessman led the then West Indies Cricket Board from 1996 to 2001, after taking over from the late Barbadian Captain Peter Short. Rousseau, 85, oversaw a turbulent period in West Indies cricket but was largely credited for overhauling the board’s commercial model and helping to monetise its brand. Newly elected CWI president, Ricky Skerritt, who served as Windies team manager under Rousseau, hailed the former administrator as a “sharp legal and business mind”, who had been “passionate” in all his pursuits. ”Pat was a strong man, always very focused and determined. He was a sharp legal and business mind, and it was reflected during his time in charge of the organization between 1996 and 2001,” said Skerritt, who assumed the CWI presidency last month. ”He, along with former chief marketing executive Chris Dehring, was instrumental in signing a record (at the time) international television deal for the WICB, now CWI, with Sky and convincing the International Cricket Council to stage the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean. ”Pat was also the driving force behind the incorporation of the
Pat Rousseau - Late former West Indies cricket president. WICB in November 1998 – starting the transformation of the organization into becoming a more corporate operation – and the permanent relocation of the corporate headquarters to Antigua.” He added: “He was passionate about his work, he loved life, he was a keen follower of sport, leading to him and Dehring launching SportsMax, the first subscription television network broadcasting sport programming to the entire Caribbean, and he was a great mentor to many people. He will be missed.” Jamaican Dehring, who also served as chief executive officer for the 2007 World Cup, described Rousseau as a “pioneer in just about everything he did”. ”He was highly respected and he was the one who recruited me to the Board of West Indies cricket in 1996 … and has moulded me and was re-
sponsible also for the bid for Cricket World Cup,” said Dehring. ”We spent a lot of time together travelling all over the world and I relished those moments and his death is not only a loss to Jamaica, but for the region and we are very proud of what he has a c h i e v e d . ” He added: “He was a pioneer in just about everything he did and was never afraid to take on huge challenges and he had big vision.” After previously serving on the board’s marketing committee, Rousseau assumed the West Indies cricket presidency in 1996. He was reelected unopposed two years later before beating late Trinidadian Alloy Lequay to win again in 2000. During his tenure, Rousseau was forced to grapple with several controversies, even as (Continued on page 34)
Thursday April 18, 2019
Orinduik Development Inc. supports GSSF
Mr. Brian Backer of Orinduik Development Inc. hands over cheque GSSF Treasurer Mr. Ray Beharry in the presence of Directors Mr. Andrew Phang and Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon. Every Guyanese, upon hearing the word “Orinduik” immediately thinks of the major tourist attraction on the Ireng River which borders Guyana and Brazil before merging with the Takutu River and into Brazil to join the Amazon River. For local sport-shooters however, this name is becoming synonymous with the promise of an exciting, fun and safe competition. A mere six months after closing off its 2018 shooting calendar with a Steel Challenge Match which was sponsored by Orinduik Development Inc., dedicated Match sponsors returned to this time support the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) with sponsorship for a Practical Shooting Match. Like the multi-tiered series of cascades of the Orinduik Falls, Orinduik Development Inc. has
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been supporting the respective shooting disciplines of the Foundation. At the simple handover ceremony on Tuesday last, Managing Director, Mr. Brian Backer of Orinduik Development Inc., which is a private Security Firm based on the East Coast that specialises in aviation security and VIP personal protection, handed over the sponsorship cheque to the Foundation’s Treasurer, Mr. Ray Beharry. The GSSF would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Mr. Brian Backer and the Board of Directors of Orinduik Development Inc. for the kind sponsorship and support of the Foundation’s activities and events. More information on the G.S.S.F. is available on its website www.GuyanaSportShooting.com.
AAG to be represented at Carifta Games by 18-Member Team Guyana’s 18-member local squad for this year’s Carifta Games departed for the Cayman Islands on Tuesday evening for the competition which will be contested this Easter Weekend. Accompanying the athletes are three coaches namely, Julian Edmonds, Raymond Daw and Moses Pantlitz who has funded his own airfare and accommodation. All the locally based athletes with the exception of Sheama Tyrell and Wesley Tyndall had qualified for the Games after three separate weekends of Carifta Trials hosted by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). However, according to head of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, after impressive showings that were above the Carifta Standard (CS) by Tyndall and Tyrell at the last week’s National College’s Athletics Championships (NCAC), the two athletes were included in the team. Tyndall was also a direct replacement for 100m Sprinter, Osrick Pellew, who picked up an injury in training last week.
See the full Guyana team - Locally based athletes Females Sheama Tyrell – Christianburg/Wismar SS (middle distance) Brianna Charles – Running Brave (100m) Deshana Skeete – Christianburg/Wismar SS (200m) Keliza Smith – Running Brave (400m) Adriel Austin – Running Brave (800m) Shaquka Tyrell – Christianburg/Wismar SS (800m, 1500m) Princess Browne – Running Brave (triple jump) Jahaziah Copeland – Upper Dem (shot put) Anisha Gibbons – Ruralites (javelin) Males Wesley Tyndall – Ruralite (100m) Loneil Marks – Hopetown Flames (100, 200m) Osa Blair – Police (100m) Daniel Williams – Upper Demerara (200m) Cordell Charles – Super Upcoming Runners (1500m) Daniel Melville – Police (800m) Matthew Gordon – Hopetown Flames (3000m) Melon Lowenfield – GDF (high jump) Tremaine Browne – Christianburg/Wismar SS (long jump) Overseas-based athletes Claudrice McKoy (800m, 1500m) Chantoba Bright (long jump, triple jump) Joanna Archer (800m, 3000m)
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Thursday April 18, 2019
Kaieteur News
Chanderpaul guides Neville Sarjoo O-40 to 7-wicket win over ECD Masters
Members of both teams following the presentation.
F
ormer West Indies star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul struck a fluent century to guide Neville Sarjoo Over-40s to a comfortable 7-wicket win over East Coast Demerara Masters when the teams collided on Sunday last in a T20 fixture in Memory of the late Neville Sarjoo. Narendra Sarwan and former Guyana wicket-keeper
batsman Sheik Mohamed added 35 for the opening stand after East Coast Demerara Masters took first strike at the Everest Cricket Club. Teddy Dindyal knocked back the stumps of Mohamed for 9 before Sarwan and Arthur Duke put on 70 for the second wicket on a slow pitch. Duke hit three fours and four towering sixes before he was stumped off Mark Pereira
for 41. Sarwan timed the ball well as he continued to gather runs and added a further 65 with Winston London. The righthanded Sarwan hit eight fours and three sixes before he was lbw to off-spinner Johnny Azeez for 73 while London stroked four fours and one six in scoring 39. Azeez pegged back the scoring somewhat in the later stages as East Coast
Demerara Masters amassed a challenging 193-6. Azeez grabbed 4-23 while there was one wicket each for Pereira and Dindyal. Opener Navindra Persaud was lbw to medium pacer Ramnaresh Ramkarran for one as Neville Sarjoo Over40 lost their first wicket with the score on 9. However, Chanderpaul and Rohan Sarjoo added 78 for the second wicket to steady the chase with sensible batting.
Chanderpaul picked the gaps with precision as he found the boundary ropes at will and rotated the strike nicely. Sarjoo hit one four and two sixes before he was bowled by Duke for 17 while Chanderpaul added a further 81 for the third wicket with Surendra Hiralall as they ensured the required run rate was above par. Chanderpaul timing was impeccable as he clobbered 19
fours and four maximums before he retired when on 116 with 12 needed. Hiralall remained unbeaten on 42 (4x4 1x6) while former Guyana allrounder Arjune Nandu made three not out as Neville Sarjoo Over-40 finished on 194-3 in 15 overs. The game which was played in memory of the late former cricket administrator Neville Sarjoo was sponsored by Star Sports. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Police Commissioner B/Day Inter-Division T20 cricket Kendall’s 72 powers ‘A’ Division to 3rd place with win over D Division
A
blistering 72 from Chemroy Kendall and 39 from Kevin Christian led ‘A’ Division to the third place spot defeating ‘D’ Division yesterday at Eve Leary in the Sixth Annual Commissioner of Police Birth Anniversary Inter-Division and Branches T20 Tournament. Watched by the smallest crowd of the tournament, Kendall hit five sixes and seven fours in 72 in steaming heat on hard and rough outfield. Kendall, who executed several attacking shots, got support from Christian and Richard Allicock who made 17 as ‘A’ division galloped to 198 all out after they were in a strong posi-
tion to produce a 200 plus total when they were 163-5. Rodwayne Warde had 3-31 to finish with 17 wickets, the most in the tournament while David Hughes supported with 2-17 for ‘D’ Division who were bowled out for 138 to lose by 60runs despite 29 from Ronald Alleyne. ‘F’ Division will clash with defending champions President’s Guard (PG) on Saturday at the Eve Leary ground from noon in the championship match. PG are eyeing their third title in their fourth final, but ‘F’ Division, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, will start as favourites to take their first title.
Chemroy Kendall stroked an attacking 72 for ‘A’ Division yesterday at Police
Rodwayne Warde had 3-31 yesterday to end the tournament with 17 wickets, the most in the tournament.
Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure and G Square Cavaliers victorious Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure Combine and G Square Cavaliers registered victories when the Wakenaam Cricket Committee/Mike’s Pharmacy and Trophy Stall U-19 40overs tournament continued on Saturday last. Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure defeated Good Success/Sans Souci/Jaguars combined by one wicket at Zeelandia. Good Success/Sans Souci/ Jaguars were asked to bat and openers Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon and Mahase Ramnarine added 38 for the opening stand before
Ramnarine was removed by Ricky Persaud for 19 which included three sixes. Ramkissoon continued to gather runs on both sides of the pitch and put on a further 43 for the second wicket with Devon Ramrattan who was dismissed for 21 with four fours. Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure then picked up a few quick wickets to stem the scoring before the righthanded Ramkissoon and Dequan Clarke added 58 for the sixth wicket to prop up the total. Ramkissoon slammed 13 fours in a top score of 79 while
Clarke made 10 as the visitors were bowled out for 182 in 31 overs. Dieshon Clements claimed 3-30, Ricky Persaud 228, Derindra Sitaram 2-35 and Mohindra Jadookool 2-36. In reply, Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure encountered some nervous moments before they eventually won the duel in 24 overs, ending on 184-9. Clements scored 27 with three fours and two sixes while Sitaram made 18, Ryan Atkinson and Jadookool 14 each. Ramnarine picked up 439, Ramkissoon had 3-27 and (Continued on page 33)
Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon
Romario Stephen
Mahase Ramnarine
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 18, 2019
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Bartica Easter Regatta Ansa McAl and Bartica Development Business Association on board
Bartica Easter Regatta Committee Treasurer, Kenneth Williams collets the Bartica Development Business Association cheque from Secretary/Treasurer, Ms. Sherrida Douglas. As the sporting engines continue to rev up on and off the water top, the business community is also revving up support to ensure that the 2019 edition of the Bartica Easter Regatta is a resounding success. Joining the list of other entities that have come on board are Ansa McAl and the Bartica Development Business Association
(BDBA). Ansa McAl’s cheque was handed over to Secretary of the Bartica Easter Regatta Committee Ms. Cianna Persaud by Ms. Darshanie Yussuf, Business Unit Head Ansa McAl Trading Limited. Yussuf stated that her company was more that elated to continue its unflinching support for an event that has become a part
of the Sports Tourism Calendar of Guyana. ”We at Ansa McAl have been partnering with the people of Bartica for many years now in support of this most look forward to event. Apart from the many sports activities which include the much anticipated power boat races, you have the pageant which is the oldest in Guyana and other activities for fans, visitors and Barticians to choose from. We here at Ansa McAl would continue to support this event and we wish you w e l l . ” Ms. Persaud in response expressed thanks to Ansa McAl on behalf of His Worship Mayor Gifford Marshall and the Organising team from the Town Council of Bartica noting that they have always valued the partnership of Ansa McAl. ”Your contributions over the years have been very much appreciated and can assure you that it has contributed towards the empowerment of
all, across the board. We are sure that this year would be no different as the many activities, sports and otherwise would be i m p a c t e d , p o s i t i v e l y. ” The BDBA cheque for $500,000 was presented by Secretary/Treasurer Ms. Sherrida Douglas to Bartica Easter Regatta Committee Treasurer, Mr. Kenneth W i l l i a m s .
Ms. Douglas in handing over the cheque said that their contribution will go directly towards the Powerboat Races which will commence on Easter Sunday and conclude on Easter Monday, this Sunday and Monday. ”We at the BDBA are proud to be making this contribution to one of the most looked forward to events on the Easter Regatta
calendar. We are well aware of the level of investment that is needed to pull off a successful event and we are happy to be fulfilling our corporate and social responsibility as a c o l l e c t i v e . ” Wi l l i a m s i n r e s p o n s e expressed gratitude to Ms. Douglas and the BDBA for their partnership towards another successful event.
Kaieteur News
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Thursday April 18, 2019
Sizzling rivalries anticipated in tonight’s Quarter Finals Stag Easter Futsal Festival
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old is money and Leopold Street will kick off quarter final play from20:00hrs in the Stag Easter Futsal Festival championship tonight at the National Gymnasium following the end of the round-of-16 on Tuesday n i g h t l a s t . That clash would be followed by a shindig between Bent Street and California Square one hour later. Next up would be the
might of Back Circle taking on North East another anticipated ding dong battle. The night’s main event pits Ansa McAl which has been serving up some surprising results aiming to stop seasoned campaigners, S p a r t a B o s s . In eth final four round-of-16 matches on Tuesday night, there were wins for Bent Street which needled Tiger Bay in extra time on account of Clive Nobrega’s 37th minute strike. Gold is Money came from behind to out hustle Hustlers 3-2. Hustlers had taken the lead in the first minute of the match when Sunil Logan found the back of the nets. But Colin Nelson equalized for Gold is Money in the 8th minute only for Jahill Greaves to hand back Hustlers the
Pouderoyen FC mourns the loss of former player, Nathan Allicock
Nathan Allicock The football fraternity on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara and more specifically, Pouderoyen Football Club is in a state of mourning following the loss of one of their senior members, 23 year-old Nathan Allicock. T h e f o r m e r midfielder/forward who was seeking out a better way of life, had landed a job on a ship in St. Kitts and Nevis but unfortunately died in a freak accident on March 26th last on the ship. His remains were brought back to his home land last Thursday and would be interred today at the Best Village Cemetery following viewing and a service at his mother’s residence, Lot V 4 Versailles, West Bank Demerara from 1 4 : 0 0 h r s . Poudeoyen FC stated that
Allicock started playing with the club from Under-11 and played at every level since up to senior. His services and skills would be missed. The club is extending sincere condolences to his mother, immediate family and relatives on the passing of their loved one. But even as the family is preparing to say good bye to their loved one today, his mother is calling on the relevant Guyanese authorities to assist her and family in getting to the bottom of the story to ascertain what exactly went w r o n g . Kaieteur Sport also joins in extending condolences to the Allicock family and the football fraternity on the West Demerara. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
advantage in the 12th m i n u t e . However that was the last time they were to disturb the score cards as the nest two goals were registered by Gold is Money, Michael Pedro in the 14th and Jamal Pedro one minute later to seal their passage to the final e i g h t , t o n i g h t . Future Stars’ future in the tournament looked
promising early on but their ambitions were taken away by Ansa McAl which defeated them 5-3, also coming from behind. For the winners, Ozia Hernandez blasted a hat-trick (7th, 11th, 12th) with Jemmy Gorica netting the other two in the 32nd and 33rd minute. Future Stars got their goals from Jamal Cozier, Rondel B o w m a n a n d Wi l l i a m
Europe in the 2nd, 8th and 15th minute. California Square booked their passage via a 4-1 win over Melanie. David George netted a brace in the 12th and 19th minute; Christopher Darlington scored in the 4th minute and Orin Yarde in the 6th minute. Shazis John had scored the first goal of the match in just the 2nd minute for Melanie but they ran cold thereafter.
The winning team will walk away with $700,000, 2nd place $300,000, 3rd place $200,000 and 4th place $100,000. The sponsors are Stag, Bakewell, Dinars Trading, Broomes Foundation, Power Producers & Distributors Inc., 94.1FM, Star Party Rentals, GuyBisco, Ground Structural and Engineering Inc. and DeSinco Trading.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 18, 2019
PAGE 41
$1M up for grabs at Smalta & Caribbean Airlines Kite Flying Competition
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esterday, under the Smalta brand, Ansa McAL Trading Limited (AMTL) teamed up with Caribbean Airlines to give away over one million dollars in cash, prizes
and trophies through a ‘Flying High Kite Flying Competition’ for the most creative Branded Smalta or Caribbean Airlines Kite. The competition will take place at the National Park,
Lionel D’ Andrade places second in Country Harvest 5K
G
uyane s e athlet e Lionel D’ A n d r a d e continues to shine in Trinidad and Tobago as he took the runner-up spot in the Country Harvest 5k which was held recently. The race was won by Shivran Baboolall of Trinidad and Tobago in a time of 15 minutes 52 seconds while D’ Andrade clocked 16:03; Nicholas Romany of the host nation placed third in 16:06. D’ Andrade’s next assignment is slated for this weekend.
Lionel D’Andrade as he crosses the finish line.
Georgetown, Bushy Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, C3 Park Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice and 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice on Easter Monday, April 22, 2019.
From left, Mr. Errol Nelson (Non-Alcoholic Business Unit Head of AMTL), Ms. Gabriell Lopes (Trade Marketing Assistant of AMTL) and Mr. Dion Inniss (Sales Executive, Caribbean Airlines- Guyana & Suriname)
rt o p S
AAG to be represented at Carifta Games by 18-Member Team P.37
AAG contingent takes time out for a photo with Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin (3rd left) at the Miami Airport on Tuesday night en route to the Cayman Islands.
Bartica Easter Regatta
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Ansa McAl and Bartica Development Business Association on board
P. Ms. Darshanie Yussuf, Business Unit Head Ansa McAl Trading Limited 30
(2nd right) hands over cheque to Bartica Easter Regatta Committee Secretary Ms. Cianna Persaud in the presence of Heineken Brand Coordinator, Ms. Olivia
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