Kaieteur News
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Saturday April 22, 2017
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 IMPACT OF TRUMP’S BUDGET CUTS ON THE CARIBBEAN Shortly after the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, President Granger stated that he did not expect any change in relations between the US and Guyana. Many felt that he was either naïve or lacked political experience to make such statement without knowing the character of the man or his policies. Today, Granger may be haunted by his statement because the Trump administration recently introduced a budget with draconian cuts amounting to billions of dollars in foreign aid. The reduction of the State Department budget by 28 percent would undermine the viability of a wide range of important programmes across the Caribbean. If the budget is passed, it will transfer billions of dollars from USAID to the Defense Department to make “America Great Again” and to build a wall along the Mexican-American border. The budget cuts are likely to reduce funding in the Caribbean on several projects including health care, education, crime, clean energy, climate change all of which are funded by USAID. It seems that climate change is the clear loser; as the resources to help the region fight it have been reduced substantially. That is not surprising since Mr. Trump has spoken openly about his disbelief in climate change, despite compelling evidence to the contrary. Other projects that are in danger include efforts to save lives through the HIV/AIDS programme, protecting the sea defenses of Guyana, Jamaica and St Lucia from the ravages of raging tides, much-needed scholarships and training to young people and drug trafficking. Not to be overlooked are the effective measures that have enabled women of child-bearing age to plan their families, and the Caribbean Basin Initiative which recently got an increase in funding from the Obama administration. While cutting crucial programmes that touch on the lives of millions of Americans and to those in the underdeveloped countries, the budget appears to funnel more resources into national defense and Homeland Security. The latter is to enable US Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) to deport some 4,136 Caribbean and Guyanese nationals to their homeland. Most are Jamaicans, Guyanese and Trinidadians. It is too early to tell the full impact the budget cuts could have on Guyana and the rest of the countries in the Caribbean, but their potential ability to continue those programmes seems difficult. Some of the region’s leaders, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, have already stated that the planned cutbacks would have a negative impact on the Caribbean where the United States has been admired and respected for its generosity of spirit, cooperation and humanitarian instincts. He made it very clear that Jamaica will not be able to cope with an influx of Jamaican deportees, most of whom will most likely turn to crime or join violent gangs. The budget cuts signal a new direction by the Trump administration to withdrawal from its interest of aiding the region to curb the spread of diseases, slash the flow of illegal drugs and to help the region cope better with floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters. The Trump administration new policy holds out very little promise of a fresh, long-term strategy to spur economic and social development in the Caribbean. It may instead cripple the region’s economy. Others leaders have stated that the cutbacks would lead to the elimination of several programs which in turn would have serious consequences for the region. It will decisively impact the various humanitarian projects in which USAID has invested in the region and will also greatly undermine the war on poverty, crime and the illegal trafficking of narcotics in the Caribbean. Not only will Trump’s budget cuts be detrimental to the peoples and countries of the Caribbean, they may considerably isolate the U.S. in the short term.
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.
The problem of human-caused climate change is frightening Dear Editor, As we observe Earth Day April 22, 2017 (today), it is abundantly clear that the problem of human-caused climate change is real, frightening, urgent, and that this challenge poses significant risks to our ability to sustainably develop and create a better future, to national security, food security, public health, the wellbeing of local communities and the linkages among eco and other systems on our planet. Indeed, studies of changes in temperature and sea level over the last millennium show that the climate system has tipping points. Also, research in this field continues to show that warming of the planet really increases the risk of going beyond climatic points of no return, possibly
trigging large scale ocean circulation changes, the loss of ice areas and the reduction of various species. Governments, corporate and other leaders must do more, much more, to raise public awareness and to promote environment and climate literacy in our global and local societies. Perhaps, one way by which corporations can assist is by using wrappings and packaging materials of the products as media to disseminate environmental messages. This could go a far way not only to raise awareness but also to empower consumers and other citizens to take responsibility for the health and safety of the environment. It is important too, that governments enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations,
particularly, in the extractive sector of our economy in circumstances, where our global village is experiencing greater levels of pollution in our seas, rivers and oceans. Again, governments around the world are obligated to provide national security of which securing the integrity of the natural environment is a major aspect of this responsibility. There could be no real national security without good environmental governance. Earth Day therefore presents a good opportunity for us, humans, to reflect and focus on advancing the interests of this planet. Royston King Executive Director Environmental Community Health Organization
Georgetown Mayor wants citizens to be more environmentally conscious Dear Editor, Millions of people around the world gather to observe International Earth Day, today under the theme Campaign in Environmental and Climate Literacy. Many will also use the opportunity to engage in tree planting exercises, cleanup activities and other acts of environmental stewardship that would seek to enhance parks, recreational facilities and other open spaces in their respective communities. As we observe this important day, we must always bear in mind the strides made to care for the environment. Simultaneously, we should also consider the overarching threats and challenges the environment faces such as global warming and climate change. Globally, we have made significant strides in cleaning our air, purifying our water and preserving our forest. However, all these efforts should be coupled with the need to provide more information and educational
programmes, therefore the theme: “Campaign in Environmental and Climate Literacy” is truly timely and relevant. It is important that the nexus be drawn between education and change. The truth is with the advent of new media technology we have been more exposed to information that emphasizes the importance of exercising care for the environment. However, it is imperative that the information communicated is transitioned into positive behavioural change. At the level of the Council we recognize the importance of implementing environmental preservation measures. Hence, an Environment and Sustainable Committee was established with the mandate to provide the Council with general and specific advice and recommendations on environmental issues and to put in place measures and systems that would improve the
working environment and quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses. Also, the committee would be proposing bylaws that would enhance and promote environmental sustainability. It is anticipated in the ensuing year that the Council would embark on environmental education in schools and local communities in the City. Specific importance would be placed on solid waste management, climate change, global warming, energy conservation, urban forestation, pollution and their impact on the City of Georgetown. On International Earth Day, as we celebrate the gift of nature, let us commit to doing our part; let us encourage our families, neighbours, and friends to be more environmentally friendly. So that together we would make the environment safe and sustainable for all of us! Patricia Chase-Greene JP. Mayor of Georgetown
GHRA welcomes Ministerial response in protection of rivers Dear Editor, The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) welcomes the action taken by the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to conduct a rapid assessment of the damage caused by gold-mining to major river systems in Guyana. Confirmation of the alarm sounded by the GHRA has come from a variety of knowledgeable sources, who have pointed out that the tributaries to major rivers, not so visible from the air, are in worse shape than the rivers themselves. The GHRA noted at the time that “the response to this decision reveals the scale of the odds facing even the most basic initiatives to enhance environmental protection in an industry which, according to press reports loses a minimum of
USD240 million per annum in illegal gold exports.” This time around the stakes are higher because not only environmental advocates, but the average Guyanese citizen for whom our rivers were a source of pride, are more aware of the economic and environmental costs involved. Since 2012 scientific evidence generated by the REDD+ p r o g r a m m e h a s demonstrated not only that mining is destroying waterways, but is also the main contributor to forest degradation as a whole. Not just interior communities but many more Guyanese will be at risk if the authorities do not move vigorously against the irrevocable destruction of fresh water resources on which the society as a whole depend. No doubt the dubious
concept of a ‘basic right to mining’ will be revived; while never generating serious credibility this ‘right’ is resoundingly trumped by the more immediate claims of indigenous communities, of the larger society and global climate change interests. The Guyana Shield is currently one of the world’s largest reservoirs of fresh water and even on limited cost/benefit economic calculations the uncontrolled destruction of our rivers is short-sighted. Money cannot be the only factor determining where gold-mining takes place. Moreover, although small miners are allegedly those responsible for environmental damage, this is to misunderstand the dynamics of an industry which operates to the benefit of a few large owners who
out-source State lands with no regard to the environmental costs. The mining sector in particular needs to demonstrate much greater purposefulness with respect to Guyana’s natural assets. For example, the recent announcement of new licenses granted in the Marudi, Madhia and Region 1 Mining districts provided an opportunity to reinforce obligations to environmental restoration, non-use of mercury and other standards which should be nonnegotiable. Placing the mining industry on a modern, equitable and efficient basis and pursing these goals within the national interest is a task for which many human energies and resources need to be mobilized. The responsibility of the State (Continued on page 5)
Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News being asked to investigate a sawmill at Stewartville DEAR EDITOR, I am writing this letter to let you know there is a serious problem at Stewartville, Tamarain Dam, West Coast Demerara, where a permit was given for a lumber yard to operate in the middle of the village. Today, the lumber yard now a big sawmill - is destroying the comfort of residents of the village with the clouds of dust. This dust is in our food, in our bedrooms, in our mouths, noses, ears, eyes and you can guess how much we are taking into our bodies. The sawmill’s walls around the bond are
more than 20 feet, which is higher than the houses in the area; so with the heat and the dust you can imagine the discomfort to residents. It looks as though in Guyana, no one cares about peoples’ lives anymore as long as they get some money in their pocket from the owner of the sawmill. Kaieteur News was called in to investigate the matter and never turned up. WE are asking the newspaper to please investigate. We are asking Kaieteur News to think about these helpless people. They need help. Their health is in your hands Azeem Khan
I am asking the NIS to look into what a nurse did to me DEAR EDITOR, I have been a pensioner for the past seven (7) years, before I attained the age of sixty (60) years. I have been claiming N.I.S medical benefit for hypertension and diabetic care. Attached is a copy of the doctor’s charges. I never had a problem with my N.I.S reimbursement which usually amounts to about twenty four thousand dollars ($24,000) for every three (3) months. However, I was recently asked to take my medication to the nurse at Skeldon N.I.S Office. I gave her all the medications that I am using together with those for my open heart surgery operation, and informed her that I am
not claiming for the open heart surgery medication. She asked me the amount N.I.S is paying me monthly. I am not aware of what the nurse reported, but the amount of money I received for my re-imbursement is three hundred and eighty dollars ($380) I attached proof of that. This is outrageous. It is my belief that a negative report was submitted by the nurse since she believes that I am receiving enough monthly from the N.I.S. I started to pay N.I.S from day one September 1969 to the 7th November, 2010 (41 years). I have been receiving my medical re-imbursement for the past 10 years. What is the problem now? Roopnarine Sukhu
Opportunities to preserve and can fruits and vegetables exist DEAR EDITOR, It was disturbing to learn from President Granger in his address at the opening of the West Berbice Expo that Guysuco will keep ‘open’ three estates – Albion, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt. While it seems the President sought to put a positive spin to the depressing news, I wish to advise the President and his communications team that no amount of lipstick on a pig would change the d i s h e a r t e n i n g announcement. The President in his address also referred to the various other agricultural outputs produced in Region Five. While some of the President’s figures seem suspect, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Probably with the exception of rice, very
little, if any, of the Region’s agricultural output is exported. This is simply due to the fact that we are not able to be competitive. Now, this very situation becomes confusing if not worrying. Rather than seek to correct the competitiveness issues, the Government is pushing GuySuCo which has literally no experience in areas like livestock, aquaculture, orchard farming, rice, etc to compete with existing farmers. This is especially disconcerting taking into account we have a small and declining internal market coupled with economic contraction which is reducing incomes. In such circumstances, the Government has seen it wise somehow to have a state-owned Corporation
GHRA welcomes... From page 4 is to create equitable relations between all citizens, not to pander or privilege destructive elements. The GHRA is also confident that the bulk of the mining industry will be in agreement with such a goal. To this end, the GHRA calls for an inclu-
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sive national initiative to develop a more fundamental response to protection of fresh water resources, and reiterates its earlier call for an effective ban on all river-related mining. Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association
which will benefit from certain fiscal incentives and other state-support in competition with small, peasant farmers who cannot compete. Many of those farmers would be forced out of business as Guysuco will be invading their markets. It is simply making a terrible situation even worst. The situation can be likened to digging a hole to fill a hole. A smart Government would have sought to remedy the competitiveness issues to ensure that farmers have an opportunity to sell their output and at the best possible prices. But this seems not to be the case of the Granger Administration. Many experts have said, time and again, that Guyana has significant opportunities to can and preserve fruits and vegetables for the export market. Those experts have also pointed that a big bugbear is the high cost of energy to operate a cannery or food processing plant. (Continued on page 6)
AFC votes with APNU for VAT on education then fools the public DEAR EDITOR, The AFC has been resolute in their support for VAT on Education. Every time it counts and their votes mattered, they voted 100% in favour with President Granger, the Minister of Finance and APNU. With public resentment and rejection at a high, AFC is seeking a way to speak on both sides of their faces. It is abhorrent and it is sheer hypocrisy. But they have one chance to redeem themselves - unequivocally support the PPP’s motion in Parliament to rescind the 14% VAT on Education. No “ands’, ifs or buts”. Are the AFC MPs and Cabinet Members hypocrites? If the cap fits, they must wear it. With universal public outrage against VAT on Education, AFC is twirling in the wind, twisting like the American pretzel, to find a way out of this political quagmire. The AFC voted for VAT on Education not once, not twice, not three times, but, at least, four times. At each turn, the AFC stood resolutely, unflinchingly, behind APNU, the Minister of Finance and President Granger. In response to public protest, a petition letter signed by thousands of Guyanese and universal rejection of the 14% VAT on Education, a public consultation was eventually staged at the National Convention Center last week. That consultation was led by the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, a senior leader of the AFC and the Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, the Leader of the WPA. They both defiantly announced that VAT on Educa-
tion stays. The highest ranking AFC Cabinet member, the Prime Minister of Guyana, the Vice-President of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo, did not even dare to cross Granger and APNU by expressing even a modicum of reservation on VAT on Education. Instead, with an iron fist, he dismissed the gathering by informing them that VAT on Education stays. The AFC voted for approval of the budget estimates at Cabinet before Budget 2017 reached Parliament. When they did so, they knowingly, willingly, without reservation approved 14% VAT on Education. In Parliament, AFC had two chances - during the consideration of the Ministry of Education Budget and during the consideration of the Ministry of Finance Budget. The PPP begged the AFC to vote against VAT on Education. The AFC rejected the request from the PPP and choose to vote resoundingly with their APNU colleagues to introduce 14% VAT on Education, just like they voted without any reservation for 14% VAT on water and electricity. In Parliament, senior leaders of the AFC spoke firmly and glowingly in support of the budget as a whole, calling the budget transformative, the best budget ever. They demonized the private schools, wrongly asserting that only rich people’s children go to private schools. Not only did they vote for the 14% VAT on school fees, they also voted for 14% VAT on books, other teaching and educational aids and other items for schools. These leaders included
Trotman, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, Hughes, Patterson, Holder, Lowe, Carrington, Charandass and others. They chastised the PPP for finding fault with the budget, calling Budget 2017 the best ever. AFC played politics and disregarded the welfare of the people. Solidarity with Granger and APNU was far more important to them than the welfare of the children, youths and young adults seeking higher education and of the people of Guyana. After the budget was passed and became the law of the land, public protest exploded. There was a promised review of VAT by Cabinet at which the Cabinet remained resolute that VAT on Education stayed. A second review was done by Cabinet and the AFC still remained resolute in their support for VAT on Education. At no point did the AFC express any reservation relating to VAT on education. In various media engagements and on several TV shows, AFC leaders provided unqualified support for the position of the Minister of Finance for the vulgar imposition of VAT on Education. Having essentially lost much of their support in all regions and virtually dead in Regions 2,3,5 and 6, the AFC is now squirming because they under-estimated the universal condemnation of VAT on Education. Not only are they squirming, they are trying to find a way to extricate themselves from the fiasco of VAT on Education. They are testing the waters by signalling their support for a review of VAT on Education. (Continued on page 6)
A Proposal for Carifesta XIII Planning have the ‘Short based) Committee (Guyana) 5. Aubrey Bryan (UK Profiles and Picture’ on a DEAR EDITOR, The theme for Carifesta XIII slated for staging in Barbados August 17 – 27, is “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves.” With this ‘Interesting Theme’ I hereby suggest to Hon. Minister Nicolette Henry and the Carifesta Planning Committee that we
single card, of eight (8) ‘Living Guyanese Steelband Legends’. I propose their names in random order: 1. Roy Geddes AA MS 2. Rudy ‘Boysie’ Bishop MS (USA based) 3. Calvin Whyte MS 4. Phil Solomon aka Philbert Moore or Philo (USA
based) 6. Frank ‘Gerion’ Lynch 7. Ivan Chapman 8. Compton ‘Camo’ Williams This card will be placed on Guyana’s merchandise desk (table) for the purpose of both display and distribution. Oliver Pross Steelband Technologist
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DEAR EDITOR, History was created in Guyana on Thursday 13th April, 2017 when the country’s National Assembly debated and passed the State Asset Recovery Bill, which paved the way for the establishment of the St a t e A s s e t R e c o v e r y Agency. It should be noted that, Guyana, through the passage of that Bill, which was facilitated by the APNU+AFC coalition, demonstrated that it was prepared to comply with the provisions of the UN Convention on Corruption that was signed by the PPP government in 2008 but which that regime did nothing to implement. During the parliamentary debates on that BILL, the opposition PPP continued its continued its vicious attacks on the bill consistent with its approach after the David Granger led government announced the establishment of the State Asset Recovery Unit within the Ministry of the Presidency. Minister of State Joseph Harmon in his address to the Parliament, reminded the house and the nation that when the APNU+AFC government came to office in 2015, it asked persons who had acquired state assets illegally to return them and many failed to do so. Among those who failed to adhere to the government’s request were members of the PPP leadership and former government officials. Given its 23 years rule which produced unprecedented corruption in the country and the criminalization of the state,
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The SARA Bill is an important victory for the nation the PPP leadership is aware that it is being held accountable for the disappearance of numerous state assets and the accumulation, at home and abroad, by its members, of massive proportions of wealth during that period. In the debate the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, H o n . B a s i l Wi l l i a m s , made the point that the bill was government’s reaffirmation to stamp out corruption and that there would be no safe haven for corrupt persons. In other words the APNU+AFC government has signalled that wherever the people’s stolen assets are stashed they will be tracked down, confiscated by legal means and returned to the people. It is clear that the government is trying to ensure that persons involved in the operations of the public service, who used and those who intend to use their positions to illegally amass wealth, will not benefit from their illegal actions. It is this realization that has driven and is still driving the PPP’s hostility to the establishment of the new agency and its mandate that is embodied in the legislation. Given this situation real politics made it impossible for the opposition and the government to find common ground in parliament on the asset recovery legislation. Because the PPP had made it very clear that, no way under the sun it was prepared to support the State Assets Recovery Legislation its posture in
parliament during the debate and its eventual abandonment of the parliamentary process on that day must be seen for what it was, a mere playing to the galleries of its constituents. I posit here that it was always the intention of the PPP to stage a walkout from Parliament on that day, for whatever reason they chose. It was an integral part of their tactics to undermine the process that day. I was therefore not surprised when Mr. Anil Nandlall, former Attorney General and now PPP spokesperson in parliament on legal matters chose to speak late in the debate. Nandlall, by his own admission, knew that there was a time constraint on the process, but he deliberately refused to recognize the significance of this when the speakers’ order of presentation was put together. By delaying his presentation in a debate which he believed should have been open-ended he thereby created the atmosphere to justify his p a r t y ’s representative’s abandonment of the process. Therefore, for the PPP to accuse the government of denying Nandlall his right to make his address is hogwash, s i n c e i t w a s t h e P P P ’s decision that determined which of their parliamentarians would speak and when. I will add here that it is politically naive for the PPP to make such a major mistake and don’t expect the government side to make political mileage on its blunder. The debate on the SARA
Opportunities to preserve and can... From page 5 Here is where a great win-win opportunity exists. GuySuCo which already operates in many rural farming areas through the establishment of Co-Generation plants at their estates could sell electricity to canning and processing plants at a reasonable cost thus facilitating value-added agriculture while enhancing sugar’s revenues. In such a
scenario, a major obstacle would have been surmounted and served to further deepen the agricultural drive in Guyana. But rather than developing such linkages which benefits all involved, the Government for whatever reason is seeking to increase food supply without any commensurate expansion of demand. This is most shortsighted and backward. Patricia Persaud
legislation was not an ordinary one. The political stakes were high. Both opposition and government wanted their positions to prevail since the political consequences of not doing so have the potential of determining which party could win the 2020 general and regional elections. In passing the Bill the government has made a significant step in fulfilling its election promise to fight corruption and recover stolen state assets. In doing so it has enhanced its electoral fortunes come the next elections. For the PPP, its attempt to delay the passing of the Bill by appealing for it to be sent to a parliamentary select committee, if conceded to by the government, would have been a major victory for that party. It would have meant that their intention to kill the Bill before it was debated and passed would have
succeeded, thereby ensuring that the extent of the wrongdoings of former government officials and their cronies, including the acts of rape of the c o u n t r y ’s resources, would have remained hidden. This would have provided the PPP leadership (i) with the space it needs to consolidate its support base for the 2020 elections; (ii) to continue its masquerade of misrepresentation of information; (iii) provide it with more space to propagandize its supporters with mythical explanations that the government’s accusations against them of corruption were nothing but the spewing of hot air; and (iv)that the government was just being vindictive and spiteful in its pursuit of alleged wrongdoings by them. Putting aside partisan considerations, the passing of the State Asset Re-
covery Bill is an important victory for the nation in the fight against corruption, holding public officials accountable for their criminal actions and depriving them from benefiting from the acquisition of illegal wealth. The nation will be well served when the billions of dollars in stolen assets are returned allowing the government to have more money to spend on wages and salaries and the social sector. Equally important, the Bill after it is assented to by His Excellency David Granger, will act as a deterrent to the criminally inclined and reduce the losses that the nation suffers annually from the viciousness of the greedy. History will recall that the APNU+AFC government’s passing of the State Asset Recovery Bill was a courageous act to protect the national patrimony and to ensure that future generations of Guyanese have the necessary resources and wealth to have a good life. Tacoma Ogunseye
The GRA replies to vehicle owner’s complaint DEAR EDITOR, In reference to a letter appearing in the April 19, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News - by Mr. Moises Carpenay, under the heading of “Guyana Revenue Authority is robbing vehicle owners.” the GRA would like to advise as follows: 1. Section 17 (1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Cap. 51:02 states “There shall be charged, levied and paid in respect of motor vehicles used or kept for use on roads, licence fees at the respective annual rate specified in the First Schedule. 2. The fees charged under this section shall be paid annually upon licences to be taken out by persons keeping vehicles for use, which licence shall expire on the anniversary date of the first registration of the vehicle.
Based on the aforementioned, every owner of a registered motor vehicle used or kept for use on roads, would be required to pay the licence fees at the respective annual rate. The payment of the fee annually on the anniversary date of the first registration of the vehicle follows a 2012 amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. If at any point the motor vehicle becomes circumstantially dormant, Section 10 (2) of the Act states - The owner of any motor vehicle which has been destroyed or ren-
dered permanently unserviceable or has been permanently removed from Guyana shall notify the licencing officer of the fact within one month of the happening of the event.” Therefore if the vehicle is not in service, as was the case with Mr. Carpenay, the onus is on the motorist to inform the GRA, otherwise it will be expected that he or she will be required to pay for all previous years. Melissa Baird Manager (ag) Public Relations Guyana Revenue Authority
AFC votes with APNU for... From page 5 The PPP will introduce a motion in Parliament to rescind VAT on Education. The party has been consistent and stood with the people throughout these agonizing months as the public protested against VAT on Education. The AFC, on the other hand, is guilty of sheer hypocrisy. While voting solidly to impose VAT on Edu-
cation, they now seek to heap blame solely on Granger and APNU. Well, they can redeem themselves - vote against VAT on Education or stand with Granger and APNU in Parliament. No “ands, ifs, buts”. Will the AFC allow the motion to be debated and will they join with the PPP to rescind VAT on Education? Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Two years jail for Ed Ahmad; ordered to repay US$2.6M to victims It took almost six years. The court case of Queensbased Edul Ahmad is over with a Brooklyn federal judge yesterday sentencing him to two years in jail and for him to pay restitution of US$2.6M. It was not the non-custodial sentence that Ahmad, a former policeman from Guyana who made it big in New York, wanted despite being a star witness in the sinking of a powerful New York senator, John Sampson. It would mark the end of a real estate mogul who made it big in the US but whose rise was also mirrored by his rapid fall. He became one of the biggest names in New York real estate business with fancy cars, properties and with his tentacles stretching to Guyana and friends including senators and congress representatives and even former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo. Today, he can no longer work in the real estate business, thanks to the order made by Judge Dora Irizarry yesterday in the Brooklyn, New York court. The court found that he oversaw a US$50M fraud scheme that allowed ineligible Guyanese and especially immigrants to own homes in New York. Many of them lost their homes and saw their credit ratings going to zero because of fraud. Yesterday, after months of delays, Judge Dora Irizarry sentenced Ahmad to 24 months in custody with five years of supervised release. Ahmad will have to comply with a forfeiture order and pay a number of financial institutions and mortgage companies US$2.6M. He will also be forced to make a full financial disclosure and not ever work again in the mortgage industry. He will also be banned from possessing a firearm and
will have to maintain lawful and verifiable employment. The judge did not impose a fine as he was ordered to pay restitution. Ahmad, 50, will serve time in a jail near New York City and has until June 30, 2017 to surrender to authorities to begin his sentence. The defendant, during his sentencing yesterday, was also advised of his appellate rights. Ahmad was dubbed in some New York news reports yesterday as a “onetime Lamborghini-driving businessman”. This month, the judge, who had also sentenced Guyana’s convicted drug kingpin, Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan to a US jail, has been especially stern on prosecutors and Ahmad’s lawyer, Steven Kartagener, for delays, insisting that sentencing had to happen yesterday. US prosecutors had recommended that he pay back over US$3M to several mortgage lending institutions that fell victim to his fraud scheme. Prosecutors also recommended that the courts not be too harsh as Ahmad had cooperated in another court case which saw the successful prosecution of a US senator. In October 2012, Ahmad pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn, New York court, to one of a 10-count criminal complaint against him. In admitting guilt, Ahmad told Judge Dora Irizarry that between January 1995 and January 2009, within the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere, together with others, he knowingly and intentionally conspired to defraud several lending institutions, in a mortgage fraud scheme that lasted almost 15 years. The offence had carried a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. U.S. Attorney Alexander Solomon had recommended that he be sen-
Jailed for two years: Ed Ahmad
Judge Dora Irizarry tenced to between 121 and 151 months (10 to approximately 13 years) of imprisonment. In their sentencing recommendations to Judge Irizarry, prosecutors explained that beginning in 2000, the defendant and other co-conspirators defrauded various lending institutions by obtaining mortgages on properties located in the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere through fraudulent means, including by falsifying mortgage loan applications. That false information made the borrowers appear to be more creditworthy. As a result, the financial institutions were fraudulently induced to issue mortgage loans. In some instances, the coconspirators recruited indi-
viduals- “Straw Buyers”- to conceal the true ownership of the properties. In other instances, the co-conspirators recruited prospective home purchasers with good credit scores but with income and assets that were insufficient to secure mortgage loans. Prosecutors alleged that Ahmad, as the mastermind, was part of a scheme that defrauded American lending institutions of approximately US$50 million. Prosecutors had painted a picture of Ahmad as a powerful businessman known in the Guyanese community in New York with strong political connections. Victims Judge Irizarry outlined a scheme which had as its victims not only financial institutions, but also many ordi-
nary New Yorkers, most of whom were Guyanese immigrants pursuing the American dream to own their own home only to find themselves trapped in a real estate scheme, ultimately resulting in them losing their homes in foreclosure proceedings while Ahmad and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars. To conceal these facts from the lenders, members of the conspiracy falsified Department of Housing and Urban Development forms in order to deceive the lenders about disbursements at closings. On July 21, 2011, the defendant was arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On October 13, 2012,
Ahmad pleaded guilty, in a deal, to charges of bank and wire fraud conspiracy. As part of his agreement, he agreed to pay US$500,000 before the date of his sentencing. To date, the defendant only paid US$29,662.18, prosecutors said in their documents. The court documents were explosive. It was disclosed in late fall of 2011, the defendant agreed to meet with the government, and provide information about his own role in the mortgage fraud conspiracy, as well as information regarding his friend, New York State Senator, John Sampson, who was then the Senate Minority Leader. Sinking a Senator The defendant described a longstanding quid pro quo relationship in which the defendant provided money or gifts to Sampson, including foreign travel arrangements, in return for official acts by Sampson that benefitted the defendant’s real estate and mortgage businesses. For example, on multiple occasions, Sampson attempted to interfere with New York State regulatory investigations of the defendant’s businesses by meeting directly with the investigators or with the investigators’ supervisors. Most notably, Ahmad described a 2006 payment of US$188,500 to Sampson that Sampson claimed was necessary to replenish embezzled (Continued on page 8)
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Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News
Two years jail for Ed Central Govt. spends less in 2016 than projected Ahmad; ordered to... …procurement setbacks among reasons From page 7 funds in connection with his failed run in 2005 to become the Kings County District Attorney. In return for this secret payment, Sampson engaged in additional official acts on the defendant’s behalf, including successful efforts to arrange for the defendant to become an official broker of bank-owned real estate properties in New York State. According to the defendant, Sampson’s behaviour changed drastically following the defendant’s arrest in this matter. While initially seeming supportive of the defendant’s plight, Sampson met continuously with the defendant to discuss the merits of the pending criminal case. Ahmad even agreed to participate in recorded meetings and phone conversations with Sampson and his associates. During these meetings and phone calls, Sampson’s recorded statements corroborated information provided by the defendant to the government about his efforts to obstruct justice. Sampson, from Guyana, was later charged and convicted. According to prosecu-
tors, Ahmad’s testimony was highly critical to sinking the senator who was recently jailed for five years. However, prosecutors also accused Ahmad of not being truthful about a number of things. For example, he lied about his income. During his testimony on cross-examination, the defendant testified about his tax returns for 2006 and 2010, which reported income of approximately $51,000 and $23,300 in income, respectively. ”…The defendant provided substantial assistance to the government. For these reasons, the government respectfully moves pursuant to Section 5K1.1 of the United States Sentencing Guidelines to permit the Court, in its discretion, to sentence the defendant below the applicable Guidelines range.” Ahmad has businesses in Guyana and had planned to build a hotel and casino, overlooking the army headquarters, in Thomas Lands. He was said to be a close friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, and had even shipped a container of building materials to him.
For the year 2016, Central Government’s total expenditure amounted to $216.8B. This amount is $4.2B less than was projected by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan at the time of his 2017 budget presentation last year. This information was produced in the End of Year report for 2016 which was recently presented to the National Assembly by the Minister. According to the report, total non-interest recurrent expenditure amounted to $163.4B in 2016 which was marginally less than the $166.7B projected at the time of the 2017 budget presentation. This was due to lower than projected spending for Other Goods and Services and Transfer Payments. According to the report, Other Goods and Services totalled $46.8B for 2016 marginally less than $48.8B which was projected. The report said that the Transfer Payments totalled $67.3B in 2016 which was less than the projected $68.8B. As it relates to Constitutional Agencies, a total of $686.8M was unspent due to the nonexecution of a house to house census and several projects which were not executed due to setbacks from the tender process. Employment costs for the year amounted to $49.4B in 2016, slightly higher than the $49B that was projected. On the matter of capital expenditure, the report said that $46.6B was spent which was marginally less than the $47.6B. The report said that this reduction was due largely to a continued slow implementation of Guyana’s loan
portfolio, which declined by 12 per cent. This is not the first instance whereby Central Government would have spent less than expected. The same had occurred for 2015 and was recorded in the Auditor General’s report for that fiscal year. These amounts were not the only ones that would have differed from the projections for the year as presented in the 2017 budget. Tax and non-tax revenue collections in 2016 were $177.3B which was $2.5B above the projections in the 2017 budget, due to higher than expected tax revenues. The report said that tax revenues rose to $151.7B in 2016 which was also $2.5B greater than projected at the time of the 2017 budget. Total non-tax revenue increased to $25.5B which was in line with projections.
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan It was stated that the Guyana Revenue Authority had remitted $42.3B in 2016, a marginal $274M below projections at the time of the presentation for the budget. The report said that Central Government had recorded a fiscal deficit of $31.7B in 2016 of
Gross Domestic Product, which was smaller than the $38.4B of GDP deficit projected. This was apparently due to lower expenditures, particularly current expenditures in addition to higher than projected revenues and grants.
Businessman pays with forged cheque Jerome Singh, 53, of Lot 1 Princes Street, Charlestown yesterday appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’Courts to answer to a fraud charge. Singh pleaded not guilty to the allegation which stated that on October 21, 2011 at Georgetown, he with the intent to defraud uttered to a cashier at Toolsie Persaud Hardware Store Limited, one Bank of Nova Scotia cheque for $667,870, after making a purchase knowing same to be forged. The businessman was represented by Attorney-atLaw Gordon Gilhuys who in his application to secure bail
for his client told the court that on the day in question his client went to the police station to make a complaint about the virtual complainant, Toolsie Persaud. It was then that the police realized that the defendant was wanted for questioning in relation to the fraud matter and he was then arrested and charged for the offence. Police p r o s e cutor Simone Payne had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant and he was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 by the magistrate. The father of six will make his next court appearance on May 12.
Released on bail Jerome Singh
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Kaieteur News
I do not understand I do not understand how the Guyana Revenue Authority is hoping to encourage fuel smugglers to become legitimate. I do not understand whether there is a plan to grant to these persons licenses to import fuel. I do not understand how the Guyana Revenue Authority can be worried about the suspected under-invoicing of building materials. I thought the purpose of VAT was intended to remove the incentives which encourage underinvoicing. I do not understand how
the Special Organized Crime Unit which is said to be investigating a gold dealer for suspected money laundering raids the home of one of his associates and takes awa y j e t s k i s a n d other motorized vehicles? I d o n o t u n d e r s t and how it is that a money laundering investigation, which usually concentrates on finding the sources of money, can be concerned with how someone else spends their money. I don’t understand why a top official of SARU is
bothering to engage in exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition as to who is a liar and who should take a lie detector test. I do not understand how professional public officers allow themselves to be drawn into such unprofessional exchanges. But then again until the passage of the recent BILL creating SARA, the SARU which is supposed to move civilly in recovering states assets, can simply go into a community and seize property on the basis that there was supposed to a
Dem boys seh ...
People would do anything fuh drugs De world know drugs is a dangerous thing. Dem have people who would do anything to get it. Some people does sell out dem property; some does risk dem life. Others does risk other people life. Tek Carol, de Councillor. She risk more than she life. She risk she whole family fuh drugs. She was so hooked on a particular drug that she do strange things. She wake up de hospital wid she strange habits. She would go fuh a first dose at three minutes after midnight and by day clean she gone back again. By lunchtime she in de
ward and by dinner time she tekking another injection. A brave nurse who had no bad intention but wanted to save her life, give voice. And she nearly lose she job. As a matter of fact dem transfer she because de woman is a councillor and she know big ones. She resign suh she can’t go back to de hospital. She can’t go into de Suh Sex Street drug bond because is sheer condoms in deh. Is only Babby, Jagdeo best friend, can save she. Dem boys hear he drug got water and he seh is rain water cause that suh she don’t have to worry about dying.
Dem got this other woman who got she man in prison. She now deh next door to him in a different cell, and all because she fetch drug in she crotch to de prison and get ketch. She mighta get away but de prison officer who see she seh something fishy going on here. Is de same time she husband tek a pull. Fish smell don’t hide. That is wha put de woman in trouble. Is yesterday when she get ketch dem boys get to know that ganja and fish don’t mix. Ask any Rasta Man. Talk half and watch how drugs got some people.
sale of the said property which SARU believes belongs to the State. I do not understand how a nurse who is trying to prevent what she sees as an abuse of the dispensing of certain types of medications, can be transferred from a hospital to a health clinic just after an article about the complaint she had filed with a number of state officials had appeared in the media. I do not understand how anyone is going to see this as anything less than victimization. I do not understand why no one is doing anything about this nurse. I do not understand why her colleagues have not resorted to industrial action. I do not understand why the community from which she emanates is yet to be on the picket lines denouncing this transfer. I do not understand why the turnout at the pro-
tests against the VAT on private education is so poor considering the thousands of parents and students who are being affected by the tax. I do not understand why the local health authorities are still linking microcephaly to the Zika virus when that theory is now a hotly contested potato in light of the dramatic decline in both the number of Zika cases as well as the number of babies born with microcephaly. I do not understand how on the same day two persons died, in separate accidents, after the motorcycles they were riding crashed into stationary vehicles. That is a strange coincidence which not even the superstitious may be able to explain. I do not understand how some persons are so concerned about the plain kites being given out by Presi when
the opposition only giving out them cheap Chinese kite. I do not understand why a good kite is so expensive in Guyana. I do not understand if it costing the government more money to undo the vandalism on monuments than it is to build some of those monuments, why the government continues to want to build more monuments. I do not understand how every time Dem Boys Deh pun a flight, ex Ministers are also on the same flight. Is who is following who around?
PAGE 10
Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
One hopes the AFC isn’t blaming the PNC for its descent into nothingness There has been an outpouring of sentiments recently among AFC leaders about asserting the APNU’s flag, emblem, vision, character, beliefs, core-values, the works, on the body politic of Guyana. There can be no question about it; there is a Freudian fury in the AFC about its dormancy and fading star. At its general conference in January, not most but all speakers demonstrated that Freudian emblazonment. All the speakers emphasized that assertion. From thereon, it has been a non-stop-mantra in the AFC that goes like this – “the AFC will continue to bring its core values into the government of which it is a part.” The latest in this stuck record is the P r i m e M i n i s t e r ’s p o s i tion that the C u m m i n g s b u rg A c c o r d needs revamping. Simply put – the AFC wants the covenant to embrace more power for the AFC. When you hear these cries from the AFC, the
unfamiliar citizen immediately thinks about the PNC dominating the AFC, a field of thought that the AFC is happy to fertilize, and in fact is fertilizing. But there is more in the story than the AFC is willing to admit. In other words, the AFC’s ailing biology is self-inflicted and citizens should not rush to offer sympathy to a recalcitrant that does not want to mend his ways. T h e A F C ’s s e l f d e struction began without any input from the PNC. The PNC had absolutely nothing to do with the A F C ’s b a n d w a g o n t h a t the AFC drove over the cliff shortly after the Coalition won the 2015 general poll. Here are the other parts in the story that the AFC is not telling people. And they believe the Guyanese people are so gullible that they would believe them. On the day the AFC leadership met to assign cabinet portfolios that
leadership offered the Ministry of the Environment to a personal friend of two AFC leaders; someone who did not campaign for the AFC. The reaction to this travesty, never before seen in Guyanese politics, was insane anger by AFC cadres. When I put this into one of my columns, the then General Secretary of the AFC, Minister David Patterson, emailed me to say that the AFC’s long standing policy was to offer a cabinet post to a civil society person. AFC cadres told me that Patterson was far from truthful. In any case, the person offered the job was not from civil society but a personal friend of a few in the party. Next there was the Ramayya scandal that has left an irremovable flat tyre on the car of the AFC that has permanently immobilized the AFC. Come 2020, Ramayya is going to confront the AFC on a PPP ticket.
When Ramayya went public that the AFC refused to offer him a substantial position, I saw an email exchange in which it was stated that the President intervened and in fact made the way possible for Ramayya to be the REO of Region Six. So it was the PNC that came to the rescue of the AFC over the Ramayya imbroglio. Next, you had the incredible arrogance of the AFC ministers in which AFC cadres were given a daily dose of contempt when they asked for opportunities. Some of this pomposity was sickening and caused me real emotional pain. Never before in the history of politics, a winning party was so dismissive of its soldiers. Not even the elitist United Force in the sixties behaved with such unre-
strained hubris. When Dr. David Hinds referred to this as the intoxication of power, the AFC issued a press release advising Hinds that he should be glad he has the freedom now in Guyana to criticize. This party with that statement had already lost its way. Next, to show the customary intolerance of the media by all politicians in the history of this country, an AFC leader went on an interview with Christopher Ram and accused Dr. Hinds and me of wanting to bring back the PPP into power. These insults were coming from AFC politicians who never even suffered five percent of the oppressive things David and I had to endure infighting for the Guyanese people. Finally in the continuation of its hauteur, hu-
Frederick Kissoon b r i s , i n v i n c i b i l i t y, o m nipotence and narcissism, the AFC was happy to display its intolerance of independent thought when it issued a press release which said that the AFC rejects my assertion that President Granger appointed hisson-law and two other ministers, acting within his right as president. I never made such assertion. The endemic pomposity of the AFC prevents it from simply saying; “Don’t worry, Freddie, we got it wrong, we apologize.”
Alleged ganja trafficker remanded A mason was remanded to prison, yesterday, after he was caught by police with over six pounds of marijuana in his possession. The man, Raymond Vankenie, 35, of Vryheid’s Lust, West Canje, Berbice, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to having 3.43 kg of cannabis in his possession for trafficking on April 19 at New Amsterdam, Berbice.
He was remanded to prison until May 8 when he will appear in the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court. Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-Fat who represented the defendant told the court that the narcotics were found in a vehicle his client had borrowed from someone. The police prosecutor disclosed that the case file is still incomplete since several statements and an analyst report are outstanding.
Saturday April 22, 2017
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
Dwindling HIV funding...
Guyana ready to fill void left by donor agencies – Minister of State The Ministry of Public Health will be given the backing of Government to maintain its gains in the wake of plans by donor agencies to withdraw health funding, particularly to aid the arrest and continue the management of those infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]. Alluding to this state of affairs was Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, during Thursday’s Post Cabinet Press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. “These are international donor funds, the United States, [is] a part of a larger group of countries that contribute to those funds. These things happen from time to time, funds are added and funds are taken away,” said Harmon of funding from donor agencies. He, however, made it clear that “it is up to us to adjust our programme accordingly
and I am sure at the Ministry of Public Health that those adjustments will be made.” But according to the Minister of State, “Even while administrations can make public pronouncements that there is a process through which it goes before that pronouncement actually becomes reality, and within the period of the pronouncement and the action taking place, the countries affected by them are given an opportunity to make adjustment to the country programme and regional programmes.” These adjustments, Harmon pointed out, are not usually specific to countries but they are specific in many cases to the Region. However, there have long been concerns that maintaining the gains made in tackling HIV could be challenged by dwindling donor funding. In fact, based on reports, donor funding started to decline to
its lowest levels since 2010. This is according to the 2015 UNAIDS Prevention Gap Report which was released last year. According to the Report, international donor contributions for HIV have dropped from a peak of US$9.7 billion in 2013 to US$8.1 billion in 2015. The Report had even then
GTT moves to upgrade Broadband Access The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company (GTT) has announced the commencement of work to significantly improve the Broadband Core and Access Network. GTT is partnering with General Datatech, L.P. - GDT to deploy a service provider grade and fault tolerant network to improve the experience of current customers and to prepare to effectively handle future growth. General Datatech LP- GDT is an awardwinning technology integration partner with expertise in the delivery of enterprise network, collaboration, mobility and data center technologies to service providers, large enterprises, and businesses of all sizes. GTT’s Broadband Access and Core network provides access to the Internet for more than 50,000 customers including residences, business, health care providers, schools and
government agencies across the country. This system upgrade, coupled with GTT’s substantial undersea capacity, will facilitate a substantial improvement in broadband and data connectivity services through provision of faster speeds and a more secure and reliable connection. These improvements will allow users of GTT services to experience all that the Internet offers today and the possibilities of the future. The project for upgrading the network is expected to be completed by the third quarter 2017. During this time some customers may experience intermittent outages. GTT says that it deeply regrets any inconvenience. Further, the telephone company says that it is committed to making all efforts to minimize the outages during the business day and early evening
embraced Harmon’s assertion that low- and middle-income countries, such as Guyana, are stepping up to fill the gap. This was characterised by the inclusion of domestic resources accounting for 57 per cent of the US$19.2 billion total funding in 2015. Guyana has already been lauded for being proactive in putting measures in place to fill the gap. According to United Nations Special Envoy, Dr. Edward Greene, the Government of Guyana has exhibited the right attitude in terms of financing. “When we met the Minister of Finance [Winston Jordan] in late January [2016], I must say he was very sensitive to the need to sustain the investment in health, and particular in HIV, where it is important,” said Dr. Greene. He pointed out that unlike
many other diseases, there is no vaccine for HIV, thus the need to sustain the support for infected people. This, he noted, is designed to ensure that they remain on affordable medicine, even as efforts to educate and emphasise prevention methods are fast-tracked. ”What is a good thing is that your [Guyana] Minister of Finance, unlike some Ministers of Finance, is not saying that we have so many other things to do…there is recognition that unless we sustain the investment in health and HIV/AIDS we will not
overcome, but we will increase and reverse the trends,” Dr. Greene underscored. According to the UNAIDS Report, although international funding, the main source of funding for HIV prevention for people at higher risk of HIV, has reduced, some major donors are making bold commitments to ensure that funding reaches the people most affected. In June 2016 the United St a t e s o f A m e r i c a a n nounced the launch of a US$100 million Key Populations Investment Fund to increase access to HIV services for key populations. However, the allocation of resources for HIV prevention is falling far short of what is needed. According to the Report, currently, 20 per cent of global resources for HIV are being spent on HIV prevention. The Report indicates that to have maximum impact, funding should focus on the location and population approach in order to reach people at higher risk with combination prevention options where they live and work.
PAGE 12
Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News
Natural Resources Ministry touts level playing fields for logging investors …No open ended agreements will be signed- Trotman By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Investors coming on board Guyana’s logging industry are going to benefit from a level playing field and will only enjoy duty free concessions that are linked directly to their investments. In short, there will be greater scrutiny to the extent that neither Guyana nor the investors will be shafted. This is according to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. The Minister indicated yesterday that very soon new companies will man the logging lands that previously
belonged to Barama Company Limited. He recalled what was published to the effect that government will be redistributing the forestry lands which were allocated to Barama. The 1.6M hectares of land will not be redistributed as a single block but rather will be divided into four blocks; one will be held reserved for conservation, one will be held for small loggers and two have been advertised for international companies. Trotman said that there are about 17 different companies which submitted applications to benefit from the
lands. He said, too, that the process of accepting or denying the applications is to be finalized this month by the Board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). But the big question is, “What will be the conditions of the agreements that are to be signed and will Guyana’s interest be protected?” There have been instances where Agreements signed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government allowed duty free concessions galore to certain foreign companies. Some of the concessions had nothing to do with the
projects being carried out and were clearly intended to be used for other purposes. In all of this, Guyana lost big in terms of duty Customs would have collected and benefitted very little by way of the logs shipped out, Goolsarran said. Asked if he is looking to make sure that this anomaly is corrected in the future investment agreements, Trotman responded in the positive. He said, “We want to make sure that any company that holds foreign concessions now must be given a level playing field on which to operate.” He continued, “We will work with GoInvest and GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) to ensure theses investment agreements are being honored and respected; concessions are not being abused. We will do due diligence of all the companies.” Trotman said, also, that GRA will take the lead in making sure that duty free concessions are granted moderately and for legitimate reasons. “There will be no open ended concessions. Concessions will be granted in a transparent manner. Investors can no longer just say they need cement or steel or doors. They have to give a specific number and tie to back to a specific phase of the company’s developmental works or project. Documents seen by Kaieteur News showed that, under the previous adminis-
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman tration, BaiShanLin was scandalously given almost unlimited permission to import vehicles and equipment, including in one case an extraordinary request for one billion tons of cement and two billion pails of paint which is extreme for any conceivable project. There was also a request for two billion pails of paint. No description was offered of the size of the pail but this amount according to a hardware giant in the city could paint the entire Guyana and its forests 100 times over. Among other things, the company requested one billion meters of electric wires and other items. According to the list of items for tax exemptions, there were seven categories of exemptions that BaiShanLin wanted. These included motor vehicles, wood process-
ing equipment, shipbuilding equipment, shipping equipment, construction equipment and material, power generation equipment and fuel for generating and production. With regard to vehicles, BaiShanLin was vague in some areas. For example, it wanted exemptions 100,000 units of spare parts…there was no description of what kind. The company just happens to have registered a spare parts business in Guyana. It wanted 20 cars, 20 pickups, 20 “jeeps”, 10 of the 30seater buses and 50 dump trucks, among other things. In all, there were 235 trucks of varying kinds from lowbed to containers trucks that BaiShanLin wanted the Minister to approve. From indications, very little monitoring took place to assess progress and to conduct compliance to ensure commitments were adhered to with the projects. That company failed to build a wood processing plant, a key commitment it agreed to when Guyana waived billions of dollars in taxes and other concessions. Several of its ambitious projects, from housing to shipbuilding never materialized and the company still owes the government millions. But despite its problems, the previous Government continued persevering to keep the company around, without any clear indications of what exactly Guyana benefitted.
Woman remanded for killing brother in drunken rage Twenty five-year-old Debbie Hansraj has been remanded to prison for allegedly stabbing her brother to death during a drunken argument. Hansraj, who resides at Grove, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between April 17 and April 18 at C o v e n t G a r d e n , East Bank Demerara, she murdered Vishaul Hansraj, her brother. Kaieteur News understands that Vishaul confronted his sister after she had allegedly inflicted a wound on their mother, Sumintra Brijmohan, with a knife. According to reports, a heated argument b r o k e o u t b e t ween the siblings during which his sister stabbed him twice with a knife. Both of them were reportedly under the
Murder Accused: Debbie Hansraj
MURDERED: Vishaul Hansraj
influence of alcohol. Vishaul was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he succumbed to his injuries. The Police Prosecutor disclosed that a total of 14
witnesses inclusive of police ranks and civilians will be called to testify during the preliminary inquiry. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan instructed Debbie Hansraj to return to court on May 18.
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Woman remanded for taking ganja in crotch to imprisoned husband Eight electrocuted in Caracas looting
Parviena Kissoon remanded to prison for trafficking ganja. What was supposed to be a normal visit to her husband at the Georgetown Prison turned out to be an investigation by prison officers, who saw a woman taking a bag out from her under garment and tossing it in a corner of the visiting area at the prison. Parviena Kissoon was yesterday remanded to
prison after being slapped with the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge. Kissoon, 35, of Lot 124 Laing Avenue West Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the allegation which stated that she on April 19, last, at the Georgetown Prison, had in her possession 278 grams of cannabis for the purpose
of trafficking. Facts presented by police prosecutor Simone Payne stated that on the day in question the defendant went to the Georgetown prison to visit and take lunch to her husband, Kevin King. The court heard that after the woman gave him a meal, she upon entering the visiting area at the prison was seen by an officer placing her hand under her skirt and quickly removing a black bag which she then threw into a corner of the room. She was then approached by the officer who retrieved the bag and on investigating found a plastic bag containing three parcels which contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems wrapped in brown scotch tape. The officer then notified his superior and was instructed to report the matter to the Alberttown Police Station. The prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. The mother of two was remanded to prison and ordered to make her next court appearance on May 12.
Venezuela and Caribbean to strengthen integration
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez CARACAS (CMC) – Venezuela and the Caribbean will be working towards strengthening coming projects and regional integration. This was the pledge made during a meeting held here on Thursday between Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez and Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) June Soomer. Ac c o r d i n g to Rodriguez, the meeting was a fruitful one geared towards the “development and union of our peoples.
Secretary General of the ACS, June Soomer
To g e t h e r w i t h J u n e Soomer, we reviewed issues related to the integration of our region.” Following the meeting, Soomer said that it was “for the benefit of our peoples. I would like us to continue to strengthen relationships among all Caribbean countries. The ACS wants cooperative relations with Venezuela to be further strengthened.” She also thanked the Venezuelan people for their efforts to main the union of all nations. “We follow the example of
the liberator Simon Bolivar to secure and strengthen our relations.” The ACS is made up of 25 member states and 11 associated states. Venezuela was unanimously elected president of the association on March 9. The convention establishing the ACS was signed on July 24, 1994, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, with the aim of “Contracting States, Countries and Territories of the Greater Caribbean to enhance cooperation within the region”.
amid Venezuela protests - firefighter
FILE PHOTO: Police fire tear gas toward opposition supporters during clashes while rallying against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins (Reuters) Eight people were electrocuted during a looting incident in Caracas, a firefighter said yesterday, amid violent protests against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by opponents accusing him of seeking to create a dictatorship. The accident occurred when a group of looters broke into a bakery in the working class neighbourhood of El Valle, according the
firefighter, who asked not be identified. It was not immediately possible to confirm details of the incident with hospital or other officials. The public prosecutor’s office said later yesterday it was investigating 11 deaths in El Valle, adding that “some” victims had died from being electrocuted. Nine other people have been killed in violence associated with a wave of antigovernment demonstrations
in the past three weeks in which protesters have clashed with security forces in melees lasting well into the night. “Yesterday around 9 or 10 (p.m.) things got pretty scary, a group of people carrying weapons came down ... and started looting,” said Hane Mustafa, owner of a small supermarket in El Valle, where broken bottles of soy sauce and ketchup littered the floor between bare shelves.
PAGE 22
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Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News
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TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
SALE! SALE! 2011ALLION $3.350M, 2011 BLUEBIRD $2.7M, 2010 RACTICS $2.5M,ALLVEHICLESFULLY LOADED&UNREGISTERED. CALL: 642-7295
Unregistered 2010 Fielder $2.5M, Dark Interior. Call: 6175536
Responsible Hire Drivers. Call: 231-7200
1 Welder to work in the Interior. Call: 625-5136 Contract hire car to work @ GR Taxi. Contact Ganesh: 614-6202 Maid must know how to cook & clean well, need reference from E.C.D – Contact: 677-4637 Ladies to work in Suriname. Call: +597-875-4660 Land to buy in: Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Pafaite Harmonie. Call: 642-1252
CAR RENTAL
CAR RENTAL
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190
Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business.Call: 226-7012
3 Ton Mitsubishi Canter- GMM, negotiable . Call:698-5604 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
One Arc/Acetylene welder/ driver, one live in family, mechanical & structural experienced is an asset. Call: 227-1830 Looking for small used wooden house. Call:676-8506 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com
Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 Space for rent @ Vreed-en Hoop Junction, lessons place, church, storage bond, office, others -$20,000 monthly. Call: 603-6400
Two Massey Ferguson Tractors, one 4299 and one 290, price negotiable. Call 611-1277 for more information.
One and two bedrooms apartment Herstelling E.B.D - Tel: 641-2311 or 627-3882
1 Fishing boat for 38-7-8 inch. Call: 677-6154
1-Bottom flat 2 rooms apartment situated pm East Bank Demerara. Call: 6886228
1 Double Stall for sale @ Bourda Market Section D. Call: 665-7896 New Danby portable air conditioner – 1,200 BTU $95,000, LG Microwave, open 1.1 CV 12OV - $65,000. Call Lenox: 697-4977
Car
We are buying land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt, Melanie and anywhere else. Call: 6585897/651-1969
FOR RENT
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
LAND FOR SALE Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938 La Parfaite Harmonie- $1.6M, $1.2M, $1.4M, Tuschen Phase II - $1.4M, Herstelling -$3.5M, Uitvlugt - $2M. Call: 604-6724 or 673-6300 La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.8M, $1.2M, $1.1M, Tuschen Phase II $1.3M, Uitvulgt $2M, V/Hoop - $27M. Call: 666-2326 21 Acres land for housing, alongside Linden Highway, average distance from Soesdyke -$20Million. Call: 692-8216 Eccles - $5M, Farm $3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Uitvlugt -$2.6M, Bartica - $3M, Cuyuni Mining Block - $2.5M. Call: 658-5897; 651-1969 Tuschen Phase 2 - $1.4M, Uitvlugt -$2.5M with fence, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M. Call: 642-1252 VACANCY Cashiers to work at Super bet, 21-22 Hink Street, Georgetown. Call: 625-5322 Washers/presser, hotel attendant, bell boy. Call:2277714/223-3448
Upper flat $120,000 and lower flat $100,000 fully furnished 2 bedrooms for rent in Barr St. Call 592-6011700 serious inquiries only. Two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled, fenced, concrete yard @ Tuschen Housing Scheme. Call: 692-5525/2663973 Self-contained room: bed, wardrobe, light included $30,000 monthly + security @ South Ruimveldt Gardens. Call: 623-0076 Fully furnished house with five rooms and four bathrooms. Call: 641-0959/ 225-0140
VACANCY Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks. Call: 614-4358 Experienced cook (for canteen), porters, bond clerks, snackette attendants, drivers. Apply: Survival, Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd, Kitty. Diesel mechanic, welder/ fabricator, machinist. Have Technical background & atleast 3yrs experience. Apply: Written application @ Technical Services, Eccles Apprentice. Must have Technical Background. Apply with written application @ Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/ Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land 91X50, house 40X28, 3 rooms, 1 self-contained- $23M. Call: 718213-6496/617-7691 Subryanville property for sale: 44 fifth Avenue., Subryanville, Georgetown $45M or best offer. Call Mortimer: 625-7669/ Richard: 624-1154 Property Execution Sale Berbice Sub- Registry 27Apr-2017 at 10.00 hrs. Contact 335-3344 or 616-4821 for details. Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond -$7.5M Call: 6880087, 638-8484 Riviera Island: 145 Acres $30M, Tuschen property $5.8M, $6M, $15M. Call: 6880087, 638-8484 Tuschen 2 bedroom flat houses: $4.8M, $10M, $11M, land $2M. Call: 688-0087,6388484 Melani 2 bedrooms - $10M, Tuschen $11.5M & $25M, Canal #2 (15 acres) -$9M. Call:688-0087,638-8484 House for sale- 2 flat no flooding, 6ft fence, price $21Million negotiable. Call: 233-5400/ 218-0595 Property @ 87E, Albert Street, Alberttown, front lot, size 80X20 price $35Million. Call: 669-8701
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). VACANCY Painter. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. Experienced female Accounts clerk – Maths & English. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda Continued on page 23
Saturday April 22, 2017
Alleged plot against President Granger…
Cops seek ‘witness’ to confront man who claims he was hired - Ramjattan, Top Cop threaten to prosecute TV station for linking police to allegation
An assassination plot? President David Granger Police are attempting to arrange a confrontation with an alleged eyewitness and the man who claims that a businessman offered him $7M to assassinate President David Granger. Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud made this disclosure to journalists yesterday, even as the Top Cop and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan warned about possible prosecution of a television station that has reportedly suggested that police ranks were involved in the alleged plot. Commissioner Persaud said that a report on the alleged assassination plot had already been sent to the Police Legal Advisor. “The matter was investigated and sent for legal advice (and) we got advice today. There was a witness that the police contacted, who the Police Legal Advisor asked that we confront with the person making the allegation to clear up some issues, and then to resend it (the file). Hopefully, early next week, we will get advice.” “The Police Legal Advisor is the best person to say whether the allegation can be proven, or whether there was mischief...”, The Commissioner added.
The man as seen in the taped interview with reporter, Travis Chase of HGP TV. Commissioner Persaud and Minister Ramjattan also warned of condign action against a television station, that is said to have falsely reported that police ranks were involved in the ‘assassination plot’. “That is absolutely untrue, and there is absolutely no information like that,” Ramjattan said. “That (television report) could constitute public mischief that could lead to prosecution, if they continue with that, and could lead to severe consequences about their licenses,” the Minister added. “I do not want any public mischief here. These are sensitive issues; the security of a duly elected president of a country is very important, and we don’t want the throwing off of the stability as a result of any nonsense. So it is important that (the station) gets its act correct. (Its reporters) must update themselves before they do their news update.” Urging journalists to be responsible in their reporting, Commissioner Persaud recalled the genocide in Rwanda, which was triggered by unprofessional media reports.
Bus driver gets 56 months... From page 18 received were consistent with a motor vehicle accident as testified to by Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh. Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves had asked the court for the driver to be found guilty of the offence. According to the lawyer, David elected to give an un-
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sworn testimony which contradicted a caution statement he gave to police. Prosecutor Gonsalves had noted that David's main objective was to deceive the court. Nevertheless, an Attorney for David gave oral notice of her intension of appealing the decision.
“With great power comes great responsibility. We need to be responsible. As the Minister says, if that TV station makes such a statement without evidence, it will meet the full force of the law. At a time when we are trying to build public trust, when we are making inroads in reducing the amount of violence in the society, that clearly is a deliberate act to disrupt.” It was during his weekly post-Cabinet on Thursday that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, confirmed that the Cabinet and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are aware of a reported threat made against President Granger’s life. Minister Harmon stated that the matter has been referred to the Police Legal Adviser, but declined to give further details, noting that an investigation was already underway. “Security is not something you play with. The professional people know what they do and they put certain measures in place.” The alleged plot was reportedly revealed when a man whose name was not disclosed was interviewed by HGP TV and a part of
the footage released on Thursday. During the interview, the man who had no problems with his identity being known, detailed a plot in which he was offered $7M to kill Granger near or at State House, the official residence of the president. The man claimed that he went to borrow $6M from a businessman, said to be a gold miner. Instead, the businessman offered $7M. The businessman allegedly showed the person being interviewed a long gun and said it was to be used in the assassination. However, the man claimed he turned down the offer. The police reportedly have been investigating the matter for a month now. The man was reportedly picked up and questioned. It was claimed that police officers and a businessman with links to the gold industry were said to be involved. The man, who insisted that he has never harmed anyone before, said he was threatened with death by the persons who attempted to hire him.
LEGAL NOTICE 2017-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-191 INTHEHIGHCOURTOFTHE SUPREME COURT OF J U D I C A T U R E FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILYDIVISION PETITION NO. FD-191 (Between)ABRAMS (ELVETT AUBREYREUBEN)PetitionerABRAMS DESIREE nee DUNCAN Respondent TO: DESIREE ABRAMS nee DUNCAN Formerly of Lot 125 Cummings Street, Buxton, East Coast Demerara. TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of February, 2017 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ELVETT AUBREY REUBEN ABRAMS,Petitioner in the Family Division of High Court in- Georgetown, . Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 22nd day of March, 2017 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday editions of a newspapper of general circulation in the State of Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara, where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry),Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the high Court at Georgetown, Demerara within. 28 (twenty eight) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 15th day May, 2017 .at 9:30am in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the, 27th day of March, 2017
From page 22
TO LET 4 AC Rooms/2 large hall with 1 extra room, suitable for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350 Furnished 1 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 Journey Inn apartments: 1,2 & 3 bedrooms with AC and Kitchen. Call: 233-2300/ 7182301695
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Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News
U.S. will not give Exxon Security dominates French election after shooting permission to drill in Russia (Reuters) The United States will not make an exception for American companies, including oil major Exxon Mobil Corp, seeking to drill in areas prohibited by U.S. sanctions on Russia, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said yesterday. The unusually direct statement served to clarify that the United States would maintain a tough stance on sanctions against Moscow. “In consultation with President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department will not be issuing waivers to U.S. companies, including Exxon, authorizing drilling prohibited by current Russian sanctions,” Mnuchin said in a statement. The United States and European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia over its annexation of the Crimea region in 2014 and its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions forced Exxon, the world’s largest publicly traded oil producer, to wind down drilling in Russia’s Arctic in 2014. “We understand the statement today by Secretary Mnuchin in consultation with President Trump,” Exxon
spokesman Alan Jeffers said. Exxon had asked for and received in 2015 and 2016 waivers to operate a joint venture with Russian oil producer Rosneft in Russia. European Union sanctions do not keep European oil companies from operating in Russia, a point of annoyance for Exxon. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Exxon had in recent months applied for a Treasury Department waiver to drill with Rosneft. Jeffers said Exxon had not applied for waivers from Treasury since Trump took office. Any such request would have drawn attention because Exxon’s former chief executive, Rex Tillerson, is now U.S. secretary of state. Under his leadership, Exxon lobbied Congress on Russia sanctions, and Tillerson opposed sanctions against Russia in 2014, saying they would be ineffective. U.S. lawmakers are investigating possible ties between some Trump campaign aides and Moscow. Republicans in Congress as well as U.S. allies in Europe are anxious about any sign that the Trump administration might
ease some of the sanctions imposed on Russia. During his confirmation hearing in January, Tillerson said he never personally lobbied against sanctions and that he was not aware of Exxon Mobil directly doing so, later acknowledging that he spoke to former U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew regarding gaps between American and European sanctions on Russia. Tillerson has pledged to recuse himself until the end of this year from any matter involving Exxon Mobil unless he is authorized to participate. He also has until early May to sell his Exxon Mobil stock. SANCTIONS CLARITY U.S. companies frequently file license applications to the Treasury Department asking permission to undertake activities that would otherwise be barred by sanctions. The U.S. government weighs each application based on national security interests, the law and other factors. The refusal is unlikely to affect Exxon Mobil’s bottom line, as it has not been able to operate in Russia for several years, but it does hinder its growth potential.
South Korea on heightened alert as North Korea readies for army anniversary
A soldier salutes from atop an armoured vehicle during a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of country’s founding father Kim Il Sung, in Pyongyang April 15, 2017. REUTERS/ Damir Sagolj/Files South Korea was on heightened alert yesterday ahead of another important anniversary in North Korea, with a large concentration of military hardware amassed on both sides of the border amid concerns about a new nuclear test by Pyongyang. North Korea will mark the 85th anniversary of the foundation of its Korean People’s Army on Tuesday, as it concludes winter military drills at the same time as U.S. and South Korean exercises running until the end of April, South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesman Lee
Duk-haeng said. “It is a situation where a lot of exercise equipment is amassed in North Korea and also a lot of strategic assets are situated on the Korean peninsula because of the South Korea-U.S. military drills,” Lee told a briefing. “We are closely watching the situation,” he said, adding that South Korea would not let its guard down. North Korea said yesterday the state of affairs on the Korean peninsula was “extremely perilous” because of “madcap American nuclear war maneuvers aimed at tram-
pling on our sovereignty and right to survival.” Tensions have risen sharply in recent months after North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile. South Korean acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn told top officials on Thursday that given the April 25 anniversary, there were concerns that North Korea “can make another provocation again at any time.” New satellite imagery analyzed by 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, found some activity under way at North Korea’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site, but said it was unclear whether the site was in a “tactical pause” ahead of another test or was carrying out normal operations. “Regardless, satellite imagery continues to indicate that the Punggye-ri nuclear test site appears able to conduct a sixth nuclear test at any time once the order is received from Pyongyang,” 38 North said in an analysis yesterday.
Police patrol at the Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower after a policeman was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting incident in Paris, France. (REUTERS/Charles Platiau) (Reuters) The killing of a policeman by a suspected Islamist militant pushed national security to the top of the French political agenda yesterday, two days before the presidential election. With the first round of voting in the two-stage election taking place tomorrow, far-right nationalist candidate Marine Le Pen promised tougher immigration and border controls to beat “Islamist terrorism” if elected. Centrist Emmanuel Macron, who narrowly leads a tight race ahead of Le Pen, said the solutions were not as simple as she suggested, and that there was “no such thing as zero risk”. Anyone who said otherwise was irresponsible, said Macron, a former economy minister in the government that Le Pen has repeatedly criticized for its security record. There are four leading candidates in a race that is still too close to call. Tomorrow’s voting will be followed by a runoff on May 7 between the top two candidates. The first poll conducted entirely after Thursday’s attack suggested Le Pen had gained some ground on Macron. While he was still seen winning the first round with 24.5 percent, his score slipped half a percentage point while Le Pen’s rose by one to 23 percent. Conservative Francois Fillon, a former prime minister, and the far left’s Jean-Luc Melenchon were both down half a percentage point on 19 percent in the Odoxa poll for the newspaper Le Point. The attack on the Champs-Elysees boulevard in the very heart of the capital added a new source of
unpredictability to an election that will decide the management of France’s 2.2 trillion euro economy, which vies with Britain for the rank of fifth largest in the world. U.S. President Donald Trump told the Associated Press yesterday he thought the attack will “probably help” Le Pen because she is the candidate who is “strongest on borders, and she’s the strongest on what’s been going on in France.” Trump told the AP in an interview he was not explicitly endorsing Le Pen but that he believes the attack will affect how French people vote tomorrow. The outcome could also have a bearing on France’s place in the world and in a European Union still reeling from Britain’s decision to leave. While Macron is ardently pro-EU, Le Pen wants to quit its single currency and potentially hold a referendum on leaving the bloc. All the candidates are seeking to woo the huge number of undecideds - some 31 percent of those likely to vote, according to an Ipsos poll yesterday. Fillon also seized on the attack, which was claimed by the militant group Islamic State, saying the fight against “Islamist totalitarianism” should be the priority of the next president. “It’s us or them,” he said. Financial markets, though, shrugged off the latest twist in the campaign, with French benchmark bond yields hitting a three-month low. The Champs-Elysees shooting is the latest in a series of attacks by Islamist militants on France since 2015, in
which more than 200 people have been killed. A truck ploughed into a Bastille Day crowd in Nice last year, killing more than 80, while coordinated attacks on the Bataclan concert hall and other sites in Paris claimed about 130 lives in November 2015. There have also been attacks on a satirical weekly and a kosher store. However, previous attacks that have taken place shortly before elections, including the November 2015 attacks in Paris ahead of regional polls, and a shooting in a Jewish school before the 2012 presidentials, did not appear to boost the scores of those espousing tougher national security. An assault on a soldier in February at Paris’s Louvre museum by a man wielding a machete also had no obvious impact on this year’s opinion polls, which have consistently said that voters see unemployment and the trustworthiness of politicians as bigger issues. One policeman was shot dead and two others were wounded in Thursday night’s attack. Investigators are trying to assess whether the gunman had accomplices, anti-terrorism prosecutor Francois Molins told a news conference, adding that the shooter had never shown any signs of radicalization despite a long police history. Af t e r a n e m e r g e n c y meeting of security officials, Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said security forces, including elite units, were on alert to back up the 50,000 police earmarked to ensure safety during the election.
Saturday April 22, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Saturday April 22, 2017
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Ex-Costa Rican soccer chief Cornwall befuddles Jaguars’ batsmen banned for life by FIFA (Reuters) The former president of the Costa Rican Football Association, Eduardo Li, was banned from the game for life by FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee yesterday, the organisation said. Li is one of 42 individuals and entities charged in a U.S. investigation into the biggest corruption scandal in the history of FIFA. He was among seven soccer officials arrested at a Zurich luxury hotel in May 2015. Li, who was also a former member of the executive of CONCACAF, the regional confederation for North and Central America, pleaded guilty in a U.S federal court
Eduardo Li (REUTERS/ Lucas Jackson/File Photo) in October to taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. U.S. prosecutors alleged Li and others engaged in schemes involving over $200
million in bribes and kickbacks that were sought and received by soccer officials for marketing and broadcasting rights to tournaments and matches. In court, Li had said he negotiated a $500,000 bribe, of which $300,000 he actually received, to award a Miamibased unit of Brazil’s Traffic Group media and marketing rights for 2022 World Cup qualifier matches. Li also said he had agreed to accept a separate $500,000 bribe, $230,000 of which he received, from Panama-based intermediaries in exchange for awarding a U.S. company a contract to be the Costa Rican national team’s uniform sponsor.
(From page 26) viewed by many as the best Captain in the tournament but badly short of big scores this season, pounced on Cornwall and swatted him like a bullet to the mid-wicket boundary before an imperiously hit straight drive raced for another four and as Johnson moved into the 30s it seemed this could be the innings to attract the attention of new West Indies selector Travis Dowlin, who was among those in a venue that accommodates 15,000. However, a ‘nothing shot’ from Johnson who seemed caught in two minds; to play at the ball or play no shot. He did neither and hung his bat for the ball to ‘nick’ the edge for Keeper Jamal Hamilton to take the offering as Tonge celebrated and the Jaguars slipped to 101-4 after the 50-
run stand. Reifer (13 from 60 balls) ill advisably left his crease and was neatly stumped off Cornwall at the same score before Keemo Paul and Anthony Bramble carried the score to 136 before Bramble (15) edged a big drive and Cornwall at slip held a ‘blinder’ to give Louis his second wicket under blue skies. Paul eased the strangulation job by dumping Cornwall for two sixes in the same over but Jacobs, who returned to First-Class cricket with a quality 61 in the last match, swept Cornwall for to get off the mark boundary before he gloved another sweep, next ball and was taken a leg slip at 147-7. Paul was removed by Cornwall at 165-8 before Veerasammy Permaul (12)
punched Cornwall for consecutive boundaries before he fell to Tonge 10 runs later .Clinton Pestano (15) threw his bat around and hit a six and a four before Cornwall polished off the innings leaving Anthony Adams unbeaten on four. The Leewards, the only team to beat the Jaguars in 28 matches when the defeated them by four wickets in the second round in St Kitts after a sporting declaration allowed the Hurricanes back into the game, raced to 50 in14 overs as Hughes played an immaculate cover drive for four before pivoting on one leg and hooking Pestano into the Red Stand next ball. Hodge, who made 114 the last time these teams met, also played attractively and the pair was together when bails were lifted.
Narine cameo in vain as KKR... Saturday April 22 , 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Pay attention to small but important details. Don't invest too much of your own money. Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will payoff. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You are best to keep hard feelings to yourself. The information that you gain can be used in every aspect of your life. If you haven't already, don't be afraid to start your own small business on the side. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex today. You may be somewhat emotional concerning a rather private matter. If you're preoccupied, be careful while operating a vehicle or any kind of equipment or machinery. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will find your vitality is lowered. Talk to your mate about a vacation and discuss the expectations of your relationship. Your outgoing, aggressive nature will attract someone you've been eager to meet. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't give in too quickly. Take care of your personal needs. Listen to the complaints of others. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Sudden changes at home will affect family members more than you anticipated. You are best to concentrate on your professional endeavors. If you've taken on a lot of work, be sure to leave some time for yourself and family.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Courses dealing with psychology or health care will be of interest. Don't neglect these problems; deal with them once and for all, then move on to more pleasurable tasks. Empty promises are evident. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Things will be hectic and family members will be erratic. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine. You will find that joint ventures could easily turn out to be dead end projects. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Investments may not be as lucrative as you thought. Try not to hang out with coworkers if you wish to avoid problems later. You need to do more things that you enjoy. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Get involved in creative projects that will enhance your earning power. The only thing you'll accomplish is a bad reputation. Get involved in the activities of children. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Social gatherings will be conducive to meeting new potential mates. You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations. Do not sign your life away. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you've been really busy, try to schedule some time to spend with loved ones. Art investment will pay big dividends in the long term.
(From page 31) either side of the wicket before going straight for his only six. He dominated a 45-run, opening stand with captain Gautam Gambhir (33) before finally holing out to midwicket off Raina’s off-spin. Uthappa then put on 69 for the second wicket with Gambhir and a further 55 for the third wicket with Manish Pandey (24), to give the innings momentum. In reply, Lions benefitted from cameos from openers Brendon McCullum (33) and Aaron Finch (31) before Raina arrived to blast nine fours and four sixes in a scorcher.
DCC, TSC, GNIC & MSC... (From page 31) run stand after Ashmead Nedd (4) and Gansham Prechand (18) were dismissed. At Bourda, TSC whipped GCC by eight wickets with Carlos Pollard’ 22 leading GCC to 118-9 as Joel Spooner took 3-19 and Renaldo Fredericks grabbing 2-14. TSC in reply reached 1192 in 13.2 overs with Jomal Michael (35*), Devon Allen (21*) putting together 79 in an unbroken third wicket stand after Adrian Hinds (16) was removed at 40-2. And in the afternoon game at Bourda, GNIC reached 101-8 in reply to GYO’s 100-5. Yugister Persaud top scored with 16 for GYO as Omaya Leverpool took 2-5. Romeo Browne (22) and Jerome Benjamin (11) got into double figures as Akeem Hendricks had 3-11 and ElNathan Suknanand took 216. (Sean Devers)
Smith failed with five batting at number six. Narine had little impact with his off-spin, finishing wicket-less from his four overs which leaked 42 runs.
Scores: Gujarat Lions 188 for 6 (Raina 84, McCullum 33, Kuldeep 2-33) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 187 for 5 (Uthappa 72, Narine 42) by four wickets.
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Saturday April 22, 2017
WICB ‘frustrated’ by Bravo damages claim ESPNcricinfo - Darren Bravo appears to have rejected the chance of a return to the West Indies side by launching a claim for damages against the WICB. Bravo, who has not played for West Indies since he was sent home from Zimbabwe in November 2016 following his criticism of board president, Dave Cameron, is claiming lost earnings of around USD120,000 based upon what he could have made from ODIs against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, BPL and PSL contracts, and regional Caribbean competitions. The claim has come as a surprise to officials at WICB who believed they were on the verge of reconciliation with Bravo. They are also surprised at the suggestion he was prevented from playing in the BPL or PSL as no application for an NOC (no objection certificate) was made ahead of either tournament and, when Bravo did apply for such a certificate ahead of the IPL, it was granted immediately. “It is true that Darren has
initiated legal action against us,” WICB chief executive Johnny Grave told ESPNcricinfo. “It has come as a surprise as I was under the impression we had agreed a way back for him. I’m very disappointed and yes, a bit frustrated.” Grave believed he had made significant progress towards resolving the standoff with Bravo. Having inherited the disagreement when he was appointed at the start of this year, Grave gained agreement from Cameron over a partial apology to Bravo (the president is prepared to acknowledge he was wrong to suggest Bravo had ever received a Grade A contract from WICB). He also thought he had agreed on the wording of an apology from Bravo to the president with Bravo’s legal advisors. Indeed, he was hoping news of Bravo’s reconciliation could be announced during the ODI series against England with a view to him playing in the Test series against Pakistan. As things stand, though, Bravo’s tweet calling the president a “big idiot” has not been deleted and the
Darren Bravo walks off after being dismissed for 82, West Indies v England, 3rd Test, Bridgetown, 3rd day, May 3, 2015 ©AFP
apology has not been made public by Bravo. The launching of legal proceedings against the board on the eve of West Indies’ series against Pakistan suggest a conflict still exists.
“I just want what is best for West Indies cricket,” Grave said. “And having the best players available is part of that. Of course a player of Darren’s experience would be an asset. “I thought everything
was agreed with his legal advisors. We didn’t want this to play out publicly but yes, it is true, his attorney is asking for damages and West Indies supporters deserve an explanation as to why he is not in the squad in Jamaica. “There is still a lot of sympathy for Darren. He was frustrated at the time of that tweet and we understand that. We want to move on and we want to move on with him. But that issue does have to be resolved before he can play for West Indies. “We have a talented young side who are working hard and have a great attitude. They may lack a bit of experience right now, but we’re playing a lot of cricket this year and we hope that will help them progress. If Darren wants to be part of that, he is welcome. You’d have to ask him whether he does. “The door remains open for Darren. We would love him to be playing for us and we will continue to work towards that. But I am scratching my head at this point wondering what more we can do.” One of the causes of disagreement between the
board and the players in recent times has been the insistence that they should be available to play in domestic cricket in order to be considered eligible for the West Indies sides. While there is yet to be any formal announcement of a change in that policy, both Grave and new director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, have hinted they are in favour of a more flexible approach and it is likely a change will be confirmed in October when the new central contracts are announced. It is also likely WICB will bring in separate red- and white-ball contracts. It is also understood there will be no clash b e t w e e n We s t I n d i e s ’ international schedule and the IPL in 2018 or 2019. That would allow players to sign contracts with the WICB (worth somewhere in the region of USD130,000) and appear in the most lucrative T20 league. Bravo has an IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders worth around USD74,000 though he is yet to appear in this year’s tournament.
Cornwall befuddles Jaguars’ batsmen Hodge and Hughes keep Hurricanes blowing strong By Sean Devers Rakeem Cornwall’s 11 five-wicket haul and irresponsible shot selection by the Guyana Jaguars batsmen combined to send the three-times Champions crashing to 187 all out on the opening day in the last round of their Digicel Regional First-Class match against the last placed Leewards Hurricanes at Providence yesterday. By the close the visitors were in control on 62 without loss with the Anguillan pair of left-hander Chesney Hughes (29) and Montcin Hodge (32) just 126 away from the Jaguars’ disappointing total. Cornwall, the burly Leewards Skipper, spun webs around the impatient Jaguars to capture 6-68 from 26 unchanged overs, while his new ball pair of Gavin Tonge (2-39) and Jerimiah Louis (2-27) took the other four wickets on a good track after the hosts had elected to bat in sweltering heat. th
Skipper Leon Johnson reached the boundary five times in 76 minutes of batting from 74 balls in 33, Keemo Paul reached the ropes twice and cleared it a similar number of times in a 51-ball 30, while 17-yearold Baskar Yadram hit five fours in a rapid 25 from 51 balls and 77 minutes on debut but no one else passed 15 in an innings that lacked common sense and commitment. Yadram, who ironically replaced his Enterprise club mate Rajendra Chandrika in the eleven, began his FirstClass career in positive fashion with a glorious cover driven boundary off Louis and successive fours off Tonge to gallop to 12 from three scoring shots. But despite clobbering Cornwall one-bounce to the long-on boundary and dominating the opening stand with the strangely subdued Assad Fudadin, spin troubled the 6ft 4 inches debutant. Fudadin never looked
Rakeem Cornwall took 6-68 yesterday, his 11th five-wicket haul at Providence. (Photos by Sean Devers) like the batsman who scored the highest of his three FirstClass centuries in the previous match against the Windwards at the same venue and an out of character lofted drive off the first ball of Cornwall’s spell spiraled to Kacey Carty who held a brilliant running catch diving full length forward.
His reckless shot selection was just the first off many more to come from batsmen who remained shackled due the frugal bowling of Cornwall, who at one point delivered seven consecutive maidens, while Louis kept things tight from the other end. The 50 was posted in the
15 over in 80 minutes before two wickets tumbled at 51. Chanderpaul Hemraj (9) on the back of a fifty in his first match at this level since 2013, inexplicable tried to clear mid-on and was taken by Jacques Taylor as Louis made the break-through. Yadram got one that bounced from Cornwall and th
turned it into the hands of Taylor at leg-gully without addition to the score before Johnson, who began with a swept boundary off Taylor, in partnership with the usually level-headed Raymon Reifer, batted with some amount of flair. The left-hander Johnson (Continued on page 25)
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Successful CARIFTA Games team pays courtesy call on President -returns to hero’s welcome with motorcade from Airport By Edison Jefford The successful CARIFTA Games team yesterday paid a Courtesy Call on President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier General (Ret.), David Granger at State House after being escorted to Georgetown in a motorcade to celebrate the team’s heroic and historic performance at the Games. The team arrived yesterday afternoon aboard Copa Airlines after competing at the 2017 CARIFTA Games over the last weekend in Curacao where they amassed eight medals, including four gold, one silver and three bronze medals; it was a historic medal haul for Guyana at the Games. Family members, coaches and other stakeholders were among those who greeted the team at the airport before they were escorted to the President’s Residence. President Granger told the team that he is proud that Guyana was able to break a 46-year-old record. Compton Caesar did
what no other Guyanese male sprinter was able to do. He won the signature 100m gold medal at the Games. Caesar also won a bronze medal in the 200m; the other three gold medals came from Chantoba Bright (Long Jump), United States-based, Natricia Hooper (Triple Jump) and Claudrice McKoy (3000m). In addition, Bright and McKoy also won bronze medals, while Anfernee Headecker (1500m) won a silver medal. Guyana’s medals came from five of the 12 athletes in Curacao where the country was able to carve out a fifth place finish overall of 17 countries. The other athletes were Daniel Williams (200m, LJ) Tarique Boyle (High Jump), Samuel Lynch (800m), Matthew McKenzie (5000m), Kenisha Phillips (100, 200m), Onasha Rogers ( 1 0 0 m ) a n d Tr e m a i n e Browne (Long, Triple Jump). Wi t h t h e s u c c e s s , Granger called for a broadening of the base of the sport so that it can become sustainable. “I always compare Track and Field to
Cricket… the only reason cricket was able to succeed is because it has a broad base. When a sport has a narrow base it is hard to sustain,” the Head of State said. Granger endorsed what Director of Sport, Christopher Jones mentioned earlier about sport being part of Government’s development plan for youths. The President gave an example of how sport can bring people together to achieve a common goal. “Every August, Amerindians walk to one of the villages in the Upper Mazaruni for the Upper Mazaruni Games. Ten villages, raising their own money, come together for one week in harmony,” Granger said, adding that each village is self reliant since it puts up its own pavilion and has its own flags. According to Granger, if every community replicates such a proactive structure, sport will rise and develop over the years. “Competition is important. I am proud of what you did and I want to congratulate each of you,” he
Guyana Under-15 Squad to be encamped In preparation for the conduct of the GCB/Igloo Ice-Cream Under-17 Inter County Tournament, the Guyana Cricket Board has advised that the Guyana Under-15 Squad is required to begin the tournament encampment process from today. These players are part of a 20-man squad shortlisted to participate in the 2017 Under-17 Inter County Championship and other training activities which will be conducted prior to the commencement of the WICB Regional Under-15 Tournament, which will be held in Barbados from 24 July 2017 to 3 August 2017. Guyana placed first in the 2014 and 2015, and second in the 2016 WICB Regional Under-15 Tournament. All members of the Guyana Under-15 Squad are required to be present at the
Chetram Singh Centre Of Excellence (GCB) Hostel in La Bonne Intention from 16:00 hrs. All players are asked to walk with their original Birth Certificate or a valid passport. National Select Under-15 Squad and tournament fixtures are listed below. All matches commence at 09:30 hours. G u y a n a U n d e r- 1 5 Squad: 1. Shoaib Shaw 2. Ricardo Ramdeholl 3. Daniel Dharamdat
4. Marvan Prashad 5. Sheldon Charles 6. Andre Seepersaud 7. Saif Omai 8. Mark Ramanand 9. Akash Heerlall 10. Gaurav Ramesh 11. Shamar Yearwood 12. Romel Retemiah 13. Devendra Kamraj 14. Trevor Charles 15. Anthony Williams 16. Movindra Dindyal 17. Chanderpaul Ramjat 18. Abdul Ramsammy 19. Ranaldo Mohamed 20. Daniel Mootoo
3000m gold and 1500m bronze medalist, Claudrice McKoy (right) hands over a token of appreciation to President David Granger yesterday at State House. told the CARIFTA team directly. After his brief remarks, Granger then handed out a 2017 independence coin as a memorabilia to each athlete. Before speaking, Granger had listened to President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson and Jones, who also gave remarks. “This is indeed an honour to be here. I never thought we would have gotten (here) this far and this short. Through the hard work
of the Coaches, we were able to turn out our best performance,” Hutson observed. Jones indicated that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is committed to working with the AAG to ensure more athletes succeed. He said that coming out of the National Schools’ Championships last year, the Commission has an elite squad. “We have three sets of athletes. They will form part of Guyana’s preparation for
South American Junior Championships in June,” Jones said referencing the 30-plus athletes that were identified from the Schools’ Championships. After the Courtesy Call, the athletes proceeded to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Headquarters in Kingston. The four athletes from Linden in the team will travel to the Mining Town today where the community will receive them in another planned motorcade.
Windies take on Pakistan, SA in official warm-ups LONDON, CMC – West Indies will play official warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa ahead of their campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup starting this June in England. The Caribbean side face the Pakistanis in Leicestershire on June 20 before clashing with the South Africans two days later in Oakham. West Indies then play their first game of the tournament on June 26 when they take on reigning champions Australia at the County Ground in Taunton. Captain Stafanie Taylor said the two official warmup game would be crucial in her side’s preparation.
“We are waiting eagerly for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and these practice matches will be just the kind of preparation we need ahead of it,” the Jamaican batting star said. “We know this is going to be a tough tournament but we have the confidence of the ICC World Twenty20 victory behind us and go into t h e Wo r l d C u p w i t h confidence.” West Indies were good enough to reach the final of the last tournament four years ago in India before going down to the Aussies by 114 runs. The reigning Twenty20 World champions, West Indies will enter the tournament as one of the
favourites, especially having matured as a 50-overs side in recent years. Each side will the other once in the round-robin preliminary phase with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament runs from June 24 to July 23 and will see 31 matches played across five venues. West Indies, along with Australia, England and New Zealand qualified automatically for the tournament based on their top-four ranking in the ICC Women’s Championship, while India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan came through a qualifier staged in Sri Lanka in February.
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Saturday April 22, 2017
RFA Male and Female Champions Leagues
St. Ignatius male and female teams continue to lead The respective male and female teams of St. Ignatius Football Club have continued to impose themselves on their opponents when competition in the Central Zone Playoffs of the Rupununi Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( R FA ) Champions Leagues continued on Saturday last at the St. Ignatius Community Centre ground in Region #9. The female team maintained their unbeaten record when they were led to an exciting 3-2 win over Gladiators with the destructive Sonia Griffith netting all three goals. The males were in more devastating form when they swamped their counterparts from Gladiators 8-1, led by a hat-trick and a double from Captain Frankie Parks and David Coates respectively. Griffith ensured that she
sealed off the game for her side in the first half as all her goals were scored within the first 34 minutes. The experienced Griffith was on target in the 20th, 29th and 34th minutes. Despite an energised second half surge by Gladiators with two unanswered goals, St. Ignatius were able to keep them at bay thereby keeping their unbeaten record intact. For Gladiators, which suffered their second loss in three matches, the goal scorers were Sasha Rodrigues in the 47th minute and Vandette Henry in the 55th minute. In the male match, Parks rattled the Gladiators custodian with his first goal in the 17th minute and from that point it was a steady procession to restart the ball goal after goal. Parks was again on the score sheet in the 38th and
Sonia Griffith - St. Ignatius FC
From left, David Coates, Chadrick Torres, Phillipe Xavier, Frankie Parks and Ken Grant - St. Ignatius FC
59th minutes. Coates had his say in the 52nd and 81st minute, while there was one each from Phillipe Zavier in the 19th minute, Ken Grant in the 55th and Chadwick Torres in the 80th minute. Carlos De Santos netted a consolation goal for Gladiators in the 31st minute.
Chase, Dowrich lead Windies fightback after early scare allowed West Indies to dominate the back end of the day. The left-handed Bishoo chanced his hand in an unbeaten 23 from 35 balls, a knock that has so far included a four and a six. Left-arm fast bowler Mohammed Amir was the best bowler, using friendly swing conditions early on to finish with three for 28 while leg-spinner Yasir Shah picked up two for 91. On the occasion of the 50 Test at the historic venue, We s t I n d i e s m a d e a nightmare start, crashing to 53 for four half-hour before lunch as Amir sliced through the top order. His new-ball partner Mohammad Abbas struck with only his second ball in Test cricket in the second over of the morning when he removed Kraigg Brathwaite without scoring to a catch by Younis Khan at second slip with a single run on the board. Debutant Shimron Hetmyer struck two boundaries in scoring 11 but never settled and lost his offstump to one from Amir that jagged back in the ninth over at 24 for two. Shai Hope fell for two in similar fashion to leave West Indies in deeper trouble, playing back to one from Amir that also came back sharply and losing his offstump spectacularly. th
Roston Chase was strong off the back foot through the covers, West Indies v Pakistan, 1st Test, Jamaica, 1st day, ©AFP KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – High quality halfcenturies from Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich averted catastrophe for West Indies and helped the Caribbean side make a strong finish to the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan here yesterday. Slumping at 71 for five in the first over after lunch, the Windies battled their way back to end on 244 for seven, with Chase carving out 63 and Dowrich getting 56. Together, they put on 118
for the sixth wicket, limiting Pakistan to the single wicket in the post-lunch session and repairing an innings which threatened to come apart at the seams after the untested batted line-up found itself exposed. Even when Chase and Dowrich perished in successive deliveries on the stroke of the final hour, captain Jason Holder arrived to stroke a breezy 33-ball unbeaten 30, in an entertaining, unbroken 55run eighth-wicket stand with Devendra Bishoo, which
L e f t - h a n d e r Vi s h a l Singh, also handed a debut with hometown boy Jermaine Blackwood dropped, failed to impress and spent 20 deliveries for nine before clipping an innocuous ball from leftarmer Wabab Riaz low to square leg where Azhar Ali took a simple catch. Kieran Powell, who made a patient 33 off 71 balls with two fours, then paired with Chase to steer West Indies to the safety of lunch at 71 for four. Amir, however, stunned West Indies in the first over following the break when he got the leaden-footed Powell to spar at a wide ball and edge to Younis Khan at second slip, without any addition to the score. Staring down the barrel, West Indies were rescued by Chase and Dowrich, both of whom played positively to take the embattled side to tea at 143 without further loss. The right-handed Chase, who scored his maiden Test hundred at Sabina Park nine months ago, faced 151 deliveries and counted seven fours and a six, while Dowrich, who was more sedate, struck nine boundaries off 130 balls. Chase played positively against both pace and spin and took a particular liking to leg-spinner Yasir Shah, stroking him for a couple of
off-side boundaries before lifting him straight for six. Unbeaten on 47 at tea, he raised his second Test halfcentury, 17 minutes after tea when he worked Abbas to backward square for a single. Fellow Barbadian Dowrich, on 27 at tea, brought up his fifth halfcentury in his ninth Test – 50 minutes after the break – when he slammed Amir to the ropes at extra cover. Both perished in the next
over, however. Chase tried to clear the ropes at long-off and was brilliantly held in the deep by Wahab Riaz running back and diving. And off the very next ball, Dowrich missed a casual drive and was bowled, leaving the Windies to start over. But any hopes Pakistan had of running through the tail were scuppered as Holder and Bishoo scored quickly to put them on the back foot.
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Green leads Jamaica to fourth consecutive Les Harris T20 title By Zaheer Mohamed Da r v a l G r e e n produced an attacking unbeaten half century as Jamaica lifted their fourth consecutive Les Harris teachers T20 title with a 54-run win over Guyana in the final which was contested yesterday at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Playing in his first match of the tournament after he arrived in Guyana on Thursday night, Green finished unbeaten on 88 as Jamaica posted 203-5, batting first. Openers Gavaski Malachi and Kemar Cox made maximum use of the power play as they added 75 for the opening stand to give their team a solid start. The introduction of the t o u r n a m e n t ’s m o s t economical bowler Andrew Williams pegged back the scoring somewhat and provided the host nation with the breakthrough. Williams whose first two overs yielded only six runs sent back Malachi 27 (5x4) before skipper Balram Samaroo bowled Cox for 42 (2x4,2x6) leaving the score at 89-2. However, Green and Hermon Henry continued to attack as they added 52 for the fourth wicket before Williams uprooted the stumps of Henry for 26 (2x4,2x6). But Green timed the ball
The Guyana Teachers side took the runner up spot. well as he smashed seven fours and seven towering sixes to guide Jamaica to their eventual total. Sam a r o o f i n i s h e d with 2-32 and Williams 2-33. Green made early inroads when he bowled skipper Samaroo for 13 as Guyana lost their first wicket with the score on 23. Wayne Osbourne was then caught off Dwight Stuart for nine before Darnell Douglas and Boodram Lalldass added 37 for the third wicket. Douglas, who smashed five fours and one six, was taken off Dwayne Ewart for 34, while Lalldass was removed by Carl Brissett for 15 as Guyana slipped to 844. The Jamaicans maintained a steady line and length to
restrict the home team with only Festus Benn (22), Ajay Jailall (16) and Williams (12) of the remaining batsmen reaching double figures; Guyana were bowled out for 149 in 19.1 overs. Xavier Scott claimed 313 and Bressett 2-20. Trinidad and Tobago took third place with 71-run win over The Bahamas. Batting first Trinidad and Tobago scored 153-5. Malcolm Ramlogan hit an unbeaten 58, while Chrysstom Lookhart made 38 not out. Lee Melville had 2-19. The Bahamas were bowled out for 82 in 19 overs in reply. J. Todd made 13, J. Dolphin 11, E. Saaroo 11 and C. Brown 10. Ramsahai Ramesar snared 3-17 and Dehaann Seeram 2-24.
The victorious Jamaican team with their hardware following their victory.
Fallen FIFA boss Blatter says met U.S. lawyers, but is not a suspect ZURICH (Reuters) Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said yesterday he had met lawyers from the U.S. Justice Department but was not a suspect in their soccerrelated corruption investigations. The 81-year-old, banned for six years by FIFA’s own ethics committee at the height of a scandal engulfing world soccer’s governing body, told journalists he had met the U.S. lawyers in October or November, without going into further details. Several dozen soccer officials, including some from FIFA, were indicted in
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter (REUTERS /Arnd Wiegmann) the United States in 2015 on corruption-related chances.
Blatter was not among them, although he subsequently said his lawyer had advised him not to travel abroad. “I have had very little contact from my American lawyers because I was never a person of interest under scrutiny by the American justice,” he told a group of international reporters yesterday. “I have been investigated in two or three matters ... but there is no wrongdoing.” There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Justice Department. “STILL POPULAR” Blatter and Ex-UEFA president Michel Platini
were banned from all football-related activities in 2015, initially for eight years, over a two million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment FIFA made to P l a t i n i i n 2 0 11 , w i t h Blatter’s approval, for work done a decade earlier. Blatter said yesterday he had become “punching bag” for FIFA’s problems but that he was still generally liked by his Swiss compatriots. “Here in the city of Zurich and Switzerland in general, I am not only accepted but they like me,” said Blatter, who has denied all charged against him.
“I don’t have the impression that I am a rejected man. Why should I be rejected? I have done a good (job at) FIFA ... I feel that wherever I go the people and young people recognize me and want to take a picture and say hello. There are still fans who write to me.” He said Swiss prosecutors had not contacted him over a separate case initiated in September 2015 against him relating to accusations of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation. “I have never heard anything, my lawyer has heard nothing about that,” he
said. “That does not surprise me, because there were no reasons to open a case against me.” “I have been interviewed and I will be interviewed in future but not in these cases; I am interviewed in cases concerning the activities in FIFA, as a person of information.” Swiss authorities have also opened investigations into the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar r e s p e c t i v e l y, i n t o Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup and against former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.
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Saturday April 22, 2017
2nd Annual Boyce & Jefford Relay Festival & Family Fun Day
Chase versus Morgan’s could serve up a treat
The teams pose for a photo op shortly before the start of their memorable final recently. Even before they met each other in the final of the just concluded Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition, both Chase Academy, who successfully defended their title, and Morgan’s Learning Centre were regarded as the two best teams in the tournament.
That observation was reinforced following a riveting finale that had to be decided in a penalty shootout which unfolded before a crowd, considered to be one of the biggest to witness schools football in recent times. Well, the two teams have an opportunity to once again
showcase their talent when they square off in a friendly fixture on April 30, during the staging of the 2nd Annual Boyce & Jefford Relay Festival & Family Fun Day set for the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary. It could also present Morgan’s Learning Centre
with the chance of exacting revenge albeit in a friendly game even though whenever the schools meet the atmosphere is anything but welcoming. Chase Academy will no doubt be depending on the services of players such as Ryan Hackett, Reshawn Ritch, Job Caesar,
Nicholas McArthur, Jeremy Garrett, Malachi Adonis and Captain Kelsey Benjamin to maintain their stranglehold on their opponents. On the other hand, David Coates, Osafo Matheson, C h r i s M a c e y, A d r i a n Adolph, Daniel Clarke and Orin Moore are the
players on whose s h o u l d e r s t h e responsibility will be to lead the charge for victory. Should it be an encore of what was witnessed in the Milo final, then it is easy to predict that the anticipated packed house will not be disappointed.
Goffin downs Djokovic to Fitness Express flexes again with GABBFF for today’s Novice Competition set up possible Nadal showdown Continuing its unflinching, tangible commitment towards the development and empowerment of Guyana’s sportswomen and men is Fitness Express, located at the corners of John and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville. Managing Director of the entity Jamie Mc Donald this week presented a cheque for an undisclosed amount to Vice President of the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation Seeon Satrohan towards the successful hosting of the federation’s 2017 Novice Competition which will take place at the Theatre Guild, Kingston, tonight. Fitness Express has been the most consistent sponsor of the federation for all its competitions including its marquee event, the seniors and even assists with supplements for athletes for local and overseas competitions. In handing over the cheque, McDonald reaffirmed his company’s commitment towards the
David Goffin (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard)
GABBFF VP Seeon Satrohan (left) receives sponsorship from Jaime McDonald. growth of the sport which is now under the stewardship of a new executive committee which was elected in February last. ”We will continue to do our part for our female and male athletes. We are fully aware of the challenges when it comes to receiving corporate support and while it is challenging, we at Fitness Express will continue to do our bit to
ensure that our athletes are afforded the platform to be competitive and to be rewarded, accordingly.” Satrohan expressed gratitude on behalf of federation President Coel Marks and the executive to McDonald and Fitness Express for maintaining support of the sport even under new leadership. Tonight, muscle flexing time is 19:00hrs with
athletes set to battle each other in the Under-21, Women’s Bikini, Men’s Physique Tall and Short, Bantamweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight categories. Other sponsors on board for this event are Space Gym, Hand in Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company, Windjammer International Hotel and Cafe Sol.
(Reuters) David Goffin proved too hot to handle for Novak Djokovic as the Belgian 10th seed reached the Monte Carlo semi-finals with a thrilling 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 victory yesterday. Former world number one Djokovic saved four match points but cracked under his opponent’s tremendous pressure on the fifth as Goffin set up a last-four meeting with either claycourt king Rafa Nadal or Argentine Diego Schwartzman. Earlier, Spanish claycourt specialist Albert Ramos followed up his victory over world number one Andy Murray 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-2 defeat of Croatian fifth seed Marin Cilic. France’s Lucas Pouille made a fast start before being made to work harder by Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas, eventually winning 6-0, 3-6, 7-5. In the first European claycourt tournament of the season, Serbian second seed Djokovic was overwhelmed in a onesided opening set before playing more patiently in the second, but Goffin put on a gritty display in the decider. Djokovic was serving at 4-3 but Goffin won the game to love to roar back into contention, taking every opportunity to unsettle the French Open champion. In the 12th game, Goffin opened a 40-15 lead on Djokovic’s serve but the 12-times grand slam champion saved four match points before netting a forehand to lose to the Belgian for the first time in six meetings.
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 22, 2017
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Linden Guinness kicks off tomorrow Over $700,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs in this year’s Linden Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition which kicks off tomorrow with eight matches, at the Mackenzie Market Park, commencing from 19:00hrs. Thirty-two teams including defending champions Team 25 will be vying for championship honours over six days of competition with the winners set to receive $400,000 and the cha m p i o n s h i p t r o p h y, while second, third and fourth placed finishers collect $150,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively. The tournament will be played at three venues namely the Mackenzie Market Park, Silver City Hardcourt and Amelia’s Ward Hard Court and the dates and venues are seen below. Tomorrow, Tuesday, Saturday May 5th matches
will be played at the Mackenzie Market Park, while Thursday the action switches to the Silver City Hardcourt. The Amelia’s Ward Hard Court is the venue for action on May 1. Meanwhile, the teams that have registered so far are: Magic Stars, Swag Entertainment, Constab, Goal Getters, Main Street Panthers, Good Fellas, Unknowns, Araima Colo Colo, Team 25, Future Stars, South Stars, Hard Knocks, Mile Stars, Cherokee Park, Coomacka, High Rollers, Amazings, Silvertown AllStars, Bourda All-Stars, Dream Chasers, Dave & Celina All-Stars, Speightland, Ripping Bullets, Jermaine’s and Family Silver Bullets, Attackers, High Stars, High Life Crew, Running Guns, Eagles, Trainline Warriors and Russians. In opening night fixtures, reigning champion Team 25 will
(Flashback) - Part of the action in last year’s competition. start their quest for a repeat when they face South Stars in what is anticipated to be a bruising battle. The other matches will
see High Rollers take on Silvertown All Star; Dream Chasers battle Speightland; Jermaine’s and Family Silver Bullets oppose High
GCA’s GDA-PAHO U-17 t20
DCC, TSC, GNIC & MSC in winner’s row
Stars; High Life Crew tackle Eagles; Amelia’s Ward Russians engage Constab; Main Street Panthers go up against
Unknowns, while Dave and Celina All-Star and Ripping Bullets bring the curtains down in the final game of the night.
Royalty Entertainment, Giving Hope Foundation stage Tapeball tourney and Fun day Royalty Entertainment in collaboration with Giving Hope Foundation Presents a Health Awareness Tapeball Cricket Competition & Fun day on Monday 1st, May at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. The org a n i s e r s a r e encouraging all to come out with their family &
friends to support this fun filled event, which will have face painting, pony rides, bouncy castle and a whole lot more for the kids. BBQ and drinks will also be on sale, for more information please contact event coordinator Akeen (592) 659-1436.
Narine cameo in vain as KKR lose
Wayne Bollers drives during his top score for Malteenoes at their home ground Wednesday. (Sean Devers photo) DCC, TSC, GNIC and MSC were all in winner’s row Wednesday in the opening round of the second annual GCA’s Guyana Diabetics Association and PAHO Under-17 t20 cricket tournament in the City. At Malteenoes, the home team defeated Saints Stanislaus College by 81
runs with five MSC batsmen getting starts but none going on to reach 20. Wayne Bollers top-scored with 16, while Chad Shivritan (15), Nitri Permaul (15), Matthew Jupitor (14) and Wayne McPherson (14) rallied MSC to 132-8. Daniel Persaud (2-29) was the most successful
bowler for Saints who crashed to 51 all out. Shivritan (3-9), Bollers (211) and Renaldo Secharran (2-0) bowled MSC to the commanding win. At DCC, the hosts defeated Everest by eight wickets after reaching 85-2 from 12.2 overs in reply to Everest’s 81-5 in 20 overs.
Joshua Persaud offered token resistance with 23, while Ariel Tilku made 15 and Vishaul Persaud 11 as Dequan Bamfield took 2-12 for DCC. Alphius Bookie made an unbeaten 29 with Garrick Persaud made 15 not out and shared in an unfinished 29(Continued on page 25)
KOLKATA, India, CMC – Sunil Narine produced a cameo with the bat in the opening role but proved ineffective with the ball, as Kolkata Knight Riders went down by four wickets to Dwayne Smith’s Gujarat Lions at Eden Gardens here yesterday. Sent in, KKR piled up a respectable 187 for five off their 20 overs, with Robin Uthappa top-scoring with 72 and West Indies player Narine chiming in with a positive 42 off a mere 17 deliveries. In reply, Lions were propelled by captain Suresh Raina’s 46-ball 84, as they overhauled their target with 10 balls to spare. The defeat for KKR was
their second in six outings and left them second in the standings on eight points while Lions registered just their second win and remained one from bottom. Once again thrust into the role of opener, the lefthanded Narine flourished, spanking nine fours and a six in a stroke-filled innings. The Trinidadian blasted three fours off the opening over from Praveen Kumar and followed up with another four boundaries in the second over from Australian seamer James Faulkner which cost 17 runs. Narine then got stuck into seamer Basil Thampi in the third over, striking him for two consecutive fours on (Continued on page 25)
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Successful CARIFTA Games team pays courtesy call on President -returns to hero’s welcome with motorcade from Airport
President David Granger takes a photo opportunity with the CARIFTA Games team yesterday at State House.
Chase, Dowrich lead Windies fightback after early scare Mohammad Amir impressed on the opening day, West Indies v Pakistan, 1st Test, Jamaica, 1st day, ©AFP
Shane Dowrich dug in during a sixthwicket stand, West Indies v Pakistan, 1st Test, Jamaica, 1st day, ©AFP
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