Kaieteur News

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Drunk NEWS driver kills mother of three AIETEUR

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Tuesday Edition April 23, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 18

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 111,840

Govt. throws blame on PPP/C for US$150M airport fiasco…

Chinese contractor worked 15 months without independent - in 2015, CHEC claimed supervision US$90M for 7% work Consumer Affairs records over $91M

This family enjoying Easter in the city was more than ready for our Kaieteur Cameras

in consumer breaches for 2018 15 companies conducting due diligence on Guyana Goldfields for investments - company to sell its Twin Otter; tender for aircraft services

Tender Board strengthens physical security of bid/tender documents - Puts measures in place to detect tampering

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Jamaica signs onto China's Belt and Road Initiative

Tuesday April 23, 2019

A view of the Mandela Highway near Kingston

- the US Congress takes a closer look Jamaica (Jamaica Observer)- As Jamaica signed on to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on April 11, a report to the American Congress entitled 'China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean' sought to examine the implications of growing Chinese influence in the region.

The BRI is an initiative that advances international development cooperation between China and its partners to build up connectivity and ensure benefits to all parties linked within its framework. By signing a memorandum of

understanding for the BRI, Jamaica joins several other countries in the region including Barbados, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Guyana, the Dominican Republic and others — who have already done so.

The report to the American Congress on Chinese influence was put together by the Congressional Research Service, and it suggests that China's regional objectives over the past several years have been aimed towards securing access to raw materials and agricultural

goods while opening up new markets for Chinese products. China, it reveals, is partnering with Latin American firms to access and advance technology, and has “sought to secure investment opportunities in Latin America for its infrastructure firms and to reduce excess capacity in steel, cement, and other related commodities”.

The report notes that in the period 2005 to 2018 accumulated loans to the region from the China Development Bank and China Exim bank have amounted to more than US$140 billion. Of that

amount, Jamaica has received US$2.1 billion.

Six countries have received more financing than Jamaica and they include Venezuela, Brazil, E c u a d o r, A rg e n t i n a , Trinidad and Tobago and Bolivia.

Venezuela tops the list

with US$67.2 billion, mostly from loans-for-oil deals.

Jamaica's Caricom p a r t n e r, Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago, received US$2.6 billion during the same period.

The report sourced these figures from the InterAmerican Dialogue, a network of global thought leaders who attempt to address social, economic and governance issues in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The China-Latin America Finance Database, from the Inter-American Dialogue, also lists eight countries from the region that have received less Chinese financing than Jamaica. They are Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guyana, Barbados, The Bahamas and Peru.

Mexico and Dominican Republic fall directly below Jamaica, with Mexico having received US$1 billion while the Dominican Republic received US$600 million. Peru was at the bottom of the list with US$50 million.

Some of the recent findings of the InterAmerican Dialogue show that Chinese lending to the region, which comes through the China Development Bank and the China Exim bank surpasses that of other banks since 2005, and the vast majority

of this lending was for infrastructure development.

This focus on infrastructure development has been the case in Jamaica where financing has been directed towards a variety of projects from 2005 to 2018.

Some of these infrastructure initiatives i n c l u d e d Tr e l a w n e y ' s Greenfield Stadium in 2005 which received US$30 million, as well as US$45 million for Montego Bay Convention Centre in 2007.

In 2010, US$400 million went to road construction while US$300 million went to road and bridge rehabilitation in 2013.

Also in 2013, US$457 million went to the northsouth toll road construction.

US$327 million was designated for the road network in 2016 and the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project received US$326 million in 2017.

Projects not listed as infrastructure development include US$100 million for short-term trade financing in 2009 and a further US$20 million for unspecified initiatives in the same year.

US$58 million was used for shoreline reconstruction in 2010 and US$71 million was appropriated to the Jamaica Economic Housing Project in 2011.

The Congressional Research Service Insight report suggests that the (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 23, 2019

PAGE 03

Govt. throws blame on PPP/C for US$150M airport fiasco…

Chinese contractor worked 15 months without independent supervision - in 2015, CHEC claimed US$90M for 7% work

T

he Coalition Government, under pressure to explain major modifications to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) project, has come out swinging, yesterday insisting that the blame has to be laid squarely at the feet of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In a statement, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, also disclosed for more than 15 months, the Chinese contractor had no independent contractor in place to overlook the work, on behalf of the people of Guyana.

In fact, in 2015, when the Coalition Government entered office, it found that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor, which was not chosen via any tender process, had claimed for up to US$90M -- more than half the money-- despite only f in is h in g ab o u t s ev en percent of the work.

The project has been dragging on now for almost a decade, spanning three different administrations.

It is the biggest on-land project ongoing at the moment by the Government.

Instead of a brand new terminal building with energy-saving roof to house the departure and arrival area, a much smaller one to hold the arrival has been built with the old terminal gutted and renovated.

An analysis of the Bill of Quantities approved by the PPP/C in 2011 found that prices were highly inflated with local contractors insisting that the project with all the bells and whistles should not have exceeded the US$40M mark.

The statement by Patterson also criticised Kaieteur News reportage of the project which has been questioning the spending of that huge amount and whether this country was receiving value for its dollars.

Under the contract, CHEC, was supposed to be paid US$138M for the

The runway part of the projectthe left hand side of this CJIA photo is the northern end of the runway which had proven problematic

Minister David Patterson

Former PPP/C Minister, Robeson Benn

construction. The balance of US$12M was coming from Government of Guyana for other works.

Scrap it?

According to Patterson, in 2015, his government had faced three choices- scrap the project; plug more money or use the remainder

of the loan to complete it.

Patterson said that the contract for the extension of CJIA was signed on November 11, 2011 between CHEC and the then Ministry o f P u b l i c Wo r k s a n d Communications.

It would have happened day before general elections,

near the ending of the Constitutional two-term limit of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Sitting at the head of that ministry in 2011 was Robeson Benn.

At the time of contract signing, there were no feasibility studies done; no soil investigations executed; no site surveys and no detailed studies.

In fact, there were absolutely no preliminary reports that were prepared.

However, a contract sum and general scope of works were agreed, the minister said. It did not stop

there…Actual construction works did not commence on site until January 16, 2013 – fifteen months after the signing of the contract.

No Supervisor The shocker was that the Supervising Consultants, MMM Group Limited in association with CEMCO, a local company, did not commence their supervision until July 1, 2014, which meant that CHEC worked for over 15 months without independent supervision.

Commenting on cost of sand, Minister Patterson noted that the contract signed by the then

Government allowed for the provision of sand free of cost to the contractor, within a 12km radius of the project.

The PPP/C government committed Guyana to pay US$3.115 per cubic metre for the “exploit and transportation of sand”.

According to Patterson, the problems associated with the lack of preparation caused additional excavation and sand filling to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. “ S o o n a f t e r commencement of the works in 2013, the soil conditions in the proposed North East (continued on page 14)

PAGE 4

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

The airline scenario The Americans are coming. Guyanese travelers soon will be able to add American Airlines to their choices in a very limited airline menu.

The announcement from Civil Aviation authorities is that the well-plied Georgetown to New York route is scheduled to happen with American ready to be a steady, if not competitive presence.

The history is long, the memories are longer, and the disgust the longest. One after the other, they have come-shrewd operators, sketchy principals, cloudy flying records, and more along the same lines-to exploit a vulnerable and largely optionless Guyanese public.

Truth be told, the word is that some of those fly-bynight schemers have used commercial planes to transport more than people.

That is, moving cargo of a special kind and to the continuing humiliation of this country. The DEA and FBI should come to mind.

Time and again, locals have been held hostage, dismissed nonchalantly, and lost face and scarce money before one shoddy airline operator after another that has ripped them off.

Fares collected in advance have to be written off as bad one-sided business exchanges with no recourse; and so, too, would the planes and people behind them.

The pictures are still stark of frustrated and furious Guyanese wearily going back and forth from home to the city to inquire first about the possibility of a seat, then about arrangements, and last about cash that is due.

All they unusually encountered were blank faces, company concoctions, and the cruel inevitability of doors closed and effectively slammed in their faces.

Separately, on too many occasions for comfort, and according to numerous dissatisfied Guyanese travelers, the leading regional carrier that has been present in Guyana for decades, has exhibited all the arrogance and disdain of a smug monopoly.

Though there have been some marginal advances, quality customer service and consistent care have been grudgingly forthcoming, and sometimes largely absent.

More is required. A healthy competitive environment usually ushers in changes in attitudes and behaviors.

The strapped, all too often left-on-his-own Guyanese flyer, deserves better and should be given a range of choices that makes a difference in prices and service. Government owes the travelling Guyanese public much better, way better.

America Airlines, in time, and other known aviation names of similar stature, should be welcomed. In the decade of the 1970s, it could be argued that there was less aviation traffic to and from Guyana, and yet there were planes from almost every major company in the world touching down at and departing daily from the old Atkinson Field, now Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

There was Air France, BOAC, Cruziero do Sol, KLM, Lufthansa, and PANAM to list the bigger ones. With so many Guyanese living overseas, and with family or other interests in the homeland, this is a market begging for recognition and stronger, better presences.

Ongoing positive developments in the embryonic oil and ecotourism sectors are sure to attract numerous arrivals rushing to explore.

An American Airlines has the extensive fleet, deep pockets and a corporate reputation to protect; all three enable the company to make good in peak times and times that demand answers or fallback options.

Guyanese do not want cash; all they want in times of squeeze are answers and movement towards their destination.

Guyanese deserve better.

Let there be no more of those planes flying on one wing and a prayer. Let there be no more of Guyanese held to ransom and insulted in the process. Let people who know aviation come.

The loss of Sir Alister McIntyre is an irreplaceable one for the entire region and the world at large DEAR EDITOR, I am deeply saddened having received the news about the death of Sir Alister McIntyre.

To me, Sir Alister was a special person. I learnt a lot from him.

Sir Alister served in many capacities in the Caribbean region and beyond, but I came to know, admire and respect him most of all while he served as the Good Officer on behalf of the United Nations Secretary General in relation to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

With particular reference to Guyana, it was Sir Alister who, as Head of a Commonwealth Advisory Group on Guyana’s Economic and Social Situation, brought to the attention of all Guyanese, and the rest of the world, the sad state of affairs obtaining in our country between the 1980’s and the early 1990’s.

In the Advisory Group’s report, popularly referred to as ‘The McIntyre Report’, issued in 1989, the Group highlighted that, ‘Guyana’s high debt service ratio was not conducive to sustained economic growth and that Guyana was ranked below Haiti as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere’.

It was in that context that the Group’s report had alerted

that Guyanese were leaving the country at the rate of 1,000 per month under the B u r n h a m / H o y t e administrations.

Coming on the eve of National and Regional Elections scheduled to be held in 1990, the McIntyre Report, along with other internal and external factors, contributed to the eventual demise of the PNC regime after 28 years in office.

Sir Alister is on record for a candid presentation he once made to a summit meeting of Caricom Heads, when he boldly warned that the region was faced with ‘unprecedented difficulties including a 20 percent inflation rate, a scandalous food import bill, a worsening balance of payments problem, and the need for 150,000 jobs if full employment were to be achieved by 1980.’

Today, while the situation has improved somewhat, in other areas, like the region’s food import bill, that one, remains like a millstone around the necks of governments of Caricom member states.

As the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of the new PPP/C government elected in 1992, I had the distinct honour and privilege to collaborate with Sir Alister in his capacity as Good Officer representing

the UN Secretary General (UNSG) concerning the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

It was always a pleasure for me to work with Sir Alister in preparation for our annual meetings with the UNSG during sessions of the UN General Assembly. In preparation for those meetings, we would first meet with the President. Present at those meetings were Sir Alister, Ralph Ramkarran and myself.

Later, meetings would be held with foreign ministry officials treating with border matters and much later, between the Good Officer and the Guyana Foreign Minister to finalize briefs for our meetings with the UNSG, as well as for our meeting with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister in New York, with whom we would have bilateral meetings before and after our meeting with the UNSG. Sir Alister and I would meet again in New York, this time with Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. At those meetings we would be updated about the situation in Venezuela in order to shape our input for the meeting between the UNSG, the Good Officer, the Venezuelan and Guyanese Foreign Ministers.

Sir Alister was a

consummate diplomat and negotiator par excellence. His approach as Good Officer to matters pertaining to the controversy was always balanced. He was fully aware of delicate nature of his mandate and the limitations therein.

Sir Alister earned the respect of all sides for the period he served as Good Officer. His contribution no doubt, will be etched in the annals of the history of the United Nations and other world bodies.

Sir Alister served indefatigably as a development economist, integration strategist, thinker, educator, diplomat and international public servant.

The Caribbean has lost many men but the loss of an intellectual giant in the person of Sir Alister McIntyre is an irreplaceable loss for the entire region and the world at large.

Guyana benefitted from Sir Alister’s economic expertise in the Lomé negotiations, the regional integration process, as well as from his diplomatic prowess in his capacity as Good Officer.

In the circumstances, Guyana must not be found wanting to pay homage to one of the region’s true (Continued on page 5)

The practice of grouping students according to NGSA is a sophisticated apartheid DEAR EDITOR, During the early nineteenth century, the endowment from the Mico Trust—originally established in 1670 to redeem Christian slaves in the Barbary States of North Africa—opened a series of schools for blacks and free nonwhite pupils throughout the Caribbean and three teacher training colleges—Mico in Antigua and Jamaica and Codrington in Barbados.

After 1870 there was a change in public education throughout the Caribbean.

This coincided with the establishment of free compulsory public elementary education in Britain and in individual states of the United States. A system of free public primary education and limited secondary education became generally available in every territory, and an organized system of teacher training and examinations was established.

The main thrust of public

education in the nineteenth and early twentieth century came from the religious community. Competing Protestant denominations— the Church of England, the Baptists, the Moravians, the Wesleyans, and the Presbyterians—and the Jesuits operated a vast system of elementary and secondary schools. At the end of the nineteenth century, the churches monopolized elementary education in Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and Barbados, and ran a majority of the primary schools in Trinidad, Grenada, and Antigua.

In the 1900s, secondary education was for white, almost white, or for those who could afford it. By the 1960s it was considered a right. By the 1970s government took control of the Education system, and its purpose was for national development, not just individual advancement.

In Guyana, public schools run by religious organization

began in the early 1800s. In 1876 primary education became compulsory for children aged 6 to 14. The education system changed in 1961 when the government took control.

In the Caribbean, the most outstanding secondary schools have religious management. It is not that religious denominations manage schools better than government as most would assert. It is that they take in students with better academic backgrounds. If they took in students with poor academic backgrounds and made them the best, then that would support that they could manage schools better than government. Queen’s College Guyana refutes that hypothesis.

The real changes need to occur at the primary level.

Money must be spent that no child leaves primary school without gaining the required skills. The blame game is counterproductive. Remedial

programs need to be put in place from at least Grade 3 up to Grade 6. Massive investment in technology such as teaching aids must be implemented.

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) needs to be a diagnostic test rather than a placement test. The entire history of education in the Caribbean and Guyana is that education is a tool of social stratification, rather than developing all the citizens’ potential. The practice of grouping students according to NGSA is a sophisticated apartheid. Fix the problem instead of reinforcing it. Guyana has not learn from history - if you don’t develop the people at the bottom of the social hierarchy, they will become thorns in your side, hence the crime problem. All the aggressive policing won’t change that reality. No baby is born bad.

Yours truly, Brian Ellis Plummer

Tuesday April 23, 2019

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Community concerns DEAR EDITOR, “For if you suffer your people to be ill-educated, and their manners to be corrupted from their infancy, and then punish them for those crimes to which their first education disposed them, what else is to be concluded from this, but that you first make thieves and then punish them” - Sir Thomas More.

I watch with growing concern at the frequency of fatal accidents which occur daily, the replay of domestic abuse with weary constancy and the robbery of the average citizen who is eking out a modest living for himself and family. I watch daily as innocent children approach pedestrian crossings, tentatively and with trepidation as vehicles bear down on them oblivious to their existence and with such speed that it’s impossible to brake at such crossings.

I have always been taught that likened to the pedal cyclists, children are to be likened to cockroaches crossing the road. They will dart across the road with innocent recklessness a n d i t ’s u p t o u s , t h e mature and logical thinking adults, to protect them by being vigilant drivers, at all times.

On our new 4-lane roads on the East Coast Demerara, one would think that the contractors would have seen it fit to place a greater number of

barricades along the roadway or close a lane or two until construction was completed in a manner which would alleviate the wanton reckless manner of driving. Every morning and every afternoon, depending on whether there is police presence, the average driver would create 3 to 4 lanes, ‘boring’ into imaginary lanes mere inches from each other only to create bottlenecks with the inevitable cussing contests which follow, and dented fenders.

How many of us have been oblivious to the sirens that are almost inaudible until the emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire or police patrol) is within two car lengths of us?

Shouldn’t there be a law against such sirens which barely warn the average driver whose windows are likely to be closed given these hot days? Is the siren’s volume not fixed, say 110dBs? How is it that the police patrol which leads the Lusignan Prison van every morning and every afternoon can be heard from such a great distance, but others seem muted? What would possess those who erect traffic signs to design a 3way traffic light for a 2-way road?

Check the intersection of the road at Turkeyen leading towards the University of Guyana. Note the signaling to turn left to

The loss of Sir Alister...

From page 4 champions for regional integration, who kept in mind at all times that the people of the Caribbean must always be the principal beneficiaries of its future development.

Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

progress towards Industry and the one to turn left towards the seawall/Rupert Craig Highway. Drivers, who I assume to be insane, would honk relentlessly to request the driver in the vehicle ahead to give way when, in fact, the driver ahead is progressing in a straight line and the light is red for him. It gives way to anger and frustration, w h e n i n e s s e n c e i t ’s a design flaw that has remained intact for over 3 years.

Why did it take so long for the Guyana Police Force’s Department Officer to respond to the emergence of multiple vehicles which have the blue headlights? Why would Auto Parts vendors import these blue bulbs if they were not in demand?

It was a growing nuisance for over 2 years, yet the Police roamed the roadways every night with no action against same. It is important that those who are the custodians of enforcing the law act promptly in such matters as, given our environment, it would escalate into normalcy very quickly, as it did.

Many of the domestic abuse challenges can be resolved if it is made compulsory for the couples to attend counselling sessions frequently or face jail time.

The level of death within our homes, warrants simple, tried and tested approaches. The churches, school principals and wise, mature community members may be called upon to assist.

A massive one-week police traffic campaign on the major roads may impact positively the drivers’

manner of using our roads.

By warning drivers on the first day and then penalizing them thereafter, it would help curb the madness on the roadways.

Economic punishment is a simple and effective deterrent. Parents and community members should use their cell phones to video the vehicles which are in breach of traffic laws such as not stopping at pedestrian crossings and have them texted or WhatsApped to the nearest Police Station. We are our brothers’ keepers.

The Guyana Police Force has to update their arsenal of resources such as fully utilizing the digital networks and Drone Systems if necessary, and I believe that drones are a probable solution in the fight against crime.

CCTV cameras must be used as in the UK. Mail or email Tickets and screen shots of traffic infractions to drivers, given clarity of vehicle registration numbers and recognition of drivers who are in breach of the laws.

If the Guyana Defence Force has to be called out to assist the Police Force then so be it. It worked in Barbados for a while until both agencies of the g o v ernment got on each other’s nerves. However, it resulted in a substantial reduction in criminal activities.

Manners maketh man is an old Proverb. Let us enforce teachings of deportment, manners, etiquette et al, and mentor our children from Nursery through to Primary and Secondary levels and prepare them for being the best citizens.

Wayne W. Barrow

Information should be researched to ensure accuracy DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Vishnu Bisram (PhD) which appeared in your publication of Thursday 18th April, under the caption, “Hold Referendum on The CCJ and Privy Council”.

In the first paragraph, the writer states, (and I quote) ‘Can people trust the CCJ? The Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley describes the court judges as “politicians in robes” and promises to pull her country out of it and return to the London Privy Council’. (end of quote) Editor, I am sure that most of your readers who are knowledgeable about Caribbean affairs already

know that the present Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honourable Mia Mottley, made no such statement or promise.

It seems logical to me that if someone desires to be considered as a credible presenter of information, well then it behooves that individual to research the material to be presented in order to ensure correctness and accuracy.

I do believe that this elementary precaution would preclude the possibility of disseminating information that may be misleading, inaccurate or downright false.

Yours Truly, Lloyd H Marshall

Is Exxon’s Hammerhead the next mega-discovery of oil?

DEAR EDITOR, E x x o n M o b i l ’s announcement last Thursday that it made a new and its 13th oil discovery offshore Guyana at the Yellowtail-1 well included another bit of information worthy of some attention. The company also announced that two drillships are set to conduct additional drilling at the Hammerhead location. The Hammerhead well is the 9th oil discovery and was completed last August.

Up to that point, previous discoveries were estimated to contain recoverable resources of more than 4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Hammerhead and the next three discoveries at

Pluma, Haimara and Tilapia have now taken those estimates to over 5.5 billion barrels.

That Hammerhead, the 9th discovery, has now jumped the line for follow-up or appraisal drilling strongly suggests the oil reservoir there is far larger than the rest.

Moreover, that the company has decided to drill two appraisal wells simultaneously in its highquality sandstone reservoir must mean we are eventually looking at a mega-discovery of at least a billion barrels.

Guyana will know by midMay if we have another Liza.

Part of Hammerhead’s oil resources is already in the 5.5 (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Mueller disgraced the office of Independent Counsel DEAR EDITOR, I believe that Independent Counsel Robert Mueller, by those words against his name, has condemned himself. In so doing, he has dragged the always controversial, always vulnerable, office of Independent Counsel into the graveyard of irrelevancy and immateriality. His failure to rise to what the occasion demanded has besmirched the efforts and records of illustrious and enlightened predecessors in that thankless post.

For purposes of context and convenience, I start with the negative. I do so through a visit to another stalwart, a now infamous one, from the Independent Counsel brotherhood: Kenneth Starr.

Mr. Starr discarded dignity and some integrity to pursue a particular agenda of his own, and while spurred on by likeminded diehard conservatives. The word was: Get Clinton. Get this offensive bone out of the throat and out of sight. Get him out of there by any means.

Mr. Starr complied by demonstrating the imprudent and arguably vindictive, through degrading his investigation into a fundamentalist drive to unseat Bill Clinton by any low means. Ken Starr sullied himself when he steered pivotal aspects of the office and objectives of the Independent Counsel to enter into the blatantly partisan.

How different was Mr. Starr’s probe and actions when compared to those of Mr. Mueller: one the very definition of rancorous evangelical distaste and the political divisiveness; and the other, the epitome of an uncomprehending and still unexplained misidentification of what was the purpose of his investigation. In terms of the latter, it was as if Mr. Mueller had already made up his mind to think nothing and write nothing. Nothing of consequence.

In some sense, I detect more than hesitancy; I recognize fear, and the careful

withdrawal that is a part of such faintness and sweating.

How different are the records - poles apart as to approaches and energies - of Messrs. Starr and Mueller when matched against the still reverberating resonance of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Independent Counsel Archibald Cox of Richard Nixon and Watergate era notoriety. Together they stand as an incomparable first example of what should prevail as to necessary standards and values. It is those ideals which must be brought to the arena of presidential inquiry and then delivered in spades.

U n e q u i v o c a l l y.

Unflinchingly.

In the instance of Richardson and Cox, the former was willing to stand in integrity and all those other indefinable somethings before his president, and both were ready to fall, willingly or unwillingly, on their swords, and be carried out on their shields with reputation intact.

They were.

They don’t make men of that rare calibre and spellbinding honour anymore. And that is anywhere, including Guyana; particularly Guyana. But the Nixonian travails served other functions for wily political partisans on both sides of the American divide. Identified and filed away were the precedents of administrative sloppiness and the price of truth.

Hard lessons were learned and truth went by the wind, as is evidenced in the second example that accrues to the further discredit of Mr. Mueller. It is that of Attorney General Edwin Meese and Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh of Ronald Reagan and those still memorable Iran Contra hearings.

That was the problem that Independent Counsel Walsh faced during his investigation of White House wrongdoing through circumventing the Boland Amendment and possible obstruction of justice by presidential agents: truth and principle vanished

at the highest levels.

The lessons learned from Nixon resulted in all the president’s men - McFarlane, Poindexter, Weinberger, and North - not remembering anything, shredding everything, and generally knowing nothing. All the president’s men exhibited the unflagging spirit of all hands being on deck with one deception after another.

Endlessly. No truth. No qualms.

Thus, the mistakes, and the lessons, of Nixon and his people were learned. Walsh was stonewalled all the way into innocuousness. And yet he persisted and followed where the evidence led. In fairness, Mr. Mueller’s path had its share of obstacles, but he turned out to be his own biggest one.

Presidential legacies suffer when wrongdoing is bypassed or diluted, and Independent Counsel fail.

Sacred public trusts are toyed with and betrayed; the public loses. Clinton: intellectually towering proved himself to be morally crumbling; dissembling and devious, too.

Lacking in the genius of truth and a special tutelary spirit.

Starr tried everything to nail him; matters lacked the clinical character of objectivity. Mr. Starr hurt the calling of that particular office back then. Reagan is recalled as a doddering pathetic figure; his men wrapped themselves in the American flag and rode the wave by being disingenuous. Walsh stayed at great cost and managed with what he was allowed to access.

Today, a sitting president and his cast reveal themselves to be as artistic as Houdini where facts and standards are concerned. Mr. Mueller pretends at limitations, by limiting himself.

He tied his own hands by feebly looking the other way, when he could not make a notso-hard call, even if his life were to depend on it. The office of Independent Counsel stands as a testimony to meaningless.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Is Exxon’s Hammerhead the next...

From page 5 billion barrels calculation.

Therefore, should its appraisal confirm the presence of more oil, the total recoverable resources for the Stabroek

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Block may not make an eyecatching spike. Nevertheless, it is likely to be singled out as a monster find.

Finally, the lonely Ranger1 well (the sixth oil find,

located much further north) seems to be getting on-andoff treatment, getting pushed around the batting order.

O f n o t e , h o w e v e r, Exxon’s public statements s u g g e s t t h a t R a n g e r ’s estimated resources are not included in the 5.5 billion barrel total for the Stabroek Block.

Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe

It seems that we have to be wary of our countrymen in and out of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Having read the article in SN –‘Agro processors want more robust lobby for access to regional markets, local outlets’ I looked at the accompanying picture of the displayed products and noticed some improvements in bottling and packaging. I noticed that there were no recycled rum bottles used to bottle some products. More needs to be done in this area to ‘sell’ our products in foreign countries. Also for some packaged products you need the appropriate plastics.

I now reside in North America and frequent the ‘West Indian/Guyanese’ stores to get my kind of food and would like to share some experiences with readers.

This might sound like a joke. First of all, one of the most expensive products exported out of Guyana is frozen water. You will find it as ice in packages of shrimps, some fish and katahar (breadnut).

It should be noted that the addition of water to these products is to increase weight, hence more money for the exporters. It is easy to add water to shrimps and fish, but our countrymen are smart.

Katahar, after peeling, cleaning and shredding is

bulky and light in weight.

Someone found an indigenous way to increase the weight by steaming (precooked) it so that it can absorb water. It is then packaged, frozen and exported to overseas markets.

When it stays too long it has a bad odour and there is no manufacturing/package and best before dates. The same goes for fish, crabs, shrimps, dried fish and shrimps, sliced green mangoes, bilimbi, coconut choka etc. there are not manufacturing/package and best before dates.

Produce exported are also of poor quality.

Guyanese have a tendency to export produce and no effort is made to grade their produce with regards to size and quality to attract overseas shoppers. This goes for most produce. Let’s take one; wiri wiri peppers, you have the good - all sizes and the bad lumped together and sent to overseas markets.

This should not happen, because very soon consumers will notice the poor quality and stop buying.

I can relate about a lot of fruits, vegetables and greens that are of poor quality coming out of Guyana. Some produce like boulangers, bora, seim, peppers, cassava,

plantains, wiri wiri peppers etc., are now grown and exported by Jamaica, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, and are of better quality.

The relevant Ministries need to get their act together to put systems in place and come up with a detailed method of identifying each product sent to overseas markets and set strict guidelines for grading and packaging each product that meets or exceeds international standards.

Maybe come up a brand ‘Made in Guyana’ logo that they can give to exporters after qualifying them using strict guidelines and continuous monitoring. I for one wouldn’t mind paying more for a quality product and at the same time supporting our local farmers.

Also of note is the fact that even the ‘West Indian/ Guyanese’ stores will try to hoodwink you by trying to ‘pass off’ their bad products, and you always have to be on the lookout for overbilling, and most don’t give an itemized receipt. So it seems that we have to be wary of our countrymen in and out of Guyana.

Your Sincerely Name and address withheld

Contractors’ Bid Offers and Engineers’ Estimates – Some Remarks DEAR EDITOR, Please refer to your article on page 12 of your Good Friday edition of your newspaper entitled “Questionable Engineers’ Estimates costing Guyana Billion$”. Your piece seems to comprise both the record of bids opened for two building contracts and simultaneously a vilification by your journalist in support of (local) contractors.

Engineers were the target.

The content did not support the Header.

Unwittingly, the article did not expose the engineer but instead highlighted the seemingly unexplained wide variation in price offers by (local) contractors.

It may be noted that engineer’s estimates seek only to offer a figure for the owner’s budget while a contracting firm’s bid seeks to offer the owner a competitive price, thereby a win of the contract, the firm’s technical capability being demonstrated . These costings are therefore approached from different perspectives. One would note that, in the case of the two

contracts in the article, the engineer’s employer would have sufficient sums to support the projects, regardless of which firm was awarded the contracts.

Let’s look at the offers made by contractors. In the first record, there are 13 offers (bids) by contractors which ranged from $8.1 million to $12.8 million; there is a significant disparity in bids, the largest being $4.7 million.

The contractors may wish to explain how offers for the same building can have as much as 58+% difference.

Taking the second record of bids, the conclusions are similar. There are 12 bids with offers ranging from $7.3 million to $11.6 million and a disparity of $4.3 million, also roughly 60%.

While both Govt. and private engineering organisations use engineers to prepare cost estimates, such engineers do not have training in quantity surveying and therefore are not adequately prepared to make cost assessments. This is the function of Quantity Surveyors. This norm ought to be remedied.

Usually, rates for building activities when prepared by qualified staff would consider reasonable inputs for overhead and profit, and provide for depreciation of plant and equipment – the latter being essential for contracting firms gearing for the long haul businesswise.

While contracting firms are the best source to explain why bids have such significant variances, it is possible that some contractors seek to win contracts by applying the very minimum cost margins for overhead and profit, forget to fully consider VAT, do not adequately provide for replacement of plant and equipment, and ignore allocations for risk. This usually results in poor contracting outcomes and failed projects.

Your article has revived previous claims of corruption.

However, both Kaieteur News and the Contractors should provide evidence to the appropriate Tender Authorities so that their concerns may be investigated.

Best regards Paul Bonar, Sr.

Tuesday April 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana expresses condolences Tender Board strengthens physical on death of former CARICOM security of bid/tender documents chief, Sir Alistair McIntyre - Puts measures in place to detect tampering -served as Good Officer on Venezuela border; played role in regional integration The Government yesterday expressed condolences on the passing of former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Sir Meredith Alister McIntyre.

Born in St. Georges, Grenada, Sir Alister came to be known as one of the preeminent academics and intellectuals of the Caribbean, specialising in development and regional integration.

In 1974, he was appointed Secretary-General of CARICOM and thus began a distinguished career in regional and international politics.

“As an academic, Sir Alister gave yeoman service to the University of the West Indies where he lectured before becoming, in 1967, the Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research.

“He also served as an Assistant Professor at both Princeton and Columbia University. In 1988, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, a post that he held until his retirement in 1998,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

Sir Alister was one of the three-member team of eminent Caribbean scholars that was appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government in 1990 to examine the state of regional integration. The ensuing report — A Time for Action — in 1991, arguably began a process of regional introspection that resulted in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in 2001. This established the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In 1989, he was appointed as the first Good Officer of the United Nations SecretaryGeneral for the Guyana–Venezuela border controversy. He served with distinction until 1999 in efforts to resolve the controversy.

Sir Alister had taken the opportunity of his posting to Georgetown as the CARICOM Secretary-General to acquaint himself with Guyana politics. So, he acquitted himself well in this assignment as Good Officer.

In 1975, he assisted the Government of Guyana in its quest to transform the economy. Along with William Demas, he served as adviser to the Restructur-

Sterling contributions: Sir Alister ing Committee, which had been mandated to plan that transformation and, in 1977, produced a report edited by the late Haslyn Parris. The State Planning Act was subsequently passed in Parliament.

In 1980, McIntyre with a team including renowned Canadian Professor Gerry Heleiner produced a report on Guyana’s Economic Recovery Programme. The report set out to explain why such a radical economic programme was required, its key elements and alternative options.

“Sir Shridath Ramphal was the architect of that national initiative. Sir Alister, as Chief Technical Adviser, also teamed up with Sir Shridath to lay the foundations for what was undoubtedly the region’s best known and most formidable negotiating apparatus, and a model for other developing countries/regions, the CRNM.” Before his appointment as UN Good Officer, Sir Alister also served the United Nations system as Director of the Commodities Division of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development ( U N C TA D ) a s w e l l a s Deputy Secretary-General of that body. Furthermore, he later served as Assistant Secretary-General in the Office of the Director General for International

Economic Cooperation at United Nations Headquarters.

Among his numerous honours, which include several Honorary Degrees, Sir Alister was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC); the Order of Merit (OM) of the Government of Jamaica, the C a c i q u e ’s C r o w n o f Honour (CCH) of the Government of Guyana, and Knighthood by Her Majesty the Queen of England.

In December 2016, Sir Alister published “The Caribbean and The Wider World: Commentaries on My Life and Career”. The book chronicles his extraordinary life and wide-ranging career in diplomacy, politics and academia. It also outlined perspectives on the development of integration and regionalism in the Caribbean.

“To the Region that nurtured him, in turn, he gave his life in selfless service and dedication, an invaluable contribution to the goal of the integration of its peoples and countries, in which he truly believed,” the ministry said.

The Government and people of Guyana join the CARICOM fraternity in expressing heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives of Sir Alister, and share the region’s grief at the passing of one of our most illustrious sons.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has taken several steps to improve its operations, one of which includes the strengthening of the physical security of bid/ tender documents and putting mechanisms in place to detect attempts at document tampering.

This was revealed to Kaieteur News during an exclusive interview with NPTAB Head, Berkley Wickham. The official said while there is still more work to be done, NPTAB has made crucial improvements since 2015.

Wickham said that the physical and cyber security protection of the NPTAB software systems has been strengthened. He also disclosed that improvements were made to the ICT support available to NPTAB by integrating the existing software into the Ministry of Finance’s Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS).

The NPTAB Head said, “We have also assessed the existing software to capture NPTA tender/bids and letters of award details and found it

NPTAB Head, Berkley Wickham generate data errors around dates which made for erroneous reporting of tenders/bids and letters of awards data.

This was corrected and the software can now produce more accurate data.”

“The software is also in-

complete and does not support a bidders register which holds a unique bidder’s number which captures all of the bidders information in one place including the bidder’s business registration id, TIN (Continued on page 12)

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Starr Computer helping to bridge technological gap with Innovation Centre With oil and gas exploration underway, there is an immediate need for highly qualified personnel. However, unless the education system makes changes to cater to this development “we are going to always be struggling to get some key opportunities that are going to be available to us,” says President of Starr Computers, Mr. Michael Mohan.

Even though his technology-driven company – Starr Computer - is yet to forge a much needed tactical partnership with the local education sector, Mohan recently

shared plans, already set in motion, that are intended to help prepare Guyanese, especially youths, for the evolution of technology that can be applied to just about any sector.

At a recent press event at the Starr Computer, Brickdam, Georgetown office, Mohan said, “We have decided to get together with our international vendors and to develop a new innovation centre so that we can bring to market a lot of the new products that they have got on their road maps.”

The innovation centre of

The Innovation Centre which is Starr Computer’s newest introduction. which Mohan spoke is one that will see the local company, and its partners, focusing on modern educational development starting with robotic toys through a Kids Discovery department and Modern classroom solutions.

The Innovation Centre is situated on the second floor of Starr’s Brickdam office.

According to Mohan, “Educating ourselves is an ongoing process. Our educa-

tional system needs to be enhanced from teaching students to just learn how to remember facts and figures to learn problem solving, logics and critical thinking. It is important for them to learn, as learning is an ongoing process.”

Starr has embraced the notion that “every day we are experiencing new disruptions that changes career paths, therefore the next generation

will have to be able to create their own pathway to success.

“Every child will need to have a mobile device which can help them interact with educational contents instantly.”

Moreover, it has been concluded by the visionaries at Starr that augmented reality will become a way of life in the future and that at a very (Continued on page 22)

Peer Educators capitalise on Rodeo to sensitise on safe sex Even as scores of persons attended the 2019 Rupununi Rodeo, it was not just all about fun, frolic and entertainment. The Ministry of Public Health, through its adolescent health unit, ensured a booth was set up at the Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo Ground giving patrons the opportunity to be educated on sexual and reproductive health as well as other health-related issues.

Targeting mainly youths, the peer educators, Orlan Thomas and Dennize Mithekhozer, took turns in engaging those who would have stopped by the booth.

Both are trained volunteers from St. Ignatius and Fairview respectively, and are ensuring Rodeo goers are aware of making the right choices.

Peer educators are usually tasked with hosting community sensitisation and awareness forums and activities for young people, addressing issues such as sexual and reproductive health, drugs and alcohol just to mention a few.

While they spearhead awareness exercises for events of this magnitude, they are also responsible for working along with the Community Health Workers in their respective villages and educate residents on making healthy choices while showing them how a bad health choice can affect them.

Medical Officer attached to the Adolescent Health unit, Dr. Faqueeda Watson-Jones,

One of the peer educators, Dennize Mithekhozer engages a young man who visited the booths and was interested in the use of a male condom who gave an oversight, noted that it was not just another booth set up to share pamphlets and condoms. It was established to ensure that even as young people want to enjoy themselves, they must be cognisant of the harms that lurk if they do not make the right choices.

“Rodeo is the perfect opportunity for the peer educators to reach out to their fellow peers. This is an event where you might have a large contingent of young people here, and, of course, there will

be drinking and all that. We are not condemning them for any of that but we just want to educate them and get them on the right path.” This will aid in creating positive peer norms among themselves (peers). It is also believed that such exercises at events like this can directly address social issues which affect mostly the youth. The Peer Educators have been at major activities in Lethem including flag-raising ceremonies, Mashramani activities and Lethem town week. (DPI)

Tuesday April 23, 2019

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Private-sector investment Town Week opening in Guyana low-IDB features afternoon of Culture

An afternoon of culture was the hallmark of the official opening of the L i n d e n To w n We e k , a t t h e L i n d e n Georgetown bus park on Sunday.

This year the event is being held under the theme, ‘Rekindling our culture,’ and is hosted by the Linden Mayor and Town Council.

The afternoon’s highlights also included a military parade along Republic Avenue.

Linden Mayor, Wanneka Arrindell, said, “The aim is to bring out the talents we have in our township; there are people who can sing, who can d a n c e , w h o c a n w r i t e p o e t r y, t o w n week is for that time, for you to showcase that talent to the rest of the world!”

Among the many talented performers to take to the stage, were the visually impaired Sumner brothers who

teamed up to put together the Town Week theme song, ‘’It’s Town Week time again”.

Some of the activities enjoyed so far were the Miss Teen Ambassador Pageant, and the All White party on Saturday last, and the Gospel Fest and Beenie Man show on Sunday night.

A new feature of the Town Week of a c t i v i t i e s i s R e s t a u r a n t D a y, w h e r e popular eating houses will put out their best culinary delights to tickle patrons’ palates.

Meanwhile, activities still to go, include the ‘Golden Taste Glow party”, On-the-Spot Art and spelling Bee competition, sporting activities such as cricket, basketball and circle tennis competitions, Gordon Moseley’s Big Man Gah Luck Party, the All Black and Colour Parties, the Caribbean Food Festival and the Children’s Fest .

Dem boys seh ...

People don’t like suffer alone De nonsense start already. A main bridge in Canal Number Two get burn. It burn so bad that nutten can’t cross it. Well dem boys ain’t talking bout goats and de area got quite a few.

When de people burn that bridge is just like if somebody tek a cutting torch and chop down de Demerara Harbour Bridge or use a bomb to blowup de Berbice Bridge. That is wha people call spite. It is also stupidness.

Dem boys remember when people use to burn cane. Guyana suffer because GuySuCo couldn’t earn. That come back to haunt de industry. Years later when things never improve de government had to shut down four sugar estates. People get put out of

wuk. De same people who burn cane start fuh holler how dem suffering.

Now people burning bridges and preventing goods and things from reaching people. De farmers can’t go to de back dam and bring out food to feed de people who live there. De farmers gun suffer because dem can’t sell wha dem produce and of course everybody else gun get de blame.

That is not de only stupidness that happening. De place dry like a bone and people setting fire to bun rubbish. De fire does spread and is only then dem does call de fire service. Two of dem live in a place in Kitty. One decide to cook some rice pun a kero stove. While he cooking he lef de pot and go out.

He see smoke and he

didn’t even think bout he house and he pot. Dem boys seh if was he alone dem didn’t mind. De man bun down he neighbor house as well.

That is why people does seh man don’t like punish alone. Some of dem does tek wife, some does mind a dog suh when he wake up in de morning he can seh something deh wuss than he.

And of course, dem have de set wha does like to see dem mattie in de same boat as dem.

That is why de politician gun always control people in Guyana. Dem mek sure people punishing so much that de very people don’t have time to look at wha de politicians doing.

Talk half and watch out fuh de punishment.

By Kiana Wilburg When compared with the rest of the region, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) has found that private sector investment levels in Guyana are relatively low. In fact, the IDB pointed out that private investment as a share of GDP is 8.3 percent, compared to the Latin America and the Caribbean regional average of 16 percent.

The financial institution made this known in one of its latest reports titled, “Country Infrastructure Briefs: Caribbean Region.”

The document was prepared by several consultants.

They include Elton Bollers, Zubin Deyal, Victor Gauto, Kimberly Waithe, and Allan Wright.

Speaking to the challenges affecting private sector investment, the Bank said, “The infrastructure stock is inadequate to support delivery of public services or facilitate private sector growth.

The country’s transportation infrastructure (roads, airports and seaports) requires substantial improvements to support the growth of the private sector.”

It continued, “The energy sector also hinders private sector development.

Guyanese firms report high energy costs as a major obstacle to business operations (Compete Caribbean, 2014).

In fact, in the World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business report, Guyana’s rank dropped from 126th to 134th, mainly due to a significant decline in the score for electricity...”

The Bank also noted that Guyana underperforms relative to countries in the region on telecommunications as measured by United Nations technology indices. Elaborating further on the telecommunication woes in Guyana, the Bank said, “The government faces important challenges to incorporating telecommunications into its public administration.

In 2018, the United Nations e-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranked Guyana 124th out of 193 countries, placing it in the ‘Middle EGDI’20 group. Additionally, Guyana ranks 140th

on the United Nations e-participation index (EPI), which measures citizens’ engagement through information technologies in policy and decision-making, highlighting limitations in promoting access and inclusion.”

The IDB added, “This places the country in the ‘Middle EPI’ group. The public sector’s low productivity is in large part explained by relatively low automation, meaning that civil servants still work predominantly with paper documents and files, which hinders transparency and accountability and contributes to inefficiency.”

The financial institution posited that it is therefore not surprising that business persons’ perception of government efficiency is more negative than the average for commodity-exporting small economies.

While productivity-enhancing developments such as roads, logistics, and energy are delayed, the IDB said that the private sector will continue to face uncertainties that are detrimental to investment and job creation.

In this regard, the IDB said that one of the areas of greatest priority is improving the energy sector by expanding the distribution of electricity, improving the quality of service, and moving away from relatively costly heavy fuels towards cleaner resources such as natural gas and renewable sources of energy.

It said that efficiency improvements could contribute to reducing the relative cost of electricity in the long term, which would significantly contribute to enhancing private sector competitiveness.

In the energy sector, the Bank noted that the government has articulated its objectives in the “Update of the Study on System Expansion of the Generation System

2018,” which models growing electricity demand and proposes several options to fill that demand based on natural gas and renewable sources of energy.

Further to this, the Bank said, “Guyana is committed to environmentally sustainable economic growth, and the recent discovery of petroleum reserves has allowed for the possibility of continuing to use and improve its electrical transmission system during the transition to cheaper and cleaner sources such as natural gas and before phasing in renewable energy options...”

RECOMMENDATIONS Going forward, the IDB made several recommendations which it believes would lend to boosting private sector investment levels.

With respect to the energy sector, the IDB called for the diversification of the energy matrix while noting the government’s intention to shift power generation from heavy fuels-based sources, potentially towards natural gas and renewable sources of energy such as mini hydroelectricity, biomass, wind and solar sources, to supply electricity in the most economical and reliable way.

The IDB said, too, that there needs to be an increase in private sector participation in the energy sector. It stressed that transparent and publicly available guidelines for the development of open tenders to encourage private sector participation are needed to set the path for optimal and economical expansion of the generation system in Guyana.

Along this line, the Bank called for the establishment of policies to ensure sustainable electricity provision in rural Guyana to foster development in interior communities.

With respect to water and sanitation, the Bank made it (Continued on page 23)

Berbice man in custody for allegedly raping 8-year-old niece Cops in Berbice are investigating an alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl. They have since arrested the accused who has been identified as the child’s uncle.

According to reports, the mother of the eight-year-old left her in the care of her uncle and went on an outing with another relative.

It was during the time the child stayed with the uncle on Saturday night that he reportedly lured the little girl into a bedroom and

raped her. Kaieteur News understands that when the mother of the girl returned home, she relayed the harrowing details of what her uncle had done to her. The mother immediately summoned authorities and the man was subsequently arrested. Her daughter was taken for a medical examination.

Commander of the Division, Kevin Adonis, only confirmed that the man was in custody and that they are investigating..

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Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

I regard Ralph Ramkarran as the third most intolerant leader the PPP birthed The quote below is taken from Ralph Ramkarran’s Stabroek News column of Sunday April 21. I will ask readers to peruse it twice because that extract tells an old, tragic tale about this country long before I came out of short pants. I am in my sixties and I don’t see this tale having an ending, anytime soon. My heart goes out to the hundreds of thousands of young people whose future will be shaped by this land.

This is what Ramkarran wrote; “When the PPP/C came to office in 1992, I advised that libel actions should not be utilized as weapons against the press and that offensive, even libelous criticism should be answered as vigorously as they were made.

“One of the reasons was the growing attitude of the courts to view criticisms of public officials with a greater degree of liberalism. However, the culture of attack by libel was difficult to eradicate. My waning influence in the PPP by the mid to late 2000s saw a number of libel actions being filed by leading Government

officials.”

I urge readers and others in Guyana not to accept what Ralph Ramkarran wrote. It is palpably untrue. What occurred after 1992 in terms of PPP leaders suing for libel was in fact started by Mr. Ramkarran himself. Ironically, the first leader in the PPP hierarchy to sue for libel after the PPP came to power in 1992 was Ralph Ramkarran.

The story of this first post-1992 libel by Ramkarran is one that obviously will be found on the pages of the history of Kaieteur News when such a project is published in book form. Ramkarran sued me and this newspaper for critical comments on the PPP’s executive committee.

Here is another irony. In writing the column, I expressed positive words about Ramkarran and concluded that I found it strange he could have been part of such an “evil” meeting.

His affidavit argued that by being a part of the PPP Executive which was described as evil by me, I besmirched his character. I never thought one can be

sued for libel by criticizing an organization without directly saying negatives things on specific members. But I learnt the hard way when Ramkarran sued.

I had a personal friend in the PPP at that time who was the head of the PPP’s youth arm, Khemraj Ramjattan. I asked him to intervene with Ramkarran. He did that and openly told Ramkarran that he cannot sue someone like me who fought for democracy.

Ramkarran agreed but asked for a million dollars and a front page apology. The paper agreed. Now read on keenly.

While the publisher Mr. Glenn Lall was away, Ramkarran wrote the apology himself. It was carried on the front page. The then editor, Nills Campbell, if he had any decent vein in his body would have consulted me. I didn’t see the apology before publication. The retraction was a libelous condemnation of my character.

How ironic. Ramkarran sued for libel and ended up libeling me. I was livid. When Mr. Lall returned I complained

bitterly at what Campbell did.

From that time, twentyfive years ago, Ramkarran had episodically threatened me with libel, the latest being 2017. It didn’t turn out right for him on that occasion and he was severely embarrassed.

He cited two items in one of my columns that defamed him.

First, I argued that as the lawyer for UG, he advised that UG ignore two nisi orders to restore Dr. Mark Kirton as acting Vice Chancellor. Then he claimed that I damaged his character by referring to him as a Leviathan.

When my column was carefully analyzed by the editors, the Leviathan reference

did not refer to Ramkarran and I produced his two letters of instruction to the university to ignore the nisi orders.

The Kaieteur News then did a piece on the controversy and referred to Ramkarran’s threat of libel as “attempt at dishonesty.” In January 2018, Ramkarran sent an email to Kaieteur News. It was read by senior management, I quote a section of it; “If Kissoon so much as mentions my name again in anything he writes, for any purpose whatsoever, whether benignly or defamatorily, I will file a case for libel.”

I will now ask readers to juxtapose what was written

Frederick Kissoon above with the “valorous,” “wise, “humane” claim of Ramkarran that after 1992, he advised the PPP government leaders to be tolerant and not sue critics for libel.

I kindly request Ramkarran’s fans to ascertain from him if what is written above is the truth. I have left out the many other times, Ramkarran wanted to sue.

15 companies conducting due diligence on Guyana Goldfields for investments - company to sell its Twin Otter; tender for aircraft services In a month, in Toronto, Canada, shareholders of the Guyana Goldfields Inc. which manages the country’s biggest gold mine, is set for a special meeting.

A number of “dissidents” shareholders including cofounder, Patrick Sheridan, are accusing the current board and management of mismanagement and floating fudged figures. They want a new board and Sheridan and shareholders have submitted those names.

Yesterday, those shareholders threatened a court action ahead of the board vote, giving Guyana Goldfield until tomorrow to start court actions against the company if legal actions are not taken to recoup damages by Chief Executive Scott Caldwell.

However, the company, which has over 700 employees, has hit back at the shareholders, insisting that a new board as proposed was highly inexperienced.

In fact, Sheridan was fired last year due to “poor managerial performance, conflicts of interest and ethical lapses,” Guyana Goldfields said in a separate statement yesterday.

Guyana Goldfield has hired former US ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, as the Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs, to help reverse the fortunes of the company.

The Government of Guyana has said that it is keeping a close eye on the company which is the largest gold producer, contributing

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Perry Holloway

Former chief, Patrick Sheridan

almost US$50M in royalties since starting production in January 2016.

The company has applied for permits to move into underground mining within months.

According to the statement, disseminated by Holloway on behalf of René Marion, the company’s nonexecutive chairman, the company’s share price has taken a toll as a result of a new strategy advanced by the current board of directors.

But the company also insisted that the toll on Guyana Goldfields would have been much worse if the board hadn’t taken steps to improve efficiency.

According to the company, it has filed a Letter to Shareholders together with its Management Information Circular and a GOLD form of proxy in respect of the up-

coming Annual and Special Meeting of the shareholders.

In urging its shareholders to be wary of Sheridan, the Canadian mining company said they have an important decision to make.

Terminated “It is one that will affect the value of your investment in Guyana Goldfields now and for years to come. A group led by Patrick Sheridan, whom we terminated last year as Executive Chair, wants to replace your experienced Board with an under-qualified group of his friends.

“Most of them have little or no experience as directors of producing miners. They have no coherent business strategy for the Company and no actionable business plan.”

The statement said that it has improved mining and (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday April 23, 2019

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THE CARIBBEAN, INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL LAW By Dr Bertrand Ramcharan, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Chancellor of the University of Guyana This is a time of dramatic global change and Caribbean foreign policy must evolve rapidly if we are to protect our security.

We will need bold new initiatives at the United Nations and elsewhere.

Historically, the Caribbean has contributed in manifold ways to the reinforcement of international security and international law.

Through their participation in organs such as the

Security Council, the General Assembly and ECOSOC, Caribbean States have helped shape and reinforce the international security order on issues such as self determination, the security of small states, democracy and governance, protection of the environment, and combatting of

international crimes, including drug trafficking.

Caribbean States have helped shape key foundations of international security such as the definition of aggression and the centrality of human rights in foreign policy.

Caribbean States have contributed to the codification and progressive development of international law in many areas, to the peaceful settlement of disputes, helping to create institutions such as the International Seabed Authority and the Law of the Sea Tribunal, and to international adjudication.

Caribbean nationals have served with distinction on the UN International law Commission, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

A Caribbean national exercised the functions of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Caribbean Court of Justice has set an example for the region and for the wider world. Caribbean nationals have made exemplary contributions to international human rights treaty organs.

Going forward, it is a central thesis of this chapter that

Caribbean security is intricately bound up with international security, whether it be on issues such as climate change, the rising oceans, international criminality, internal violence, and the need for stability through meeting the basic needs of Caribbean peoples.

Many of the security challenges of the Caribbean are internationally generated and require international solutions.

Caribbean States must lead and take bold new initiatives on international security cooperation in the future and, leaving aside for the moment the issue of enlargement of Security Council membership, will need to advocate for stronger executive functions of the UN Security Council.

At the end of the day, if need be, issues of the protection of endangered peoples as the world heats up and the oceans rise will require the discharge of executive functions, as well as protection functions.

Only the Security Council has the competence to do this.

On the future of international law, Caribbean States must also lead and take bold

initiatives on the future role of the International Court of Justice.

The international community must recognize the primacy of the World Court in pronouncing on the content of international law.

As global and regional threats worsen, the competence of the Court to issue orders for interim measures of protection must also be developed. These are indeed bold proposals. But, as a recent book, Falter, asked, Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? Extraordinary times require bold new approaches to international security and international law. The Caribbean must help lead the way.

Some years ago, we put together a pioneering book, Caribbean Perspectives on International Law and Organizations.

Leading Caribbean authors like Lloyd Searwar and Ralph Carnegie provided an assessment of Caribbean leadership on issues of international and regional security and law. CARICOM would do well to sponsor a futureoriented volume on The Caribbean, International Security, and International Law.

Drunk driver kills mother of three An afternoon stroll with the family on Sunday left a mother of three children dead after she was struck down by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

The incident took place around 17:30hrs on the No.1 Canal Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD). According to information, the motor lorry GPP 4022 involved in the accident was driven by a 30 year-old resident of Canal No.1 West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The family members are Angelle Barry 30, [deceased]; Jusley Brisport, 36; Nefetari Brisport, three; Orias

Brisport; three and Akeria Barry, five. They all hail from Lot 5 L’ Oratoire, Canal No.1, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Enquiries disclosed that the family was walking on the southern side of the road heading east. Jusley along with Nefetari were walking in front, while the deceased followed with the other two children. The motor lorry subsequently came along and was proceeding in the same direction as the family when the driver allegedly overtook a motor car which was proceeding in front of him.

In the process the right front of the Lorry collided

with the deceased and her husband; as a result of the collision they fell to the roadway and received injuries about their bodies.

The family was rushed to the West Demerara Regional hospital where Angelle succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment. The body is at the Ezekiel mortuary awaiting a post mortem.

The others were treated and sent away.

The driver of the motor lorry is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

According to the police he was tested and found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

Tender Board strengthens physical...

From page 7 of all owners, small business id number if so registered, biographic data on owners to support analysis by age and gender, type of business etc. This is being addressed.”

The official added, “We even engineered business processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, coordi-

nation and value for money of the NPTA operations, clarify the required organizational structure of NPTA and task ownership to support the business processes, and to identify the time it should typically take to carry out each procurement method.”

Wi c k h a m n o t e d t h a t there was a restructuring

of the NPTA based on the business processes requirement and a recommendation for a structure for procuring entities.

He said, too, that the Board has identified required changes to the Procurement Act to support an interim e-Procurement system and to harmonize the Procurement Act and the Small Business Act. Wickham said that a consultancy was done to strengthen the Procurement Act to support e-Procurement and the Board identified possible e-Procurement systems to meet Guyana’s needs

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 23, 2019

PAGE 13

Woman alleges physical abuse by rank - claims rank instructed at Parika Police Station her to spank his buttocks

A

nd almost tearful Parika resident yesterday recounted an allegedly harrowing experience she suffered at the hands of ranks at the Parika Police Station.

In apparent pain from a very badly swollen right wrist, businesswoman Ramwattie Safeek, of 1982 Parika Main Road, told this publication that a traffic rank at the Parika Police Station, on Sunday, deliberately slammed a steel gate on her right wrist, and bending over, instructed her to spank his buttock as she attempted to make a report at the police station.

The woman who is the landlady at the Parika-based 'Golden World Chinese Restaurant' told Kaieteur News that the traffic rank was in the habit of constantly tormenting her in the public.

She said he would often verbally abuse her in the streets, and would often publicly tease her about her epileptic condition for which she was being medically treated.

She said many times the rank would call her a mad woman in public and would tease her incessantly despite her pleas for him to stop.

The woman said that on Sunday she visited the police station to secure bail for her

The injured Ramwattie Safeek is seeking justice for alleged abuse at the hands of Parika Police

son who was in custody when the incident occurred.

She said her son, Kumesh Seecharran, had visited her on Sunday and had taken a few drinks. He became physically abusive to his reputed wife (pushed her during a heated argument).

As a result he was taken into custody after a relative reported the matter.

The woman said a few hours later, the reputed wife went to the station and told ranks there that she will not

further pursue the matter, and preferred to have her husband released. The businesswoman informed that police ranks refused to have her write a statement to that effect (as is customarily done), stating that they preferred to send the matter to court.

The businesswoman said as she attempted to secure bail for her son, the traffic rank instructed ranks not to grant bail and ordered her out of the station. She said she

left the premises but stayed within close vicinity of the station since she preferred to wait for the Officer in Charge, who ranks had informed was away on a boat cruise.

She said she was informed some time later that the OIC had returned and was on her way to see him, when the rank confronted her at the gate to the police station. She said that on relating her reasons for returning, he roughly refused her entry and slammed the gate on her when she attempted to enter.

She said the gate hit her wrist and she felt excruciating pain. She said that the rank then bent over and instructed her to slap his buttocks, much to the amusement of other ranks at the station.

The woman said some moments later she managed to get into the compound but ranks there refused to take a report as she attempted to have them record the actions of the traffic rank. She said that as she attempted to take meals for her son still in custody, around 10: 40 am yesterday, ranks there refused to take the meals, despite complaints by her son that he was very hungry.

The woman said that several efforts to obtain a

Ministry partners with Region Ten for Patient Care Assistant Programme

S

ixty youths in Region Ten are in training to become Patient Care Assistants. This development represents a tactical collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health and the Linden Hospital Complex.

Speaking of the programme recently was Regional Chairman, Mr. Renis Morian, who has expressed appreciation for the tactical collaboration.

Morian disclosed that the programme which is catering to the 60 youths is moving ahead smoothly with increased interest being shown by the participants.

“This certainly will go a long way as we would be able to have Patient Care Assistants in the various health centres, and [this] forms part of the Government's attempt at improving health care in Guyana. We are working to improve our health centres

and clinics; we are working very aggressively to improve health care in the health centres and if you go around the region you recognise that there is a vast improvement of health care in Region Ten,” Morian said.

The Regional Chairman declared that he will continue, through the support of his Regional Councillors and other various stakeholders, to improve the lives of the Region's young people. He disclosed plans to continue exploring a number of agencies in bringing about holistic growth and development.

Morian said that a number of collaborative measures will be explored in forging youth development and most importantly empowerment.

He disclosed that a number of outlying areas in Region Ten will also be targeted. It is not only

Regional Chairman of the Region 10 RDC, Mr. Renis Morian Linden that will benefit.

Some of the outlying communities such as Mabura and River View are likely to see job creation avenues.

Morian said, too, that job creation within Region Ten among young people is critically important. He

disclosed that the economic challenges being faced by many of the youths are currently being addressed by his office with the support of a number of agencies and Ministries.

“Therefore, this Patient Care Assistant training is important as when you think about the economic impact of 60 persons being employed, it certainly will assist a number of families as they are currently receiving a stipend during the six months training and upon completion they would certainly receive a salary, which means that we have 60 les s p er s o n s w h o ar e unemployed,” he said.

According to Morian, “We remain thankful to the Ministry of Public Health because these 60 individuals are now learning a skill and hopefully have made a positive start to what can be a long term career for them in the health sector.”

medical certificate from the police station to take to the hospital were turned down flat by ranks there as well.

She said in desperation she visited the Lenora Police Station and tried to get one there, but after explaining what the traffic rank had done, they too refused to give her the medical.

Kaieteur News contacted the police station yesterday and spoke with Traffic Rank Archer who at first said the business woman was telling lies.

However when the reporter indicated that there was a video circulating of him, bending over and instructing the woman to slap his buttocks he softened, and admitted that his actions were inappropriate and disrespectful. He also agreed

that he acted outside of his jurisdiction as a police officer.

Ye s t e r d a y t h i s publication spoke with at least four residents who all indicated that this particular traffic rank was arrogant and would normally use excessive force on members of the public.

Andrew Luther of Parika told this publication that on Saturday night last he witnessed an incident where Archer and a female rank locked the gates and beat a prisoner who appeared to be intoxicated. He said they took off a main light in the station but there was enough lighting for him to see what transpired from outside.

He said the man was beaten with a baton and was (continued on page 19)

Judge overrules defence no case submission in 'Frying Pan' shooting death trial

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h e n t h e murder trial of Suresh Sakawat, called 'Vishal', 31; a labourer of Clifton, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, continued in The Berbice High Court, Justice Jo Ann Barlow overruled the defence no case submission at the end of a voir dire.

Sakawat, who is on trial for the murder Sasenarine Baljit, 40, called “Frying Pan” of Clifton Settlement, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, is on trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. He is accused of shooting Baljit on June 2, 2015 at Expectation, Port Mourant Back Dam. The state's case is being presented by Attorney at law, Mandel Moore. Attorneys at Law Ryan Crawford and Chandra Sohan are appearing for Sakawat.

Baljit's bullet-riddled body was found in a trench in the backlands of Tain Settlement, Corentyne some three days after the incident.

The body bore several shotgun injuries to the back.

Sakawat was reportedly held some days after the incident at his brother in law's residence.

At the end of the voir dire both the defence and prosecution had put forward their arguments which were then considered by the judge.

Justice Barlow subsequently overruled the defence no case submission before

Murder accused: Suresh Sakawat called 'Vishal' continuing with the main trial. Detective Sergeant Michael Peters testified to being a part of the investigation and the part he played.

Testifying earlier were the dead man's sister, Dharmenia Beharry; Detective Constable De Souza, the accused brother in law Ramesh Busjit; and Parsram Suraj. Suraj told the court that he was the one who took the police to search the ranch when they noticed the body floating in the trench.

Government Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan had testified to performing an autopsy on Baljit's body at the Port Mourant Hospital.

The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

He gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage and gunshot injuries.

The matter is continuing.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Contractors hear of impact when projects not done properly and timely - as Region Four RDC promises prompt H payment once projects completed

ead of the Region Four R e g i o n a l Democratic Council [RDC] Works Committee, Mr. Earl Lambert, who is also the Regional Vice Chairman, is of the firm view that contractors must step up to the plate and deliver.

He made it pellucid that doing less than what is required essentially serves to deny residents of what they deserve in terms of properly completed projects. Lambert expressed this view during a recent signing ceremony which saw some $75M in contracts being awarded.

Lambert warned the contractors about what, he said, has become a common practice whereby contractors bid for several projects within the various regions and when successful they are unable to complete these projects in a timely manner.

This, he explained, is primarily owing to shortage of workforce or technical equipment. “We wouldn't want you to sign a contract with us and you have a small workforce that you have to be sharing with or on other projects and it means that our work will be delayed,” he said.

Reiterating that projects must be completed in a

timely manner, the Regional Works Committee head noted, that if the works are not completed in a timely manner, then the Regional Executive Officer [REO] would be answerable for funds that the region would have been allocated.

“We can't have projects that have been given out and not completed and six months would have passed, it means that action would have to be taken and you can't be annoyed with us when those actions would have been taken,” Lambert stressed.

L a m b e r t u rg e d t h e contractors that it is his wish that they would stand to their word based on what they would have tendered.

He pointed out that with the significant number of contracts being awarded is a testimony that the Demerara/Mahaica Region is steadfast on bringing about holistic growth and development for its residents.

He added, “We will all be happy in Region Four as a result of your work once you

stick to what you would have promised us.”

REO, Pauline Lucas, reassured contractors that payment delays will be a thing of the past as, according to her, the cause for such issues has been rectified.

Lucas admitted that there were some glitches in the past which, she noted, would have resulted in several persons taking a bit longer to receive their payments.

“We do understand that contractors have materials to pay for and staff to pay also, and I know that sometimes we had some delays within the region in getting them their payments so I want to assure you that I have held several meetings with my staff in having this matter addressed,” she said.

She continued, “I have reminded my staff that processing of payments must be done in a timely manner. I will not accept excuses from my staff when this is not done as the contractors are asked to do their work at a high standard and in a timely manner.

“The region must ensure that when this is done that payment is made in a timely manner too. I cannot be asking you to finish the work in a timely manner and my staff is not paying you in a timely manner.

“So let me go on record and say that your payments will be done in a timely manner and you can hold me to that.”

The REO, however, warned that the submission of requests for payments will not result in immediate payment as the work must be examined thoroughly to ensure that it was done according to the terms and condition of the contract.

“When you submit your request for payment several departments have to kick in and I must say that our engineer department is u n d e r s t a ff e d b u t t h e y continue to work beyond the call of duty to get the work done.

“So I am appealing that if you are asked on the weekends to cooperate with us for your project to be examined, please understand

SHE said

YES

A soldier, Ackeem Hosannah, recently went down on his knees to ask his lady friend, Abbyolia Christopher, a police woman for her hands in marriage.

She apparently said yes, from these Facebook photos he posted up.

Regional Vice Chairman and the Head of the Regional Works Committee, Mr. Earl Lambert addressing contractors recently. and cooperate with us,” Lucas said.

She added, “Owing to the limited staff my work cannot be done within the five-day work week, therefore it has to be done on weekends or holidays. “When you

cooperate with us those in the engineer's department will do their part so as to ensure that those in the accounts department can do their part and then those in the sub-treasury department can do their part too.”

Chinese contractor ...

From page 3 runway was found to be unsuitable (something that could have been discovered if studies were executed before the signing of the Contract). The decision to also extend the runway in the South West direction was taken by the then PPP/C Government since 2013.

This decision resulted in additional excavation and sand filling.”

The minister disclosed that in 2015, the new Government was presented with a project that was badly performing, with almost 35% of the monies were already expended.

On ly 7 % comp leted The contractor had claims for over US$44M – If successful, that would have meant that Government of Guyana (GoG) would have paid US$90M for less than seven per cent of the actual work.

“An assessment of the project was done in 2015 and the GoG was presented with these options a) abandon the project completely, which carried the risk of losing all the monies already paid to the contractor as well as a possible court case, b) allocate additional funds to the project (estimated at approximately US$35M), to make up for the poor preliminary planning and execution or c) complete the project within the allocated contract sum.” Patterson disclosed that the Cabinet,

after deliberations opted for option C. However, there were strict guidelines- that the contract sum remains at the same level and that the runway be completed to international specifications.

He said that this was always the position of the Coalition even while in Opposition.

Cabinet was also insistent that the terminal buildings must be able to adequately accommodate the projected passenger increases and that no unnecessary residents of Timehri North be removed.

It was the intentions of the PPP/C government to move over 2,000 residents as part of this expansion programme, Patterson said.

Patterson said that despite the “accusations of KN”, the decision to allow extra sand filling plus the cost payable for the sand was all taken by the PPP/C government – thus the volume of sand filling required moved from 4.4M cubic metres to 10.1M cubic metres – This is due to the fact that the South West section is at a lower elevation than the North East.

He pointed that that it was not this administration but rather the PPP/C that determined the cost of the sand. “My team has worked hard to salvage this project within the constraints that existed, and we are proud of the outcome and the benefits for our country. I trust the above sheds some additional light on this topic.”

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday April 23, 2019

Easter 2019 in Georgetown reeked of frolic and fun - kites, picnic baskets and laughter abound T

he sound of pulsating music pierced the air from all corners of the city.

The crowds thronged the streets of Georgetown, some heading for the National Park, Everest Cricket Ground, Kingston Seawall, and other locations.

The police were in every nook and cranny of the city, seemingly intent on nabbing criminals who dared to use the hustle and bustle to their best advantage.

This year around there was a noted higher level of festivity to the Easter celebrations. The minibus

drivers were smiling in satisfaction as they made several trips, packed to capacity, to various locations where families gathered in their numbers.

A t t h e Y W C A Compound on Camp Street, Georgetown, children in bright apparel played on the

swings, chased after each other, or held on to their kites under the watchful eyes of parents. There was certainly an exciting family-oriented atmosphere at this location, but it could not match the frolic at the nearby National Park.

Approaching the National Park one saw families lounging comfortable on blankets under trees, while their kids busied themselves with kite flying or getting their fill of the meals prepared.

The mouthwatering aroma of Creole food filled the air. There were heaping plates of chicken and roti being passed around.

Inside the park it was not all about kite flying. The combination of families, v e h i c le s , t e n t s a n d food/beverage stalls created the atmosphere of a very large fun day.

Yo u n g s t e r s w e r e engaged in football, cricket and even athletics; toddlers darted in and out of stalls, often chased after by impatient mothers.

There were lots of kites in the skies, but the crowds seemed more intent on engaging in ring games and activities that brought bubbly laughter from all sections of the location.

In some areas there were full-fledged family picnics.

Some families had even walked with their bar-b-que grills on which fish, chicken and pork were just sizzling.

There were hundreds of spectators in the National Park and at some point the security ranks there had to put a stop to vehicles entering the venue. There was just not enough space to accommodate them.

Large crowds thronged the road on both sides as they made their way to the E v e r e s t C ri c k e t C l u b Compound, and other open spaces at which a celebration of some sort was happening.

In open fields in this location families were seated comfortably, some on pavilions at several Sports Clubs, while others used their vehicles for modes of relaxation, and to hide from

the sun.

Here fathers seemed to play a much greater role in ensuring the little ones had a good time, while the mothers seemed more focused on watching every move of their teenage daughters.

The vendors here, too, all wore bright smiles, because sweets, confectionaries, beverages and food items were going like wildfire.

And the candy men could not seem to stuff cash quickly enough into their pockets before it was time to trade more candy to eager youngsters tumbling over themselves to enjoy the 'sweet mysteries'.

What was noted is that there were families from as far as Lethem and Berbice.

They had travelled to enjoy the Easter festivities in Georgetown.

Many of them indicated that it was always a pleasure to return to Georgetown for such festivities since it allowed for a rollicking time in a place outside their village.

(By Alex Wayne)

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 23, 2019

PAGE 19

Consumer Affairs records over $91M in consumer breaches for 2018 O

n a relentless drive to ensure consumers become aware of their rights, and also to adequately deal with consumer complaints, the Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) has staged several a w a r e n e s s inspections/exercises countrywide.

Reports reaching this publication from the CAU, indicate that the entity has recorded more than $91 M direct breaches of consumers l e g i s l a t i o n b y businesses/manufactures in 2018.

Head of the Consumers Affairs Unit, Feyona AustinPaul, noted that the market for goods and services in Guyana is undergoing a rapid transformation due to the intensification of international trade and the rapid growth of ecommerce.

This, she said, has led to new distribution systems for goods and services, thus offering consumers tremendous new opportunities.

Consequently, this has increased consumers' vulnerability to new forms of unfair trade and unscrupulous business practices.

This is evident as complaints over the past four years have increased exponentially. Facts extracted from the CAU 2018 Report shows that when compared to 2015, there has been a substantial 158% increase in consumer complaints while the pecuniary value has more than tripled.

As a result, the Consumer Affairs Unit has undergone a profound revolution in order to combat this growing issue.

The unit has moved away from the norm of primarily solving complaints to being a pioneer in consumer advocacy as well as sensitising suppliers of their duties through countrywide business inspections.

An Analysis of Performance in the Consumer Affairs Annual Report 2018 shows that for the financial year the Consumer Affairs

One of the many CAU Awareness initiatives was recently staged on Main Street, Georgetown.

Unit received 289 complaints with an aggregate monetary value of $91,868,324.

Complaints received increased by 22% when compared to 2017 while the value decreased by 25%. Of these complaints, 90% were product-based. The remaining 10% were service based.

In January 2018, thirty complaints were received with a monetary value of some $9,133,892, while in February of the said year the CAU received nineteen complaints with a cash value of $1,588,522. In March there were 20 complaints with a value of $14,772,597; in April there were 21 complaints for a value of some $17,457,745.

For May of the same year CAU recorded 22 complaints at $5,086,753, while in June there were 20 complaints at a $6,367,906 cash value. July saw 20 cases at $11,918,874, with August recordings 26 claims at$ 8,205,574 For September 2018, there were 26 reports with a value of $3,560,928, while in October there were 25 valued at $1,258,443.

Thirty Three cases were recorded in November at $6,352,733. December records showed 20 cases with a value of $6,164,357. This shows a record of 289 cases at

Woman alleges physical abuse by rank at Parika Police Station From page 13 punched several times in the face before the lights were turned back on some time later.

It is said that this victim is still in the police station.

Kaieteur News also spoke with another male at the station who admitted that

the woman's son was in custody.

He did not deny the fact that they had refused the requests of the reputed wife to drop the matter, but did indicate that at that police station they preferred to have a zero tolerance approach to cases of domestic abuse.

a staggering cash value of $91,868,324 Furthermore, the monthly complaints received averaged 24. This according to CAU exceeded previous years-- 19 complaints in 2017; 12 complaints in 2016 and nine complaints in 2015.

The Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) has undertaken a regulatory framework which is led by facts based on technical evidence and outcome focused. This incorporates the utilization of data and information

based on complaints, research and analysis and field work assessment; in order to better evaluate contravention trends, thus allowing the development of outcome focus strategies and programs in the sphere of consumer protection.

In other words, the unit has integrated a system where information about contraventions, complaints trends, and specific groups of offenders is analyzed and then paired with executive strategies. This is to

appropriately direct actions and resources for the purpose of creating an impact of compliance by reducing, eliminating, and preventing contraventions of the Consumer Affairs Act As dictated by CAU, administering and enforcing the Consumer Affairs Act has taken shape in many dynamics, with the addition of countrywide business compliance inspections in 2018.The challenges faced especially non-compliance by suppliers, have caused the

remodeling of their modus operandi resulting in a more proactive, and results driven approach.

The Consumer Affairs Unit Consumer Protection forms part of the Treaty Provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which saw the development of the Consumer Affairs Act of Guyana (Act No.13 of 2011).

The Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission is charged with the Legal mandate of administering and enforcing the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) with purview of durable goods and services. The Consumer Affairs Act protects consumers from being unfairly treated by businesses and also provides a legal framework by which businesses can utilise to operate.

The Unit, in its effort to bring the business community into compliance, inclusive of enforcement of the CAA, incorporates awareness methods that advocates the importance of building a viable consumer–supplier relationship predicated on the theme “value for money”..

New Amsterdam gets major facelift and transformation

T

o relieve the town of its litter and solid wastes, the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) joined forces with the Berbice Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Cevons Waste Management, to host a massive clean-up campaign in the run up to Easter.

The exercise received the full support of staff and councillors of the municipality, and some residents of New Amsterdam. Among the team members were Mayor

of New Amsterdam, Winifred Heywood; Deputy M a y o r Wa i n w r i g h t McIntosh; Town Clerk Sharon Alexander; and newly elected President of the BCC, Errol Azar.

The collaborative effort was intended to enhance the town and more so, to promote teamwork and encourage residents to keep a tidy community.

Deputy Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh, told the media, “What we are doing is basically mirroring what the council and the

Government of Guyana (GoG) wants for our town. A clean, healthy and green environment, especially since we are the oldest town, we are going to try our best to lead by example.”

The council has established fines persons will have to pay once they are found dumping their waste indescribably. In this regard, the Council is urging residents to as sist in identifying individuals who are caught littering.

Apart from the cleanup exercise, the municipality

has already cleared several major trenches, ahead of the May-June rains. They are urging residents to keep the canals clean in an effort to prevent flooding within the town. Residents are being urged to be more involved in cleaning their surroundings in keeping New Amsterdam clean.

The effort by the New Amsterdam Town Council is in keeping with the UN Sustain Development Goal (SDG) six which calls for clean water and sanitation for all citizens.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday April 23, 2019

A JOYOUS EASTER! T

he Easter Season is one of the most welcome times of the year. It is respected and celebrated by people of every culture and religion in Guyana's multi-racial, multiracial mosaic. This is not surprising since it has both strong religious and cultural strands.

The Easter story is wellknown: Lord Jesus who was God incarnate began teaching the people of ancient Palestine a new and revolutionary ethic of nonviolence, love, peace and the brotherhood of all Mankind.

His teachings were regarded as subversive, especially among the conservative, religious and ruling classes who decided that he should be eliminated.

Their plot to kill him was successful and he was judicially sentenced to die by crucifixion. His death was a long and agonizing one.

He, a frail man who had just come out of a period of prolonged fasting, was made to carry the heavy cross on which he was to be nailed up over a long distance. This

painful journey as well as his crucifixion is historically documented.

He was crucified on Good Friday and buried the same day. His family and those who believed in his teachings suffered intense pain and sorrow.

When he was certified as dead, they permitted them to take him down from the cross and bury him. He was buried in the family burial chamber.

As they waited all Saturday, the family and disciples lived in anxious hope that God will raise him from the dead. Then, on Easter Sunday he rose again from the dead. The rejoicing among the early Christians was intense since all were now convinced that the Son of God was indeed among them. And this was further confirmed when he ascended into Heaven.

The death and Resurrection of Lord Jesus is one of the most important occurrences in Human History.

Every year, the churches all over the world reenact the

drama of the death and Resurrection of Lord Jesus in their Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday services.

The Good Friday services usually last for more than three hours and depict Jesus carrying his cross and the crucifixion and his burial. This Good Friday service is intensely sad.

Holy Saturday is a time of anxiously awaiting the Resurrection and is a time of hope. The Sunday services are a burst of joy for they celebrate the Rising of the Lord from the dead. The cries of "He is risen!" often resound. Easter is the most joyous day in the Christian calendar.

The Easter message is of deep significance for the welfare and salvation of Man. It brings the presence of God to Man's consciousness in a very direct way. And Lord Jesus' teaching has been growing in impact with the passing of time, moving from ancient Palestine to every country in the world.

As we have mentioned

Miner accused of raping under-aged children found with unlicensed gun

P

olice in' F ' Division on Saturday, about 20:30hrs, arrested a 27-year-old miner of Potaro R i v e r, R e g i o n Eight, for rape of a child under 16 years.

A search of his person revealed an unlicensed pistol with six live rounds.

The suspect who was arrested at Garraway Stream, Potaro River, is cooperating with investigators.

The seized gun and ammo.

Correction for court picture

I

n the Wednesday Edition April 17, 2019 on page 30, is the photograph published as “Gregory Bascom”.

This person is Gregory Nickels and is in no way related to any of the information contained in the article.

We apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused to the said individual or his relatives.

Correct name: Gregory Nickels

above, the Easter Season has a celebratory dimension which occurs on the Monday after Easter Sunday.

The secular aspects of the Festival actually begin with cross buns on the Thursday before Good Friday.

The cross bun mixture is unique to Holy Thursday and each bun will be embossed with a cross.

Cross buns are widely exchanged among families and children look forward to them.

Families, even the most humble, prepare special lunches or dinners, and feel blessed if they are visited by at least one guest. The centre-piece of the Easter Celebrations is kite flying.

The customs of kite flying has been changing over the years.

Twenty or thirty years ago, all families, particularly the children, made their own kites. Kite making started

PAT DIAL

two weeks before Easter Monday. Frames were made of any soft wood and almost everyone tried his hand at making frames.

Papers of every thickness and colour were pasted on the kites and kites were decorated by "stars" pasted in the middle.

These "stars" were all of unique designs and star making was a special art.

Loop making was also a special art for if the loop was not tied with very accurate balance, the kite would never stay in the air for very long.

From dawn on Easter Monday, kite flyers would set out for the day's fun.

They congregated all along the sea walls and on every sports ground or park or any open space and tens of thousands of kites would soon be aloft and the skies became decorated with colours of every kind .Picnicking was an

inseparable part of the fun of kite flying.

Today, there is far less kite making. Most families and children buy their kites from professional kite makers, or more so, the cheap, flimsy Chinaimported plastic kites.

Though Easter kite flying has somewhat diminished in popularity, those who still fly kites enjoy it immensely and as such, the custom is gradually being revived.

Though the customs of Easter has changed over the years, the meaning and quality of the Festival has not changed.

The moral and spiritual message of Easter is still as inspiring and moving as it ever was and the celebratory aspects of the Festival still awakens joy. The Easter spirit of Renewal remains as strong as it was on the first Easter some two thousand years ago.

Jamaica signs onto China's Belt...

From page 2 economic involvement of China in the region goes hand in hand with its diplomatic objectives, which are to garner support in the global arena, reduce US dominance, and isolate Taiwan by trying to “lure away Latin American and Caribbean countries that still maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China”.

It notes that in 2017 and 2018, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Panama switched recognition to China.

The report reveals that under the Trump Administration, the official United States view of Chinese influence in the region has gone from positive to suspicious, citing concern expressed by the National Security Strategy that “China seeks to pull the region into its orbit through State-led investments and loans”.

The Administration further identified China's support for Venezuela, investment in regional ports that can be of strategic value, infrastructure investments involving the Panama Canal, and growing arms sales to the region — particularly Venezuela as other areas of concern.

UNSUSTAINABLE DEBT According to the report, some analysts are suggesting that the debt amassed by

some countries is unsustainable and this could lead to their economies “becoming less competitive in manufacturing and agricultural technologies, and more dependent upon commodities exports to China and elsewhere”.

It also reveals that many Chinese companies in the region still do not conform to international labour, safety and environmental requirements.

T h e r e p o r t acknowledges, however, that a number of analysts and regional leaders are doubtful of the US administration's speculations and concerns.

Indeed, last year Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela showed some defiance when his country's relations with the United States were questioned ahead of Panama's participation in the Shanghai trade fair.

“We are a neutral country —sovereign, dignified,” the president stated.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang recently responded to American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's criticism of Chinese involvement in Venezuela, saying, “for a long time the United States has regarded Latin America as its own backyard to pressure, threaten and even subvert political power in other countries at every turn.

Some American politicians have been harping on one string” to “smear China

across the world”.

Following on Jamaica's signing onto the Chinese BRI earlier this month, an article published on April 15 by the South China Morning Post notes that while China and the United States are close to a trade deal, “squabbles over China's growing influence in Latin America and the Caribbean broke out again after Beijing last week secured Jamaica's official endorsement of its vast 'Belt and Road Initiative'”.

As these “squabbles” continue and as analysts and reports give varying opinions on Chinese influence in the region, one thing appears clear.

The level of Chinese involvement in Latin America and the Caribbean over recent years has firmly established its economic footprint in this part of the world.

The report Cautious Capital: Chinese Development Finance in LAC, 2018 from the InterAmerican Dialogue states, “even if Chinese policy banks continue to lend to LAC [Latin America and the Caribbean] at relatively low levels, as they did in 2017 and 2018, the combined effect of Chinese policy bank, commercial bank, and other forms of lending will ensure a sizeable Chinese financial presence in the region for years to come, potentially in a wider variety of projects”.

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Charge dismissed against travel agent in $11M fraud Magistrate Dellon Bess has dismissed all charges against Priya Lall, a former travel agent attached to Muneshwer’s Travel Agency who had been indicted for embezzling some $11 M. The charge, read that Lall being a clerk or servant at Muneshwer’s Travel Agency Limited, fraudulently embezzled US$51,810, equivalent to G$11,190,960, which she took between September 8, 2017 and October 19, 2017, at Water Street.

Reports reaching this newspaper stated that more than 30 passengers paid monies for tickets to the travel agent (Lall) that she would book flights.

Instead she issued the customers with flight itineraries and disappeared. Approximately $7 million of the amount represented monies for tickets for flights on Fly Jamaica Airlines.

The 29-year- old woman had reportedly left the country after she cashed in ticket sales at the popular travel agency, where she was once employed. She was charged soon after she returned to Guyana.

However, last week Thursday, the case was dismissed against Lall after the Prosecution failed to prove that at the time that the alleged crime was committed, Lall was employed

Priya Lall

at Universal Travel Agency.

The woman‘s lawyer, Euclin Gomes, pointed out the name of the company listed in the charge, does not coincide with the name under which the business is registered.

He noted that the correct name of the business must be listed in the charge; it is essential to establish a case against his client.

The lawyer said that the charge was defective and the Prosecution although it was given an opportunity to amend the defect, failed to do so.

“The Prosecution was given a chance to seek advice from the Director of Public

Proescutions (DPP) to amend the defect. However it was a defect that they failed to cure.”

As such, the charges were dropped against Ms Lall.

Lall had been working at the agency for the past six years and the agency never had any issues with her and monies prior to this incident. Kaieteur News understands that Lall had been employed with Travel Span, Globe Span and Fly Jamaica prior to working with the agency.

The matter could be taken to the High Court since there is the contention that the police deliberately failed to institute the correct charge.

Police hunt men who kidnap miner, shoot driver dead A gold miner is confirming that a driver in the gold mining district of Ubana, Kuribrong, who witnessed the stripping of a truck, was shot dead in the Interior on Sunday and a gold miner abducted.

The gold miner has only confirmed the identity of the dead man as “Nick” or “Peron” of Bartica. He said to be about 29.

The man who witnessed the gunning down of Nicholas was allegedly taken away against his will, the gold miner further stated that the person abducted has been identified as Elon Thomas of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, who operates a mining Concession along with his Wife, Phulmattie Persaud.

Police have since been alerted that they should be on the lookout for a Man named

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Kaieteur News

‘Pak’ and several other Men aboard a truck with the marking, “Not Guilty.”

Sunday’s incident allegedly stemmed from Nicholas witnessing the stripping of Clifford Fordyce’s truck two weeks ago and the stealing of the parts. The Gold Miner alleged that the Parts were installed on Pak’s Truck.

Miners fear that if police do not swiftly intercept the truck with Pak and the other suspects, they could elude lawmen by turning off at 14 Miles Junction and head to Omai, Sherima or Georgetown. Alternatively, they could branch off at the 23 Miles Junction and head to Sherima or Issano.

The attached Photographs below depicts an Image of the Vehicle that Nicholas was driving when he

The dead man has been identified as Nicholas from Bartica, Region 7. was shot dead and the other an image of Nicholas.

(Edward Persaud story and photos)

Tractor topples, pins operator to death A man who has been identified as Sudesh, from Meten Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was on Saturday killed as the tractor he was operating toppled and pinned him to his death in the DeKinderen backlands.

According to reports, the 38-year-o l d t r a c t o r operator who works for the Guyana Sugar Corporation allegedly went into the backlands around 07:00hrs to plough the land some 20 miles from the public road.

While the dec e a s ed was heading back out from the backlands he reportedly

lost control of the vehicle as he was carrying out a turn. As a result, the tractor toppled and ended up in a trench.

Sudesh who fell out of the tractor was pinned.

The victim was pinned under the water for some time. He was subsequently pulled out by farmers who rushed him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

At the hospital,

Sudesh was pronounced dead on arrival. The body was escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home where it is awaiting a post mortem.

The incident was reported to the police who informed that the motor tractor which had the registration number 29920 is owned by Lakeram Persaud, a 44-year-old sawmill operator.

PAGE 22

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Female shopkeeper from Vigilance tried to dump ganja through windows FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

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Foundation & Column completed, Land size 40x80, structure 30x24 Price $6.5M.Diamond Scheme contact Ganesh#669-9539/ 693-5096.

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Loo creek 35 Acres from Road $35M, Saxaealli 25 Acres, River Friendship $30M, Support River Front $30M.Shawn#2312199/618-7483.

CAR RENTAL

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Business space to rent. No restaurant. Serious enquiries only. 233 South Road 225-0198/615-0317.

South; Aubrey Barker 100x100.$35M, John street Cambellville $40M, Thomas street Cummingsburg 27M.Contact#231-2199, 6187483.

House for sale $2.5M neg (house only), 52 West Sideline Dam Victoria Village ECD. 648-6457

WANTED We buy Land in Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm.We Pay in $US.Tel#6481635.

Live in waitress to work in a bar.Must be 18-23yrs old.

Must have ID.Contact# 2212785.

Person to work at Hot dog cart.Should have valid food handlers certificate.Call#6904722 Security Guard.Location lower E.C.D & G/town.Age 4055.Contact Kamal 614-7147/ 643-9861.

1 Live in domestic. Must know to cook.Age 25-50yrs.

Salary $25,000 per week.6103974.

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Cleaners to work in Georgetown.Call:227-1717.

Truck Driver to drive Garbage truck in Linden.Contact 4446248.

1 Experienced male sales attendant with stocktaking knowledge. Apply with handwritten application & recommendation. KeyFood McDoom Village.

Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com

Police, on Saturd a y, a c t i n g o n i n f o r mation, went to a s h o p i n Vi g i l a n c e South, East Coast Demerara to conduct a search.

When they arrived, a female on seeing the ranks, quickly disposed of a parcel through one of the windows of the shop.

Police said that they retrieved the parcel and found inside a quantity of cannabis.

The 35-year-old suspect, who is the owner of the business, was arrested and is being processed for court.

Police said that the prohibited substance weighed 120 grams.

The retrieved ganja.

Starr Computer helping to bridge technological gap with...

From page 8 young age, youths will have to learn coding to better understand the functioning of the devices around them.

“With an emerging Oil and Gas economy, to fast forward learning, modern classroom will be needed to allow each child to interact with their teachers and communicate with a shared electronic white board using a wide range of mobile devices across multiple operating system platforms,” Mohan further intoned.

STARR has integrated technologies from various Manufactures, including Samsung, Lenovo and Epson, to develop its own Modern classroom solution. In this regard, teachers can now connect with up to

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Female kitchen assistant for interior location. Job entails assisting cooks and cleaning.

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4722.

50 students simultaneously in a classroom into a virtual learning process.

This system allows the results of exams to be shared instantly with administrators and parents. And with a stable and high speed Internet connection, teachers can conduct classes to multiple locations at the same time.

The Innovation Centre also showcases the introduction of disruptive technologies.

For instance, the current Robotic Vacuum cleaner will be extended to humanoid robots and the Dr. Albert Einstein [doll] already responds to questions via the wireless Internet.

The Hologram 3D displays images of brands and products are an eye-catching experience. Recreational Drones on display can be upgraded to agricultural, search and rescue, and, deliverable drones. In the near future too, STARR will be showcasing an Industrial drone for the

agricultural sector on their newly built Observation Deck, Mohan revealed.

It is expected that Starr’s recreational 3D Printer on display will open the imagination for manufacturers since 3D printers are today even used to produce low income homes.

Already many Technology Partners have teamed up with Starr Computer to showcase their future roadmap in the STARR Innovation Centre.

It is expected that the Innovation Centre will feature the future of cutting-edge technology including: business solutions, retail management, laser projection, security solutions, power management and education.

Already for this year Starr successfully partnered with companies such as Hewlett Packard, APC, Epson, ELO, Bematec, Honeywell, HikVision and Star Micronics to conduct seminars\workshops on emerging technologies at the Innovation Centre.

Private-sector...

From page 9 pellucid that there needs to be a strengthening of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to reduce its reliance on government support and improve information availability and quality.

It said that ongoing support to GWI’s route towards selfsustainability, through efficiency improvement, consolidation of the governance structure of the sector, and expansion of the potable water supply as well as wastewater collection and treatment should continue.

Further to this, the IDB said that supporting Guyana’s access to climate financing to improve drainage infrastructure is needed.

On this front, the Bank noted that climate change has impacted the coastline drainage system, which has aged and has become unreliable.

“Hence, policy intervention in the drainage sector should focus on supporting the Government in accessing climate financing for resilient infrastructure (e.g., sea defense), increasing knowledge through means such as a geo-referenced asset database to guide maintenance activities, and modelling of the surface and underground water systems.”

Tuesday April 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana’s 53rd Independence celebrations in NY slated for June 2, 2019 BROOKLYN: The Guyana Independence Celebration Committee (New York) will host the New York celebration of Guyana’s 53rd Anniversary of Independence on Sunday, June 2, 2019 in Brooklyn.

This year’s celebration theme is “Fan The Flame of Guyanese Patriotism.”

The New York Celebration is Guyana’s largest Independence commemoration outside of Guyana.

Thousands of Guyanese from the New York City tristate area and throughout North America flock Brooklyn annually for the independence festivities. This outpouring of support has grown the event into the second largest Caribbean celebration in New York City, after the Labor Day Parade. The organization’s website, celebrateGuyanainnyc.com has received over five million visits since 2016.

The overall commemoration commences with the Consul General’s interfaith service at York College on May 19, followed by Consul General’s official ceremony on May 24.

The Independence Committee will host a youth symposium on May 27, at Medgar Evers College under the

theme “Our Youth: Moving Guyana Forward.”

The main celebration will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2019. It comprises the annual Guyanese Independence Parade on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony and after parade Unity Concert at a venue to be announced.

The parade will be led by members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyanese-Americans in US law enforcement and the US Military . The joint military and law enforcement officers will also conduct the Flag Raising ceremony. Ten GDF officers and two police officers will travel to New York to represent the Joint Services of Guyana at the celebration. Guyana Government officials who have been invited include Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Health Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hastings-Williams, Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine and Director of Sports Christopher Jones.

Artistes who are sched-

uled to perform include Guyana’s reigning calypso king, ‘Mighty Believer’ Kenroy Fraser; GuyaneseAmerican hip-hop artiste Lia Givenchy, Stichy the One Man Band, Carib soca monarch Brandon Harding, chutney monarch and runner up Soca monarch, Steven Ramphal, third place soca monarch runner-up Vintage, Trevon VibeZ, Adrian Dutchin, chutney legend Terry Gajraj, former two-time calypso monarch Diana Chapman, Guyanese-American rapper Kelsy More, gospel artistes Saiku and Jeremiah, dancer Jonnel Shury, reggae artiste Omaje, dancehall artiste Jory and artiste Blaze Anthonio.

They will be accompanied

by Angel Caribbean and Band DJ Mix Master Tony. There will also be surprise guest artistes. The Event will be hosted by radio personality Malcolm Ferreira, Dr. Rose October and comedian Trey Sancho. Organizations, businesses, groups or individuals who are interested in participating in the celebration, placing trucks or floats on the parade, or in vending, may contact the Committee at www.celebrateguyanainnyc.com or call 929-263-2556.

Past independence celebrations in New York by Guyanese.

15 companies conducting due diligence on Guyana...

From page 10 milling rates at the Aurora Gold Mine in the Cuyuni, Region Seven.

“We eliminated an inefficient and costly dual reporting structure. We strengthened our management team and refreshed the Board. We enhanced our governance practices. We restructured our local office in Guyana.”

The company has also developed a new resource model and life-of-mine plan to deal with its biggest challenge: the over-estimation of contained ounces in the Aurora Gold Mine’s 2012 resource model “Throughout all of this, we have continued to lead safe operations at the Aurora Gold Mine We recognize that these challenges – particularly the revised resource model – have taken a toll on our share price. But had we not faced them, the toll would have been much worse.”

“Throughout this challenging period, we have been transparent and forthright with shareholders. Mr. Sheridan criticized our transparency as “irresponsible.”

He would have kept shareholders in the dark.”

Shareholders were told that the company’s just-completed independent technical report, carried out by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. concluded that contained gold reserves were 38% lower, after mining depletion, compared with December 31, 2017.

“Notably, the prior reserves were based on a resource model developed in 2012 under Mr. Sheridan’s watch as CEO and interim COO of the Company. Now we know that the 2012 model overestimated the contained ounces at the Aurora Gold Mine. The unavoidable consequence is that the net present value of our reserves is lower than it was.

But there are opportunities ahead.”

Shareholders were warned that if they vote for Sheridan and the nominees for the board, there will be uncertainty.

“Mr. Sheridan had to go, and he should stay away. Mr. Sheridan’s role as the spokesperson of the dissident shareholder group makes it very clear who is behind their proposals. Mr. Sheridan’s history with the company and the reasons for his termination as Executive Chair are highly rel-

Guyana Goldfields says it is selling its Twin Otter plane and tender for aircraft services as part of a cost-cutting measure. evant to your evaluation of his proposals.”

Selling Twin Otter The company said its balance sheet remains strong.

“We reported an unaudited cash balance of approximately US$73 million at March 31, 2019 and our total debt has been reduced to US$35 million. We are also actively pursuing cost efficiencies at our operations…”

Among other things, the

company said it is reducing and optimizing stores inventory – its capital spare parts and operating supplies and rationalizing and disposing of certain non-essential capital assets.

It will also be selling its Twin Otter and tender to charter aircraft services.

The company had been using local aircrafts until it bought that Twin Otter, using at least one overseas pilot.

“Under our strategic plan, we will maintain approximately US$35 million to US$40 million in available cash at all times during the transition to underground mining at Aurora (based on gold prices of US$1,200 per ounce).

The Board has demonstrated fiscal responsibility.”

As part of this review, the company said it has entered into more than 15 confidenti-

ality agreements with credible mining companies who are in various stages of conducting due diligence regarding the company.

“There is no certainty of a transaction, but the Board is open to the right one if it makes sense for stakeholders. Many of our nominees have been involved in value maximizing opportunities on the boards of other companies.”

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Tuesday April 23, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Celtics move on after sweep of Pacers

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward (20) dunks the ball past Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the third quarter of game four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Tuesday April 23, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Let your guard down today, Aries. Don't feel like you need to perform for anyone.

Accept the notion that you're perfect the way you are. You don't have to prove your self-worth to anyone.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Things are starting to lighten up for you, Libra, even though you may find your interactions quite heavy today. Don't run away from the feeling.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Reconnect with your selfworth today, and say out loud, "I am awesome!"

You're good at extending your heart to others and helping them with their issues.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today is a terrific day to let your sensitive, caring nature shine through fully, Scorpio.

Surprise someone with roses and a candlelit dinner.

Take care of the amenities like music and wine.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Stay at home tonight and cook a delicious meal for you and someone you love, Gemini. You will gravitate toward beauty, both tangible and intangible.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Turn over a new leaf with your loved ones today. Infuse something new into the relationship. Add a new wave of tenderness and sensuality to the dynamic.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today may seem like one of those days in which everyone but you has a perfect life. Realize that no one has a perfect life.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You're going to feel extra connected with the people around you today, Capricorn. Go out and have a good time with loved ones.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today may be serious, Leo, with clouds looming over your parade. Although the clouds are dark and threatening, that doesn't necessarily mean that rain will pour down.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There's an Earthy weightiness to today. You could feel like your relationships are in a difficult situation. Don't worry, because the clouds are going to lighten up tremendously after today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is a terrific day for you.

You have the chance to start over on many levels, especially romantic ones.

Strengthen your bond with the people around you and your inner core will be strengthened as a result.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your love, generosity, and sense of beauty are heightened today, Pisces. If there's one thing you need to do, it's go outside and watch the sunset. The romantic, creative, and beautiful side of all things, including you.

The Boston Celtics completed a four-game sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Sunday afternoon, using key baskets from Marcus Morris and Gordon Hayward to hold on for a 110-106 victory in Indianapolis.

The fourth-seeded Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Milwaukee-Detroit series.

Meanwhile, the loss ended Indiana’s season in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

The Pacers, who also were swept by Cleveland in 2017, took the Cavaliers to a Game 7 in the opening round last year. The fourth quarter featured four ties, the last of which occurred at 82-all when Jayson Tatum made the first of two free throws with 6:45 remaining after a flagrant foul on Cory Joseph.

Warriors 113, Clippers 105 Kevin Durant scored 33

Linden Town Week Schools...

From page 28 close call as Linden Foundation Secondary edged past Mackenzie High School in their first game but Linden Technical Institute defeated Linden Foundation Secondary 33-28 and Mackenzie High bounced back to sail past Linden Technical Institute 46-39.

It meant that each school had a win and a loss for three points but on points difference the teams would be separated. This is taken into account to determine the best teams and with Mackenzie High School gaining the highest of 1.078 points considering those points scored for and against, Linden Technical Institute finished second with a 0.973 difference and Linden Foundation Secondary had to settle for third with score of 0.942 to be eliminated.

The final is set for today at the same venue with the third place game starting from 14.00hrs before the final.

Agard for AMBC Continental...

From page 30 plan to do my best, which hopefully will open the door for other Guyanese officials.

I must give thanks to God and president Ninvalle for this opportunity,” she added. The trip to Honduras would be the second overseas engagement this year for the experienced Agard. Last month she travelled to Haiti to officiate in that country’s National Championships.

points and visiting Golden State held on to beat Los Angeles in Game 4 of a Western Conference firstround series. After winning both games in Los Angeles, the Warriors own a 3-1 series lead heading to Game 5 on Wednesday night in Oakland, Calif.Klay Thompson scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half for the Warriors. Stephen Curry went 3-for-14, including 1-for-9 from 3-point range, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 25 points for the Clippers.

Raptors 107, Magic 85 Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points — 12 in the third quarter — as visiting Toronto defeated Orlando to take a 31 lead in the first-round playoff series. The Raptors can clinch the best-of-seven series Tuesday by winning Game 5 in Toronto.

Pascal Siakam added 16 points for Toronto, while

Norman Powell had 16 points and Serge Ibaka had 13 points and gathered eight rebounds. Kyle Lowry contributed nine points and nine assists.

Aaron Gordon scored 25 points and had seven rebounds for the Magic.

Evan Fournier added 19 points, while Nikola Vucevic scored 11 points.

Trail Blazers 111, Thunder 98 C.J. McCollum scored 27 points and Damian Lillard added 24 as visiting Portland beat Oklahoma City.

The win gave the Blazers a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.

Portland has a chance to finish off the series at home Tuesday.

The win snapped an eight-game road playoff losing streak for the Blazers and gave the road teams an 8-0 record over the weekend in the NBA playoffs.

(Field Level Media)

PAGE 26

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Hyderabad to host Barty guides Australia into Fed Cup final IPL final on May 12 ESPNcricinfo - Hyderabad has been confirmed as the venue for the IPL final on May 12 after Chennai Super Kings failed to provide a solution to the long-standing issue of the three disputed and closed - stands at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

However, Chennai will get to host the first play-off match Qualifier 1 - on May 7, while Vishakapatnam will stage the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 8 and 10.

As reported last week, Super Kings - the defending champions and, therefore, the rightful hosts of the final - had been given time by the IPL authorities to identify a way around the problem.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the Super Kings management has since conveyed its inability to do so by May 12, and the final has now gone to Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the home venue of last s e a s o n ’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad.

E S P N c r i c i n f o understands that the BCCI opted to retain Chepauk to host Qualifier 1 since it wanted to credit Super Kings for winning the title last year. Super Kings have hosted four home games so far this season, including the season-opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, with the stands closed.

However, IPL officials were concerned about the bad optics the vacant stands present, especially on TV, for the marquee matches.

The Chennai corporation had closed the three stands - I, J and K, adding up to roughly 12,000 seats - in 2012 as there were discrepancies when the stadium was refurbished before the World Cup in 2011. Only once since then have they been opened to the public, after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association got special permission to do so for an India v Pakistan ODI in December 2012.

SYDNEY (Reuters) World number nine Ashleigh Barty continued her recent strong run of form and guided Australia to their first Fed Cup final since 1993 with a 3-2 victory over Belarus in Brisbane on Sunday.

Barty, who won both her singles matches in the semi-final tie, and veteran Samantha Stosur beat Vi c t o r i a A z a r e n k a a n d Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 3-6 62 in the deciding doubles to set up a final against either France or Romania in November.

Australia, who have not won the title since 1974, will host the final against the winner of the second semifinal, which was locked at 1-1 in Rouen.

“It’s super exciting to be in a Fed Cup final,” Stosur said. “We all work so hard all year and we’re such a tight team. We’re going to be giving it our best shot here in November.”

Barty had earlier given Australia a 2-1 lead after a superb mixture of tactics, scrambling defense and a

Ashleigh Barty of Australia returns a shot back to Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic (not pictured) during the woman’s finals at the Miami Open at Miami Open Tennis Complex. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports) powerful service game to beat Sabalenka 6-2 6-2.

It was her second singles win of the tie after she beat Azarenka on Saturday and her success came on the back of w i n n i n g h e r f i r s t WTA Premier level tournament in Miami last month.

Azarenka was originally not listed to play the doubles but after she dismantled

Stosur 6-1 6-1 in 59 minutes to send the tie to the decider, she quickly had her racquets restrung and joined the 20year-old in the doubles.

SINGLES EVEN The tie had been locked at 1-1 after the opening day’s sin g l e s b e f o r e B a r t y produced a high level of intensity to beat Sabalenka in Sunday’s first match.

Despite the lop-sided

scoreline, Barty was made to work hard by her fellow top10 player Sabalenka, who lost control of the match in the fifth game of the first set when she served four double faults.

Barty, who was forced to produce big serves to neutralize breakpoint opportunities in both the second and fourth games of the second set, broke Sabalenka and ended the Belarusian’s resistance when she served her eighth double fault.

Azarenka sent the tie into the decider when she produced some of the high quality tennis that had propelled her to two Australian Open titles.

The 29-year-old is making her way back up the rankings after she had a child and then faced a custody battle that restricted her travel.

Even during the rallies the 35-year-old Stosur controlled, Azarenka chased the ball down and forced her opponent to keep making shots that resulted in the Australian making 35 errors.

Tuesday April 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Williams completes stunning double, Foote grabs second gold GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – World champion Brianna Williams produced another exhilarating performance here Sunday to win the u n d e r- 2 0 w o m e n ’s 2 0 0 metres, and complete the CARIFTA Games sprint double for a second straight year.

The rising Jamaican star crossed the line without a challenger in a time of season-best 22.89 seconds, with teammate Joanne Reid taking silver in 23.69 and Beyonce Defreitas of B r i t i s h Vi rg i n I s l a n d sneaking in to snatch bronze in a time of 23.79.

Wi l l i a m s , who dominated the under-17s last year en route to the prestigious Austin Sealy Award, had captured the 100 metres on Saturday to set the stage for a clean sweep of the under-20s.

Jamaican Brianna Williams celebrates after winning the under-20 girls 200 metres at the CARIFTA Games on Sunday.

Running out of lane six, Williams burst from the blocks and had caught

Defreitas in lane eight and Trinidadian Akila Lewis in lane seven as the race

Ashton Turner in record fifth successive T20 duck - four of them first ball Turner has scored 966 runs in 60 Big Bash League matches for Perth Scorchers.

(Getty Images)

BBC Sport - Australian Ashton Turner became the first man in Twenty20 history to make five consecutive ducks as he fell first ball in the Indian Premier League.

It was the third successive IPL golden duck for the 26-year-old, who batted at number five for Rajasthan Royals.

Team-mate Ajinkya Rahane, the India batsman, struck their side’s highest IPL score with an unbeaten 105.

Turner hit 84 against India in a one-day international and has played three ODIs and five T20s for Australia.

His unbeaten one-day innings in March broke the run of T20 ducks, which began with a first-ball dismissal in the Big Bash League in February and was followed by a five-ball nought against India.

The Royals, captained by Australian Steve Smith and

featuring England all-rounder Ben Stokes and newcomer Jofra Archer, lost the match against Delhi Capitals by six wickets with four deliveries left.

Smith compiled his second successive fifty, though Stokes made only eight and has scored a modest 112 runs in eight innings in this year’s event, with a best of 46.

Archer clipped the stumps with a full toss but the bails stayed in place and he finished with 0-31 from his four overs.

The 24-year-old Sussex all-rounder took 11 wickets in his 10 matches but he and Stokes now head home to prepare for England’s oneday series against Pakistan, beginning on 8 May, which is preceded by a one-off match with Ireland on 3 May. Barbados-born Archer, 24, qualified to play for England in March after a change in

residency rules.

He was not selected in a preliminary 15-man World Cup squad but could still make the World Cup if he impresses in the pretournament matches as changes can be made up to 23 May. India left-hander Rishabh Pant won Monday’s match in Jaipur with a six as the Capitals moved to the top of the table on net run-rate, although they have played a game more than second-placed Chennai Super Kings.

The Royals are one place off the foot of the table, eight points behind the leaders, with the top four teams qualifying for the play-off phase, which starts on 7 May. Scores: Rajasthan Royals 191-6 (20 overs): Rahane 105*, Rabada 2-37.

Delhi Capitals 193-4 (19.2 overs): Pant 78*, Gopal 2-47.

Delhi won by six wickets.

reached the turn.

Williams entered the lane with a clear advantage and widened the gap over the last 70 metres, making it a race between her and the clock.

The time was the fastest in the world this year by an under-20 girls athlete.

Xavier Nairne, meanwhile, handed Jamaica their second one-two in the under-20 category when he and teammate Antonio Watson took the top spots in the corresponding boys final.

Running out of lane f o u r, N a i r n e p o w e r e d through the curve to take the lead at the top of the stretch, challenged by Bahamians Terrance Jones in lane three and Rico Moultrie in lane five.

A bronze medallist in the event in the Bahamas last year, Nairne pulled away to take a comfortable victory in 20.65, with teammate Watson coming through in lane six to snatch silver in 20.83.

Jones just held on to secure bronze in 20.89.

In the under-17s girls final, Trinidadian Shaniqua Bascombe made amends for her silver in Saturday’s 100m final when she clocked 23.36 seconds to

see off a challenge from Jamaican Brianna Lyston who was second in 23.53.

Vi n c e n t i a n U l a n d a Lewis, third in the 100m final, again took bronze in 24.09.

Meanwhile, Jaleel Croal of the British Virgin Islands upset the Jamaican pair of Christopher Scott and Richard Nelson, to win the under-17 boys final.

Running out of lane eight, Croal entered the final stretch almost level with Scott and Nelson, before pulling away over the last 50 metres to clinch victory in 21.43.

Scott took silver in 21.73 while Nelson finished in the bronze position in a time of 21.84.

In the 400 metres hurdles, it was only Barbadian Rasheeme Griffith who prevented the Jamaicans from a complete domination of the event, when he won the under-20 boys final.

He took control at the 200m mark and never let up, getting to the line in 51.47 to finish ahead of Bahamian Matthew Thompson (52.23) and Jamaican Shamar Browne (52.51).

Jamaica had earlier swept the first three finals in style, claiming the top

two spots in each.

Quaycian Davis kickstarted her team’s success with victory in the under17 girls, clocking one minute, 0.78 seconds to lead home teammate Sashel Reid who was timed at 1:01.59.

Jayden Brown then stopped the clock at 53.03 to win the under-17 boys final, with teammate Sharvis Simmons (54.11) taking silver.

And Shaquena Foote picked up her second gold medal of the games following her success in the quarter-mile on S a t u r d a y, w h e n s h e crossed the line first in the under-20 girls final in a time of 58.05.

Te a m m a t e J o h n e l l e Thomas took silver in a time of 58.77. Jamaica also won two of the 800m finals, as Jody-Ann Mitchell edged teammate Kishay Rowe (2:11.97) to win the under-17 girls final in 2:11.92.

In the under-20 boys final, Kimar Farquharson narrowly got the better of Tyrice Taylor (1:49.73) to cross the line first in a time of 1:49.64.

The 48th edition of the junior track and field championship wrapped up yesterday, Easter Monday.

Horsford, Miller repeat as champions GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – Trinidadian Tyriq Horsford and Barbadian Jonathan Miller both repeated as champions in their field events, in the morning session on the final day of the 48th CARIFTA Games here yesterday, Easter Monday.

Horsford won the under20 boys javelin after he measured 71.45 metres, to follow up on his success last year in the Bahamas.

The Mississippi State University athlete was a clear winner after recording his winning mark on his second t h r o w, with Grenadian Deandra Collins a distant second with a throw of 62m and Bahamian Hughie Sean Rolle taking bronze with 60.45.

Miller, meanwhile, tasted success yet again when he leaped 15.30m to win the under-20 boys triple jump.

Trinidadian Tyriq Horsford.

Trinidadian Kelsey Daniel was second in 15.14m while Jamaican Apalos Edwards finished third with a jump of 15.05.

In the other final from the morning session, Martinique’s Thiery Baptiste won the open boys pole vault

with a throw of 4.50 metres, with Bahamian Vano Rahming second after measuring 3.75.

The Games will wrap here Monday with the final session which will see the boys and girls sprint hurdles finals, along with the sprint and distance relays.

PAGE 28

Five records fall as Bahamas, Jamaica create stir BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Five records – including a near two-decade old mark – tumbled on day two of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships here Sunday.

Bermudian Elan Daley accounted for the new mark in the 13-14 girls 200 metres freestyle, clocking two minutes, 6.13 seconds while Jamaican Zaneta Alvaranga set a new record of 27.84 seconds in the 13-14 girls 50m butterfly.

Danielle Titus of Barbados entered the record books when she clocked 1:04.60 in the 15-17 girls 100m backstroke.

The two other records came in the medley relays when the Jamaican 11-12 girls 4x100m team won in a time of 4:49.77 to smash a 17-year-old mark, and the Bahamas won the 15-17 boys 4x100m final in 3:54.32.

The Bahamas dominated once again, claiming nine gold medals on the day to take their overall rally to 18 while

Jamaica captured six to move to 11 overall.

All told, the Bahamas lead the medal count with 39 with Jamaica second on 34.

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, have picked up six gold for an overall count of 17 while Cayman Islands have six gold and 22 medals overall.

Hosts Barbados have clinched two gold among their 15 medals.

Bahamian Marvin Johnson was the standout on Sunday as he thrice topped the medal podium in the 11-12 boys age group. He opened his account in the 200m freestyle, clocking 2:07.92 to win the event, with teammate Tristin Ferguson finishing second in 2:10.18.

Johnson followed up with the 50m butterfly, touching the wall first in 28.26 seconds while Grenada’s Nathan Fletcher took silver in 29.20 and Jamaican Lewison McPherson, bronze in 29.77.

His final gold medal came in the 100m backstroke when he got home in 1:08.44, ahead of McPherson (1:09.90) and Elijah Daley of Bermuda (1:09.95).

Elan Daley won twice, with one of her victories being the record swim in the 200 metres freestyle, when she reset Emily McDonald’s one-yearold record of 2:08.70.

Bahamian ZaylieElizabeth Thompson copped silver in 2:10.27 while Raya Embury-Brown of Cayman Islands took bronze in 2:11.38.

Elan Daley also captured the 100m backstroke when when stopped the clock at 1:07.57, beating Keianna Moss of the Bahamas into second in 1:08.43, with Kimberly Ince of Grenada third in 1:10.09.

The Jamaican Jamaican 11-12 girls 4x100m team of Leanna Wainwright, Kokolo Foster, Giani Francis and Shirley Christanya took their share of the spotlight when they dismantled the old record of 4:52.

Rutherford plays minor role as Pant fires Delhi top of standings JAIPUR, India, CMC – Twenty-year-old West Indies all-rounder, Sherfane Rutherford, played only a small role with the bat but it was enough to help fire his Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket win over Jofra Archer’s Rajasthan Royals, and to the top of the Indian Premier League standings here yesterday.

Chasing 192 for victory at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Capitals reached their target with four balls to spare, courtesy of lefthander Rishabh Pant’s stunning unbeaten 78 from 36 balls.

Left-hander Shikhar Dhan supported with 54 from 27 deliveries while opening partner Prithvi Shaw lashed 42 from 39 balls, the pair posting 72 off 45 balls for the first wicket.

When two wickets fell for five runs in the space of two overs, Pant put on 84 for the third wicket with Shaw.

Rutherford, in only his second match of the campaign, made only 11 from five balls but it proved crucial at the death. With 30 required from 18 deliveries, the Guyanese left-hander clobbered seamer Dhawal Kulkarni over the ropes at mid-wicket off the second ball and then punched the fifth ball to the cover

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Delhi Capitals’ Sherfane Rutherford. boundary.

When he holed out in the deep on the off-side off the final delivery, the equation had been reduced to 17 runs from 12 balls.

Archer, who went wicketless from four overs which cost 31 runs, conceded 11 runs from the penultimate over before Pant finished the game with a six over midwicket off left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat.

All told, Pant crunched six fours and four sixes to notch his first half-century of the season following a run of poor form.

Earlier, opener Ajinkya

Rahane stroked an unbeaten 105 and captain Steve Smith struck exactly 50 as Royals tallied 191 for six off 20 overs, after they were sent in.

They lost Sanju Samson without scoring in the second over with five on the board but Rahane, with 11 fours and three sixes in a 63ball knock, revived the innings in a 130-run, second wicket stand with Smith.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 193 for 4 (Pant 78*, Dhawan 54, Shreyas 247) beat Rajasthan Royals 191 for 6 (Rahane 105*, Smith 50, Rabada 237) by six wickets.

U-16 & Juniors Boxing C/Ships

FYF’s Patrick Harvey adjudged Best Boxer Watched by a handful of die-hard Boxing fans on a day Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead, last Sunday Evening’s U-16 and Juniors Boxing Championships at the National Gymnasium was used to prepare the young pugilists for the Caribbean Schoolboys & Junior Championships.

President of the GABA, Steve Ninvalle said that Sunday evening’s Championships would be very important for Guyana’s preparation for the Caribbean Championships.

“The competition in this year ’s Caribbean School boys & Juniors’ tournament is expected to be fierce since the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico who, along with Cuba, are considered the powerhouses in Latin America Amateur Boxing, have been invited to match gloves with their other Caribbean counterparts,” Ninvalle had pointed out.

Sunday Evening’s Card should have seen bouts involving from Boxers from Pocket Rocket from Linden, Essequibo Gym, Rose Hall Jammers from Berbice, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Young Achievers and Harpy Eagles.

Eleven fights, including four exhibition bouts, were scheduled with the Rose Hall Jammers and Harpy Eagles not participating.

The Exhibition bout saw Emmanuel Pompey (Young Achievers) boxing Gerron Mackenzie (YA), Alisa Jackman matching gloves with her sister Abiola Jackman in an all FYF bout, Seon Graham coming up against

Seon Graham (right) watches his man in his Exhibition bout with Richard Howard Jnr. Richard Howard (FYF) and Deron Williams (Vergonoegen) and Squancy Wright (Vergonoegen) showing off their skills.

The 51-year-old Cuban Boxing Coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan, in his second stint here, is responsible for overseeing Boxers that represented Guyana at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, South American Youth Games, Pan Am Qualifiers and the Goodwill tournament that was hosted here, was also present as was Technical Director Terrence Poole.

In the first bout of the night the Lightweight clash between Forgotten Youth Foundation’s (FYF) Ryan Benjamin and Russzon Blair from the Vergonoegen Boxing Gym,was not contested as Blair won by Walk Over.

Other Results:

Lightweight: Sherlon Steven of Young Achievers (YA) lost on points to Vergonoegen’s Daniel Wright Alex Butcher (YA) beat Justin Winfield (Pocket Rocket) round 1 knock-out Middleweight: Joshua Joseph (FYF) lost to Marlon Barker (FYF) on points Welterweight: Josqwan Milo (FYF) beat Isaiah Winfield (Pocket Rocket) on points Bantamweight: Dwaine Baptiste (FYF) won on a split decision over Machali Jones (FYF) Featherweight: Patrick Harvey (FYF) beat Christopher Romeo (Vergenoogen boxing gym) on points Harvey was adjudged the best boxer and received a pair of boxing gloves donated by Ninvalle. (Sean Devers)

Linden Town Week Schools Basketball semifinals on this afternoon at MHS court - Chrtistianburg Wismar tackle LTI, Mackenzie High collide with New Silvercity Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary will play Linden Technical Institute in one semifinal and Mackenzie High school face New Silvercity Secondary in the other this afternoon when the Linden Town Week Schools basketball championship semifinals from 14.30hrs are played at the Mackenzie High School basketball court in Retrieve Linden.

In the final set of scheduled group play matches Saturday,

Christianburg Wismar Secondary gained a walkover from Wisburg Secondary which propelled them to lead Group A with four points from two wins, as New Silvercity Secondary finished second on three points from one win and one loss as Wisburg Secondary had to settle for third from two losses with just one point as they gained no point for losing by walkover to Christianburg Wismar Secondary.

Christianburg Wismar

Secondary began with a solid 38-26 win over New Silvercity Secondary to open the tournament and gained their second win via Wisburg Secondary not showing for their game. New Silvercity Secondary, however, won their match against Wisburg 31-14 to ensure their semifinal spot as Wisburg Secondary ended without a win to finish on one point and third in their group play.

Over in Group B it was a (Continued on page 25)

Tuesday April 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Khan guides Farm to 7-a-side softball title Led by a fine all-round performance from Ameer Khan, Farm defeated Mahabir Cambio by 25 runs in the final of the five-over 7-a-side softball knock out competition which was contested in the wee hours of Morning at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

The right-handed Khan struck one four and three sixes in a top score of 30 to guide his team to a challenging 797, batting first.

Opener Greg Singh made 21 with one four and two sixes as A. Dindyal took two wickets and Rickey Sargeant one.

Mahabir Cambio, who drew the bye to the final, were restricted for 54-4 in reply.

Sargeant slammed three sixes and three fours in scoring 40 as Khan picked up 2-10 and Singh 1-4.

Khan was named man-ofthe-match, while Sergeant was voted the Most Valuable Player and was also the batsman with the most runs in the tournament.

Beepaul Bandoo took the

The victorious Farm team with their accolades. best bowler award, while Singh claimed the best batsman prize.

Bounty Paper Towel and Solo Drink Development League Play in the Bounty P a p e r To w e l S e c o n d Division and Solo Drink Under-20 Outdoor Development Leagues will resume this weekend after a break last weekend for Easter observances.

As expected in the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) organised tournaments that are being contested concurrently at the Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground on Carifesta Avenue, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and Saints Hockey Club (SHC) teams top the

Farm overcame Brandon Seven by 41 runs in the lone semi final. Farm took first

strike and managed 91-1. Greg Singh scored 55, while Ameer Khan made 32. Brandon

Seven responded with 50-2.

Six teams took part in the competition and among the

sponsors were L. Mahabir and Sons Cambio and Patrick Khan.

Saints and GCC dominate after first round

respective divisions following the first round of matches.

In the boys’ under-20 division, GCC Pitbulls are top with 10 points, three points ahead of YMCA Old Fort (OF) Ballers that have played one game less, while the undefeated Bingo GCC Spartans top the girls’ under-20 division.

In the Second Division, Saints Savages are tied with GCC The Sequel on seven points in the men’s standings but GCC have a better goal difference.

Saints women top the

B o u n t y P a p e r To w e l sponsored division with six points.

The second round of action in both leagues will commence this weekend with twelve matches scheduled.

One of the more anticipated clashes will be the top of the table clash between GCC the Sequel and Saints Savages in the m e n ’s s e c o n d d i v i s i o n , which will open the w e e k e n d ’s play on Saturday from 15:30hrs at SSC ground.

Saints’ Kwesi Lewis on the go against Old Fort during second division play at Saints ground earlier in the month.

Samuel Woodroffe of Bounty GCC controls a pass during second division action at Saints ground.

Hikers’ Devin Munroe (left) is challenged

by Bounty GCC’s Samuel Woodroffe.

PAGE 30

Diamond Thunders claim Farm CC, Mahabir Cambio Tapeball title

The victorious Diamond Thunders with their prizes following the presentation.

Diamond Thunders emerged champions of the Farm CC and Mahabir Cambio five-over 7a-side Tapeball competition which was contested Sunday at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

Diamond Thunders defeated All Stars by eight runs in the final.

Batting first, Diamond Thunders managed 38-3 from their reduced quota of three overs.

Vishal Narayan made 13 with two fours, while Ubai Husain contributed eight.

Neil Ramroop took one wicket. All Stars, who drew the bye to the final, responded with 30-2. Extras led with 12 as Husain grabbed 2-6 to earn the man-of-the-match award.

Diamond Thunders beat Budhan Seven by two runs in the lone semi final. Diamond Thunders took first strike and posted 46-1 off their reduced three overs. Ubai Husain struck three fours and two sixes in a top score of 27.

Budhan Seven replied with 44-3. Rickey Sargeant stroked three fours and one six in a brisk 34. Narayan and Ryan Charranjeet took one wicket each. Eight teams took part in the annual competition.

Man-of-the-match in the final Ubai Husain

Agard for AMBC Continental Championships Guyana’s most experienced referee/judge Ramona Agard has been appointed to officiate at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Women Championship in Honduras in June.

The Guyanese AIBA One Star official was notified by way of a letter sent by AMBC president Argentine Osvaldo Bisbal.

The letter, seen by Kaieteur sport stated: “It is a great pleasure to appoint you as International Referee/Judge for the 2019 AMBC Elite Women Continental Championships, San Pedro Sula, Honduras.”

Agard is expected to arrive in Honduras on Junes 3 and depart on June 9.

Agard said that she was not surprised when news of the appointment was received.

“I know that the president of the Guyana Boxing Association Mr. Steve Ninvalle has been pushing for development, not only Guyana but the Caribbean. With him now being elected as a vice president of AMBC

Tuesday April 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Ramona Agard the entire Caribbean can look forward to more appointments of its officials to major international tournaments,” Agard said. “I (Continued on page 25)

Linden Mayor’s Cup Football

Stage set for grand finale between Eagles United and Haynes Winners Connection tonight The stage is set for tonight’s grand finale of the Linden Town Week Mayor’s Cup football championship where the top ranked Eagles United are to face Haynes & Lewis Winners Connection and the third place playoff game will pit Capital FC against Net Rockers at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The night’s proceedings will see from 18:00hrs a Linden select Under 20 team facing the national Under 17 squad in what will be an interesting encounter as the Linden side will seek to show their talent in this warm up game.

Eagles United are confident that they can bag yet another title and their top players will include their captain Colwyn ‘Buck’ Drakes and Donovan Francis who are in rich form, while their supporting cast will be ready to ensure they put away the challenge of the Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection which will depend on the likes of Shaquille Frank leading their strike line.

To reach the final it went down to penalties to decide that the Winners Connection would end the hopes of Net Rockers 4-3 following a 1-1 draw.

This was after Shaquille Frank sent Winners Connection into the lead with a 32nd minute strike, but Shane Luckie knotted the scores in the 36th minute and

Eagles United’s Colwyn ‘Buck’ Drakes

Haynes and Winners Connection Marmalaque Davidson

Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection Shaquille Frank

Eagles United’s Donovan Francis

that tussle was back and forth without any decision.

It was finally decided from the penalty spot and by then Frank had switched positions and went into the citadel where he heroically stopped a shot that would send his team through by a 4-3 margin.

The second game was a lively affair with Capital FC showing great promise.

But the heart of the Eagles United side was evident and while Eagles took the lead through Donovan

Francis in the 16th minute and Duquan Hercules’ free kick tied this up for Capital FC in the 32nd minute, the game was tense as both sides sought to gain the advantage.

But a double by Colwyn ‘Buck’ Drake would separate the sides for good when the banged home in the 86th to give Eagles a 2-1 advantage and one minute later another shot by Drakes in the 87thminute sealed the 3-1 victory.

Triple Crown Final Leg

Don’t Over Look and Valentina top earners at Port Mourant The Jumbo Jet Racing Stables (JJRS) stampeded away with over $2million in prize money following exciting action at the third and final meet of the Inaugural Triple Crown Horseracing event at the Port Mourant Turf Club in Corentyne, Berbice, on Easter Sunday.

In the feature race of the day, the JJRS finished onetwo with USA bred ‘Don’t Over Look’ finishing ahead of Vera’s Finally for the grand cash prize of $1million. Settling Star was third, while TNT finished fourth in the seven and ¾ furlongs feature race.

The Triple Crown race promotion provided a bonus of $500,000 for whichever horse that could have

complete three consecutive victories and Valentina; threeyear-old Guyana Bred, was the only animal in the running for the bonus, and the mare didn’t disappoint. She won the race comfortably to earn a total of $900,000 for her owners. Earlier in the day a packed Port Mourant Turf Club witnessed Ready to Romance starting the day with a win, while Miss Olympic rode second position in the I-class. In the second race of the day, Gold Again and Touch The Cash dominated the L-Class Open.

In race three, Keep on Swinging it (first) and Red Rocket (second) out of Trinidad and Tobago, were the top horses in the H-Class

event.

The fifth race, which saw the J-Class horses in action, and Miss Olympic crossed the finished line first with Red Region (second), Gold (third) and Mary Ann (fourth) all trailing.

Signing off the day, was the Non-Earner 1300m event, that saw First Prince of Hyper Active Racing Stables and Upfront finishing as the top two horses, while Silver Charm came in third position.

This racing event was sponsored by Jumbo-Jet Auto Sales, Banks DIH Ltd, Randi Persaud Racing Stable (USA), Kris Jagdeo Racing Stable, Trophy Stall, Beesham Singh and Abdul Latiff.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 23, 2019

PAGE 31

Bartica Easter Regatta – Powerboat Races

Dave Scott maintains hold on F1 class; Lacourt, Benjamin, Ramkissoon, Peters and Welcome are all category winners

By Franklin Wilson The 2019 edition of the Bartica Easter Regatta Powerboat races came to end yesterday afternoon at the Golden Beach Circuit with

Dave Scott powering his way to his fifth win in the 225HP to Unlimited Class to keep a stranglehold on the title in this division for the 8th consecutive year.

Scott, aboard ‘Jaguar’ remained undefeated in all five races as the opposition just could not handle the power that his engine served up over the two days of

Event 225 to Unlimited

Name of Captain Name of Boat Position Dave Scott Jaguar 1st Selwyn Joseph Girls Dem Shuga 2nd Alberto Lacourt 24 3rd Jet Ski Whitney Welcome 1st Alec Hopkinson 2nd Kenny Washington 3rd 25 – 40HP Saigon Hopkinson 3:16 1st Danny Benjamin Targaryen 2nd Sanjay Ramkissoon Team Shivraj 3rd 15HP Dexter Peters Bullet 007 1st Halim Hissain All Star 11 2nd Mark Daniels Wild Angel 3rd 115 – 200HP Angelo Lacourt 24 1st Kurt Welcome Shoma 2nd 75 – 90HP Danny Benjamin Targaryen 1st Sanjay Ramkissoon Team Shivraj 2nd Keith Skeete Two Sisters 3rd 225 to Unlimited Dave Scott Jaguar 1st Angelo Lacourt 24 2nd Dexter Peters Big J 3rd 25 – 40HP Saigon Hopkinson 3:16 1st Danny Benjamin Targaryen 2nd Sanjay Ramkissoon Team Shivraj 3rd 75 – 90HP Saigon Hopkinson 3:16 1st Danny Benjamin Targaryen 2nd Sanjay Ramkissoon Team Shivraj 3rd 115 – 200HP Dexter Peters Big J 1st Saigon Hopkinson 3:16 2nd Leon Welcome Shyon 3rd 225 to Unlimited Dave Scott Jaguar 1st Selwyn Joseph Girls Dem Shuga 2nd Saigon Hopkinson 3:16 3rd Selwyn Joseph would have feared better in both the 115 – 200HP and 225 to Unlimited classes but encountered mechanical issues during the races yesterday.

Pele FC Alumni Corp. 3rd Annual Youth Development Programme starts today - 90 Youths targeted The St. Joseph’s High School Auditorium; Woolford Avenue is the venue for the Third Annual Pele FC Alumni C o r p o r a t i o n ’ s Yo u t h Development Programme which will see some 90 youths benefitting from three days of solid exposure.

Directors Patrick ‘LAbba’ Barton and Denis Ivor Carrington are among a number of other persons from the USA, where they are based, that have come back home to ensure the smooth running of the programme which will see the youths, between ages of 12 – 17, benefitting.

Among the topics that would be the focus during the three-day programme, are leadership development, non violent communication and transition to adult life,

Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton - Pele FC Alumini Director

Denis Ivor Carrington Pele FC Alumini Director

digital literacy, preparing for an interview, career choice, health and wellness, conflict resolution and social etiquette. The youths would also benefit from a tour to beverage giants, Banks DIH Limited.

The Pele FC Alumni is an organization that is focused on providing educational opportunities for youths (boys and girls) who need support as they pursue their academic endeavors. Last year’s programme attracted a total of 84 boys and girls

between ages 10 - 16.

Yo u t h s f o r t h i s programme have been drawn from a number of schools and football teams.

Additionally, Pele FC Alumni are currently sponsoring fully, a total of six (6) children throughout the school year in their mentoring programme. In addition to equipment and educational supplies, the organisation has plans to add an additional child annually to their fully funded mentoring programme.

action. Scott’s passage to undefeated status was made much easier following the accident in the first race of the two-day event, Easter Sunday, when Sean Belle who was aiming to dethrone Scott crashed thus ending his ambition to wrest the title from Scott.

Nonetheless, the action went ahead after both Sean Belle and Jose Jardine the other racer involved in the accident were deemed to be stable. They were both still in hospital up to press time, recovering well.

Scott accumulated 15 points Selwyn Joseph aboard De Girls Dem Shuga came in 2nd with Angelo Lacourt 3rd on three points.

Lacourt who piloted his Venezuelan boat (24) was the winner of the 115-200HP category with a total of 5 points; three drivers ended on three points, Joseph (De Girls Dem Shuga), Kurt Welcome (Shoma) and Dexter Peters (Big J).

Danny Benjamin in control of Targaryen ruled the roost in the 75 – 90HP category accumulating 5 points to leave behind

Sanjay Ramkissoon’s machine, Team Shivraj.

Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj) and Saigon Hopkinson (3:16) both tied on three points.

The 25 – 40HP division went to Sanjay Ramkissoon ( Te a m S h i v r a j ) w h o accumulated 8 points two more than Danny Benjamin (Targaryen) and Saigon Hopkinson who was in control of 3:16 who were tied.

Bullet 007 driven by both Dexter Peters and Danny Benjamin won the 15HP category with 5 points leaving in their wake, All Star 1 which was piloted by Saringo Buckhan (3 points) and All Star 11 which was commanded by Halim Hussain (2 points).

The only other unbeaten competitor over the two days apart from Scott was Jet Skier Whitney ‘Don King’ Welcome who tallied 9 points from three exciting races. Second was Alec Hopkinson (4 points), with Dylan Williams and Kenrick Washington on 2 points apiece.

We l c o m e , a m u l t i talented sportsman who was also a member of the triumphant cricket (Agatash) and football (Beacon) teams that participated in the Regatta Sports activities even won a complimentary Jet Ski race.

A total of 11 races were c o n t e s t e d y e s t e r d a y, following are the results:

t r o Sp Bartica Easter Regatta – Powerboat Races

King of the 15HP category, Dexter Peters and his Bullet 007.

Angelo Lacourt, winner of the 115 – 200HP category pose with members of his team yesterday.

Dave Scott maintains hold on F1 class; Lacourt, Benjamin, Ramkissoon, Peters and Welcome are all category winners P.

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Undefeated in their respective categories, Dave Scott (left) and Whitney ‘Don King’ Welcome (Jet Ski) pose for Kaieteur Sport yesterday at the Golden Beach Circuit.

Triple Crown Final Leg

P.

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Don’t Over Look and Valentina top earners at Port Mourant

Valentina (leading) gets away from Is He Perfect at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

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