Kaieteur News

K

Feds nabs Guyanese NEWS woman at centre of migrant smuggling operations from Bahamas AIETEUR

Saturday Edition April 27, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 16

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 131,380

Conflict of interest debate…

Favoritism can be shown when a Govt. official owns - urges details of procurement a company - TIGI process followed be made public Govt. replacement MPs sworn in Rice Board fraud case…

Prosecutor recommends three separate trials for accountant Sworn in - Donna Mathoo

Sworn in - Tabitha Sarabo-Halley is also the new Minister of the Public Service, within the Ministry of the Presidency Sworn in - Mervyn Williams

Sworn in - Reynard Ward

Videomega denies $10M accusation by Opposition; moving to release records

NCN Manager accused of fraud sworn in as MP

Kaieteur News

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Saturday April 27, 2019

Videomega denies $10M accusation by Opposition; moving to release records

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ideomega, the media company linked with Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, has denied that it received more than $10M last year in Government contracts, including from that ministry.

In a statement on the Facebook page of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, the opposition itemized the sums which were alleged to have been paid to

Videomega Productions Inc. However, in denying the accusations, Videomega explained that it was incorporated in 1994 as an advertising agency and video production company.

“In its capacity as an advertising agency, the company would place advertisements in the print, electronic and other media on behalf of its clients. Most advertising agencies extend a thirty day credit to the client which facilitates large

media placements without the necessity of paying in advance,” the company said.

The financial process involves the advertising agency placing the advertisement in the media on behalf of the client then invoicing the client for the advertisement. “The monies received from the client are paid to the media entity who thereafter pays a commission at the rate of 10 or 15% to the advertising agency. This payment of a commission by

the media entity to the advertising agency at the rate of 10 to 15% is standard international practice.”

According to the company, the payments received by Videomega are paid over directly to the media houses. “… and therefore it is disingenuous for the PPP to say that $10.3 M is revenue e a r n e d b y Vi d e o m e g a Productions when they know that the payment goes directly to the media houses.

The company will provide the invoices issued for the sums referred to in the PPP statement as soon as it retrieves it from its auditors.

“The management of the business of the company since May 2015 has been

conducted by veteran media expert Russel Lancaster.”

Videomega said it wishes to repeat its earlier statement that Minister Catherine Hughes does not participate in the running of the company.

Infantryman congratulated by army chief for marriage roposal to policewoman

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hief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, MSS, has congratulated Corporal Hosannah of Support C o m p a n y, 1 I n f a n t r y Battalion, for the courageous and honourable move in proposing to his fiancée, Annastascia Christopher, of the Guyana Police Force.

Corporal H o s a n n a h surprised his f ia n c é e b y publicly taking the knee in uniform and proposing to her while she was on duty, on Saturday, April 21.

Brigadier We s t i n v i t e d C o r p o r a l Hosannah and his fiancée to meet with him, after news of the Corporal's chivalrous deed

broke on social media over the weekend and made its way to Kaieteur News.

The Chief-of-Staff has also offered the soon-to-be couple premarital counselling through the Force and congratulated them on behalf of the entire Guyana Defence Force.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 27, 2019

PAGE 03

NCN Manager accused of fraud sworn in as MP Under a cloud: New MP for the AFC, Donna Mathoo

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esterday, Berbice Branch Manager of the National Communications Network (NCN), Donna Mathoo, was one of four persons sworn in to replace the ministers who resigned due to court rulings over dual-citizenship.

She was reportedly named to replace former Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, of the Alliance For Change.

However, the swearing in during a sitting of the National Assembly would come with questions again over her head relating to fraud accusations two years ago. Mathoo in a public statement, which was carried

by Kaieteur News in April 2018, had said that she was asked in 2017 to proceed on leave to facilitate an investigation.

“I proceeded on leave on March 29, 2017 after which date the investigation commenced. During the course of the investigation, Mr. Omadatt Ramnarine's services were terminated by the NCN. I was provided with a copy of the findings of the investigation. No allegation of misconduct against me was contained in the findings. After due consideration and

deliberation, I was invited to resume duty on 5th March 2018.”

However, according to a letter to Mathoo dated April 13, 2017, from then NCN's chief, Lennox Cornette, who has since died, she was implicated by employees in a racket to hide cash received for advertisements.

In the letter captioned “Financial Irregularities at Berbice Branch”, an audit of transactions at the NCN branch expressed the opinion that staffers have defrauded the state-owned media company in excess of $500,000 monthly starting in December 2015. The staffers used fictitious invoices, receipts and broadcast logs.

“It is evident that the fictitious documents issued to customers were done to conceal the case collected since our official documents carry a sequential numbering that are tracked daily for any breaks.”

According to the NCN chief, in the letter to Mathoo, staffers gave statements “which implicate you as part of the financial irregularities.”

Mathoo was given until April 18, 2017, to respond to the findings of the audit. She was told to remain on administrative leave.

Former NCN's chief, Lennox Cornette Cornette disclosed then that in addition to paper trail evidence, NCN and auditors were in possession of two video ads to supplement the evidence.

The advertisements were related to the Country Pride programme. Among other things, the internal audits found that there were several instances of fictitious receipts to customers; creation of separate logs to air ads and the concealing of cash paid for the ads and verbal instructions to staff to air advertisements and private programmes.

There were also indications that the destruction of fake logs and

Caribbean Airlines achieves unaudited operation profit for 2018

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he Board of Directors of Caribbean Airlines says the regional carrier has moved into an operating profit and is net income positive for the year.

In a statement on Friday, CAL says the unaudited accounts for the fiscal year ending December 2018 show Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) of positive TT$111 million (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) comprising of TT$158 million on international and other operations, and negative TT$47 million on the domestic air bridge.

The combined net income resulted in an overall figure of TT$42 million comprising of $TT109 million on the international and other operations and a net loss of $TT67 million on the air bridge. Total year-todate revenues showed an improvement of eleven per cent year-on-year of TT$292 million.

The airline says fuel amoun t i n g t o T T $ 5 9 7 million was a major expenditure for the same period, compared to TT$471 million in 2017 resulting in a year-on-year increase of TT$126 million, driven by a W T I ( We s t Te x a s Intermediate) Oil price of US$64.94 per barrel from WTI US$50.88 per barrel in 2017.

“With the continuous improvement of our technological footprint and the meticulous, hard work of our employees, Caribbean Airlines is happy to confirm that it was able to record an operating profit in 2018 in contrast to a loss just two years ago.

We consider this an exceptional achievement for our airline and for the Caribbean. The Board of Directors will continue to support the management team towards the sustainability of this commercial success in 2019

and beyond. We thank our employees for their dedication and our customers for their loyal support,” said Chairman S. Ronnie Mohammed .

Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera noted – “The significant improvement in the financial results in 2018 is attributable in large part to our focus on an improved experience for customers, more efficient use of resources and better utilisation of the route network.

Profitability gives us a strong foundation to develop t h e b u s i n e s s f u r t h e r, including improved training and support for our employees, a refreshed brand, added enhancements to the customer experience, and more advances in the use of technology, both inside the business and customer facing. By making the right investments now, we can yield extremely positive long-term results,” he said.

receipts were ordered before the NCN internal probe started. There was also evidence that staffers were made to sign blank petty cash vouchers for travelling and then a higher amount was inserted.

“Specifically, the audit has found evidence of 724 advertisements on fake broadcast logs as well as several fake receipts. The matrix that follows gives d e t a i l s o f 3 0 0 advertisements, aired for which revenues collected were not handed over to the company,” Cornette said in his letter.

In April 2018, the issue of Mathoo resuming her job at that Berbice branch was raised at the monthly statutory meeting at the Regional Democratic Council, Region Six. Several persons including the Regional Chairman, David Armogan, and the Community

Development Officer for Region Six, Barbara Pilgrim, expressed their disapproval at the status of the investigation.

Zamal Hussain, the PPP Councillor who raised the issue at the meeting, stating that it was noticed that Mathoo who was under investigation was back at the job. He revealed that Mathoo was also allegedly being paid while she was being investigated.

“This government campaigned against corruption and now they are paying people to be corrupt,” he stressed.

Brandishing several ” fake receipts” and “log sheets” while making his point, Mr. Hussain added: “The particular person that was in charge was giving fake receipts for certain sums of cash collected and if the government re-hire this particular person then I'm seeing that this government

is not only tolerating corruption, but is corrupt.”

He called for the findings of the investigation that was reportedly conducted internally to be made public.

The Regional Chairman, David Armogan, who was also in support of Mr. Hussain's call for transparency, stressed that there was not even a statement released on the reinstatement of the Manager.

“All we know is that this person has gone back to her employment and that's the end of the matter. That cannot be right, that is a public position and the matter was in the public domain as well because when the accusations came out, there were many people who lost their job, and so we as members of the public would like to know why is it that those people are gone and why is it that this person is back,” Armogan argued.

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Saturday April 27, 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

India’s antiquated law on contempt

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fter having raised the issue of whether the clubby and secretive collegiums system ac tually preserves the independence of the judiciary former Supreme Court judge, Justice Markandey Katju, has now trained his guns on India’s antiquated contempt of court law.

He has made the valid point, in this newspaper, that judicial supremacy cannot be based on the law of kings in a democracy. Is interference or disruption of the due course of judicial proceedings or the administration of justice contempt of court?

Or, does criticism of a judgment or a judge constitute sufficient ground for invocation of the dreaded law?

While it ought to be the former in India it’s often understood as the latter, as the contempt law has been employed when judges were made targets of personal attacks or to silence criticism of judgments.

But criticising a judge or a judgment perceived to be flawed cannot be seen to be an illegitimate act that scandalises the court or seriously undermines public confidence in the administration of justice.

In the UK and US, where both civil and criminal contempt laws are in operation, substantial amendments have constrained the powers of judges who might otherwise have acted to vindicate their authority, pomp and majesty which are anathema to a democratic institution.

The Indian contempt Act of 1971 has evolved over time to incorporate amendments that delineated what does not constitute contempt and framed rules to regulate contempt proceedings, yet inconsistencies remain.

In 2006, an important amendment to the 1971 Act provided for truth as a valid defence in contempt proceedings, especially because the law was considered a threat to the fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of expression.

Not just the doctrine of truth but public interest must be the cornerstones on which the law must be based.

The judiciary, executive and legislature must ensure there are enough safeguards against arbitrary exercise of the power for contempt of court.

Guyana is no different.

The judiciary still basks in the security that it cannot be criticized. The result is that judges have been known to hand down some perverse decisions.

Pity the hapless critic who believes that contempt must be made in the presence of the court.

That could be construed as being within the confines of the court or in the hearing of a judge.

The truth is that there have been cases of judges using subterfuge to get a contemnor before the court, then proceeding to charge him. One newspaper criticized a judge for granting an ex parte injunction against an individual who happened to be in the confines of the court.

The judge had so much power over the contemnor because the latter had no power of appeal regardless of the sentence. Such is the law of contempt. It places absolute power in the hands of the judge.

But for all this power there are judges who are afraid or reluctant to use the power in their hands. In Guyana, one judge granted an order against a commissioner of police who refused to carry out the order.

Rather than move to arrest the commissioner, the judge vacillated.

No judge was prepared to execute that order.

This antiquated law therefore places in the minds of the ordinary person in society, the fact that there are two distinct applications of the law.

In the same way there is a push by the media for the removal of the antiquated libel laws there must be the removal of the antique contempt laws.

The real extradition tests are ahead DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the online article in Demerara Waves dated April 24 and titled, “Guyanese murder-accused extradited to US creates precedent - US Ambassador.” Permit me to offer the following comments.

Speaking of extraditions in general, they are long overdue. The presence in these parts of more than a few US felons - long operating under the radar, long cuddled and protected, and long practiced in the criminal crafts - has long been a public secret, and a roiling one to boot.

There are those here, who have settled in while building empires dedicated to violating both Guyanese laws and American ones.

The serial violations are not of the misdemeanor variety, but rise to the top of the felony ladder. They masquerade under many sophisticated commercial covers, while gaming Guyanese law enforcement, magistracy, and many within a helpful institutional apparatus. In so doing, there are repeated and continuous violations of law everywhere.

Those violations hang over this country like the sword of Damocles.

Immediately following the actual extradition move, Ambassador Lynch was quoted as saying that this development evidences, “Establishing a road map for future extraditions, bringing a fugitive to justice, making Guyana a safer place for Guyanese citizens - this is the best example of rule of law existing in Guyana.”

That is a comprehensive mouthful and represents

significant good news for the weary and resigned. The bad news, from the perch of the targeted, and according to an online New York Daily News article dated April 25 article is that there are “twenty such extradition cases pending”.

Those twenty will be the true measure of the rule of law in this society, and those who populate those fragile watchtowers.

As matters unfold, the law enforcement apparatus will determine how much of “a safer place for Guyanese citizens” this country will be.

How much of a cleaner, more reputable, more valuesoriented place Guyana will become. And how much the constitutional arms of government are aligned.

Now with this extradition - a long-awaited precedent firmly established, alarm bells are sure to go off in multiple places in this country.

Trouble is ahead; serious personal exposure for a lot of sanctimonious adult choirboys. Those alarm bells going off mean that wellentrenched men (some women, too) must manage their rising levels of consternation and discomfort, as to the suddenly looming menaces, and now palpable legal and environmental nakedness and the related dangers.

The political ones are unappealing. For government has registered its seriousness with facing its responsibilities in an ethical and also legally laudable manner. As part of having a desired place in the comity of nations, and in keeping with a warming international receptivity to

things extradition, the Guyana government of today has taken a step that was publicly hailed by the US Ambassador.

The Americans have to be pleased, for there are reports for years now of an additional number of persons of interest in the local hoods, who feature heavily on their priority radar. They are now able to work with a government in Guyana, to go after those whom the natives call ‘big fishes.’

In this context, I would hope new candidate for leadership, old leadership, and the party ole-heads have all sat up and taken notice of not only the extradition development, but also the positive reaction of the US plenipotentiary. She speaks for the most powerful country around, and there is peril in just saying, “no!” to their cases.

Now before law-abiding citizens start celebrating, a word of caution is in order.

The extradited was one targeted for a capital offence, but still a routine one. It was a good testing ground to see what would stand up, and who would in the judicial tribunal(s). He has been sent on his way. But in the bigger criminal picture, he is a nobody. The real big people in this town, the selfproclaimed powers are going to be a different river of piranha.

Successfully closing out cases tabled, and sending the really powerful people on their way, is going to be inestimably - perhaps insurmountably - difficult.

These people know they are

in the overseas sniper scope, they know what for, and they know that extradition, in effect, means a life on the inside. They will not go easily.

They have the resources: unimagined amounts of money; known and secret political allies on both sides of the political aisle; corroborating legal stalwarts available to cash in on what could be an extraditionoriented bonanza; and a bureaucratic framework willing to do their bidding for the right price.

Since price is not a showstopper, then local and international objectives can be denied, or at least stonewalled into oblivion.

Cumulatively, it is a powerful and near unbeatable combination.

Thus, I have a neutral, if not skeptical stance with Ambassador Lynch’s diplomatic optimisms. Proof has to be in the judicial pudding.

Regardless, the peoples of this country are due a breather from the octopi that strangle clean business, youthful values, and national standards and reputation. I, for one, reap no joy from being reminded by my American friends as to what kind of country (haven) Guyana really is at the core.

The state has shown a rare flicker of integrity in this instance. The real test(s) and challenges would be where the real people are involved.

Then government(s) will have to show what is stood for and for whom.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

GAWU WILL NOT BE SIDE TRACKED

DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU saw Dr Joey Jagan’s letter which appeared in the April 21, Kaieteur News.

Dr Joey in his letter, in seeking to wave the flag of relevancy, has sought to impute issues which, from our point of view, have no bearing on the matters he raised in his initial letter, and which our Union provided a response lest his maligned assertions be deemed factual.

In the most recent letter, Dr Joey questions, ostensibly, our commitment to our union members and their plight. Certainly, we hold that our commitment has been tangibly seen over the years.

Through our efforts, together with the workers, we have managed to expand and improve their lot and bring about betterment to them and their families. In more recent times, we have been proactive in our members’ defence, as attempts have been furthered to deny them

a livelihood and imperiling their welfare.

While we are not one to blow our own trumpet we, at the same time, will not allow unanswered the desecration of character and the dedication of so many in the noble task of advancing workers’ rights and conditions.

Dr Joey says that US$300M was spent on Skeldon, this is the first time, we can recall, that this figure is touted. But the ‘good doctor’ can be excused, recognizing his unfamiliarity with the sugar industry.

On the matter, at hand, the GAWU has expressed, on several occasions, our concerns about the Skeldon project. We nevertheless recognized too that the missteps regarding the project cannot be disconnected from what appears to be dubious project management.

That notwithstanding, we are

aware too of the concerted efforts to bring about resolution to the maladies which plague the plant and, indeed, signs of improved performance were recorded.

Also, the value of the project from the electricity standpoint has been more than realized and demonstrates the worth of the project to the sugar industry.

Dr Joey also alleges that the sugar industry was bound to collapse but this, in our view, only further exposes his disconnect from the subject at hand. Sugar’s future was never confined to being solely and only a raw sugar producer, which it seems that the letter writer is asserting.

We urge the doctor to read Mr. Dustin Fraser’s letter which appeared in the April 21, Stabroek News. From Mr. Fraser’s letter, Dr Joey will learn of some of the possibilities to assure sugar’s

sustainability. These are some of the suggestions the GAWU has been advancing for some time now.

The doctor also says that the “…the government… pays all sugar workers…” By that token statement, it appears, Dr Joey is saying that the Government is engaged in discrimination, recognizing that all other workers of the state have received improvements in pay and conditions, whereas the sugar workers have received zero since 2015.

Moreover, Dr Joey goes on to say that workers’ representatives in Parliament “…is unheard of in the history of trade unionism…” We hasten to suggest that the letter writer read Ashton Chase’s ‘History of Trade Unionism in Guyana’, where he will learn that many trade unionists sat in the August House, and this is by no means a new feature. Two of (Continued on page 5)

Saturday April 27, 2019

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Kaieteur News

There seems to be no end to the Bahá’ís celebrating their most teachings—signaling the arrival of a new allegations of corruption swirling holy festival stage in the evolution of the life of humanity, DEAR EDITOR, For 12 days at the end of April and beginning of May, Baha’i communities in Guyana and around the world celebrate their most holy festival: Ridván.

The twelve day Festival of Ridván, celebrated April 21 to May 2, is considered the holiest for members of the Bahá’í Faith.

During those dates in 1863, Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, left Baghdad and entered gardens now known as the Garden of Ridván, which means paradise in Arabic This annual festival marks the anniversary of the 12 days spent along the River Tigris in Baghdad by Bahá’u’lláh, during which His many admirers in the city came to bid Him farewell. Baha’u’llah announced to the friends gathered with Him during those days that He was God’s Messenger for a new age, foretold in the world’s scriptures. He called the garden they were gathered in “Ridván,” meaning “paradise.”The Ridván period was also a time when Baha’u’llah proclaimed the foundational spiritual principles that lie at the heart of His

characterized by peace and an end to violence.

Today, the festival of Ridván is the most joyous of Bahá’í holy days. In villages, towns, and cities around the world, Baha’i communities of all racial backgrounds celebrate these special days with gatherings open to all.In thousands of localities around the globe on the first day of Ridván, Baha’is also vote for their local governing councils.

And throughout the 12-day festival of Ridván, national conventions are held in some 180 countries and territories, during which delegates gather to vote for their National Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member council responsible for guiding, coordinating, and stimulating the activities of the Bahá’ís in its jurisdiction. Bahá’í elections are distinct for their lack of nomination and campaigning.

In Guyana currently there are several Local Baha’i administrative institutions and one National Institution Yours faithfully Rooplall Dudhnath

GAWU WILL NOT BE SIDE TRACKED From page 4 the most outstanding of them, but not only, were the revered Cde Cheddi Jagan and Boysie Ramkarran.

Dr Joey is also critical of the Union’s use of a car which admittedly, elicited a little laugh amongst us.

But does the ‘goodly doctor’ really expect us to use a bicycle to go to the sugar estates which stretch from Skeldon to Uitvlugt?

Surely, the ‘goodly doctor’ will recall that our celebrated leader Dr Jagan would use a car in order to travel to engage workers and others. It appears that Dr Joey is clutching at straws.

We see Dr Joey expressing criticism of former Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud.

The doctor is well within his right to have an opinion.

What is perplexing, however, was that Dr Joey, according to the October 25, 2011 Kaieteur News, sat, reportedly, close by to the very Minister when he “…announced his support for the Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar, saying that he has returned home to his father’s party”.

The doctor also appears critical of our association with

Dr Cheddi Jagan, though he well knows that his father was associated with our Union for many years.

The GAWU is proud of that association which brought the sugar workers several improvements, and we hail the contributions of Cde. Cheddi in our long struggle for recognition, as well as in other struggles engaged by the Union.

We nevertheless agree w i t h D r J o e y, t h a t h i s father’s legacy and work belong to all Guyana and, therefore, it is disconcerting that serious efforts are being made to undermine the work of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, which is nobly continuing to highlight Cde. Cheddi’s work.

Dr Joey also is critical of some of the projects initiated and continued under former President Donald Ramotar.

What is interesting to us, is that Dr Joey in the October 25, 2011 Kaieteur News in glowing terms described the

former President as “…a man of honour and is not a corrupt man, and I think he means to bring change to this country and change is what we need.

I fought for change over and over and if Mr. Ramotar can bring change with the resources he has in his hand with a victory, then maybe that will help the country.”

Again, how can we sincerely treat with Dr Joey’s utterances?

T h e G AW U i s n o t sidetracked by the spurious innuendos of those who seek, for their own motivations, to besmirch the record of committed leaders and activists who are still involved in furthering the interest of our members and the workers of Guyana. We know that our efforts speak for themselves and we are resolved to continue to put our best foot forward.

Yours faithfully Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

around this administration

DEAR EDITOR, The government-owned and controlled Guyana Chronicle recently carried a story announcing the grant of $6.5 million to 130 Rupununi youths involved in the APNU+AFC-sponsored Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Programme.

According to the story, youths were drawn from eleven villages in South Central Rupununi, and eight in the Karasabai district.

The 130 youths are the second, and probably the last cohort to benefit from the HEYS Programme.

The Programme was launched in 2016. It replaced the Community Support Officers (CSOs) Programme initiated by the PPP/C administration.

That Programme involved over two thousand Amerindian youths across the entire Region Nine.

Bread was taken from the mouths of the thousands of CSOs when they were dismissed summarily on the assumption of the APNU+AFC coalition to office.CSOs were provided with technical training to assist their respective Village Councils implement developmental projects for the advancement of their village economies.

The APNU+AFCsponsored HEYS Programme is aimed at enhancing the academic skills of the participants and later, to provide them with financial resources for small projects or existing businesses of their own.

According to reliable sources, persons selected to function as administrators and facilitators for the HEYS Programme were ‘handpicked’.

Concerns have been expressed that neither of the two positions were publicly advertised thus denying suitably qualified persons from applying for, and possibly securing employment in one of the two positions.

But what was even more scandalous was the fact that in the 2018 Auditor General Report it was stated that of the $120 million budgeted for the 2017/2018 Programme, a whopping $60 million could not be a c c o u n t e d f o r. N o t h i n g further was heard from g o v e r n m e nt about the missing funds.

The matter was never investigated.

Questions have also arisen in connection with the $60 million IAST/GOGsponsored tomato project at Port Kaituma which continues to experience difficulties principally due to cost of production.

It is alleged that the $20

per pound being offered by IAST is insufficient to cover production and other related costs when compared to the more attractive $200 per pound being offered to farmers by other interested parties.

Here again, allegations of corruption have surfaced and are yet to be investigated by the police.

There seems to be no end to the allegations of corruption swirling around the APNU+ AFC coalition administration.

Observers have opined that recent cor r u p t i o n allegations brought to light exposing ministers at certain government agencies and departments have intensified pressures on the coalition’s leadership to come clean and to admit culpability in respect to these widespread corruption allegations facing the administration.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

What about our increase?

DEAR EDITOR, During the Minister of Finance’s budget for 2019, it was announced that National Insurance pension would be increased from $30, 000, 00 to $32,100.00.

The increase was intended to take effect from

January 1, 2019.To date, we the pensioners have not seen or benefited from this increase.We are therefore asking the Minister of Social Protection to intervene at this time.

Thank you, Concerned pensioner

PAGE 6

It’s impossible for GAWU to divorce itself from the destruction of the sugar industry DEAR EDITOR, I won’t waste much time responding to the GAWU’s letter where they tried to dismiss their glaring political conflict of interest, and regurgitate their alleged commitment to sugar workers.

Any objective person will see that something is very wrong when political persons have control over state-paid workers. This situation might have been acceptable when Guyana was liberating itself from external powers, but it has been going on for so long that no real look has been given to this situation.

Yet, I assure you that it is now absolutely necessary, given Guyana’s politicallylinked racial divide, in the interest of unity, democracy and transparency, to review the GAWU/PPP relationship.

I do not wish to “tarnish” or “discredit” any person, but to simply state the facts.

The issue is not GuySuCo, it is not the sugar workers, and it is not the

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Skeldon Factory that is up for scrutiny, it is clear that those who managed or represented various interests have failed.

The former People’s Progressive Party administration destroyed the sugar industry and made it dependent on the State. The situation became grave when US$200M - US$50M more than the entire CJIA upgrade project - was spent on one factory that never functioned up to par.

Whatever electricity and other resources came out of the massive investment, as GAWU claims, did not ease the woes of GuySuCo, as Jagdeo claimed. He said that the mega factory would do the job of several dilapidated factories, and that he would personally make the factory work when questioned about its mammoth cost. It never worked and that investment went down the drain, crippling the industry further.

It was PPP executives who were at the helm of the union when the PPP government made all the wrong and careless moves. GAWU’s direct connection to the PPP and at hierarchal levels makes it impossible for the union to

divorce itself from the destruction of the industry.

When Jagdeo said he was taking the bulk of GuySuCo’s money to invest into one factory, as he had bankrupted NIS with the Berbice Bridge, we are expected to believe that GAWU would have done everything in its power to stop that right?

GAWU says its leaders are elected by its membership, but GAWU was birthed by the PPP, the PPP never lost its connection with the union, so regardless of who “the membership” chooses, that party’s influence remains.

As it stands, GAWU and the PPP are interlocked - the former needs union dues to survive and the latter needs the sugar workers as an asset to be used when necessary.

Regardless of what GAWU says, these are the facts of the matter and I rest my case.

If the issue of conflict of interest has taken precedence, with claims of ‘we do not want the new government to treat us like the PPP did’, then the old ways and institutions need reviewing and revamping, because like other organisations, GAWU’s situation is not healthy one, especially for an oil wealthy country with unhealthy divisions.

Peter Joseph

I disagree that the education system in the Caribbean is responsible for the brain drain DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Glenville Remy captioned ‘BRAIN DRAIN: The continued stigma in the Caribbean’ and published in your April 4, 2019 edition I disagree that the education system in the Caribbean is the cause of the brain drain.

The brain drain is caused by the Caribbean not providing the standard of living to professionals that the developed countries do.

Educated people see the world as their domain and have the mobility to make a living wherever they choose and that choice is usually based on desired standard of living. The Caribbean countries need to, initially, make a conscious and blatant effort to pamper professional with contributions equitable to an international standard of living by ensuring that they have comparable housing, transportation, safety, health care etc.

In short, the Caribbean governments and private companies have to make a conscious effort to compete for Caribbean workers who could be desirable to developed countries.

Contrary to what Glenville is saying, the developed countries are also stealing blue collar workers. Check the New York Transit authority workforce for the high percentage of Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals there. That began in the 1970s.

Check Toronto for the significant number of Guymine Trade School graduates.

The Canadian ministry responsible for immigration used to be called the Ministry of Immigration and Manpower. What does that tell you? When I went to the consulate office in Georgetown for my interview

for Canada, the Canadian officer had in her hand a list of professional skills that they needed. She looked at my qualifications against her list and said “electrical engineer, we need you” and promptly stamped “approved” on the application. The entire interview lasted about 10 minutes.

I, for one, would not have left Guyana if I did not have to walk three miles 4 times a day for work, and the same distance with young kids for social and/or shopping purposes. I also had a fair salary, but could not find adequate groceries in the stores. The list goes on….

Again, contrary to what Glenville said, the government of Guyana, Guymine and Guysuco did train Guyanese in fields required by the country and industries.

Indeed, the Guymine Trade School and Port Mourant Training Centre were feeder trade schools for the bauxite and sugar industries respectively.

The scholarship programs by these industries to train scholars to the professional level were also geared for feeding the local companies.

However, as I said before, you cannot train someone to a trade or professional level and expect them to not want to live at an international middle or upper middle class level.

Back in the 70’s and early 80’s there were no TVs in Guyana. Therefore it was not as easy for Guyanese at home to see the standard of living in developed countries.

However those same scholars were trained in countries where their peers enjoyed the higher standard of living.

Also, people have always travelled back and forth to the US, Canada and the UK. Television in Guyana has only exacerbated the situation.

Unfortunately, the system I am proposing will make the existing class system in the Caribbean more pronounced. However, it will also, inadvertently, create an incentive system for children to pay more attention to becoming trades people and professionals.

Linden always was a microcosm of such a system.

It was a company town and the professionals lived in special upper middle class subdivisions in the exclusive south of town.

The professional (staff) quarters were furnished, had hot water, servant quarters, a golf course, security, a cinema, exclusive elementary school and a community swimming pool. The nonprofessional employees and their families lived in the northern part of town.

Ambitious youths in the north (including me at that time) always aspired to live like the folks did in south Mackenzie. It is the reason why per capita, Linden has produced more Guyanese engineers than any other part of Guyana.

No more communist “From each according to his ability. To each according to his needs.” Let’s return to “From each according to his ability. To each according to his works.”

Today, Caribbean governments and private companies there must blatantly and directly take action to compete for this internationally mobile Caribbean talent. If their offers are competitive, these local employers have the inside edge on hiring and retaining this talent. All things being equal, people prefer to live in their own culture. Even now, with the emerging oil industry in Guyana, I do not see any effort by the government of Guyana to attract and repatriate Guyanese from the diaspora.

We have oil men that have worked for the largest oil companies in the world.

We have power plant engineers and managers (a Jamaican runs the Guyana power system). We have electrical engineers, engineering project managers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, trades men etc. At least Burnham had the “back home call”, but because of the economic crisis with food shortages etc. he could not retain the qualified Guyanese professionals that returned home in significant numbers.

Gerry King

Saturday April 27, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Govt replacement MPs sworn in

Sworn in – Tabitha Sarabo-Halley is also the new Minister of the Public Service, within the Ministry of the Presidency

Sworn in – Donna Mathoo

Sworn in – Mervyn Williams

The government had challenged the validity of C h a r r a n d a s s P e r s a u d ’s vote in support of the No Confidence Motion on December 21 last year. They argued that his dual citizenship rendered him ineligible to serve in the National Assembly. That challenge resulted in much public outcry over the dual citizenship of other parliamentarians. According to Article 155 of the Constitution, persons who have acknowledged allegiance to a foreign power are not permitted to serve in the National Assembly.

Four of those dual citizens were governmentaligned MPs, Joseph Harmon, Rupert Roopnaraine, Carl Greenidge and Dominic Gaskin. All of those MPs were also ministers of government.

During the reconvening of the National Assembly yesterday, those four members of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition were absent. The Speaker of the House, Barton Scotland, informed the assembly that this was due to the fact that they tendered their resignations from the House.

Since those seats were vacated, Scotland said that it was necessary to have them filled by interested persons who are on the same list as the MPs who have resigned. They were drawn from the list provided by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

Scotland said that Roopnaraine resigned effective April 4, while the other three dual citizens tendered their resignations on April 25. Those individuals also resigned from their ministerial posts.

President David Granger had said that he has, in accordance with the courts’ rulings on dual citizens in public office, accepted the resignations of Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Business; Joseph Harmon, Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency and D r.

Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of the Public Service in the Ministry of the Presidency.

Joseph Harmon, Rupert Roopnaraine, Carl Greenidge and Dominic Gaskin were replaced by Mervyn Williams, Tabitha S a r a b o - H a l l e y, D o n n a Mathoo and Reynard Ward respectively. Those persons took the oath of office yesterday, during the

opening session.

Scotland notified the assembly that he also received notice that the dual citizens from the Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), have resigned as well. When the speaker made the request for representatives of that party to fill the vacant posts, no one answered the call.

As Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, stated during a press conference last Thursday that no parliamentarians from that party attended yesterday’s sitting.

Sworn in – Reynard Ward

PAGE 8

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Rice Board fraud case…

Prosecutor recommends three separate trials for accountant Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry yesterday recommended to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan that the charges made out against the former accountant for the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter Ramcharran, should be done in three separate trials.

Ramcharran was slapped with 39 charges of fraudulent conversion and misappropriation which allegedly took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. The fraud involved tens of millions of dollars. The total is said to be over $400M. The matter is currently in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Yesterday when the matter was called, the Administrative Justice Act (AJA) was applied to the charges and Ramcharran was allowed to enter his plea. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Prosecutor Henry who is working for the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) entered a submission to have a charge which took place on February 15, 2012 for keeping of a fraudulent account involving $400,000 to be withdrawn against Ramcharran, since as it is a duplication of another charge.

His submission was upheld and therefore, Ramcharran is now faced with 38 charges.

There are 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts, 16 for fraudulent appropriation and five for the falsification of accounts. The prosecutor recommended that the 39 charges should be dealt with as one in the segments mentioned so that there would be three separate trails.

Magistrate McLennan then heeded the recommendation and adjourned the matter until May 16, next, when she will indicate how the tri-

GTT Plus Star Auditions Kicks off in Georgetown

Peter Ramcharran als will be carried out.

Ramcharran, 30, of Lot 32 Area ‘G’ Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, is being represented by attorneyat-law Sase Gunraj. The defendant was brought before the court after eluding the hearings for almost two years in Canada. In Canada, Ramcharran had first applied for refugee status. After he was turned down in December, he sought a review of his extradition process but this, too, was turned down.

In 2017, the Chief Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant for him. He is be ng jointly charged with former General Manager of GRDB, Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General Manager of GRDB Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company, Badrie Persaud and the Deputy Permanent

Secretary Finance Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine.

The GRDB found itself in the spotlight after a forensic audit of that entity revealed among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. From about 2009 to 2015, Guyana, under the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, had entered a multi-billion-dollar oil-for-rice arrangement where GRDB was clearing out for farmers.

However, millions of dollars of those monies were reportedly siphoned off via third-party arrangements including rental of ships and other sweetheart deals for a few millers. SOCU is investigating other aspects of the audit report.

According to information, the former accountant is heavily implicated in the probe with regards to the six former GRDB board members who have also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Scenes from the audition The GTT Plus Star Competition auditions kicked off yesterday in Georgetown at the Duke Lodge. The auditions began at 09:00hrs sharp.

There were contestants sitting biting their nails, either in anticipation, excitement or nervousness.

Michael Atherly, a production team member, informed this publication that the competition came back because the corportion wanted to establish a standard, something professional and refined.

There was a panel of three judges, who judged via a point system. A WOW, would have indicated that the contestant would have automatically made it into the next round.

“Yes” indicated that the

contestant would be contacted by an official to know if you qualified or not. The more yeses you got the higher your chances of qualifications.

The age range targeted was from 16, who would require parental consent. The competition saw approximately 300 contestants apply in the Georgetown area, along with a number of walk-in applicants.

Akeem Alexander, 18, said he auditioned because he could sing and he thought it would be a great experience.

“I expected to see more people. In two years I see myself as a recording artist and becoming a household name”. When asked about the emotions he was feeling “its 50/50 excitement and ner-

vousness”.

Surine Anthony, 16, confidently stated, “Singing runs in my family, but nobody pushes himself. I want to be the first to push myself. I am nervous but this is something good.

“Teenagers who are school dropouts and have the talent could showcase it. If I win I don’t know what I am going to do. However I do see myself as a professional singer and a producer in two years.”

First prize is set at $1 million and a single recorded with Drew Thoven; the second prize is $150,000; and third prize, $100,000. The Berbice and Linden leg of the auditions would come later. The Georgetown leg continues today at the Duke Lodge.

Saturday April 27, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

VIEWPOINT BY VIBERT PARVATAN

ONWARD UPWARD NOT DOWNWARD AND BACKWARD “IT IS ONLY AN ERROR OF JUDGEMENT TO MAKEA MISTAKE, BUT IT SHOWS INFORMITYOF CHARACTER TO ADHERE TO IT WHEN DISCOVERED”.

(CHRISTIAN BOVEE) There are many people whose days may be filled with a variety of activities, including decision-making and speaking – both informally and formally. For public figures who hold high office, there would be their supporters and opposers; admirers and critics; friends and enemies; those who have confidence in them and those who are suspicious and distrust them.

The utterances of such officials may at times be controversial and in such a situation their statements are placed under the microscope.

But magnification does not necessarily lead to the revelation of truth or the removal of ambiguity in relation to interpretation.

The subjectivity of the listeners, viewers and those interpreting statements may

be even further polarised by motives of defending, neutralising or attacking.

This concept is well illustrated in the Courts.

A statement made by the accused may have a certain interpretation by the Prosecutor but a different meaning when explained by the Defence. It is left for the Jurors to form their own conclusions which may differ, although they have listened to and have examined the same statement.

In that beautiful Film “Love Story” the young lady advised her lover with deep hurt, emotion and sincerity that love means never having to say you’re sorry. That is the idea! But in life it is often different.

Many of us may have had cause to say I am sorry in differing circumstances. We may have provoked the wrath of others.

This may have even happened in the sanctity of our homes, not addressing strangers but loved ones.

The response and

meaning of statements made will no doubt be influenced by the circumstances. The utterer’s mood, the context in which a statement is framed; whether impetuous or calculated and the image of the utterer will affect both interpretation and reaction.

MISTAKES - AN INCORRECT IDEA OR OPINION IS A MISTAKE! - SOMETHING WRONGLY DONE, WHETHER THROUGH IGNORANCE, MALICE OR INADVERTENCE IS A MISTAKE. With that definition, it is evident that there may be MISTAKES flourishing and surrounding us. Many interesting statements have been made on the subject of MISTAKES. John Pye Smith – An English Theologian stated: “Exemption from mistake is not the privilege of morals; But when our mistakes are involuntary, we owe each other every candid consideration; and the man who on discovering his errors

Dem boys seh ...

People boasting how Guyana like America De whole world looking at America. De sad thing is that people does pattern dem life after America when it suit dem.

In America dem had a problem dealing wid certain people.

And to this day, police killing more Black people, jailing more Black people and of course, giving jobs to fewer Black people.

Dem boys was talking about that de odda day when a man tell him that Guyana is de same thing.

Police shooting more black people in Guyana; de jail got more black people in Guyana, and more black people looking fuh jobs. Guyana just like America.

But dem got differences. De police in America got faster cars

and dem got more sense.

Dem don’t set up road block in de city because de city got nuff exit. Dem does set up road block wheh dem only got one long road.

In Guyana de police like set up roadblock by D’Aguiar Turn pun de East Bank. Once you coming from town you can only drive one way.

That is wheh dem does ketch you. But de way how de road situate anybody who coming from town got a chance to dodge back and wait till de road block move.

One man drunk like a fish.

He spot de long line and he know is a roadblock. Dem boys seh de man backpedal and find a gear. Even if de police did

see him dem couldn’t ketch him because dem vehicle face de wrong way.

Now if a man rob somebody and he and de accomplices deh in a car wid de gun, which roadblock gun ketch dem.

Last night that is wha happen. De only thing is that dem bandits was going pun a wuk. Dem was using a bicycle.

When dem see de roadblock dem mek one about turn. At least one robbery didn’t tek place.

Dem boys want to know why de police can’t set up a road block wheh people must get ketch.

Dem does do it at de back of de Gardens.

Ta l k h a l f a n d d o n ’t boast how Guyana just like America.

“Critters” jailed after threatening to behead reputed wife Orin Blair, called “Critters” 41, has been jailed for threatening to behead his reputed wife.

Blair, a Labourer of Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice is accused of threatening to kill his reputed Wife Diana Prass. The incident is said to have occurred on November 23, last.

According to Police Prosecutor Inspector Althea Solomon, Blair and Prass have known each other for over 12 years. She was once his reputed wife and they lived together.

On the day in question the woman was by a friend’s house when Blair visited and called out to her. He then blurted out, “When I catch you, I going to kill you and F…. off your head.

I gun go back to jail for you. Don’t make a see you on the road.”

The woman in fear reported the matter to the Police and Blair was arrested and charged.

He appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court, was found guilty and sentenced to six months in jail.

acknowledges and corrects them is scarcely less entitled to our esteem than if he had not erred”.

UNITY Notwithstanding the economic problems, the people of Guyana can take pride in the fact that over the past years of the postIndependence period, Guyanese have generally lived in peace and harmony.

The diversity of culture has enriched our lives.

Inspite of political and ideological differences, Guyanese can make ever meaningful our National Slogan.

ONE PEOPLE! ONE NATION! ONE DESTINY! We need to preserve this Unity which is absolutely necessary for the well being of our People and for Nation Building.

IT IS CERTAINLYA MISTAKE FORANYONE TO MAKE STATEMENTS WHICH CAN CREATE DISHARMONY. IT IS NO LESS A MISTAKE FOR ANYONE TO SIMILARLY CREATE RACIAL DISHARMONY IN

REACTING TO ANY STATEMENT PERCEIVED TO BE HAVINGA DEROGATORY CONNOTATION. WE MUST LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES. DESTRUCTIVES FLAMES SHOULD NEVER BE FANNED, BUT EXTINGUISHED. IN DESTROYING THE WEEDS IN OUR GARDEN, LET US NOT DESTROY THE CROPAND JEOPARDISE THE HARVEST. VICTIMITIS In his inspirational writings Robert Schuller advised: “NO ONE TRAVELS THE ROAD OF LIFE WITHOUT BEINGAFFECTED BY INJUSTICEAT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. BUT THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU IS TO DEVELOP VICTIMITIS. VICTIMITIS IS CARRYING YOUR GRUDGEAND NURSING THE HURTS. THIS ONLY PRODUCES A WHOLE NEW BATCH OF EMOTIONAL DEMONS TO TORMENT YOUR SOUL.

RESENTMENT,ANGER, SELF-PITYAND EVEN VENGEANCE BECOMEA MIXED UP RECIPE FOR MESSED-UP FEELINGS…..

SO DON’T CARRY THE GRUDGE, BURY IT”.

It will be a mistake, indeed a serious mistake for anyone, or any organisation to encourage, promote or tolerate any act which aims at creating or accentuating divisions in our society.

At this critical time in the histor y of this comparatively young nation, all of the people in Guyana must focus on the big picture of developing Guyana, raising the standard of living, alleviating suffering, reducing unemployment, improving infra-structure and health care, giving hope to citizens and a sense of peace, security and confidence in the future.

In the present scenario, political leaders have the most influential role to play. They can put Guyana first OR selfishly in the quest for positions of power be destructive.

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OBSERVES WORLD MALARIA DAY AT BARTICA A ceremony at the Bartica Regional Public Hospital on Wednesday, in observance of World Malaria Day 2019, had the Theme “Zero Malaria starts with me”. A Team of Officials from the Ministry of Public Health was in attendance.

During the ceremony, the focus by the health authorities was on the developments in the fight against Malaria in Region Seven since in the mid 1980s.

Malaria is identified as the health issue that dominates the Region Seven’s gold min-

ing and logging economic sectors.

Mr Trevor Thomas, Malaria Manager, Vector Department, Ministry of Public Health at the Malaria Day observance stated that the increase in malaria cases from 2017 can be as a result of the increased Testing being done.

He said that Malaria now is not a Public Health concern, but a developmental Issue because it affects people in the working Environment, especially Men. They are more at risk.

He then urged people not to relax because of the availability of treatment. Instead, adopt a change of attitude which is also necessary to make the desired “in roads” in the fight against Malaria, Thomas said.

Dr Edward Sagala, Regional Health Officer, told the Forum that the Region’s Health capabilities have improved immensely over the past 30 Years. He said that he has been working in the Region long enough to now deem itself as the best Region in the fight against Malaria.

PAGE 10

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

It is impossible to comprehend the thinking of the APNU+AFC Once you reach a certain age in this country, as a high school student you will know that one of the main pillars of the Guyana existence is agriculture.

This is a large country that is bigger than the combined CARICOM territories.

Despite sugar’s recent exit as a foreign exchange earner, agriculture is one of the most important arteries in Guyana’s biology. Compared with other ministries, the agriculture jurisdiction is very large.

It came as a complete surprise to the nation that the APNU+AFC did not

name a junior Minister of Agriculture while there were two junior ministers and a senior one in the Ministry of Communities.

One of the stupid things about people with state power in Guyana is that they cannot seem to get into their heads that in a small population, there can be no secrets.

This columnist has evidence of corruption against this government.

This columnist was given information of APNU+AFC personnel who are in possession of huge mining claims. This columnist knows about an egregious

conflict of interest in the Cabinet that has not hit the media as yet.

This columnist knows that shortly after 2015, the second-tier leadership of the AFC argued for a junior minister of agriculture.

Rajendra Bissessar of the AFC was identified for such a post but he did not have total support within t h e A F C ’s l e a d e r s h i p .

When his name reached Granger, he was rejected.

Bissessar writes letters in the newspapers often so I will hope he replies to this and clarify what is written here about him.

In 2016, two senior sec-

ond-tier leaders in the AFC – Leonard Craig and current General-Secretary, Marlon Williams-‘- took serious steps to have the AFC decide on a junior minister of agriculture.

A dialogue took place with Minister Holder. Both Holder and the AFC rejected the attempts of these two men. It would be interesting to hear the reaction of both of them to what is written here.

On the verge of its four years in office, the APNU+AFC wise men and insightful ladies have chosen a junior minister in the agricultural sector. Why four years later appears to be an idiotic decision but let us examine the logics that drive the people that administer state power here. For a very long time in the US, extreme, anti-government conservative ideologues, including the top leadership in the Republican Party, have held the view that less government and small government is best for the US and that essentially the only role government should play is in security.

All the ideologues in the Republican Party believe that Government’s role is to safeguard the ter-

ritory and provide security for the citizenry.

Security falls to no other sector than the state.

Ye t i n G u y a n a , t h e APNU+AFC leader has invented a concept called – public security. There is no such thing elsewhere in the world. That is why you would never find the word “public” before security in any Cabinet in any government in the world. It has to be “national security.” The state is invested with the sphere of security within the borders and outside of the borders of any country. The government has jurisdiction over any kind of security in Guyana. It regulates the operation of private security like private security firms, sale of weapons, gun license. By what logic can you have a ministry of public security rather than national security? How can you have a Ministry of Public Health?

The entire health sector must be regulated by the state.

In all other countries, private medical facilities come under national laws administered by the state. Things become asinine when you have the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure but you don’t have a

Frederick Kissoon Ministry of Public Agriculture? Why not a Ministry of Public Legal Affairs?

Now here is the one that is incomprehensible. The ministry with the largest budgetary allocation is education.

The constitution stipulates that from nursery to tertiary, education is free.

An enormous sum (I think about 50 billion dollars) is spent on the education sector. But we don’t have a Ministry of Public Education. The APNU+AFC leadership chose to leave out the word “public” in front of education.

Why is that so? I would bet any sum of money that not one leader in the government could explain why the word “public” is in front of other ministries and not education.

My guess is that the person(s) who thought up of those name changes is a basic fool not worthy of being part of a modern government.

But then again, this is Guyana.

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

I was not demoted – Valerie Patterson-Yearwood Minister Valerie Patterson-Yearwood has been transferred by President David Granger, from her post as Minister of Housing, to the Ministry of Agriculture, with responsibility for Rural Affairs.

As Minister of Housing, Patterson-Yearwood was accused of having a conflict of interest, since her husband was contracted for work by the Central Housing and Plan-

ning Authority (CH&PA), a body over which she presided.

An investigation was reportedly launched last year, on the order of a top level government official, to ascertain whether there was a conflict of interest. Even so, the issue was found to have other layers.

Godfrey Yearwood refused to pay his subcontractor for that project. The Min-

ister responded in a bid to clear her husband’s name, that the sub-contractor did shoddy work. Hence, she had stated, her husband had to correct the defects at a cost, so the sub-contractor was not paid.

Then, it was discovered that the situation at the Housing Ministry was even wore incestuous than previously thought. Kaieteur News found that Godfrey Yearwood

used staffers of CH&PA to sign as witnesses to his private contract with the subcontractor. One of them, Troy Marks, was found to be his nephew.

All of this created a perception that the President transferred her as a punishment for this matter that placed her under intense public scrutiny.

However, PattersonYearwood has expressed no discontentment with her transfer.

“Let me say I’m excited about my new position,” she told journalists yesterday.

“One of the reasons why I am [excited] is that it’s a new area I’m going into. It’s well focused, mainly on empowering youths in the agriculture sector.”

She said that besides the budding oil and gas sector, “Agriculture is the other way to go.”

The Minister added that it’s important at this time to get young people into farming so that they can capitalize on numerous opportuni-

Valerie Patterson-Yearwood has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture ties in the sector.

“So I’m not going to be involved with sugar and rice.

My main focus is the young people and I’m excited about that because I will draw from them and feel younger,” she told the press.

Asked whether she thinks her transfer is a demotion or a punishment for her recent

conflict of interest scandal, she responded “No, it’s not.”

“It isn’t [a demotion].

What is the demotion? My salary is not affected, [nor are] my allowances – nothing is affected.”

She said that she sees the transfer as a promotion because she is going into “new and exciting areas”.

Bishop Frederick Talbot dies With sorrow at his passing, and with thanksgiving for his life, service and witness the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church announces that on Thursday, April 11, 2019, God called our brother and colleague, Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot, from the church militant to the church triumphant.

This observation by the African Methodist Episcopal Church came following news of his death.

Bishop Talbot, the 90th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was elected in 1972 in Dallas, Texas, from Guyana. He had a distinguished career as a pastor, diplomat, and ecumenist.

As a bishop, he served the 16th, 6th, 12th, and 13th Episcopal Districts. Bishop Talbot was an author and writer of music and loved to sing.

Bishop Reginald Jackson in his tribute said, “Servant of God well done, Rest from your loved employ. The battle fought, the victory won, now enter your master’s joy.”

President David Granger expressed sadness at the death of Bishop Talbot.

Bishop Talbot was born on October 13, 1927 in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. He served as a Pastor at the St. Peter’s

African Methodist Episcopal Church, Georgetown from 1961 to 1971.

From 1971-73 he served as representative for Guyana to the United Nations and High Commissioner to Canada from 1973- 1974. This was followed by two years as resident Ambassador of Guyana to the United States from 1973 to 1975.

He also served Guyana from 1975 to 1980 as resident High Commissioner to Jamaica and High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Barbados and as Ambassador to

Haiti. His ecumenical work included service as President of the Guyana Council of Churches; Caribbean Coordinator in Family Life Education for Church World Service; delegate to the 6th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver, Canada; President of the Georgia Council of Churches and ecumenical officer of the A.M.E. in a number of locales in the Middle East, Europe, Australia and Asia.

The holder of numerous honorary degrees, Bishop Talbot wrote three books, composed texts and music for several hymns and produced a musical CD entitled ‘A Bishop Sings of His Faith.’

On Friday, President Granger extended heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, relatives and friends during this sad time.

Saturday April 27, 2019

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

Conflict of interest debate…

Favoritism can be shown when a Govt. official owns a company- TIGI -urges details of procurement process followed be made public Watchdog body, Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), in the ongoing debate over government officials and government contracts, yesterday argued that even when a minister who owns a firm has not acted directly on an existing conflict of interest, there is the possibility that favoritism can be shown to his/her firm due to the known association with the government.

In a statement, TIGI said that an examination of the procurement procedures would provide important insights on the potential for such an occurrence.

It was noted that recently, two cases about conflicts of interest have emerged in the public domain.

These cases involve the issuance of contracts to Godfrey Yearwood, the husband of the former Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood, and to Videomega, a media company owned by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes.

The contract for the latter was issued by the Department of Energy.

Patterson-Yearwood was moved from the Housing portfolio this week.

According to TIGI, in the latter situation, the Minister has indicated that she had relinquished control of the day-to-day operations of the firm prior to the contract being issued and that she was

unaware of the award before it was mentioned in the public domain.

“The revised code of conduct for public officers states in Article 4 (3) that “A person in public life shall – (c) refuse or relinquish any outside employment, shareholdings or directorships which creates or is likely to create a conflict of interest.”

The body said that the view that individuals should give up their private firms to take up Ministerial positions is therefore relevant based on the code of conduct.

However, it advised, it is not the only approach available. ”Article 4 (1) (b) of the code provides for seeking guidance from the Integrity Commission on what steps to take and this is separate from declaring interest in a firm.

We are not clear on whether the actions taken by the Minister were based on guidance received from the Integrity Commission or whether they were self-determined.”

The watchdog body argued in its April 22, 2017 statement on the draft code of conduct that the appropriate steps to take to address a conflict of interest should not be up to the discretion of the person in the conflict of interest situation.

“An overarching issue is that based on the code of conduct, the minister would need to have made or participated in making a decision that she ought to have known further her private interest or that of

Removed from housing: Minister Patterson Yearwood

Minister Cathy Hughes

a family member or some other entity (Article 4 (2), code of conduct).”

Ignorance not enough TIGI said that indicating ignorance about a contract award is therefore not enough.

However, if ignorance of the award means that the minister did not participate in any such decisions or any fora at which the matter was discussed or a relevant decision was made and did not otherwise influence the process, she would not have acted on the conflict of interest.

“Nevertheless, even when a minister who owns a firm has not acted directly on an exist-

ing conflict of interest, there is the possibility that favoritism can be shown to his/her firm due to the known association with the government.

“Examination of the procurement procedures would provide important insights on the potential for such an occurrence,” TIGI pointed out.

TIGI urged that to substantiate this claim, refute the assertions of those who claimed otherwise and concurrently strengthen public confidence, the Ministry should release information on the procurement process.

“For us to make progress in relation to transparency and corruption perception, it

is important that we address the issues that arise decisively and in ways that close opportunities for recurrence.

Establishing a clear policy on specific actions that should be taken by minsters and other public officials who have firms that compete for local business especially with the government would enhance our attempts to address conflict of interest in government.”

TIGI urged that there be a recognition that the code of conduct for public officers is weak.

“It fails to articulate any specific penalties for breaches and it should be strengthened.

In relation to the situation at the Ministry of Housing, TIGI agreed with the concerns that have been expressed. ”In fact, we have indicated that the contract awarded to the husband of the junior minister of housing should be reviewed and it is great that steps have been taken to have this done.

Though the concern about whether or not the minister and her husband became officially married by the time the contract was issued is a legitimate one, marriage is not the ultimate test.”

Rather, the body said, marriage is a fairly safe and conservative standard that can be applied in the absence

of additional information about the relationship.

A relationship before?

“Additional information could be, for example, whether or not the individuals were already living together or were known to have a relationship or friendship even if they were not married.

The relationship is the key issue and focusing on the relationship brings into relevance several kinds including familial, friendship, having attended the same secondary school, having been members of the same organization and many others.”

TIGI admitted that conflict of interest situations are a huge problem in Guyana.

“In one of our outreach programmes some years ago, the information received conveyed great concern about a relationship of one party on a tender board and a person outside.

The concept of conflict of interest should span the whole spectrum of situations where an influential official of an organization goes out of his/her way to find a friend to fill a lucrative or influential position in violation of the minimum requirements for appointment to that position, to the obvious one where the recruit emerges as one in an officially recognized relationship such as husband and wife.” The (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 14

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

NAREI’s scientists produce breadfruit plants from tissue culture techniques

Some of the tissue culture breadfruits For the first time in Guyana’s history, scientists at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) were able to produce breadfruit plants from tissue culture, a biotechnology initiative to increase yields.

NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, said that this new initiative means that farmers will have access to quality and disease-free planting materials year-round. The institute will also be able to expand cultivation in a shorter period of time.

NAREI can continue to sell these plants cheaper than what they are being sold for by private persons.

Under the tissue culture process, plantlets have to pass through four stages before they can be planted in open fields. The stages are germplasm and establishment

of in-vitro cultures (initiation stage) followed by shoot multiplication, then root and plantlet development, and finally, the hardening stage.

In the process of hardening, the plantlets get acclimatized for their subsequent transfer to soil. The hardened plants are then transferred to the potting mix and maintained in a greenhouse during the initial phase.

The variety experimented on is the “Ma’afala”. It took three months from the initiation to the hardening stage.

The first batch of the test tube breadfruit plants is currently at the hardening stage and will be made available to the market in a month.

Once planted in an open field, it will take about two and a half years for a tissue culture breadfruit plant to produce fruit ready for consumption, depending on the vari-

ety, management and environmental conditions.

Research Scientist, Samantha Brotherson, and Research Assistant, Tandika Harry, were the main persons behind the project. They explained that at each stage of the tissue culture process, mini experiments were carried out to identify the ideal condition/nutrients for the plants—this took about seven months.

“It’s the first time in Guyana we have had this opportunity to produce breadfruit tissue culture plantlets and it was successful,” Brotherson said.

One of the main advantages of tissue culture over traditional methods of propagation is that it allows for large scale and rapid multiplication of genetically identical and disease-free planting material for farmers all year around.

Man takes rap for cocaine found in fire extinguisher A quartet was yesterday brought before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Providence Magistrates’ Court after ranks of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) discovered a quantity of cocaine and marijuana in a fire extinguisher.

One of the men, Dinesh Dias, 28, was sentenced to jail for 48 months’ and ordered to pay a fine of $5.1M after he pleaded guilty to a cocaine trafficking charge. By doing so, the charges against the other men were dismissed.

Dias, called ‘Anil’, was jointly charged with Anthony Collins called ‘Black Boy’, 31; Seenarine Mathura called ‘Desi’, 43; and Mohamed Insha, 48.

The charge alleged that

on April 23, 2019 at Lot 26 Timehri, East Bank Demerara, Dias had in his possession 1.8 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Also, it was alleged that on the same date and at the same location he had in his possession 1.89 grams of cannabis.

After the charge was read to him, Dias told the court that his early guilty plea was as a result of the other three men not knowing anything about the narcotics. He admitted that the illegal substance belonged to him.

C A N U p r o s e c u t o r, Konyo Sandiford, told the court that on the day in question the four men were arrested during a raid on Dias’s home.

According to CANU,

the cocaine was concealed in a fire extinguisher believed to be destined for placement on an aircraft for an international destination through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Wh en prosecutor Sandiford finished relating the facts of the charges, Magistrate Scarce took into consideration the early guilty plea made by Dias and also the way in which the narcotic was concealed, in calculating an appropriate sentence.

Dias was sentenced to 48 months’ in jail and fined $5.1M fine for trafficking cocaine. In relation to the charge for possession of marijuana, he was fined $15,000 or in default one week in prison.

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 27, 2019

PAGE 17

Hundreds attend GPHC's Health Fair

H

u n d r e d s attended the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation's (GPHC) health fair on Wednesday.

The event was hosted on the East Street, North Cummingsburg Parking Lot, very close to the hospital.

A number of persons benefitted from the services offered at the 35 booths that were set up.

There were eye testing, screening for diabetes, dental services and screening for substance abuse amongst others.

Patrons also commended the Ministry of Public Health for hosting the fair.

Melissa McDonald, Senior Registrar in the Internal Medicine Department, said, “We'll be doing lots of educational sessions, from the pediatrics department, talking to mothers about how to be safe with babies and vaccinations.”

The doctors from the maternity unit and Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) were present to speak with women on various women's health issues as well as cancers in women.

From the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Dr. Richard Jones, explained the importance of effective

Scenes from the health fair

Family Planning.

He said that they encourage patients to do proper family planning to avoid any complications during pregnancies.

“Family Planning in Guyana is very important.

Over the years we have been able to establish a family planning Clinic at the GPHC through which we offer several services including different forms of contraception and counseling.

Planning your pregnancy and having the correct time is essential especially in young patients.”

Family Planning Clinic is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The entire event was a success as patrons were not only satisfied with the

Feds nabs Guyanese woman in centre of migrant smuggling operations from Bahamas

B

ahamas/Miami (Miami Herald)In an unusual sting operation, a woman from Guyana has been arrested by federal authorities on charges of illegally bringing a boatload of undocumented foreigners from the Bahamas to Miami.

Marcia Sunita Pestano, 44, was granted a US$250,000 bond Friday as an alternative to detention before trial in Miami federal court. Her defense attorney, Marshall Dore Louis, declined to comment about the case. Her arraignment is set for May 7.

Pestano was arrested earlier this week after H o m e l a n d S e c u r i t y Arrested: Marcia Pestano investigators coordinated an undercover operation On April 14, Pestano met targeting the Guyanese with an undercover agent in woman, who was suspected the Bahamas to smuggle of directing “alien- seven undocumented smuggling ventures from migrants from Freeport to various third countries Miami, the complaint says. through the Bahamas to the She paid US$24,900 and an United States,” according to a d d i t i o n a l $ 6 , 1 0 0 i n a criminal complaint.

Bahamian dollars to the Deploying such a sting in agent for the illegal trip. The a h u m a n - s m u g g l i n g following investigation is uncommon. (continued on page 22)

service but they were also anxious for the next fair.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 27, 2019

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Cataract surgeries return to National Opthalmology Center The first phase of cataract surgeries was successfully executed at the National Opthalmology Centre, Port Mourant by a volunteer doctor from Ghana. He was assisted by the medical team from the hospital.

Although there were some issues with the electricity and the back-up plan which forced surgeries scheduled for Thursday afternoon to come to a halt until Friday, the three days of surgeries were considered a success. Many patients expressed their pleasure in the process.

According to the doctor in charge of the institution, Dr. Devendra Radhay. the Ghanian doctor, volunteered his services for three days from Wednesday. More than 20 surgeries were completed.

A staff member at the institution reported that there was no fuel to run the generators during the power outage on Thursday, however, Dr. Radhay debunked that claim.

He said that that is not true.

He explained that there was fuel available but the GPL service was experiencing low voltage Thursday afternoon forcing a regular automatic switch over to the back-up system. It was also stated that the back- up system as well, was also experiencing issues that are expected to be rectified today by an engineer.

Surgeries were halted at 3:00 pm that day. Patients were rescheduled to yesterday.

A few of the patients awaiting their turn to com-

mence their surgeries expressed pleasure in the smooth process. They commended the staff at the institution for treating them well.

Sohan Rabindranauth, from East Canje Berbice, said that it was his first cataract surgery. He has been visiting the ophthalmology centre for check-ups since 2017.

He added that he got a call on Tuesday to visit the centre for surgery and was elated since he had been waiting for a very long time.

“I told them yes right away, and I came here Thursday early around 6:00 in the morning. I had li’l high pressure but the hospital took care of me since yesterday because I slept here.”

Rabindranath said that the staff was very courteous.

They were provided with snacks. “We had very good nurses and the doctors dem are very friendly and helpful.

I can’t paint a picture that something is wrong when it is indeed a good thing”.

A female patient who was also waiting, Eulalia Mendonza, 80, of Nurney Village told this publication that it is her second surgery. She had done cataract surgery on her left eye in 2015 and was on the waiting list like everyone else to have her other eye done.

“Everything is different this time around as against the last time, It is more organized. The place set up nice and the treatment from the staff is very good,”

The National Opthalmology Centre, Port Mourant

Mendonza said.

Cataract surgeries are expected to continue next month when another volunteer mission comprising of over 20 doctors will visit the institute.

Close to 300 surgeries are expected to be done during that volunteer mission. The National Opthalmology Centre has been out of operation for a while with only minor corrective surgeries and laser surgeries being done.

However, much attention was paid to the institution and when cataract surgeries recommence, the facility was re-commissioned a few weeks ago.

Minister of Health Volda Lawrence had mentioned that $6M was spent on the centre to get it back into operation.

Patients waiting to be attended.

Work readiness programme to tackle youth unemployment in Region Ten Region Ten Chairman, Mr. Renis Morian, has disclosed that his region will be forging ahead with the second annual Work Readiness Programme.

Morian said that this programme, which is an initiative of his office, is geared at providing the relevant training and opening of opportunities for the region’s young people.

According to the

Regional Chairman, Region Ten continues to battle with unemployment. His office has been successful in initiating and creating a number of job opportunities. He is therefore of the firm belief that the Work Readiness Programme will significantly address the unemployment challenges facing the region.

He dismissed the view that the programme is only

geared for youths in Linden, as according to him, those in Kwakwani, Ituni and outlying areas will also benefit from the programme as they seek to aggressively open opportunities for economic development for young people through employment.

“We have some young persons who were part of the Work Readiness Programme (Continued on page

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Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Operational Reg. 5 Passport Office by June - as government continues to decentralize services

Work readiness programme to tackle...

Regional Chairman, Mr. Renis Morian, along with Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Maylene Stephens The artist’s impression of the Berbice passport office.

As the government brought the curtain down on the Region Five outreach on Thursday, several Ministers visited communities along West Coast Berbice. There was Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, who announced to the residents of Profit-Rising Sun that residents of West Berbice will soon be able to forgo travelling to Georgetown to uplift their passports. This will be made possible when the Passport and Immigration Office in the Fort Ordnance, Canje, Berbice becomes fully operational. This is in keeping with the administration’s vision of

decentralising vital public services in the capital and other towns. The services include Passport Offices, Birth, Death and Marriage Registration, Lands and Surveys Commission as well as the Guyana Revenue Authority. The minister reminded that it was President David Granger who decided it was best to restore power to the citizens and as such, the government outreaches and services are all part of changing how the administration relates to its people.

“We are improving services,” Minister Felix said.

The New Passport Office is awaiting commissioning once all

appropriate measures and systems are put in place for its efficient operation. Additionally, Passport Offices will be made operational in Anna Regina, Bartica and Linden. In the future, Guyanese can expect a new 48page biometric or “e-passport” with a ten-year lifespan. This will be available particularly to members of the judiciary, businessmen, parliamentarians and senior public servants.

There will also be a system to accommodate people who wish to have the processing of the passport applications expedited online, at a cost of $20,000.

(DPI)

From page 19 in Region Ten that are being trained rightnowtoworkattheImmigration OfficeinLinden.

“SomeofthemcameoutoftheWork Readiness programme and we have just sent the proposal to do ourWork Readiness Programme this year where we are looking again to bring on about 60 young persons,” Morian revealed. “The young persons are attached to various agencies, from mechanic shops to the office, so it covers all the spectrums for six months. One often thinks when they leave school and are looking for a job people ask for experience so it helps in providing the required experience and on the other hand most of the young persons who did the last programme are employed as teachers, nurses some at offices and some went into the University of Guyana.”

Currently, the region is awaiting funding needed to get the programme underway for another year. Morian disclosed that already his office has secured some funds but not the total sum needed. The programme, he said, is expected to cost some $3.5 M.

The programme, which is managed by two coordinators, is one that offers a stipend to the participants thus ensuring that they do not learn without any remuneration. Each youth on the programme, Morian said, is given a stipend of $15,000 per month which will help them to pay the cost for transportation among other expenses.

Coordinators of the programme, Morian said, are paid as they are required to closely monitor the participants. He disclosed too that there is a monthly gathering where counselling, sharing and evaluation is done but stressed that instead of having these evaluations, monitoring and counselling done once a month, provisions are being made for it to be done twice a month at every fortnight.

This,henoted,willhelpinbetter evaluating and assisting the participants in their respective fields.

“Itwillhelpincounsellingthem;talk with them, sit down and see how they are coming along as it is geared towards strengthening their skills as many of them possess great skills but lack guidance which we are seeking through the coordinators of

the programme to assist them with and this is a general problem as we see in the schools that they lack guidance and counselling so we are seeking to assist them greatly in this area,” Morian said.

Withtheplanenvisionedforthis year, Morian foresees another 50 to 60 young persons entering the job market in the near future.

“We are confident that as the interest and excitement in this programme continues that both private and public sectors would continue to partner with us as we seektoreduceunemployment,while empowering our youths at the same time,”theRegionalChairmanadded.

Even as he encouraged the support for the programme, Morian appealed for private sector agencies to contact his office if they are interested in coming on board. He said that if a number of private sector companies can support by assisting one or two of the participants of the programme it would be greatly appreciated.

“I am appealing to private agencies and organisations to collaborate with my office as with or without funding or support from the private sector we are moving ahead with this programme,” he declared.

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Do not allow yourself to be compromised - REO cautions overseers - stresses importance of following established process to award contracts Overseers will not be given a free pass if they fail to embrace professionalism in all aspects of their work. This declaration was made by Regional Executive Officer [REO] of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Four, Ms. Pauline Lucas, who has certainly been setting an example for the Region.

“I would usually say each day that if the Ministry of Communities was to call me and say ‘Miss Lucas we no longer need your services’, I can hold my head very high and say proudly that I have never allowed myself to be compromised.

“I never had any hidden or contrary deal as I have maintained transparency and credibility in everything that I do so no contractor, staff or anyone can say that I did things that I shouldn’t have,” Lucas shared “So remember it’s your responsibility to be transparent; there must be accountability, there must be fairness and your most important stakeholders are the residents as you are there to serve them, not a political party or a political agenda but to serve the residents in your NDC,” Lucas told a gathering of her Region’s overseers at a recent workshop.

She, moreover, appealed to them to “leave the politics up to the politicians and in your case those are the Councillors. As the overseer, you need to remain professional and balanced.”

The REO made this charge even as she shared her disappointment over a number of incidents in the Region. These incidents brought to the fore the need for the overseers to better understand their roles and responsibilities.

This is important, she noted.

“People are always looking even when it seems as though they are not and if they conduct themselves in a shady manner it will result in the public losing trust and confidence in them.”

“As Accounting Officers and as overseers we need to be transparent in whatever we are doing. Your Chairman or Vice Chairman may come and want you to give a particular contractor a contract but as an Overseer you must stand your ground.

You don’t have to be disrespectful but in a respectable way you can inform the Chairman or the Vice Chair that you cannot do things in such an unprofessional manner.”

She added, “Remember the Chair, vice chair and councillors come and go but as the Accounting Officer you are expected to be there much longer than them.

You are the ones who generally have the institutional memory so you need to say to them that it cannot be done like this but this is the correct way.

“You can only stand your

ground if you know the procurement plan.”

She reiterated the need for overseers to follow the established process even as she warned them that failure to do so can and may result in action being taken against them.

She related, too, that there have been instances when NDCs should be advertising projects and works to be done but instead they keep the placement of advertisements quiet so as to deny members of the public from gaining information resulting in only their friends or associates being able to bid.

“You should place posters and the advertisements in many places within your NDCs. Use public buildings, supermarkets and places that residents frequent a lot so that they are aware of the works and contracts, not in your drawers or cabinet and when the deadline reaches you are coming to me with about two or three names to tell me that only these persons had expressed an interest.

“This is unprofessional, unlawful and let me put you on your guards, especially the new Councillors and Officers, that I will rid this region of this. I have, and continue, to see a number of fake invoices being submitted and it begs the question as to the true intention of several of the overseers,” Lucas added.

The REO disclosed, for instance, that in 2017 one NDC had submitted 11 Bill of Quantities and the 11 contracts awarded as a result were given to one particular contractor. Upon investigation Lucas said that she found that several of the signatures on the invoices were faked as some persons would create fake invoices so as to ensure that their friends secure the contract by way of having the lowest invoice price.

“These invoices are so fake that one look at the handwriting and you can tell that it is the same person who submitted the other invoices,” said Lucas. The REO noted that while she is no handwriting expert, she sees the situation as being ridiculous, even as she urged the overseers to hold their ground irrespective of who would like to entrap them in the skulduggery.

According to Lucas, she intends to rid the region of such practices.

“Let me say this. It’s not the duty of the Chairperson or Vice Chair or anyone else to prepare any document. There is a process that must be followed so no Chairman or Councillor can come and tell you that they are doing this and that

- stresses importance of following established process to award contracts because the Chairman’s job is to deal with the constituency and not to be doing up the Bill of Quantity or quotation involved in the work of the Overseer and I am saying to you to hold your integrity as accounting officer,” Lucas cautioned.

The REO further expressed the view that Overseers should know the procurement Act and have it close to them like their bible so that they can speak with knowledge and authority.

Since overseers play the role of the financial adviser to the Council, they can only perform their role well if they are cognisant of their responsibilities, Lucas asserted.

“You are the Accounting Officer and I am pleading with you to follow the procurement process irrespective of what anyone on the Council, be it Chair, Vice Chair, wants to say as you should award the job to the best possible person who can do it.

“I would also like to stress upon you to ensure that whatever goods and or services that you are procuring that it is at the highest quality as you are the people’s representative so don’t forget that,” Lucas said.

She went on to charge the overseers to “spend taxpayers’ money the way you spend your own because I can tell you that when I am spending my money I am very careful because every cent matters to me so I do a lot of shopping around so that I can get the best price and quality and that is how I spend Government’s money with care and caution because I wouldn’t spend my money on nothing that I will not benefit from significantly.”

The REO also told the overseers that the procurement system in any agency or organisation is important, noting that it can either enhance transparency and credibility of the region or destroy all attempts at accountability.

PAGE 22

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

US feds nabs Guyanese woman in centre of...

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TAKE NOTICE that on the 17th day of April, 2019 an Application Relating to the Children NATASE SHARA BAHADUR, female, born on the 4th day of October, 2001; and SHANIA TAMEILYN THERESA BAHADUR, female, born on the 6th day of September, 2002 was filed against you by the applicant NATASHA VANESSA DE FREITAS, in the Family Division of the High court in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 24th day of April, 2019 the Applicant was directed to effect service of the Application Relating to Children with Affidavit in support and Statement of Arrangement for children on you by the publication of this Notice in one (1) Saturday edition of the Kaiteur News a Newspaper of wide and general circulation on the world wide web.

From page 17 day, Pestano arranged for the seven aliens to travel by boat to Miami — although she was unaware that that the vessel was “surreptitiously operated” by Homeland Security investigators, the complaint says.

When the boat arrived in Miami, it was stopped by federal authorities. However, there were 12 undocumented migrants on board — including the seven whose passage was arranged by Pestano. It was unclear from the complaint why there were 12 passengers on board.

At the Coast Guard Station in Miami Beach, U.S. Border Patrol agents interviewed the dozen people from Caribbean and Latin American countries. They were then transported to the Border Patrol Station in Dania Beach.

Between April 16 and April 22, Pestano contacted another undercover agent who was posing as a corrupt Government official.

“She sought assistance [from the agent] to get the [seven undocumented aliens] out of immigration detention so that she would not lose the money she was supposed to AND FURTHER TAKE PROPERTY FOR NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at New Amsterdam, Berbice, where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application Relating to Children together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application Relating to Children, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application Relating to Children, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, and Notice of Intention to defend (Forms are available at the Registry) in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at New Amsterdam, Berbice on or before the 30th day of April,2019 at 9:00 a.m. This matter is fixed for 30th day of April, 2019 for further consideration.

Dated the 24th day of April, 2019.

earn for arranging for them to be smuggled to the United States,” according to the complaint.

Pestano, who went by the name “Julie,” also asked the undercover agent to assist with her own travel to Miami so she could obtain the release of the people from the vessel.

On Monday of this week, the agent arranged for Pestano to travel from Nassau to Miami and set up a meeting between her and two Indian nationals at a hotel in Doral, “for what they believed would be an exchange” of money for their release, the complaint says.

Homeland Security investigators then detained Pestano and the other two Indian nationals, who were not identified. After her arrest, investigators found she possessed US$13,000 and additional $26,000 in Bahamian and Guyanese currency, the complaint says. The Indian nationals had about US$33,950 on them.

Pestano was charged with conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States in violation of federal law.

Favoritism...

From page 13 body pointed out that it is now being learnt that a local company – even one connected to a minister of government –is failing to pay its workers.

“This comes at a time when Guyanese workers of a foreign company have just won a tentative victory over a foreign company with a reputation for illtreatment of workers. This is another issue that causes us to wonder whether the persons who end up as our leaders appreciate the vast responsibility placed upon them to ensure the interests of our society as a whole are properly safeguarded.”

TIGI said that the conflict of interest situation provides Guyanese with an opportunity for reflection on the companies that will be generated in the petroleum economy and on whether elected leaders will have the consciousness of history to take steps to safeguard the interest of the Guyanese workforce.

Saturday April 27, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Hundreds attend GPHC’s Health Fair

Hundreds attended the Georgetown Public Hospital Corpo r a t i o n ’s ( G P H C ) health fair on Wednesday.

The event was hosted on the East Street, North Cummingsburg Parking Lot, very close to the hospital.

A number of persons benefitted from the services offered at the 35 booths that were set up. There were eye testing, screening for diabe-

tes, dental services and screening for substance abuse amongst others. Patrons also commended the Ministry of Public Health for hosting the fair.

Melissa McDonald, Senior Registrar in the Internal Medicine Department, said, “We’ll be doing lots of educational sessions, from the pediatrics department, talking to mothers about how to be safe with

babies and vaccinations.”

The doctors from the maternity unit and Guyana Responsible Parenthood Assoc i a t i o n ( G R PA ) w e r e present to speak with women on various women’s health issues as well as cancers in women.

From the Obstetrics and

Gynecology Department, D r. R i c h a r d J o n e s , e x plained the importance of effective Family Planning.

He said that they encourage patients to do proper family planning to avoid any complications during pregnancies.

“Family Planning in

Guyana is very important.

Over the years we have been able to establish a family planning Clinic at the GPHC through which we offer several services including different forms of contraception and counseling.

Planning your pregnancy and having the correct time is

essential especially in young patients.”

Family Planning Clinic is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The entire event was a success as patrons were not only satisfied with the service but they were also anxious for the next fair.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 27, 2019

Saturday April 27, 2019

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Kaieteur News

England’s Alex Hales banned for recreational drug use ESPNcricinfo - England batsman Alex Hales has failed a drugs test. Hales, who was named in England’s provisional 15-man World Cup squad last week, is understood by ESPNcricinfo to have tested positive for a recreational drug in recent weeks.

The England selectors are not thought to have known about the test result at the time the squad was announced.

According to a report in the Guardian, he is currently serving a 21-day ban after returning a second positive test, having pulled out of Nottinghamshire’s Royal London Cup campaign, shortly after the World Cup squad was announced, for undisclosed personal

reasons.An ECB spokesman said: “We have a duty of confidentiality, therefore we are unable to provide any further comment.”

The drugs violation is understood to have been detected after Hales underwent a routine hair-follicle test, which all professional men’s cricketers and centrally contracted women’s players undergo at the start and finish of every season. The policy was introduced in 2013 in the wake of the death of Surrey’s Tom Maynard, and can detect banned substances in the system for up to three months.

For a first offence, which is treated as a health and welfare issue, players are offered

advice and support with few people being notified. They are the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA; the players’ union) director of development and welfare, the ECB anti-doping and recreational drugs manager, the chief medical officers of the ECB and the county involved.

A second violation can invoke a three-week ban and a 5 percent fine of the player’s annual salary, at which point the player’s county is informed, as well as the ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison, and PCA chief executive, David Leatherdale.

A third offence, such as that committed by Durham’s Jack Burnham in 2017, can

Saturday April 27, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're in splendid shape today, Aries! Did a fairy godmother conjure away all the little difficulties of the past few weeks? Enjoy this moment of relief from your worries.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) It's certainly clear that you have faith in your actions, Taurus! You feel no fear or doubt as you progress toward your goals, cruising along on calm seas under clear skies.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is a moment to start being creative in your life and stop being afraid of not having any talent. Who's to say what talent is? And in the romance department, the love of your life might be right in front of you.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may be a bit unclear about your professional direction today, Cancer. Your motivation has disappeared without warning. What happened?

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It could be that you see mirages, Leo, most notably in the environment around you.

You may have the impression that people are lying to you or hiding something from you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Hold tight to your money, Virgo, because you may have some strange {though noble) impulses to give it away or spend a large amount on something completely useless.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today isn't a good day to sign contracts or make any substantial purchases. Go to the grocery store, by all means, but buy hamburger not tenderloin. Keep your money in a safe place and save your reserves.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Are you certain that you can't modify your current situation, Scorpio? Are you a prisoner of a lifestyle that isn't of your own making or that may be a throwback from the past?

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The forecast for you is excellent, Sagittarius. You can rely on today's aspects to restore your confidence, which has been sorely tried in the past few days.

The warrior of seduction within you can swagger forth, certain of conquest.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You might need to do some of the less exciting chores involved with creative or artistic projects today, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You're radiant and glowing with happiness today. This is a refreshing change after the gloom and doom of the past few weeks. Apparently the decisions you made worked out for the best.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your goal for the day seems to be to enchant your mate.

There's no reason not to try.

Indeed, today is excellent for love. you see in the mirror.

lead to dismissal - although in Burnham’s case, the club chose instead to ban him for 12 months and give him the chance to revive his career this year.

It is nevertheless another significant black mark for Hales, who was recently banned for six white-ball games (four of them suspended) and fined £17,500 by the ECB for his part in the Bristol brawl that led to Ben Stokes’ arrest and subsequent acquittal. England are not obliged to name their final World Cup squad until May 23.

Although the loss of Hales at the World Cup would be significant, as things stand he would have served his suspension - depending on when it began, he could be available for part of the five-ODI series against Pakistan next month. He is still expected to join up with the squad for

their training camp in Cardiff at the weekend.

While he is not currently seen as part of the first-choice side, he was set to be the reserve batsman in the squad.

He has an outstanding ODI record: only nine men have scored more than his six ODI hundreds for England; only Jason Roy has a higher individual score in the format than the 171 Hales made against

Pakistan. With Roy (back spasm) having recently experienced some fitness concerns, there was every chance he would win an opportunity at some stage during the tournament.

Ashley Giles, the England men’s team director, and Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, both declined to comment when contacted by ESPNcricinfo.

WBCA 2-day tourney commences today being played.

The West Berbice Cricket Association, in collaboration with the Achiever’s Youths club and Anil Lalsa Construction Company will be staging a two-day tournament starting today. The main objective for hosting the tournament is to get the young cricketers to bat for long periods because of the amount of T20 cricket

The Association will use the same rules from the franchise competition, where fast bowlers will be awarded bonus points for wickets taken.

Green Machine...

From page 30 and the guys are aware of this.

We will get the win tomorrow (today).”

The full team reads: Jason Tyrell, Rondel ‘Bull’ McArthur, Jose Felicien, Kevon David, Richard Staglon, Jamal Angus, Vallon Adams, Ryan Gonsalves, Godfrey Brooms, Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Lancelot Adonis, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Phabian Joseph, Kiefer Lopes, Selwyn Henry, Osie Mckenzie, Ronald Mayers, Glenroy Pool, Cloyd Prowell, and Oneil Charles.

(Calvin Chapman)

NY Tri State...

From page 29 brother of Chaitauja, to leave DCC on 21-1.DCC were missing seven players who were playing in the Demerara InterAssociation U-19 competition for Georgetown against West Demerara at Wales and slipped from 45-1 to 96 all out when Campbell was run out by a direct hit as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

There was live streaming of the game for viewers around the World. (Sean Devers)

Agricola’s Shemar Beaton to fight...

From page 26 privileged moment. I plan to win on Saturday, I don’t intend to let down my coach or everyone that has helped me get here,” Beaton said when he was asked why he choose to be a Boxer.

This will be Beaton’s second amateur bout. He said he hopes that being in the sport can encourage individuals to follow their dreams and know that anything is possible once you put your mind to it. (Sean Devers)

PAGE 26

Yadram goes to Windwards in CWI Franchise draw Cricket West Indies Franchise Draft 2019/ 2020 took place yesterday morning and the talented Bhaskar Yadram has been drawn for the Windwards Franchise.

Guyana, the defending champions, still have a strong line up and teams will be looking to dethrone the champs, while the Guyanese will seek to add another title to their collection.

The teams chosen: Guyana Jaguars; Anthony Bramble, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Clinton Pestano, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Devendra Bishoo, Christopher Barnwell, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Ramaal Lewis and Tevin Imlach.

Barbados Pride; Shamarah Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Shamar Springer, Tevin Walcott, Roshon Primus, K’Jorn Ottley, Tion Webster, Kenroy Williams and Dominic Drakes.

Leeward Islands; Keiran Powell, Montcin Hodge, Devon Thomas, Jamar Hamilon, Rahkeem Cornwall, Keacy Carty, Jeremiah Louis, Sheno Berridge, Damion Jacobs, Quinton Boatswain, Terance Warde, Amir Jangoo, Jason Peters, Nino Henry and Adelvin Phillip.

T&T; Jeremy Solozano, Joshua Da Silva, Kyle hope, Jason Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Khary Pierre, Bryan Charles, Anderson Phillip, Odean Smith, Daniel St. Clair, Keagan Simmons, Yannic

Bhaskar Yadram Cariah, Isaiah Rajah and Akael Hosein.

Jamaica Scorpions; Barndon King, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Aldaine Thomas, Paul Palmer Jr., Derval Green, Assad Fudadin, Nicholson Gordon, Andre McCarthy, Akim Fraser, Denis Smith, Marquino Mindley, Dennis Bulli, Christopher Lamont and Alwyn Williams.

Winward Islands; Sunil Ambris, Alick Anthanaze, Roland Cato, Kirk Edwards, Kavem Hodge, Devon Smith, Shermon Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ray Jordon, Josh Thomas, Bhaskar Yadram, Larry Edward, Kenneth Dember, Desron Maloney and Dillon Douglas.

Nadal reaches Barcelona semis with hard-earned win over Struff

BARCELONA (Reuters) Eleven-times champion Rafael Nadal booked his place in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open semi-finals by beating German JanLennard Struff 7-5 7-5 in a hard-fought match yesterday.

The world number two will meet Dominic Thiem in the last four in a re-match of last year’s French Open final after the Austrian overpowered Argentine Guido Pella 7-5 62.

Struff, ranked 51st in the world and a renowned doubles player, had impressed in Barcelona by knocking out 10th seed David Goffin and last year’s runnerup Stefanos Tsitsipas and was facing Nadal for the first time in a competitive match.

The Mallorcan broke to take a 3-1 lead with a powerful forehand winner down the line but Struff broke back to make it 4-4.

Nadal broke his opponent for a second time to avoid a tiebreak and take the set.

Neither player gave much away in a finely balanced second set, and Struff saved a break point in the eighth game to keep things finely balanced, but Nadal was saving his best tennis for the 12th game.

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Argentina’s Guido Pella.

(REUTERS/Eric Gaillard file photo) Nadal quickly earned three match points and seized the second with a magnificent backhand down the line to end the match in one hour and 43 minutes.

“Me and my coaches knew he (Struff) was going to play aggressively, it was one of those matches where every point counts, he put me under a lot of pressure so I had to play through that but my serve was solid throughout,” Nadal said.

“I’m aware that I was facing someone who has beaten Tsitsipas and Goffin this week so I’m very happy that I was able to win.”

Nadal won a five-set thriller against Thiem in their last meeting, in the quarterfinals of the 2018 U.S. Open, having beaten him in straight sets in the final at Roland Garros.

Thiem won his last meeting with Nadal on Spanish soil, however, knocking the Spaniard out of last year’s Madrid Open in the quarterfinals in straight sets.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori also made it into the last four after seeing off Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 7-5 and will face Russian Daniil Medvedev, who knocked out Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-3 6-4.

Agricola’s Shemar Beaton to fight tonight in Dominica Boxing continues to make its contribution to the nation of Guyana through sports and once again Agricola is on the rise. Just four weeks after a successful Family Fun Day and Sports in Agricola, organized by the ‘Optimistic Crew’, the Ricola Boxing Gym in Agricola is looking to make headlines once again for the community.

With the support and good wishes of the NSC through Director of Sports Christopher Jones and GBA’s President Steve Ninvalle, former World Title contender Clive Atwell and his Boxer Shemar Beaton departed for the Nature Isles of Dominica yesterday to represent Guyana at the Dominica Development Boxing Championship slated for today. Atwell was attempting to take three boxers but due to financial constraints was unable to do so.

The Championship will see boxers from Guadeloupe, Guyana, Dominica, Martinique and St Lucia and Beaton will be competing for the welterweight championship.

During a brief interview, Beaton stated that he is focused on using this opportu-

Clive Atwell (left) works with Shemar Beaton in the gym. nity to make the nation proud, while Atwell stated that development is a process and sometimes it’s a slow process, however, he is happy that he is able to contribute to the sport and to a larger degree the wholistic development of athletes who are looking for a hope in the various circumstances they may be face with.

“With the right support and encouragement, we can develop world class sports

ambassadors”, Atwell stressed.When Beaton was asked about his preparation and expectation, the welterweight boxer informed that he has remained disciplined and is listening to his coaches’ instructions in training, adding that he exercised and has been on a diet even though he has always eaten healthy food.

“I like combat sports and it has always been a dream to be a sportsman and this is a (Continued on page 25)

TTTC hosts Player Developmental Seminar today The Titans Table Tennis Club (TTTC) in its quest to maximise players performance and build awareness will be hosting its first ever Player Development Seminar today at the Red Cross HQ, Barrack Street, Kingston from 13:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

A press release from the club states that all athletes under the age of 21 years, parents, enthusiasts and stakeholders are invited to attend. Presentations will be made by Ms. Melissa Dow-Richardson - Assistant Director of Sports on the Governance of Sports; The Role of The Sports Ministry, Sports Commission & the Importance of

Sports as a Tool for Education, Inclusion & D e v e l o p m e n t .

Mr. Troy Peters – Banks DIH Ltd. Communications Manager will do a presentation on Sponsorship, Promotion & Social Media and Building the Profile of an Athlete. There will also be presentations by an Official of the Guyana Olympic Association and several others.

TTTC is also extending an invitation to anyone to be a part of the event which is geared towards educating athletes from all disciplines so that they would be able to enhance their performances through knowledge.

NSC Easter swim programme concludes From page 31 She also copped bronze in the 50m butterfly and the 200m freestyle at the championship which was held in Barbados.

“Her success is a demonstration of the value of this programme and why we have invested so much into it. We are hoping to expand the programme to other parts of the county. As you know sport helps us to improve healthy lifestyles and to have social interaction and gives us a strong sense of community unity. Investment in sport is important and we will continue to invest in our youths so they can continue to improve.”

Dr. Roach added that he is happy with the turnout and that the students were able to make full use of the opportunity provided. Coach Paul Mahaica stated that this programme has been the largest so far with close to 300 hundred students partaking.

He expressed gratitude to the NSC for expanding the clinic, adding that he was pleased with the results. “Quite a number of students who didn’t know how to swim were able to do so at the end of the programme. We want to urge the parents to encourage their children to get involved in the future programmes.”

He explained that the

coaches did a wonderful job and thanked them for their input, stating that he was satisfied with the overall performance of the children.

National swimmer Amy Grant, who worked along with the students as a coach, said it was learning experience for her which she enjoyed, adding that the students showed a lot of promise. She added that the programme will help her to improve as a swimmer as well.

The programme was being held in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

Saturday April 27, 2019

RHTYSC Cricket Teams assist two West Berbice counterparts

Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu hands over donation to the Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club.

The ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS on Sunday last continued their personal development programme with donations to two of their counterparts in Region 5. The teams “Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division” handed over the donation of educational materials, kites and white cricket shirts to the D’Edward Cricket Club and Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club.

The presentation was done after the finals of the Berbice Cricket Board’s West Berbice Perry Gossai Memorial 100 Balls Tournament.

Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, stated that in 2019 over 200 Cricket Clubs, NGOs, Churches, Schools, Sports Organisations along with thousands of residents would benefit from the hard work of the ten teams.

Asst Secretary/CEO

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Kaieteur News

Simon Naidu has direct responsibilities for the personal development programme, under which the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club cricketers seek to make positive differences in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Foster told the two teams that the kites were to be shared to children whose parents could not afford to purchase one for them, while the complete educational packages should be given to less fortunate students from single parent households.

The cricket T/Shirts donation is to assist the two Clubs to be properly attired.

Foster also disclosed that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would be working along with the Berbice Cricket Board in 2019 to assist clubs across Berbice.

Under the joint programme, Clubs would receive during t h e c o u r s e o f t h e y e a r, items like cricket balls, cricket gears, score books, white cricket shirts, trophies, cricket medals and water pitchers. All Clubs would receive balls and shirts, while the other items would be given to those who need assistance to offer sports as an

alternative to a life on the road, away from drugs, crime, alcohol and gangs.

Naidu, who at just nineteen years, has taken over the day to day running of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation and stated that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is the only cricket club in the Caribbean that mandates its cricketers to make positive difference.

Among the most cherished activities of the programme are providing monthly snacks to pensioners as they wait to uplift their old age pensions, monthly food hampers to senior citizens and single parent households, educational scholarship to students, medical expenses assistance to senior citizens and assisting youths to fulfill their dream of becoming a sport ambassador.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, Naidu stated is one of Guyana’s leading cricket clubs but wants others to match its achievements as this would mean more youths being able to Say No to all the social ills affecting them.

Bounty Paper Towel and Solo Drink Development Leagues

Play resumes today at Saints ground Play in the Bounty Paper Towel Second Division and Solo Drink Under-20 Outdoor Development Leagues will resume today at the Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground after last weekend’s break for Easter observances.

The leaders on the points table in the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) organised tournaments that are being contested concurrently at the Carifesta Avenue venue are Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and Saints Hockey Club (SHC) in both leagues.

In the boys’ under-20 division, GCC Pitbulls are top with 10 points, three points

ahead of YMCA Old Fort (OF) Ballers who 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 Bounty Paper Towel sponsored division with six points.One of the more anticipated clashes this weekend will be the top of the table clash between GCC the Sequel and Saints Savages in the men’s second division, which will open today’s play from 15:30hrs.

GFF/KFC U20 Independence KO Cup kicks off at Providence today Guyana’s first ever national U20 club tournament – the GFF/KFC U20 Independence Cup - kicks off with a special “double header” event at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, today.

The East Bank Football Association leg of the national knockout bonanza starts with a clash between Timehri Panthers and Agricola Red Triangle at 14:00hrs following a tournament launch ceremony at 13:00hrs. ”We are delighted to kick off this historic tournament, with this incredible support from KFC, at our new home of football at Providence this weekend,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “The GFF-KFC U20 Independence Cup is going to capture the imagination of football fans by showcasing up and coming talent across the country. We urge all communities to come out and support their young players.”

Sponsored by international restaurant brand KFC part of the Beharry Group of companies, the U20 tournament is a crucial component

Timehri Panthers engage Agricola Red Triangle; Nat. U17 to engage Den Amstel in warm up of the GFF’s 2015-2019 strategy to establish national club competitions for all youth development age groups, from U13 to U20. ”This youth tournament is another good initiative and a step in the right direction for our football,” said Timehri Panthers U20 Head Coach Delon Williams. “It’s great to have KFC on board and to have their support to make this happen.”

Agricola Red Triangle U20 Head Coach Colin John said: “This is a very important as it gives players at U20 level the means to keep playing football. It could change the direction of someone’s life and give our young talent the opportunity to keep improving their technique and skills.”

After the inaugural GFF/KFC U20 Independence Cup match, a selection from the Guyana U17 boys’ national squad will take on Elite League side Den Amstel at 16:00hrs

as part of GFF Technical Department preparations for the Concacaf U17 Championship in May. The GFF/KFC U20 Independence Cup is set to roll out across the country next week, with all nine regional member associations taking part.

Teams from each member association will play in a straight knockout tournament, with the winners from each region then coming together to compete in playoffs to decide who will be crowned national champions. ”The U20 level of competition caters for those young players who are still developing and also may not be playing senior football yet. It is important that we give these players more meaningful opportunities to play in GFF competitions so that they can continue to grow as players and young men,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

GABF commence search for players for Nike and FIBA Youth Development Programme The Guyana Basketball Federation is currently seeking its Next Generation of National Players for a Youth Development Programme organised by Nike and FIBA in July 2019.

The best Five (5) Under-17 players will be selected on a number of basketball parameters set out by the governing body, to ensure a high level of athlete. These try outs will be conducted in Puerto Rico in July 2019 against a number of other countries with a final selection to be picked for the Basketball World Cup in China 2019.

The Guyana National Selection Shortlist for the Youth Development Programme is set for today and tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue from 0900hrs. A total of 35 players with another 15 selected by Youth Basketball Guyana will be under the radar of the selection committee.

The Next Generation of Guyana National Basketballers will be kept together as a unit, as other international engagements are on the horizon in the near future such as Centro Basketball and CBC U17 Championships, slated for 2020.

The GBF is currently collaborating with overseas duo of

The list is as follows: # Last Name 1 Bacchus Keron 2 Lim 3 Walton 4 Carter 5 Bates 6 NicholasJamal 7 Dover 8 Shortt 9 Conway David 10 Roberts Josiah 11 Petrie 12 Neils 13 Moses 14 Chapman 15 Harris 16 Mohan 17 Wong 18 Thomas Justin 19 Lewis 20 Harlequin 21 Craig 22 Lim 23 Friday 24 Arthur 25 Wilson Deleon 26 Wilson 27 Richmond 28 Farrington 29 WhitneyKareem 30 Pilgrim Adrian 31 Hazlewood 32 WhitneyKareem 33 France Jr 34 Gill 35 Shamol John

First

Location Georgetown Gabriel Linden Aubrey Georgetown Kesi Georgetown Calvin Berbice Georgetown Kadeem Kwakwani Royon Kwakwani Kwakwani Georgetown Kyle Georgetown Rahiem Linden Jaden Georgetown Ishmail Georgetown Jether Georgetown Lugard Georgetown Ming Linden Georgetown Duard Georgetown Craig Georgetown Jadan Georgetown Gabriel Linden Lamon Georgetown Tyrees Linden Stephan USVI Shaqeem Plaisance Timothy Georgetown Kahil Tortola Georgetown Georgetown Hasani Georgetown Georgetown Kempton Georgetown Shaquawn Georgetown Bartica

Coach Rich Mahler and Ex NBA player Jermaine Taylor who previously played for

the Houston Rockets for the selection of the Elite 5 to represent Guyana.

PAGE 28

Saturday April 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Osaka, Kvitova dig deep to advance to Stuttgart semis

Archery Guyana gets affiliation to the National Paralympic Committee of Guyana

Archery Guyana’s President Mr. Mohamed Khan (2nd right) receives Certificate of Affiliation from National Paralympic Committee of Guyana’s President Mr. Wilton Spencer. Looking on are the respective SecretaryGenerals, Mrs. Beverly Pile (left) and Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova Japan’s Naomi Osaka attends a news attends a news conference after losing conference after winning her match her match against Japan’s Naomi against Czech Republic’s Petra Osaka at the Australian Open.

Kvitova at the Australian Open.

(REUTERS/Adnan Abidi file photo) (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi file photo) (Reuters) - World number one Naomi Osaka came from behind in the final set to beat Croatian Donna Vekic 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) yesterday and move into the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix semi-finals.

Osaka comfortably won the opening set but was tested by the Croatian, who pushed her to the limit in the second and third. The Japanese made 45 unforced errors as she struggles to get to grips with swapping hard courts for clay.

Osaka was visibly frustrated and trailed 5-1 in the final set but she refused to give up and found her rhythm to break Vekic twice and prevent her from serving for the match.

In the tiebreaker, a confident Osaka upped her baseline game and had two early mini breaks before wrapping up the match in two hours and 18 minutes. An infuriated

Vekic even smashed her racket after losing the match.

“I told myself I didn’t want to have any regrets here,” Osaka said. “I was stressed out when I went down 1-5... but this (comeback) was pretty good because I don’t play really well on clay.”

Earlier, world number three Petra Kvitova came back from a set down to beat Anastasija Sevastova 2-6 6-2 6-3 and move into the tournament’s semi-finals for the third time in her career.

Sevastova had a dream start, breaking Kvitova twice to take a 3-0 lead as the Czech struggled with her first serve.

Kvitova also made a slew of unforced errors, with many of her returns going long.

Sevastova used the full width of the court to get the better of Kvitova, who played on the back foot for much of the first set as the Latvian

gave her little time to catch her breath.

However, Kvitova recovered in the second set and she broke Sevastova’s serve when she was 3-2 up, winning 10 straight points to take a 52 lead. Sevastova looked shaken and was broken again to give Kvitova the second set.Kvitova took command in the final set and broke a visibly upset Sevastova to take a 3-1 lead before easing into the semis.

“In the first set I missed almost everything. I was pretty slow and she just couldn’t miss,” Kvitova said.

“In the second set it was very important for me to stay on my serve and the chance to break her came.”

Kiki Bertens was set to play Angelique Kerber later yesterday and Victoria Azarenka faced Anett Kontaveit in the last quarterfinal.

Holder misses Northants defeat with injury ahead of Tri-Nations NORTHAMPTON, England, CMC – Injury kept West Indies captain Jason Holder out of Northamptonshire’s One-Day Cup clash with Worcestershire which they lost by 20 runs at home here yesterday.

The 27-year-old Holder struck 72 last Wednesday against Lancashire – his third half-century in four outings in the competition – but needed treatment to his left leg early in his innings. He did not take the field when Northants bowled.

Yesterday he was replaced by seamer Ian Holland who Northants signed this week onloan from Hampshire.

“With three seamers down and an injury to Jason Holder we felt the need to add to our squad for the rest of our 50-over campaign,” head coach David Ripley said.

The setback for Holder comes a week before he is scheduled to lead West Indies in a Tri-Nations Series against hosts Ireland and Bangladesh from May 5-17.

All-rounder Holder is also set to skipper

Archery Guyana, a nascent sporting body, has secured a historic first in achieving affiliate status with The National Paralympic Committee of Guyana.

This achievement typifies Archery Guyana’s desire and drive to ensure that every Guyanese Archer however abled they are, be afforded the very best opportunity to excel and pursue their dreams and ambitions of participation at the highest levels of the sports of Archery.

On Wednesday 24thApril, President of Archery Guyana, Mr. Mohamed Khan and Secretary-General, Mrs. Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon at a simple ceremony received the Certificate of Affiliate status from President of the National Paralympic Committee of Guyana (N.P.C.G.), Mr. Wilton Spencer and Secretary-General Mrs. Beverly Pile.

Mr. Spencer noted that the N.P.C.G. is

internationally affiliated to the International Paralympic Committee and emphasised how pleased he was to grant affiliate status to Archery Guyana, while noting that at the moment Archery Guyana is the first and only affiliate sporting body to the N.P.C.G at this time.

Mr. Mohamed Khan noted Archery Guyana’s pleasure in achieving this status as not only being ground-breaking as the first to be accredited but that it is also completion of a circle of objectives desired by Archery Guyana since with this status every single Guyanese Archer of every capability can now compete at the highest level in the sport. This status opens the pathway for Archery Guyana’s to fulfill its’ mandate to afford every Guyanese Archer the opportunity to participate fully in the sport of Archery is now closer to being fulfilled.

Peter Persaud returns to winning ways at latest GuyanaNRA Recorded Shoot The Guyana NRA Fullbore shooters continue to do battle with the elements at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. The winner of the latest Recorded Shoot was Peter Persaud with a score of 81.5. Persaud returned to winning ways, having won the season’s opening Recorded Shoot.

Persaud shot 34.2 at the 300 yards and 47.3 at the 600 yards. Sherwin Felicien was close by with 79.6; shooting 32.2 at 300 yards and 47.4 at 600 yards. Veteran marksman Leo Romalho was third with 78.5; having won the 300 yards with 34.4 but he was unable to hold the lead at the 600 yards range, shooting 44.1 out of 50.

The 600 yards proved to be very challenging as only two shooters were able to record over the 45 points score line.

In other scores: Ransford Goodluck had 78.1, Vice Captain Dylan Fields 76.1, Lennox Braithwaite 75.5, Dane Blair 70.1 and Lt. Col Terrence Stuart, 60.2.

The Timehri Rifle Ranges is presenting varying conditions each week which the sharpshooters are trying to master. However, this makes the competition more challenging and interesting for them.

These conditions will certainly work well for the shooters who will be attending the international shoots in a few

GOAP sports set for May 5

West Indies captain Jason Holder. the Windies at the ICC World Cup which bowls off in England on May 30.

His form for Northants has been outstanding, especially with the bat, so far scoring 248 runs at an average of 82.

The Georgetown Office Assistant Promotion (GOAP) team headed by James Lewis will be hosting the Inter Ministries Day of Sports on May 5 at the Carifesta Avenue Sports Complex from 09:00hrs.

The teams will be competing in cricket, dominoes, football and athletics with trophies, cash prizes and medals at stake. It is expected the President David Granger would grace the day’s activities. All Ministries and Government agencies have until April 30 to register their teams.

Registration can be done through Lewis on 628-1656 or 666-5857; business entities are encouraged to come on board and can contact Lewis.

Peter Persaud at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. months. This weekend the sharpshooters will compete for this month’s Spoon Shoot prize.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 27, 2019

PAGE 29

GCA’s NY Tri State 50-over U-19 final

NY Tri State beat depleted DCC in Final at Everest yesterday

Tamesh Persaud took 3-17 for NY Tri State at Everest.

Skipper Sanjay Stanley, flanked by Tamesh Persaud (left) and Adil Shivakumar were the top performers for NY Tri State in yesterday final at Everest.

Tameshwar Permaul is LBW to Guatham Ravindran as NY Tri State beat DCC at Everest yesterday.

T

he visiting NY Tri State team from USA ended their tour to Guyana on a high when they defeated a DCC without nine of their senior players, by eight wickets in the final of the GCA’s NY Tri State 50-over U-19 tournament at Everest yesterday.

DCC, the only team to beat the Americans in the preliminary round, were bowled out for 96 in 26.3 overs as only Ezekiel Wilson (22), Jaden Campbell (20) and Osafa Giddings (19) passed 15 for the Queenstown side.

Tamesh Persaud 3-16

and Adil Shivakumar 3-17 were the main wicket-takers for NY Tri State who replied 100-2 in 19 overs with Skipper and Player-of-theMatch Sanjay Stanley hitting four fours and six in his unbeaten 41, while sharing in an unbroken 40run third with Chaitauja Parwal (16).

The pair joined forces at 60-2 when Saiteja Mukkamalla (26) was removed after adding 44 with Stanley (who ended the contest with a boundary back over the head Wilson) for the second wicket after Ishaan Bansal (3) fell at 161.

The hallmark of Stanley’s innings was his impeccable timing as the ball sped across the lush green and lighting fast outfield, while Parwal played the support role on the straw coloured track on a day blessed with brilliant sunshine.

A last-minute switch from GCC to Everest and seepage under the covers from overnight rain caused a three-hour and 40-minute delay despite the excellent work of the ground staff and DCC won the Toss and surprisingly opted to bat on a track with moisture.

Campbell got off the

mark with an inside edge for four before executing an imperious cover drive and an elegant tuck off his legs for boundaries in the first over from Abhayjit Khangura before Brandon Jaikaran (4) was dismissed

by Vedant Parwal, the (Continued on page 25 )

Digicel Guyana boosts Best of the Best Karate Tournament with donation of medals

Neymar banned for three European games for insulting match officials on social media

B

BC Sport - Paris St-Germain forward Neymar has been banned by Uefa for three European games for insulting match officials on Instagram after the Champions League last-16 defeat by Manchester United.

The Brazilian called referee Damir Skomina’s late penalty decision made using the video assistant referee system, a “disgrace” on social media.

N e y m a r, w h o w a s injured, watched United overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

He will now miss half of next season’s Champions League group stage.

Neymar said the penalty, which was scored by Marcus Rashford, “doesn’t

Injured Neymar watched the Manchester United game from the stands. (Getty Images) exist”.And the 27-year-old Presnel Kimpembe before turned?” asked Neymar, then went on to add: “It’s a awarding the visitors an who missed both legs with a disgrace. Four guys who injury-time penalty that broken metatarsal. know nothing about football gave them a 3-1 win in the Neymar returned to watch a slow-motion replay second leg on 6 March, action after a three-month in front of the television.” enabling them to progress injury absence as a half-time The referee reviewed on the away goals rule. substitute as PSG celebrated footage of the ball striking “What can he do with his winning Ligue 1 by beating the hand of PSG defender hand while his back is Monaco on Sunday.

Professor Baveghems receives medals from Digicel’s Sponsorship Manager Louanna Abrams.

Digicel Guyana has ensured that there would not be a shortage of medals for tomorrow’s 7th annual Best of the Best K a r a t e T o u r n a m e n t .

In a brief release, Digicel Guyana stated that it is proud to be associated with this Annual tournament, noting that it is a pleasure to support the Best of the Best Karate College since they spend most of their time giving back to young people.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Bartica Easter Regatta Male and Female Futsal prizes handed over

Saturday April 27, 2019

Green Machine scrums with Guadeloupe today at National Park Lopes to debut

Coach Grant-Stuart (third left) drills his troops during yesterday’s final training session at the National Park.

Male champs Captain Whitney ‘Don King’ Welcome receives the first place cash prize and trophy from Sports Coordinator, Michael Dos Santos in the presence of teammates and TreasurerKenneth Williams. , The respective winners of the Bartica Easter Regatta 2019 Male and F e m a l e F u t s a l competitions were presented with their prizes and trophies recently during the Dirt Bike competition held at the Mongrippa Hill Field.

The winners of the male competition were Beacons FC and they were presented with a cash prize of $200,000 for their Representative of the female winners, Ms. Amnella efforts. Second place went Ramkarran receives the trophy and cash prize to Jones Avenue and they from Regatta Committee Treasurer, Kenneth Williams. collected $100,000 for as the female champions and competition was Ms. their effort, while the third pocketed $20,000 with the Terriann Joseph. Trophies place prize of $50,000 second place going to accompanied the cash prizes went to Rivers View. Almanac Queens. The Most for the top three male and Panthers United emerged Valuable Player of this top two female teams.

Hope, Dowrich get time in middle ahead of Tri-Nations BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich missed out on halfcenturies while left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer extended his wicket-taking form, as West Indies completed their final warm-up match here Thursday in preparation for the Tri-Nations Series in Ireland starting next week.

After bundling the Barbados Cricket Association XI out for a paltry 109 in the 40th over with Reifer claiming three for 17, the Windies opted for batting practice and gathered 246 for nine off their 50 overs.

Hope struck a run-a-ball 47 with eight fours, adding 71 for the third wicket with Roston Chase (35) after the Windies found themselves slumping on nine for two in the second over, following the cheap departures of John Campbell (8) and Darren Bravo (0).

When five wickets tumbled for 54 runs, Dowrich held the lower order together with 46 off 50 balls with five fours. He posted 38 for the eighth wicket with Riefer (35) and a further 60 for the ninth with Ashley Nurse who belted 37 from 36 balls.

West Indies Under-19s left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop was the best BCA bowler with three for 30.

The match was the second in three days following Tuesday’s opener also against the

Stroke-maker Shai Hope.

BCA XI, as part of the ongoing preparation camp at 3W’s Oval.

West Indies leave next Tuesday for the Tri-Nations Series in Ireland involving the hosts and Bangladesh, and which runs from May 3-17.

The series is their final one before the ICC World Cup from May 30 to July 14 in England.

The new venue for the Guyana versus Guadeloupe 15s match for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) South Zone title is the National Park athletics track from 3:00pm today which has hosted international matches on numerous occasions. The venue change was forced after heavy showers on Thursday left the initial venue; the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground waterlogged.

Head Coach of the team, Kenneth GrantStuart, is not too dissatisfied with the venue change but the only bother will be seating accommodations for the local fans. However, it was revealed by the coach that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged to set up some removable bleachers for the match.

The final 23-man team was released late last evening and it didn’t feature any surprises with the exception of Keifer Lopes,

who will be making his debut against the Frenchmen today.

Kaieteur Sport was present at the Green Machine’s final training session yesterday at the National Park where Lopes, who has been playing rugby for seven years, now, posited that, “I’m ecstatic that my hard work has paid off and that my talent and skills has been recognised as useful for the national team.”

Grant-Stuart is extremely happy with his team’s composition, “I am very much satisfied because all the plays were are running; everyone is in-tune with it and it’s looking pretty good this afternoon.”

Although not seeing much of Guadeloupe who are making their debut to the RAN championship, he is confident of getting the win today, “It is not a team that I am afraid off (Continued on page 25 )

Banks Beer Softball league bowls off tomorrow

The Essequibo zone for the Banks Beer Softball League (BBSL) will see action commencing tomorrow at four grounds on the Essequibo Coast, namely, Affiance No.1, Reliance, Walton Hall and Queenstown with Preliminary action from 09:00hrs.

The BBSL, which will be competed in a 15-over format, will see a total of $350,000 being doled to the top teams in the Essequibo zone.

In order to enter the competition, a team will have to simply purchase three cases of Banks Beer, while patrons will be able to witness the action free of cost.

The second round of preliminary matches hits off on Arrival day at Affiance No. 1, Pomona and Reliance grounds, where the final four teams will be decided.

The semifinals and final will be on May 12th at Affiance ground from 11:00hrs.

The winner will pocket $150,000, runner up $100,000, third $75,000 and

From left, Jeoff Clement (Banks DIH), Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall and Brian Choo-Hen (Bank DIH) pose for a photo outside Trophy Stall’s South Road location. fourth $25,000.

Teaming up with Banks DIH for the event will be Trophy Stall. Earlier in the week, proprietor of the establishment, Ramesh

Sunich, presented Banks D I H M a n a g e r s , J e o ff Clement and Brian ChooHen with trophies for the event.Entertainment will be provided by Hyper Soundz.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 27, 2019

NSC Easter swim programme concludes

By Zaheer Mohamed The National Sports Commission (NSC) annual Easter Swim programme concluded yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The programme, which lasted for two weeks, saw close to 300 male and female students between the ages of 6-16 being given the opportunity to hone their skills at Colgrain and National Aquatic Centre, under the guidance of several coaches, instructors and life guards.Students from 6-10 were being trained at Colgrain, while those from 11-16 years old went through their paces at the NAC.They were being

tutored on breathing while swimming, floating, kicking and freestyle among other techniques.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday Chairman of the NSC Dr. Colin Roach, stated that the programme has brought a lot of success over the years and as a result it has been extended to region six and 10. He made mention of Guyana’s gold medalist at the recently concluded CARIFTA Games, Aleka Persaud, who came through the programme.

Persaud was the best swimmer in the girls’ 11-12 category as she won gold in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

(Continued on page 26 )

Bakewell supports Guyana Carnival Domino competition

Bakewell representative Unil Chandriaat (right) presents Mark Wiltshire with trophies for the tournament.

New Era Entertainment (NEE) will stage a Domino and Duck Curry competition this Labour Day as part of the Guyana Carnival activities at Shanghai’s Residence in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, with games hitting off from 13:00hrs.

Yesterday, Bakewell; Guyana’s Premier bakery, took advantage of the opportunity to support the Domino competition that is expected to see teams from all over Guyana competing in the four game – six sitting competition that will dole out over $500,000 to the top teams.

In a release to the media, the organisers noted that the Bakewell will be putting up prizes for lucky fans at the event that will be inclusive of

home appliances.

At stake in the Domino competition is a first prize of $300,000, second $150,000 and third $75,000. Contact can be made with the organisers on 669-2014 and or 691-5460 for registration forms which will attract a $15,000 fee.

The action promises to be keen with a number of the leading domino players and teams along with the top Duck Curry cooks heading to the mining town for a fun filled day which will see music being taken care of by popular DJ’s Akelo and Fearless.

Chief brand products, DDL under their Soca soft drink brand and Ansa McAl through their Stag Beer are others lending support.

Students, Coaches and organisers following the closing ceremony at the NAC. NSC Chairman Dr. Colin Roach is 3rd from right.

PAGE 31

rt o p S Green Machine scrums P.30 withGuadeloupe today at National Park Lopes to debut

GFF/KFC U20 Independence KO Cup kicks off at Providence today P. 27

Timehri Panthers engage Agricola Red Triangle; Nat. U17 to engage Den Amstel in warm up

Keifer Lopes will make his debut for the Green Machines today against Guadeloupe.

Captains Meet! Timehri Panthers Captain Culwin Court (left and his Agricola Red Triangle counterpart, Shaquille Baptiste.

GCA’s NY Tri -State 50-over U-19 final 29P.

NY Tri-State beat depleted DCC in Final at Everest yesterday

NY Tri State beat DCC at Everest yesterday in the Final of the GCA NY Tri State 50-over U-19 League. (Sean Devers Photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.