Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL THE FUTURE LOOKS BLEAK The people, especially businessmen, are very concerned with the way the country’s economy is being managed. They are worried about the administration’s failure to make decisions that will stimulate investment, reverse the slide in the currency, restore growth and create jobs. They have also expressed concern over the excessive borrowing by the government which has significantly increased the debt ratio to GDP. What is even more troubling is how the country will repay its debt in the absence of economic growth, a declining dollar and with prosperity no-where near on the horizon. The country’s economic situation has worsened with declines in GDP in each quarter since the May 2015 election. The general feeling is that the government is floundering.Many are worried that it is overwhelmed and out of its depth. It has not provided solutions to any of the major problems, including the high crime rate, unemployment or traffic accidents and deaths. Simply put, the affairs of the country are being poorly managed. Efforts to stimulate the manufacturing sector, facilitate the expansion of the services sector, initiate construction activity, boost agriculture or attract investment have not succeeded. There has been no positive movement of the economy from decline to growth and prosperity, and production or exports have definitely not increased. In fact, our imports are twice that of our exports, and this has increased the deficit substantially. It can be said that solutions to these problems are not as simple as they appear. The government has inherited most of them from the previous administration. Economists have asserted that the increase in price for gold and the potential revenue expected from oil would not be enough to bridge the fiscal gap if the country’s debt to GDP ratio remains high.They have warned that drawing down on the foreign reserves to fund the recurrent huge deficit gap is a bad idea and a band aid solution to the financial woes. The best solution is to stimulate the economy, stabilize the currency, and reduce imports as well as increase exports and production. The Finance Minister in his 2016 budget statement had indicated that the economy would grow by four percent at the end of fiscal year 2016. His forecast, which was supported by the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, was based on the improvement in the fortunes of the mining sector, especially gold. The economy declined by about 2 percent. It should be noted that forecasts are just as good as guessing, because the economy contracted more in 2016 than in 2015. It was a gamble that proved very costly, because the government had to borrow billions of dollars to plug the budget deficit. It was a bad decision that could yet result in major consequences for the country. Further, the lowering of VAT has not stimulated the economy and increased spending and revenue as forecast. What has happened so far is that the currency has declined, and this will obviously have far reaching effects on the country, both socially and economically. Concerns are mounting that an even weaker dollar could lead to capital flight from the country and a dramatic increase in the cost for imported goods that could stall economic growth and further depreciate the dollar. An effective debt management strategy is needed for fiscal consolidation and to eliminate the current deficit. The government and the Bank of Guyana have for months played down concerns over the value of the US dollar and its availability in the banking system. However, complaints from businessmen who are worried about the government failing, and who warned that a shortage of foreign currency could have severe repercussions for the economy, have led the Central Bank to intervene and inject more funds into the system. That is a short term solution. The future looks bleak.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Guysuco is an anti-worker corporation Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) wishes to respond to a letter from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) appearing in the March 30, 2017 edition of your daily, written by the Company’s Senior Communication Officer, Ms Audreyanna Thomas. T h e C o r p o r a t i o n ’s spokeswoman, in her missive, talked about the need for continuous employment of the Wales workers. Our Union finds the GuySuCo statement to be most superficial and simply not reflective of the real situation obtaining in the industry. It is GuySuCo, the s t a t e - o w n e d c o m p a n y, which closed Wales Estate and has put hundreds on the breadline. Additionally, it is the very GuySuCo which is advocating further miniaturization of the industry through further estate closures and sell-out. We ask; how can the same GuySuCo expect its statement to be reasonably accepted in view of the harsh measures it is meting out to sugar workers and the industry. Additionally, Ms Thomas in the letter in referring to the Wales workers said: - “...the obvious choice for the corporation is to transfer its employees...” The statement

is bold and clear, and confirms our Union’s view that the Corporation’s intent is to transfer the 300-odd workers from Wales to Uitvlugt. The reference made previously to the payment of disturbance allowance, which we debunked, was mere “smoke and mirrors”. Here again, we must reiterate that the Corporation’s intent is contrary to the laws of the land and our Union cannot countenance the perpetuation of an illegality. Ms Thomas has omitted to mention too that the 300odd workers demanded, on their own volition, their severance pay and the GuySuCo officials who met with them at Wales Estate in December, 2016 agreed they were entitled to same and thus copies of their ID cards were made by the Corporation to process their payments. The Corporation then goes on to espouse some of the non-wage benefits it offers. GuySuCo should hang its head in shame to call attention to the benefits it listed. For those who aren’t aware we hasten to point out that the sugar company is advocating the closure of its dispensaries and other health care facilities by year-end. GuySuCo is also actively considering the closure of its Training Centre at Port Mourant, an institution

which offered so many poor and disadvantaged youths a second chance at a ‘Good Life’. The institution is highly regarded and is often labelled the best technical training school in the Caribbean region. The many, many students who attended the Centre would be most saddened as it will be a great loss for Guyanese, especially for the up and coming generations of youth. It seems Ms Thomas may not be aware of the plans of her bosses. Ms Thomas’ reference to Uitvlugt Estate labour turnout is another sad attempt to justify its wrong position to compel the workers of Wales to go to Uitvlugt contrary to the existing law and practice as we have referred to over and over again. GuySuCo needs to find out why it is that work is available and the turnout is not where it should be. An examination may be revealing. Elementary labour supply theory tells us that a worker’s willingness to work is influenced by his/her wage rate. This notion is very much prevalent in contemporary G u y S u C o . T h e Corporation’s anti-worker policy of not granting pay hikes for two years now, the denial of Annual Production Incentive (API), and the

arbitrary changes to other conditions of work cannot be ignored. We find the entire episode most ironic as the Corporation in the latter 1980’s and early 1990’s faced similar circumstances. That situation was overcome when the Corporation decided to have workers rates-of-pay brought in line with the cost-of-living. GuySuCo’s policy to its workers is like cutting its nose to spite its face. Ms Thomas also succinctly points to the wide reach of Uitvlugt and the myriad of functions that the estate performs. This is a view we also share. But we hasten to ask doesn’t the r e a c h o f Wa l e s , E a s t Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates have similar and equal importance. The Corporation’s desire to put profits above people will destroy the well-being of thousands of ordinary, hardworking, decent Guyanese and wreck scores of communities throughout our country. GAWU remains supportive of any plans which will safeguard the sugar industry and protect the livelihoods and interests of the thousands who are connected. Seepaul Narine General Secretary Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Was the judge unfair to the Attorney General? Dear Editor, Anil Nandlall in some indecent, mischievous machination to bring the learned Attorney General into public odium and ridicule arrogated onto himself the role of spokesman for the Judiciary and held an inflammatory press conference at the PPP headquarters (Freedom House) on March 25 where he again accused the AG of threatening the Judge, having previously done so on his Facebook page on the afternoon of March 23 . And yet, at no point in the verbal exchanges between the Judge and the AG (whether you believe the AG’s, the Judge’s or even Mr.Nandlall’s version of events) did the Judge use the words: “are you threatening me Mr. Williams or any words to some such similar effect?

Nor did the Judge say: “Mr.Williams you are insulting me” or use words to some such similar effect. And the Judge must be taken to know a threat, or insult, when he sees or hears one. So in this matter on the Judge’s or the AG’s version of events there was no threat; no insult. But were there words uttered amounting to a contempt of court? In the adversarial setting of a court, the law of contempt in its wisdom, recognizes that tempers are bound to flare - as between Lawyers and Lawyers, and occasionally, as between the Lawyer and the Judge or Magistrate. This goes with the territory. Yet, the judge must not only be impartial he must appear manifestly and undoubtedly to be impartial. So, did the Judge take any

issue or umbrage with Mr. N a n d l a l l ’s i r k s o m e interruptions or disruptions of which the AG has told us; interruptions being a very different thing all together in the forensic process, from legitimate objections ruled upon by the judge upholding or over ruling them as the case may be. What are the statistics: how many of Mr. N a n d l a l l ’ s objection/interruptions were overruled, upheld not ruled upon at all? There appears to me to be a somewhat Orwellian treatment meted out to Mr. Nandlall in this matter. That Orwellian approach has made Mr. Nandlall “more equal than” the AG in Justice Holder’s “my court”. So the junior counsel with accustomed intransigence could feel bold enough at his Freedom House press conference to say in absolute terms “… this is what I will

continue to do”. And yet by his mischief of sensationalizing, and politicization by his insidious allegations of a threat to the Judge’s life, the wound has already been inflicted on the hapless AG; add to this, comments made by the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Jagdeo, the Indians are circling the wagon - to use an American historical metaphor (see “PPP expresses concern over AG’s alleged utterances to High Court judge” KN Thursday March 28). Mr. Nandlall has transformed a first aid matter, into one now (to use a medical analogy) requiring intensive care treatment and major surgery. Had the matter remained one of perceived “disrespectful” conduct (the J u d g e ’s v e r s i o n ) o r , anecdotal assertiveness (the AG’s version) John Public (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

We should return to Burnham’s development model DEAR EDITOR, I have read with interest Mr. Adam Harris’ article titled ‘Are we wasting foreign exchange’ as published in the Kaieteur News online edition, of the week beginning March 26, 2017. Before recording my views and comments on the article, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Harris for the quality of his weekly articles, and his style of presentation, which exposes his earlier job experience as a school teacher. Although I have known him for a number of years I never knew that he started work-life as a school teacher, until reading some of his recent writings, and noting, that he has not ceased being an educator. My interpretation of his article is that Guyana has strayed from an earlier development model initiated by the Burnham PNC administration which identified and promoted agriculture, as one of the pillars of Guyana’s economic development. To my way of thinking, it was a good and workable model. The flaws and weaknesses alluded to by Mr. Harris are related to the interpretation, implementation and operationalisation of the technical components of the policy proposals. The broad objectives of the policy and its programmes were, to create an enabling environment for Guyana to use agriculture by way of sustainable production systems to achieve self-sufficiency and

industrialisation. Exploring the linkages between primary production, processing, manufacturing, support services, sales and marketing would have created new and rewarding vistas of opportunities for our people, and our Caribbean neighbours. Let us examine the issues raised by Mr. Harris, some of which are classified as failed. Feeding ourselves was a very noble concept, framed as it was, as an Import replacement / substitution programme. In retrospect it should have been designed within the context of a Food and Nutrition Strategy, with components such as health and wellness, being part of it. I believe that we took too big a bite on the proverbial cherry. We needed to be strategic in our approach, and should have developed a series of 3 to 5 years strategic plans, highlighting projects and programmes on a limited number of crops such as – rice, coconuts, cassava, coffee or soya beans, citrus and food crops, and in addition livestock activities such as dairy, small stock and poultry. All these agricultural activities have industrial potential and linkages. As a people, we must begin to see non-sugar agriculture beyond the hoe and cutlass small farms. It must be seen through the lenses of science, technology and economic units or enterprises. In the 1970’s, we were producing and exporting farine to a Bermudian company, at 3 monthly intervals. At the time

we were importing FAREX, a farine based baby food from a sister company. FAREX is farine, milk, vitamins and stabilisers. The Guyana house-wife who was unwilling to give her baby cassava, plantain or eddoe flour porridge, was feeding her baby FAREX, which is a cassava based product. The farine was produced by one Mr. Augustine of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, bought by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and exported to Bermuda. Similarly Guyana Instant Coffee was made from Pomeroon, Mabaruma and Kumaka, coffee beans that were shipped overseas by the GMC for processing, and returned to Guyana as instant coffee for distribution and sale. I remember the 1970’s resistance to rice and cassava flour. Today, if you were to visit supermarkets in North, South, and Central America, and the Caribbean you would see packaged (5 and 10 lb) wheaten flour sold as ‘Wheaten flour fortified / enriched with rice flour; wheaten flour fortified / enriched with cassava flour; wheaten flour fortified / enriched with white corn flour; wheaten flour fortified / enriched with barley flour etc. The important word is fortified / enriched as the packaged flour is presented as a superior product. We can add between 10 and 15 percent of cassava or rice flour to our wheaten flour without affect-

Was the judge unfair to the Attorney... From page 4 would at worst, have been mildly indifferent to this matter. But Mr.Nandlall must not be allowed to succeed, in his machinations and contrivance. And he would succeed if, what the Honourable Judge has complained of as “egregious statement” (but, is, upon sober, detached reflection at its highest, arguably an unfortunate tactless discourtesy by the learned AG), becomes elevated into a really serious allegation of a contempt of court; coupled with a demand for an apology by the AG. And I dare say that the Hon. Judge must be, respectfully, reminded that a discourtesy or disrespect (perceived or actual) even one perceived to be offensive, is not, and has never been decided to be a contempt of court by the highest courts for settling these Common Law matters (i.e the House of Lords, of England; and the Privy Council). That is the position at law (the learned reader is referred to

the well know West Indian case of Maharaj V AG (No1) and the cases cited therein). And, was it right, or dignified, or respectful for the Judge, upon being asked by the Attorney General of this country, and a Senior Counsel and the head of the Bar, a forensically permitted question as to whether he (the judge) had recorded the witnesses’ evidence, to demur to the AG that it was “…. my court.” With the utmost of respect, such a retort to a legitimate enquiry was tactless and disrespectful of Guyana’s Attorney General. In my outspoken comment: that was plainly wrong. Was it that tactlessness that precipitated the “egregious statement”? Just spare a thought for the hapless AG. As I analyze the sequence or timelines of events that caused the Judge to “immediately” rise from the bench, two things are manifest (i) the Judge had unjudicially excised (“crossed out”) evidence elicited in cross examination by the AG that was

favorable to the AG’s case (ii) the Judge had prior to the so called “egregious statement” (which we are made to believe was the proximate reason for his rising from the bench), already decided to adjourn the hearing of the matter. It is a matter of some considerable curiosity that during the entire business session from 9 am to 12 pm, amidst all the agonies of the moment considering particularly Mr. Nandlall’s “interruptions” (Mr. Nandlall calls them objections, perhaps some were) no complaint what so ever was made orally to the AG as regards anything said or done by him, nor, I presumed nothing was recorded pointing to or suggesting any misconduct or disrespect by the AG. So, I for one am not persuaded that is was the AG’s so called “egregious statement” that caused that abnormal rising from the bench. Coincidentally, it may have just been the proverbial last straw. Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney-at-Law

ing the quality of our bread, cakes, dumpling, roti etc. I do not have current data on the consumption of wheaten flour in Guyana, but before I left Guyana the Flour Mills on the East Bank of Demerara manufactured wheaten flour, but the GMC was the sole Wholesaler / Distributer. At that time, we consumed 60,000 x 100 lb bags of flour per month except in the months of June and December when demand rose to 90,000 x 100 lb bags for each of those months. This gave us a total annual consumption of about 39,000 metric tonnes. If we were to target ten (10) percent of that total demand to be rice or cassava flour and blend it to enrich our wheaten flour, our imports of wheaten flour equivalent of wheat will be reduced, and so will be our savings in foreign exchange; while our rice and cassava farmers will have a ready market for an additional 3,900 metric tonnes of flour equivalent in those crops, and the country would benefit from the spin-offs in employment etc. What we did in the 1970’s was attempt to replace

wheaten flour with cassava and rice flour. That was a flawed approach. We should in 2017 and beyond be promoting wheaten flour fortified / enriched with cassava flour or rice flour. Promote this product at home and in CARICOM among the many flour mills and the possibilities are mind boggling. Food promotion, distribution, marketing and sales are all about taste, price, colour, packaging, presentation, smell etc. Another crop with great potential is the coconut. Coconut is now referred to globally as the ‘miracle food’. Those of us from the rural areas of Guyana grew up with an intimate relationship with the coconut – from hairdressing and body lotion to shine rice and cook-up. From industrial use by coconut oil producers to fire side and coal pot fuel for flat irons, pressing combs, cooking etc. But coconut was demonized globally in the 1970’s as an agent for Cholesterol. The result was the demise of the industry in the Philippines, India, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana etc.

Its present rebirth in Guyana must be structured, and an industry built around it with outputs such as coconut water, coconut oil for food and pharmaceuticals, coconut offal for animal feed, coconut shells for craft and coal fuel for domestic and industrial use. Coal as fuel would find a ready market in countries such as Haiti where charcoal and its negative impact on the environment is evident. I close with a story: Around 1976 some visiting relatives brought red ‘ice’ apples for my family in Guyana. One day I came home from work and saw my children playing cricket with the apples. They had grown up not knowing apples, because they were banned during that period. Contrast that with persons in the mid 1970’s who would bring doctors letters to me at the GMC laying preferential claim on the (grounds of health) to the limited amount of white ‘Irish’ potatoes grown at Paramakatoi and other hinterland locations and distributed at the GMC. Hugh Saul

Speedboat regulations are being flouted DEAREDITOR, Since 2009, instructions were given to speed boat owners providing a passenger service at various locations throughout Guyana, to ensure their boats are equipped with sheds before they are given permission to operate. Amidst much hue and cry, the owners complied with the orders and passengers are now travelling in some sort of comfort with protection from the rain and sun. I am somewhat fortunate to be travelling a lot to various locations in Guyana and sometimes I have to use the speedboat facility at certain areas. Based on my observations I’ve penned letters listing the locations, attitudes of the operators and the service they provided. On Thursday 22nd March on my journey to Charity we were waiting at Parika to board a boat to take us to Supenaam and whilst waiting for a boat to come to the Parika loading area two men approached us and enquired of our destination and upon informing them, they told us to wait for a few more passengers. A while later they told us to come and board the boat and then we saw a boat without any shed at the side of the step and partly under the stelling. Amidst protests

and complaints everyone joined the boat and one man enquired if the boat engines were working because the last time he traveled with the boat, one of the engines broke down. The operators jokingly said that everything was okay. Editor I enquired from the man if what he said was indeed true and he said yes and then I asked him why were the boats with sheds not working. I subsequently learnt that these boats have to wait until this boat (minus a shed) is loaded first before they can begin loading; because if they come to the stelling, passengers might choose to board the boat with sheds instead of the boat we were in. Now why would those in authorities allow boats without sheds to still operate after changing the rule some eight years after? Is there favoritism? That is not the only location where speed boats being operated are supposed to have sheds. Are persons taking bribes to allow this lawlessness? The fare is still the same as the other boats operating with better facilities. Two monitors were there all the time and carried on as though it was business as usual. Sahadeo Bates

Long ago CLICO was a reliable company DEAR EDITOR, Sorry to read about CLICO’s suggested ‘fall from grace’ within Guyana. I can only speak as I have found, and remember them as one of the few commercial concerns which had a ‘decent’ and fair employment policy and practice. They employed men and women in what seemed to be equal numbers of every race. In fact, this was not common practice in the 1950s. The staff always seemed happy and were always courteous. I took out a life insurance policy with them at age 21, paid my insurance premiums

throughout the term, moved to the UK, and when the policy matured, was pleasantly surprised when, in 1969 I think, their agent in London turned up at my address and handed me a cheque for the relevant amount. It came in handy to augment the down payment for the house we had just bought. Full marks to

them! Which is more than could be said for my husband’s insurers, a longestablished entity: he never received a penny from them, although we had roughly the same insurance history. I found CLICO to be reliable, honest, and fair in the 1950s/ 60s. Geralda Dennison

PAGE 6

Congratulations to DDL for its exclusive rights to the Demerara Rum label DEAR EDITOR, I would like to congratulate DDL for having their rum certified as THE Geographical Indicator “Demerara Rum”. This means no one else can use the prefix “Demerara” on their Rum. Back in 2003, before the EU slashed its prices on our bulk sugar and as Guysuco was embarking on its ‘Demerara Gold” marketing of packaged sugar, I raised the issue of our position on GI’s in Parliament. I was advised it was being handled by the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) headed by Mr Carl Greenidge. They had issued a paper on WTO regulated GI’s in 2002 but there was no followup activity. For instance, since the WTO agreements specified that GI”s must be used in conformity with the law of the country of origin (re-application of the law of the country of origin) they had not advised the Guyana Government to enact the nec-

essary legislation. I pointed out that since the WTO negotiations were ongoing within the Doha timetable, Guyana still had ample time to get its Act together so that we may have another arrow in our bow to save the highcost Demerara Plantations’ sugar. I noted for some decades, Europe led the way in carving out the right to use a particular name for a product that came from a specific region - and became associated with the name of that region such as “Bordeaux Wine”. By 1995, it was able to have it incorporated into the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as “Geographical Indications (GIs)” protection. The latter were defined by Article 22(1) as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the

good is essentially attributed to its geographic origin.” Initially utilised only for wines, it was extended to include other foodstuffs: “Florida” for oranges “Idaho” for potatoes “Washington State” for apples etc. So I asked, why not “Demerara Sugar” for brown sugar from Demerara, Guyana? Booker Tate, (hired in 1990 when the GI issue rose to the fore) was earning huge incentive bonuses based on overall production of our raw sugar pushed the 1998 Strategic Plan which stressed increased overall total production and only mentioned en passant possible packaging of our sugar as “Demerara Gold” - but only for Caricom and local markets. None of the proposed certifications mentioned GI’s protection. I was told the government was advised by its lawyers to protect the value of the “Demerara” name through the trademark route. However, a trademark “is a

word, symbol, or phrase, used to identify a particular manufacturer or seller’s products and distinguish them from the products of another for example “Coca Cola” and “Pepsi”.” I said that while there is nothing wrong with pursuing this option it does not have to be at the expense of ignoring the GI’s window of opportunity. Creating a brand name takes time and while we can boast about ours being the “real thing”, it will be very expensive and time consuming to move the fake Demerara Sugar off the lucrative supermarket shelves in the developed countries. In the meantime, I said, we cannot sue anyone unless they call their product “Demerara Gold” – especially if some of our products originate from outside the Demerara plantations. I had not realised Bedessie from Berbice had already done so. The rest, as they say, is history. Ravi Dev

The Fallacy of replacing Septic Tanks with Water Treatment plants DEAR EDITOR, In a KN article which reported on the deliberations of the Wastewater Conference held at Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) headquarters recently, Junior C o m m u n i t i e s M i n i s t e r, Dawn Hastings-Williams opined that future housing scheme developments will have centrally installed water treatment plants instead of septic tanks for individual premises. The objective for this proposed upgrade as claimed is to address the growing threat of water pollution. D r. We s t - C h a r l e s , GWI’s Managing Director in his presentation to the Conference was non-committal with respect to the introduction of the central treatment of wastewater from homes as opposed to

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

septic tanks as is presently the widespread practice in Guyana. He correctly noted that many of the installed septic tanks are not performing as intended because of poor design and construction and stated that his staff was preparing designs for efficiently operated septic tanks and where possible, their replacement with the best water treatment plant option available will be examined. Unfortunately, he failed to recognize that soak-away pits are necessary accessories for the efficient operation of septic tanks and the urgent need for country-wide regulatory oversight for septic tanks system design and their construction. Wa t e r / s e w a g e t r e a t ment plants are expensive to construct, operate and

maintain and Guyana does not have the resources to introduce this system for waste disposal from its populated areas, anytime soon. Because of the lack of finance, Georgetown does not have a central treatment plant and its wastewater is pumped directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, well-designed septic tanks with soak away pits will have to be the modus operandi to treat wastewater/sewage from human activities in Guyana for the foreseeable future. Where applicable, industries generating toxic wastes should install inhouse treatment facilities in accordance with WHO Standards. It is worth noting that many homes in the United States and elsewhere still rely on septic tank systems for their wastewater treatment. Contrary to GWI Sanitation Manager Joseph’s claims, wastewater sludge

generated by any proposed Guyanese treatment facility will be uneconomic for conversion into fertilizer for the agricultural sector and/or to harness its chemical energy to generate electricity for the national grid. New York City pays to dump its wastewater sludge onto landfills and in the Atlantic Ocean as there are no markets available for it as a fertilizer for agricultural crops or to harness its chemical energy to generate electricity. Ms. Hasting-Williams and Dr. West-Charles no doubt have ambitious ideas to deal with the treatment of wastewater before it becomes a major health issue. However, they have failed to comprehend that contaminated drinking water poses a far greater danger to the health of all Guyanese. Therefore, they should direct their energies and limited Government resources at their disposal to provide safe and reliable drinking (potable) water for all the people as is not the case presently as much of the water produced is distributed untreated and unfiltered. Charles Sohan

The 2020 elections will be the most interesting DEAR EDITOR, When one observes the current lackluster performance of President David Granger as the Head of State, one remains convinced that the May 2015 elections was the greatest misnomer in Guyana’s political history because of the promises from Candidate Granger on the campaign were dumped into the garbage bin as soon as he moved into State House. The fact remains that the 2015 elections were the defeat of former President Donald Ramotar rather than the success of David Granger. The leader of a political party who has been in the public eyes for so long as Ramotar is heavily exposed, so much so that his political enemies become as numerous and formidable as his political friends. This is not to discount that Ramotar was an absolute failure politically, and was seen as a puppet of former President Bharat Jagdeo. Granger, on the other hand, was a relative unknown to the nation, only familiar to his army colleagues many of whom described him as a non-dynamic Colonel and part of a small group of Georgetown elites. But to the masses he was a literal unknown. Even many of the Indian businessmen of Georgetown did not know of the name Granger before he became the leader of the PNC. Thus Granger did not have to contend with the political animosities marshaled against the usual political leaders like Robert Corbin and Carl Greenidge. Even the PPP was extremely light on him until it was too late. But now that Granger is on the hot seat, he is in the public spot-light and his knitting is showing. Many of the adjectives his former army buddies attributed to him are now being exposed; indecisive, aloft, poor leadership, inability to conceive big ideas, and totally at sea on the finances of any organization. His lack of the required core competence to do the job stands exposed today. So even though the allegation is now out in the pub-

lic that he carefully planned with people like Raphael Trotman (to deliver the AFC) and Joe Harmon (to deliver the GDF) all along to elevate himself to the top job, Trotman and Harmon cannot save the Granger presidency today from the public eye, even though he tries his earnest best to hide from the public by hosting only one press conference since he attained office. The people are judging him every minute of the day and from all indications the majority today stands ready to rate the Granger Presidency with an “F” Grade performance. If the elections were held today, I am convinced that David Arthur Granger would lose the elections to the PPP, even if that party was to run with a political novice like Charles Ramson Jr. or a political washout like Clement Rohee. The PNC has a lot of work to do to repair the damage done by this extremely visionless and aloft Granger administration. The 2020 elections are theirs to win because they have already lost it if the 2017 sentiments of the people are an indicator. Let us see what the PNC shall do for the ordinary people over the next 2 years? The PPP, on the other hand, is facing heavy tail wind on their current favourite candidate, Jagdeo. Is this their only choice? Is former Attorney General Anil Nandlall a serious second best option or Frank Anthony with a strong running mate like Carolyn Rodrigues? Isn’t it possible for the PPP presidential candidate to be Amerindian? The next 2 years will be the best political years for Guyana since independence because there is a very high possibility that the Granger government will be a one term government and the people will have no appetite for a third force. This will be a straight fight between the PNC and the PPP and they will both have to dig deep to reinvent themselves to win the elections Lisa Ally

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Police probe embattled gold dealer for alleged money laundering - whistleblower complains of collusion at Gold Board - over $17B handled in two-month period The police have for several months now been investigating embattled gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul, for allegedly being involved in money-laundering activities. His alleged actions have also brought into sharp focus his dealings with the Guyana Gold Board and possible collusion with staffers there. There were apparently warning signs that something was amiss but the transactions, involving billions of dollars, were never questioned by the Gold Board. Rasul, owner of SSS Mineral, a company licensed to buy gold; and R. Mining, which is his mining outfit, made the news last week after a $956M fraud was discovered at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, in Bartica, Region Seven. The female manager of the bank was sent home and Rasul arrested last Friday after GBTI filed a police complaint. The businessman was slapped with six charges of obtaining money by false pretence. He could face more. One of the biggest gold dealers in Guyana, he appeared in court yesterday and was placed on $3M bail having been slapped with six counts of fraud — $500,000 on each count. A wanted bulletin is likely to be issued for the bank manager. According to top police officials, based on complaints, investigators

The Gold Board office in Bartica.

Gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul placed Rasul under the microscope after what appeared to be evidence that was provided by a whistleblower. It was alleged that the gold dealer had no credit facilities at any bank, but started purchasing gold, purportedly from miners, in large quantities in 2014, sometimes even paying more than $10,000 above other dealers for one ounce of the yellow material. This caused raised eyebrows by others in the trade.

Brazilian miners were apparently targeted for the gold. Officials said that it was explained that scam occurred when instead of using his gold dealing company, Rasul allegedly sold the gold to the Gold Board via his mining company. This was passed as mined gold. Sometimes the transactions occurred multiple times daily via R. Mining, according to documents seen by Kaieteur

Orthopedic technician arrested and... From page 2 (RHO) as to why the man was on the premises and his motives for speaking with the woman. Hospital authorities reportedly escorted the technician out of the hospital compound. This newspaper learnt that sometime last week a woman took a relative to the West Demerara Hospital after he had broken his leg somewhere in the interior. The woman said to her surprise she was told that in order for the relative to be seen in a timely manner she needed to pay $400,000. The woman said that she told the technician that it was difficult for her to provide such a large sum, and he suggested a lesser but still a substantial sum. “He ask me if I can find

$100,000 and I said that I'm a poor woman and me ent get dem money”. Wanting to ensure that the relative receive the urgent medical care that was required, the woman told him that she was in possession of $40,000 at that time. The technician indicated that the amount was insufficient, since the fee she proffered to pay had to be divided between several doctors. The woman also said that she gave the technician $3,000 for x-ray services that were provided. The woman said she was informed that the relative needed a surgery performed on the broken leg based on the findings of the x-ray, but this could not be done anytime soon unless the money was paid. When the technician was contacted, he did admit to this newspaper that he collected

the $3,000 from the woman. When asked why that was so, since the hospital is a government institution, the official said that it is a common practice that is ongoing at that particular institution. He said that he did not ask the woman to pay any money, but he said that there is a particular doctor who is the ringleader in the 'pay for service ring'.

News. According to officials, where Rasul allegedly made a killing was when he only paid the five percent royalties that are applicable to mining companies. Gold dealers are made to pay not only the royalties but also a two percent tax, making it a total of seven percent. It was pointed out that it is highly unusual for any mining company to have several wash-downs daily, unless they are large scale in nature. There are only two large scale mining companies in Guyana - Troy Resources and Guyana Goldfields. Investigators reportedly had details of banking records to support the money laundering complaint against Rasul. It was alleged that in two months alone, Rasul’s companies deposited and withdrew $17B. Sometimes there were as many as seven withdrawals in one day, some totalling $180 million. Two percent of that in taxes would come up to over $200M. Investigators would also be probing whether Rasul benefitted from collusion with Gold Board staffers, some of them high ranking, and may have issued instructions for the Bartica office to pay the

higher of two daily fixes. It was explained that the Gold Board would under an established system, lock in prices based on the market prices overseas. This meant that prices could fall or rise within a day. The complaint alleged that US authorities, like Homeland Security and the FBI, may have had an interest in Rasul as far back as 2014

and early 2015 for gold exported to the country. Gold has been one of the biggest foreign currency earners for Guyana within the last decade or so. However, the benefits to the economy, which has been slowed somewhat in recent years, has been overshadowed by reports of smuggling and deadly accidents in the mining areas.

PAGE 8

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

Miners remanded for chopping, beating buddy Drainage systems in Region Five to

be revamped

Riley John

Calvin Scott

Three miners were yesterday remanded to prison after they were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The men, Luncheon Felix, 32, of Mazaruni, Essequibo; Calvin Scott, 27, of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara and Riley John, 22, of North West District, all miners, are jointly charged with unlawful and malicious wounding. The charge read that on March 31 at Mowasi, Essequibo, the men unlawfully and maliciously wounded Ornes Fredrick, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him actual bodily harm. The men all pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them by the Magistrate. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail for the defendants citing the serious-

Luncheon Felix

ness of the offence and the state in which the victim is. Facts presented by the prosecutor stated that on the day in question the defendants and the virtual complainant, who are all known to each other, were at a shop drinking alcohol when an argument ensued. The prosecutor stated that the three accused dealt the victim several kicks and punches about his body which resulted in him receiving a punctured muscle to his left leg, a laceration to the left side of his face, a broken rib and a deep puncture to his lower back. The prosecutor further stated that the injuries the victim received are life-threatening and he will likely be disfigured. Bail was refused and the defendants were remanded to prison. They will make their next court appearance on April 19 at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court.

The drainage system of the flood-prone Mahaica/ Demerara region is in for a massive revamping, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder said yesterday. The region extends East of the Mahaica River to the West Bank of the Berbice River. The population of Region Five is approximately 50,000 with main economic activity being rice farming followed by sugar and coconut farming, beef and dairy cattle ranching. The Minister said that the Mahaica/Mahaicony/AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) is currently conducting a survey in the region which will provide recommendations that will be implemented to ensure effective drainage in the region. He noted that an effective and efficient drainage structure is the key to ensure that the farmers keep producing, thus leading to overall prosperity in the region. Delving into details, Holder stated that the revamp will entail the resuscitation of three kokers and the maintenance of outfall channels, earth and other structural

- Agri. Minister

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder. works in the region. The maintenance works, he added, are expected to begin in a matter of days. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had announced last week that the sluices identified for resuscitation are located in Number 11/ Number 12 Village; Golden Grove/ Lovely Lass; and Trafalgar/ Union. Works are expected to be completed by the ending of May, ahead of the rainy season. Asked what will be the

fate of ‘abandoned’ kokers in the other regions, the Minister noted that four kokers will also be resuscitated along the coastland – primarily in Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica) with three additional pumping stations slated to be constructed at strategic, extremely low-lying points which have a large number of residents. He added also that a survey is being conducted to examine the sluices in Regions One (Barima/Waini); Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara); Four (Demerara/Mahaica); and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). The village of Buxton, he pointed out, will benefit from the construction of two pump stations that will facilitate three pumps. The Government this year will be seeking to acquire 12 pumps for flood-prone areas along the coast in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice. Additionally a new dredger is expected to be introduced which will improve outfall channels’ capacity to carry water, significantly decreasing the possibility of flooding, especially along the coastland.

Dataram’s wife accused of smuggling cigarettes to imprisoned husband After being freed from all the charges that were laid against her, it seems like the reputed wife of drug convict Barry Dataram, still likes making appearances at the Magistrates’ Courts. Anjanie Boodnarine, 21 of 79 Patentia Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, once again found herself before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, where she pleaded not guilty to an allegation that on March 31, last, she attempted to smuggle 14 packs of cigarettes into the Mazaruni Prison for her reputed husband Barry Dataram. Boodnarine was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson who in an application to secure bail for his client told the court that his client was given a bag by someone to give to her reputed husband, and that she had no knowledge of what was in the bag. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant. She was released on $150,000 bail. A condition to the bail is that Boodnarine must report to La Grange Police Station every Friday, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) section. Boodnarine was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle the contraband among a

Anjanie Boodnarine charged for attempting to smuggle cigarettes into the Mazaruni prison quantity of chocolates into the prison last week Friday. The discovery was made by prison officials during mandatory searches conducted at the prison. Last year, Boodnarine and Dataram were charged for having in their possession 129.23 KG of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and being in the possession of illegal ammunition. Boodnarine was freed of the charge Boodnarine was also freed of the charge of possession of illegal ammunition after

Dataram took responsibility for the ammunition and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford announced that the prosecution had withdrawn the charge against her. Dataram was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment on the narcotics charge and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition. Boodnarine also got a matter of attempting to commit a felony dismissed against her after the Magistrate ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence against her in the matter. Boodnarine and Dataram were also placed before the courts and charged for attempting to defeat the administration of justice when they allegedly forged two Guyana passports and failed to present themselves to immigration officers while departing Guyana. Boodnarine was freed of that charge after her reputed husband told the court that he was the one that force her to defeat the administration. The mother of two was subsequently freed on all the charges against her while her husband is currently serving time in prison. Boodnarine will make her next court appearance on April 20 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The VAT on private tuition fees is myopic The decision to implement the value added tax on private tuition fees is myopic. It strictly based on raising tax revenues while undermining a much more important source of revenue through educational exports. It is not properly thought out. It fails to take account of the value of education in general to all areas of national life. It also fails to consider the benefits government derives from private education. It assumes that the demand for educational services relative to price is inelastic. It is wrong. The government has been enticed by the fact that school fees at certain private schools collectively total more than two billion dollars per year. This means that government, by applying VAT to private tuition fees can rake in more than 240 million per year. What the government does not realize is that once parents have to pay 14%, the enrollment levels will decline, because right now there are

persons who are throwing box-hand and borrowing money to pay their children’s private school fees. So once those fees increase, those parents will not be able to afford to send their children to private schools. The government’s tax take will therefore be reduced. The VAT on private school fees does not just apply to private nursery, primary and secondary schools. It will also apply, if it has not done so already, to those schools engaged in offering educational services to nonnationals such as the private medical schools and the proposed law school. The private medical schools attract a great deal of persons from overseas. Their tuition fees are paid for by their parents and sponsors. It is a source of foreign exchange and is akin to export earnings, since its represents inflows to the country. The reason why these foreign students and the many others who will follow have

chosen Guyana, is because of the comparative advantage of studying and living in Guyana while studying. There are few countries in this part of the world, except for Cuba, where you can earn a medical degree at such a cheap cost as is charged by the local medical schools. Housing and food costs are also relatively cheap compared to other destinations in the Caribbean. The reason why investors have entered into an agreement to establish a law school in Guyana is because of Guyana’s comparative advantage in providing such a service. Those behind the project have already said that it will cost students less to pursue the Legal Education Certificate here rather than elsewhere. They were hoping to attract students from outside of Guyana was well. They were not aware of the time that VAT on private tuition fees was

Dem boys seh ...

Man proppa stupid If is one thing a Guyanese does hear steady is that he stupid. From de time a Guyanese open he mouth, another Guyanese does ask him if he stupid. When a man crack a joke and mek de whole hall laugh, people does laugh and seh how de man proppa stupid. Dem boys seh it got to be that Guyanese proppa stupid. De definition of a stupid man is one who see de truth, he hear de truth and know de truth, but still believe de lies. Nuff people know how some married man stupid. Dem wife giving dem blow; neighbours know and tell dem; then dem see de man and de woman together, suh dem know, but dem still gun believe de wife when she seh

how is she cousin and nutten going on. Election time is when dem boys does see really stupid people. Dem know Jagdeo very well; dem see he is a scamp; dem hear he corrupt and that he does thief; dem see him and he friends in some shady place, but dem still believe him when he seh how he is de best person to lead. De politicians dem stupid, but de Chat-3 and Basil de Willie is two who really stupid. De two of dem think dem know more law than everybody, but when you check dem record dem hardly does win case. De Chat-3 never win a fuel smuggling case and he know that. Basil de Willie, de Chat-3 successor, never win a murder case. In fact, he got de

record fuh begging. Is nuff stupidness in Guyana. A man play wid fyah and never believe that he gun get bun. In fact, nuff people does play wid fyah. One man write a bogus cheque and believe that he gun get away wid it. He pass de check off on a Friday pun some businessmen. Another one had he own KSI—that institute that de Pee Hen See use to have. He Know Somebody Inside a bank. De story deh all over de papers. But dem boys seh that this must be de only not so stupid one, because if he really tek that money, when de dust settle he gun still have money. Talk half and watch stupidness.

Woman forced to drive around city with gunman in car - Relieved of cash, cell phone; two children unharmed With a gun held to her head, a 31-year-old woman was forced to drive around Georgetown on Saturday night with her two children, after a lone bandit managed to break into her car while it was parked at Camp and Middle Streets, Georgetown. Luckily, Suzette Peters, a teacher of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, and her children were not harmed, but the suspect escaped with the victim’s money and cellular phone. According to information received, Peters’ car developed some problems and she called for a friend’s assistance. When the friend left, she and her children went into a fast food

outlet which is located in that area and spent some time. It was upon their return to the vehicle that they were confronted by the gunman, who was already in the car, waiting on them. Kaieteur News was informed that the individual, who brandished his weapon, demanded that the trio get into the vehicle and requested Peters to drive. Reports are that the woman drove around Georgetown before the bandit exited her vehicle in Alberttown with her cash and cell phone. A police report was made but no one has been arrested.

on the table. Now that they are, it will cause them to examine how much of their comparative advantage has been eroded. VAT on private tuition fees is myopic because it fails to consider the linkages between private education and other areas of the economy. Private education can be a moneyspinner for Guyana. Investors have recognized this, and it for this reason that private medical schools and other educational services are being established here. T h e VAT o n p r i v a t e education is anti-competitive. It is based on a narrow vision of simply making money for the government rather than generating wealth within society. Instead of taxing private education, the government

should have been incentivizing education, because it benefits every single sector. The costs to business and government of having to train workers are high. Private education is a means to help government reduce these costs. But you cannot encourage private education if you are going to tax the students’ tuition fees. The tax is going to scare away investors. Which investor is going to want to come to Guyana and have to deal with a 14% VAT on the educational services provided, on top of the high income and corporation taxes which are due? Investment in private education is going to dry up. The VAT on private tuition fees is discriminatory. It will turn-off investors, because they probably

have never heard about VAT on private education in the Caribbean. T h e VAT o n p r i v a t e school fees will have to be borne by students. It will make education costlier. It will make Guyana’s private educational services more expensive. Guyana should be selling itself as the place for people to come and study because of the relative cheap cost of education, housing and cost of living. Instead we are selling ourselves as taxers of private education.

PAGE 10

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Aksharananda gets a taste of his own medicine I remember when the 2015 election campaign was in full swing, a Hindu priest by the name of Aksharananda began a fierce debate on the need for Indians to assert their i d e n t i t y. A k s h a r a n a n d a was subtler than Ravi Dev, Ryhaan Shah and the nest of vipers in Richmond Hill in New York, whose existence is based on the preoccupation of Indians versus Africans in Guyana. They openly called for race voting in the May 2015 poll. Election campaigning in Guyana is about ethnic competition. The Indianized PPP in 2015 had already become a minority presidency due to the AFC’s electoral success in the 2011 poll, and faced formidable challenges in the 2015 election battle from the AFC. Daggers

were drawn. People like Dev and company did what they know best – perpetuate the binary of “we versus them.” In so doing, Dev and company were simply helping the PPP’s campaign. It was Aksharananda’s entry into the “we versus them” discourse that caused raised eyebrows among people between April and May 2015. This man was the head of a secondary school, said he was the holder of the title of Swami, and was a religious preacher. Aksharananda, during the 2015 campaign, wrote a number of letters in the newspapers, the contents of which were indistinguishable from ethnic propaganda. The intention was to help the PPP’s campaign. Aksharananda’s letters are too numerous to quote

here, but the main strategy was to advocate that Indians be proud of who they were and assert themselves. His letters denounced PNC violence against Indians during Burnham’s rule. It was Aksharananda’s way of urging people to vote for the PPP. The PPP lost the election and Aksharananda changed his tactic. He now claimed that the Coalition Government was practicing large scale discrimination against Indians. Here is a quote from his April 2016 letter; “Since the present administration came to office, a large number officials have been dismissed from their positions, or as has been euphemistically stated, “sent on leave.” “Among these are persons who occupied high profile offices, but as we

Bandits shoot Cuban national A 60-year-old Cuban national is nursing a gunshot wound to the abdomen, after he was attacked by robbers on Sunday. A hospital source identified the victim as Arregelto Jorge. He is said to be staying at a city hotel. According to reports, Jorge and his wife

were walking along Regent Street at around 07.00 hrs when robbers attacked and shot him. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and has since been admitted to the Male Surgical Ward. His condition is listed as stable.

are learning the dismissals did not stop there. Individuals from across the board have been affected, with lives and families damaged… It would appear that the vast majority of those dismissed are persons of a particular ethnic group. “I would like to suggest a sort of ethnic impact statement to include the ethnicity of those dismissed, the positions they held, and reasons for the dismissals. Of course, such a statement must also include whether those positions have since been filled and by which ethnic groups. Such transparency will immeasurably help the cause of social cohesion.” Last week Aksharananda wrote a long l e t t e r, d e n o u n c i n g t h e headmistress of Central High School for allowing a Christian preacher, Pastor Steven Anderson, to sermonize the students. Here is what the Hindu priest had to say about Anderson; “It is true that Mr. Anderson foams as he gleefully unleashes his venomous fulminations and that he holds and preaches hateful and dangerous

ideas about persons, and religions, other than his own.” Aksharananda had a mouthful to say about Mr. Anderson, but what caught my eyes is his description which is also applicable to him. Words like “venomous fulminations” and “preaches hateful and dangerous ideas” are apt descriptions for Aksharananda in 2015 and 2017. In the May 2015 election season, he suggested that Ramjattan demand an apology from the PNC for past atrocities, but he rejected a similar contrition from the PPP’s 23-year-old reign. He refused to acknowledge there was a PNC president, Desmond Hoyte, who moved away from ethnically based policies. He refused to acknowledge that a PNC president, Desmond Hoyte again, had done great things and even arrested people, like the House of Israel agents, who had committed past atrocities. Now Aksharananda descends to the same level he accuses Anderson of going. Aksharananda is telling Guyanese that the Government is dismissing en masse, East Indian public

Frederick Kissoon sector workers. Isn’t this the preaching of hateful and dangerous ideas, the very thing he accuses Anderson of doing? Is Aksharananda telling us that it is wrong for a pastor to go into a public school and unleash poisonous doctrines based on fictions but it is alright if he, Aksharananda does it in the letter pages of the daily newspapers? This is the dilemma of human civilization. We can only see the wrongs in others and when we embody those very sins, they become virtues. Will the incident with the preacher in Central High School deter Aksharananda from inciting ethnic anger in Guyana? I doubt it. I hope I am wrong.

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

US pulls out from IDB investment fund in major financing blow (Reuters) The United States, historically a major backer of multilateral lending institutions, will not renew its contribution to a InterAmerican Development Bank fund that supports pilot development projects, the head of the Washingtonbased organization said on Sunday. In a news conference at the IDB’s annual board of governors meeting in Paraguay’s capital, Asuncion, President Luis Alberto Moreno linked the U.S. decision to a policy shift since Republican President Donald Trump took office in January.” On this occasion, the United States, for various domestic reasons, did not want to participate,” Moreno said. He added that the U.S. delegation had indicated at an October 2016 meeting that it was willing to contribute, “but that it all depended on the result of the election.” “Once President Trump’s government began, they informed us - at the beginning of February - that the United States would not be making

any contribution.” The IDB provides loans to governments and businesses to finance projects ranging from largescale infrastructure to small businesses. Founded in 1959, it says it is the leading source of development financing for Latin America, lending $11.3 billion and $13.8 billion in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Multilateral Investment Fund, or MIF, created in 1993, was instrumental in the development of microfinance and provides technical assistance to small projects aimed at providing economic opportunity to the poor. It was a brainchild of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, and the United States has historically been its largest donor, the IDB said in a statement. IDB member countries pledge to renew the fund’s coffers every several years. At the October meeting, the IDB governors agreed to provide an additional $300 million to keep the fund

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, speaks next to Paraguayan Finance Minister Santiago Pena at the Bank’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Asuncion, Paraguay on April 2. (REUTERS/Mario Valdez) running from 2019 to 2023. This marked the first time since the MIF’s founding that the United States did not contribute to its fund replenishment, an IDB spokesman confirmed. It comes as Trump has proposed slashing the U.S.

Opposition Leader warns of int’l agency’s role in constitutional reform process Following the hosting of a symposium organised by The Carter Center Guyana on Friday, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has warned about the involvement of the Center, being an international body, in Guyana’s constitutional reform process. The symposium which was also supported by the United Kingdom High Commission was titled, “Perspectives on Guyana’s Constitutional Reform Process.” Speaking at his party’s press conference yesterday, Jagdeo said that government had asked the People’s Progressive Party Civic to participate in the process. However, he said that following that invitation it was learnt that the Carter Center would be leading the process as well. He said that he heard the government was hiring someone from the Carter Center. “It seems as though the Carter Center and the British High Commission are leading this. So we are still a bit confused as to which external agency the government has requested to work with them on the whole process of constitutional reform.” According to Jagdeo, his party has always argued that it has grave concerns about the process since it was announced by the government. He said that the process is being treated like a task of the executive and it has departed from the last time there was major constitutional reform.

He said that in the past, the two major political parties at the time, the PPP/C and the People’s National Congress had gotten together along with members of civil society and led the process of constitutional reform. “But it seems as though this is executive driven. Secondly, we asked the UN (United Nations) team what precisely the government wants to change if it is leading the process. So we did not get clear answers about that. Thirdly, we said that we are open to any discussion about constitutional reform, but right now we have a major issue, and so the fourth point is, there are daily breaches of our current constitution.” Jagdeo cited the Carvil Duncan matter, the case of government disregarding the advice of the Judicial Service Commission on the appointment of judges and President David Granger and Attorney General Basil Williams, ascribing their own interpretation to the constitutional provision relating to the appointment of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, as instances when the government would have violated the constitution. He added that the Ministry of Social Cohesion

taking over the responsibilities of the Ethnic Relations Commission is also another charge against the government of violating the constitution, whereby an executive agency took over the work of a bipartisan constitutional body. “So we said: how do you ensure respect for the constitution? Because we had a huge constitutional reform in the past, and how do you get the President to accept what have been settled interpretations on some of the constitutional provisions. For example, both PNC and PPP agreed for 20-odd years about the process of appointment for the chairperson of GECOM, and now the President just pops along and has a totally different view.” Jagdeo said that while his party has an open mind about constitutional reform, the PPP is concerned now about the daily breaches of the constitution, law and order. He said he does not understand why Guyana should be pursuing a new round of constitutional reform when the government does not appear to respect the provisions agreed on in the past.

foreign aid and diplomacy budget by 28 percent. In the U.S. absence, Latin

American and Caribbean countries contributed 55 percent of the total $317

million added to the MIF this year, while Japan pledged $85 million, the IDB said. During the last replenishment in 2007, contributions from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 8 percent of the $501 million added to the fund. The United States contributed $150 million. A representative of the U.S. delegation said delegates were under instruction not to comment. U.S. talking points for “MIF Replenishment Discussions” seen by Reuters and dated on Sunday, said the world’s largest economy applauded the increased contributions by Latin American countries. “While the United States will not be pledging additional funding, we remain committed to the MIF and will continue to play an active role on the Donors Committee,” the talking points read.

PAGE 12

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAC upbraids REO for exceeding authority By Brushell Blackman Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Two, Pomeroon -Supenaam, Rupert Hopkinson was yesterday upbraided by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for discretionary allocation of government quarters to individuals within the region. PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali informed the REO that those powers are not vested in him, and should be the decision of the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, after the official would have considered a number of circumstances in relation to the person’s employment. Hopkinson in his defence said that he thought as the REO he was allowed certain latitudes and he made the decision on the residency occupation, taking some unique circumstances into consideration. The region’s chief accounting officer explained, much to the bemusement of the PAC members, that one of his reasons was because wood ants were feasting on some of the houses. He said that with persons in the prop-

erty there was a greater opportunity for the houses to be maintained. Further Hopkinson explained that with the buildings occupied there is a lesser risk of the properties being burglarized. This explanation did not go down well with the PAC chairman. “As far as I see you have too much discretion and you are exercising too much discretion,” Ali said. It was at this juncture that PAC member Juan Edghill weighed in on the issue and said that based on the rules that govern government housing, when someone is transferred to a different location due to work, certain provisions are made. He cautioned Hopkinson that the officers who are living in the government quarters are now benefitting twice, as they would have already benefitted from travelling and housing allowances, and now they are living free. Of the 62 government quarters that are in the region, 54 are occupied. Hopkinson said that twelve occupants are not entitled to rent-free

accommodation and they were written to. He said that of those twelve persons, three have responded by vacating the property while the others who have been sent final reminders are yet to respond. The REO also told the PAC that there are a number of persons who are living in the quarters who are not under the employ of the region, but some are reluctant to vacate. According to Hopkinson, one former REO is refusing to leave the home he currently occupies and has hauled the region before the court on the matter. The REO told the PAC that the former REO is alleging that while the house belongs to the government, the land belongs to him. Hopkinson was asked to explain how that was possible, but he could not say. The regional organs have been coming under intense scrutiny by the PAC after it was found that some regions are making decisions that are outside of their remit, in contravention of the rules that govern their operations.

Schoolgirl died from blunt trauma- PM A Post Mortem (PM) Examination done on the remains of 10-year-old Rosanna Harris, who succumbed weeks after being kicked in the stomach by a classmate, revealed that she died from blood poisoning caused by blunt trauma. It is suspected that the blunt trauma was caused after Harris was reportedly kicked in her stomach two Fridays ago. The PM was done yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by Dr. Nehaul Singh. “All this time, she was being slow poisoned,” her mother, Samantha Peters said. Rosanne attended St. Stephen’s Primary School located in Charlestown, Georgetown. Recalling what transpired, Peters said that two Fridays ago her daughter came home complaining of not feeling

well in her stomach. She said that when she asked what happened, her daughter responded that a student had kicked her to the stomach. According to Peters, on Saturday and Sunday (March 25 and 26, last) her daughter was complaining about pains and began vomiting. She said that the child’s father had gone to the school and enquired about the incident in the new week. She said that on Friday, last, Rosanne complained about feeling as if she had diarrhea but when taken to the washroom, she could not defecate. Peters said that the following day when she checked on her daughter after waking up, she asked her if she wanted to get up and have a bath and she nodded in the affirmative. Peters said that she left the room for a moment

and heard her other daughter screaming. According to Rosanne’s older sister, when she checked on her sibling and felt her arm, it was stiff and cold. “When I raise up she hand, it didn’t stay up, it just fall right back down.” She said that there was blood running from her sister’s nose as her lifeless body lay on the bed. Rosanne’s father, Randel Harris, in an emotional state, said that when he had visited the school concerning the issue, he did not want to engage in an unfriendly confrontation with the parent of the child who allegedly kicked his daughter. The child’s father said, “This come as a real shock.” According to her mother, the family will have to find money to finance a funeral and that will be difficult.

Prison officer charged over smuggling ganja into Camp St. jail As conditions attached to his bail, 23-yearold Prison Officer Stephan Sobers was ordered to lodge his passport and report to the Alberttown Police Station. Sobers, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after he was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle narcotics into the prison. Sobers denied the charge which stated that on March 28, last, he attempted to smuggle 113 grammes of marijuana into the Georgetown Prison. He was instructed by the Magistrate to post $150,000 bail and also report

to the police station every Friday. Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels had confirmed that the prison officer was arrested after his alleged actions. Kaieteur News understands that the prison officer left the jail to purchase food. It was upon his return that he was stopped and searched during which time the substance was unearthed. It was reported that three packs of Bambu wrapping paper were also seized from the prison officer. Th e p o l i c e p r o s e c u t o r h a d n o objections to bail, but requested that same be set in a substantial amount. He will make another court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on April 24.

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Syrian jets bomb rebel-held eastern Damascus suburbs, dozens killed

Men mourn the death of their relatives after airstrikes in the rebel held besieged Douma neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria (Reuters) Syrian jets on Monday bombed residential areas in the eastern countryside of Damascus killing and injuring dozens in some of the heaviest bombing raids on the main rebel enclave near the capital in months, residents and activists said. At least 22 people were killed and scores injured after four aerial raids hit a crowded district in the city of Douma, the main urban center of the Eastern Ghouta rebel stronghold to the east of the capital. Many other bodies were still under the rubble, civil workers said. The pro-opposition civil defense said on its twitter ac-

count that there were 21 raids alone on the other towns of Hamurya, Harasta and Saqba in the besieged Eastern Ghouta. In the town of Saqba, just south of Douma, at least five people were killed when jets believed to be Russian struck a main market square in the town, two residents said. Social media footage by the civil defense showed volunteers and civilians carrying wounded on stretchers after they were extracted from under the rubble of destroyed buildings in the once teeming areas. “We are civilians. Why are they hitting us? Jets are

above us. There are no terrorists,” said a screaming young man in footage shown on pro-opposition Orient TV. The Syrian army said on Monday it had hit at the heart of insurgent positions in Jobar, Arbeen and Zamalka and areas in the Eastern Ghouta, knocking down missile launchers and killing scores of “terrorists.” The Syrian army has said it is fighting against foreign financed terrorists who fire mortars on government-held areas in the capital. They deny they target civilians. The intensive raids followed an offensive begun by the Syrian army and its allies since late February to encircle the rebel-held Barza neighborhood of the capital and cut it off from nearby Qaboun. The army wants to destroy tunnels in Barza and Qaboun that it says rebels use to provide essential goods to Eastern Ghouta towns that have for years helped the area withstand the siege. “ To d a y t h e r e g i m e shelled and bombed ... they have not left a place they have not hit. They want to get the tunnels,” said Abu Omar, a commander from rebel group Failaq al Rahman. Government troops, backed by Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias, have been snuffing out pockets of rebellion near the capital, forcing surrender on besieged rebels.

Eleven killed in suspected suicide bombing on Russian metro train (Reuters) A blast in a St Petersburg train carriage on Monday that killed 11 people and injured 45 was carried out by a suspected suicide bomber with ties to radical Islamists, Russia’s Interfax news agency cited a law enforcement source as saying. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was in the city when the blast struck, visited the scene of the explosion late on Monday night and laid a bunch of red flowers at a makeshift shrine to the victims. Witnesses said they saw passengers who were bloodied and burned spilling out of the train, whose door was buckled by the force of the explosion, and lying on a platform while smoke filled the station.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Russia has in the past experienced bomb attacks carried out by Islamist rebels from Russia’s North Caucasus region. The rebellion there has been largely crushed, but Russia’s military intervention in Syria has now made it a potential target for Islamic State attacks, security experts say. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Officials said they were treating the blast as an act of terrorism, but there was no official confirmation of any link to Islamist radicals. Earlier, Russian media had broadcast closed circuit television footage of a bearded man they said was being sought by police as a suspect. But Interfax reported that the man had come forward and been eliminated from inquiries.

The news agency, quoting an unnamed law enforcement source, said that human remains examined at the scene suggested that the blast had been carried out by a suicide bomber. It said the police had identified a suspect with links to radical Islamist groups banned in Russia. If it is confirmed that the bomb was carried out by radical Islamists, the Kremlin is likely to argue the attack underlines the importance of its campaign in Syria, where it is backing President Bashar alAssad in a fight against Islamist militants. But some sections of Russian society may see the metro bombing as proof that Putin’s decision to intervene in Syria has again made Russian civilians into targets.

Colombia starts to bury 262 landslide victims, search continues

Rescuers look for bodies in a destroyed area, after flooding and mudslides caused by heavy rains (Reuters) Scores of decomposing cadavers were being released for burial on Monday as rescuers continued to search for victims of weekend flooding and landslides that devas-

tated a city in southern Colombia, killing at least 262 people. Desperate families queued for blocks in the heat to search a morgue for loved o n e s w h o d i e d

when several rivers burst their banks in the early hours of Saturday, sending water, mud and debris crashing down streets and into houses as people slept.

PAGE 22

WANTED Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

TO LET 4 AC Rooms/2 large hall with 1 extra room, suitable for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 226-4877, 624-7436, 654-9350 For factory or bond, Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D. Call: 609-7675/674-1705/ 233-2614 3 Bedrooms fully furnished upper flat size 38X40ft $160,000 monthly. Call: 6445151

Live in female supervisor with secondary education @ bar shop 25-35yrs, waitress, salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101 Dwayne Stephen Auto Sales! New Shipment of Vehicle: Rush, Blue Bird, Note, Axio, Allion. Call: 6652330/ 648-6869 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

Tuschen: 2 storey building, 2031 ft2 - $9.8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs).

Contract hire car to work @ GR Taxi. Contact Ganesh: 6146202 Investors for mining land in the Mazaruni Area. Call: 6728844

Two years experienced salesgirl @ Christine Variety, Lombard Street. Call: 227-8529 1 Arc Welder with knowledge of Grill Work. Call: 227-4240 One male or female to look after layer birds in Interior. Call: 668-6421 One female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. between ages of 25-35. Call 1868- 6831528

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Fibre-Tech 220 9192/6907. Fiberglass, Resin materials in any quantity all for your repairs. Kobelco 210, Perkins 4 CYL, Yangdong 4CYL, Miller Welder, HondaATV, asking -$18,000,000. Call: 651-4699/ 677-8104 One Ford Van E350, one Toyota Tundra, One Caterpillar back hoe 4x4, one bobcat Tel: 660-2212 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 1 Double twin steer Atkinson Truck. Call: 684-2708 Complete game shop equipment. Call Leon: 2318424 or 610-0808

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

Parfaite Harmonie: 2 storey building, 1245 ft2 - $9M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs). Tain, Corentyne: 2 storey building 3309 ft2 - $8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hours). House and land for sale block ‘12’ Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara. (no agents) Call: 227-3961/ 270-5302 2 Storey house 35X45 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained @ 5th Avenue Diamond, H/ Scheme. Call:677-0583/6645052 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land 91X50, house 40X28, 3 rooms, 1 self-contained$23M. Call: 718-213-6496/ 617-7691 Covent Garden E.B.D, land 120X40, house 60X26, 4 bedrooms (1 self-contained), kitchen, cupboard, concrete yard & fence. Call: 612-4722/ 675-9093

FOR SALE/RENT Large 3 bedrooms house for rent/sale, 3 bedroom on First Floor, W.B.D @ La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 690-5061

Miller welder 225 Amps, Honda Generator 6500 Watts Honda Civic – Contact: 6390866 Datsun Bluebird, model Z16…. Used spare parts. Call:614-0162

Kids Easter Computer Classes (2 weeks program) -$4,000, Diploma in computers, Computerize Accounting @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 French Classes: 276B Peter Rose Street, Monday-Friday open from 1-5pm, www.alliancefrancaiseguyana. com. Tel: 226-1882

Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 1 Diesel Welder, 1 Generator. Call: 627-7835 PEN PAL Indian Male seeks female age 27/34 write to M.D 7475 Goreway DR #47Mississauga on L4T 3T3, Canada.

VACANCY Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 Experienced Waiters/ Waitresses, apply to: Manager, Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown. Apply before 5th April, 2017. Outdoor Salesman/Driver, Salesgirls, general domestic. Apply at R.Sookraj & Son’s, 108 Regent Street Georgetown. Looking for experienced all round IT specialist. Send CV t o jobs@expresstruckingcorp.com or call 227-6025. Wood mizer & moulder operator, timber grant manager at least 5yrs experienced. Call: 609-7675/ 674-1705/ 233-2614 Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm Welder: apply in person to Alabama Trading G/town Ferry Stelling. Experienced female Accounts Clerk, Apply in person with hand written application to Alabama Trading 65-66 Robb Street Bourda One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email:husainsaphier@ yahoo.com

Electrical Motors – 71/2 HP & Copy Machine. Call: 2332725/ 233-2439

EDUCATIONAL CAR RENTAL

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

We are buying WamaraTonka Bean Logs, cash down as document ready. Call:6645150

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 CAR RENTAL

PROPERTY FOR SALE 2 bedroom luxury house at madewini villas, open plan kitchen & garage. Price negotiable. call 647-1773.

One shop assistant to work in the Interior, must have experienced. Call: 668-6421

Toyota Raum, PLL Series, Rims, Alarm. Call: 666-7439/ 628-1450

MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Massage done by Tiffany, mobile services. Book appointment now! Call: 677-5465

SALON

House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274

Straight stitch/over edge machine operators/labourer. Call: 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm (Mon-Fri)

Toyota Vigo pickup -$3.5M and Nissan Pathfinder Jeep -$1.5M negotiable. Call: 609-7766/ 225-8427 (must be sold) TOURS Rodeo, Lethem Rodeo, Brazil, Falls and sightseeing, April 13-17th.Call:665-5171,639-2663, 223-7589,658-3758,673-2348

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

ACCOMMODATION Hilton Int’l Hotel, “your home away from home”: rooms fully self-contained $20USD. Call: 225-9211

FOR RENT Apartment for rent – 1 bottom flat 3 bedrooms at Lamaha Gardens. Call: 2258084, 689-6001 One bedroom apartment well secured for working couple $35,000 monthly, light water and garbage included. Call: 638-8858

Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks. Call: 6144358 Exist for Cashiers/ Salesgirls, apply with written application at Nirva Supermarket, 49 Sheriff & Craig Streets. Call: 227-5771

ENTERTAINMENT Cotton Club: Restaurant & Banquet Hall, buffet Sunday, breakfast & soups, daily lunch, breakfast specials. Call: 231-1908 Continued on page 23

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

140 cases to be heard during Demerara April Assizes - Eight murder trials, five for rape of child among 19 presented in January One hundred and forty cases are scheduled to be heard during the Demerara April Assizes, which are scheduled to begin today. Gaol Delivery was done yesterday by Justice Navindra Singh bringing to an end the Demerara January 2017 Criminal Assizes which commenced on Tuesday 10th January, 2017. Nineteen matters were presented during the Demerara January 2017 Criminal Assizes in the High Court of Demerara. Of these l9 matters presented, eight of them were for murder, one for the offence of manslaughter, five rape of a child under 16, two for the offence of attempt to commit murder; with alternative counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent and felonious wounding respectively; one case for the offence of rape and robbery, one sexual activity with a child family member and one for the offence of carnal knowledge. There were seven guilty

pleas, four convictions, four not guilty verdicts, one formal verdict of not guilty by judge and three hung juries. Nine matters were presented before Justice JoAnn Barlow. Of these, one was for the offence of murder, five for rape of a child under 16, two for attempt to commit murder with alternative counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent and felonious wounding, and one carnal knowledge matter. The accused in the one murder trial pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of Manslaughter and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. In one of the five trials for the offence of rape of a child under 16, the jury returned a majority verdict of 11 to one not guilty for the accused. In another three cases the juries could not reach any verdicts and returned hung. While in the other one matter, the complainant commenced her evidence then indicted to the

court that she no longer wanted to proceed with the evidence. Justice Barlow then directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty for the accused. In one of the two matters for the offence of attempt to commit murder with an alternative count of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on the alternative count. In the other matter, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser count of felonious wounding and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The jury in the matter for the offence of carnal knowledge returned a guilty verdict for the Accused. However, Justice Barlow deferred sentencing to April 24. Justice Navindra Singh completed ten matters including seven for murder, one for manslaughter, one for the offence of rape and robbery, and one for two

counts of sexual activity with a child family member. In the manslaughter case, the accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment after the trial judge had deducted five years spent on remand. In one of the seven murder trials in which the accused was indicted on two counts and was sentenced to a total of 94 years imprisonment. On the first count, the jury returned with a unanimous guilty verdict on the lesser offence of manslaughter, for which the accused was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment; and on the second count, the jury was again unanimous with a guilty verdict of murder, for which the accused was sentenced to 62 years imprisonment. The two sentences are to run concurrently. In four other murder cases, the accused all pleaded guilty to the lesser

Investment must be aligned to local employment From page 19 to advance information technology in the education system. He said that investments in ICT will not only transform the way education is delivered in classrooms but it will also increase the speed and scale of business transactions. Meanwhile, President of the ACEG, Mr. Kevin Liu said that even though the members of the organisation have been experiencing difficult eco-

nomic times over the past three years, they have not swayed from their objectives. “Guyana continues to attract an increasing number of Chinese enterprises to invest in the economic development of Guyana resulting in strengthened relationship between Guyana a n d C h i n a … We a t t h e ACEG consider ourselves very fortunate and privileged to be operating our businesses here in Guyana,” he said.

He also spoke of the Association's commitment to fulfilling its social obligation and informed that they have conducted medical outreaches and made several donations to orphanages and senior citizens' homes. The ACEG was established in April 2013 with 11 Chinese companies. Today that number has grown to 19. Its members include: China Harbour Engineering Company, China Trading, Baishanlin, China Railway First Group, Standard

Agroforestry Incorporated, Bosai Minerals, Rong-an Incorporated, Huawei Technologies, Lonh Hi Centre, Guyana Green Farm Incorporated, Guyana Hansom International, Sunset Lakes, China Dalian International Cooperation, Hi-Tech Construction, Power China International, Nuctech Company and China Railway 17 Bureau Group. First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder also attended the event.

Preliminary arguments commence in NBS parking meter case Preliminary arguments have commenced in the New Building Society (NBS) versus the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown court case. The matter was called up yesterday before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the Georgetown High Court. The proceedings were held in Chambers. At a previous hearing, attorney for the parking meter company, Smart City Solutions (SCS), Stephen Fraser, had applied to the Court to be listed as a respondent in the matter. His application was granted by Justice Brassington Reynolds. Yesterday was scheduled for preliminary arguments into the matter to commence. The action was brought against City Hall by the New Building Society (NBS) over the installation of parking meters in front of that establishment in February. Attorney–at–law, Pauline Chase is representing NBS in the case.

According to the writ, NBS is aggrieved that the meters were placed in front of its North Road and Avenue of the Republic location. It is the company’s belief that such a move is disadvantageous and adversely affects and destroys the system and investment it has made in the new location. The order nisi granted against M&CC on February 8, last, demanded that City Hall show just cause why the parking meter project should not be quashed. The order would have resulted in a temporary halt to all activities related to the project. NBS is contending that the placement of the meters was done without consultation or approval. The entity believes that the M&CC was aware that a car park was constructed for NBS customers, and for the council to now charge for parking in that location, is egregious and improper.

The writ stated, “NBS feels aggrieved that no one has invited the entity for any discussion or exchange of views in relation to the installation of parking meters in front of the premises. Furthermore, it is the society’s belief that the huge expense incurred to develop the environs of that building was totally disregarded by the M&CC.” More importantly, the financial institution contends that its housing mortgage business, which is the core of its operation, with in excess of 10,000 mortgagors, will be adversely affected. The company believes that the installation of parking meters will result in monthly loan repayments being delayed and this does not augur well for the profitability of its business. T he company says it stands to lose since built-up arrears will become burden-

some for the liquidity of its operations. The company is seeking $250,000 in damages against the M&CC. Meanwhile, the M&CC through representation by Attorney-at-law Roger Yearwood has claimed that the NBS has unlawfully encroached on a public place within the control of the M&CC. Additionally, the City Council contended that it has the authority to erect and maintain parking meters and regulate the parking of vehicles on council roads. The M&CC says that NBS’s argument lacks merit and as a responsible corporate citizen, as it purports to be, it should have looked at the way it constructed its building. M&CC has argued that it is not responsible or can be saddled with catering for the parking of NBS employees and customers.

offence of manslaughter. One of the four accused was sentenced to ten years imprisonment. Two others were each sentenced to eleven years. The fourth accused was sentenced to nine and a half years imprisonment. In another murder trial where three accused were indicted together, the jury was unanimous in its guilty verdict for all three. They were each sentenced to 80 years imprisonment. In another matter, the accused was acquitted after the jury was unanimous with a not guilty verdict. In the one case for the offence of rape and robbery, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. In the one case for the offence of two counts of sexual activity with a child family member, the jury returned a majority verdict of 11 to 1 guilty on the first count. Meanwhile Madam Justice Roxane George, S.C. who commenced the Bartica Massacre trial during the October 2016 Criminal Assizes, completed this trial in January 2017. Five accused were each indicted

on 12 counts of murder. At the commencement of the trial, two of these five accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were sentenced to 35 years and 60 years imprisonment respectively. In January 2017, another two accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. One was sentenced to death after the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on eight of the 12 counts of murder; on the remaining four counts, the jury was also unanimous with guilty verdicts on the lesser offence of manslaughter, and the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. The other accused was also sentenced to death after the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on seven counts of murder. For the additional five counts, the jury was again unanimous with guilty verdicts on the lesser offence of manslaughter and the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. One of these five accused was acquitted by the jury on all l2 counts of murder.

From page 22

LAND FOR SALE Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938 1 Transported land in Tuschen Phase 1 -$2M, Tuschen Phase 2 - $1.4M, La ParfaiteHarmonie (main road) -$2M, La ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4M. Call: 642-1252

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 6631876

La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.6M, $1.4M, $1.3M, Tuschen Phase II -$1.2M, Uitvlugt $2M. Call: 614-6802

Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, storage bond, lesson place, church -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400

La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.8M, $1.6M, $1.4M, Tuschen Phase II -$1.3, Uitvlugt -$2M, New Road V/Hoop -$27M. Call: 604-6724

2 Bedroom Executive furnished Apartment in residential Area, close to Ogle Airport with all modern amenities.Call:622-5725/6641070

Diamond Scheme ( 2 nd Avenue), Eccles Scheme (middle) negotiable. Call: 6097766/225-8427 (must be sold) Plantation Elizabeth Ann, Right Bank Demerara River (58 Acres) - $15M negotiable. Call: 233-2725/233-2439/6723886

1-2 Bedroom house in Lamaha Gardens $1000US monthly. 1-2 bedrooms apartment @ Lyng Street Charlestown -$50,000 monthly. Call: 231-4681/694-5000 Sisher Realtors: if you want to sell, buy or rent. Contact us: 694-5000/231-4681

PAGE 24

LIAT shareholders to meet with regional trade unions

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Officials of the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT, will meet with a delegation of unions representing the airline’s staff here on Tuesday in an attempt to quell the latest round of industrial unrest. LIAT, which is owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has already warned passengers to brace for delays and flight cancellations. “These current irregular operations may continue to occur over the next few days as we work towards resolving the issues. We advise our passengers to contact LIAT’s Reservations Team prior to leaving for the airport”. But the Leeward Islands Air Pilots Association (LIAPA) has distanced its members from being part of any industrial action at the cash-strapped airline. The meeting today is expected to discuss a move by LIAT to implement a late payment schedule to its employees that is likely to continue

for the next five months. In a statement, the airline quoted its chief executive officer, Julie Reifer-Jones, as saying that “LIAT’s management sincerely apologises for any disruption to the travel plans of our valued passengers at this time. Last month, LIAT sent a letter to the chair of the Standing Regional Consultative Council of Trade Unions within the LIAT System (SRCCTULS), David Massiah, indicating that the airline’s major shareholders are willing to meet with a delegation from the unions “to have a structured discussion on the current financial position of LIAT, the industrial climate and the future of the airline”. In a March 30 email to the airline’s staff, Reifer-Jones said that LIAT “is going through a difficult financial situation and has implemented a schedule of delays for salaries for all employees over the next five months.” She said the financial delays are affecting all airline employees, including the executive team.

Reifer-Jones said the airline was proposing a fivemonth period as it expects that the situation should improve by the summer months. The chief executive said that the measures have implemented, “not as a result of disrespect for the employees but, in an effort to keep the company’s operations going. “If the airline collapses, we will all suffer and the discussion changes from delayed salary to no salary and unemployment. This is the question we face today; how can we operate today so that we can continue to pay salaries in the future?” “I hope you understand that if the airline does not fly we will earn less revenue and this puts us in a more critical position than before. Our bookings for Easter have only just started to pick up and it would be a loss to all of us and to the Caribbean, as a whole, if we do not maintain this momentum. We must therefore continue to work together to ensure that LIAT continues to operate and serve the region to the benefit of as all,” Reifer-Jones said.

Barbados Health Minister worried at high level of hypertension and diabetes BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A national consultation for the development of the National Strategic Plan for Health 2017-2022, began here on Monday with Health Minister John Boyce warning that end-stage renal failure is a growing public health problem in Barbados, driven primarily by the high levels of hypertension and diabetes in the population. Boyce said that the treatment of hypertension and dia-

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

betes combined accounted for 58 per cent of expenditure by the Barbados Drug Service last year. The consultation, which will run until Friday, brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organisations, to map the way forward for health care in Barbados. Boyce, quoting a 2015 report commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the

World Health Organisation (WHO), said that while Barbados spent an estimated BDS$64 million (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) annually treating cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, the total cost was about BDS$209 million annually, due to missed work days, low productivity and reduced workforce participation. He said this represented about two per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Man attempts to set fire to peacemaker’s Liverpool home A Liverpool family of four is counting their lucky stars after managing to avert a fire at their humble home, allegedly set by a known character in the village. According to the man’s wife, Rosetta Seebarran, 27, of Lot 22 Liverpool, Corentyne, at around 8:30 pm on Sunday, she heard footsteps outside her door and thought that it was her husband who returned home from horserace activities. She stated that in a matter of seconds, she smelt gasoline and saw it seeping into the home where her two sons aged 8 and 3 were lying on a mattress. “I smell the gas and then see it running under the door. Me children went on the mattress in the living room lie down and when I go to open the door,

Peacemaker and home owner, Samuel Fraser the person light the fire and run”. Seebarran disclosed that she quickly removed her kids from harm’s way and saw the

suspect (name given) running from the scene. Neighbours who saw the fire quickly assisted in dousing the flames. No major damage was caused to the home. The woman’s husband, Samuel Fraser, 28 told Kaieteur News that the man had threatened to burn down their home with everyone inside because he intervened in a scuffle at a horserace earlier that day. “I pull he off of another man ‘cause he was drunk and I tell he done with the fight and he start cuss up and seh he gone bun down me house and kill me family”. The labourer stated that he left the race and was heading home when he got news of the fire. Police are currently hunting for the suspect as investigations continue.

President calls on Opposition Leader to provide constitutional provision to remove PM

President Charles Savarin ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – President Charles Savarin has called on the Opposition Leader Lennox Linton to state what constitutional provision which will allow the Head of State “lawfully to act” in removing Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his cabinet from office. In a letter sent to Linton and dated March 27, Savarin said, “You may wish to bring to my attention the provisions of the Constitution or any law on which you rely to make such a call on the President and more particularly, which would allow the President lawfully to act as you propose.” In his four-page letter to President Savarin on March 9, Linton also criticised the

Head of State over his address then to the nation in the wake of the unrest that followed the public meeting of the main opposition U n i t e d Wo r k e r s P a r t y (UWP) and the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) calling for Skerrit’s removal from office. Several businesses were looted and burnt and Prime Minister Skerrit said the actions were designed to remove his ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government by force. Linton had claimed that the UWP executive deemed Savarin’s address as “prejudicial and quasijudicial, calculated to prejudice the minds of the Dominican citizenry against

the minds against the Officers and members of the United Workers Party”. Savarin, noted that Linton’s letter had been posted on the social media before it reached his office and that “as President of Dominica, I am available to receive and have an exchange of views with any and all Members of Parliament in a civil manner on matters affecting the governance of the State and/or of public interest. “However, regrettably, your four-page letter is replete with accusations and allegations against the Honourable Prime Minister and the President at the end of which you call on the President to Dismiss Prime Minister Skerrit and his Cabinet from their offices in the Government of Dominica,” said Savarin, whose response was posted on the Facebook page of the Opposition Leader. In his letter, Linton called on Savarin to “act purposefully for security, peace, progress and prosperity in our isle of beauty and its family of nations around the world”. The opposition has been leading a campaign for the removal of Skerrit claiming that the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) through which foreign investors are provided with citizenship in exchange for making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the island is ffilled with corruption.

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Defending champions Sunrisers seek middle-order lift ESPNcricinfo - Of the 88 wickets they took in 2016, 75 were shared across their regular choice of five strike bowlers. Sunrisers also had the best economy rates in the Powerplays and slog overs 6.83 in the former, 8.73 in the latter. This is a straightforward indicator of what won them the title last year. It’s not surprising then that they have made sure to keep that area strong. The core of the pace attack is made up of Mustafizur Rahman - who should be a shoo in when he’s available Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ashish Nehra. They will be backed up by the newly-acquired Chris Jordan, Ben Laughlin, Barinder Sran and Mohammed Siraj. Moises Henriques and Ben Cutting give them depth and bring to the fore slower variations along with their seam-ups. While they’ve put together a formidable pace

total runs. Given Warner’s shaky month in the lead-up to the IPL, that is a definite grey area. The belligerence of their openers put pressure on a fragile middle order. But Yuvraj Singh seems to have found yet another wind at the highest level and returns a more confident cricketer, while Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar have had phenomenal domestic seasons. That they aren’t household T20 names just yet means pressure will be on them to sustain the good work by their experienced openers. The middle-order back-ups Kane Williamson, Ricky Bhui and Tanmay Agarwal - may not be particularly menacing in this format. Where they finished in 2016, and what’s different this year? The Sunrisers won their maiden title last year, beating the Royal Challengers in the

bowling group, they haven’t ignored their spin stocks. Their two frontline spinners last season - Bipul Sharma and Karn Sharma - took a combined three wickets and went at 8.64 and 10.46 respectively. This season, they’ve added the experienced Pravin Tambe and Afghanistan’s pair of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, who have overall economy rates of 7.04, 6.98 and 5.99, respectively, in this format. This makes Sunrisers, arguably, the strongest bowling attack in the IPL. Mustafizur and Rashid, in particular, will make them a difficult side to bat against, particularly in the small window when they’ll both be available together. Weaknesses In sharp contrast to the bowling, Sunrisers’ batting in 2016 was a monopoly at the top. David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan scored a little more than 50% of their

Tuesday April 04, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) YFocus on forming business partnerships. Your social skills with people may be more than just helpful. Difficulties may be encountered while traveling in foreign countries. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may find yourself changing crowds. You can find out important information if you listen to friends and relatives. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Situations you can't change should be forgotten for the present. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Travel will be good if you are seeking knowledge. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may exaggerate your emotional situation. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents. Let others know what your intentions are and be honest in your approach. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Friends or groups that you're affiliated with may want you to contribute more cash than you can really afford. Don't turn down an invitation or a challenge that could enhance your chances of meeting someone special. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Travel and family gatherings should be in order. You have a real need to be vocal.

You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You must not make unnecessary changes today. Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you. You will be accident prone if you aren't careful today. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Look into real estate. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy. You may want to put your creative thinking cap on. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Romance can surface if you get into some of those fitness programs you've been putting off. Take a close look at contracts and agreements that have been offered to you. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Lend an ear to children; it can make a difference. This will not be the day to lend money to friends or family. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It would be in your best interest to stay away from any intimate involvement with a client or coworker. Relationships will become stronger. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your involvement in sports or entertainment will lead to new romances. Recognition will be yours if you meet your deadline. For now just do the best you can.

Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrate their maiden IPL title, Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2016, final, Bangalore, May 29, 2016 ©BCCI

finals. From that squad, they have released Eoin Morgan and Trent Boult, alongside four others. The telling difference this year is the signing of three spinners, two of them Associate players, Rashid and Nabi. While stereotypes may dictate that these players will be backup options, the structure of the team this year allows the possibility of them being frontline options. What have their players been up to? · David Warner is coming off a Test series against India in which he made only one fifty in eight innings. Warner also came under fire for what many deemed a lack of ability outside home conditions. This is a different format, and these are conditions he scored 848 runs in last season, but Warner might be a different sort of man confidence-wise. · Rashid Khan has been playing in India since the start of March - three T20Is, five ODIs and a four-day game for Afghanistan against Ireland. In this period, he has taken 33 wickets in nine innings across formats. · Yuvraj Singh turned up for North Zone in four domestic T20s, and four Punjab in four domestic 50-over matches. His best return with the bat was 66 against Railways in a 50-over game. It was his only half-century in those eight matches, · Ben Cutting and Moises Henriques faced off in the second semi-final of the Big Bash earlier this year. It involved Henriques scoring 64 in a chase, Cutting pulling things back and conceding five runs off the last over when six were required, and a super-over in which Henriques smashed 18 off his bowling. They’ve had their share of pressure situations as they head into this season. Overseas-player availability Mustafizur will be avail

able from April 8, for about a month, after which he will head out on May 7 to play for Bangladesh in a tri-series involving New Zealand, and Ireland. Williamson, the New Zealand captain, is also expected to leave then. Home and away record in 2016 Sunrisers won four out of seven matches at home at Uppal in Hyderabad. They won seven out of ten away, of which they had a 100% record in the two matches played closer to home in Vizag. Likely first-choice XI

David Warner (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Moises Henriques, Yuvraj Singh, Deepak Hooda, Naman Ojha (wk), Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashish Nehra Reserves Batsmen Kane Williamson, Eklavya Dwivedi, Ricky Bhui, Tanmay Agarwal Bowlers - Ben Laughlin, Pravin Tambe, Mohammed Siraj, Abhimanyu Mithun, Siddarth Kaul, Barinder Sran Allrounders - Ben Cutting, Chris Jordan, Mohammad Nabi, Bipul Sharma

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Tuesday April 04, 2017

West Indies, Pakistan here for ODIs in Guyana

Former Bajan pacer Joel Garner and Roddy Estwick chat in the VIP lounge on the arrival of the Windies boys yesterday.

Digicel’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara presents a gift to West Indies Captain Jason Holder at Timehri yesterday. With the four-match t20 series ending on Sunday with a 3-1 victory for Pakistan, the sides now turn their attention to one of the most important ODI series for the West Indies with their automatic qualification for the next World Cup on the line. In what fans expects to be keenly contested affair, the two most unpredictable

teams in International cricket go head-to-head at Providence in the threegame ODI series starting on Friday. Both teams arrived in Guyana yesterday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri on a Caribbean airline chartered Flight BW 8000 at 13:55 hours, leaving both teams with just three days to

Georgetown capture Inter Association U-17 title in Demerara

Sachin Singh Georgetown defeated East Coast Demerara by 13 runs on Monday to emerged champions of the inter association U-17 50-over cricket tournament in Demerara. Batting first at Ogle, Georgetown posted 177-9 in 50 overs. Sachin Singh struck 52; Ashmead Nedd hit 45 and Devon Allen 26. Rajendra Singh had 2-28 and Chatterpaul Durga 2-33. East Coast Demerara responded with 164 all out in 46.2 overs. Rajendra Singh scored 90 and Andrew Samaroo 13; Nedd snared 3-20 and Joel Spooner 2-23. On Sunday at the said venue, West Demerara beat East Bank by six wickets. East Bank took first strike and were bowled out for 75 in 23 overs. Ansuega Rodrigues scored 25 and Jeremiah Scott 20; Hemraj Persaud snared 4-11, Elian Whyte 4-34 and Andre Seepersaud 2-12. West Demerara replied with 76-4 in 22 overs. Kevin Christian made 45 not out and Dextroy Hyman 18. Stephan Wilson had 1-11.

prepare for what is anticipated to be a pulsating series. West Indies will know that losing this series could badly hurt their hopes of automatic qualification for the World Cup so there is plenty to play for by the home team. The ODIs will be played on the recently resurfaced pitches at the Stadium which the curators

says should fast and bouncy. Guyanese would be anxious to see Pakistan play in their first ODI series in the Caribbean since the fivematch series which the visitors won 3-1 in 2013. In addition to Friday’s opener, the series continue on Sunday when the largest crowd is expected before concluding on Tuesday. All matches commence at

09:30hrs. West Indies, which included home boy Devendra Bishoo in their side, has the home advantage but will also depend on large crowds to urge them on. The cost for admission is $4,000 for the Stands and $2,000 for mound. Tickets and Car passes can be bought online or at the Guyana

Cricket Board office on Regent Street, Bourda between 08:00hrs and 18:00 hours on all days preceding the match dates. Spectators are encouraged to uplift their tickets before the match days so as to reduce the congestion at the ground entrances of the Stadium where stringent security measures will be in effect.

Mohamed ton hands Regal Masters comfortable win By Zaheer Mohamed Fazleem Mohamed struck a fine century as Regal Masters defeated Success Masters by 83 runs when the Regal Sport Softball tournament continued on Sunday in Georgetown. Mohamed clobbered nine fours and seven sixes in scoring 104 to guide Regal Masters to 222-3, batting first at GNIC SC. Mohamed shared in a first wicket stand of 156 with Eon Abel who struck three fours and seven sixes in a rapid 79, while Rudolph Baker contributed 22. Success Masters were bowled out for 139 in 16.1 overs with Rafman Ali scoring 38 and Mark Fung 26. Abdool Samad had 2-11, Mohamed 2-15 and Mahendra Hardyal 2-42. Success Masters rebounded to beat Amazon Warriors by 57 runs at the said venue. Batting first Success Masters managed 179-9. Trevor Emmanuel made 33 and Rajesh Baljit

Fazleem Mohamed 30; K. Persaud had 2-22 and Rudolph Pereira 2-24. Amazon Warriors scored 122 all out in 17 overs in reply. A. Bacchus hit 35, R. Narine 20 and D. Singh 13. Rafman Ali claimed 3-15 and Baljit 2-29. At DCC, Mosiah XI beat Queenstown Masjid by one wicket. Queenstown Masjid took first strike and scored 110-5 off their allocation of 15 overs. Abid Haniff made 45 and Imran Ally 32. Mosiah XI responded with 112-9 in 9.2 overs. Saheed Khan made 38, Ravin Bhagwandin 28 and

Rafman Ali Doodnauth Shaw 23. Success XI overcame AJ Hustlers by seven wickets. AJ Hustlers took first strike and scored 93 all out in 14.2 overs. Hiradeo Jailall made 44 as Diaram Ramnauth picked up 3-13, Greg Singh 3-14 and Dindial Lakhan 315. Success XI replied with 94-3 in eight overs. Wasim Haslim scored 39 not out. Led by a fine century by Sachin Ramsarran, Farm beat Good Hope by 178 runs. Ramsarran struck 138 and got valuable support from Rajesh Reddy who hit a cameo 80 as Farm posted

247-3 in 15 overs, taking first strike. Ryan Singh took 2-20. Good Hope were sent packing for 69 in 10 overs in reply. Anand Sooknarine bagged 5-15 and Suraj Budhu 2-0. At Carifesta Sports Complex, Ariel Masters defeated Mike’s Wellman by six runs. Batting first, Ariel scored 239-8. Fazal Ali slammed 94, Dharmendra Mohabir made 34 and Surendra Kumar 23; Wayne Jones had 2-17 and Hardat Heeranandan 2-44. M i k e ’s We l l m a n responded with 233-9. Greg De Franca cracked 56 and Nandram Samlall 40. Kumar captured 5-45 and R. Kumar 2-20. Savage beat HS Masters by six runs. Savage took first turn at the crease and got to 178-8. Troy Ramsawyack hit 57 and Ramo Malone made 23; R. Khan had 4-26. HS Masters responded with 172-9. N. Badassie and R. Ramdeen made 51 and 46 respectively. Unnis Yusuf snared 4-27.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 29

GMR&SC ‘Race of Champions’ Meet

Kristian Jeffrey, Deokie, Persaud lead top performers -Singh, Danny Persaud also enjoy good day

Sport Tuner champion Daniel Deokie parades the chequered flag after one of his three victories on Sunday.

Champion driver of Group 4 Krstian Jeffrey collects the winning trophy from a GMR&SC member. Kristian Jeffrey, Daniel Deokie, Kevin Persaud and Stefan Jeffrey were among the outstanding performers in Sunday’s Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) ‘Race of Champions’ Meet which was held, at the South Dakota Circuit. Jeffrey, a former twotime Caribbean champion raced to victory in all three events in the Group 4

category, while Daniel Deokie and Kevin Persaud accounted for a similar amount of wins in the Sport Tuners and Superbike divisions. Other creditable performances were recorded by Chet Singh in the Group 2 category and Danny Persaud, who competed in the Group 3 & 4 divisions. The full results are seen below:

Street tuner 1- 1 -Narine Dasrat 2 -Azad Hassan 3 Raymond Seebaran Superbike - 1 - Kevin Persaud 2 - Jhon Benett 3 Ravi Singh Sport Tuners- 1 - Daniel Deokie 2 - Adrian Fernandes 3 - Sharima Khan Group 3- 1 - Danny Persaud 2 -= Stefan Jeffrey 3 - Nazim Gafoor Group 2- 2 - Chet Singh 2 - Shan Seejattan 3 - Daniel st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

nd

nd

rd

D’Andrade returns to winning ways after injury

Lionel D’Andrade (centre) pose for a photo opportunity with Elvis Turner (left) and Guswil George after winning the Second Annual Caura ‘Go Green’ 10km Road Race. Trinidad-based Guyanese, Lionel D’Andrade was back in competition after an injury in January, winning the Second Annual Caura ‘Go Green’ 10km Road Race in 38:43 with Trinidadians Elvis Turner (39:03) and Guswil George (40:04) finishing in that order.

“I was under pressure halfway through the hilly course in the morning breeze. I was injured since January this year and only recently started back competing,” D’Andrade stated yesterday, adding that he is preparing for the Seato-Sea Half Marathon in May.

The Caura ‘Go Green’ 10k Road Race is a challenging course, created for athletes to experience the b e a u t y o f Tr i n i d a d ’s Northern Range with its gentle slopes, smooth declines and magnificent views while preparing for upcoming marathons. The race had 230 participants.

Deokie GP4-1 - Kristian Jeffrey 2 - Kevin Jeffrey 3 - Danny Persaud Street Tuner 2- 1 - Azad Hassan 2 - Narine Dasrat 3 Raymond Seebaran Sport Tuner 2- 1 - Daniel Deokie 2 - Azad Hassan 3 Adrian Fernandes Superbike- 1 - Kevin Persaud 2 - John Benett 3 Ravi Singh Starlet Cup- 1 - Motilall st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

Deodass 2 - Rafiq Khan Group 3- 1 - Stefan Jeffrey 2 - Nazim Gafoor 3 Vishok Persaud Group 2- 1 - Shan Seejattan 2 - Chet Singh 3 Haniff Mohamed Superbike- 1 - Kevin Persaud 2 - John Bennett 3 Ravi Singh Group 4- 1 - Kristian Jeffrey 2 - Andrew King 3 Danny Persaud Sport Tuner- 1 - Daniel nd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

Deokie 2 - Adrian Fernandes 3 - Azad Hassan Group 2- 1 - Chet Singh 2 - Shan Seejattan 3 - Andre Danraj Group 3- 1 - Stefan Jeffrey 2 - Danny Persaud 3 - Motilall Deodass Group 4- 1 - Kristian Jeffrey 2 - Motilall Deodass 3 - Neil Persaud nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

st

nd

rd

rd

st

China will expose McLaren’s weakness, says Boullier ( R e u t e r s ) S u n d a y ’s Chinese Grand Prix will expose McLaren and Honda’s weaknesses more starkly than last month’s season-opening race in Australia, according to Formula One team racing director Eric Boullier. Double world champion Fernando Alonso ran in the top 10 but failed to finish in Melbourne on March 26 while the Spaniard’s new Belgian team mate, Stoffel Vandoorne, was 13th but last on the road. “I can predict that we won’t be as fortuitous with our pace, compared to our rivals, as we were in Australia,” Boullier said in a team preview. “The characteristics of the Shanghai International Circuit are very different from Melbourne, and its long, fast straights will likely expose the weaknesses in our package more than Albert Park did.” McLaren and engine partners Honda endured a difficult pre-season with reliability problems limiting their mileage in testing. The former champions

Eric Boullier - McLaren Racing Director. (REUTERS/Matthew Childs) had hoped to take a big step up in 2017, after two years of struggle with Honda in the new V6 turbo hybrid era, but instead are looking likely to go back down the pecking order. They finished sixth last year after ending 2015 ninth. While Alonso exceeded expectations in Australia, he has not spared Honda in highlighting the lack of performance compared to rivals with Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault power units. “We are last in terms of performance,” he told

reporters in Australia. “In normal conditions on a normal circuit we should be last and second last.” Honda’s F1 head, Yusuke Hasegawa, recognised Australia had been tough and agreed with Boullier that another difficult weekend was in store in the second race of the season. He said, with more than a hint of understatement, that there was “room for improvement when it comes to performance”. “We expect the Chinese Grand Prix to be even more challenging,” added Hasegawa. “The race is always a bit of an unknown due to the changeable weather conditions, which affects the set-up and balance of the car. “The track itself also places a lot of stress on the power unit with its slow- and medium-speed corners, and two very long straights. The key will be preparation and set-up.” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel leads the standings after winning in Melbourne with Lewis Hamilton second for champions Mercedes.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Showdown of Champions’

Jeffrey, Boodoosingh to renew rivalry Friday

Kristian Boodoosingh By Rawle Welch Following the confirmation of Trinidad and To b a g o ’s r a c i n g s t a r, Kristian Boodoosingh, this Friday’s second edition of the Georgetown Grand Prix which is being organised by GT Motorsports is expected to renew the rivalry between the Trinidadian and Guyana’s own Kristian Jeffrey. The two young promising racing talents whose rivalry began in circuit racing not so long ago, will re-ignite their fierce battle when they face each other in another

segment of racing, this time karting, at the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club on Albert Street. Jeffrey, a two-time CMRC champion, has clearly had more success against his rival, but the two are rated amongst the best drivers in the Region so whenever they go up against each other the duel is breathtaking and good to watch. B y n o w, G u y a n e s e racing fans would have known or even documented the outstanding exploits of Jeffrey’s racing career and they will be hoping that

(Flashback) - Karters seen in a close battle at a previous Meet. successfully defends home turf. Boodoosingh in an earlier interview said he was relishing the opportunity provided by Vishok Persaud to race in Guyana and to once again exhibit his talent in front of the local fans. He is no stranger to these shores having raced in the CMRC, but karting and the intricate track is surely a different kettle of fish, one

that he is unfamiliar with in Guyana. His arrival follows on the heels of fellow Trinidadians father and daughter Ravi and Bridget Singh with the latter earning much success on debut. Barbados’ Orry Hunte a n d C a n a d a ’s D a r r y l Timmers were the other overseas-based drivers who competed in the inaugural Grand Prix in February.

However, two other drivers could be in the thick of things and they are Carlos Rodrigues and Stefan Jeffrey, while Mark, Elliott and Stephen Vieira from Superbike racing fame who has been making rapid improvement with his skill and could be a threat as well. It was also disclosed that Ravi and Bridget Singh and Canadian Daryl Timmers will be back to add more

intrigue to the event. The event is being sponsored by Stag Beer, Sun Burst Juices, E-Networks, ISG, Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Optique Vi s i o n C a r e , K i n g ’s Jewellery World, Truck Masters, Trophy Stall, Prem’s Electrical Store, Honda Powersports, Super Bet Sport Betting, Vishal Auto Toy Store and Cyril’s Taxi Service.

RHTY&SC Teams, O-35 Group launch Charity programme for less fortunate families The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS have joined hands with the Over35 Section of the Club to launch another major programme directed to less fortunate families living in Rose Hall Town. The teams – Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes under 15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division and the Over-35 Group makes up the majority of RHTY&SC Membership and are mandated to successfully complete 200 activities in 2017 as part of the Club’s

aim to complete 500 programmes/activities during the year under the sub-headings of sports, culture, education, charity, religious, community development, social, awards/honours, coaching, women’s affair, anti-suicide, anti-drugs, anti-crime among others. Under the new programme, which was launched last week Wednesday, several less fortunate families each month would be assisted with food hampers and other necessary items to make their lives much easier. The programme would be organised under the theme “No Matter How Poor You

Are, There Is Always Someone Poorer Than You” and special emphasis would be placed on the elderly, single parent households and persons who suffer from natural disasters (flood, fires). Only residents from Guyana’s smallest township would benefit under this particular programme as the RHTY&SC feels that it is time for organisations in other areas to get involved in assisting their own. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the hard work and contribution of the eight cricket teams and the Over-35 Section and hailed them as the cornerstone of the RHTY&SC success story over the last twenty-seven years. The long standing Secretary/CEO disclosed that the Club strongly believes in developing all rounded individuals who understands the importance of assisting the elderly and less fortunate. Club members themselves donate most of the necessary food items for the hampers, while Sterling Products, Food for

Over-35 Chairman Neville Beaton and Asst. Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall hands out the first two hampers while other member’s looks on. the Poor and Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd provides the remainder. The Club has established a Committee to identify the families that would benefit under the outreach Charity programme and to make sure that the programme is administered according to

the ground rules set by the M a n a g e m e n t . Vi c e President Mark Papannah, Over-35 Chairman Neville Beaton, Organising Secretary Keith Hicks, Asst. Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall and Executive Member Elizabeth Brusch are

responsible for the Programme. Persons living in Rose H a l l To w n w h o a r e interested in benefitting under the Charity Programme can visit the Club office at the Area ‘H’ Ground during working hours or call 337-4562.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 31

Boxers, athletes participate in opening of Benjamin Fitness Gym Entity caters for regular athletes A number of top athletes performed at the opening of the Benjamin multimillion dollar Fitness Gym and Car Wash which was recently opened at their Lot 220, C o u r t l a n d Vi l l a g e Corentyne, Berbice Complex. The entities, which are owned by former national cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin who now reside overseas, were opened with a grand day of sports which featured open cycle races, athletics and boxing and saw a number of top athletes participating in all the events. The two new business establishments now make it three, to compliment the Benjamin Cycle and Sports Store which was opened a few years ago. The ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the opening was done by his daughters. The former champion since he migrated has been showing his love for his country by opening two more businesses in his home Village of Fyrish / Courtland to complement the one already in place. The riveting cycling action, which took place and saw Romello Crawford setting a new record for the event, 1: 47:56, erasing the old time of 1: 54:29 as he

edged out an eight man pack in a terrific sprint home, was one of the better events seen in a long time. It was also one of the largest crowds in a long time to have witnessed a cycling event. The boxing event was highlighted by a number of exhibition bouts led by the Williamson and Eastman Brothers (Richard Williamson, Joel Williamson and Jamal Eastman, the three boxers are all brothers) which had the large crowd on its feet. There was also a female bout. The athletics event which saw the athletes running from the Benjamin Store to the Albion Bridge and back covering a distance of three miles. A total of 22 athletes took to the starting line with 20 males and two females. The male event was won by Joshua Hicks who distanced himself from the rest of the field in the hot midday sun to win easily from Ronaldo Gobin who took second. Joshua Semple placed third with national cyclist Hamza Eastman, who had earlier placed third in the cycling event, placing fourth. On the distaff side

Action in the boxing at the Benjamin Fitness Gym opening.

Naiomi Johashen ran away with first prize with Devon Bagot placing second. The Fitness gym is well equipped with all the modern training equipment including exercise bikes, tread mills, weighting lifting

machines, electrical step up machines, dumbbells, barbells and cardio machines among other equipment. The gym since its opening has been a hive of activity with regular attendees, weight and power

lifters, body builders, members of sports teams and those interested in just keeping fit flocking the venue. Trainers are in place and are taking persons through their paces. Regular

members are being given a free gym jersey, towel, gym gloves, yoga mat and step counter. The car wash is expected to provide the best and cheapest prices and certain concessions. (Samuel Whyte)

GAPF Intermediates/Masters set for May 7 at Banks DIH Sports Club Athletes in the powerlifting arena are getting ready to showcase their strength yet again, this time it would be for the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation

( G A P F ) Intermediates/Masters Championships which would be held on Sunday May 7 at the Banks DIH Sports Complex lifting off from 09:00hrs. Weigh-in for this event will be from 07:00 - 08:30hrs for female participants and the lighter weight classes, th

further notification and more details would be done via an SMS text, the federation has indicated. Registration will close on April 21 while late registration with a $500 penalty fee will be from April 22 – 28 after which all registration for this event will be completely closed. st

nd

th

Easter Vacation Swimming programme 2017 starts Monday The Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport/ National Sports Commission will conduct its annual Easter Swimming Programme during April 10 – April 20, 2017. Interested persons are requested to make contact

with Ms. Desiree Cummings at the Colgrain Pool, Camp Street, Georgetown on telephone number 226-0387 or Mr. Wilton Spencer at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal on telephone number 222-1306, for the necessary information, between the hours of

08:00hrs – 16:30hrs. It is important for parents to walk with their children’s birth certificates. A fee of $500 will be charged. Children will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

This competition is open to all Novices (first timers) and Intermediate lifters (lifters who completed novices). The GAPF has stated that these lifters can pay to compete as both Masters and Open or Juniors/Sub-Juniors and Open and this would be based on their respective ages. Registration forms for t h e 2 0 1 7 Intermediates/Masters Championships can be downloaded online and submitted to the following Executive Committee M e m b e r s : M r. O s m a n d M a c k PRO/Organizing Secretary at Eye Wear Optical located at 349 East Street, North C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown or Mr. Martin We b s t e r - C o m m i t t e e

Osmand Mack PRO Member located at ‘S’ Bent S t r e e t , Wo r t m a n v i l l e , Georgetown. Athletes are reminded that the current IPF rules

regarding athletes’ attire will be in full effect; for example: Singlet4" belt Round neck TShirt (Plain). For more information, lifters are urged to see the 2016 IPF Rules for further details on requirements for both Equipped and Classic Lifting. Further, all federation members (particularly current Athletes) are reminded that the GAPF’s yearly affiliation fee (usually paid at the beginning of each year at the AGM) is no longer $1000 per person. This fee is now $5000 per person, ratified at the 2017 AGM. Members are asked to make necessary arrangements to ensure that their payments are made in full, prior to participating in these meets.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday April 04, 2017

Jamaica finds a sprinting superstar to rival Usain Bolt -as 12-year-old Brianna Lyston posts astonishing record run (Daily Mail)- Jamaica may have another sprinting sensation on their hands, after a 12-year-old female athlete posted a record time at the 2017 Boys and Girls Championships over the weekend. Brianna Lyston left her competitors in her wake to win the 200m race in the Caribbean nation, clocking a time of 23.72 seconds almost within two seconds of the senior world record set by Florence GriffithJoyner at the 1988 Olympics. Lyston, who attends St Jago High School in Spanish Town, St Catherine, finished 0.88 seconds ahead of her nearest rival Oneika McAnnuff to win the 200m final, and she showed she’s not bad at shorter distances either. The budding speed merchant also won the 100m dash on Thursday night in her Under-13 age group at Class Four level, winning the final in 11.86 seconds. It is little wonder she is being immediately compared to the exploits of

her all-conquering compatriot Usain Bolt. Despite Lyston’s tender age, her potential as an elite athlete has been known for some time, with her first coming into national prominence as a 10-year-old. The short-distance runner posted 42.41 seconds in the 300m at the Caribbean Union Teachers Championships in Trinidad and Tobago in 2015 – over a second faster than the time clocked by the winner of the boys’ race. Lyston is certainly one to watch at future Olympic Games, and she was clearly delighted with her achievement on home soil across the weekend in Kingston. Setting off in lane four, Lyston wasted little time in establishing a lead over Tina Clayton, her expected rival to first spot sweeping inside four of her opponents on the first bend. There was no let-up in the home straight, as the Jamaican schoolgirl effortlessly sauntered away from the rest of the field and managed to demolish the

record previously held in Class Four athletics. Her sub-24 seconds sprint was an improvement on her semi-final time in Heat 2 of the preliminary round, but she had already beaten the previous record of 24.21 set in 2015 by Joanne Reid. She has some way to go to match the feats of Bolt, but the eight-time Olympic gold medallist was far less advanced as a professional athlete at the same as Lyston. As a 12-year-old, Bolt began t o s h o w h i s sprinting potential by becoming the fastest 100m runner at his school Waldensia Primary, but his love for all sports meant it was not until he was 14 that he focused on improving his athletic abilities. It was fittingly at the same event Lyston has now caused ripples across the world that Bolt won his first annual high school championships medal in 2001, taking silver in the 200m with a time of 22.04 seconds.

Brianna Lyston (Team Jamaica FB)

Beaton still interested in playing for Leewards By Sean Devers Born on the Volcano ravaged Island of Montserrat, 24-year-old West Indies ‘A’ pacer Ronsford Beaton grew up on the Essequibo Coast in Guyana but after not being selected for Guyana at FirstClass level since the third round of this season’s Regional Four-Day tournament last November, Beaton is still interested in playing for the Leewards Islands. Beaton captured 14 wickets from seven matches with a best of 4-28 in this year’s Regional Super50 in Barbados, second only to

Raymon Reifer’s 16 from eight matches on the Guyana list of wicket-takers. This was after he had worked hard on some problems with the bowling action. A former student of Abram Zuil Secondary, B e a t o n ’s c r i c k e t h a s progressed rapidly despite the lack of proper cricket development programmes in the Cinderella County which forced him joined the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) to improve his cricket after becoming the only fast bowler to Captain Essequibo in the youth and senior Inter-County tournaments. He made his First-Class

debut against the England Lions at Providence in 2011 as an 18-year-old and his Regional 50-over debut two years later against the Leewards in Antigua and after 26 matches he has taken 41 wickets. Beaton has 64 wickets from 33 First-Class games and 31 wickets from 36 T20 matches. A product of the High Performance Centre (HPC), Beaten has played for, Essequibo (Youth & Senior) Guyana Under-19s, West Indies Under-19s, Guyana, Central Essequibo, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders, GCC, West Indies ‘A’ and Dynamites and now wants to represent the Leewards in next Regional season. Although Beaton performed well in the threematch ODI ‘A’ series in Sri Lanka last October taking seven wickets against the Sri Lankans, he has not gotten a

retainer contract from the GCB and is forced to explore his options. Back in January Chief Operations Officer (COO) o f t h e L I C B , Ve r n o n Springer told Antigua’s Daily Observer that Beaton was one of the ‘overseas’ players expected to join the Leewards franchise ahead of a preparatory camp at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. “We promised you we are going to have the best franchise and whatever it takes, we are going to make sure it works. The other big name for you is Ronsford Beaton — the Guyanese fast bowler — who is also going to be part of our 20-man squad,” Springer had said then. Beaton was then picked in the Guyana team before the Leewards held their trials but has not played for Guyana since then.

Ronsford Beaton

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 04, 2017

PAGE 33

Petra Organisation / GT Beer Futsal Competition

Time for talking is over, time for action By Rawle Welch Both defending champion Bent Street and nemesis Sparta Boss, who lost in the final last year, will face stiff opposition when quarter-final action of this year’s Petra Organisation / GT Beer Futsal Competition is played tonight, at the National Gymnasium. The champs square off against a strong and confident West Front Road side that has been in terrific form from the onset of the tournament, before going down to Tucville in nothing more than a game of little consequence to them. However, a loss could sometimes break momentum and their supporters will be hoping that that is not the case come this evening when they go up against a team that has looked more and more impressive as the tournament progressed. The star-studded Bent Street line-up includes Colin Nelson, Joshua Browne, Konata Manning, O’Kenie Fraser and Dwight Peters and this grouping is perhaps the most potent on paper. Hubert Pedro, Carl Tudor, Jamal Pedro and Roy Cassou make a strong lineup for West Front Road so it will be an interesting affair and one not to miss.

Sparta Boss have dominated the small-goal version of the sport locally so whenever they play there is high expectation among fans, some who want to see them win and those who would like to see them lose, making the marriage a bit testy on occasions. They’ve proven time after time that they have the fortitude of champions so any sign of intimidation will ultimately fail. Gregory Richardson, Sheldon Shepherd, Devon Millington and Solomon Austin are among the top performers in this format and they bring quite a lot of experience that may prove too much for even the upstarted North East La Penitence unit. Omallo Williams is the key to victory for North East La Penitence, but even a player of his class may find it difficult to breach the imposing Sparta Boss defence. Romario Andrews, Calvin Moore and Shaquille Browne are the supporting cast. Back Circle and Broad Street Bullies could be the game of the night so picking a winner in this clash is proving to be a mighty headache.

Part of the action in this year’s Petra Organisation / GT Beer Futsal Competition. Back Circle has been the revelation of the tournament to date because no one expected such a display without the services of their inspirational leader Andy Duke. They have been exceptionally good and the win against Sparta Boss must have given them even more self belief, so expect another solid performance. The Gravesande brothers Jimmy and Rocky are undoubtedly the lynchpins of Broad Street attack, but

J a m a l C o z i e r, K e i r o n Solomon and Darren Benjamin are equally explosive going forward. The Tucville versus Sophia affair is another blockbuster that is hard to identify a winner. Sophia has looked in tip top form with Dwayne Lowe, Sheik Kamal, Shem Arthur controlling their destiny and this could be the scenario once again. On the other hand, Tucville are a very experienced squad and their

win against West Front Road could be the beginning of good things. Jermin Junior, Dennis Edwards and Jahal Greaves are the key players in their line-up and they are projected to play leading roles. The time for talking is over and now it’s time for action. However, before the start of last eight action, two exhibition matches will be played featuring teams from taxi services Green Ice and

Pretty Posse and Upper Level barber Shop versus GRA. 19:30 hrs Green Ice Taxi vs Pretty posse 20:15 hrs U p p e r level vs GRA 21:00 hrs Sophia vs Tucville 21:45 hrs W e s t Front Road vs Bent Street 22:30 hrs B a c k Circle vs Broad Street Bullies 23:15 hrs Sparta Boss vs North East La Penitence

Jude Bike Shop hands over sponsorship for cycle race Jude Bike Shop handed over its sponsorship yesterday to the Boyce and Jefford Organisation for its upcoming Relay Festival and Family Fun Day on April 30 at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary where cycling will be introduced in the second edition of the event. The sponsorship will go toward the exciting Devil Takes the Hind’s Most race for males that has a total purse of $50,000 with $25,000 going to the winner, $15,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place. Replicas will accompany the cash prizes. The race is expected to attract some of the top male cyclists locally. Proprietor of Jude Bike Shop and former national cyclist, who once competed at the Commonwealth Games in

Australia, Jude Bentley, said he is happy to give back to the sport. In addition to the anticipated main cycle event, at least one other race is expected, preferably for females, but if there are not enough

females to compete, the organisers have confirmed that there will be another male race. The event on April 30 will feature 10 relay events, softball cricket and football as well as a domino competition.

Proprietor of Jude Bike Shop, Jude Bentley (left) hands over their sponsorship to a representative of Boyce/Jefford Committee, Claude Bennett yesterday at the Robb Street location of the Bicycle Store.

t r o Sp Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Showdown of Champions’ GMR&SC ‘Race of Champions’ Meet

Jeffrey, Boodoosingh to renew rivalry Friday

Karting champion Kristian Jeffrey seen on track at the previous Georgetown Grand Prix.

Kristian Jeffrey, Deokie, Persaud lead top performers -Singh, Danny Persaud also enjoy good day

Superbike champion Kevin Persaud (left) receives the chequered flag following one of his wins on Sunday.

West Indies, Pakistan here for ODIs in Guyana

The Pakistanis arrive for their first ODI series in the C’bean since 2013. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210