Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2016

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 silence of the coalition In living memory, never have the shenanigans of one individual set the country so on edge. Never have so many offered their comments and advice. The issue involves Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who is under fire for indiscretions real and imagined. The problems started when a newspaper revealed that Harmon had granted an advisory position to businessman Brian Tiwarie. People saw this as one step too far in the move to reconcile with those who had fostered political division in the country. It mattered not that Tiwarie had fallen out with his former friends and had formed a friendship with the ruling party. Harmon then appeared to have conducted an indiscretion when he gave the impression that he had cemented a firm relationship with the Chinese logging company BaiShanLin. This company, in recent months, had been presented as one of the foreign investors raping the country. The news media released information that BaiShanLin had consolidated its position as a timber giant by picking up timber concessions that had been owned by small loggers but which were lying idle. There is the view that BaiShanLin actually jump started Guyana’s timber industry which had lapsed into dormancy. But the press saw the situation in another light. It saw the Chinese company as viciously exploiting the local resources and giving precious little in return. The belief was that very little royalty was paid and that some of the contractual arrangements were not being honoured. Because of the hostility to BaiShanLin, Harmon’s relationship was seen as distrustful. Some suspected that there was bribery, because they could not see a critic suddenly becoming as one with his target of criticism. Needless to say, when this became the talking point people expected answers; they expected sanction if some wrongdoing was entertained. There was no explanation and neither was there any sanction. People were initially heartened at the political response when President David Granger rescinded the advisor portfolio that Harmon had granted to Brian Tiwarie. But that was as far as the sanctioning of Harmon went. Of course, in the run-up to the May 11, 2015 General Elections people had been fed a diet of transparency and a team that would brook nothing even remotely corrupt. The people, however, saw a measure of corruption in Harmon’s case, so they expected some form of sanction unless the case could be thoroughly explained. To compound the issue is the fact that the government is a coalition and everyone knows that coalitions can be fractious. Their consolidation is tenuous at least. Not so this one. The public sensed that all was not well with it when the junior partner, the Alliance for Change, proposed some discussion on the Harmon issue. It turned out that that was just a mere agenda item. The members of the Alliance for Change said that the discussions were not of national importance. So this leaves one to wonder whether the entire government has been compromised by the Chinese timber giant. In his face-the-press last weekend, President Granger demonstrated some pique. He wanted to know if people were saying that he or the Prime Minister was corrupt. Such a query could only be answered truthfully if answers are provided on the Harmon issue. We notice that the Alliance for Change has signaled that it now has no problem with Harmon and whatever he might have done. At a retreat, the party signaled that it thought that Harmon was too powerful and that he should be trimmed of some of his powers. Twenty-four hours later, this is no longer the case. Perhaps the coalition has become a unified party and that the members have bonded around Harmon. If this is the case, then we may be seeing a side of coalition politics that we never knew existed - if we ignore the so-called coalition that the People’s Progressive Party formed with its Civic component.

Thoughts of the death of Akeem Hyles DEAR EDITOR; I am trying my level best to reconcile what was reported via the media with what actually may have taken place. Point in question is the reporting in Kaieteur News April 9, of the mishap of young Special Constable Akeem Hyles, who drowned while carrying out an operation to halt illegal mining at Kaieteur National Park. Permit me at this juncture before proceeding further to offer the family my condolences on the tragic loss of their son. However, there are some areas in the reporting that does evoke an element of startling surprise, strike a discord with one’s emotions, upset humane level balance forcing any sane, level thinking homo sapiens to seriously question, if not challenge the modus operandi of the Guyana Police Force. Point of reference being the mention that the other occupants managed to

turn the boat upright and then continued their journey after failing to locate Hyles. What duration of time postmishap was allotted to the search for this hapless victim? Who participated in the search, and whose decision it was to abandon the search after failing to locate the suspected drowned? What position did Constable Hyles maintain in the boat prior to the mishap? Based on the nature of the operation which called for aquatic intervention/ manipulation, was the young Constable not appropriately bedecked for the task at hand, namely at basic level the wearing of a lifejacket. To further compound or add insult to injury of this ship of fools, the Commander of F Division Mr. Budram stated that according to the report he received the boat hit a rock and went down, and one rank could not be accounted for. Incidentally at this point my tolerance level also sank, further

lowered by his next statement that he could not say how many persons were in the vessel. What and how much did he actually know, that his utterances failed to show? Let us not forget that the nation had a similar demise a few months ago when another rank and his wife were killed in a traffic accident during a sting operation, clearly due to right hand not knowing what left hand was all about. I am calling on the Minister to leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this investigation and dealing condignly with all responsible parties, whom I am certain was much older and senior to the one whose life was snatched away in its prime. In addition to put in place measure to prevent such a recurrence in any form or shape, for while his body lay under the water his buddies failed to treat him as they “oughta.” Yvonne Sam.

Notes on the City Hall’s management structure DEAR EDITOR; It is difficult to understand the frequently published evidence of decision-making muddles at the corporate levels. The expression ‘corporate’ is used to stress, in these times of exposure, examination and critical analysis, the explicit need to been seen as effective managers in the most substantive meaning of that word. In the instant case, in which the recent local government elections has at least partially modified the governance structure, stakeholders, and more specifically the leadership, should recognise that they are going through a learning curve, and that revisiting the unfamiliar, but not unrelated, past may not be a bad thing. Local Government has been with us for more than a

hundred years; and even if all the records were perchance deleted, there are those who constitute institutional memory that can be referenced. But there is also the Municipal and Districts Council Act of 1969, by which to abide. For those of us who have waited for generations for lapses in its implementation to be fulfilled it must be cause for wonderment at the current reluctance to honour manifestive promises of democracy and not (in clear contradistinction of the authoritarian style of the previous dispensation) fill the void created by the nonappointment of a legislated Local Government Commission – as if the citizens who believed promises made in apparent good faith no longer mattered. In the continuance of this broken

(democratic) organizational structure, readers of the media are being regaled with the prospect of the wheel being reinvented – with disregard of precedent practice – in the form of a process of consultations with inexperienced and under-informed councillors about the selection of a Town Clerk. Some cynics would interpret this approach as if the intention were to simply select a ‘Clerk’, when in fact the requirement is for a Manager of the Town’s business, operations and the necessary range of relevant skills and competencies. How informed then could such consultations be without focus on an articulate description of the responsibilities, discipline and legal (Continued on page 23)

The Minister of Communities clarifies DEAR EDITOR; It is ironic that the PPP, which denied Guyanese their constitutional right to choose their local leaders for 18 years, now attempt to portray that party as champions of local democracy. On Tuesday April 13, the PPP held a protest next to the Ministry of the Presidency, claiming that my appointments of a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Regional Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons were unlawful and dictatorial. I can state unequivocally, that I am proud to be part of an administration which held local government elections (LGE) within ten months of being elected to office. I am proud to be part of the government that placed decisionmaking power into the hands of the people by giving citizens the opportunity to elect persons from within their communities to manage local affairs. Guyanese should never forget that it was the PPP that displayed blatant disrespect for citizens and contempt for the Constitution by denying the people the right to enjoy local democracy. We recall too, that in the 2011

Manifesto, the PPP promised to hold LGE within one year of being elected, a promise on which they reneged. On the other hand, the coalition has demonstrated the commitment to democratic norms by delivering on the promise of holding LGE. Following the LGE of March 18, there were ties in seven local authority areas - one municipality (Mabaruma) and six Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). In the spirit of inclusion, consultation and fairness, the administration proposed to the PPP that leaders of the tied councils be decided by the party with the plurality of votes. The PPP rejected our proposal. It should be noted that had the PPP accepted, they would have been able to choose leaders in four of the tied local authority areas; the coalition would have chosen only three. Editor, in my opinion, this hardly qualifies as being anti-democratic or dictatorial. After the PPP rebuffed our offer – acting on legal advice and our interpretation of Section 28 (7) of the Local Government Act, Chapter 28:02 and Section 13(8) of the Municipal and

District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 – I proceeded to appoint leaders and deputy leaders of the councils in question, from among those with the largest numbers of votes, as stipulated by the laws. The administration desires that local democracy be made a reality as quickly as possible, hence the holding of LGE within months of assuming office. Similarly, the appointments of council leaders was done to ensure that the work of those councils could begin and proceed apace, to the benefit of the affected communities. Clearly, the government has demonstrated that we are committed to democracy, not dictatorship. Finally, Contrary to what is being said by PPP officials, including Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, the courts have not made a decision against the government as we are yet to be heard. What the court has done was to grant an interim injunction without giving us a hearing. The PPP’s statements are therefore not only premature but also misleading and untrue. Ronald Bulkan Minister of Communities

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

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The greatness and magic of King Pele DEAR EDITOR; My initial intention was to share some observations via this letter that were made at the Upper Demerara Football Association season opening that was held in November gone. As fate would have it I picked up a DVD disc that was out of its case on a table to see what it was about so that I can replace it in its rightful casing. It was one of those many stories about “Pele” which I had come by for some time now but never took the time to view, so I decided to let it

run a bit just to . . . you know, see how it goes. Well dear reader that “run a bit” was to the end. I was awaken to something beautiful which before I never knew; a documentary on world football great “King Pele”. The man was indeed a football superstar - extraordinaire, versatile who took part in many sporting disciplines: shot-put, javelin, high-jump in which he is on record as clearing 6 feet, hurdles, sprints, clocking the 100 meters in eleven (11) seconds; he performed excellent at all. He trained hard, prac-

Why does the Mayor want a limited forensic audit? DEAR EDITOR; I have noted with much pleasure the announcement by the new Mayor Patricia Chase-Green that the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) is open to facilitate any forensic audit, and that she has no objections; and even welcomes the Office of the Auditor General to do such an examination. It is my earnest hope that she is sincere is with this declaration as any new and honest administration would demand an audit to not only know where they are at financially, but to be guided in the way forwarded, strengthening and improving systems. Of course it would highlight any skullduggery that has transpired and identify the perpetrators. But why is Ms. ChaseGreen limiting the carrying out of an audit on the City Council to only being done by the Auditor General’s Office? Everyone is aware of how taxed the Auditor General’ Office is,

with its limited resources and its mandate to audit all state agencies. So clearly they would be unable to sift through the Council’s records as would be necessary. There would be need for the engagement of private and competent agencies and individuals as the government did when the audited places such as the Guyana Energy Agency, GuyOil, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The new Mayor further said that she has nothing to hide. She may have a point as by now the public has been made aware that a close male relative of hers continues to receives contracts to clean the cemetery along with other wards of the city, whilst two female relatives are employed at the City Council benefiting from large salaries whilst doing nothing but sitting in an office in the Human (Continued on page 23)

tised almost non-stop, his skill and ability was awesome, was indeed a most consummate athlete – fit as a fiddle, always at the ready and in fine form; remarkable, dedicated, confident, very humble and affable. But it was football which he gravitated to and made his dominance felt, it was God’s gift to him which he in turn gave to the world. He knew his inborn passion, his athleticism and resolved to reach the pinnacle, and that exactly he became -

start soccer supremo. The brother was unmatched. He made his impact upon the world stage at the age of 17, creating a web of crafty moves with his speed, dexterity and perennial fierce shots to goal that often drained his opponents while mesmerising and delighting spectators. And so it was that he became “signed sealed delivered” to the world forever - “King Pele”. Pele epitomises the adage “The heights of great men were not attain by sudden

flight . . . . “ though he was a natural and an inspiration, his was a discipline, dedication and 90% perspiration. His greatness, superstardom, popularity and admiration were well earned as he grew to become an icon and ambassador of the game of football. I have to say that there are very few things to challenge sports when it comes to taking one over the top; adore and adorn, looked upon with awe, to the point of glorification. Of course there were other

great outstanding personalities par-excellence with admirable exploits and many more will sure follow as night follows day and their greatness will continue to adorn the history pages of world sports. But this here is not about them, it is about the King of soccer whose feats hitherto have not been surpassed and whose place in the pantheon of football has already been set aside to be indelibly etched. I’ll say again, the man was made for the game! Frank Fyffe

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2016

Nigel Hughes rescinds resignation As was predicted by some, the hierarchy of the Alliance For Change (AFC) has refused to accept a letter of resignation by one of its members, Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes. On Monday, the Executive Member announced that he was resigning as Chairman of the AFC. This was just one day after the party released a statement to the media indicating that perhaps the time has come for the powers vested in Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to be revised. A few critics wondered if this time around, Hughes’s resignation would be allowed to go through as he had revealed on his Facebook page that his decision to leave

- to continue AFC’s political and policy work was due to the fact that the post of Chairman was “difficult” and “untenable”. However, the AFC via a statement to the media, made it clear that it is not prepared to part with such an invaluable member. It was explained that subsequent to Hughes tendering his resignation, a high level meeting was held with the Leader of the Party, Khemraj Ramjattan, the General Secretary, David Patterson and Mr. Hughes. The members said that this was mandated by the AFC’s

Dominican sex workers arrested in immigration sweep Police arrested eight Dominicans suspected to be sex workers, in a house at Bartica last Monday. They were arrested after police received information that some of them may have arrived here illegally while the others overstayed their time. The women were taken into custody when police raided the house after receiving information that they had been residing at the location for a few days. Police believed that the women might have been working in the interior as sex workers and would have left there some time last week to

spend some time and shop in Bartica. A police source said that the women barely spoke English so it was difficult for ranks to conduct an interview. They were taken to Police Headquarters for further questioning. Kaieteur News understands that at least one woman claimed that she was tricked to come here. “It was difficult to understand what they were saying. They know a little English and with that we tried to understand them,” a police said. Investigations are ongoing.

Management Committee. The Party said, “During this meeting, detailed and frank discussions were had on the current political environment in Guyana and in particular, the Coalition Government’s first year in office, the party’s relationship with its coalition partners and the AFC’s performance during this period.” The AFC noted that after a most productive working session, it was agreed that Hughes’ resignation letter will be “deferred” and he will instead proceed on a leave of absence from the duties and responsibilities of Chairman for a period of reflection and

AFC Executive Member, Nigel Hughes

review after which a mutual decision will be taken. Kaieteur News understands that Hughes has reiterated firmly and unequivocally that he remains fully committed to the

AFC and its development agenda for the country and he will remain an active and vocal member of the Party. It was further agreed by the Party that during the interregnum of his absence

from active duties as Chairman, Hughes will continue political and policy work on behalf of the Party by concentrating his efforts on three critical and important pillars of the AFC’s agenda. Those areas were outlined to be Constitutional Reform, Broadcast Legislation and other core legal matters which the AFC has committed itself to advance in the interest of the Guyanese society. The leadership of the AFC said that it wholeheartedly recognises the significant contribution of the Chairman of the Party and accepts his decision to “recalibrate” his focus and attention at this time as the Party continues its historic mission on setting Guyana on a firm and steady path of sustained progress. (Kiana Wilburg)

Walter Rodney CoI report ...

Coalition members to submit comments by tomorrow - President Coalition members of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), have been sent copies of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report. They are scheduled to submit their comments by tomorrow. This was according to the President David Granger, who was responding to questions after swearing in members of the Advisory Council for the Prerogative of Mercy Board. That ceremony was hosted at the Ministry of Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown yesterday. The President said that the parties within the coalition were the first to be issued copies of the report. The parties were then asked to discuss it with their executives and to submit their comments. Once that is done, the President said, it would then be given to other

members. The Head of State added that since it was a government report, it was better if the parties in Government get copies first. Dr. Walter Rodney, historian and founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), was killed more than 34 years ago after a bomb exploded in a car in which he was an occupant. He was 38 years old at the time. In 2014, a Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the death of Dr. Rodney was set up by former President Donald Ramotar. The former Head of State had appointed prominent

Barbadian Attorney Sir Richard Cheltenham of Barbados, Queens Counsel from Jamaica, Jacqueline Samuels and Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam of Trinidad and Tobago to oversee the public hearings. After two years of public hearings and a number of hindrances and delays, the report was finally completed and dropped off at Attorney General, Basil Williams’ Chambers in early February. The current Government is yet to make the report public despite leaked versions making their way into the public domain.

Dr. Walter Rodney

The European Union and its Member States have once again kept their place as the world’s leading aid donor, providing more than half of the total Official Development Assistance (ODA) reported last year by members of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), according to the figures published yesterday. OECD figures show that EU Official Development Assistance has increased to •68 billion in 2015 (up 15% from •59 billion in 2014) – growing for the third year in a row (and reaching its highest level to date). EU collective ODA represented 0.47% of EU Gross National Income (GNI) in 2015, an increase from 0.43% in 2014. This is

significantly above the nonEU country average of 0.21% ODA/GNI. Ambassador Jernej Videtiè said, “That the EU remains the world’s leading provider of Development Assistance clearly demonstrates our firm commitment to financing for development and supporting the new Sustainable Development Goals. “In 2015, faced with an unprecedented migration crisis, the EU and its Member States were able to increase both their support to refugees as well as their development aid to developing countries. “The EU and Guyana have a strong and long-standing relationship and in the more than 40 years since EUGuyana cooperation commenced the EU has provided more than •600

million ($150 billion) to Guyana. The EU has provided funding to a broad range of development areas: climate change adaptation, disaster reduction, sustainable infrastructure (including sea defences); the sugar industry, rice, and bauxite industries; infrastructure projects such as the rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the expansion of Ogle Airport, the ferry connecting Guyana and Suriname, upgrading the water supply and power utility systems; and human rights development.” “The EU also provides substantial funding to the Caribbean region which Guyana also benefits from. The EU remains the largest donor to Guyana and is a committed partner to Guyana’s development.”

EU remains world’s leading aid donor in 2015

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

U.S. health officials confirm Zika cause of severe birth defects

A therapist holds a baby who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil (REUTERS/PAULO WHITAKER) (Reuters) - U.S. health officials have concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies. “It is now clear, the CDC has concluded, that Zika virus does cause microcephaly,” Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday. “There isn’t any doubt that Zika causes microcephaly.” U.S. and world health officials have been saying for some time that mounting scientific evidence points to the mosquito-borne virus as the likely cause of the alarming rise in microcephaly in Zikahit areas of Brazil. It had not been declared as the definitive cause until now. Never before in history has a bite from a mosquito been seen as the cause of birth defects, Frieden said. The announcement comes at a critical time for the Obama Administration, which has been trying to get Congress to come up with funding to fight the Zika virus, which is already affecting Puerto Rico and is expected to hit parts of the United States with the coming of mosquito-friendly warmer weather. The administration has requested about $1.9 billion for Zika prevention and fighting efforts, but the CDC has been forced to divert funds intended for Ebola while awaiting new funding from

Congress. The removal of any lingering doubt about the cause of the birth defects may help spur more intensive efforts to develop diagnostics and vaccines specific to Zika, which is closely related to dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses. The CDC said it believes that microcephaly, characterized by unusually small head size that can lead to developmental problems in babies, is likely part of a range of serious birth defects being caused by Zika. It also said the microcephaly cases it has reviewed in Brazil is a particularly severe form with devastating brain abnormalities. Brazil has confirmed more than 1,100 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. It is investigating more than 3,800 additional suspected cases of microcephaly. The latest conclusions came after all necessary scientific criteria had been met to make the official call, the CDC said. “The data are there. The evidence is there. The pieces of information we have now makes us confident,” said Sonja Rasmussen, director of the CDC division of public health information and lead author of a New England

Journal of Medicine article outlining evidence. CDC travel and sexual transmission guidelines remain unchanged. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are advised to avoid travel to the at least 41 countries and territories where Zika has spread, and men who have been to those areas are advised to abstain from sex or use condoms with partners who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Now that the causal relationship has been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years, Frieden said. Among answers being sought are what percentage of babies born to Zika-infected mothers are likely to suffer birth defects, or whether infected pregnant mothers who did not have symptoms of the virus pose a danger to their babies. Researchers also want to discover the full range of brain and developmental issues that may crop up later in life for infected babies, Rasmussen said. CDC officials said they expect to start seeing cases of microcephaly in Colombia soon, based on when reports of infections began in that South American country.

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Dutch team helping to map city’s flood prone areas Government has secured a US$25M loan agreement from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for a project aimed at improving Guyana’s sea and river defence capabilities. Guyana will be providing US$5.9M to the project, which is anticipated to benefit some 45,000 people and cover 5.4 kilometres of critical area. In light of this loan, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson is adamant that increased macro economic development will follow. Patterson was addressing CDB and local officials at the launch of the Sea and River Defense Resilience Project workshop at the Pegasus Hotel, yesterday. Patterson noted that susceptibility to flooding is not only something that destroys property and the livelihood of vulnerable residents, but is also something that erodes investor confidence. He said that if sea and river defences are improved, this will be a boost to investments in Guyana. The Minister said that in addition to the inevitable infrastructural work, the sea and river defence project would include establishing a system to monitor changes in the shoreline. He spoke of the

The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) yesterday announced that the Bridge spanning the Demerara River, will be closed on Sunday for six hours to facilitate maintenance works. The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by the DHBC at the company’s headquarters in Peter ’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. According to General Manager (GM) of the DHBC, Rawlston Adams, the maintenance works, which are pegged to cost some $50 M, will commence from 6:00hrs and is scheduled to be completed by 12:00 noon. The maintenance work entails the removal and replacement of a pontoon that serves as a base for one of the hydraulic cabins. Adams

Thursday April 14, 2016

Flooding in Georgetown

- Govt. gets US$25M CDB loan to boost sea & river defence

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson massive 2005 floods, which caused millions in damages to coastal communities and unleashed the dreaded leptospirosis disease on the populace. “One of the discoveries during those floods,” Patterson said, “is the fact that in Georgetown we do not at the moment have a full overview of our drainage system and it is spread all over six different agencies.” In the wake of all of this,

Patterson revealed that a team, under the direction of the Dutch Risk Reduction (DDR), would be mapping the city of Georgetown in the coming months. “When the mapping has been completed,” Patterson said, “We would model Georgetown on software. We can actually see where the areas of risk are, where the flood areas are based on the water-flow and make targeted interventions.” Patterson also spoke of provisions being made for University of Guyana (UG) and Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) students being involved in the project. He described this as a valuable opportunity for them to learn. In addition, the Minister noted that with this project, some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations (UN) will be fulfilled. Finance Secretary, Dr. Hector Butts, expressed a similar sentiment as the Minister of Public Infrastructure, regarding the 2005 floods. He made it clear that Guyana could not afford a repeat and noted that the inter-

vention would lead to a friendly eco-system which would build investor confidence. Providing details of the project was CDB’s Portfolio Manager, William Ashby, who related that the US$30 million project would encompass the reconstruction and improvement of 5.4 kilometers of sea and river defence infrastructure. He noted that at least 45,000 persons in about 9,000 households in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six would benefit under the project. He assured that the designs would be up to standard. Ashby also announced that provisions have been made for the shoreline change monitoring system. Last year, the Dutch Risk

Reduction (DRR) from the Netherlands had arrived in Guyana and spent days analyzing Guyana’s drainage system. The team included Team Leader, Rob Steijn; Social Scientist, Judith Klostermann; and Civil Engineer, Fokke Westebring. Their trip involved a flyover of Guyana and a dozen interviews with local officials. Afterwards, Steijn had reported key considerations and preliminary recommendations to the Government, including the need for an upgrade of Guyana’s drainage on both a technical and managerial level. He had also expressed the need for Guyana’s water system to be addressed while expressing that short-term im-

provements, such as smallscale dredging, were possible. Steijn had also added that the issue must be attacked on all levels, from the planning stage right up to the enforcement of legislation. He said too that an integrated approach involving all stakeholders was necessary. His team’s preliminary recommendations had then been presented. These included the increase of flood resilience for people and businesses; upgrade of dredging capabilities and improvement of flow efficiency; develop long-term plans and to test a pilot project; develop and apply a lifecycle approach for the drainage assets; and also data management through digitization.

General Manager, Rawlston Adams (second from left) along with other representatives of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation yesterday.

explained that works of this nature are usually carried out at nights however, due to the sensitive components in the cabin; to do the swap during

the day was the better alternative since it would reduce risks. With the sensitive components in the cabin, the pontoon had to be customised.

The lifting mechanism was also customised. Adams pointed out that without these customisations, the entire process would take days which could not be allowed. It has been 15 years since the pontoons bearing the hydraulic cabins have been replaced. Quizzed on whether he was concerned that the works might exceed the estimated

time, the GM said that his team, in whom he has total confidence, has examined and taken into account the issues that could prove detrimental to the success of the project. As a result they have set in place various counter-measures. However, Adams admitted that there is still a small window that something should go wrong. He continued that this

particular maintenance work is a part of a menu of works to be carried out on the retractor span. The remainder of the works, he assured, would affect the marine traffic only. Discussions, he said, were already held with the various stakeholders. The nature of these works; the time, date etc. will be announced at a later time.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

Private ‘jet trip’ was paid for by Chinese Govt. - President Granger Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has finally offered his Cabinet colleagues an explanation for a photograph which saw him posing comfortably with officials of Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin. This is the very company that is currently under the watchful eye of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). Ironically, it is the same company that was heavily criticized by Harmon for its wanton abuse of Guyana’s forests, excessive breaches of the nation’s laws and failure to fulfill its promise of a wood-processing facility. Asked about Harmon’s explanation, President David Granger said, “(Harmon) has explained it to the Cabinet... The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China was in China at that time and he (Harmon) had to go to about three or four different cities.” “The Ambassador arranged the Executive transport because of the distance between the cities and the amount of time he (Harmon) had at his disposal so it was arranged by the Chinese Government to enable him to travel to different cities so that he can conduct the business he was there to conduct.” Granger was then asked who funded the trip from Guyana to China. Granger said he understands that it was funded by the National Industrial and Commercial

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

President, David Granger

Investments Limited (NICIL). “I know that he went to China on NICIL business. I saw the Cabinet decision,” the President added. In a recent interview with this newspaper, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had said that it would not only be a “massive error in judgment” but also a “reckless move” for a politician to be on a private jet ride with officials who are under investigation by his country. He made this assertion after being pressed by Kaieteur News to say whether in a “hypothetical” situation if he would have been caught in such a circumstance. Given his response, he was then pressed to say whether he is comfortable with the actions of his

Cabinet colleague, Joseph Harmon, who was over the weekend exposed in a similar situation. The Public Security Minister said he is aware that in the Sunday edition of the Kaieteur News, a picture was published on the front page which showed Harmon in a photograph posing with officials of BaiShanLin on a private jet. This newspaper understands that Harmon did not inform Cabinet about any meeting or interaction with BaiShanLin officials. In spite of this, the Minister of Public Security declined to divulge how he felt about the revelation. The Minister of Public Security made it clear that Ministers should always live a life that can hold up to public scrutiny.

Dem boys seh ...

Is BaiShanLin give Joe de private jet Since when Li’l Joe got tie tongue? This is a man who always got a plaster for every sore; he can talk about every issue and he understand de politics. This was de same man who walk all over de country before de lections and comeback and tell people what he see. When he tun Minister he was de man who would meet wid reporters every week and answer all dem questions. But dem boys suspect something did wrong when de man start to miss dem press conference. Li’l Joe, who dem boys now calling Joe Humble, was de same man who did mek a promise to dem reporters that every week, at 11 o’clock sharp he gun start de press conference wid or without de reporters. Well, dem boys seh that nuff of de press conference start without him.

Now this man gone to Soulja Bai and beg him to keep away de reporters. “Bass, I gun give you a statement and you must give dem fuh me. I can’t talk to dem because dem gun ask me nuff questions that I can’t answer. Dem boys can’t believe that this is de Li’l Joe who always seh that he don’t like favours but who seh that he tek a private jet from de Chinese government. De man was a big one. Not even Jagdeo ever get a private jet to go wheh he want. Joe Humble get that privilege. De thing so powerful that he tell he friend Bee Kay to tek out de pictures. That is why Bee Kay ain’t deh in no photograph. Dem boys tell de nation that was BaiShanLin that give Joe Humble de plane. All de nonsense wha Joe Humble tell Soulja Bai bout how is de Chinese Government that give him de

plane and not BaiShanLin is whitewash. De Chinese Government own more than half of BaiShanLin. Is six of one and half a dozen of de other. Now dem boys want to know why Li’l Joe can’t talk fuh himself. Why he got to write a statement? De only conclusion is that he frighten he mouth slip and he tell de truth. Whatever de case, dem boys waiting to see wha de statement gun seh.

Page 9

WHERE DID THE MONEY COME FROM? The government was always asking for problems when it only allocated $300M for the hosting of Guyana’s 50th. Three hundred million dollars is ‘chicken feed’ to host such a major event. The PPP administration spent over one billion dollars to host Carifesta a few years back. The PNC likes to outdo everybody else when it comes to putting on a show and therefore the hosting of Guyana’s 50th is likely to cost a fortune. Yet the government in its wisdom only allocated $300M So where is the rest of the money going to come from? One answer is the private sector. One report is that the government has been begging private business owners for money to host the event. No evidence has been presented to establish that this is happening. The allegation has also been denied by the government. The government should be believed. Even if the government had wanted to ask the private sector to assist, it would be unfair to do so. Business activity has slowed down. Money is not circulating as it should, even though production is not badly affected. The business community was asked to help with the cleanup of the city. We have had no account as to the total private donations for this project. There is no reason to spell out who gave what, just the total amount donated needs to be provided in the interest of transparency. The works at Durban Park are estimated to have cost at least 500 million dollars. So where did the money come from? The government also needs to issue a statement on this issue, in the interest of transparency. The Georgetown City

Council would have also spent a large sum on its sprucing up of the city. The works were extensive and were likely to have run in excess of one billion dollars. So where did the money come from and did private businessmen make any contributions? The government should organize the events for Guyana’s 50th in a way that would allow the events to pay for themselves. Why should 15,000 persons have been packed into the National Stadium to watch the inauguration of the President and not have to pay? If each were asked to pay $5000 to witness the inauguration, it would have raised $75M alone. This would have covered all the expenses and provided a handsome profit. Instead we are told that the event was funded by supporters of the government. A great many people are coming home for Guyana’s 50th. The hotels are fully booked and the airlines are sold out. There should be about 5,000 persons coming home for the celebrations. The government should charge

persons for the big events. This is the model that should be used. People are going to drink millions in beer and liquor. They will pay for that stuff, so why cannot they be asked to pay to attend the various events that are going to be held. There are many confidence tricksters around. It would not be surprising if some scamp is going around asking business people for money to finance the celebrations. The government should issue a statement advising the business community that no funds are being solicited and therefore no one is to be given any money. The government is not poor. It has billions of dollars at its disposal. It does not need any private businessmen to be donating any buses, boats or bicycles to the government. The government is the richest enterprise in Guyana. It has the money to do the things that it is doing. It should, as a rule, not accept any donation from businesses or private citizens.

Nawbatt's High Commissioner contract signed weeks before ... From page 3 Commissioner of Guyana to Canada will end on August 31, 2015 at which time you will be reposted to Guyana. Accordingly you are hereby asked to finalize all the necessary arrangements relating to the conclusion of your post and departure. Please note that all benefits accruable at post will end on August 31,

2015,” the letter to Nawbatt said. Nawbatt's contract made on February 9, 2015, was effective from February 10, 2015 to February 9, 2016, inclusive of a monthly salary of $773,801 and additional station allowance of US$4,500. He was reported in the media as actively campaigning in the hinterlands for the PPP/C.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

At the supermarket you see the failure of 50 years of Independence Let us take a temporary break from the implications and consequences of the Harmon events and look at some of the failures of Guyana that call into question the very viability of this country. On Wednesday morning, I went to a vendor I patronize often. She plies her trade at the northeastern corner of Robb and Alexander Streets, a block away from the busy site of Bourda Market. Her daughter told me that a lemon was $300. I told her that the price is for rich people. She laughed and said, ‘Nah maan.” For months now, lemons have been carrying that price. About a month ago, it was $360. It appears it has dropped down to $300. My wife is a huge user of lemons because she says it is better as a cleaner than limes.

I didn’t buy the lemon but drove home. On my way, I have to pass several supermarkets on Sheriff Street. I stopped at Survival Supermarket to get a few items my wife requested. An imported lemon at Survival is $160. Please don’t take my word for it. Just call the supermarket. I have kept the bill just in case I receive calls about the accuracy of the price listed here. When I was growing up on Durban Street many yards had lemon trees, including our neighbour’s, Mr. Pillay’s. Today we are weeks away from celebrating 50 years of Independence from Britain. This is a CARICOM country that is bigger than all the rest of states within the integration movement combined and a country seen as the agricultural showpiece

of CARICOM. But an imported lemon is $160; the local price is $300. Doesn’t this deserve a polemical discourse on what Guyana has achieved over those 50 years? It is not the importation process that is the point but the item itself. Third World countries import untold numbers of items they just cannot produce. That is the nature of world trade. American and European money made the Persian Gulf states super-rich through the importation of oil. The US and Europe in turn sold these Gulf states products they could not manufacture, in the end getting back trillions of dollars that they sent to the Arab oil-producing nation for the purchase of oil. A funny example should

suffice. The West imports jet fuel. But the West exports jet. So the Arabs export jet fuel and with that money import planes. We cannot manufacture countless items in Guyana but do we have to import lemons that sell cheaper than our own? In the area of agricultural products, shouldn’t our population have them in bountiful supplies to even throw away? In my youthful days, we frowned on lemons because they were as perennial as the grass. After 50 Years of Independence where have the lemons gone to? I grew up with Guyanese having no excessive craving for bananas because bananas were our thing. It was a fruit that Guyanese could acquire in plentiful supply so why

bother to seek it out. Today as they say in local lingo, “banana is a man.” A pound of cayenne bananas is $300. There is the famous banana seller at the northeastern corner of East Street and Church Street. I buy my bananas from him. On the Bourda Green, it is $20 less. Why aren’t they $80 a pound? What have we done with 50 years of Independence? What have we manufactured? What are we manufacturing? Do we box local milk? In 1978, when I courted my wife I took boxed milk for her. If you look at our manufacturing base since the sixties, this country has retrogressed. I grew up on ‘gilbakka’ curry. It was a cheap fish then. Gilbakka is $1000 a pound. I do not know if my name worked against me but last month, one of the vendors at the Stabroek Market fish pond called $1,500 a pound. I promptly walked away from him with a disgusted look on

Frederick Kissoon my face. Once you are over sixty years and you have lived your entire life in this country, the cynicism about celebrating 50 years of Independence will run deep in your soul. The compulsion is there to ask; what is there to celebrate? I would risk a situation where I could be condemned for saying in every sphere of life as a country we have gone backwards. I am waiting for the television interview invitation. I am waiting for the symposium invitation to argue my case. My wife needed the lemons. I bought three of the imported ones. I have the receipt to show you if you doubt me. Wanna bet?

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Gastro outbreaks possible because of unhygienic practices – Health Ministry

While a reoccurrence of an outbreak of gastroenteritis is not unlikely, deliberate efforts have been advanced by the Ministry of Public Health to reduce this possibility. This state of affairs has been vocalised by both Ministers within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. George Norton and Dr. Karen Cummings. Sporadic outbreaks of gastroenteritis in some hinterland sections of the country over the years have been deemed a challenge to the Ministry. It is, however, one that the Ministry has grown accustomed to. An outbreak in Region One reported on earlier this year came as no surprise to the Public Health Ministry, said Minister Norton. In January the public health sector reported an outbreak which sickened scores of residents in Baramita, Region One. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection causing vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be caused by contact with someone with the virus, unwashed hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper or napkin and by using contaminated food or water.

Minister Norton in revealing that the outbreak has been linked to contaminated water said, “We know that over the years, usually at the start of some years, we have had gastroenteritis outbreaks. A few years ago we had a few deaths as a result but this time around we had doctors on the ground and medications including rehydration solutions and so on because we were looking out for it. So when it started out in Baramita we managed to control it from the initial stages.” Prior to the outbreak reported earlier this year, the public health sector was faced with an outbreak in 2013. During that time more than 200 residents in various Region One communities became ill. At least three children died. According to Minister Cummings, the most recent gastroenteritis outbreak was reported from Baramita and its surrounding settlements. Between December 3, 2015 and January 16, 2016, a total of 102 cases were documented by the Ministry. However, by January 20, 2016 the cases had mounted to 122 based on data received from the Senior Environmental Officer in Region One, Minister Cummings informed. The

Minister George Norton

Minister Karen Cummings

Minister shared too that at least one death was linked to the outbreak. The reported death was that of an 11-month-old child on December 27, 2015 who manifested symptoms including malnutrition, diarrhoea and vomiting, consistent with gastroenteritis. The outbreak was, as in the past, linked to the use of water from contaminated water sources. Minister Norton disclosed too that it had come to his attention that some persons had used water from contaminated waterways. Moreover, as part of the Ministry’s response to the outbreak, Minister Cummings said that there were outreaches to Region One in

early January during which sensitisations and demonstrations on water safety were done. The intended targets were residents of Baramita and 18 surrounding villages, according to Minister Cummings, who were exposed to basic hand washing techniques; proper

garbage disposal, cleanliness of surroundings including bore holes and sewage holes and purification and treatment of water for domestic use. During that period, too, the Ministry through its Environmental Health Unit distributed water purification tablets and bleach. The Ministry’s efforts have been supported by the Red Cross which, according to Minister Cummings, has “from time to time visited the villages to educate and sensitize villagers on proper sanitary conditions.” By January 13, 2016 water samples from wells at Barama Line, Golden City, Johnny Hotel and Central Baramita, all in Region One were tested by the Food and Drug laboratory. The quality was found to be satisfactory, according to Minister Cummings. The results of the samples

were shared with the Guyana Water Incorporated, the Minister related even as she revealed that at present Basic Needs Trust Fund is in the process of constructing another well in Central Baramita. Minister Cummings, however, disclosed that while follow up visits to the Region One villages revealed that the majority of villagers are adhering to the use of purification tablets or chlorine and some had even erected ventilated pit latrines, the fact that there are some who are not adhering suggest that a repeat outbreak is not unlikely. “The possibility exists because villagers are not 100 per cent compliant in maintaining hygienic standards, despite sensitization efforts, because of health behaviour and cultural practices,” Minister Cummings said.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

No plan to intervene in handling of Agriculture portfolio - AFC - as party stands behind Noel Holder In the wake of reports that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, is taking heat from the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) leadership over his handling of the agriculture portfolio, party officials are denying that they are discontented or that the party is planning to intervene in the running of the sector. Holder, the husband of the late AFC co-founder Sheila Holder, was reported in sections of the media to have been a major subject at the party’s retreat, last weekend. In the report, it was stated that the AFC leadership was not pleased with the direction in which the Agriculture sector is heading and may be getting ready to push for changes. The report had also gone on to state that “some members in the AFC leadership now believe that Minister Holder may need some assistance in running the industry.” Noting that the coalition has been facing criticism over the decision to close the Wales sugar estate at the end of the year, the report had stated that Minister Holder was yet to meet with the sugar workers more than four months after the announcement was made. “The Minister has been heavily criticized for taking a

“laid back” approach to the issue. Sugar workers have protested the move although many of them will have their jobs secured at other sugar estates,” the report had stated. It was also reported that Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, would make a recommendation for another Minister to be added to the Agriculture portfolio. Contacted on Tuesday, however, Minister of Public Infrastructure and AFC General Secretary David Patterson denied these reports. He noted that the general thrust of the AFC retreat had been party matters. Director of Public Information and AFC member Imran Khan also responded to the reports through a press release. He made it clear that no discussion regarding adding a junior Minister to the Agriculture portfolio took place. “With regard to a media report (about the) Minister of Agriculture, the AFC clarifies that no discussion regarding a junior Minister of Agriculture took place at its leadership retreat and no such decision was taken.” He went on to specifically add that no decision was taken for the party leader or any other AFC cabinet member to take any issue of a new appointment in the

Ministry of Agriculture either to Cabinet or to President David Granger. He did, however, acknowledge that there were specific criticisms at the retreat about the handling of the Wales Estate closure. “At the retreat there were criticisms raised about how the Wales Estate planned closure announcement was handled and the party Vice Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo advised that the government should meet with and dialogue with the sugar workers.” It is understood that Minister Holder, who did not attend the retreat, is in Costa Rica on Government business. He is expected to hold discussions on agriculture development between the two countries. There will also be discussions on the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) country strategy for 20142018, among other topics. THEAGRICULTURE SECTOR For 2015 it had been reported that sugar production grew by 6.9 percent to 231,145 metric tonnes though this level of production was still below the average achieved in the previous decade. Recorded output for the

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder rice industry was pegged at 687,784 tonnes, an increase of 8.3 percent last year. While production increased, it was not a good year for rice, market wise, as the lucrative Venezuelan market, which accounted for 37.5 percent of the volume of rice exported in 2014, was lost. The livestock sub-sector was reported to have grown by 5.8 percent, while the ‘other crops’ sub-sector grew by 2 percent. However, negative growth was returned by the fisheries sub-sector, 7.2 percent; and forestry, 16.2 percent. The opposition party has however been heavily critical of how the Ministry of Agriculture has been administering the sector, particularly, the rice industry.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kids in playground find missing - Family suspects man's body foul play The badly decomposed body of a man of No. 5 Village, who was reported missing since April 1, was found Tuesday afternoon in a clump of bushes near a nursery school. The body was first seen by some children who were playing hid and seek. The dead man has been identified as Miles Anthony Craig, called “Gaddafi”, 48, unemployed of Lot 26 No. 5 Village, West Coast Berbice. The body was found around 17:10 hrs lying in a small bushy area at Lot 27 No. 5 Village, West Coast, Berbice, in a decomposed state, next to the fence of a nursery school. The body was seen lying on its back clad in a short cream pants, multi coloured underpants and blue brief. There was no skin on the face and below both knees, and hands. According to the man's brother, Guy Craig, a food vendor of Lot 26 No. 5 Village, West Coast, Berbice, his brother, who returned from Antigua about eight years ago, does not work. He would collect bottles and sell and would visit him sometimes, but that he does not live at that address. He said that his brother was last seen on the evening of April 1 at a nearby shop where he usually frequents. Residents said that the man was subsequently accused of

stealing from the shop and was found with a bag containing two Turbo Drinks, a bottle of Cherry Brandy and a quarter bottle of rum. The bag was taken away and around 02:00 hrs on Saturday the man subsequently left and went in the backlands. After not seeing him around, searches were mounted and reports were made to the various police stations nearby. But no one could have given an account of the sudden disappearance of the man. Relatives suspect that the man may have been killed somewhere else and his body taken there. One of them is contending that his teeth were missing and his legs appeared to be damaged. They are wondering how come the man died so close to homes and a school and no one saw or heard anything. How come there was no smell. According to them there were signs of trampling. There were a number of bottles nearby including a mentholated spirit bottle and a number of others suspected to contain some sort of liquids. Three sealed packets of cigarettes and his boots were nearby. According to relatives there were signs that the area was sprayed to conceal the smell. When the body was found a report was made and police (continued on page 24)

Thief snatches girl’s phone in school compound - cops yet to investigate complaint, says mom A mother is expressing concern for the safety of her 15-year-old daughter, after the Tucville Secondary School student was robbed of her mobile phone in the school compound. The incident occurred around 13.00 hrs Tuesday, and the parent is alleging that police are still to visit the school, despite being informed of the incident. According to reports, the student had some cash in her hands and was about to purchase some school materials, when a young man came up to her and demanded that she hand over the cash. When the student pushed the money into one of her pockets, the thief pushed his hand into the same pocket and took her phone. The parent said that her daughter tried to hold onto her assailant but the thief escaped through a hole in the

school fence. Other students attempted to give chase, but thought better of it when the young man threatened to ‘jook’ them. The parent said that her daughter gave a statement at the East La Penitence Police Station Tuesday morning. However, she said that no rank visited the school. Students at the school complained that youths, including former students, often enter the compound while classes are in session. They gain access through the many holes in the school fence. The youths sometimes throw missiles at the two female security guards, whenever they order them out of the compound. Some sources at the school alleged that despite numerous complaints, ranks at the East La Penitence never respond.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

U.S. Embassy announces new U.S. Visa Service via DHL The United States Embassy has announced a notable change to the Immigrant Visa process. The US Embassy via a statement yesterday noted that effective April 18, 2016, all approved visa applicants will no longer return to the Embassy to uplift their approved visas. According to the Embassy the service will now be provided by the local Document Handling Service (DHL) office, located at 50 E Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. Applicants will be able to pick-up their passports and visa packages at the DHL office Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 9:00am to 6:00pm. At the time of interview, the Consular Officer will provide a Visa Delivery Instruction Notice to all approved visa applicants advising the applicant of the pick-up information at the DHL office seven business days after the interview. Applicants 18 years or older must present the Delivery Instruction Notice and their National Identification Card to the DHL office within 30 days of visa approval. For those applicants who do not have a National ID Card, DHL will request supplemental identification such as an official driver’s licence (with photo) or an original birth certificate. The DHL agent will also review information from the passport

or visa to validate the identity of the applicant picking up the documents. DHL will require the applicant to record his/her name, ID document number, and signature as proof of receipt. Visas will only be given to applicants/passport owners. Pick-Up requirements for minor applicants: Parents whom wish to pick up documents on their children’s behalf must provide proof of their valid relationship by presenting the following documents in the child’s original birth certificate or adoption decree, with at least one of the parent’s full legal name displayed on the document. The parent must prove their identity by presenting a national ID card or passport with a matching name on the child’s birth certificate or adoption decree. The introduction of this offsite Document Return Service is new to Guyana; however, this service has been implemented at U.S. Embassies worldwide as part of the Global Support Strategy for Visa Services. Visa applicants will benefit from the flexibility the service offers by being able to uplift documents at days and times that are convenient to them. Questions regarding the DHL document return service, including questions about visa delivery status may be directed to the U.S. Embassy’s Visa Information Service telephone line at 592225-8732.

Another rape on the Essequibo Coast Police have detained a young Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast man, after his 55-year-old victim positively identified him during an identification parade on Tuesday, at the Anna Regina police station. The young man is being held for raping the Windsor Castle woman at her home over the weekend. The woman has since vacated her Windsor Castle home and has sought refuge at her daughter at Richmond Village. The 55-year-old mother and grandmother is unsure whether she would return to her home at Windsor Castle anytime soon. She said on Tuesday that the police conducted an identification parade and that she was able to identify the rapist because he wore no disguise when she encountered him for the first time. The rapist gained entry into her home by removing louver panes. The rapist after entering

the woman’s house and committing the sex act escaped with foodstuff and the woman’s underwear. “He told me he ain’t come for anything else; just sex.” After the frightening ordeal, the woman said the young rapist had the nerve to prepare breakfast before escaping through a back entrance. Immediately after, she called the Anna Regina police station. The police visited the scene and solicit a statement from the woman who was later escorted by a female police officer, to the Suddie public hospital for a medical examination. The rapist lives at Richmond Housing Scheme some miles from Windsor Castle and is a member of a gang that operates from that Village. It has been a while since women were forced to abandon their homes in fear of being physically attacked and raped. (Yannason Duncan)

Page 21

Police in more community intervention activities in Berbice The police in ‘B’ Division (that covers Regions Five and Six) under the leadership of its Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, continue their community interventions programmes across the County. Community Relations, Assistant Superintendent Keith Williams has been busy coordinating the programmes in the division. Recently, Officer in Charge of Sub Division No. 2 (Corentyne) Deputy Superintendent, Marlon Taylor along with Station Sergeant O. Welch and Corporal Tyndall of the Whim Police Station, in collaboration with Pastor Dennis Ram of the Revival Temple Assembly of God Church, started a community intervention which targets unemployed persons from within the Whim Station district. According to Taylor, one of the objectives of the programme is to equip them with the basic but necessary skills which will help them to gain meaningful employment, improve their standard of living and be better individuals in their respective communities. So far two unemployed youths - Ricardo Bahadur, 21 of Tain Settlement and Kenny Khemraj, 17 of Clifton Settlement on the Corentyne - were entered into a sixmonth training programme. The training will be held at the Mohamed Alli bodywork, welding and mechanic shop.

Action in a basketball game at the Smythfield Drop-in Centre.

According to Deputy Supt. Taylor, Alli has expressed his willingness to continue assisting the Police with such interventions in making the community a safer and better place. The No 2 (New Amsterdam, Canje, East Bank Berbice) subdivision under OC Deputy Superintendent Guy Nurse and Station Sergeant of the Central Police Station Marlon O’ Donaghue, has been rolling out a number of activities. Among them was a day of sports and games held at Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam involving members of the various youth

groups across the region. The groups participated in various sporting disciplines including cricket, football, volleyball and circle tennis. At the conclusion of the day’s activities the winning teams were presented with trophies and other prizes. The focus will shift to sub division No2 (West Coast Berbice) today where the Police under OC, Assistant Superintendent Joshua Harvey John, in collaboration with the St Michael’s Anglican Church, will be staging an anti-suicide walk and address in observation of the Church’s 60th anniversary.

Coordinator, Sergeant Cynthia Kelly, Station Sergeant of the Fort Wellington Police Station, stated that the activity will begin at 08:00 hrs with a walk from the No 23 turn to the Church Hall at Hope Town. Police officers from most of the stations in Berbice along with members of the Mothers Union from parish churches in both regions five and six are expected to participate in the march and lecture to follow. Commander Amsterdam and Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts are among those expected to attend.

Jamal Munroe called ‘Ocho’ in court again A man who is well known to the authorities and has a number of matters pending before the court has been slapped with two more charges. He is now charged with Robbery with Aggravation and Burglary. Jamal Munroe, called ‘Ocho’, 22 of Lot 31 Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, appeared on Friday before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead. Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Shariff, told the court that on March 21, at Nicolay Street, New Amsterdam, while in the company of others, Munroe robbed Lloyd Butchey of a gold chain, a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone and $12,000 in cash. Around 17:00 hrs, Butchey was walking through Nicolay Street on his way to a gym when he was attacked by Munroe and another man whom Butchey had seen minutes earlier. The men choked, cuffed and wrestled him to the ground before

robbing him of his belongings. They then escaped. Munroe then sat among a group of men at the head of the street but then made good his escape before the police arrived. Munroe told the court that he was not part of any robbery. He told the court that he was merely standing at the head of Nicolay Street when he was arrested. He was not sure what he was arrested for. The other charge is that on March 31, at Lot 56 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, and while in the company of another, Munroe broke and entered the home of Erica Hope and stole two laptops, two cell phones and a DVD player. According to Prosecutor Sheriff, on the night in question, the woman was asleep at home with her husband and children, when she heard a strange sound outside. Upon venturing out of the bedroom she noticed Munroe in the house with the items in

his hands. Another individual was standing at the back door. Upon seeing Hope, Munroe scooted out of the house through the front door, with the items. He subsequently texted and called the woman. He was positively identified on both occasions. Munroe was placed on $100,000 bail on each charge. He will have to return to court on April 13. Munroe was part of a gang that was allegedly responsible for the prison fracas that occurred in the New Amsterdam Prison in 2014 in which four prisoners were brutally beaten and slashed. That attack is widely believed to have caused the ensuing prison fracas in which Azumulla, and other high profile prisoners Quame Bhagwandin, Clarence Williams called ‘Wild Hog’, and Davendra Harrichand called ‘Bara’ were injured. He was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. He was also charged with robbing a Guyana Defence

Force Lieutenant of one Apple cell phone. He is facing another charge of burglary in which he stole one Acer Laptop Computer, one HP Laptop Computer and one Tablet. He has a number of ongoing matters pending, including Break and Enter and Larceny, Simple Larceny, Robbery under Arms and Throwing Missiles among others. Munroe who was on bail, had fled the area. He was subsequently nabbed in Georgetown while being in possession of narcotics and was placed on $20,000 bail. He was unable to post the bail and was remanded to Prison there. He had given his name as ‘Junior Munroe’ and a wrong address. However a prison officer who knew the convict spotted him in the Georgetown Prison and alerted the authorities. He was thus escorted to Berbice to face the multitude of charges. He was on bail again when he committed the last two atrocities.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Rooms in guest house at Soesdyke Linden, Highway @ H.Comfort Villa, 10 mins from airport. Call: 261-6454/ 600-0036 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park with free WiFi, recently renovated, 2 bedrooms$70,000. Call: 641-3318 Business place in Madhia 50X60 with living quarter. Contact: 696-8987; 6001086

Security officers, age 30 to 45yrs, serious enquiries only. Call: 225-0125 Construction workers: foremen, painters, carpenters. Email: constructguyana@gmail.com

Unregistered bluebird 2007 model: TV, reverse camera, dark interior, burgundy $2.3M negotiable. Call: 6553400

House for sale @ 638 Kuru Kururu. Call Gary: 664-2576

Clothes and shoe for sale. Call: 682-2858

One Toyota IST 2007 Model, PRR series, female driven, in excellent condition. Call: 6736250

One Honda 150cc motorcycle; One LN 170 Hilux manual, gasoline –Call: 6507501, 682-6111

1 Nissan Murano, PRR series, excellent condition. Call: 6280016; 667-2536

1-80CC Yamaha (Chappy) $200,000 negotiable. 1-5L RZ minibus -$1.2M negotiable. Call: 642-7555; 220-6385

One Jaguar XJ6 Sedan Motor Car. Good condition, most systems working, original parts, price to sell. Call: 2278448; 612-8319

Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 House 38X20; land 100X200 all fenced @ 635 Kuru Kururu-$5.5M. Call: 6941090; 661-6073

Wholesale pork for sale. Call: 684-0926 4 Commercial treadmills refurbished, suitable for gym or home used etc- Call: 6842119 or 680-2377 24ftX8ft & 250HP Yamaha Engine with turn system. Parika to Supernaam, excellent condition- $5.2M. Call: 683-8989 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call: 225-9032;647-2943;6045198

1-2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment located 1 Nouvelle Flanders W.C.D. Call: 6744929; 662-0187

One mobile air conditioner unit 110V 10,000 Btus, price to sell. Call: 227-8448; 6128319 PITBULL PUPS: 6 WEEKS OLD VACCINATED & DEWORMED. CALL: 6670338

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM

2 Skilled Mason to do fine work, plastering -$7,000 per day. Call: 675-4555

Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

One maid for East Bank area call 614-4358

Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

Architect: To Design a 4 Storied Building 30’x65’Contact 614-7147 or email: okamal2016@gmail.com TOURS Suriname Tours: Labour Day Weekend April 29, 2016- May, 2nd 2016 & Indian Arrival Weekend May 5th-8th, 2016. Call: 663-5171; 692-7270; 6392663; 223-0056

Reliable rentals: Cars, SUV – low rates & security deposits, special rates for long term. Call:227-2322;6012622 LEARN TO DRIVE Cybertron BeReady Driving School: $20,000 2 weeks @ Vreed-En-Hoop. Call: 2643057

PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572

One prime business place to rent at Mon Repos Public Road. Call: 220-6168; 6181754; 681-1508

CAR RENTAL

VEHICLE FOR SALE Smart choice Auto: 08&06 Premio, 08&06 Allion, 212, Runx, IST, Fielder. Call: 6523820; 665-4529

3 – Cat 398 Generator, Kato synchronous 1142 KVA, 800W 4 wire voltage 346/600, monitoring panel. Call: 6616161

Contract cars and taxi drivers (salaries paid). Call: 231-0002; 231-0316 Wanted Accounts Clerk and Pump Attendants. Call/Text or Whatapp: 627-2550

Thursday April 14, 2016

Automatic Garage Door opener and swing and sliding, gate operator. Call: 694-2548 Adorable short foot mix puppies. Call: 660-1439 Sheep! Sheep! A flock of sheep (Texana), foreign blood line. Call: 699-6499; 6652139; 442-0299 Mazda RX8, in immaculate condition -$2.8M negotiable. Call: 602-6024 (11am-5pm) Mac book Pro 13inches 2007, Duo core 2.17GHZ, 1 GB Ram, 150GB HD, Mac 05K 10.5.6/ Win7 -$55,000. Call: 621-9604; 694-1748

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 Seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 Seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 2- Unregistered new model Tacoma, bed covering, crash bar, step, alarm, mag rim. Call: 695-6461 or 639-7758

TO LET 4 Bedrooms House @ Bel-Air Gardens with modern conveniences- $3,200USD monthly .Call during working hours: 231-7839; 227-2322. No agents 3 Bedrooms house @ Bel-Air Park with modern conveniences -$2500 USD monthly- furnished. Call during working hours: 2317839; 227-2322. No agents

Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel:644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 6895997

Property @ Diamond, junior staff compound 100X100 and Bel-Air 60x90. Call: 6781575; email: wynette britton @ hotmail. com Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 House for sale in West Ruimveldt -$9M & South Ruimveldt Park. Call: 662-4975 Transported property @ Lot 12 Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo. Call: 639-7903 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701 One 2 flat concrete 6 bedrooms house in Strathspey, E.C.D, big land space -$14M- Call: 689-5103 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Transported property for sale in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Street. Call: 625-1514

4 Bedrooms house @ BelAir Park with modern convenience -$2500USD monthly furnished. Call during working hours: 2317839; 227-2322, No agents.

LAND FOR SALE

Apartments in Eccles. Call: 225-3234

Land in Diamond area. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 25 Acres prime transported land @ Mahaicony E.C.D can be used for resort, housing scheme or commercial business. Call: 221-2075

Semi automatic stationary hydraulic hollow block & paver machine. Specificationhydraulic pump, vibrator conveyer belt. Call: 220-6168; 618-1754; 681-1508 LEARN TO DRIVE

Business spot at Diamond Public Road. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536

PEN PAL US Citizen seeks Single professional Health care female as a partner. Name, age, profession, address- Text only to 611-9970

1 House lot in Crane Housing Scheme & 1 house & land in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 622-4841 Land at La Grange Race Dame W.B.D 37’X780’. Call: 661-9111 (Continued on 23)

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Kaieteur News

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Critical look at agricultural Four reasons why these three performance to date persons should not be there DEAR EDITOR; It was reported in the news media on April 12, that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has flown to Costa Rica and was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority and the General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Corporation to discuss support for the agricultural sector in Guyana. Tourism is the main foreign exchange earner for Costa Rica with bananas, pineapples and coffee as its major agricultural crops. It has no livestock development. Guyana’s main agricultural crops are sugar and rice. Their improved productivity can only come through mechanization, development of high yielding plants and lower labor costs. Competitiveness has to come from lower cost of production. Hence there is no commonality with respect to the agricultural sector between the two countries and therefore it is difficult to comprehend as claimed, that the objectives of Minister Holder’s visit are to improve productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector thereby contributing to the development and well-being of the rural population since the crops grown by each country are dissimilar. Minister Holder has been in office for nearly a year, done little so far and has no comprehensive plan to develop and improve

agriculture, the most important sector in Guyana. The Report on the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry is still under wrap without any decision taken to implement/ reject the recommendations. Presently there is drought in Regions 2 and 3 with no concerted effort made by the Ministry of Agriculture to provide rice farmers with some water to save their seedlings while there is flooding in parts of Region 6 which has destroyed crops to be reaped because the drainage system is clogged for want of maintenance. The sugar industry is in a downward spiral with no alternative plan in sight for its rescue particularly for Wales Estate and its impending displaced workers. The Hope Canal is still not functional as per its design requirements. President Granger should let the poor people of Guyana know why so many of his Ministers with large entourages are making frequent expensive overseas trips which the country could ill afford to achieve marginal benefits while neglecting to address the problems at home for which they were appointed to resolve. “ Charity begins at home,” and therefore our elected representatives should not be allowed to make luxurious trips abroad for questionable purposes and no clear cut objective to benefit the country. Charles Sohan

DEAR EDITOR; At a press conference held on 6th April, 2016, Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine announced the names of the confirmed commissioners for the pivotal Commission of Inquiry into Guyana’s failing education system. Identified as commissioners, among others, are Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) Ingrid Trotman, Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) Marcel Hutson, Acting Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary) Leslyn Charles. It is my contention that Ms. Trotman, Mr. Hutson and Ms. Charles should be not commissioners since they are senior functionaries within the Ministry of Education. Several reasons can be advocated why these officers of the Ministry of Education should not be commissioners. Firstly, Ms. Trotman, Mr. Hutson and Ms. Charles were

Hard sacrifices were made so Harmon could have come to power

DEAR EDITOR; This is not an issue of party loyalty or politics. I am certainly not accusing Joe Harmon of being corrupt or of having benefited in any way from his alleged association with certain questionable individuals. But Joe was the man who allegedly prevented the Guyana Revenue Authority from properly conducting their duties with one of the companies whose CEO is allegedly associated with him. Joe was the man who arrogantly stated he owed no explanation for the ministerial pay rises. Then had to row back from those ill-considered remarks. The optics here are

terrible. A picture tells a thousand words !! The photograph in the private jet is hard to stomach for the many, many thousands of poor and struggling people who voted this government into office. People who placed their faith in the integrity of the new government. Joe Harmon should be mindful of the fact that first and foremost he is a servant of these people. Let’s remember that we have two companies namely BK International and Bai Shan Lin under active investigation by SARU which has been tasked, inter alia, with recovery of state assets. Yet

the CEOs of both companies can be seen allegedly associating with Joe Harman on a private jet !!! Joe Harmon has now become the news and is an unnecessary and unwelcome distraction from the important work of this government. It is vital for the restoration of faith and trust in our elected officials for the President to act decisively to ensure that this characterisation of one individual does not spread to encompass the whole government. How can the government reasonably make an ongoing case for change in these circumstances? People have DIED so that

this coalition government could come to power to bring positive social change and justice. Why did Crum Ewing die? Why did the Linden martyrs die? Why did the peaceful Georgetown protestors take buckshot for? It is incumbent upon this government to be always mindful of the sacrifice of those who gave their lives so that democracy and good governance could be restored to Guyana. In my humble view, Mr Joe Harmon needs an extended ‘period of reflection’. Colin Bascom

The Town Clerk, Mr. King is above the law DEAR EDITOR; I read a letter in the press recently written by Pitchan Bharat and captioned ‘Why is Royston King allowed to behave like this?’ in which he expresses his disappointment as a staunch supporter of the AFC, at the behavior of Royston King whom was installed by the Coalition Government as it relates to the erection of a stall between Robb Street and North Road which he constructed at a cost is a little over 3/4m dollars, and which King has ordered him to cease all work on the stall and dismantle the structure. According to Bharat, he applied for and was granted

permission to erect this stall which has caused for the employment of nine persons; of which five are African youths that the Coalition Government promised jobs and which he contributes for that little space $300,000.00 annually to the city’s coffers. He is puzzled to sort out the rational; behind the decision making process whereby approval is granted for construction of a stall and after the work is almost completed instructions are issued for it to be demolished. What Pitchan Bharat fails to realize is that he is a friend of the AFC and the Coalition Government but not necessarily a friend of Royston

King, who is a law unto himself. Has he forgotten what King did to the Georgetownbased Pan African Movement, headed by Dr. Jocelyn Loncke, when he used Council’s work force to demolish two concrete walls constructed by that body and towed away a 20-ft container from the facility which they had acquired from f o r m e r Mayor Hamilton Green, even as the Movement had big plans for utilizing the land leased to them, and then turned around and gave a nearby prime spot to the operators of the Jerk Hut, friends of his? Is Mr. Bharat unaware of what King did to 20 vendors

who plied their trade outside the old Bedford School on Bourda Street, in Georgetown just after the school was purchased by a wealthy businessman who wanted it torn down and the area cleared up? And this is just in the Bourda area alone. Clearly Bharat’s stall would be in competition with the new stalls built by King and leased out to his cohorts around the Bourda Market. If Pitchan Bharat is serious about having a stall there then he has forget about his acquaintance with the AFC and the Coalition Government and go and talk to King properly. Jermain Johnson

the ones who initiated, advocated and executed the very policies and practices which will be evaluated. How objective can they be in this process? Secondly, Ms. Trotman, Mr. Hutson and Mr. Charles should be called on to give evidence to the Commission. Ms. Trotman and Ms. Charles manage the nursery and secondary levels of education in this country. Rather than being commissioners, Ms. Trotman and Ms. Charles must explain the genesis of the many failed educational programmes we have had in this country. These individuals must explain the management of the programmes and the reason for failure. Mr. Hutson must also be called on to give evidence on the failing supervisory practices of the Ministry of Education.

Thirdly, Minister Roopnaraine said that one of the objectives of the CoI is to “establish a baseline analysis of the state of the public education in Guyana”. Ms. Trotman, Mr. Hutson and Ms. Charles are the ones who have been in-charge. Essentially, we are asking these individuals to grade themselves. Two of three of these individuals are functioning in an acting capacity. I wonder what the grade will be! Fourthly, teachers who which to evidence to the Commission may be hindered from doing so because of the designation that these individuals hold within the Ministry of Education. Any indictment against the Ministry of Education is really a condemnation of the work done or not done by these individuals. Mohammed S. Hussain

From page 4 authority, attributable to the position of Town (Clerk) Manager. The democratic process demands transparency of selection. It therefore means that the normal organisational principle of advertising for candidates suitable to the requirements of a Manager must be fully observed. The relevant decision-makers must understand that today’s behaviours must not only set a positive foundation for the immediate; but must also recognise that any early misconceived initiatives would haunt the efficacy of the new institution for an indefinite period. One approach to be preferred would be to invite more authoritative advice on organisation structuring, with particular reference to local government being useful. Additionally, the Burrowes Report on the reformation of the Mayor & City Council, Georgetown would be instructive – particularly with respect to recommendations on financial and human resources management sys-

tems. In the same breath it is critically important that the most professional system of financial management be instituted – requiring of course careful selection and training. Indeed closer examination would reveal that the establishment of all relevant management systems should precede or complement the timing of the selection of a Town Manager; supported by a massive programme of education and training. Relevant qualified members of a Local Government Commission could have helped. Elijah Bijay

Notes on the City...

Why does the Mayor... From page 5 Resource Department manicuring and pedicuring themselves. This is nepotism which is clearly defined as the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives, but let us see what else the audit turns up. Come on Madam Mayor, onward with the forensic audit! Shanta Singh

From page 22 VACANCY 1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Service 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Exist for 1 entertainment manager to work @ Club on Essequibo Coast, must have PR skills. Call: 226-9768 Security guards to work with a mining firm in the Interior must have military background. Call: 226-9768 1 Cook to work in Kitchen in Trinidad, able to cook Indian & English dishes. Call Selwyn Persaud: 001868-680-2083 One driver, must be 30yrs & older, will require to assist in running around. Call: 2272322; 601-2622

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Kaieteur News

Salesman found with marijuana in purse A salesman who police say intended to traffic 18 grams of what they believe is marijuana was remanded to prison Tuesday, when he appeared at the City’s Court. “It’s only 18 grams your worship,” pleaded Attorneyat-Law Paul Fung-a-Fat, who tried to secure his client’s bail. But Akeem Lashley, of 183 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown was refused bail and remanded to prison until his next court appearance on May 3. Lashley denied the charge against him which said that on April 9, 2016 at Georgetown he had in his

possession 18 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. According to the police report, Lashley was found with a small purse in his pocket containing the suspected substance after police ranks searched him. The ranks had informed the defendant about the offence he allegedly committed and he was subsequently taken to the Albouystown Police Station where the substance was weighed in his presence. After this, Lashley was charged and arrested. Prosecutor Corporal

Robbery/Home invasion of Land Court Judge ...

Two testify that defendant was not with gang

Akeem Lashley Inniss objected to bail given the gravity of the offence. And Magistrate Annette Singh made the lawyer aware of the conditions surrounding the illegal drug.

Gun point robber remanded A gold miner accused of robbing a woman with a gun, and a Sign Artist who allegedly kept the stolen items were both given separate fates on Tuesday when they appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh. The Court heard that Javon Gillis, of 18 Prince William Street, Georgetown, using a hand gun, allegedly robbed a woman and gave the pilfered items to Javed Buruse. The 20-year-old Gillis, denied the charge that said that on April 9, last, at Georgetown he used a hand gun to relieve Dianne Payne of her 48’ inch Television set, a Samsung tablet and two Alcatel cellular phones and other items. Gillis was remanded to prison whilst Buruse was granted $50,000 bail. Police

Javon Gillis say Buruse of lot 24 Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, between April 2 and April 7, 2016 at Georgetown he received from Javon Gillis, a 48’ inch TV set and Samsung tablet knowing

that it was stolen or unlawfully obtained. Buruse pleaded not guilty to the offence. According to police facts Dianne Payne was sleeping when she was suddenly awakened by a strange noise coming from inside of her home. She was later confronted by the accused who pointed a gun at her and threatened her to keep silent if she valued her life. Police say he made his way around her home and escaped taking the items mentioned with him. According to an investigating rank who was present in court, Gillis assisted with police investigations and directed the ranks to the location where the items were hidden. The matter will be called again on May 3 for statements.

World Bank recommends that CH&PA ... From page 18 interconnected with a number of local authorities throughout Guyana. “The plan is to take CH&PA to a higher level of proficiency, using electronic means of communication,” he said. According to the World Bank's Information Technology Consultant, Ayodele Browne, the 10-phase permission process could be reduced by standardising the building permit application form for all local authorities in Guyana.

She recommended that all documents related to the process be outlined on CP&HA's website, along with the required fees and all pre-approvals of drawings and plans needed. The World Bank also made recommendations for the decentralisation of CH&PA to better serve the outlying regions. A Government statement, explaining the presence of the World Bank officials, said the Ministry of Business aims to significantly improve Guyana's performance in the

Doing Business Index over the next five years. This will require crossgovernment collaboration on both small and large reforms, which is expected to create economic growth, development and job creation. The World Bank team consisting of Browne and Consultant Jessica Victor is here at the request of the Ministry of Business to provide advice on improving the local business environment to improve the 'Ease of Doing Business' in Guyana.

Kids in playground find missing ... From page 12 quickly descended on the scene. The body was examined but due to its decomposed state it was difficult to determine marks of violence. According to information about three children were playing hide and seek in the village and a little girl had gone to hide in the shrubs near the school fence. As the others were closing in on her, the child suddenly darted from the bushes shouting “Gadaffi lie

down dey.” The children all in fright screamed as they raced away from the scene. Relatives and residents quickly descended at the scene and to their horror saw the badly decomposed body of the man. However the police are saying that the man was reportedly ill. According to reports, he would usually frequent the area. He apparently fell ill and subsequently died. Some residents reported

Thursday April 14, 2016

smelling something funny, but thought it was a dead donkey. They stated that apparently dogs would have eaten the man's flesh. Craig's body is at the Bailey's Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem examination. The man was never married and has no children. He was the youngest of two brothers and eight sisters. Investigations are continuing.

Two witnesses testified on behalf of Premnauth Samaroo when the trial of the five men accused of robbing Land Court Judge, Nicola Pierre, continued in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Sam a r o o , Anthony David, Warren Mc Kenzie, Damien Millington and Nicholas Narine are jointly facing three charges, two for the offence of Robbery under Arms committed on Pierre and her husband, Mohamed Chand, and another for the offence of discharging a loaded firearm at securi t y g u a r d , R o n Peters. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. They are currently on remand. Christopher Rogers of 1894 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Brandon Dickson of 1805 Hummingbird Street, F e s t i v a l C i ty were the witnesses that testified before Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul. First to take the stand yesterday was Rogers, who told the court that on the night of July 8, 2015 he and Samaroo were playing Nintendo games by his friend, Isaiah, in Festival City, North Ruimveldt. A while later, the witness said that he received a call from his friends (Dickson) who requested that he come to Agriculture Road to pick him up from his girlfriend’s home. Rogers said that Kelvin De Peazer and Samaroo, whom he saw for the first time at the home asked to come along for the ride in a car he had borrowed from his brother-in-law. “While I was heading up to the East Coast, the car started to gave a bumping…like it losing power. About two to three occasion the car giving a bumping sound like it want to shut down,” Roger recalled. He stated that they picked up Kelvin through Agriculture Road and headed back to Georgetown. Rogers said that the car eventually shut down at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. The witness recounted that he and his companions made several attempts to have the car towed. He said that he even called his mechanic to come and fix the vehicle but it was to no avail. He recollected that they pushed the car over Plaisance line top to his aunt’s home in the same village and parked it. While at his aunt’s

residence, Rogers said that they heard a loud noise. “…And we thinking that it was gunshots. We end up leaving the car by my aunt and walk out back to Plaisance line top to take a car.” According to the witness, he and the three other men walked out to the Sparendaam Police Station after they were unable to get a car to take them back to the city. Roger’s told the court, “And then we saw an officer come out of Sparendaam Station and call me and Kelvin De Peazer…the officer gunpoint we, search we and took me and Kelvin Depeazer in the station.” He added that the officer went back out and brought Daniel and Samaroo into the station. There he said, they were questioned as to why they were on the road around 1:00am and 2:00am on July 9, 2015. Rogers testified that a CID plainclothes police walked up to him and “box” him and asked him why they went and shoot up at some lady house. The witness informed the court that he told the officer he had no knowledge about what he was speaking about. He recalled that he was kept in custody for four days during which he was placed on three identifications parades at the Cove and John Police Station, East Coast Demerara. During that time he also said that police visited his aunt’s home and searched the car for guns but found nothing before towing the vehicle to the station. CROSS EXAMINED During cross examination by Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes, Rogers admitted that it was the first time he had gone to Agriculture Road. When questioned by the Prosecutor as to how he was able to locate the home of Roger’s girlfriend, the witness stated that Dickson told him via phone to locate a bus shed which was couple houses from the girl’s residence. Prosecutor Hughes told the witness that it would have been difficult for him to locate the young woman’s home given that it was the first time he was visiting the location and asked him if he was told to look for any landmarks. In response, Rogers said that he could not recall since the incident occurred over 10 months ago. The witness explained to the Prosecutor that he had

Land Court Judge, Nicola Pierre been borrowing the vehicle for about five months and would usually go out to parties with his friends. He went on to say that it was the first time the vehicle had given him mechanical problems. Rogers made it clear to the prosecutor on numerous occasions that he suspected that no one wanted to assist with towing the car because it was four men on the road that hour. He added that they flagged down several vehicles at Better Hope for assistance but got no help with moving the vehicle. He testified that they had no other alternative but to push the vehicle to Plaisance. When asked certain questions by the Prosecutor, the witness started to get defensive. He began volunteering responses to unasked questions. He was however, warned by the Magistrate to stop “back talking” and also advised by the Prosecutor to only provide answers to the questions being asked. When the Prosecutor suggested to Rogers that he had told the court a fabricated story, he replied “That is not a fabrication” When called on to testify, Brandon Dickson told the court a similar story. However, he testified that he was kept in custody for about a week and placed on about four identification parades. During cross examination, Dickson denied that his crew and another crew “went o n t h i s w u k ” , a suggestion put to him by Hughes. Both witnesses admitted that they were arrested by police before and had to provide them with alibis. Samaroo’s Attorney, Adrian Thompson re-examined Rogers but declined to question Dickson. This trial has been adjourned until April 21.

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Kaieteur News

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Assad holds parliamentary election as Syrian peace talks resume (Reuters) - Syrians voted in a parliamentary election in government-held areas of the country yesterday in what they called a show of support for President Bashar alAssad, while his opponents and Western powers denounced the poll as illegitimate. The election went ahead independently of a U.N.-led peace process aimed at ending the five-year-long war. A second round of talks began in Geneva on Wednesday but an upsurge in fighting has darkened the already bleak outlook for diplomacy. The government said the vote was held to comply with the constitution, a view echoed by its Russian allies. The opposition, which wants the new peace talks to focus on a political transition, said the election was meaningless, while Britain and France called it a “flimsy facade” and a “sham”. Voters were electing 250 MPs to parliament, which has no real power in Syria’s presidential system. The state rallied them with the slogan “Your vote strengthens your steadfastness”.

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (C) casts his vote next to his wife Asma (centre left) inside a polling station during parliamentary elections in Damascus, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA on April 13, 2016. (REUTERS/SANA/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

“Assad is already strong but these elections show that the people support him and bolster him,” said Hadi Jumaa, a 19-year-old student, as he cast his ballot at his university halls of residence in Damascus. Dozens queued to vote at one polling station where a portrait of Assad hung on the wall. Outside, some danced. With his wife Asma at his side as he went to vote in Damascus, a smiling Assad told state TV that terrorism had been able to destroy much of Syria’s infrastructure but not Syria’s “social structure, the national identity”. Asaad al-Zoubi, chief negotiator for the main opposition body, the High Negotiations Council. dismissed the polls: “They are illegitimate theater for the sake of procrastination.” The conflict has killed

more than 250,000 people and created millions of refugees, splintering Syria into a patchwork of areas controlled by the government, an array of rebels, a powerful Kurdish militia, and the Islamic State group. The government views all the groups fighting it as terrorists. CEASEFIRE PLEAS The Damascus government controls around one third of Syria, including the main cities in the west, home to the bulk of Syrians who have not fled the country. The United Nations puts the number of Syrian refugees abroad at 5.8 million. With parliament elected every four years, it is the second parliamentary election held by the government in wartime. Assad was re-elected head of state in a presidential election in 2014. The government said it

would not take part in peace talks until after the election. It is expected to participate from Friday while the opposition delegation met U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura yesterday. De Mistura said senior officials in Moscow, Damascus, Tehran and Amman backed the idea of discussing a political transition but that he wanted to see a renewed pledge to uphold a truce he said had seen serious incidents, but “not a bushfire”. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged all sides to adhere to what the U.N. describes as a “cessation of hostilities”. Agreed in February, the partial truce, which does not include Islamic State or alQaeda-linked groups, had helped bring the sides to Geneva. But fighting south of Aleppo has strained it to breaking point and Damascus had ruled out discussing the presidency ahead of the first round of talks last month. Each side has blamed the other for ceasefire violations. The head of the opposition delegation said the government had dropped 420 barrel bombs - oil drums packed with explosives - last month alone. The government has denied using such weapons. Foreign states opposed to Assad said the election was out of line with a U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for elections at the end of an 18-month transition. His allies, notably Russia, said it is in line with the constitution.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

Spurned Linden man wanted by police for attempted murder Police have issued a wanted bulletin for a Linden man, 10 days after he attempted to murder his ex-lover Simone Belle and her male friend, Sherwin Hughes. Colwyn Croal, known as ‘Alex Croal’, is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the shooting of the two persons which occurred on April 3 at Half Mile, Wismar, Linden. On that day both Hughes, of 138 Blueberry Hill, and the 41-year-old Belle, of 102 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden were rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, after Croal allegedly opened fire on them. According to reports, the suspect who previously shared a relationship with Belle, had been observed hiding out in the woman’s yard earlier on the night of the shooting. Police in a statement had said that their investigations have revealed that Simone

Colwyn Croal known as ‘Alex Croal’ Belle had just arrived home in a vehicle driven by Sherwin Hughes, when shots were discharged at them by a man who is reported to have shared a relationship with

Belle and which was ended several months ago. According to reports, as Belle and Hughes pulled up to her house, persons who had seen the suspect lurking in the dark, shouted to the driver, “Drive, don’t stop!” “So dey drive past and de going up the road past the house but the gunman, run behind the vehicle shooting at dem. So the driver jump out and run, with the gunman in hot pursuit,” another source said. Police say that Croal is 47 years old and his last known address is Lot 604 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Colwyn Croal known as ‘Alex Croal’ is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 444-3406, 444-3274, 444-3512, 225-2227, 225-6411, 911 or the nearest Police Station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

Unruly witness jailed for seven days for contempt It was near pandemonium yesterday in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court being presided over by Magistrate Rhondell Weever. The chaotic situation came about when one of the witnesses began behaving in a hostile manner while giving her evidence in the high profile murder trial of Rooplall Abrahim, called Vijai 24, of Bath , West Coast Berbice and Gocoul Madanpaul, 18, called ‘Clown’, of 175 Block B Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. The two men are accused of murdering Anita Baichan between Sunday January 3, and Monday January 4, 2016, at Plantation Hope/ Bath, West Coast Berbice. The witness Taramattie Ramdeen, called “Tara”, 37, a domestic worker of Lot 175 Block D Plantation Bath, West Coast Berbice, and the mother of Madanpaul, was the fourth witness called at the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry into the murder. During her evidence, it was noted by the Prosecution that the woman was

changing her story drastically, contrary to the statement she had given to the police. The woman began to behave in a hostile manner and was repeatedly warned by the Magistrate. However she continued. When confronted with the changing story by Prosecutor Sergeant Althea Solomon, the woman became hysterical and began slamming on the rail of the witness box. She started to use abusive and indecent language. “You know me head ain’t good. I don with this kiss me ass court.” Efforts to restrain her were met with verbal and physical abuse as the woman lashed out at those in her path. Ramdeen was sentenced to seven days in jail by Magistrate Weever for contempt. The time was said to be to allow her to reflect on her unruly behavior. Again efforts to restrain the woman as she was being led away were met with stern resistance. Police officers were roughed up and a secu-

rity guard at the court was injured and had to seek medical attention. Additional charges are likely to be laid against the woman including resisting arrest, disorderly behavior and wounding among others. All the while during this melee, the two high profile criminals Abrahim and Madanpaul sat silently in the courtroom.

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Thursday April 14, 2016

Russia jets make ‘simulated attack’ passes near US destroyer: U.S. (Reuters) - Two Russian warplanes flew simulated attack passes near a U.S. guided missile destroyer in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday, the U.S. military said, with one official describing them as one of the most aggressive interactions in recent memory. The repeated flights by the Sukhoi SU-24 warplanes, which also flew near the ship a day earlier, were so close they created wake in the water, with 11 passes, the official said on Wednesday. The planes carried no visible weaponry, the official said. A Russian KA-27 Helix helicopter also made seven passes around the USS Donald Cook, taking pictures. The nearest Russian territory was about 70 nautical miles away in its enclave of Kaliningrad, which sits between Lithuania and Poland. “They tried to raise them (the Russian aircraft) on the radio but they did not answer,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding the U.S. ship was in international waters. The U.S. military on Wednesday released photos and videos of the incidents. In one photograph, an SU-24

appears to pass at extremely low altitude over the Donald Cook’s bow. The events were reminiscent of the Cold War, when a series of close calls led to a bilateral agreement aimed at avoiding dangerous interactions at sea that was signed in 1972 by then-Secretary of the Navy John Warner and Soviet Admiral Sergei Gorshkov. The agreement prohibited “simulated attacks against aircraft or ships, performing aerobatics over ships, or dropping hazardous objects near them.” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, “This incident ... is entirely inconsistent with the professional norms of militaries operating in proximity to each other in international water and international airspace.” The incident came as NATO plans its biggest buildup in eastern Europe since the Cold War to counter what the alliance, and in particular the three Baltic states and Poland, consider to be a more aggressive Russia. The Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which joined both NATO and the

An U.S. Navy picture shows what appears to be a Russian Sukhoi SU24 attack aircraft making a very low pass close to the U.S. guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea in this picture taken April 12, 2016 and released April 13, 2016. (REUTERS/US NAVY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

European Union in 2004, have asked NATO for a permanent presence of battalion-sized deployments of allied troops in each of their territories. A NATO battalion typically consists of 300 to 800 troops. Moscow denies any intention to attack the Baltic states.

“We cannot treat this as anything else than provocation, yet another example of aggressive intentions towards NATO, towards the United States, towards Poland,” Poland’s Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz told private radio RMF.

The USS Donald Cook had just wrapped up a port visit in the Polish city of Gdynia on April 11 and proceeded out to sea with a Polish helicopter on board. The first incident took place on April 11, when two SU-24 jets flew about 20

passes near the Donald Cook, coming within 1,000 yards (meters) of the ship, at about 100 feet (30 meters) in altitude. That was followed by even closer passes by the SU24s the following day and the passes by the Russian helicopter. The U.S. defense official said the commanding officer of the Donald Cook believed that Tuesday’s incident was “unsafe and unprofessional.” The U.S. military’s European Command said in a statement that “U.S. officials are using existing diplomatic channels to address the interactions, while the incidents are also being reviewed through U.S. Navy channels.” “These actions have the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions between countries, and could result in a miscalculation or accident that could cause serious injury or death,” it said. U.S. Representative J. Randy Forbes, who chairs the House Armed Services subcommittee on seapower, said in a statement that “U.S. naval activity in Europe must be expanded accordingly to address the threat posed by Russia’s international behavior.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

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WADA opens way for athletes to avoid... Nat U-17s bowled... From page 31 that it deals with is the time this drug takes to come out of the system. It’s an attempt to clarify the many questions that we’ve been asked.” The Russian sports ministry and national Olympic committee welcomed the WADA statement, and the country’s officials suggested there could be a mass amnesty of Russian athletes. Russian tennis federation head Shamil Tarpishchev told the R-Sport agency he hoped that Sharapova would be able to play at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August, while the head of the Russian swimming federation suggested there could be a swift return to competition for suspended world champion Yulia Efimova. “In no way does this serve as an ‘amnesty’ for athletes that are asserted to have

committed an anti-doping rule violation,” WADA spokesman Ben Nichols told the AP in an email. “Rather, it serves as guidance for how anti-doping organizations should assess the particular circumstances of each individual case under their jurisdiction.” The meldonium cases have no bearing on the ongoing suspension of Russia’s track and field team following a WADA commission report into what it called state-sponsored doping. Sharapova, a winner of five Grand Slam titles, said she had been taking meldonium for medical reasons over a 10year period and had not seen a WADA notice last year that the drug would be banned starting in 2016. Sharapova was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Federation pending a disciplinary

hearing. “We can confirm that the case is ongoing and that there will be a hearing,” ITF spokesman Nick Imison told the AP on Wednesday. “I have seen the statement from WADA and obviously any ongoing cases will take that information from WADA, but it won’t affect the fact that there is an ongoing case.” Sharapova’s lawyer said WADA’s statement was “proof of how poorly” the agency handled meldonium issues in 2015. “Given the fact that scores of athletes have tested positive for taking what previously was a legal product, it’s clear WADA did not handle this properly last year and they’re trying to make up for it now,” attorney John Haggerty said in a statement. “The notice underscores why so many legitimate questions have been raised con-

Thursday April 14, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Abrupt action will cause difficulties with relatives. Concentrate on spending quality time with children. You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Uncertainties regarding your love life will surface if you have neglected your mate. Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You must look into your options. Your partner may blame you for everything. Be prepared to take care of the issues at hand.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Be on your best behavior. Get thinking about prolonging longevity. Don't expect romantic encounters to be lasting.

GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Get involved in the activities of children. Take a short business trip if possible. Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can make a big difference to children if you are understanding of the difficulties they are experiencing. Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation.

CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Be up front if you don't want to be embarrassed. Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs. Don't hesitate to come right out and ask for the pertinent information. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) It's hard to stay mad if the object of the anger refuses to react. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs. You may be illtreated if you have to deal with institutional environments. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Come to your own conclusions rather than taking the word of someone else. Don't let your emotions get out of hand. Travel and communication will be lucrative for you. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Taking on too much won't help the situation. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work.

cerning WADA’s process in banning meldonium as well as the manner in which they notified players,” Haggerty said. “This notice should have been widely distributed in 2015, when it would have made a difference in the lives of many athletes.” WADA said prosecution of meldonium cases can be “stayed” and provisional suspensions lifted if the concentration of the drug in the system is between 1 and 15 micrograms per millileter and the test was carried out before March 1, or if the level is below 1 microgram per millileter and the doping control was conducted after March 1. In both cases, the drug could still be in the athletes’ system from before Jan. 1. The agency said doping cases should be pursued, however, in the case of athletes who admit having taken meldonium on or after Jan. 1. The same applies to cases where the concentration of the drug is above 15 micrograms per millileter and where the level is between 1 and 15 and the drug test was after March 1.

From page 34 damage with the ball and exposed the deficiencies of the young batsman to cope on a sluggish pitch and play the ball late to bat ‘long’ to build an innings. When Demerara began their reply Renee got going with a couple of spanking boundaries off pacer Barlow, while the experienced left-arm spinner Nedd was used to share the new ball with Barlow. Renee pulled a short ball for four but Nedd soon

trapped Raymon Perez LBW for a duck at 14-1. Rutherford and Renee survived the rest of the day as off-spinner St Clair who extracted prodigious turn from damp track, beat the outside edge of the left handed Rutherford known for his big hitting. He will need to temper his aggression with sensible shot selection if he is to make a big score today when play is scheduled to start at 09:30hrs with Demerara still 65 runs short of the opposition’s total.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2016

Annual T&G Outreach U-13 Inter-school football World Cup heroes deserve a moment of nationalistic glory competition starts in Berbice >>> Letter to the Sports Editor <<<

DEAR EDITOR, I was still in embryonic stage when Legendary West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd won two World Cups in 1974 and 1978 respectively. He then returned to his homeland on both occasions to a heroes’ welcome and even paraded to different parts of the country including on the Essequibo Coast, with the coveted trophy as I was told. Could the Government or the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) replicate a similar reception for our current World Cup winning heroes? Instead the women were humiliated at the airport upon their return, while the under 19 players had a low key reception when compared to their colleagues from the other territories. It simply boggles the mind just how some of our admin-

istrators can ill-advisedly mistime the significance and magnitude of our sportsmen and women’s achievements. I would never be removed from the emotional captivation and excitement whenever I am told of those moments of nationalistic pride as Clive Lloyd held aloft the symbol of world supremacy. This is indeed an opportunity to repeat history with the nation once the authorities have the vision to do so. At present though, the GCB has been on the defensive and must immediately attempt at spinning the coin of grandeur for our champions, notwithstanding the gala dinner that was hosted for them recently. They deserve more as was humorously even though boldly stated by one of the female players at the

event. Additionally the Government shall honour those stars during the celebrations of the country’s golden jubilee anniversary. The timing is right for the advancement of West Indies cricket and every opportunity must be grasped at winning each moment. This is indeed quite an historic sequence of sporting invincibility for the people of the Caribbean, a monumental feat that will be unmatched for a long time to come. Congratulations to our heroes who are most deserving of a special moment of nationalistic glory. Hoping we may witness a motorcade or exhibition matches organized by the GCB whereby the fans can savour the moment with our champions. Elroy Stephney

The annual Trinidad and Guyana Sports Club and Outreach Programme (TGSCOP) U13 Inter Secondary School football competition for schools in the NA/ Canje District began on Monday with two games and continues during the week. The tournament, which is being held at the All Saints Scott Church ground in New Amsterdam, is being played in collaboration with the Hearts of Oak Masters Football club. In the first game on Monday Vryman’s Erven Secondary defeated New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary by 20 margin with Virendra Deoham and Tyrick Ogleton scoring. In another game Canje Secondary School (CSS) and Tutorial Academy Secondary School played to a 1-1 draw. Scoring for CSS was Timothy

Jones, while TASS got their goal off the boot of Shawn Welcome. Two games were also played on Tuesday with New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (NAMS) and Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) playing to a 0-0 draw. The second game between CSS and Berbice High School (BHS) also ended in a 0-0 draw. Eight schools were invited to take part in the tournament, however only the above mentioned six are participating. The games are 60 minutes affairs. The top school in the competition will be presented with the Trinidad and Guyana (T&G) Sports Club and Outreach Programme trophy and 15 gold medals, while the runner up will collect a trophy and 15 silver medals. Trophies and other incentives will also be given to the other

participating teams. A number of individual prizes will also be presented including the most valuable player, best striker, best defender, best midfielder, best goalkeeper, most promising player(s), and most goal scorer. Players will also be presented with jerseys, trunks, shin pads, hoses, boots and footballs among other things. The competition is sponsored by Isaac Daniel a resident of Trinidad and a regular visitor to Guyana who started to organized the activities over a decade ago. The tournament is being coordinated by former national players Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey and Kenrick Bowry. Yesterday’s games were expected to feature BEI against VESS and BHS taking on TASS. (Samuel Whyte)

Badminton World Federation tested experimental scoring systems in two separate periods from August to October 2014, and from February to April 2015 with this last trial period including the testing of two different setting options. Match data and stakeholder feedback were collected from both testing periods, analyzed, and considered by BWF Council. At its meeting in May 2015, BWF Council agreed to a third period of testing from September 2016 through to 31

December 2017. Analysis from tournaments played to September 2017 will be considered by Council at its meeting in October/November 2017 and further analysis from tournaments played October to December 2017 will be considered in the analysis provided to the AGM in May 2018, a release from the Guyana Badminton Association President Gokarn Ramdhani indicated. A proposal could be presented to the membership at the Annual General Meeting

in May 2018. BWF would like to invite all Level 3 BWF Grand Prix, all BWF Level 4, and all international sanctioned junior tournaments taking place between September 2016 and 31 December 2017, to test options for a new scoring system played with “best of five games of 11 points” with one of the following formats for setting: 1. Setting to a maximum of 15 points; or 2. A three-point decider if the score reaches 10-all. There will only be a oneminute break between games. Setting Option 1 – At 10all, the player/pair wins the game when a two point lead is achieved, or first to 15 when the score reaches 14-all. Setting Option 2 – At 10all, a 3 points challenge will be played where the first player/pair to score three points wins the game. The score for that game would be displayed as 11-10 (3-2), 1110 (3-1), or 11-10 (3-0).

New experimental laws Port Mourant CC take first innings on Badminton scoring points in drawn match against GTC system for more trials BCB, New York Business Group One-Day Two-Innings Under-19 Competition

The Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) gained first innings points from Guysuco Training Center when play in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) - New York Business Group- One-Day, Two-Innings Under-19 cricket Competition 2016 continued in Berbice. In their latest match played at the Port Mourant Community Centre Port Mourant. Guysuco Training centre won the toss and took first and were bundled out for 96 in 24 overs. Jomaul Butts with 45 and Kadeen Samuels

Nickolas Seenarine outstanding 17 were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Bowling for the Port Mourant Cricket Club, Berbice U19 pacer Nickolas Seenarine was the main destroyer with 4 wickets for 9 runs. Fellow Berbice U19 player Vivekanand Jagjit and Jamar Lancaster picked up two wickets each, while there was one each for Kevin Latiff and Sudesh Ghamandi. Port Mourant in reply raced to 165 in 27 overs with

Daniel Samaroo leading the way with 55. Totaram Rajaram supported well with 40(4x4). In their second Innings, the GTC boys faced with a deficit of 69 reached 117 all out to gain a paltry lead of 48 runs. Port Mourant in their second turn at the crease made a spirited effort to get the required runs to gain full points, but ended on 32-2, falling short by 17 runs when time expired at 17:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

Please note: NOTE: The experimental laws stated are only those sections that are different than the current laws as per the respective sections of the Handbook II, Section 1A – Laws of Badminton. Reference must be made to the current laws section for all other scoring details.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

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MMA death: Irish Minister WADA opens way for athletes to Michael Ring aims to regulate avoid sanctions for meldonium sport after fighter dies Irish Sports Minister Michael Ring says he finds MMA “difficult to watch”. (INPHO)

BBC Sport - Irish Minister of Sport Michael Ring says he plans to regulate mixed martial arts in the country following the death of fighter Joao Carvalho on Monday. The Portuguese died in Dublin after spending 48 hours in a critical condition following a bout. “Clearly there’s a problem,” the Irish Sports Minister told RTE Radio 1’s Today with Sean O’Rourke.”I’m going to ask John Treacy in Sport Ireland to see what we can do to try and regulate this sport.” McGregor success increasing MMA popularity MMA is not funded by Sport Ireland, the umbrella body which governs sport in the Republic of Ireland, but it has become popular in the country following the success of Dubliner Conor McGregor. Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight champion McGregor, 27, defended MMA as he paid tribute to Carvalho. “Combat sport is a crazy game and with the recent incident in boxing and now this in MMA, it is a sad time to be a fighter and a fight fan,” said McGregor, who lost for the first time in UFC when he faced welterweight competitor Nate Diaz in March. “It is easy for those on the outside to criticise our way of

living. “For the millions of people around the world who have had their lives, their health, their fitness and their mental strength all changed for the better through combat, this is truly a bitter pill to swallow. We have lost one of us.” However, Irish minister Ring said that he has had concerns about the regulation of

I’ve had many meetings with people who are concerned about this and I wrote to these professional bodies. “I wrote to 17 operators in February of 2014, outlining to them that I expect the safety standards that exist in other sports in Ireland, that they would comply with this regulations.” ‘Fragmented MMA’ a

Joao Carvalho underwent emergency brain surgery after the fight but died on Monday. (Jerry MCcarthy/KO Media) MMA for some time and wrote to “17 operators” in 2014 calling for them to comply with safety standards. “This particular sport is not regulated, has not looked for regulation and has not looked to be part of the Sport Ireland programme. They are not getting any funding from the state,” he said. “Two years ago I saw this danger coming down the line.

Conor McGregor has won seven and lost one fight in UFC.

complicating factor The minister added that the fragmented nature of MMA in Ireland was a complicating factor. “If there’s any other major sporting event in the country, there’s national governing bodies,” he said. “Whoever is hosting that event has to comply with those safety standards and we need to bring in some kind of regulation to deal with this new phenomenon.” Ring added that he found MMA “very difficult” to watch and was something he would not like to see his family or friends engaging in. “I have watched not very much of it because I couldn’t spend too long watching that kind of sport,” he said. Carvalho, 28, was taken to hospital after being beaten in a fight at the National Stadium in Dublin by Laois man Charlie Ward on Saturday night. Despite undergoing emergency brain surgery, Carvalho died on Monday.

LONDON, United Kingdom (AP) — In a dramatic change that could lead to numerous doping cases being thrown out, athletes who tested positive for meldonium may be able to avoid sanctions because of a lack of scientific evidence on how long the recently banned drug stays in the system. The World Anti-Doping Agency said Wednesday provisional suspensions can be lifted if it is determined that an athlete took meldonium before it was placed on the list of banned substances on Jan. 1. “It’s not an amnesty as such,” WADA President Craig Reedie told The Associated Press. More than 120 positive tests for meldonium have been recorded in various sports and countries - many in Russia - since the drug was prohibited by WADA. The highest profile case involves Maria Sharapova, who announced last month that she tested positive during the Australian Open in January. Some athletes who have tested positive have claimed meldonium remained in their systems for months even though they stopped using it last year. Sharapova did not specify when she had last used meldonium. The Latvian-made drug, which is typically prescribed

Mildronate (Meldonium) medication is pictured in the pharmacy in Saulkrasti, Latvia, March 9, 2016. (REUTERS/INTS KALNINS) for heart conditions, was widely used as a supplement by athletes in Eastern European countries. The drug increases blood flow, which improves exercise capacity by carrying more oxygen to the muscles. In a notice to national anti-doping agencies, WADA acknowledged that “there is a lack of clear scientific information” on how long it takes for meldonium to clear the system. While several studies are currently being carried out by WADA-accredited laboratories, preliminary results show that long-term excretion of meldonium can take weeks or months, it said. As a result, it is possible that athletes who took

meldonium before Jan. 1 “could not reasonably have known or suspected” that the drug would still be present in their bodies after that date, WADA said. “In these circumstances WADA considers that there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part of the athlete,” the statement said. Reedie said the notice was sent out to all national antidoping bodies on Tuesday and would be posted on the agency’s website on Wednesday. The notice was released earlier Wednesday by Russia’s anti-doping agency. “It is designed to explain the science that we know,” Reedie told the AP in a telephone interview. “The issue (Continued on page 29)

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Thursday April 14, 2016

Lewis Hamilton seeking Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival set to renew old rivalries more Shanghai success Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. (REUTERS/ BRANDON MALONE)

SHANGHAI (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton has had more success in Shanghai than any other Formula One driver, which makes Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix the ideal location for the triple world champion to end Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg’s winning streak. While Rosberg has started the season with a perfect 50 points from two races, and a run of five successive victories dating back to last November, Hamilton is ready to turn the tables. The Briton has won four times in Shanghai and is on for three in a row after last season becoming the only driver to win the race in successive years. “It’s not been a smooth start to the season for me, so to be in the championship position I’m in right now is actually pretty positive,” said Hamilton, who lies second in

the standings after a second and a third place. “Now we go to China for the next battle. It’s a track that’s been good to me over the years... so hopefully this race can be the turning point.” Hamilton has not won since he took his third world championship in Austin, Texas, last October but the 31year-old has started both races this season on pole position. The decision to abandon a failed new live elimination qualifying format and revert to the 2015 version from Shanghai onwards is unlikely to make much difference to Mercedes’ domination of the Saturday session. While Hamilton is still the bookmakers’ favorite, Rosberg has reasons of his own to be confident. FIRST WIN His first Formula One victory came in Shanghai in 2012

Man United spoil West Ham party to reach Cup semis

LONDON (Reuters) Manchester United gatecrashed West Ham United’s FA Cup farewell party at Upton Park with an invigorating 2-1 victory on Wednesday to book a semi-final berth against Everton. A sensational goal from teenager Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini’s close-range effort, both in the second half, settled the quarter-final replay after the sides drew the first game 1-1 at Old Trafford. The scene was set for a momentous 155th and final FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Stadium which West Ham will

soon swap for the Olympic Stadium but after a promising start it was the visitors who rose to the occasion. Rashford deservedly put United in front after 54 minutes with a pinpoint curler from the edge of the area and Fellaini bundled in Anthony Martial’s cross 13 minutes later. James Tomkins’s header set up a tumultuous climax in which Andy Carroll headed narrowly over and David de Gea made a sensational save from Emmanuel Emenike as United hung on to keep alive their hopes of ending a disappointing season with a trophy.

and he stands on the cusp of history with only three other drivers ever putting together a run of six or more wins in a row — two of them also Germans. Sebastian Vettel managed nine with Red Bull in 2013 and Michael Schumacher seven with Ferrari in 2004. The other was Italian Alberto Ascari in the 1950s. Mercedes have won the last eight races but Hamilton, 17 points behind Rosberg, is not the only threat to the championship leader. Rivals Ferrari have yet to show their true pace, and might have won earlier without mishap, but Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen can count on plenty of local support in a country where red is a lucky colour. In Bahrain Vettel did not even start, his Ferrari engine coughing out plumes of smoke on the formation lap, but there will have been plenty of work back at the factory since then. “We are pushing very hard and we know that we can still improve,” Vettel said after Bahrain. Ferrari’s most recent winner was Fernando Alonso, in 2013. Now at McLaren, the Spaniard’s participation depends on him passing a medical on Thursday after being forced to sit out the race in Bahrain on doctors’ orders following his horrific accident in Australia. “While I hope I’ll be back in the cockpit on Friday (for practice), until I get the allclear from the doctors to race, whenever that may be, we cannot assume anything,” Alonso said on Tuesday. Belgian reserve Stoffel Vandoorne, who scored a point on his debut in Bahrain, remains on stand-by.

The Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival will renew some old rivalries among teams on April 24 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, especially among the Armed Forces with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) finally getting their chance at revenge. The grouse stemmed from Guyana Defence Force (GDF) edging Police last year in the 4x100 metre race at the InterService Annual Athletics Championships in a controversial race, despite a superb final leg from Police’s Winston George. The GDF and GPF men put on a show last year when Defence Force’s, Davin Fraser collected the baton ahead of George on the final leg of the 4x100m. George ran a superb final leg to catch Fraser for a photo finish that

went to the soldiers in the end. The race wrapped up a dominant performance from the soldiers in the relays, prompting talks of revenge in the Police camp for the Boyce/Jefford event next Sunday. GDF ran a combined 40.50 seconds to win the 4x100m last year compared to Police’s 40.60s. In the 4x400m, the soldiers swept both men and women events in times of 3:24.30s and 3:59.90s respectively. It means that in their last meeting in relays, GDF holds the advantage over Police in the main events. The Police women won the 4x100m last year. The soldiers will be gunning to maintain their advantage over Police in relay events scheduled for next weekend. However, the soldiers’ victory is not guaranteed since several other teams

that will be coming from all across Guyana will be lining up to compete. Those include teams from Linden, East Coast and West Coast Berbice. The relay events include: Male and Female: 4x100, 4x200m 4x400, Sprint Medley for Females (100m,100m,200m,400m), Sprint Medley for Males (100m,200m,400m,800m), Distance Medley for Females (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m) and Distance Medley for Males (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m). Each relay race carries a total purse of $40,000 with $20,000 for the winner; $12,000 for second and $8,000 for third place. Technical Director, Mark Scott has indicated that all the top clubs and athletes in Guyana will be competing in the Relay Festival.

Rosberg takes a dig at Ecclestone’s ‘windbags’ jibe

Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg of Germany sits in the pits. (REUTERS/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/POOL) (Reuters) Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg enjoyed dinner and a dig at the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone on Wednesday as drivers put on another show of unity before Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver posted a picture on Twitter of himself and 17 other drivers dining together in Shanghai with the accompanying comment: “#racingunited or in Bernie’s words#windbags united.” The German was alluding to Ecclestone’s comments at the previous Bahrain Grand Prix, where he was asked by reporters whether he felt the

drivers were ‘windbags’ for issuing an open letter calling for improved governance. “Some of them are,” Ecclestone had replied, suggesting they were powerless and just doing the bidding of their teams. The 85-year-old also complained that the drivers “don’t even pay the bill” when he has dinner with them and suggested they focus on driving. “They shouldn’t even be allowed to talk,” the Briton had said. “They should get in the car and drive it.” The letter, issued by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) last month, was a rare intervention by a body

that represents most, but not all, of those on the Formula One starting grid. They had said at the time that they had wanted to show a united stance out of concern that rule changes were making the sport less exciting for the fans and for participants themselves. One big grievance of the drivers has been resolved for China, with Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt back-tracking on previous opposition and agreeing to scrap a new qualifying format that had been declared a failure by fans and teams. Formula One will now revert to the 2015 qualifying format.

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

Corona Beer Beach Soccer League...

Royal Youths 5, Hi Stars 1; KK Warriors 5, Cool Runnings 5

Page 33

Barcelona stunned at fortress Atletico

Royal Youths goal scorers. Shane Luckie fired in two goals to lead Royal Youths to a convincing 5-1 win over Hi Stars which has propelled them into the top spot to date of the inaugural Corona Beer sponsored Guyana Beach Football Association, Beach Soccer League which continued on Saturday last at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Park, Bayrock, Linden. Also hitting the target were Marvin Sullivan, Denzil Pryce and Taffawa Alexander. Netting the West Watooka based Hi Stars consolation goal was Leonard Peters. The second match of the night produced a whopping

10 goals but it was evenly shared between Kuru Kururu Warriors and Cool Runnings in a 5-5 blitz. It was end to end action as both teams displayed a high degree of dislike for each other as they fearlessly attacked. With about 40 seconds to game time, the Linden Soesdyke Highway based Warriors found themselves trailing 4-5 but one of their main brace, Ryan Scott delivered for them when he rocked the nets with the equalizing goal to ensure his side earned an equal share of the spoils. Scott and his twin tower forward partner, Cordel

Johnson were again the rocks that the Warriors stood on as they scored two goals each to maintain Kuru Kururu Warriors’ second placed position in the point’s standings. Kenroy Walker scored the other Warriors goal. On target for Cool Runnings were Qualon Andries who also scored twice, Denzil Fordyce, Hussain Cumberbatch and Rodwyn Fraser. This inaugural championship is set to conclude on Sunday at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Park, Bayrock in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden with four matches kicking off at 17:30hrs.

Djokovic exits Monte Carlo as Vesely scores biggest career win

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a shot to Jiri Vesely of Czech Republic.(REUTERS/ERIC GAILLARD) (Reuters) Defending Monte Carlo champion and world number one Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest tournament defeat for three years when 55th-ranked Czech Jiri Vesely beat him in the second round of the Masters tournament on Wednesday. He lost 6-4 2-6 6-4 in what was the pair’s first ever match. Djokovic had tightened his iron grip on the sport in recent months, winning nine of his last 10 tournaments, with the only

blemish in that run coming when he was forced to retire against Feliciano Lopez in Dubai due to an eye problem. Wednesday’s defeat was his earliest on the tour since he lost in the second round of the Madrid Open in 2013 and is a significant blip in his preparations for May’s French Open, the only grand slam to have eluded the 11 times major winner. The match was 22year-old Vesely’s first victory against a top10 opponent after eight previous failures.

Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann celebrates at the end of the game with team mates. (Reuters / Sergio PerezLivepic)

MADRID (Reuters) Holders Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League after being stifled by a brilliantly well-organised Atletico Madrid and undone by two goals from Antoine Griezmann in a 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg defeat on Wednesday. Griezmann headed home Saul Niguez’s exquisite cross to give the home side the lead in the 36th minute and provide them with a platform from which they comfortably contained their uncharacteristically limp opponents to seal a 3-2 aggregate win. The France forward scored again from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining, following a handball from Andres Iniesta, to complete a 3-2 aggregate victory that eliminated Barca at the quarter-final stage for the second time in three seasons. Barcelona, who were bidding to become the first team to retain the Champions League, seem to have run out of steam at the end of the season, having won just one of their last five matches. They have not looked the same side since their 39game unbeaten run ended at the start of the month and they came into the Wednesday’s match on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad. “I congratulate Atletico Madrid, they were better than us,” Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters. “We had control without creating much danger. The

team wanted to retain the title, the fans did too, but today it was not to be. We are sad, of course.” The Atletico supporters created a fervent atmosphere and the noise at kick-off spurred the hosts into a strong start, with Gabi blazing over and Yannick Carrasco and Griezmann testing Barca keeper MarcAndre ter Stegen. Atletico took the lead in the tie on away goals when Saul carved out a cross with the outside of his boot towards Griezmann who headed into the top corner. “ We n e v e r s t o p p e d believing, we never give up what we want to do,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “It was lovely to watch

from the touchline. These moments won’t come back because they are unique in football. After Griezmann doubled the lead from the spot, Barcelona still had two minutes plus stoppage time to find a goal that would have forced extra time and Lionel Messi nearly conjured a late leveller but sent a free kick over the bar. “We were playing against one of the best teams in the world and we did ourselves proud, now we’re in the semi finals, among the top four teams in Europe,” Griezmann said. “Our fans support us in every home game and push us to produce performances like tonight’s. This game belongs to them too.”

DVA to host U-23 and U-19 trials The Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) in a release stated that it will be staging trials for male and female teams for the age categories U-19 and U-23 for the upcoming South American Championships which is being hosted by Confederation of South American Volleyball (CSV). The release added that interested persons from the Demerara area are being invited to attend the trials which will be held on April 16, at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue at 11:00hrs. The South American Championships are expected to be held in June and July in Peru and Colombia and this is the first time Guyana will be participating after a number of years. According to the release, the DVA is excited at the realm of possibilities and is also equally pleased that the opportunity to fulfill its mandate of development of volleyball is bearing fruit. It is also an excellent way to boost exposure among the youths and therefore the DVA is optimistic that the abundant talent that resides within the Demerara region will be on display on Saturday, the release added.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2016

First GABBFF female Pres. Nat U-17s bowled described as stalwart out for 90 at Wales Flex Night Inc. pays tribute Hand-in-Hand 3-day U-19 Inter-County Cricket...

Baskhar Yadram square cuts for four in his top score at Wales yesterday.

By Sean Devers On a truncated first day of the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Hand-inHand Under-19 three-day Inter-County Cricket To u r n a m e n t a t Wa l e s yesterday, the National U-17 select were bowled out for 90. In the game which began at 13:32hrs on a track with plenty of moisture in murky conditions Demerara U-19s were 25-1 in reply after the entire first session was washed out due the early morning rain in West Demerara. While the outfield was dry the pitch made playing shots a nightmare for teenagers who lacked the experience and skill levels to weather the storm on such a surface. Demerara won the toss and invited the U-17s to bat in a game both Coaches felt began too early. The U-17s, from which this Guyana team for the Regional U-17 Competition in Tobago will be selected from, were off to fair start. The left-handed Javed Karim and right-hander Baskhar Yadram took the score to 21 in overcast conditions with Karim hitting Kelvin Shewpersaud

for two boundaries. Yadram gave himself room and elegantly cut AliMohamed for four before majestically driving him through cover for another boundary before Shewpersaud struck by trapping Karim LBW for 13. Eight runs later Joshua Persaud (4) was caught at short cover off Shewpersaud at 29-2 before Ali-Mohamed induced Yadram (18) to edge a catch to Ronaldo Renee behind the stumps 10 runs later. A handful of fans watched as Kevin St Clair (12) fell to Samuel McKenzie at 49-4 to start a collapse which saw only Sagar Hatheramani of the other batsman reaching double figures before he played an impetuous swipe at Micheal Hubbard and was stumped. Hatheramani’s 16 included the only six in the game which came off Demerara’s Skipper offspinner Travis Persaud. Alphius Bookie (5), Kurt Lovell (2), Ashmead Nedd (0), Kelvin Umroa (3) and Colin Barlow (0) all departed in quick as McKenzie (2-8), Sherfane Rutherford (2-14), Shewpersaud (2-16) and Hubbard (2-6) did the (Continued on page 29)

Guyana’s first female body building President Fiona Harris who passed away on Sunday night last following a brief period of illness has been described as a stalwart in the sport by current President of the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Keavon Bess. Bess, who took over the leadership of the sport from Harris in 2012, described the late administrator and athlete as a true stalwart in local body building. ”Harris championed the cause of female involvement in the sport and for local athletes in general. She will be greatly missed and the body building fraternity has yet again suffered a great loss. Condolences to her loved ones and her family from the GABBFF,” Bess noted. Flex Night Inc. the last entity which utilised the expertise of Harris, who would have celebrated her 38th birthday on April 22nd, next, reminded that she was the proud holder of the Miss Best Legs title in Guyana. Managing Director Donald Sinclair on behalf of Flex Night Inc. reflects: Once more the Bodybuilding and Fitness community must say farewell to one of its own

- Fiona Harris. After rendering quality service as a judge, statistician and general organiser at bodybuilding events, both in Georgetown and in outlying areas, Fiona was invited to assist the Flex Night Directorate. In the midst of the stresses and intense deliberations of a Board of Directors meeting, she always seemed to be able to wear a smile and remain unruffled, as if reminding us of the importance of human warmth and cheer even in our most exacting situations. This trait is of special significance when it is recalled that, for her, attending meetings often meant driving alone some 15 miles each way. Her colleagues at Flex Night are deeply appreciative of the time and care that Fiona was willing to dedicate to the cause of bodybuilding. To h e r s u r v i v i n g relatives, especially her dear and most beloved daughter, Khadija, we express the fervent hope that sadness that lasts through the night will soon dissipate and be replaced by the joy that cometh with the morning.” Harris is expected to be laid to rest sometime next week.

Fiona Harris pictured handing over a token to HRC Guest Poser on May 2nd, 2010, T&T IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Candice Carr-Archer.

FIFA bars CFU President from CONCACAF Presidency race Jamaica Gleaner - President of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Gordon Derrick says he has been barred by football’s world governing body FIFA from running for the post of CONCACAF president. Derrick says he received a letter from the FIFA Audit and Compliance Committee Tuesday informing him that he cannot be admitted as a candidate for the election to the office of FIFA vicepresident. This means he is also barred from being a candidate for the CONCACAF presidency. The letter from Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee Domenico Scala cited a November 17, 2011 reprimand following the Bin Hammam matter. In that incident, Derrick was fined 300 Swiss Francs. There is also an

ongoing investigation that began on March 6, 2015. Derrick says he finds it very curious that a reprimand of 2011 was too small to warrant an appeal and further that the principal person in the matter was vindicated upon his appeal, yet this was deemed significant enough to derail his candidacy. Derrick also says it is equally interesting that the investigation opened against him by the FIFA Ethics Committee has been prolonged for over a year and was used as the second plank upon which he was disqualified. He says given the series of events leading up to this announcement, he is not surprised, but he is nonetheless disappointed and concerned. Derrick also says he is carefully considering his next move and hopes to make a more comprehensive statement in due course.

Gordon Derrick

Thursday April 14, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Essequibo reach 71-2 Rohit, Buttler brush on rain affected day ASIDE 188 TARGET

E

ssequibo were 71-2 off 26.3 overs at stumps against Berbice when bad light prevented further play on the opening day of the Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand three-day intercounty U19 tournament yesterday at Enterprise. Overnight and morning rain left sections of the outfield wet which delayed the start on play up until 15:00hrs. Openers Mark Williams and Nathan Persaud added 27 for the opening stand after Essequibo were asked to bat in hazy conditions. Williams and Persaud survived some testing moments as they reached 22 with out lost before another shower sent the players off the field after nine overs. Following the interruption Williams got a leading edge off Cylus Tyndall and was caught for six before Satesh Latchana retired hurt on one. Persaud looked solid in hitting three fours off 51 balls but was caught of left arm spinner Joel Seetaram for 22 with the score on 47. But skipper Keemo Paul batted with confidence to remain unbeaten on 25, while Sachin Persaud is on eight; bad light prevented further at 17:14 hrs. Paul showed glimpses of his class, favouring the back foot drive and played it

Keemo Paul

to perfection as he took boundaries off Seetaram who was guilty of bowling too short at times. Paul has so far stroked five fours; Tyndall has 114 and Seetaram 1-22. Play continues at 09:30 hrs today.

WIFBSC Short Range C/ships 2016 - Antigua

Bank of Guyana, C&V Shipping, Hand-in-Hand and Noble House Seafoods contribute $$$

As preparations continue for Guyana’s quest to retain their Short Range title at next m o n t h ’s We s t I n d i e s Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) championships set for Antigua from May 1622, corporate support has began to roll in. Faced with a budget of $4-6 million to make their trip a reality, GuyanaNRA Secretary Ryan Sampson informed that the association has sent out letters to numerous corporate entities for support. So far, assistance would have been received from the Bank of Guyana, C&V Shipping, Hand in Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies and Noble House Seafoods Ltd. ”We are very thankful to

these entities that’ve come on board so far to assist us in realizing this challenging budget that we have to offset. It is always a challenge for us but we are up to these tests since we have to master the changing winds on the range in order to succeed, and we have been doing so as the best in the Caribbean and even further afield.” Team Guyana, Captain Mahendra Persaud (Captain), Dylan Fields (Vice Captain), Lennox Braithwaite (Caribbean Individual Champion), Ransford Goodluck, Leo Romalho, Peter Persaud, Sherwin Felicien, Terrance Stuart, Ryan Sampson and Head Wind Coach Paul Slowe commenced training

on Sunday last at the Timehri Range. Competition in Antigua, which only has a Short Range, will be at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges for the Milex Trophy, symbol of supremacy in the Caribbean. Guyana will be the team to beat.

ESPNcricinfo - It was entirely bewildering. Mitchell McClenaghan walked out at No. 4 for Mumbai Indians. It is not like the side is short of hitters. Mumbai spent INR 3.8 crores acquiring a new one for this year, but Jos Buttler caught fire only after the spark provided by McClenaghan’s eight-ball 20. The events between the 11th and the 15th overs of the chase decided the winner of the match-Mumbai, by six wickets. McClenaghan’s responsibility - under normal circumstances - was to slip into Lasith Malinga’s shoes. Be the wicket-taker at the start and the enforcer at the end. Today, he was asked to disrupt the Kolkata Knight Riders spinners. And he was given the freedom to do so. Every single shot played by the New Zealand fast bowler was a slog. His second, third and fourth balls cleared the Eden Gardens boundaries. The eighth - a wide full toss that he tried to slog sweep - led to his downfall but by then Mumbai had regained lost momentum. An equation of 101 off 60 balls had shrunk to 79 off 49. It became 49 off 30 when Buttler followed a straight drive with pulled six off chinaman Brad Hogg. A scoop to the fine leg boundary - which established Buttler’s finesse - and two lofted cover drives - which established his power deflated Knight Riders. Gautam Gambhir, who had taken the record (27) for the most fifties in the IPL earlier in the night, watched the ball soar and the chances for his team sink with every minute Buttler was on strike. When Buttler eventually

Rohit Sharma ©BCCI

Mitchell McClenaghan’s © BCCI

fell for 41 off 22 balls, the Mumbai captain, Rohit Sharma, back at his preferred opening position, provided more evidence of why he should be given as many overs as possible in a T20 game. Rohit held the innings together with his unbeaten 84, and even finished it off with an array of beautiful shots - a straight six, a deft glide to third man and an outrageous sweep off an overpitched delivery coming at him with the express pace of Andre Russell from around the wicket. Rohit averages 50.12 and strikes at 145.81 at Eden Gardens in T20 cricket. Mumbai, his team, have won eight out of 10 games at this venue, including the IPL title in 2013 and 2015. Knight Riders’ batting may not have been as eye-

catching as Mumbai’s, but it was very efficient. Manish Pandey could find the boundary at will. He pulled his second ball for four, dominated the spin of Harbhajan Singh and J Suchith by virtue of his quick footwork, and secured his fifty off only 26 balls. The standout shot, though, was a glide to third man off Jasprit Bumrah in the 13th over. The pitch was excellent for batting, but it was allowing the cutters some grip. Pandey saw the variation out of the bowler’s hand, waited for it to arrive and simply let it fly off the face of his bat. His captain Gambhir was a little less adept - at the end of the second over he was only 3 off 8 balls - but a lot more determined. Gambhir hared back and forth for twos - there were eight of them in his innings of 64 - and ensured he was at the crease for as much of the 20 overs as possible. Andre Russell bludgeoned 36 off 17 balls to give the Knight Riders a total they thought was more than par. But their most trusted weapon - spin bowling - was dismantled by Rohit and company. Hogg, Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawla cost 103 in 11.1 overs. There was no coming back from that. Scores: Mumbai Indians 188 for 4 (Rohit 84*, Buttler 41) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 187 for 5 (Gambhir 64, Manish 52) by six wickets.

t r o Sp HAND-IN-HAND 3-DAY U-19 INTER-COUNTY CRICKET...

NAT U-17S BOWLED OUT FOR 90 AT WALES Javed Karim strokes Kelvin Shewpersaud to cover at Wales yesterday.

Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival

set to renew old rivalries

FLASHBACK! GDF’s Davin Fraser (second, left) hands over to team-mate, Wayne Harlequin while Police’s Tevin Garraway gives way to Winston George in the 4x400m last year at Joint Services.

FLASHBACK! GDF’s Natricia Hooper (right) gets home just ahead of Police’s Jevina Sampson last year in the 4x400m relay at Joint Services.

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