Kaieteur News
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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 police need people to people skills S
ome of the developments in the criminal investigations have made it clear that for the greater part, unless the police collaborate with the public, then there would be hindrances to its crime solving capabilities. And it is not that this is a secret. What is often wrong is the inability of some ranks to communicate with the public. All too often one gets a report that a police rank is extremely rude to a member of the society. People talk about going to the police station to file a complaint or to make a report and the response of the police leaves a lot to be desired. The Guyana Police Force itself recognizes that there is a severe weakness in some of its ranks in the area of communication. Indeed, some people cannot verbalise their thoughts, but for some it could be a case of ranks becoming arrogant as soon as they don the uniform. And it is this that the police must overcome. This week they were able to solve a rash of cold murders because there were police ranks who were prepared to listen to members of the public. We shudder to think what might have happened had a woman not caught the ear of the police rank to whom she reported. Hers was a case of living in plain view with a coldblooded murderer not far from the scene of a triple murder. This killer returns to his home all bloodied and tells his wife that he had just killed a woman and her two children. This happened back in 2008, almost a decade ago. There is a saying that a secret is a huge burden so imagine this woman walking around with this burden of knowing that she must share a bed with a killer. This woman must have gone to the funeral of the woman and her two small children, knowing that it was her husband who put them in the cold grave. Life is full of twists and turns. This killer continues to abuse his wife. Reports are that one day he beat and stripped her naked then caused her to parade in the open. It takes either a very brave man or a stupid man to entrust his life to a person and then ill-treat that person. So this man’s wife, having been beaten to the extent that she believes that her spouse would kill her too, makes a report to the police. There is another case of a keen policeman making an arrest in another cold murder case. They are investigating the destruction of a home by fire. Two people died so the police believe that it is a case of murder. Something happens and it soon turns out that a man who had committed a murder for hire had been picked up for questioning. The investigators now say that neither of the two people who have been charged with these two murders was ever a suspect. The investigations by the police never led them in that direction. This is strange since one of the people would have had to hear the screams of a dying woman. And so it comes to the noticeable hike in the number of cases solved. We know that the British and the Americans have been training the local police in investigation techniques. Yet that is not enough to explain this rash of crime solving. But then again person to person communication must have been a part of the programme. In some societies the police go out of their way to engage the society in discussions and in this manner get valuable information. Ours may need to do the same. Let us have a meaningful reintroduction of the beat duty cop.
Thursday April 28, 2016
Time to re-open Anil Nandlall’s threats to Kaieteur News DEAR EDITOR, I read with interest in your newspaper yesterday that Essequibo resident Bibi Salim has been charged with threatening President Granger. Salim, during the month of March, apparently used words that suggested that the President should be shot in the head. She was also accused of sending derogatory remarks about the President from her mobile phone to her son’s using Whatsapp Messenger. This is a highly interesting case which for the mere merits I would like to see how it progresses in the court. I can’t remember a case like this in recent times. It would be interesting to
hear the defense’s arguments. That being said, just under two years ago, Kaieteur News was involved in a case that made headlines around the world. Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, was heard on a telephone conversation warning a senior, respected newspaper reporter to leave as the newspaper was not well liked and there were the very real possibilities of an attack by gunmen. The nation still remains in shock over that incident. We are talking about the Attorney General here. He is supposed to be the custodian of the laws of Guyana. How did he know that there was an
attack that was impending on the offices of the country’s largest newspaper? There is no doubt he had some deep knowledge and from any layman’s mind goes far beyond a simple case of a friendly warning to a senior reporter as the former AG and his administrations wanted to portray. With the recent case of Kwame Mc Coy, a senior Government official of the previous PPP/C administration now being charged and facing the courts for a March 2011 attack on activist Mark Benschop, one cannot be feel that the police will finally do the right thing and move to investigate this case. Paul Jackson
An approach to crime reduction in Guyana as well as their own), become so insignificant and inconsequential to them? The security and judicial systems are not designed to deal with the collection of data that will aid in these kinds of research. Therefore, the government needs to construct and empower an outfit to immediately undertake the challenge of ascertaining the causative factors for these deadly, antisocial behaviors exhibited among our youth. The research should include demographic, race, parental upbringing, gender, academic level,
religion, age, etc. The research should be conducted by individuals who are trained and experienced in dealing with the nuances of the criminal mind, possessing the disposition to gather truthful answers from the participants. Once a significant amount of data is collected and complied, it should then be released nationally so that stakeholders could sift through the findings to see how they might be able to help. For instance, if the data shows that the offenders are of a particular age range, or race, or academic status, or if (Continued on page 23)
DEAR EDITOR; I said it in a letter about a year ago and I will say it again. The Ministry of P u b l i c S e c u r i t y, p e r h a p s , i n collaboration with the ministry of Social Protection, needs to have someone or a team, go into the Guyana prisons and find out from the inmates why they are becoming so violent. Those who have been arrested for committing these unconscionable crimes should be approached and engaged in some formal Q&A sessions. The government, for the sake of the safety its citizens, needs to know what is driving these criminals to be so violent. We need to know if there are things that can be done to reduce or eliminate these DEAR EDITOR; could get shock, and there could be behaviors. I would like you to address this damage to property, sensitive It is as though these perpetrators have given up on life. They commit problem in your newspaper. The equipment and lives could be also lost if these heinous crimes and then brag problem is that there is a broken utility persons are in the vicinity. Please allow about them as if they suspect that there pole in my village .Now this matter was me a space in your paper and disclose are no consequences for their actions. reported to GPL several times and up to this situation so the big ones could at Or as if their own lives have no now they seem not able to fix it. This lease see for themselves how dangerous meaning. Something is driving these pole is located by SAHADEO & SONS this is. At present the pole is only being individuals to perpetuate these vicious GROCERY at Lot 88 Independence held up by the numerous wires attached acts and the administrators of this Street in La Grange .The problem is to it which leads to houses in the area. country need to find out what is after it was reported GPL came and Forgot to mention that the pole broke off happening. How is it that they are so wrap a wire around the pole to another at the bottom and it is resting on the concrete in front of the shop, it is like an many guns for hire? What is it about the pole and that is it. If because strong winds this pole ACCIDENT waiting to happen, this mood in this country that a young person would be so willing to risk their falls, a lot of things could happen. The situation is there for the past 3 weeks area will be without power, people Michael Foster life and freedom to commit such barbaric acts? As a criminologist, with a passion for Clinical Psychology, I would be very interested in those findings and I am sure that there are other segments of the society DEAR EDITOR; Giftland Mall received no concessions for that will be equally interested. Last night I was at the airport to pick up anything from the previous Administration in A suicidal person seeks to end their own life. However, over my wife, I saw facing the arriving guest a very terms of Duty Fee, Vat Waivers, Tax the last 7 to 12 years we have large billboard advertising Bi Shan Lin Holidays, Tax exemptions of any sort etc. In fairness to our investment and parity seen in Guyana a blatant International Mall. As the Chairman of MCG Investments between local investment and international desire for our young people to engage in the acts of taking Inc, the owners of the Giftland Mall, I am enterprises such as these, it is important that a other peoples’ lives; either as concerned and I am kindly publicly level playing field, I would find it abhorrent if r e v e n g e a c t s o r p a i d requesting from the Finance Ministry and it is a case that Multi billion International assignments. What we as a GRA Commissioner, who I do not hold companies should be treated with preferential country need to understand accountable in any way, the details of these treatment and unfair trading advantages over from those involved in these two mentioned investments which was local companies. I eagerly await a response behaviors, is why has the concluded before their control of these two from the two mentioned departments. Roy Beepat value placed on life (of others Government departments. For the record
Broken pole in La Grange could cause disaster
Giftland Mall Chairman wants answers
Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Agriculture Minister, Holder Our group, HHS, tend to the concerns of rural Hindus is wrong on this one
DEAR EDITOR; With reference to the letter written by Mr.Sase Singh captioned “The derecognition of rural Guyana “which you published on 24th April, 2016 the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service-HSS) takes the opportunity to publicly agree with the views stated. HSS holds the same certainty that the Hindus and youths from the rural geography of this country should be taken into perspective as we move to construct the new Commission on Ethnic Relations. How can one form a national body when the representations of the people from the different walks of life are not equally being represented! Why must central Guyana have majority of the say on National Guyana! Did the relevant authority elaborate the importance of the ERC within the rural areas? Aren’t our “Country” men and women superlative too? Are we Ruralist ruled out? HSS has its roots in the rural areas, working for 20 years in this country. The core of HSS is the Hindu Youths, young men and women who have been selflessly serving society. With many influential leaders and youths, HSS has worked within many rural communities in recruiting and reforming young Hindus and to some extent non
Hindus, all in the aim to serve this nation. HSS has touched all three counties of Guyana, such as Morshee, Leguan, Wa k e n a m e , C h a r i t y, L a G r a n g e , Stewartville, Vergenogen, Cummings Lodge,Blairmont, De Edward, Skeldon, just to name a few. Over the years HSS has been working in the areas that are often overlooked. In 1997,we were actively involved in one of the very first Suicide prevention awareness program held at Cove and John Hindu collage. Who can forget Guyana’s flood disaster in 2005? In addition to the 120, 047 hot meals and 73,889 hampers and dry ration distributed, HSS joined with other Hindu groups to cook and distribute over 3,000 hot meals, braving the vulnerability in delivering medical supplies to the thousands affected in its three days/nights relief effort. In 2011, the group continued the fight against suicide by hosting seminars in the rural communities and even had some of its members trained as “Gatekeepers”. Gatekeepers gave support to the then Ministry of Health in its approach for National Suicide Prevention. HSS has being doing work, from helping children with aids for schooling to (Continued on page 23)
Quoting Latin to make a point on behavioral science DEAR EDITOR, I wish to pen my letter using a phrase from Butterfields (1996), Livy’s History of Rome- potiusque sero quam numquam, which translated means “better late than never”. I am forced to resort to this phrase in reference to the article Kaieteur News, April 26 titled “Police Recruits must study behavioral science”, written by retired Police Commissioner Clinton Conway. The Commissioner merits laudatory remarks for such a recommendation, somewhat overshadowed by its prolonged absence from the training of our ranks. Based on our current crime rate visibly spiraling out of control, heaven above knows that we need it like a cetacean needs a blow hole. Let it not be overlooked but behavioral science encompasses a broad field of study, but underpinning it all is the study of human habits, actions and intentions. In 1972 the FBI created the Behavioral Science Unit, during investigation of the increasing wave of serial rapes and homicides that swept across the U.S. Examined were four pivotal aspects of the behaviors of suspected criminals such as antecedent tendencies, manner of crime, body disposal method and post-crime comportment. At the graduation ceremony of the police recruits, Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, charged the graduates with the reading of the book “Understanding Human Behaviour for Effective Police Work” by
Harold Russell and Alan Biegel. Again a noteworthy gesture but also one which needs to be carefully monitored to assure comprehension, knowledge retention and ultimate work application. This book co-authored by a psychiatrist and a psychologist and published in the USA in 1976, was initially hailed as the foremost guide for the officer on the force and the classroom recruit. The new recruit on interacting with the written text, encounters such topics as abnormal and aberrant behaviors, sadism, masochism, affective, psychotic, psychopathic psychiatric disorders, such as catatonia , schizophrenia, factors underlying various neuroses, drug dependency, suicidality and delinquency, even hostage taking to name a few. The book currently updated and revised is in its third edition, but thus has not been reviewed. Even the visually myopic would concur that Guyana, as she prepares for her 50th anniversary of independence still faces a maelstrom of doubt and uncertainty, among which hovers the unsettled discussion of police training. Mental health, domestic violence and other previously nonindigenous to policing topics should be making their way fully announced into the police training curricula. Doctors are able to change diagnoses or prescriptions, a judge may delay rendering a decision, a lawyer may modify his pleadings (Continued on page 23)
DEAR EDITOR; A recent release from the Ministry of Agriculture informed that Minister Noel Holder met with a team from the InterAmerican Development Bank to discuss possible funding of agricultural projects. Among the projects indicated was a revitalization of the local dairy industry. The Minister’s ‘determination to restore Guyana’s dairy industry was grounded in his claim that what was once a lucrative industry is now almost non-existent.’ That there was ever a lucrative dairy industry at the national level is an outrageous fallacy. Admittedly, yeoman and very costly efforts, along with some tendentious policies were put in place between the 1970s and 1980s to enable the sector to be on a firm footing in the context of national food selfsufficiency, and food and nutrition security. Among those efforts were LiDCo’s flagship enterprise at Moblissa: the 4,000 acre nuclear dairy farm (which never had even 400 milkers), which was complemented by 25 private satellite farms (each of 50 acres); its smaller Gold-Digging operation at Blairmont rounded out its primary milk sources. Its Georgetown Milk Pasteurization Plant for the most part produced composite products: blends of locally produced fresh milk and reconstituted milk from imported skimmed milk powder and butter fat. As part of its diversification programme of the 1980s, GuySuCo established dairy enterprises at Liliendaal and Versailles which also produced secondary milk products; the life of these entities was very ephemeral. Also during the 1980s, the Saint Stanislaus College Dairy Unit was established, with substantial inputs from IICA, as an intensive, mechanized, model for small farmers to emulate. The National Dairy Development Programme also supported the numerous small farm milchcow units across the coastal belt initially through the establishment of fenced, forage plots for zero-grazing and soon after with its Artificial Insemination Programme (based on imported semen from bulls of high genetic merit). As the end of the 1990s approached, all of these noble efforts had gradually petered out because of failure to overcome the myriad
challenges impacting low productivity, technical inefficiencies, high production costs and the lifting of import restrictions. The productivity challenges revolved around the complex interactions of animal genetics and environmental factors. Emphasis had always been placed on gradeHolsteins. This temperate breed in our relatively constant high ambient temperature/high humidity environment would have experienced severe limitations in expressing its genetic potential for milk production, growth and reproduction due to the interplay of climate, nutritional factors (quality and quantity of feedstuffs), diseases and parasites. As a consequence of changes in government policies, e.g. trade liberalization (Continued on page 23)
Kitty Market, a victim of politics DEAR EDITOR; A few weeks ago, before the Local Government Elections were held, I expressed concern at the unbelievably rapid rate the Kitty Market was being rehabilitated. It was too good to be true, and I said it was an election gimmick to make the sitting Councillors who were seeking reelection look good. Alas! As soon as the elections were done, the works slowed down to a snail’s pace, leaving the vendors to wonder when they will get back into the market. This is because the Council has maxed out its credit that it was receiving from lumber and hardware dealers for the building materials that are being used to construct the market, and the workers have gone back to their usual pace of work. I am just sorry for the 46 stallholders. Now the roof is being painted green. Anyone surprised? That is the colour of choice these days. Could the Council say when the Market will really be completed and what the real cost will be? Amber Valentine
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No replay of CLICO…
Government is about to lay before the National Assembly tough insurance laws that are designed to prevent a replay of the CLICO fiasco.
Central Bank for tougher role in insurance industry reforms Government is preparing to table new laws in the National Assembly that will see tougher monitoring for insurance companies. The Insurance Bill 2016 was recently published in the Official Gazette and it is only a matter of time that it is laid in the National Assembly for debate. According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill, since the Bank of Guyana (BOG) assumed responsibilities for the nonbank financial sector, steps were taken to bring stronger regulatory framework and supervisory capacity. As a matter of fact, with support from the World Bank, a study was done on the insurance business in the country with full discussions with industry participants. It was found that the insurance sector is underdeveloped compared to its peers. The causes include low population and high inflation rate. Heavy competition was pushing down non-life premiums and to compound this was the loss of confidence from global businesses. The collapse of CLICO in Guyana and the region had not helped with domestic life insurance suffering as a
Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
result. Many persons were left without their life savings and there were accusations that the Bharrat Jagdeo administration facilitated payments to a few friends days before, knowing the CLICO was about to collapse. It was felt that the insurance industry needed some stricter monitoring. Guyana had lost more than US$30M that it had invested in CLICO, a company that had offices in several of the countries in the region, including Trinidad. In the city, insurance companies were balking at the risks of insurance some city properties. The study found that while insurers in Guyana were significantly over-capitalised, there was no immediate evidence that the industry was nearing collapse. The study found that the pension sector was still largely un-supervised, with resources needed to correct the situation. NOT AFFORD CLICOAGAIN While a basic regulatory and supervisory structure is in place and has been functioning relatively well in the last few years, the current
law/regulations and supervisory infrastructure would not be able to withstand another CLICO situation, it was explained. “For this reason, the insurance and pensions law needs to be significantly upgraded to reflect international developments over the last decade, and in particular to be made much
more explicit regarding relevant prudential standards and the interventions powers of the bank,” the proposed laws says. On the other hand, any reforms need to reflect limited human and systems resources. Key changes include allowing for the move of the insurance supervisory
function from the Ministry of Finance to the Bank of Guyana, the introduction of solvency rules, including corrective action triggers, updating governance requirements and in particular requiring key board committees. The reforms would see more frequent and intense certification of the assets
covering policyholder and member related liabilities, authority to share information where appropriate, stronger fit and proper oversight of key individuals, winding up rules and processes that recognize policyholder priority. The proposed laws, while in keeping with international standards, have been (continued on page 21)
It’s a case of damned if you do, and damned if you don’t! The recent successes by the Guyana Police Force in solving a number of high profile crimes are being viewed with some skepticism and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum is not amused. The head of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Guyana Police Force finds it interesting that persons are questioning the ability of the police to secure confessions from criminal suspects. Within the past year or so the police have been announcing a high rate of confessions by suspects held for high profile murders, mainly murder. One letter writer, while not trying to undermine or negate the police work, confessed his “growing astonishment if not unease with some rather
startling developments involving murder investigations.” While lauding the toil and dedication of the police, the letter writer stated that he is “perplexed at this spate of confessions that either have been extracted or volunteered.” But in response, Crime Chief Blanhum said that over the years, confessions to crimes that were obtained by investigators have withstood the scrutiny of the courts. “it’s not only the Guyana Police Force that obtains confessions from suspects; police all over the world are happy to get confessions,” Blanhum told this newspaper. He explained that the high rate of crime solving (through confessions) is a result of very intense interviewing of suspects in custody.
There are times when the police have had to apply to the court to obtain permission to keep suspects in custody beyond statutory 72 hours period, which according to Blanhum enables detectives to rigorously confront the suspects with evidence obtained during investigations. “When we have a suspect in custody, I always advise that we interview them intensely. In most cases they crack and confess,” the Crime Chief said. He said this style of investigation was harnessed from increased training both local and overseas of Criminal Investigations Department operatives throughout the country. According to Blanhum, within the past year or so, a lot of emphasis has been
placed on capacity building and training in keeping with President Granger’s fivepoint plan. He pointed out that over the previous years, there was a gap in terms of interviewing techniques, which has now been rectified. The Crime Chief said that ranks from all the police divisions have been exposed to training from the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). As much as 120 persons received training in areas of Crime Scene Investigations and Criminal Investigations among other crime solving procedures. “It’s very appalling that persons are criticizing us for not solving crimes and others are questioning the way we are solving them,” Crime Chief Blanhum said.
Crime Chief not amused by criticism of confessions obtained by police
Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
DECISIVE ACTION ON TERROR NEEDED Trinidad Guardian - Government is about to approach the courts to have a number of T&T nationals designated as terrorists and will also very shortly present to Parliament new legislation to deal with people alleged to be terrorist fighters, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said Tuesday. “The country deserves action and enforcement and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” Al-Rawi said in the Senate. He gave details of how Government plans to treat with T&T terrorist fighters and such persons returning from overseas, in reply to Opposition Senator Wade Mark’s queries on the issue. Mark sought details concerning the future of nationals who’ve gone overseas and are reportedly fighting with the Islamic State (Isis) terrorist network. He asked if Government intends to invoke laws in respect of citizens with proven links to Isis and who wish to return home. Al-Rawi said two key pieces of legislation relevant to people proven to be linked to Isis and who wish to return were the Anti Terrorism Act (chp 12.07) and Proceeds of Crime Act (chp 11.27). He said his powers as AG are restricted to sections 22b, 36 and 37 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. “But other key legislative tools under these two acts are available to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary,” he noted. “Where someone is proved to be linked to Isis, this Government will invoke the provisions of the law that are within the discretion of the Executive to apply—regard-
Faris Al-Rawi
less of whether the person has already left the country or whether they wish to return.” The AG said in circumstances, such as described in Mark’s question, of citizens linked to Isis wishing to return, Section 22B of the AntiTerrorism Act will be invoked. He said Section 22B (1) allows him to apply to a judge for an order under section 22B (3) to designate an individual or an entity and to freeze their assets. Al-Rawi said Section 22B (1-b-ii) allows such applications to be made in respect of entities or individuals where there are reasonable grounds “to believe an entity/individual is knowingly acting on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with an entity designated as a terrorist entity by the United Nations Security Council.” Al-Rawi noted Government had successfully invoked Section 22B in the firstever application to the High Court regarding Kareem
Ibrahim. That application was filed in November 2015 and a court order was granted shortly after listing Ibrahim (as a terrorist) and freezing his assets. “The courts’ guidance in this matter will now greatly assist the State in charting a course for the various types of applications available under Section 22B.” Al-Rawi said other sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (36-37) focusing on terrorist property will also be applied where “circumstances so dictate.” These allow the DPP to apply to a judge for an order to restrain property that may ultimately be made the subject of a forfeiture order. Sections allow Government to request a judge to appoint a person to take control/manage/deal with the property according to judicial orders. Anyone possessing the property must give it to the appointed manager.
80-year-old woman accidentally shot in head by police in Trinidad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – An 80-yearold woman in Trinidad and Tobago died Tuesday night, just over 24 hours after being hit by a policeman’s stray bullet while in the bathroom of her home. Sona Lalloo sustained the gunshot wound on Monday night, when the 21-year-old officer’s gun was discharged as he chased two suspects near her house. The shooting occurred around 7:45 that night, as members of the South Western Division Task Force responded to a report that a group of gunmen were seen walking along the road in Johnson Trace, Rancho Quemado in the south of the twin-island republic. When they arrived on the scene they saw two men, one of whom was holding an object that resembled a gun. The men ran when they saw the police approaching and the officer in question attempted to climb over a chain-link fence in his pursuit of one of the men.
According to police reports, the fence collapsed and the officer fell and as his gun, which was drawn, hit the ground, it discharged two bullets. It was subsequently discovered that one of them went through the wall of Lalloo’s bathroom and hit her in the head. President of the Police Social Welfare Association president, Inspector Anand Ramesar, told the Trinidad Guardian that the officer was shaken up by the “most unfortunate” incident. “From the information the association has received, we are inclined to believe that the circumstance of the officer having operational possession of his firearm was justifiable. The circumstances of the firearm being discharged was most unfortunate and we are advised that the officer himself is quite shaken up by the accident,” he said. (Caribbean360)
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Forensic audit report …
FUNERALS ARE Citizenship granted to foreigners DIFFERENT who didn’t meet requirements THESE DAYS The forensic audit into Guyana’s passport office has revealed cases where internal controls and government systems were flouted in some cases when citizenship was granted to foreign nationals. According to the report, applicants have not been meeting the full requirements, but have been granted citizenship. The report, which was compiled by Maurice Solomon and Company, Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants, was released yesterday. The audit is one of several announced by the present Government soon after coming into office last year. Maurice Solomon had been given the job for the stated sum of $5.5M. It details that between May 1, 2011 and June 30, 2014; Citizenship was granted to 271 applicants from 41 countries. In 2011, 36 foreign nationals were approved for citizenship. In 2012 the number was 139. In 2013 it dropped to 69 and by 2014 it had plummeted to 27. The top seven countries featuring in that number were Cuba (38), China (21), Britain (20), Brazil (19), United States of America (18), St. Lucia (18) and Trinidad (17). These applicants, 151 in total, represent 56 percent of total seeking naturalization. However, the report documents cases where
Clement Rohee those granted citizenship would have omitted vital documents such as recommendations, income tax liability statements, NIS compliance and even copies of their birth certificates. In one instance an applicant, Jinfu Zhu, had produced a sworn affidavit which stated that since he arrived in Guyana, he had not worked or earned any income. This was debunked; however, as it was revealed that he had applied for an extension of his work permit and had also produced a job letter from his employer. In another strange instance the report detailed one applicant, Amechi Friday Chiawa, receiving a Guyana identification card four years before his citizenship was approved.
Other documents which were omitted by applicants who were still granted citizenship were police clearance, copies of spouses’ passport and spouses’ birth certificate and marriage certificate. “It is evident from the findings that the internal controls and governance systems were not fully complied with in the granting of citizenship,” the report concluded. “An applicant is required to meet in full (the) listing of requirements which apparently were not met, hence citizenship in the respective categories may have been granted earlier than normal.” RECOMMENDATIONS The report recommended that changes be made in the existing legislation regarding foreign nationals. According to the auditor, a review is needed for the Guyana Citizenship Act 14 of 1967Chapter 14:01; the Immigration Act 42 of 1947Chapter 14:02; and the Aliens/ Immigration and Registration Act 37 of 1947- Chapter 14:03. “These need to be reviewed and be revised as necessary, for example foreign applicants for citizenship should be required to write and to pass an examination as is mandatory in other countries,” the report recommended. “It is (also) recommended (continued on page 24)
Dem boys seh ...
Somebody playing hanky panky wid Labba Lip People beginning to see this new govt just like how dem use to see de West Indies cricket team back in de days when dem never beat anybody, not even demself. This new govt ain’t jailin’ nobody, not even demself. A old time US President, John Adams, did tell dem boys, “In my many years, I have come to a conclusion, that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a government.” This really sound like Guyanese. Dem boys know a lot of single useless men. Berry Berry, Kwame, Irfaat, and Jagdeo are just a few. When it come to law firm, dem ain’t calling nobody name because dem ain’t able wid another lawsuit. But three-quarter of de Guyanese know all of dem who only know to rob you. As for de governments that been running Guyana fuh how long, don’t ask how many useless and senseless SOBs sat in de Parliament and mek decisions to fatten dem pockets and lef de country piss poor. Yet this govt ain’t jail nobody. Instead dem playing hanky panky wid people like Kwame. Cement pocket get fatter than a cat. He mek everybody who come in this country from wheh ever a citizen. Dem come in today and get Guyana passport de next day. Dem boys ain’t calling no nationality
name because dem fed up hearing people telling dem that dem racial. Some seh dem boys don’t like foreigner. That is not all Cement use to sell. Dem boys hear ee sell firearm to anybody and anything once de price right. Irfaat is de other one who fatten he pocket plus he belly. De US embassy intent to mek him reduce. Dem tek way ee visa. He sell land to anybody once de price was right, especially overseas Guyanese. He rob dem blind. Well as fuh Jagdeo, he sell out so much that if dem boys got to write, it gun tek dem another 23 years of newspaper to write a knnn of de amount of wrong things he do to de Guyanese people. He sell out almost everything what is other people own but when it come to selling his things he does only bluff. Dem boys did question him bout de big $100 million chandelier wha deh in he house. He bluff and seh he ready to sell fuh $2 million. When dem boys present de money he raise to $5 million. Dem boys ask how he want de money and he never answer on to now. Dem boys still have de $5 million to pay fuh de chandelier because dem want it to nice up de Waterfalls paper building. All of dem should go to jail. Talk half and hope somebody beg Jagdeo to sell.
Funerals are sad occasions. People are sad because they would have lost someone near and dear to them, someone they know they will never see again. The grief can be overpowering. Sometimes, you are at a funeral and everyone is dry-eyed. But no sooner does someone begin to cry that the whole thing becomes contagious and tears begin to flow from even those who may have known the deceased casually. Funerals, paradoxically, however can be happy occasions. When a relative dies, it is only then that the whole family usually comes together. The best place to catch up with relatives is usually at a funeral. Then is when almost all the family that you know comes out and you get to see them. This is why wake houses are places that people like to attend, because they can meet most of their relatives and catch up on what is happening. Funerals therefore can be a good occasion too. But funerals and wakes are changing in Guyana. There used to be a time when people used to keep wakes from the moment the person died right through to when that person is buried. In those days, the servings at wake houses used to be black coffee and biscuits. These days, people are expecting more. They want fancy cutters and meals when they go to a wake. This has led to some changes. Wakes are now costly events, since those hosting the
wakes have to provide snacks and food for many, including a lot of persons who go to these wakes not to sympathize but to indulge in the food and drinks that are shared. Some rich folks have decided that wakes are too costly. They cannot afford them. So what they do is to keep a wake the night before the funeral. In that way, they only have to provide food and snacks for one night. This is changing the traditional nature of wakes. But not only wakes are changing, funerals are also changing. Just yesterday some persons were complaining that liquor is now being sold right outside the burial ground. The roads running alongside the burial grounds are being blocked because people park as they please. Funerals are becoming an inconvenience to motorists. There used to be a time when if someone who was involved in criminal activities was being buried even that person’s blood relatives was ashamed to go to the funeral. They were embarrassed to let people know that they were associated in any way – family or even friend or neighbour- with the dead criminal. Things have changed dramatically on this front. Some of the largest funerals in this country are those involving
persons who were killed during criminal activities. And it is not as if the majority of people go there out of curiosity. There are hundreds who go there because they feel important letting others know that they knew the criminal. This is how much this country has changed. Imagine a criminal may have six or seven female partners and all of them are going to turn up and not just turn up, but turn up proudly to let the entire country know that they had a relationship with the dead criminal. Some of them even bring their children to let them see who their daddy was. Things have changed in Guyana. What has also changed is the way people dress when attending funerals. The attire at funerals also leaves much to be desired. Some folks dress as if they are going to a party. You cannot really blame them that much though, because their wardrobes may be limited and they have to wear whatever they can put their hands on. As you get older it is harder to attend funerals. Somehow you have that feeling that everyone is looking at you and saying, “He might be next.
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Jay Mandle’s paper is brilliant but depressing When I entered UG in 1974, one of the popular texts among social science students, especially economics majors, was Jay Mandle, “The Plantation Economy: Population and Economic Changes in Guyana.” The book was completed in 1972 and was compulsory reading at UG. When you read that book and you digest a recent research paper done in March 2016 by Professor Mandle, titled, ‘Creating a Guyana Developmental State,” you want to know what has changed in this country since
the sixties. Here is a quote from the paper; “(Caribbean) economies have not experienced structural change. This is certainly the case in Guyana where the structure of production is not very different from what it was at the time of Independence almost fifty years ago.” Isn’t that a reality too frightening to contemplate? But I guess most Guyanese with some level of interest in development economics know that we haven’t covered any significant ground since Independence.
Jay Mandle is a sincere friend of the Third World and one of the great left-wing thinkers in American scholarship. He is a prolific writer whose books on political economy and economics should be consulted by CARICOM Prime Ministers. Here is another quote from this learned paper; “Guyana’s ranking on the World Economic Forum global competitive index stood at 121, near the bottom of the 140 countries included in the 2015-16 survey. “Evidence of Government
failure is abundant in the survey. Seven rankings bear directly on Government effectiveness. On each, Guyana is ranked at a very low level. Guyana ranked 104 on “favoritism in decisions of government officials,” 102 on “transparency of government policy making”, 94 on “quality of overall infrastructure,” 93 on “number of procedures to start a business,” 91 on “burden of customs procedures,” 119 on “irregular payments and bribes,” and 113 on the “quality of electricity supply” (World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report 2015-16). “In short, it is hard to start a business in the country, and once started, firms encounter problems with regard to crime and their power source. They are forced to pay bribes to public officials, and they struggle with poor roads, highways and the port. What all of this means is that Guyana does not possess a developmental state now and that it will be difficult and expensive to construct one in the future.” The research is indeed depressing but all is not lost. Mandle offers a way out of
Guyana’s developmental stagnation. For this reason it would be best if President Granger takes a look at this scholarly piece. There is a sad section in which he makes the comparison of countries in the Caribbean with other states, including Vietnam and Bangladesh, to show where exports can stimulate development. You read this professor and you wonder if this country isn’t permanently jinxed. I have observed before in one of these columns of mine that the difference with all previous Guyana Heads and David Granger is the academic background. For me to understand Guyana’s perennial dilemmas and the creation of solutions, a sound social science background in the following areas would be helpful; Caribbean history; political economy; comparative political theories; Third World sociology; development economics; comparative cultural studies, International Relations of small states. If you look at our previous leaders, all, with the exception of David Granger, lacked that background. Burnham was a
Frederick Kissoon lawyer without any training outside of the discipline of law. The same was for Demond Hoyte. Cheddi Jagan was a dentist. We will bypass Mrs. Jagan and the six months of Sam Hinds’s presidency. I don’t think Bharrat Jagdeo’s training at Patrice Lumumba University equipped him to comprehend the sociological, political and cultural complexities of Guyana. Ramotar should have been a transformational presidency. He was educated in economics at UG and was exposed to the demons that have haunted and hunted down Guyana since the sixties. The inherent flaw that killed any attempt at the application of vision in Ramotar was his complete lack of leadership qualities. We come now to Granger. He holds a Master’s degree. He has books to his credit on Guyanese history, international relations and defence issues. He owned and edited a monthly academic magazine on social issues titled “Guyana Review.” If a leader with such a background in academic learning cannot act on the research findings of Professor Jay Mandle, then Guyana is certainly doomed. I have left Clive Thomas for the last. Certainly Thomas can guide Granger the way Mandle‘s paper can. Columnist note: Professor Mandle told me they were turned away at Office of the President because his wife’s long dress at each side had a short slit. Professor Thomas had to intervene.
Thursday April 28, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Wandering, truancy must be abolished as - insists Guyana must rehabilitate offences - Ramjattan youths, not become a ‘jailhouse nation’ By Jarryl Bryan
Public consultations on the draft Juvenile Justice Bill 2015 kicked off yesterday, with Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, describing it as a chance to ensure that Guyana, rather than become a ‘jailhouse nation’, can rehabilitate its youths and create a more youth friendly legal system. It is expected that the draft Bill will seek to make sweeping changes to existing legislation, including removing status offences such as wandering. There are even proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years. According to Ramjattan, offences such as wandering, vagrancy, truancy and runaways are classified as status offences. They criminalize behavioral problems of children. The Minister pointed out that these acts are often the result of psychological or socioeconomic problems. “These acts are not considered criminal when committed by adults,” he noted. “There is an inherent injustice there, and
discrimination on grounds of age. And on this score I must mention that there are a number of children who were sentenced to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) for the offence of wandering …30 of them as of August 2015! These offences must be abolished!” Noting the ill effects of imposing custodial sentences, he said that this must only be a last resort, when nothing else is left to protect the public. Ramjattan made it clear that the Act must reflect a modern philosophy of juvenile justice, which strengthens the justice system for juveniles, and makes it responsive to them and their situation. “Moreover, we want to see an Act which provides a framework where professionals are in the forefront supporting juveniles rather than police and prison wardens.” ”We want to minimize the harsh punishment meted out to our young offenders which then stigmatize them for life. We want to maximize their education, their rehabilitation and their reintegration into society.”
In addition, he recognized the need for alternatives to what amounts to prison settings. According to Ramjattan, jails and secure confinement are not the place where most young people who have committed offences should be.
CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY Another aspect of the Bill will be criminal responsibility. According to Ramjattan, while the present age at which a juvenile can be held criminally responsible is 10, the Bill will explore a ceiling as high as 16 years. He noted that the consultations will provide feedback on how the populace will view this. United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) representative to Guyana and Suriname Marianne Flach reiterated her organization’s support for the move, which she said puts Guyana in a favourable position with other Caribbean countries including the eastern Caribbean. Touching on Guyana’s current age of criminal responsibility, Flach observed that it does not augur well. She recommended
A participant at the symposium
an increase. DPP Meanwhile, Ramjattan spoke of the importance of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in alternative measures for young offenders. According to the Minister, a humane alternative to incarceration for the young law-breakers must be provided. “This certainly will assist
in helping them avoid falling deeper into a life of crime, and help our country from becoming a jailhouse nation,” he said. “This Draft Bill makes provision for this alternative. It is referred to as ‘Diversion’ in Part 2, Clauses 6 to 12 particularly, among others.” It means diverting the juvenile away from formal Court procedures to informal procedures and includes restorative measures to deal
with a juvenile alleged to have committed an offence. Pointing to clause nine, he stated that diversions could range from an apology to compulsory attendance of a specified vocational or education centre. It also extends to community service or compensation to the victim in an amount which the juvenile’s family can afford. “Even at the stage before (continued on page 24)
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
Need for staff, improved security at Camp Street prison - Operations officers Increased security, staff members and the implementation of cameras and monitors at the Camp Street Prison facility, are among the things needed to secure the loopholes in the prison system. These shortcomings were highlighted when Prison Officer, Dekanna Benjamin, testified on Tuesday before Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the deadly March 3, incident. Benjamin told the tribunal established to investigate, examine and report on the disturbances that resulted in the death of 17 prisoners that she believes that the breaches could result in a major prison break. She told the panel that loopholes were present at the prison for several months but the information was not released to the public for security purposes. The officer, who is attached to the Operations Room at the Camp Street Prison facility, disclosed that the problems were brought to the attention of the prison officials and is still to be rectified. She detailed to the Commission the need for more telephones, cameras and monitors in the Operations Room of the Camp Street Prison. According to Benjamin, the ratio of staff to prisoner at Camp Street is two to five hundred. She noted that there is a general need for a fuller staff complement to facilitate
the overall operations of the prison. (The prisoner management put this ratio at one to 100.) Esther Charles, another Operations Room Officer, told the tribunal that she was the first person to notice the fire on March 2, and to inform her commanding officers. Charles said that she did not believe that the fire was started by any of the prison officers, since it was started inside the building while the officers stood in the compound. On Monday, Director of Prisons, Carl Graham, told the Commission that overcrowding, prison gangs and a shortage of staff are among the root causes of riots within the prisons. Graham testified that the prison has a ratio of two prison officers to seven prisoners. He explained that together with the extreme overcrowding, inmates often form gangs and create rivalry among each other. He said that some prisoners are known for forming gangs and for being ring leaders. Graham disclosed that efforts to break up the gangs proved difficult for officers of the prisons because the prison accommodation is limited. Under cross examination from the Commission’s Counsel, Excellence Dazzell, Graham explained that there were plans to construct a larger prison facility outside of the city, but the plan had been averted. Graham revealed that the plans were on the table for some
time now but the Government opted to build a Marriott Hotel instead. He told the Commission that had the government not been reluctant to build the new prison, instead of giving the project the attention and support to the Marriott, the current problem of overcrowding would have been significantly alleviated. President David Granger had appointed Justice James Patterson, Merle Mendonca, and retired Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine, as Commissioners to inquire into the March 2 and March 3 disturbances at the Camp Street Prisons. The COI was established following one of the deadliest riots that took place within the prisons in recent years. According to the rules of procedure, the Commission was expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the Minister of Public Security. Stakeholders whose views are being considered by the Commission so far, include staff of the Prisons and their representative unions, members of the Judiciary, prisoners accommodated within the Camp Street facility, functionaries in the Ministries of Public Health and Social Protection and any other stakeholder whose input would be deemed appropriate. The Inquiry is being conducted in the Conference Room of the Department of Public Service, Ministry of the Presidency, 164 Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg.
IDB hosts workshop on Project Management techniques for professionals The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) recently launched its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) called “Project Management Techniques for Development Professionals�, on the Harvard-MIT IDB platform. The purpose of the MOOC is to train professionals from public institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and all those who manage or are interested in managing development projects. This MOOC offers concepts and tools that can be applied by any team within and outside the IDB in the implementation of projects. Approximately 80 Guyanese citizens have registered for this online opportunity that was publicised using various channels. In Guyana, the IDB
convened a networking session for members of civil society organizations prior to a three-day face-to-face training opportunity on Project Cycle Management. A total of 40 participants from 36 local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) will take part in the training that began on Wednesday at the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown. The Project Cycle Management training course is being delivered in partnership with the University of the West Indies Mona School of Business Management and is a certification course. It has been designed to build the capacity of participants in project design, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Fifteen staff members from three NGOs have also been awarded IDB
Fellowships to participate in a Project Management Institute (PMI) course and become certified as PM4R Project Management Associates via the HarvardMIT IDB online platform. These initiatives form part of a regional human development agenda as the IDB continues to place great importance on supporting sovereign nations build their human capital. Developed and developing countries prioritize skills improvement as a key strategy for economic competitiveness and growth, and civil society plays an important part in achieving that goal. The IDB recognized the critical role this resource base plays in complementing other national investments and policies and is proud to support its development through these courses.
Thursday April 28, 2016
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
No increase in Insider trading found at Bartica passport fees office - Gold Board report
Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, has assured that the fees for the application and processing of passports have not been increased. He is refuting claims that costs have moved from $4000 to $15,000. Minister Felix said, that no decision has been taken either by the Government of Guyana or by the Legislative Assembly to increase the fees and asserted that information circulating to the contrary is false and aimed at creating mischief. Parliament has not approved the increase in the fees for the application for passports and there should be no need to rush to the passport offices in order to secure your passports in anticipation of the increase. “No such increase will occur. Parliament has not
approved of such increases. The information available is false and the public, who has now been sensitised, should now return to the normal process,” Minister Felix said. The Minister noted that after the false reports were published, persons turned up in large numbers at the Central Immigration and Passport Office on Camp Street, Georgetown, in an effort to avoid paying the alleged increased fees. However, he gave assurances that no such increases have been planned and advises the public to go about their normal business. “We, the public officials, cannot unilaterally increase the cost of a passport. It will remain at $4000. Whatever the cost was, it remains the same. Any increase is false and ought to be ignored,” Minister Felix said.
An audit report into the operations of the state-owned Guyana Gold Board for the period 2012-2014, has found worrying problems at the Bartica office before it was ordered closed by the previous administration two years ago. It appears also that a dealer was running a racket, playing with prices and was in league with staffers at the Bartica office, located in Region Seven, up the Essequibo River. As a result, Guyana lost tens of millions of dollars in revenue. Former General Manager, Anantram Balram, resigned at the end of 2014, after being sent on leave. The report, which was uploaded to the Ministry of Finance website yesterday, said that it found, based on documents, that on April 4, 2014, there was a report of impropriety in the purchase of gold at the Bartica branch. Alarm bells were raised following the discovery of yellow-coated metal, among the gold purchased. The auditors, Ram and McRae, were provided with copies of reports submitted to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police on the alleged simple larceny committed at the Guyana Gold Board (Head Office and Bartica Branch) 40 into the discovery of 25 pieces
A new Gold Board office has been opened at Bartica, but it would not dispel indications of significant wrongdoings at the previous branch. of yellow coated metal or silver instead of gold. The discovery was made on that April 2014 afternoon by the Assistant Head of Laboratory. A file on the above mentioned report has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. “Recommendations were made for further investigations to be conducted since there was insufficient evidence to
charge anyone. Difficulties encountered during the investigation were noted to be the following: Investigators were unable to determine who switched the gold; Non existence of physical evidence to determine who committed the act; and Absence of useful footage from surveillance cameras (three of eleven cameras from Bartica were made available, while at head office eight of 11 were made available),” the audit report said.
The matter was reported to the Police and investigations were conducted both by the Gold Board and the Police. The final report was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions who advised that while there was evidence of negligence, the evidence was not sufficient to charge anyone and that more investigations were required. “No other reports were (continued on page 23)
Central Bank for tougher role in ... From page 6 modified to take account of the c u r r e nt local development of the insurance industry. One of the proposals is to establish an insurance body that will be funded by three percent of the premium value on insurance policies from insurers. In a reformed industry, Bank of Guyana will be required to prepare an annual report on the insurance market in Guyana with stats and date. This may even become of the annual report of the Bank of Guyana. The Governor of the Bank of Guyana (BOG) will also have powers to appoint an Appeal Board. According to the proposed legislations, there will be tough regulations and penalties to ensure that insurers and its executives do not provide false information, which can impact policyholders. With regards to corporate governance, each insurer shall have at least five directors of which at least two are independents. The Chairperson cannot be the General Manager or the Chief Executive Officer.
LICENSED INSURANCEAGENTS The proposed regulations will push for tougher monitoring for insurance agents and intermediaries to ensure that they comply and not engage in misconduct. While insurance companies will have to be the first responder in handling consumers’ complaints, the bill urges for a special officer to be designated to handle these. The insurers’ website must indicate where complaints can be made and to whom. Insurance companies will be given six weeks to investigate a complaint and resolve it or indicate to the consumer why it cannot be resolved. BOG can investigate the complaint and notify the insurer if the complaint is in favour or the consumer. However, BOG cannot compel an insurer to pay a particular claim or amount as these are for the courts to decide. Prior to court action, a consumer may apply for a claim payment to be heard by an Arbitration Board. The proposed reforms is also recommending the establishing of a Statutory Fund, in order to provide
greater assurance that the insurance company technical provisions will be adequately covered by acceptable assets. It was further explained that the assets in the fund can only be used to discharge liabilities to policyholders, whether or not an insurer is in liquidation. BOG will have powers to step in if it believes that there are worrying risks and policy holders can lose. BOG will also have the power to appoint a Judicial Manager, if it is found that an insurance company has breached the Statutory Funds requirements, or the business is not conducted with sound insurance principles and practices. While the proposed laws speak of measures for the licensing of insurance agents, individuals brokers and corporate brokers, it was noted that the insurer has a duty to also oversee them. There are also proposals in place for what happens to monies collected for premiums by agents. For long term insurance, all cheques will have to be made in the name of the insurance company. If cash, these have to be sent to the company within five days.
PAGE 22
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Male and female to work interior shop assistant, salary -$80,000 monthly. Call: 6741767; 664-5199; 685-8780
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission - Call: 650-4362
General Domesticrequirements: (1) age 25 to 45years; (2) cooking experience. Call: 226-1100; 226-5380 1 Maid for East Bank areaCall: 614-4358
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
FOOD DISTRIBUTOR COMPANYLOOKINGFOR SALES PERSON WITH CAR FOR BERBICE, ESSEQUIBO, BARTICA & GEORGETOWN. CALL: 231-8529 OR 231-8344
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Stunning designs with largest variety of plants by experienced landscapers! Call: 219-0468 / 648-1821
TOURS Suriname Tours: Labour Day Weekend April 29, 2016May, 2nd 2016 & Indian Arrival Weekend May 5th8th, 2016. Call: 663-5171; 6927270; 639-2663; 223-0056
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Experienced cashier, counter servers, roti/puri cook, curry cook, waiter boys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. Republic Park family needs an experienced caregiver, live in, 1 week on 1 week off$13,000. Call: 667-2535 1 Domestic worker to work @ Star Guest House; 60-61 Hadfield Street Werk-enRust. Call Donald: 227-1131; 664-7412/ Sheik: 621-9759 1 Truck Driver/ Forklift Operator, I Supervisor @ Boodhoo’s General Store, Parika. Contact# 650-0402/ 260-4988 One live in domestic, age 2240yrs, serious person onlyCall: 225-6571; 644-6905 Assistant to work in kitchen (both male & female), age 2535 @ Annadale E.C.D, next to modern graphics. Call: 6873640 One tractor operator must know about rice to work in Mahaicony River. Call: 2256571; 644-6905 One Salesgirl to work in snackette attendant. Call: 6663569/ 698-4288 One welder to do gas welding @ Broad Street. Call: 2235595; 643-9125 Joiners- Call: 619-9966; 6999671 One Field supervisor for night shift, road sweeping work & basic mechanical experienced & license is an asset. Call: 227-1717
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Honda CRV: lady driven, PLL series, good condition, $1.8M negotiable. Call: 2205580/ 681-2995 Household items: fridge, curtains, cupboard, gas stove with bottle, Sony music system. Call: 688-5446; 688-5446 French Moscovy Duckling $450 each-Call: 644-8171
Janitors/Porters -$2,000 per day. Call: 225-2618 between 10am to 3pm
We seriously pay cash for land; we clean & pay legal fees, ten years, no problem. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207
Divine Diva’s , Independence Special! Flatter Stomach in 1 week or money back guarantee. Call: 684-9409 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822
Earn certificate in: cosmetology, nails, wig designs or hair cutting, etc. Register Now! Call Abby: 666-5241; 619-7603
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Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronic- Call: 225-0391
Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park with free WiFi, recently renovated, 2 bedrooms - $70,000. Call: 6413318 Three bedrooms flat on 347 East Street for rent, residence or business. Call: 223-4565; 672-3161 One bedroom apartment parking & other conveniences for working couples -$30,000- Call: 6238759 & 696-6715 Fully furnished apartment for rent-Call: 682-9021 Two bedrooms bottom flat @ lot 6 Drysdale St Charlestown -$50,000 monthly. Call: 6775031; 231-9334 Second floor for rent at 26 Sheriff Street C/Ville. Call: 628-7953
Canter windscreens, 1-4D 36 Engine Head, 2 4D-32 Engine Block, 2-4D -32 Crank Shaft, 1-4D-35 Crank Shaft- Call: 609-7260; 216-4362 Sale! Sale! 3116 Cat Engine$1,150,000; 3208 Cat Engine$850,000; 3406 Cat Engine$1,250,000- Contact# 6500402/260-4988
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Food Distribution Company looking for salesperson with driver’s licence, experience & police clearance. Call: 2318344 or 231-8529 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician - Call: 231-0655
Unbeatable Prices!!! Spacio$2,095,000; Ist-$1,995,000; Fielder-$1,995,000-Contact# 650-0402/260-4988
Housekeeping staff, male desk staff and male security guard- Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown
Unbeatable Prices!!! Audi A4-$3,750,000; BMW 318i$2,750,000; Premio 2008$2,850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988 1-Cat 928 F Wheel Loader$7.3M; 1-Light Tower$850,000; 1-Perkins Welding Plan-$850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988
Experienced office clerk with 5 CXC subjects, computer literate, experience in QuickBooks. Call:218-5105 or email application: info@cevons.com
14.5 Ft. Fibre glass boat with tilt trailer and 35 Horse power, mercury motor. Call: 678-9536 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;6045198
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VEHICLE FOR SALE AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull,Pajero Junior: Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154 One Toyota IST 2007 Model, PRR series, female driven, in excellent condition. Call: 673-6250 New Arrival! Oswin ‘J’ Imports: 2007-2011 Premio; 2007-2010 Allion; 2008 Fielder. Call: 609-2815 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Toyota Hilux Surf, 3Y engine 1998 cc 4wd, power windows, sunroof, AC, AM/FM/USB Stereo. Call: 678-9536 Toyota Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, AT170, Tundra, LTouring, Wagon, VVTZ, 4X4 Solid DEF pick up & Nissan Pickup unregistered. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 One Toyota Spacio 2002$1.2M. Call: 668-7988
PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-6262572 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701 Property @ lot 32 Princess St. Werken –Rust, Georgetown. Call: 621-8767 Newly built @ Craig E.B.Dland size 91X50 feet; house 40X28 – 3 rooms- 1 self contained. Call: 718-2136496; 617-7691
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Be careful of those who say they buy land! We truly pay cash for lands. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 A complete hair dressing salon located in Alexander Street Kitty (Opposite Seepaul’s Bar). Call: 623-5960
Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6719570; 695-9880,Non-Pareil
House Lots for sale $3.9M @ Boodhoo’s Housing Scheme, Blankenburg. Contact#650-0402/260-4988
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PRODUCTIONASSISTANT, GTI or GITC graduates preferred. Resident of E.B.D. Tel. 676 6700 1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Service 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles.
Jet-Ski for sale: 1500cc, super charged. Brand New! Call: 231-7839 during office hours
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LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
4 Bedrooms upper flat at Grove, E.B.D-Call: 693-4075 PEN PAL 27 Year old male is seeking female for friendship or relationship. Call: 652-3309
EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday April 28, 2016
Agriculture Minister, Holder... From page 5 from the dawn of the 1990s, a flood of cheap imports, including milk powder and milk products, became available to local consumers. This basically was the death knell of the fledgling dairy industry. Is government now willing to reinstate tariffs and import restrictions to facilitate the development of a lucrative dairy sector, especially after the social maelstroms of the 1970s and 1980s? Also, will lower yielding milchbreeds which will better tolerate the challenging environmental stressors be prioritized this time around although the costs for establishment of the necessary infrastructure are virtually similar for the temperate types? Can a poor developing country really produce milk
and its by-products at competitive prices visà-vis the landed cost from the behemoths of international dairy trade (North America, New Zealand and the EU)? Alternatively, should our limited financial and human resources not be channeled into maximizing the production of those commodities for which we have a competitive advantage, especially since bovine milk production is biologically one of the most inefficient means of protein production for human consumption? Perhaps the time is overdue for establishment of a multi-disciplinary planning division in the Ministry of Agriculture which can competently address developmental initiatives. Vernon Mc Pherson
Our group, HHS, tend to the... From page 5 collaborating with Hindu Groups in steering and hosting International Day of Yoga.We gathered youths from all ethnic groups to attend the HSS honouring ceremony of our cricket greatShiv Chanderpaul. This was no different when we illuminate HSS Guyana’s 1st national Diya last November at Rahaman’s park. Just as recent as last week
end HSS organized a massive youth cricket play-off where talents that are often overlook was brought to light. HSS composition is with the Hindu Youths of Guyana and more so those of the rural areas. During HSS chowtaal session with H.E Brigadier David Arthur Granger -at the state house, our “I LOVE GUYANA” project was publicly announced by one of our members. The president was
enchanted to know of move in assisting to make Guyana a better place. The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh hits the nail right on the head since we are not just a Hindu organization but it is filled with a number of talented and educated youths whose aims are to serve Guyana. Why are we Ruralist ruled out? Praem Narine Rambharak General Secretary, HHS
Quoting Latin to make a point... From page 5 but when a police officer makes a decision it frequently must be expeditious. As a consequence in order to effectively cope with the many complex emergency duties and responsibilities that confront a police officer in the execution of his duty, he cannot depend on native ability, but must be expertly trained to function effectively as an integral part of the new face of the force. In the article the writer questioned a statement made by the Training Officer, who to quote from the newspaper stated that during the training the ranks were exposed to elementary and essential things that they needed to know at that level. Hopefully now that they have graduated they would move on to secondary or collegiate things. Once the necessary basic recruit academy training has been completed, then the recruits should be allowed to begin their duties as well as continue their training, in public and while serving the public. The recommended book is a start and as afore-stated measures should be implemented to ensure that the recommendation was adhered to by every graduate. After all the best measurement of an effective police training program is not the number of graduates or even the collective grade point average of recruits. No, instead the best barometer, is the answer to a
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Kaieteur News
simple question put to the recruits and their training officers, “have we made good use of your time”. If the answer is yes, then go boldly out there
steeled with the nerve to proudly serve. By the way don’t forget to look in the book. Yvonne Sam.
An approach to... From page 4 they come from a certain demographic, programs can then be designed and interventions made with those scientific realities in mind. Editor, for years Guyana has been shooting at the crime situation in the dark. A reduction in criminal activities will have to include every possible, conceivable, aspect of solutions. Cronyism, incestu-
ous friendships, party affiliations, race and ethnicity will have to be relinquished. Guyana’s problems – all of them - can be traced to our 50 years of academic brain-drain. Therefore, all the help that is needed in Guyana should be welcomed, especially in the area of crime and recidivism. Pastor Wendell Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries
Teen remanded over BLU cell phone snatch Magistrate Alex Moore remanded a 17-year-old lad yesterday after he appeared before him and confessed that he snatched another man’s BLU cellphone. The court heard that Lavar Moore (no address given in court) allegedly stole a Blu cellphone valued at $20,000 from Ron Peters who was on the phone at the time at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. He saved the court’s time and pleaded guilty to the offence. “Was it worth it? For a BLU phone that is worth less than the minimum wage salary in Guyana?” the Magistrate asked the defendant. If the Magistrate passes down his judgement today, the teenager could face the maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. Corporal Simmons, who prosecuted, said that Moore was on a bicycle on the day of the incident when he snatched the victim’s phone out of his hands and rode away. However, the defendant who was unrepresented by a lawyer was caught by the victim after he ran after the lad and made the arrest. Moore was subsequently arrested and charged. Peters who was
present in court said that it was the first time he had ever seen the lad prior to the offence and he retrieved his cell phone from the police station. When the Magistrate asked him to explain himself Moore claimed that it was the first time he had ever done something like this. The Magistrate then noted that no relative was present to represent him in court. According to the Prosecutor, Moore was detained for three days without a visitor. She told the court that he made a call to someone with the name, Desrey Valentine but there was no other information provided by the accused. The Magistrate then ruled that since the court was unaware of the defendant’s living circumstances he was unable to conclude his judgement since Moore pleaded guilty. “I will have to speak with the probation officer to give a profile on the accused, I need more background before I finalise the judgement.” Moore said He was later remanded to prison and he will make his next court appearance today, April 28th.
From page 22
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Guyanese scientist... From page 17 home country, Guyana. A talented teacher, Professor Narine has also won numerous teaching awards, including the Students Union Award for Leadership in Undergraduate Teaching from the University of Alberta, an award from the former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, for his contributions to Science and Technology in Canada and for his contributions in this field towards the development of Guyana and more recently he was named laureate for the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in the Science and Technology category.
Established in 1986, the Distinguished Research Award is given annually to a member of Trent's faculty in recognition of outstanding achievement in research and scholarship. Professor Narine will be presented with the award at Trent University's Convocation ceremony on June 7 at 10:00 a.m. Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world.
LAND FOR SALE 1 House lot in Crane Housing Scheme & 1 house & land in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 626-4841 Titled 70’x100’ land @ Eccles, E.B.D for sale at $3.9M -Tel : 624 2857 Prime corner lot in La Parfaite Harmonie, way upfront (48ftX90ft with reserve) already graded & land filled -$3M. Call: 611-7223; 6042207 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, Eccles (100ftX50ft) -$5.5M, Herstelling New Scheme(100ftX50ft)-$3M. Call: 6117223; 604-2207
Global Fund finds Insider trading found at... misappropriation... From page 13 programmes supported by the Global Fund aim to reduce the social and economic impact of malaria in the country. Global Fund has also observed that Guyana has been reporting a decline in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) cases although HIV-TB co-infection still remains a challenge in the country. It has also noted that the HIV epidemic in Guyana has stabilized in recent years with a reduction in AIDS cases and in the number of AIDS-related deaths.
From page 21 received detailing any further actions taken after the recommendations were made by the office of the DPP. The value of the loss was put at approximately $10M.” The auditor said that it was during their work last year that rumours persisted that one dealer habitually sold his gold to the Gold Board’s operation at Bartica delivering his gold late in the afternoon. “Responding to that rumour we tested several transactions by the dealer from the computer records maintained by the Gold Board. The records contain the name of the dealer, time and date, quantity, gross value and net amount of the transaction as well as the purity level of the gold sold,” the audit report said. Tests showed that purchases were made around mid morning on each day around which
time price declared by the Gold Board would change. “What was interesting, however, is that the dealer invariably received the higher of the two prices for the day which raises the possibility that he had information from inside the Gold Board. As a matter of fact, the dealer in 2012 and 2013 sold almost $42B in gold to the Bartica branch of the GGB. In 2014, the sale fell to $324M. “It should be noted that sales by this individual to the Bartica office were the highest of the top sellers in both 2012 and 2013 with 82,459 ozs. and 58,511 ozs. respectively based on the list of top sellers.” Significantly, the report pointed out, once the Bartica branch was closed following the incident in March 2014, the dealer ceased doing business with the Gold Board. A new office was last December commissioned by GGB at Bartica.
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
IPA at odds with analyst over fake milk claim The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department is being accused of seeking to disrupt trade between Guyana and France. The accusation followed the release of a press statement and subsequent publication in one of the nation’s daily newspapers. The analyst is challenging the milk imported by the International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) under the trade name, LAILAC. He is contending that the milk produced by the French company which is being credited with producing LAILAC milk does not actually produce a milk that could be considered infant milk. The presence of vegetable oils that is used to replace milk fat is one issue. Further, the analyst said that it has no information on the vegetable oil used in the imported milk. In a further report, the analyst stated that the Materials Management Unit of the Public Health Ministry had complained about defective batches of the LAILAC milk. However, IPA is refuting the label that it is importing substandard milk. “LAILAC Infant milk is manufactured by
NUTRIBIO, located in France. The company produces several brands of milk including Nactalia and Lailac. The company is a merger between Cofranlait and SodiaalIndustrie, which are subsidiaries of the Entremont Alliance Group and the Sodiaal Group. “It produces several brands of products of which LAILAC is the brand marketed in the Middle East, Caribbean and Africa. In this region, Guatemala also imports this brand. All its products are manufactured in France.” IPA said that NUTRIBIO also has state-of-the-art laboratories responsible for the analyses of the products and formulas and the assessment of the quality and safety of the products. The laboratories work in compliance with ISO 17025 and are equipped with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) allowing a computerized traceability of all results. Responding to the charge that the presence of vegetable oil negates the product as baby milk, IPA stated, “All milk based baby formulas are
made with cow’s milk, vegetable oils, vitamins, minerals and usually fortified with iron (as recommended by the American Academy of Paediatrics).” “The natural content of milk fat is poor in these fatty acids and does not allow the formulae to reach the minimum requirements. For this reason, it is necessary to use vegetable oils.” Each type of oil has its own fatty acid profile and thus, it is not possible to reach the desired fatty acids profile for an infant formula by using only one type of vegetable oil, hence most formulae have a blend of two or more vegetable oils. This is evident in Lailac, Enfamil, SMA, Lactogen and Similac, all of which are sold on the local market. “Based on these facts, it seems that the GA-FDD seems to be deliberately targeting International Pharmaceutical Agency and we consider this action discriminatory. “Nutribio is very concerned that one of its brands ‘Lailac’ is being labelled as a fake product in an article published by one of our local newspapers and will consider a further response.”
Undertakers removing the body from the scene of the accident.
Sheriff Street vagrant latest road fatality Guyana's ever growing road fatality list had a new addition on Tuesday afternoon after a vagrant was crushed by a “container truck” at the junction of Sheriff and Garnett Streets. A frequent presence on the Sheriff Street area, the now deceased man was reportedly intoxicated and was walking north along Sheriff Street about 15:50hrs when the accident occurred. One person said that he would be seen frequenting the area but no one could identify him. Kaieteur News understands that he reportedly dropped a bag containing a loaf of bread and a bottle of soda in the street.
Man’s plea leads to reduced bail Two men accused of robbing a man who was with his girlfriend at the Georgetown Seawalls were granted bail on Monday after they were charged with robbery with aggravation. Christopher Kneils, 19, of East Canje, Berbice, and Jason
Thomas, 22 of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, were charged with robbing Shelwin Fraser of an Apple iPhone, and a quantity of other items on February 27, last, at Kingston Seawalls. The duo had first made an appearance a week ago where
Citizenship granted to ... From page 9 that for the future all applicants should meet the full requirements as stipulated, subject finally to ministerial discretionary powers enshrined in the present legislation,” the report stated. “It is therefore imperative that stringent checks and balances be in place in order to ensure that the controls and governance systems are efficiently and effectively being adhered to.” The forensic audit of itself deals with the operations of the passport office, with its integrated linkages and lines of communication and authority to the department of citizenship and immigration. Previously, naturalization functions werecarried out within the then Ministry of Home Affairs. Since coming to office last year, a Ministry of Citizenship was created to be headed by former Police Commissioner, Winston Felix, as the subject Minister. It wasn’t long before
Felix admitted that major loopholes were present in the immigration section under the previous administration. He had spoken of the state of the General Registrar’s Office (GRO), where he received complaints of corruption and where it was alleged that staff members were facilitating dishonest requests. In the case of naturalization, Felix had made it clear that changes can be expected in this category, since he believed Guyanese citizenship was being handed out too freely under the former administration. “Guyanese citizenship is just granted like that. Our government will introduce some sort of test under naturalization. I think before any applicant is granted citizenship, they must pass a written examination, be able to speak English, they must understand and appreciate our history. Our culture must be appreciated, and I would think that is the direction we should move in very shortly,” had been Felix’s expression.
they both entered a plea of not guilty and were granted $60,000 bail. However the duo could not afford the bail and they were remanded to prison. According to prosecutor Corporal Gittens, the victim was at the seawalls with his girlfriend when the duo advanced upon them and relieved them of the items. Kneils, who was unrepresented, asked for reduced bail. “Ah beggin’ you, my worship, for my future. This man here he ain’t got no family for visit,” he said gesturing to Thomas who stood with him in the prisoner’s box. Kneils said, “I hear them man in de prison seh you good…Dem man get big sharp cutlass in the prison. A
man hand get chop off this morning just fo telling a man bout he mother... Please reduce my bail; I beggin yuh. My mother is here. She got $25,000 cash in court right now” The Magistrate had the bail reduced to $20,000 after he heard their financial complaints. Prosecutor Gittens said that the articles were recovered. The Magistrate then recorded three weeks for statements and the duo will appear in court again on May 16 for report and statements. “Let your mother buy you something nice when you come out of court,” the Magistrate said, and Kneils who smiled in the prisoners box shouted his appreciation “God bless you, God gon bless you”
Wandering, truancy must ... From page 11 commencement of proceedings the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or Police Officer, can consider warnings and referrals, (as stated in) Clause Four.” DIRECTOR OF YOUTH Other alternative sanctions, he said, can come from the Office of Director of Youth, who is Christopher Jones. Ramjattan stated that it would be up to the creativity and imaginativeness of this office to come up with more innovative diversions.
“Of course, (they) must ensure the young offender is dealt with in a manner appropriate to his or her wellbeing and proportionate to the circumstances and the offence.” “Also, resources must be found to establish the placement facilities which will support this new juvenile justice regime. Resources to staff these facilities, resources for the Director of Youth and his staff, and the Juvenile Justice Committee, will cause Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, some concern.”
The bottle of drink rolled under the container of the then stationary truck and he reportedly went after the drink. At this point eyewitnesses say that the traffic light changed to green and the truck pulled off while he was still under the container. Kaieteur News understands that the man was crushed and dragged a short distance. He was killed instantly. Onlookers said that they shouted and tried to notify the driver who braked frantically but by then it was too late. The driver was escorted to the police station and is in custody assisting with investigations.
Marijuana dealer convicted on drug charge Abdul Burnett of Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown was convicted on a drug charge yesterday and sentenced to three months in prison at the City’s Court. Burnett pleaded not guilty to possession of 672 grams of marijuana on December 14 2015, at Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown when he first appeared on January 11, last. He was also fined $30,000 by Magistrate Judy Latchman. He was previously granted High Court bail after his lawyer Adrian Thompson had his case appealed. The prosecution’s case indicated that on the day of the incident Burnett confessed when police
officers busted him at Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown where they found the drug after searching a nearby empty lot. Police say that Burnett led the officers to some bushes where he kept two plastic bags containing leaves, seeds and stems and he told them “I does do this for a li’l hustle.” Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that the officers picked up the parcels and arrested Bernette. The prosecution won the case after the Magistrate found the prosecution’s evidence to be conclusive. A total of four witnesses testified at court and the Magistrate found Burnett guilty.
Sister says defendant ... From page 18 by Special Prosecutor, Nigel Hughes the witness was asked if she had informed police that her sibling was home when the robbery occurred. In response, she told the court that she was unaware that she could have provided police with a statement. Hope told the Prosecutor that she had informed her brother's lawyer Adrian Thompson that he was at home when the robbery occurred and said that she did not speak to any officers during investigations in the matter. Thereafter, Attorney Thompson indicated that he will bring a close to Narine's defence. Anthony David, the number four defendant who is also being represented by Thompson is expected to lead his defence today when the matter continues in the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court.
Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
Antigua PM says no plans to move LIAT ST JOHN’S, Antigua - (CMC) – Prime Minister Gaston Browne says no decision has been taken regarding the re-location of the Antigua-based cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT, to Barbados. He said the Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, may have been “misinformed or he spoke out of turn” if he is the source of a report that a decision had been taken on the matter. “I know that Minister Sealy suggested that a decision has been taken to move LIAT’s headquarters, but that is not so. Perhaps he is either misinformed or he spoke out of turn, but the reality is there has been absolutely no discussions about moving LIAT’s headquarters,” Browne is quoted in the Wednesday edition of the Antigua Observer newspaper. LIAT’s main shareholders are the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines and there have been speculation in the past that a shift in the airline’s headquarters would make much more sense financially for the airline that is grappling with its finances. Browne is quoted as saying that any plans to shift the airline headquarters will be strongly resisted by his administration and announced plans to increase the island’s shares in the regional airline. “We hope to make another payment shortly and we have been making payments but as you know, we have a number of pressing issues. We inherited a country – an economy that was not the healthiest and I am being very mild, but as soon as practicable
we will make another equity injection into LIAT,” Browne said. Antigua and Barbuda is the second largest shareholder in the company, with Barbados holding the majority of the shares. Meanwhile, a member of the board of directors of the airline, Lennox Weston, is blaming pilots for contributing to the company’s financial woes. “Our pilots at LIAT get sick a lot more often than pilots of other airlines and so we have had a lot of cancellations and delays because of sickness,” he said on a radio programme here. “In the airline industry if you wake up and mentally you are not in the mood to fly, you can’t fly… and so we have had a tremendous amount of cancellations because of the abnormally high rate of sickness among the pilots.” But the former chairman of the Leeward Islands Pilots Association, Captain Carl Burke challenged the position adopted by Weston saying he has a 100 per cent attendance for 2016. “I have personally gone on our email chain, I have explained to the pilots that the company and the board is building a case against the pilots trying to set us up saying we are causing the company to fail,” Burke said, noting that there were many other reasons for pilots to be sick. “What would cause the sickness, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” he said, noting that pilots were spending more time at work than with their families.
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
Jamaica’s participation in Caricom to be reviewed - PM KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced yesterday that he will appoint a commission to review Jamaica’s participation in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Single Market. “A weak Jamaica does not make a strong Caricom,” the prime minister said while speaking at the official opening of a $285-million plant in St Andrew by the Seprod Group. He said that the time has come for Jamaica to assert itself in Caricom and play a more active role, thereby strengthening the country’s economic and political
Andrew Holness
association.Prime Minister Holness explained that the commission to revise Caricom forms part of the country’s
current growth agenda, and as such will assess how Jamaica can benefit from the common market in this regard.
Venezuela opposition eyes Nov. vote to dump president Caracas (AFP) - Opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro hope to hold a referendum on removing him from office as early as November, a leading opposition figure said yesterday. The center-right opposition has started gathering signatures to launch the first step towards a referendum to get rid of the socialist leader, whom they blame for an economic crisis and rising unrest. “If the country is mobilized to enforce democratic ways, to oblige the government to accept the recall referendum as a constitutional device, we would be talking about a referendum in late November or early December,” Henrique Capriles, a former presidential candidate, said in a radio interview. Maduro’s opponents advanced Tuesday in their mission to drive him from office when the National Electoral Board handed over the paperwork allowing them to seek the nearly 200,000 signatures needed as a first step towards calling a referendum. But the road to a referendum could be complicated.
Nicolas Maduro Analysts say Maduro’s allies could slow down the process until January 2017, at which point Maduro could legally be replaced for the rest of his term by his vice-president. Maduro’s opponents say he controls the electoral authorities and the Supreme Court, which has blocked several of their bills in the legislature. Analysts and some politicians have warned that public discontent could lead to mass unrest in the country, which is already ranked by the United Nations as one of the most violent in the world. Capriles said the recall referendum was “a means of
avoiding an explosion” of social unrest. Emergency measures imposed by the government in recent weeks such as daily electricity blackouts to save power have raised discontent among citizens who were already suffering shortages of medicines and basic goods. “We do not want an explosion of unrest nor a coup,” he said, but warned: “The opposition does not have the capacity to contain an overflow of social tension.” Looting and street clashes have been reported in recent days in various towns and cities including the country’s second-biggest city, Maracaibo.
PAHO, UWI update faith leaders on Zika Daily Nation - Faith based organisations from across the island have been called to join the fight against Zika by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Zika Task Force. Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) representative Dr Godfrey Xuereb and UWI deputy principal and Zika Task Force chair Professor Clive Landis en-
gaged a number of religious leaders at PAHO’s head offices for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean yesterday morning. They were brought up to speed on how they could tackle the mosquitoborne disease from a community perspective. Landis implored the church leaders not to be killed into a false sense of security
by the recent lull in Zika cases. Instead, he insisted they prepared for when the rainy season came and the mosquitoes population increased. Also discussed were plans for how faith based organisations can control mosquito populations and their role in the rehabilitation of Zika patients.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 28, 2016
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Parties in struggling Syria talks Paris attacks suspect unclear on date of next round Abdeslam extradited to France,
under formal investigation
Former Syrian deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil
(Reuters) - The United Nations said yesterday no date had been set for the next round of Syria peace talks, contradicting a report quoting Russia’s deputy foreign minister as saying talks would resume in Geneva on May 10. U.N. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura is struggling to keep the peace process alive after the main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) left formal talks last week. The HNC said yesterday that it was up to the United Nations to say when peace talks would resume, but that it would not take part until its demands were met. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s comments were reported but RIA news agency on Wednesday, but a spokeswoman for de Mistura said in an email that May 10 was speculation. L a t e r, H N C c h i e f coordinator Riad Hijab, a former prime minister, called in a statement for an extraordinary meeting in Paris of the “Friends of Syria” group of countries in order to contain the worsening violence and grave humanitarian situation on the ground. A meeting of the group which excludes Russia should aim to “put an end to the hostilities against the Syrian people and put pressure on the regime and
its allies to abide by the international resolutions and put an end to their severe violations against the Syrian people”, the statement said. De Mistura was due to address the U.N. Security Council by video-link on last night from Geneva at the end of a two-week round which began on April 13. He is expected to speak beforehand with both U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the co-sponsors of the fragile two-month ceasefire who are steering the talks. “With the whole thing falling apart, it is going to require some high-level inspiration to get it started again,” a Western diplomat told Reuters. De Mistura is talking about May 14-15 for starting the next round, a second Western diplomat said. “But it is very, very theoretical,” that diplomat said. “It is not at all a given that the two parties will return to Geneva. De Mistura feels that ending the round without giving a date for the next one would not be a good sign.” The Syrian government said on Tuesday it had held a final session of talks with de
Mistura in a “useful and constructive round”, but diplomats warned that an escalation of fighting around Aleppo threatened the shaky peace process. George Sabra of the HNC said yesterday his group would not attend talks unless the situation on the ground improved. “All the while real steps aren’t taken on the ground in Syria, the participation of the delegation of the HNC will remain suspended,” Sabra said. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that the HNC’s conduct was “worrying” and that the group had failed to make constructive proposals at the talks. De Mistura still aims to convene a ministerial meeting of major and regional powers under the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), before the next round is held, the second Western diplomat said. This would probably be next week, although Russia was not yet on board, he said.
Frank Berton (C), lawyer of Salah Abdeslam, speaks to journalists outside the courthouse in Paris, France, yesterday.
(
Reuters) - Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam was placed under formal investigation on terrorism and murder charges in France yesterday after his extradition from Belgium, and he promised to talk to judges during his next hearing, his French lawyer said. A Belgium-born Frenchman, Abdeslam is believed by investigators to be the sole survivor among a group of Islamist militants who killed 130 people in a spate of shootings and suicide bombings in Paris on Nov. 13. “The investigation will determine to what degree he was involved in the acts ... for which he has been put under investigation,” lawyer Frank Berton said after an initial hourlong hearing. “He stayed silent today but said he would talk at a later stage,” Berton said, adding that the next hearing was set for May 20. Abdeslam did not speak yesterday because he was tired after a “quite rough” extradition, Berton said. Abdeslam was placed under investigation on charges of belonging to a terrorist organization, murder, kidnapping and holding weapons and explosives, the public prosecutor said in a statement. The kidnap charges relate to the hourslong attack on the Bataclan concert hall in which 90 people were killed.
Abdeslam, 26, was Europe’s most wanted fugitive until his capture in Brussels on March 18 after a four-month manhunt. He was taken by helicopter to Paris under armed guard and then driven to the capital’s main law courts. French Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said Abdeslam would be held in solitary confinement in a high-security prison in the Paris region, with his cell under CCTV surveillance. “PETTY CRIMINALS” Four days after Abdeslam’s capture, other Islamist militants blew themselves up at Brussels international airport and on a metro train, killing 32 people. Investigators have said Abdeslam told them he arranged logistics for the multiple suicide bombings and shooting attacks in Paris and had planned to blow himself up at the Stade de France sports stadium before backing out at the last minute. He is suspected of having rented two cars used to transport the attackers to, and around, the French capital. Abdeslam’s elder brother Brahim, with whom he used to run a bar in the Brussels district of Molenbeek, blew himself up in a suicide bomb attack on one of several Paris cafes targeted by a group of assailants armed with AK-47 rifles and suicide vests.
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP SAYS SAMESEX LAWS ALREADY EXIST IN BAHAMAS NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The President of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA), Fred Smith, has dismissed claims by a small group of pastors
that the June 7 referendum on gender equality opens the way for same-sex marriages in the Bahamas. Smith, a Queen’s Counsel, in a statement yesterday said
that the door for same-sex marriages have been open for decades. “Whether intentionally or through a misunderstanding of the law, the naysayers have managed to
spread this very damaging myth about the proposed Bills causing same-sex marriages. “The simple truth, however, is that the Bills couldn’t possibly have the effect they claim, as the path to such unions has been enshrined in our supreme law since independence,” Smith said. Both Prime Minister Perry Christie and the “YES BAHAMAS Campaign” say that the Bill Number Four to be voted upon in the referendum does not open the way for samesex marriages here. When he launched the campaign, Prime Minister Christie said that the proposed referendum to amend the constitution will not allow for same-sex marriages to become legal in the Bahamas. He said that the Bahamas will only recognise marriage as being between a man and
Fred Smith a woman. For its part, YES BAHAMAS Campaign said “any suggestion that giving men and women equal rights would somehow lead to samesex marriage does not have any basis in fact or law. “The lawyers who drafted Amendment Four went out of their way to guide future courts, by defining ‘sex’ as ‘male or female’, so that no judge could interpret ‘sex’ as ‘sexual orientation’,” it added. But Smith, who said the GBHRA “fully supports the ‘Vote Yes’ campaign” is urging Bahamians to unite in the name of equality and send a clear message to the world that The Bahamas is a country which believes in fundamental human rights for all. He said that Article 15 of the Bahamas Constitution already protects individuals from discrimination on a number of grounds, including on the basis of their sex. “This was decided by the Supreme Court and The Court of Appeal in The Bahamas in 1996 in a case argued by myself and Maurice Glinton QC before Dame Joan Sawyer in Harbor Lobster and Fish Co and Jeffrey Butler vs Attor-
ney General, when the courts held that discrimination on the grounds of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ were unconstitutional. “Therefore, any couple (men or women) denied the right to be married can mount a constitutional challenge on the basis of this protection and have the courts ratify their union,” he said, adding that “the Privy Council in London, have, since 2013, already recognised same-sex unions. “So this referendum has nothing whatsoever to do with same-sex marriage and everything to do with ending discrimination against Bahamian women, and in some cases men, solely on the basis of their gender. “There is nothing hidden or even controversial in what the government is trying to do; the intention is simply to amend another section of the constitution so as to bring it in line with the protections outlined in Article 15.” Smith praised the Christie Government for following through on gender equality noting that the GBHRA will do everything in its power to encourage Bahamians to vote for equal rights.
Thursday April 28, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Exclusive: Wimbledon to focus on out-of-competition drug tests LONDON (Reuters) Players competing at Wimbledon are set to be drug-tested more than ever before in the buildup to this year’s championships as organizers focus resources on out-of-competition testing. Scarred by a string of recent scandals, Wimbledon had announced on Tuesday that it was stepping up the fight against anti-doping, without revealing any details. But in an email, the International Tennis Federation, which administers and partfunds the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP), said Wimbledon had discussed its plans with the ITF and will focus its attention on out-ofcompetition testing. The additional tests,
which will be funded by Wimbledon, will be carried out by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the ITF said. As a result, players competing at this year’s championships could be tested outof-competition in the run up to the grand slam event by UK Anti-Doping on behalf of Wimbledon, as well as being tested in and/or out-of-competition by the ITF. Wimbledon said in a statement on Wednesday: “In addition to the TADP In-Competition testing, the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club) will be implementing additional anti-doping measures for The Championships 2016, the details of which are required to remain confidential. “As all anti-dop-
ing testing is carried out independently of the tournament organizers, we are not able to comment on the level of testing which will take place other than to say that we are fully supportive of a comprehensive In-Competition and Out-of-Competition testing program.” Out-ofcompetition testing — which can be conducted at any time when a player is not actively involved in an event — is considered to be the best way to catch dopers, while blood testing has also become more prevalent in recent times. In 2014, 1,439 of 3,529 tests were conducted out-ofcompetition, while in 2015 it was 2,256 out of 4,433. In the past, the ITF has objected to requests from
Thursday April 28, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Don't give your heart too readily. Expect to have problems with the ones you love. Sit back. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with, but try to do things by the book. You may cause a fuss if you come on too strongly in public. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) You may find your mate somewhat perturbed. Balance is required if you want stability. You're in the mood to spend money. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature. You can make money through your creative efforts. Do your own thing.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Make arrangements to spend quality time together. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you today. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Don't settle for less than the best. Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Stay mellow. Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Children may cause limitations. Uncertainties about your home may cause tension. You may want to take a look at your direction in life.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are apparent. You must consider yourself for a change. You can expect changes at your work place.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Romance and social activity will be a promising combination. You need time to think things through. Don't hold back.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Stay out of other people's affairs. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine. Try to be reasonable.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine.
General view in the grounds of Wimbledon. (ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS / ANDREW BOYERS) government-funded National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) to test during grand slam events, seeing it as “a waste of resources” because of the duplication of effort. However, the ITF said in an email: “The TADP position is that NADO testing should supplement, not duplicate, TADP testing and the TADP will work with UKAD to ensure no duplication,” . VAST INCREASE The tennis anti-doping program is run by the ITF and is jointly funded by the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, ITF and the four grand slams, including Wimbledon. But a number of leading players, including Andy Murray, have called for vast increases to its funding, which is reportedly about three million pounds ($4.37 million) per year, and for more transparency. Russian five-times grand slam champion Maria Sharapova’s admission last month that she had tested positive for the banned drug meldonium was the highestprofile case in a series of scandals that have affected the sport this year. A report by the BBC and BuzzFeed in January, which suggested widespread match-fixing and a failure to investigate several implicated players, prompted the tennis authorities to launch an independent review into the Tennis Integrity Unit, which is due to release its findings by the end of the year. Wimbledon will provide additional analysis of match data and betting patterns at this year’s championships in an effort to detect possible match-fixing. The Tennis Integrity Unit said it received 48 alerts of suspicious betting patterns in the first quarter of 2016, up from 31 in the same period last year. Wimbledon said on Tuesday that no matches in 2015 had produced an alert. ($1 = 0.6872 pounds)
Kaieteur News
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Guyana 50th Independence Anniversary T20 Cup 2016 launched
Officials of both the BCB and the BCCDA at the launching ceremony. With Guyana celebrating its 50 Independence Anniversary this year the annual Independence T20 Cricket competition, which is jointly organized by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), promises to be the biggest so far. This is the fourth edition of the competition and the organisers promise to capitalise on the massive countrywide celebrations to make the competition one to remember. The activity will also form part of the calendar of activity on the Regional Independence programme. The launching was successfully held on t h
Tuesday at the BCB office at Charlotte Street New Amsterdam, Berbice. The one day cricket spectacle will be held on Sunday May 29 at the Rose Hall Community Centre ground with the finals set to be played under lights. Speaking at the l a u n c h i n g c e r e m o n y, president of the BCCDA Mr. Roopnarine Rajnauth expressed happiness and delight to be partnering once again with a prominent organisation such as the BCB to do something tangible like organizing the prestigious competition. He said that the BCCDA and its members recognized the importance of sports in nation building and blending th
and see the joint venture as worthwhile. He said that so far the activity has been successful and see no difference this year with even more success envisaged. Also speaking was Secretary of the BCB, Angela Haniff, who expressed pleasure on behalf of the Board that the two prestigious NonGovernment Organisation can once again come together to organise the competition, which is one of the most sought after and better organised in Guyana. The organisers have promised an even more exciting tournament this year. The event will feature four top T20 teams in the
county with each team expected to feature one guest player. The teams expected to take part are Upper Corentyne / Port Mourant with former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan expected to feature, Albion / Rose Hall Town is expected to have Kemo Paul, New Amsterdam/ Canje will have Shimron Hetmyer and West Berbice / Blairmont combine which is expected to include Tevin Imlach. The organisers have also earmarked a number of projects that will benefit from the venture which will include assisting with the development of Sports in the Region, assist two first division clubs, two
BCB New York Business Group two-day Under-19 Cricket Competition...
Ezekiel Kempadoo’s century leads Port Mourant to innings win over Whim A classy century from Ezekiel Kempadoo helped his team Port Mourant Cricket Club to a massive innings and 205 runs victory over neighbours Whim in the New York Business Group Two Innings Under-19 Cricket Competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and sponsored through the Albion Cricket Club.
Batting first after winning the toss at the Whim ground, Port Mourant amassed 270 for 7 wickets declared with Kempadoo scoring an unbeaten 102. He got support from Veramootoo Senwasane with 44, Jamar Lancaster 31 and Vivekanand Jagjit 29. Bowling for Whim, M. Charran took 3 for 122. In reply, the host were bundled out
for an embarrassing 65 with Charran and N. Deonarine offering any resistance with 25 and 23 respectively. Bowling for Port Mourant, Kevin Latiff took 3 for 14 and Emanuel Seecharran 2 for 24. Forced to follow on, Whim failed to begin their second innings thus forfeiting the game.
Gujarat Lions survive Morris 82*in... From page 29 110 without loss in 10 overs. McCullum smashed Lions’ fastest fifty, and Dwayne Smith usurped him a few minutes later. This batting line-up had beaten perhaps the best one in the IPL on Saturday, when a Virat Kohli century had not been enough. Daredevils were looking at a target of 220, as a best-case scenario. But Morris did what Royal Challengers Bangalore’s bowlers couldn’t on Sunday; he had set plans and executed them very well. He dismissed McCullum and Raina in the 12th over; Lions were short-circuited and could only manage 55 runs in the remaining 48 balls.
Morris knew McCullum thrived on fast bowling, so he produced an offcutter that dipped under the bat swing and broke the stumps. He targeted Raina’s body and had leg gully in place to take the catch. That gave the Daredevils spinners some freedom. Imran Tahir added to his reputation of being one of the best bowlers in T20 cricket with a spell of 3 for 24, the hallmark of which was his ability to vary the pace and time the googlies and flippers that surprised the batsmen. Where his slow-bowling partners Amit Mishra and Shahbaz Nadeem bowled flat in the hopes of containing the batsmen, Tahir backed his skill to
confound them. He had Smith lbw with a ball that skidded through off the pitch and removed Ishan Kishan and Dinesh Karthik off successive balls in the 17th over. Much like Tahir, Dhawal Kulkarni relied on his strength - swing - to topple Sanju Samson, an in-form Quinton de Kock and Karun Nair to lift Lions in the chase but his 3 for 19 wouldn’t have mattered much until his new-ball partner Praveen bowled an excellent final over to strangle Morris and finish with 4-0-13-0. Scores: Gujarat Lions 172 for 6 (McCullum 60, Smith 53, Tahir 3-24, Morris 2-35) beat Delhi Daredevils 171 for 5 (Morris 82*, Kulkarni 3-19).
orphanages, two schools in Berbice among other ventures. The organisers have also decided to put aside some money to assist in some needy cause in case of health. The budget for the activity was presented by BCCDA Treasurer Chris Hicks which pegged the expenses at $400,000. The winning team is
expected to pocket $100,000 the runner up $50,000 while the man of the match will collect $10,000. A number of other side attractions are expected to form a part of the programme. The event is also expected to form part of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce yearly event. (Samuel Whyte)
AAG to host Independence Day of Athletics The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will team up with athletes based in North America to host an Independence Day of Athletics on May 22 at Guyana National Service (GNS) Sports Complex, CARIFESTA Avenue and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground. “According to the Organising Committee of the venture, a 5km, 10km and a track and field event will be staged four days prior to Independence Day,” a release said, adding that a hive of activity and lots of cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs. The 5km (for athletes 14-16 years) and 10km (open) will start at 6am at the Sports Complex and end at the same venue. “The official route will be published in a subsequent release,” the presser from the association indicated. Five hours later, the youth, junior and senior track and field athletes will swing into action at the GDF Ground. They will compete in the 4x100m and 4x400m relay races along with the 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m and long jump events. The 60m and 80m events will also be contested for athletes 12 and under. The top three finishers in the U-16 and U-20 events will take home bicycles and the top five seniors will pocket $40,000, $30,000, $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. The top three Master’s male and female finishers will be rewarded with cash prizes of $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 in that order. Admission is free.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 28, 2016
STAG ELITE LEAGUE - FINALE...
Brazil receives Olympic flame for Rio Games
Alpha and Slingerz draw; Conquerors edge Monedderlust
By Franklin Wilson Fruta Conquerors were gifted an equalizing goal on account of poor referring which effectively broke the focus and zeal of Monedderlust which eventually lost an intriguing encounter 2-1 when the STAG Elite League – Finale continued on Tuesday night at the GDF ground. In the feature match of the night and the most exciting match of the FINALE to date, points leaders Slingerz FC and Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United battled to a pulsating 1-1 draw, Slingerz having to fight back to draw level and were reduced to 10-men with seven minutes to go, Clive Nobrega (41st, 83rd) booked for the second time. The last time Slingerz and Alpha met in March, the West Demerara based side prevailed 2-1 after Alpha took the lead as the trend of the former National champions drawing first blood continued. On that date at the Conquerors ground, Alpha were reduced to 9players when Anthony Benfield and Anthony Abrams were sent off but this time around, the tables were turned, Slingerz having to play a man less but it was almost game time so Alpha did not get the chance to capitalize. It was a fiery clash between two sides that have at their disposal some of the best players in the country that are guided by two of the better tacticians in the game. Alpha looked a more compact and determined unit and did enjoy some good moments early in the piece. The fast paced match had the full attention of all the fans at the venue with Points Standings at the end of Round 11 Club GP W Slingerz 11 10 Fruta Conquerors 11 9 Alpha United 11 6 Pele FC 11 5 GDF FC 11 4 Buxton United 11 2 Monedderlust 11 1 GFC 11 0
again, some questionable referring decisions that threatened the smooth flow of the game. However, that did not daunt the spirits of the players who continued to play hard, exhibiting a high degree of athleticism, technical and tactical acumen at both ends of the pitch. The first half ended with the scores tied 0-0. Anticipation was high for a humdinger of a final half and so it turned out. Alpha took the lead three minutes into the half, attacking the JB Singh Highway goal; it was a well judged strike from Andrew Murray (his first goal of the FINALE) who was fed from a corner that was taken by his Captain, Dwight Peters. The otherwise efficient Slingerz custodian, Winslow McDowall had no answer to the shot as he was beaten on the near post. Accustomed to fighting their way back into contention was again evident on the part of Slingerz, and it was done in fantastic fashion by their Captain, Tischard Joseph with a classical free kick that curled into the back of the nets to the right of goalkeeper Alex Murray in the 57th minute; Joseph’s third goal of the season. Both McDowall and Alex Murray were brought into action on quite a few occasions on a slippery pitch after rain intervened during the game. McDowall saved a blinder of a shot from close range that was tipped over the bar in the final 10 minutes. Despite playing a man short, Slingerz were able to keep Alpha at bay for an equal share of the points as they also maintained their unbeaten record with their first draw of the FINALE. L 0 1 2 5 5 7 7 10
D 1 1 3 1 2 2 3 1
GF 27 29 27 13 17 8 8 7
GA 6 13 10 14 22 15 25 31
A
Andrew Murray celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Alpha against Slingerz.
Jahall Greaves (left) and Rishawn Sandiford - Fruta Conquerors.
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The opening match saw the constantly improving Monedderlust dominating Fruta Conquerors for the entire first half as they looked a solid bunch destined for their second win with every passing minute. Fifty-one minutes into the match, Kevin Cottoy fired in his first goal of the FINALE which handed Monedderlust the advantage much to the delight of the entire team; it was just reward for the dominance of the West Berbice side. Even as they {Monedderlust} continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges despite a few bright flashes for Conquerors, poor judgement by the standing referee gifted Conquerors the equalizing goal in the 71st minute. In plain view of all present, Monedderlust’s goalkeeper Elvis Rutherford clearly kept the ball out of the goal despite part of his body being over the line. In keeping with the laws of the game it was not a goal but that was the view of the standing referee who signaled to the center circle, effectively ruling that it was a goal to the utter dismay of the Monedderlust team, other officials and fans on hand. Jahall Greaves was the Conquerors player who took the shot, it was his 7th goal of the FINALE, tying teammate Hubert Pedro and one behind joint leaders, Alpha’s Delon Lanferman and Anthony Abrams. Monedderlust could not recover from that decision which allowed Conquerors the opportunity to nail the winning goal four minutes later, a ripping free kick that penetrated the wall and goalie Rutherford in lightening fashion off the boot of Rishawn Sandiford in the GD Pts 76th minute. Round 12 play +21 31 will commence of Friday at +16 28 the same venue when Alpha +17 21 United face the home team -1 16 from 18:30hrs. A potentially -5 14 pulsating feature match is in -7 8 the making when Slingerz -17 6 match skills with -24 1 Conquerors.
T H E N S (Reuters) The Olympic flame that will burn in Rio in August for the first Games in South America was handed over to Brazil on Wednesday in the marble stadium that hosted the first modern Games in 1896. After a six-day trek across Greece, the flame that was lit last Thursday by the sun’s rays at the birthplace of the Games in Ancient Olympia was presented to the Brazilian organizers. From its overnight perch at the Acropolis museum, it traveled through the streets of Athens before being carried into the stadium which was built in 330 BC by Greek high jump Olympic medalist Niki Bakoyianni. After a relay in the stadium, Greek rowing champion Katerina Nikolairou lit the golden cauldron, surrounded by priestesses in long pleated dresses, and the crowd erupted into cheers. “We ... promise (to) deliver great Games,” Rio Games chief Carlos Nuzman said at the handover ceremony. Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Olympics from Aug. 5-21 but preparations
have been plagued by the country’s worst recession in decades and attentions distracted by political turmoil. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is facing impeachment for alleged budget fraud and federal prosecutors are investigating Olympic projects for suspected corruption. Ticket sales have lagged compared to previous Games, with just 62 percent sold so far, according to the Rio 2016 organizing committee. Organizers have also grappled with pollution in waters off Rio where sailing and rowing events will be held, and an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, linked to birth defects in hundreds of children in northern Brazil. The flame will be flown in special safety lanterns to Switzerland for a ceremony at the United Nations in Geneva today. It arrives in Brazil on May 3 for a relay across the country in the hands of 12,000 torch-bearers before reaching in Rio for the opening ceremony on Aug. 5. Greece hosted the Summer Olympics in 2004.
Invitational Primary schools football set for NA
F
our invited Primary schools o f N e w Amsterdam will compete in an Invitational football Tournament as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Guyana. The 3-day Tournament will have trophies and prizes at stake and all four teams will be outfitted, compliments of the New Amsterdam Primary and Secondary Schools Sports (NAPS) in collaboration with team AFRICARI and co-workers of Oakland, California, a release stated. Former national youth and senior footballer, Roger Alphonso whose brainchild it was that established NAPS
in 2009 will be here along with other members of team AFRICARI during the Tournament which will be played between June 1st and 3rd. The venue for the games is the Scotts school ground in New Amsterdam and the invited teams that will be participating are; Fort Ordinance Primary, All Saints Primary, St. Theresa’s Primary and St. Aloysius Primary.
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Thursday April 28, 2016
CPL banks on Caribbean diaspora for T20 success in Lauderhill Jamaica Observer - Chief Operating Officer of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 (T20) tournament Pete Russell says hosting matches in Florida is an effective way of tapping into cricket-loving markets in the United States. This year’s HERO CPL, the fourth edition of the tournament, is set to stage games outside of the Caribbean for the first time. Six matches are scheduled for Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida between July 28 and 31. CPL T20 organisers believe the move is a recipe for success. They are banking on grabbing the attention of some of the hundreds of thousands of people with Caribbean heritage living in Florida, especially with the heavy concentration in and around the city of Fort Lauderdale. “I think it’s fantastic. We know there’s a huge fan base in America, and more
Pete Russell …what’s interesting is that we went on sale with tickets [approximately two weeks ago] and already we’ve sold close to 5,000 tickets. importantly, there’s a huge Jamaican following in Fort Lauderdale and the
surroundings. We’re very excited about the prospects of playing there,” said Russell. CPL’s introduction to Florida is set to be the second high-profile cricket venture in the US market within the last 12 months, following the Cricket All-Stars Series — a promotional tour involving mostly retired legends - in late 2015. Attendance fees for any sporting event in the US can be costly. For that promotional tour, ticket prices were generally high. In Los Angeles, the cost of a ticket was said to range from US$50 to US$325. CPL has kept prices starting as low as US$23 per ticket in a bid to lure fans into the venue. To add spice to the pot, the games in Lauderhill will coincide with the business end of the tournament’s preliminary phase when teams are likely to be jostling for playoff places. Russell, who has been a part of CPL since inception, said the combined sale of tickets over the four match days has already been
promising. “What’s interesting is that we went on sale with tickets [approximately two weeks ago] and already we’ve sold close to 5,000 tickets. That’s a phenomenal achievement in a short space of time. “We know there is an audience there, and on top of that there are a lot of cricket-loving fans who don’t get to see international players very often, if at all,” said the CPL operating chief. The full fixture list for the 2016 CPL is to yet to be released, but the tournament is expected to run from late June to early August. The six franchises are Trinbago Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Zouks. Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, who underwent a name change to Trinbago Knight Riders for this season, won last year’s tournament.
Mumbai call in Jerome Trophy Stall, Banks DIH join Jumbo Jet Taylor for injured Malinga for Labour Day horserace meet this Sunday
Jerome Taylor joins Mumbai Indians’ set-up ©LatinContent/ Getty Images
Golden Jubliee Endurance Race Meet for May 1
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s part of Guyana’s ‘Golden Jubilee’ celebrations, the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) will be staging an Endurance Race Meet on May 1, at South Dokota Circuit, commencing from 12.00 hrs. Among the teams anticipated to participate are Team Fullworks, Brian Ten-Pow and Shawn Seejattan, a pair that has dominated Endurance racing for sometime, Team Wrecker led by Anand Ramchand among others. Endurance racing has been steadily growing in popularity and an official close to the fraternity stated that the amount of teams to have participated last year increased and has shown an upward trend in terms of competitors’ participation.
ESPNCRICINFO Mumbai Indians have signed West Indies pacer Jerome Taylor as a replacement for the injured Lasith Malinga for the remainder of IPL 2016. Taylor trained with Mumbai on Wednesday, and will be available for selection for their game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday. A knee injury has kept Malinga out of action since February this year; he last played competitive cricket in the Asia Cup and missed out on the subsequent World T20. His participation in the IPL was always doubtful, but Mumbai had decided to wait until their first five matches were completed to give him time to recover before looking for a replacement. The highest wicket-taker across IPL seasons, Malinga was eventually ruled out of the 2016 tournament on April 17. Taylor has been involved in the IPL in the past, as part of Kings XI Punjab and the now defunct Pune Warriors. While he didn’t get to play a match during his time with Kings XI, Taylor represented Pune Warriors in five m a t c h e s i n t h e 2 0 11 tournament, taking six wickets at an economy rate of 8.05. Overall, in 61 T20s, Taylor has 74 wickets at an average of 23.18, having conceded 7.81 runs to the over. He was part of West Indies’ squad for the 2016 World T20, but played only one game where he went wicketless.
With just a few days to go before race day set for Sunday 1 May, preparations are almost completed for the much anticipated horserace meet organised by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing stables in collaboration with the Bush Lot United Turf Club. Over 55 horses have so far taken entry with a number of companies also on board. Beverage Giants Banks DIH Limited headlined the list of sponsors on board with The Jumbo Jet Conglomerate, with Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service and Trophy Stall among the major sponsors. The $4M event which includes cash, trophies and other incentives is slated for the Bush Lot United Turf Club, Sea View Park, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. Six races are carded for the day with the feature event being for horses classified D and lower for a winning purse of $800,000 over 1mile. Among the top notch field entered so far are Princess She Not, PlumPlum, Climate Change with Red and Lovely and California Strike expected to be back in action with others such as Keep on Swinging, Golden Blue Echo, Because I Say So, American Boss, Spit Fire, Just Call Me Boss, Lady Budapest, Unsettled, Storm Bird and Strom Mark also expected to feature. The other races listed include -The 1400M event for three year old West Indies st
bred horses that never earned and open Guyana Bred horses for a winning prize of $350,000 and trophy. The G1 and lower 1200M event for the winner’s take of $350,000 and trophy has been changed to a F3 & Lower race. The H3 and lower event is over 1400M and will see the animals running for a winning pocket of $250,000 and trophy. Animals classified K and J and lower will be racing for a winning pocket of $200,000 and trophy over 1200M. The final event will be for animals classified L and lower over 1000M for a winning purse of $150,000 and trophy. Animals such as Cat Messiah, Liquid Lion, Blue Lightning, Red Jet, Red Region, Plane Land, Royal Cash, Turn About, Royal
Stallion, 3 P Prince, Quincy, Royal Progressive, Progressive Kid, Seven Dust, Confusion and Strike again among others. Apart from the exhilarating horserace meet expected to unfold , as is customary with events promoted by Jumbo Jet, a number of other attractions and give a ways will be a part of the day‘s activities. The events will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Irshad Mohammed on 6641650, Ramnauth on 3375311 / 697-1979, Campton Sancho on 690-0569 and Lakeram “Buddy” Sukhdeo on 672-0810 for any detail. The coordinator is Nazrudeen Jumbo Jet Mohammed Jr. Race time is 12:30pm. (Samuel Whyte)
Senior Citizen Bocce Tourney set for April 30
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enior Citizen will once again be exhibiting their skills as teams compete in the Senior Citizens’ Bocce Tournament on April 30, 2016 at the National Gymnasium commencing at 09:30hrs. The Tournament is sponsored by the National Sports Commission and is organized by Sports Organiser Mr. Wilton Spencer. Teams with less than the prescribed number of players will forfeit the match. Players are advised to be early. The public is invited.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 28, 2016
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GASP set to resume fierce competition Gujarat Lions survive Morris 82* following anniversary celebrations in manic game
Grace Hercules and James Krakowsky are in deep concentration while other top players enjoy similar rivalry during the resuscitation sessions last week.
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BSENSE is a scrabble word and on any given day a player would have relished placing these tiles on the board as it represents a bingo and consequently 50 bonus points. This may be so but affiliates of the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) have not benefitted from an absence of some two years due to internal issues that curtailed activities. All this will now be a thing of the past following a concerted effort of those affiliates to resume activities. The GASP is now observing its 20 anniversary and last Sunday evening the players converged at th
Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets, Queenstown, to acknowledge GASP’s 20th Anniversary with a fun day. Naturally, the players engaged in several competitive games while discussing plans towards the resumption of activities. Among those in attendance were national scrabble champion, Abigail McDonald, her predecessor, Fred Collins, Moen Gafoor, Colin Chichester, James Krakowsky, Carlton Murray, Grace Hercules, Yvonne Murray and Ruby Cummings among other players. The Hermanston Lodge will now be the home of scrabble as the GASP has
managed to broker a deal with the management of that institution. Before, the players had enjoyed similar patronage from the administrators of the Malteenoes Sports Club. Consequently, the GASP extended gratitude to those officials for accommodating them during their active years. Meanwhile, Yvonne Murray continues to agitate for the sport’s introduction in the schools and has been in the forefront to initiate a secondary school scrabble programme. She had made remarkable progress towards its realization after conducting orientation sessions among teachers at
the Carmel School, Charlestown late last year. Officials of GASP have lauded such efforts and have committed to embrace them during the new dispensation. Top seed, James Krakowsky, related that the new executives will also examine ways of broadening and popularizing the sport while encouraging the formation of local clubs under the umbrella of GASP that will culminate with a secondary school scrabble competition. The players will also resume the weekly informal gettogethers and frequent scheduling of competitions. Abigail McDonald is currently the national champion.
Sponsors begin to pour in for Guyana 50th Independence Anniversary Horserace meet
H
orseracing will be a big part of Guyana’s 50 Independence Anniversary celebrations as preparations continue apace for the event organised by the Four Horse Men Promotion group. The event dubbed the “50 Independence Anniversary Horserace clash” is slated for Sunday 22 May at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice. Not wanting to be left out of the action a number of companies have already come on board for the event which is slated to be the biggest for the year so far. Peter Lewis and Sons Associated Construction Limited, Banks DIH Limited, Delmur Company Limited, South Land Company Limited, P and P Investments Limited, Latchman Mohabir and Attorney at Law N. Poonai are among those already on board. According to the organizers, also of note is that most of the trophies for the activity have already been sourced from
overseas. The feature event will be for horses classified ‘A’ and lower with a lucrative first prize of $1.5M winner’s purse and the 50th Independence Anniversary Cup from a total package of close to $2.8M over a grueling 1900M. The other events listed are the 1400M event for D3 Maiden and E and Lower horses for the $750,000 and trophy. The F and lower 1200M race fetches the winner $320,000 and trophy. The three year old event for West Indies Bred and G3 and lower horses for a winners take of $350,000 and trophy over 1200M. The H3 Maiden and I and lower 1000M race has a winning pocket of $250,000 and trophy. There is an event for three year old Guyana bred horses for a $200,000 price tag and trophy over 1200M. The horses classified J and lower will now have an opportunity to compete for $200,000 and trophy with the distance being 1200M.
The final event is for horses classified K and L and lower over 1200M with a pole position taking of $170,000 and trophy. Meanwhile, preparations continue at the venue. All the top horses in the country are expected to be a part of the day’s activity. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organizers. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority Interested persons can make contact with Bobby Vaughn 624-6788, 2235097, 227 7061, 333-0290, 3330301, Fazal 657 7010, Ramnauth 3375311 or Campton Sancho on 690-0569 for entry and additional details. The coordinator is Colin Elcock. Race time will be 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Chris Morris hammers one of his eight humongous sixes, Delhi Daredevils v Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Delhi, April 27, 2016 ©BCCI
ESPNcricinfo - It was IPL in a nutshell. Brendon McCullum’s destructive start helped Gujarat Lions record the fastest hundred in 54 balls - of the season. A helpless collapse then killed the prospect of a onesided game. A total of 172 with dew gathering at Feroz Shah Kotla was not beyond Delhi Daredevils. However, the home fans would have despaired when they slipped to 16 for 3. The game, of course, was not done playing with their emotions. Out walked the million dollar man Chris Morris with 116 needed off 56, and walloped the third fastest fifty in IPL history, off 17 balls. When the match finished, he was unbeaten on 82 off 32 balls, but there was no smile on his face. Those were on the faces of Praveen Kumar and Dwayne Bravo, who gave away only 16 off the final two overs to pull off a onerun win for Lions. Morris had come in at No. 6 and launched his second ball into the second tier of the stands behind long-off. Very few of his eight sixes and four fours were mistimed, but a lot of them came as a result of his
being able to get under the ball. Praveen did not allow that to happen in the penultimate over of the chase, when he conceded only four to leave Daredevils needing 14 off the final six balls. Bravo, bowling from around the stumps, then hit the blockhole repeatedly to deny Morris’ sublime innings the status of matchwinning. Suresh Raina gave his frontline spinners - Ravindra Jadeja and Pravin Tambe only one over each and they cost a combined 31 runs. Bowling with the wet ball, they stood very little chance against Morris now armed with a crowd that was bellowing his name. His reach helped, his balance at the crease pristine and his clarity of thought handling the required rate was above 12 was downright chilling. Morris’ first two sixes dragged the equation down from 101 off 48 to 85 off 42. Two against Tambe in the 15th over brought it to 57 off 30. A hat-trick of them in the 17th over sealed his fifty and left Daredevils needing 29 off 18. The passage of play till then was similar to the Lions innings - they raced to (Continued on page 29)
Kaieteur News
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Thursday April 28, 2016
Woodpecker Women’s Hockey League
STAG/EBFA SENIOR LEAGUE
Mocha Champs trounce Pizza Hut GCC in Agricola Red Triangle winners row again
Mocha Champs upset Agricola Red Triangle 5-2 when the two teams collided on Sunday afternoon last at the Grove Playfield as the STAG sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior League continued. The opening match did not come off as Diamond United gifted a walk over to Soesdyke Falcons which moves into the third place on 9 points with their third win, trailing leaders Grove Hi Tech (12) and Herstelling Raiders (10), all completing five matches in the seven team / one round league. By the end of the first half, Mocha was well on their way to upsetting Agricola with three goals already in the back of the nets. Tyshawn Forris, after the first half hour saw neck and neck exchanges, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. This was the exact opening that the Mocha boys were waiting for as one minute after taking the lead; it was doubled, Forris again doing the honours of rocking the nets to complete his double. Before the break, Andell Anthony gave Agricola an indication of what was to come when he
Latest Points Standings Team P W Grove 5 4 Herstelling 5 3 Soesdyke 5 3 Kuru Kururu 5 2 Agricola 5 2 Mocha 5 2 0 Diamond 4 0
Andell Anthony (left) and Tyshawn Forris scored Mocha’s third goal in the 40th minute. Picking up from where they left off in the first half, Mocha were back into goal scoring stride in the 52nd minute when Anthony found the back of the nets for his second strike to make it 4-0 in favour of Mocha. Ten minutes later the score read Mocha 5 Agricola 0, Anthony completing his hat-trick. Agricola, which lost their previous match to Herstelling looked a shadow of themselves and not fully recovered from the Hestelling D 0 1 0 1 0 3 0
L 1 1 2 2 3 9 4
GF 14 7 11 7 12 8 0
loss. However, they were able to pull back a couple of goals during a late surge and even missed a penalty which could have further reduced the deficit. Brian Prince in the 66th and Egbert Nedd one minute later were the only players to score for Agricola as Mocha walked away with full points with a 5-2 win. Matches will continue this Sunday at the same venue when Diamond open against Kuru Kururu Warriors at 13:30hrs; the second game pit Agricola against Soesdyke Falcons. GA 5 7 10 5 9 +1 16
GD +9 0 +1 +2 +3 6 -16
Points 12 10 9 7 6 0
Gabriella Xavier
Tricia Fiedtkou
T
he Pizza Hut GCC ladies continued their onslaught of opposing teams in the i n a u g u r a l Wo o d p e c k e r Women’s Hockey League after inflicting a 6-0 drubbing on Old Fort Shooting Stars on Monday, at the GCC ground, Bourda. The match began in almost identical fashion as that of the previous afternoon when GCC faced the Hikers as GCC striker Kerensa Fernandes produced a bullet of a shot to give her team a 10 lead in the 6th minute. Outstanding goalkeeping
from young Sarafina Phillips in the goal for Old Fort managed to keep the GCC army at bay despite several shots on goal. O l d F o r t ’ s ShonnetteFreeman defended relentlessly and Minsodia Culpepper provided the occasional offensive spark, but GCC tightened their grip of the game when Sonia Jardine scored in the 21st minute and Sandy Roopnarine three minutes later. A brace of goals from veteran midfielder Tricia Fiedtkou and a single from
striker Gabriella Xavier rounded out GCC’s six unanswered goals for the match. The victory catapults Pizza Hut GCC further ahead of the field in the league with 15 points. Hikers remain in second place with 6 points; the Under-21s are currently third with 3 points while Old Fort Shooting Stars are yet to secure points. Matches continue this weekend at Saint Stanislaus College ground with the National Under-21 opposing Hikers at 16:00hrs.
Hand-in-Hand 50-over U-19 Inter-County cricket...
Rain at Wales keeps Demerara on top
O
vernight and heavy mid-day rain ruined any chance Berbice had of upsetting leaders and defending champions Demerara in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) under-19 InterCounty 50-overs cricket competition at the Wales Community Centre yesterday. The two points for the washed out game pushed Demerara closer to a successful title defence as they moved to 11.3 points and are almost assured of a place in Sunday’s final after beating Essequibo in the first round at Everest. Berbice, beaten by the U-17s at Enterprise, collected their first two points of the competition from yesterday’s rain-ruined game which was called at 14:30hrs. The rain stopped briefly just after Lunch before a heavy downpour shortly after left the already soggy ground with a few puddles of water inside the 30yard on the western section of the venue although the pitch remained dry. Up to then prospects of playing a 20-over contest, the minimum number of overs to constitute a game, looked promising and even though the sun came out in all of its glory, the removal of the covers would have taken longer than the cut off time of 14:30hrs. Tomorrow the U-17s clash with Demerara at DCC, while Berbice, who have endured one of their worst seasons of U-19 Inter-County cricket, battles Essequibo at Bourda from 09:30hrs. The top two teams on the points table will vie for championship honours on Sunday at Bourda. (Sean Devers)
Heavy mid-day showers at Wales prevented any prospects of play yesterday.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 28, 2016
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Paul blitz gives Essequibo 56-run victory over U17s By Zaheer Mohamed It was a Keemo Paul show at the Everest Cricket Club yesterday, the all-rounder smashed a swashbuckling century and picked up two wickets to lead Essequibo to a 56-run victory over the Select U17 team when the Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand Inter County U19 50-over tournament continued. Skipper Paul rescued his team as he dominated a 147-run eight-wicket partnership with Leslie Allen after they were reduced to 73-8 following their decision to bat in hazy conditions. The right-handed Paul smashed the bowlers to all parts of the outfield as he galloped to an unbeaten 156 off 120 balls after the game was reduced to 46 overs, leading his team to 231-8 off their reduced 44 overs. Essequibo lost Nathan Persaud (00) with the score on eight before Mark Williams (13) and Siddique Mohamed (07) added 30 for the second wicket, however leg spinner Tameshwar Motieram removed them both in the space of eight runs, leaving the score on 38-3. Pacer Colin Barlow sent back Sachin Persaud for six before Paul and Akenie Adams attempted to repair the damage with a fifth-wicket stand of 24, but Ashmead Nedd had Adams caught for four to further reduced Essequibo. Jonathan Fernandes (01), Looknauth Chinkoo (00) and Miguel Jones (06) all fell in quick succession to give the U17s hope of an easy victory, only to be intercepted by Paul’s brilliance. Paul inched his way to his half century and was well supported by Allen, who though did not score as freely, held up the other end. After reaching his fifty, he continued to
Kemp Paul collects his man-of-the-match award from match referee Reon King. Joshua Persaud calmly accumulate his runs with nudges and pushes and occasional boundary. Paul then stepped up the scoring rate as he approached his century, he made batting looked simple, effortlessly piercing the outfield which was slow due to high grass on most areas, and cleared it at will. He smashed Kevin Sinclair and Joshua Jones for sixes before hitting Sagar Hatheramani and Motieram who was the most successful bowler with 3-21, for fours. Paul was even more merciless after reaching his century off 105 balls, dumping Bhaskar Yadram and Hatheramani over the ropes. The penultimate over sent down by Ya d r a m y i e l d e d 2 4 r u n s , w h i l e
Hatheramani’s last produced 21. Paul’s innings contained eight fours and fifteen sixes and came off 120 balls, so dominant was the Essequibo skipper that Allen only managed seven in the stand. Nedd took 2-15 while Barlow and Sinclair had one each. Extras assisted with 31. Yadram and Sachin Singh added 40 for the first wicket before Singh retired hurt. OffSpinner Chinkoo then had Reyon Venture caught and bowled without scoring, while Adams accounted for Yadram 19. Chinkoo then removed Steve Deonarine and Kevin Sinclair for five and zero respectively to restrict the U17s to 55-4. However, Singh resumed his innings and together with the in-form Joshua Persaud
staged a fight back with partnership of 63. The duo negotiated some testing bowling as they carefully rotated the strike. But Paul provided the breakthrough by disturbing the stumps of Singh who struck three fours in scoring 39. Persaud hit three fours before he too was removed by Paul caught at the wicket for 58. Hatheramani was then run out for 10 before Paul bowled Motieram for one. Impressive Fifteen-year-old pacer Reyaz Khan finished off the innings by bowling Nedd (00) and Jones (14) as the U17s were sent packing for 175 in 42 overs. Chinkoo claimed 3-19, Adams 2-23, Khan 2-30 and man-of-the-match Paul 2-42. The competition continues tomorrow.
DDL supports GBA junior Int’l tourney By Zaheer Mohamed The Demerara Distillers Limited under its Pepsi and Gatorade brands has thrown its support behind the Guyana Boxing Association for the hosting of its inaugural international school boys and juniors tournament which is set to commence tomorrow night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Larry Wills of DDL yesterday presented a cheque to president of the GBA Steve Ninvalle at the launching of the event which took place at Laluni Street, Queenstown. Ninvalle said they have confirmed St. Lucia and Jamaica’s participation but are waiting on a feedback from Barbados. He added that such a tournament is vital for the
growth of the sport not only in Guyana but the Caribbean, stating that it will be an annual affair. “We have noted across the Caribbean that very little being placed on boxing in schools so we have gone as far for the sport to be included in schools. It’s my belief that boxing is one of the sports where you have to be most disciplined,” he added. The GBA boss thanked DDL and indicated that Guyana will participate in a Creole competition slated for June in Cayenne. Wills indicated that they are happy to be associated with the tournament and is looking forward to a successful one. He pledged their continued support, adding that such events will provide local boxers with the opportunity to match skills with their overseas counterparts. He lauded the
GBA on the venture. Coach Seibert Blake expressed gratitude to the parents of the local boxers and thanked the GBA for their efforts in promoting the sport. He stated that this is very vital for the
development of the young pugilists and also expressed confidence of the local athletes for the event. Blake informed that the Guyanese team was selected based on their performance in a recent camp and that local boxers
will also compete among themselves. Coach Terrence Poole spoke of the importance of the tournament, adding that it will help to take the sport to another level in the Caribbean.
Action gets underway from 6:00pm tomorrow and Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is $500 for any over 12 years, while children under 12 will be admitted free.
t r o Sp
Alpha and Slingerz draw; Conquerors edge Monedderlust Stag Elite League: FINALE
Slingerz’ Domini Garnett deep in the Alpha attacking third being closely monitored by three opposing players.
Brazil receives Olympic flame for Rio Games
(AT LEFT) Spyros Capralos, head of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (L), hands over an Olympic torch to Rio’s Olympic chief Carlos Nuzman during the handover ceremony of the Olympic Flame to the delegation of the 2016 Rio Olympics, at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, April 27, 2016. (REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis) (ABOVE) The Brazilian, Olympic and Greek flags fly over the Panathenaic Stadium during the handover ceremony of the Olympic Flame to the delegation of the 2016 Rio Olympics, in Athens, Greece, April 27, 2016. (REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210