Guyana is in a horrendous state DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is in an extremely horrendous situation where criminal enterprise is concern. I make this remark based on the facts before me; criminal rampaging is at an all-time high, with each passing day seeing more daring and ghoulish acts being committed on the hapless populace. Crime has gripped the Guyanese society with a crippling, deadly effect, and if it is not dealt with immediately, we would be stuck in this hell hole for a very long time. That is why I commend the Guyana Police for their alert and quick response to the six criminals now in custody. It is now left to the justice system to do their part in putting them away securely in a place where they cannot do harm or cause destruction to normal society. These guys are abnormally sick individuals and they have no place being among
normal people. Permit me to quote from the latest arrest information, “the six gunmen nabbed on Tuesday night include two former murder accused and three other individuals out on bail on previous armed robbery charges, one of the suspects has been described as a “serial robbery accused who was in court for similar charges just a day prior to his arrest.” Further, “at the time of their arrest, they were in possession of two 9MM Glock pistols with 22 live rounds; a Beretta Pistol with 11 rounds; a .32 Taurus pistol with 6 live rounds of ammunition; along with a sledgehammer, two pairs of latex gloves and trade plates.” You would admit that these bandits were well armed and in criminal pursuit of things ghoulish and deadly. That mini-arsenal is testimony to that fact. This is purposeful criminal enterprise meant to
create mass destruction and mayhem in society. This is the Guyana we are forced to live in, criminal and violent. Now, for a small, struggling society such as ours, citizens should not, I repeat, should not be held ransom by such violence and backwardness. Honest, peaceful, law-abiding citizens must be set free from such vile individuals at all cost. You must realize also that criminal behaviour does not stop there, It has the rippling effect of scaring away possible investors to our country, no one would want to invest in a country where crime and fear is so pervasive. Investing in such an environment is fraught with untold danger and huge risks for the investor. The sum total of it all is that our country remains isolated and stagnated and the whole nation suffers immensely. Extreme fear and (Continued on page 6)
Where are our allies in the fight against Venezuela? DEAR EDITOR, Guyana must be complimented for its diligence in submitting its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ/World Court), requesting the court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. We may not have the military might to protect our territorial integrity against Venezuela’s brutal claims, but we have the sovereignty of the nation’s doctrine. International jurisdiction has been invoked via the ICJ, presumptively to resolve the controversy in accordance with international laws and jurisprudence, including the sanctity of treaties and the maintenance of settled boundaries. However, more has to be done, both within and outside Guyana. Not only must each
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of Guyana’s Ambassadors, diplomatic staff, Embassy and Consulate Officials lobby every nation and international organization, but all Guyanese and West Indians. Indeed, every right-thinking person must advocate publicly and support Guyana’s cause, while exposing and condemning Venezuela’s bogus and vicious claims. Those charged with representing Guyana’s interests abroad must not sit idly by, and expect support to come to us. That is not how global politics work. My foray into politics taught me what my father always warned me of that, “not all those who laugh and smile with you is your friend. Most will stab you in the back when your back is turned”. Then they will pretend to shed “crocodile tears” for you.
Many of my life experiences have taught me that the DNA of the same people we help is so perverse, that they will sell that very person down the river, or dump them under the bus unnecessarily. They just cannot help it. They will point fingers at you, and criticize, jump on your back for you to carry them, make you spend your time and money on their welfare, as if they are entitled to your sacrifices by some divine right, but will never make an attempt to even walk a few steps in your shoes. It is explained by diverse sociologists as the “crab mentality,” the “crab dog (Continued on page 6)
“Cockroach” eat out some people conscience or what? DEAR EDITOR, Jerrick Rutherford continuous obtuse arguments will not absolve him of responsibility for the things said or attempts at justifying the unjustifiable. Reference is made to his letter, “The goalpost has been shifted and my points mischaracterised” (KN 11th April 2018). His earlier statement, “….and having some speeches and flag wavers at the airport to show appreciation for the Prime Minister does not raid the treasury in the way that it was previously done” cannot mean anything else than what is stated. It is simple language. The subject is the ‘raid of the treasury’ where he drew comparison of similar action of the previous and current government, with the only difference being the present does not raid it to the same extent. He explicitly said “not …in the way that it was previously done.” Had Rutherford said ‘unlike the previous government this
government does not raid the treasury’ he could have taken umbrage to the reference that a comparison is being made, but the incumbent is seen as less bad, thus making the action less offensive! The blinkered interpretation of my following statement is therefore not unexpected. “Instead of Guyanese discussing hearing from the Prime Minister, his appreciation of the support and outpourings received during his period of illness and recuperation, Jerrick Rutherford apparently believes that there is soundness in making obtuse arguments of the worthiness of a welcome ceremony” means just that! It is simple language here again. This aforesaid statement implies the (political) benefit to be gained from expressions of gratitude for the taxpayers’ funding as against inflicting further pain on the taxpayers by flaunting the disparity in the health care service and the discriminatory access to overseas/better care for the
privileged and connected with a welcome ceremony. ‘Instead” means ‘in the place of; to compensate for, as an alternative, as a replacement for, etc.’ When this meaning is grasped, the sagacity of the aforesaid would not be lost. Unfortunately, Rutherford is incapable of recognizing this, hence stomping deeper in the mud and splashing the stink mud in the face of the government that he professes admiration for. To make the point of the sick care system, a 21-yearold male relative of mine went to the Georgetown Hospital last week to get an x-ray after suffering a fall and hurting his lower back. That service could not be provided because the machine was not working. He was referred to a private service to have the procedure done, which obviously carries a cost. This reinforces the point that we don’t have a healthcare system, we have a sick system that the ordinary man and woman access, while the (Continued on page 6)
Being carefree with our money DEAR EDITOR, The plethora of unnecessarily long and repetitious Vacancy Ads and Invitations to Bid by various governmental agencies, especially the Ministry of Public Health, caught my attention almost as an irritant yesterday as I read through the daily newspapers. While it is commendable that these opportunities are given full publicity, such objectives can just as well, if not more effectively be achieved, without the unnecessarily repetitious and lengthy instructions on how
to apply. It does not take much common sense to see that most of the Ads could have been combined with just one set of instructions as to how/ where/when to apply. At over eight hundred dollars ($800+) per column inch, think of the thousands of dollars that could have been saved. Then, rather bizarrely, the Ministry of the Presidency/ EPA placed a Full Page Ad, which indicated the website where full details and Terms of Reference of a position can be had, but went on to detail
the said terms of reference in the Ad; furthermore, one had to carefully comb through the verbiage to ‘discover’ what was the position being advertised! Such apparent disregard for cost-benefit processes and actions by people who spend taxpayers’ money should not be allowed to continue the drag on our meagre resources. (with apologies to our media houses who understandably might not take kindly to my observations). Nowrang Persaud
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It is time to stop the musical chairs approach to GuySuCo and We cannot help but peculiarly strange, taking into Industrial and Commercial GAWU believes it is time to the sugar industry widely. wonder whether the intrigues, account that the Minister on Investments Limited (NICIL). stop the musical chairs DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU recognized from a report appearing in another section of the media, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan being quoted as saying, “Where the Ministry of Finance can help, it will help, but what we will not do is to take any responsibility for the Agriculture Sector and specifically for GuySuCo”. Minister Jordan’s statement stands in direct
contrast to that of his colleague Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder who told the press, some weeks ago, that GuySuCo was no longer under his charge, but responsibility has been transferred to the Finance Ministry. We could not fail to note, interestingly, that Minister Jordan took some weeks to correct what his colleague said, and which was reported
referred to by the FITUG and the GTUC, prompted the Minister’s comment. The obvious and glaring confusion and the treatment of GuySuCo as seemingly as an unwanted stepchild is most disturbing; especially recognizing that tens of thousands depend on the state-owned enterprise for their sustenance. We nevertheless find Minister Jordan’s statement
From page 5 foreboding stalks the land; the fact that we fear for our lives that at any time our very existence can be snuffed out is an unnerving factor. We do not know what the future may bring, be it death or destruction. It can occur when we step out there to the supermarket, in the community, or right in our very homes. Fear is our cry and concern. More time or stiffer penalties must be given to these armed bandits, and in this regard, our archaic laws must be amended to bring it in line with present day happenings. At the moment, sentencing for armed robberies is innocuous and bandits are getting away with “murder.” You would have noticed that the latest capture and arrest of criminals, most of those captured are repeat offenders - some of them released back into the society for capital offences. One of the reasons they are able to
get back into society so quickly is the fact that our laws are not strong enough to deal with these offences. Our laws have to be more stringent and updated to keep these menaces in the place they rightfully belong. I am speaking of having them spend a very long time away in prison, enough time for them to sit and mend their horrific lifestyles. If ever they are to be given a new lease in life, this should be after a long period of jail time, enough time that when they are integrated back into society they would be old and infirm and in no fit state to create any trouble. My advice on time spent in incarceration is that it should be wholly dependent on the recovery of the weapons used to commit the crime. If the weapons are recovered, then some time should be deducted. However, if the weapons aren’t recovered, then the decision should be life
imprisonment. Society must be rid of this menace called armed robbery. An accurate account has to be made of criminals in our country - a registry of records which would enable Law Enforcement in the successful tracking of criminals, as well as for later use in our courts when they come up for sentencing. With these measures in place, we would see a drastic reduction in the crime rate if not seeing closure to it altogether. Respectfully Submitted Neil Adams
Guyana is in a horrendous...
December 29, 2017 signed an order which vested the shares of GuySuCo that are held by the State or GuySuCo or any other State corporation or agency to the National
The Minister’s order, in effect, has made NICIL the sole shareholder of GuySuCo, which, as far as we are aware, falls under the Ministry of Finance. The
approach to GuySuCo and the sugar industry. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
From page 5 attitude,” or namak harams. Wherever it derives its genesis from, some regret that it clearly affects Guyanese and Caribbean people most. Indeed, I have experienced that first hand. One thriving expatriate told me when asked about the controversy, that she “would be happy to become a Venezuelan citizen,” with alarming ignorance and unabashed treachery. I remember my QC and law school professors’admonitions, citing Sir Winston Churchill: “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”Indeed, when my blood, sweat and tears were singularly spent in what the mainstream media described as my “unprecedented efforts to unify and empower my community socially, economically and po-
litically,” others ran for the same office just to divide up the community vote, and serve their own narrow-minded egos and interests. Now, after c o u n t l e s s election cycles and openings, none have come forward to fill my shoes, or follow that defined path, or help empower our communities, confirming their selfish and misguided reasons for running in the first place. It will be no different on the international stage where Guyana now has to fight. And, with Guyana’s future looking great with the recent oil discovery, major interests will be involved the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yes, there will be jealous neighbours, friends and family, and manipulative mercenaries. The United Nations, OAS, CARICOM, the Commonwealth and other organizations and nations, must individually and collectively speak louder on Guyana’s behalf. Guyana must hold them accountable. Whenever Guyana’s name came up in the USA, I was reflexively reminded of Jonestown. I got tired of explaining to people that Guyanese were not involved in that tragedy, that it was an all-American affair; that
the stereotypes and stigma of pinning the Jonestown tragedy on Guyanese was wrong and undeserved, and that no other country would have allowed them such largesse and hospitality as Guyana did. Often, it brought out colourful West Indian language to explain that to our detractors, emphasizing that other countries would have demanded reparations and compensation for the perpetuation of such an atrocity on their territories.However, I imagine Guyanese and West Indians will always be the most friendly, docile and hospitable people in the world. Accordingly, I respectfully remind the Guyana government and our legal team to take Sir Shridath Ramphal’s deposition and opinions in this matter, memorializing his unique expert and venerated views confirming the validity of Guyana’s rights over Venezuela’s intrusions. We lost a respectable Judge of the World Court when Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen passed away before the hearing of this matter commenced, and we must not be caught wanting, should Father Time call it, God forbid, for Sir Sonny also. No one will be able to fill that void. Albert Baldeo
Where are our allies in the...
Peeping Tom...
From page 4 such information from if the Ministry of Education itself does not have records of every private school in the land? I think that yesterday’s Peeping Tom does not understand that Private schools are “private” in the sense that they are funded through the fees paid by parents rather than from public revenues. They are not “private” in the sense that what they do is of no concern to anyone but the owners and the parents. The service they provide is of crucial importance to the future of the country in which they operate. This means that both the government of the country, through the Ministry of Education, and ALL citizens, should be very concerned about the way they operate, what they teach, and what they charge the parents of the students. Students, whether they are in private or public schools, are not just their
parents’ concerns. Today’s students will determine how this country develops in the future, so they will affect all our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Unless we are all planning to migrate to other lands, w e should care and be concerned about that. Pat Robinson Commissiong
“Cockroach” eat out some ... From page 5 privileged and connected can ignore it and go abroad for treatment, with their expenses paid for by those who are denied at home. This is a serious issue in our country and attempting to justify further financial burden on the taxpayers - on the Marie Antoinette regard for health care - with a welcome ceremony, is not something taken lightly. “Cockroach” eat out some people conscience or what? The gravity of poor health service that the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese are facing or dread makes poor politics and public relations to flaunt the deprivation with a ceremony. Period!
Rutherford’s view that government has no need for public relations is not surprising. Hopefully given the repeated view there won’t be any response making accusations of being mischaracterised, akin to such being made with the stated comparison of previous and current governments “raid of the treasury” The other issues he attended to are nonsequiturs and undeserving of response. They have no bearing on the healthcare issue, the system or taxpayers funding services and ceremony for the privileged and connected when they are being deprived and denied of the very service and any celebration after a successful procedure. Minette Bacchus
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Tobacco industry appeals for time as deadline looms
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s the local tobacco industry continues to grapple with the realities of tough new laws, there are calls now for the authorities to pronounce on the timelines for full implementation. The pronouncements will help in not only education for the stakeholders, including retailers, but allow time for packaging and other changes that are mandated. The call was made Wednesday evening when the Demerara Tobacco Company Limited and the British American Tobacco hosted a media social at the Pegasus Hotel. The tobacco laws were passed in the National Assembly last July, and assented to by President
David Granger a few weeks later. The commencement orders were signed in December.Under the new laws, Demtoco and other companies will have to advertise the dangers of smoking, using the packaging and other forums to send the message. Persons selling cigarettes from trays and in containers will no longer be allowed to, once the law kicks into full force.However, Demtoco is appealing for clear statements on the timelines to prepare. The industry makes hundreds of millions annually. However, the exact figures are unknown as a large part of tobacco trade in Guyana is illicit.In fact, in neighbouring Suriname, and little further in
Managing Director, Maurlaine Argyle-Kirton and Christopher Brown, Head of Legal and External Affairs. Panama, it is estimated that seven out of every 10
AFC ministries tell Jagdeo: ‘You should be the last person to lecture us on corruption’ The ministries of Public Infrastructure and Natural Resources note comments made by the Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo at yesterday’s press conference, to the effect that there is largescale corruption at these two ministries. Both ministries wish to state unequivocally, and to reassure the public, that all of the business conducted, have been done within the law and regulations. Both ministries reject, in its entirety, this claim by the increasingly beleaguered and desperate Mr. Jagdeo and challenge him to provide evidence. The ministries are certain that he will be unable to do so as no evidence to this effect exists, they said in a statement.. “This outlandish, unsubstantiated claim by the Opposition Leader is nothing more than a red herring and a cheap ‘distractionary’ tactic to divert the public’s attention
from the charges laid against former PPP Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and former head of NICIL, Winston Brassington. “Mr. Jagdeo knows that much work has been done in uncovering the extreme corruption which was rampant while he was President and the PPP was in government. The chickens are now coming home to roost. “Months of tedious work is now resulting in charges being laid and Mr. Jagdeo knows that very few in his government would be unscathed. Instead of confronting their record of corruption, Mr. Jagdeo resorts to cheap theatrics and baseless political distraction.” The ministries stated that they find it laughable that Mr. Jagdeo has the audacity to lecture anyone on corruption and good governance when the most flagrant acts of corruption and obscene levels of
lack of transparency and accountability occurred under his watch during his controversial and uninspiring presidency. “Mr. Jagdeo’s presidency is characterized by an unending list of scandals and illconceived projects which left a major burden on Guyanese taxpayers, not least among which were the Pradoville 1 and 2 land giveaways, Amaila Falls scandal and Skeldon Sugar Factory scandal.” Further, it was under Jagdeo’s presidency that Guyana was ranked lowest in the Corruption Perception Index, while under the Coalition Administration marked improvement has been shown in this regard. “This government’s visionary execution of infrastructural projects seems to be deeply irking Mr. Jagdeo who failed to execute same during his presidency,” the two Ministries noted.
cigarettes are smuggled. In addition to the tax losses, there are also issues of questions about the conditions under which these cigarettes were produced, says Christopher Brown, Head of Legal and External Affairs of the British American Tobacco, Caribbean. Also at the event Wednesday evening was Managing Director of the Demerara Tobacco Company, Murlain Argyle-Kirton. The Managing Director made it clear that the industry
Over 1,072 bales and 48 cases of GT Smart Cigarettes were seized recently by GRA. has been coming under the microscope in recent times, following the passage of that Tobacco Act. The challenge the industry is facing is the openness of some stakeholders to engage to
give the necessary information to plan, to forecast and to ensure the compliance process go as smooth as possible, she explained.The role of the (Continued on page 27)
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State Prosecutors benefit from training geared towards sharpening courtroom tactic
For three days, Attorneys and Police Prosecutors attached to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) will be exposed to a number of trial advocacy techniques geared towards sharpening their tactic in the Courtroom. This will be facilitated through an advance trial advocacy workshop conducted by United States National Center for State Courts (NCSC) in collaboration with the Office of the DPP in Guyana. About 15 officers from the DPP Chambers are set to benefit from the training sessions held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston. During the sessions, participants will be exposed to critical areas of trial
advocacy training including direct examination, cross examination, opening statement and closing argument techniques. Additionally, instructors are expected to conduct lectures on strategic tools for persuasion, physical presentation, controlling difficult witnesses, introducing forensic evidence, and rhetorical devices. The training will be facilitated by a faculty of International legal experts including Project Director for the NCSC, Jo Ann Richardson and Ms. Doris Chang.During her remarks, Richardson told those at the opening ceremony including Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chief Justice
State Prosecutors are undergoing training, which will help to improve their trial advocacy skills Roxane George (S.C)and Attorney General Basil
Williams (S.C), that the workshop is designed to help improve the participant’s trial technique through the “learning by doing” approach. She explained that the experience will involve teaching through joint plenary sessions alternating with hands-on workshops in a simulated courtroom. In his address, the Attorney General noted that there is need for such training particularly in relatively new areas of prosecution such as money laundering and financial crimes. “In the direction which the world is going, the prosecution must possess the requisite skills to prosecute crimes such as fraud, corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing.” Outlining the challenging with the introduction of new laws, the Attorney General said that there will also be need for training in the area of Cybercrime. “In the age of technology, our prosecutions must be able to manage cybercrimes and electronic evidence. It
is my hope that this training will break new ground for our State Prosecutors especially as this government seeks to combat corruption…” Chief Justice Roxane George emphasized the need for continued education in the area of legal practice. “When we were in law school, we were told that the law requires continued education. It didn’t stop when we got our degrees and it didn’t stop when we got with our LEC; our certificate for practice….This workshop is evidence of that necessity for continuing education and training and learning in the law.” The Chief Justice noted that effective prosecution is not only pivotal to justice system but it’s a human rights issue.“It speaks to the rights of victims and survivors and the rights of the accused. You know, how important your roles as administers of justice and as prosecutors,” she added. In her remarks, DDP Shalimar Ali Hack emphasized the need for more training in various areas of the law,
particularly as it relates to money laundering and other financial crimes. She noted that trial advocacy is a skill, which takes much learning to improve. She expressed confidence that by the end of the sessions her team will acquire the information needed to sharpen their courtroom advocacy skills. “I am sure that we each will benefit from this learning experience and together this will build the capacity of the prosecution in Guyana.” The NSCS has a multistaged training programme that addresses effective tools for investigation of cases; best practices in case management; preparation of files to ensure successful prosecution; and improved trial advocacy skills for police prosecutors. The group has conducted similar workshops with State Prosecutors from parts of the Region including Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Bahamas and various parts of the Eastern Caribbean. By working with police prosecutors and investigators through a focused country-by-country series of training workshops, and with ongoing advanced trial advocacy programmes for prosecutors’ offices, NCSC and its partners are developing a uniform capacity to investigate crimes and properly prepare and organize case files for use in evidence-based trials across the region. The programme is funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs through hosted as part of NCSC’s ongoing work under the Justice Sector Assistance to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Program (CBSI), funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. (Rehanna Ramsay)
F
or Guyana’s 50th In dependence anni versary, the Department of Housing, Ministry of Communities offered a special package to persons who were allotted government house lots. The Department granted a 50% waiver on the outstanding balance on these lots if the purchase price was paid off within a month. In light of recent developments involving the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), the issue is whether the beneficiary of that special arrangement will now be charged for obtaining a house lot below its market value. SOCU may have opened a can of worms which will now call into question decisions not only of the previous government but also decisions of the present government. Since the new government took office, the price of house lots for government employees had been slashed appreciably. Those benefitting from this arrangement have reasons to worry whether SOCU will come after them or
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whether if there is a new government whether their lots can be repossessed since it is being procured below market value. This is not a frivolous issue; at issue is property rights. It is one thing for a public official to be charged with misconduct but what are the implications for those persons who bought house lots below market value? These persons would have bought these properties in good faith. What is to be their fate now? The existence of the written law can be traced back to the protection of property. Laws against burglary, break and enter, theft, appropriation, robbery and trespassing all have their roots in the attempt to protect property. The Constitution of most liberal democratic countries provides for the right to own property and sell such property, regardless of whether the property was originally state-owned. Most countries also provide for rights of inheritance that is the passing down of
property. The question that arises now is if a person secured a property at below the market value, does this constitute fraud and if so when does the acquirement of a property below market value constitute an offence? The Constitution of Guyana protects against the compulsory acquisition of property. It does not prohibit such acquisition but requires the payment of compensation by the State and at market value. So regardless of what price a person paid for a property, it can only be compulsory acquired if market compensation is paid. This remains the strongest defence of the right to property in Guyana. The Government of Guyana is about to put up for privatization the assets, no doubt including land, of the Guyana Sugar Corporation. What happens if no private investor offers the market value for the assets, does this mean that the Sugar Corporation will not be privatized for fear of any sale below market value amounting to misconduct?
City Hall moves to clamp down on wash bay operators
The Council meets with wash bay operators to implement service fees The MAYOR and City Council of Georgetown is working to regularize and implement service fees for wash bay operators throughout the city. Representatives of the Council met with several wash bay operators on Wednesday in an attempt to charge for the usage of the facilities, which fall under the maintenance of the municipality. Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis, told Kaieteur News, the Council is looking to impose a fee of $10,000 for wash bay activities. “There is increase in the cost of maintenance to parapets, drains as a result of
the sand and other materials washed into the waterways, and the inconvenience and discomfort to neighbours in communities where such activities are occurring, on a daily basis.” She noted that the Council has met with owners and operators of car wash bays operating within the city of Georgetown “to bring them in line with the required standards of the city as stipulated in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.” Last year, the Council had announced a move to have owners and operators be inspected and regularized, and that they meet the requirements determined by the Council.
What happens also to the lands, which the Sugar Corporation gave to the Government in the early 1990s at token amounts in order to promote a housing drive? Will the then Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation be held liable for misconduct? And what about the privatizations which took
place under Desmond Hoyte and for which there was no competitive bidding? Will these controversial privatizations now result in charges of misconduct for those concerned? What about the provisions of housing to persons within the government for which their contract of employment does not provide
for free housing? What is going to happen to these persons and those who gave them free residency in state property?
Friday April 13, 2018
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Singh, Brassington executed PPP Appeal Court sends Westford Cabinet decisions on land deals - Jagdeo back to Magistrates’ Court …plans to privately advise if they should return to face court charges
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ormer President, Bharrat Jagdeo, yesterday dismissed the charges as frivolous which were brought against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and former head of the stateowned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington. Both men were charged yesterday in absentia with three counts of misconduct in public office, contrary to common law, by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in connection with the sale of millions of dollars in prime state lands to private developers below market value and without property valuation. Jagdeo, who was President at the time the deals were inked between 2008 and 2011, appeared at a press conference at his Church Street office flanked by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament, Juan Edghill and Irfaan Ali. “Brassington or Ashni Singh could not have executed these decisions unless the recommendation was approved by the Cabinet. I was head of the Cabinet at the time,” Jagdeo told reporters at the press conference which lasted for over 90 minutes. Jagdeo stated that he will advise both men privately on whether they should appear in court when the matter is called again before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo holds up a land privatization plan used by the former PPP Government. on May 7.Providing explanations, Jagdeo stated that the deals in question went to the Privatization Unit, the Privatization Board and then to Cabinet which granted approval for NICIL and the Ministry of Finance to execute the decision. Dr. Singh at the time was also appointed as the Chairman of NICIL. Jagdeo asserted that the decision to press charges is a ploy by Government to distract from the real issues confronting the country. “Just don’t think Ashni Singh and Brassington are the only two persons who are going to be charged. They
[Govt.] need headlines,” Jagdeo stated. He stated that he can justify the decisions taken while he served as President. BIG BANK ACCOUNTS Jagdeo unleashed on the Government for failing to press charges against former Government members on corruption although some 50 audits have been conducted since they came to power in 2015.He stated emphatically that Dr. Singh and Brassington were not charged for stealing money. “They were not charged because this Government (Continued on page 28)
After months of stalling, a ruling by the Court of Appeal has effectively sent former Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford, back to the Magistrates’ Court to face a trial for fraud. Westford had been embroiled in a number of legal battles for allegedly embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars from the State. In this case, she is accused of working in tandem with her Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings, to forge documents in an attempt to transfer State assets to four individuals. In August 2015, the former Minister was placed on a total of $800,000 bail after she pleaded not guilty to the charges, which alleged that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons. Cummings was also slapped with four counts of forgery, which alleged that she forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles. She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail. The trial was set to continue before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore. However, Westford through her attorneys sought to have the matter discontinued. The Former Minister had filed a Constitutional Motion in the High Court before then Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings- Edwards, for the matters to be terminated, citing amnesty arrangements announced by the State. Justice Cummings-
Dr Jennifer Westford
Margaret Cummings
Edwards had, however, tossed the Constitutional Motion, making way for the matter to continue in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Westford nonetheless, through her attorneys, who included Attorney- at –Law, Neil Boston S.C, filed another application to block the charges. This time, she applied for a stay of the proceedings before Justice Dawn Gregory. Justice Gregory then granted the order which brought the Magistrates‘ Court trial to a halt for several months. The Court of Appeal on Wednesday discharged the stay of proceeding granted on July 26, 2017 by Justice Gregory. Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas in her arguments on behalf of the State (DPP and Police) noted that the order was without merit and the sole Judge; (Gregory) should not have granted the order. She said, too, that there
was no appeal pending before the court in relation to the criminal matters pending before the Magistrate’s court. Kyte-Thomas stressed that the appellant case must have merit before the order is granted. Westford and Cummings were represented by Attorney-ar-law Dexter Todd. Todd had maintained the Judge had properly exercised her discretion in granting the stay of proceedings. Westford’s lawyers had initially argued that the institution of criminal charges against her and Cummings breaches an amnesty promise made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. They stated that Harmon had promised that once the vehicles were returned, no prosecution will take place. The lawyers had said that all the vehicles were returned to the Office of the President (OP) and in spite of the amnesty, his clients were still charged. The Court had earlier ruled that the statement made by Harmon was ambiguous. She stated that the court is not sure if what the minister said amounts to an amnesty or pardon. On Wednesday, Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud, Arif Bulkan and Rafeek Khan, in their ruling, discharged the stay of proceedings and effectively sent the matter back to the Magistrates’ Court. (Rehanna Ramsay)
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Ashni Singh, Winston Brassington charged with fraud Months after Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) completed its Pradoville 2 investigation, it instituted charges, yesterday, against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington. The two were jointly slapped with three charges of misconduct in public office as these relate to three plots of state land. The first charge alleged that Dr. Ashni Singh, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited, a company owned by the Government of Guyana; and Brassington being and performing duties as the Chief Executive of NICIL, on May 14, 2011 at Lot 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, sold a tract of land, being a portion 10.002 acres of Plantation Turkeyen, East Coast of Demerara, property of the State of Guyana for the sum of $185,037,000, without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. It is further alleged that Dr. Ashni Singh, and Winston Brassington on December 30, 2008 at Lot 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase without due diligence, sold to Scady Business Corporation, a 4.7 acres tract portion of Plantation Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, for $150M knowing that the said property was valued at $340M by Rodrigues Architects Associate, a competent valuation officer. The last allegation against the two stated that Dr. Ashni Singh, and Brassington on December 28, 2009 at 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase, acted recklessly when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited a tract of land at Plantation Liliendaal, Pattenson and Turkeyen, situated on the East Coast of Demerara, being 103 acres, being property of the State of Guyana for the sum of $598,659,398 (VAT exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall is representing Ashni Singh while Attorney-at-law Stanley Moore is representing Winston Brassington. Yesterday when the matter was called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the court orderly summoned the men’s name thrice.
- accused given three weeks to appear in court - lands sold to MovieTowne, National Hardware at the centre
The land sold for the MovieTowne project
Giftland Mall
The lands sold to National Hardware
Ex-Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
Former NICIL Head, Winston Brassington No one answered or appeared to the names. SOCU Prosecutor Michael Somersall requested that the two accused be given adequate time to make an appearance before the Chief Magistrate. The Magistrate after listening to the Prosecutor told the court that she will grant the Prosecutor and the accused lawyers three weeks to properly inform their client that they need to make an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the three charges to be read to them. The duo is expected to make their appearance before
the Chief on May 7. Charges were recommended against the two after SOCU had completed their Pradoville 2 investigations and has sent that file to the police legal advisor recommending that 12 persons be charged. With charges being laid against the two, the police will have issues making that a reality since both men are no longer living in Guyana. Brassington now lives in Miami Florida and Singh is said to be working in Washington. Initial reports had placed him in the oil rich country of Dubai. Brassington was at the helm at NICIL when the controversial Pradoville 2 Scheme was conceptualized. There were whispers among Government members that the former head has a lot to answer for in relation to the Sparendaam Scheme.
The contention was and still is that the lands that were sold to former government ministers and close friends of the PPP/C administration was seriously undervalued. Ashni Singh was the Minister of Finance at the infancy stage of the project and is believed to be a recipient of one of those plots overlooking the sea. NICIL reportedly paid over $100M to take down the tower and build the new transmitting facility and charge the expense to NCN. Charges have already been laid against several other Government officials who served under the previous government, for malpractice in public office. Hours after an article was published in the Chronicle that the duo had been charged for the alleged misconduct in public office, former president Donald Ramotar issued a
statement that the charges are an attempt to destroy the professional lives of these “two gentlemen.” He added that the only “crime” is that they worked dedicatedly to promote this country and our people’s interests while the PPP/C was in office. He said, “As a former President who worked with these two outstanding Guyanese men, I can vouch for their uprightness, professionalism and integrity while in public office.” “This latest attack on Dr.
Singh and Mr. Brassington is a continuation of the witchhunting and the racial and political discrimination that has characterized this APNU+AFC regime since it took office in May of 2015,” he added. “Not content in forcing these outstanding gentlemen to seek employment outside of Guyana, they now seem determined to destroy their professional lives. We cannot build a country with such vindictiveness and spite,” Ramotar continued.
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Enmore Hope NDC missing funds probe ends The recent investigation launched by the Chairman of the Region Four Democratic Council (RDC), Genevieve Allen, has been completed and actions are likely to follow. This was reported by Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO) Ramnarine Singh. Singh made the disclosure during the April sitting of the Regional Accounting Committees (RAC) meeting at Triumph on Tuesday. He told the meeting that the Enmore/Hope NDC had organised a fundraising exercise last year to increase the NDC’s coffers. However, according to documents presented to the Region, despite recording some $1M in sales from the Bar-b-que, the NDC reported that it made a loss. “The total sale made was $1,132,000; however, they reported that they had an expenditure of $852,000. Therefore, there should be a profit of $279,000. Now there were additional costs with no supporting bills to support the claim of expenditure,” Singh said. Singh said, “A confronta-
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Kaieteur News
tion was held and even if you were to add the additional amount that they claim that they spent that would leave us with $184,528. The amount of monies paid over to the NDC in three parts was $91,800. So there is still a difference of $92,728.00.” The AREO said that the NDC went on to claim that they had to use additional monies for the Chairman and Vice Chairman. He said that the NDC records also showed that councillors paid themselves to do the fundraising activity. “I can’t understand if you are doing a fundraiser why you would want to pay yourself?” the AREO questioned. “There was one case where it was reported that a councillor had to use monies to go to the hospital and use taxis among other things. However when questioned, the councillor said that she knew nothing about that and it’s evident that there was a “cook up” plan,” he said. The Regional Chairman expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the NDC is operating adding that when she was first introduced
to the idea she, like many others, thought that it was a brilliant idea geared at increasing the financial coffers of the Enmore/Hope NDC. She also expressed her disappointment with the Enmore/Hope NDC. Last year, the NDC was one of the few NDCs that had the lowest balance and therefore thought that it was a good initiative to host a Bar-b-que. She told the officials that for any activity, record must be given when such fundraising activity is done. Many of the elected officials are seeking to run the NDCs as if they are their personal businesses refusing to adhere to clearly established guidelines and regulations, she said. The Regional Chairman urged elected officials to recognise that the Overseer is the accounting officer like the REOs of the Region and therefore they should allow the Overseers to perform their duties in a professional way. The Chairman said she the report will be forwarded to the Local Government Commission for requisite actions.
New Executive elected to lead Guyana Anesthesiologist Society
Members of the newly elected Executive Committee. From left: Dr. Shonette Boyer, Dr. Fernando Ramirez, Dr. Youlanda Hendricks, Dr. Alexandra Harvey and Dr. Umang Shanke. Regarded as arguably the only medical specialist society in Guyana, the Guyana Anesthesiologist Society [GAS] has been in existence for just over three years with a primary focus on promoting safe anesthetic practices. With members who are physicians practising anaesthesia, the Society was first established in 2015.
In addition to promoting safety, the body is one that also gives keen attention to raising public awareness about anaesthesia services. To advance this effort, the Guyana Anesthesiologist Society recently held its Annual General Meeting [AG] where new office bearers were elected to the Executive Committee. Among the elected are Dr. Alexandra Harvey who will serve as the Society’s President. Dr. Harvey currently holds the position of Director of the Institute of Health Sciences Education [IHSE] at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC]. Also elected to sit on the GAS Executive Committee are Dr. Shonette Boyer – Secretary; Dr. Youlanda Hendricks – Treasurer; Dr. Fernando Ramirez – Public Relations Officer and Dr. Umang Shanker Ordinary Member. The new executive has already announced its enthusiasm to continue to lead the Society and to function in an advisory capacity to Guyanese on anesthesia related matters. An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in giving patients anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is only given to patients who undergo surgery to relieve pain or to put these patients to sleep for the duration of the surgery. However, this profes-
sional is also known to provide care to patients before, during and after surgery. According to a report endorsed by the World Health Organisation [WHO], the need for anaesthesia services at all levels of health care and its potential contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity is an important first step to secure political commitment and local investments in making these services available in an equitable manner. It has, however, been deduced that this requires data collection to estimate the burden of surgical diseases, number and type of anaesthesia providers, impact and cost-effectiveness of surgical and anaesthesia services in various settings. But according to the report, “there is not enough recognition of the need for surgical and anaesthesia services at all levels of the health system and their potential to reduce mortality and morbidity.” It was pointed out in the report that there exists a serious lack of equitable services in developing countries, especially in rural and remote areas. It was, however, outlined that creating awareness through better documentation of the burden of disease, in terms of death and disability that can be prevented by availability of surgical and anaesthesia services, would be an important step to generate political commitment and local investments in education, training and retention of the health workforce. It was further amplified in the report that “This needs to be followed up by appropriate policies, legislation, and the establishment of innovative and effective anaesthesia training programmes that address both the immediate need as well as the long-term needs of the health system.”
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Grove/Diamond Chairman calls for proper $21M fraud probe Chairman Narine addressing the RAC meeting, while his overseer, Richard Mohabir looks on
Chairman of the Golden Grove/Diamond Place Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Bharrat Narine, at the Regional Accounting Communities (RAC) meeting last Tuesday, repeated a call for the Auditor General’s office and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that the investigation into the missing $21 million embezzled from the NDC is properly done. Narine, in a plea on Tuesday, told the Regional Administration Officials that investigations are being done everywhere for what he considered small and petty amounts of money. There seems to be no investigation for what he dubbed as “mega millions” missing from his NDC. “I am rising again to plead for this matter to be properly investigated. We cannot sit by as an NDC and have these millions missing and nothing being done,” he said. “Since this matter was exposed, officials from the Auditor General’s office visited and said that they have a lot of work. That is all we have heard from them; this is not good enough as with only 60% of the internal audit completed, we found that $21 million was missing. “With the remaining 40% still to be completed, the miss-
ing money is estimated to be around $30 million,” he added. He told the RAC meeting that the NDC officials were very disappointed when they uncovered the fraud. Narine said that the fraud occurred from August 2015 to February 9, 2017. The alleged suspect, Latoya Moore, was called to a meeting on February 9, 2017 to answer questions surrounding the missing monies. However, the following day she tendered her resignation without giving any reason. The Chairman said that the police and the Region have been involved in the matter from day one but “I can’t understand this. Why can’t this young lady be arrested and charged or fully investigated,” Narine asked. According to Narine, the matter continues to remain in the hands of the Auditor General who said there seems to be a lack of interest in doing anything about it. He said the matter has been in the AG’s office since last year and nothing has been done as yet.
“We are exceptionally hurt because it has been so long and nothing has happened…I know that you and your office have been seeking to help in having this matter properly addressed. However, nothing has happened. “We have been raising this matter over and over at all levels of meetings being held here at the RDC but nothing has happened and I am aware that [the] Regional Chairman has been trying to have it addressed,” he said. Narine added that persons who commit these acts must be held accountable. When they are caught and held accountable, it would help strengthen the NDC while preventing a repeat of same. Last March, the $21 million fraud was reportedly uncovered by councillors after routine checks were done. It is believed that staffers, including one involved in collecting rates and taxes, hatched a scheme to steal the monies. The theft took place over a period of 18 months. Using books similar to
what the NDC has, the staffers reportedly issued receipts to unsuspecting residents of the Grove and Diamond areas. Narine told Kaieteur News that no one has been questioned about the missing $21 million, he said he believe that Moore is not the only one responsible for taking the money and other workers at the NDC must be questioned. He told Kaieteur News that officers from Guyana Po-
lice Force visited Moore’s home on two occasions but were told she was not around. In an effort to stop the fraud, Narine said the Grove/ Diamond NDC has installed cameras in the tax collection room; a glass window, which allows supervisors to see inside the room has also been installed. The Chairman said that the RDC will be providing NDCs with receipt books; these books, he said, will be stamped with the RDC stamp and given to the NDCs only
when they need same. The Chairman explained that in 2016, the NDC collected $41 million for a $91 million budget. He said, after uncovering the fraud, in 2017, the NDC collected $75.2 million. He said that the NDC is now able to provide better service to the community with the monies that they were able to collect. “We were able to do much more with the monies [that] we collected after we uncovered the fraud,” he said.
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Record breaking passenger movement at CJIAC
CJIA has recorded the highest ever passengers movement, in the recent first quarter. The first quarter of 2018 saw the highest ever recorded passenger movement through Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC). For March, 52,729 passengers were processed compared to 43,733 in March 2017. Passenger movement for the period January to March 2018 recorded 142,781 passengers being processed as compared to 126,340 for the same period
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
in 2017. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson attributed these marked increases to “Government's sound economic policies and its unwavering advocacy for an enabling environment for investors.” He added that other factors, which contributed to this achievement can be associated with increased business interest in Oil and Gas, Agriculture and tourists coming in large numbers for the Easter Festivities, Bartica Regatta, Rupununi Rodeo and Investment Forums. The country’s main port of entry is currently being expanded to accommodate the additional traffic anticipated in
the coming years. The US$150M project is moving apace and upon completion, with the inclusion of several state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, the airport’s capacity will be greatly enhanced and strengthened significantly impacting passengers' experience. In recent months too, there has been significant traffic from Cuba, with traders flocking the city’s stores for deals. With no visa required, the arrangement has been working out for especially the Chinese stores. It is estimated that about 300 Cubans land here weekly to shop.
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Redundant sugar workers buying into alternative jobs The Resilient Communities Alternative Livelihood programme has been successfully engaging redundant sugar workers. This is according to the Manager of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) East Demerara Estates and Coordinator of the programme, Curbette Victorine. “I think we have had tremendous success and response. A lot more than we initially anticipated. Knowing what redundancy was going to bring, we did not get the negative impact as we would normally expect for such a major redundancy,” Victorine said in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). Additionally, Victorine said there are several groups of former workers who are now better positioned to offer services to the reorganised sugar company. “What we would have done so far would have allowed for employees to continue or be contracted to GuySuCo. In cases where they were expected to offer services to GuySuCo, we already have that ongoing. Our maintenance of canals programme, we have persons who have shown an interest and have indicated their willingness to work either as op-
erators of excavators and contractors doing manual cleaning. We recently had quite a few of our ex-employees coming together to plant canes on our existing estates and I think there is heightened interest being shown in this programme at this point in time,” Victorine explained. The coordinator said several ex-employees have been and are still being trained inkeeping with the company’s re-skilling and upskilling programme, which is one of the components in the alternative livelihood programme. “It encourages them to become contractors not only with GuySuCo but because of the skill level they would have gained, subsequent to their being made redundant, they could also join the wider, even Caribbean society in terms of offering their skills,” he said. GuySuCo, this morning convened a stakeholder forum with representatives of several government departments and agencies as it makes move to formally establish among other things, a multisectoral committee for the continued implementation of the Resilient Communities Alternative Livelihood programme for areas and persons affected by its re-
Coordinator of GuySuCo’s Resilient Communities Alternative Livelihood programme, Curbette Victorine organisation. Following the findings of forensic audits commissioned by the government the downsizing of the sugar industry to three estates was among recommendations outlined in a state paper on the future of the sugar industry. The result is that GuySuCo now comprised the following three estates, complete with factories; Blairmont in the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt Estate in West Demerara.
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Friday April 13, 2018
Almost four months into new year …
Actual performance of economy last year still unknown-Opposition Member
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fter almost four months into the new year, the nation remains in the dark when it comes to the data that captures the actual performance of the economy for 2017. This point was recently made by Opposition Member and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Irfaan Ali. In a statement to a few media operatives, the politician stressed that to date, citizens do not have access to any official statistics from the Bank of Guyana or the Bureau of Statistics regarding: production, aggregate expenditure, employment, inflation, international trade and balance of payments, public finance, and public debt. The PAC head asserted that while it is unusual for the Bank of Guyana to delay the publication of its Annual Report and Statistical Bulletin, he is not surprised. According to Ali, “a lot of massaging will have to be done to the actual data to bring them in line with the estimates on the economy as presented in the 2017 Budget.” The Opposition Member said that the only data publicly available are those in the Statistical Abstract, which is limited to the performance of the banking sector. Ali said that even if one conducts an analysis of that Statistical Abstract, there is an abundance of evidence, which would indicate that the economy is in crisis. In this regard, Ali said that
nal of lower investment by the local private sector. Further, when we examine the prudential soundness ratios published on BOG’s website, we observe extreme fatigue in the economy and the banking sector. According to the prudential soundness indicators, the non-performing loans to gross loans ratio was 12.19 percent at end-December 2017, more than two times the level at end-December
Opposition Member, Irfaan Ali the Net International Reserves of the Bank of Guyana declined continuously from US$614.1 million in May 2015 to US$518.5 million; the lowest level since 2009. Ali stated that this decline confirms that the overall deficit in the balance of payments is worsening due to lower export receipts from the major sectors, especially rice and sugar, which are being dismantled by the government. The Opposition Member said that apart from the depletion of the reserves, one observes that the gold reserves have also declined from approximately $15 billion in May 2015 to $1.9 billion by February 2018, a decline of $13.1 billion. Ali concluded in this regard that the gold reserves are being used to cushion the
drain on the Net International Reserves of the Bank of Guyana. The former Housing Minister said, “We also observe from the Statistical Abstract that there were significant contractions in loans and advances to the agriculture, mining and quarrying and manufacturing sectors. Loans and advances to the manufacturing sector at the end of February 2018 was $5.6 billion less than the amount at end of May 2015. Meanwhile, loans and advances to the agriculture sector and mining and quarrying sectors at end-February 2018 were $1.5 billion and $487.3 million less than the amount at end-May 2015.” The PAC Chairman added, “The decline in loans and advances is a clear sig-
Tobacco industry appeals for time ... From page 7 tobacco industry is to provide an adult product to consumers.Admitting it is a “controversial product”, which the company is admitting, the official stressed that Demtoco and its partners have taken steps to ensure that they are complying. It was involved in the initial draft stages of the Bill. The company has started a campaign to sensitise stakeholders about selling to or employing children. With over 84 years in the business, she said, her company is responsible, paying its taxes and ensuring employment. According to Brown, the company is not opposed to regulations.Rather, the company recognized that it is a part of the new emerging realities. He noted that with the passage of the legislations, Guyana joins Jamaica,
Trinidad and Suriname as the main English-speaking countries in the Caribbean, to have comprehensive tobacco laws.There are others, with not so comprehensive legislation. Since the commencement order was passed in December, there has been some amount of uncertainty. Demtoco has been seeking to have dialogue. Part of the fear the industry has, not that there is an anxiousness to have the Bill implemented, is the concern that stakeholders do not want to awake one day and then hear that the Bill is effective. Rather, there are processes, in the manufacturing phase, that require a specified time period that products have to be made and then place into the market, Brown pointed out. Sections of the Bill require warning on packs, including pictorial warnings, among
other changes.Then there are ban on smoking in public places, both indoors and in outdoor areas, where persons are gathered. Once enforcement kicks in, if caught smoking in public places, the facility’s manager could be libel too. According to Brown, Demtoco is not out to win souls, but the reality is that the company is dealing with a legitimate product. He also lauded the efforts of the Guyana Revenue Authority to halt smuggling, as evidenced from recent seizures of smuggled cigarettes. There have also been moves by GRA to introduce a stamp tax on cigarettes. Demtoco is prepared to cooperate especially as the illicit trade is costing the country taxes and has health implications. Smuggling is part of organised crime, he noted.
2012. This points to the inability of borrowers to repay their loans.” Based on the limited statistics available, the Opposition Member said one can safely say that the economy is struggling under this Administration. He emphasized that there is declining private investments while the dismantling of the rice and sugar sectors is contributing to the erosion of
the International Reserves of the Bank of Guyana along with withdrawal of foreign currency from the foreign exchange market. Given the overall contraction in the economy, Ali commented that businesses and households are finding it difficult to honour their debt obligations. He said that this is evident from the exponential increase in non-performing loans.
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Friday April 13, 2018
Govt. summons regions’ health officials over appalling situation
At the head table (from left to right) Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communities Emil McGarrell; Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence; and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communities Colette Hicks
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inister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities, yesterday convened a meeting with regional health officials and Regional Executive Officers (REOs) of Regions Two, Three, Six, Seven and Ten to address the issues affecting them.
The discussion, which took place on Thursday afternoon dealt with issues relating to regional administrative shortcomings and their effects on the health sector. These included Human Resource and employment matters, inadequate and improper provision of living quarters for medical professionals, the process involv-
ing the purchasing of emergency drugs and medical supplies, the non-payment of suppliers and incomplete and inaccurate details being provided through Logistic Management Information Systems (LMIS) reports for some regions Additionally, according to a government statement, the Minister said that the
U.N. experts, Britain demand release of Reuters reporters in Myanmar LONDON/GENEVA (Reuters) - Britain’s foreign minister and United Nations human rights rapporteurs separately called on Thursday for the release of two Reuters reporters detained in Myanmar, after a judge rejected a request for their case to be dismissed. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Twitter that Myanmar must show its “commitment to media freedom” while the U.N. special rapporteurs said in a joint statement that the pursuit of the case against Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, gave rise to “grave concern for investigative journalism”. A Myanmar government spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.A court in Yangon has been holding preliminary hearings since January to decide whether the journalists will be charged for possessing secret government papers under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Judge Ye Lwin rejected on Wednesday a defence request to dismiss the case against the two reporters, who have been held since December, for lack of evidence. The judge said he wanted to hear the eight remaining prosecution witnesses out of the 25 listed, according to defence lawyer Khin Maung Zaw. On Tuesday, seven
Pan Ei Mon, wife of detained Reuters journalist Wa Lone, reacts after a court hearing in Yangon, Myanmar. (REUTERS/Ann Wang) Myanmar soldiers were sentenced to 10 years “with hard labour in a remote area” for participating in a massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslim men in northwestern Rakhine state last September, the army said. Yanghee Lee, U.N. special rapporteur on Myanmar, and David Kaye, U.N. special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, noted the journalists could be sentenced to longer terms if found guilty. “The perpetrators of a massacre that was, in part, the subject of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo’s reporting have been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. And yet these two reporters face a possible 14 years imprisonment. The absurdity of this trial and the wrongfulness of their detention and prosecution are
clear,” they said in a joint statement.Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the U.N.. The country’s ambassador to the U.N., Hau Do Suan, said last month that the journalists were not arrested for reporting a story, but were accused of “illegally possessing confidential government documents”. An army crackdown, unleashed in response to Rohingya militant attacks on security forces in August, has been beset by allegations of murder, rape, arson and looting. The U.N. and United States described it as ethnic cleansing - an accusation which Myanmar denies. Nearly 700,000 Muslim Rohingya have fled Rakhine state and crossed into southern Bangladesh since then.
The gathering of Regional Officials with the Minister of Public Health shortly after the meeting was convened. unprofessionalism of medical and administrative staff in these regions, especially at regional and district hospitals is appalling and must be looked into. Minister Lawrence said these issues affect the overall provision of health care and require urgent intervention.
Acknowledging much of these issues fall under the purview of regional administration and the Ministry of Communities, the Minister noted there is a need for stricter monitoring of resources and prudent management of the sector. There are plans for the Health Minister to visit each
of the respective regions in order to receive updates and “tighten loose ends” relating to the matters identified. The overall goal of the intervention seeks to ensure that the entire public health sector runs smoothly, ensuring all persons in Guyana continue to access quality health care.
No reward for North Korea without irreversible denuclearization - Pompeo WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - North Korea should not expect rewards from talks with the United States until it takes irreversible steps to give up its nuclear weapons, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, said yesterday. Pompeo said the historical analysis was “not optimistic,” when asked at his Senate confirmation hearing if he believed North Korea would agree to dismantle its nuclear programme. But he said that in past negotiations the United States and the world had
relaxed sanctions too quickly. “It is the intention of the president and the administration not to do that this time to make sure that … before we provide rewards, we get the outcome permanently, irreversibly, that it is that we hope to achieve. “It is a tall order, but I am hopeful that President Trump can achieve that through sound diplomacy.” Trump has said he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in May or early June and hopes the discussions will ultimately lead to an end of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, which Washington sees as its most
pressing security threat. On Thursday, Trump said meetings were being set up between him and Kim, and the United States would go into those with “a lot of respect.” He thanked China for its help in trying to resolve the crisis over North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States, saying, “they’ve been really terrific at helping us get to some kind of settlement.” “Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think we’ll go in with a lot of respect and we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Singh, Brassington executed PPP... From page 12 found them with a big bank account that they can’t explain. They were not even charged for bribery in public office. What they were charged for is misconduct in public office contrary to common law. They couldn’t even find a national statute to charge them under,” Jagdeo pointed out. He stated that both Dr. Singh and Brassington are currently struggling at their jobs. He did not disclose their place of work nor location,although it is widely believed that both men may be in the United States. Jagdeo reminded that the APNU+AFC campaigned on
a promise that they ‘will jail all’ of the PPP officials because they were massively corrupt.“There was a great expectation that once this Government came into office that it will do the audits swiftly, find these huge billions of dollars that were stolen and that they would proceed to charge people for the theft of money for corruption or bribery,” Jagdeo noted. Clearly taking a jab at the government’s allegations of fraud against the PPP, Jagdeo reminded that his party members were accused of stealing $305B per annum through procurement fraud; had accumulated assets, which they were not declaring to the In-
tegrity Commission; and had stolen so much money they couldn’t stash it in Guyana and had to revert to stashing it abroad. “The Government must be happy, not that it is rooting out corruption, but it is going to damage the reputation of two hardworking individuals. No doubt they would be gloating about it,” Jagdeo stated.Ali, a former Minister of Housing and Edghill, a former junior Finance Minister, both accused the current government of corruption, specifically pointing out the Cabinet, the Regional Democratic Councils, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
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Friday April 13, 2018
Cops reportedly ID’d men who CGX to begin drilling attacked Cuyuni mining camp by year end
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n eyewitness and an ex-police rank have reportedly helped police to identity the gang that killed Dominican Republic national, Pedro Pablo Rosario, and carted off a sum of raw gold from a Cuyuni/Mazaruni mining camp, two Fridays ago. Kaieteur News understands that some of the suspects, including an individual known as ‘Fat Man,’ are already in custody. Sources close to the case indicated that the suspects are individuals who reside in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni area known as Blackwater Backdam, where the camp
that was attacked is located. More suspects were brought to Georgetown yesterday. The Force’s Major Crimes Unit is reportedly spearheading the investigation. Police had also detained the mining camp workers after having some suspicion about their version of events. From what investigators are now being told, the gunmen shot Rosario because he was armed with the company’s shotgun when the men attacked. Rosario’s body bore shotgun injuries and injuries that were inflicted by a handgun. A source had said that a
shotgun is missing from the camp, and that workers had claimed that it fell overboard while they were pursuing the attackers. According to reports, the gunmen entered the camp at around 02:00hrs last week Friday. After shooting Rosario, the robbers allegedly held the other employees at gunpoint before fleeing with two mats from the operation’s sluice box.One worker who panicked at the sound of the gunshots ran into a crusher and shattered some ribs. The police believe that they can close the case before weekend.
Govt. open to attracting overseas experts for new Energy Department
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resident David Granger on Wednesday said that as Guyana works toward developing a world-class oil and gas industry, a high-level planning committee, is currently reviewing a 10-point plan. The committee includes the Ministers of Business, Finance, Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure and State and the Presidential Adviser on Petroleum, The plan is aimed at ensuring that the new Department of Energy to be set up within the Ministry of the Presidency and that it is effectively positioned to manage the potentially massive and transformative emergent petroleum sector. The Head of State said that the 10-point plan is aimed at ensuring that matters such as organisational structure, legislation and capacity building measures are effectively addressed. Speaking to journalists at State House, at the conclusion of the accreditation ceremony for the new High Commissioner of Pakistan to Guyana, the President said that the Administration is
committed to attracting the best qualified professionals to staff the Department. “We have to identify personnel; we have to identify buildings, we have to start advertising to attract the quality personnel that can lead this important department into the future. So, we are being very careful. “Right now, the preparatory work is being done. It is bound to be a challenge because this is an international industry. We are looking at a worldclass industry so we have to get the best persons. As you know, Guyana has no experience in the field and we have a very small Petroleum Unit, which is now in the Ministry of Natural Resources and we obviously have to attract the best people from around the world so we are not attempting to avoid that responsibility,” he said. The Head of State added that Government is open to advertising and recruiting technical experts locally, regionally and internationally through a h i g h ly competitive and transparent process to attract the most qualified and
experienced professionals available, since the careful and effective management of the sector is critical to the future of Guyana. Experts, he said, can be drawn from countries within the region, which have existing oil and gas operations, from among members of the diaspora, who have worked in the field and any person, who has the requisite qualifications and experience, internationally. On February 27, last, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman announced Cabinet’s approval for the setup of the Department of Energy, based on his recommendation, to be housed in the Ministry of the Presidency.
C
anadian oil and gas exploration com pany, CGX, is set to commence drilling on the Corentyne block as early as the end of this year; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has confirmed. The oil company has already appointed a drilling engineer who will be in charge of designing its offshore exploration well on the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana. Minister Trotman told the Department of Public Information (DPI) recently that the government is excited about the project. “CGX has remained committed to Guyana, they have gone through different periods and we are hoping that we could work with them. They are expected to do some drilling this year and we are excited about that,” the Minister said. “The expectation is that they begin drilling by the end of the year. We also have Repsol that will also do some drilling later in the year or early next year,” Minister Trotman added. In late 2017, CGX had said as part of the renegotiation of its contract with the Government of Guyana, it would relinquish 25 percent of the acreage of both the Corentyne and Demerara blocks to the government. The new work commitments include drilling an exploration well on the Corentyne Block by November 27, 2019; acquire additional seismic or conduct seis-
Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman mic reprocessing by November 27, 2020; drill an exploration well by November 27, 2022 in the Demerara Block; complete any additional data processing and planning, and secure all regulatory approvals for the drilling of an exploration well by February 12, 2020; drill an exploration well by February 12, 2021 and another by February 12, 2023 in the Berbice Block; complete a geochemical survey of a minimum area of 120 square kilometers and commence a seismic program defined by the aforementioned geochemical survey by February 12, 2020; complete the seismic programme and complete all processing and interpretation of data by August 12, 2021 and drill an exploration well by February 12, 2023. Chairman and Executive
Chairman and Executive Director CGX Guyana, Professor Suresh Narine Director CGX, Guyana Professor Suresh Narine said the company was eager to pursue the new work commitments in “this exciting Guyana basin, and in so doing continue our unbroken commitment to the basin, the Guyanese people and its Government for more than 18 years.” CGX Energy is focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin.
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FOR RENT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Budram’s Landscaping Services. Free advice, Free designs, Free after care follow up Tel#626-1044 LAND FOR SALE 18,731 acres mining land Gold & Diamond Mazaruni $5,000,000 USD Contact: 6951356, 687-8445 Parfaite Harmonie (upfront) $1.6M Schoonord $2.6M Uitvlugt (100x50) $2.8M Harmonie high income $2.6M Call: 611-7223/656-0701 Parfaite main road 1.7 M, Parfaite 10 years $2.8 M, Parfaite $1.5 M, $1.3 M, Uitvlugt $ 2.5 M, Eccles $6M, Diamond $5.5 M. Call 6662326 Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988/6958215 Prime residential house lot in Farm East Bank with reserve. Light, water & road $3.2M Call 656-1345 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Tel#277-0578
Friday April 13, 2018
Kaieteur News
Table
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cottage house, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room located @ Fourth St Pearl, EBD Tel# 219-5462, 625-3981 Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flatbed, Flatbed with crane & hauler, Foden 6x4 Dump truck. Call: 659-3100 New triangle truck tyres, front & all-wheel drive, size 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022 (1) 8 apartment buliding located on the E.C.D Tel#6295582 (Selling) Whole chicken $300 per lb (50 lb up) chicken foot $140 per lb, liver & gizzert. Contact: 699-7415, 696-5424/610-6196
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 2 and 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury to rent long and short term #666-7028/ 691-1432 Space to rent, display rack, computers and office furniture for sale. Contact: 624-6783 Apartment 2 bedrooms, kitchen, patio, toilet & bath. 2089 Parfaite Harmonie WBD. Price $50,000. Contact # 6768842/698-9910 2 bedroom apartment for rent working couple, Houston Tel#611-3064 2 Bedroom furnished apartment near UG, Teacher’s Training College $50,000 Phone#685-9127 Upper flat 3 bedroom house in Diamond Housing Scheme, includes bath A/c(s) hot & cold etc #216-0589/686-5645
2008 Primo car with treadmill, fridge, stove, bed, all Ashley furniture etc $4M Call: 6117223/656-0701 Organic potting soil $700 Supari palm, Foxtail, Sugarcane palm @ $1000 Ashoka trees, Crotoons. Tel#626-1044 8 Lots with model house Ulverston, Corentyne. Double lot with shed Rosehall near market #680-6577 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
WANTED Looking to buy a house or empty land, Preferences-EBD Public road. Buyer #1917-6225810/694-3331 One radiator workman preferably from the West Coast of Demerara. Contact Charran’s Radiator Works Tel#622-5721 One full time auto body technician for repair center. Must have previous experience. Call: 222-0675 One service manager for repair centre, must have previous experience. Call: 6472022 1 Male cook to cook in interior #699-4718 Driver, Cashier, Pastry maker/ cake decorator, curry cook, counter server, Apply H/ written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce St Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm One family to work at wildlife farm at Timehri. Housing provided. Please call: 2270373 One 312 Hymac operator, must have mechanical skills, housing provided. Please call: 227-0373 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Live in waitress to work in bar. 18-25 yrs old, must have ID Contact No: 221-2785
WING’S CAR & PICKUP We buy land in Eccles, Farm, RENTAL: LOW DOWN Herstelling, Parfaite Harmonie, PAYMENT, CHEAP Providence, Covent Garden RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . Call: 611-7223/656-0701 CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR Labourers to work on farm in RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 Demerara river. Accomodation 2-flat 3 bedroom wooden SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD provided. Tel: 684-1098/646building situated at 154 ‘B’ FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY 9821 Shell road, Kitty 2 lots East of OUTINGS, CHEAPEST One maid preferably from the Kitty Market.670-2653 RATE . Call: 698-7807 East Bank of Demerara. Call Tel# 266-2217 Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane Maid, Duties: Cooking & street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price Housekeeping, Time: US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 Monday to Friday 8:30am& 687-8445 12:30pm Contact: Diana #6543 story commercial 8839 Location: Eccles EBD. building,120ftX60ft Building EDUCATION 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Young male age 18-30, for Plot B Herstelling, EBD $95 Register your child for after position at Henny Bar-B-Q million neg. Contact: 609school classes for slow Smoke House. call 629-2044 3777/697-4557 learners in Mathematics, 2 Storey commercial building Reading, Phonics, Spelling, Male and Female to work in interior age 25-40, salary at Durban & Haley street etc. Call: 675-4379 $80,000 monthly. Call 674-1767 $28M, Price negotiable, TOLET serious enquiries only. Rooms in Albertown & 1 Experience nail technician @ Contact: 625-8884 house in Good Hope, 5 39 Greenwich Park Public road House for sale $4.3 Million, bedroom, 4 self contained. EBE #661-0019 52 West Sideline Dam Victoria Tel#225-3234 Village ECD. 648-6457 Top flat, fully furnished two (1) abled bodied male to live Lot 259 Wisrock Housing bedroom apartment in in & work on chicken farm. Scheme, price negotible. Tel # Riumveldt, Georgetown. Call: Serious enquiries only. Call Dhari: 625-2685 628-1832/694-9226 227-8529
VACANCY
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Exists for one experienced dispatcher- Call: 231-5784
Bluebird 2012 model-$2.7M Axio 2010-$2.6M Tida-2010 $2.1M All vehicles unregistered #655-3400
Earn 5-20K working from home www.jobfairworldwide.com Tel#622-1957/652-8829 Cook/Baker & Welder for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 Cashier at Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff & Craig Street C/ ville. Apply in person with written application. Contact: 227-5771 Vacancy exist for (1) experienced pharmacy technician to work @ reputable pharmacy in Diamond (Flexible hours)- Call: 645-3422
1 Toyota 2 RZ minibus in excellent condition with rim & AC BMM series, Price $1.1M Neg Contact:6530120/646-9417 One Mitsubishi canter, Excellent condition, long base, engine #4D335A2F3513 $2,000,000 neg. Call: 698-8820 1 Toyota Tundra 4WD. Excellent condition $2M Call: 220-6380/618-1395 Unregistered Axela 2011, New shape, dark interior, fully loaded. #617-5536 $2.4 Mil.
One maid preferably residing on the East Bank. Call: 2278529
1-50 DAF Labor lorry 1-55 DAF dump lorry in working condition. Tel#664-5149/6418335
One office clerk, must be computer literate. Call: 6144358
Nissan Laurel Classic Car and Nissan Pathfinder JeepSuperb condition, Great deals. Call : 660-3415/2258427
Inventory clerk, Tool room clerk, Female cleaner Call: 2332745 Handyman,Experienced sales persons with CXC qualifications. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard Street. Contact: 227-8529 Wa i t r e s s , S e c u r i t y guard,Receptionist- Aracari Hotel Versailles, West Bank Demerara. Apply in person or phone 264-2946-8 Sanitation Foreman to work in Georgetown, Tel#227-1717 1-Grillman,1 live-in mature nanny from Berbice/ Essequibo,1-kitchen assistant Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine 675-2550/656-9313. Mature male Salesperson, must know about Japanese car parts. Sales experience. Contact: 601-2622/227-2322 Chef and Assistant cookPreferably Carnegie tranied. Call 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff street. Domestic Maid Tel# 231-0734
SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009
1 Toyota Tundra $2M Call: 630-3695
Friday April 13, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Antigua and Barbuda challenges U.S. Report The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has challenged the findings of the United States 2018 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), which has publicly labelled all member-states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as “major money laundering jurisdictions”. Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador in Washington, Sir Ronald Sanders, dispatched a diplomatic note to the US State Department, yesterday, pointing out that the report contains “inaccurate, misleading and wrong information in the INCSR which has harmed and continues to harm Antigua and Barbuda, particularly in the financial services sector, including the area of correspondent banking relations”. “In these circumstances,” Ambassador Sanders said, “the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is forced to defend Antigua and Barbuda publicly from the harmful effects of the inaccuracies and misinformation in the INCSR 2018 by releasing its detailed response.” In its Overview, the INCSR 2018 states that, “Antigua and Barbuda has a very small free trade zone and an offshore financial center.” Yet, having admitted that the jurisdiction has a very small free trade zone and offshore financial center, the Introduction to the entire report identifies Antigua and Barbuda (and all other Caribbean Community [CARICOM] countries) as a “major money laundering jurisdiction.” The facts of the matter are that the assets under management in Antigua and Barbuda’s entire financial sector, offshore and onshore are less than US$5 billion of which the offshore sector is less than US$2.5 billion. In comparison with other jurisdictions, the financial sector is miniscule, and it is an over exaggeration, bordering on malice, to describe it as “a major money laundering jurisdiction.” The INCSR also says: “Antigua and Barbuda… operates a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) that makes it susceptible to money laundering and other financial crimes”. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda calls on the Department of State and the Government of the United States to provide the evidence substantiating its statement and undertakes to act on the evidence forthwith. In the absence of such evidence, the Gove r n m e n t of Antigua and Barbuda is constrained to assume that the statement in INCSR 2018 is based on gossip and not worthy of further action.
VULNERABILITIES The INCSR boldly states with no supporting evidence of any kind whatsoever that, “Money laundering, narcotics trafficking, gaming, and firearms trafficking are sources of illicit funds in the country. Funds are laundered through the purchase of real estate, vehicles, vessels, and jewellery, as well as through a variety of businesses. Money also has been laundered through wire transfers and the co-mingling of illicit funds through front operations.” If the State Department of the United States of America is in possession of evidence of this reckless claim, the right, proper and responsible thing to do to is to present it to the law enforcement and regulatory bodies for action to be taken to stop it. It is hardly useful to withhold such evidence of criminal activity (itself a crime) from law enforcement authorities, while including it in a widely distributed document, bearing the imprimatur of the U.S. Government. CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT The INCSR also claims that: “The Citizenship by Investment Unit does not maintain adequate autonomy from politicians to prevent political interference in its decisions”. The report does not state how it comes to this conclusion nor does it proffer any evidence to support its claim. The INCSR states: “In February 2017, Antigua and Barbuda approved a CIP application for Alexandre Cazes (since deceased), the alleged operator of Alpha Bay, the world’s largest dark web marketplace.” Several important matters concerning Alexandre Cazes are omitted by the INCSR 2018, but they are very important. First, Cazes was a Canadian citizen with access to the United States on his Canadian passport that does not require a visa for entry into the United States of America, whereas on an Antigua and Barbuda passport, he would have required a visa and would have had to be interviewed by US authorities. So, possession of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship was of no value to Cazes to enter the United States. Second, Cazes’ CIP application was shared with appropriate authorities of the United States who on 3rd December 2016, issued a “no derogatory information found” response on Cazes. Furthermore, police clearance reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and
the Special Branch, Royal Thai Police Force, submitted with the application (as required by law), indicated that there were no criminal records on Cazes. But, on 5th July 2017, Police in Thailand arrested Cazes “at the request of U.S. authorities,” according to the Washington Post. On this issue, Antigua and Barbuda maintained its strict vetting procedures and Cazes’ CIP application would not have been considered if the CIP representatives had not been told by the U.S. authorities on 3rd December 2016 that they had no derogatory information concerning him. CASINOS The INCSR also declares that, “Casinos maintain a strong presence in the country”. Antigua and Barbuda’s Gross Domestic Product is US$1.4 billion. It has two small casinos with three locations that had a combined turnover in 2016 of US$22 million. By comparison with ‘small’ casinos in the United States, the mini casinos in Antigua and Barbuda are of no significance whatsoever either in the size of their operations or the money that passes through them. They hardly evidence “a strong presence”. In any event, the enforcement of antimoney laundering legislation in relation to these casinos is carried out by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in the same manner as financial institutions. With regard to the offshore gaming enterprises, it is important to take into account that the existing four operators, in addition to being tightly regulated, are NOT served by any bank, onshore or offshore, in Antigua and Barbuda for the acceptance of wagers or the remittance of winnings. Such transactions are done by financial services external to Antigua and Barbuda. The only transactions handled by banks in Antigua and Barbuda relate to settlement of local obligations such as wages and payment of utility bills. Therefore, contrary to the unsubstantiated claim in the INCSR 2018, the chance of any money laundering transactions is extremely remote. TAXATION OF INTERNATIONAL BANKs Quite erroneously, the INCSR also states that “the Government has not implemented the legislation” requiring international banks to pay corporate income tax. In reality, the Government has not only implemented the legisla-
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tion but has collected the due taxes. ALLEGATIONS OFAML DEFICIENCIES Incongruously, having stated that “Antigua and Barbuda has largely achieved technical compliance with international AML (anti-money laundering) standards, the INCSR 2018 states: “There are media reports of officials allegedly involved in money laundering and corruption.” It strikes at the heart of the INCSR’s standing that it would print a statement of such seriousness and credit it to unidentified “media reports” that it has not substantiated. Further, the INCSR ignores all official findings on Antigua and Barbuda’s AML, including reviews by the FATF, the CFATF and the IMF that make no such references. ENFORCEMENT/ IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES AND COMMENTS In what appears to be a deliberate alteration of the facts, the INCSR 2018 states that corruption allegations involving “two high level officials” were made by U.S. Prosecutors in 2016. No such allegation was made by any U.S. Prosecutor. The record of the case in
question, which concerned the Brazilian firm, Odebrecht, says an employee of the Brazilian firm, Odebrecht, made the claim. The same employee also claimed that he paid a bribe to a “consular official from Antigua and an intermediary to a high-level government official in Antigua” to withhold documents from Brazilian authorities who were investigating Odebrecht.[2] So, for the INCSR to credit these manufactured statements to “U.S. Prosecutors” is alarming at least. The State Department has since been informed by Diplomatic Note of the facts of the matter, i.e., the “consular official’ was in fact an “Honorary Consul” appointed by the former Government of Antigua and Barbuda who was
promptly dismissed by the present Government, and the so-called “intermediary to a high-level government official”, made a public statement of his involvement, admitting that he was not an intermediary for any other person and claiming that monies paid to him were for legitimate professional functions. The U.S. State Department was informed by Diplomatic Note that the Antigua and Barbuda Government had been providing documents and information to the Brazilian authorities, six months BEFORE the alleged bribe to stop documents occurred. Indeed, the Brazilian authorities have officially complimented the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for the high level of its cooperation.
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 13, 2018
Barbados calls for united front on dealing with regional issues BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Barbados Wednesday called for a united front when dealing with issues confronting the Caribbean. Addressing the Regional Consultation for an Effective Platform for CARIFORUM French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORS) and British and Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTS), Acting Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Steve Blackett, said there was a need for an end to fragmented approaches to dealing with regional affairs. He said the Caribbean region is too small for the fragmented approaches to continue and maintained that there must be some regard to the “consolidation and harnessing of our efforts. “Some constructs may not be as effective and efficient as initially envisaged [and there is room for improvement. These improvements will help us to dialogue on immediate matters such as the pending departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the pend-
CARIFORUM Director General, Percival Marie (Second from left), Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados, Steven Blackett and EU Ambassador, Daniela Tramacere (Right) at the opening of the conference. ing consultations on the future of the relationship between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union, for example.”Blackett told delegates that it could no longer be business as usual in light of the advances in the global community, urging countries to capitalise on the transformation and use all available resources to build a region that was “testimony to the vision of the late Clovis Bureaugard.“His insightfulness on Caribbean
unity has to a great degree led to us being here today: – a region which cooperates and coordinates to its advantage…a region which has real time connectivity, the sharing of best practices, sustainable development and increased standard of living for all. “Let us not see each other as competitors, but as partners [that] involve the relevant stakeholders at the public, private and civil society level. A partnership which is built on the appropriate
structures at the political and technical levels,” Blackett said. CARIFORUM Director General Percival Marie, described the two-day meeting as timely noting that a special meeting of the Council of Ministers of CARIFORUM held last month in St. KittsNevis had came to the agreement that building and maintaining relationships among the countries was of great benefit to the region. Marie said that at this point in time, the relationship
had to be strengthened, particularly in light some of the events of the last two years which had demonstrated that despite the differences in language and constitution, there were common issues and fates.“We need to assist each other in times of need; we have to find ways to institutionalise the response that we give to each other”, he added.The Barbadosbased Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, Daniela Tramacere, said there was need to strengthen the
wider Caribbean relationship as current conditions being experienced in relation to hurricanes, climate change and infectious diseases did not allow the Region not to do so. “The Caribbean is facing fundamental challenges and these challenges can only be overtaken if the countries work together”, she said, encouraging delegates to be creative when coming up with ideas and suggestions for collaboration and cooperation during the sessions. “We have to think out of the box and reflect on which kind of Caribbean you want to build for the future. We are a reliable and steady partner and we are ready to support it”, she added.The two day consultation is being funded under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Indicative Programme through a dedicated Technical Cooperation Facility (TCF) which, in part, aims to strengthen cooperation among CARIFORUM States, the French Caribbean Outermost (FCORs) and Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
Kaieteur News
Friday April 13, 2018
President slams PLOTT ‘fake news’ Trinidad Guardian - President Paula-Mae Weekes Wednesday put to rest claims on social media that she had any role to play in the revocation of the ministerial appointment of Darryl Smith. In a statement, the Office of the President said it was clear under the Constitution the President is required to appoint Ministers “whenever advised to do so by the Prime Minister unless the individual fails to satisfy a condition required by the Constitution.” It also indicated that the President was “greatly distressed and dismayed,” by what it termed “this fabrication.” Social media posts on the issue were prompted by a release from the Powerful Ladies Organisation of T&T under the hand of co-founder and Chief PLOTTer Gillian Wall, headlined “President’s Refusal to Appoint Darryl Smith as a junior minister.” In the release, Wall noted the decision of the Prime Minister to advise the President to revoke the appointment of Smith under section 3(9) of the Constitution, followed the meeting between the PM, Planning Minister Camille
President Paula-Mae Weekes Robinson-Regis and Smith and the announcement of the appointment of the threemember committee to investigate the allegations made against Smith. Pointing out that the decision came one day after the Prime Minister informed the public that the President was advised to reassign Smith as Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, PLOTT said the level of “inconsistency, did not auger well for public trust.” However, the organisation pointed to
“some light” at the helm of what was described as the “apparently rudderless ship we’ve become as a nation.” It was PLOTT’s “understanding,” according to the release, that “it was, in fact, Her Excellency, Ms PaulaMae Weekes, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who refused to appoint and swearing in Darryl Smith as Junior Minister of Housing, doing so firstly within her powers as Head of State, and as a woman and leader of integrity.But about two hours later the Office of the President issued a strong denial to the message circulating on social media which alleged that the President refused to act upon the Prime Minister’s advice and appoint Darryl Smith as Minister in the Ministry of Housing. Wall, in response, insisted that PLOTT did not share “fake news,” or misinformation. She told Guardian Media that PLOTT “did not confirm that the President refused. What we indicated is that it was our understanding that the President had objected to swear in Darryl Smith. An objection is different to refusal to appoint,” she said.
Special Caribbean forum to be launched at Florida telecommunications meeting MIAMI - CMC – The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) will formally launch a special Caribbean Forum during a meeting to be held here next week. “Over the past year, ARIN has created several new initiatives to encourage even more Caribbean participation in the community,” said John Curran, ARIN President and CEO.“We are already seeing an increased interest in IPv6 deployment, autonomous network build-out and technical capacity building. The new ARIN Caribbean Forum is expected to help us better facilitate and support these initiatives.” The ARIN Caribbean Forum comprises three streams – Public Policy Group for public sector ministers and technocrats in collaboration with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU); the Justice Sector Group for law enforcement officials in collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS and judicial and le-
John Curran gal officers in collaboration with APEX, the Caribbean agency responsible for justice technology and the Network Operators Group for network administrators, IT managers, computer engineers and security professionals in collaboration with the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG). “Each group is aimed at
increasing stakeholder awareness, strengthening community participation, deepening government engagement, and strengthening partnerships with region-based organisations like the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, the Caribbean Network Operators Group, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States,” said Bevil Wooding, ARIN Caribbean Outreach Liaison. “The new Forum will allow us to better understand and directly address the needs of our stakeholders and members in the Caribbean.” Following ARIN 41, the Public Policy and Justice Sector Groups will meet on April 19. The Network Operators Group will also meet at CaribNOG 15 from April 18-20 in Miami. Subsequently, initiatives will be staged across the Caribbean in collaboration with ARIN’s partners and stakeholders in the region.
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Friday April 13, 2018
Trump weighs Syria options, Russia envoy says ‘cannot exclude’ war WASHINGTON/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) President Donald Trump and his national security aides yesterday discussed U.S. options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a suspected poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow. Worries about a confrontation between Russia, Syria’s big ally, and the West have been running high since Trump said on Wednesday missiles “will be coming” in response to the attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Trump tempered those
remarks yesterday. “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!” Trump wrote on Twitter. Trump met with his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement. “We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” the statement said, adding Trump would speak later yester day with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Macron said France had proof the Syrian government carried out the attack near Damascus, which aid groups
have said killed dozens of people, and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered.“We have proof that last week ... chemical weapons were used, at least with chlorine, and that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad,” Macron said, without offering details of any evidence. Two U.S. officials familiar with an ongoing investigation of samples from Douma and the symptoms of victims said initial indications that a mix of weaponized chlorine gas and sarin were used in the attack appear to be correct. But U.S. intelligence agencies have not completed their assessment or reached a final conclusion, the officials said. Russia said it deployed military police in Douma yes-
terday after the town was taken over by government forces.“They are the guarantors of law and order in the town,” RIA news agency quoted Russia’s defence ministry as saying.There were signs of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use. FEARS OF WAR Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia and urged Washington and its allies to refrain from military action against Syria. “The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,”
he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return,” the envoy said. A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was travelling to Syria and will start their investigations on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said.It was not clear whether Trump and U.S. allies would wait for the results of the investigation before deciding on a possible strike. In Washington, U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress he believed there was a chemical attack in Syria, but added a short while later that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action. “I don’t want to talk about a specific attack that is not yet
in the offing. ... This would be pre-decisional,” Mattis told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. Moscow is estimated to have dozens of aircraft at its Hmeymim air base in Syria including fighters and bombers, as well as 10 to 15 warships and support vessels in the Mediterranean. The Syrian government and Russian forces in Syria possess truck-mounted surface-to-air missile and antiaircraft artillery weapons systems.Russia, Syria and its other main backer Iran have said reports of the Douma attack were fabricated by rebels and rescue workers and have accused the United States of seeking to use it as a pretext to attack the Syrian government.
Kaieteur News
Friday April 13, 2018
Govt. legislator bows out of politics BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Member of Parliament for the constituency of St. John, Mara Thompson has formally announced that she will not be contesting the upcoming general election. Thompson, the widow of David Thompson, the sixth Prime Minister of Barbados, said that after eight years, she has decided to retire from public life. “I have taken a long hard look at myself and the needs of my family and I have decided to retire from public life,” said Thompson, who made the disclosure at a meeting of the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP), General Council late Wednesday. Thompson also thanked her constituents for supporting her over the years. “Just as I walked throughout the constituency and sought the support of the people of St. John when I wanted to become their MP, I am walking around in St. John, knocking on doors thanking the good people of St. John for their support for me over the years. I intend to do so face to face. They will see me. I will continue to visit each home because I want to thank
Mara Thompson you.”She added that following her husband’s death, her family was “cradled and buoyed by the people of St. John”.“They swept me into Parliament, giving me the very distinct honour of becoming their Parliamentary representative – I consider myself blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to serve my party and my St. John family.” Thompson, who was the first female Deputy Speaker of the House, has also endorsed the party’s General Secretary, George Pilgrim, as her successor.“I now publicly throw my support behind and endorse the long serving
General Secretary Mr. George Pilgrim. George Pilgrim has been in and around St. John for many years now working on behalf of my late beloved predecessor David Thompson, working with Families First and working with me” The constituency of St. John has been hailed as the DLP’s most secure seat since 1958.St. John was once held by the late Prime Minister Errol Barrow who died in office in 1987.Former Prime Minister David Thompson, was later elected for the seat, which he held until his death – also in office in October 2010. His widow won the seat in a by-election in January 2011 and also ran successfully during the 2013 general election. A date for a general election – that is constitutionally due by June this year, has not been set although Parliament was automatically dissolved on March 6. The government has 90 days since the dissolution, to name a date for the general election in keeping with the Representation of the People Act.In the 2013 general election the DLP won 16 of the 30 seats, with the remainder going to the main opposition Barbados Labour Party.
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Table tennis prodigy Anna Hursey, 11, vows to ‘get the top’ after first appearance at CG Table tennis prodigy Anna Hursey says playing for Wales in the Commonwealth Games at the age of 11 has increased her ambition to ‘get to the top’. Hursey, the youngest athlete competing in the Gold Coast Games, represented Wales in the team event and then in the singles and came away with two doubles wins and one win in the singles. She helped Wales reach the quarter-finals of the team event, combining with Charlotte Carey to win doubles games against India and Pakistan, before beating Uganda’s Halima Nambozo in her first singles match. Defeat in her second
singles outing against Malaysia’s Li Sian Alice Chang saw her exit the competition at the group stage but her Gold Coast experience has served to fuel her ambition. ’Since I came here, I was like, ‘I wanna win’, but now I’m like, ‘I really wanna win’ because everybody’s supporting me,’ Hursey told BBC Sport Wales. ’I really want to get to the top now. It’s been really good, been positive. It’s really good to play for Wales and play good players.’ The Cardiff youngster, who started playing table tennis at the age of five, explained how she took the big crowd experience at
Hursey is believed to be the youngest athlete to represent Wales at senior level in any sport. the Games opening ceremony in her stride.’I thought it would be so big. But when I
Friday April 13, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're too hard on yourself, Virgo. If things haven't gone exactly as planned over the last few days, there's no sense in berating yourself over it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're especially intuitive today, Libra. If this is a fairly new occurrence for you, you could be at a loss as to how to make the most of this gift.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You like to feel needed, Taurus, but today you might throw up your hands and say, "Enough!" You've given so much of yourself for so long
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today's planetary aspects indicate that this is likely to be a day of excess, Scorpio, some of it good, some of it not so good. Take care not to overindulge in food and drink.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You could be overwhelmed with information today, Gemini, as you receive more phone calls and email messages than you can possibly answer. Be clear about your priorities and stick with them. CANCER(June21–July22) Your mind is like a sponge today, Cancer, eager to absorb all sorts of information. Take care that the information you're absorbing is accurate. There's a high likelihood that the fascinating news you hear is mostly a mix of fantasy and fiction. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If you aren't careful, there's a strong possibility that you'll overindulge today, Leo. Your career frustrations may manifest in the form of overeating, excess drinking, or reckless spending. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're too hard on yourself, Virgo. If things haven't gone exactly as planned over the last few days, there's no sense in berating yourself over it. As long as you did the best that you could, what's the problem?
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You should make an effort to be patient and tolerant, especially at the office, even though you might not feel like it, Sagittarius. You'll likely take a lot of deep breaths as projects get delayed and meetings drag on. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This could be a day of inner turmoil, Capricorn. You'll rethink some of your fundamental values, unsure if they're still relevant to your life. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You need to pull yourself up by the bootstraps, Aquarius. Why not take a few steps back and try to look at your life more objectively? PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A particularly tricky situation could occur at work. If you aren't careful, you could lose your cool. Make a concerted effort to keep your wits about you, Pisces. It could be that a colleague is baiting you, but that's no reason to take it.
saw it it was like little, I couldn’t even see the people, I only could see little dots. I was like, ‘Oh I can’t see the people, so I just pretended they were like teddy bears’. ’Hursey has had some time to take in a few sights during her time Down Under. ‘The (athletes’) village is really nice, seeing other sports, meeting new people. It’s boiling in Australia. We’ve seen koalas and snakes, and we’ve been to the beach, so it’s been really good,’ she said.Hursey even found time to fit in a bit of homework - ‘I’ve done my German but I haven’t done my history’ - and admits she cannot quite understand what all the fuss is about where her age is concerned.’When I think about it, it’s like, ‘Oh it’s normal’. But when other people think about it... I’m 11,’ she said.
STSC & QCSC... From page 42 Football 1-A play 1-D (Boys), 1-C battle 1-D (Boys) while in the Girls matches, 1-A take on 1-B and I-C plays 1-D. The Organisers are hoping for a large turnout and parents are encouraged to come out to the event which is supported by the National Sports Commission (trophies and medals), Henry Chase and The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.
Dick’s 6-for... From page 42 century.Scores: Demerara 489-8 declared (Bhaskar Yadram 301*, Adrian Hinds 94; Niron Bussu 4-69) beat The Select U17 Team 180 all out (Sachin Singh 60, Yudistir Persaud 48; Ashmead Nedd 5-38) and 252 all out (Yudistir Persaud 90*, Andre Seepersaud 48; Dwayne Dick 6-110) by an innings and 56 runs.
Pacesetters, Colts... From page 43 (8) combined to guide Kobras past the line. Mortimer Williams netted 15 points for Nets in a losing effort. Pacesetters 76-69 Eagles Mark Richards’ game high 23-points couldn’t prevent Eagles Basketball Club from losing their second game on the trot after winning their opening match against Kobras. Pacesetters followed up their win against Plaisance Guardians with another composed victory and was led by Jaleel Duke (17 points) and Tariq Cave (12) to their second win in as many matches in Group B.The competition
continues this afternoon from 18:00hrs with three more matches. In the first match, Eagles will bounce with Amelia Ward Jets, followed by Canje Nights against Retrieve Raiders 20:00hrs. The main event will see Mecca IV runners-up Victory Valley Royals coming up against Pacesetters from 22:00hrs. The Champions of this tournament will be decided onApril 28th and they will cash in on $600,000, the second place finishers $400,000 and 3rd $300,000. Meanwhile, the MVP will pocket $200,000, player with the most points, most rebounds and most improved player each receiving $100,000 each.
Fishermen reel in... From page 39 in 16.1 overs, falling short by 90 runs. The hard hitting, Rudolph Baker top scored with 25 (4x6) but was not given the support at the other end as the required run rate kept climbing with the fall of every wicket. Parsram Persaud came back with the bat to hit 24 (2x4 1x6) while Pooran Singh
was the pick of the Fishermen Masters bowlers with 339 and Ramo Malone 2-16. Just a week earlier, Fishermen had defeated Regal Masters by 12 runs at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground to win another four-team competition that was also organised by the same organistion, Unis Yusuf led the way with a century and three-wicket haul.
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Kaieteur News
Hope “humbled” by Wisden honour FIFA asked to expand World Cup to 48 London, CMC – West Indies stroke-maker Shai Hope has described the honour of being named one of Wisden’s five Cricketersof-the-Year as “humbling”, and has praised the “phenomenal” effort which saw the Caribbean side stun England in the second Test at Leeds last August. The 24-year-old Barbadian was announced on Wednesday along with Essex fast bowler Jamie Porter, and England Women’s World Cup-winning trio of Heather Knight, Anya Shrubsole and Nat Sciver, as the prestigious Almanack’s top choices in international cricket for the last year. ”It was a bit of a shock when I got the news and obviously a huge privilege being named among the five. It is a very humbling feeling,” Hope said. “It was a historic year because it was the first time three ladies were also honoured. That is a big step forward. I see how the game is progressing, I see how it’s being supported by all the fans around the world. I think it can only go forward and get bigger.” Hope was selected on the basis of his outstanding performance in the Leeds Test when he became the first batsman in 127 years of first class cricket at Headingley to score a century in both innings. He fashioned 147 in the first innings and returned with an unbeaten 118 in the second, as West Indies chased down 322 to win by five wickets and level the three-match series 1-1. Hope said the victory meant more than his personal achievement especially
teams for Qatar 2022 by CONMEBOL
West Indies batsman Shai Hope poses at historic Lord’s after being honoured by Wisden. following the Caribbean side’s crushing defeat in the first Test at Birmingham when they went down by an innings and 209 runs inside three days. ”Truly, the win was more satisfying than the two hundreds because after the thrashing in the first game by the English guys at Edgbaston, the way we played in the second game was phenomenal,” Hope said. ”I guess there was no better time to score my first and second hundreds in Test cricket and I really did enjoy being the guy that pulled us out the wool. “That was my first away win that I played in and the way we did it, to show how good we can play cricket
and how competitive we can be, that was a better thing.” Prior to the achievement, Hope had largely struggled in Tests, with a single half-century in 21 previous innings, at an average of 18. He has since raised his career average to 33 from 17 Tests and has become the Windies principal batsmen. Almanack editor Lawrence Booth said Hope was now the “West Indian wicket all opposition attacks craved most” but the quietspoken Hope disagreed with the assessment. “I’ve heard it a couple of times but I wouldn’t say that,” he said. ”It’s a collective effort so on your day you can be unstoppable and then it can go the opposite way.”
BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Inter Block Football
Ogle Street needle Central for opening win The BV/Triumph 8thof May Movement Village Anniversary Celebrations continued on Sunday last at the Beterverwagting Community Centre ground with the kick off of an Under 17 Inter-Block football Tournament. Four teams are competing, Ogle Street, Central, Backdam and Sideline with Ogle Street winning the opening match against Central. The two teams engaged in over 90 minutes of competitive action and were closely matched in skill and tactics. The two teams provided the sizeable crowd on hand with much excitement as both sides demonstrated exceptional offence and defense with their goalkeepers being equal to the task by preventing a number scoring opportunities due to their superb athletic and agility skills. Nevertheless, it would be Ogle Street’s Shamar Kingston’s consistent awareness and superb positioning in the box that enabled him to receive a cross from the left wing by diving and heading the ball into the back of the Central nets.
Shamar Kingston With timing running out, Central seemed too bewildered to recover and though they made valiant attempts to equalise, Ogle Street goalkeeping and defense was tough to penetrate and the match ended 1-0 in favor of Ogle Street. Competition will continue with Backdam opposing Sideline on Sunday.
CONMEBOL have asked FIFA to expand World Cup to 48 teams four years ahead of schedule. MailOnline - The 10 members of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) have formally asked the game’s governing body to expand the World Cup to 48 teams in 2022, four years ahead of schedule. The request was made in an open letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino at CONMEBOL’s annual conference in Buenos Aires. ’As we think big, and because we want justice, because we want you and all our companions to want to think big, I am asking that the 2022 World Cup is played with 48 teams,’ CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez
said. FIFA agreed in January last year to expand the World Cup from its current 32 teams to 48 teams in 2026. CONMEBOL currently get five guaranteed spots for the 32-team World Cup, and that number will rise to six - or 60 percent of all member nations - at a 48-team tournament. The 2022 World Cup will be hosted in Qatar, the first time the tournament will take place in the Middle East. The host of 2026 World Cup will be decided in June, with Morocco hoping to overcome the joint bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Lewis, Pollard unable to prevent Mumbai defeat Hyderabad, India, CMC – There were only minor roles of the West Indies pair of Evin Lewis and Kieron Pollard as their Mumbai Indians crashed to a narrow one-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League here yesterday. Chasing 148 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, last man Billy Stanlake (5 not out) lashed a four off the final ball of the contest with scores tied, to hand the hosts a exciting win. Sent in, Mumbai rallied to 147 for eight off 20 overs with opener Lewis topscoring with 29 from 17 balls and Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav both chipping in with 28. Lewis struck three fours and two sixes and put on 37 for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan (9) before he was third out in the seventh over, bowled missing a swing at medium pacer Saddarth Kaul (2-29). Pollard, meanwhile, also belted three fours and two sixes in a 23-ball knock as he bolstered the innings in a 38run fifth wicket partnership
Kieron Pollard with Australian Ben Cutting (9). However, he was dismissed at a crucial point in the 15th over, taken at deep cover off fast bowler Stanlake (2-42). In reply, opener Shikhar Dhawan top-scored with 45 from 28 balls and Deepak
Hooda got 32 from 25, as Sunrisers reached the final over requiring 11 runs for victory. Hooda then blasted a six off the first delivery from Cutting to put the result virtually beyond doubt.
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Richards wins controversial 200m title as Caribbean snatch four gold Gold Coast, Australia, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago claimed its first 200 metres Commonwealth Games medal in nearly half a century when Jereem Richards won gold, following the controversial disqualification of England’s Zharnel Hughes here yesterday. In a fractious climax to day five of the athletics programme at the Carrara Stadium, Richards was upgraded to first place after Hughes was penalised for impeding the Trinidadian in a tense finish. Hughes, running out of lane five, led into the stretch but as he faded, Richards in lane four, produced a blistering late drive to draw level with 10 metres left. With hands flailing wildly, there was contact across lanes just before both sprinters hit the line in the same time of 20.12 seconds, with Hughes outleaning Richards to take victory. Trinidad and Tobago protested and Hughes was subsequently disqualified for obstruction, with officials deeming his arm had collided with Richards’s because of his proximity to the edge of his lane. The contact caused Richards to stumble and lose
moment at that key stage. Hughes was still on his lap of honour when the news of his disqualification broke and England understandably protested the decision, further plunging the race into chaos. Richards was then forced to sweat for nearly two hours before judges upheld the disqualification, giving the 24-year-old his first individual global title. ”He was ahead and when I started to catch him he started to break down and I felt his hand come across and hit me,” Richards confirmed afterwards. “That’s probably why they disqualified him. If he didn’t hit me I would have gone past him. That hit threw me off my rhythm.” He added: “I think I was strong enough down the straight, I was closing on him really fast but when I got hit that knocked me back a bit.” T&T’s last 200 metres medal at the Games was in 1970 when Edwin Roberts ran second behind now legendary Jamaican Don Quarrie in Edinburgh. Yesterday’s result was a blow for Hughes, who switched allegiance from Anguilla three years ago, as he entered the final as one of the most impressive qualifi-
Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo celebrates her capture of the 200 metres at the Commonwealth Games. ers. He stormed through the curve to lead with Canada’s Aaron Brown chasing, before Richards stormed from third to set off fireworks on the line. Brown was upgraded to silver in 20.34 while Northern Ireland’s Leon Reid nicked bronze in 20.55. Trinidadian Kyle Greaux (20.63) was sixth while Jamaican Warren Weir (20.71) was a disappointing seventh. Meanwhile, the irrepressible Bahamian Shaunae MillerUibo added another title to her growing collection when she won the women’s 200 metres in record time. The reigning Olympic
400m champion produced the smoothest of performances to dismiss her opposition and reach the finish in a new Games record of 22.09 – shattering countrywoman Debbie Ferguson’s old record of 22.20 set at the Manchester games in 2002. ”The 200 isn’t my key event, I’m doing this to get the speed work in and it shows I’m on track for the 400,” Miller-Uibo said. “The double is going to be a hard feat to accomplish, and I’m ready for it. I’ve been training for it.” Jamaican Shericka Jackson snatched silver in a personal best 22.18 while
England’s Dina Asher-Smith ended with bronze in 22.29. There was disappointment for Olympic champion, Jamaican Elaine Thompson who could only muster a big enough effort to finish fourth. She was unflustered, however. ”I’m feeling great. It’s still early in the season,” the double Olympic sprint champion said. “[Shaunae’s] getting better and better, she has the strength for the 400 and the speed for the 200.” Emotions soared in the men’s 400 metres hurdles after Kyron McMaster brought home the British Virgin Islands’ first major international medal when he won gold in a time of 48.25. The 21-year-old lost his coach Xavier Daniels when the deadly category five Hurricane Irma slammed into the Caribbean country with devastating force last September. McMaster said the medal would hold special significance for the BVI in light of the recent tragedy, and was also in memory of Samuels, who he remembers daily through a tattoo he had inscribed on his arm following his mentor’s death. ”Tonight the gold meant
a lot to the country, but I did what my coach would have wanted me to – go out there and run my race. He’s with me everywhere I go with the band and the tattoo on my arm,” said McMaster, the only runner to dip below 48 seconds in the event last year. ”So today I came out here and had fun like he always would also tell me before my race – ‘enjoy the moment, don’t pressure yourself in the race.’” He added: “It’s the first medal for the British Virgin Islands at any games so I’m pretty happy for that.” McMaster spearheaded a Caribbean sweep of the podium, with Bahamian Jeffery Gibson clocking a seasonbest 49.10 for silver and Jamaican Jaheel Hyde, 49.16, for bronze. In the corresponding women’s final, Jamaican Janieve Russell dominated to win in a time of 54.33 seconds, with England’s Eilidh Doyle taking silver in 54.80 and South Africa’s Wenda Nel, bronze in 54.96. In the women’s sprint hurdles heats, the Jamaican trio of Danielle Williams (12.69), Yanique Thompson (12.95) and Megan Simmonds (13.17) all qualified for today’s final.
Discipline and hard work the new trademark for Berbice Cricket – BCB Head tells U-19s ”You are no longer representing your Club alone from today, but you would be representatives of the Ancient County of Berbice - a place that has legendary status in Cricket. I want you to know that no form of indiscipline would be tolerated by Management. The new trademark for Berbice Cricket shall be discipline and hard work. On behalf of every Berbician, I wish you well and we are all confident that with God’s richest blessings you would be successful”. This was the charge that the newly elected Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President, Hilbert Foster gave to the Berbice Under-19 Intercounty Team as they departed for the Guyana Cricket Board 2018 Handin-Hand Tournament in Georgetown. The Berbice Cricket Board President and his Executives including Secretary Rabindranauth Saywack, Vice President Albert Smith, Executive Members Angela Haniff and Neil Rudder met with the team for one hour at the Berbice Cricket Board Office in New Amsterdam. Foster since his election on the 18th February, 2018, has adopted an on hands approach to meet with stake-
Berbice Under-19 Team pose with BCB Executives while showing off the trophies and Inter-County Caps. holders, cricketers across the ancient county and in a passionate plea to the players, he encouraged them to remember that there is no “i” in the word “team” and that the strength of any team is only as strong as its weakest link. The Berbice Cricket Board, he stated had invested heavily to make sure that the team was properly prepared and ready by hosting trial matches, practice sessions and even an inspiration session with Berbice Cricket Legend, Joseph Solomon. For the
first time in several years, a Berbice Team would go into an Inter-County Tournament with its players ready with club matches readiness. The Players over the last month has been involved in Under-17, 19, 21 and Second Division matches organised by BCB and as such are match ready. Batsmen Leon Swamy, Garfield Benjamin, Alex Algoo, Steve Deonarine, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Javed Karim and Kevlon Anderson have all shown
good form while bowlers Christopher Harry, Kevin Umroa, Karran Arjpaul, Keith Simpson and Kevin Sinclair and Trevlon Stanislaus have all performed well in local tournaments. Foster urged the players to represent the Berbice logo with pride, passion, commitment and warned them that he has instructed the Team’s Management to be firm about any form of indiscipline. The Berbice Cricket Board President handed over six trophies to the Manager of the team, Neil Rudder on behalf of the Rose Hall Town
Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) which would be used to honour the Berbice Man-of-the-Match for each game in the tournament. RHTY&SC also funded the preparation of the Berbice Under-19 Caps for the team. Foster stated that every Berbice Team would be provided with Inter-County Caps as a souvenir of pride for the players. Foster also disclosed that once successful, the team would be honoured by the Berbice Cricket Board in a meaningful way. Secretary Rabindranauth
Saywack in brief remarks spoke of the importance of following the advice of Management and that the Captain on field should be respected at all times. Manager Neil Rudder stated that the team was determined to make Berbice proud and expressed gratitude to the Board for getting the team fully prepared for the tournament. The entire team under the leadership of Kevin Sinclair committed themselves to work as a Unit and to return home with both the One-day and Three-Days titles.
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Kaieteur News
Queen’s Prize Individual Finals - Day 2
Busy weekend for cyclists at the Park and on the Road
Braithwaite two shots off and eying Universal Auto and General Supplies and Powerade 46-miler listed medal; Goodluck 9 shots off As is always the case, the 900 and 1000 yards will decide the gold, silver and bronze medal positions on the final day, tomorrow, of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Prize Individual Finals at the Belmont Full Bore Range. Following another intense day of firing yesterday, Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite dropped a single shot each at the 300 and 600 yards ranges and has found himself in the 10th position of the 33 shooters with a total of 253:27 after six ranges of very close an competitive marksmanship. Following up on his first day’s performance when he recorded a possible at each of the three ranges, 300, 500 and 600, Braithwaite shot a possible at 500, 50:6. Unlike the first day when the top riflemen from around the world had two sighting shots and 7 shots to count, yesterday they had 10 shots to count. The weather was not the best as rain started falling before the 500 and did not relent for some time. Nonetheless, the Guyanese marksmen persevered and are eyeing the possibility of medaling. The final two ranges will certainly decide the champs and is usually refereed to, “Where the big boys play”. Goodluck dropped a total
Lennox Braithwaite being interviewd by an Australian Media Operative. of 5 shots on the day ending on 246:22 in the 21st position to underscore the closeness of the competition which means there is no room for error; nerves have to hold and focus must be in the deep 90s all along. Jim Bailey of Australia who has not dropped a single shot is still in the top spot going into tomorrow’s final day with a total of 255:37. Englishman, David Luckman the current record holder (401:42) is 2nd trailing on Vs after not dropping a single shot as well 255:32. Luckman and Bailey are
the only two shoots to have a clean slate after the six ranges. Three shooters are locked on 254 points each with Vs separating them, Parage Patel of England (254:32), Barry LE Cheminant of Jersey (254:32) and Scotland’s Ian Shaw (254:29). Braithwaite and four others are on 253 each, again, Vs being the separator. Brian Carter of New Zealand (33), South Africa’s Petrus Haasbroek (32), Canada’s Nicole Rossignol (27) the same as David Calvert of Scotland and Braithwaite.
Fishermen reel in Regal Masters
Powerade 2017 category winners from right, Jamal John, Junior Niles, Keon Thomas, Denacia Welch and Jason Cameron. Local riders are set to put in more miles this weekend when National Cycling coach Hassan Mohamed stages back-to-back events. Tomorrow, competition is set for the inner circuit of the National Park with 14th edition of the Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race programme from 09:00hrs. Mohamed said he is expecting a large field of riders, and a highly competitive day of racing. Hamzah Eastman will be defending his title in the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational event. He won last year’s race in one hour, 17 minutes, four seconds while Nigel Duguid Jr. took the Junior division nut he is now riding in the senior category. Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jack-
Shameer Baksh son took the Veterans Under-50 title. Ryan Canterbury took top honours in the Mountain Bike race last year, while David Hicks will defend the 12-14 Boys and Girls race. Managing Director of Universal Auto and General Supplies and veteran rider, Shameer Baksh, will present the prizes
to the winners at the conclusion. On Sunday, the action will switch to the West Demerara roadways for the 8th annual Powerade 46-mile race. Action will pedal off at 08:30hrs from Schoonord, proceed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the point of origin for the finish. Jamal John was the champion of the Open race last year, while other winners were Jason Cameron (juniors), Junior Niles (veterans), Keon Thomas (mountain bikes) and Denacia Welch, female category. Apart from the top six finishers of the Open race being rewarded, prizes are also set for the top three riders in the other categories. Eight sprint prizes would be up for grabs during the 46-mile event.
GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U-15 League Weekend Fixtures East Demerara FA - Saturday 14th April The victorious Fishermen XI with their spoils at the Everest Cricket Club ground last Sunday. For the second consecutive week, Fishermen Masters beat Regal Masters in the final of a softball competition. Last Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club, Fishermen beat Regal Masters by the wide margin of 90 runs in the final of a four-team softball extravaganza that was organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket
League Inc. and sponsored by The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. Fishermen had first strike and clobbered their way to 220 for 3 off of their 20 overs with Man-of-the-Match, Robert Mohan blasting 116 not out (6x4 12x6). He got useful support from Unis Yusuf with 41 (6x4 2x6). The Regal Masters
bowlers were roughed up but Parsram ‘Pacer’ Persaud picked up 2-47 while David Harper bowled very quickly but finished wicketless but conceded just 15 runs from his four overs. In reply, the more fancied Regal Masters lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 130 (Continued on page 36)
Team Mahaica vs Victoria Scorpions vs 13:30hrs Buxton United vs 15:00hrs Plaisance vs 16:30hrs Berbice FA – Sunday 15th April East Bank Gunners vs Corriverton Links vs 11:00hrs Monedderlust vs NA United vs Cougars vs
Team Ann’s Grove BVTU
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Arsenal Rosignol United Hearts Of Oak
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Gizmos & Gadgets continues to support RHTY&SC 10 years on City business Gizmos & Gadgets which commenced sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in 2009 has once again renewed its confidence in the Berbice based club by maintaining that partnership. On Tuesday last at a simple ceremony at the Gizmos & Gadgets office, Wellington Street, Georgetown, the Company renewed their cricket sponsorship of the Club’s Under21 and First Division teams for the tenth successive year. The sponsorship for the two teams is worth $300,000 for the year and would cover the cost of transportation, snacks, balls for practice and gears. Additionally, Gizmos & Gadgets would also provide special gifts for outstanding players who represented both teams in 2017. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the remarkable relationship between the two organisations and stated that it has been successful and progressive. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club in 2009, 2010 and 2016 also received the Guyana Cricket Board Club of the Year Award under the sponsorship. Foster stated that Gizmos & Gadgets had provided the Club with comfort to play at the Under-21 and First Division levels without worrying about the financial cost and this has responsible for its success story on the field of play. The Company under the ownership of CEO Ravi Mangar has invested millions of dollars in the team and has played a major role in shaping the careers of national players Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Esuan Crandon, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Dominique Rikhi, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Khemraj
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YBG/NSBF Regionals
Three U-16 matches set for CASH this afternoon
Gizmos & Gadgets Ravi Mangar (right) hands over sponsorship cheque to RHTY&SC’s Hilbert Foster. Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Askay Homraj, Shawn Pereira, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy Sandian, Mahendra Gopilall, Loyydel Lewis, Shailendra Shameer, Arif Chan and Plaffiana Millington, among others. The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets team has also won numerous cricket tournaments under the sponsorship including the Busta Champion of Champions, Berbice River Bridge Company 50-Overs, Tenelec Inc 50-Overs Round Robin, Peter Lewis Under-23, Annirud Ramcharitar 40-Overs, ABS 40-Overs and Namilco/ Bakewell 20/20. The team won the Busta Cup in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Special thanks was extended to CEO Mangar for his continued confidence in the two teams, which over the years have successfully completed over 500 personal de-
velopment programmes under the Sub-headings of Sports, Culture, Charity, Education, Youth Development, Social, Religious, Anti-Crime, AntiAlcohol among others. Manger, in brief remarks stated that he was delighted to have his business brand associated with the RHTY&SC noting that they have represented the brand well over the years. Gizmos & Gadgets he stated would continue its support to and for the club which he said was a pacesetter and role model for others to emulate. Despite the slowdown in business, the sponsorship, the RHTY&SC is top priority for Gizmos & Gadgets and Mangar expressed confidence that the relationship would be strengthened in the future. The RHT Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 Team is being led by Kevin Sinclair while Shawn Pereira is the skipper of the First Division Team.
Poolorama Dominos tourney at Malteenoes on Sunday All Roads lead the Malteenoes Sports Club on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands this Sunday for what promises to be an exciting day of Domi-
Friday April 13, 2018
Kaieteur News
nos action. The Event is being promoted by Pharmacist and former Malteenoes second division cricket Captain Linden ‘Doc’ Dodson who
has returned to his homeland from the United States of America (USA) after leaving in 2000. The day’s event which also include a Karaoke competition and well stocked Food and Drinks Bars, has special incentives for Ladies while entrance fee is $2,000. The winners collect $40,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up get a Trophy and $20,000 with the third placed finisher receiving $10,000 and Trophy. For more information contact Malteenoes on tel. 225 6509.
Action between Rose’s (dark green) and Bishops’ High on Saturday March 31st at the CASH during round-robin-play of the NSBF Regionals. The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) will be a hive of activity this afternoon from 15:00hrs with the continuation of the exciting Youth Basketball Guyana’s (YBG) National School Basketball Festival, Regionals. Featuring school teams from Georgetown and East Coast in the boys’ Under-14, 16 and 19 categories and the lone girls’ Under-19 category, these matches precede the Nationals where the countrywide champions are decided. Today’s play will account for three group round-robin matches, all in the under-19 category. When the day’s play tips off, St. Joseph High School will sweat with Brickdam Secondary in first of the 40-minute running time game.
Tournament debutants Chase Academic Foundation, which won their opening match against School of the Nations by 10 points (33-23), will play Christ Church in the second match which bounces off at 16:00hrs and Tutorial will play favourites for the Marian Academy in the feature game at 17:00hrs. During the last match day (March 31st) in the tournament which is being sponsored by Edward B. Beharry and Company, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Ministry of Education (MOE), St. Rose’s High School (SRHS) overcame an early scare to defeat The Bishops’ High School (BHS) 31-26. Meanwhile, the feature match saw Plaisance Secondary defeating the Government Technical Institute (GTI), 47-39.
President’s Guard overcome TSU as COP T20 continues President’s Guard defeated Tactical Service Unit by 9 wickets when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Commissioner of Police Inter Division Department T20 Tournament continued yesterday at Eve Leary. Tactical Service Unit (TSU) batted first and posted 144-4 off 20 overs. Ricardo Adams made 39, Danesh Gopaul 34, Gashwar Jagnarine 27 and Eon Rodrigues 25. Paul Tyndell had 2-10. President’s Guard responded with 1451 in 13.2 overs. Tyndell struck 61 not out and Kevin Allicock 57. Headquarters trounced E-Division by 167 runs in their encounter. Headquarters took first strike and managed 231-3 with Munilall Persaud slamming 81, Khanhadia Ramkarran 77 and Safraz Haniff 21. E-Division were sent packing for 64. Satouham Sukhdeo got 24 and Lawrence Seares 15; Stephen Harris grabbed 4-4 and Kevon Boodie 3-7. G-Division scored 1945 taking first strike against Officers. Fazil Khan slammed 71 and Linden David 39. Officers replied with 156-9. Colin
Sullivan made 45 and Jermain Neblette 24; Shakel Vyphius claimed 3-27. C-Division batted first and made 134-8 with Roncy Caleb scoring 66 and Griseon Grant 20; Clain Dhanraj snared 3-8 and Fazeer Khan 3-19. G-Division scored 133-7 in reply. Khan slammed 46 as Stephon Johnson, Jermain Tyndall and Esan Hardyen picked up two wickets each. G-Division scored 129-9. Clain Dhanraj made 25 and Shakel Vyphius 22; Pernell London took 3-20 and Zane London 2-13. President’s Guard responded with 130 without loss. Paul Tyndell stroked 69 and Kevin Allicock 55. F Division took first knock and posted 152-8. Brandon Frank made 36, Lennox Andres 30 and Shiveshwar Sankar 29. Troy Benn claimed 3-19 and Stephen Harris 2-21. Head Quarters replied with 154-4 in 16.4 overs. Kevon Boodie slammed 85; Trevor Benn had 2-36. The competition continues today.