Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Tuesday April 18, 2017

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

EDITORIAL Dated management training policies In our society, every employer sets out the prerequisites for potential employees as having a number of certificates: be they Diploma, Degree, Masters or Doctorate. There is no problem with these prerequisites; however, one may wonder why organizations, businesses or institutions are still crumbling and experiencing so many problems. Employers may have all the ‘qualifications’ from the finest universities around the world and employ individuals who have graduated from the most recognized, accredited universities, but according to research and observation, workplace violence, lack of interpersonal communication skills, stress and anger issues are abundantly high. Mere academic qualifications will not make an organization more efficient. With all the qualifications, can we say that we exercise emotional intelligence? Do we know how to control our anger? Are we aware of what we are doing to ourselves – the selfdestruction we are causing? No one destroys us; we are doing a pretty good job at destroying ourselves. The reason businesses and organizations are experiencing many problems is that their employers and employees are lacking ‘life skills’ – those basic things we need to take us through life every day. What purpose would it serve if a man has a Degree or Masters, but insults everyone when he’s angry or perhaps breaks things, or maybe utters a flood of epithets? Why do we refuse to accept those who have no Certificates into our organizations even though these individuals have all the necessary experience and common sense? Have we ever thought of how the Egyptians built the pyramids? Did they have certificates? These are pertinent questions. However, the employer is one who always looks at the person most likely to advance his business. And for him advancing the business means pushing the worker, sometimes treating that worker little better than a slave. We have heard of reports of employers actually assaulting workers, physically. There are people who would say that they are not children and therefore they would resent any attempt to assault them. But then again, the idea of job hunting is not something that some people relish. There are not too many jobs in the country and employers know this. More recently, some people have been complaining that their recent employers merely kept hiring and firing. They would hire someone and fire that person before that person could qualify for benefits. This cycle is allowed to continue because the employer knows that there would always be a line leading to his/her door for the very reason that jobs are simply not there. People who were previously hired and fired return for more of the same treatment. Such practices make people promote the application of life skills in the workplace. The most efficient businesses are those that make each worker feel wanted. Those in which anger seems to be the common factor are the places with production problems. A number of articles have been written on life skills and their benefits, especially in the area of anger management. The public needs to be aware of the importance of life skills – programmes which would actually benefit the individual in self-development. Government departments are inefficient because of poor management skills. We have seen things reach the stage where workers come and go pretty much as they please, simply because the manager is insecure and often demonstrates an attitude that is little better than the errant staff member. An educationist once noted that the difference between schools is the management. Those with strong managers, people who have interpersonal skills, do better than those where the manager is laidback. Those who insist on proper behaviour from the staff would present the better results and this has been proven. That is why the training institutions at one time focused on psychology. Every teacher had to understand human nature and apply the knowledge in any condition. Perhaps there is need to review the policy of management training.

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

A picture of Guyana, I never saw or knew about Dear Editor, Can I kindly ask you to direct me to six columns your writer, Mr. Freddie Kissoon said he did on the skin colour scheme of advertisements in Guyana. I refer you Sir, to Mr. K i s s o o n ’s c o l u m n o f Sunday, April 16 in which he referred to those six columns. I try my best to keep up with news in my father’s homeland from London where I live. Mr. Kissoon is a breath of fresh air but I do not read all of his columns. He writes daily and it is difficult to read the online papers everyday. In his Sunday column, he wrote of doing six columns where no Black faces were featured in the advertisements in Guyana. Is this true? Even if Mr. Kissoon exaggerates the total picture, he must be on to something. I would be interested in reading those six columns because they dealt with a picture of Guyana that I never saw, and I never knew about. Mr. Kissoon is a credible writer and one that I respect very much so I cannot see how he would write those things without giving a thought to the reaction it would

engender. My name is Whiteman and I was born in London to a Guyanese father and Nigerian mother. I grew up with intense consciousness on the part of my parents where Black culture was concerned. My father was a big admirer of Forbes B u r n h a m , G u y a n a ’s foremost Independence leader. I lived in Guyana because my father went there to work. I lived in Nigeria because my mother went there to work. There was an interesting event in my life in Nigeria that I would like to share with your readers, Mr. Editor. It came flashing back when I r e a d M r. K i s s o o n ’s description of a scholarship programmes from one of your commercial banks and the advertisement featured all white students. Mr. Kissoon observed that in African that would not have been tolerated. He is right. In Nigeria, the government would have sanctioned that bank. Here is my experience at my school in Nigeria long ago. My friends would ask me why I don’t change my name. Obviously, they felt that Whiteman was not acceptable. They never said

it with anger but I know they were also not saying it out of joking matters. That went on occasionally though it was not often at all. One day, I recounted to my father what these friends said to me. His reaction was to go and tell them your father’s name is Whiteman but he is blacker than many of their parents. On saying this, it caused friction. Some of them were annoyed and viewed what my father said as insulting Nigerians. My mom thought that it was best not to convey what my dad said because indeed Nigerian would have found it degrading. My experience in living in Africa has taught me one lesson – Africans will not accept foreigners insulting their culture. What Mr. Kissson wrote about in those advertisements will not happen in Nigeria. If a European model is put on the face of a product, Nigerians would accept it even if the model is not Nigerian but once she is African. You cannot put the face of a model on a Nigerian product and she is not a Nigerian. Mr. Editor, hell would break loose. It is a long time since I

have visited Guyana but if what is described by your writer, then this is not the Guyana I knew as a young girl. My parents’ circle of friends were all for Black Power and things Black. Mind you, my father had lots of Indian friends one of whom became very close to our family. I honestly cannot remember his name but I know he owned a store in one of the busiest commercial sections in Georgetown. I cannot recall the name of the street. I can recall attending t h i s m a n ’s r e l i g i o u s functions with my patents. He was a Hindu I have to confess if my parents were alive, they would have found what Mr. Kissoon wrote about very upsetting, especially my father. I must confess too when I read that Sunday column, my nerves were jarred. Has Guyana gone so far away from the great national endeavours and cultural pride under, under Dr. Cheddi Jagan but especially under President Burnham? Abiola Abiki Jackson PS. As you can see, Mr. Editor, I lost the name Whiteman. Jackson is my married name

IS THIS WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING COLLEGE? Dear Editor, I invite readers to take a hard look at the long (and naturally very costly) advertisment which appeared in last Sunday’s print media inviting prospective students to enroll with the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service of Guyana. It is my considered view that if this is an example of the level of training and therefore the quality of service we can expect from graduates of the college, then we might as well scrap the idea of having such a college and so save any further dip into our depleting treasury. The Ad is steeped in antiquity; to even say so is to clothe it in undeserving literary garb; its anachronism depicts an image straight out of the ‘Dickenson

era’ when messages and missives were delivered by hand and on horse-back from the senders as widely dispersed as those in the far-flung regions of Guyana and as envisaged by the author(s) of the Ad under review. Just imagine asking applicants of both genders (which is a must in our ‘liberated society’) to ‘buckle-up’, mount their steed and rushoff from Essequibo or Corentyne to hand deliver their applications into a letter box in some obscure building in South Georgetown and furthermore, in this ‘choke & rob’ age, to risk being relieved of their horse when dismounting to drop off the applications! Aren’t the authors of the Ad aware of the facilities of ICT? Don’t they

know that traditional letter-writing has long given way to the e-mail? If the Public Service College will be operating in such a backward mode, do we really need it? It is fair to assume that such a college will promote the delivery of empathetic services for the public? Where is there any evidence of ‘empathy’ on the part of the framers of the Ad? One can go on to write the ‘proverbial book’ on the deficiencies and irritants of this Ad starting with the many opening questions some of which are downright silly and rather misleading; but I’d be happy to engage instead in a face to face chat if those concerned are so inclined. Nowrang Persaud

SARA’s CEO is an indisputably honest and hard-working person Dear Editor, The Guyana American Patriotic Forum voices its concern at the unsupported allegations of the Opposition leader, Bharat Jagdeo, that the State Assets Recovery Agency is shaking down business persons and its members have had large increases in their bank accounts. Our organization is dedicated to the provision of a forum that allows all Guyanese to debate and discuss freely the problems in Guyana with the clear

understanding that our allegiance is to the Nation of Guyana, and not to any political party. Underpinning this cherished mission is the fervent belief in the rule of law, justice and equality. Many in GAPF have had many opportunities to interact with Aubrey Retemyer, the chief executive officer of SARA, and have concluded that he is indisputably honest, hardworking and r e l i a b l e . M r. J a g d e o ’s r e c e n t accusations against him are most shocking. Similarly, it is most difficult

to believe that he would administer any organization that has corrupt members or shelter them once their prevarications became known. SARA is a pivotal part of the government’s effort to eliminate official malfeasance and restore the country to the category of those where law and good governance predominate. The character and conduct of its personnel must infuse confidence in Guyanese, investors and international partners. (Continued on page 5)

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Is this the good life the workers and their families were promised? DEAR EDITOR, We refer to a letter of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) which appeared under the hand of the Company’s Senior Communications Officer, Ms. Audreyanna Thomas. The Corporation’s Officer again belabours the worn out, and wrong, argument that Wales Estate has not been closed. But we hasten to ask hasn’t the cultivation of cane and the processing of sugar ended at Wales? Haven’t hundreds of workers been made redundant and are confronted with the prospect of an uncertain future? Haven’t many cane farmers, a large number with small ancestral peasant-type holdings, been forced out of business? Hasn’t the Corporation begun to cannibalize the Wales factory? Certainly, if that isn’t closure then GuySuCo and Ms. Thomas may have redefined the word. While our Union, the workers and all Guyanese continually hear about Wales being the launching pad for the Corporation’s re-activation of its Other Crops Division (OCD), we ask the sugar company to advise us all how

far have their ideas been implemented? As far as we are aware nothing has been done and all we hear about are studies, feasibility assessments, etc. Undoubtedly, the Corporation put the “cart before the horse” in closing Wales. Ms. Thomas makes reference to high production costs but fails to tell us that a significant proportion, around 70 per cent, of the industry’s costs are fixed. An important element in addressing cost reduction is improved production which will lend to lower average fixed costs. On the declining market prices, the Corporation is well aware that refocusing its marketing within the CARICOM region and nontraditional European buyers is a first step to securing improved prices. Moreover, establishing a refinery will absorb a large proportion of its sugar output and for which there is an assured lucrative market in the Caribbean. The maximization of the packaging capacity is also another area where profitability can be had. On the Corporation’s debt, we see the quoted sum as a ‘red herring’ meant to deceive and mislead.

We share GuySuCo’s view about Uitvlugt and are supportive of measures and plans to improve production. But we ask when it is generally accepted that all estates are operating below their potentiality why hasn’t the Corporation advanced plans to have production in line with productivity as it seeks to do at Uitvlugt? On the labour issue at Uitvlugt, it is irksome for us that the Corporation has refused funding to further mechanization at that estate to address the labour difficulties. We take the Corporation’s explanation, on this matter, with a pinch of salt. Ms. Thomas refers to the need to secure Uitvlugt “…to contribute to a buoyant economy in West Demerara communities”. We share the view entirely but are the same time confused. As it is the same state-owned enterprise which closed Wales Estate located in West Demerara and is advancing plans to close East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates and to sell-out Skeldon Estate. Aren’t those workers, residents and communities deserving of similar treatment. GAWU’s advice to the

An appeal to President Granger for a Cabinet reshuffle DEAR EDITOR, Please publish this letter as an appeal to His Excellency, President David Granger to review the performance and conduct of some Ministers of Government and take appropriate actions to engender national confidence in the economy and security of people and nation. The buck stops with you, Mr. President as the Executive leader of Guyana. Citizens are aware of the wide spread perception and belief that the situation in Guyana is deteriorating. This is causing much anguish for the people who look for redress through active and timely interventions. There is also the wide spread perception and belief that the performance of some ministers is at best third rate and medio-

cre. This must be a source of grave embarrassment to you as President. The conduct, behaviour, and performance of some Ministers leaves much to be desired. One can point to several recent examples, words and actions of some Ministers including: attacks and intimidation of the Judiciary, and direct attacks on Judges; financial management of the economy relating to actions by the Ministry of Finance; rising crimes rates which are engendering fear and anxiety for the security of citizens and the business community relating to actions/inactions by the Ministry of Public Security; the unsatisfactory and wasteful expenditure in the health sector under the Ministry of Public Health; and the

unsatisfactory situation in the agriculture sector under the Ministry of Agriculture. Some Ministers appear not to understand their constitutional functions, and they micro-manage and get involved in management/administration of operational matters instead of their policy direction role. Article 115 in the Constitution of Guyana defines the responsibilities and functions of Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, the accounting heads of Ministries. The view is wide spread that there should be radical changes in the Cabinet – a cabinet reshuffle, dropping some Ministers, and bringing in some high level technocratic skills into the Cabinet and Government. Joshua Singh

SARA’s CEO is an indisputably honest... From page 4 If there is any credible reason to doubt its suitability for its task then an appropriate investigation must be launched. Mr. Jagdeo is claiming that Mr. Retemyer and his office are complicit in corruption and self-aggrandizement. These are serious charges which Mr. Jagdeo must present to the relevant body. If he does not do so immediately, Mr. Jagdeo must be made to adequately explain why he is violating his responsibility to preserve and protect the Constitution of Guyana. Anything less on the part of Mr. Jagdeo should properly put him in the class of politicians whose sole objective is to score political

points at the expense of truth and decency, and the stability of Guyana. GAPF believes that Mr. Retemyer is emblematic of the type of individual who can effectuate President’s Granger’s much sought after goal of removing corruption from government. They should not be turned away or discouraged by unsubstantiated attacks on their integrity. A better Guyana rests on Guyanese inside and outside demanding a higher standard of behaviour from their leaders. GAPF Colin Moore, Chairman Penelope Lambert, Vice-Chairman

Wales workers is in keeping with the workers’ rights as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA). It would be unprincipled and callous for our Union to knowingly countenance an illegality. And concerning the planters of East Demerara, the workers being given tasks when not planting are widely known and accepted. It is GuySuCo, which in spite of long-standing practices, that is compelling the planters to cut canes. It is disheartening for us to register, in both scenarios, that the Corporation is seemingly re-introducing the wretched system of forced labour in the sugar industry. While GuySuCo points to the level of turnout by cane cutters at East Demerara Estate, it fails to see the absurdity in its statement. At this time, when jobs outside of sugar are limited, if not nonexistent, the level of turnout should strike a chord. The fact

remains that willingness to work is influenced by ratesof-pay. Certainly, denial of pay rises and Annual Production Incentive (API) in recent times along with other machinations to reduce workers income will not lend to improved willingness to work. The workers and the Union are willing to work to turnaround the industry but our enthusiasm and drive have been tempered by the antiworkers position and haughty and arrogant attitude being displayed by the Corporation’s officers. We reiterate the majority of strikes are related to price disputes which arise when negotiations regarding additional payments for workers to undertake tasks in vine infested, grassy and weedy fields’ breakdown. Such work stoppages are deemed legitimate by the agreement between the parties. These stoppages could be avoided if the Corporation approaches the matters more

open-mindedly with a view to seeking a resolution; often times this is not the case. Moreover, high cane yields reduce the propensity of vines and other obstacles in the fields and in that way reducing demands for additional payments which in effect serves to reduce work stoppages. This is known by the Corporation’s ‘best minds’. The Corporation in its submission to the Administration, and which was shared with us, points out that by 2020 it would become profitable. But at the same time, 9,000 workers directly would be jobless and the hopes, dreams and aspirations of thousands more would be shattered. We shudder to think of such treatment meted out to our working people. Is this the ‘Good Life’ the workers and their families were promised. GAWU Communications Department

Sherod Duncan on the issue of solid waste as well as per the of the actions here would be management tion Georgetown Municipal Devel- to “complete a review of solid DEAR EDITOR, Georgetown, our National Capital City, has issues with solid waste management in both our attitudes towards its production and our capacity for its reduction. Our government’s draft strategy, “Putting Waste In Its Place: A National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana 2017 – 2030”, is comprehensive, and underlines our transition to a GREEN economy and the need for a holistic approach to solid waste management. I endorse the Strategy as timely and a huge step in the right direction with its clear vision of, “Informed communities participating in a nation-wide, integrated and financially self-sustaining waste management and resource recovery system that preserves health and the environment, realizes maximum value from resources, and minimises long-term costs households, industry, and government.” When someone tosses a bottle from a bus, or a food container from a car, or step out of a store to toss fruit skin in a nearby drain, or whether it’s as simple as throwing a chewing gum wrapper on the pavement as I have observed, it tells us of the frame of mind of those committing such infractions, the belief that taking care of your own solid waste is someone else’s responsibility. This must change. At the municipal level there has been the recogni-

opment Plan (draft) that an integrated solid waste management strategy is the way forward. The government Strategy’s central themes are impressive, for instance, “Efficient and Cost-Effective Collection” goes to the heart of the issue, who pays for all? Guyana is a relatively small nation as regards population size. The phasing out of the region-by-region approach to waste management in favor of a national centralize approach would indeed “optimize waste collection routes and waste disposal site locations and ultimately be more efficient and cost effective.” Efficiency and effectiveness would be the backbone of a user-fee model. It notes, “Cost recovery through a user free, is a necessary component of a sustainable collection system and requires knowledge of the true cost of providing the waste collection service”. It is candid that “Flat-fee mechanism, paid through an existing bill (electricity, water etc) may also be used and while they create less incentive to dump illegally, there is also less incentive to reduce waste and participate in recycling programme. Cost has always been a sore point whether cost to contractors or through fines imposed. The harmonization of fines would be an important feature, which plays to another important aspect of government’s strategy, “Strengthening Human and Institutional Capacity”. Some

waste management legislation in Guyana to identify and resolve overlaps in roles and responsibilities” among other actions. But I think of all its strategic goals aiming at “Less Waste Generated” is perhaps central to the Strategy’s success. The strategy recognizes that, “Avoiding or minimising the generation of waste means: less waste to manage; reduced costs associated with transporting, sorting, and recycling materials, and ultimately less waste going to landfill. Waste reduction is one of the most efficient and least expensive waste management strategies.” But the strategy is equally frank, that, “it is one of the more difficult because the measures required to achieve waste reduction - such as import restrictions and levies – are politically unpopular.” Whether it is in its involvement of schools, neighborhood policing groups, bettering source recovery in the introduction of backyard and community composting, licensing and regulating waste management facilities, developing business wastereduction schemes or establishing a technical advisory committee to guide national solid waste management, the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy is in depth and breadth what it is in coherence and eloquence. Sherod Avery Duncan, Councilor, Constituency 14 Municipality of Georgetown

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SARA Bill does not define what “State in the hands of a shut down the debate. It Assets” mean placing very petty officer, an excep- was Raphael Trotman. DEAR EDITOR, Notwithstanding the deep reservations, the multiplicity of concerns and complaints and the widespread fear and anxiety expressed about this SARA Bill from Guyanese across this land and important stakeholder organizations, last Thursday, the Government tossed all of them aside and ram shod this Bill through the National Assembly. Almost every speaker on the Government’s side, in their speeches recognized that the Bill confers exceptional powers and contains extraordinary provisions that will change the legal landscape of our country, once enacted. Significantly, every member of the Opposition who spoke highlighted the egregious nature of the Bill, the arbitrary powers which it confers and the threat which it poses to private property. Notwithstanding, the Government remained unmoved. They all chorused the erroneous but politically convenient argument that they were discharging Guyana’s obligation under the United Nations Convention against corruption and that this Bill is necessary to recover stolen State Assets. They deliberately refused to recognize that Guyana’s obligation under the said UN Convention is much more broad-based but more significantly, that this specific aspect which deals with the civil forfeiture of assets derived from proceeds of crime are already captured in Guyana’s Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation. The Government’s speakers, intentionally, peddled the misguided contention that the Bill would only target those who stole State assets, thereby conveying a most myopic impression of the Bill. They refused to acknowledge that the term “State Asset” is not defined in the Bill and the Bill vests in the Director and his most junior staff, an extraordinary power in determining what is “State assets”; thereby, practically

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Kaieteur News

tional power which jeopardizes private property everywhere. Simply put, it is the worst statutory expression of arbitrary power against private property in Guyana’s history. More fundamentally, by their actions in the National Assembly, the Government has succeeded in confirming all the criticisms, all the reservations, all the concerns and all the fears expressed about this Bill. The debate on this Bill was supposed to go up to 10pm. This time line was insisted upon by the Government’s chief whip with whom the Speaker agreed, as is the norm. Because of its very nature and its antecedent controversy, a responsible, democratic and accountable Government would have gone the extra-mile and extend the debate beyond 10pm, so that it can adequately assure the populace that their concerns, their fears and their anxieties are misplaced. This Government did the exact opposite. They shut down the debate, confi r m i n g t h o s e f e a r s , concerns and anxieties. In so doing, they have also demonstrated their own abysmal inability to defend the Bill. They also knew that I was the lead Speaker for the Opposition on this Bill. It is not without significance that they shut down the debate immediately before I was about to speak. Parliament is one of the organs of democratic power under our Constitution. The word “Parliament” has its genesis in “parli” ,the latin derivative which means “speak” and the French infinitive “parler” , “to speak.” In guillotining the debate, the Government has shut down the voices of the elected representatives of half of the population of this country, using a mere one seat majority. This must mark the lowest ebb to which parliamentary democracy has descended since the return of free and fair elections to this land in 1992. I was shocked by who moved the motion to

A person who has done a lot of work over the years in portraying himself as a moderate in a grouping of authoritarian people, he had professed that it is the very reason why he left the PNC. It either demonstrates the power of the herd mentality, or he simply fooled us all. The ABC countries must be ruing about their wasted investment. Significantly, when Mr. Trotman moved the motion, I looked, specifically, at Prime Minster Moses Nagamootoo, the leader of the House. He appeared clueless and downed his head in apparent disappointment. His demeanor and action conveyed two messages to me: firstly, he was not consulted about the move and therefore, he is obviously not in charge; and secondly, as an experienced politician he knew that the Government had committed a colossal political blunder. He must have momentarily forgotten that he is not part of a democratic outfit. In my negotiations with the Government’s chief whip and the Speaker prior to the sitting about the number of speakers who will be presenting, I was told that the sitting will not extend beyond 10pm because it is Holy Thursday and that date holds great significance in the Christian Community. I agreed. I indicated that it is the Government that chose Holy Thursday to debate this crucial Bill and therefore, rather than curtail the discussion at 10pm, we should continue it another day. My suggestion was rejected. The debate never reached 10pm. It was shut down by Mr. Trotman just after 9pm. The irony is that most of the Government’s MPs remained in the lounge well after midnight, part-taking in alcoholic refreshments which were brought in during the sitting. Now that the Bill has been “passed” in the National Assembly, we will now see to whom it is lawfully applicable. Therein, lies who will have the last laugh. Anil Nandlall

Football administrators who have authoritarian instincts DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is never an organization devoid of compelling drama; most of it self-inflicted by administrators with needed leadership skills and authoritarian instincts. The recent imbroglio involving the nation’s most successful and well-resourced clubs refusing to participate in the top elite competition and the subsequent actions by the GFF’s leaders to refuse an independent arbiter to examine and settle the matter continues to perpetuate and reinforce this conjecture. As reported in most of the dailies on Sunday (April 16), one of the judicial arms (the first instance disciplinary committee) of the GFF ruled that the executive arm was incorrect in its interpretation of the rules of the Federation. Instead of responding and notifying its members, and the public, that while it does not agree with the ruling, they will respect the constitutional process and lodge a formal appeal (which is mandated within 3 days as per the disciplinary code) to the Appeal Committee of the federation, the

executive committee retorted with a response of “consternation” in relation to the disciplinary committee’s findings, admonishing that the committee has no authority to adjudicate and went on to repeat why the executive committee’s interpretation of the rules is the correct one. The separation of powers doctrine in democratic institutions can be a very difficult pill to swallow for most engaged in the system. Most often, executives feel that they have all the answers and they are the end-all, only to be brought down to earth when the judiciary rules. No amount of screaming and shouting on what the executive feels or references to the opinions (not rulings) of external bodies, in this case FIFA and CONCACAF, will change the stark reality that the appropriate internal, and constitutional, body has adjudicated on the matter. The only action from the executives that will suffice is to use the constitutional process, as the aggrieved clubs did, available to them and formally appeal the decision. Clinton Urling Former Chairman GFF

Why were the elite football clubs treated like this? Fourthly, and most impor- a single player from the LinDEAR EDITOR, A total of seventeen (17) locally based players were selected in a provisional squad of thirty (30) players, to pursue training ahead of a friendly international against Martinique at the MSC ground, Linden. Editor, before I attempt to divulge the harsh but sad realities of the situation, as it unfolded in the recent publication of the article, some comments are in order. Firstly, I must enquire who are the individuals that comprised the selection panel? Secondly, what were the criteria for selection of the locally based players? Thirdly, were members of the selection panel actively involved in attending matches, in various competitions within the various Associations?

tantly, how many associations were playing senior competitions domestically, leading up to selections of the locals? Once again Editor, is it a case of appeasement, or “placing the cart, before the horse?” With a total of eight (8) clubs locally being used in the selection process, it is quite mind boggling to ascertain, how Santos, Milerock, Eagles, Den Amstel and GFC with an unknown status presently could all have player(s) selected at the expense of Western Tigers and Police respectively; more so, with the latter two being dominant in the last three invitational competitions. Finally, with Topp XX as a debutant in the ongoing Stag Elite League, along with Victoria Kings, how come not

den based unit was selected in addition to players from other clubs in the Elite League? When the competition got underway over two (2) years ago, publicly I enquired if the locally based players selected for senior national duties, would only be selected from the eight (8) Elite League clubs? Of course, it went unanswered. Two years later, selections have been expanded to the Associations’ domestic tournaments. Was a Beep Test conducted, towards ascertaining the required fitness level? If for some strange reason players from the remaining Elite League clubs didn’t attract attention for the selectors. Are the clubs simply making up numbers? Lester Sealey.

What kind of justice is this for the ordinary turned amber and red. She and came to a halt. On exiting citizen? drove through it using the

DEAR EDITOR, On the 29th January 2016 at about 11.00 am a young female Lawyer left the Sparendaam Court for the Georgetown Magistrate Court. As she approached the UG access road she noticed that the traffic light was green and increased her speed to catch it. As she got nearer it

extreme left side lane. I am one of nine taxi drivers that transport UG students in and out of UG and park adjacent to the traffic lights and parallel to the East Coast Highway. On my way to the park I had to wait on the traffic light which was saying red. It changed to green and I signalled and drove off turning left all the time to get to my park. As I was going into my park I felt an impact on my left side that sent my car spinning. I stepped on the brakes

my car I noticed that this young lady, not realizing that I was turning all the time and not going to Georgetown slammed into my car at full speed. The police came, took measurements and invited us to the station. At the station she was warmly greeted by the sergeant (who was not present at the scene) and sent away. The Sergeant instructed a junior rank to charge me with careless driving. What justice is this? She was not charged. Clifford Dodson

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Kaieteur News

Non-traditional education; a low-cost way of earning a recognized degree DEAREDITOR, There was a time when earning a university degree or professional certification required attending a class-room type environment taught by brilliantlooking professors. In their quest for higher education, students diligently paid rapt attention, learnt what was taught, undertook their assignments, and were awarded their credentials at ceremonies filled with great pomp and pride. With today’s rising cost of a university education and professional certification along with family commitments and the lack of available time, pursuing higher education by traditional means is no longer accurate. New ways of learning have to be found to maximize the students’ own potential and use of immediate surroundings. Consequently, alternative or non-traditional methods of learning evolved that grant those same degrees and certifications through studying by correspondence, equivalency examinations or credit for work or life experience. Non-traditional learning has played a pivotal part in the history of further education. The system under which any person, possessing stipulated preliminary qualifications, might register as an external student of a university or professional body and, in due course, enter for an examination of a standard exactly parallel with that taken by internal students, was surely one of the notable educational inventions ever since its genesis in the nineteenth century. It has also provided the possibility of earning a degree or designation for many thousands of people who

had no opportunity of entering a university. The average cost of earning an undergraduate degree at a typical university is beyond the reach of many, while post-graduate work averages out even more. With non-traditional studying, there is little or no costs associated with transportation, accommodation, and incidentals. With a syllabus from the institution as a guide, study materials can be acquired from the administering bodies, borrowed, or sourced through the internet. Social media including YouTube have even made the availability of such materials far easier to disseminate and share. Moreover, many people who are already in the work force would like to earn a degree or obtain a professional certification on their own but, due to a range of factors, are unable to do so. Let s face reality. We were brought up in a world where obtaining a university education was primarily through a regimented order of attending institutions of higher learning, sitting in class rooms day after day and year after year. This mind-set has clouded experimenting with new approaches to learning to fulfill our ambition for higher education. For example, if we can sit with a text book and figure out that since 2y = 8, then by simple division and reasoning, y must be equal to 4. Therefore, why do we have to go to a classroom kind of environment for someone to teach us this problem and solution? The best teacher one can have is oneself. Not many people are aware of the fact that you can earn a

recognized professional certification and fully accredited university degree from undergraduate to doctoral studies entirely through the mail and internet from some prestigious universities and professional institutions around the world. Of recent, even doctorates based on publications can now be obtained through external studies from some accredited universities. This was indeed impossible a few years ago: Now it can be done! Some older, prestigious and accredited institutions like the University of London, University of South Africa and Heriot Watt University have awarded some of their degrees to those students who elect to study on their own. In fact, some famous world figures and other well-known personalities have earned their degrees by this method. As to professional certifications in business and non-business disciplines, there are over one thousand bodies administering well in excess of 2000 designations in 145 countries where recognized designations can be obtained entirely through self-study. Based on your inclination and skill-set, whether you are pursuing accounting, actuarial science, banking, forensic investigation, hospitality management, human resources professional, procurement, supply chain management, etc., all it takes is discipline and a willingness to learn – in the comfort of your own home. Studying on an external basis is rigorous, intellectually demanding and represents a real test of character and ability on the student’s part. There is no difference between the standard of internal and external examina-

A child’s future should not hinge on passing one big examination DEAR EDITOR, Over thirteen thousand children will compete for less than a thousand allocated places at the senior secondary schools in the country. This in effect means that almost ninety percent of students who are currently sitting the National Grade Six Assessment Examination will be forced to attend the general secondary schools or in some cases “primary tops” where no such schools exist as in many of the hinterland communities. Those who can afford will exercise the option of sending their children to private schools but for the vast majority of children they are condemned to a substandard quality of education delivery in public secondary schools. This is what makes the examination so dreadfully competitive to a point where children even in their young formative years are grilled to the test rather than given the opportunity to play and rec-

reate. It is not uncommon for children to become oversaturated and exhausted which could have an adverse effect on their later performance. The adage ‘too much work makes Jack a dull boy’ should not be taken lightly. This is why it is important for the government to expend more resources to upgrade the quality of the education delivery in all public schools throughout the country and by so doing phase out the highly competitive nature of the examination. Instead of competing for the limited places in senior schools, all children should be offered secondary schools in close proximity to where they live thereby minimizing transportation cost while at the same time providing them with an opportunity to benefit from a reasonably good secondary education. This is essentially what reforms in secondary education initiated by the previous PPP/C administration was in-

tended to achieve. Indeed, this is key and critical to any attempt at democratising education and making it accessible to an increasing number of post-primary students. The perception that children who failed to make it to the few top secondary schools are academically less endowed is unfortunate and fails to take into consideration the fact that some children are late developers and that a significant number are ill prepared for the exams for a multiplicity of reasons, not least of which is the home environment to which they are exposed. The time has come for a shift in the way we measure and evaluate student performance which in my view should not be based on a single examination but on a continuous assessment modality starting from early childhood education which should encompass the full range of the knowledge domain. Hydar Ally

tions which means that the external student, opting to go the non-traditional route, has by far, the most difficult task. This in itself requires considerable discipline and motivation. Whether that degree or certification is needed for advancement in business, life and self-satisfaction, it can be obtained if one is determined and prepared to work hard without, in most cases, ever visiting a campus or attending traditional classes. With over-packed classrooms and rising costs, traditional universities are seriously looking at the alternative or nontraditional way of learning to reach out to students. These institutions are simply implementing non-traditional education to stay afloat. This vacuum in education provided a niche that has been recognized by unscrupulous individuals who want to

make a quick buck from the unsuspecting and gullible. Undoubtedly, this led to the rise and indeed, proliferation of degree mills and bogus institutions which claim to be accredited by unheard of and highly questionable accrediting agencies. A degree or certification from any of these dubious and shady institutions is like holding a time bomb, waiting to be exploded in one’s face. It can only bring shame and disgrace to its holder who may even end up being jailed for misrepresentation and outright fraud. And forever a reputation is damaged. More and more employers are simply not taking credentials at face value anymore but are probing their source and legitimacy. I advise those secondary school students about to finish school and others who are serious in obtaining a degree

or professional certification from recognized institutions of higher learning to do some research through the internet or consult highly acclaimed reference materials. A good start would be to visit the website of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, (www.acu.ac.uk) and contact the relevant university; obtain such authoritative references as Bear’s Guide to Non-Traditional Education, and Directory of Global Professional Accounting and Business Certifications. Both are available from the National Library or the UG Reference Library or can be purchased second-hand from abebooks.com. Prospective students should be limited only by their imaginations in their quest for higher education. Lal Balkaran, MBA, FCPA, FCGA, FCMA, CGMA Audit Consultant

A digital detox is urgently needed DEAR EDITOR, I recently attended a play at a well-known theatre. Having arrived and waiting to be joined by a friend, I unobtrusively made my way to find a seat in the lobby. No one noticed my entry; I could have disembarked from a space ship bedecked in my birth suit, presenting parts visible, bows for extra adornment, and it would have had the same effect. No one looked up. The over a dozen or so adults were all paying homage to their mobile devices. I have come to fully accept my human existence in an ultraconnected world, but seeing this synchronized, choreographed, digital “dance” was the ultimate proof. It was my “aha moment!” of confirming how preoccupied we are with our hand-held appendages. Now please do not get me wrong, or jump to call me, of all names, hypocritical. I love technology just as much as the next person and I see the immense value of it, and I do agree that it connects us with others in ways we were never able to before. However, there are extreme advantages to going off the grid for a while — and there is a growing world of science behind it that just cannot be ignored. Then again, it is not just myself that I am protecting by being mindful of technology; it is also future generations. I am willing to bet a dime to a donut that wherever any reader is now there are at least two or more screens occupying the same room. The fact is our devices are now involved in nearly every part of our lives. Some of us even sleep with our phones, as we need it to wake us up. As species of the homo sapiens genus occupying planet Earth, it is blatantly apparent that we have become intolerant of a moment of being alone. There is no denying it, we are hopelessly and completely addicted, and the

rate and level of addiction does not seem to be abating. The truth be told, we lead plugged-in lives, and ‘unbeknowingly’ have become “digiholics”. A digital detox is certainly and urgently needed. Our brain needs constant stimulation and that is perhaps the most dangerous change of all. Why dangerous? It is crucial to be calm and focused in order to make important life decisions, but our connection to technology has obliterated our attention span. Studies have shown that 73% of the general population suffers from nomophobia, the fear of being without a cell phone. Let us face up to it. We don’t always have the healthiest relationship with technology. From endlessly scanning social media sites to incessantly checking emails, we tote around serious digital baggage day after day that wreaks havoc on our minds and bodies. Headaches and “text neck” are certainly not the only physical ailments caused by staying constantly connected. Harvard Medical School scientists found that using a cell phone or laptop before bed can disrupt the body’s production of melatonin and negatively affect sleep quality. There’s even such a thing as phantom cell phone vibration syndrome. This is where the phone is in your pocket on silent, yet you hear your text message beep. Or the phone may be forgotten at home, yet somehow you hear it ringing. You are officially losing your mind.On the other hand, there is what happens when someone is actually using a phone. There’s a smart-phone gait: the slow sidewalk weave that comes from being lost in conversation rather than looking where you are going . Thumbs are stronger, attention shorter, temptation ev-

erywhere. We can always be mentally, digitally, someplace other than where we are. The fact that the phrase “digital detox” has made its way into the Oxford Dictionary Online is proof in itself humans could stand to benefit from a little break from our screens. Many of us seem to have forgotten that there was an existence before technology. People were able to meet up for coffee without carrying a phone with them. They were able to find out urgent news. They were able to communicate with their families without Facebook. Was it better? No, probably not. But were people able to function? Were they able to lead joyful and fulfilling lives? Absolutely! Not an iota of doubt here. My idea of starting an unplugging movement isn’t to completely pull people away from their devices — in fact, it’s quite the opposite.The point of disconnecting from our devices and reconnecting to the world around us is intended to remind us that there is a world outside of our screens — and as a result, there is a way to come back to them and use them in a more mindful manner. There are real interactions awaiting us, not just the Facebook chats and emails waiting in our inboxes. Unplugging reminds us that life is happening. To be constantly stimulated means that we are not fully in touch with our consciousness, and not really equipped to be rational. Our joy should not be dependent on what’s written on a screen. And that is the point of unplugging… By filling our days with more meaningful social interactions (pastimes) we will ultimately guide the next generation towards healthier lives. Yvonne Sam

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

GuySuCo to keep Blairmont, Albion …Uitvlugt also safe, but costs worrisome - Granger Government has some clear ideas about at least three sugar estates that it will want to keep. They include Blaimont, West Berbice and one in East Berbice - Albion. The other is Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara. The disclosures were made Saturday evening by President David Granger during the opening ceremony of the Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Expo and Trade Fair at the Bath Settlement Community Ground, West Coast Berbice. The disclosures would come at a time when sugar workers and their unions have expressed nervousness about which estates are likely for closure. It has been reported that most likely Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara and Rose Hall estates, East Berbice, are the ones that may be closed, although no official confirmation has been made by the administration. Last December, the century-old Wales estate, on the West Bank of Demerara, was closed, with the government insisting that the estate was projected to suffer

up to $2B in losses. There were several protests by the workers and unions, with both making clear that the industry was much more than profits. It involved communities which evolved around the estates. Addressing the crowd Saturday night, Granger disclosed that the Blairmont sugar estate is among those that will likely be preserved, even as Government looks to ensure that the industry lowers the cost of production in order to produce sugar that is competitive on the world market. He also called on the Regional Administration, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, members of the business community and civil society to work together with the Central Government to ensure that the challenges to the region’s further development are solved. Noting that Region Five has established itself as a bastion of Guyana’s food security, President Granger emphasised the importance of heeding the trade fair’s call through its theme to “Build a diversified economy” as well as ensuring traditional sectors are maintained

through lower cost of production. “We have to produce our commodities more cheaply. Otherwise, we will not be able to compete, whoever is in the Government… We want to save the sugar industry, but it must be efficient and competitive… We are not working to destroy the industry. We are working to develop the industry, and the industry has been contracting. Some countries

Govt. vows to maintain prudent fiscal policies against external shocks Government, through Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, has committed itself to the maintenance of prudent fiscal policies which would protect Guyana’s economy against external shocks. This commitment was stated in the Ministry of Finance’s end of year report for 2016 which was presented to the National Assembly last Thursday in keeping with government’s promise to provide updated information to parliament on actual outcomes which were projected in the 2017 budget presentation. According to Jordan’s report, since the 2017 budget was prepared, the risk of external shocks has increased. He said that the International Monetary Fund’s projections for growth in the Latin American and Caribbean region have been revised downward and foreign currency liquidity shortages in the region appear to have worsened. He added that the risks which were discussed in the 2017 budget, including uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the policies of the new United States Administration still remain. “To address these risks, the Government will maintain prudent fiscal policies and sound macroeconomic policies including maintaining clear policies regarding the

regulation of foreign exchange, to provide certainty to workers, businesses, investors and financial markets.” According to the Minister, government plans to continue improving its operations to ensure that the measures outlined in the 2017 budget are executed on schedule, so that programmes that support welfare and economic development can be delivered to citizens. “In parallel, our Government will continue to engage with our private sector, our Caribbean neighbours and development partners, to address economic instability and build a more robust economy both in Guyana and throughout the region.” The Minister explained that the overall, economic and fiscal performance in 2016 was similar to, or slightly better than, the projections developed at the time the 2017 budget was prepared. He said that central government expenditure was close to projections, although some categories of expenditure fell short. “Although real GDP growth came in above projections, the economy remained dependent on gold production to fuel growth, and Guyana remains highly vulnerable to shocks due to the absence of a diversified economy. Since the 2017 Bud-

get was prepared, the risk of external shocks has increased.” In Jordan’s 2017 budget speech, he had mentioned that government had moved a step forward in prioritising attention to the nation’s macro-fiscal forecasting capacity, with the establishment of the inter-agency macro-fiscal forecasting committee. He said that Government recognises the critical linkages between the different spheres of the economy: the real sector – what is produced; the fiscal sector – what Government earns, spends, and achieves; the external sector - what is traded with other economies; and the monetary sector – how industries access borrowing to finance growth. According to him, understanding the macroeconomic relationships and economic trends in each of these spheres is essential to planning forward-looking government budgets and policies. Further, the Minister highlighted that government will pursue policies which will encourage a deep and liquid domestic bond market, which will increase fiscal space and give the government more flexibility to respond to external shocks, simultaneously reducing Guyana’s reliance on external borrowing.

Blairmont Estate, West Berbice, is one of the better performing estates and will be kept, President Granger says.

like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and Belize have seen their industries contract. Some have disappeared altogether because the cost of production was too high. Guyana is trying to preserve its industry. That is why there will be a Blairmont and that is why there is going to be an Albion and we will preserve as many of our plantations and estates as possible. Uitvlugt will remain, but we have to deal with the

problems of cost,” he said. President of the Chamber, Imran Saccoor, acknowledged that the sugar industry, which he described as the economic backbone of the Region, and by extension Guyana, in its current state, is a “threat to our national treasury”. He commended the Government for preserving the Blairmont Estate, which is the single largest employer in the region. Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal also pointed to the challenges in

the sugar industry, as well as a number of other challenges affecting farmers. The sugar industry has been demanding billions of dollars of bailouts from consecutive governments annually as inefficient factories, poor agriculture, prices, costs and weather challenged the industry. It owes billions to creditors and workers have been leaving for greener pastures. There are currently seven estates in operation across Berbice and Demerara at the moment.

Guyana’s aviation gets improved approval ratings from int’l safety regulator Guyana has made significant progress in improving aviation safety, with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently announcing that this country is one of 12 countries that have done well. ICAO works with over 190 member states and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector. These SARPs and policies are used by ICAO Member States to ensure that their local civil aviation operations and regulations conform to global norms, which in turn permits more than 100,000 daily flights in aviation’s global network to operate safely and reliably in every region of the world. According to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ICAO has selected Guyana as one of 12 member states to receive its Council President Certificate for 2016, in recognition of the significant progress it has made in resolving safety oversight deficiencies and improving the effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Rec-

ommended Practices. The Council President Certificates are issued once each calendar year in recognition of states that have met the criteria during the previous year. The eligibility criteria used for the recognition are objective and transparent, and are based on the results of ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA) activities, including audits, ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions (ICVMs) and off-site validation activities. Member states must prove that they have no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) - that is, states with an outstanding SSC will be excluded from consideration until their SSC is resolved. The recognition of Guyana’s work in aviation would be significant, as failure could see Guyana losing rights to fly to certain destinations because of safety concerns. In May last year, during the renaming of Ogle Airport to the Eugene F Correia International Airport, GCAA’s Director-General, Colonel (Retired) Egbert Field, noted that Guyana was focused on drastically reducing the frequency of air accidents. At

that time, the regional average was above 70%, while Guyana stood at 44%. In December, Guyana managed to make it 64 percent compliant. Field disclosed that a higher score could have been achieved if the agency did not fall short in the ICAO assessment. This shortfall was attributed to the lack of a high level of expertise within the GCAA. Field explained that the process of gaining the expertise required for full compliance is an expensive one, and Guyana was not unique to this. Every country would normally face this, he said. The GCAA Head underscored the need for the establishment of a ‘robust’ oversight system, citing its importance in facing the challenges that are likely to arrive in another two to three years. One of the initiatives he outlined will see the authority improving its position in the establishment of a fullyprepared staff. Guyana is currently building a bigger airport at Timehri that will include a new arrival terminal and longer runway, in a project that will cost Guyana up to US$150M. Guyana is hoping to attract more flights and diversify its destinations.

Tuesday April 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Too little, too late The children writing the National Grade Six Assessment would wish that the examinations were held every day. They have been treated with so much consideration, as they usually are, on the days of the examinations. The children are made to feel extra special on the days when they have to write examinations. The parents go out of their way to treat them with extreme love and affection. Parents go to great lengths to ensure that there is no psychological pressure on their children. They do not raise their voices at their children. They do not put any pressure on them. They try to remove all hints at pressure from the child. Parents wake up early to prepare a special meal for their children who are writing the examinations. The parents

know what meals the children like and they prepare a special meal on examination day to send them on their way. The children are encouraged to eat as much as they can and take seconds if they so wish. Parents shower affection on the children. They give them hugs and kisses. They walk them to school, hug them again and wish them luck. They ensure that they have extra pens and pencils, rulers and sharpeners. During lunchtime, they take a very special meal for them. It is either Church’s or Pizza, things that the children like. Before the kids leave for the afternoon session it is more hugs and kisses encouraging them to do their best. When they return from school, they are told to take it easy, to relax. The children must be in stress-free environ-

ment. Nothing is done to place any form of pressure on them. And the cycle of special meals, hugs and kisses and encouragement begins all over again when the second day of the examination commences. If the children were so pampered throughout the remainder of their school days as they are during examination days, their performance would be much better. But the problem with parents is that they reserve their best behaviour towards their children for examination days. Parents should not wait until examination days to create a pressure-free environment for their children. They should feed them well before and after the examinations. They should ensure that the children are under no pressure. The home should be a loving environment for the

Dem boys seh ...

Jagdeo and de Chat-3 mekking fools of Soulja Bai, Harmon, Ramjattan and Moses Ah give you; you didn’t give me. Yes, me give you. No you didn’t give me. That is de nonsense that going on between the Pee Pee Pee and de guvament. And all because dem boys want to know wha happen to de Amaila Falls contract. De whole Amaila Falls project start funny. Dem boys remember when Fip Motilall meet wid Sam Hinds. He did bring a group of foreigners. Couple years pass and Fip come back this time wid de whole kit and a promise fuh do de entire project although he never build a bridge across a trench. IDB come in when Sithe Global come in. Then Jagdeo approach China fuh a big loan. De next thing dem boys know is that de project was to cost US$550 million. There

and then Jagdeo should have had a contract wid de Chinese because dem did done agree on de money. De IDB step in and promise some money. There had to be a contract. Sithe Global decide to put in some money too suh was three set of money. Then dem had to get a contract wid de contractor who was to build de hydro dam. Dem had another contract wid Fip fuh build de road. Now de Chat-3 talking how he give de guvament de Amaila contract. Dem boys want to know which contract because is nuff contract. Ramjattan mek nuff noise how he gun lock up people when he get into power. Now he, Moses, Harmon, and even Soulja Bai deh pun sheer stupidness and believe it or not dem boys woulda like to use

a real Guyanese word. Dem got de Chat-3 hollering how he give dem de contract fuh de Amaila Falls. Dem boys want to know if is only one copy dem had. Jagdeo had to have contract to give de IDB, de Chinese, Sithe Global and even de Norway people. All of dem mekking de people a skunk and nobody ain’t going to jail. Imagine dem boys now saying that Jagdeo tell Brassington to hide de contract and lef de rest to him. Brassington do just that. And dem boys see him flying a kite in Miami. Don’t ask wha de kite mek from. De Amaila contract. Talk half and get de guvament out of its slumber fuh deal wid dem wotless people.

Islamic State seeking alliance with al Qaeda, Iraqi vice president says (Reuters) Islamic State is talking to al Qaeda about a possible alliance as Iraqi troops close in on IS fighters in Mosul, Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi said in an interview yesterday. Allawi said he got the information on Monday from Iraqi and regional contacts knowledgeable about Iraq. “The discussion has started now,” Allawi said. “There are discussions and dialogue between messengers representing Baghdadi and representing Zawahiri,” referring to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi and Ayman al Zawahiri, the head of al Qaeda. Islamic State split from al Qaeda in 2014 and the two

groups have since waged an acrimonious battle for recruits, funding and the mantle of global jihad. Zawahiri has publicly criticized Islamic State for its brutal methods, which have included beheadings, drownings and immolation. It is unclear how exactly the two group may work together, Allawi said. Islamic State blazed across large swathes of northern Iraq in 2014, leaving the Iraqi central government reeling. Baghdadi declared a caliphate over the territory the group controlled from the al-Nuri mosque in Mosul the same year, which also became a point of contention with al Qaeda.

Last October, Iraqi security forces and Shi’ite volunteer fighters, commonly referred to as the Popular Mobilization Units teamed up with an international coalition, including the United States, to drive Islamic State from of Mosul and the areas surrounding the city. The group has been pushed out of the half of Mosul that lies east of the Tigris River, but Iraqi soldiers and their allies are now bogged down in tough fighting in the narrow streets of the Old City of Mosul, west of the river, according to Iraqi security officials. Islamic State has used suicide bombers, snipers and (Continued on page 10)

children so that they can enjoy learning. Most parents expect that special treatment on examination days will have a miraculous effect on the performance of children. They do not appreciate that learning is a process, and it takes time, and children need the fullest support to bring out the best in them. Showing special love and attention on examination days is not going to reverse all those other times when children were made to feel unappreciated and unloved. The fancy meals at lunchtime on examination days are not going to compensate for the years of previous neglect of the nutrition of the children. It is not going to work any miracles on examination day itself. It will only, in the eyes of the children, expose the hy-

pocrisy of some parents. The children will privately question why it is that they are only made to feel special on examination days. In fact all this special treatment can backfire, because when the children do not perform well, as the parents expect them to, parents are bound to vent their frustration on the children and point to the fact that they went out of their way to make them feel special and loved during examination days. Parents must love and show affection to their children all year round, and not just at exam time. They should

show love to their children, because this will create an environment in the home that is conductive to learning. Many parents have little time for their children before examination. But come examination day, the children are given the best treatment. It is too little, too late.

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Dem Boys Seh green mamee selling on Robb Street There is an outlet on Robb Street between Bourda and Alexander Streets but closer to Bourda Market that I buy greens, vegetables and fruits from. Each time I make a purchase, without exception, the attendants would refer to the particular item(s) and make a joke with the words, “Dem Boys Seh.” So if I buy watermelon, and I ask if it is succulent, I would hear, “Dem Boys Seh stale melon selling on Robb Street.” If tomatoes are cheap, they would say, “Dem Boys Seh tomato giving away on Robb Street.”. I would in

turn spin the joke around on them by telling them if one tomato is bad I will write it like this; “Dem Boys Seh rotten tomatoes selling on Robb Street.” Last Thursday was amusing; very much so. They had a variety of mamees and one of them was enormous. In all my life, I have never seen a mamee so huge; it was a monster. I bought it, then put it down and chose two smaller ones. They asked why, and I said I doubt whether such a large mamee would be ripe. They said, “no maan, no

maan, duh mamee ripe bhaai.” I said if it wasn’t ripe, they would read a line in the Kaieteur News that went like this; “Dem Boys Seh green mamee selling on Robb Street.” You are not going to believe this; I picked it up then put that monster down and again chose the two smaller ones, insisting that “king mamee” would not be ripe. I was persuaded so I picked up the monster again. My parting words were look out for “Dem Boys Seh green mamee selling on Robb Street.” I peeled the mamee

and it looked unripe. My wife tasted it and laughed. That was the end of it. Then I said to myself it would be a shame to throw away the monster. The thought came to make jam with a part of it. My wife yelled out, “mamee jam, are you mad? I responded with the observation that in Europe and the US, they make jams with their fruits and we in Guyana are backward; we frown on our own stuff. Then my wife became conversationally agitated. She reminded me of the fourth day into our marriage when I made a whole pot of monkey apple drink. My wife said she never tasted anything so awful. For 38 years now my wife tells people about that monkey apple drink. She insists she would do the same with my mamee jam. Well I had a surprise for her. On Good Friday, I made mamee jam and it was excellent. There is so much we can do with our wide varieties of fruits. In the US there are jams and jellies made out of black berries, blue berries, apples, cranberries. If those fruits can

make jams and jellies, then, why not mamee, golden apples, cashew etc? This is where Forbes Burnham comes in. If he had remained in power, we would have had those types of products. About ten years ago, I bought a bottle each of cashew and sorrel jam at the Sophia exhibition. Those products could have competed with any foreign jams and jellies. I never saw those local items ever since that night at the exhibition. Do you know Grenada has nutmeg jams and jellies? They are not made from the actual nutmeg but the inner flesh where the nutmeg is located. That Grenadian stuff is on par with any imported brand. I drank every conceivable top class coffee when I lived in Canada. When I came home in the mid eighties, I still used imported coffee beans. I had no idea that Guyana’s had superb, competitive coffee beans. One night, in the eighties, I was with some of my friends at the Banks DIH outlet where the Citizens Bank is now, at the junction of South Road and Camp Street.

Frederick Kissoon My friend, David Isaacs said to me; “try this coffee, it is one of the best you will ever drink.” The guy was absolutely right. Since that night, my wife can easily testify, our house only carries local coffee beans. We in Guyana simply do not know how many phenomenal products we can easily market. What has become of dried, preserved carambola (five finger) that Vashtie Warner pioneered under Vice President, Viola Burnham. That could have rivaled any imported dried fruits like raisins, dates, prunes. It was nicely boxed and was fairly cheap. I made a large bottle of mamee jam on Good Friday and the bottle is almost empty.

Russia says hopes USA will not act unilaterally against North Korea Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that Moscow could not accept North Korea’s “reckless nuclear actions” but said he hoped the United States would not take any unilateral action against Pyongyang. Lavrov warned against anyone responding to North Korea’s behaviour by “break-

ing international law.” In televised comments, he also said that Russia was ready to restore relations with Washington and would judge U.S. President Donald Trump’s readiness to do the same by his statements. Islamic State seeking alliance with al Qaeda, Iraqi vice president says

Islamic State seeking alliance with al ... From page 9 armed drones to defend the territory under their control. The group has also repeatedly targeted civilians or used them as human shields during the fighting, according to Iraqi and American security officials. The militant group has lost ground in Mosul but still controls the towns of Qaim, Hawija and Tal

Afar in Iraq as well as Raqqa, their de facto capital in Syria. Even if Islamic State loses its territory in Iraq, Allawi said, it will not simply go away. “I can’t see ISIS disappearing into thin air,” Allawi said, referring to the group by a commonly used acronym. “They will remain covertly in sleeping cells, spreading their venom all over the world.

Tuesday April 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

GRA woos fuel smugglers to become legit Fuel smugglers are being offered a chance to legitimize their operations, with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over the weekend saying it wants to engage the players. According to Customs head, Lancelot Wills, the authority has been taking a proactive stance in ensuring it collects what is due. One of the areas, the official stressed, has been fuel. GRA estimates that it is losing hundreds of millions of dollars annually on fuel taxes due to smuggling. As recent as over the weekend, Kaieteur News reported that the GRA estimated that it loses over $40M weekly in Region One alone. The area is one of several opened by the previous administration, to benefit resi-

dents who are unable to receive supplies because of rough terrain. However, corruption and smuggling have reportedly become a hotbed in especially border areas like Morawhanna in Region One. GRA has sent officials to that area to conduct an assessment and has even moved to establish a presence there. The issue has not been a new one. With taxes on imported fuel up to 50 percent, there are big bucks to be made. Fuel is reportedly coming in by fishing boats, under the guise of legitimate operations, while others are anchoring off the coast of Guyana, in areas where it is difficult to patrol 24/7. Still other vessels are slipping in or attempting to

slip in. The logistics in fighting fuel smuggling would be a challenge, given the vast expanse of water and areas to be covered. The illegal fuel is largely making its way to the gold bush and even to loggers and far-flung communities - a huge market. Wills made it clear that it would be beneficial to all parties if the persons involved moved to legitimize the operations. “Yes, we invited them to come in and talk to the authorities how the situation can be made right.” Questioned about a recent report about the presence of a Panamanian boat, Atlantica, which was last month held at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation wharf, Lombard

Atlantica at the GNSC wharf a few weeks ago.

Benchmark educational standards for better policy development, says IDB KINGSTON, Jamaica — Therese Turner-Jones, the general manager for the InterAmerican Development Bank’s Caribbean Country Department, has emphasized the importance of benchmarking based upon international standards in education, with the goal of developing better educational policies and systems in the Caribbean. Turner-Jones noted that the IDB is working in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to increase the participation of Caribbean countries in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). PISA is a triennial survey of 15-year-old students; in the most recent PISA survey conducted in 2015, 540,000 students in 72 countries were tested on science, reading, maths and collaborative problem-solving. PISA assesses the extent to which students near the end of compulsory education have acquired key knowledge and skills that are essential for

participation in society. Turner Jones pointed out that “PISA enables policymakers to gauge the knowledge and skills of students in their country in comparison with those of other participating countries, and establishes benchmarks for improvements in the education system.” She added that “the regularity of the assessment enables countries to monitor their progress in meeting key learning objectives over time and assess the impact of policy decisions.” Additionally, the PISA evidence base identifies the characteristics of high performing education systems, and it allows governments and educators to identify effective policies that they can adapt to their local contexts. The IDB head was speaking at the press launch of the University of the West Indies’ School of Education’s biennial conference at the UWI’s Mona Campus on Wednesday, April 12. The conference is being held from June 20 to 23 under the theme, Envision-

ing Future Education: CrossDisciplinary Synergy, Imperatives and Perspectives. Committed to advancing the generation and dissemination of knowledge in the region, the IDB has partnered with the UWI as a main sponsor for the conference, which will hear from experts in various fields exploring issues and presenting solutions to the main challenges currently confronting the education sector. Endorsing the conference, Ruel Reid, Jamaica’s minister of education, youth and information, noted that the conference theme is “instructive and exceedingly relevant” at this time. He noted that if Jamaica is to achieve its Vision 2030 goal of becoming the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, education must be repositioned in collaboration with society’s needs. Reid also outlined strategic steps being taken by the ministry to improve educational outcomes and thanked the IDB for its support and partnership over the years.

Street, Wills said that it was one situation where GRA managed to collect. He disclosed that the vessel had entered Guyana sometime in February and GRA stepped in after it appeared in distress. Customs officials boarded the vessel and checks later revealed it had unmarked fuel, amounting to thousands of gallons on board. Wills said that a local company licensed to import fuel, Lynwil, offered to take the fuel from the vessel which was under guard at the wharf. Customs officials were even placed on board the vessel to sleep to ensure that it is

not taken off without permission. The Customs chief said that GRA demanded a cash bond and a quantity of fuel was handed over to Lynwil, under what is known at GRA as Permission for Immediate Delivery (PID). Lynwil has since set up operations at Christianburg Omai Bulk terminal, in Linden, Wills disclosed. “This is one situation that we have managed to collect as we insisted on a cash bond and there is a little more fuel on the boat. So that is where we want to head also…where persons who want to make the operations a legal one.”

Customs chief, Lancelot Wills

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Residents in ‘neglected’ sections of 16 communities to get electricity Several thousand households are expected to benefit from electricity for the first time in years as government moves to install electrical distribution networks in certain sections of 16 housing schemes across six Adminis-

trative Regions. The beneficiary communities include: Onderneeming in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam); Lust-en-Rust, and Zeelugt in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara); Farm, Covent Gar-

den, Peter’s Hall, Eccles Industrial Park, Perseverance, Paradise, Enmore, Barnwell and Diamond Commercial/Industrial Area in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica); Hope/ Experiment and Balthyock in Region Five (Mahaica/

Berbice); Kilcoy/Chesney, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne); and Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni). According to the State Minister, Joseph Harmon, the previous administration – the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) - launched several housing initiatives where persons were encouraged to commence building their homes, however there was no necessary infrastructure to support the implementation of utilities. Harmon noted that contracts have already been awarded to contractors for the procurement of electrical conductors. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Communities. The Minister said that Lot One of the Project was awarded to contractor, Dynamic Engineering, in the sum of $84.5M and Lot Two, a con-

tract in the sum of $87.1M, awarded to Power Light. “All of these persons that were allocated house lots, they built their houses there and they’re waiting on electricity. This is good news for them that electricity is on its way.” Harmon said. The lack of basic utilities is not the only source of concern for persons living in these housing developments. The lack of infrastructure is also a headache for many residents. There exist areas in several housing developments – despite being opening for years – still without the necessary roads to support the apparent population increase in these villages. In several parts of the Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme, residents still have to cross precarious makeshift bridges to get access to other areas of the scheme. Some

areas are also missing important drainage systems. Meanwhile, after years of complaining and protests, residents of several communities will also - within a month of the contracts being advertised – benefit from the installation of streetlights. The areas in which the streetlights will be installed are Diamond, East La Penitence and Cummings Lodge amongst others. “The Minister of Public Infrastructure is very proactive in these matters (infrastructural matters) and is very aggressive to ensure that these benefits are given to members of the public,” Minister Harmon explained. The Minister said that the assigned contractors installing the streetlights in the communities will be given a period of time to prepare themselves for the commencement of the works.

Brazil’s President says ministers under investigation may resign (Reuters) Brazilian President Michel Temer said yesterday some of his cabinet ministers are likely to resign after being placed under investigation in a massive corruption probe, as he seeks to draw a line under a scandal threatening his sweeping fiscal reforms. Last week a Supreme Court justice opened investigations into eight ministers nearly a third of Temer’s cabinet - after they were accused of wrongdoing by executives of engineering group Odebrecht SA in plea bargain testimonies. The ministers under investigation include close advisers such as Temer’s chief of staff Eliseu Padilha, considered key to negotiations on a landmark pension reform to rein in government spending and runaway public debt. Temer said in a radio interview that the corruption scandal is “embarrassing” and may lead some ministers to step down. “It is very likely that some ministers will feel uncomfortable and believe that they cannot continue,” Temer said, adding that his administration “will not stop.” Temer has previously said he would suspend any ministers charged with corruption and dismiss those who are indicted in the country’s biggest-ever graft scandal, which has hung over his efforts to end Brazil’s worst recession in over a century. The president himself was accused in testimony made public last week of presiding over a meeting in 2010 in which an Odebrecht executive was asked to arrange an illegal payment of $40 million to his political party. Temer has temporary im-

Brazilian President Michel Temer (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino) munity from investigations regarding events before his mandate began in May 2016. He and his ministers have denied any wrongdoing. LIKELY COMPROMISES Lawmakers who attended a meeting with Temer on Sunday said he was sticking with his plans to push the pension overhaul through Congress by July. With a third of the Senate and dozens of representatives coming under investigation last week, however, some observers see Congress as increasingly sensitive to popular opinion ahead of their re-election campaigns next year. The proposed pension reform is a cornerstone of Temer’s plan to restore fiscal discipline and bolster investor confidence to spark a recovery, but it remains unpopular among Brazilians, many of whom would have to work longer before retirement. Temer’s government is expected to soften some of the more stringent aspects of its

initial proposal to win over lawmakers on the fence. The president originally said he was setting out to solve the pension system’s deficit over the next three or four decades, but yesterday he conceded Brazil may need another pension reform in 10 or 15 years. In a television interview, Temer said the current proposal was expected to save the country 600 billion reais ($194 billion) over the next decade, about three quarters of the savings of his original proposal. In one example of the compromises sought by lawmakers, Temer said the minimum period of contribution for female workers to retire with a pension may be reduced from an earlier proposal. Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles told journalists a draft of the pension reform bill was still being discussed. “Political leaders are all committed to approving (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday April 18, 2017

Cases of sexual assault in immigration detention yet to be investigated – report WASHINGTON, CMC – A United States federal civil rights complaint claims that thousands of reports of sexual assault in immigration detention are yet to be investigated. According to a new report by Fusion, a multi-platform American company owned by Univision Communication, out of 33,126 complaints of sexual and physical abuse in immigration detention, only 570 cases have been investigated by the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the agency’s oversight office. The complaint filed by the immigrant rights group, Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC), includes reports of sexual and physical assaults during medical examinations, strip searches and rapes in detention allegedly perpetrated by guards and other detainees, Fusion said, stating that the complaints reviewed were filed between January 2010 and July 2016. “There has been no formal complaint filed with this clear and massive amount of data” until now,” Fusion

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Kaieteur News

quoted advocates as saying. The reports of abuse were made at several DHS agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Coast Guard, Fusion said. In an overwhelming majority of cases, it said CIVIC found that the Office of the Inspector General sent cases back to the accused agency with no request that they follow up with OIG. The complaint filed by CIVIC recommends that the US Congress mandate that DHS start publishing information on all reported complaints of sexual abuse in their facilities and the investigation outcomes on a quarterly basis, Fusion said. It said the complaint found that the top five facilities with the most sexual assault complaints are all privately-run immigration detention facilities. Fusion said about 44.4 percent of the reports (or 14,693 of the total number of complaints) were made against ICE, according to the complaint, which relied on data obtained from the OIG through Freedom of Informa-

tion Act and state public record requests made by CIVIC. CBP had 10,295 reports or 31.1 percent of the total, according to the complaint. “The statistics included in the complaint are especially alarming given that President Donald Trump has proposed quickly hiring 5,000 more Border Patrol agents and 10,000 more ICE officers, and expanding immigration detention to help enforce his executive orders,” Fusion said. “Advocates fear the hiring spree could lead to less thorough background checks and trainings for staffers, which could make matters worse,” it added. Currently, the average daily population in ICE detention is just over 40,000 detainees, according to the agency. A leaked internal DHS document obtained by The Washington Post this week said that DHS has allegedly identified an additional 33,000 detention beds it can use to detain undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants.. According to documents, the agency is considering ending polygraph and physical fitness tests to speed up the hiring process for Border Patrol agents.

Woman killed in Nevis shooting incident – another injured

Government urged to give Diaspora more access to invest in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Managing Director of JN Bank Maureen HaydenCarter, has urged the government to establish more concrete avenues for Jamaicans in the Diaspora to contribute to the development of the nation. While acknowledging the work of Government, she said there are many opportunities for the financial sector in Jamaica to increase direct partnerships and engagement of the Diaspora. Hayden-Carter, who was speaking against the background of JN Bank’s recent launch of its JN Diaspora Certificate of Deposit, maintained that many persons in the Diaspora are prepared to invest; however, they are often unable to identify the specific products, services and information they need. “We should be willing and prepared to design products and services that are exclusive to Jamaicans overseas; and provide the avenues that allow them to further contribute to the development of the country,” the JN Bank managing director underscored, pointing to 2013 data published by InfoDev for the World Bank which shows that a quarter of Jamaicans in the Diaspora have investable wealth or annual earnings of US$100,000 or more. More than 70 per cent are interested in investing in start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises and 63 per cent are also interested in Diaspora bonds. “We have to recognise that Jamaica is not simply an island of some 2.7 million people, we are much bigger and expansive than that!” she declared. The JN Diaspora Certificate of Deposit, available in the United Kingdom, the

Maureen Hayden-Carter United States of America, and Canadian currencies, was launched last month; and was among the products and services on display for 5,000 Jamaicans in Canada who patronised the recently held JN Group Expo in Brampton, Ontario. The product allows for a portion of the interest earned by the certificate of deposit to be used to fund social enterprises operating in the micro, small and medium enterprise sector. The sector is responsible for about a third of the country’s employment. “What makes this an even more distinctive product is the fact that the businesses to benefit are those which are operating as social enterprises, which are businesses established for a social good; and generate employment and economic sustainability for certain communities and groups of people,” she explained. She further noted that two per cent of the interest income earned by individual inves-

tors will be matched by JN Bank and contributed to social enterprises engaged in the JN Foundation’s Social Enterprise Boost Initiative (SEBI). The instrument is tenured from one to five years; and starts at £1,000, CA$1,000, or US$2,000. Interest at the top end of the longest terms on these investments range from 1.5 per cent in pounds; 1.1 percent in Canadian dollars; to 1.8 per cent in US dollars. Hayden-Carter also said that beyond specific products and services targeted to the Diaspora, clearer and more defined efforts must be made to engage them in their respective communities; and not only when they visit Jamaica. “We need to recognise that Jamaicans in the Diaspora are an important constituent in our economic fabric; and, therefore, we should make it easier for interested persons to access information about investment opportunities in Jamaica,” Hayden Carter concluded.

US Currency Shortage Hurting PriceSmart’s Trinidad Operations

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, CMC– A woman was killed and another injured early yesterday in a shooting incident in the community of Cotton Ground. A police source who confirmed the incident said the

women were reportedly heading home from a bingo game, shortly before 4:00 am (local time) when the car they were in was attacked. They were taken to the Alexandra Hospital were one of the women, Morella

Webbe, 28, died from her injures. The other woman, Sonia Grant, 34, was admitted. As investigations continue, it is not known how many persons were involved in what is believed to be an attempted robbery.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad,– PriceSmart’s once lucrative operations in Trinidad and Tobago are under pressure. The American warehouse chain, which has four membership clubs in the capital, Port of Spain, is forecasting a major drop in sales and its offerings in the twinisland republic in the coming months, due to the unavailability of US dollars in the country. It’s a tough position for the company once fingered by the Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank as the single largest user of foreign exchange in the country.

PriceSmart, in its first quarterly filing to the Unites States Securities and Exchange Commission this year, highlighted its challenges as it reported that it has been experiencing rough headwinds in the T&T market. “From time to time we have experienced a lack of availability of US dollars in certain markets. This impedes our ability to convert local currencies obtained through warehouse sales into US dollars to settle the US dollar liabilities associated with our imported products. “In the second half of fiscal year 2016 and continuing

into fiscal year 2017, we are experi-encing this situation in Trinidad,” PriceSmart said. Noting that it was forced to take action to limit its exposure, the company said it “had reduced US shipments to Trinidad during the first three months of fiscal year 2017 by approximately 20 per cent.” It said this was likely to continue into the second quarter. PriceSmart said this reduction in shipments would lead to a major loss in earnings, estimated to run into the millions. (Caribbean360)

PAGE 22

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SERVICES

VEHICLE FOR SALE

1 Experienced general domestic to work in G/town, must know to cook Indian dishes. Call: 656-6388

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

Experienced curry cooks, puri cook, waiters & cleaners. Apply Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street, Day Shift Only.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362

Toyota Pickup (Tacoma) 2002 /4 wheel drive Manual 4 cylinder - $3M negotiableCall: 649-7771/ 690-7155 Toyota Spacio, fully loaded, big music, leather interior, alarm -$1.6M. Call: 689-7701/ 666-7823 (owner migrating) Not working vehicles for sale, 1 small bus, 1 canter, 2 cars, 2 motor bikes, 1 bobcat. Call: 227-4377/624-6013 Fully loaded Ford explore sport truck, excellent condition, 22" rims, surrender sound system, DVD head rest. Call: 627-7718 Unregistered 2010 Fielder $2.5M, Dark Interior. Call: 617-5536

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 2271218 2 & 3 Bedrooms, fully furnished luxury apartments, long and short term rental. Call: 665-3505/ 655-6270 4 AC Rooms/2 large hall with 1 extra room, suitable for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350

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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 Complete Sawmill at Ya r r o w k a b r a Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 6441190 1 White Passo, PSS, 1 -2 door sankey cooler, 1 -280 Sthil slasher, 1 queen size bed & spring fill mattress, all brand new. Call: 602-3000/ 690-1038

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1 female to live-in for cooking Indian food, answering phone, cleaning etc for single male Whatsapp : 673-9283 PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 Car to buy on terms tel: 6941258 Nail Technician who knows to do everything to work. Special on hair, plaiting & stitching Contact Mia : 679-7044 Tuschen, Uitvlugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling. We pay best price. Call: 666-2326 Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work in the Interior, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 (9am4:30pm). (TIN, ID & NIS)

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

One cashier, Attractive salary. Phone 696-9386. Or send application by WhatsApp and SMS

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274

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FOR RENT Upper flat $120,000 and lower flat $100,000 fully furnished 2 bedrooms for rent in Barr St. Call 592-6011700 serious inquiries only.

Tuesday April 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

US$54M spent in 2016 to service external public debt - a 5.6% decrease from previous year To service its external public debt, the Government in 2016 expended US$53.8M, which is US$0.1M lower than was projected. This is according to the End of Year Outcome report for 2016 which was presented to parliament on Thursday by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. The report was done to provide information to parliament concerning fiscal performance and the accuracy of economic forecasting. It is an update to a number of projected data used in the 2017 budget. According to the report, the reasons for the amount used to service the debt being lower than projected were the variances in exchange rates used at the time of the budget versus the actual exchange rates applied at the time of the payments. External public debt denotes money which the country owes to international lending agencies. The amount spent in 2015 to service external public debt was $20B or US$96M. This reduction is explained by the fact that in 2015, 11.1 per cent of total revenue was spent towards servicing the external public debt. However, for

2016, only 5.6 per cent of total revenue was used in this regard. In June 2016, it was reported that Guyana’s external debt declined by 2.7 per cent, or from US$1.175B at the end of June 2015 to US$1.143B at end of June 2016. The decline was due mainly to repayments of the oil debt to Venezuela in the form of rice and paddy shipments. External principal and interest payments totalled US$27.1M during the first half of the year, of which central government payments totalled US$24.5M. The total external debt service payments decreased by 46.9 per cent as compared to 2015. The Ministry of Finance had said that this reduction was a direct result of the decrease in debt service payments to Venezuela. The PetroCaribe Agreement and the Guyana-Venezuela Rice Trade Agreement (GVRTA) ceased in July 2015. The effect of this was that there were no more shipments of rice and paddy to compensate for the oil debt to Venezuela. The document said that for 2016, 5.6 per cent of total revenue earned went towards servicing the external public

debt, which was roughly the same as the 5.5 per cent projected at the time of the 2017 budget presentation. It was noted that this was a significant decrease compared with 11.1 per cent of total revenue being used back in 2015. As it relates to domestic public debt, the report said that as of December 31, 2016, the domestic public debt stock stood at US$438.6M. This is said to be marginally lower than the US$439.4M which was projected. Further, the report stated that Guyana’s total public debt totalled US$1.601B, which is US$1.6M higher than projected at the time of the 2017 budget. This marginal increase, according to the Ministry, was mainly attributed to disbursements from the Export Import Bank of China. These payments were made in December 2016 and as a result were not included in the revised 2016 total public debt position at the time of the 2017 budget presentation. However, the change in the total public debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio remained as projected at the time of the budget presentation, with a decline from 48.6 per cent in 2015 to 46.4 per cent in 2016. In addition, as of Decem-

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan ber 2016, external public debt stock stood at US$1.162B, which was described in the report as being marginally higher than the projected 2016 figure of US$1.159B. This particular debt accounted for 72.6 per cent of total public debt stock at the end of the year. According to the 2017 budget, Guyana’s external public debt unfunded principal for some of its major creditors for 2016 was $1.488B to the Caribbean Development Bank; $97M to the European Economic

Community; $56M to the International Development Association; $2.072B to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); $334M to India (Line of Credit, Tata Rescheduled and Eximbank); $1.068B to the China Eximbank and $71M to the Caribbean Development Fund. In November of last year, Minister Jordan had said in his Annual Public Debt report that Guyana’s debt profile continues to remain stable and sustainable over the medium-term.

He had said that Guyana is in a position where it has to face the challenge of maintaining debt sustainability in a volatile and uncertain global economy. Notably, he said that borrowing has also become uncertain for Guyana caused by recent increases in the country’s income. According to him, this will have far-reaching effects as it relates to Guyana accessing financing. He said that as a result of the nation’s higher GDP, concessional lending would become scarcer. To this end, he explained that to access affordable financing, Guyana has sought alternative sources of funding, particularly from South-South partners such as EXIM Bank of China, EXIM Bank of India, the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation and Development, and the Islamic Development Bank. According to him, it is imperative for Guyana to strengthen its institutional framework for public debt management which includes establishing a sound and modernised legal framework for debt management and implementing a comprehensive medium-term debt strategy that is not only cost- and risk-focused.

Paraguay president says will not run in 2018 election Paraguay’s President Horacio Cartes said yesterday he would not be a candidate in next year’s election in order to preserve stability in the South American nation, regardless of whether Congress passed an amendment to allow second terms. In a letter to the Archbishop of Asuncion that w a s s h a r e d o n Tw i t t e r, Cartes, a former soft-drink and tobacco executive, said his decision not to run was inspired by Pope Francis’s call for peace and dialogue in Paraguay. Protesters set fire to

Congress On March 31 after the Senate secretly voted in favor of the amendment, and police later stormed an opposition political party and killed a protester. The lower house has not yet voted on the proposal. Investors favor Cartes’s low-tax policies and credit him with spurring one of the fastest economic growth rates in Latin America, but business groups had urged him not to seek another term in order to avoid more riots in the world’s No. 4 soy exporter. “I hope this gesture of

renunciation will result in a deeper dialogue aimed at strengthening the republic,” Cartes’s letter said. Paraguay’s constitution has prohibited second terms since it was passed in 1992 after a brutal dictatorship fell in 1989. Many citizens in the land-locked nation of 6.8 million, long one of South America’s poorest, are fiercely opposed to any sign of trying to hold on to power. Senator Lilian S a m a n i e g o o f C a r t e s ’s Colorado Party said the president’s allies would continue to seek approval

Regional, municipal consultations... From page 13 consultations, but rather, to focus on a more manageable number of those in leadership positions in their respective local democratic organs, religious and cultural organizations, civic groups including women and youth groups, business and commercial interests, and high-profile community members who could be expected to reflect and represent the views and perspectives of their peers. Former Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally had explained that the sensitization process is integral to achieving a more unified nation. “What we are doing in the

ministry now is lot of sensitization in the regions and getting people to have a buy-in on what social cohesion is. We have been doing a lot of consultations to come up with a five-year strategic plan, but in terms of taking those measures to parliament we have not done that yet.” Ally had said that in the meantime, efforts have been geared towards elucidating to the National Assembly, the programmes and national agenda of the Ministry. “But as time goes by we will see this unfold,” Ally had said. Since his assumption to the office of Minister of So-

cial Cohesion, Dr. George Norton has met with representatives of various religious and social groups to ensure continuity and increased areas of collaboration as part of advancing the social cohesion. Following the meeting, Minister Norton said that the Ministry is ready to foster a strong relationship with the groups towards going forward. He noted that he looks forward to charting a fruitful course of action within the religious bodies, especially since it will help to change Guyana's acidic ethno –political nature.

from the lower house, though a popular referendum would be required for reelection to be implemented. However, Pedro Alliana, the head of the Colorado Party, said the house was now unlikely to vote in favor of the proposal. “If he (Cartes) is not a candidate, I can assure you that the chance of the amendment passing in the lower house are minimal, practically impossible,” said Alliana. Changing the constitution without Cartes on the ballot would benefit former leftist President Fernando Lugo, who Congress ousted in 2012. His speedy impeachment on the grounds he failed to maintain social order following a bloody land eviction was criticized abroad.

Paraguay’s President Horacio Cartes Cartes, a political neophyte who said he had never voted in an election before casting a ballot for himself, was elected to a

five-year term in 2013. Without Lugo or Cartes there are currently few clear candidates for next year’s election.

Brazil’s president says ministers... From page 12 the pension reform as quickly as possible,” he said. T h e t e s t i m o n y from Odebrecht executives has poured fuel on the corruption scandal that broke three years ago with a probe into kickbacks at state-run oil company P e t r o b r a s a n d h a s s h a k e n t h e p i l l a r s o f B r a z i l ’s political establishment. The probe now includes 76 formal investigations into sitting politicians stemming from the

Odebrecht testimony alone. Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes told Reuters yesterday that t h e c a s e s m a y b e s p l i t u p a m o ng the court to speed up cases currently being handled by Justice Edson Fachin. The Supreme Court has an enormous backlog of cases against federal lawmakers, ministers and governors, who can only be tried by the c o u n t r y ’s h i g hest court, leading to concerns of impunity on major graft cases.

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

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Lake Malawi boat disaster: Maina Sunuwar murder: Nepal soldiers convicted of war-era killing ‘Man held on to bag of flour’

Dewi Sunuwar fears the convictions may be “limited to paper” (BBC) A Nepal court has sentenced three former soldiers to 20 years in jail for killing a teenage girl during the decade-long Maoist insurgency. Maina Sunuwar, 15, was tortured and killed in an army base in 2004 in a case that came to symbolise the hor-

ror of wartime abuse. It is the first time troops have been convicted over the 1995-2006 conflict. The three men were not present in court and rights groups fear they may not serve their sentences. “I’m glad the court has understood our plight. But

our fight is not over. I’m worried the decision might be limited to paper. The state must implement the court’s decision,” Maina’s mother Devi Sunuwar told AFP news agency. The three soldiers - Amit Pun, Sunil Adhikari and Boby Khatri - had been convicted by a court martial in 2005 which jailed them for six months and issued them with fines for negligence and not disposing of Maina’s body correctly. Pun and Adhikari resigned from the army after the court martial and Khatri, their commander at the time, retired after missing out on promotion in 2009. The court in Kavre acquitted a fourth soldier of higher rank, Niranjan Basnet, saying he had only been involved in Maina’s arrest and not her killing. Maina was arrested at her home in Kharelthok village in central Nepal and then interrogated for suspected links to Maoist rebels by soldiers who were looking for her mother.

(BBC) A 67-year-old man has said he escaped death by clinging to a bag of maize flour after the boat he was on capsized on Lake Malawi. Graciam Kondowe was among 54 passengers who police say survived after the boat overturned in stormy weather on Sunday. Five people drowned while 11 are still missing, police said. The boat was packed with worshippers returning from Easter celebrations when it capsized in the remote Rumphi district in northern Malawi.

Mr Kondowe told Malawi’s privately owned Zodiac radio station that heavy winds buffeted the boat about 15 minutes into their journey. The crew decided to return to shore, but the boat capsized before they could get back, he added. Mr Kondowe said he held on to a bag of maize flour which fell out of the boat, and eventually swam his way to safety. Eight of the 54 survivors are being treated in hospital after sustaining injuries, police officer Denis Banda said.

Locals residents used canoes to rescue most of the passengers, Malawian journalist Joab Chakhaza told the BBC. Search operations are continuing for the 11 people still missing, but the chances of finding them alive are slim, he adds. Boats are a common mode of transport on the vast Lake Malawi, and accidents of this magnitude are rare. In 2012, 47 migrants fleeing drought and conflict in Somalia and Ethiopia drowned in the lake after their boat capsized.

North Korea ‘will test missiles weekly’, senior official tells BBC

(BBC) North Korea will continue to test missiles, a senior official has told the BBC in Pyongyang, despite international condemnation and growing military tensions with the US. “We’ll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis,” Vice-Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol told the BBC’s John Sudworth. He said that an “all-out war” would result if the US took military action. Earlier, US Vice-President Mike Pence warned North Korea not to test the US. He said his country’s “era of strategic patience” with North Korea was over. Mr Pence arrived in Seoul on Sunday hours after North Korea carried out a failed missile launch.

Tensions have been escalating on the peninsula, with heated rhetoric from both North Korea and the US. Mr Han told the BBC: “If the US is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method.” North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and UN sanctions. Its aim is to be able to put a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach targets around the world, including the US. US President Donald Trump has said that will not happen, and stepped up pressure on the isolated North. He has sent a navy strike group towards the Korean

Peninsula, and the US and South Korea are moving ahead with the early deployment of a controversial missile defence system. Despite the tension, North Korea may carry out a sixth nuclear test soon, observers say. It test-fired a missile on Sunday that exploded within seconds of launch, following a grand military parade on Saturday. Sp e a k i n g a l o n g s i d e South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday, Mr Pence said North Korea should not test US President Donald Trump. “North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region.”

Tuesday April 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Tuesday April 18, 2017

Olympic champion Thompson issues... (From page 27) Yohan Blake, the pre-race favourite had a disappointing evening and jogged through the tape in the fourth heat. Blake appeared to slip out of the blocks and was well behind the field at the halfway stage, and slowed down to finish at the back of the field. It was a good evening for World and Olympic Games 400m medallist Shericka Jackson, as she ran a personal best in the 200m for the first time in four years, after clocking 22.57 seconds (0.5m/s) as the third fastest in the world so far this year to win the event. Her previous best over the half-lap event was 22.84 seconds in the Bahamas in 2013. Her MVP training partner, Stephenie Ann McPherson

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Kaieteur News

with Carter, a semi-finalist last year in Rio, taking third in 13.72. Olympian Megan Simmonds outclassed the field in the women’s 100m hurdles, winning in 12.83 seconds (1.7m/s) as Ivanique Kemp was second in 13.28 seconds, and Austrian Stephanie Bendrat third in 13.51 seconds. World Championships and Olympic Games discus throw finalist Fedrick Dacres won the men’s shot put with a personal best 20.46 metres, just off the World Championships qualifying mark of 20.50m. He beat Commonwealth Games champion and World Championships bronze medallist O’Dayne Richards (19.98m), with Alec-Verne Longmore third with 16.51m.

was second in 23.19, with Natasha Morrison third in 23.72. Miguel Francis, who recently switched national allegiance from Antigua to Great Britain, won the men’s 200m in 20.44 (1.7m/s), just getting to the line ahead of Commonwealth Game champion Rasheed Dwyer (20.45), with Jason Young of Racers third in 20.60 seconds. World and Olympic Games medallist Warren Weir was fifth overall with 20.74s. Ronald Levy scored an upset victory in the men’s 110m hurdles, beating Olympians Hansle Parchment and Deuce Carter to win in a windaided 13.15 seconds (2.2m/s). Parchment, the national record holder and London Olympic Games bronze medallist, was second in 13.29,

Tuesday April 18, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be diplomatic but stem when it comes to giving of yourself. You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvements. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You're on to something tangible and need to act fast You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well. Don't let your emotions take over. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. Be discreet about any information you uncover. You may find that depression is causing you to feel lonely and insecure. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation. Stick to travel or do things in conjunction with groups. You may meet that special person if you attend fundraising functions. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Your emotional stability may influence the changes taking place in your personal life. You will be able to enlist the help of colleagues who believe in your ideas. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do not sign your life away. Matters pertaining to your home environment will be favorable if you are direct. Or-

ganize your day to avoid any setbacks that might ignite temper flare-ups. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You should be putting your cash into long-term investments like real estate. A little overtime may help you reduce the workload. You may want to sign up for lectures or courses that will bring you mental stimulation. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Try to be reasonable. Put your efforts into being creative. Overindulgence will mean poor health. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Look into the cost factor, but don't try to get backing yet. It's a good time to make changes to your living quarters that will give you more space. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Self-deception regarding your own worth may lead you down the wrong path. You may want to take a serious look at your goals and objectives. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Someone you live with is ready to play emotional games. Your ability to relate will close the generation gap. Social activities will be satisfying. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There might be a problem with a will or with an insurance policy. Don't rely on others to handle the workload. Although it does look promising, be careful not to overextend yourself or you will lose in the long run.

Supreme Court blocks Srinivasan comeback as BCCI representative ESPNcricinfo - A shock return for N Srinivasan to the boardrooms of the ICC has been ruled out by India’s Supreme Court. In a ruling delivered yesterday in Delhi by a threejudge bench, the court ruled that Srinivasan, a former BCCI president and ICC chairman, cannot attend crucial ICC meetings next week as the Indian board’s representative. Instead, the court directed the BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and CEO Rahul Johri to attend the ICC’s second round of quarterly meetings in Dubai between April 23-27. Vikram Limaye, the Committee of Administrators member who attended the previous ICC meeting as BCCI representative, will not be attending this time. The court had been asked by the CoA to clarify whether office bearers disqualified by the Lodha Committee’s recommendations could return as representatives of state associations or the BCCI. The judges said, however, that they would not deliberate the broader eligibility issue for now, concentrating instead on the one-point agenda to determine who from the BCCI will be negotiating in Dubai. “Mr Srinivasan cannot go,” the court observed during the hearing. The three Justices - Dipak Misra, AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud - were clear that there was a “cloud” hanging over Srinivasan’s integrity, which precluded him from being the right person to represent the BCCI. The ruling should temporarily end a recent push by BCCI officials to bring Srinivasan back into the fold for the ICC meetings. It is an important week for world cricket as members are expected to move closer not only to deciding how to govern the game, but, significantly, how to divide its financial pie. The BCCI left the last board meeting in February unhappy with the new financial model that was presented,

Permaul’s Berbice... (Continued on page 25) Auto Works under their Valvoline brand, Permaul’s Trading and Distributors and Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. Ajay Jha a representative of Mike’s Pharmacy congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to the sponsors, Ogle CC, teams and fans for the successful staging of the tournament.

N Srinivasan is not eligible to be a BCCI office bearer anymore, according to the Lodha Committee’s recommendations © PTI in which its share of ICC revenues was considerably reduced from the previous model created by the Big Three. That Srinivasan was plotting a comeback was evident after he attended a special general body meeting (SGM) called by the BCCI, in which picking a representative for the ICC meetings was a main point on the agenda. That meeting, on April 9, was adjourned and will be held on April 18. By attending Srinivasan was ignoring court and COA warnings that office-bearers disqualified under the Lodha Committee recommendations could not attend the BCCI

meetings. Srinivasan was ineligible on three counts: he is over 70 years of age, has completed nine years as an office-bearer both at the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the BCCI, and is also yet to resign as TNCA president, thereby flouting the court judgement of July 2016, which had approved the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. According to acting BCCI president CK Khanna, the SGM was still scheduled for April 18, but he would consult the other two office bearers - Choudhury and the treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry before taking a final decision.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

GCB defends Crandon’s non-nomination for Coach of the year Nominates his assistant instead By Sean Devers The non-nomination of Guyana Jaguars Head Coach for the NSC Coach of the year is not only shocking but disrespectful to the 35-yearold Berbician, who for the last three seasons has won the Regional First-Class title as Coach of the Guyana Senior cricket team, which gives Guyana an unprecedented three consecutive Championships with their win yesterday against the Windwards with one match to play. When asked why was Crandon not nominated? GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie said he did not wish to make a statement ‘on the record’ on the issue but directed this Newspaper to TDO of the GCB Colin Stuart for an explanation since it was Stuart who made the decision to nominate Griffith ahead of Crandon.

“Gentlemen, Guyana Jaguars’ success in the WICB Regional 4 Day PCL within its first three (3) years have largely been made possible through the sterling contributions of Coaches Esuan Crandon and Rayon Griffith- both being able to bring their strengths together for a unified purpose,” Stuart informed. An explanation was given by the GCB TDO, former West Indies pacer Colin Stuart, for Crandon’s non selection in the list of nominees, when his assistant Rayon Griffith for the same team he Coaches has been nominated but that explanation which was also posted on facebook could create tensions between Crandon and his assistant. “The nomination of Rayon Griffith for the “NSC Coach of the year” is due to R a y o n ’s e l e v a t i o n t o assistant coach for the West

Indies ‘A’ team in 2016 during the India tour of West Indies and West Indies A team tour of Sri Lanka. The nomination was NOT merely based on a specific designation, for example Head Coach or assistant coach, but on factors such as their contributions, performances and elevation in the Guyana and West Indies Coaching Development Chain,” Stuart explained The facebook explanation was posted on the opening day of the Jaguars’ penultimate game in this season’s Digicel Regional First-Class tournament match against the Volcanoes at Providence with leaders Jaguars almost at the finish line once again. Crandon confirmed that he read the Facebook comments but declined to comment on the issue just saying, “I think the results of

Rayon Griffith

Esuan Crandon this team speaks for itself and it is the results I am interested in.” As a player, the Rose Hall Town fast bowler and hard hitting lefthanded batsman has taken 90 wickets from 38 First-Class matches from 2000 to 2011. He has also played 28 fifty overs games and 18 t20s. But it is as a Coach that Crandon, a level 3 accredited Coach, stands out. Under him Guyana has had the longest winning streak in its cricketing history; they have

not lost a single game in 18 matches since being beaten by two runs chasing 69 to win back in December 2014. That unbeaten streak was broken by the Leewards Hurricanes in December last year and since then they have not lost a match since then and if it’s that the GCB feels Griffith does more work or is a better Coach than Crandon as Head Coach then there is no need for Crandon in that position. From what I have seen

covering almost every game the Jaguars have played in and outside of Guyana in the last three years, I can confirm that both Crandon and Griffith have done a good job. And if Griffith is being nominated for his role with the ‘A’ team then, based on their Regional record Crandon should have been selected ahead of his assistant. I suspect if both Coaches were nominated Crandon would have won.

Latest NBA Playoff roundup BOSTON (AP) — Jimmy Butler had 30 points and nine rebounds and the Chicago Bulls outlasted Boston 106-102 in Game 1 on Sunday on an emotional night for grieving Celtics star Isaiah Thomas. Playing a day after 22year-old s is ter Chyna Thomas was killed in a car accident in their home state of Washington, Thomas led the top-seeded Celtics with 33 points and had six assists and five rebounds. Celtics fans rallied behind Thomas, showering him with a deafening cheer when he was introduced. Butler scored 23 points

in the second half. Bobby Portis finished with 19 for the Bulls. Al Horford had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for Boston. Game 2 in the first-round series is Tuesday night in Boston. WA R R I O R S 1 2 1 , TRAIL BLAZERS 109 OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Kevin Durant had 32 points and 10 rebounds in his Golden State playoff debut, Stephen Curry scored 29 points, and the Warriors withstood a sensational day by Portland duo CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard in Game 1.

McCollum scored a playoff career-best 41 points, and Lillard had 34, but the Warriors made the crucial big plays on both ends down the stretch with Portland playing without injured center Jusuf Nurkic. Draymond Green contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and five blocked shots to help last season’s second-place team take the first step in what it is counting on to be a championship run. Durant shot 12 for 20, showing no issues with a recent left knee injury that sidelined him 19 games before he returned for the

Motie and Paul bowl Jaguar to... (From page 31) bright sunshine with their team needing 82 to make the Jaguars bat again. Mayers (15) was removed by Paul at 115-6 before Paul, one of several next generation of players in this Guyana side, got rid of the big fish when was sent

back at 131-7 and despite Shillingford’s shot filled cameo the match was all done and dusted before the first water cart made its appearance to take the Jaguars to an unassailable lead going into their last game against the Leewards Hurricanes from Friday. The Jaguars now join Jamaica as the only teams with three consecutive titles and gives Leon Johnson the distinction of being the only Guyana Captain with three titles. Clive Lloyd, Roger

Harper and Carl Hooper all have two titles each. Scores: VOLCANOES 95 (Sunil Ambris 29, Shane Shillingford 24; Keemo Paul 6-28) and 162 (Devon Smith 61, Shane Shillingford 35 not out; Gudakesh Motie 4-45, Keemo Paul 3-36). JAGUARS 379 (Assad Fudadin 125, Steven Jacobs 61, Chanderpaul Hemraj 54, Keemo Paul 46, Rajindra Chandrika 35; Delorn Johnson 5-46, Kyle Mayers 4-89).

final three regular-season contests with the NBA-best Warriors. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Oakland. ROCKETS 118, THUNDER 87 HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden scored 37 points to outshine Russell Westbrook and Houston pulled away in the third quarter to rout Oklahoma City in Game 1. The Rockets were up by 20 when Harden came off the bench with about seven minutes remaining. He went right to work — making two 3-pointers to power 10-0 run and push the lead to 110-80 with 4 1/2 minutes left. Harden, who along with Westbrook is a front-runner for MVP, went to the bench after that and both teams cleared their benches soon after that. We s t b r o o k h a d 2 2 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, but made just six of 23 shots and had nine turnovers. Harden also had nine assists and seven rebounds, and Patrick Beverley had a playoff career-best 21 points along with 10 rebounds for the Rockets.Game 2 is We d n e s d a y n i g h t i n Houston. WIZARDS 114, HAWKS 107

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the second half of Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, April 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) WASHINGTON (AP) — John Wall scored a playoff career-high 32 points and Markieff Morris added 21 in his NBA postseason debut to help Washington beat Atlanta in Game 1. Wall scored 15 points in the third quarter and finished with 14 assists. Bradley Beal

had 22 points, and the Wizards got enough from their top players to offset 25 points from Atlanta’s Dennis Schroder and 19 from Paul Millsap. Dwight Howard had 14 rebounds but just seven points. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Washington.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 18, 2017

PAGE 29

Letter to the Sports Editor

Olympic champion Thompson Government Officials should not go for issues early season warning the Carifta Games team when they return in wind-aided outing

Dear Mr. Editor, It was exactly 21:36hrs Saturday night on the 15th of April that I got a whatsapp message from one of my good friends in Jamaica congratulating me on the victory in the 100m. I was surprised at first, I taught it was Kenisha Phillips who had won, but when I text him back he said no. To my surprise it was in the men’s U20 100m final. I must say I was surprised because as we all know around the world that the Jamaicans have dominated that event for decades and it was just a hard thing to grasp. I mean for any Jamaican to see that not only they lost the event but they got third. I am happy, I went to work thanking all my co-workers and friends for their support and man they celebrated with me. Needless to say that this victory didn’t come easy it was met with a lot of let downs from the beginning, down to the last minute

before the athletes could have left the shores of Guyana. The Government never give a cent to these athletes for this games and also at the last minute said that they cannot take the athletes to the airport which force them to hire a bus to get them to the airport and I hope that the government officials stay away from the athletes when they return, don’t go to the airport and meet them. When the athletes were about to leave the shores in Guyana I made sure that some of the money that they needed was there in the account so that they could travel, I also made sure by keeping in touch with the association to know if anything else is needed. I also called Basil Bradshaw and asked him if he can contribute because as he knows almost every year I do call him and ask him to do something for the team. It’s things like these that made me start to give back to the

athletes of Guyana because I believed this was possible. I also have immediate plans for Mr. Caesar to get to the next level and we are not talking about leaving the shores of Guyana for another country, we are going to start developing these athletes right at home with help from overseas. I am wondering now that we have gotten the gold medal that have eluded us for so long what help are we going to get from the Private Sector and the Government since we all like to sit down in front of our television and talk about what should and shouldn’t be done, now you have the chance to do your part. Are we going to let these talents go to waste again? I have pledged to walk forward with these kids hand in hand even if I get no help because I am not going to let these kids fail. Andy Medas-King.

Jamaica Observer Olympic Games double sprint gold medallist Elaine Thompson gave a glimpse of what is to come this year, after she ran an effortless but slightly wind-aided 10.75 seconds (2.2m/s) to win the women’s 100-metre event at Saturday’s UTech Classics at the National Stadium. The joint national record holder — tied with training partner Shelly-Ann FraserPryce with a best of 10.70

seconds — looked easy as she got off to a good start and was ahead of the field by midway the race. She opened a big gap before easing through the tape. Jura Levy was second, well back in 11.19 seconds, with Olympic Games sprint relay medallist Christania Williams third in 11.30 seconds. Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain, who trains with the Glen Mills-led Racers Track

Club, won the men’s 100m in a wind-aided 10.08 seconds (2.3m/s), winning the fourth heat. Tyquendo Tracey of University of Technology, who won a competitive third heat in 10.18 seconds (2.7m/s), was second overall with World and Olympic relay gold medallist Nesta Carter third overall, also with 10.18 seconds. Former World Champion (Continued on page 25)

Caribbean Teachers’ T20 Cricket Tournament bowls off today at DCC Ground

Super 4 Massive Easter Football

Uitvlugt down Eagles to win oneday tourney; Den Amstel end 3rd To u r n a m e n t M V P Trayon Bobb led Uitvlugt Warriors to the $100,000 first prize whilst also winning for himself $20,000 when the Super 4 Massive Easter Football Fiesta, featuring West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) top four clubs was played on Sunday night last at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground. Uitvlugt defeated Eagles FC of Stewartville 2-1 in the final after both had disposed of their respective semifinal opponents on a beautiful Easter Sunday night and witnessed by a colourful crowd. Eagles, still smarting from their semifinal win over Pouderoyen were harbouring thoughts of another upset win on the night, but it was Uitvlugt which drew first blood to dampen the spirits of the energetic Eagles. Daniel Floy scored in the 6th minute to give his side the psychological edge. Eagles never sat back despite trailing and silenced the Uitvlugt fans on 33 minutes when they equalized through a Daniel

Clark goal; it was game on. Like he has done on so many occasions including the earlier semifinal, Trayon Bobb had to come to the rescue of his side and did so in fine style when he banged in the winning goal in the 37th minute. Uitvlugt downed old nemesis Den Amstel FC in their semifinal encounter compliments of the lone strike coming off the boot of Trayon Bobb. On the newly laid Den Amstel field, which is tipped to be one of the better surfaces on the West Side, Uitvlugt went into the match with memories of their humiliating loss in the Den Amstel Mash Cup final to the former. The 20/20 format of the semifinals also made the action more exciting, Uitvlugt it was though that dominated the home team even as they squandered many opportunities but eventually made one count with 8 minutes left on the clock, Bobb making no mistake in netting. The first semifinal went down to the wire between Eagles FC and Pouderoyen and when the allocated 40

minutes had elapsed, the score was still deadlocked. In the ensuing kicks from the penalty mark, Eagles prevailed 3-2 to earn their place in the final. It was the Stewartville based club second win over their more seasoned rivals in as many matches following their third place win in the Den Amstel Mash Cup. In the 60 minute third place match that brought together the semifinal losers, Den Amstel made light work of Pouderoyen coming out 2-0 winners on account of goals from Dwayne St Kitts in the 29th minute and Keswyn Fraser in the 46th minute. Prior to the final, the teams were met by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Guyana Police force D-Division Commander Leslie James, Guyana Football Federation Third Vice President with responsibility for the WDFA Ms Thandi McAllister along with Super 4 Massive’s Alex Green and Akantunde Rudder aka Rigget. The presentation will be held tomorrow at the Den Amstel Community Centre from 17:00hrs.

The defending Caribbean Teachers’ T20 Cricket Champions, Jamaica arriving in Guyana to compete in the 2017 Championships here this week. The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has issued a call for all teachers and students to support the 2017 Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) Les Harris T20 Cricket Competition that it will host at several venues in Guyana, beginning today at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground. The Les Harris Cricket Competition is a biennial limited overs contest that CUT organises. The last two tournaments were held in St. Vincent in 2011 and St. Lucia 2013. The Jamaica Teachers Association is winners of the last three tournaments. Les Harris was a Barbarian school teacher, who played cricket for Barbados in the 1940s. He later became radio sports c o m m e n t a t o r. G e n e r a l Secretary of GTU, Corretta McDonald said that the union is elated to participate in the revival of the tournament. “I am honoured and excited that the Guyana Teachers Union was able to revive the tournament after

an absence in 2015 and to be the host of this years’ t o u r n a m e n t . We h a v e recognised that sports is the vehicle that breaks barriers and builds camaraderie,” McDonald said. The GTU General Secretary, who is also a 3rd Vice-President for CUT with responsibility for sports and culture, indicated to Kaieteur Sport that sports c a n f o r g e t h e establishment of new relationships, which can have far reaching effects. McDonald said that organising and event of such magnitude was challenging, but they have reached the stage where the first ball will be bowled this morning at 10am. “It was quite a challenge to put all the pieces together, nevertheless, we are here now, and it is time for the tournament to begin. I extend an Amazon Welcome to the Land of Many Waters to our colleagues from Jamaica, Bahamas and Trinidad,” she said. McDonald also used the forum to encourage the Guyanese team to use their

advantage of playing at home to secure the coveted regional title. She encouraged fellow teachers and students as well as Guyanese to come out and support the local team. The GTU General Secretary and CUT VP also took the opportunity to thank the sponsors of the tournament including GuyTrack, Classic Hotel and Suites, Assuria Insurance Co., Ministry of Education, Regional Democratic Councils for Regions Three, Four and Six. Tournament Schedule April 18th:Demerara Cricket Club Ground: Jamaica vs. Guyana Trinidad and Tobago vs. Bahamas April 19th: Guyana Defense Force Ground: Guyana vs. Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica vs. Bahamas April 20th: Albion, Berbice Jamaica vs. Trinidad and Tobago Guyana vs. Bahamas April 21st: Finals at Tuschen Ground among top two teams

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Kenyans shine in strong wins at Boston Marathon

Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the men’s division of the 121st Edna Kiplagat of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women’s division of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder) 121st Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder) BOSTON (Reuters) Geoffrey Kirui and Edna Kiplagat produced a Kenyan sweep at the Boston Marathon, winning the men’s and women’s races yesterday by conquering the race’s hilly final miles to establish their dominance. Kirui finished within two hours nine minutes and 37 seconds after holding off a

challenge by American Galen Rupp in the race’s final stretch down Boylston Street, the site of the deadly 2013 bombing attack. Kiplagat, a 38-year-old mother of two, ran alone for the final miles of the race, finishing with in 2:21:52, almost a minute ahead of Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo. The Kenyan maintained

her long lead despite briefly stopping in the final miles when she realized she had grabbed a rival’s water bottle from an aid station and went back to return it. American Jordan Hasay, running her first competitive marathon, came in third in the women’s field and Japan’s Suguru Osako finished third in the men’s

race. Securit y w a s h i g h along the course, that begins in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and passes through Boston’s suburbs to the finish line on Boylston Street, where a pair of ethnic Chechen brothers in 2013 set off two homemade bombs, killing three people and injuring

more than 200. Meb Keflezighi, who in 2014 became the first Ameri c a n t o w i n t h e Boston Marathon in over three decades, finished 13th in his final appearance at the race. Keflezighi, who plans to retire from racing after this year’s New York marathon, stopped after his victory to

touch the hand of Bill Richard, whose 8-year-old son Martin was the youngest person to die in the bombing. Tens of thousands of people packed the streets for Boston’s largest sporting event, held on the Patriots D a y h o l i d a y, w h i c h commemorates the start of the American Revolution.

Vishal, Hetmyer gain favour but Bravo remains sidelined ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Successful Youth World Cup skipper Shimron Hetmyer and Guyana Jaguars teammate Vishal Singh were poised for their first tastes of international cricket after being picked in a 13-man squad to face Pakistan in the opening Test of the three-match series starting in Jamaica on Friday. Selectors announced the squad yesterday, the final

day of the three-day tour game against the Pakistanis in which the 28-year-old Vishal hit an unbeaten 135 and the 20-year-old Hetmyer narrowly missed out on three figures with an attacking 97. Left-hander Kieran Powell will also make his return to the longest form of the game after ending a selfimposed two year break and subsequently turning out in recent three-match one-day series against England and

Pakistan. As expected, the squad will be led by all-rounder Jason Holder and includes the core of the group which lost to Pakistan in a threeTest series in United Arab Emirates late last year but no room has been found for the experienced duo of Marlon Samuels or Darren Bravo. “After winning our previous Test which was against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, the

Neymar confident of leading... (From page 29) we can do it. “We did it once and we can do it a second time. We have to give our absolute maximum. If everything goes well, there will be another comeback. “I believe in the team a n d i n o u r p o w e r. Everything is lost (already), so we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Although Neymar will return for the clash,

Barcelona are likely to be without Javier Mascherano, who did not train on Monday due to a calf injury, as well as long-term absentees Aleix Vidal and Rafinha. Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, who scored twice in the first leg, was taken off with an ankle injury as they won 2-0 at Pescara on Saturday, but is expected to be fit to play. Defender Georgio Chiellini watched Neymar

and co. dismantle PSG in the previous round and is wary of the threat the Catalans pose. “We need to be compact a n d s h o w n o f e a r. (Barcelona) are like sharks who scent blood and finish you off. We’ve got to keep them as far away from our goal as possible,” he told Sky Italia. If former Barcelona defender Dani Alves can keep his friend and compatriot Neymar at bay like he did in the first leg, Juventus should be able to book their place in the semi finals.

panel felt that we should stick as close as we possibly can to that squad,” chief selector Courtney Browne said. “We have a young Test squad which was admirably led by Jason Holder during the last series and, though there are some noticeable absentees, we believe that the players will give a good account of themselves especially in their own backyard.” He continued: “We are happy to be able to give a recall to Kieran Powell for one of the opening slots, although he did not have the best regional first-class season. He showed for the President’s XI that his experience can add value to our team. “In addition, we have included two uncapped players, Shimron Hetmyer and Vishal Singh, with a view to exposing players that we believe have earned an opportunity to play for West Indies.” The left-handed Hetmyer’s progression to the senior team was a quick one. He had a modest Under-19 World Cup with the bat last

year but has plundered 496 runs in the Regional fourday championship with four half-centuries to force his way into the selection frame. His breezy knock against Pakistan last weekend would have strengthened his claim. Fellow left-hander Vishal, meanwhile, may consider himself somewhat fortunate, after a poor first class season that has seen him struggle with 317 runs at an average of 26. However, his heavy scoring last season when he finished with 712 runs at average of 50 with three hundreds, coupled with a magnificent 161 against Sri Lanka A in Pallekele last October, worked in his favour. The 28-year-old Powell, too, has had a less than stellar first class campaign with just 342 runs at an average of 28 but his prolific run in the Regional Super50 which led to his return to the ODI side, got the attention of selectors. He was also convincing in the tour match against Pakistan with a half-century in either innings and with 21

Tests already to his name, he will bring much needed experience to the Windies squad. West Indies, however, will find themselves short on experience once again as Samuels, who averages 32 from 71 Tests and the enterprising Bravo, who averages 40 from 49 Tests, have been overlooked. Bravo has not played competitively since he was sent home from the one-day tour of Zimbabwe last November for a tweet deemed offensive to West Indies Cricket Board president, Dave Cameron. The board has remained palpably silent on the matter. He was good enough to average 45 on the three-Test tour against Pakistan last year. West Indies clash with the Pakistanis in the opening Test at Sabina Park. SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Vishal Singh.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 18, 2017

PAGE 31

Powell, bowlers make final day McKoy, Bright light up CARIFTA Games with gold medal performances compelling – 3rd day, Tour Match

Chantoba Bright Distance phenom, Claudrice McKoy and jumps ace, Chantoba Bright lit up the 2017 CARIFTA Games with gold medal performances on Sunday to add to Guyana’s tally in Curacao where the team had already secured four medals, including two golds on Saturday. McKoy, who had secured bronze one day earlier in the G i r l s ’ U n d e r- 1 8 1 5 0 0 metres, ran a very tactical race under pressure to win the 3000 metres in a time of 10:39.03s. McKoy and her rivals, two Jamaican athletes separated themselves with the Jamaicans jumping ahead for the final lap. McKoy never panicked, but upped her pace with about 200m left, before surging ahead on the final bend in a well-timed tactical move that left the Jamaicans

Claudrice McKoy unable to respond to the finishing pace of McKoy. It was the second medal for McKoy. Bright, who was a double silver medalist in 2016, leapt to gold in the Girls’U-18 Long Jump with a distance of 5.91m. It was Bright’s second event of the competition after finishing seventh in the Girls’ High Jump. She competed in the Tr i p l e J u m p a s w e l l yesterday. In other results, Compton Caesar, who became the first male sprinter to win a 100m gold at the C A R I F TA G a m e s o n Saturday, sped his way to the Final of the B o y s ’ U n d e r- 2 0 2 0 0 m . Kenisha Phillips, Onasha Rogers and Daniel Williams all reached the semi-finals of their respective 200metre races, but did not advance. Meanwhile, Williams

contested the Boys’ High Jump, while Bright tackled the triple jump in the field events, and on the track, Caesar contested the 200m Final, and Anfernee Headecker ran the Boys’Under-20 800m race yesterday. After the second day of competition on Sunday, Guyana has amassed a total of six medals from Caesar (gold, 100m), McKoy (gold 3000m, bronze 1500m), Bright (gold, Long Jump) Headecker (silver, 1500m) and Natricia Hooper (gold, Triple Jump). The tally includes four gold, one silver and one bronze medal, which has Guyana fourth on the medals table behind leaders Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Bahamas in that order. The 2017 CARIFTA Games concluded yesterday in Curacao.

Neymar confident of leading Barcelona to second miracle comeback BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona striker Neymar is confident the Catalans can launch another remarkable Champions League comeback as they look to overturn a 3-0 quarter-final deficit against Juventus tomorrow. Just as they had done in the previous round, when Barcelona overcame a 4-0 first-leg deficit to eliminate Paris St G ermain, the S panis h giants will be relying on Neymar to produce another magical performance if they are to reach the semi-finals. The Brazilian scored Barcelona’s fourth and fifth goals in the last 16 second leg, setting up the sixth too, as they won 6-1 to progress 6-5 on aggregate. If Barcelona are to do the

Barcelona’s Neymar (Reuters / Giorgio Perottino Livepic) impossible in the quarterfinal as well, after losing 3-0 in Turin, they will need the winger to be at his electric best. Neymar should be well

rested after missing Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, the first of three matches he is suspended for in La Liga, including next Sunday’s Clasico. Having been sent off in the team’s 2-0 defeat at Malaga and hit with a longer ban after sarcastically applauding the fourth official, he has a point to prove in the Champions League. “We have to believe we can do it,” said Neymar in an interview with Brazilian television channel Esporte Interativo. “The other day my father told me one thing which has stayed in my head, and I think it’s true. In front of us we have a different team, but Barcelona is the same. And (Continued on page 28)

FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, CMC – Kieran Powell celebrated his recall to the West Indies Test squad with his second half-century of this match, as the WICB President’s XI and Pakistan drew their tour game yesterday here. Powell followed up his first innings score of 58 with unbeaten on 84, as the President’s XI reached 152 for two in their second innings when stumps were drawn about half-hour after tea on the final day of the three-day contest at the Trelawny Multiplex. His batting followed purposeful bowling from the home team’s attack, led by leg-spinner Damion Jacobs with 4-45 from 16 overs, to dismiss the Pakistanis for 192, replying to their opponents’ first innings total of 419. Left-arm fast-medium bowler Raymon Reifer ended with 2-21 from 13 overs and Kemar Roach grabbed 2-71 from 18 overs, as the Pakistanis, batting one short due to a groin injury to Hassan Ali, were dismissed about 40 minutes before the scheduled lunch interval with opener Ahmed Shehzad leading the way with 55 and Sarfraz Ahmed hitting a rapid-fire 50. The left-handed Powell, whose comeback to the game from a self-imposed exile and a foray into Major League Baseball in the United States commenced last year, glanced leg-spinner Yasir Shah to fine leg for a double to reach his landmark and shared an opening stand of 75 with Kyle Hope. He gave the Pakistanis another glimpse of what they can expect if he is on song and is selected in the final 11 for the historic 50th Test at Sabina Park, starting on Friday, mixing solid defence with an enterprising array of strokes. Hope too, batted solidly for an hour and 45 minutes

Left-hander Kieran Powell … struck his second half-century of the game. (file photo)

for 23 before he played forward to left-arm spinner Muhammad Asghar and edged to ‘keeper. Hetmyer too, batting with the knowledge that he has been selected for the first Test, played his strokes before he was caught at short leg for 22 off Yasir on the stroke of the tea with the President’s XI 110 for two at tea. After the break, Powell and Shamarh Brooks, the President’s XI, indulged themselves before the final act. Earlier, the President’s XI bowlers made inroads into the Pakistani batting after the visitors resumed from their overnight total of 129 for four. Roach, looking to give regional selector Eldine Baptiste a sign that he has fully recovered from the injuries and poor form that have beset him over the last two years, bowled with fire and made the breakthrough when he had Asad Shafiq

caught behind for 23. This proved to be a golden period for the President’s XI, as three wickets fell for one run from 10 balls to leave the Pakistanis 132 for seven before Sarfraz took matters into his hands and started to play his shots, knowing that Ali would be unable to any further part in the game. Scores: WICB PRESIDENT’S XI 419 (Vishaul Singh 135 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 97, Kieran Powell 58, Raymon Reifer 45, Rahkeem Cornwall 28, Jahmar Hamilton 26; Muhammad Amir 3-66, Asad Shafiq 2-20, Yasir Shah 2129) and 152 for two (Kieran Powell 84 not out, Kyle Hope 23, Shimron Hetmyer 22, Shamarh Brooks 21 not out). PA K I S TA N 1 9 2 (Ahmed Shehzad 55, Sarfraz Ahmed 50, Asad Shafiq 23 not out; Damion Jacobs 4-45, Raymon Reifer 2-21, Kemar Roach 2-71).

Red Force (533) vs Hurricanes 273-6 – 3rd day, 10th round BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes were 273 for six, replying to Trinidad Tobago Red Force’s first innings total of 533, at the close on the third day of the 10th round match in the Digicel Regional 4-Day

Tournament yesterday at Warner Park. Scores: RED FORCE 533 (Yannic Cariah 196, Tion Webster 109, Amir Jangoo 46, Ewart Nicholson 45, Akiel Cooper 41, Isaiah Rajah 40, Marlon Richards 24; Jason Campbell 3-100,

Jeremiah Louis 2-90, Gavin Tonge 2-113). HURRICANES 273 for six (Chesney Hughes 71, Montcin Hodge 64, Akeem Saunders 27 not out, Kacey Carty 53, Jacques Taylor 23 not out; Imran Khan 28-766-5).

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Tuesday April 18, 2017

Guyana’s U-18 Girls, U-15 Boys bags silver medals at Caribbean TT Championships

Guyana’s U-15 Boys, Jamal Nickolus and Terrence Rausch (left) en-route to their silver medal performance at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday. Guyana was second best over the past three days in the Te a m s ’ a n d D o u b l e s Competition with a number of silver medals at the Caribbean Cadet and Junior T a b l e T e n n i s Championships, which continues today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. In the Doubles Competition, Guyana’s

Under-18 Girls played good enough tennis throughout the competition for second place behind the dominant table tennis-playing nation of The Dominican Republic, which is mopping up everything. Priscilla Greaves and Jamaali Homer fell 3-0 to the duo of Cinthia Sanchez and Esmerlyn Castro from The

Guyana’s Priscilla Greaves and Jamaali Homer (left) battle the Dominican Republic on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis Championships. Dominican Republic. Guyana’s U-15 Boys, Jamal Nickolus and Terrence Rausch also captured a silver medal when they lost to Barbadians, Ramon Maxwell and Reshon Goddard. The Guyanese boys looked well on stream for the country’s first title after winning their first set 11-9,

however, the Guyanese let the game slide when they surrendered the next three sets to gift-wrap the title for the ‘Bajans’. In the teams’ competition, Guyana served up a silver medal in the Girls’ Under-15 category after they finished on three points, while the Dominican Republic took gold after

finishing on four points and Jamaica third on two points. The Boys’ U-15 team that featured Kaysan Ninvalle finished with a bronze medal after defeating Jamaica 3-1 in the third place play-off. The Dominican Republic has dominated the Championships, winning gold medals in all the team

events, which includes the U-18 Boys and Girls and the Under-15 Boys and Girls. The top tennis playing nation also won gold and silver medals in the Girls’ U-15 Doubles, while they also claimed gold and silver in the U-15 Mixed Doubles. The tournament continues today.

Permaul’s Berbice are GFSCA Maters inter county champs

The victorious Permaul’s Berbice team with their hardware following their triumph at Ogle. (Photos by Zaheer Mohamed)

The winning Mike’s Wellwoman side. By Zaheer Mohamed Permaul’s Berbice were crowned champions of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Masters inter county 20-over tournament after recording a thrilling three-run victory over Wellman Demerara on Sunday. Batting first at the Ogle Community Centre ground, Permaul’s Berbice were reduced to 32-4 before Troy Kippins and Rudolph Baker staged a recovery which helped them to 143-9. Kippins and Baker, who both play for Regal Masters of Georgetown, added 70 for the fifth-wicket with levelheaded batting. Kippins

counted two fours and one six before he was bowled by Ramo Malone for 34, while Baker was run out for 33 after hitting two fours and a similar number of sixes. Ravi Luchtman and Anil Beharry contributed 15 and 10 respectively as David Harper claimed 2-15 and Jagdesh Persaud had 2-16. Opener Malone was bowled by Ishwarnanand Harilall for 11 as Wellman Demerara lost their first wicket with the score on 17. Mahendra Arjune and Jagdesh Persaud then added 32 for the second wicket to put their team on course before Arjune was bowled by Kippins for eight. Eric Thomas (06) and Lloyd Rooplall (07) fell in quick

succession, while Jagdesh Persaud who slammed five towering sixes, but was caught off Ravi Lutchman for 39 as Permaul’s Berbice fought back with some tidy bowling and fielding. Skipper Wayne Jones and David Harper came together and were cruising nicely with nudges and pushes before tragedy struck; Jones was needlessly run out for 19 attempting an ill-advised second run. With 22 needed from 18 balls, Kippins who was named man-of-the-match uprooted the stumps of Harper for 14 to leave the game in the balance. The Berbicians picked up wickets at regular intervals to restrict the home team’s scoring. And with

seven required from the final over and one wicket intact, Imran Hussain held his nerves to concede three as Wellman Demerara finished on 140-9. Lutchman had 214 and Kippins 2-22. Khemraj Sumair was the tournament’s best batsman with 170 runs, while Harper with six wickets received the best bowler accolade. P e r m a u l ’s B e r b i c e collected a trophy and $200,000 and Wellman Demerara a trophy and $100,000. In the final preliminary round games played on Sunday morning, Wellman Demerara beat Trophy Stall Essequibo by nine wickets. Trophy Stall Essequibo were bowled out for 86 in 12

overs. Ramesh Narine made 39 and Rajendra Singh 21. David Harper had 3-15, Jagdesh Persaud 2-6, Raghunanand Narine 2-15 and Rickey Persaud 2-15. We l l m a n D e m e r a r a responded with 87-1 in 8.2 overs. Ramo Malone struck 40 and Mahendra Arjune 33. P e r m a u l ’s B e r b i c e o v e r c a m e Va l v o l i n e Demerara by eight wickets. Valvoline Demerara made 114-8 off their reduced 15 overs. Fazleem Mohamed struck 49 and Nandra Samall 21. Ishwarnand Harilall took 2-23. Permaul’s Berbice replied with 117-2 in 14.2 overs. Jaga Bhoj made 38 and Khemraj Sumair 32. Mohamed had 2-22. In the female exhibition

game following the final, Mike’s Wellwoman defeated Trophy Stall Angels by 31 runs. M i k e ’s We l l w o m a n scored 78-1 off their allotted eight overs, batting first. Latoya Smith stroked 46. Trophy Stall Angels were restricted to 47-4 in reply. Ruth George got 25 as Zola Telford claimed 2-13. The female winner pocketed a trophy and $50,000 and the runner up a trophy and $25,000. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, Indian High C o m m i s s i o n e r M r. V. Mahalingam and former Minister of Sports Dr. Frank Anthony graced event, which was sponsored by Mike’s Pharmacy, Sankar’s

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 18, 2017

PAGE 33

Shariff and Nand Persaud Karibee Rice stables share spoils at Guyana Cup Fever 2017 Golden Blue wins feature race Part of the action in the main event at the Guyana Cup Fever meet on Sunday. (Orlando Charles Photography)

Mr and Mrs Mohendra Persaud of the Karibee Rice Stable accepts the winning trophy for Golden Blue Echo’s win from Banks DIH Supervisor Nandram Basdeo. It was a brilliant day for racing, the sun was out in all its glory, the track was lightning fast and arena was filled. The feature C2 and lower event of the Guyana Cup Fever 2017 was billed to be a classic and lived up to expectations despite the controversy at the end.

Organised by the Jumbo Jet Business entity, the meet was held at the Port Mourant Turf Club. It was Golden Blue Echo of the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice Stable that did it despite losing earlier in the day. The 11 horse field was packed with top class runners capable of winning

the coveted event and the $1M and trophy compliments of Banks DIH Limited over the grueling 1900M distance. The speedy Princess She Not of The Shariff Stable with Randolph Richmond urging it on as expected was out early. However, it was not given much freedom by

the quality chasing pack and was hauled in down the back stretch. With Stable mate Spit Fire of the Shariff Stable known for its fast finish along with the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice trio of Golden Blue Echo, Brace Sky and Honey Flow along with the Jagdeo duo of Just Call Me

Digicel Regional First-Class cricket

Motie and Paul bowl Jaguar to hattrick of titles with a game remaining

Keemo Paul is congratulated by his team mates it he took the last wicket to give Jaguars their third consecutive title with a match to go. (Photos by Sean Devers) By Sean Devers It took Keemo Paul and Gudakesh Motie just 44 minutes yesterday to bowl the Guyana Jaguars, without six of their senior players, to register an emphatic innings and 121 runs win against the Windwards Volcanoes with

over a day and two sessions to spare in their penultimate round match in the Digicel Regional four-day which ended at Providence. Scores: Jaguars 379, Volcanoes 95 & 163. Left-arm spinner Motie grabbed 4-45, while Paul followed up 6-28 in the first

innings with 3-37 to dismiss the Volcanoes, overnight on 102-5, for 163 as Devon Smith, who made 61 from 117 balls and 155 minutes with seven fours and two sixes and Shane Shillingford, who clobbered five fours and two sixes in swashbuckling 14-ball

unbeaten 35 led their effort. With the Jaguars number supporter Norman ‘the Juice man’ shouting plenty of advice from a virtually empty stands and sounding as loud as a 5,000 crowd, Smith and Kyle Mayers walked to the middle in (Continued on page 26)

Boss and Goodwill Boy all in the hunt early as they looked to position themselves for what was turning out to be a tactical race. The lead was changing hands with Golden Blue Echo with Julius Persaud always up there as the event continued at a blistering pace. With the fast finishers in Jack in My Style and Lady Budapest in the running the race was turning out to be a ding dong affair. The anticipation for the finish was fever pitch as turfites took up all advantageous positions, as the horses hit the homestretch a number of them were in contention as they steamed towards the finish line. Golden Blue Echo, imported from Canada, had taken the lead, however, by then Spit Fire with Rad Drepual on the perch was burning up the track on the outside as it bear down on the front runners to lose by a neck. However, there were some protests and the judges mysteriously called a dead heat between Spit Fire and Goodwill Boy with the Trinidadian Kizan Razack the jockey. Just Call Me Boss ridden by Colin Ross placed fourth. The reversal of the decision sparked tremendous protest especially among connections of the Shariff Stable. It’s MY Choice of The Jumbo Jet stable with

Trinidadian Ryan Astrana created a major upset as it ran away with the $600,000 and trophy in the E3 and lower event from Golden Blue Echo, Red and Lovely and Release the beast in tow. Firing Line of the Shariff Stable with Randolph Richmond was on fire as it burned up a top class field in the event for West Indies Bred 4 years old and G3 and lower horses to win easily from Got To Go, Chelsea and T and T. Midnight Blue of the Romell Jagoop Stable with Trinidadian Nicholas Patrick came out of the blues to upset Campador, Cat Messiah and It’s My Turn in the H3 and lower event. Mischievous Maker of the Shariff Stable with Rad Drepaul riding won a clean race in the 3years old Guyana bred and I3 and lower event from Mary Ann, King Stanley and Seven Dust. Miss Olympic of the Singh Stable with Jamaican Brian Blake showed its opponents a clean pair of heals it the J2, K and L winners even, as it burnt up Red Region, Red Jet and Awesome Cash. Lil Dude of the Jagdeo Stable with Paul Delph riding came big as it won the L class maiden event from She Is in Control, Red Region and Another time. There were no announcements of champion jockey, trainer and stable. (Samuel Whyte)

t r o Sp

Vishal, Hetmyer gain favour but Bravo remains sidelined

Left-hander Vishal Singh.

Shimron Hetmyer ‌ included in Test squad to face Pakistan.

Super 4 Massive Easter Football

Uitvlugt down Eagles to win one-day tourney; Den Amstel end 3rd

Director of Sport Christopher Jones 7th right, D-Division Commander Leslie James (3rd right), GFF Third VP Thandi McAllister (stopping left) join Promoters Alex Green (right) and Akantunde Rudder aka Rigget (2nd left) and the victorious Uitvlugt Warriors FC on Sunday night at the Den Amstel ground.

Motie and Paul bowl Jaguar to hattrick of titles with a game remaining Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210