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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The Summit of the Americas
T
he eighth Summit of the Americas, which took place last week in Lima, Peru under the theme “Battling Corruption” ended with modest advances in building trust in a region that has been bedeviled by a huge trust deficit. Initiated in 1994 in Miami, Florida, the Summit of the Americas is a triennial forum to advance dialogue and cooperation among its 35 members of the Western Hemisphere, including the United States and Canada. This was a subdued summit that was the least attended, which raised questions about its future. U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled what would have been his first trip to Latin America in order to manage the U.S. response to a chemical attack by Syria on its citizens. More than a half-dozen leaders, including Raoul Castro of Cuba and David Granger of Guyana followed suit, some in apparent solidarity with President Maduro of Venezuela, whose invitation was withdrawn. The Summit of the Americas was established as an institutionalized gathering of heads of member states of the Hemisphere to discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values, and a commitment to make concerted efforts to address the challenges faced by people in the Hemisphere. It is an important forum for institution building and problem solving. Since its creation, Heads of States have established a vast array of procedures to tackle the problems affecting the region, including the lack of economic growth, unemployment, poverty, environmental sustainability, energy security, discrimination, corruption and crime, among others. At this year’s Summit, democracy, good governance and corruption were the main issues discussed to the needs and concerns of member states. U.S. Vice-President, Mike Pence, who filled in for President Trump, and many other leaders have vowed to confront systemic corruption at a time when graft scandals continue to plague many governments in the Hemisphere. Many leaders used the platform to voice their concerns on President Maduro’s plan to hold a presidential election that many foreign governments consider a sham. At the Summit, Vice-president Pence also tried to drum up support to further isolate Venezuela, which faces mounting U.S. sanctions. At one point, the Summit became a stage for awkward encounters between the United States and Cuba when the latter foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, chastised Pence for ignoring reality in the region. There was Pence’s warnings to Cuba not to aid the Maduro regime. Several leaders reminded Vice President Pence of Mr. Trump’s profiling of Mexican immigrants as rapists and murderers, his revocation of the Temporary Protective Status granted to immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua, his derogatory remarks toward Haiti and his roll back of President Obama’s initiatives toward the normalization of US-Cuba relations. While the Summit created the Lima Commitment of Democratic Governance against Corruption, analysts are skeptical that it will lead to any tangible change. The reason is many governments in the region are facing allegations of corruption. For his part, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge who filled in for Mr. Granger reiterated Guyana’s commitment to combat corruption. He told the heads of states that Guyana has taken concrete measures to eradicate corruption in all of its forms in an effort to build a prosperous, sustainable and democratic society and that significant progress has been made towards the prevention of Anti-Money Laundering. The declaration against corruption is an important step forward, but many leaders have lamented that corruption was first tackled at the initial 1994 gathering of the Summit and continues to be a major issue. More than two decades later, that pledge has not been fulfilled because corruption remains just as entrenched if not more today in many countries throughout the region.
Thursday April 19 , 2018
Concerns about mining in the Marudi Mountain area DEAR EDITOR, While overseas, I read with interest the efforts made by Hon Minister, Raphael Trotman and Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh at mediation in the Marudi Mountain mining issue. These two gentlemen must be complimented for their efforts. However, I wish to deal with what I feel is the gut and fundamental issue, that is, the exploitation of our patrimony, in particular our mineral resources bequeathed to us by the Creator. These were initially harvested by the earliest hinterland miners, fondly referred to as ‘Porkknockers.’ The issue of working the Marudi Mountain area surfaced decades ago, and I recall the efforts made by the then-Head of State, Forbes Burnham, who encouraged and facilitated ordinary miners to make use of this and other areas, and had put in place ‘incentives for small
miners.’However, after his demise, certain persons bought the idea that only persons with modern machi n e r y could (work) in that and other areas. I disagreed, and those involved would remember the position I took in what became a controversial, if not an acrimonious matter. First recalling the famous statement by the Late Prime Minister, Eric Williams of Trinidad & Tobago that “oil don’t spoil;” I took the position that “Gold don’t rust,” and in order to honour those brave “Porkknockers,” we should encourage their descendants to make optimum use of this and other areas. Judging from the media reports, if groups reach an agreement, all sides should be prepared to respect and comply with the Terms of Agreement. Human beings have suffered immensely because National Leaders, also Regional and Community, and even Families, dishonour
agreements reached in good faith. Having said that, I don’t know what pressures may have been brought to bear during the discussions. These small miners have approached me recently and related their grave concerns and disquiet about what is taking place in that area. I suggest that we find a way to terminate the concessions for all aliens - Gold and Diamond Companies - and restrict the harvesting of our gold and diamonds to Guyanese groups and individuals. The harvesting of gold does not require skills that we don’t have locally – ordinary Guyanese have successfully mined gold over a century Ocean Shark, Tengar, Frederick Mahaica, Wesley Baird and others. This means that at locations such as Marudi Mountains, we can bid a friendly farewell to the foreign entities. In any case, the bulk of the profits from these foreign companies bring minimal benefits to locals.
These folks don’t even support sports, culture and education. Our policy now should be to encourage overseas companies to invest substantial sums to produce what is now not there on our land, i.e. grains, fruits and vegetables, and leave the harvesting of what is already there and require no special skills, to Guyanese, whose ancestors developed the entire coastal belt as slaves and later indentured labourers. I hope the above is given serious consideration, so that we bequeath to our children and their children a country that remains e s s e n t i a l l y Guyanese and Caribbean, and so avoid what can be easily a subtle re-enslavement and exploitation, and the changing of the landscape of a Guyana we inherited on the 26th of May, 1966. Finally, I suggest at the entrance of certain Ministerial and Ministers’ Offices we erect a prominent signboard marked “Guyana is not for Sale.” Hamilton Green
Is this what this country has become? DEAR EDITOR, Someone called me at 06:43 on Tuesday last and pointed me to a column titled, “I find the GHK Lalls of this world reprehensible” (KN April 17). My response will be brief. I seem to recall dismissing (dismissing) the writer a while back. This is what is done to children; especially those that lack basic decency and training and honesty. Now I regret that I have to venture into the gutter that has become part of the local lifeblood and so dominant in the national mainstream. I feel stained and tainted and utterly disgusted. Is this what this country
has become? Is this the emblematizing of national pastimes dedicated to malice, putridity, vulgarity, the dishonorable, the sickening, and so much more under the guise of journalism and public commentary? Again, what kind of country is this? What kind of society is it that spawns this degree of ugliness, lunacy, and embedded leprosy? I used to speak regularly of a national political leader that I believe is unhinged and so wrong for this land. For a long time I have recognized his twin in the realm of a newspaper. For the record, I make one thing straight and for whatever it is worth: I have
never met or spoken to Mr. Anand Persaud, Editor-inChief of SN; I have shared two quick interactions years ago with Mr Andre Haynes at the home of now Justice Gino Persaud. I think I owe that to both of them. Also, in this very year I was asked by KN to assist with writing editorials; I did one and then had to withdraw due to time conflicts. There must be something that I bring to the table, this stranger, this outsider, this foreign presence, this enigma; and this bone in the throat of the narcissistic. It certainly generates visceral hatreds; I must be care-
ful. Man, that boy does have a lot of poisons inside! And when that is coupled to a troubled paranoiac state, that can be dangerous. I seek distance as the sane does from rabid curs. In closing, I confess to making one terrible mistake a while back: I credited the writer with a mind. I recognize the enormity of that error. Let me be absolutely clear: this is not a citizen who has lost his mind. Far from it, for that assumes that there was one to begin with. For the first and last time: dismissed. Sincerely, GHK Lall
When will deserving small security providers be awarded 20% of govt. security contracts? DEAR EDITOR, Sometime ago the government had announced via the print and electronic media that small contractors would be awarded 20% percent of government contracts. This has not yet materialized in the security industry. The number one complaint of small contractors is the time it has been taking to secure government security contracts; a company that has been in business for say two years and has limited funding remaining is not going to be looking to spend another two years establishing a relationship with the government. The amount of money that
small contractors have in the bank is closely tied to the amount of money they have been able to raise from other legal sources, and not investors. The amount of money in the bank, along with their “burn rate” determines their “runway”. Capital infusions are the only way a small contractor without revenue can continue to survive. The Small Business Bureau would approve a grant of $300,000 to small businesses that have been prequalified. Undoubtedly that sum is infinitesimal to run a company, and the commercial banks would refuse to ap-
prove millions of dollars in loans to a small company when that company is not fully operational and therefore not bringing in an income. The government must find a way to convince small contractors that they have a realistic chance of winning a contract within a relatively short period of time. Most small businesses in the security industry are interested in contracting with the government, but numerous obstacles deterred them, some of which include the length of time to award security contracts, an unlevel playing field (bidders both small and large are instructed via the Evaluation Criteria of
the Bid Document to submit evidence of establish financial capacity or credit arrangement or bank statement representing 30% of bid price; the bid document would also state that the contract “will be awarded to the bidder whose bid is determined to be substantially responsive (must obtain all ‘Passes’} and who has offered the lowest price”) and a sense that newcomers have little chance to win contracts over incumbents who were enjoying the good life under the previous administration, and from all appearances, will continue to do so under this administration (Continued on page 5)
Drilling a well in a cemetery DEAR EDITOR, I could recall that a letter writer Mr. Imtiaz Bacchus questioned the health issues of a GWI well located in the Cemetery at Fyrish Village, and which provides drinking water for thousands of residents in the surrounding areas. As far as I could recall, there was no comment offered by GWI on the issues raised by Mr Bacchus. I found this to be very irresponsible. We are talking about the health of the people and the head of GWI is a doctor by profession. Of all people he should have proffered an explanation to allay the concerns of the residents. Why was no explanation given? What I found was aston-
ishing. I was shocked that experts at GWI and the Health Authorities would have allowed this dangerously high risk to the residents’ health would have been so intentionally ignored or at least allay their well-founded fears. I wish to state some findings of a research paper. “In the process of decomposition of a human body, 0.4–0.6 litres of leachate is produced per one kg of body weight. The leachate contains pathogenic bacteria and viruses that may contaminate the groundwater and cause disease when it is used for drinking. So far, this topic has been investigated in several regions of the world (mainly Brazil, Australia, the Republic of South Africa, Portugal, the
United Kingdom and Poland). However, recently more and more attention has been focused on this issue. A thorough study was done and the results of investigations related to the impact of cemeteries on groundwater bacteriology and virology is welldocumented. The contaminants come from the body and can include chemical substances applied in chemotherapy and embalming processes (e.g., arsenic, formaldehyde and methanol), makeup (e.g., cosmetics, pigments and chemical compounds), as well as various additional items, such as fillings, cardiac pacemakers, paints, varnishes, metal hardware elements, iron nails, etc. . These leachates also contain microorganisms that may (Continued on page 6)
Disaster Averted! We need to give God thanks! DEAR EDITOR, I write to ask you to please publish this letter, as we ALL need to raise our voices in praise to God for His great mercy that Victorians experienced two days ago and to let the disaster that could have resulted be impressed on our consciousness. Last Tuesday, April 17, 2018, the village of Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara, dodged a bullet, as God mercifully saved us from our collective ignorance and neglect from our administrators, and an incident that had the potential to be a catastrophe of enormous proportions went off seemingly without terrible consequences. The “Four Corner” in Victoria is situated on a blind turn in the Public road. It also has a Guyoil gas station there and is the favourite place for many #44 minibuses to make u-turns in contravention of every traffic regulation. Added to this silly behaviour,
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it is the main point of congregation for all the village taxis, again in blatant defiance of every traffic regulation. Coupled with these users, it is the popular liming spot for many in the village. Over the past ten or more years, this potential disaster posed by this corner has been brought to the attention of the commanders of “C” division of the Guyana Police Force, without making any meaningful impact in their operational policy. An organization in the village has even suggested to the NDC, the RDC and the national government, the construction of a Tarmac which could be used as a parking lot, so as to remove the taxis from the corner and a changing of the traffic pattern so as to stop traffic entering a public road at a blind corner. All have been ignored or, at least to date, have borne no fruit. On Tuesday a large truck laden with many tens of tons of rice, narrowly missed kill-
ing many persons in the village and destroying the Guyoil station and creating an inferno which would have had the potential of wiping out a substantial portion of the village. All of this has not somehow registered on the consciousness of many of us in this village as we have gone back to “business as usual”. I appeal to you Editor, please use your good instrument to make our plight and predicament known, so that just maybe, someone in authority is listening, and some reaction to this incident would occur to the benefit of this community. In the meantime, I hope the driver of that truck is given an award for his skillful driving. In my view he avoided, with God’s help, a potential disaster which could have been catastrophic to us all in this village. Sincerely, Desmond Saul
East Bank ‘Highway’ and the
on the East Bank ‘HighPolice role tice way’ - the hot plate buses and DEAR EDITOR, I wish to share the known frustration on the traffic situation and the role of the police on the East Bank ‘Highway’. It must be a daunting task for the Police to execute traffic control measures on the road, not to take away from their responsibility, but the design lacks any kind of rational thinking that I can see. I would share my observation from DDL junction to Diamond Scheme. The road has no area to do a U-turn. There is an open space in front of Diamond Hospital with signs erected to deter turning there. Yet, hundreds of mini bus drivers, taxi drivers and other road users turn there. Here is where the police come in; seldom do they pull in drivers for making that turn, but other times they raise their hands to the known mini bus drivers and taxi drivers. This is the regular prac-
‘regular boy’ taxi drivers get a free pass in breaking the law, while the ordinary citizens get the penalties for doing what they are doing. It brings me to the design of the road, and here is where I feel pity for police. There is no U-turn area on the stretch of road highlighted above. You have to ‘thief a turn’ if no police are around or go in Diamond Scheme come back and join the traffic or go further up in Grove and ‘thief a turn’ there. For a highway that has residents and businesses on both side of the road, I wonder what thinking went into this. They also have concrete shoulders on both sides of the road, so when stops are made directly on the highway, one lane of traffic is blocked until the driver moves or you go over to the other lane. The situation at Diamond junction is an absolute disaster in design and thinking.
Imagine residents of one of the largest housing schemes flowing through one little passageway to get onto the highway. It is ridiculous. What is even more ridiculous is the number of years this is going on without anybody in Government or authority seeking to implement some kind of solution. I am aware this Government was looking into a bypass, but was hampered by a private businessman having procured the government reserve where it was intended to go. Whatever happened to the land commission to investigate this matter and seek a resolution? This is for a national good and I am sure some compromise can be made. I am so disturbed by the lack of basic things that continued to elude authorities that affect the daily lives of people in this country, this list can be countless. Yours truly, R. Saghar
When will deserving small... From page 4 which would work to the small contractors detriment. Can a small business offer a bid sum that is as low as possible while still covering costs and generating a reasonable profit? To a r r i v e a t o n e ’s hourly rate, one would have to factor in: base wage, overtime, uniform costs, transportation costs, training costs, vacation allowance, meals, management fee and margin or bottom line. The older and more established security companies are in a position to offer a bid that is as low as
possible unlike a small business. A widespread belief among small businesses is that only established players with the right connections and infrastructure have a chance of winning government contracts. From my understanding and experience, winning a government contract particularly in the security in-
dustry tends to mean a company is best at winning government contracts, not the best qualified for the job. By the time government finally makes a decision to award 20% of security contracts to small, deserving security c o n t r a c t o rs, many could cease to exist. Regards Julius Williams
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Drilling a well in a... There is a monstrous hole in the education system From page 5 pollute substrates, surface water and groundwater. The microorganisms chiefly include bacteria, viruses, intestinal fungi and protozoa. They can also originate from other sources, e.g., animals, soil, water and the atmosphere…some microorganisms can survive even up to 5 years and, in this time, they can migrate and reach the groundwater.” (http:// jwh.iwaponline.com/content/ ppiwajwh/13/2/285.full.pdf) The same study went on to state, “It is worth emphasizing that bacteria transported by water, like those of the genus Shigella, as well as rotaviruses and protozoans of the genera Entamoeba and Giardia, often cause asymptomatic or serious infections with high mortality rates, particularly among children… Cemeteries may have large adverse impacts on groundwater and can be a source of dangerous infectious diseases.” It must be noted that the Fyrish Cemetery is located just across from the twelvefoot dam where the residents live, so it poses a high risk during flooding. The study also stated that the health hazards from cemeteries are nothing new and caught the attention of scientists at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1879, the French Society for Hospital Hygiene noticed the relationship between typhoid fever and groundwater contaminated by leachates from a cemetery in Paris. Since this finding goes
back a long time, it befuddles the mind why this well should be located in a cemetery when there is an abundance of land nearby. The study also revealed “the large influence of climatic conditions on the bacteriological contamina t i o n o f the groundwater and most researchers express the opinion that warmer and moister climate is the principal factor in significant contamination of the environment …” According to the World Health Organization, “Human or anima l r e m a i n s must not be buried within 250 metres of any well, borehole or spring from which a potable water supply is drawn”. This makes the location of the well at Fyrish highly questionable. The residents must know the rationale behind the location such as the type of soil and its permeability to permit leaching and seepage. The questions of how far above are the graves from the water table, and the effects of flooding in the cemetery on the percolation of the groundwater. However, it must be borne in mind that the location of the water well in a cemetery whether or not it satisfies the criteria of suitability will do nothing to alleviate the psychological fear which eats the minds of the residents, causing many of them to buy water for drinking purposes! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor -Region 6
DEAR EDITOR, The above appeared in Stabroek News of Sunday April 8. It reveals the number of ‘vacancies’ at various levels of specified schools across the country. While interestingly enough the Georgetown (GT) schools have been identified, one needs ready reference to a map to pinpoint the number and type of positions vacant across the 10 Regions. However, the accompanying tables summarise the disposition of vacancies at identified levels. (Practical Instruction Centres are not included) What the above reflects is a grand total of 3472 vacant positions in the education delivery system that is with the exception of Practical Instruction Centres. Below is the following order in number of vacancies: a) Grades B – D Nursery Schools reflecting 552 vacancies b) Primary Schools There are 1079 vacancies across the five grades of schools (A – E), with Grade E showing 515 or nearly 48% of the total vacancies c) Senior Masters/ Mistresses The other significant depletion is at the above level – totalling 282 vacancies, of which Grade D schools have the highest number of vacancies – 177 d) Secondary Schools do not appear to be struggling so badly, with a total of 313 vacancies across Grades A – D schools. What must be troubling is the total of 1144 vacancies of Heads of Department. Of the eleven specialist areas, English shows the highest vacancy rate of 144, followed by Business Studies – 136; Science – 129; Mathematics – 114; Modern Languages – 106; Information Technology – 98 The public and the Ministry of Education must draw their respective conclusions about what appears to be an endemic plight which anxious students have to face. In what language will they communicate, given the shortage of 250 related teachers (Is creolese then an option?) Who also is checking and
Secondary Schools
analysing this irreparable sinkhole in our education delivery system? Surely a comprehensive strategy is needed to treat this state of constipation. But its treatment must be preceded by the enunciation of a vision for the future development of related capacity – all the more to match prospective identified needs – especially in language(s) and science. Task-forcing with salaries is but a minimal intervention, even though badly needed; but it is unlikely that adjustments would reach a level of incentives that would attract and maintain the trust of teachers in the current style of administration. While GT (Georgetown) schools have been identified in the advertisement, other regional locations are not shown – unfortunately, as it would have provided interested parties with more focused indication of where the priority needs are, and the degree of urgency with which they should be addressed. When you read the fine print, you will see that the invitations are primarily for applicants for promotion (transfer applications will not be processed in the meantime). Even so promotions will involve transfers. In that case see the following injunction
under ‘Directions to be observed. Applicants’: ‘Teachers who fail to take up the offer of appointment within one (1) month of the date of the letter offering them the appointment may be debarred from promotion for up to two (2) years.’ Suppose delivery of the letter is delayed? This is a most disincentive provision to say the least. It takes no account of domestic considerations – spousal jobs, children’s current and future schooling, and availability of adequate alternative accommodation, which in any case is not guaranteed. But all this is a repetition of previous years.
It would be interesting to learn whether any analysis has ever been conducted as to the efficacy of this approach to recruiting and appointing human beings to the Teaching Service. Presumably the Guyana Teachers’ Union participates in the selection process. If so, they should seek to ameliorate some of those demotivating indicators their members could identify. In any case, at the current rates of pay it would be surprising if there were that many applicants for promotion into scales minimally more than current pittance. E.B. John
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UK ‘Windrush’ immigration mix-up...
Special help for Guyanese, other affected Caribbean nationals The Government of the United Kingdom has announced moves to help Guyanese and other Caribbean residents of Commonwealth countries prove that they have rights to stay there. This week, Prime Minister Theresa May apologized for a mix-up where UK residents from the Caribbean, who have been there for decades, were asked to prove their right to stay in the country or face deportation. The issue came up as leaders of 53 Commonwealth nations, including Guyana, gathered in London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. President David Granger is there. It is being reported that persons who came to Britain
after World War II are known as the “Windrush generation,” after the ship Empire Windrush, which carried hundreds of Caribbean immigrants to Britain in 1948. Those who arrived before a change in the law in 1971 had an automatic right to settle in the U.K. But some from that generation, especially those who arrived as children on their parents’ passports, say they have been denied medical treatment or threatened with deportation because they can’t produce papers to prove their status. There are thousands of Guyanese who live in the UK. The situation would have been worrying. Yesterday, the British High Commission disclosed that Prime Minster May met representatives from 12
Child mother stabbed by ex-lover Loshanna Boyle was reportedly stabbed by her exboyfriend in the vicinity of D’Urban Street, Lodge, yesterday. The 24-year-old, is a mother of one for the man with whom she shared a relationship. The incident occurred in the morning hours after Boyle had dropped her child to school. She was walking on D’Urban Street, heading in the eastern direction. Her ex-boyfriend, Cleveland Williams, is said to be a labourer in D’Urban Street. She was proceeding along the road, when he came out and attacked her. In the heat of the scuffle, he held her down and pulled out a knife from his waist and dealt her two stabs in her back. She attempted to jump in a trench that was close by but
he held onto her restraining her from moving. She was later rescued by persons who were passing by. Williams made his escape during this period and is currently being sought by the police. Boyle is said to be in a stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital where she is currently receiving treatment. Within recent times, there have been constant reports of violence against women, mainly with those whom they shared an intimate relationship. Two weeks ago, an army captain reportedly killed his girlfriend, brutally in Alexander Village. During the same period, a La Parfaite Harmonie man killed his exgirlfriend after an argument.
PM May address the Caribbean leaders in London Caribbean Commonwealth States on Tuesday. “Those attending included senior representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas,
Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago.” During the meeting, the
High Commission said, Prime Minister May apologised for any anxiety caused, and explained how much the UK valued the contribution made by members of the Windrush Generation. “Those who arrived from the Caribbean before 1973 and lived here permanently without significant periods of time away in the last 30 years have the right to remain in the UK, as do the vast majority of long-term residents who arrived later. I don’t want anybody to be in any doubt about their right to remain here in the United Kingdom”. The Prime Minister went on to say that she wanted to “dispel any impression that my government is in some sense clamping down on Commonwealth citizens, particularly those from the
Caribbean who have built a life here”.The UK Government is committed to supporting Commonwealth citizens who have a right to live in the UK. A new dedicated team will be set up within the Home Office for people who need support gathering evidence of their right to be in the UK. It will contain a dedicated contact point, and will aim to resolve cases within two weeks, once all the evidence has been put together. No one affected will be charged for the documentation which proves their right. A dedicated phone line (0300 123 2241) has also been created and the Home Office has published a fact sheet on their web site, which outlines the rights of Commonwealth citizens, the British High Commission explained.
Linden taxi driver still in police custody for killing motorcyclist
A
n Amelia’s Ward Linden taxi driver, who on Tuesday slammed into a motorcyclist resulting in his death, is still in police custody. Residents are calling for the establishment of speed bumps at strategic points to deter drivers who are bent on speeding. “We need to have speed bumps erected because some drivers don’t seem to care. They’re speeding and putting people’s lives at risk,” one man declared. Those sentiments were echoed by several others, who pointed out that the area where the accident occurred is “a blind turn.” Thirty-seven-year old Florenda Benjamin, a former resident of Block 22 Wismar was pronounced dead on ar-
…Residents and commuters call for speed bumps rival at the Linden Hospital Complex, after the car HC 6299 which was driven by Michael Stewart of Amelia’s Ward, slammed into him, on Sir David Rose Avenue, in the vicinity of “Pitman turn” about 16:30 hrs on Tuesday. Stewart, who was proceeding north, was in the process of overtaking another car when the accident occurred, according to police reports. The impact flung the man from his motorcycle into the car’s windscreen, eyewitnesses said. The car received damages to the front left and a broken windscreen.Benjamin sustained injuries to his head and a wound to the neck, which
some eyewitnesses said was caused by the glass from the windscreen. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There persons who were travelling in the car were also injured. Leinani Ally, 31, of Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward; Emily Ally, an 11month-old of the same address, and 16-year-old Mary Fraser also of Amelia’s Ward.Residents in the area and commuters are calling for
speed bumps to be established in the area as this is the second accident to occur there.Another accident also involving a motorcycle and a Tundra reportedly occurred in the same vicinity last week. Fortunately, there was no fatality. Several fatal accidents in the mining Town over the years have involved motorcyclists, with most of them occurring on the main thoroughfare leading up to Amelia’s Ward.
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Int’l Banks show little interest in doing business in Guyana
By Kiana Wilburg
I
t has been several months since the au thorities here got kudos for strengthening Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CML/ CFT)Framework. In spite of this, it appears that Guyana is still experiencing difficulties when it comes to its relationships with foreign money transactions. This was confirmed recently by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The economist noted at his most recent press conference that there continues to be challenges. He said, “The only banks as you know that are affected by correspondent banks are those that are indigenous to Guyana. Scotia Bank is not affected; I don’t think Bank of Baroda is affected. I don’t know if Republic Bank is affected but the ones that are indigenous to Guyana like Citizens Bank and GBTI, Demerara Bank…they have their challenges.” The Finance Minister continued, “In the case of Citizens Bank for example, they are using Crown Agents Bank. I don’t know if this is being done also for GBTI… But I can tell you that it is costly because I had to put through a transaction there and I was mortified by the cost for the transaction and the speed at which transactions get done.” The economist added, “…It is a problem and we can’t duck and hide from it. It has nothing to do with the strength of our AML (framework) and so on. What has happened is because of all these impositions that have taken over the past years, banks have seen their profits dwindle and their risks going up. “For them the risk is too great to take so they jump off, countries like ours, rather than having minuscule profits and headaches and more
Thursday April 19 , 2018
…despite strengthened AML framework - Finance Minister headaches, more paper work…”The Finance Minister said that Guyana’s authorities can strengthen the systems as much as it wants but if international banks do not feel comfortable, they are going to stay out of the local market. JABS AT ECONOMY The derisking phenomenon, which has resulted in foreign-owned banks terminating correspondent banking relationships with locallyowned banks, continues to affect the economy. This was noted by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan since last year. At the end of October 2017, the economist said that more than two-thirds of the locally owned banks were unable to facilitate third-party foreign currency cheques, and only one bank has been executing wire transfers. The Finance Minister said that this has led to increased cost of financial transactions, which has the potential to reduce trade and investments, as well as remittances from abroad. He said that the Government is making efforts to work with Caribbean neighbours and international institutions to develop a methodology to facilitate analysis of the impacts of these lost relationships, as well as to inform measures that can be put in place to mitigate against future losses. UNCHECKED If de-risking continues, unchecked, all Caribbean states can ultimately experience an economic collapse. This fiscal forecast was delivered by Jordan at a high level meeting, which was held in the USA. There, Jordan spoke on behalf of the economies of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean. He also elaborated on issues between those states and the IMF as well as where more help can be pro-
vided in certain areas. One of those crucial challenges he spoke to was the withdrawal by international banks of correspondent banking relationships, a process known as “de-risking”. Jordan said that this comes at a time when, more than any other time, the financial system of Caribbean nations such as Guyana, is deeply integrated with, or substantially connected to, those of other countries across the world through correspondent banking. While this trend has affected countries around the globe, Jordan said that the small economies of the Caribbean have been hit especially hard. The Finance Minister said that in the first half of 2016 alone, at least 16 banks, across five countries in the region, have lost all or some of their correspondent banking relationships. The economist stressed that Correspondent banking is the lifeblood of global commerce. He said that healthy correspondent banking relation-
ships are essential because they facilitate trade, foster economic growth, create legitimate avenues for growing remittances and provide access to financial services. Jordan said that the adverse effects of de-risking on international trade, financial stability and growth, and money transfers and remittances have already been felt in many of the Caribbean countries. The Finance Minister said, “If de-risking continues unchecked, all Caribbean states can expect to experience some level of macroeconomic instability, financial exclusion and, ultimately, economic collapse. “The recommendations that have been posited, such as bundling of services, taking out insurance, and collectively approaching correspondent banks appear to be unrealistic.” The Finance Minister said that the issue is further complicated by the fact that banks in the Caribbean do not have a long list of international banks with which they can form correspondent banking
relationships. He said that the progressive loss of correspondent banking relationships will increase so will the already disproportionately high level of operational risk. Jordan said that over the last three years, the region has been addressing this issue not only through the implementation of The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on AntiMoney Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), but, also, through numerous studies, reports and high level meetings with organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, United Nations and the Commonwealth Secretariat. “In spite of numerous promises to address the problem, however, there has been virtually no progress to staunch the haemorrhaging by these banks. This non-action, in light of the substantial work that has already been done, is worrisome,” the Finance Minister expressed. He has since called on the
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan International Monetary Fund to play a more realistic and proactive role in dealing with this phenomenon. He said, “It is the IMF to whom we look to aggressively support Caribbean nations in taking a multi-faceted approach to fighting de-risking, consistent with the Financial Stability Board’s four-point plan.” The Finance Minister said that this plan includes a further examination of the issue, clarification of regulatory expectations, capacity-building jurisdictions where respondent banks are affected, and the strengthening of tools for correspondent banks to perform due diligence checks. He said that implementing this plan will require cooperation with both international banks and regulators in the United States, Europe, and (Continued on page 22)
GRA, police crackdown on unlicensed vehicles
GRA and the police are collaborating on a crackdown on thousands of vehicles that have not been renewed. Thousands of vehicles that reportedly have not been licensed are on the radar of authorities. A tough campaign is coming, warned the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday. “The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to advise the general public that motor vehicle licences are required for motor vehicles
used or kept for use on roads,” the authority said. GRA said it has observed that there are a number of motor vehicles for which licences have not been renewed for a number of years.The cases are said to be in the thousands. “The GRA will be collaborating with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to take appropriate
enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle & Road Traffic Act 51:02.” GRA said it is giving motor vehicle owners an opportunity to present their motor vehicle registration along with their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to the Motor Vehicle section of the Licence Revenue
Division to have their motor vehicle licence information updated and any outstanding payment settled. “Motor vehicle owners are also advised that if the motor vehicle has been destroyed or rendered permanently unserviceable, owners must inform the GRA and submit the original registration certificate for cancellation.”
Thursday April 19 , 2018
Kaieteur News
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Republic Bank ... FOR RENT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Budram’s Landscaping Services. Free advice, Free designs, Free after care follow up Tel#626-1044 Personal stylist- Need help in recreating your look? Whether hair,makeup or shopping for special outfits Call: 650-6713 Triple “K” Pawn shop located @ 301 Church Street, South C/burg G/town. Visit us for the best rates. Tel#2239641
EDUCATION Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cottage house, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room located @ Fourth St Pearl, EBD Tel# 219-5462, 625-3981 Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flatbed, Flatbed with crane & hauler, Foden 6x4 Dump truck. Call: 659-3100
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Upper flat 3 bedroom house in Diamond Housing Scheme, includes bath A/c(s) hot & cold etc #216-0589/686-5645 (1) 2 bedroom apt for rent @ Peter’s Hall. Contact: 2239677/698-5800 Room to rent & (2) bedroom fully furnished @ Providence & Tel#660-7716/617-2666/ 682-6238 Space to rent, display rack, computers and office furniture for sale. Contact: 624-6783/664-1070
WANTED One radiator workman preferably from the West Coast of Demerara. Contact Charran’s Radiator Works Tel#622-5721 One full time auto body technician for repair center. Must have previous experience. Call: 222-0675 One service manager for repair centre, must have previous experience. Call: 6472022 1 Male cook to cook in interior #699-4718 Driver, Cashier, Pastry maker/ cake decorator, curry cook, counter server, Apply H/ written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce St
New triangle truck tyres, front & all-wheel drive, size 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm
1-woodmizer resaw HR120 (Kohler engine) 1-resaw blade shapener for 1 ¼” blade. Contact: 218-3399
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(1) Part time maid between the Age 40-50 years. Must know to iron & have character reference. Contact# 500-5923
One Mitsubishi canter, Excellent condition, long base, engine #4D335A2F3513 $2,000,000 neg. Call: 698-8820
Buying Wamara,Tonka Bean,Mora Fresh logs. Contact Tel or Whatsapp #664-5150
(1) 2006 Toyota Premio, Excellent condition, very low mileage. Call: 698-1134 1 Toyota Tundra $2M Call: 630-3695
Sawmen and skidder operator Contact: 218-3399 Urgently needed porter boys at Robb St ages 20 to 25. Attractive starting salary. Contact #223-5897
Organic potting soil $700 Supari palm, Foxtail, Sugarcane palm @ $1000 Ashoka trees, Crotoons. Tel#626-1044 8 Lots with model house Ulverston, Corentyne. Double lot with shed Rosehall near market #680-6577 1-620-240 Foreign used DAF engines Hepicycle & axle for 60 DAF Lorries & many other parts going cheap, owner migrating #649-8449/228-5655
2003 Toyota Spacio AC,CD, Mags,HID Excellent condition, late PVV, never crash nor hired $1,775,000 #618-1047
PROPERTY FOR SALE
(1) 2004 Nissan X-Trail, Immaculate condition, PRR series, 4WD, original leather seats, Alarm, Ice cold A/c. $2.650 M (neg) #658-7891
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1 Suzuki Escudo, Immaculate condition, fully powered bluetooth, reverse camera, mag rims. Tel#691-1876
3 story commercial building,120ftX60ft Building 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Plot B Herstelling, EBD $95 million neg. Contact: 6093777/697-4557
(1) One Lexus RX300 (1) One Nissan Cefiro for sale Tel# 227-4357/612-0005
Fridge and freezers for sale #671-3004
Transported (2) storey concrete with (6) bedroom property Uitvlugt New Scheme WCD $30M Neg Call: 693-4667/277-3743/697-0882 Diamond EBD 2 storey concrete, 6 bedrooms, hot/ cold, secured parking, ready to move in. Price negotiable. Call: 693-4890/692-5014
SALON
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Business spaces, top & bottom flat located @ 177 Charlotte and Alexander, Georgetown: #644-3555/6893462
One RZ minibus, good condition -$750,000 and 1 Nissan Bluebird 2009 series. Call: 601-0223
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VACANCY Exists for one experienced dispatcher- Call: 231-5784 Vacancy exist for (1) experienced pharmacy technician to work @ reputable pharmacy in Diamond (Flexible hours)- Call: 645-3422 One office clerk, must be computer literate. Call: 6144358 Inventory clerk, Tool room clerk, Female cleaner Call: 2332745 SECURITY GUARDS with personal firearm. Call: 2664427 Administrative clerk must have driver’s license. email: info@cevons.com
From page 12 he was appointed receiver of Precision Woodworking Limited. Bulkan told the court that before meeting Khan, he had only known of a process to appoint a receiver but he was never told that one had been identified. During initial discussions with Khan, the witness said that he was informed that a new agreement of sale will have to be entered with Khan as the vendor, given his appointment as receiver of Precision. The following day, July 1, 2011, the witness said he and his brother (Rustum) visited the office of Kashir Khan and
they continued to discuss the new sales agreement. He said that it was agreed that the old agreement would be rescinded and new agreement of sale involving Khan would be entered. “We agreed, too, that the purchasing price and everything will remain the same except for the passage of the transport -- following sale.” Bulkan explained that while the initial agreement would have allowed for three months before the transport is passed ---Khan wanted it to be passed in four months. He said, too, that the receiver claimed he was not mindful of paying the commission of $6.5M to the realtor.
Govt. continues to ... From page 12 Professor Clive Thomas, PPP Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira said the Opposition holds firmly to the position that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government can easily be classified as the most corrupt Government in the post-independent English speaking Caribbean. In three short years, the PPP stated that the government has managed to completely by-pass the public procurement process, mandated by law, and has handed to its cronies and financiers, hundreds of contracts to the value
of billions of dollars. “The number of cases of such violations is mounting on a daily basis. Suffice herein to provide a few most notable ones thus far which have cost the Guyanese people billions of dollars to their detriment,” the PPP stated. The walk has been described by the PPP as a mere “smoke screen” to detract from the grossest violations of the constitutional and statutory provisions regarding financial probity, transparency and accountability ever witnessed since independence.
Int’l Banks show ... From page 8 other regions where international banks are domiciled. “We must ensure that rather than being cut off from international banks, our local financial institutions and supervisors can learn from their best practices for AML/CFT risk management,” expressed the economist. The Finance Minister insisted that the IMF can play a critical role by facilitating engagement and collaboration among international FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Tel#277-0578
Table
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banking institutions, global supervisors, and the nations suffering from this wave of de-risking, by pressuring these institutions to take immediate action.
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Thursday April 19 , 2018
Regional Chairman laments effects of Guyana/Venezuela controversy on Region 7
T
he CuyuniMazaruni Region remains one of the richest areas in Guyana with its many natural resources. However, Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, said the current disagreement between Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, has had a dampening effect on the exploration of this natural wealth. This wealth, if exploited, can do so much for the region and the country to a wider extent. The longstanding issue perpetuated by Venezuela, sees the Spanish-speaking nation refusing to accept an award made to Guyana, giving rights to this country’s territorial boundary. Venezuela has for decades claimed that an 1899 arbitral award was null and void and that the area under contention, is in fact, theirs. The Cuyuni-Mazaruni region borders the regions of Barima-Waini, (Region One), Pomeroon-Supenaam
Regional Chairman of Region Seven, Gordon Bradford (Region Two) and Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) to the north, the region of Upper DemeraraBerbice (Region 10) to the east, the region of PotaroSiparuni (Region Eight) and Brazil to the south and Venezuela to the west. It is also a territory under contention by Venezuela. Most of the residents of
the region are involved in mining for gold and diamonds. Other areas of economic activities are found in the logging and tourism sectors. The Regional Chairman said that he hopes Guyana and Venezuela can consult to bring an end to the issue, which he noted, is direly affecting his region.
Bartica, the capital town of Region Seven. “We cannot continue to live under threat of war or whatever you want to call it. Our region is considered one of the richest regions in this country. It holds so many natural resources, but because of that threat, we are unable to exploit our natural resources to the benefit of the Guyanese nation.”
Guyana struggling to meet UN pact to eliminate use of mercury The ongoing concerns about poisoning at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) and surrounding areas have raised questions about Guyana’s commitment under a United Nations (UN) pact to eliminate the use of mercury in mining. Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Raphael Trotman, told Kaieteur News that while Guyana has made some strides in moving towards the elimination of mercury, many of the miners are oppose. “Mercury is convenient and so there is great resistance to its eradication. The government need the gold and so has to buy the gold that was amalgamated with mercury, but we are slowly working to minimize and eventually eradicate it,” Minister Trotman stated. Workers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), who suffered mercury poisoning, are looking to take the government to court. Despite going public last week with pronouncements that mercury emissions at the GGB laboratory on Brickdam were within “normal” limits, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has appointed a team of “experts” to look into the state of the facility where the burning of the amalgam is done. There are at least 60 persons who work in the GGMC
Gold mining operations compound have tested positive with elevated levels of mercury in their system. On the issue of eliminating mercury releases into the environment, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has held the position that miners must adhere to the codes of practices and environmental health and safety standards and regulations.However, the association has noted that there are no viable comparable alternatives proposed.As a consequence, the GGMDA has not sup-
ported the total elimination which is projected by Government for 2027 and the legal banning and trade of mercury. The association has outlined that to eliminate the use at this time will be tantamount to supporting the end of alluvial mining in Guyana. Gold is one of the biggest foreign currency earners for Guyana.Workers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), who suffered mercury poisoning, are looking to take their employer government to court.Mercury is used in the
extraction of gold because it allows for the separation of gold from other materials. Once amalgamation occurs, it then heated to evaporate the mercury, leaving the gold behind. Under the former administration, Guyana signed on to the Minamata Convention in October 2013, which aims to reduce the risks of mercury around the world. Last year President David Granger said that Government intends to not just reduce, but to eliminate the use of mercury in the mining industry.
He is hoping that the matter, currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), works out in Guyana’s favour. “I have to touch on this issue because it is a priority for our nation. But whatever the World Court should rule, then we will abide by the ruling of the court.” He spoke to the fact that Venezuela has refused to be
part of the court proceedings, but said whatever has to be done, must be done to bring the issue to an end. He called on all Guyanese to be “onboard” and “alerted”, since, “if anything should happen, we are among the first that will be affected and so we cannot sweep that issue away from us. We should forever have it in our thoughts,” he said.
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Trump hopes for successful North Korea summit, but warns he could walk away PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he hoped an unprecedented summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would be successful after a recent visit to Pyongyang by CIA Director Mike Pompeo, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results. Trump told a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that his campaign of “maximum pressure” on North Korea would continue until Pyongyang gave up its nuclear weapons. He also said Washington was negotiating for the release of three Americans held by North Korea and there was “a good chance of doing it.” He did not answer a reporter’s question as to whether that would be a condition for going ahead with the summit. “I hope to have a very successful meeting (with Kim),” Trump said in Palm Beach, Florida. “If I think that it’s a meeting that is not going to be fruitful, we’re not going to go,” he added. If the meeting
when I’m there is not fruitful, I will respectfully leave the meeting.” Trump said earlier that Pompeo, one of his most trusted advisers and his pick to be the next U.S. secretary of state, formed a “good relationship” with Kim when he became the first U.S. official known to have met the North Korean leader. U.S. officials said Pompeo met Kim when he visited Pyongyang over the Easter weekend, which ran from March 31 to April 2, to lay the groundwork for the planned summit, in which Trump hopes to persuade North Korea to abandon development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. “Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea,” Trump tweeted earlier. “Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!”A senior administration official said Pompeo brought up the case of the three American prisoners with Kim in North Korea and that
the United States was hopeful for their release. GOODWILL Pompeo’s visit provided the strongest sign yet of Trump’s willingness to become the first serving U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader. Trump said on Tuesday he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push, which he has said could take place in late May or early June. U.S. officials said the visit by Pompeo was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks about giving up his nuclear weapons.They said Pompeo’s conversations in Pyongyang fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible, but far from guaranteed. They said no site had yet been chosen for a summit.Pompeo flew to North Korea from a U.S. Air Force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with South Korea’s Defense Ministry said.Pompeo told his Senate
confirmation hearing last week for secretary of state that he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. NORTH-SOUTH SUMMIT News of Pompeo’s trip came as South Korean President Moon Jae-in was preparing for his own summit with Kim, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-1953 Korean War a major factor. “As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean Peninsula’s armistice to a peace regime,” a top South Korean presidential official told reporters in Seoul. “But that’s not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It re-
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a joint news conference with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida,U.S., April 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque quires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea.” South Korea and a U.S.led U.N. force have remained technically at war with North Korea since the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North
Indian Prime Minister Modi confronted by angry protests in London LONDON (Reuters) Hundreds of noisy protesters greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he arrived in London yesterday, demonstrating over a rising tide of sexual violence at home, including two particularly brutal rapes. Holding placards reading “Modi go home” and “we stand against Modi’s agenda of hate and greed,” they gathered outside Downing Street and parliament as Modi arrived for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Modi later responded at an event in front of thousands of Indian, saying the rape cases were “a matter of great concern”, had brought “a shame” on the country and called for the perpetrators to be outed. Sexual violence against women is a highly charged political issue in India, where protests regularly erupt about entrenched violence against women and the failure to protect them. “The Indian government are doing nothing, and you feel sorry for the families because of the total injustice of it all,” said Navindra Singh, an Indianborn lawyer who lives in Britain.“He has been in power
Demonstrators hold placards and pictures of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament Square, London, Britain, yesterday. REUTERS/Hannah for four years now and there has been no policy change to help protect women and children.”Protests have erupted across India after the latest rape cases were reported. Police officers and a politician are under investigation in two of the unrelated cases.In a crime that shocked India, an eight-year-old Muslim girl in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir was kidnapped, drugged and held for several days while she was raped repeatedly and
then murdered. In the other case, a state lawmaker from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party stands accused of raping a teenager. No action was taken against the politician until the girl threatened to set herself on fire earlier this month. Her father died soon afterwards from injuries he suffered in police custody. Modi’s comments yesterday followed remarks last week, which came after a week of silence on the issue and
promised justice regardless of whoever the guilty were. Nearly 40 percent of India’s rape victims are children, and the 40,000 reported rapes in 2016 marked a 60 percent increase over the level in 2012. But women’s rights groups say the figures are still gross underestimates. In London, a spokeswoman for a group of UKbased Indian students and alumni - who did not want her name to be used - said the group had come under fire
after it sent a letter to Modi last week demanding action over the rape cases. The letter was signed by Indian and Asian student groups from more than 20 British universities.She told Reuters many of the university groups had received calls from “UKbased individuals” pressuring them to remove their signatures from the letter, and that members of the group had not received tickets for Wednesday’s event with Modi, although the organizers had told they would. “The question you have to ask is are our voices being silenced,” she said. Modi, a Hindu nationalist, is a divisive figure in India and his second trip to Britain as prime minister represents a remarkable turnaround for a man who was once banned from the UK over his alleged role, as chief minister of Gujarat, in riots that killed about 1,000 people in 2002. Britain ended a boycott of Modi in 2012 after he emerged from being a provincial politician to the likely leader of the world’s largest democracy. He has denied wrongdoing and was exonerated by an inquiry ordered by India’s Supreme Court.
Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. The South Korean official said he did not know if any joint summit statement would include wording about ending the war, “but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North.”Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war.Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable last year when North Korea conducted repeated missile tests, detonated its largest-ever nuclear bomb, and said the United States was now within range of its weapons. The tests and escalating rhetoric between Trump and Kim raised fears of war before the North Korean leader called, in a New Year’s speech, for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea.Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, Pyongyang’s sole major ally.Despite China’s traditional friendship with North Korea, Beijing has been angered by Kim’s weapons development and backed successive rounds of U.N. economic sanctions, from which Pyongyang is seeking respite. On Wednesday, finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized countries issued a statement saying they were concerned about North Korea’s evasion of sanctions and its “ability to access the international financial system.”
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Thursday April 19 , 2018
Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, Selected As Next President Of Cuba HAVANA (AP) — Cuba yesterday selected 57-yearold First Vice President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez as the sole candidate to succeed Raul Castro as president of Cuba, the centerpiece of an effort to ensure that the country’s singleparty system outlasts the aging revolutionaries who created it. The virtually certain unanimous approval of the National Assembly will install someone from outside the Castro family in the country’s highest government office for the first time in nearly six decades. The 86-year-old Castro will remain head of the Communist Party, designated by the constitution as “the superior guiding force of society and the state.” As a result, Castro is almost certain to remain the most powerful person in
Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez Cuba for the time being. His departure from the presidency is nonetheless a symbolically charged moment for a country accustomed to 60 years of absolute rule first by revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and, for the last decade,
his younger brother.Most Cubans know their first vice president as an unremarkable speaker who initially assumed a public profile so low it was virtually nonexistent.Until March, Diaz-Canel had said nothing to the Cuban people
Raul Castro about the type of president he would be.The whitehaired, generally unsmiling Diaz-Canel had been seen at greatest length in a leaked video of a Communist Party meeting where he somberly pledged to shutter some in-
dependent media and labeled some European embassies as outposts of foreign subversion. That image has begun to change slightly this year as Diaz-Canel stepped into the moderate limelight offered by Cuba’s Soviet-style state media.With his public comments in March, many Cubans got a glimpse of him as a flesh-pressing local politician, an image familiar to residents of the central province where he was born and spent nine years in a role akin to a governor. Castro entered the National Assembly just after 9 a.m. accompanied by a broadly smiling Diaz-Canel. The 604 assembly members were sworn in — a 605th was absent — then voted for the president and vice president of the legislative body itself.The result of the votes for president and vice presi-
dents and other national leaders is expected to be officially announced today, the anniversary of the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion defeated by Cuban forces in 1961. As in Cuba’s legislative elections, all of the leaders being voted today are selected by a government-appointed commission. Ballots offer only the option of approving or disapproving the official candidate. Candidates generally receive more than 90 percent of the votes in their favour. Fidel Castro was prime minister and president from 1959 until he fell ill in 2006. Although Osvaldo Dorticos was president of Cuba during Fidel Castro’s time as prime minister, he was considered a figurehead beside the man who led Cuba’s revolution, forged its singleparty socialist system and ruled by fiat.
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Thursday April 19 , 2018
Guatemala says it will abide by ICJ ruling BELMOPAN, Belize - CMC – Guatemala has given the assurance that it will abide by the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) whenever it hears the matter involving the border dispute with Belize. Guatemalans voted last Sunday in a referendum on the question of going to the ICJ regarding the centuries old border dispute between the two countries. The referendum was held in accordance with the Special Agreement of 2008 between the two countries. Under Article V of the Special Agreement, the parties have agreed to “accept the decision of the Court as final and binding, and undertake to comply with and implement it in full and in good faith”. Since 1821, Guatemala has laid claim to more than half of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. It has recognized Belize’s independence in 1991, but continues to claim more than half of the Belizean territory, including various cayes on the Caribbean Sea. Guatemala’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sandra Jovel Polanco, in an interview with News Five broadcast here on Tuesday night, said that when the ICJ gives a final verdict on this issue, “Guatemala will abide by what the court says. “We will obey what the court orders and it will be the Court that will decide where the boundary will be between the two countries. As a country, the only thing we need to do is to obey what the Court says and that is why we are having this referendum. “This is why we asked the people if they want us to go to the Court because it is the Court that will decide the future of this territorial, insular and maritime dispute. Beyond that, Guatemala will not do anything else.” In the interview, the Guatemalan foreign minister said that the bilateral relations between Guatemala and Belize “are at their best at the moment,” adding “they could not have been better. “We have excellent relations not only at the ministerial level but also at the presidential level. President [Jimmy] Morales is convinced
Sandra Jovel Polanco that the bilateral relations with Belize can only get better. Evidence of this was the recent Garifuna cultural exchange that took place here in Guatemala. They performed at various places and the participation was very good. This is allowing Guatemala and Belize to have a participatory exchange.” She said that she had discussed with her Belizean counterpart, Wilfred Elrington, “the latest developments regarding this specific issue” during a recent meeting at the Organization of American States adding “and I believe the relationship with Belize has been improving much more.” On Monday, the Belize government congratulated Guatemala for conducting the referendum and that it is “committed to conducting its own referendum for the electorate to decide whether we should submit Guatemala’s claim to the ICJ for a final settlement. “A date for this will be set after the national re-registration exercise has produced a new and robust electoral roll,” the Dean Barrow government noted.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 19 , 2018
Brazil court rejects Lula’s latest appeal Sao Paulo (AFP) - A Brazilian court yesterday turned down ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s latest appeal against his 12-year sentence for corruption, seemingly putting his bid for a political comeback even farther out of reach. The court in Porto Alegre tweeted that it had unanimously turned down the appeal, which was of a technical nature and, even if successful, would not have changed Lula’s guilty verdict. Lula was imprisoned on April 7 to begin his sentence for accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe from the OAS construction company, which was seeking contracts with
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva state-controlled oil major Petrobras.
Lula says he has been framed in order to prevent him from running in October’s presidential election. He currently leads in the opinion polls. This was his third appeal at the same court and he can now take his case before higher courts. However, Lula, who was president 2003-2010, faces several other corruption cases. He faces an August 15 deadline to register as a candidate for the presidency. According to Brazil’s clean slate law, his conviction means he would be barred, but the Superior Electoral Tribunal must make the definitive ruling by September 17.
Ecuador to suspend mediation of Colombia peace talks QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno said he is suspending his country’s role as a mediator in peace talks between Colombia’s government and the nation’s last major rebel army. Moreno told Colombia’s RCN network yesterday that he took the decision because the National Liberation Army continues to carry out “terrorist” acts even while negotiating an end to hostilities.Peace talks between the ELN and
Colombia’s government have been taking place in Ecuador for more than a year. But they’ve suffered numerous setbacks, and a temporary cease-fire between the two sides expired in January without yet being renewed. In recent days, small towns in the volatile Catatumbo region of northeast Colombia have been paralyzed by guerrilla fighting between the ELN and a much-smaller rebel group.
Trinidad Express - There is fresh call for the resignation of National Security Minister Edmund Dillon in light of a court judgment against him. The High Court Tuesday ruled against the minister in a matter brought by former Strategic Services Agency (SSA) employee Carlton Dennie, who was fired. Former director Bisnath Maharaj, who
was removed, was first replaced by Matthew Andrews before the eventual appointment of retired Colonel George Robinson, as Director of Criminal Intelligence. Dennie challenged the legality of the minister’s directive in November 13, 2015 that a handover of the duties and all associated responsibilities of director be made to Andrews.
Dillon must go
Venezuela’s congress pushes for graft trial against Maduro CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition-controlled but essentially powerless congress gave a group of selfexiled judges permission Tuesday to put President Nicolas Maduro on trial for allegedly seeking bribes from Odebrecht, the Brazilian construction giant at the centre of a regional corruption scandal. Maduro’s trial will only be symbolic, as the jurists who are overseeing the case are not recognized by Venezuela’s law enforcement institutions. The proceedings against Maduro started earlier this month in Bogota, Colombia, where a group of judges known as Venezuela’s “Supreme Court in Exile” met to review claims that Maduro illegally sought $50 million from Odebrecht for his 2013 presidential campaign.
At the highly publicized hearing, Venezuela’s deposed chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega, claimed that Maduro sought $50 million from the Brazilian construction company for his 2013 presidential campaign and in exchange offered to help Odebrecht secure new contracts. Ortega asked for Maduro to be tried for corruption and money laundering and handed the judges a CD with evidence of his alleged crimes. On Tuesday, the National Assembly, which was largely superseded by a pro-government constituent assembly installed last summer, voted overwhelmingly to approve a request by the jurists to proceed to a trial. Officials of Maduro’s socialist government have called the jurists’ proceedings “silly” and “illegal.”
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Thursday April 19 , 2018
Thursday April 19, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Ramdin still eyeing Test recall following T20 retention P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – Seasoned wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin says he is still hopeful of making a Test comeback, especially after being retained in the We s t I n d i e s Tw e n t y 2 0 squad for the Rest of the World XI fixture in London next month. The 33-year-old returned to the international side for the first time in 17 months earlier this month, when he toured Pakistan for the historic threematch T20 series in Karachi. His selection came against the backdrop of his heavy scoring in the first class season when he piled up 799 runs at an average of 61, including three centuries. And following a decent series against Pakistan, the
Gloveman Denesh Ramdin … hopeful of a Test return. Trinidadian told the NewsDay he was now eyeing a return to the Test arena, which was his preferred format. “My job was to go out and make a lot of runs and
I think I did that. That is my part and hopefully the selectors can do their part now,” said Ramdin, who was axed from all formats in 2016. “I’m just waiting on the
Thursday April 19, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Those who know the real you find your lack of confidence frustrating, Aries. Your talents are startling to mere mortals, yet you rarely take credit for all your abilities.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today might be largely devoted to household tasks, Libra. It isn't exactly the most glamorous assignment, but you take a certain pleasure in attending to daily necessities.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may be in a quiet, reflective mood today, Taurus. You could receive a communication from an old friend that sets you remembering the good old days of your youth.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is going to be a rather busy day for you, Scorpio, and you're likely to love every minute of it. You can expect to meet many people as you go about your day.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today, Gemini, forget socializing, working, and answering the phone. Stay home and cuddle in a blanket by the fire.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You've been working hard lately and deserve the professional acclaim that comes your way, Sagittarius. As a result of your efforts, it's likely you've received or will soon receive a bonus
CANCER(June21–July22) Don't be surprised if neighbors come to your door asking for a favor – and not just to borrow a cup of sugar! While your initial response will be to say yes (it's your nature, after all), LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're likely to wake up today with a compulsion to clean or organize something, Leo. This may be rather unlike you. If we didn't know better we'd say that you were feeling a parental urge VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today should be a "no holds barred" day as you strategize your next career move, Virgo. If you were in the army, you'd be a five-star general by now - your tactical sense is that good.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This is likely to be a day geared to fulfilling the needs of family. Lesser persons would resent the obligation AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Guilt can be a powerful motivator, Aquarius, but it isn't a pure one. Today you could feel obligated to help a family member with something you'd prefer to take no part in. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you could feel overwhelmed with obligations and commitments to others. There isn't a moment free for yourself, not even for a bathroom break!
call to play Test match or T20. Whichever one, I’m happy to go out and play. Test cricket is the ultimate. Once I get back there I would like to continue where I left off in Australia where I had some good performances. “We have some good cricket coming up in the next few months and hopefully if I get my opportunity I will go out and do my best.” West Indies suffered a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan but Ramdin did his chances of re-selection little harm, with a stroke-filled unbeaten 42 in the final T20. Part of a depleted unit then after several senior players opted out of the tour, Ramdin will now be a member of full-strength Windies squad with the likes of captain Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle and Andre Russell all returning. Ramdin said he was pleased with his selection and was looking forward to the May 31 fixture at Lord’s. “It’s a good feeling still. I didn’t do badly in Pakistan. It’s always [a privilege] to represent West Indies at any level,” said Ramdin, a member of the T20 World Cup-winning squad two years ago. “It’s an important game against the Rest of the World. It’s gonna be a nice experience playing against all the other guys around the world on one team and meeting up the T20 champs (West Indies). “It’s gonna be an exciting game and I hope a lot of people come out and support.” Ramdin has played 74 Te s t s , 1 3 9 O n e - D a y Internationals and 61 T20Is.
MC& RS.... From page 35 his family for the support, while pledging to work hard every day to make sure that Berbice is once again recognised as the Mecca of Caribbean Cricket. MC & RS Samaroo Wholesale Grocery is the sole distributor of Dan’s Milk Powder which is available across the entire Country. Samaroo, a Berbician by birth stated that he was delighted to assist the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club as he was aware of the outstanding work it was doing in the Ancient County. The donation was made under the Dan’s Powder Milk Brand.
Sharapova to make grass-court return in Birmingham (Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova will compete at the Birmingham Classic grass-court event in the leadup to Wimbledon, Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) announced yesterday. The June 18-24 tournament is set to be the Russian’s first on grass since she reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2015. Sharapova, who won the Birmingham title in 2004 and 2005, was granted a wildcard at the event last year before a thigh injury forced her to skip the grasscourt season. The five-time grand slam winner has failed to rediscover her best form after returning from a doping ban last year and split with coach Sven Groeneveld following a first-round exit at the BNP Paribas Open last month. The defeat in California
was the first time Sharapova had lost three consecutive matches since 2003 and the Russian has since withdrawn from the Miami Open with a forearm injury. The 30-year-old joins a strong field in Birmingham, including Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain, British number one Johanna Konta and Czech Petra Kvitova, who lifted the trophy at the Edgbaston Priory Club last year. “Maria is one of the biggest stars of her generation and a former champion in Birmingham, so it will be great to see her back on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club,” tournament director Patrick Hughesman said in a statement. “This year’s line-up of players is already incredibly strong and we could get more big names signing up in the next couple of weeks.”
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Thursday April 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
Kuldeep, Chawla, Rana lift KKR to top of table ESPNcricinfo - Kolkata Knight Riders have banked on a traditional modus operandi, but have also adopted a new approach this season. Spin, their longtime asset, first limited Rajasthan Royals to 160 on a sluggish surface. Their aggressive batting strategy then helped them chase down that target with ease, with seven wickets in hand. The win took them to the top of the points table. Sunil Narine conceded 48 runs in four overs, his most expensive returns in the IPL. But the rest of the spinners - Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav and Nitish Rana - conceded 52 runs off 10 overs and took four wickets. Brisk cameos were all Knight Riders required in a middling chase. Narine, Robin Uthappa, Rana and Dinesh Karthik all scored at a strike rate of at least 125 to ensure there were no flutters in the end. Short: Pace v spin D’Arcy Short scored 572 runs in 11 matches, with a TEAM 1 KKR 2 Sunrisers 3 Kings XI 4 Chennai 5 Rajasthan 6 Mumbai 7 RCB 8Delhi
M 5 3 3 3 4 4 4 4
highest score of 122*, in the 2017-18 Big Bash League. Almost all of those runs were made on hard, bouncy pitches. On slower pitches in India, his batting hasn’t quite adapted. He began his IPL career with two run-outs followed by a 17-ball 11 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in a team total of 217. Yesterday, Short struggled against spin, neither making decisive forward movements to smother the turn nor using the depth of the crease to play the ball late. Eventually, he was bowled by Nitish Rana’s part-time offspin for 44 off 43 balls. He made 26 off 15 balls against pace, but just 18 off 28 against spin. It was Ajinkya Rahane, unexpectedly, who gave Royals what little early impetus they had, scoring 36 off 19 including four successive fours off Narine’s first over. A stuttering finish Royals had used up the first 10 overs to set a platform, scoring 71 for 2 in that period. W 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1
L 2 0 1 1 2 3 3 3
Short and Rahul Tripathi then scored 24 runs off the next two overs. Just when they seemed set to launch, with a strong middle order to follow, the innings fell away. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler were forced to stabilise the innings after Short and Tripathi fell against spin. Two quiet overs followed. Then, Stokes holed out at the start of the 17th over against Chawla. Three more wickets would fall as Royals limped to 160 for 8, having managed just 65 off the last eight overs. This despite Narine’s unusual profligacy. Knight Riders’ batting approach In an interview during the first innings, Chris Lynn had said batsmen would need to play “with a vertical bat” on this slow, low pitch. His first ball was a punch to mid-off with a straight bat. Off his next ball against K Gowtham’s flat darts, he made himself room and missed a cut, a shot fraught with risk on a pitch
Indian Premier League T N/R PT 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2
NRR 0.825 0.772 0.116 0.103 -0.366 0.445 -0.861 -1.399
Narine perked up the chase with a 25-ball 35.. ©BCCI with variable - and often low bounce. A two-ball duck put Knight Riders under pres-
FOR 880/97.4 417/54.5 519/58.5 567/59.4 572/66.0 719/80.0 700/79.3 550/66.0
AGAINST 809/98.5 410/60.0 518/59.3 564/60.0 548/60.4 682/79.5 762/78.5 631/64.5
sure. But, as has been the case right through the season, their top order was bent on counter-attacking. It worked again. Narine and Uthappa added 69 for the second wicket off 49 balls. Rana then struck an unbeaten 35 off 27 balls with no pressure of a rising required rate and Karthik finished the innings with a 23-ball 42. With the plausibility of false shots
and wrong decisions under pressure, chases with an asking rates of over eight can often get close in T20s, but Knight Riders’ tactics meant they had plenty of room for error. None were made in a clinical finish. Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 163 for 3 (Uthappa 48, Karthik 42*) beat Rajasthan Royals 160 for 8 (Short 44, Rahane 36) by seven wickets.
Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County Cricket
Demerara routed for lowest total at U-19 Inter-County level Defending Champions Demerara were routed for the lowest ever total in the over 40-year-old history of U-19 Inter-County three-day cricket when they were dismantled for 40 in round three of the Hand-In-Hand U19 Inter-County three-day cricket tournament yesterday at Tuschen on the East Bank Essequibo. One day after setting the new lowest total record after being bowled out for 50 by Berbice at Lusignan, Demerara electing to bat and without Skipper Bhaskar Yadram due to a leg injury, were destroyed for an embarrassing 40 in 20.2 overs. Extras top scored with 13 after the first ball of the day produced five wides and only Kennard Moonsammy (11) reached double figures in the woeful batting display which saw Windies U-19 player Joshua Persaud, dropped for the previous game for turning up late, being dismissed for a duck. The tournament’s leading
pacer Joshua Jones started the slump and finished with 3-10 to take his tally in the Tournament to 14 scalps. The multitalented Jones, a National Junior Javelin Athlete, got support from the consistent Joel Fortune (313), Quentin Sampson (2-9) for Essequibo, who were dismissed for 143 to claim a 103 first innings lead. In a tournament that has been plagued by a string of low totals after Demerara’s first round score, ViceCaptain Kurt Lovell (43), Sampson (31) and Jones (21) offered some fight for Essequibo.Windies U-19 World Cup left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd captured his third five-wicket haul (5-43) to extend his lead among the bowlers to 18 wickets. He was supported by Saadiq Khan (5-42). Demerara, who amassed 4898 declared in the first round against the U-17s at Everest, reached 91-5 in 26 overs by the close with Persaud (31) and Adrian Hinds (31) getting starts but not going onto substantial scores.
Demerara’s Ashmead Nedd captured his 3rd 5-wkt haul yesterday but could not prevent E’bo from gaining 1st innings points. Sherlon Anthony had 221, while Shane Wong,
Fortune and Jones have one wicket so far.
Joshua Jones, the leading pacer in the tournament had 3-10 as Demerara were bowled out for record low 40 at Tuschen yesterday. Today is the second day and play is scheduled to
commence at 10:00hrs. (Sean Devers)
Thursday April 19, 2018
Nadal strolls past Bedene in Monte Carlo, Djokovic passes Coric test MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - World number one Rafa Nadal launched his bid for an 11th Monte Carlo Masters title with a 6-1 6-3 secondround victory over Slovenia’s Alijaz Bedene as Novak Djokovic overcame a late wobble to see off Borna Coric yesterday. Nadal breezed through the opener, bringing up set point with a trademark curling forehand before sealing the set with a deft drop shot. Bedene, ranked 58th in the world, put up a stiffer fight in the second set, holding serve until the sixth game before Nadal broke twice in succession to seal a convincing victory in an hour and 17 minutes. The Spaniard, who is chasing a record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title, will take on Russian Karen Khachanov in the last 16. “It’s going to be a very tough one against (Khachanov),” the 31-yearold said. “I’m going to need to play a very high intensity and a high level of tennis if I want to have success.” Djokovic squandered nine match points before clinching
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Rafa Nadal
a 7-6(2) 7-5 second-round victory over Coric. The Croatian saved two match points while trailing 53 in the second set and recovered from 40-0 down on Djokovic’s serve before saving four match points in an epic 10th game. Djokovic, who has twice won the Monte Carlo title, broke back immediately before claiming victory on his 10th match point to set up a third-
round clash with fifth seed Dominic Thiem. Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who missed a large part of last season with a wrist injury, looked sharp as he beat Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 to record his sixth competitive win of the year. World number three Marin Cilic booked a last-16 spot with a 6-3 7-6(4) win victory over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco.
Beware the Hamilton fightback, warns Rosberg LONDON (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One rivals should beware the backlash because the four-times world champion’s dip in form will not last long, his former Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg has warned. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 2016 world champion said last Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix showed the Briton, who finished fourth, was struggling. The German, whose once-friendly relationship with Hamilton grew increasingly frosty in their time together, saw that as just one of those “typical phases” that his old rival goes through. “When it doesn’t go perfectly, he starts to lose that edge a little bit and a touch of motivation or whatever and then just struggles for a while,” said Rosberg. “And those are the races you have to maximize... because Lewis always comes back, and when he comes back he comes back so damn strong that he’s almost unbeatable. And so let’s see when that happens.” The next race is at Azerbaijan’s Baku circuit on April 29. Hamilton has not won since last year’s U.S. Grand Prix in October, a run of six without standing on the top step of the podium. In the three so far this year, the 33-year-old has finished second, third and fourth and been beaten twice by Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won in Australia and Bahrain and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo in China — the first time since the V6 turbo hybrid era started in 2013 that Mercedes have lost three races in a row. Hamilton had a longer winless run at the end of 2015 and early 2016 when Rosberg won
Lewis Hamilton seven in a row before Max Verstappen triumphed for Red Bull in Spain. Hamilton then won six of the next seven. The Briton went on another five-race run without victory after that before winning the last four races, but the damage had been done and Rosberg was champion. Hamilton said after Shanghai, where Ferrari swept the front row for the second race in succession, that he felt he was in ‘no-man’s land’. “Obviously it’s a tough battle ahead of us. I would say on my side but also us as a team, we’ve been underperforming,” he added. “I have got to try and rectify that and get myself back into normal performance mode, otherwise more valuable points will be lost.” Team boss Toto Wolff agreed Hamilton’s form had dipped. “Like the car, he was maybe not in the best place this weekend,” the Austrian told Sky Sports. “He’s the best driver, in my opinion, but also the best ones have days where it’s just not 100 percent.”
Shai Hope springs eternal By Albert Baldeo Don’t get me wrong. I am happy and proud that West Indian Shai Hope has been honored as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers-of-the-Year, and I hope he grows from strength to strength (pardon the pun). Like he said, it as “humbling and was a bit of a shock when I got the news and obviously a huge privilege being named among the five.” Many are pleasantly shocked too. Hope was selected on the basis of one testhis outstanding performance at Leeds, when he became the first batsman in 127 years of first class cricket at Headingley to score a century in both innings. He made 147 in the first innings and an unbeaten 118 in the second, as West Indies chased down 322 to win by five wickets and level the three-match series 1-1. It was a memorable effort, and one that deserves a place in the history books. But to be named as a Wisden Five? Indeed, prior to the achievement, Hope had only managed a single half-century in 21 previous innings, at an average of 18. His career average is only 33 from 17 Tests and his selection confirms the paucity of talent and class in the present West Indies batting lineup. Unfortunately, gone are the days when Headley, Worrell, Weekes, Walcott, Sobers, Kanhai, Lloyd, Butcher, Richards, Rowe, Kallicharran, Fredericks, Richardson, Greenidge, Haynes, Lara, Gayle, Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Hooper and company dominated bowlers all around the world in the hundreds of innings they played. Perhaps selecting Hope was belated largesse for Wisden ignoring many of these Caribbean giants in their heyday, or being too slow to recognize their achievements. Not only may this premature award lull this young, talented batsman into complacency to the West Indies’ detriment, but, by its logic and precedent, Wisden, cricket’s Bible, stunned us all. If Hope’s lone performance was enough to catapult him to Wisden acclamation, then Lawrence Rowe’s 214 and 100* in his first test against New Zealand in 1972 should have spontaneously earned him similar recognition also. Alvin
District Leader Albert Baldeo had the pleasure of paying tributes to both Everton Weekes and Chris Gayle, whose respective belated and missing Wisden selections he takes issue with. Kallicharran, who scored centuries in his first two test innings in the same series should have been awarded also, and not have to wait until the twilight of his career in 1983 to be thus awarded. Likewise, Mohammad Azharuddin, who stands alone in making three test hundreds in his first three test matches, should have been thus awarded also, as should batting titans like Kanhai, Sobers, Lara and others who accomplished Hope’s feat years before-often referred to in cricket jargon as becoming an immortal. Some have actually performed this feat more than once, notably Headley (at Lord’s and Bourda, for good measure), and Walcott for West Indians. And how should Wisden recognize Sir Everton Weekes, who scored 5consecutive test centuries in as many innings-141, 128, 194, 162 and 101 back to back, and was then run out for 90 in the sixth? And what do they say about Sir Clyde Walcott, who made centuries in consecutive innings twice in a series, against the mighty Australian side in 1955, becoming the first batsman to score five centuries in a single Test series, and totaling 827 runs from 10 innings before being belatedly honored by Wisden until 1958? Indeed, in the 1951 Wisden edition, which chose Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Everton Weekes, the Editor strangely remarked in his preface: “My only regret was that room could not be found for C. L. Walcott.” That sounds like a quota system, considering Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance,
both Englishmen, and Jeetan Patel of New Zealand, relatively unknown in comparison, were selected. The irony increases when one considers that Ronnie Sarwan, and Lawrence Rowe, who made 7 test hundreds in 30 tests at an average of 43.55, and is one of the select batsmen to score over 300 runs in a test innings (302 vs England in 1974), never made the Wisden list. It waxes more inexplicable with Chris Gayle’s omission. Even if his incomparable limited overs exploits are somehow omitted, the “Universe Boss” is one of only four players who have scored two triple centuries at Test level in the history of the game: 317 against South Africa in 2005, and 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010. Surely, this is a feat worthy of Wisden recognition? Bat on, Shai Hope, you have a long way to go, and a point to prove. You said you want to break Brian Lara’s 400*, the highest individual test score in a single innings. Your 32 test innings thus far have yielded an aggregate of 996 runs. Do the math, Shai. Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. After years of advocacy, he got the MTA to install a subway elevator at the Lefferts station in Richmond Hill/Ozone Park. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued the fight for justice, equal rights, dignity and inclusion for all. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: AlBaldeo@aol.com or (718) 529-2300.
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Hand-in-Hand 3-day Inter-County U-19 Cricket
U-17s and Berbice locked in tight battle for 1st inns points
Kevlon Anderson was bowled by Sean Glasgow at Everest yesterday. By Sean Devers A couple of half-century partnerships rallied Berbice to 176 before the National U-17s ended the opening day of their final round Hand-inHand three-day Inter County U-19 contest at Everest 100 runs in arrears with six wickets in hand on another day when ball dominated bat on a slow but good batting track which offered some turn for the spinners. In sweltering heat, Berbice elected to bat and slumped to 55-5 before a 53run stand between Steve Deonarine (14) and Trevon
Stanislaus, who made 47 with six fours and two sixes, halted the slid. Another 50-run last wicket stand between Leon Swamy, who blasted three sixes and a four in a pugnacious 47 and Karan Arjpaul (10*) ensured the Berbicians got past 150. Sheldon Charles (3-20) and leg spinner Niron Bissu (2-12) were the best bowlers for the U-17s who were 76-4 when bails were lifted. National U-19 opener Alex Algoo (1) was taken at cover as Charles struck a
crucial blow for the U-17s at 3-1 before Sylvon Williams removed Javid Karim (6) at 16-2. Charles then removed the in-form Junior Sinclair (12) at 33-3, while Kevin Sinclair (11) was caught behind off Charles at 48-4 and when Kelvon Anderson was bowled by off-spinner Seon Glasgow for 22 with three boundaries at 55-5, Berbice, who has not won the title since 2015, were in deep trouble. However, Deonarine and Stanislaus halted the slide by
Berbice’s last man Karan Arjpaul edges Sheldon Charles (3-20) just short of the Keeper in a last wicket stand of 50 with Leon Swamy at Everest. taking the score to 108 before Deonarine, who played the supporting role, was trapped in front by Andre Seepersaud before the attacking Stanislaus departed eight runs later. Bissu picked up two wickets with the score on 126 and the U-17s were back in the picture but poor bowling and the insistence of Singh not bringing back Charles for a second spell after he bowled six impressive overs in the first session, let Berbice off the hook. Swamy, a no nonsense left-hander, found a useful
partner in Arjpaul who batted with a very sound technique, joined forces before with three minutes left to Tea, Swamy was taken by skipper Sachin Singh at short cover playing an uppish drive off Gevon Schultz. The U-17s began their reply after the break and lost the correct looking Mavendra Dindyal (3) when he gloved an out of character hook at Anderson and was taken down the leg side by Junior Sinclair at 7-1. Andrew Samaroo (5) top edged a lobbed catch to the Keeper as Umroa, on the
back of the seven-wicket haul in the last round, struck at 222 before Windies U-16 Captain Singh was bowled by Kevin Sinclair after batting for over an hour for a sedate 15. Glasgow (18) joined Seepersaud at 34-3 and took the score to 62, but just when the partnership was gaining momentum Glasgow was run out. Schultz (1) and Seepersaud (25) saw their team to the close with still a lot of work to be done today if they hope to deny Berbice first innings which would give them the title.
Police in massive fitness run/walk, exercise on Corentyne Part of community interaction programme in Berbice As police continue in their quest to do things differently, there are a number of ongoing community interactions and programmes. One such is the series of ongoing fitness runs/walks in the Police B Division area. Led by Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Lyndon Alves, he led his ranks as they joined with members of the community to stage another fitness walk and exercise routine in Berbice. The walk was held in the No 2 subdivision (Lower and upper Corentyne and Corentyne River). The Commander was accompanied by and Deputy Commander Superintendent Wayne De Harte, Officer in Charge of the Subdivision, S u p e r i n t e n d e n t Boodnarine Persaud and other senior officers from all the various subdivisions in Berbice. Also on the exercise were
Commander Assistant Commissioner Lyndon Alves leading his troupes along the Corentyne Highway and through their exercise paces at the Felix Austin Police College Compound on the Corentyne. ranks from the other subdivisions and departments including the Traffic Department, Criminal Investigation Department, Felix Austin Police College, B Division, General Duty, Special
Constabulary, neighbourhood and community policing groups and members of the public. Another successful walk was also held in sub division number 3. The 3
miles walk began at the Whim Police Station and wended its way along the main Corentyne highway before ending at the Felix Austin Police College at Adventure Corentyne.
At the end of the walk the ranks were carried through their (exercise) calisthenics paces by Commander Alves and other senior ranks. The walks are done to keep the members of the force
active and fit and also to continue the interaction with the general public. It is also done as part of the force anniversary. Other walks are planned for the other subdivisions.
Thursday April 19, 2018
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Kaieteur News
BCB will invest heavily in Female Cricket - Foster assures players Female Cricketers would be treated with the same passion as their male counterparts and the Berbice Cricket Board would be investing heavily into their future. Those were the assurances the President of Berbice Cricket Board Hilbert Foster gave the Female Cricketers as he spoke to them at the Rose Hall Canje Ground last Sunday. Foster was speaking to the Female Cricketers as he continued his countywide consultations with cricket stakeholders. The newly elected President acknowledged that Female Cricket was neglected in Guyana for too long and the Berbice Board would correct the situation over the remaining months of 2018. The Berbice Cricket Board, Foster stated would host Tournaments on a regular basis but urged Clubs like Blairmont, West Berbice, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Young Warriors to form Female Teams. The only Club in Berbice and Guyana to a have a Female team is the RHTY&SC, but several Female Players are members of the Rose Hall Canje and Tucber Park Cricket Clubs. Addressing the thirty Female Cricketers, Foster urged them to become students of the game by re-
The Berbice Female Squad pose for a photo after the Meeting. searching its history, rules and tradition. He told the attentive audience which included West Indies Female Players Erva Giddings, Shemaine Campbelle and Tremayne Smartt that special emphasis would be placed on coaching so that they can correct basic technical problems before representing Berbice and Guyana. Female cricketers between the ages of 12 to 18 years would be involved in the Dr. Tulsi Dyal
Singh Berbice Coaching Programme and the 2018 Berbice Cricket Board Cricket Academy scheduled for May and July respectively. Foster also stated that the Berbice Cricket Board would be investing in hosting Social Skills Seminars, Educational Posters and one on one Coaching in a comprehensive effort to make sure that every Female Cricketer in the county fulfills her full potential. The tournaments which
would be played for Females are - 40-Overs, 20/20 and Double Wicket Competitions and Foster urged the Players to play their part by getting themselves fit for selection to Berbice Senior Team to play in the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County Championship. The first match of the BCB/RHTYSC 40-Overs Female Cricket Tournament was washed out after heavy rainfall just before the start of play. The two
teams - Rose Hall Town Metro and New Amsterdam/Canje played each other in a fifteen overs softball match, in the presence of Albert Smith, Chairman of the Berbice Cricket Board Selection Committee. N e w A msterdam/Canje reached 96 for 8 with Odessa Cadogan topscoring with 43, Niveena Ramnauth 15 and Divona Frank 13. Bowling f o r R o s e H a l l To w n , Plaffiana Millington col-
lected 3 for 8, Shakeba Gajnabi 2 for 20 and Mariam Samaroo 2 for 5. In response, the powerful Rose Hall Town Metro Team reached 94 for 2 from 11-Overs with Kassie Munroe 40 not out, Kimmone Thomas 12 and Uma Matadin 13 not out being the principal scorers. The winning team would receive a cash prize, trophy and medals, compliments of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club.
Sunday’s King of the Strip 2 receives support from Japarts, Mohamed’s Enterprise -Rohan Deosaran’s rail car arrives at wharf Once again, Mohamed’s Enterprise has thrown its support behind motor racing locally, this time being one of the major sponsors for this Sunday’s ‘King of the Strip’ (KOTS) 2 that will speed off at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. Also signing on to the premier drag race meet organised by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) are JAPARTS and the two entities will now join Tropical Shipping and Ansa Mcal as the event’s
sponsors. GMRSC’s vice-president Hansraj Singh signaled the companies’ usual willingness to support motor-sports locally. “Mohamed’s Enterprise and Japarts are two companies that are always ready to rally behind racing. They usually help in whatever way they can and this time around, it’s a big effort from both of them.” “Their support will go directly into plans for Sunday’s event, some of which will feature enhanced track prepara-
tion for the faster cars that are coming.” Last week it was noted that a packed lineup of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) competitors will invade Guyana for the KOTS 2 drag race meet comprising of a team of five cars and two bikes and those machines have been confirmed as arrived on the local shores. T&T’s Rohan Deosaran’s rail car, which can fly across the drag strip in sub 10-second times easily, has been confirmed as part of the ship-
Rohan Deosaran’s purpose-built rail car which will be in action Sunday.
12 seconds champ Vivek Joshi (left) and Damian Persaud at the line for a drag during the first King of Strip earlier this year at South Dakota.
ment which arrived last weekend and vehicles should be released from the wharf today, Hansraj confirmed. Along with the rail car; are the ‘Tweety Too’ Nissan Laurel of Jeremy Rooks, the R32 Nissan Skyline of Jagdeo Seecharan aka Mad Cow and the All-Out Performance team’s machine. Meanwhile, the GMR&SC
President, Rameez Mohamed, contended that this is what the club has been working on from the beginning of this year, getting international competition. He noted that, “Earlier this year, I went to a drag meet in Trinidad to try and solicit competition for our local guys to foster a better drag meet and also put on a better show for Guyanese,”
and that move has now resulted in several Trinidadian competitors. In addition to the local and T&T dragsters, Sunday’s meet will also feature a host of competitors from neighbouring Suriname who were present for the first K O T S . Admission to the event is $1,000 for adults and $500 per child.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday April 19, 2018
Guyana Carnival unveils ‘Carnival Rugby’ BCB officially launches 40-Overs Round - Regional teams set to invade Guyana on May 20 Some of the Caribbean’s top ‘ruggers’ will invade Guyana on May 20, as Hits and Jams Entertainment teamup with the Pepsi Hornets Rugby Club to host the inaugural ‘Guyana Carnival 7’s Rugby’ at the National Park. The one-day tournament was unveiled when the grouped held their Guyana Carnival corporate and media launch yesterday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. The Guyana Carnival is set for May 18 – 27. Rawle Toney, one of the
principles behind the Carnival Rugby tournament, told the gathering that teams and players from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries are all eager to make the voyage to Guyana for the highly anticipated event. Toney further revealed that the tournament will also see players from the USA and one Brazilian recently signalled their intention to participate. The tournament will carry a winner’s purse of US$1,400, while the team finishing
Robin Tourney for Teams in Berbice River
second will pocket US$700. There’s also a US$100 prize for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. “What I can say for certain is that Jamaica is very anxious to come to Guyana and the players here are also eagerly awaiting their arrival because of it was the Jamaicans who broke Guyana’s heart and snatched their Caribbean title from them in Mexico,” Toney said. According to the organisers, other information in relation to the tournament will be disclosed shortly.
Softball stars invade Thirst Park tonight A galaxy of stars that have been shining on the softball cricket circuit will take to the field at the Banks DIH ground at Thirst Park tonight for a feature clash of West versus East.The game is organized as a welcome home for the former Organizing Secretary of the Softball and Windball Cricket Association, Royston Ramsarran. When the action begins at 19:00hrs it will be highly competitive and exciting as both sides boast a number of quality players. In the East-side Legends line up are some veterans of the game who are looking to teach the young West-side players a lesson. Before the start of the game, there will be a moment’s silence in memory of former legendary softball cricketer, Amreith “Rocky” Rai who died in 2017. Legends will come from;
BCB Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman and Secretary Robby Saywack hands over trophy and balls to Floyd Benjamin (right) of the Berbice River area. Looking on are West Indies Female Players - Erva Giddings, Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle. Mahendra Hardyall
Parsram Persaud
Mohendra Arjune, Mahendra Hardyall, Richard Persaud, Parsram Persaud, Lakeram “Mike” Singh, Wayne Jones, Bilal Haslim, Raymond Harper, Hanoman Singh, Mohamed Rafeek, Harry Seepersaud, Robin Bharat, Vivikanand Ramsaywack, Rahaman Khan and Samuel Kingston. West Side All-Stars
include Ryan Boodhoo, Moahmed Ayume, Azad Azeez, Greg Singh, Safraz Esau and Omesh Narine. Up for grabs are trophies for the Man of the Match, best batsman, best bowler, best fielder, runner-up team and the winning team. All trophies are donated by Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall in Bourda Market.
Cricket Australia to begin hunt for new coach tomorrow ESPNcricinfo - Cricket Australia (CA) will begin the process of appointing a new head coach tomorrow, even as one report suggested that Justin Langer is all but confirmed as Darren Lehmann’s replacement. CA said in a statement that “no appointment has been made, and nor will any candidate be put to the board for ratification tomorrow. We expect to have a clearer understanding of the approach and appointment timelines following this meeting.” That would appear to be in response to a report in the West Australian, which said that Langer will be ratified as the next coach tomorrow. The 47-year old has been especially successful as coach of Western Australia and Perth
Scorchers over the last five seasons, during which time he has won three Big Bash League titles and two domestic one-day tournaments. Langer has experience coaching Australia as well, notably on a tour of West Indies in 2016 and a home series against Sri Lanka soon after. He has always been among the frontrunners to replace Lehmann, whose contract was originally set to end in October 2019. But the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town accelerated those timelines. The captain Steven Smith, vice-captain David Wa r n e r a n d b a t s m a n Cameron Bancroft were suspended by Cricket Australia for up to 12 months for the part they played in
the incident. Lehmann was cleared of any wrongdoing by an investigation conducted by the board but on the day before the final Test of the series, he told a press conference that he would be stepping down. The West Australian said Langer had been considering the position for several days. As a player, he had a highly decorated Test career, forming one half of a dominant opening partnership with Matthew Hayden. Having made his debut in January 1993, he scored 7696 runs from 105 matches with 23 hundreds and 30 fifties.Australia’s next assignment is a limited-overs tour of England with the first ODI to be played in London on June 13.
The Berbice Cricket Board as part of its commitment to play cricket in every InterZone in the Ancient County, on Sunday last officially launched a “Say No to Drugs 40-Over Tournament for Teams in the Berbice River Cricket Association. The Tournament would feature five teams – Kimbia, Wiruni, Ebini, Sandhills and Friendship. The Tournament is being sponsored by a popular West Coast Berbice Businessman, while trophies were provided by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club’s ten Cricket Teams. Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster hailed the tournament as a major milestone for Berbice Cricket as all five Sub-Associations are now actively involved in Berbice Cricket. At the completion of the 40-Over Tournament, a 20/20 version
would be organised as the Berbice Cricket Board strives to make sure that players from the riverain area are involved in playing cricket on a yearlong basis. Over the years, Foster stated the Berbice River area has been neglected but pledged that this situation would be corrected under his Presidency. The Berbice Cricket Board would also assist with balls, cricket gears when possible, and coaches, while Executives of the Board would also visit at least twice per year to meet with stakeholders and players. Foster urged the five teams to play the tournament with passion, discipline, commitment and disclosed that the finals would be played on the Coast as part of an effort to promote the talent in the area. The finals would be played under lights at the
Albion Cricket Ground and Foster disclosed that he would be approaching the Albion Lights Committee for permission to host matches from each of the five SubAssociations. This, he stated is to not only promote the talents of clubs but to inspire them to greater success. Foster called on the Clubs in the riverain area to get themselves well organised for more competitions in the future and to be in the forefront of protecting youths from the evil ways of Satan. Cricket, he stated is one of the safest way to keep youths away from drugs and crime. The passionate President stated that the development of the game across Berbice must be the number one goal of every Berbice Cricket Board Member and that the time for Cricket Politics is over.
England to face Switzerland and U.S. in autumn friendlies (Reuters) - England will play friendlies against Switzerland and the U.S. as part of their autumn schedule later this year, the Football Association announced yesterday. The Swiss are scheduled to visit on Sept. 11, with a venue for that game still to be decided, before the U.S. travel to Wembley Stadium on Nov. 15. England last played Swit-
zerland in a qualifier for Euro 2016 in September 2015, when goals from Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney settled a 2-0 win for the hosts. The U.S. team, who failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Russia, last traveled to England in May 2008 when they suffered a 2-0 defeat, with goals from John Terry and Steven Gerrard. Gareth Southgate’s En-
gland will also feature in the inaugural UEFA Nations League program, which gets underway with a home match against Spain at Wembley on Sept. 8.The Three Lions will then travel to Croatia on Oct. 12 before a return trip to Spain on Oct. 15. Following their meeting with the U.S., the 2018 calendar will conclude with Croatia at Wembley on Nov. 18.
Kaieteur News
Thursday 19 April, 2018
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Muneshwers Travel Agency golf tournament tees off Saturday
T
he oldest and l a rg e s t t r a v e l agency in Guyana, Muneshwers, has signed on for the tenth year to support the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) and development of the sport locally. Yesterday morning at the agency’s Water Street location, Director Robert Hanoman presented to the LGC’s Public Relations Officer, Guy Griffith, the sponsorship cheque of an undisclosed sum for this Saturday’s Muneshwers Travel Agency Golf Tournament at the LGC. Hanoman posited that, “We (Muneshwers) started to support (Golf) because we believe the sport will
continue to grow from strength to strength and this year we will see it expand in leaps and bounds. The place (LGC) has transformed and it looks as comfortable as any good golf club in America.” Hanoman further noted that golf has the potential to be one of the biggest sports in the nation, “It’s one of the few sports that you can play yourself and it’s suitable for older people as well.” Griffith noted that tee off time will be this Saturday at the club from 12:30hrs and a total of around 50 entrants in both male and female categories are expected to compete for bragging rights and trophies.
Muneshwers’ Robert Hanoman (centre left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC’s PRO Guy Griffith yesterday morning in the presence of the travel agency’s staff at their office.
MC& RS. Samaroo Wholesale Grocery Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez banned for six supports RHTY&SC Cricket Balls Project months after failing two drugs tests “We are the only Cricket Club in the West Indies that on a daily basis work hard to assist our cricketing rivals to improve them. We are without doubt the leading Yo u t h a n d S p o r t Organisation in Guyana and while we are very proud of this fact, we want others to reach our level as we all try to make our country a better place for our youths to live in.” Those were the words of Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster as businessman of MC& RS. Samaroo handed over $100,000 towards the Club’s 2018 Cricket Balls Project. Foster explained the Cricket Development Committee under the leadership of Vice President Mark Papannah is working overtime to raise $1M worth of cricket balls to assist Cricket Clubs in the Ancient County for 2018. Foster who is also President of the Berbice Cricket Board stated that close to 20 Cricket Tournaments are scheduled to be played in Berbice this year at the Under-15, Under17, Under-19, Under-21, Female, Intermediate, Secondary School, Double Wicket, Second Division and First Division levels and most Clubs are struggling to find finance for balls, equipment, meals and transportation among other cost of playing the game. Youths should not be denied the opportunity to play the game of cricket, Foster argued due to lack of finance and as such the Rose Hall
B
Mr. Daniel Samaroo (left), son of the donor MC Samaroo, hands over the donation to RHTYSC, Vice President Mark Papannah. Town Youth & Sports Club was delighted to assist. The National Sports Commission under the leadership of the dynamic Christopher Jones last week contributed $200,000 worth of balls, while $100,000 worth of balls from S a m a r o o ’s W h o l e s a l e Grocery would enable the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to assist over twenty Clubs. The handing over of the balls would be done during the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club 28th Award Ceremony, while another batch of Clubs would be assisted in July under the Club’s Patron Fund. Foster expressed confidence that the target amount of $1M worth of cricket balls would be surpassed and that it would make a great impact on the game in Berbice. Efforts are also being made to raise
funds to purchase cricket gears such as bats, stumps, gloves and pads for twelve cricket teams in areas that are heavily affected with drugs and crime. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO recalled that when the Club was founded in 1990, it struggled without any support but kind hearted individuals like Mrs. June Mendes, the late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte and former West Indies Vice Captain Roger Harper assisted to turn the tide. Harper, he disclosed donated a large quantity of cricket gears and that assisted the Club to expand its services at the junior level. The kindness of Harper, Foster stated inspired the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to assist others. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Samaroo and (Continued on page 29)
BC Sport - Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has been banned for six months after failing two drugs tests earlier this year. The Mexican middleweight, 27, said eating contaminated meat was the reason he tested positive for clenbuterol on 17 and 20 February. He was forced to withdraw from a world middleweight title rematch against Gennady Golovkin after their first bout in September ended in a draw. Alvarez’s ban has been backdated, so he will be free to fight from 17 August. Golden Boy Promotions said Alvarez “looks forward to returning to the ring in September for Mexican Independence Day weekend”. The fighter, who did not attend the Nevada State Athletic Commission hearing in Las Vegas yesterday, said earlier this year he
was “surprised and bothered” by the adverse test findings. A l v a r e z ’s p r o m o t e r s s a i d m e a t contamination had “impacted dozens of athletes in Mexico over the last years”. The hearing panel voted to hand down a one-year ban, reduced to six months because Alvarez had cooperated with their investigation. Clenbuterol is used to treat asthma but can also help build lean muscle mass and burn off fat. It is sometimes illegally mixed into livestock feed to make meat leaner. Daniel Eichner, director at the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory that conducted the tests, said at the time: “These values are all within the range of what is expected from meat contamination.” Alvarez has won 49 and drawn two of his 52 fights. His only defeat came against Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
UEFA president ‘worried’ over use of VAR at World Cup MILAN (Reuters) UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed concern over the decision to employ the video replay system (VAR) at the 2018 World Cup, saying the technology still needed more testing before it can be considered for use in the Champions League. Global soccer body FIFA voted in March to deploy VAR at the June-July tournament in Russia, only two weeks after its use was approved by IFAB, the organisation responsible for rule changes in the sport. “I have some fear for the World Cup, where we will have referees who have never officiated with the VAR,” Ceferin told Italian
paper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.“I hope there are no scandals or problems.” Ceferin has already said that VAR would not be used in the Champions League next season.“The Champions League is like a Ferrari or a Porsche: you cannot drive it right away, you need training, offline testing. And everyone has to understand how it works,” he said.“It’s too early for VAR. That doesn’t mean we will never have it as the process is inevitable... We’ll have it one day in the Champions League but there’s no rush.” VAR is already being used in Serie A, the Bundesliga and Portugal’s Primeira Liga this season,
among others. IFAB insists it has reduced refereeing mistakes but critics say there has been confusion in a number of matches.Goals have been annulled several minutes after being scored — with the teams waiting to restart — and penalties revoked with the ball on the spot. Another criticism is that the spectators are not kept informed of what is happening when a decision is reviewed.Ceferin said that VAR would not have made any difference in last week’s Champions League quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Juventus, where a soft stoppage-time penalty led to the Spanish side advancing 4-3 on aggregate.
rt o p S Hand-in-Hand 3-day Inter-County U-19 Cricket
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U-17s and Berbice locked in tight battle for 1st inns points Berbice’s Leon Swamy goes big in a 50-run last wicket stand at Everest.
Tevon Stanislaus drives during his 47 for Berbice at Everest yesterday.
Demerara routed for lowest total at U-19 Inter-County level
Guyana Carnival unveils ‘Carnival Rugby’
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- Regional teams set to invade Guyana on May 20 P. 34
From left: Shane Grant-Stuart, Avery Corbin, Blaise Bailey, Ryan Gonsalves and Dwayne Schroder joined by the Guyana Carnival Models at the Marriott Hotel at the Launch of the event. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.