Kaieteur News

Guyana has an opportunity to be a global model DEAR EDITOR, What should Guyana do if offered $100 Billion US to keep its oil in the ground? This is a great question to consider as the country continues its endeavour to be a benchmark location for sustainable habitat rooted in renewable energy sources. As the world becomes more serious about the prevention of climate change and is willing to prevent the increased use of fossil fuels while fostering the use of renewable energy sources, the posing of this question becomes more feasible. First, the investment of the total $100 Billion amount could be jointly managed externally with the UN allowing for the creation of a supplementary fund based on investment earnings, to also assist smaller, low-lying states to transition to renewable energy sources. Thus allowing the benchmark location of Guyana to also share in the responsibility of implementing best practices across other affected countries. The Caribbean is a great location for such a focus and the existence of the Caribbean Community Secretariat in

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Guyana is quite an enabler. Such a responsible posture towards energy investment and consumption could be duplicated in other regions of the world via the creation of additional benchmark countries that would also leave their oil in the ground while embracing renewable energy sources and its implementation in affected countries within their region. This proposed global systematic approach could quickly propel the agendas of the members of the UN and signers of the Kyoto Protocol. With the world taking such a leadership position on climate change with shared preventative funding that positively alters the climate change curve, a profound impact on how countries approach their energy investment policies will be accomplished. Second, let’s consider the amount and its associated time period. Currently the Guyanese economy is approximately $3 Billion US in size annually, and if we look at the contracts currently in place with oil companies the $100 Billion is very attractive. Further, considering the time period associated

with the extraction of the oil we can estimate a 20- to 30year time frame, thus making the annual amount close to an estimated $4 Billion US. However, it would be more appropriate to have an annual influx of $1Billion US, thus allowing for the government to increase its capabilities and capacity to manage the additional funds through the still developing Ministries. This would alter the time period to 100 years, thus allowing a long term position on Investment. In addition, the country would be able to reduce its debt levels while repaying the oil companies for their current investment and the responsible closure of the drilled wells. Guyanese would also be able to benefit from strong, long term fiscal improvement via both currency appreciation and responsible structured investments. The location of Guyana, it’s historic role in the Caribbean Commonwealth andCommunity, and the small size of its economy allows for measured economic long term growth over the century that (Continuned on page 6)

The Agriculture Minister needs to do what is right!

DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU, we are sure, like many Guyanese were surprised when they read the April 19, 2018 Stabroek News and learnt that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder said he was searching for persons to name to the Board of Directors of the GuySuCo. One may have had to read this article, twice, thrice and even more, to confirm that their eyes were being honest. For us, this has to be probably the most interesting about-turns for the Agriculture Minister who proclaimed, just weeks ago, that GuySuCo was no longer on his table. Interestingly, the Minister offered no explanation for the change-of-heart or mind. Maybe he is on autopilot or forgot what he said. Nevertheless, whatever the case may be, this is another sad turn in the confusion that has beset the sugar industry in recent weeks. The Minister’s nominees would be interesting, especially in view of the ‘differences’ in the Administration that has been reported in the

media. Now, more than ever, there is a strong need for capable, committed and motivated leadership of the sugar industry. We can no longer continue to inflict blunder after blunder as we have seen in the last two years. The industry is capable of success, as we have consistently held and from what, we believe, is driving the direction being laid out by the current leadership of

the Corporation. We should not lose this opportunity for the renewed sense of hope to be wasted by the appointment of a Board which may have dissimilar intents and views. The GAWU urges the Minister to be bold and to do what is right, in the interest of all Guyanese, now and in the future. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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Kaieteur News

If Jagdeo isn’t the nominee, he will largely determine who the candidate is DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to missive by one Balgobin (KN Apr 7) arguing that Bharrat Jagdeo will turn to Ralph Ramkarran as possible Presidential candidate if the CCJ rules against a third term. Many disagree, saying “Frank Anthony, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali are potential replacements” (SN April 8), if the CCJ reverses the ruling of Guyana’s Court of Appeal disqualifying Jagdeo from running. That ruling should come within a couple months. Jagdeo is expected to be the Presidential nominee if the CCJ sustains the ruling. Supporters of PPP and even some APNU supporters want him as the next President. Many blunders have been committed by the ruling Coalition. It has also failed to court supporters of the PPP that crossed over in their tens of thousands to vote for the Coalition in May 2015. Elections are some twenty-five months away and anything can happen by then. Oil money will also be flowing and it can reverse the fortunes of the incumbent alli-

ance. If Jagdeo is not the nominee, he will largely determine who the candidate is. The three PPP Presidential contenders mentioned above are indeed seen as the frontrunners to replace Jagdeo should he decline the nomination or be rendered ineligible by the court. But one cannot discount others as potential contenders, like the brilliant Charles Ramson Jr., an adept outsider Ralph Ramkarran, or even Civic member Dr Peter Ramsaroop. Ramson is loved by the youths, has a very clean image, and is well versed in oil management – all qualities needed to win an election. Ramsaroop also has a clean image and articulates a vision for national development and racial healing. The aging Ramkarran (erstwhile PPPite and a Jaganite) comes closest in likeability and popularity to unseat the PNC from office. He is widely respected throughout the country among the political and business elites and legal fraternity. He writes objectively and fearlessly. He will give a

knockout blow to APNU+AFC with the help of the younger stalwarts like Ramson, Ramsaroop, and those other figures. Balgobin, writing in KN (April 7) correctly analyzes the political arithmetic in Guyana and need for the PPP to attract crossover ethnic

support to win an election. Ramkarran has that kind of appeal. Balgobin feels Jagdeo will surprise Guyanese by consulting with Mr. Ramkarran on presidential nominees. That will make news. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

From page 5 is both positive on a national scale while also providing an internationally modeled solution for the climate change phenomena. As a global body, the UN has spoken extensively on the need for addressing the pressing issue of climate change and the countries, especially within the Caribbean geographical area, have seen the devastating impact of hurricanes in the recent past.The creation of such a fund for Guyana to leave its oil in the ground and the successful implementation of a sustainable habitat agenda rooted in renewable energy sources would also encourage such preventative funds to be created in other regions where additional

benchmark countries should be created for the usage of renewable energy. This proposed approach will help positively impact the key variables that are creating unwanted climate change. Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Guyana has an ...

Saturday April 21, 2018

This latest investment has given inspiration to others DEAR EDITOR, As a Guyanese citizen and someone who voted for change in the political landscape of this country, I am pleased to see in our local newspapers that we can once again pride ourselves as business owners in vulnerable areas where crime and criminal activity was the order of the day. I refer to the Buxton/ Friendship area where the Honourable First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger declared open the Benjamin’s Bakery. This is certainly a great step in a direction of restoring hope, pride and joy to an area which was once ravished and stigmatized as a haven of notorious gang-

Where are the...

From page 4 government, the media or anyone that looks like we can blame, instead of looking in the mirror at ourselves. We need to stop lying to ourselves about where we are as a people and face it head on. We need to stop pacifying each other and tell the truth about things so that we can acknowledge those

things. We will need to overlook the wrongs that have been done to us or what has been taken from us, so that we do not allow our young people to grow up with a survival of the fittest mentality as opposed to one where we can work together to solve and address many of the existing problems in Guyana. Simply put, this is a plea for the elders to bridge the gap. Doing nothing will cause us to remain stagnant or at worse, it will cause us to experience even more crime, disengagement and bloodshed. Nevertheless, I am still sending an impassioned plea to the elders -’You have seen the acts and have been given the facts—Let this truth ring true - The youths need you’. Yvonne Sam

sterism and crime. Guyanese young people and particularly those of the Buxton community can now feel a sense of pride and gratitude knowing that in their village investments will create employment. It is noteworthy that the establishment of such a facility took stock of Education and is generously giving back to this community. I t is also significant to note that the facili t y h a s e x panded its service to hinterland locations and other regions of the c o u n t r y, t h u s e n a b l i n g the company to fulfill its s o c i a l a nd corporate responsibility. When the PPP/C administration occupied the seat of governance, the Buxton/ Friendship community was an area which attracted a very heartrending stigma particularly to youths, especially after the infamous jail break and phantom gang back in 2002. Even residents of Buxton were scared to engage in any form of entrepreneurial activity because of the stigma on both the area and its residents. Once it wasn’t drug related, it did not seem as enterprising or significant. The achievement of this latest investment has given inspiration to others who will go down the same on the road to entrepreneurship. Therefore, the PPP/C’s theory that it is not feasible to invest in Guyana has been tangibly refuted. Best Regards Dillon Goring

W

ith moves apace to advance efforts to detect persons living with haemophilia, a blood disorder that inhibits clotting, talks have ensued for the establishment of a Haemophilia Treatment Centre. “That’s going to be wonderful,” said Dr. Nichole Nedd-Jerrick as she spoke of the possibility of the introduction of a haemophilia treatment centre in Guyana. Dr. Nedd-Jerrick is affiliated with the recently launched Guyana Haemophilia Society [GHS]. She disclosed that once a treatment centre is in place, it could cater to cases of emergency, prophylaxis and maintenance care for patients with haemophilia. Since there are currently no care and treatment centres in Guyana, she noted that the treatment options for patients are confined to hospitals and other health care facilities that they would visit in cases of emergency. She noted that the onus is usually on haemophiliacs [patients suffering from haemophilia] who become involved in an accident, for instance, to explain their condition to attending health care workers when they seek medical care. “You would find that a lot of the haemophilia patients know a lot about their conditions and they can actually tell medical practitioners ‘I am suffering from this therefore do not give me an injection into the muscle’ and that kind of thing,” said Dr. NeddJerrick. She added, “Currently, the treatment options that we have [for haemophiliacs] are factor concentrate, whole blood, fresh frozen plasma and something called cryoprecipitate. Factor concentrate is the best when you have an absence of the factor that makes you have the condition, so if we can replace the factor then it is going to help with the bleeding.” There currently exists a United States based organisation called ‘Project Share’, which helps to supply the quite costly factor concentrate, she noted. ‘Project Share’ is a humanitarian programme that assists persons with haemophilia across the world, according to Dr. Nedd-Jerrick. The assistance currently entails about 18 vials of factor concentrate being donated to Guyana annually to assist patients, the doctor informed. Haemophilia is a mostly inherited genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to

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clot blood, a process needed to stop bleeding. This results in people bleeding longer after an injury, easy bruising and an increased risk of bleeding inside joints or the brain. A defect in one of the genes that determines how the body makes blood clotting, Factor Eight or Nine, causes haemophilia. These genes are located on the X chromosomes. Chromosomes come in pairs with females having two X chromosomes and males having one X and one Y. However, only the X chromosome carries the genes related to the clotting factor. A male who has a haemophilia gene on his X chromosome will have haemophilia. Meanwhile, when a female has a haemophilia gene on only one of her X chromosomes, she is a haemophilia carrier and can pass the gene to her children. Reports suggest that sometimes carriers have low levels of clotting factor and also have symptoms of haemophilia, including bleeding. Essentially, clotting factors are proteins in the

Dr. Nichole Nedd-Jerrick blood that work together with platelets to stop or control bleeding. “There is a huge hospital cost as it relates to care and treatment of patients with haemophilia,” said Dr. NeddJerrick. She noted that while treatment for patients at the public hospitals and other public health i nstitutions is free, the treatment at private

institutions is understandably not. But at both institutions, the cost of the factor concentrate is still high and must be met if patients are to be properly treated. There are reportedly just over 70 individuals registered as haemophiliacs in Guyana. Members of GHS, Dr. Nedd-Jerrick said, will continue to be exposed to

information about haemophilia. In fact she disclosed that some of its members have already participated in workshops and programmes in collaboration with other societies. The GHS is working in collaboration with organisations the likes of the World Federation of Haemophilia. Currently, there are 113 countries, which are active and registered members of the World Federation of Haemophilia. According to Dr. NeddJerrick, while Guyana is not yet a registered member, doing so is in fact one of the goals of GHS. She, however, explained that the Federation, “...already recognises us; they know about us. They have had members visit the country and visit our society, now it is just for us to be officially registered.” Among the registered countries, there are 295,866 people with bleeding disorders, including haemophilia, Dr. Nedd-Jerrick

said. “Haemophilia alone accounts for 187,723 persons.” “This condition is worldwide. Over the years persons with bleeding disorders have been identified more, and thus there have been more cases...there has been a progressive increase,” stressed Dr. Nedd-Jerrick. According to the doctor, proper care and treatment for such patients is important since in addition to pains and swelling, haemophiliacs can also face psychosocial as well as economic challenges. The challenges faced by these patients can be farther reaching with some even being subjected to depression and other mental health issues. The challenge, Dr. NeddJerrick said, can also extend to care-givers. “Let’s not forget about them, persons who are responsible for caring for those who suffer from haemophilia,” she added.

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US$20M World Bank Loan to build tough legislative architecture for oil sector

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he government would soon be able to access a US$20M loan from the World Bank. According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, part of that money would be used to build a tough legislative architecture for the nation’s oil sector. The Minister made this known during a press conference that was held last week. The economist said that at the moment, there is no direct legislation for the oil sector, with the exception of those that already exist. He said that Guyana lacks the people who would be able to competently draft the pieces of legislation needed for the sector. With part of the World Bank loan, he said that

the government would be able to do this. For the time being, Guyana is making moves to draft several pieces of laws and policies which speak to Local Content, the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and the creation of the Petroleum Commission. LOCAL CONTENT POLICY The completion of the Local Content Policy is now up to Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin. This crucial document will provide guidance on the employment of locals as well as the use of goods and services provided by indigenous companies. That said, Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy has been criticized in recent

months for lacking provisions, which would safeguard against exploitation by companies. The draft is still receiving “finishing touches” according to Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. The draft however speaks nothing of how to avoid procurement fraud, conflict of interest and favouritism, among other crucial areas. Instead, the Local Content Policy framework seeks to address, the suite of opportunities that may arise and the approaches to be taken in selecting and developing opportunities related to enhancing the capabilities of Guyanese nationals and businesses. It also describes what will

be done to ensure that the activities in the petroleum sector are conducted in a manner that transparently secures the maximum benefit for the people of Guyana, while recognizing the limitations of the country; and holding all actors accountable to the present and future generations of Guyanese who are the owners of the nation’s petroleumresources. SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND The draft legislation which will pave the way for the establishment for the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is also receiving finishing touches. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has announced, however, that the draft document will be the subject of several rounds of consultations before it gets to Parliament by

year end. In the interim, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already provided advice to the government on the different areas in which they should improve on in the draft document. One of the areas it commented on in this regard speaks to the need for clearer reporting requirements when the SWF is used by officials. PETROLEUM COMMISSION The Petroleum Commission is still stuck in a sub-committee of the National Assembly. It has been the subject of much consultation and criticized heavily for its many flaws. One of the most disturbing concerns regarding the Bill pertains to the uncapped authority given to the Natural Resources Minister. Not only will the Minister

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan have the power to select the members of the Petroleum Commission but he can also select and appoint the members of the Board along with its secretary. In fact, the Minister can even disrupt the work of the Commission as he pleases. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has already indicated that he intends to have such powers in the Bill diluted.

Ganja farmer jailed 3 years “When you come out of prison, try to farm something else. Next time you should think about farming some oranges, pineapples and coconuts,” uttered Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman to Kenneth Thompson, who she jailed for three years. Thompson, a farmer, of Deep South Rupununi appeared before the court yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge of cultivating a prohibited substance. He admitted that on April 18, at Deep South Rupununi, he cultivated 12 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants. The unrepresented farmer was jailed for three years and fined $15,000. In disclosing the facts of the case, Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore told the court that on the day in question, ranks from the Aishalton Police Station went to a farm owned by Thompson and told him of their reason for being there. Police ranks conducted a search of the farm and discovered 12 cannabis sativa plants, which were about nine inches in length. According to the prosecutor, Thompson admitted to police that he and his brother planted the prohibited plants. During his

JAILED: Kenneth Thompson address to the court, Thompson disclosed that he was jailed about a year ago for a similar offence. In arriving at a sentencing for Thompson, Magistrate Latchman took into consideration his early guilty plea and a need to prevent others from commissioning the offence.

Saturday April 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 25

Rechargeable lights for hinterland airstrips

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interland airstrips will soon be bright and easily accessible at nights. This will be as a result of the use of rechargeable lights that will better facilitate use by aircraft at nights. For years, insufficient lighting on several hinterland airstrips has significantly hindered flights entering and leaving the hinterland regions at nights, especially during emergencies. Recognising this, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said efforts are ongoing to have rechargeable lights available on all hinterland airstrips. The Minister made this disclosure at a recent meeting with regional officials during a visit to Cuyuni Mazaruni, Region Seven. He explained that this intervention will aid in alleviating the longstanding challenges faced by residents, and provide adequate lighting on the airstrips. “These rechargeable bulbs that can stay lit for hours, no power is needed just put them in the holders and they stay lit for four hours and that’s just enough time for the plane to come and leave. So, we’re looking at that for all the airstrips. They’re simple and effective.” The Public Infrastructure Minister pointed out that containers for the lights will be constructed shortly, and a caretaker will be hired to maintain and recharge the lights.

The Annai airstrip

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. He added that there are already receptacles for the lights along the airstrips. “This is a practical solution which works well for pilots as well, so, we definitely have to work to make it a reality,” Minister Patterson reiterated. Supporting this initiative was of Regional Chairman, Region Seven, Gordon Bradford. “We have critical moments when we have to evacuate cases, from the hospital in the night and we have to do it by calling out citizens to shine the lights from their vehicles for the aircraft to land. The air trip is now used frequently so we definitely need to look at upgrading it and installing lights.” In an effort to guide the continued transformation and

modernisation of the aviation sector, $250M was provided in the 2018 Budget to improve airstrips and aerodromes across the country. From this amount, $140M will be used to commence the rehabilitation of airstrips at Bemichi and Kamana. Another 12 airstrips across the hinterland region will be rehabilitated at a cost of $110.3M. There are 57 licensed government airstrips in Guyana. From this number, 47 are maintained by the Aerodrome Department of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure while the remaining 11 are maintained by the villagers in their respective locations. However, inspections are conducted on a regular basis to ensure that they comply with standards outlined by Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.

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GAWU says it has ...

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From page 16 GAWU urged that there is need for more collaboration and the confrontational hostilities GuySuCo aimed toward the Union and the workers in recent times were not helpful to the industry.” GAWU said it also asked GuySuCo for a copy of the plans. “On this, we were told that the plan is still being worked out but our input and views would be sought. While for us, this was a bit surprising, especially noting that funds have been secured, the GAWU strongly contended that there was need for a workable and realistic plan taking account of all of the factors and that it cannot be a mere collection of ideas and intents. “We nevertheless are willing, if asked, to lend our voices and ideas towards having a plan that would see the industry recovering in the interest of the workers, the economy, and the country” The company disclosed that it has reached an agreement with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) wherein it would be

paid to maintain and operate the drainage and irrigation services at the estates that were closed. “In other words, those workers undertaking drainage and irrigation tasks would continue to remain employees of the sugar company. Moreover, those employees of the closed estates who were retained to operate the drainage pumps and sluices would also remain GuySuCo workers. Preference will be given to redundant employees who wish to be contractors of the extended drainage and irrigation network.” The corporation also disclosed that at its operable estates it may employ contractors to execute works which it may lack the capacity to undertake. “Our union will continue to exercise vigilance to ensure that the Corporation's undertaking is upheld. The meeting, we believe, was informative and helped us to draw a firmer understanding about what the corporation is seeking to accomplish as it seeks to become profitable in the not-toodistant future.”

State-owned Enterprises...

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From page 3 marketing for its online shopping service coupled with active debt collection, with the intention of improving its bottom line.National Insurance Scheme The overall balance of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) improved from a surplus of $174 million at the end of the first half of 2016 to $252.5 million for the same period in 2017. Revenues as at the end of the first half rose by $1.0 billion year to year from $9.3 billion. This improvement is largely a reflection of increased compliance resulting from campaigns by the Scheme targeting informal sectors. While contributions from employers were the main driver in this increase, it is noted that contributions from self-employed individuals increased from $403.1 million during the first half of 2016 to $417.4 million in the corresponding period in 2017. With regard to expenditure, the Scheme's expenses have also risen from $9.4 billion to $10.0 billion, primarily attributed to an increase in benefit payments by $877.6 million resulting from a 4.0 percent increase in the NIS Old Age Pension. To rebalance its financial position, the NIS will seek to increase overall contributions including through the establishment of partnerships with professional associations in order to increase compliance of their self-employed members.

Kaieteur News

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Skeldon estate staff compound converted to heritage resort

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he NICIL-SPU ( N a t i o n a l Industrial and Commerical Investments Limited/Special Pur p o s e Unit) on Thursday announced that the Skeldon Estate Staff Compound has been converted into the ‘Skeldon Heritage Resort’. This significant development at Skeldon helps to preserve some of the history and culture of the sugarcane industry in Guyana. Head of the NICIL-SPU/ Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors, Colvin Heath-London, stated that “sugarcane has been a major part of Guyana’s culture for decades. It is vital that we preserve the history and culture of the sugarcane

i n d u s t r y, a s i t p l a y s a necessary role, in enabling us to learn from our past and prepares us for greater future achievements.” “The sugarcane industry is not just a part of our economic history, it is a part of who we are. It is ingrained in us. The preservation of our cultural heritage can provide a sense o f u n i t y a n d belonging within the sugarcane community, and the Guyanese society i n general.”Situated in the heart of the community, the Skeldon Heritage Resort, can provide a boost to the tourism sector, both local and foreign. Estate Manager, Rama Persaud, stated, “The facilities are wide ranging. From facilities that are ideal for corporate retreats, to

camping facilities for kids and vacation facilities for all. Guests who are seeking peace and quiet can enjoy a relaxing environment and take in the sights of this historic sugar plantation.” She also added, “The heritage resort has educational benefits. Conducted tours of the factory can be arranged for High School Children and visitors from near and far. We are providing a unique opportunity to learn about the sugarcane industry of Guyana.”

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Saturday April 21, 2018

North Korea says it will stop nuclear tests, abolish test site SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effective immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North’s state media said today, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

North Korea said that to create an “international environment favorable” for its economy, it would “facilitate close contact and active dialogue” with neighboring countries and the international community. It marked the first time North Korea directly addressed its nuclear weap-

Six South American nations suspend Unasur membership BRASILIA (Reuters) Half of the nations belonging to Unasur, a South American bloc set up a decade ago to counter U.S. sway in the region, have decided to suspend their membership, a Brazilian official told Reuters yesterday. The governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Paraguay believe the bloc has been rudderless under the current rotating presidency of Bolivia, according to a statement sent to Brazilian ministers, seen by Reuters. Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Fernando Huanacuni said the six were only pressuring for a quick turnover in presidency and stressed they were not abandoning Unasur. Bolivia will call an emergency meeting to solve disputes in the bloc, Huanacuni added in an interview with state media. Unasur was created in 2008 when leftist populism

advocated by the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez was at its strongest in South America. But in recent years, the bloc has been paralyzed by divisions as center-right governments have risen to power in several countries. “Unasur works by consensus but the differences between its members’ political and economic views are so great it can no longer operate,” said a Peruvian diplomat who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly. Chavez and other leaders set up Unasur to create a regional economic and political union that ultimately struggled to gain momentum. Unasur sought to bypass the Washington-based Organization of American States (OAS), which leftists considered a tool for promoting U.S. policy in Latin America. Venezuela’s economic collapse and political turmoil

post-Chavez has divided the region. At the OAS Summit of the Americas in Peru last week, the United States joined Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Paraguay in condemning Venezuelan elections next month that they say will cement a dictatorship under President Nicolas Maduro. Efforts to build consensus behind strongly worded condemnations of Venezuela have run into resistance from Caracas’ left-leaning allies such as Cuba and Bolivia, as well as Caribbean nations that have benefited from Venezuela’s subsidized oil. The remaining active Unasur members are Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Guyana and Suriname.

ons programs, ahead of l e a d e r K i m ’s p l a n n e d summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in next week and a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in late May or early June. “The northern nuclear test ground of the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) will be dismantled to transparentl y g u a r a n t e e the discontinuance of t h e n u clear test,” the KCNA said after Kim convened this year’s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker’s Party on Friday. “We will concentrate all efforts on building a powerful socialist economy and markedly improving the standard of people’s living through the mobilization of all human and material resources of the country,” the KCNA said. Trump welcomed the statement and said he looked forward to a summit with Kim. “North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress! Look forward to our Summit,” Trump said on Twitter. South Korea said the North’s decision signified “meaningful” progress to-

ward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and would create favorable conditions for successful meetings with it and the United States. North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programs as necessary deterrents against perceived U.S. hostility. It has conducted numerous missile tests, and last year it detonated its most powerful nuclear bomb. The tests and escalating rhetoric between Trump and Kim raised fears of war until, in a New Year’s speech, the North Korean leader called for reduced military tensions and improved ties with South Korea and sent a delegation to the Winter Olympics in the South in February. Nam Sung-wook, professor of North Korean Studies at Korea University in Seoul, said it could be considered “sensational” that Kim Jong Un personally declared plans to suspend nuclear development, but his remarks left a number of questions. “It still does not seem clear if it means whether the North will just not pursue further development of its nuclear programs in the future, or whether they will completely shut down ‘all’ nuclear facili-

ties. And what are they going to do with their existing nuclear weapons,” Nam said. North Korea has expressed its commitment to “complete denuclearization” of the Korean peninsula and has not attached conditions, South Korea’s Moon said on Thursday, but Washington has rem a i n e d w a r y a n d vowed to maintain “maximum pressure” on Pyongyang. United States said on Thursday that in the runu p t o Tr u m p ’s p l a n n e d summit with Kim countries should continue to put financial and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang to surrender its banned nuclear weapons. U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea after its first nuclear test in 2006 and extended over the past decade have aimed to deny North Korea a considerable amount of international trade. The ruling party’s plenary meeting on Friday was convened to discuss “policy issues of a new stage” to meet the demands of the current “important historic period,” the KCNA said.

No impunity for corrupt officials From page 21 agenda of the Government and it was a platform that the Coalition campaigned on. Noting her disappointment at the turnout, the official admitted that the corruption is deeply imbedded in the country and its people. The fight therefore has to start with the people, she urged. Meanwhile, Major (Ret'd) Aubrey Heath-Retemyer who heads up the operational side of SARA, insisted that there

is a difference SARA, its predecessor, State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). He noted that Government came to office in 2015 with an understanding they will have to deal with issue of corruption. In fact, they realized quickly that corruption was something that had made Guyana a pariah nation under the previous government. A number of persons were

GWI's Managing ... From page 20 of the quality of water coming from shelter belt which has not had any significant work since in the 1920s. The GWI Managing Director stated that some US$60M is needed to overhaul the distribution system. “We are addressing the distribution system and we have had significant response from the citizenry in Georgetown and across the country with respect to looking at leaks because I think the population is reasonably sensitized to the impact of hav-

ing leaks both on the quality of water and the pressure and flow in the system.” “What comes through, basically once there are no leaks, is water that you can take from the tap and drink and we are confident about that,” Dr. Van West-Charles stated. The Managing Director noted that part of the GWI's proposal to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for a fixed charge to be included as part of a new rate structure is to ensure that there is an upgrade of the distribution network of Georgetown.

assembled and SARU was established. However, it was realized that SARU lacked the powers to operation and the necessary laws were passed and came in effect last year. SARA, he said, is concerned with civil recovery of state assets while SOCU, a police arm, is concerned with criminal charges. SARA is more concerned with the retrieval of state patrimony including properties, lands, money, gold and vehicles. To applause, HeathRetemyer said that while SARA is on Main Street, SOCU is located on Camp Street- SARA has no qualms sending people who are deserving to the other end of Camp Street (jail). Director of SARA, Professor Clive Thomas, disclosed that SARA was once housed in the Ministry of the Presidency but was removed as it cannot be seen as an extension of the executive. He stressed that poverty is intolerable taking into account the vast wealth of Guyana. He also lauded the role of the international community,

pointing out that the issue of corruption is one that is a global fight. Also speaking was David Robinson, Anti-Corruption Adviser for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He noted that corruption is stealing from the poor, and does not only include the act of siphoning off resources from its intended purposes but had long time effects with key services not provided. Corruption means that vaccines are not received, school supplies are not delivered, and roads are not built. Noting the United Nations is fighting it with several countries on board, he said that SARA's establishment is a step in the right direction. Defending SARA's work, Robinson also said that similar entities have been established in several countries including the US, Canada and Jamaica. He urged that corruption needs to be relegated to a footnote in Guyana's history with each a role to play. SARA has said that the aim of the initiative was to raise awareness of corruption.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 21, 2018

Prince Charles in race row over Guyanese author who said she’s from Manchester: “You don’t look it” UK- (www.mirror.co.uk) Prince Charles has been accused of making a serious gaffe after telling a woman with Guyanese origins “Well, you don’t look like it!” when she said she was from Manchester.Writer Anita Sethi said she was “stunned” and her feelings went from “shock to humiliation to rage” following the encounter at the Commonwealth People’s Forum on Tuesday where she was a speaker. Describing Charles’s comments, which have drawn comparisons with Prince Philip’s gaffes on race, she wrote in The Guardian :”I told him that my mother was born in Guyana and that the anthology had collected hidden histories of indenture. “‘And where are you

from?” asked the prince. “‘Manchester, UK,’ I said. “‘Well, you don’t look like it!’ he said, and laughed. “He was then ushered on to the next person. “Although I have experienced such off-the-cuff, supposedly humorous, comments before, I was stunned by the gaffe. “That the mooted next leader of an organisation that represents one-third of the people on the planet commented that I, a brown woman, did not look as if I was from a city in the UK is shocking.“This is exactly why some people, including the prince, urgently need a history lesson about immigration, the British empire, the Commonwealth and colonialism.“Because I do

look like I’m from Manchester, actually – a city in which many people of colour have been born and bred.“We need to skip a generation so that Prince Charles does not become king of England or head of the Commonwealth, and these privileges pass to leaders more enlightened.” Some of Philip’s most notable gaffes include telling British students living in China: “If you stay here much longer, you’ll all be slittyeyed.” He also asked an aboriginal leader: “Do you still throw spears at each other?” Prince Charles, who was voted in today to eventually succeed The Queen as the next Head of the Commonwealth, is known for speaking out on racial and religious

tolerance.However, Ms Sethi wrote after her encounter with him: “Most of all, I feel angry that there could be such casual ignorance in the corridors of power, an ignorance that also permeates society – not least because some British people of colour invited here have been threatened with deportation. “They don’t look like they are from here, according to some.”Charles has visited 44 of the 53 Commonwealth countries and was decided as the new future head following a leaders’ retreat at

Writer Anita Sethi said she was “stunned” and her feelings went from “shock to humiliation to rage” following the encounter (Image: @anitasethi/Twitter) Windsor Castle.On Thursday, The Queen made a passionate speech calling for him to be her successor, as it was indicated she is now “winding down” her duties in the role. Graham Smith, CEO of Republic which campaigns for an elected head of state, said yesterday about Charles’ comments: “It’s appalling behaviour and shows just

how out of touch and unfit he is to be head of the commonwealth. “We’re told he’s benefitted from his experience but he still can’t manage a basic level of courtesy on official engagements. Is this the kind of person we want representing Britain?” A Clarence House spokesman declined to comment.

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Saturday April 21, 2018

Govt. seeking clarification on media report…

Death sentence on Trinidadian national PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday said it has sought the assistance of international partners to verify international media reports that a Trinidadian national was among six women sentenced to death in Iraq for having links to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). National Security Minister retired, Brigadier Edmund Dillon told the Senate that he could not give a timeframe when the required information from the “partners” would be made available to the Keith Rowley administration. He told legislators the government had asked the partners “to verify the veracity of the reports…and we await that”. Earlier this week, the local media quoting international

media reports that five women from Azerbaijan were condemned to death along with a woman from Trinidad by an Iraqi court on Tuesday, while two women from Russia, both holding children in their arms, were sentenced to life in prison. The reports said that the latest court ruling comes against the backdrop of the February sentencing of 16 Turkish women to death by hanging for joining Islamic State, along with that of a German woman in January, who was found guilty of belonging to ISIS. The report stated that under Iraqi anti-terrorism laws, a total of 97 foreign women have now been condemned to death since January and 185 others to life imprisonment by courts in Baghdad. The head of the Islamic Front, Umar Abdullah, said

Edmund Dillon while his organisation is aware of the situation in Iraq, the details were sketchy. “For the longest while we have been calling on the government to look into reports of women and children held in Iraq and to make intervention necessary in getting

these citizens back home. “These women and children would have left in search of a better life, similar to how citizens go to America seeking betterment, and would have not been involved in any battles in support of ISIS. Thus, we suspect that this individual was a member of that contingent,” he added. In October 2015, ISIS released an 11 minute 20 second video featuring four fighters from Trinidad and Tobago calling on Muslims here to migrate to Syria to fight. The video titled “Those who Believe and made the Journey” was distributed on the social network and proIslamic state television networks.Abdullah in the past has said Trinidad and Tobago nationals who have joined the terrorist group should be welcomed back into the country.

US urges new Cuba leader to end ‘repression’ WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States grudgingly acknowledged Cuba’s “undemocratic” transition to a new leader on Thursday and urged him to allow the island’s people greater political freedom. Earlier, Cuba’s National Assembly formalised the election of top Communist Party figure and first vice president Miguel Diaz-Canel to succeed Raul Castro as the country’s first non-Castro ruler in six decades. “We are disappointed that the Cuban government opted to silence independent voices and maintain its repressive monopoly on power, rather than allow its people a meaningful choice through free, fair and competitive elections,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. “Cuba’s new president

Miguel Diaz-Canel should take concrete steps to improve the lives of the Cuban people, to respect human rights and to cease repression and allow greater political and economic freedoms.” Washington and Havana resumed diplomatic ties in 2015 but relations between the neighbours and former Cold War foes have remained testy, and a US trade embargo remains largely in place.

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Saturday April 21, 2018

ECLAC says Caribbean countries moving towards sustainable development SANTIAGO, Chile CMC – The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says the region is moving towards sustainable development but warns that challenges remain. “Traversing the path toward a new, more sustainable development pattern requires a vision and political work, an open and solid multilateral system, and coalitions and institutions for the promotion of policies on a global, regional, national and local scale,” said ECLAC’s executive secretary, Alicia Bárcena. Presenting the second annual report on regional progress and challenges related to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, Bárcena said that 20 of the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have “high-level cross-sector institutions to coordinate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which shows concrete progress by the region toward a new development pattern.” In addition to this, Bárcena said there has been recognition and work done to ensure that all sectors of society participate in the attainment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ECLAC’s executive secretary said that, by 2018, at least 19 countries of the region will have presented Voluntary National Reviews about their progress on complying with the 2030 Agenda before the United Nations High-level

Alicia Bárcena

Political Forum in New York, adding that some of them will do so for the second time. However, she warned, “there are still gaps, challenges and some rollbacks that must be overcome to implement this global agenda.” According to the report, poverty in the region rose from 28.5 per cent in 2014 to 30.7 per cent in 2016, while extreme poverty went from 8.2 per cent to 10 per cent in the same period. Furthermore, more than 100 million people continue to live in urban slums. Between 1990 and 2013, the report notes more than 43,000 people died, and 126 million were affected by disasters of varying magnitudes in 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries, the majority of them associated with climate change. The document states there is still an urgent need to fight tax evasion, which is

seen totalling US340 billion, or 6.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the region. For all these reasons, Bárcena said regional integration is needed to propose new agreements that end financial, technological and trade asymmetries at a global level, adding that means of implementation that close financing, technological and trade gaps should be applied. She said another of the region’s challenges in complying with the 2030 Agenda is having information for the production of the global indicators on the SDGs, the availability of which averages around 45 per cent, “taking into account those indicators that are already produced on a national scale or can be produced with available information.” The report reiterates that “the sum of national actions is not enough; greater global cooperation is needed.”

Bank backs off US share offer Daily Nation FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited (FCIB) has got cold feet. The Barbadian-based bank announced late Thursday that in light of “market conditions at this juncture” it was withdrawing “the [United States] registered public offering and listing of its shares” on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Weekend Nation investigations revealed that the decision came on the same day that a senior official of the NYSE notified the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) that the NYSE had approved the FCIB initial public offering (IPO).

FCIB’s withdrawal also came nine days after it filed an amended registration statement stating that its IPO would offer 9.6 million common shares, each for between US$22 and US$25 (up to US$240 million). The bank also announced its intention to sell an additional 1.4 million common shares outside of the IPO.In its brief statement announcing its decision not to proceed with the IPO, FCIB stated: “FCIB had filed a registration statement in December 2017 relating to this public offering and proposed listing on the NYSE under the symbol “FCI”.” In correspondence sent to the US SEC’s chief of information technology Thursday,

NYSE head of corporate actions Benjamin Sawyer stated: “The New York Stock Exchange certifies its approval for listing and registration of the Common shares, no par value of FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited under the Exchange Act of 1934.” FCIB did not specify the US “market conditions” it was concerned about. However its announcement came as various American media outlets reported that US stocks were trading lower and that market volatility was expected to continue. Thursday, international economist Lars Christensen, who heads Copenhagenbased research and advisory company Markets & Money Advisory, warned: “Twothousand and eighteen hasn’t been a good year for the US stock market, and we expect more volatility going forward. We might very well see new lows in the coming months.”

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 21, 2018

Brazil’s army chief warns of graft threat to democracy Brasília (AFP) - Brazil’s top army commander on Thursday made another foray into political commentary, warning that corruption poses a threat to democracy in Latin America’s biggest country. The comment by General Eduardo Villas Boas was his second high-profile remark on the state of Brazil’s democracy this month, going against an unwritten rule that high-ranking military officers keep out of politics. “We can’t be indifferent to the more than 60,000 murders a year, the banalization of corruption, the impunity, the insecurity caused by organized crime and the ideological politicization of national problems,” the general said in a speech marking army day. “These are real threats to our democracy.” Villas Boas caused a stir on April 3 when his criticism of “impunity” for corrupt politicians was seen as a direct

Brazilian President Michel Temer (L) with army commander General Eduardo Villas Boas during the Army Commemorative Day parade in Brasilia Thursday. (AFP Photo/EVARISTO SA) appeal for the Supreme Court to authorize prison for expresident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was jailed for corruption that same week. His comments come with the army playing a more high-profile role after President Michel Temer ordered the military to take over security in Rio de Janeiro, where police struggle to cope with violent crime.

The general spoke Thursday alongside Temer, who himself has been charged twice with corruption but so far remains protected by Congress from having to face a trial. Brazil’s military is highly respected but has kept largely clear of politics since the return of democracy in 1985 after two decades of dictatorship.

CAPE students could earn credits to universities – Reid KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – Education Minister Ruel Reid says students pursuing the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) will have an opportunity to earn credits for entry to certain universities in Jamaica. Reid told students of the St Mary High School that as of September this year, he will be working with the local office of the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to make this a reality. “You will have a whole suite of subjects around your CAPE programme, which will be the equivalent to 60 college credits, so that when you complete sixth form you go into university with the credits. This means (that) you will end up completing your first degree in a much shorter time, and you will also reduce the cost of your university education,” he said. Reid was visiting schools in the parish in response to a letter from Alicia Blake, a student who had expressed gratitude to the minister for enabling her to sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) while in hospital. Reid said that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed with the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) to facilitate opportunities for students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) to pursue courses of study in science,

Ruel Reid technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). He said more scholarships would also be provided to students on the PATH programme but will require the government to bond them “for five years, so that we can get you back to work for us in Jamaica to build our country, so that it becomes very progressive and prosperous”.

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Saturday April 21, 2018

Saturday April 21, 2018

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VAR is a lifeline for beleaguered referees... From page 39 to help referees, is a muchneeded safety net that could end their purgatory. “Please let us have VAR for these moments,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of a training camp for the European and African referees who will officiate in Russia. “Our careers and our lives have to change, they have to be fairer.” Busacca, whose own career included two World Cups and a Champions League final, remembered refereeing one “important” Champions League match where there was a sending-off offence but he was not sure which player had committed the foul. He did not have VAR to turn to, so he did what he thought was the next best thing — and asked the players involved. “I said, please tell me who

committed the foul because otherwise it could be my last game,” he said. “The players were very fair... one owned up and I gave the red card.” IN THE DARK Busacca said that, without VAR, players would quickly find out what television replays had shown while the referee remained in the dark. “The players receive information from outside the pitch. Team staff are watching the match on an iPad, or the coach gets an SMS,” he said. “So the players tell you that you made a mistake, and how do you continue the game after that? What happens if there is another incident in the other penalty area? Do you compensate for the mistake?” In the VAR system, a trained referee with access to a video monitor, and in constant communication with the

main match official, checks decisions considered “match-changing”. If an obvious mistake is spotted, the incident can be reviewed and changed. The referee, who has access to a pitchside monitor, can also initiate a review himself. The system has been trailed in several leagues around the world this season, including Serie A, the Bundesliga and the MLS, and was approved by soccer’s law-making body IFAB in March.But not everyone is happy. ‘CONTROVERSIALVAR’ One of the most frequent complaints is too many incidents are being reviewed. Busacca, however, said the last thing a referee wanted to do was consult the VAR. “Like anyone else, referees don’t like to be told they have made a mistake so the

Saturday April 21, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A future course of action that you may or may not take could depend on information you might receive today,. However, don't be surprised if the information is vague and needs to be clarified. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A friend or neighbor you need to contact could be in and out all day, and so you could have trouble reaching him or her. Phone or email probably won't work GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This probably isn't a good day to do work that concerns money, Gemini. Your mind may not be in the right space. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A lost object could have all the members of your household going through every room trying to find it, - probably without success.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Are you unhappy or uncertain about your current profession, Libra?Are you thinking of making a change? News could reach you today of possible avenues to explore SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your natural psychic or intuitive abilities could be short-circuited today, Scorpio. Interference from the minds of other people could cloud issues, and this won't do you any good. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The atmosphere around you could seem somewhat unreal today. If you get a weird vibe from someone, Sagittarius, take everything this person says with a grain of salt. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Communication could take some extra effort today, Capricorn. A business or romantic partner could seem like they're keeping things from you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This could be a very busy day in your community, Leo. Some kind of rally, protest, or other public gathering might take place. If you attend, you may not hear much because of all the noise

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Messages from a distant state or foreign country, possibly through fax, email, or website, might not be totally accurate, Aquarius. If any information presented in this fashion sets off an alarm bell in your head

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A future course of action that you may or may not take could depend on information you might receive today, Virgo. However, don't be surprised if the information is vague and needs to be clarified.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Staying in touch with a love partner could be difficult today, Pisces, almost to the point of causing a minor panic. Don't jump to any unwarranted conclusions about possible problems in the relationship.

referee doesn’t like having an onfield review. He doesn’t want to go the pitchside monitor,” he said. And he warned that a referees’ mistake would still be noted by FIFA even if the VAR helped make the right decision. “Just because VAR has corrected you, it doesn’t mean that you will easily be allocated another game,” he said, adding that one review per match — not including offsides — was too many. “That would mean we are not working well with referees any more,” he said. An impassioned Busacca said he could not understand some of the criticism of VAR. “Why do I always see that phrase ‘controversial VAR’?” he said. “Because a player is celebrating and it is discovered that he is offside? “Of course, we have to be better, we have to reduce the time it takes, but, in the end, we need to get the decisions right.” European soccer’s governing body UEFA has decided against using VAR in the Champions League next season, saying the system needs fine-tuning, but Busacca said it was ready for the World Cup. “We have worked an incredible number of hours on the pitch in the last two years in seminars and tournaments,” he said.

Steph Curry’s... From page 41 series, he could get some practices in and possibly be ready for Game 1 of the second round. That’s best case. While Warriors fans want Curry to get back on the court as soon as possible, the team hasn’t struggled much without him in the first round. The Warriors beat the Spurs by a score of 110-97 on Thursday night to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. If the Warriors can keep playing well without Curry, that makes it easier for the team to be cautious with him as he recovers from the injury. And if the Warriors can get back Curry at 100 percent in the middle of a playoff run, that would be pretty terrifying for the rest of the league.

BCB to... From page 43 develop local talent. Entrance Fee shall be Free, but teams would have to pay a Protest Fee if they want to Protest any match. Teams would only be allowed two First Division Players. Under-19 Players shall not be considered First Division Players.

Edwards hurts Surrey but Hants stumble late LONDON, CMC – ExWest Indies speedster Fidel Edwards continued his impressive start to the county season for Hampshire, grabbing four wickets to hurt Surrey on the opening day of their County Championship contest here yesterday. Opting to bat first at the Oval, Surrey were dismissed for 211 with Edwards finishing with four for 38 from 11 overs and left-arm spinner Liam Dawson claiming four for 30. At the close, Surrey had reduced the visitors to 52 for three, however, leaving them 159 runs adrift of first innings lead.Surrey found themselves in early trouble when Edwards struck two key blows in a electric newball burst, to leave the hosts on 23 for two in the sixth over of the morning.Bowling from the Vauxhall End, the 36year-old claimed Test batsman Mark Stoneman lbw for four in the second over and returned to claim Scott Borthwick for five, also via the lbw route. Captain and opener Rory

Former West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards. Burns, the joint top-scorer with 46, added 87 for the third wicket with South African Dean Elgar (44), to revive the innings.Edwards returned to get the breakthrough when he removed Burns and Elgar followed 16 balls later to leave Surrey on 114 for four. Ben Foakes (46) and Ollie Pope (34) propped up the innings in a 73-run, fifth wicket partnership before Edwards and Dawson combined to send the last six wickets tumbling for 24 runs in the space of 54 balls.

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Saturday April 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Royals fall flat after Watson century

Dwayne Bravo was the fifth bowler used and also struck in consecutive overs ©BCCI ESPNcricinfo - For the 1000-odd Chennai Super Kings fans who endured the 26-hour train journey to Pune, this was a night to r e m e m b e r. F o r R a h u l Tripathi, a Pune boy who plays his domestic cricket for Maharashtra at the MCA Stadium, this was a night to forget. He put down a regulation catch at slip to reprieve Shane Watsonin the first over of the match and watched him

smack the season’s second c e n t u r y, o ff 5 1 b a l l s , against his former side, with whom he masterminded a fairytale a decade ago. Wa t s o n a n d S u r e s h Raina, who replaced M Vijay, joined forces in the fifth over. When they were separated courtesy an outstanding catch by K Gowtham at deep midwicket, they had put on 81 off just 44 deliveries,

with CSK in line to score 240. Some fine end-overs bowling by leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal and Ben Laughlin restricted them to 204, but that was hardly any consolation for Rajasthan Royals, who never got going in the chase and were bowled out for 140 in 18.3 overs. Watson turns it on They said he was a spent force. His previous season with Royal Chal-

Nothing to prove says, ‘Universe Boss’ Gayle MOHALI, India, CMC – Superstar opener Chris Gayle has taken aim at detractors following his scintillating hundred on Thursday, contending he had nothing further to prove in his career. The 38-year-old blasted an unbeaten 104 off 63 balls – his 21 st Twenty20 hundred and sixth in the Indian Premier League – to help Kings XI Punjab end Sunrisers Hyderbad’s unbeaten campaign with a 15-run defeat. “A lot of people thought I’m too old. After this innings, I have nothing to prove,” said the veteran West Indies lefthander. “Time waits for no one but I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. I just want to move on, enjoy my cricket.” He added: “I’m not really here to prove it to anyone. I’ve done it all before. Been there, done that. Just here to put some respect on the name.”

Gayle was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore after spending seven seasons at the franchise and scoring 3 636 runs at an average of 41.20 from 101 matches, and gathering five hundreds. However, he managed only 200 runs from nine innings last season, prompting speculation his immense powers were on the wane. In a shock development, Gayle nearly missed out on this year’s IPL campaign, after going unsold in the first two rounds of bidding during the auction last January. And just when it appeared he would have no takers, Kings XI came in for the charismatic Jamaican at his reserve price of US$314 000 and in his only two innings so far, has repaid their faith in him with scores of 63 and 104. “I’m always determined. I always give it my all for whatever franchise I represent,” said Gayle, the only batsman

in world cricket with over 10 000 T20 runs. “I’m a 100 percent. Like I said, it’s a new franchise. A lot of people might say that Chris has a lot to prove – he didn’t get selected or picked early in the auction. I think Virender Sehwag has saved IPL by picking me. This is a brilliant start.” Behind Gayle’s phenomenal efforts, Kings XI’s victory lifted them to third in the IPL standings but level with leaders Kolkata Knight Riders and second-placed Sunrisers on six points. Gayle will now pit his talents against KKR – which includes Windies teammates Sunil Narine and Andre Russell – when Kings XI travel to Kolkata for their next fixture on Saturday. The self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ of cricket, Gayle said his focus was already on the KKR contest. “Overall, [I’m] happy with the win and now [time to] move on to Kolkata,” he noted. “It all depends on the mood and conditions is also tricky as well. Playing so many years in India, I know what the conditions are like. I am glad to get a hundred …”

Shane Watson launched Super Kings’ innings with fierce slog sweep ©BCCI lengers Bangalore was a disaster by any stretch of imagination, just like it was for Thursday’s centurion Chris Gayle. While Gayle came into the tournament in patchy form, Watson was the fifth-highest run-getter (319 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 135.16) in the PSL season that finished late last month. Wa t s o n a n n o u n c e d himself inside the first six overs. This made the generally effervescent Raina look subdued in comparison. But that was only until he launched Ben Stokes for four successive fours in the sixth over to move CSK to 69 for 1, their highest Powerplay score this season. That was the start of a giant yellow party that continued until the end of the match.In two of the first three matches, Watson had got off to starts but fell trying to muscle the ball. Here, there was a calculated effort to bide his time, but that wasn’t at the cost of scoring quickly. It also helped that the Royals bowlers, particularly K Gowtham and Stuart Binny, kept feeding him longhops. Gowtham went for 31 off the 13 balls he bowled to Watson, including three sixes and one four while half of Binny’s ten balls to Watson disappeared to the boundary. Watson profited from the pull, with his legside strokes fetching him 63 runs in all. He ended up with a control percentage of 84, noteworthy in a T20 innings of this length, and reflecting the ease with which he picked apart Royals’ bowling. Wa t s o n r e a c h e d h i s half-century with a slog

sweep for six off his 28th ball. The next 50 took just 23 balls, the landmark coming in the 18th over with a single completed to the backdrop of wild cheers and manic whistles and celebrated with a subdued lift of the arms. He was dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings for 106 off 57 balls, with nine fours and six sixes. He slowed down towards the end, making only 15 off the last 12 balls he faced, but it didn’t cost his team much. Shreyas Gopal holds his own amid the carnage In an innings where CSK were motoring along at close to 11 an over for a better part of their first 15 overs, legspinner Shreyas Gopal maintained a tight leash and conceded just two fours in his four overs, ending up with figures of 3 for 20. The reward for his persistence were the wickets of Raina and MS Dhoni in successive overs. Then he returned for his final over, the 16th of the innings, to dismiss the inform Sam Billings. These strikes somewhat softened Watson’s stinging blows at the other end, with Royals managing to put some sort of lid on the scoring in the last seven overs, which only went for 54. Gopal’s wickets this season also include Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. A forgettable initiation Tripathi strikes at over 10 an over in the Powerplay, but Royals have pushed him into the middle order to accommodate D’Arcy Short. On Friday, Royals left out Short but did not open with Tripathi, instead sending out Heinrich Klaasen.

Klaasen was dropped by Watson at slip off the second ball of the innings, but he couldn’t capitalise. Indecisive footwork cost him big as Shardul Thakur’s length ball skidded through to beat his feeble push and crash into middle stump. Off the next over, Royals’ best batsman this season, Sanju Samson, fell to the pull shot for 2. When Ajinkya Rahane was bowled after charging down the pitch and missi n g D e e p a k C h a h a r ’s knuckle ball, Royals were 33 for 3 in the fifth over. Royals’ ‘quantum of defeat’ As steep their task was from there on, Royals had some hope with Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes in the middle. Both had trouble revving up the scoring rate. This forced shots out of desperation. While a few came off, like a Buttler six off Imran Tahir that sailed over long-on, CSK were always in with a chance of breaking the partnership. When Dwayne Bravo’s slower delivery felled Buttler, who sliced a catch to point, the chase was well and truly over. Then, Tripathi came out slogging, and holed out to deep midwicket. Out came the Bravo jig as whatever else Royals did from there on only served to “reduce the quantum of defeat”, as MS Dhoni put it the other night. Stokes top-scored with 45, taking 37 balls to make his runs. Scores: Chennai Super Kings 204 for 5 (Watson 106, Raina 46) beat Rajasthan Royals 140 (Stokes 45, Karn 2-13, Bravo 2-16, Thakur 2-18, Chahar 2-30) by 64 runs.

Saturday April 21, 2018

Warriors beat Spurs in glum Game 3

Kevin Durant and Shaun Livingston leave with late ankle injuries NBC Sports - The Spurs were playing with heavy hearts following the death of Gregg Popovich’s wife, Erin. Kevin Durant and Shaun Livingston appeared to injure their left ankles on back-toback plays late. Everyone seemed ready for the Warriors’ 110-97 Game 3 win Thursday to end well before it did. Soon enough, the firstround series will. Golden State is up 3-0, and all 127 teams to win the first three games of a best-of-seven series won it – most of them via sweep. Game

4 is Saturday in San Antonio. There’s hope neither Durant’s nor Livingston’s injury is serious. Durant walked off on his own, though gingerly. Livingston shot his free throws before exiting. Durant (26 points) and Klay Thompson (19 points) have carried the Warriors’ offense with Stephen Curry sidelined by his own injury. If Durant isn’t at full strength for Game 4, Golden State could really struggle to score. But it still might not matter, as the Spurs are overmatched against the War-

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riors’ dialed-in defense. Draymond Green (10 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks and two steals) led tonight’s effort. After two losses in Oakland to start the series, returning to San Antonio didn’t do much for the Spurs, who were 33-8 at home and 14-27 on the road this season – the NBA’s largest home-road disparity in a half decade. It’s just had to see San Antonio – whether Popovich returns or Ettore Messina remains acting coach – finding enough sources of offence.

Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors grabs his ankle after Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs stole the ball from him at AT&T Center on April 19, 2018 in San Antonio. (Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Nadal advances at Monte Carlo as Djokovic goes out

Rafael Nadal reacts after defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev during a World Group Quarter final Davis Cup tennis match between Spain and Germany. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz, File) MONACO (AP) — Rafael Nadal remains on course to retain his Monte Carlo Masters title and won’t have Novak Djokovic standing in his way. The top-ranked Nadal beat big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 yesterday to reach the quarterfinals, clinching victory with a clinical smash at the net. The 10-time champion next faces fifth-seeded Dominic Thiem, who earlier won 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-3 against Djokovic. “(Thiem) plays so good on every surface but especially on clay. He hits the ball hard,” said Nadal. “I can’t let him play from good positions because he has lot of power and it will be so difficult to control him.” Thiem can take confidence from having beaten Nadal twice on clay, including in the quarterfinals of last year’s Rome Masters. “It’s a way better feeling if you go against him and know that you’ve beaten him already on this surface,” Thiem said. “It’s the ultimate challenge to play against him. I have to raise my level again.” Djokovic was once Nadal’s nemesis, even on clay. He ended the Spanish player’s 46-match winning run by beating him in the 2013 final, and then won the tournament in 2015. But the former topranked Serb, who has won 12 majors, is searching for form and confidence now. A day after needing 10 match points to advance, Djokovic didn’t even come close to getting one. Although he says he is finally playing pain-free after two years of struggles with a

persistent right elbow injury, he was often on the back foot against Thiem. He saved one match point against Thiem, but indecision cost him on the second as the ninth-seeded Djokovic seemed to change his mind over which shot to play at the net. Djokovic did save three set points in the first set, and the momentum carried over into the tiebreak. But his backhand let him down after that, with Thiem getting consecutive breaks and holding for the second set when his opponent patted a twohanded backhand into the net. Still, after so much injury frustration, Djokovic was encouraged about coming through three matches without any relapse. “I played without pain, which is important,” he said. “I’m really happy with the way things are working out right now with the elbow.” Djokovic needs to sharpen up, however, and says he will play at the Barcelona Open or Hungarian Open next week. “I’m lacking matches. That’s why it’s important for me to play, to use every opportunity possible,” he said. “I have planned Madrid and Rome after that ... I would like to build my form so I can peak at Roland Garros.” Nadal’s victory could have been even more efficient but he surprisingly dropped his serve in the seventh game of the first set. He broke straight back and then took complete control. Third seed Alexander Zverev beat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, but

missed out on facing his older brother Mischa Zverev in the last eight. He lost 6-2, 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet. Second seed Marin Cilic advanced without hitting a ball after Milos Raonic pulled out through injury. The Australian Open runner-up next plays Kei Nishikori of Japan, who beat Andreas Seppi 6-0, 2-6, 6-3. Raonic said he hurt his right knee during his second-round win on Wednesday. “It was difficult yesterday early in the match, I rotated on my knee. I thought through treatment and soforth it would be better,” Raonic said. “I was predisposed to some risk and I was unable to play with that amount of pain. I’ll know more in the (coming) days.” Sixth seed David Goffin defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-5 in a match that included a bizarre incident involving a ball boy. After losing his serve to trail 4-1, Bautista Agut cleared a ball from the back of the court as a ball boy was sprinting across. The ball, which was traveling slowly, bounced and clipped the ball boy on the head. The Spanish player raised a hand in apology but received a warning from the umpire. He was fined 2,500 euros ($3,100) for unsportsmanlike conduct. Goffin, a semifinalist last year, next plays Grigor Dimitrov after the fourthseeded Bulgarian beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

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Saturday April 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Franciscain and Moengotapoe to meet in Caribbean Shield Final Today Club Franciscain of Martinique and Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe will battle for honours in the final of the inaugural CONCACAF Caribbean Shield today at Estadio Cibao, Santiago after completing victories in their respective semi-final encounters on Thursday. Both teams maintained their impressive record in the eleven-team competition with Inter proving to be too much for Deportivo Nacional of Aruba in the evening’s first semi-final outing with a 4-0 win while Franciscain scored second half goals to hold off Bonaire’s Real Rincon 2-0 in the second matchup. After defeating their fellow Group A opponent’s 5-0 in their tournament opener last Friday, Inter followed up with another convincing performance to book their spot in the final. But this time they had to wait until the 47th minute for the opening goal from Joel Baja after he nodded home a right side cross past goalkeeper Joe Gregorio Cruz from close up. Romeo Kastiel doubled Inter’s lead on 54 minutes and the Surinamese club then punished Nacional in the 61st minute when Kastiel intercepted a poor pass at the back by a Nacional defender before calmly threading a ball through to the lurking Ives Vlijter who had the simple task of hitting past a hapless Cruz from inside the penalty box. Kastiel then grabbed his second item after Miguel Darson latched onto a long pass on the left of the penalty box, before squaring for

him to slot past Cruz in the 67th minute for a 4-0 lead. Nacional tried to at least pull a goal back but to no avail and will now have to contest the third place playoff against Real Rincon of Bonaire today. ”This game was very difficult. The opponent played a strong defensive game in the first half. We had no time to really break them down but then the second half was a lot better for us,’ Franciscain assistant coach Josef Joekoe said. “At half time we told our players that we had to reorganise and must have a better game in the middle of the pitch. We came out better and we created the chances and put them away. Once we got the first goal we knew they would be under pressure and we would get more opportunities to score. We have played a very good tournament so far and now must we go for the Shield with a victory in the final,” Joekoe said.In the evening’s second encounter, Franciscain and Bonaire’s Real Rincon showed early intentions of making a match out of it. Both outfits were solid in defence and created a fair share of opportunities on goal in the first half. Yann Thimon then went closest to putting Franciscain ahead in the second half when his shot on the turn was headed off the goal line by Serginho Makaai with goalkeeper Jonathan Frans out of his goal. But Rincon suffered a setback when Robert Fitzgerald Frans was ejected for a second yellow card offence in the 22nd minute.

Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe Franciscain would break the deadlock in the 68th minute with a goal by Stephane Abaul. After a Rincon attack was broken down, Franciscain broke on the counter with Thimon making the run down the left before playing inside for Abaul who eluded a couple defenders before hitting into the left corner of the net with a right footed shot from near the penalty spot. Four minutes later Jorick Ephestion completed the win with a well taken goal, running onto to collect a neat return pass on the right of the box before clinically shooting past the advancing Frans for a 2-0 lead. Six minutes later Rincon had a second player sent off when Yurick Seinpaal was

given marching orders for a second bookable offence. The closing minutes saw a few heated exchanges between both teams as Rincon tried to get themselves back into the contest but they will now look ahead to the third place match while Franciscain advances to the final against Inter Moengotapoe on Saturday from 8pm at Estadio Cibao.Franciscain head coach Dominique Zaire later described the encounter as the toughest outing of the competition for his team so far. ”We had to play a strong game. The other team was very good and they fought a good game with us. We had to play to our best ability tonight. It was a very important victory for us because now

we are into the final and we have a chance to achieve glory. The final will be very difficult because the club from Suriname has played very good football. So far this competition has been very good and it has a been an important experience for the club as it is on the international stage. This is very important for our development and now we will try our best to finish with success in the final on Saturday.” Zaire said. His opposite number, Christopher Winklaar, Rincon’s head coach, was notably disappointed with the defeat but managed a smile as his team turned out their best ever showing in a CONCACAF competition.

”Today was a good match for us but the only problem was that we couldn’t get it right. We prepared really hard for this competition and it helped us to get to the semifinals. We had two players sent off which made it very difficult for us but we kept fighting. Our club is still very proud of our performance here even though we lost today. We are a small island and this a big achievement for us. Franciscain proved to be a very tough opponent today but I am pleased with the fight our players showed. Now we will try to finish with a victory and take the third place in our last game here,” Winklaar said. (CONCACAF)

Wenger to step down after two decades in charge at Arsenal... From page 41 commitment and integrity,” added Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high. Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out despite calls for him to be replaced. “My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment,” he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future. “My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success,

and that’s what matters to me.” The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining. They are also in the semifinals of the Europa League, a tournament which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season.The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German

Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as one of the early bookmakers’ favourites. DIFFICULT DAY Arsenal’s majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was “one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport.” “One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch,” he said. “His longevity and consistency over such a

sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.” Wenger was virtually unknown to many fans when he arrived from Japan’s Nagoya Grampus Eight to take charge at the old Highbury ground at a time when foreign managers were still a rarity. “Arsene Who?” read one banner. They soon found out who he was and what he stood for — with diets, training methods and playing style all overhauled and a new ethos

installed. The chants of ‘boring, boring Arsenal’, heard as much from frustrated Arsenal fans as rival supporters in the early 1990s, became ironic and Wenger was hailed as a ‘miracle worker’ and visionary. Together, they won three Premier League titles — including in 2003-04 when his ‘Invincibles’ went unbeaten for an entire season — and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002. GREATEST MANAGER News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game. “He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies,” former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was “shell-shocked” by the news.

“Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal’s history he has personally changed the face of the game in this country.” Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who once derided Wenger as “a specialist in failure”, paid tribute to his old rival and said he hoped he stayed in football. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision and hailed Wenger as an “outstanding personality” and hugely influential. “He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s.” Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day: “Can we now give him the send off/ respect he deserves,” he asked on Twitter.

Saturday April 21, 2018

Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day

Registration closes today for all events Registration for the menu of sports events in tomorrow’s Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day will close today ahead of what is expected to be a riveting day of fun and competition at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary. Eight athletics clubs have already committed to registration in the athletics relay competition, including Police Progressive Youth Club, Guyana Defence Force, Mercury Fast Laners, Upper Demerara (Linden), Super Upcoming Runners, Flames Athletics Club (Hopetown, Berbice), Region Five Education Department (Berbice) and The University of Guyana. The Relay Events are: 4x100 Females; 4x100 Males; 4x400 Females; 4x400 Males; 4x200 Mixed Relay; 4x400 Mixed Relay; Sprint Medley Females (100m,100m, 200m, 400m); Sprint Medley Males (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m); Distance Medley Females ( 2400metres ) (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m); Distance Medley Males (2800metres) (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m); Distance 4X800 Male and Female Relay. Cash Prizes of $25,000; $20,000 and $15,000 will be awarded to teams finishing first to third. Total prize money of $720,000 will be handed out in the Relay Events. In addition, a minimum of eight top local football teams will compete in a small goal football competition expected to kick things off tomorrow from 10:30am. Among these teams are Future Stars, West Front Road ‘Goal is Money’, Alexander Village, YMCA, Albouystown ‘A’, California Square, Bent Street, Power

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Gaitree Harricharan (right), Company Secretary of Trailboss Interior Trucking and Security Service, hands over sponsorship to Boyce/Jefford Chairman, Colin Boyce. Producers Distributors, Police, Agricola Champion Boys among others. Teams are expected to complete registration today. Cash Prizes: $50,000 (winner) and $25,000 (second place) + Champion and Runner-Up Trophy will be awarded in the football. In the cycling contest, sponsor of those events, former national cyclist, Jude Bentley has indicated that all cyclists desirous of competing are encouraged to participate once they are in possession of the required gear, bicycle and helmet. Cash Prizes of $25,000; $15,000 and $10,000 will be awarded to cyclists finishing

Sales Manager of Hallmark Guyana, Stephan Ramroop (right), a subsidiary of C&L Construction Inc., hands over their support to Colin Boyce yesterday.

first to third. Total of $200,000. Trophies will accompany incentives. Meanwhile in the Cricket Contest: Trophy Stall Masters will play United States Embassy Foreign Service Association in a male showdown, while Trophy Stall Angels take on Mike’s Wellwoman in the female contest. Cash Prize for Females $50,000 (winner) and $25,000 (second place) + Champion and Runner-Up Trophy. Domino: In excess of 20 teams for $200,000; $100,000 and $50,000 for first to third. MVP $10,000. Total prize money of $360,000 will be handed out in the Domino Competition. There will be Novelty events for participating patrons and Kids Zone featuring bouncy castles, trampolines, face painting and many more attractions Four lucky patrons will go home with four impressive prizes including a microwave, $20,000 cash and the largest family will win a ‘Household Hamper’ including Ariel Soap Powder, Swinger Matches, Rage Insecticide, Hefty Garbage Bags, Trin Chloro Bleach and Squeezy compliments of Ansa McAl. Ganesh Parts, National Sports Commission, K&B Mining, R&D Engineering, C&L Construction, Trail Boss Interior Trucking and Security Service, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, Romano Builders, Starr Party Rentals, Jude Cycle Shop, Stag Beer, Heineken and I Cool Water are the sponsors of the event.

GSCL Inc./ Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise, Elegance Jewellery Softball Competitions

18-team contest begins tomorrow

Fishermen Masters have been in good form and will be looking to go deep in this tournament. The exciting sport of softball cricket is further boosted with the inaugural Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise and Elegance Jewellery sponsored softball competitions which begin tomorrow. In all, there are 10 teams registered for competition in the Masters Over-40 years old category while eight All Star teams will do battle on a round robin basis. The tournament, which is organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.), will open with Savage Masters taking on HS Masters and Albion Masters battling Ariel Masters at 09:30hrs at the Everest Cricket Club ground, while Fishermen XI and Success Masters take to the field at 13:00hrs to round off the Masters’ action on the opening day. The lone All-Star game is at

13:00hrs and the teams will be decided at the venue. The organizers are reminding teams that despite there are no entrance fees for the tournament; they are responsible for paying the umpires for every match. For the Masters’ matches which will be 20 overs per side using the big white ball the fee is $2,500 per match, while the fee for the all-star games is $2,000 per match which will be 15 overs per side using the small balls. Additionally, players in the Masters category are reminded that the use of white clothing is not permitted. The winning team in each category will get $100,000, while the losing finalist will pocket $25,000. Matches will be played weekly at various venues across Georgetown.

VAR is a lifeline for beleaguered referees, says FIFA director FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) - Massimo Busacca still remembers the sleepless nights. FIFA’s director of refereeing was himself a match official for 15 years and knows how much suffering and soulsearching that referees go through after a bad performance. “To understand what a referee’s life is like, just try doing it once,” the Swiss told Reuters in an interview. “Try it, just to see what it means to make a big mistake and be killed by the media the next day. “I know how many hours I was looking up at the ceiling and I couldn’t sleep because of my mistake... and I know that only one decision can change your life.” Busacca said that “a player can be very bad for 89 minutes and he scores a goal

FIFA’s head of refereeing, Massimo Busacca. (Getty Images) and suddenly he becomes a hero. A referee can be the best in the world for 89 minutes, he makes one mistake and he is killed.”

For Busacca, the video technology system (VAR) which will be used at this year’s World Cup in Russia (Continued on page 35)

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Saturday April 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Hand-in-Hand 3-day U-19 Inter-County Cricket

Anderson’s unbeaten ton gives B’ce title

Sachin Singh hits undefeated 68 for U-17s

Mavindra Dindyal flicks during his 85-run stand with Singh at Everest yesterday. Story and photos by Sean Devers Yesterday at Everest, on a day in which the shone in all its glory, Berbice led by a wonderfully constructed unbeaten 120 from Kevlon Anderson, regained their Hand-in-Hand three-day U-19 Inter-County cricket title when their final round game against the U-17s ended in a draw. Berbice resumed their second innings on 198-4 and declared at 295-8 with National U-19 batsman Anderson reaching his second U-19 Inter-County three-day century in an innings which was decorated with 15 fours and a six on the heavy outfield. Steve Deonarine (31), Leon Swamy (13) also got into double figures as Skipper Sachin (2-19) Niron Bissu (244) and Nigel Deodat (2-65) bowled well for the U-17s. Set an improbable 361 to win in a session and 19 overs,

the U-17s reached 123-3 as Berbice took their first title at this level since 2015. The left-handed Singh, the Windies U-16 Captain, hit nine fours and a six in an undefeated 68 and the technically correct Mavendra Dindyal, who made a well compiled 32, added 85 for the first wicket before Dindyal was removed by off-spinner Kevin Sinclair. Earlier, Deonarine fell to Sheldon Charles at 222-5, while two runs later Trevon Stanislaus (2) was LBW to Gevon Shultz. The well set Anderson was taking very few risks and it was a joy to watch him compile his innings in a tournament in which there has been not too much brain power involved as most of the batsmen played in T20 mode. Anderson was joined by Swamy and the pair saw the 50 posted before Swamy and Karan Arjpaul (6) were removed in the space of eight runs by Singh to leave the

score on 259-8 at Lunch with Anderson on 99. Anderson who took a long time in the 90s soon reached his century and then put his foot on the gas; hitting his first six before Berbice surprisingly declared leaving Anderson unbeaten as the third batsman to register a three-figure score in this tournament. Bhaskar Yadram’s record breaking unbeaten 301 against the U-17s at Everest in the first round when Demerara amassed 489-8 declared was first double century in the tournament which began in 1970. National U-19 batsman Alex Algoo who made 111 was the other batsman to reach a ton. Yadram (366 runs from two matches) ended with the most runs, while Windies U19 left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd captured the most wickets (21), while Essequibo’s pacer Joshua Jones was the leading pacer with 14 scalps.

tomorrow at the Lusignan Golf Club. Ganesh Parts was one of the main sponsors of the Guyana Open 2017, contributing significantly to the success of that event. Sales Manager at Ganesh Parts, Suresh Rampersaud, expressed his delight at the contribution the Company is making towards the improvement of Golf in Guyana. Golf Club President, Aleem Hussain has also reiterated the Club’s gratitude for the ready response of sponsors like Ganesh Parts at that time, and now appreciates the con-

tinued goodwill being demonstrated by the Company in sponsoring this event. Golfers will tee-off at 8:00 a.m. The tournament will be played in the medal play format, and prizes will be awarded for the 1st – 3rd Best Net scores, the Best Gross score, and the Nearest to a specified Pin. The public is invited to freely spectate at this tournament and to enjoy the ambience of the Lusignan Golf Course and Club. A well stocked Bar is at the Clubhouse.

Sachin Singh works one to leg during his unbeaten 68 at Everest yesterday.

MOM Kevlon Anderson collects his Trophy from Hand-in-Hand’s Representative Matthew Kissoon.

Ganesh Parts Inaugural Invitational Annual RAM SLAM Pink Ball T/20 Golf Tournament set for tomorrow Cricket on tomorrow at Lusignan CC

Ganesh Parts and General Store of 36 Robb and King Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown, (Phone 592-2262127) a dealer of used and new auto parts and the sole distributor of Bridgestone tyres in Guyana, will sponsor its inaugural Golf Tournament

To renew the competitive spirit and cricket rivalry in the NDC area of La Reconnaissance - Mon Repos on the East Coast, Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) presents its 4th Edition RAM SLAM T/20 cricket tomorrow from 9:00am at the Lusignan Community Centre ground. The event features the four villages its represents, Mon Repos, Goed Hope, Lusignan and Annandale. The event will be a family affair and includes a takeaway bar-b- que along with side attractions of games for the kids, drinks, and music.

The added feature this year is the innovation of Pink Balls, the colour, a breast cancer awareness symbol, and aptly focuses on the healthy lifestyle of this event. Matches will feature players who have made the villages proud within recent years and include Guyana National players Under-15 Chanderpaul Ramraj and former Under19 Emran Khan, and merging prospects Steven Ramdass, Kumar B i s h u n d i a l a n d Vi s h n u Ramjeet. Admission is free. In an invited comment,

LSC’s president, Christopher Singh, remarked, “This event is aimed at developing cricket in these communities in the process keeping young people away from some of society’s ills such as illegal drugs, crime and violence and suicide.” Monies raised will be used to fund participation of the club in the various competitions run by respective area Boards and the Guyana Cricket Board, at the Under15, Under-17, Under-19 levels, in inter-Association, senior Demerara and National levels.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 21, 2018

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL

Charlestown secure spot in South Georgetown Zone Final

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KOTS 2 drag race meet at South Dakota Circuit tomorrow Can the Rail Car compete with the Goliath?

Wisburg, Port Mourant and JC Chandisingh also win (Guyana Cricket Board release) - The 2017/18 Guyana Cricket Board/Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sport Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) recommenced with matches being played in a number of zones. Over at GNIC ground, Charlestown Secondary competed with North Ruimveldt for a place in the South Georgetown Zone Finals. North Ruimveldt won the toss and elected to bat first and posted 64 all out in 12.4 overs from a maximum 25 overs. Sunil Ramlall top scored with 24. Ravi Hanuman was the most instrumental bowler grabbing 5 for 7 from 3 overs, inclusive of a hat-trick and was supported by Dante Sookram who picked up 2 for 24 off 3 overs. Colin Smart and Raymond Bandhu took one wicket a piece. Charlestown in reply raced to 68 from 9.2 overs. Raymond Bandhu top scored with 46 not out while Brandon Volney scored 5 not out. At the Bayroc ground, Upper Demerara’s New Silvercity Secondary won the toss and chose to field first, struggled to contain Wisburg Secondary who blazed to 207 all out in 17 overs. Delroy Peters top scored with 45 not out, while Shamar Edwards scored 30 and Elmont Edward 28. Holland Cambridge grabbed 2 for 18 off 2 overs. In reply, New Silvercity Secondary were dismissed for a meagre 108 all out in 18.3 overs with Harvey Fraser top scoring with 22, while Latini Porter contributed 19. Eyan

Parnamee grabbed 3 for 18 off 3 overs, while Elmont Edward and Ronaldo Fortune took 2 wickets each. Over at Jain Hind ground, Port Mourant Secondary defeated Black Bush Secondary by 145 runs. Port Mourant Secondary sent into bat by Black Bush Secondary scored an imposing 202 for 6. Raj Persaud top scored with 63, which included 7 fours and 2 sixes, while Roopnarine Ramnauth and Jai Tikia chipped in with 26 and 48 runs respectively. Bowling for Black Bush Secondary, Jason Lachmandaya took 2 for 39, with one wicket each going to Tarendra Roopnarine and Terry Ramiah. Black Bush could only muster 57 in their reply with Chovesh Atmaran top scoring with 30 which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. Port Mourant Secondary’s Pawan Ramkehlawan grabbed 3 for 8 while Matthew Pottiah and Angelino Ramdial took 2 for 18 and 2 for 20 respectively. At Albion, JC Chandisingh Secondary defeated Corentyne Comprehensive High School by 47 runs. Winning the toss and batting first JC Chandisingh made 144, Lucas Arthur top scored with 35 which included 5 fours and 1 six. Jonathon Rampersaud supported with 20. Bowling for Corentyne Comprehensive Terry Park took 2 wickets each for 26. Corentyne Comprehensive could only manage to post 98 for 7 off their allotted 30 overs in their run chase. Horace Gordial top scored with 26, inclusive of 5 fours. Richard Rahaman supported with 16. Bowling for JC Chandisingh, Lucas Arthur and Troy Sealey took one wicket each.

Steph Curry’s MCL injury could force him to miss start of Round 2 Yahoo Sports - Golden State Warriors fans hoping Stephen Curry will return to the court any day now might have to hold out just a little longer. Curry’s recovery from an MCL injury may take the full six weeks, meaning he could be in danger of missing the start of the second round of the playoffs, according to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. The original diagnosis for Curry’s injury had him out for four-to-six weeks. It was four weeks yesterday, and Curry isn’t much closer to returning to action, according to Thompson. Yesterday will make four weeks since the injury. It is looking as if the ligament will need a full six weeks to heal. That six-week point would be May 4. That could mean it’s more realistic for Curry, who no doubt is desperate to return to action, to return for Game 3 of the next round — especially if you factor in the Warriors’

Shawn Persaud’s Toyota Caldina about to scorch the track at a previous meet.

I

t’s only April and motor racing fans will be thrilled yet again as the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) hosts another event, titled; King of the Strip 2, which will see stiff competition amongst dragsters from the twinisland republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and the local lot, tomorrow at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. Up to press time y e s t e r d a y, t h e l o c a l contingent had over 60 entrants with a representative of the GMRSC noting that a final, large influx of entries are expected to be received today. There will be four cars from T&T and 10 from Suriname. Up to press time, the Trinidadians’ cars were being processed off the wharf.

Logistically, all systems are in place, and the weather is expected to be sunny for the scorching action that will see T&T’s Rohan Deosaran’s purpose built rail car try to outgun Team Mohamed’s pair of Nissan GTR cars in the most anticipated showdown. Team Mohamed’s are the reigning Superstock champions in the Caribbean M o t o r R a c i n g Championship (CMRC) and the team that exudes excellence regionally, hold the South Dakota Circuit drag strip record, a blazing time of 7.5 seconds. In addition, Shawn Persaud will add to the hype surrounding the unlimited class and he has been keen to defeat Team Mohamed’s pair of GTRs nicknamed ‘Goliath’ and “Nismo’, with h i s To y o t a C a l d i n a ‘Godzilla’ which has the

third fastest drag time, 8.33 seconds. Team Mohamed’s are oozing confidence ahead of the meet while Shawn Persaud confirmed to Kaieteur Sport that his car is set and ready to go. Speaking to Kaieteur Sport, a representative of Team Mohamed’s positively stated that they are unfazed by Shawn Persaud along with the lot of T&T and Surinamese competitors and fans can expect them to continue their dominance this Sunday.For patrons who are desirous of witnessing the heated races at South Dakota tomorrow, entrance fees are $1000 for adults and $500 for children. The renta-tent VIP will be available for $3000. The sponsors of the event are Mohamed’s Enterprise, J A PA R T S , T r o p i c a l Shipping and Ansa Mcal.

Wenger to step down after two decades in charge at Arsenal Stephen Curry could be looking at an early May return from his MCL injury. (AP Photo) usual cautiousness. If Curry does require six weeks to recover, that would put him in line for a return around May 4. That could mean Curry will miss the start of the Warriors’ Round 2 matchup. There’s still a chance Curry could make a quick recovery and be available for the start of Round 2, but he would need a lot of things to work out in his favor:

Best-case scenario? One, the Warriors make quick work of San Antonio. Two, the Blazers win in New Orleans either last night or today (or both) and extend the series. Three, the next week yields significant progress for Curry’s MCL and maybe it is fully healed after five weeks (April 27). If the Warriors are already done with the first-round (Continued on page 35)

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years during which he redefined the Premier League club and became their most successful boss. The longest-serving current manager in English soccer, with 1228 games in charge, had faced increasing criticism from fans, however, for the Gunners’ failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons. “After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season,” the 68-year-old Frenchman said in a statement issued by the club yesterday. “I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

years. I managed the club with full (Continued on page 38)

Kaieteur News

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Wales trash Malvern by 204 runs in reduced game

WDCA President’s Cup

The West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) President’s Cup 50-over tournament continued last Sunday with three matches despite the inclement weather. A t t h e Wa l e s Community Centre ground, there was a late start due to overnight and early morning rain which forced the game to be reduced to 32 overs per side. The hosts had first strike and finished on a mammoth 308 for 1 from their 32 overs. Ryan Shun hit a pugnacious 203 not out and featured in a massive 277run unbroken second wicket partnership with Mahase Persaud who ended on 51 not out. The pair got together with the score on 31 for 1. In the onslaught, only Charwine McPherson with 1 for 40 got in the wickets column bowling for Malvern Sports Club. The visitors’ fortune never changed and with the bat they were shot out for a paltry 104 in just 19 overs, falling short by a whopping 204 runs. Only Ghamsham Hardyal showed some batting pedigree with 45 as Brian Puran picked up three wickets for no run, while Kevin Lindo supported with 2 for 5. Over at the Zeeburg

Berbice Cricket Board launches SKYY 20/20 First Division Tournament

- Shun hits 203*

Ryan Shun and Mahase Persaud after their brilliant unbroken 277-run partnership. Sports Club ground, the home team made 219 all out in 29 overs against MetenMeer-Zorg ‘A’ in another game that was reduced due to rain. Mark Jeffers hit the top score of 76 and gained valuable support from Ricardo Poloram who made 56. Bowling for the visitors, Emmanuel Crishnauth snared 4 for 36, while Martin Reynolds bagged 2 for 31. In reply, Meten-MeerZorg fell short by 95 runs as they fell for 124 from 25 overs. The only batsman to make it to double figures was Shawin Jairaj with 13. Jeffers came back with the ball to grab 4 for 18 and got useful support from

Malcolm Hubbard with 2 for 39. The other match of the day saw All Youths Sports Club ‘A’ defeating Sawpit at the Canal Number One ground. The tournament continues tomorrow with five matches. At Wales C. Ambass Sports Club take on Malvern SC, All Youths Sports Club ‘B’ battle All Stars at Canal Number Two ground, Independence Sports Club battle Sawpit at Joe Vieira Park, Cornelia Ida come up against MetenMeer-Zorg ‘B’ at the MetenMeer-Zorg Sports Club ground, while Meten-MeerZorg ‘A’ battle Windsor Forest at the Zeeburg Sports Club ground.

Pacquiao targets more bouts after Kuala Lumpur showdown KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Manny Pacquiao believes he has “a couple more fights” left in him before he retires, starting with his first contest for more than a year when he faces Argentine WBA welterweight world champion Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur this July. “Definitely this is not my last fight,” the 39-yearold Filipino said at a news conference in the Malaysian capital yesterday to promote the fight.“I want my last fight to be in the Philippines, but I still have a couple more fights till I retire,” said the former eight-division world champion and serving senator in his homeland. Pacquiao, who returns to action for the first time since losing on points to Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane last July, said he expected the July 15 bout at the Axiata Arena to be “a real boxing fight”.

Saturday April 21, 2018

Philippine boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and welterweight world title holder LucasMatthysse pose for photographers during a news conference. (REUTERS/Lai Seng Sin) “Matthysse’s style is very aggressive. He’ll want to come inside and fight toe-totoe. You won’t see running or dancing in the ring,” said Pacquiao, who has a 59-7-2 record with four of those losses coming in his last nine fights.Matthysse (39-4), who will be making his first title defense, said he

expected a “big fight” but believed he had what it took to keep his WBA welterweight crown.“I’m a pretty big puncher with both hands,” said the 35-year-old Matthysse, who beat Thailand’s Tewa Kiram with an eighth round knockout to claim the vacant title in January.

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Ansa Mcal Kevin Singh cement the SKYY 20/20 sponsorship deal.

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he Berbice Cricket Board on Monday last launched another major cricket tournament for cricketers in the Ancient County. Guyana’s most progressive Cricket Board joined hands with Corporate giants Ansa Mcal (Guy) Ltd to officially launch the SKYY Vodka 20/20 Cricket To u r n a m e n t f o r F i r s t Division Teams. Newly elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board after the 18th February, 2018 election had committed to playing cricket at all levels and has already fulfilled that commitment with several tournaments so far. Ansa Mcal is investing $450,000 into the Knockout 20/20 Tournament which would be contested by twelve teams which includes West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon. Foster disclosed that the Berbice Cricket Board in 2018 would be hosting Double Wicket, 40-Over and 50-Over Tournaments at the First Division while great efforts would be made to

obtain sponsorship for a Tw o - D a y s I n t e r - Z o n e Tournament. The Berbice Cricket Board President predicted that the Tournament would be a success and would bring out the fans once again. Senior Players of the calibre of Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Assad Fudadin, Romario Shepherd, Gajanand Singh and Keon Joseph would be part of the Tournament. A number of rising Berbice Stars like Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Alex Algoo, Kassim Khan, Raun Johnson, Kevin Jawahir, Sasenarine Sukhdeo and Sudesh Dhanai would also be playing in the Tournament which would be played at venues like the Area ‘H’ Ground, Skeldon, Cumberland, Blairmont and Albion. Only one NonBerbician would be allowed to play per match for a team, while the maximum of two would be allowed for the duration of the tournament. The Berbice Cricket Board main objective is to develop the talent of Berbicians and Foster blasted Clubs

Officials who left out promising youths in their clubs to accommodate nonBerbicians. Te a m s a r e a l s o reminded that they must be properly attired in one uniform and they must report to the venue at least half hour before the start of play. Foster hailed the contribution of Ansa Mcal and expressed hope that the relationship would be expanded in the future. He singled out the support of Managing Director Troy Cadogan and reassured the Company that the Berbice Cricket Board would organise the tournament of the highest standard. The sponsor would also provide hats for each of the teams, while Umpires would also be uniformed with T/Shirts and Umpire hats. The Tournament is expected to bowl off shortly and Foster is hoping that the rainy season does not affect the packed 2018 season, his Board has organised. Ansa Mcal Managing Director Troy Cadogan expressed delight at the sponsoring of the 20/20 Cup and stated that his Company was fully aware of its corporate responsibilities.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 21, 2018

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Female National Chess Championships Grand Coastal Hotel supports get underway today at Resource Center Muneshwer’s golf tournament -Georgetown Chess Classics to run concurrently

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he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will be hosting two tournaments this weekend including for the first time in its chess history, the Female National Chess Championships. The event is slated to kick off today at the Guyana National Resource Center (opposite Passport Office & Guyana Technical Institute). This prestigious event will be played as a six rounds tournament with a time control of one hour sudden death and the top five finishers will be eligible for the Guyana Female National Te a m t h a t w i l l b e representing Guyana from Sept 22 - 1st Oct, 2018 at the World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia. As planned, this is the federation’s first step towards the development of Guyana’s female chess players. The federation will be aiming at increasing the total number of women who play chess locally, while providing them with the countless opportunities associated with the game. T h e t o u r n a m e n t ’s favorite will be Guyana’s first FIDE Master and highest rated female, Maria Thomas, who is vastly experienced and has been ramping with the top 5 players of Guyana for the last 5 years. Also, participating in this event is Guyana’s only female Candidate Master (CM) Sheriffa Ali, who was part of the female National Team at the last World Chess Olympiad in Baku,

Maria Thomas

Azerbaijan. She will be b a t t l i n g F I D E Developmental Coach and local lawyer Yolander Persaud who was also part of the last female team in Baku. There will also be the more experienced Shazeeda Rahim fighting for her place in the National Female Team. However, young rising stars such as 12-year-old Chelsea Juma of St. Stanislaus College and 14year-old Sasha Shariff, who both just returned from the seventh Carifta Chess Championships where Guyana was represented for the first time and are determined to make their mark among the big girls. A keen eye will be kept for the Johnson’s sisters Nellisha and Waveney, Cassandra Khan, Sharara Gill and hopefully the return of the Clementson sisters Jessica & Julia. While the women will be clashing, GCF will also host the Georgetown Chess Classics concurrently. This event will be organized for

various regions across Guyana but begins in Georgetown. Top male players Anthony Dratyon, Taffin Khan, Loris Nathoo, Ronuel Greenidge are expected to participate as they prepare for the World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia. The Georgetown Chess Classics is set to bring some live actions on the chessboards since other players such as Davion Mars, Glenford Corlette, Chino Chung, Roberto Neto, Saeed Ali and Veteran Errol Tiwari will be looking to defeat the players of the elected national team. Rounds will begin at 10 am on both days and all games will be played in accordance to FIDE (World Chess Federation) rules and regulations. Visitors and viewers are welcome. Registration fee is GYD $1000 and interested persons can contact Tournament Director Mr. Irshad Mohammed at 6641 6 5 0 o r To u r n a m e n t Assistant Anthony Drayton at 613 - 2083.

BCB to host Berbice wide 40-Over Second Division Tournament -Teams invited to register The Berbice Cricket Board in its on gong quest to play cricket at all levels would be hosting a Berbice wide Second Division Competition. The Board has been able to secure a major sponsorship which would be u n v e i l e d s h o r t l y. T h e Tournament w ould be played 40-Over per side, while teams would be divided into at least twelve Zones to allow for an early end of the Tournament. Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster is urging all Second Division Clubs in the Ancient County

Tees off today at 12:30hrs at LGC

to register before the 30th April, 2018. West Berbice Clubs can contact David Black on 624-7607, while Dennis D’Andrade is the contact person for Upper Corentyne on 621-000. President Hilbert Foster or Secretary Robby Saywack are the contact persons for Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam/Canje areas and can be contacted on 3374562 or 660-0049 respectively. The Berbice Cricket Board, Foster stated would be very firm on lifting the standard of the game at the

Second Division and teams would be required to make sure that all players be attired in White Uniform ONLY. Teams who cannot play in Whites are advised they would not be allowed to participate. Foster stated that it is quite embarrassing to witness Berbice Cricket Board Second Division Competition with players attired in numerous noncricketing colours. No NonBerbician would be allowed to play in the Tournament as the main objective is to (Continued on page 35)

CEO of Grand Coastal Inn, Kevin Daby (left) hands over a sponsorship cheque to LGC’s Ravi Persaud (centre) and Guy Griffith. The East Coast’s most popular hotel, the internationally awarded Grand Coast Inn, located at 1 & 2 Area M, Public Road, Le Ressouvenir, are the latest sponsors to back today’s Muneshwer’s Travel Agency’s Open golf tournament. “We’ve always had a good relationship with Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) for a very long time and we would like to see that partnership continue for years to come. It was a very easy decision to back this weekend’s tournament,” explained Kevin Daby, Chief

Executive Officer (CEO) of the establishment. Pandit Ravi Persaud, Secretary of the LGC, expressed gratitude from the hotel’s support and pledged that all involved in the one-day tournament will enjoy an excellent day of golfing. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the LGC, Guy Griffith, noted that a total of around 50 entrants in both male and female categories are expected to compete for bragging rights and trophies.

Commonwealth champ Spencer given hero’s welcome on return VIEUX FORT, St Lucia, CMC – Historymaking high jumper Levern Spencer was given a grand reception after returning home on Thursday, following her successful outing at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. After touching down at the Hewanorra International Airport here, the 33-year-old was met by acting Prime Minister Stephenson King, acting Sports Minister Lennard Montoute, along with Fortuna Belrose, Local Government and Culture Minister and president of the St Lucia Olympic Committee. Spencer was then feted in a short welcome ceremony before being taken amidst fanfare in a motorcade to Castries, where she was the centre of the celebrations staged in the Derek Walcott Square. “For our country, at this time, you have emphasized the attributes and values we need to maintain and inculcate for sustainable success for our people,” Belrose told Spencer. “You have also through this brought our reality as a people and nation into sharp focus.” Spencer ended the country’s 56-year wait for a Commonwealth Games gold medal when she won the women’s high jump in Gold Coast last weekend. Following bronze medals in the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and Glasgow, Spencer measured 1.95 metres to top the podium for the first time. The Pan American Games champion in 2015, Spencer said her achievement

Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Levern Spencer. belonged to the entire nation. “I trust that it was a proud moment for all St Lucians as it was for me,” Spencer said. “Because this is all that I have sought to do for my professional career, that is to place St Lucia on top of the world and to show that, despite our size, we can soar to great heights.” She said the Commonealth gold represented the fulfillment of one of her major dreams. “I am glad that one of my big sporting dreams have now been realised in that after two previous bronze medals in 2010 and 2014, I brought home a Commonwealth gold medal, something I will forever cherish,” Spencer stressed.

rt o p S

KOTS 2 drag race meet at South Dakota Circuit tomorrow P. 41

Can the Rail Car compete with the Goliath?

Team Mohamed’s pair of Nissan GT-R sports cars will be on the strip tomorrow in a bid to continue their dominance.

Hand-in-Hand 3-day P. 40 U-19 Inter-County Cricket

Anderson’s unbeaten ton gives B’ce title Sachin Singh hits undefeated 68 for U-17s

We are the Champions! Berbice regained their U-19 three-day title at Everest yesterday.

Boyce/Jefford P. 39 Relay Festival and Family Fun Day

Registration closes today for all events

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