Kaieteur News

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

The global economy is on the mend - unless debt dooms the recovery (Reprinted from The Washington Post) The global economy is on the mend — but will the recovery be quashed by too much worldwide debt? Just last week, the International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for world economic growth to 3.9percent for both 2018 and 2019. Most advanced societies — the United States, Japan, Europe — grew faster in 2017 than expected, and the momentum has carried into 2018.Consider: In October 2017, the IMF predicted 2.3percent growth for the U.S. economy in 2018; now the forecast is 2.9percent. For the world, growth in 2018 is expected to be nearly one percentage point higher than in 2016.Superficially, this seems small potatoes. It isn’t. By some estimates, the size of the world economy is $130trillion in 2018. An extra onepercentage point of production translates into nearly $1.3trillion more of clothes, cars, computers, tractors, tourism, health care — and much more.To explain the growth surge, the IMF cites multiple causes. Businesses began to exhaust surplus production capacity, so they invested more in new plants, computers and machinery — an area of lagging spending. International trade has accelerated. The Trump tax cut will temporally spur growth. Credit conditions remain easy, despite higher interest rates. That is, the rates are still historically low. Against this backdrop, many private economists are equally optimistic. Karen Dynan of Harvard and the Peterson Institute says the global economy is entering a “cyclical boom.” But risks remain. Both Dynan and IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld warn of dangers to the recovery. One possibility is a trade war between the United States and some trading partners, including China, Mexico, Canada and Japan. “That major economies are flirting with trade war at a time of widespread economic expansion may seem paradoxical, especially when the expansion is so reliant on [business] investment and trade,” Obstfeld said at a press briefing. Even more disruptive might be a shooting war on the Korean Peninsula or elsewhere.Perhaps the biggest danger is debt. If the world economy is overly dependent on debt — loans to households, businesses and governments — and debts are reaching (or have already reached) unsustainable levels, then there’s obviously a huge contradiction at the core of the recovery.Glance at the table below. It shows worldwide debts in trillions of U.S. dollars for 2001, 2007 and 2016. The data come from the IMF and (again) cover businesses, households and governments. “Emerging market” countries include China, India and other developing nations with sizable economies. Low-income developing countries are very poor — for example, Bangladesh.

Tuesday April 24, 2018

The implications of the charges against Brassington and Ashni Singh DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space to expound on the ramifications of the recent charges brought by SOCU against Messrs Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington for purported ‘misconduct in public office, contrary to public law’. The basis of the charges calls every single Government decision since Independence into question. I aim to show clearly by using dubious ‘real estate’ values as the sole basis for land distribution value SOCU and its United Kingdom adviser Dr. Sittlington have implicated every Government official ever involved in any transaction since 1966. Governments are not real estate sales offices; the value of land is not calculated solely on square footage. A government must consider the benefits that accrue through sale or lease of land for whatever purpose— job creation, health benefits , economic activity, infrastructural development et al. The example most often cited in support of this type of land distribution is the United States Land grants to the railroad companies be-

tween 1860-1900 “Building a railroad was an expensive venture. Private Banks, fearing the railroad companies would need a long time to pay off their debts, were reluctant to loan money to the companies. To remedy the situation, Congress provided assistance to the railroad companies in the form of land grants. The land grant railroads, receiving millions of acres of public land, sold the land to make money, built their railroads, and contributed to a more rapid settlement of the West. In the end, four out of the five transcontinental railroads were built with help from the federal government.” By SOCU definitions this is an example of great corruption. I have no doubt Dr. Sam Sittlington has no idea o f w h a t G u y a n a ’s e c o nomic position was during the post PNC years, having arrived post PPP, he must have assumed that Guyana was always economically stable and attractive to investors. Someone needs to educate the good doctor. SOCU has a mandate to find corruption; it needs to do

just that not engage in ‘political misconduct’, SOCU must build cases based on provable malfeasance not wishful thinking. Editor, the further issue is that the institution of these charges by SOCU and the private charges laid by Anil Nandlall has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and doubt of the ability of any Government of Guyana to do business of any kind in any manner, the land deals referred to in the charges went out to public tender. Is value not actually ascribed in what the top bidder is willing to pay? For someone to suggest that five acres of cow pasture in rural Georgetown is worth $72,340,000 per acre is patently outlandish. I would be curious to know on what basis the Rodrigues & Associates valuation was made— on square footage or per kilogram? Could the present Administration be able to find anyone willing to pay this price even post-oil discovery? How can any investor now proceed with any business in a Country that has a

perpetually retroactive review as Law? SOCU has made it impossible to invest in Guyana with any confidence; should we be seeking the blessings of Her Majesty’s Government to ensure future decisions are ‘proper conduct’? WhitherIndependence? The People of Guyana are not amused by the actions of Government and Opposition. We know they have both gone far and above to provide representation in the House of Assembly of all Guyanese, from the intelligent to the downright ignorant; we have looked on with disgust as debates over important aspects of our governance have been waylaid by behavior best left in fish markets, but we cannot continue to be silent as this new phase of charge and counter charge is played out in the courtrooms and all media formats. Administration and Opposition need to start immediate dialogue and get us out of this quagmire that the slippery slope of politically motivated charges has entrapped us. Country before Party must become the ethos for all. Our future depends on (Continuned on page 5)

Major concern about the Grade Six pupils at Golden Grove Primary School EDITOR, There are issues that have been burning us as parents for some time now and would like for you to address them.The head teacher of the school has been teaching Grade Six classes for quite some time now as a regular teacher. But ever since she has become head teacher, she

is still teaching the class, and not any class, but the very bright children. It is my concern as a parent as well as other parents that she does not have enough time to work with those brilliant children. She carried the most recent class to Grade Six Assessment, commonly known as Common

No one knows the “right” level of debt. It varies among borrowers and may change abruptly, depending on shifting economic and financial circumstances. What seems prudent Tuesday may become inadequate Wednesday. As the table shows, total global debt is still growing. From 2007 to 2016, it expanded by 41percent; China’s fivefold increase is noteworthy. According to the IMF, worldwide debt is now at a record high as a share of the global economy (gross domestic product), about 12percentage points more of global GDP than in 2009 during the Great Recession. The great fear of high debt levels is that given a recession, a runup in interest rates or some other financial surprise, business and household borrowers won’t be able to service their debts.

Some will default; to avoid default, others will cut their spending. The economic consequences will be harsher recessions.As for governments, they may face higher interest rates that crowd out other spending. (Of course, the strategic use of higher deficits to defuse recessions also is possible.) Still, governments, including the U.S., have trouble raising taxes or cutting spending to reduce their borrowing needs. What would be ideal now is for the worldwide pickup in economic growth to continue so the most exposed borrowers could slowly reduce their debts while their incomes increased. The crucial question is how much the global recovery depends on more debt. If the answer is “a lot,” we are courting trouble.

Entrance and as a parent of a child then, I saw that she was not giving her all into the children, maybe because she has to be running a school. And it’s no small school! We as parents have no problem with her teaching but do you think it is fair for her to carry those brilliant children knowing to herse lf that she does not have enough time with them? Is it that she does the work at her lessons? Who knows? As parents, we would check our children’s books and compare them with other children’s in other schools on East Coast Demerara. We have recognized that this HM class was not at the same level with the other teachers. Yet the same work that is supposed to be taught in school was being done at her lessons. How long was this being done? How many children suffered like this in the past because of her? Is it the children that she has at heart or her business? I don’t understand why the HM would send over these children in Grade Six NOW to start Grade Six work when they have not completed the Grade Five work. Do the grade six teachers continue teaching the Grade

Five work or do they go straight into the Grade Six work? In fact, I was told that two of the Grade Six teachers are on long leave. Who would teach those Grade Six children?I have been trying to contact the Ministry of Education, BV, but every time I call, the phone is always ringing out or if they do answer no officer is ever available. As parents we are afraid to confront the HM, because we do not want our children to be victimized, something that is usually done. I remember attending a meeting last year, and when one parent expressed her concern about the HM teaching the bright children and running a school, the matter was never dealt with. It was brushed aside. The HM’s response was, “Speak to me after the meeting”. Now, there were other parents there who wanted to know what was going on, but because we were afraid for our children we sat and said nothing .It would be our hearts desire if the Ministry of Education would urgently look into this matter at the Golden Grove Primary School. Worried parent (Name withheld)

Is Kissoon instigating an insurrection against Jagdeo? DEAR EDITOR, I have said repeatedly that the greatest obstacle to an APNU+AFC re-election bid in 2020, is the man who now holds the strategic positions of Leader of the Opposition and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. The thought of running against this political maestro must be nerve-racking for the coalition leadership and the likes of Freddie Kissoon. Freddie Kissoon has a political agenda that’s as clear as daylight. He has an ongoing vendetta against the leadership of the PPP/C, whom he blames for the loss of his job as a lecturer at UG, and the termination of his wife’s employment as a government employee. He also blames the PPP for the feces that someone threw in his face a few years ago. Whatever Kissoon writes must therefore be viewed in the context of his hatred for Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/ C. To make matters worse, the AFC he campaigned for in 2015 has turned out to be a major disappointment and the APNU reminds him of the Burnham dictatorship.

As written in his Kaieteur News column on Monday, April 23, “I have people that I call personal friends in the AFC’s leadership but my deeply honest opinion if they ask me is that the ground is shaky. I don’t know if the fulcrums could be strengthened before 2020 but I honestly doubt it.” Freddie has repeatedly said that while he will not be campaigning for the APNU+AFC in 2020, he will do whatever it takes to prevent a PPP/C victory. But this latest salvo aimed at instigating an insurrection against Jagdeo within the PPP/C should be viewed as another desperate attempt to propagate the lies being peddled by some in the Administration that the ABC countries have guaranteed the APNU+AFC another 5 years in government. Let me state categorically that I do not believe the ABC countries played any role in the defeat of the PPP/C at the 2015 general election. It was a combination of PNC voterigging as evident by the discovery of fake Statements of Poll by GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; a sizable number

of complacent PPP supporters who stayed home and did not vote; and the many sugar workers and rice farmers who were duped into voting for the APNU+AFC because they were promised a 20% increase and $9,000 a bag for paddy. Had GECOM not declined the PPP/C request for a recount of votes in Region Eight, the APNU+AFC would now be a minority government. It is time for the Courts to rule on the Elections Petition filed by the PPP/C on this matter. Freddie’s personal attacks against Bharrat Jagdeo will not succeed, and certainly will not influence the outcome of our Party’s Presidential Candidate. That will be determined by the Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party. And despite the lies that are propagated by Freddie Kissoon and the APNU+AFC Administration, there is no evidence that the ABC countries would risk their collective credibility to prop up an unpopular government that is corrupt, inept and undemocratic. By now, they too must be praying for a PPP/C landslide in 2020. HARRY GILL

What is the real role of Sam Sittlington? DEAR EDITOR, Government’s Advisor, Dr. Sam Sittlington, continues to cement himself in operational matters of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Isn’t it about time that the British High Commissioner comes clean on Mr. Sittlington’s role with SOCU? Is he an Advisor? Or is he more involved? Are the British taxpayers aware of what their monies are being spent on? Editor, it has been over a year since concerns were publicized about a Government Minister, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, engaging Mr. Sittlington. It was the Minister who let the ‘cat out of the bag’ anyway. He had said, according to

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

the report, that :”The fact (is) that I had some wine with Sam on Wednesday evening at Oasis because I wanted to thank him for the great work he did at SOCU.” This ‘wine-drinking’ happened days after top leaders of the former government were hauled into SOCU. By now, most Guyanese are clear on what the role of SOCU was supposed to be. As a former Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger, at a press conference on October 11, 2014, acknowledged that SOCU was assigned “as the investigative arm of the FIU.” Another Cabinet Minister, Mr. Carl Greenidge, (former Shadow Minister of Finance), also in 2014 said: “The FIU, after receiving that report

(from its reporting institutions), will now send it off to SOCU which will operate as its investigative arm.” Editor, many people seemed to have forgotten not only this, but also the questions about what SOCU has been turned into, especially after Guyanese read reports of the deaths of a Guyana Defence Force rank, Robert Pyle and his wife, Stacy Pyle, as well as a truck driver, Linden Eastman, on December 30, 2015. The Guyana Defence Force said the deaths occurred during a legitimate operation in which the Force was supporting the work of SOCU. Coming back to present happenings – with the controversy surrounding shift in the work of SOCU from the purpose it was set up for, the questionable operations of (Continued on page 6)

The Richardson challenge is not about ‘third term’ DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to share my opinion on the ’’third term’’ case which is not about a third term. It is about to whom sovereignty belongs— the people of Guyana or our parliamentarians. I shall use a pseudonym given the demonstrated vindictiveness of the AttorneyGeneral to people who do not share his views. Article 9 of the Constitution of Guyana does provide for the people to exercise sovereignty through their representatives and the democratic organs established by the Constitution and one of those organs is Parliament (see Article 50) Article 9 provides: ‘’Sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and democratic organs established by or under the Constitution’’ Article 9 unarguably constitutionalises representative democracy. But while Article 9 constitutionalises representative democracy as part of the political system of Guyana, representative democracy is certainly not overarching in respect of the operation of all the provisions of the Constitution simply because the Constitution contains many Articles which cannot be altered except by a referendum. One of the Articles is Article 1. Ironically, another of these Articles is Article 9 itself. Thus representative democracy does not suffice to alter many Articles in the Constitution including Article 1. The sole question in the Cedric Richardson’s case is therefore whether in altering Article 90 (which contains the qualifications for Presidential Candidate), the alteration is entrenched on Article 1 by way of infection. Article 1 provides: ‘’Guyana is an indivisible, secular, democratic sovereign State...’’

Since both Articles 1 and 9 (sovereignty belongs to the people) preceded the alteration of Article 90 (by 17 Act of 2000), the sole question is whether the sovereign right of the electorate in Guyana as a democratic state has been eroded or curtailed by the alteration of Article 90 by Act 17 of 2000. If, immediately prior to the alteration to Article 90 , the people enjoyed the right to elect any person who had met the then presidential qualifications for Presidential office as part of their sovereign right in a democratic state, then the questions must be answered in the affirmative since the alteration does erode or curtail their preexisting right to a democratic election. The issue is not at all the candidate’s right to contest the election but the electorate’s right to elect. The issue is not at all whether the erosion or curtailment is egregious but rather whether it is permissible without the necessity of a referendum the decision of the Privy Council in State of Mauritius v Khovratty (2007) IAC80, stated. ‘’The idea of democracy involves a number of differ-

ent concepts; first that the people must decide who should govern them. Second, is the principle that fundamental rights should be protected by an impartial, independent judiciary. Third, in order to achieve a reconciliation of inevitable tensions between these ideas, a separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary is necessary. There can therefore be no doubt that the right of the people to elect their ruler is part of the democratic system of government in Guyana as a democratic society (Article 1). That right in the people inheres in their sovereignty (Article 9). That democratic and sovereign right cannot be diminished by a 2/3 majority of the representatives. Otherwise 2/ 3 majority of the representatives would be able to trump constitutional supremacy whenever the Constitution itself requires a referendum for its own alteration. Representative democracy is not at all overarching. The Constitution itself by prescribing a referendum for alteration of some of its (Continued on page 6)

The implications... From page 4 growth and development based on investment. For guidance, I offer the words of one of the Founding Fathers of The United States of America “Capital is wayward and timid in lending itself to new undertakings, and the State ought to excite the confidence of capitalists, who are ever cautious and sagacious, by aiding them overcome the obstacles that lie in the way of all experiments.”... Alexander Hamilton (Chalmers Johnson, ‘’Introduction: The Idea of Industrial Policy,” in C. Johnson, ed., The Industrial Policy Debate (San Francisco, ICS Press, 1984), p. 17.) Sincerely Robin Singh

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

General Secretary of the PNCR responds to PPP/C DEAR EDITOR, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC/C) seems to be the entertainment center for serious business of Governance. I commit to respond to an INews article, re: PNC’s call for new house-tohouse registration reeks of desperation. Let me categorically state that while there is a call to sanitize the list of electors by having a ‘house-to-house’ registration, no time line was given. However, GECOM makes the call how and when. GECOM also works out the logistics. Permit me to let the PPP/C know that it stymied or delayed Local Government Election for over 14 years. This Coalition Government while in opposition agitated for Local Government Elections. As soon as we got into office, we made it a reality in 2016. Therefore, there is no desperate attempt to delay or postpone the elections. We are prepared and will deal this year with the Local Government Elections without fear or favour; with confidence to continue true democracy. Let me say this to Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo – do not judge us by your standards. You never wanted decentralized government and so now,

you believe you can overshadow reality with your nauseated assumptions. Let me remind you that under the Granger administration people at all levels are enjoying the good life promised by His Excellency President David Arthur Granger. The PPP/C is blinded by the progress this APNU+AFC government has made. Let me remind you that in many areas, you did not have the vision to provide potable pure water supply; people are now enjoying that under this administration. Many of the roads you refused to fix are being done under this administration. Street lighting has given many the opportunity to light up their lives. Our interior locations can now boast of a new consciousness with the installation of radio stations, keeping them informed of current events. Our aerodromes and airports which are properly maintained adds pride to our successes. Do not let me give you more examples. Guyana is better off under this government. Let me advise the PPP/C that we are very conscious of how meticulous ‘house-tohouse’ registration is but it is an opportune call to sanitize the electoral list. GECOM as

an independent agency must go to work, to iron out the details. It is only ‘house-tohouse’ registration that will produce a living and accurate list. Permit me to let the PPP/C know that this government has no intention to derail Local Government Elections (LGE) nor postpone General Elections. Despite the usual racist connotations that are a hallmark of the PPP’s elections campaign, 2020 will see this Coalition Government being victorious. Gone are the days when Guyanese were swayed by race-based campaigning. The new thrust is progress and only this government can offer same. The new thrust is power to the people not corrupt practices. The new thrust is to reach out to all the people not some of the people. The new thrust is Guyana for all Guyanese. The new thrust is development for all and not development for a few that was practiced under the PPP/C. Come on Guyanese, ‘house-to-house’ registration is a must. Let us stay with a government that will improve our lives. Hon. Amna Ally, MP General Secretary

What is the real role of ... From page 5 the Unit under this new Government, and the personalities involved –Guyanese need answers on the role of Mr. Sittlington in Guyana. What do we know about Mr. Sittlington? Other than he was a police officer in Ireland, has a company, ‘The Fraud Company, Ltd.’ and that he has worked in other Third World countries. Is Mr. Sittlington the latest ‘consultant/advisor’ using Guyana to bolster his resume? For personalities like Mr. Sittlington boasting that he worked on cases that resulted in the ‘jailing of some black

people’ (rationale being if you’re not white, you’re black), would that not mean that Guyanese are accepting a new kind of colonization. Maybe this is far-fetched reasoning, but the truth is that we know very little. The truth is also that the ambitions of personalities like Mr. Sittlington seem to find a happy synergy with the goals of the new APNU/AFC Coalition Government – they fit what we heard on the campaign trail about jailing former government officials. For example, only days ago the newspapers reported that the Attorney General and

Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams berated SOCU and the FIU over their inability to secure convictions. But, as I said earlier, most Guyanese are clear on what the role of SOCU was supposed to be. The British High Commissioner must say what exactly is the nature work being done by Mr. Sittlington and the Government must justify the current operations of SOCU, particularly since Guyana will be reviewed by CFATF soon and the work of SOCU is linked to that review. Sincerely, Cedric Lord

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Peeping Tom’s uninformed economic comments DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Finance notes with grave concern Peeping Tom’s ‘The Guessing Game,’ which was published in Kaieteur News on April 19, 2018, in which the writer demonstrated an obvious lack of understanding of the nature of economic forecasting. Such uninformed and lopsided articles are, quite often, the source of public confusion and disorder. As such, the Ministry would like to offer the following clarifications. First, any forecasting exercise requires the input of data, which are sourced from a range of entities. Forecasting of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) requires inputs from both the public and private sectors, across all four major sectors of the economy – real, monetary, fiscal and external. For example, the real sector consists of major industries, such as sugar and gold. Gold represented 9.7% of real GDP in 2017.The forecasting of growth in gold is highly reliant on the data provided by the private companies as well as the Guyana Gold Board’s reports on small and medium sized miners. Therefore, the accuracy of forecasts by the Ministry of Finance is highly dependent on the ability of our private and public sector partners to accurately forecast their respective performances. Given that this is just one tiny sample of actors across all sectors of the economy, one can appreciate that the data used in the growth forecast and final outturn is an

indication of the challenges faced at the sector level. Second, several articles have pointed to the difficulties of economic forecasting. Business Insider (http:// www.businessinsider.com/8charts-prove-economic-forecasting-doesnt-work-2016-1) has contended that even the most revered institutions such as the Federal Reserve and the Congressional Budget Office of the USA miss the proverbial mark with respect to forecasting. The Economist (https:// www.economist.com/node/ 21685480) points out that even the International Monetary Fund’s projections from 1999 to 2014 varied, on average, by 1.5 percentage points, when compared with the actual data. The Ministry of Finance is well aware of what the Economist and others have been alluding, that is, that economic forecasting is nowhere close to an exact science. As such, expectations about accuracy should be managed rather than become melodramatic. Third, in recognition of the need to improve data quality and the overall national statistical system, the Bureau of Statistics recently launched a workshop to start the process of articulating the National Statistical Development Strategy (NSDS) – a key feature of any national system that the previous administration failed to spearhead. The NSDS aims to improve data quality, sharing and availability, amongst other things. Within the Strat-

egy, a major activity will be to significantly bolster the public sector data collection and analysis capacities. This is envisaged to allow for more accurate data to be fed into the GDP forecasting exercises of the Ministry of Finance. At subsequent workshops later in 2018, the private sector will also be sensitised on data and information management as part Government’s efforts to improve national data quality, timeliness and accessibility to support evidence-based engagements. Finally Peeping Tom reported that the 2016 actual GDP growth rate was 2.6%.This is a clear indication that the writer failed to validate his or her data with recently published information. For the record, the updated sector production numbers for 2016 had caused a revision of the 2016 GDP growth rate to 3.4%. This was reported in the End of Year Outcome Statement in April 2017. A similar occurrence took place in 2015. Contrary to the columnist cited figure of 3%, the growth rate was revised to 3.2% (See Appendix I of the 2018 Budget Speech). The Ministry of Finance welcomes constructive interventions and dialogue in this and similar areas of the economy and public financial management. We invite readers to visit our website at www.finance.gov.gy Yours faithfully, Wanita Huburn (PRO)

The Richardson challenge ... From page 5 provisions bears testimony to this constitutional truism. The Constitution permitted representative democracy. It did not exclude the direct voice of the people. It, in fact, reserved it in certain situations. One of such situations

must be when there is an issue of the curtailment or erosion of the foremost democratic right of the people themselves to elect their ruler. The Cedric Richardson case, it must be emphasised, is not at all about the exercise of the sovereign right of the people through their representatives. Rather it is about the curtailment (or attempted curtailment) of the sovereign right of the people to directly elect a President of their own choice. – a r i g h t which they have enjoyed prior to the passing of Act 17 of 2000. Such a democratic right has always been part of their sovereign power under

Article 1 - which requires a referendum for its alteration. Article 9, while constitutionalizing representative democracy, cannot be construed as excluding popular democracy (the direct voice of the people). Article 9 does not attempt to silence the direct voice of the people and enthrone the indirect (representative) voice of the people. Otherwise, it would be that the representatives of the people who are the sovereign rather than the people themselves. But Article 9 expressly states that sovereignty belongs to the people. Regards Dede

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Harmon on $1.7B ruling in TPL land battle…

Opposition left some “deep dark holes” Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has labelled as “unfair”, a recent ruling of the High Court, which has ordered the government to pay over $1.7B in damages to Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) in relation to a land dispute. He noted that the previous PPP administration has left some “deep dark holes” for the current administration to fill. Last Thursday, High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds handed down the decision, ruling that the government of Guyana will have to pay the $1.7B in damages, as well as $500,000 for the defendant’s court cost, along with interest. The tract of land that was subject of the court matter is west of the UG access road, and borders south of the Rupert Craig Highway. It includes the land that MovieTowne is currently building its sprawling complex. In May of 2011, Multicinemas Guyana Incorporated purchased part of the disputed land from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for $187M. The Trinidadian company wanted the land for the construction of several cinemas

The area at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, that was at the centre of the dispute.

and a mall. Multicinemas is owned by the MovieTowne shopping complex, located in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Around October 1987, Toolsie Persaud entered into a written agreement of sale with government for immovable property, which was impliedly warranted to belong to the government.

This included a tract of land described in official documents as areas ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘H’, ‘K’, ‘N’, ‘J’ and ‘O’, at Plantation Turkeyen. The tract of land was in excess of 83 acres. The land was vested to the state in July 1977 via compulsory purchase orders made four months earlier.

According to the affidavit, in 1987, Persaud agreed that the purchase price was $2,217,100 with one third paid at the signing of the agreement. The balance was to be paid on the passing of the Transport. The company never received the transport although it took possession in 1988. In 1993, Toolsie Persaud then

Mid-morning fire guts Enterprise house

A fire of unknown origin yesterday destroyed a two-storey concrete house in Section ‘C’ Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, and a family of four is now counting their losses. The fire reportedly started around 11:00 hrs as smoke was seen emanating from the upper flat. Residing at the house were 46-year-old Devon Angoy, his wife, Adele Frank-Angoy and their two children, who are 22 and 19 respectively. Persons became aware of the blaze after smoke was seen

billowing from within. Calls were made to the Fire Service which arrived sometime later. No one was home at the time of the incident. According to Mr Angoy, he could not immediately provide an estimate of the family’s losses, but he hinted that that it was substantial. His wife was reportedly fainted upon seeing their house ablaze. Nothing could be saved. Meanwhile, fire officials are investigating to determine the cause.

moved to acquire the lands via the Prescriptive Title process and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in 2008 adjudged that areas ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘G’ and ‘H’ had been acquired by the company via Prescriptive Title. Following the CCJ decision, the Guyana Government was ordered to pass the Transport. However, the then Attorney General refused or neglected to and Toolsie Persaud commenced legal proceedings in 2008. According to the court documents, during this period of the court actions, Toolsie Persaud found out that the land was put up for sale by Government. Immediately the company attempted to block

the move, in January 2009. The action was dismissed, but an appeal was filed in 2010. According to Minister Harmon yesterday, the judgment on Friday, stemming from a case which the Coalition Government inherited, has not yet been discussed at the level of Cabinet and he therefore could not say what the decision will be. “It is something that will have to be discussed at Cabinet,” he said yesterday. “It just goes to show the levels to which this country had sunk under the PPP and the huge amount of debt they have created for us. We have had no benefit whatsoever from that,” Minister Harmon said. He said the Opposition sold the land to persons who were on friendly terms with them, at a price which was beneficial to those persons. “But now the burden has become one for us. That is not fair,” he stated. According to reports, the judge ordered that interest be paid at a rate of six percent per annum from the filing of the writ in 2008 to last Friday. Additionally, the interest of four percent per annum has to be paid from the date of judgment, until full payment. Lawyers for the State had requested and were granted a six-week stay of execution in the event of an appeal. TPL and the government were represented by Senior Counsel Robin Stoby and Ashton Chase, respectively. NICIL, meanwhile, was represented by attorney Timothy Jonas.

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

As World Immunization Week commences...

Guyana boasts of 90 percent vaccination coverage

W

ith a vaccination programme that entails 90 percent coverage and above for the under five population, Guyana can boast of a near flawless vaccination programme. In fact it is the view of Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence that “if all or most of the diseases that plague us today could be prevented by vaccines, then Guyana would have no need to be anxious as a nation, because we would be protected.” Moreover, Minister Lawrence has attributed Guyana’s vaccination situation to “excellent vaccination coverage”. Her remarks were forthcoming just in time for the observance of World Immunization Week which commences today. The observance will span the period April 24 - 30, 2018. According to the World Health Organisation [WHO], World Immunization Day is aimed at highlighting the collective action needed to ensure that every person is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. To do so, it noted that governments must invest in immunization efforts, advocates must make vaccines a priority, and people must get themselves and their families vaccinated.

Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence. Moreover, the goal of World Immunization Week 2018, WHO has noted “is to urge greater action on immunization around the world, with a particular focus on spotlighting the role that everyone can play in this effort, from donors to individuals.” It has been with this in mind that Guyana has been making deliberate strides to retain a successful vaccination programme. Minister Lawrence noted that it has been 16 years since the beginning of vaccination week in the Americas, and 41 years since the Expanded

Programme on Immunization [EPI] started in Guyana. “At the dawn of our Immunization programme, EPI as it is called, Guyana sought coverage primarily for its young children five years and under [from birth to their last dose], our health care workers worked tirelessly to vaccinate many children of all ethnic, socio-economic backgrounds,” said Minister Lawrence. But the immunization programme has expanded over the years, even across the life cycle to encompass from the pregnant woman to

the elderly, Minister Lawrence disclosed. “Our focus has shifted to strengthening the defences of each member of the household, as we provide coverage for our most at risk groups,” said the Public Health Minister. In fact, she disclosed that “in the last two years the Ministry has not relaxed” even in the fact of several reports of outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases in neighbouring countries. Such reports, the Minister said, has instead spurred her Ministry into action which translated to “increase vaccinating coverage of our population triple fold.” Reflecting on Guyana’s vaccination journey, Minister Lawrence said “some of us remember the time when Guyana was plagued with poliomyelitis, we know it as polio. We remember the crippled persons with debilitating paralysis...that was caused by a virus.” But as recent as last year,

she recalled that some citizens, for the first time, heard of diphtheria outbreaks in bordering countries. This infectious disease, the Minister explained, is known to cause symptoms including sore throat, fever, swollen glands and could be potentially deadly. Even more recently, Guyana was close to the threat of Yellow Fever. This condition is in fact an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Some of its symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. As she gave emphasis to Guyana’s sustained efforts, Minister Lawrence said, when it comes to coverage for the vaccine preventable diseases, such as Yellow Fever, “I am proud to say that this coverage extends to our military and armed forces, our teachers, health care workers, children and adolescents.” Although there are many more vaccine preventable dis-

eases that can threaten the nation, Minister Lawrence assured, “I am happy to tell you today that Guyana remains free from any of the above listed for the last 30 years on average because of our excellent vaccination coverage.” This, she reiterated, is owing to the efforts of “our health care workers who work assiduously to reach communities so that we meet our targets for vaccines.” Vaccination Week this year is being observed under the theme: ‘Strengthen your defence, get vaccinated.” This theme is especially appropriate, since, according to Minister Lawrence, “for the past year we have had an ardent focus on our borders and points of entry into Guyana.” For this very reason, she informed that Guyana has embraced and strengthened both active and passive surveillance systems to keep the diseases that have infiltrated neighbouring countries like Brazil and Venezuela, at bay.

Guyana exploring the use of technology in money laundering fight The fight against the hotbutton issue of money laundering and the financing of terrorism may soon expand to the use of modern technology and software. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams S.C, said that he has explored how technology can be utilized in the anti-money laundering/ combatting of terrorism financing (AML/CFT) arena. AG Williams made the presentation in Miami, Florida last week at the Compliance Aid’s AMLFC Institute Conference, in his capacity as chair of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force

(CFATF). “It relates largely to using software and modern technology improving financial services in the arena and also to focus on the development of regulatory requirements for the region and globally,” the Attorney General said. The conference was held under the theme Anti-Money Laundering and Fighting Corruption. It was geared towards transferring theory into actual solutions that can be implemented by the participants in their respective countries. AG Williams added that the fight against money laundering

and terrorist financing is being conflated with the fight against corruption. Guyana has established the legal framework to ensure it is compliant with CFATF and FATF regulations. The country is now working towards clearing the fourth round of mutual evaluation. Guyana has also taken several measures to ensure it deters corruption in public offices. Recently, at the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to fighting corruption.

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

New mobile app ...

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Budram’s Landscaping Services. Free advice, Free designs, Free after care follow up Tel#626-1044 Personal stylist- Need help in recreating your look? Whether hair,makeup or shopping for special outfits Call: 650-6713 Need help with research, editing, univeristy papers, resume? Call: 663-4654 Triple “K” Pawn shop located @ 301 Church Street, South C/burg G/town. Visit us for the best rates. Tel#223-9641

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cottage house, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room located @ Fourth St Pearl, EBD Tel# 219-5462, 625-3981 Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flatbed, Flatbed with crane & hauler, Foden 6x4 Dump truck. Call: 659-3100 New triangle truck tyres, front & all-wheel drive, size 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022 Organic potting soil $700 Supari palm, Foxtail, Sugarcane palm @ $1000 Ashoka trees, Crotoons. Tel#626-1044

WANTED

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

Buying Wamara,Tonka Bean,Mora Fresh logs. Contact Tel or Whatsapp #664-5150

(1) 2 bedroom apt for rent @ Peter’s Hall. Contact: 2239677/698-5800 1 bedroom apartment, Kitchen, Bathroom, living room, newly decorated, no children under 10, for 1-2 persons #218-1552 2 bedroom apartment, living room, bathroom, huge kitchen diner, newly decorated, No children under 10 #218-1552 Space to rent, display rack, computers and office furniture for sale. Contact: 624-6783/664-1070 1 three bedroom apartment and a single room to rent, Lot 1 Yarrowdam. Contact Miss Bacchus: 227-1317

18,731 acres mining land Gold & Diamond Mazaruni $5,000,000 USD Contact: 6951356, 687-8445 Herstelling $2.5M Schnoord $3M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M & 8M Parafaite Harmonie (upfront and graded) $1.8M Tel#656-1345 Eccles New Scheme (over 100ftx50ft) Concrete fence and bridge, Prime land $6M Uitvlugt $3M Tel#611-7223 American Pool Tel#277-0578

Table

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Wanted experience hire car driver at Ramada Princess hotel, Providence. Contact: 616-5419/265-7076 One experience cook for a residence. Call Tel#677-8236 between 9am - 4pm Drivers, dispatcher, contract cars #231-0002/231-0316 Live-in Domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes 25-40 years. Salary $20,000 weekly. #610-3974 Hire car owners to work at GR taxi (lots of work available). Contact Ganesh: 614-6202 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Wanted skilled carpenters & masons. Tel#660-6385/6029469

Urgently needed one land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm and Parfaite Harmonie. Tel#6561345

(1) One Lexus RX300 (1) One Nissan Cefiro for sale Tel# 227-4357/612-0005 (1) 2006 Toyota Premio, Excellent condition, very low mileage. Call: 698-1134 Nissan Laurel Classic Car and Nissan Pathfinder JeepSuperb condition, Great deals. Call : 660-3415/225-8427

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

One RZ minibus, good condition -$750,000 and 1 Nissan Bluebird 2009 series. Call: 601-0223 Bluebird in excellent condition $1.7M #646-8748

EDUCATION Jos-el Educational Institute Solicits: Day care, Nursery, Primary G1/G5 Business teachers. Call: 226-7794/6780652

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

Dirt to buy anywhere on the West Demerara. Contact: 6959352/691-4002

LAND FOR SALE

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

FOR RENT

CAR RENTAL

(1) 2006 Toyota Tacoma. 4x4 fully accessorized with tray covering, (1) crashed AT192. Contact: 653-4560/ 615-7526

From page 18 partnerships, as the nature of most of these businesses will be converting waste materials into finished products. “We will be adding a recycle button on application to arrange the collection of these waste materials. We will be collaborating with these companies by providing the information on the pickup location and using our data to find where and when these waste materials are available.” The Ministry of Communities has partnered with the start-up venture in an effort to promote the green agenda, confirmed Public Relations Coordinator, Danielle Campbell-Lowe. She explained that the app ties into the whole thrust of the Green Generation Guyana Project which encourages the reduction, reuse and recy-

Construction of all... From page 19 working and comprehensive primary care programme, since the administration recognises the impact that such a service has on the health status of individuals. “The ministry will work to ensure that this service reaches all of the communities in Guyana and that we cater adequately for their needs,” she added. But according to the Public Health Minister, the projects will not only see new buildings being refurbished and new ones built, but also see them becoming smart. The construction of these facilities will therefore entail measures that would see them

SECURITY GUARDS with personal firearm. Call: 2664427

From page 19 project. Phase 1 was the construc-

Articulated dump truck & excavator operators,cook & cleaner for interior location. Call: 618-2020 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied. Key Food McDoom Village.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Administrative clerk must have driver’s license. email: info@cevons.com

Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818

Chef and Assistant cookPreferably Carnegie tranied. Call 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff street.

Diamond EBD 2 storey concrete, 6 bedrooms, hot/ cold, secured parking, ready to move in. Price negotiable. Call: 693-4890/692-5014

Desk staff, Room attendant, temporary washer, ages 25-45 years old. 233 South road #225-0198

Male & Female porters, Apply in person: Weiting & Richter, Water street, Georgetown.

SALON

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

(1) Manager to work on a farm in Pomeroon. Accomodation provided, Agricultural background is an asset. Contact: 500-5923

Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 687-8445

1 night security Tel# 618-3575 Security Guard for residential construction. Call: 695-7815/ 600-4707/mail to Lot 46 Windsor Estates, Peter’s Hall, EBD Guyana.

HOUSEKEEPER/ DOMESTIC TO WORK NIGHT/DAY AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF STREET. CONTACT: 2190158 ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 9AM-5PM

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

remaining accessible and functioning at maximum capacity, during and immediately following the impact of a major disaster. According to PAHO/ WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, “it is widely acknowledged that climate change is a pervasive threat and is conceivably the biggest challenge faced by our generation, and therefore, what we decide to do will decide the fate of all future generations.” At the time, Dr. Adu-Krow was speaking at a forum to announce the works to be done at hospitals identified to be a part of the Smart Initiative Project.

Govt. targets Palmyra ...

VACANCY

VACANCY

cling of materials that still have an economic value. “The Ministry applauds the initiative of the young entrepreneurs and wishes to encourage like-minded individuals to also develop solutions to the world's many sanitation management problems. We believe that the application can go a far way in revolutionising the way in which waste is handled in Guyana, and would like to encourage Guyanese to utilise the app as a means of waste disposal,” Campbell-Lowe stated. She asserted that the application is a step in the right direction for a country on a mission to embrace the green agenda. The founders plan to host live bartering 'meet-up' events, where people can network and swap on the spot.

tion of the access road – approximately 60 per cent of which has been completed to date by the contractor for this phase – Civil Engineering Works (CEW). Phase 3 concerned landscaping but works were suspended. BK International was contracted for Phase 3. It was found that in Phase 1, the budgeted amount was for $43,027,544 The second phase, contracted to Alternate Contracting Enterprise (ACE), was for a budgeted $42,232,239. Only $22,803,000 was paid out. The internal monument base was to have been an eight-inch thick reinforced concrete wall and not block work in-filled with mortar.

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Major supermarkets push to end plastic pollution Bounty, Survival, Real Value, Mattai, DSL, Budget and Massy Stores’ on Sunday rewarded the first 20 shoppers to their outlets, with prizes for bringing reusable bags to the supermarkets. The five supermarkets’ move to encourage their customers to forgo plastic bags was in observance of Earth Day. The ‘no plastic bag day’ initiative is the brainchild of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Senior Environment Officer Candace Thompson explained the day’s activity to the Department of Public Information (DPI). “We have engaged the major supermarkets around Georgetown to have some of these items on board to help end plastic pollution and as a stepping stone we’ve taken the initiative to have the stores use biodegradable bags,” Thompson said. The Environment Officer noted that Massy supermarket has pledged an excess of 6000 biodegradable

Senior Environment Officer, EPA, Candace Thompson bags that will also allow customers who shop at the Massy stores with their bags, in the future, to receive free accumulative points. A Massy Supermarket customer spoke of the positive impact this project will have on the environment. “I think it’s a good initiative, because you see plastic bags everywhere on the road and you know that

Lelita Lachman, Assistant Manager, Bounty Supermarket – Bourda

it’s not good, but you don’t have another option...You know that there’s another way, but you don’t have a way of doing it, and since Massy is giving out these bags that’s a pretty good start,” she said. Lelita Lachman, Assistant Manager for Bounty Supermarket’s branch at Bourda, told DPI that she is elated about the customers’

response to the project. “I think it’s a great initiative with the EPA coming on board with supermarkets, supporting the go green or the recycling of plastic bags and shopping bags. A lot of our customers responded positively this morning they were all excited,” Lachman said. One Budget Supermarket customer participating in the

Biodegradable bags being shared at Mattai’s initiative said: “I normally end up with too many of them stored after a while so I tend to just throw them away.” The theme for Earth Day 2018 “End Plastic Pollution” promotes the use of biodegradable and reusable bags instead of the usual plastic bags which when discarded improperly, clog drains, kill wildlife and negatively impact human

health. Because of the nonbiodegradable nature of regular plastic bags, they take decades to decompose and pose a serious threat to the environment. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22, worldwide. Various events are usually held to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

High blood pressure, diabetes top conditions seen at medical outreach

Persons being attended to at the medical outreach.

H

igh blood pres sure and diabetes are not conditions that can be taken for granted. In fact health officials have long been able to ascertain that having diabetes increases an individual’s risk of developing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. This is in light of the fact that diabetes adversely affects the arteries, thereby predisposing persons to atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries. As such, persons can develop high blood pressure, which if not treated, can lead to further blood vessel damage, stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure, according to a WebMD [partners in health] article. It was these two conditions that topped the list

when a medical outreach was held this past weekend. The outreach was spearheaded by the Richard Giddings Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. The Foundation is one that is known to host at least two outreaches per month in communities where the need for medical services is greatest. On this occasion the outreach was taken to the Deliverance Tabernacle Church in Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Volunteer Lizanna Gordon said that the outreach would not have been possible without the effective networking with like-minded institutions, including the Ministry of Public Health’s Visual Inspection with Ascetic Acid [VIA] Clinic, the Chest Soci-

ety, the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre and the Diamond Hospital Ophthalmology Department. According to Gordon, the Foundation is always ready

and willing to reach out to communities in need. “We want you to know if there is a high need for medical outreach in your areas, you can contact our Founda-

tion on [592] 693-1585,” Gordon said. Those who took advantage of the outreach this past weekend were eligible for routine screening: including for

high blood pressure and diabetes, VIA tests, dental and eye care. Prescription medication for both adults and children were also made available.

ShadoWalkers: A collection of indigenous ... From page 16 all the formatting. On the lighter side, he said that he spends about eight to 10 hours daily writing “with maybe a short break or two.” With Guyana not having active copyright laws, Castello was asked to share his views on this which he expressed are “unprintable.” He shared that the relevant authorities can aid in promoting the works of Guyanese writers by establishing a publishing company on the lines of the

defunct Caribbean Press. Asked about the reaction of his community towards his new novel, Castello related, “There is a demand for reasonably priced novel-size hard copies, however printers' quotations are not financially viable.” In the circumstances, ebook copies of the novel are b e i n g g i v e n a w a y, h e added. He has since described his financial status as “static” having quit several

day jobs to pursue a full-time writing career. In concluding, he said, “Heartfelt gratitude to the Regional Education Officer of Region One, Nigel Richards, who bought a dozen of the first edition hard-copy (Horue Hokaho). This gave me the impetus to produce this final updated edition (ShadoWalkers) with its full footnotes and picture gallery. Online DIY Book pub-

lishing companies who specialize in e-books should be treated with great caution, especially those who say to you that piracy is a good form of advertisement.” Other books written by Castello include CloudWarriors (prehistoric saga of the Warraus), Devildoer (contemporary stories based on real life incidents in North West Region, Riptide (cosmopolitan short story collection) and Twice Upon A Time (stories for juniors).

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Tuesday April 24, 2018

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Mujeeb denies Iyer in dramatic last-ball win for Kings XI Punjab ESPNcricinfo - Delhi Daredevils rung in five changes, limited a Chris Gayle-less Kings XI Punjab batting lineup to 143 for 8, but they ultimately lost a last-ball thriller and remained rooted to the bottom of the points table. That it was a last-ball thriller was down to some sloppy batting and the brilliance of 17-year-old mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Shreyas Iyer. Despite wickets tumbling around him in the chase, Iyer took the game deep, Dhoni style. It was down to one man v another: Mujeeb v Iyer, with the equation reading 17 off six balls. The first ball was a quick fizzer, which cramped Iyer for room and hit his thigh pad. Iyer then stood still against the second ball - a short dart outside off - and flat-batted it over Mujeeb’s head for a six.

He hit the third to long-off, refused the single, and hoicked the fourth to deep midwicket for two to retain the strike and narrow the equation to nine off two balls. Iyer then ventured down the track and squirted a four to the right of short fine leg to leave Daredevils needing five off the last ball. Mujeeb speared it flat and wide outside off, and Iyer could only drag a catch to long-off. Gautam Gambhir, who was looking forward to his homecoming at Feroz Shah Kotla as Delhi Daredevils captain, was literally left gobsmacked, while Kings XI Punjab found a new hero in Mujeeb and displaced Chennai Super Kings from the top of the table. Newbies Avesh, Plunkett rattle Kings XI Before Monday, Kings XI were the fastest starters in IPL

Shreyas Iyer piloted much of Daredevils’ chase with a dogged 57 ©BCCI 2018, going at 10.67 runs an over in the Powerplay. They weren’t quite fast enough

Tuesday April 24, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Love is very much in the air today, Aries, so take advantage of this auspicious environment! Invite your loved one over to play hide and seek under the bedcovers!.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You feel that life would run more smoothly if money didn't exist! The amount of time and energy you spend sorting out your financial affairs is frustrating.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) This is a day to stay close to home and organize the house. You might be thinking how you can best utilize your living space. It's clear that some improvements are in order

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You feel invincible, Scorpio, as though you can do anything. Enjoy this abundance of energy, for it's certainly unusual. Take care not to overdo it. If you haven't jogged in a while

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You need rest, Gemini. Even though you have a long list of tasks, see if you can leave some for later.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This would be a good day to putter about the house, Sagittarius. It isn't a good day to travel or begin any major projects. This could be just the excuse you've needed for taking a day off from your life!

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You're on your own when it comes to financial matters, Cancer. This may not be what you want to hear, but it's how things are. Trust that your business acumen will pull you through. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today would be best spent alone behind closed doors, if possible. There's a lot of tension in your household for some reason. Since there isn't much you can do about it, try to avoid it altogether. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There is a lot of tension in the air today, Virgo. It isn't just affecting your home environment - everyone you meet seems out of sorts. You'll be happiest if you spend much of today in solitude.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) This isn't the best day for gettogethers, Capricorn. What starts as a friendly lunch could wind up a gossip-fest. No one wins in that situation. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't take anything you hear today at face value, Aquarius, especially where money is concerned. A wellmeaning friend could approach you with an opportunity not to be missed. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This would be a good day to stay home and spend much of the day in bed, Pisces! You've been working especially hard lately, juggling both home and work with your usual aplomb.

against the pace as well as the change of pace of IPL debutant Liam Plunkett and Madhya Pradesh quick Avesh Khan, who had travelled to South Africa as a net bowler and was making his debut for Daredevils. That Kings XI were missing the inform Gayle, who had “pulled up sore,” according to captain R Ashwin, did not help their cause either. Aaron Finch was bumped to the top and was undone by the raw pace of Avesh: a 148.7kph lifter forced him to splice a catch to cover. KL Rahul, on the other hand, worked the extra pace and bounce to his advantage. He swiftly swivelled on the back foot and hooked a flat six over fine leg. It was the change of pace from Plunkett that did him in. He rolled his fingers across an offcutter and had Rahul scooping to short fine leg, where Avesh clung on to a low diving catch. No Gayle, Rahul and Finch gone. So, Kings XI weren’t unstoppable after all in the Powerplay. Plunkett then proceeded to bowl Mayank Agarwal for 21 off 16 balls with a 146kph rocket; by then, Kings XI were 60 for 3 in the eighth over.

VAR still... From page 28 VAR it is every 19.”England coach Gareth Southgate was less optimistic of VAR’s success in Russia after Italy were awarded a last-minute penalty in a friendly last month, with German referee Deniz Aytekin changing his decision after being advised by the VAR to watch a replay. “I’m glad it’s not the World Cup just yet,” Southgate said. “I think the ruling is ‘clear and obvious’ and it’s not. It’s one you can debate all day.” The latest setback centres around why VAR was not consulted at all in a competition that has provided a testing-ground for it this season. “If ever there was a situation for VAR to play a hand and step in to review that was it,” Hughes added. VAR was not employed in either FA Cup semi-final this weekend which is surprising given that 10 separate decisions were reviewed in the last Cup match at Wembley Tottenham Hotspur’s fifthround replay against Rochdale. VAR will not be used in the Premier League next season after clubs voted against it and the system remains very much unproven with the World Cup sure to bring up further issues about its value.

The middle-order muddle Going 31 balls without a boundary is just inexcusable in T20s, especially after a rickety start. Yuvraj Singh struggled against every style of bowling: pace, change of pace, offspin, legspin. He crawled to 14 off 17 balls before Avesh returned and had him under-edging a pull behind to Rishabh Pant. Karun Nair, who had a smart strike rate of 111.89 outside the Powerplay in the IPL, could not force the pace either. Against Amit Mishra, Glenn Maxwell and Rahul Tewatia, Nair only managed a run-a-ball 15. So, Nair decided to make up for it against pace. Plunkett, however, did not offer pace: another offcutter dismissed another Karnataka batsman.David Miller was dropped twice - on 6 by Maxwell at cover and on 10 by Prithvi Shaw at point - but he, too, could not find a way past Daredevils’ bowlers with the mighty six off Mishra being an aberration. Kings XI, eventually, lost four wickets in their last four overs while scoring just 27 runs. The see-sawing chase If Daredevils thought

they were in for a straightforward chase, they were wrong. Ankit Rajpoot, who had also travelled to South Africa as a net bowler with Avesh, hit the pitch and the splice hard. He bowled an uninterrupted four-over spell with the new ball and returned 2 for 23 with 15 dots to make light work of Daredevils’ top order. He skidded one through the defences of Shaw to knock back his off stump for 22 off 10 balls before having Maxwell top-edging an offcutter to deepsquare leg. A wobble turned into a full-blown collapse when Mujeeb stormed through the defences of Pant with a frontof-the-hand slider and Christian was run out. The variations of Mujeeb and Ashwin sent the asking rate ballooning past 10. Rahul Tewatia and Iyer pricked it briefly before Mujeeb returned for the final over to put it beyond the reach of Daredevils. Scores: Kings XI Punjab 143 for 8 (Nair 34, Plunkett 3-17, Boult 2-21) beat Delhi Daredevils 139 for 8 (Iyer 57, Rajpoot 2-23, Mujeeb 2-25) by four runs.

PAGE 26

Steph Curry looks solid in return to Warriors practice with no sign of setback NBC Sports - SAN ANTONIO — Stephen Curry returned to practice Saturday, but there will be no miracle Sunday when the Warriors meet the Spurs in Game 4 of their first-round series. “He’s coming along well,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But don’t expect him to be Willis Reed tomorrow.” The Willis Reed reference dates back to the 1970 NBA Finals, when the Knicks center came limping onto the court for Game 7, despite a torn muscle in his right thigh, provided an emotional lift that gave New York the victory. Curry has missed the last four weeks with an MCL sprain in his left knee. The Warriors were pleased to have him back on the court for noncontact drills. He completed those drills along with his teammates, without any sign of a setback. “From his movements, he looked good to me,” Kevin Durant said. “He was really shooting the ball well and moving around well,” assistant coach Ron Adams said. “I don’t know how he’s feeling internally, but I like his attitude

Adrien Broner, Jessie Vargas fight to majority draw

Adrien Broner, right, tags Jessie Vargas with an uppercut during the eighth round. Broner came back strong in the second half of the fight, which ended in a majority draw. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Steph Curry returned to Warriors practice on Saturday and both his teammates and coaches sound happy with what they saw. about this. He’s positive and upbeat and it rubs off on the other guys.” Curry is scheduled to be re-evaluated next weekend, after which his status will be updated.

Though both Shaun Livingston and Durant rolled their left ankles in Game 3, participated in practice. Durant is not on the injury report and Livingston is listed as probable.

Afghan star Rashid Khan picked for World XI T20 match vs West Indies LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Afghanistan’s mesmerising leg spinner Rashid Khan will play for a World XI in the one-off Twenty20 clash with West Indies at Lord’s to raise funds for stadiums damaged by last year’s hurricanes in the Caribbean. The 19-year-old — who is ranked number one in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 bowling rankings — said he was honoured to be selected for the match on May 31 against a side which had contributed so much to the sport. ”It is a matter of great honour and pride for me and my country that I have been chosen to support one of cricket’s oldest and most loyal members,” he said in a statement. ”I don’t think it will be incorrect to say that a number of cricketers from this and previous generations were inspired and attracted to cricket due to the heroics of the West Indies sides of the 70s, 80s and 90s. ”And if the West Indies are now looking upon us for help, then there shouldn’t be

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Kaieteur News

Rashid Khan ripped through UAE’s lower order. (Getty Images) a hesitation for even a second.” Rashid, who will also play for Sussex in this season’s T20 competition, will be captained by England’s limited overs skipper Eoin

Morgan.The team will also have Pakistan duo Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik, Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera and Bangladesh pair all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan and opening batsman Tamim Iqbal.

ESPN - NEW YORK — Adrien Broner and Jessie Vargas, both former welterweight world titleholders hoping to get back in position for another big opportunity, were looking to bounce back from poor performances the last time they faced a top opponent. And they both fought well in an action-packed welterweight fight Saturday night — at a contract weight of 144 pounds — before 13,964 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. But after 12 rounds, neither was happy to hear the fight was called a majority draw. Judge Julie Lederman favored Broner 115-113, but she was overruled by Eric Marlinski and Kevin Morgan, who both had it 114-114. ESPN also scored the fight 114-114. Marlinski gave Vargas the 12th round to arrive at a draw on his scorecard and Broner won the 12th on Morgan’s card for him to have it a draw. “I beat him 7-5 [in rounds],” Broner said at ringside after he and Vargas embraced. “As you can see, I was letting my hands go more. I felt great. I ain’t got a scratch on me. He’s f—ed up. “I want to thank Jessie Vargas. He’s a two-time world champion for a reason. He came to fight, but at the end of the day, you all know I beat him. Point blank, period. I was connecting with right hands. I got warmed up in the early portion of the fight before taking over.” Vargas also thought he won. It was a tale of two fights — one with Vargas taking it to Broner in the

first half with his jab, body punching and relentless punching in general. But Broner came back strong in the second half of the fight, his first bout since making the tough decision to split from careerlong trainer Mike Stafford following a clear decision loss to Mikey Garcia last July. Broner left Stafford to train with the very respected and vastly experienced Kevin Cunningham in West Palm Beach, Florida. Broner has won world titles from junior lightweight to welterweight, but lost decisions when he faced his best opponents in Garcia, Shawn Porter in 2015 and Marcos Maidana in 2013. He fought better against Vargas than he did against Garcia, but still could not claim victory. The last time Vargas, a former welterweight and junior welterweight world titlist, faced a big-name opponent was in November 2016, when he got knocked down and lost his welterweight world title to Manny Pacquiao. A 13-month layoff followed, after which he shook off the rust with a shutout 10-round decision against Aaron Herrera in December. But he stepped back up in class against Broner and put on a show, though he could not find victory. Vargas was aggressive from the outset. He moved forward, landed body and head shots and kept throwing while Broner did very little other than shake his head and throw the occassional p u n c h . Va rg a s i s n o t known as much of a

p u n c h e r, b u t h e g o t through with several stiff punches in the second round. But the action, and Broner ’s activity, really picked up in the third round as they both let their hands go. Vargas, in his second fight with Hall of Famer Mike McCallum as his trainer, took exception to a low blow that referee Charlie Fitch missed and came right back with a combination. They continued to fire away at each other in a back-and-forth fourth round in which Vargas got his punches off, but Broner was right there to counter. Fitch finally warned Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs), 28, of Cincinnati, for another low blow in the sixth round, and he gave Vargas time to collect himself. In the eighth round, they went toe to toe over the final minute, and Vargas (28-2-1, 10 KOs), 28, of Las Vegas, got in a big right hand that landed clean. Broner, who earned $ 1 m i l l i o n t o Va rg a s ’ $500,000, came back with a combination as the crowd cheered the action. Both men said they are interested in a rematch. Saturday’s fight provided the kind of action that would make another meeting a no-brainer. “I gave the fans here in Brooklyn a show and I’d love to come back and do it again. We can run it back,” Vargas said. “We went at it for 12 rounds. We can do it again. I’m ready to fight right now.” Count Broner in. “I would love to fight Vargas again, but let’s go back to my town to do it. Let’s do it,” he said.

Tuesday April 24, 2018

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

UCCA Inter Secondary School cricket Lewis Hamilton: 2018 could be my starts Friday with two matches toughest Formula 1 title fight yet The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) has secured sponsorship for their annual Inter Secondary School U-17 hardball cricket competition for schools in the Upper Corentyne and Black Bush areas. The competition is set to begin on Friday 27th April weather permitting with four school participating and will be played every Friday. The final is set for 18th May at the Crabwood Creek Ground. The competition is being sponsored by businessman Seddarth D’Andrade of Upper Corentyne. The sponsor is the son of the President of the (UCCA), Dennis D’Andrade. The family has been sponsoring the competition since 2013. The schools down to participate are Skeldon Line Path Secondary (SLPS), Skeldon High School (SHS), formerly (Skeldon Lutheran High), Tagore Memorial Secondary School (TMSS) and Central Corentyne Secondary School (CCSS). Black Bush Secondary School (BBSS) unfortunately will not be playing this year. The competition will be played on a one day two

Autosport – Lewis Hamilton says 2018 world championship victory would mean more than his previous Formula 1 titles given that Mercedes might currently only be the third-fastest team behind Ferrari and Red Bull.

One of the younger brothers of the sponsor and son of president of the UCCA with some of the trophies up for grabs. innings format and will be a round robin affair. The two teams with the most points at the end of the preliminary rounds will clash in the finals. Round one fixture will see CCSS taking on TMSS at the Scotsburg Ground and SHS playing SLPS at the Crabwood Creek Ground. The competition has the

blessings of the Ministry of Education and will be coordinated by the UCCA Competitions Committee. This committee is headed by former national Wicketkeeper batsman Sydney Jackman and includes former Berbice player Chatterpaul Lionel and Narendranauth Balram.

Bermuda caught up as violence halts women’s tournament MANAGUA, Nicaragua, CMC – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced on Sunday the cancellation of the remainder of the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship, which included Bermuda, because of violence in the Nicaraguan capital. The Bermuda team were said to be safe and in no danger. CONCACAF said in a statement from Miami that to guarantee the safety of the delegations, and all participants and fans, the cancellation would apply to all matches and events and take immediate effect. The tournament opened on Thursday. “The Confederation has taken the decision to cancel the remainder of the tournament following vigilant monitoring of the situation as it has developed, and in close coordination with the Nicaraguan Football Federation and local authorities,” a spokesman said. “CONCACAF will determine future steps regarding this tournament and the related qualifying process for

CONCACAF teams for the FIFA Women’s World Under17 Cup Uruguay 2018. The timing of those decisions will be communicated as they are determined.” The Bermuda team, which lost 3-0 to Canada on Friday in a Group B game, were preparing to be evacuated from the country after riots broke out in Managua, the Royal Gazette newspaper in Bermuda said. A spokesman for the Bermuda Football Association said: “The BFA has been advised that the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championships in Nicaragua have been suspended. “This development follows days of civil unrest and anti-government protests in Managua, Nicaragua. “CONCACAF advised that it is in the best interest of the tournament that it be suspended and resume at a later date and possibly an alternate country. “The BFA president and general secretary have been in contact with the Bermuda team and have been assured that they are all well and in no danger. “They are now busy preparing to leave the country at

the earliest opportunity.” The United States and Costa Rica were the other teams in Group B. The US beat Costa Rica 4-0 on Friday. Bermuda were due to take on the US on Sunday before closing out the group stage against Costa Rica today. Group A was made up of hosts Nicaragua, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Haiti. The top two teams from the two groups will advance to the semi-finals, after which the CONCACAF champions and second and third-placed teams will qualify for the Under-17 World Cup, which is scheduled for Uruguay in November and December. More than 10 people have died and 100 injured in several days of protests against changes to the Nicaraguan pension scheme, the Gazette said. The move, approved by the Nicaraguan government on Wednesday, increased pension contributions for workers and employers while reducing benefits. President Daniel Ortega has offered talks on the dispute but protesters have refused to take part until police violence against them halts.

Last season Hamilton made it clear how much more satisfying it was to be fighting a driver from another team, as he went head to head with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel after three years of battling previous Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. Mercedes has yet to win a grand prix in 2018, with Red Bull also now in the mix and Kimi Raikkonen raising his game for Ferrari too. Asked by Autosport what it would mean to beat two rival teams to a title, Hamilton replied: “Who knows what the season holds? If it continues the way it is, it’s going to be very tough to win. “But if there’s an opportunity, and we were to finish on top, it would mean even more, as it’s even a tougher season than before.” Hamilton admitted that his difficult weekend in China had emphasised that Mercedes does not have the fastest car at the moment. “My goal is obviously still the same, but it is clear from the weekend that we are not the quickest,” he said. “We’ve lost performance since Melbourne, and maybe more so even [at Shanghai].

Lewis Hamilton says 2018 world championship victory would mean more than his previous Formula 1 titles given that Mercedes might currently only be the third-fastest team behind Ferrari and Red Bull. “So we are second or third fastest team at the moment, so we’ve got some improving to do but that’s not impossible. “What this team has shown over the years is that we are great at staying united, and continuing to barrel on and keep working. “So I know everyone here and back at the factory is just going to keep pushing as hard as possible.” Hamilton said he is pushing the key players in the team to find improvements. “We’ve got a lot of information over the past couple

of weeks,” he said. “So I certainly also am pushing James Vowles and James Allison, Niki [Lauda] and Toto [Wolff] very hard, trying to encourage them, and so they know which kind of areas to deal with in the car that we’re struggling most with, so they can really apply pressure maybe in those departments, or just make sure that we’ve got more development coming. “We’ve got to keep constructive pressure on the guys. But they’re already pressured as they want to win just as much as all of us.”

Bangladesh player in police custody for possessing ya ba drug C H I T TA G O N G, Bangladesh (Reuters) - A Bangladeshi court yesterday sent a female cricketer to twodays’ police custody after she was arrested with 14,000 pills of popular drug ya ba, as methamphetamine is widely known in Asia, a senior police officer said. Consumption of ya ba is booming in Bangladesh, with seizures alone jumping more than 2,500 percent to 29.4 million pills in 2016 compared with 2011. Government officials say the business is worth an estimated $3 billion annually here

Following a tip-off, police arrested Najrin Khan Mukta, 23, in the southeastern city of Chittagong with the ya ba tablets in her backpack as she was leaving for the capital Dhaka on Sunday. “The metropolitan magistrate court granted two days’ remand following an appeal for five days’ remand by police,” said Nirmolendu Bikash Chowdhury, an assistant commissioner of police. Nur Mohammad, lawyer for Mukta, said they will seek bail. Police said Mukta, a stu-

dent of a state-run university who plays in the Dhaka Premier League, admitted that she sourced the ya ba from the nearby district of Cox’s Bazar to sell it in Dhaka in association with some others. Cox’s Bazar is a coastal district neighbouring Myanmar, factories in the northeastern part of which, according to analysts, are pushing ya ba towards Bangladesh. Narcotics officials say a ya ba pill can be bought for around 60 taka ($0.714) in Cox’s Bazar but retails for around 300 taka in Dhaka.

PAGE 28

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Kaieteur News

RHTYSC, MS 28th Awards Ceremony

All plans in place for Sunday’s event - Numerous sponsors on board On Sunday 29th April, the Training Hall of the St. Francis Community Developers would come alive when Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS hosts its 28th Annual Award Ceremony. The Award Ceremony is expected to be the largest in the history of the Club and a total of $2.5M worth of prizes, trophies, Medals, framed certificates, plaques and special prizes are expected to be shared out to over 60 Club Members, Retired Teachers, Outstanding Teachers, Student of the Year and Law Enforcement Officer. Nine outstanding Guyanese would also be honoured with the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS highest award -”The Dolphin Award of Excellence”. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the planning of the event along with Vice President Mark Papannah and Asst Secretary Simon Naidu, has disclosed that all plans are in place for a highly successful affair. Patron of the RHTY&SC, President David Granger is expected the deliver the Feature Address, while Mayor Vijai Ramoo, Regional Chairman David Armogan, Director of Sports Christopher Jones and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club President Keith Foster would also make remarks. Among the Awardees of the Dolphin Award of Excellence would be GWI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Van West Charles, Minister Simona Broomes, Businessman Bishwa Panday, Cricketer Roger Harper, Attorney-atLaw Arudranauth Gossai, Banker Harry Dass Ghaness, Poonai Bhiroog, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs and NBS Deputy CEO

Team Texas win Hemp U-15 Inter-Block Football

Hilbert Foster Anil Beharry. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would also be sharing out over $1M in donations to groups and cricket clubs in Berbice as part of its Patron’s Fund. The Club over the last two weeks has been able to attract support from numerous donors for the Award Ceremony. These include Sueria Manufacturing, Bakewell, A.H & L Kissoon, Chief Brand, Colin Elcock, Namilco, Royal Jewel House, Bounty Farm, Starr Computer, Farfan & Mendes, Kings Jewellery World, HA Snacks, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Sports Commission, The Gift Centre, John Lewis Styles, Ronald Williams, Factory Price, Elizabeth Styles, Bissan Trading, P & P Insurance, Nand Persaud Ltd, Roger Harper, Bibi Travel Service, Nermala Hussain, Ryan Tillack, Sham Grocery, Dan Milk Powder and Pike Grocery among others. Among the prizes to be shared out are gold jewellery, household utencils, kitchen utencils, bicycles, Trips to Resorts, cricket gears, cellphones, food hampers, cosmetics hampers, beverage hampers, electronic gadgets and designer clothing among others.

The Award Committee has shortlisted National Junior Cricketers Kevin Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson for the Prestigious Cricketer of the Year Award, while other Awardees expected to be honoured include Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Mariam Samaroo, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano and Shabika Gajnabi. Club Captain Shawn Pereira would receive the Benefit Year Award, while Mark Papannah, Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks, Joel Pike, Elizabeth Brusch, Lucy Pike, Simon Naidu, Navin Raghoo, Pamela Brusch and Sunil Madrimootoo would be honoured form their dedication to the Club. One of the high point of the Award Ceremony is expected to be a comprehensive Report of the Work of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS by the Secretary/CEO, while major plans for 2018 would be unveiled. The Club in 2017 successfully completed a record 712 activities/programmes under a wide range of activities.

Top goal scorer Brandon Solomon receiving his trophy from GHI Secretary Jennifer Major. An impressive crowd on Saturday last watched Team Texas getting a sweet taste of victory when they outplayed Front Road in the Guyana Hemp Industries- Verman Bedesses East Ruimveldt Inter Block Under-15 Football Fiesta in observance of 4/21 International Hemp Day. The East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground was the venue for upsets as Team Texas treated their supporters to a 5-2 victory against Front Road.Team Texas Captain Brandon Solomon was the top goal scorer for the event with 5 goals which saw 10 teams participating. After the games, information material on the importance of an Industrial Hemp Industry was distributed to participants, Officials and spectators. The Mini- Hemp products exhibition and Film Festival organized by the Guyana Hemp Industries on Saturday last to make 4/21 International Hemp Day at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was a resound-

ing success with dozens of patrons attending and expressing deep satisfaction with the products and the film on Industrial hemp. Marlyn Glasgow a school teacher who travelled from Linden to attend the event said that the legalization of Industrial hemp would give Guyana an opportunity to become stronger economically, strengthen National Security and help heal the environment whilst living a sustainable life. Ms. Glasgow pointed out that legalization of Industrial Hemp is not about getting high. It’s about getting by. Hemp contains no psychoactive properties and is never used as a recreational drug. But can be used to produce fuel that would help and end dependency on foreign oil and can be a substitute for petroleum based products that would help end plastic pollution’ she opined’. According to Ms. Glasgow over a year now she

has been researching industrial hemp and wonders why President Granger is taking so long to remove the barriers for the cultivation and processing of this valuable and versatile crop in Guyana. Another patron Lloyd Smith pointed out that hemp is an eco- friendly alternative to producing food, oils, body care products, consumer and industrial textile, building materials and Industrial and technical products to name a few. According to Mr. Smith hemp requires no harmful chemical such as pesticides and fungicides, grows extremely fast in any climate and also replenishes the soil with nutrients and nitrogen which helps control eroding top soil a serious agricultural problem in Guyana and globally. ‘Hemp absorbs C0 2 from the atmosphere and importantly leaves more trees to do the same and could actively begin to reduce greenhouse effect.

VAR still right in the spotlight after FA Cup no-show LONDON (Reuters) - Introduced to provide help for under pressure referees, the role of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) still remains unclear after more questions over consistency arose at Wembley on Sunday. With Southampton trailing Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final, referee Martin Atkinson blew for a foul on Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero moments before he appeared to drop the ball over

his goalline. The VAR was not consulted and the decision to award Chelsea, who went on to win the game 2-0, a free kick stood, much to the annoyance of Southampton manager Mark Hughes. “We’re disappointed with the officials,” Hughes said. “It was a match-defining moment. Who knows how the game might have followed from that moment?”VAR will be used throughout the

World Cup in Russia this year after FIFA’s rule-making panel voted to write VARs into the laws of football. “I was sceptical at the beginning but without trying things you can’t know what they are worth,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. “That’s why we carried out trials in those 1,000 matches. There are facts: referees make one important mistake one in every three, with (Continued on page 25)

Captain of front Road Team receiving prize from UG Social Science Student Jewell Marville.

Tuesday April 24, 2018

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Devendra Bishoo receives hero’s welcome at Berbice High School During Digicel/CPL Youth Cricket Series surprise visit By Franklin Wilson Always pushing towards youths being actively involved with their stars, Digicel (Guyana) yesterday made a surprise visit to the Berbice High School in New Amsterdam, Berbice where Guyana, West Indies and CPL star, Berbice’ own, Devendra Bishoo was presented to the students at a special assembly. The welcome was deafening, as the visibly stunned students and teachers spent over two minutes screaming and applauding the cricket star in a warm welcome to the school which is 102 years old. Bishoo’s visit coincides with the Digicel/CPL Youth Crickets Series where students, teachers, parents and friends are being encouraged to vote with a view of their school winning the opportunity for 60 students from the winning school getting the opportunity to be coached and mentored by CPL Greats. Aeisha Wong, Head Mistress (ag) without the aid of a PA system called on her

teaching skills in order to get the students to settle down and focus on what Bishoo and Digicel’s Public Relations Officer Vidya Sanichara had to say. Bishoo, a left-handed batsman and right arm leggie, whilst encouraging the excited students to vote in order for their school to win, encouraged the youths to always aim high whilst following their dreams and be disciplined at all times. ”One day I was like you guys, don’t ever make no one tell you your dream is too big for you, never make anybody tell you that, not your friends, not your family, not your teachers. Aim high, follow your dreams and work hard, no matter what, whatever your work for you will get it if you are determined enough. Be disciplined in life and don’t make anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish something, always strike for greater and better things.” Bishoo encouraged the students. The 32 year-old Berbician

Berbice High School HM (ag) Ms Aeisha Wong, Bishoo and Guyana U15 Captain Zeynul Ramsammy interact after caps were presented to himself and others students in photo. also shared with the assembly that from a young boy growing up his dream was to always become a professional cricketer and like he has done, anyone of them can do it too. Digicel’s Vidya Sanichara in summing up yesterday’s activity said that it was the first of a two-part initiative

towards the Digicel/CPL Youth Crickets Series. ”The second phase is where the voting comes in where the students or anybody can vote for their school where 60 students from that winning school would be lucky enough to meet and participate and hang out with

coaches and top CPL players at a venue to be announced later.” Sanichara noted that the initiative forms part of Digicel’s mandate across the Caribbean. ”In all local markets where they’re brand ambassadors or local players, they’re going to

Bishoo during his address to the students yesterday.

Edwards efforts unable to save Hampshire LONDON, CMC – F o r m e r We s t I n d i e s speedster Fidel Edwards shone yet again but Hampshire failed to produce with the bat, and slumped to a heavy 139run defeat to Surrey in their County Championship match here yesterday. Resuming the final day on 116 for four in pursuit of a massive 472 for victory at the Oval, Hampshire slid to 332 all out in

their second innings, despite Sam Northeast’s 129. He put on 64 for the fifth wicket with South African Rilee Rossouw (29) to pull Hampshire around from 84 for four, and then added a further 68 for the ninth with Brad Wheal (10). Unbeaten on 14 at the start, Northeast struck 19 fours off 254 balls in 5-3/4 hours at the crease before being the last man out. Nineteen-year-old off-

Fast bowler Fidel Edwards.

spinner Amar Virdi was the star for Surrey, snatching four for 79 to help hurt the innings and deal the visitors their first loss of the new season. On Sunday, Edwards finished with three for 130 as Surrey, resuming the penultimate day on 217 for four, declared their second innings on 407 for nine. Ben Foakes, unbeaten on the start on 50, made 81 before becoming

Edwards’s first wicket of the day, bowled for 81. Twenty-year-old Ollie Pope struck 145 – his second first class hundred – to power the hosts up to 332 for six. But Edwards struck in successive overs to help trigger a slid which saw three wickets fall for 44 runs.The 36-year-old Barbadian ended with the match with a seven-wicket haul.

be visiting high schools for surprise visits just like the one we had today (yesterday) at Berbice High with Bishoo. The visit was fantastic, he is a celebrity but he was even a bigger celebrity because he is from Berbice and that’s one of the reasons we choose a school in Berbice. We know it’s not his alma mater but we tried to get a central school where there is a wide cross section of students. It was a wonderful event, he got to interact with many of the students, they didn’t want to let him go, we had to literally peal them away from him.” Bishoo also autographed a number of Digicel branded caps which were presented randomly to some students whilst others had to catch from those thrown into the assembly. Guyana Under-15 Captain Zeynul Ramsammy, a student of the school also took time out for a photo op with Bishoo as did many other students who asked for him to autograph their school shirts which would be kept as souvenirs. The vote of thanks was delivered by Faith Gajadhar who thanked the Guyana and West Indies star for the visit and his words of encouragement to the students. Gajadhar also remarked after the event ended: “I was very happy to meet with our star Bishoo, this is the first time I am meeting a cricketer and am also happy with the words of encouragement he shared with us.” Voting is ongoing and Sanicahara, as she encouraged all to ensure they do vote, noted that it will end on Monday May 14, 2018. Students and other persons can follow this link to vote: www.digicelgroup.com/gy/ en/mobile/cpl-youth-series.

PAGE 30

Tuesday April 24, 2018

Kaieteur News

Solo Under-19 Hockey Leagues Port Mourant Training Center 1 win Aswell Mohabir Volleyball Competition Bingo Spartans top women’s division in Berbice - Corriverton Jets win female title

Bingo Spartans Striker Abosaide Cadogan eliminating a Saints defender.

The winning teams and top players display their silverware at the end of the Aswell Mohabir Volleyball competition organised by the BVA. The Port Mourant Training Center (PMTC 1) One team defeated their Port Mourant Training Center (PMTC 2) Two counterparts to take the annual Aswell Mohabir inter club Volleyball tournament which was played recently at the Blairmont Community Center, West Bank Berbice. The tournament, which was organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA), saw six male teams and two females teams participated in the day’s competition. Apart from the two finalists the other male teams that participated were Port Mourant Jaguars, Blairmont Vikings, Corriverton Jets and Guysuco Training Center/ Port Mourant (GTCPM) teams. On the distaff side the participants were Corriverton Jets and Port Mourant Females. In the male final, GTCPM1 defeated PMTC 2 by a 2-0 margin 25 - 22, 25- 19. Although the result was 2-0 the games were keenly contested with a number of spectacular plays. Port Mourant Jaguars edged past the Blairmont Vikings to cop the 3rd place trophy, while GTCPM and Corriverton Jets were

eliminated in the first from their respective zones. Two female teams Corriverton Jets and Port Mourant Females participated in an all fours match which was delayed due to heavy rain with the Jets winning 30 to 28 in another close encounter. In the presentation ceremony that followed the first place trophy was presented to PMTC1, while PMTC 2 collected theirs for finishing second. Among the individual awards, national player Devendra Latchman continues his hard work by copping awards for being the most valuable player and the best setter on show. Shemroy Ross was adjudged the best spiker on display, while Dayimon Al Ahamad received his award for being the best Libero. On the female side the winning trophy went to the Jets, while the runner up trophy was presented to Port Mourant females. Best spiker trophy went to Candacy Mentore of Port Mourant while the best setter went to Ameshia Mohabir of Jets and most valuable player award to Telissa Williams also of Jets.

Alfred King returned to lead EDFA The East Demerara Football Association held its Annual General meeting on Sunday last which was observed by Mr. Stanley Lancaster of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Returning Officer Mr. Charles Corbin. With six (6) out of seven (7) clubs present: Mahaica Determinators, Golden Stars, Bachelor ’s Adventure/Paradise, Buxton Stars, BV/Triumph United, Plaisance Panthers and New Club Melanie Football Club. Absent was Victoria Scorpions. Following the presentation of the various

reports and deliberations the new executive was chosen and Alfred King was returned to serve another term. The Executive of the East Demerara Football Association is: Mr. Alfred King (president), Mr. Gregory Wickham (1st VP), Ms Gillian Frank (2nd VP), Mr. Mark Pertab (3rd VP), Mr. Gidel Austin (Secretary), Ms Tessa Nedd (Treasurer), Mr. Lindon Charles (Asst Sect/Treasurer), while the Committee Members are Mr. Kester Garnett, Mr. Kevin Tixey, Mr. Raymond Daw, Ms Dellon Adams and Mr. Randolph Adonis.

It was a battle of giants when the Bingo Spartans met Saints in their first-round clash on Saturday afternoon at Saints ground and with both teams entering the game boasting winning records, its outcome would determine the winner of the first round and the favourite to take the trophy at the end of the second. The Spartans looked as though they would dominate the match from their third minute goal by prolific striker Abosaide Cadogan, but it was Saints who would come ever so close on two occasions in the first half. Goal line saves by Madison Fernandes and Makeda Harding however managed to keep Saints scoreless and give the Spartans a 1-nil lead at halftime. The Spartans continued to enjoy the majority of possession in midfield in the second half and were a more productive side in their forward line than they were in the first half. Midfielder Sarah Klautky scored for Spartans with a powerful shot in the first minute of resumption to nudge the Spartans lead to 2-0. While Saints managed a breakaway goal eleven minutes later through Kizia Chinian, the game seemed to be resting in the hands of the Spartans who seemed increasingly dan-

gerous with every attack. Klautky scored a second for the Spartans in the 33rd minute and teammate Kirsten Gomes added a double of her own in the closing minutes to give the Bingo Spartans a comfortable 5-1 victory. St Joseph’s and the GCC Her-ricanes were the other girls match of the afternoon and would be a war of attrition with both teams seeking their first points of the competition. With the game being played mostly at midpitch, both sides struggled to put together any meaningful attacks leading to a scoreless first half. While the second half saw a bit more excitement at the goal ends, it would not be until six minutes from full time that St Joseph earned a penalty corner that would be converted through the powerful Janelle Frederick. Frederick’s strike was the lone goal of the match giving St Joseph a 1-0 victory. The Bingo Spartans emerge at the top of the pool at the end of the first round with 9 points followed by Saints with 6, St Joseph 3 and the GCC Her-ricanes scoreless. Matches continue every weekend at Saints ground until May 20th.

Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Champs Dave & Celina rebound to -Russians, Silver hammer Amazings Bullets also win National and Zone champions Dave & Celina All Stars, who suffered a penalty shootout loss on opening night, rebounded in emphatic style to inflict a 5-0 hammering on Amazings in the third night of action in the Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets which continued on Sunday, at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac. M o r t i m e r G i d d i n g s - a n d Ty r i q McAllister led the rout with a Guinness goal apiece netted in the 18th and 20th minutes respectively, while Stephon Tappin’s 12th minute strike had given them the lead. Another team that recovered from a first round defeat to register a win was Assassa Ballers, who played impressively to beat Team 25 4-1 thanks to two Guinness goals off the boots of Kester Randolph, while Silver Bullets, courtesy of a brace from Omar Williams romped to a comfortable 2-0 win over Next Level to continue their unbeaten run.

Amelia’s Ward Russians also remained undefeated after outlasting Hard Knocks 2-1 in an entertaining encounter, while Quiet Storm edged Cherokee Park 1-0 in a penalty shootout after their clash ended in a 0-0 stalemate. High Rollers Quelley Andries hit in a pair in the 8th and 10th minutes to condemn the much fancied Wisroc to a 2-1 defeat. The winning team will take home $400,000 and a trophy along with an automatic berth in the national playoffs, while second, third and fourth place finishers receive $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 along with trophies respectively. The Plate final carries a top prize of $50,000. The other sponsor on board is Colours Boutique of Robb Street. The competition resumes tomorrow evening with six more games at the Silver City Hard Courts.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday 24 April, 2018

PAGE 31

Wilbert Benjamin assists another Colts and Ravens to contest young cyclist with new bicycle GABF ‘Road to Mecca V’ final

Former National champion cyclist Wilbert Benjamin (lsft) presents the new bicycle Chameshwar Dhanai in the presence of a relative.

The Bounty Colts team which will be looking to win their third consecutive National Club Championships this Saturday.

D

Using his brand name Benjamin Sports and Stores and Fitness Gym along with his Benjamin Wash Bay all situated at Lot 220 C o u r t l a n d Vi l l a g e , Corentyne Berbice, former National Cyclist Wilbert Benjamin continued his assistance to young cyclists when he presented a brand new Racing Cycle to another budding cyclist. Now being deemed a community leader and a man who wants to see his fellow Berbicians do well, Benjamin is doing his best to assist. The former national cyclist, who now resides, rides and conducts business both in Canada and Guyana is working overdrive to assist his fellow countrymen in whatever way possible. His latest hand of friendship went to Chameshwar Dhanai called “Satesh”. The 15 years old who hails from Nigg Village Corentyne, Berbice, is a student of the Corentyne

Comprehensive High School. The teen who has been riding for just over 2 years, said he began riding on the track at the annual athletic school sports, where he did well. He represented the Corentyne District at the National School Athletics and Cycling Championship where he copped two seconds places. That achievement motivated him to continue with the sport. He has since been training on a regular basis, but he was riding an oversize bike. According to Benjamin he saw the potential and determination in the young man and noted that even with an oversize bike, it couldn’t stop him from the sport. He gained 4th place last weekend in a race around the National Park Inner Circuit, in the junior category. Wi t h t h a t k i n d o f determination, Benjamin said that he decided to assist the young man to achieve his

potential by presenting him with a new bike that will suit his height and size. The bike is an Aluminum Louis Garneau road bike. According to Benjamin he knows that with the right equipment Dhanai will do better in the future. So far Benjamin has given out four brand new racing bicycles and other equipment within a month to riders from Corentyne, Berbice area. Romello Crawford received a Fuji Carbon Fibre Road Bike and spare wheels, Curtis Dey and David Hicks received bikes and ShenikaTexeira two wheels. The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) received a new set of uniforms. Dhanai thanked Benjamin for what he has been doing in and around the community, especially among the youths. He stated that he will try his best to make the best use of the bike and make Benjamin and those around him proud.

London Marathon runner dies in hospital - organisers LONDON (Reuters) - A 29-year-old chef who collapsed while running in Sunday’s London Marathon has died in hospital, event organisers said yesterday.Matt Campbell went down 22.5 miles into the race and was treated by doctors before being rushed to hospital.Campbell, who completed the Manchester Marathon this month in under three

hours, was running in memory of his father Martin who died two years ago.“Everyone involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express our sincere condolences to Matt’s family and friends,” organisers said in a statement.Campbell last year reached the semi-finals of the BBC television show “Masterchef: The Professionals”.

efending Champions Bounty Colts will have a chance to retain their title for the second consecutive season after surging into the final alongside Dyna’s Ravens on Sunday evening when the semi finals of the Guyana Amateur Basketball F e d e r a t i o n ’s ( G A B F ) N a t i o n a l C l u b Championships, dubbed ‘Road to Mecca V’ bounced off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Sunday. Now, come this Saturday, Ravens who won the inaugural ‘Road to Mecca’, will be looking to dethrone Colts who have their sights set on clinching a historic ‘3peat’. Ravens used their experience to shut down an aggressive Kobras team 73-

58 in the opening match, then Colts brushed aside Victory Valley Royals 84-70 in the feature. This also means that Royals and Kobras will sweat in the tournament’s penultimate match, the third place showdown, which carries a winning incentive of $200,000. Colts made their way into the final in commanding fashion as they secured the lead early against Royals and continuously kept them at bay until the final whistle. Shane Webster, arguably the best player in the tournament and a definite contender for the MVP award, top scored for the defending Champions with 23 points, while Shelroy Thomas sunk 18 points on their way to victory. After the win, Thomas said the match was their most

challenging one yet because the opponent is a very strong team, but their experience helped pull them through. Colts defeated Royals to claim the Road to Mecca IV title in 2017. Meanwhile, in the night’s first match Ravens lead at the first quarter, 17 -11, but Kobras rebounded in the second and piled on a tenpoint lead to finish the half ahead 34 - 24. Ravens persevered in the third and once the lead was gained, slowly shut the door on Kobras. At the end of the third quarter, Ravens led 50 – 44 and eventually secured the 15-point win. Ravens’ Anthony Moe turned in 25 points and nine rebounds with support from Darcel Harris who had 16 points, while Travis Burnett led for the opposition with an impressive 24 points.

Hope warms up for Sri Lanka assignment with domestic hundred BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies batting star Shai Hope continued his preparation for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, lashing a stroke-filled hundred in the domestic Twenty20 Championship here Sunday. Turning out for local club Pickwick against schools outfit Foundation, the righthander carved out 104 off 64 deliveries at the Friendship ground, to help his side up to 190 for three off 20 overs. Hope smashed 10 fours and seven sixes, adding 107 for the third wicket with Rohan Ryan whose 41 included four sixes and a four. In reply, Foundation were 38 without loss after six overs when rain ended play prematurely, handing Pickwick victory by seven runs under Duckworth/Lewis. On Saturday, Hope was also in prime form, scoring 64 for Pickwick against the Ministry of Transport and Works at his home ground Foursquare Oval, in another winning effort. The 24-year-old Hope has become a key member of the Windies side over the last year,

West Indies batting star Shai Hope. and is expected to play a pivotal role when Sri Lanka visit the Caribbean for three Tests in June. Earlier this month, Hope was honoured as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers-of-the-Year for his amazing feat of scoring a hundred in both innings of the second Test against England at Headingley last August. Last week, he was honoured yet again when he received the Barbados Cricket Association President’s Award.

rt o p S

Devendra Bishoo receives hero’s welcome at Berbice High School P. 29

During Digicel/CPL Youth Cricket Series surprise visit

Devendra Bishoo and Digicel’s Vidya Sanichara pose with the students of Berbice High School during yesterday’s Digicel/CPL Youth Cricket Series surprise visit.

Solo Under-19 Hockey Leagues

P. 30

Bingo Spartans top women’s division

Bingo Spartans midfielder Sarah Klautky about to score her second goal against Saints.

Makeda Harding put in an impressive performance in midfield for the Saprtans.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.