Wednesday April 25, 2018
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More can be done to enhance driving We should stand with Govt. to bring humans in many forms, for are vital. errant public officials to justice skills I must commend the turn- several reasons, including DEAR EDITOR, “The Learner Driver programme” is the first step to becoming a licenced driver; this is critical, so why not do it the right way? Throughout many years we have been well aware of the ongoing licence fraud, but now it truly is in the spotlight. I do hope we can all step forward and stop this dilemma. And also make adjustments to our current training system. Why not improve and create a sound foundation for proposed drivers? These programs are aimed to encourage the development of safe driving techniques, road law knowledge and car components which
out of young drivers and the increased ratio of female drivers. The number of women drivers has grown considerably since the 1970s, and has had a positive impact on changing social norms. However, I do believe that more could be done to improve the lectures - perhaps equipping the officers with the necessary tools as simple as a power point slides to demonstrate basic driving concepts. In the modern era of technology, chalk and blackboard wouldn’t cut it. I do recall, upon attending, the traffic officer drawing diagrams to explain and demonstrate driving concepts. The evolution of technology is beneficial to
improved communication and convenience in education, efficiency and productivity. These are just a few. Improvising the use of simple technology (Computer and projector) could have gone a long way. More could have been done, as simple as it sounds. Prevention is always deemed better than cure. While we are at it fixing the crooked cop system, fix the educational system, they go hand in hand. These are our future drivers; let’s make the roadways safe and significantly improve accident rates. More can be done to enhance driving skills. Lubuwda khan
ABOUT SUGAR HERITAGE DEAR EDITOR, During his tenure, Harold B Davis, the first Executive Chairman of GuySuCo commissioned (in the 1980s) the coordination of a range of heritage projects for the sugar industry. Ogle Estate was identified as the primary location for the collection. Some indication of the start made – pieces of erected old equipment – can be seen at the entrance of what is now the Bertram Collins Public Service Staff College, which only shortly b e f o r e w a s GuySuCo’s Head Office, transformed from the latter’s Residential Training Centre, which in turn was once the home of a Chairman of Bookers Sugar Estates, the former owner. Edgar Readwin was, for a considerable period, the colony’s lawn tennis champion, before he was outplayed by an industry colleague – the well known Ian McDonald.Meanwhile, it was always the intention that the area surrounding the Chateau Margot factory chimney (on the way east to LBI Estate) would be a focal point. That factory had the reputation of producing some of
the finest Demerara sugars in the 19th century. In Berbice, two other areas were identified. At the entrance to GuySuCo’s Apprentice Training Centre at Port Mourant can be seen exhibits of old factory equipment boldly displayed. Then there was always Skeldon Estate, on the West Bank of the Corentyne River, which since the colonial era was regarded as a sort of ‘tourism’ destination, although that expression was hardly in use in those days. But the few city-based foreigners (diplomats) there were, sought to spend holiday weekends at far Skeldon. In the relative entertainment desert at the time, Skeldon Estate became a hospitality mecca of sorts. But to fast forward, just over a decade ago in relation to an agri-tourism project sponsored by Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Skeldon Estate was he a r t i l y e n dorsed by the then Minister of Agriculture in the last Administration, to be a prominent ‘tourism’ destination. With the construction of a new factory, the vision was
that the old one would be specially preserved for organised tours.The fact was that every management team of Skeldon Estate was alerted to its special historical significance – for both local and foreign personnel. It is in this connection therefore that during his tenure, the last CEO of GuySuCo continued the commitment to preserve its identifiable ‘treasures’ – the coordinating responsibility for which was assigned to his Corporate Communications Manager. A company building had already been identified at LBI Estate for storage and presentation, as feasible. For this exhaustive exercise the management team of the National Trust was engaged, and at least two meetings were held in GuySuCo’s Boardroom in late 2017, with a view to mapping out a comprehensive (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, In 2015, the nation voted with great enthusiasm for the coalition Government to bring back the issue of transparency, accountability and democracy to a country that seemed to be void of fairness, equity, justice and transparency for years. It was this APNU+AFC government that saw the reestablishment of the Procurement Board/Commission and the Integrity Commission, to aid in the process of restoring and revitalizing the faith in a democratic system, and the judiciary to provide answers to the many questions that have been asked with regard to a number of gross violations in our nation. Our judicial system, which has been for years
shrouded in secrecy, bribery and corruption, now provides citizens with a sense of judicial satisfaction and fairness, as we battle with the many complex issues of irregularities. I believe that it is only fair that we allow the government to exercise jurisprudence and rely on the judicial aptitude and ability. The recent case of charges brought against two former members of the PPP were not, according to the Minister of State, politically motivated or directed, but rather, stemmed from the results of elaborate investigation procedures. Editor, the previous administration, as it has been public knowledge, had allowed the general populace to believe that they care about
the socio political development of this nation, hence the attack on what I call tit for tat and racial politics, when we in fact know that the opposite is true. The attempt of divisiveness will not be sustainable if we are to survive the rigours of true democracy as a united and cohesive nation. It is clear to see that this government remains committed to transparency by the setting up of various agencies and to ending corruption at all levels. We, the Guyanese citizens should stand with the government to ensure that those who hold public office, and who engage in malfeasance while in office, be brought to justice. Best Regards, Dillon Goring
Traitors on board; examine the report impaired drivers’ but to prevent abuse of the horns… geons competence (due to medical system, all participants must DEAR EDITOR, I am sick to my stomach as I read your article captioned ‘Massive fraud at driver’s licence exams… 106 write test, 207 pass.’ Can the government not transfer the responsibility of drivers’ education to the Ministry of Transportation as it is done in Ontario, Canada? Also, it is that ministry’s responsibility to ensure drivers’ competence. The drivers’ education material (in a book form) can be purchased at some retail stores. Drivers’ tests can be electronic or traditional hard copy. The police enforce the traffic laws and have nothing to do with drivers’ education or their competence. Medical doctors/sur-
conditions) to the police who ensure that such person driver’s licence is cancelled. If a system is riddled with fraud, then it is no wonder that the number of road accidents is going through the roof. I sometimes teach classes here in Ontario and the secretaries make out a master list of the participants. Each participant is asked to sign his/ her name in a corresponding line to his/her name. I do think that this may work in the Guyana situation
produce photo identification. It is a truly frightening situation and those police officers who aborted the examination should be held criminally responsible for the fraud. I look forward to reading about the outcome. Aptie Sookoo, BASc, Ontario, Canada
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Representing the poor, neglected and maltreated workers of the G/town Municipality DEAR EDITOR, I would like to use this opportunity to publicly applaud Mr. Carvil Duncan and the Executive of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) for their empathy and advocacy on behalf of the poor, neglected and maltreated workers of the Georgetown Municipality. The GLU is the lone voice of activism that is bringing some hope and courage to the downtrodden workers there. The other union that is supposed to represent a section of the municipality’s workforce seems to have capitulated. How else could this other union, if it is a responsible union, explain why it would sit quietly by and allow its members (municipal workers) to suffer each month, the indignity and hardship of receiving their salaries late, and their PAYE, NIS and other deductions not remitted in a timely manner and
sometimes not at all? How could a well-intentioned Union allow the administration of the Georgetown Municipality to decline to purchase tools, materials and supplies that the workers need to execute their duties, under the pretext that they cannot afford to, and then turn around and contract out these same t a s k s at ten times the amount to their relatives, friends and church pals for tens of millions of dollars without adhering to tender or bidding processes? How could this other union, if it is worth its salt, overlook the fact that senior administrators of the Council purchase expensive things for themselves, travel frequently first class, whilst ordinary workers have no transportation, cannot receive their leave passage allowance and are left to fend for themselves in order to
obtain a piece of land from the public housing programme in order to own a place that they can home? How could a caring union remain indolent while rampant nepotism, cronyism and favouritism are practiced at City Hall? It has just watched passively, relatives, friends and church pals of senior municipal officials, brought in and placed at the top of the pay scales and given nice cushy jobs, over and above those who have worked for decades. These persons are enjoying the ‘good life’ while hardly doing anything. Why is the other union
not insisting on a thorough forensic audit of the Council’s financial and accounting systems and an audit of the municipality’s human resources to ensure accountability and transparency? Will it just gullibly accept the claim by Council that it is cash-strapped without verification and have its workers sent on the bread line? Maybe it is time for the members of this other union to defect and join the Guyana Labour Union or some other labour body that will earnestly represent their members’ interests rather than just collecting their dues. Magagula Jackson
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Bad contracts DEAR EDITOR, Back in 1990, the PNC Government sold our only telecommunications company to a foreign entity and granted them a monopoly for forty years. The negotiators in the Government never visualised that the internet would become the game changer for countries around the world. Telecommunication, particularly the internet, has had a tremendous impact on mankind. Every aspect of our lives is impacted by the interconnectivity of each other. Regrettably, twenty-eight years after the signing of that contract, the people of Guyana have had to suffer and remain technologically underdeveloped, while progressive countries have advanced.Today, we witness the very same Government attempting to sign a forty-year contract with another foreign company. This contract hands over the management of prime real estate and income derived from our City parapets to Smart City Solutions.I can only assume that residue from the 1990 administration may be responsible for this contract. Only persons of an advanced age will make such backward decisions. They do not possess an understanding of the future impact of technology on city management. Maybe our current leaders do not foresee a modern Guyana!! Regards, M. Craig
No Proper Health Care in Mahaica Creek DEAR EDITOR, World Health Day was observed on April, 7th, 2018, where we saw a number of celebrations being held across Guyana at a number of health facilities, where residents were able to access free health care, which was indeed commendable. The question is ‘are residents only afforded this kind of service on World Health Day?’ I am a resident of Mahaica Creek, an area where there is a health centre located in Biabu. There is no medical practitioner at that health care
facility, neither any proper medication. If a resident is sick or there is an emergency health problem, one has to travel all the way to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for treatment. Sometimes transportation is not available right away to take a patient to the hospital (it is to be noted that this is a riverine community), and delaying medical treatment can cause more complications. A few questions must be asked. If there is a facility why is there no Medex, Doctor or Community Health Worker designated to work there? Under the previous administration, doctors with long boots and coats traversed the area using boats and setting up medical outreaches at least once a month, what happened to those times?
The government boasts so much about training medical personnel in so many fields, is there not one of them who can serve our community? Will the facility become another ‘white elephant’? Why is there a shortage of medical supplies and so much money is being spent on purchasing them and setting up bonds to store them? What is the purpose of all these things? The Ministry of Public Health has set out on a mandate to provide all citizens of Guyana with universal healthcare. I would like to remind the Minister that Mahaica Creek is a part of Guyana and no exceptions should be made. This community is an agricul-
tural area where our produce is circulated across the length and breadth of this country, making us citizens who contribute to the development of this country therefore it is our right to be afforded proper health care. Very worried Resident
About ...
From page 5 programme for sugar heritage preservation. Hopefully from the foregoing, it would be appreciated that the industry has long lived with a consciousness of such a r e s p o n s i b i l i t y. I m y s e l f however, have grieved over the rejection by two Bookers colleagues (one local and one overseas) while dining one evening in the 1980s at Herdmanston House (now Herdmanston Lodge), of my suggestion that its heritage should be secured as a library that would offer research material, not only of the sugar industry, but expanded to provide books on agriculture science, engineering, chemistry and other technical components for the benefit of U.G. students in the first instance, and other academics. Alas the sense of grief lingers on. E.B. John
VAT not charged on all exports - Tax Chief clarifies Even though the Ministry of Finance moved to discredit statements from the political Opposition that the Government is moving to implement Value Added Tax (VAT) on all exports, this misleading perception was still being bandied about. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on behalf of other agencies recently sent out a missive to the media which suggested that it lent some amount of credence to the misconception. This move by the Commission is what forced the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to call a Press Conference, yesterday, to set the record straight once and for all. Contrary to what is being peddled in some quarters, GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, categorically stated that there was never any move by the government to have all exports attract VAT. The Commission General said, “There is the contention that Government has disallowed exporters the right to reclaim the Value Added Tax paid on inputs used to produce goods and services to be exported from Guyana. “It should be noted however that from the implementation of VAT in 2007, only exempt goods exported from Guyana are unable to reclaim input VAT and not all exports as alluded to by the PSC.” Statia said that previously, the Government used
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GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia zero-rated goods to lower the tax burden on low-income households. He explained that for items with no value added or that are “the first in the chain”, there is no difference to the consumer between exempting and zero-rating the items. The GRA Commissioner General said that zero-rating breaks the VAT chain and invites revenue leakage and fraud (eg. Submissions of fake invoices showing VAT paid in order to claim fraudulent refunds, or charging VAT and not remitting VAT due). He said that exemptions also break the chain but they pose much less of a revenue risk since they do not generate excess credit positions and applications for refunds. The Commissioner General reiterated that the Government has considered the impact of all tax measures in-
troduced and made all efforts to minimize production costs by ensuring that VAT is not charged or payable on items first in the chain of production and other major expenditure items. He said, “The GRA welcomes empirical evidence to prove that businesses are affected, and thereafter will recommend to the Minister of Finance changes to the Schedule and VAT Act to minimize such effect.” The Tax Chief said that this is an ongoing exercise, and was the case for the fishing and forestry products industries where after being presented with empirical evidence in 2017, changes were effected to the Vat Schedules, thereby allowing the affected items in the “manufacturing process” to be exempted. Picture saved in Wednesday as Statia
Health Ministry moves to close procurement loopholes Health officials have instituted a new procurement rule that requires a manufacturer’s authorization from suppliers of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. According to senior officials at the Ministry of Public Health, the move is intended to close procurement loopholes in the current process that could result in ‘fake drugs’ entering the system. “The change will fast track the procurement process and prevent the use of fake documentation to secure contracts from the Ministry,” according to a senior official. Kaieteur News understands that previously, multiple suppliers would bid to provide a specific brand of product; however, with the new rule, the Ministry intends to only source from authorized suppliers. Over the last several months, the Ministry has been bombarded with criticism from various quarters regarding the procurement of drugs and medical supplies. In an effort to bring an aura of transparency and accountability to this matter going forward, the Ministry has established a Procurement Department. According to the Ministry, one of the very important measure taken by the department to enhance the efficiency of the evaluation of bids and other due diligence process is now request for each familiar pharmaceutical and medical supplier to submit a recent manufacturer’s authorization offered to them.
A recent agreement is considered to be one, which is an original parchment of the manufacturer and is dated no earlier than six months to date. These instruments of authorization must be submitted by May 25.The Department now has the responsibility for the acquisition of drugs and medicines that meet prescribed safety and health standards at a cost effective price. Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, is adamant that the Ministry has successfully corrected several errors. As a result, persons who will be attending health facilities will not be faced with shortages of this nature. She urged that persons should not stay at home and listen to the negative comments that are being said whether it’s in the print media or otherwise and decide that they are not going to the health facilities for medical attention. “They will turn up because their government with funds from the taxpayers have met our obligations to ensure that the necessary supplies and drugs are available and for the various facilities,” Minister Lawrence said. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Colette Adams, has shared that there are 13 persons in the procurement unit who are assigned to do specific tasks, ensuring that from the process of request to the process of delivery, all the logistics are put in place.
Good Hope Waterfront project to commence soon Essequibo Coast residents will soon benefit from a brand-new development which is set to commence at Good Hope. The project which is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Regional Democratic Council will see the transformation of the waterfront area. Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, told the Department of Public Information that the project forms part of the Region’s major capital projects for 2018. The project was a recommendation that came out of a stakeholder meeting with councillors. “We were successful as a region to have had in excess of $30M as a capital project to do the enhancement works at the set waterfront. “The Ministry of Public Infrastructure also had some resources, so we are collaborating to do revetment
Regional Chairman, Region Two, Devanand Ramdatt and there was an initial design that was presented to us by engineers from (MPI).” According to Ramdatt, the project is slated to be completed by the end of 2018 and will help to boost tourism within Region Two. “We want to make our
region the gateway. It must reflect our people, the hardworking and hospitable people of this region, we are looking at fostering tourism so one of the little buildings that will be built will cater for an information centre so that visitors coming into the region can go to that building and access information,” he posited. The enhancement of the waterfront at Good Hope follows a commitment made by the government to provide improved infrastructure across Guyana. Similar projects of such nature include the rehabilitation of the Bartica Stelling that is now in its second phase and the Stabroek Waterfront which is slated to commence shortly.
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
Int’l expert help sought in oil spill contingency plan- CDC head clarifies The Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has sought international expertise to draft its contingency plan in the unlikely event of an oil spill, Director Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig has said. Craig was speaking on Monday, at the opening session of a three-day “Incident Command Systems and Oil Spill Response Training”, at the CDC headquarters in Thomas Lands. He was also responding to reports in the Kaieteur
News which suggested that the CDC did not seek the expertise of international specialists when it drafted its response protocols. “At this juncture, it is important to note that Guyana’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan has been developed in draft locally, drawing on material available regionally and internationally, and in keeping with the International Maritime Organisation Guidelines,” the Director said. According to the CDC Head, Guyana’s local capac-
ity in this regard, in no way denies the involvement of international experts. “The First Draft of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan benefitted from expert support and guidance through the United States Department of State-Led Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI) and the United States Coast Guard. It was also reviewed by the International Maritime Organisation.” Craig said a second review is currently ongoing. He said
public consultations will soon commence, after which, the plan can be further amended. The proposal will then be reviewed, tested and adjusted before it is presented to Cabinet for final approval and adoption. Craig reported that an oil spill response course will be held between Thursday and Saturday of this week. The training seeks to expose participants to the theory of oil
spill response; and the practical components of responding to spills. “The skill sets and best practices attained during these training sessions are likely to increase the knowledge of the members of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Committee to further develop the National Contingency Plan,” Craig explained, noting that there will be a strengthening of the re-
Director of CDC Lt. Col Kester Craig. sponse capacity and preparedness of all agencies and ministries involved.
Child rapist gets two life sentences
I
n a harrowing series of events, a 34-year-old Trade Unionist charged for the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl was yesterday afternoon found guilty of the offences by a 12member mixed jury following their deliberations. Micah Williams, who was represented by Attorney-atlaw Asa Stuart Shepherd, was indicted on two counts of Sexual Activity with a Child Family Member. Appearing for the state were Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Narissa Leander. Between January 1 and January 31, 2016, he engaged in sexual penetration with an eight-year-old girl. Then again on January 6, 2017, he engaged in sexual penetration with the same eight-year-old girl. Williams is the founder and General-Secretary of the Guyana Natural Resources, Clerical and General Workers Union (GNRC&GWU). The jurors after deliberating for almost two hours returned with unanimous guilty verdicts in respect to both counts of the offence. For his actions, Justice Jo Ann Barlow sentenced
RAPIST: Micah Williams
Williams to serve life sentences on both counts, respectively. The two life sentences are to run concurrently and the convict only becomes eligible for parole after serving 20 years behind bars. Kaieteur News understands that Williams who hails from Linden engaged in vaginal and anal sex with the young girl. The convicted rapist showed no remorse at all after being found guilty by his peers. In fact, Williams maintained his innocence. He told the court, “This is the most terrifying day of my life. I know to my heart that I
did not commit such an act.” He further went on to express his dissatisfaction with the decision of the jurors. In essence, Justice Barlow told Williams that there is no justification for his actions. The judge reminded him that in his capacity as a Trade Unionist, he advocated for the rights of people; but violated the trust that the little girl had for him. The trial Judge told Williams, “I don’t find I could be lenient with you. You cannot claim ignorance of sexual abuse and its consequences. Reminding Williams that he testified to participating in campaigns against sexual abuse, Justice Barlow stressed that the emotional scars of such acts will have an effect on the young rape survivor. During a plea in mitigation, Shepherd related that Williams, the sole breadwinner for his family, has always been an active member in the community. The lawyer asked the judge to take into consideration that this was the first time his client has been charged with an offence of such nature. The court was however unable to allow the reading of an impact statement detailing the views of the young girl about the incident, since her signature was not affixed to that type written statement. During his time in incarceration, Williams will undergo rehabilitative programmes for sexual offenders.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
F
oreign companies who operate in Guyana must obey the Laws of Guyana. Or go home! It is as simple as that. No sovereign country should allow foreign companies to impugn the laws of Guyana. The Constitution is the highest law of the land. The Constitution provides for press freedom. Any act, which attempts to punish or discriminate against a media house constitutes a violation of press freedom. Such actions are prohibited by the Constitution of Guyana. Governments have always been impressing upon foreign companies, the need for them to obey the Labour Laws of Guyana. But these companies are also obligated to respect the Constitution of Guyana. ExxonMobil will find it difficult to convince the Guyanese public that its noninvitation to tour a drill ship was not directly related to the
criticisms which the Kaieteur News have been carrying about the contract, which was signed between the company and the Government of Guyana. The government and the opposition are not likely to question the actions of ExxonMobil. Kaieteur News cannot be said to be liked by either. The question to be asked therefore is whether a foreign company should be selective in its dealing with the media. Obviously, it would have been impossible for ExxonMobil to have all media houses tour the drill ship, but it is obvious that the omission of Kaieteur News was no oversight or mistake. The non-invite of Kaieteur News was to be expected but it is not lawful. It was Kaieteur News, which exposed the horrible deal, which the government entered into with ExxonMobil. It is Kaieteur News, which continues to point out the egregious elements of that ar-
rangement. ExxonMobil could not have been pleased about that. The government is not pleased about the exposure of the deal. The government is not hiding its displeasure with Kaieteur News. And ExxonMobil’s recent actions would suggest that it too is not prepared to hide its displeasure with this newspaper. Regardless of how ExxonMobil feels about the fact that Kaieteur News has exposed how they have been able to have the upper hand in the oil negotiations, this cannot be a justifiable or reasonable basis for discriminating against the country’s highest selling newspaper. The actions by ExxonMobil mean that the readership of Kaieteur News cannot benefit from reports of that event. It means also that the public is spared the observations, which the newspaper was likely to make. This latest outrage
DEM BOYS SEH
De shart scamp get ketch wid US millions We live in times when de rich has more rooms than children and de poor has more children than rooms. When dem boys read dat, right away dem mind run to Exxon. Dat oil company got more money than Guyana would ever see yet dem set de stage fuh rob every single Guyanese. De home of de owners and shareholders of dem oil companies got more room than dem children. Some of dem homes got more room than some schools in Guyana.Dat is why dem boys can’t understand why dem insist on robbing Guyana at every level. And dem vex
when dem boys skin dem up. Before Exxon come, dem boys thought Jagdeo was de height of skullduggery. He home got more room than he got children. He got more money than de treasury got at de moment and dem boys certain SOCU and SARA will ketch up wid him and ee kavakamites. Dem boys hear in de grapevine Ashni, de shart scamp, get ketch wid nuff millions in US dollars tuck away in a foreign bank account. Dem boys even hear bout de channel he use to send it out of Guyana and when he do it. We live in times when de rich walk miles to digest food,
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while de poor walk miles to obtain food. Is people like dem, who dem boys mention above who dis thing fit perfectly. Exxon still have people walking miles upon miles throughout Africa looking fuh food when de day come. All because dem rob de daylight outta dem countries. Jagdeo and his kavakamites, not forgetting Babbie, Gerry, Bayah, Brazzy and Brian, do de same to Guyana. Look around and see how much poor people hungry when de day come in Guyana. Talk half and Greenidge betta tek note of wha happen to Ashni.
against press freedom comes as ExxonMobil is likely to post impressive first quarter earnings based on oil prices reaching their highest levels since 2017. This spells good news for ExxonMobil and for Guyana because the higher oil prices rise, then the greater the chances of first oil being produced in 2021. Already the share price of ExxonMobil has been marginally boosted. The higher the price goes, then the higher would be the worth of Guyana’s 3.2 billion barrels of reserves, which are increasing the asset value of
the company. The local journalists were flown out to one of the drill ships contracted by Exxon. The reporters found 23 Guyanese working there, not the hundreds of persons, which many Guyanese had to come to expect. The journalists have not yet reported on whether they enquired as to why none of the Guyanese were actually involved in the drilling exercise. So, there is no capacitybuilding taking place here. It is an insult that of the 23 Guyanese involved, fourteen were in catering which
really means cooking and washing. Had Kaieteur News been around, it would have asked why it was that Guyanese have been handed the lowly jobs. Kaieteur News would have also asked about were the wages of those who were fortunate to work onboard the drill ship. We may never know!
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
We, non-white people have the temerity to cuss down white countries What Trinidad has done to 40 Venezuelan refuges applicants last week, no other white country has, including Hungary, which has a policy of not accepting refugees, and Australia which takes them in but do not resettle them on the mainland. I was on a panel discussion with Vincent Alexander and UG lecturer, Charlene Wilkinson, Sunday night on Channel 9 on the race problem in Guyana. Charlene was the only one
that made some caustic comments on the White race. I didn’t reply. I take no interest whatsoever in Black and non-white people cussing down white countries. I just find it too silly to even respond for a fleeting moment. My philosophy in life, which I believe should be the emotional and psychic motto of every human, is that if you dislike a bad human then you have to do so from a position of goodness. You cannot accuse people of
stealing sheep when you steal goats. If dominant, white countries behave terribly to non-white races then why should I see the Caucasian race as the embodiment of prejudice and cruelty when non-white states treat other non-white people with equal brutality? In fact, I have long argued in these columns that the non-white races of the world, the non-white nations, non-white nationalities have no moral superior claims on
humane, democratic behaviour over white countries. Charlene spoke of white supremacy is being maintained in Guyana. I didn’t reply again because I have no interest in such a debate; it is contextually vacuous. If there is white supremacy in Guyana, then show me the white man or white woman that ordered the removal of David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis from the Chronicle. If there is white supremacy in Guyana, direct me to the white hand that ordered the removal of hundreds of poor vendors from Stabroek Market Square so the government could use the site to have the Golden Jubilee parade. If there is white supremacy in Guyana, then point me to the white country or white government that tells Guyana to jail teenagers for the possession of a smoking utensil or the mere possession of three grams of marijuana. Name me the white country that jails young men for three years for possession of four grams of ganja. Is that land the US? The answer is no. Is it some white country in Europe? The answer is no. Or maybe it is Canada. No, possession of small amount of ganja in Canada is now legal. Oh! I found the white country – Australia. No it is
not Australia. No white country in the 21st century imprisons young men for three years for possession of a smoking utensil. And if they do that then with supersonic haste, the country’s human rights body will test the legislation in court. Any country that puts teenagers in jail for three years for five grams of ganja is a cruel place, whose leaders are obnoxiously unfit to govern a 21st century state. Such leaders are worse than the white leaders we love to criticize. I have done several pieces in my columnist career that pontificate on the increasing degradation, dehumanization, autocratization and even fascistization of the postcolonial Third World since decolonization began after World War 2. And there is a corresponding dialectical irony in the former western colonial empires themselves in which the white citizenry has demanded the deepening of freedoms, liberty and justice and modernization and they are achieving it. Don’t tell me about white supremacy in Guyana when white countries that ruled us have dissolved their own anachronistic laws that imprison minds and bodies while we in the Third World gleefully retain them and cling to them. I could cite
Frederick Kissoon hundreds of them. Apart from the ganja vortex, I immediately think of the law on divorce. It came to Guyana in 1933 and is still operable. Under that law, you are compelled to go to a judge and lie to the judge in order to get a dissolution. You must cite one of three reasons only for the divorce. Which white man’s edict orders Guyana to deny entry to women in public places if they are wearing a sleeveless dress? That code is still enforceable in many public institutions. I see the sign every day at Cyril Potter College of Education, which is close to where I live. But let’s get back to Trinidad. The authorities tore up the refugees’ application papers, detained them, then together with fifty others, forcefully repatriated them to Venezuela. The group included women and children. What Trinidad did was illegal under international law. But my own country would have done the same. Editor’s note: Trinidad denied deporting the Venezuelans. That story is on Page 21 of the April 24 issue of Kaieteur News.
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
Kaieteur News
Videos launched to help promote ‘positive discipline’ in schools Violent discipline is meted out to some 69 percent of children between the ages of one and 14. Some of this violence occurs in the school system where bullying, aggression and other violent behaviours are glaring. It has been found that where corporal punishment is accepted in the school system, there tends to be an increase in the drop-out rate. Moreover, coping with student discipline in the classroom is said to be a concern to all administrators of education and by extension the Ministry of Education. As such, the Ministry has been giving close attention to the importance of the UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child international treaty, which recognises the rights of children. This was particularly amplified yesterday when the Ministry of Education joined UNICEF to launch the world premiere of videos about ‘A story of positive discipline’ and ‘Don’t use the cane’. Speaking at the launch at the National Cultural Centre yesterday, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry said that “Our children advocating for discipline sets the tone for a better society...Don’t use the cane
Officials and students take time out for a photo opportunity at the launch of the videos yesterday. is more than just music but a teaching tool and motivator for all stakeholders.” It is Minister Henry’s conviction that every school in Guyana is serious about nurturing children in safe, protective and friendly learning environments where each child has the right to be disciplined in a manner that respects their dignity. Further, the Minister asserted, “Outdated forms of discipline and corporal punishment have no place in our schools moving forward. It is essential to recognise and address the challenges teachers face daily and give
them the support needed to change the cultural modusoperandi of discipline in schools,” Minister Henry stated. Ultimately, the Ministry of Education’s goal, she said, is to reverse the trend and together with all partners find and implement the right strategies that will encourage the nation’s children to be excited about school and to participate positively, think analytically, hopefully to make sound decisions and build their self-esteem. After a year of activism through national debates, jungles and poster
competitions, she added, “Our children advocates for positive discipline set the tone for systemic programming in positive discipline nationally. They have also been able to use music, art, research and persuasive presentations catering for multiple demographics and levels of intelligence.” Ms. Sylvie Fouet, representative of UNICEF Guyana/Suriname and Minister Henry agreed that through a bottom-up approach to positive disciple in schools, the videos will actively engage teachers, parents and students for
public sensitization among the many strategies. In 2016, a one-year multi strategy child advocacy for positive discipline campaign in primary schools was launched through the use of various forums moving beyond the class room setting to music and video production with help of key stakeholders such as vision sounds. The results are to be seen via dissemination moving forward to encourage buy-in and ownership of the programme. The hope is that the efforts thus far can serve as a motivator for everyone to
want to be involved in what shows a great promise for the children and the education system in Guyana. Fouet posited that a child friendly environment, respectful relationships among children, teachers, and parents will bring about positive learning and increase results for children. She admonished, “If we are to change the situation for children, we must do so with children and as such the partnership with the Minister of Education and team in nurturing an approach that promotes respect, caring interactions among children, parents and teachers resulting in a joint effort to promote ‘positive discipline’ in a model, which focuses on positive points of behaviour.” The production of the videos resulted from more than a year of working together with children to stimulate their creative nature to research and promote the benefits of ‘positive discipline’. “... There are 209 teachers who are already using positive discipline and engaging parents-children in 180 classrooms from grades one - six. The results yielded are the establishment of positive discipline committees including members from the community,” said Fouet.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 13
Hummer registered to Health Ministry to be returned The Hummer SUV in question.
was a front. The vehicle was still being used by the foundation. The discovery was made by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) after a complaint by the original owner of the vehicle earlier this year. The owner, who is a New York-based Guyanese, is reportedly making moves to pay
The vehicle’s registration last year to the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health appeared to have erred when it accepted a donation of a Hummer SUV last year. A non-governmental organization (NGO),
Hope For The Nation Foundation, made the donation. The vehicle was registered in the name of the Ministry on April 10, 2017. However, it appeared that the registration
the taxes so he can get back the vehicle. Yesterday, GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, was questioned about the investigation. He said that from investigations, the vehicle was donated by the foundation to the ministry. However, there was evidence that the Continued on page 28
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Wednesday April 25, 2018
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
One in every 68 children autistic – Education Ministry -- as moves are implemented to improve special education
A section of the gathering at the autism awareness forum.
Autism can present a major challenge to the delivery of education in any education system if it is not recognised and appropriately dealt with at an early stage. The Ministry of Education has not been exempted from dealing with this condition. According to information released by the Education Ministry, about one in every 68 children is autistic in Guyana. To put this into perspective, the local public education system is one that caters to several thousands of the nation’s children. Autism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. Essentially, ASD is a medical diagnosis that describes significant social, communicative and behavioural challenges which appear in early childhood that usually start to manifest even before children are three years old. According to expert reports [www.webmd.com/ brain/autism/understandingautism-basics], it usually presents as a complex neurobehavioural condition that
includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviours. Those inflicted with autism handle information in their brain differently from typical developing peers. This state of affairs was amplified yesterday when Region Three [Essequibo Islands-West Demerara] held an Awareness forum in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month which is observed annually in April. The forum, which was one of many held by education districts across the country, was designed to amplify that autism exists In fact, it was underscored by Education Officer with responsibility for Special Education Needs in Region Three, Ms. Akeshia Benjamin, that, for too long, autism has been on the backburner. She, moreover, pointed out that autism awareness is very important. It helps people to become aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the condition and enlighten them on how to
better understand such persons with a view of preventing stigma and discrimination. “It is a category of disability. However, while it has been on the back-burner for quite some time, efforts are in train to make it a frontburner issue as autistic children are also important and should not be seen as less than any child. This is because children with special needs also deserve a chance to realise their true and full potential through the education sector,” Benjamin said. Region Three Education Officer, Ms Anesta Douglas, in delivering remarks at the awareness forum said, “I encourage all persons to embrace persons with autism so that they can realise their full potential and destiny.” Ms. Audrey Rodrigues, who represented the Guyana and Suriname United Nations International Children’s Fund [UNICEF] office, said that her organisation, which advocates for children’s rights, will continue to embrace the notion that education access is for all children. “Every child is a child no matter what and we are making sure that every child Continued on page 27
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A
n evaluation process recently concluded to ascertain whether a US$1.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education [GPE] to improve the Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Development was utilised, properly. The grant was said to be equivalent to some $340 million when it was made available to the Education Ministry back in 2014. It was handed over the Ministry during the tenure of former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. It was slated to be executed over a three-year period. The Global Partnership for Education [GPE] is an international organisation focused on getting all children into school for a
Kaieteur News
quality education in the world’s poorest countries. Its grant was aimed at targeting schools in the remote areas of Guyana including Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and riverine communities. As part of the evaluation process, an independent consultancy group recently concluded its scrutiny by way of a debriefing session with current Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry. The undertaking comes even as Guyana prepares to review its Education Sector Plan. During its engagement with Minister Henry, the Consultants reportedly lauded Guyana for its use of the grant received. Though small by world standards, it was dubbed as
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry [left], in discussion with members of the consultancy group.
“impactful” to improve early childhood development particularly for communities out of Georgetown. Further, the Project has been effective through the delivery of resource learning kits, which have been deemed as “impressive and
impactful”. Minister Henry in expressing gratitude spoke of government’s emphasis on the importance of the gains and the sustainability of such interventions. She pointed out that the sustainability is already in process as this year’s budget has made provision for kits to be made available to schools on the coastland. Minister Henry also noted that multi stakeholder engagements have been community based with a partnership approach utilising initiatives such as town-hall meetings with parents and local partners. These, she said, have been very useful.Referring to her predecessor ’s [Minister Rupert Roopnaraine] decision to introduce a Commission of Inquiry [CoI] as a gain, Minister Henry said, “We [Gov e r n m e n t ] a r e looking at reviewing the Education Sector Plan for the year towards 2019 when the information collected would inform the f o r w a r d thrust of the education sector.” “We are also engaged and
continue to interface with key sectors that don’t always have to be a formal setting to address the needs of all Guyanese to gather relevant information to inform decision making,” said Minister Henry. During the debriefing session, the Education Minister was informed that the GPE also offers grants to fund consultations which could be tapped into. “I believe that it will be beneficial to aid the process of Education advancement from the coast to the Hinterland,” said an elated Minister Henry. Prior to the Minister’s debriefing, a team of Education officials including Chief Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson, and Chief Planning Officer, Ms. Evelyn Hamilton, were part of a summative evaluation session which dealt with the GPE contribution to strengthening the national education system. The evaluation consortium consultants assigned to the mission in Guyana were Ms. Katrina Rojas, Ms. Pearline Henry and Dr. Archi Rastogi.
The debriefing mission in Guyana spanned the period April 9-18, 2018. The purpose of the evaluation is not intended to assess whether Guyana has achieved the outcomes outlined in the 2014-2018 Education Sector Plan (ESP) but rather to determine the extent to which the GPE support was relevant, effective and efficient in helping to strengthen Guyana’s education sector. The debriefing period focused on key messages that emerged from the interviews conducted during the team’s visit. Interviews with key officials represent only one part of the team’s data collection as it is expected that there will also be a systematic review of relevant documents, sector data and literature. Stakeholders who have been engaged in the process have included officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, the Teaching Service Commission, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
PAGE 25
Kaieteur News
Vendor recounts seeing husband’s lifeless body in boat in Demerara River A relatively calm Ashmoon Khan was yesterday summoned to testify in the trial of Marlon Callender. Callender is accused of killing Khan’s reputed husband Envil Pollard called “Rastaman”, who was shot and killed on January 29, 2015 at Pritipaul Wharf, McDoom, East Bank Demerara. Reports indicate that the 45-year-old fisherman and father of six was fatally shot in his boat allegedly by Callender who was at the time a security guard attached to Pritipaul Singh Investments Inc. (PSI), Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara. The shooting occurred in
proximity of the entity’s wharf. Pollard was reportedly shot to the neck and groin with a shotgun. Based on the prosecution, an unarmed security guard attached to the establishment had asked Pollard to remove from the wharf area but he refused. The prosecution is contending that thereafter, Callender who was an armed security guard attached to the company, discharged several bullets at Pollard, resulting in his demise. Representing Callender, who has denied the murder charge, is Attorney-at-law Everston Lammy-Singh, while Prosecutors Lisa Cave and
MURDERED: Envil Pollard
MURDER ACCUSED: Marlon Callender
Mandel Moore are appearing for the state. During her time in the
witness box, Khan told the court that Pollard, with whom she shared six children, was a
fisherman who used a small boat to ply his trade at Pritipaul Wharf. According to her, after her husband finished catching fish, he would give them to her to sell in the Stabroek Market. Khan said that on January 29, 2015, she and her husband left home for work using public transportation. She recalled that some time later in the morning, she received a phone call from a gentleman who informed her that her husband was shot. “I started hollering and I went to the Ruimveldt Police Station to make a report. Then I went by Kaieteur News because I needed someone to publish the story.”
The witness said that police ranks escorted her to the wharf where she saw her husband lying in his boat in a slouching position with his head on the bench. She added that the boat was in the Demerara River. “(Her husband) was not moving. I started to cry when I see him. I shake him… He had holes in his left side neck and left side thigh.” The woman further told the court that her husband’s body had several “fine fine” holes from which blood was flowing. She said that blood was also flowing from his mouth. The court heard from Khan that the following day she Continued on page 27
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
Kaieteur News
Wholesale vendor disappears without a trace
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 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#2239641 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
EDUCATION Jos-el Educational Institute Solicits: Day care, Nursery, Primary G1/G5 Business teachers. Call: 226-7794/6780652
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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 Lamaha Gardens, unfurnished 3 bedroom US$1200. Contact:641-0819
LAND FOR SALE 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 Parfaite main road $1.5M $2.3M $1.3M $1.7M Eccles $6M Providence $3.5M Tuschen House $5.5M $3.5M. Call: 666-2326 Diamond $4.5M (50x100) Uivlugt $2.6M Schnoord $2.6M Zeelugt $1.4M Stuartville Public road $10M $20M Tuschen $5M Call:6662326
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225Make-up Courses with Mac, 7878 (24HRS) Bare Minerals, etc. FOR SALE/RENT - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. American Pool Table Tel#277-0578 Call: 647-1773/688-0009
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 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 Dirt to buy anywhere on the West Demerara. Contact: 6959352/691-4002 Urgently needed one land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm and Parfaite Harmonie. Tel#6561345
(1) 38' Fishing boat with 48 HP Yamaha Outboard motor 3 months old outfit. Tel#6190611/604-0120
TAXI SERVICE SALON
FOR RENT
VEHICLE FOR SALE (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 One RZ minibus, good condition -$750,000 and 1 Nissan Bluebird 2009 series. Call: 601-0223 Bluebird in excellent condition $1.7M #646-8748 (1) 2006 Toyota Tacoma. 4x4 fully accessorized with tray covering, (1) crashed AT192. Contact: 653-4560/ 615-7526 PROPERTY FOR SALE
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 TO LET Furnished House in AA Eccles. Tel# 629-0636/6237731
VACANCY SECURITY GUARDS with personal firearm. Call: 2664427 Chef and Assistant cookPreferably Carnegie tranied. Call 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff street. Desk staff, Room attendant, temporary washer, ages 25-45 years old. 233 South road #225-0198 1 night security Tel# 618-3575
Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818
Security Guard for residential construction. Call: 695-7815/ 600-4707/mail to Lot 46 Windsor Estates, Peter’s Hall, EBD Guyana.
Diamond EBD 2 storey concrete, 6 bedrooms, hot/ cold, secured parking, ready to move in. Price negotiable. Call: 693-4890/692-5014
Male & Female porters, Apply in person: Weiting & Richter, Water street, Georgetown.
Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 687-8445
MISSING: Saeed Hamid
HOUSEKEEPER/ DOMESTIC TO WORK NIGHT/DAY AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF STREET. CONTACT: 2190158 ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 9AM-5PM
Apartment Friendship, EBD $60,000 monthly 2 bedrooms, bathtub, parking, recently renovated, light & water included. Tel# 227-5194/6245194 VACANCY 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. (1) Manager to work on a farm in Pomeroon. Accomodation provided, Agricultural background is an asset. Contact: 500-5923 Experienced Handyman/ Porter ablebody all-rounder, apply with written application/ recommendation @ Keyfood McDoom Village.Tel# 2330570/629-7426 Office clerk Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset, Call: 223-7500
Relatives of a 56-year-old wholesale and retail vendor are worried sick and are desperate after the vendor left his home at Lot 41 Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice and has not returned. Missing is Saeed Hamid commonly called ‘Sayo’, a father of four, two of whom reside overseas. Another is on remand for murder and the youngest is in school. Afraz Hamid, on Thursday April 19, last, said that his youngest brother contacted him and informed him that their father had not returned home. The vendor reportedly left home the day before. He reportedly told his youngest son who stays with him that he will be back before nightfall to prepare dinner as he usually would. “He said daddy talked about going up Rosignol side (West Coast Berbice) the night prior and he will be back before night to prepare dinner so that my brother should have snacks before going to Lessons. I got the call from my brother around 9:00 PM and I immediately called my dad but his phone was off,” Afraz disclosed. He stated that he called back his brother and tried to give him some sort of reassurance that their father was alright and must have made an impromptu stop at a friend or another relative since he is well known. On April 20, Afraz said his youngest brother carried on with his normal routine and headed off to school but mentioned that he still had not heard from their father. “My brother came from school; he called and said daddy didn’t come home so I said to myself, this doesn’t sound like him. I work in Georgetown and so I left work and go up Corriverton. “Up until Friday night, there was no clue on his wellbeing or whereabouts”. Afraz said the following day, he and his brother visited the Springlands Police Station and filed a missing persons report. Kaieteur News has also learnt that Hamid had mentioned to friends that he might be heading to Parika, We s t Coast Demerara to ply his daily trade. It is unclear if he would have followed through with those plans. His children have since confirmed that Hamid did not consume alcohol and has no history of mental illness. Anyone with information that may lead to Saeed Hamid being found can make urgent contact with the nearest police station or his son Afraz Hamid on cell number 6126598.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Vendor recounts seeing... From page 25 went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary where she identified the remains of her husband to the pathologist who later performed a post mortem examination. She revealed that her husband was buried on March 8, 2015 at Best Village, West Coast Demerara. Also testifying yesterday was Police Corporal Detective Carlson Rockcliffe, who is stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown and attached to the Crime Laboratory. Corporal Rockcliffe related that on the day in question, he was performing duties when a request was made for a police photographer to visit an alleged murder scene at Pritipaul Wharf, McDoom, East Bank Demerara.
As a result of the request, the police corporal said that he equipped himself with a digital camera and left for the location where he met Lance Corporal Hale whom, he said, gave him certain instructions. The police corporal testified that he saw the motionless body of Pollard lying in a boat in the Demerara River. “As a result, I took several photographic exposures of the boat and body. The body was then placed on the wharf where I observed several wounds on the body suspected to be caused by gunshot and a reddish substance suspected to be blood.” Corporal Rockcliffe thereafter identified and explained 16 coloured photographs, which were later tendered and admitted as exhibits in the trial. This trial is continuing.
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Kaieteur News
One in every 68 children autistic... From page 15 has and continues to be catered for through empowering of women and girls with autism everywhere,” said Rodrigues. Citing a monologue that offered information about the progressive symptoms of Autism she said, “There are many types of Autism and should we find ourselves in the presence of an autistic person ...I submit that we must rethink how we treat with them and be less judgmental...Stop diagnosing by yourselves and seek the much needed professionals to assist,” Rodrigues added. She, moreover, encouraged the need for education to remove the poverty of loneliness and disrespect and other factors even as moves are made to empower women to advance humanity. “Women need to look for
the early signs to treat with the disorder so that we can practice inclusiveness and have facilities for access for Education. If we can have nursery school teachers more involved ...empowerment and support is necessary. Educating everyone could be a deterrent to stigma related to autism and we must not let awareness be only for today but for always,” insisted the UNICEF spokesperson. Also delivering a presentation at the forum was, Education Officer, Mr. Keon Cheong, who spoke on issues
related to autism including the constraints associated with dealing and caring for autistic children. The autism awareness forum represented a collaborative effort between the Special Education Needs Unit [SEN] and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development [NCERD] and the Region Department of Education. In addition to the awareness forum, other activities planned for the region include: Parent/ Teachers Association
awareness and staff development sessions and brochures and related flyers will also be distributed to the public. Currently, the Education Ministry, through each education district, has officers engaged in a process of assessing and identifying children with all forms of disability including autism. Following the assessment, it is expected that they will not only be able to identify but fashion programmes to support those with special needs.
GMC targets senior citizens at... (From page 18) opportunity to promote their ‘Wheat-up’ porridge mix. More than 100 pensioners were able to benefit from the day’s activity and expressed delight in the quality of products that were on display. General Manager of GMC, Ida SealeyAdams, spoke of some of the additional marketing strategies to be rolled by the corporation in 2018. “GMC is all about building brand awareness of locally produces commodities. Often times, we have a number of wonderful prod-
ucts on the market but people are sceptical when it comes to making these products their brand of choice. They might not be sure of the taste or nutritional content. “These promotions are GMC’s way of informing and educating persons about the great things Guyanese are doing as it relates to producing quality products.” SealeyAdams said. GMC will be hosting similar activities at other Post Offices in Region Four during the course of the year giving persons the opportunity to sample a number of locally produced flour and porridge mixes.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Under my watch, oil companies cannot rob us like they did TT …GRA Commissioner General says contractors and subcontractors would be audited By Kiana Wilburg With the use of devious tax loopholes, major oil companies have been able to rob nations of billions of dollars in taxes. Trinidad and Tobago, for example, loses US$200M annually as oil companies operating there are constantly shifting their profits from one CARICOM country to the next. This strategic move is done to escape TT’s tax laws. The regulations there stipulate that oil companies must pay a tax on profits it wants to send from TT directly to its international headquarters. GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, said yesterday that he took note of this matter, which was highlighted in the Kaieteur News over the last weekend. But he confidently stated that under his watch, this would not occur. “I read with amusement in the Kaieteur News that US$200M in withholding taxes is (leaking from the Trinidad’s national purse) annually because the guys were doing intercompany transfers in sister companies within the Caribbean. But I would like to say that if that occurs here, it would not be under my watch.” He continued, “It means that the tax officers were not doing their job properly. You
GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia ought to be able to pierce all of these veils…If you have the correct staff doing reviews, audits and investigations, you would be able to see where all the money ends up. ExxonMobil is not the only taxpayer or oil company that has been doing that.” Statia said, “Guyanese taxpayers have been doing that for years. The oil companies have been doing it since in the 70s. There are cases whereby the GRA would have won cases in the 70s. (But) what we lack is people who have the competence to go and find these additional taxes. That is what we are trying to do, train and equip our staff.” APPROACH
WITH AUDITS As for the GRA’s approach, Statia said that this would be multipronged. He said that there are audits which would produce in some cases, more revenues “than if you go on the spot and do observation”. The tax chief stated, too, that there is software that can trace funds all over the world but the entity is not equipped in this regard as yet. As for the audits to be conducted on the oil companies, Statia said that this would take the form of expense, revenue and asset based audits. Statia said, “There would also be as ‘per-well’ audits which would be done in the interest of ring-fencing to avoid shifting expenses from one well to the next; so upcoming audits would include all of these as the need arises.” The Commissioner General said that the aforementioned audits would not only be conducted on the contractor, ExxonMobil, but also on its subcontractors. “When we are looking at what we are getting from oil, we tend to just focus on the half share. However, we don’t even look and see the taxes we could get from the contractors. These are some of the things we need to put our minds to.”
Hummer registered to Health... From page 13 foundation was still using the vehicle.Under duty free concessions, there are strict conditions how vehicles and goods are to be used. Breaches could result in the correct taxes being calculated and charged. Kaieteur News reported in February that GRA seized a Hummer vehicle that was questionably registered to the Ministry of Health. An investigation was started on the NGO. According to Government officials, the 2007 HU3 model Hummer landed here more than two years ago. It was owned by a USbased Guyanese. The vehicle came here from Suriname and was used for a while by the man.However, the New York businessman was about to take the vehicle back when he was told that it could be
registered here, without the necessary taxes and duties being waived.The businessman reportedly signed it over to an NGO named Hope For the Nation Foundation.The vehicle was registered, as PWW 1458, last year April in the name of the Ministry of Health. In January, it was reported that the businessman became suspicious when he came to Guyana and was not allowed to use the SUV. “He (the businessman) reported that he had signed it over to the Hope Foundation with the intention that he would be a member and have access to it to do the foundation’s work when he is there.”After reportedly being ejected from the Hummer one evening, in a desolate part of the city, the businessman attempted to take steps to get back his SUV.It was only then
that he shockingly learnt that the vehicle is registered to the Ministry of Health. “This vehicle was never seized by Government. It was signed over to the Hope Foundation. How did it end up in the hands of the Ministry?” The Hope Foundation has reportedly been donating medical and other supplies to Guyana.The matter was recently reported to the Guyana Revenue Authority, which immediately sprang into action.The Hummer was detained on the road and taken away by GRA enforcement staffers. GRA has been clamping down on the frauds designed to rob the state of taxes. Recently, a Ferrari that came into the country, reportedly via a “remigrant” application, but destined for a resale, was also seized.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Kaieteur News
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13 bids for the rehabilitation of roads in Region 10 The following are bids presented at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board Yesterday. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure received bids for Urban Roads 2018: Lot 1Rehabilitation of Montgomery Oval, Richmond Hill, Region 10; and Lot 2- Rehabilitation of Hospital Road (phase 1)
The Ministry of Communities receive five bids for the supply and delivery of five new allterrain vehicles (ATVs)
Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Seven, received bids for the construction of dormitory at D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary Complex, Upper Mazaruni.
To dismantle, supply, deliver, install and commission one new elevator, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received three bids.
The Ministry of Public Health received bids for the supply of first and second line TB Medications.
The Ministry of Public Health received bids for the supply and Delivery of TB Medication MMU-22-2018-P2
The Ministry of Business received bids for the approval of short listing of market representation companies to represent Guyana in the United States and Germany Market.
For the supply and delivery of medical supplies, the Ministry of Public Health received nine bids.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) received bids for the supply and delivery of Cisco Routers.
The Ministry of Public Health also received bids for the supply and delivery of full cream milk. The Ministry of the Presidency-DPS received bids for the supply and installation of 50kVA generator and 250A automatic transfer switch. The Ministry of Public Health received bids for the supply and delivery of first & second line TB Medication-MMU-46-2018-P2
Finally, the Ministry of Public Health received bids for the supply and delivery of Test Kit.
For the procurement of a new Asphalt Plant, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation received four bids.
Guyana Election Commission received bids for the provision of Air Conditioning Services.
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
Police still probing fatal shooting by former GDF captain - Court hears Police continue to investigate the murder of Travel Agent, Reona Payne, who was fatally gunned down by her reputed husband, Orwain Sandy, a former Captain in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The killing occurred on March 31, last, at Alexander Village, Georgetown. Payne who reportedly sustained 14 gunshot wounds about her body, died on the spot. Sandy surrendered at the Ruimveldt Police Station immediately after the shooting. Sandy, of 130 Section ‘C’ Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara is presently facing a murder charge before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown
Magistrates’ Courts. Yesterday, a more emotionally composed Sandy appeared in court and was further remanded to prison after the Police Prosecutor indicated that investigations are still ongoing in the matter. The prosecutor disclosed that several statements are still outstanding from the case file. Also outstanding is a psychiatric report on Sandy, who has thus far been evaluated twice by Government Psychiatrist, Dr. Bhiro Harry. The former GDF captain was instructed to make his next court appearance on May 2. Sandy made his first court appearance on April 6, and
cried throughout the proceedings. When Magistrate Latchman inquired of his name, Sandy stuttered through his tears to respond. His Attorney-at-law, James Bond, at that time had asked for his client to be examined by a Psychiatrist while pointing out that the evaluation is not only critical for his client’s defence but also for his well-being. The lawyer had disclosed that Sandy has been consulting with various psychiatrists within the past two years. Counsel also indicated that he will be seeking the help of an independent psychiatrist for Sandy. According to reports, Sandy, who was the Aide-deCamp to the Chief-of-Staff and has since been interdicted from duty, surrendered to
Former GDF Captain Orwain Sandy and his reputed wife Reona Payne in happier times lawmen shortly after he allegedly shot Payne several times at First Street, Alexander Village. It was reported that Sandy and Payne were seated in a car when the two got into
an argument. Sandy allegedly shot the woman several times about her body, killing her. He then drove himself to the station where he reportedly
told the police what had transpired. He also handed in his weapon and was placed in custody. Payne, who was a mother of three, and Sandy were not married, but were living together for about three years. The two had also recently launched a business, Prestige Taxi Service, at the recently concluded Wedding Exposition. The Guyana Defence Force, in a release said that Sandy was immediately interdicted from duty. The release further stated that the force was saddened by the incident, but noted that Sandy’s action was not reflective of the values and standards of the GDF. The release also stated that an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident was launched.
Men charged for resisting police arrest
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wo men yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, to answer to two separate charges. Accused was 29-year-old Tramain McKenzie of Middle Road, Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara; and 21 Aubrey Hunch, of Middle Road, McDoom. The charge read that on April 12, last, Hunch allegedly assaulted Shawn Persaud, a police officer with intent to resisting arrest. This incident occurred at the Brickdam. Police prosecutor, Devon Goodman, stated that Hunch
and another person were observed by the Police officer during a confrontation. After noticing that the situation was getting out of hand, Persaud tried to appease the matter. It further stated that as of a result of the police’s intervention, Hunch verbally abused the officer, using profane language towards him while bellowing “no effing body can’t arrest me”. As a result, Persaud had to arrest him. He resisted the arrest and subsequently pulled his hands away. The second charge read that McKenzie tried to stop
the officer from arresting Hunch during his attempt to do such. They were both later arrested and charged. The 21-year-old denied that he assaulted the Police Officer with intent to resist arrest but later changed his plea to guilty with explanation. He told the court that he was trying to resist the arrest because it was being detained under the wrong circumstances. He also denied that he cursed at the officer. Moreover, McKenzie admitted to playing a part in the obstruction of the arrest. The Magistrate gave Hunch the option of six months community service or three months’ imprisonment, under the conditions that good behaviour is maintained. McKenzie was fined $5000 with an alternative of three weeks jail time.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 25, 2018
More ranks may be involved than suspected in driver’s licence scam
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hile at least two ranks are prime suspects in the massive driver’s licence scam that was recently unearthed, investigators believe that many more players are involved. Officials of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) are spearheading the probe. Kaieteur News understands that a Senior Subordinate Officer and a Junior Subordinate Officer have been identified as suspects. However, none of the ranks has admitted to having participated in the fraud. Sources said that investigators still have a long way to go before their probe is completed. The fraud was uncovered two Thursdays ago, when several individuals turned up at the Felix Austin Police College to write the learner-drivers’ theoretical examination. The Guyana Police Force Chaplain to the Commissioner of Police (ag.) reported that at the conclusion of the examination, his colleague Pastors who invigilated the examination reported that 174 persons were registered to write the examination but only 106 persons presented themselves
on the day in question. At the end of the examinations, the invigilators found that they had received 207 scripts, with 155 of the 207 scripts being completed. According to the release, initial enquiries revealed that a Senior Subordinate Officer and three junior ranks were mandated to oversee the theoretical examination in collaboration with two pastors from the COPS and Faith Community Network partnership. However, the Senior Subordinate Officer “left the examination venue shortly after the examination commenced and did not r e t u r n . ” ”Further, a Junior Subordinate Officer who ought not to have been at the examination venue, presented himself, spent some time and left.” The release also stated that the three Constables left the examination venue prior to the counting of the examination scripts by members of the COPS and Faith Community Network after the conclusion of the examination. ”Only the members of the COPS and Faith Community Network, the two pastors, were left in possession of the
completed examination papers.”These preliminary enquiries indicate a complete breach of the Standard Operating Procedures governing the Administration and Conduct of the Learner Driver’s Theoretical Examination. Those who were present for the exams will have to re-sit the test. Police said that there has been a significant reduction in “opportunities for corruption,” since members of the COPS Faith Community Network began to assist in the Learner Driver’s Theoretical and Practical examinations. In September 2016, Commissioner of Police, (ag) David Ramnarine revealed that in the wake of numerous complaints, the Force decided to have the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN) involved in the examination process for potential drivers. He said that before the CFCN got on board, there was a 70 and 80 percent pass rate from the theoretical examination. After the CFCN got involved, that pass rate dropped to 45 and 50 percent, which justified the complaints the Force was receiving.
No Amnesty for Guyana Stores - GRA
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ommissioner Gen eral of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia, has said that after pushing the GRA around for some time, Guyana Stores Limited has to pay $3.8B in outstanding taxes. It would not be able to benefit from the tax amnesty period, Statia added. This was noted during a press conference yesterday. Providing an update on the matter, the tax chief, “There will be no amnesty for this particular taxpayer.” He said that the shareholder was called in and given a chance to submit all of his outstanding tax returns. Statia said that the shareholder was also given the chance to provide GRA with a settlement proposal. The GRA Commissioner General said, “It is not in the interest of GRA to seize or close businesses and we have to try and work along with the taxpayers. We have to recognize that in the $3.8B amount, there is a sizeable amount of interest and penalties…” Statia continued, “I keep saying if you have pushed us around for so many years,
you can’t expect that we would give you the olive branch. But the least we are taking initially is $300M.” The GRA Commissioner General noted that Guyana Stores had 30 days to pay up but that deadline expired. Statia said that the shareholder requested additional time and is expected to start filing his tax returns by Monday. THE GUYANA STORES MATTER The appeal of the Guyana Revenue Authority against GSL was before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for some time now. The matter involved a constitutional challenge to the two percent minimum Corporation Tax under the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Acts. No. 16 of 1994 and 3 of 1996. The company had received a demand dated May 2012 from the Commissioner General of GRA for the sum of $3,811,346,397. GSL instituted proceedings in the courts of Guyana, and the matter was subsequently appealed to the CCJ after rulings in favour of GRA. The CCJ has ruled that the
minimum Corporation Tax as enacted by the National Assembly was not a forced loan, as argued by the company. “The court has upheld the GRA submissions that the minimum corporation tax is constitutionally valid. The CCJ also ruled that the company should not be permitted to invoke the constitutional jurisdiction of the courts by arguing that an alleged misapplication of a law is unconstitutional. The CCJ stated that the Income Tax Act provides a specialized procedure for challenging assessments and the company ought to have utilized that procedure.” GRA, in a statement, said that the decision is a victory for the authorities as many taxpayers attempt to avoid the specialized procedure under the Act in order to delay and evade the payment of tax. GRA was represented by attorneys-at-law, Ronald Burch-Smith, Mark Waldron and Keoma Griffith. Kim Kyte-Thomas, Oneka ArcherCaulder and Judy StuartAdonis represented the Attorney General of Guyana. Attorney-at-law Stephen Fraser appeared for GSL.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 25, 2018
IMF guidelines expose poor state of Guyana’s fiscal regime
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here are several prin ciples to be consid ered when designing a fiscal regime for extractive industries. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has pointed to 11 of the key principles. These principles were reflected in a technical assistance report that the IMF handed to the Government late last year. The report was titled, “A Reform Agenda for Petroleum Taxation and Revenue Management.” Of the 11 principles highlighted by the Fund, only one is identifiable as being fully secured by Guyana. The first principle highlighted by IMF was, “The state, as resource owner, should receive an appropriate share of the economic rent.” Expounding on this principle, the IMF said that natural resources are valuable but
scarce assets owned by the nation, “and therefore, the state should receive an appropriate share of the economic rent resulting from the extraction of non-renewable resources such as minerals which can only be exploited once.” IMF then noted that there should be a flexible and progressive regime that yields a larger government share in highly profitable projects, but imposes a lower tax burden on lower profitability ones—that is, it can easily adjust to variations in circumstances such as price and cost fluctuations. IMF said that this flexibility will reduce the need for project specific negotiations in response to unforeseen developments. IMF also said that there should be early and dependable revenues. “Especially at the start-up and as the sector develops, as in Guyana’s pe-
troleum sector, governments may favor fiscal instruments that provide early and dependable revenue. The international agency said that nations should ensure that there is cost containment. The Fund said that this is imperative as cost containment increases the size of shared profits, “and instruments that encourage it are prized.” Further, IMF said that there should be a clear avoidance of tax leakage. The Fund said that fiscal provisions should prevent or discourage pricing or cost recovery provisions, which permit, or even encourage, erosion of the tax base. Another good principle is international competitiveness. IMF said that tax regimes should be competitive with those of other countries in attracting investment, taking account of the country
conditions and the relative stage of exploration and discoveries and their expected characteristics. While Guyana’s tax regime makes it advantageous for oil companies to operate here, it is not “competitive” as even IMF has pointed out that the regime is weak. The need for administrative simplicity and enforcement was also highlighted. IMF said that to the maximum extent possible, given other objectives, fiscal instruments or regimes should be simple for taxpayers to comply with and the revenue authority to administer. Once established, the laws must be adequately administered otherwise expected tax revenues will not be received. There should also be Consistency and transparency in fiscal arrangements (level playing field). IMF said the tax rules applying to the extrac-
tive industries should be set out clearly in legislation, preferably the tax laws. The authorities should also avoid negotiating projectspecific fiscal arrangements, with the negotiation of project agreements focusing mainly on non-fiscal terms (such as work programs). “This will help ensure transparency and equity through consistent treatment of taxpayers.” Stability of fiscal arrangements is also important. IMF said that frequent changes in the tax treatment of investment may cause investments to be delayed in the expectation of future incentives or discouraged by fear that future competitors will be able to receive more favorable treatment. “An extractive industry fiscal regime should offer a reasonable assurance of fiscal stability.” IMF said that there should be clear institutional
framework for setting fiscal policy. “The lead department in setting fiscal policy in relation to extractive industries should be the Ministry of Finance in consultation with the departments responsible for those sectors,” the Fund noted. Guyana does not seem to have been able to cover any of the aforementioned principles highlighted by the IMF. The only principle that the country seem to have covered is, neutral and nondistortionary taxation. IMF said, “As much as possible, fiscal instruments should not distort investment decisions. The litmus test for neutrality is the extent to which the fiscal instrument does not influence the ranking of projects selected for investment nor affect the pace of extraction or the decision to abandon a field.”
Wednesday April 25, 2018
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Goffin fights back from the brink to beat Granollers BARCELONA (Reuters) World number 10 David Goffin survived a scare against Spaniard Marcel Granollers after fighting back from 5-1 down in the second set to win his second round tie in the Barcelona Open yesterday 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2. Granollers, ranked 129 in the world, made a flying start but he never recovered after spurning a match point and collapsed in the latter stages of the second set, losing the tiebreak before being wiped out in the third. “It’s really hard when you are so close and don’t kill off the game. It feels very tough to lose today, I’m not thinking positive things right now,” Granollers told reporters.
Feliciano Lopez of Spain, who beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4 2-6 6-4, and Malek Jaziri of Tunisia, who downed Ernesto Escobedo 6-4 6-3, will both join Goffin in the third round. Spaniard Roberto Carbelles Baena earned the right to face world number one and 10-times tournament winner Rafael Nadal on Wednesday after comfortably beating Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer 62 6-4 in a first-round match. Japan’s Kei Nishikori also enters the second round on Wednesday after receiving a bye and will face Spaniard Guillermo Garcia Lopez for the right to play Nadal or Carbelles Baena in the last 16, potentially setting up a re-match of last Sunday’s Monte Carlo Masters final which Nadal won.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic will face Slovak Martin Klizan in the second round on Tuesday after receiving a late wildcard entry as he continues his comeback from a long injury lay off after getting knocked out in Monte Carlo in the last 16. “I hadn’t planned on coming here but last Thursday when I finished in Monte Carlo we decided we wanted an invite,” the Serbian told a news conference. “I haven’t played much this year and I want to play without thinking about my shoulder. Monte Carlo was the first tournament I’ve played in over a year without any pain and I’m happy about that.” Djokovic could meet Nadal in the quarter-finals
Wednesday April 25, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Change is in the air, Aries. Whether it's a dramatic change of faith or a major shift in your life's goals, prepare yourself for a profound transformation. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) It's time to refill the well of your soul, Taurus. You spend so much of your life in service to others that it's only natural that you feel drained sometimes GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You would make an excellent judge, Gemini. You're able to consider all aspects of a situation. This is a bit of a blessing and a curse, because it can make it difficult to come to a decision. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Just because one person is no longer a part of your life doesn't mean that all people ar e u n r e l i a b l e . P e o p l e change, as do situations. It's possible that this person was no longer a healthy influence on you LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It can be hard to release old habits and beliefs even as new, better ways of thinking struggle to gain a foothold. It's time for you to do this, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You always suspected that your job was making you crazy, but it never occurred to you that it could make you sick, too. Is it really worth it, Virgo?
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Just how long has it been since you indulged in a big helping of your favorite guilty pleasure, Libra? It's time to let the youngster in you come out and play today. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you feel like you're trying to push a square peg into a round hole, you're probably right, Scorpio. Whether you're having personal or professional difficulties SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Things aren't always as they first appear. People you thought you knew well and circumstances that you thought you understood thoroughly now seem anything but straightforward. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Difficult as it may be for you to face all those projects you've left undone, know that you'll be free to move on once they're complete. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You could have a “eureka!” moment today, as events from your past unexpectedly bubble to the surface of your mind and crystallize in a surprising new way. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Sometimes it's easier to tend to life's mundane details rather than lift your eyes and see the big picture, Pisces. For example, it's likely that you've grown complacent at work.
if they both win their next two matches. Spaniard Jaume Munar will meet last year’s runnerup Dominic Thiem in the second round after seeing off Joao Sousa 6-4 3-6 7-5.
WFM Maria... From page 41 Chess Club) and Ethan Lee following closely on 3 points each, Young Keon Scott from Albouystown Öpen Mind Chess Club showed some promising chess play in his games against Frankie Farley and his draw against Pasqual Cornelis. Oluwadare Oyeyipo (Marian Academy), Tyreese Kirt (Albouystown Öpen Mind Chess Club), Devon Chance (Albouystown Öpen Mind Chess Club), Savir Gookul (St. Stanislaus College) and Jonathan Sthepney (Marian Academy) are all on 2 points each. National Junior Chess Champion Joshua Gopaul is on 1 point but had to withdraw from the tournament due to medical reasons. The Georgetown Chess Classics is intended to be the first of many regional chess tournaments to be held locally. The last round will be played this today at the National Racquet Center - Conference Room from 5:30pm. Viewers are welcome.
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
Gayle’s big splash and Bhuvneshwar’s stifling defence ESPNcricinfo - Chris Gayle’s record: three innings, 229 runs in 134 balls, and dismissed once. That is an average of 229, at a strike rate of 170.89. After missing the first couple of games this IPL, Gayle has announced his arrival in grand style, scoring 29 more runs than he did in nine innings last season. Gayle’s numbers are fantastic this season, but when seen through the lens of the Smart Runs Index - one among a new set of metrics introduced by ESPNcricinfo to make sense of T20 numbers - it shows just how far ahead of the pack Gayle has been so far. The Smart Runs Index (SRI) calculates the number of smart runs, per innings, by
which a batsman has outperformed the average batsman at a similar stage of the innings (the stage of the innings is in terms of balls remaining when the batsman faced his first ball). In Gayle’s case, this comparison is done largely with other openers - and also other batsmen who have come in early in the innings - in the IPL over the last three seasons. Compared with the average smart runs made by these batsmen - which is calculated by factoring in the match strike rate and the scoring rate at the other end when these players were batting - Gayle has scored a whopping 60.29 more smart runs per innings. That’s also because Gayle’s
actual contribution of 229 runs converts into 253 smart runs, given that he has outperformed the match rate and his partner’’s scoring rate in the three innings put together. The next best in this metric is AB de Villiers, with an SRI of 28.03. De Villiers has been terrific as well, scoring 212 runs in five innings, but he has had a couple of failures - against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians - to go with three innings where he passed 40. The rest in the top five are bunched fairly close together, with KL Rahul pipping Rishabh Pant (SRI 19.44). Among the 37 batsmen who have faced 60 or more balls so far this season, the
worst SRI belongs to D’Arcy Short, who has struggled in his four innings, scoring only 65 from 67 balls. His 65 runs translates into 30.42 smart runs, which indicates he has been well below par in strike-rate terms, when compared to the match rates. His SRI is a poor -20.87. Three other left-handed openers are in the bottom five as well, with Gautam Gambhir’s SRI being nearly as bad as Short’s. Manish Pandey finds himself near the bottom as he has scored only 72 from four innings, despite coming in to bat in the Powerplay in three innings. Last week’s Smart Stats round-up had looked at the smart economy rates for bowlers; this week the focus is on the Dot Pressure Index. This metric simply rewards a bowler with one point for bowling three successive dots in a row within an over; the points go up to 1.33 for four dots in a row, 1.66 for five, and two for bowling a maiden over. The total points thus earned are divided by the number of innings bowled in, to get the Dot Pressure Index (DPI). Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads this metric with a DPI of 1.66 per game. In the four matches he has played so far, he has twice bowled four consecutive
The best and worst in ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Runs Index so far. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd) dots - both in his first over, against Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab and three successive dots on four other occasions. Deepak Chahar, who started off IPL 2018 with three successive dots to Rohit Sharma, is one of only two bowlers to bowl a maiden over this season. He follows closely with a DPI of 1.53. In the match against Sunrisers
Hyderabad alone, he racked up a DPI of 4.33, bowling a maiden over, followed by four successive dots in his second over and three in his third. That is the highest DPI value by any bowler in a single game in this IPL. All stats updated until April 23, 2018. The qualification is 60 balls, for batsmen and bowlers.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Hope convinced Windies can spring upset with right preparation BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies batsman Shai Hope believes the Caribbean side can defy the odds and win next year’s ICC World Cup in England. The 24-year-old, a principal member of the Test and One-Day International sides, said while the Windies side was a quality one, the key to any such accomplishment, however, would be attention to process and preparation. “We believe we are good enough to go all the way and win the World Cup, but it’s a process and we have to go about it step by step,” said Hope, who averages nearly 38 from 33 ODIs. “I’ve always wanted to win a World Cup, growing up that has always been a goal and I know I can say that for all the other members of the squad.“The format is a good one. As long as we put in the performances we will win games and that would take us to the second phase. It’s a process and preparation is key.”West Indies will be regarded as rank underdogs at the May 30 to July 14 showpiece in England and Wales next year, after being forced to book their spot via the 10team World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe last month. Entering as favourites, West Indies showed their quality over the associate and lower-ranked Test sides to reach the final before losing to Afghanistan. While they finished the preliminaries unbeaten, however, things got trickier for the two-time World Cup winners in the Super Six stage. They lost the opener to Afghanistan and were then forced to pull off their fifth-highest successful run chase in ODIs to beat Zimbabwe in their second match. Even then, they faced a must-win against Scotland in their final second round fixture and managed to nick a five-run win under Duckworth/Lewis, after rain
Promises to... From page 38 (Sports Organiser).The three Committee Members are Abioza Daniels, Marvin Datson and Colin David. The executive committee will appoint a Public Relations Officer at the earliest opportunity. Many of the member’s present expressed delight at the fact that a new body was now in place to oversee the day to day operations of a club that has held its own on the East Bank for many years and is now back with a bang.
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West Indies batting star Shai Hope. and an umpiring blunder went in their favour. Hope said qualifying for the World Cup had been a dream come true for the entire squad and they were now highly motivated to spring a surprise in the actual tournament. “Everyone dreams of
playing in a Cricket World Cup and we went there (Zimbabwe) with that in mind,” he explained. “It was a tough tournament, the conditions were challenging and the opponents were hungry, but we did the job and earned our qualification.”
Error-prone Sharapova falls to Garcia in Stuttgart opener (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova’s claycourt season got off to a poor start yesterday as she lost in three sets to Caroline Garcia in the first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. France’s Garcia staged a strong fightback to prevail 36, 7-6(6), 6-4 in two hours and 44 minutes for her first victory over the former world number one in her fifth attempt. “It was a very close match. I know she is a fighter and it would be difficult until the end,” sixth seed Garcia, who saved two match points in the second set, said. Sharapova, who came
back from a 15-month doping ban at this tournament last April, won the first set with ease but the 31-year-old could not prevent a determined Garcia from dragging herself back into the contest through a tiebreak. A 10th double fault by Sharapova at 4-4 handed Garcia the crucial break in the decider and the world number seven clinched the contest on her serve in the next game. “I was a little more aggressive today and I returned a bit better. Finally I can say that after seven years I have beaten her... i t ’s a n i m p o r t a n t w i n , ”
Garcia added. Up next for Garcia is Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk who beat Antonia Lottner 6-4 6-1. The 15year-old qualified for the main draw by overcoming France’s Alize Cornet on Monday. “I can’t say I’m super surprised, because that’s what I work for, and I know I can play at this level,” Kostyuk said. World number six Karolina Pliskova also advanced with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Kiki Bertens while Magdalena Rybarikova dumped out Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-2.
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
GFF President conducts preliminary visit to Vryman’s Erven ground – Site to be developed into a regional football facility
GFF President Wayne Forde presents memorabilia to Mayor Winifred Haywood as some Councilors look on. Georgetown: The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on April 10 was granted a 30-year lease of the Vryman’s Erven Municipal Ground in New Amsterdam by that Municipality’s Town Council for the Federation to develop the ground. This came following a visit to New Amsterdam by President Wayne Forde, where he met with Mayor Winifred Haywood and Councilors, and conducted a preliminary visit to the venue. The visit was in keeping with the GFF’s Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021 and GFF’s intent to “invest in at least one all-weather field for each of the nine Regional Member Association (RMAs).” “Establishing football-specific venues in
each of the GFF’s RMAs is of critical importance to the implementation of the National Football Strategy” said Forde. “The GFF intends to construct an all-weather facility in each RMA, which will be used as a home for the Academy Training Centre and create revenue-generating opportunities for the Association.” The facility will be used for football development in the Region and will be similar to the GFF National Training Centre in purpose, that is, to “produce consistent level of highly competitive and exciting football that is a force to be reckoned with regionally and internationally.” During the visit, the President presented some GFF memorabilia to the Mayor and Councilors of the Municipality.
GFF President Wayne Forde (right) take a look the Vryman’s Erven Municipal Ground in New Amsterdam during his visit.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Hand-in-Hand Inter-County 50-over U-19 Cricket
Sinclair cousins, Simpson power Berbice to 2nd win as Demerara’s batting falter again By Sean Devers New three-day Handin-Hand Inter-County U-19 Cricket Champions Berbice continued their dominance in the 50-over format with their second win when they trashed Demerara by 118 runs at Lusignan yesterday. Led by a 49-run opening stand between J u n i o r S i n c l a i r, w h o smacked four fours and two sixes in an entertaining 61 from 101 balls and Alex Algoo, whose 23 included two sixes and an 81-run partnership between Sinclair and Javed Karim, whose 59-ball 45 was decorated three fours and two sixes, Berbice were bowled for 224 in 50 overs. Garfield Benjamin, who clobbered three sixes in a quick-fire 22, Kevlon Anderson who made a patient 22 from 32 balls and Kevin Sinclair (19), chipped in with important runs on a sluggish track and heavy outfield. Pacer Qumar Torrington (3-20) and left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd (2-37) were the main wicket takers for the home side who produced another embarrassing batting display as they struggled to 105 in 38.1 overs, as they finally managed a threedigit total after being blown away for 50 and 40 in their last two matches in the three-day format. Only opener Adrian Hinds, who was bowled by Kevin Sinclair for 32 with two fours and a couple of sixes, reached 20 as
Javed Karim’s confidence increased as his innings of 45 progressed.
Demerara, without the injured Bhaskar Yadram, were bundled out for 105 in 38.1 overs. Stephon Williams (18), Robin Williams (16) and Nedd (13) were the only others to reach double figures in sweltering heat, while Windies U-19 player Joshua Jones who had a disappointing day behind the stumps, suffered another failure with the bat. Left-arm Spinner Keith Simpson continued his good form from the threeday version with 4-6, while off-spinner Kevin Sinclair again impressed with 3-15. Earlier, Berbice put in to bat, got their second consecutive 49- run stand from Sinclair and Algoo before Algoo, who hit Stephon Wilson for six and deposited the first ball from Nedd over the ropes, like he did in the first match at Tuschen, threw his wicket away trying to hit Wilson over long-on. Karim joined the free flowing Sinclair who played an array of big shots and was especially severe on Wilson and the pair continued to take advantage of some poor work in the field with Sinclair being dropped at long-on off Dick on 43 at 84-1. Karim, short of runs and confidence, blossomed after a cautious start and an exquisitely executed square cut off Wilson was imperious and scorched through the thick grass for a boundary. Sinclair, looking to play too many shots, was
Alex Algoo hit Ashmead Nedd for a massive six off his first ball before gifting his wicket when well set for a big score at Lusignan.
stumped off of Dick at 1302, while Karim departed 12 runs later. But Anderson was his usual cautious self at the beginning of his innings and along with Kevin Sinclair took the score to 174 before Sinclair was removed by Nedd. Benjamin came out with all guns blazing before he was bowled by pacer Jeremiah Scott at 214-6. Anderson was bowled by Torrington, who rocked back the stumps of Keon Swamy (0) and removed Simpson (1) as Berbice slipped from 214-5 to 2169. But in the end it was more than enough for them to defend. The tournament continues tomorrow when Demerara, whose first game was washed out against Essequibo at Bourda, face the National U-17s at Everest, while Berbice, already assured of a place in Saturday’s final, battle Essequibo at Bourda.
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Wednesday April 25, 2018
Kaieteur News
CFU Women’s Challenge Series
Lady Jags face Grenada today; Players’ technical and tactical abilities to be assessed Head Coach of the Lady Jags, Dr. Ivan Joseph, said the team is ready for their first match of the CFU Women’s Challenge Series against Grenada scheduled for the Ato Bolton Stadium at 16:00hrs today. Dr. Joseph pointed out that even though the team is ready, the focus will be on identifying the tactical and technical aspects of the players. He revealed this in an interview following the team’s almost hour-long first technical session held on the lawns of the team’s hotel yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago as they prepare for the first of three matches in the series. According to Dr. Joseph, as the “Lady Jags” rebuild, the focus of the tournament is on development: “I’m really concerned with whether our players can execute the established systems. The outcome and the results of that game are irrelevant. Does our right back stay wide? Does our centre back hold the centre of the park? Does our goalkeeper collect the balls in the air? Does our team have speed that I don’t know of? Are the players fitter than I thought? Those are the things that I’m looking to re-
Dr. Ivan Joseph - Lady Jags Head Coach ally find out and no matter the opponent, I’ll be able to draw those conclusions at the end of the game or, at least, be a long way towards finding those answers.” Dr. Joseph said he is “pleasantly surprised with the technical ability of the team” thus far and is very impressed about the team cohesion established: “I am impressed with how well and how open the players are to really mingling and getting to know each other. I can see them making a considered effort to get out of their traditional groups and
we see a nice inter-mingling and mixture of players trying to build a cohesive and tight team.” Meanwhile, GFF’s Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said he was pleased that the priority areas of the women’s national programme are being achieved: “The GFF has established key performance indicators for the women’s national team, including integration of the new staff structure, internationally and in Guyana. “I think this is the first time we’ve had such a comprehensive, qualified and experienced staff so we are looking forward to how these elements will blend together and really drive the programme going forward. There is a mix of players who have experienced international football before, some have played U17 international football and, for others, it’s a brand new experience for them so we will be looking at how they blend and adapt to the rigors and requirements to play senior international football. Standards are being set by the National Team very early so all
the players understand what’s expected of them; the key message to all of the players is to earn the right to wear the badge.” While no physical training session was conducted on the first day of the team’s arrival, there were player and technical staff familiarisation group sessions and an excellent large group team bonding session, the first step to build a strong and competitive team. The sessions were facilitated by Dr.
Joseph. Team cohesion is among the priorities of the Head Coach: “A strong indicator of how important this is we’re about to have our first practice and our first practice isn’t with the ball, it’s just about getting to know our teammates and building relationships. You don’t put it at the front if it isn’t the most important thing and, to me, if your team isn’t willing to play for each other, if they are not willing to follow your coach
and support each other, especially when you’re bringing such a diverse background of ladies together, then we’re down before we even get started.” The Lady Jags arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday and will play two other matches of the tournament against Suriname on Friday at 16:00hrs followed by a clash against host Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday from 17:30hrs. All matches will be held at the Ato Bolton Stadium.
Gonsalves elected TPSC President
Promises to ensure youths are taken care of sports wise
TPSC Executive 2018-2019 - President Adrian Gonsalves (seated 2nd left) is joined by from right (seated), Tenesha Trotman (Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer), Denise July (Treasurer), Iyodele Hamilton (Secretary) and Clayton Lambert (Vice President). Standing from right are, Marvin Datson (Committee Member), Franklin Mohamed (Technical Director), Colin David (Committee Member), Ernest Mc Lean (Equipment Director), Rawle July (Sports Organiser) and Abioza Daniels (Committee Member). Former player turn administrator Adrian Gonsalves was on Sunday afternoon last elected President of the Timehri Panthers Sports Club, formerly, Timehri Panthers Football Club (TPSC). The elections took place after members of the club, adapted a new constitution at the Timehri Community Centre. This new body has been put in place one day after their Under-15 team was officially crowned champions of the East Bank Football Association leg of the Guyana Football Federation/ Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 League. Gonsalves, in a brief acceptance speech thanked the members for the level of confidence they have placed in his executive and promised to serve with distinction for the next 12-months. The
new president noted that while football is their main sport at the moment, the club will also focus on other sports including volleyball, basketball, cricket and tennis, among others.With this in mind, a number of the executive members would be taking on responsibilities to forge ahead with coordinating other sports disciplines. A number of the persons elected also served as mem-
bers of an Interim Committee which was put in place in February of this year to ensure a structured body was put in place with assistance for the EBFA. President of the association, Franklin Wilson who oversaw the elections, also congratulated the new executive and encouraged members to keep working towards further uplifting the club whose members have also shown admirable commitment. The new TPSC executive reads: Adrian Gonsalves (President), Clayton Lambert (Vice President), Iyodele Hamilton (Secretary), Denise July (Treasurer), Tenesha Trotman (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Ernest Mc Lean (Equipment Director), Franklin Mohamed (Technical Director), Rawle July (Continued on page 35)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 25, 2018
PAGE 39
GAPLF organises exhibition CWI set for talks with exiled quartet of the strength athletes for Saturday at Fitness Express
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n e o f G u y a n a ’s m o s t consistent and reliable sponsors, especially in the strength sports, Fitness Express, will be the center of attraction on Saturday when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation organised exhibition, meet and greet of the strength athletes, comes off. The venue is Fitness Express located at Sheriff and John Streets, Campbellville from 11:00hrs. Apart from the three lifts (squat, bench press, deadlift) in the sport being exhibited, athletes, supporters and fitness fanatics would also be afforded the opportunity of enjoying various protein samples and will also have the chance to purchase items on sale at Fitness Express at attractive discount prices. A representative of the federation disclosed that this is all part of the body’s way of showing appreciation to Manager of Fitness Express, Jamie Mc Donald who has been a devoted partner of not only Powerlifting, but also bodybuilding and weightlifting ever since the entity opened its doors for business.Athletes from the
Jamie Mc Donald
three sports as well as those of cross fit fame are expected to be out in their numbers to show appreciation for someone who has reached out and continues to reach out and assist, consistently. Those attending would also have to opportunity to interact with each other as they enjoy video clips of local and international competitions.
Miss Olympic looking to dominate for two more wins Sunday at Rising Sun
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ith all focus on the second leg of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee first Triple Crown horseracing championships set for Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club, fans will also be looking to see if Miss Olympic can win another two races. Miss Olympic, owned by the L. Singh racing stable, won two races at the first leg of the Triple Crown and the owner indicated that he wants to set a record by winning two races on each leg, taking a total of 6 races in 3 race days. The racehorse is running in the L class and lower event and also the K class. The Owner informed that his horse is currently exercising even better than before and with the experience of Jamaican Jockey K. Blake the task shouldn’t be hard to pull off. Some fans are saying the owner was lucky that day to have his horse win the double, but Singh said his horse had a setback last year but things are different now. Over $20million in cash prizes are up for grabs in the event with attractive prizes also available for fans who participate in the grand raffle set to be drawn on the final day of the Triple Crown, May 27th at Port Mourant. Any information on the
event can be sourced by contacting: Chandu Ramkissoon: 6249063/608-9063/232-0633; Alan Podmore: 232-9115/ 619-1909 and Nikita Ross: 662-4668. One other racehorse to watch is She is a Princess who won the L class maiden event, beating Something Special, Gold Again and Delisa. The speedy horse will be looking to do it a second and third time as the Triple Crown is in sight and the half million bonus and other prize money. The events for Sunday’s meet will see: C-Class and Lower - $1 million, F class and Lower/E- Class Nonearners/Last Start $400,000, 3-year-old Guyana Bred - $350,000, H1 and Lower - $300,000, J/K & Lower - $240,000, K Class Non earner last start $230,000 and L & Lower $200,0000. Meanwhile, the final leg will have the slightly bigger 1st prizes which are as follows: C-Class and Lower - $1.2 million, F class and Lower/E- Class Nonearners/Last Start $500,000, 3-year-old Guyana Bred - $400,000, H1 and Lower - $350,000, J/K & Lower - $240,000, K Class Non earner last start $200,000 and L & Lower $150,0000. Lucky patrons will get
the chance to be involved in a raffle which offers very attractive prizes with the winner of the main prize driving away with a 2011 Nissan Tida sedan car. The other prizes on offer are a 125 motor cycle, Samsung 40" Smart TV, 2-samsaung cell phones, a stove, microwave and a Refrigerator.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave, plans to meet with a quartet of exiled players following the Indian Premier League, in an attempt to clear up the uncertainty surrounding their availability. Neither Darren Bravo, older brother Dwayne, Sunil Narine nor Kieron Pollard have played for West Indies in recent times, leading to speculation over their future in the international arena. But with West Indies facing a heavy upcoming playing schedule, Grave said it was important there was clarity for selectors regarding the four players. “Darren Bravo has refused selection on a number of occasions now so we can’t continually go back to him every time we have a match and ask if he wants to be part of it,” the Englishman told the Express newspaper here. “Dwayne hasn’t played for quite a while in any of our sides and said he does not see his future playing international cricket. So we’ve asked him for a meeting to see if that is his firm position.” He added: “The problem we have at the moment is that there is a huge amount of uncertainty where some players say they are not available and then suddenly they are available.” On the tour of New Zealand last December, selectors found themselves faced with several headaches with the late withdrawals of players. Off-spinner Narine pulled out of the Twenty20 squad followed by Pollard weeks later, with both citing “personal reasons”. Neither have played for the Caribbean side in seven months.Dwayne Bravo, meanwhile, has been overlooked for the last 19 months while Darren has not played since ending an acrimonious eight-month stand-off with CWI president Dave Cameron last July. Controversy flared recently when Pollard, Narine and Darren Bravo declined selection for the the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, indicating other commitments.
Trinidadian Darren Bravo … has not played for West Indies in nearly two years. Grave said the current situation which obtained was one which needed to be addressed in the interest of the overall development of the squad, and especially with the World Cup set for England next year. “We can’t have a situation where players pick and choose when they want to play international cricket,” he pointed out. “In any team you need to have a group of players that are committed to playing and winning cricket matches and then build that cohesion to keep same group of players together for as long as possible. “So we will hopefully be meeting with Dwayne, Kieron, Sunil and Darren in June after the IPL to explain to them what the fixtures are between now and the World Cup in England and World T20 in Australia, who we are playing, when we are playing and if they want to be part of it or not.” He continued: “What we can do is give them clarity in what it looks like to play for us. We know our tours all the way up to 2023. We’ve got an IPL window and a CPL window. “Whether that is enough for them or whether they want to become T20 specialists and travel the world to play franchise cricket, that is kind of what we want to find out from them.”
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Kaieteur News
Denied the opportunity to help Caribbean people - Bravo ESPNcricinfo - Some of West Indies’ best-known players are claiming they were “denied the opportunity to help Caribbean people” by being omitted from the teams involved in the Hurricane Relief game at Lord’s. The charity T20 match between West Indies and a World XI is being staged on May 31 to raise funds to repair five major cricket venues damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. West Indies named a 13-man squad last week and it did feature some big names Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels - but Dwayne Bravo insisted he, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo had all hoped to be involved as well. None of them were picked. “We were denied the opportunity to be a part of something to help Caribbean people in a charity game we wanted to play in and were looking forward to being a part of”, Bravo told ESPNcricinfo. “We weren’t contacted or selected, so we just want people to know that we were fully available for the game and are seeking answers behind our non-selection.” This led former West Indies captain Darren Sammy to suggest Cricket West Indies has missed an opportunity to build bridges between itself and the players. “What better chance could the board want to engage players?” Sammy said. “They could have swallowed their ego and pride and brought the World-Cup-winning side together, even if it’s one last time.
“I have personally done fund raisers, sent food and water supplies to Dominica, played and helped organise previous charity game in Trinidad. I was looking forward to this game.” During last October’s Hurricane relief charity game between Trinidad & Tobago and a West Indies XI, all the senior players were picked despite the Trinidad players having a similarly poor relationship with the local TTCB board. Bravo has also requested bank details from the board so he can make a financial contribution. “They’ve given the public the false impressions we don’t want to play in the World Cup qualifiers because we went to play for money, but now we’re available for free for a good cause and they don’t pick us,” he said. “Caribbean people need to know the truth. What we will do also is to ask CWI to provide bank account details, so we the players who are not part of the game. can still make a contribution towards it.” The players are understood to have enquired whether they could represent the World XI side, but were told it was not possible.“It’s a Rest of the World XI not a World XI,” CWI chief executive Johnny Grave told ESPNcricinfo. “And it’s a fully accredited T20I so counts for stats, hence why Caribbean players can’t play for opposition team. It needs to be a proper game of cricket for people to buy tickets to go and see it at Lord’s.”
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Hand-in-Hand Inter-County 50-over U-19 Cricket
U-17s destroy E’bo for 60 as batting worries continues MOM Nigel (4-17) bowls to Bisham Moses, the only batman to reach double figures for E’bo at Everest yesterday.
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n day blessed with brilliant sunshine, Essequibo were sent packing for a paltry 60 from 40 overs as the National U-17s brushed aside the team from Guyana’s largest County by 71 runs in the second round of the Hand-in-Hand 50over U-19 tournament which was played at Everest yesterday. L e f t - a r m s p i nner Nigel Deodat followed-up his 15 in the U-17’s 131 from 47.4 overs, with a match winning spell of 4-17 from 10 frugal overs and got support from medium pacer Sheldon Charles (2-12). Once Essequibo ViceCaptain Kurt Lovell (4) was bowled by Silvan Williams at 12-1 nobody else reached double figures expect
number 10 left-hander batsman Bishram Mosses who was unbeaten on 12 from 56 balls and 37 minutes of batting in another game which saw woeful batting on display. The U-17s are using this U-19 tournament as preparation for this year’s Regional U-17 competition in Trinidad in July and Coach Orin Bailey said he was pleased with the win but added there is a lot of work to which the shot selections of the batsmen in a tournament already littered with string of low scores. The U-17’s were led by 63 with five fours and four sixes from batsman Narvan Persaud but only Windies U-16 Captain Sachin Singh (20) and Deodat (15) of the others got into double figures.
R e s h a n M o s s e s (312), Joel Fortune (2-26) and Sherland Anthony (2-37) were the wicket takers for Essequibo, yet to register a win since their opening game against Demerara was washed out at Bourda. Inserted on a track with plenty of preparation moisture, Joshua Jones, the leading fast bowler in the three-day format, bowled Navindra Persaud (6) and the Nat -17s were 17-1. Movindra Dindyal (1) was caught behind off Quinton Sampson at 26-2 before Mosses removed the MVP of the Inter-County U17competion Seon Glasgow (1) and Andre Seepersaud for a duck as two wickets tumbled at 29 and when Singh was removed by Moses at 39-5 and Fortune jolted the stumps of Amir Singh before he had scored with the score 39-6, the Essequibians were sensing their first win. However, Persaud and Deodat ensured that did not happen by taking the score 107 before Persaud was bowled by Anthony and Deodat was LBW to Fortune. T h e N a t i o n a l U-17 eventually got to 131 as they scored at just over two runs per over which was enough to give them their first win and a chance of meeting Berbice in the Final. (Sean Devers)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 25, 2018
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WFM Maria Varona Thomas is first National Women Champion Over the last weekend, the Guyana Chess Federation held the Guyana’s Female National Chess Championships and the Georgetown Chess Classics at the National Racquet Center - Conference Room. For the first time in Guyana’s chess history, a female national chess championship was held. This is a valuable achievement to the executives as they aim at promoting and developing women and girls in chess. This tournament was listed as one of the tournaments executives are looking at to select five females to represent Guyana at this year World Chess Olympics scheduled to be held in Batumi, Georgia later this year. As predicted, Guyana’s first FIDE Master (WFM) Maria Varona - Thomas took the crown with some furious chess play. Known for her creative and aggressive style of play, (WFM) Maria Varona - Thomas played undefeated obtaining 5.5 points from her maximum 6 games with her only draw coming against young Candidate Master (CM) Sheriffa Ali. WFM Maria Va r o n a T h o m a s , w h o mentioned she learnt chess under the strong and highly recognized Cuban Chess Programmes, which are dated back to the times of 1920’s during former Cuban World Chess Champion Jose Capablanca era. Taking second was 16 years old Christ Church Secondary School student Nellisha Johnson who just came back from an competitive Carifta Chess Championship in Paramaribo, Suriname last March 29th - 3rd April, 2018.
Nellisha and Sheriffa ended on 4 points each, however, Nellisha handed Sheriffa an unexpected loss in Round 1 which as a result made her finished higher than Sheriffa. CM Sheriffa Ali finished in 3rd with 4 points as well and 15 years old Waveney Johnson, sister of Nellisha Johnson and also student of Christ Church Secondary School, took 4th position with 3.5 points. Waveney handed her sister a surprising defeat in round 2 even though she were pieces down. The younger Johnson had some attacking initiative and forced a mate in 3 which was over looked by Nellisha. P r e s t i g i o u s l a w y e r, Chess Arbiter and FIDE Development Instructor, Ms. Yolander Persaud took 5th position with 3 points from her 6 games. Ms. Persaud has shown much improvement since her last performance in t h e l a s t Wo r l d C h e s s Olympics held in Baku, Azerbaijan when Guyana sent our first female team to this great event. Yolander lost some winning position under time pressure as the time control was only 1 hr sudden death per player as compared to the usual 1 hr 30 min + 30 sec increment. Finishing in 6th position was young Marian Academy student Sasha Shariff who also attended the Carifta Chess Championship in Paramaribo, Suriname. Sasha continues to show her improvement in chess as she had few positions which were better but failed to convert her advantages to a win, especially in her game against Nellisha Johnson when she clearly had a material advantage but was mated under time pressure. Returning to competitive
Maria Varona Thomas
Anthony Drayton chess was St. Stanislaus College student, 16 years old
Jessica Callender. Callender was once a rising female chess player in Guyana but later turned to Karate and have just returned to playing chess. Young Callender amassed 1.5 points from 6 games obtaining a bye and a draw against Sasha Johnson. Meanwhile, in the Georgetown version of the Chess Classics, Guyana’s number 2 Anthony Drayton continues his growing dominance in chess locally with a maximum 6 points from 6 games. Anthony can
already be crowned the winner of the Georgetown Chess Classics since there is 1 more round to go and he is clearly 1.5 points ahead of his closest opponent. In 2nd position is former National Junior Chess Champion Saeed Ali, who is tied on 4.5 points with Frankie Farley. Fighting to mark his place locally is young and rising talent Jaden Taylor, 14 years old from St. Stanislaus College. Jaden Taylor fellow chess players calls him “Young Mikhail T” after
f o r m e r Wo r l d C h e s s Champion from Russia M i k h a i l Ta l f o r h i s aggressive, creative and fearless style of play. Taylor is on 4 points ahead of senior and more knowledgeable Calvin Giddings and Glenford Corlette, who are also on 4 points. New to chess scene locally, Pasqual Cornelius is on a solid 3.5 points from his 6 games with juniors Akili Theophil, Tyrese Graham (Albouystown Öpen Mind (Continued on page 33)
rt o p S CFU Women’s Challenge Series
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Lady Jags face Grenada today; Players’ technical and tactical abilities to be assessed
The Guyana National Senior Women’s Team.
Hand-in-Hand Inter-County 50-over U-19 Cricket Miss Olympic looking to dominate for two more wins Sunday at Rising Sun Sinclair cousins, Simpson power Berbice to P. 39 2nd win as Demerara’s batting falter again
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Connections of the L. Singh racing stable collects their winnings during one of the events Miss Olympic captured in the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Junior Sinclair plays off the back foot as he followed up his first match unbeaten 28 with an entertaining 61 at Lusignan yesterday.
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