Friday August 04, 2017
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s timely cognizance DEAR EDITOR, As the nation recovers from shock at the tragic loss of one of its young and more experienced pilots, Captain Collin Martin, who met his sudden demise when the Britten-Normandy Islander plane he was flying crashed at Eteringbang close to Guyana’s western border near Venezuela on July 25, 2017, I wish to commend the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for taking cognizance to one of my recent articles regarding safety and service lapses by an International Airline operating out of Guyana. The GCAA Officer, who contacted me a few days ago, for relevant details to support his investigation, was extremely polite and professional. He knows himself, and I would like to publicly commend him and the GCAA for expeditiously addressing the highlighted matter.
My letters cogently address prevailing issues; issues that most people shy away from publicly addressing but would resort to murmur over privately, or wash aside with bottles of Banks or El Dorado. The issues I highlight are invariably based on verifiable facts that can withstand contest. Within the past month, the GCAA is the second of two important national entities that reacted and took effective action on matters of public concern following missives I posted via this medium. These are small but encouraging indicators that not everyone who occupies positions, or go to work daily, sit on their hands doing precious little and oblivious of public concerns. I trust that The GCAA’s investigation will lead to improved services and safety for both international as well as domestic air transportation. Orette Cutting
If the PPP agrees, its seat on GPL board can go to the GCCI DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the article published in the August 2, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News, under the headline, “GCCI to push for seats on 16 State Boards”. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to applaud the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) for its push for greater representation, visibility, and participation, in a bid to improve the private sector and our nation as a whole. As stated in the article, part of this push will see GCCI advocating for representation on state boards, including the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). It must be noted that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) – of which GCCI is a member – already has a seat on the GPL board.
This seat is held by Mr. Komal Ramnauth. PSC was selected to hold a seat on the board due to its wider membership countrywide. However, it must further be noted that the GPL board has a vacant seat that is yet to be occupied by a member of the Parliamentary Opposition, even now, months after the installation of the latest board. Should the opposition agree, I would be willing to allow GCCI to submit a nominee for this seat; this permission must, of course, be sought from the Opposition. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure looks forward to working with the GCCI in any other capacity and would like to encourage the body to continue its efforts in developing Guyana. David A. Patterson MP Minister of Public Infrastructure
Twenty five young medex students are waiting for their graduation DEAR EDITOR, I am just wondering when and if the 25 young medex trainees who were all successful at their final exam, training between (2011-2015) with an extension of their programme into the first quarter of (2016) would finally get to attend their long awaited graduation this time around. We are almost in the month of August, and in a matter of months, University of Guyana would be churning out another batch of graduates, but would these medex students be a part of that ceremony? I am writing this letter with the hope of it catching the
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eyes of our Honourable Senior Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence. She sees and hears about problems and always tries to investigate, to get to the source of the problem. For this year, there was so many young people graduating almost every month and I kept wondering what was keeping these students from doing likewise. I could only imagine how these persons must be praying for that day when they could receive their certificates and be assigned to the various health centres across the country. Frustrated student
We will not allow the PPP to undermine progress in Region 5 DEAR EDITOR, I wanted to write this letter under the captioned “APNU+AFC RDC Councillors Will Remain Strong”, I opened the papers (Kaieteur News) and saw a letter under the captioned “The President is isolated from reality”. It makes me laugh when I read through the lines. Anyway, I won’t deal with the writer as to what he has mentioned, but I will deal with reality. Maybe, while it is hard for some of us to accept reality, it is easy to accept falsehood and misconception; it will try to bring energy to those that believe in those two things. For 23 long years under the PPP, Guyanese could not have address any of its ministers or Presidents by false names, if they did, then reality would have kicked in, that is victimization and pressure by the PPP. Today, I am happy that former ministers, Presidents, head of agencies along with
current MPs can say what they want under the APNU+AFC Government. Democracy became a reality under President David A. Granger administration and some are really taking advantage of it. Thank the almighty for bringing Change to Guyana. I fully endorsed the President’s remarks concerning the role of PPP at the local government level. In the letter I was reading, the writer seems to be confused because if he were to look at the newscast of TVG on the 2nd August 2017 under the caption “PRESIDENT BLAMES PPP/C FOR REGION 5 STANDOFF”, it is clear that President Granger was talking about the local government system in general. The TVG reporter asked a question while the President was talking and the President continued his speech. At no time did the President stopped to address one region’s is-
sues at that moment. The President did not say that there is a Mayor in Region 5, but reading, listening and understanding are three different things. So, I won’t blame that writer and TVG to put it how they want. I must say that the President lives in reality and that is why I agree with his statement as to who are the ones that are hindering the works in the NDCs, RDCs and Municipalities’. It is the PPP people. In Region 5, I can clearly say that we at the RDC will stand strong against dictatorship and all those that want to hinder the development of the region. We will continue to walk out of meetings once the Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal fails to apologize to the REO and yours truly. We will continue to walk out as long as the chairman fails to apologise to the staff of the RDC that was present at the April Statutory Meeting that he branded as APNU+AFC supporters. We will continue to walk out as long as the said chair-
man fails to give his findings of the misuse of the NDIA excavators at Bath. We will continue to walk out as long as the chairman fails to give his findings of the Housing Department Rebate for Residents of Region 5 during December 2016. He must apologise to the residents of Region 5 for hiding the letter so that the eligible residents could not have benefitted. So, I must say thank you to HE President Granger for understanding who are the ones that are causing the confusion, the problems and wants to hinder development in the region. Thanks, Mr. President for living in reality and seeing the problems as it is, unlike some that make the problems and want to be the saint in what they created (PROBLEMS). Mr. President, yes you are correct, the PPP does not want development. They are afraid of development in Guyana and the number of works that are happening in the region without the PPP’s Continued on page 6
Project Engineer responds to criticism of The works that are re- minimum maintenance. Agriculture Road repairs paved. quired south of the Access to That being said, I would DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space in your newspaper to respond to the letter penned by Rev. Gideon Cecil under the caption ‘Work on Agriculture Road is not being properly done’ and published in your Friday, July 21, 2017 edition. For the benefit of the Reverend and the general public, please be informed that the rehabilitation of Agriculture Road, Mon Repos/Triumph, is being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure under its Miscellaneous Roads Programme, 2017. The Contractor is K.P. Thomas and Sons Incorporated, the Project Engineer is Anthony A. Haynes, the contract sum is $59,031,149 and the site extends a distance of approximately 1230m. Carriageway works include the upgrading of the road structure with mixed loam and/or crusher run and sealing using asphaltic concrete. The contract is scheduled to end in September of 2017. Based on the content and tone of his missive, Rev. Gideon Cecil purports to have excellent knowledge in road construction and would have been on the site with the current contractor for the duration of the contract, which commenced on July 6, 2017. His forecast, I suppose, emanates from his experiences over the last two decades, when shoddy construction and poor supervision was the order of the day.
However, the reverend’s description of the execution of the works is incorrect. Agriculture Road, having been initially constructed in the early 1960’s, is older than Independent Guyana. While the surface of the road was in a very poor state, due to poor drainage caused by residents encumbering the road shoulders, the road base remained in an impeccable state. At the moment, the focus is on upgrading the worst stretch of the carriageway, that is, between the East Coast Demerara Highway and the Access to Block ‘CC’ Housing Scheme. It should be noted that while there were numerous potholes within this section, none of those holes exceed 200mm in depth nor did any of them exceed the existing loam fill in the road structure. To allow for safe, unimpeded construction, an access road was constructed to divert traffic from the critical area through Khan Street, Triumph. The construction procedure being followed is to remove excessive vegetation and other encumbrances from the road shoulders, remove deleterious materials from the carriageway, reshape/scarify potholed areas and mixed loam fill/ crusherrun fill depressed areas. Subsequent to the relevant quality control procedures, that section of the works will be
Block ‘CC’ Housing Scheme will be executed in like manner, subsequent to the completion of the initial area. To allay the fears of Rev. Cecil, it should be pointed out that the current road structure has successfully carried the loads of the construction traffic for the two housing schemes located along the Access Road since 1997. Contrary to his prophecy of doom, the current intervention shall enhance an already tried and proven road structure, resulting in a finished product that will be there for the next two decades, with
like to invite the reverend to use his influence to encourage the residents not to encumber the road shoulders with their land fill/construction materials or other solid waste. We at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure would also be willing to provide more information on the project, if necessary, and we encourage Rev. Cecil, and the public at large, to help us monitor our projects. Anthony A. Haynes Project Engineer Ministry of Public Infrastructure
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We will not allow the PPP... From page 5 input. Positive works are happening in all sectors in Region 5 that is causing the PPP to have constant headaches because they failed for 23 years and now the residents are seeing the reality. I must also let the residents know that for 2018 (next year) the Chairman and his entire PPP’s component of the RDC, did not submit ANY PROJECT to be done in 2018 within Region 5. We the councillors were given one month for project submission for works to be done in the various villages. But once again the PPP fails to name or submit one single project. So the PPP will be failing the people of Region 5 come 2018, as they are presently doing. But I can assure the people of Region 5, be it Bath Settlement, Cotton Tree, Blairmont, Dundee, Bush Lot and the rest of the region that works will happen in region 5 come 2018. We will see more infrastructural works be under taken by the region 5 administration without the input of the PPP as they so desire. I want to assure the people of the region that the APNU+AFC councillors will remain strong and steadfast in ensuring development takes place in all sectors. We will continue to better the lives of our people in true
Friday August 04, 2017
Kaieteur News
and strong representation at various levels and sectors. We will continue to stand with you towards betterment, not like some that want to see you fall for their gains in politics. I must commend the REO and team for working toward a better and more developed Region 5. We on the government side of the RDC will fully support the administration as long as our people will benefit and there is development taking place. I want to call on the PPP supporters to ask the Chairman and PPP’s side of the RDC, WHY IS IT THAT THEY FAIL TO PROPOSE PROJECTS FOR 2018? But like I said and will continue to say, the PPP is a failure. As the letter writer seems to be on name calling and mud slugging, I will not go on that road. When some see the present development that is taking place that didn’t happen in the past 23 years of the PPP, I know it’s hard for them to take it. But say what you want and try to set me up, I WILL BE MORE STRONG and continue to work for the people in this time of change. Once again I must comment and thank HE President Granger for seeing through the eyes of reality and publicly accepting who are the ones failing Guyana. Let’s continue the hard work as we strive for a better Guyana and a Good Life For All, under the APNU+AFC Government. Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC RDC Councillor Region 5
Something is not right with this bidding for a GWI project DEAR EDITOR, Please permit us to share our concerns regarding a growing trend of public/competitive tendering of construction projects in Guyana and more specifically on a current project which was retendered by GWI, namely, “Rehabilitation and Expansion of Water Treatment Facility at Shelterbelt, Georgetown. It is starting to become painfully obvious that several Government entities are subverting the competitive nature of tendering, either knowingly or unknowingly due to the inclusion of specific requirements or decisions, which are imposed at the bidding stage. Some requirements make very little sense and seemingly imposed to restrict the competitive nature of the bidding process. The Procurement Act 2003 allows for a competitive bidding process to ensure that Government gets value
for money; which brings me to our project in question. The “Rehabilitation and Expansion of Water Treatment Facility at Shelterbelt, Georgetown is an IDB funded design and build project, which had to be retendered for one reason or the other. Having had to retender the project, timelines for the IDB financing agreement obviously would be under pressure. As such, what was required was for GWI to take every precaution to ensure that decision making on the tender procedure is practical and logical. At the pre-bid meeting held on June 27, 2017 nine (9) potential bidders were expressing interest, some of whom were international bidders, seemingly competent in the design and construction of these treatment plants. Several bidders requested an extension to the closing date of the bid, to allow proper bid preparation, considering
that the period from the period of the pre-bid meeting to the tender opening was less than one month. Preparation of such a tender warrants scoping the physical requirements adequately, conducting a physical assessment of the existing facility, identifying a rehabilitation strategy, designing the ancillary infrastructure and finally preparing detailed drawings, reports and estimates for tendering. This seemed impractical for one month. With several potential bidders requesting an extension of time for which no response was given by GWI, it was obvious that the industry and the people that know how it has to be done, was adamant that the risks involved in the project, required additional time for proper design and bid preparation. GWI was non-committal to an extension even though, the majority of the potential bidders were certain that the
time period for bid preparation was not practical. Furthermore, contrary to procurement regulations, GWI failed to issue the minutes of the pre-bid meeting to potential bidders. It should be noted that contact was made with the IDB regarding the possibility of an extension, for which they indicated that GWI would have to write to the agency requesting the same. This was obviously not done and there was no time extension for the bid submission. On July 25, 2017, the bids were opened, with only one bid received. A single bid meant that the competitive nature of the bidding process was subverted. Is this a favoured contractor and is the bid technically compliant? We ask the public to follow the developments of this project carefully and we look forward to an articulated, sensible response from GWI. Concerned citizen
I know because I was an inmate at Mazaruni and... From page 4 regain their freedom as quickly as possible and the officers, in keeping with their mandate, are committed in their resolve to ensure that prisoners serve their time. In a moment this contradiction can explode with deadly force as occurred on two occasions in a period of a year, the most recent being on June 9, 2017. Subsequent to the crisis on June 9th, I read in a newspaper a criticism that the prison authorities had information that suggested a possible jail break and they did nothing. I don’t know the nature of the information or how credible it was. However, I have serious reservations that the authorities would have had such important information at their disposal and not acted to verify its credibility. Failure to act in light of a report of this magnitude would be interpreted as a grave dereliction of duty on the part of the officer or officers concerned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it should be noted that in the prison environment rumors of planned escapes are almost a daily occurrence. In that situation it would be irresponsible for the authorities to react on these rumors, willy nilly - since doing so run the risk of provoking dangerous levels of tension in the prison. To deal effectively with rumors of a pending jail break the prison officers/wardens, will, on most occasions, be required to lockdown the prison and conduct a systematic search of all cells and each
prisoner. This is always a risky business since it increases the level of tension in the prison. No responsible officer in charge of a prison, in the context of the situation that existed in the Camp Street Prison, will be inclined to do so without carefully balancing the consequences. From my experience in prison the following are in general terms, situations that transform prison environment from one of ‘normalcy’ to one of dangerous levels of tensions: (a) execution of condemned prisoners;(b) when an officer loses the cell key/ keys; (c) lock down and search of prison; and (d) jail breaks and escapes. Note I have deliberately not mentioned fires and riots since (I never experienced those situations). These to my mind, are extremely rare occurrences, whereas the issues mentioned above are within the norm. There is a prevailing view in the society which categorises all prisoners as ‘being violent’. This view facilitates “collective” punishment. I have heard people say “if they want to set fire in the prison, let them burn in their cells, if they want to riot shoot them down”. These are examples of collective punishment. This view/position attributes responsibility for the fires and riot to all of the thousand plus inmates. This is an erroneous but popularly held view. We often do not take into consideration that the majority of prison inmates are in-
carcerated for minor offences, a large number are on remand meaning, they are persons not convicted for any offence but are awaiting trial. Some of them are unable to pay the exorbitant bail fixed by magistrates and some prisoners are mentally sick people. Whether or not you are tried and found guilty of breaking a law, or have been framed for an offence which you cannot disprove or find yourself incarcerated for whatever reason once you enter the prison, it doesn’t matter you are legally a prisoner and are treated as one. In fact, from the time you enter through the prison gates, the system is organized to impress that reality on you. It begins with a strip search of your person in the presence of officers. This is a most humiliating experience. I want to take this opportunity to remind members of this society that from the time the enslavers established the institution of prisons what has followed has been ongoing attempts to escape. Prison escapes have always been a natural response to the dehumanization of persons confined to prison life. It is not a new development and is found in all countries, barring none, where the imprisonment of individuals takes place. What is worrying in recent times in Guyana is that the situation is getting worse and fire and riots are now emerging as regular features of prisoner resistance. We must face the reality
that a prisoner condemned to die has no incentive to remain behind bars. The same is true for a prisoner serving life. For those categories of inmates a run for freedom is always an option. We have to be careful that other categories of prisoners have not begun to feel the same way. In order to avoid the problems which will arise from that situation the prison administrators and those responsible for the justice system in Guyana must ensure that the prison environment is seen and accepted not only as an institution of punishment, but also, as one which rehabilitates and prepares the convicted for a life removed from the prison system. If we are unable to guarantee that a prison sentence doesn’t result in serious damage to the health of inmates, or, become a death sentence I submit that as a society and a nation we have lost the legal and moral justification to imprison our citizens. In concluding I am contending that the way we resolve the current prison crisis will demonstrate how civilized we are as a nation. My conviction is that our prisons and the conditions therein will only change fundamentally, when we as a society imprison the rich and powerful for crimes they commit. Once our prisons are seen only as institutions for the incarceration of the poor and powerless there will be no meaningful changes in our prisons. Tacuma Ogunseye
Friday August 04, 2017
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Toronto-based group Private Sector appeals for Tobacco aims to boost science Bill to be sent to Select Committee literacy in Guyana A Toronto-based nonprofit organization is hoping raise the scientific literacy among secondary students and teachers in Guyana. The group, Pueblo Science, is conducting a workshop at the St Stanislaus College in Brickdam, Georgetown. The initiative is organised by the St Stanislaus College Alumni, Canada, and Ministry of Education. A five-member team which consists of four scientists and an engineer have travelled to Guyana to train around seventy students and teachers from the public school system how to effectively use science experiments in their classrooms and how to construct them from local materials. Visionary behind Pueblo Science, Dr May Rose Salvador explained that the mission of the organization is to raise the level of science literacy in underprivileged communities in Canada and the developing world. Dr. Salvador is a Physical Chemistry Scientist who was born in the Philippines. She is currently based in Canada. Having obtained a doctorate at the University of Toronto, Dr Salvador formed Pueblo Science, less than a decade ago. The organization has since touched various parts of the globe, educating teachers mainly of simple and affordable ways of implementing science projects that can help societal problems. This is the group’s second trip to Guyana.
During her initial visit, Dr Salvador, had explained that her vision is to enlighten as many people as possible of the importance of Science. A mission, which she says is premised on the fact that science has the potential to stave off some challenges of everyday challenges. Growing up in rural Philippines, Dr Salvador recalled “seeing things that I realized later could be avoided with a bit more critical thinking from the residents.” She recounted, for instance, that her village sourced drinking water from a nearby river but after she would consume the water, her stomach hurt. But according to her, “my mom would think that I was touched by spirits.” “Later I found out that it was probably bacteria that were giving me those tummy aches,” noted Dr Salvador. It was such realizations that helped foster the idea of Pueblo Science. It is with that view that Dr Salvador hopes to educate teachers and enable them to pass on the scientific knowledge to the children they teach. Salvador emphasized that the workshop is designed to lift the scientific enthusiasm of student and teachers through “hands on,” activities. “Our goal is to encourage a lifelong interest in learning and inquisitiveness through hands-on activities. ” National Science Coordinator attached to NCERD, (Continued on page 16)
Like Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO), the Private Sector Commission is appealing for policy makers to send the rigid Tobacco Control Bill to a special select committee. The Commission said it has taken note of the expressed views on the Tobacco Control Bill and appreciates the international obligations that were signed on to by Guyana. The Commission said, too, that it is aware of the reasons for the introduction of the Bill as well as the hazards which it addresses. The Private Sector Commission said, “Guyana has, over many years, come a long way in controlling the practice of smoking in public places and the public as well as various operators of bars, hotels, cinemas, other businesses and smokers themselves should be applauded.” The business association added, “We are aware that the Government of Guyana believes that the World Health Organisation’s Protocols dictate that Government should not engage in dialogue with the tobacco industry. The Private Sector Commission views this as an inconsistency. Ours is an independent jurisdiction called Guyana and most democracies were built on dialogue.” With the foregoing in mind, the Commission stressed that the Special
Select Committee of Parliament is a platform which belongs to the people of Guyana and therefore joined in the call by the tobacco industry to refer the Bill to that forum. The Private Sector Commission sought to urge the Government to address the civil rights issues contained in the Bill through the utilisation of the process of the Select Committee of Parliament. TOBACCO CONTROL BILL In a matter of nine months, Guyana will be preparing to implement one of the most regimented health laws it has ever had in recent times—the Tobacco Control Bill. The Bill proposes a number of strict penalties and fines for law breakers; it will seek to encourage a new behaviourial pattern amongst Guyanese. The Bill will allow for officers authorized by the Ministry of Public Health to be vested with the power to carry out any inspection, investigation or enforcement for the purposes of the Bill. In fact, any person who denies, obstructs or hinders an authorized officer in carrying out his or her duties or knowingly makes any false or misleading statements, verbally or in writing, or refuses to provide requested information to an authorized officer, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction
to a fine of $400,000 and imprisonment for six months. Additionally, the Bill states that no person shall smoke in the following outdoor places— anywhere on the premises of and within five metres from the outside boundaries of any health care, educational or child care facility; any waiting area or queue in a public place, including but not limited to any public transport stop, bus stand or bus park; any park, playground or amusement park; any stadium, arena, or other kind of sport or performance space; any gazetted site of historic or national significance; any space for the commercial service of food or drink; or any other outdoor place prescribed by regulations. The Bill also lists examples of indoor public places where smoking is now prohibited. These include retail establishments, including stalls, stores, shops, and shopping malls; hotels and other places of lodging; restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, and other eating or drinking establishments, Gaming machine venues and casinos; Entertainment facilities including clubs, cinemas, concert halls, theatres, game arcades, pool and bingo halls. Smoking, according to the Bill, is also prohibited at any publicly-owned facility rented out for events and any other indoor premises accessible to
the public and any indoor workplace. Any person who smokes in any place where smoking is prohibited commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 for the first offence, and $20,000 for any second or subsequent offence. Additionally, the Bill makes it clear that all cigarettes shall be sold in an intact package containing not less than twenty sticks or individual units per package. This brings an end to the sale of one or two cigarettes at regular outlets. The Bill also states that no person shall go into any public place carrying any tobacco product, electronic delivery system, or component, in a tray, container or otherwise for the purpose of making sales or commercially displaying the product. Furthermore, the Bill prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. In this regard, local night clubs would have to change for example, the manner in which they promote their hookah /smoking themed parties. Should a corporation or other entity contravene any provision of the Act, it shall be deemed to have committed the offence and shall be held liable for all costs and fines associated with any enforcement or corrective action and for any term of imprisonment ordered.
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Friday August 04, 2017
New Magisterial District formally opens in Upper Demerara - President says access to justice in the Region will improve significantly President David Granger said yesterday that the opening of Guyana’s 10th Magisterial District is not an instruction of the Executive, it is an initiative of the Judiciary and that in itself is a manifestation of the independence, which this critical branch of Government enjoys under the current administration. Speaking at a ceremony to mark the constitution of the Upper Demerara Magisterial District, the Head of State noted, though, that this initiative falls in line with Government’s push to improve access to justice for all Guyanese. The event was held at the Linden Magistrate’s Court. In Guyana, the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrates) Act empowers the Chancellor of the Judiciary to divide Guyana, or any portion thereof, into magisterial districts; constitute, in any part of Guyana, a magisterial district or districts; distinguish the districts by name and number and vary the limits of any district. “This Magisterial District brings the administration of justice closer to the people. It is aimed at timelier and less costly justice. It makes justice more accessible for this Region’s residents. This is a model, which can be replicated in each of Guyana’s ten administrative Regions. If citizens cannot come to the court, the court must come to the citizen,” President Granger said. He told members of the Judiciary, who were present at the event, that the Executive Branch supports fully, the establishment of this new District as it is in keeping with the Government’s vision of enhancing delivery of and access to justice across the country.
This Magisterial District will remove the need for residents of Linden, Ituni and Kwakwani to travel to Vreeden-Hoop and New Amsterdam to access legal services. “Access to justice, including ease of access, is every citizen’s legitimate expectation. Residents of their home regions should not have to travel long distances to access public services, including legal services in other Regions…Access to justice is difficult to achieve for the majority of this region’s 50,000 residents…The State has taken one small step, today, to abandon the archaic colonial system of counties, which existed from time immemorial and to adopt a rational system of regional administration,” the President said. Speaking on how access to justice has expanded over the years, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards informed that in the first two decades of the 20th century, there were only four local magistrates in Guyana. Today, there are a total of 24, all of whom are Guyanese. With regard to this new Magisterial District, she said that in addition to regular court sittings, Municipal Courts will be introduced, which will assist the efforts of the Mayor and Town Council to protect the town’s environment. Moreover, Youth/ Children’s Court will also be introduced, which will focus more on rehabilitating young offenders. The sentiments expressed by the acting Chancellor and President Granger were echoed by President of the Guyana Bar Association, Mr. Kamal Ramkarran, who said that this new District
The Head of State addressing the gathering. means that justice has come home of the people of the Upper Demerara community. “This is a welcomed and important step to further improving access to justice. This new Magisterial District also means that as the needs of the people of the Upper Demerara River require in future there will be more courts and more magistrates in the District,” he said. Meanwhile, President Granger said that the Government is keen on ensuring that law and order is maintained in all communities and in this regard, will work to complement the work of the Judiciary by establishing police divisions in every Regional Democratic Council (RDC). “Many residents in rural regions and the hinterland face everyday challenges to Continued on page 31
President Granger and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards unveiling the plaque to open the Upper Demerara Magisterial District
From left: Magistrate Clive Nurse, former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, Chief Justice (ag) Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, President David Granger and Justice James Bovell-Drakes inside the Linden Magistrate’s Court
Friday August 04, 2017
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Put these allegations to rest The government has denied charges that false or fake birth certificates are being issued to persons. This allegation should be put to rest through a process of independent review, because it has the possibility of creating political instability in post-election 2020 period. The allegation is not a new one. It surfaced in the wake of the May 2015 elections and was used as one of the possible explanations for the massive increase, in absolute terms, in voter turnout in Region 4, primarily for the APNU+AFC coalition. The allegation there was made in a political context. It therefore could have been politically contrived. Or it simply could have been the response to suspicion about the poll numbers. What was being alleged was that there was the possibility that underage persons were registered in the run-up to the 2015 elections and this was responsible for swelling of the voters’ list. This allegation, so far, is without substance, but its potential for creating instability should not be underestimated. Guyana needs to settle the outcome of its elections. The long delay in announcing the results of a
couple hundreds of thousands of votes is fertile ground for the electoral suspicion, and once there is suspicion it is very easy for troublemakers to trey to spew mistrust by concocting allegations of impropriety. Guyanese are familiar with these attempts in the past. In the 1997 elections, talk show hosts biased towards the PNCR, took the waves to spew their poison. First there was the suggestion that GECOM computers were linked to the PPP headquarters. There were hundreds of ignoramuses believing this mischief, even though it was clear that the results were also being tabulated manually. It ended up being the manual tabulation in 1992 which had saved Guyana from being destroyed by rioters. Another piece of mischief was that ballot boxes were stolen and taken into a house in Albouystown. In fact, a poor, innocent man, a newspaper vendor, whose only crime was that he sold newspapers including the Mirror newspaper which is affiliated with the PPP, was kidnapped and taken to Congress Place where he was reportedly in-
terrogated by the PNCR’s leader Desmond Hoyte. Elections in Guyana are breeding grounds for political suspicion. The political mischief was concocted by known ringleaders, two of whom who were media personalities who have gone to the Great Beyond. But there are elements of mischief makers who are still around and who can be summoned into action at the click of a finger. The outcome of the 2015 general and regional elections was a shocker. The PPP did not expect to lose. The APNU+AFC coalition hoped to win, but did not really and truly expect to win. They did win in the end, but the r e s u l t s w e r e s o close that this in itself created further suspicion that there was manipulation of the count. There also surfaced the allegation that the voters’ roll could have been padded with underage persons. But this could only have happened if the persons who were registered had fake birth certificates. This is how the allegation about fake birth certificates arose. The mistrust between the
political parties have led to suspicions that the PNCR, a party with a dirty electoral past, was planning to interfere with the electoral roll for the 2020 elections by registering under-aged persons. No evidence to prove that this did happen or is happening. But the authorities and the international community must not underestimate the potential of this suspicion to create political instability or to be used as an excuse by the defeated party or parties in the 2020 polls. There is a simple way to resolve this matter. A random sampling of the Region 4 voters roll should be taken. This sample should then be tested to see if there any under-aged persons were registered for the 2015 polls. This exercise should be
carried out by an independent body, preferably from overseas and should be allowed to access the primary records of registries of births and deaths. This allegation should be put to rest. It is in the interest of both political parties to put these allegations behind them because once they remain alive, it will lead to the constant questioning of election results. The government has been appointing a lot of Commissions of Inquiries, each of which costs millions of dollars.
An exercise such as the one suggested will not be as costly, financially, as any of the COIs, but will save Guyana a lot of anxiety and heartaches come 2020. Guyana needs to put behind it, its record of controversial electoral outcomes. This can be easily done through an independent review of the 2015 voters roll, using recognized statistical tools.
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Friday August 04, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Pastor jailed, another fined, another freed after paying money Magistrate Clive Nurse, a few days ago, sentenced pastor Donald Downer to one year in prison for dangerous driving (not death by dangerous driving; he injured two children). In January last year, Magistrate Ann McLennan fined pastor Winston Cramer $100,000 for killing a motorcyclist, Lennox Allicock, after Cramer failed to adhere to a stop sign. Allicock’s daughter was badly injured; she was the pillion rider. I wonder what the mind of the daughter would look like when she grew up. She saw her father killed by a reckless driver who had to pay a mere $100,000 fine. Will she be an angry youth hoping to take revenge out on society? I don’t blame such people. You deny people justice, they will harbour violent resentment against society. My only problem with such a scenario is that the
destroyed youth will seek out vendetta against the wrong people. He will enter the home of some innocent family who had
Frederick Kissoon nothing to do with his unjust sentence and murder them. It is the height of modern barbarity that you drive and ignore a stop sign, kill a father, injure his daughter and you pay a five hundred American dollars fine. Pastor Downer last week was not that lucky. He wasn’t
lucky because he didn’t have money. A week before Downer knew his fate, a Brazilian pastor had his trial for death by dangerous driving cancelled by the DPP because he paid compensation to the dead person’s family. Here is an extract from my column captioned; “Magistrate Fabayo Azore and Ann McLennan and the price of life.” The date is April 17, 2017; “Magistrate Fabayo Azore sentenced a maintenance worker to four years imprisonment for conviction of a death by dangerous driving charge. The same magistrate dismissed the case against another driver with the identical charge after he killed a dance instructor. This is after the family accepted $5 million in compensation. Now here is the interesting part about the second driver. He was also charged for the following; driving without being the holder of a driver’s licence; driving without a third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner”. So in the space of four
months this year, two drivers before the courts for death by dangerous driving were spared a conviction and jail time by using money to free themselves from alleged criminal conduct. This is modern societal psychosis that can only happen in this fetid wasteland named Guyana. What are the implications of these two cases? That money allows citizens of this country to do psychotic things in which people die. It is really a horrible country, this place; some act of nature should remove it from Planet Earth. Every young man from a multibillion-dollar family business does not have to bother about the consequences of killing people on the road. The logic is simple; if you have the money, offer compensation and the charges will be withdrawn.
Do you realize that with that kind of sociological morbidity, no human is Guyana is safe? In this country there are some fantastically rich people who spend millions monthly on pleasure. They or their crazy kids drive recklessly with their debauched friends, kill your spouse or child, and they literally walk. In the case of poor Downer mentioned in the opening line, and the maintenance worker that Azore gave four years to, they didn’t have money to pay. Their class position in life has placed them in prison. I wonder where the maintenance worker was when the Camp Street prison was torched to the ground by riotous prisoners. What about rape and brutal injuries? If one of the kids of the nouveau riche families drinks up and rapes a poor girl and due to courageous police
work, he is brought before the courts, would twenty million save him if he proffers that amount? In Guyana, less than that sum can save you from jail time. We had the largest number of fatalities in the Caribbean in a prison revolt – 17 deaths. Then the central prison was burnt down a year later. What’s next? That is anyone’s guess, but there is no guessing that more tragedies are coming. A gentleman I don’t know or heard of before, by the name of Carl Franklin, telephoned me to say that he was in Guyana and he brought a book for me, “Why Nations Fail,” an international bestseller in the non-fiction genre. I read a large part of it on Wednesday night. After reading this book, one can safely say that Guyana is bound to fail.
Dem boys seh...
Cevons people rushing to go to jail When a man got something that you want and de man ain’t selling, dem got ways to get de thing. All you got to do is create a stage wheh he want something bad and got to get it. That is when you does lend him money and mek he lodge de thing you want as collateral. China know de situation very good. It lend Sri Lanka money because it wanted a port. De money mek de country smile, but when it was payback time de government couldn’t pay back de money. That is wha does always happen. Nuff people does borrow money and when is time to pay back dem got problems. De problem does come when some of dem bareface ones want to borrow again. Is not that dem forget that dem owe, but dem does come and claim how dem gun mek one big payment. Sri Lanka do that too. It lost de port. Dem Chinee gun own it fuh 99 years. Now when somebody own something fuh 99 years is just like if dem own it. A man gun born and dead knowing de Chinee got de
place. Dem boys seh is a good thing Soulja Bai save Guyana. China wave money and Jagdeo eye light up. He scramble but he never get a chance to collect nuff. If only he did get that chance China woulda tek over de airport and some other thing. Imagine all dem plane coming into Guyana. China would decide which plane could land. That is only part of the story. Is de same thing wid people who want more than dem can afford. Just de other day dem boys talk how dem prison warden causing prisoners to kill people. Prison warden smuggle everything into de jail. Dem boys talk bout de danger yet some people don’t understand. Three garbage collectors tek a chance to smuggle ganja and cigarettes to dem Lusignan prisoners and now dem gun become Lusignan prisoners. Dem prison officers vex because dem now got more prisoners to look after. Talk half and avoid going to jail.
Friday August 04, 2017
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Kaieteur News
House approves $116M to operationalize SARA The National Assembly yesterday passed a total of $116M that will be used to operationalize the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA). This sum was approved via a supplementary provision requested by the Ministry of Legal Affairs in the Financial Paper No.2 of 2017. The total sum was separated into three parts. Based on the remarks given under Current Estimates, $89,897,285 will go towards providing for the establishment of SARA which will be equipped with five Managerial Staff, 13 technical staff, 12 supervisory and clerical staff, and 16 services and related staff. Additionally, $13M was approved under Capital Estimates to purchase two vehicles, since the agency does not have any vehicles presently. A further $13,424,000 was approved to purchase furnishing and equipment for a building that is to be rented to house the Agency. The furnishing and equipment includes furniture, a television, a refrigerator, a photocopier, a projector, a server and water dispenser. Currently, SARA is operating out of the Ministry of the Presidency, and does not have its own office. Despite all these provisions being approved, it was not done without with questions being posed by members of the parliamentary opposition. Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall had questioned
Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams what authority the Minister of Legal Affairs had to request funds for SARA. He argued that the SARA Act does not specify the subject Minister for SARA. After much back and forth between Nandlall and the Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, the Minister said that in Section 2 of the SARA Act that deals with definitions, states that the Legal Affairs Minister is indeed the subject Minister for SARA. Williams was also asked to inform the National Assembly about the organisational structure of SARA. He said that based on the Act, the Parliamentary Appointments Committee is to appoint a Director and Deputy Director within four months of the Agency coming into effect. SARA was officially established on May 4, 2017. As such, since the four month
timespan has not elapsed, the present Director and Deputy Director will continue to occupy those positions. Further, Opposition Member, Juan Edghill asked the question as to how there can be a supplementary provision for the agency where there was no provision in the original budget for 2017. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan explained that the Financial Paper containing the supplementary provision is acting as an amendment to the original budget. “It doesn’t have to have a previous budget line item. That is the reason why we have brought a supplementary paper to avoid any doubt and supplementary papers, up to five of them, can be brought in a year, amending budgets, adding to budgets, subtracting to budgets and can be scrutinised.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira raised the point that Section 14 of the SARA Act speaks of ‘The Recovery of State Assets Fund”. According to the Act, the purpose of the Fund is to receive credits from Civil Recovery Orders and payments made or debts recovered in relation to Civil Recovery Orders under the Act. She said that Subsection 3 states that the SARA Director may authorise payments of out the fund to facilitate the discharge of SARA’s functions. Teixeira asked on what grounds is government providing funds for SARA when Section 14 (3) makes no such provision and that there is no other provision in any part of the Act for any release of money from the Consolidated Fund. She said that SARA is expected to raise its own funds and finance itself. How-
ever, Minister Williams said that SARA only became a legal entity on May 4, 2017 and that the supplementary provisions being sought are simply to operationalize the Agency. The Opposition Chief Whip argued that the government needs to amend the SARA Act to allow for funds to be disbursed to it from the Consolidated Fund. She called for a postponement of the request for supplementary funding until the government can make provision for such disbursements. However, this was not adhered to and the Speaker of the National Assembly had put all supplementary provisions to question and it was supported by the majority. Now that funding will be injected into the Agency, it will be able to execute its functions. These specific func-
tions are contained in Section 6 of the Act. SARA will investigate whether property or interests in property that constitutes state property was obtained via unlawful conduct involving a public official. The Agency will also have the power to trace and identify property locally and abroad suspected to be state property that had been obtained through unlawful conduct. Moreover, the Agency will be enabled by the Act to institute and conduct proceedings in the Court for the purposes of recovery or protection of state property, or for the freezing of proceeds of corruption or unlawful conduct or related offences, or for the payment of compensation and disciplinary measures in relation to state property.
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Media operators voice concerns over Broadcast Bill
Several media operators’particularly representatives of Channel 93 - are highly concerned about some of the measures outlined in the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill 2017. MBC Media, which is an agency that claims to represent Channel 93 and a consortium of Television and media operators, recently sent out a statement to this effect. The release indicated that a number of media proprietors and operators met on Monday last to discuss the potential ramifications of the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill 2017. The legislation was recently tabled in the National Assembly by Prime Minister & First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo. MBC Media said that the primary concerns of media owners are the negative impact it could have on sustainability of operations with regard to the licensing fee structure, the imposition on property and the infringement on the freedom to determine broadcast content. MBC Media said that it is in the process of writing the Prime Minister Nagamootoo seeking an audience to engage and make the concerns of broadcasters known. “Having been made aware that the Bill could be passed before the end of the week, the group is urging that it be deferred until meaningful consultations can be held.”
Friday August 04, 2017
Kaieteur News
MBC Media said that none of the Broadcasters that are now concerned about the provisions of the Bill were consulted during the preparation of the Bill. Therefore they are now hoping that the authorities would afford the opportunity before the piece of legislation is passed. MBC Media believes “that the impact on freedom, livelihood and jobs compels the decency of having consultations with the allowance for inputs.” The entity said that having examined the proposed Bill, “there are concerns of constitutionality of which clarification is being sought.” The body said that media owners are of the firm belief that the meeting requested and its call for a deferral would provide opportunities for key matters to be raised. MBC Media is hoping that “in the interest of democracy and freedom of expression, the authorities would understand the magnitude of the impact the Bill in its current form could have on the future of television and radio broadcasting in Guyana. As such, the desire is for a Bill that can be reached through consensus.” The explanatory memorandum of the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill 2017 says that it amends the Broadcasting Act 2011 to introduce three classes of broadcasting services, namely: commercial, non-commercial and commu-
nity classes; and three types of broadcasting zones, namely, primary, secondary and tertiary broadcasting zones. The Bill provides for public service programmes, the prohibition of programmes containing hate speech. It addresses an international agreement for broadcasting any channel or programme as part of the local service. Clause Two of the Bill amends the Principal Act to clarify the definition of broadcasting service and gives a definition of public service broadcast. Clause Three, in the inserted section 21A (1), provides for the classes of broadcasting services, namely, commercial, non-commercial and community classes. It provides for the eligibility of persons for the grant of a licence in respect of any class and mentions the programmes which a licensee of a community class broadcasting service shall provide. The inserted section 21B provides for the broadcasting zones, namely the primary, secondary and tertiary broadcasting zones. There are one primary zone, four secondary zones and three tertiary zones. A licensee may be granted an amendment to his broadcasting licence to include one or more zones. Clause four substitutes a new section for section 22 in Continued on page 31
Teachers have a role to help detect children’s learning challenges - Educator Teachers are not doctors nor are they psychologists, but they certainly can take note of some issues faced by children within their charge in the school system. This was amplified yesterday by educator for more than four decades and special needs educators for 28 years, Dr. Gloria Thompson. “As Caribbean people, one thing I’ve noted is that when it comes to mental health we don’t take note of that, and we think the child will grow out of it. But we have to pay attention. Mental health is part of growing up and teachers need to know if something is going on. We are not doctors or psychologists, but we can document things to see if we need to look some more at them; we need to talk to the parents,” Dr. Thompson asserted. Dr. Thompson was one of the facilitators who shared her knowledge with local educators about measures they can employ to advance the delivery of early childhood education. The career-educator is the Coordinator of Education within the Guyana Jamaica Friendship Association [GJFA] which is based in the United States. According to the Jamaican national, she has long been helping to sensitise her fellow Jamaican educators, but given her involvement with the GJFA, she also saw the need to bring a similar initiative to Guyana. “I thought it would be a good idea to have something for early childhood teachers in Guyana, since I am doing something for teachers so that they can educate our youngest and let them know that they are the present and also the future of our country. I am doing a workshop on STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics] in early childhood education and also to
Dr. Gloria Thompson look at exceptional children,” related Dr. Thompson. The workshop commenced yesterday at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown. Among her roles at the workshop, which will conclude today, is to enlighten educators that the performances of children could be impacted by their different learning abilities. “In most communities, we always look at the gifted ones, and then there are those who are at the other end of the continuum who we say are troublesome and they don’t want to learn, but we need to know why,” Dr. Thompson said. As an early childhood interventionist, Dr. Thompson has been working with children from the age of 0 -3 in their homes with their parents. According to her, “There are things that I learn [when dealing with children] that I would like them [parents] to be aware of. When these children come to school they are coming with certain things, and how we as educators deal with these things is important.” Dr. Thompson has observed that while some chil-
dren are born with learning challenges, there are others who may develop these because of prevailing situations in the home or within the family. “We may not be able to do things for the children who are physically handicapped because of problems with hearing or sight; those we have to accept and decide how we can work around,” said Dr. Thompson. As such, Dr. Thompson stressed the need for teachers to not only recognise but to encourage children from an early age to overcome their difficulties. “We know about these difficulties, so we are teaching these teachers to help these children so that they can overcome and be part of society and not be a burden to society,” said Dr. Thompson. In so doing, Dr. Thompson stressed the need for the inclusion of parents and the family as a whole. “I encourage teachers to, as much as possible, integrate strong parental bond and with the entire family. Teachers can have programmes that involve families in the teaching and learning situation in this process,” said Dr. Thompson.
Friday August 04, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Public school educators get exposure to improved early childhood practices “It is critical that we, from the inception, emphasise STEAM and not just STEM.” This assertion was yesterday made by Mr. Vincent Alexander, former Technical Facilitator to former Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Alexander made the remark as he addressed a gathering of educators at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown. The occasion was the opening ceremony for a two-day early-childhood workshop for educators within the public education system. The workshop represents collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the United States-based GuyanaJamaica Friendship Association [GJFA]. Held under the theme - “investing in Early Childhood Education for successful lifelong learning,” the workshop is designed to help local educators improve the way they discharge their teaching methods, aided by culturally appropriate means. Speaking at the start of the forum, Alexander, who recently parted ways with the Ministry of Education, congratulated the organisers of the workshop for giving keen attention to, among other things, STEAM. STEAM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. But according to Alexander, “ever so often you hear about STEM, STEM, STEM, but without STEAM there can be no STEM.” STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “I would like to acknowledge the fact that today the emphasis is not merely on STEM, it is on STEAM, because it is my view that there is no art without Science, and similarly, there is no science without Art. So we have to emphasise both the Sciences and the Arts if we are going to be successful as a nation,” Alexander asserted. He added, “Today I stand here just a few days after my second attempt at retirement. That I served at the Ministry of Education must be attributed to the former Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine who invited me to work with him in that job I was given, Technical Facilitator. Among what I might have done was an attempt to live up to that title being a connection rod, a conduit,” said Alexander. He moreover added, “I am very glad to see that this activity has come to fruition. This activity represents two significant things that are happening in our nation at this time, there is much talk
A section of the educators at yesterday’s opening ceremony about the Diaspora and Diaspora Engagement, [but] we here are not talking about it, we are experiencing a model of that engagement.” Alexander’s remarks in this regard prompted a round of applause from his attentive audience. In continuing his deliberations, Alexander observed that there is much talk about the education system and the transformation which is required of that system. However, he added, “I would hasten to say that fundamental to that transformation is what happens in nursery education in some regards, as we transform the system we have to grow that transformation from the bottom right through.” But according to Alexander “...true transformation will in fact come when we have grown from nursery right through to tertiary, building on what we are doing now in nursery.” As such he underscored “this engagement is very, very important. It is not a one-off, it is not a short term; we are in for the long haul.” Alexander expressed appreciation to the GJFA, which he said, largely spearheaded the workshop, along with officials of the Education Ministry. Among the facilitators who were scheduled to conduct sessions during the course of the workshop were: Dr. Claudia Williams on ‘Home School Transition/ Connections’; Doctors Carl Darcy and Norma Ellis Wright on ‘Promoting young children’s language development’; Dr. Parthener Pinder on ‘the benefits of movements and games for early learners’; Dr. Evelyn Castro on ‘Culturally responsive teaching sup-
porting and engaging diverse learners in the classroom’ and Dr. Gloria Thompson on ‘Building a pathway for STEAM in the early childhood classroom’. Dr. Thompson, who has responsibility to coordinate the education activities of the GJFA, was in fact tasked with organising the ongoing workshop. GJFA President, Guyanaborn, Dr. Frank Denbow, said that the not-for-profit Association which came into being in 2014, has been involved in health and education initiatives in both Guyana and Jamaica. With Dr. Thompson, an educator of more than four decades, as the point person, the Association has been giving keen attention to primary education. “In talking with Dr. Thompson the view is that the best way to start is at the very beginning. Early childhood education is from pre-kindergarten to Grade Two. This is what we are focusing on and the best way, we thought, is to have a symposium and workshops to have teachers, head teachers and district officers from all 10 regions, and we have been able to achieve that with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education,” said Dr. Denbow. He noted that the Association has essentially started a process aimed at building capacity to improve early childhood practices. It is expected, Dr. Denbow said, that a working document will be produced at the end of the two-day workshop to help chart a sustained improved early childhood agenda. In lauding the support of GJFA, Curriculum Development Officer at the Ministry’s
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
National Centre for Educational Resource Development [NCERD], Ms Sandra Persaud, said, “Partnering with you is important to us. We are all aware that partnership is essential and the outcome is remarkable.” According to her, literature has proven that partnerships not only encourage committed leadership but strong relationships and com-
Mr. Vincent Alexander delivers his remarks. mon goals among partners. In fact, she revealed that “It is widely accepted that partnership and collaboration are central to early childhood professionals’ roles, with benefits not just for children, but also for children’s families and the professionals themselves.” As such, Persaud stressed in her presentation the importance of recognising that early experiences affect
all aspects of development from the maturing brain to the expanding experience of the child. “Our focus...is ‘how can we use knowledge to nurture, protect and ensuring the health and well being of all young children’. I can assure you that the key to success is through equal access, quality education and being accountable,” Persaud asserted.
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Friday August 04, 2017
Kaieteur News
Govt. not keen on sending Tobacco Bill to Select Committee …but DEMTOCO continues to question Guyana’s ability to enforce strict anti-smoking regulations
By Kiana Wilburg In spite of relentless criticisms, it appears that the Government will stand its ground when it comes to the rigid Tobacco Control Bill. This is according to Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence. The Parliamentarian noted yesterday to members of the media that the Government is not keen on having the Bill sent to a special select committee as requested by some critics. Lawrence said that the Government has all intentions of moving ahead with the Bill as it is in keeping with its promise to improve the quality of lives for all Guyanese. While the Tobacco Control Bill awaits the Presidents assent, Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO) does not believe that the country has the resources necessary to truly enforce the Bills strict regulations in every “nook and cranny” of the country. This is according to DEMTOCOs Managing Director, Maurlain Kirton. Kirton recently high-
lighted that DEMTOCO has several concerns regarding the Bill. The first issue she raised was in relation to the definition of the term “workplace”, as defined in the Tobacco Control Bill. According to the Bill, workplace means, “any place used by one or more persons during employment or work, whether done for compensation or as a volunteer and includes all attached or associated spaces commonly used during the course of work or incidentally, as well as work vehicles.” In this regard, Kirton said that the Bill immediately infringes upon the privacy of all Guyanese. She said, “Imagine if you hire any sort of help, be it a gardener, babysitter, or housekeeper, even your home may now be considered a workplace based on the prevailing definition. How can this possibly be policed? This definition is too wide, and now raises questions of enforceability.” Additionally, Kirton said that public places, such as,
DEMTOCO Managing Director, Maurlain Kirton private entities and workplaces should be allowed by law, to set up adequately designated smoking areas. In this regard, she explained that factories, restaurants, bars, casinos, hotels, other workplaces or facilities that would be accessible to the public, should have such designated smoking areas that cater for both smokers and non-smokers alike. She said that this is the current practice in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. Kirton then turned her attention to the hawkers (persons selling tobacco products in trays) aspect of the Bill. The official noted that this type of trade has been around from time immemorial and is not unique to Guyana.
In fact, Kirton pointed out that this type of activity currently exists throughout the region and the Tobacco Control Bill will now restrict the execution of this trade. The Managing Director said that her company is of the belief that the government can in fact, regulate hawkers, but in a way that will allow them to continue their trade with a stricter way of operation. Furthermore, the Tobacco Control Bill firmly restricts and limits the interaction between any official, representative, or employee of any Governmental institution or body responsible for tobacco control; and any representative from the tobacco industry. Kirton said that this is an area of concern for DEMTOCO as the company believes that it is a key stakeholder of a legal product and should be consulted on any policies which are likely to affect the industry and the rights of individuals who chose to smoke. Furthermore, Kirton said that her company took issue with the fact that the Bill states that the government will not hire or engage any person to work or serve in any capacity with responsibility for tobacco control,
where that person has or had a conflict during a preceding five year period. Additionally, Clause 44 (lA) of the Tobacco Control Bill specifies that the ownership of shares is considered a conflict of interest with respect to the aforementioned restriction. In this regard, Kirton said that Demerara Tobacco Companys one thousand plus shareholders in addition to the 3800 plus persons in the Tobacco industry would be restricted. With the aforementioned in mind, Kirton told members of the media that her company is of the opinion that Guyana does not have the resources to enforce every aspect of the Bill. She said, “Do we have the resources to get into all the nooks and crannies in this country to ensure that the entire bill is enforceable? Do we have that manpower to ensure every retailer and consumer is abiding by the law? We know from our point of view that it is not possible…” Kirton says that the company is confident that the Government has the capacity and capability to effectively evaluate the pros and cons of different views from various stakeholder groups. From conventional wisdom, the official opined that
Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence it would be regulatory best practice to allow all affected stakeholders to participate in the policy making process, inclusive of the Tobacco Industry and by extension, persons who choose to smoke. Additionally, the Managing Director said that her company has been trying to deal with another evil of the sector, which is illicit trade. “We have been saying to the government that there is a piece of the pie out there that you are not getting anything on. And illicit trade accounts for 15 percent of consumption in Guyana,” expressed Kirton. When the Bill becomes law, DEMTOCO predicts that illicit trade will worsen.
Gunmen hit two E-Networks outlets in two days Gunmen struck at a second E-networks Inc. outlet in two days, escaping in a car after invading a facility at Lot 15 Cornelia Ida, West Coat Demerara at around 11.45 hrs yesterday. A release stated that the gunmen, on entering, ordered two cashiers and seven customers to lie on the ground before tying their hands with plastic cuffs and relieving them of their valuables. The robbers escaped in a
- staff, customers bound and robbed car without firing any shots. No one was injured. A release stated that ranks have processed the scene and are making diligent efforts to apprehend the suspects, whose modus operandi is likened to that of the previous day’s robbery at the Company’s chain store at Mon Repos Mall, East Coast Demerara. At around 15.00hrs on
Wednesday, two bandits, armed with a handgun, rushed into the E-Networks Store which is housed in the lower flat of the Mon Repos Mall. After ordering staff and customers to lie on the floor, they relieved two sales representatives and three customers of their cash and electronic gadgets. The bandits then fled in a waiting car.
Prison officer detained in suspected smuggling probe at Timehri A prison officer seconded to the Timehri Prisons was in custody last night as police and Prison officials investigate reports that he colluded with at least one prisoner to smuggle prohibited items into the penitentiary. The arrest reportedly occurred after ranks unearthed a quantity of marijuana and mobile phones
at the prison. Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels has repeatedly stated that some of his ranks are in collusion with inmates. Also, between 09:40 and 12:30hrs, ranks of the Joint Services searched Timehri Prison and the following prohibited items were found: eight lighters, seven smoking utensils, 16 improvised
weapons, 8 packs of cigarettes, two dining forks, two pairs of scissors, five cell phone chargers, a bottle of pepper sauce, three cellular phones, a tattoo machine, a quantity of tobacco and 305 grammes of cannabis. Some 180 grammes of cannabis was also found in the cell of a convicted prisoner.
Friday August 04, 2017
Integrated health service delivery network launched in Region One The Integrated Health Service Delivery Network (IHSDN) was yesterday launched in Mabaruma, Region One to help mend the fragmentation in Guyana’s health care system. The launch saw the opening of a two-day workshop for nurses, medexes, Community Development Councillors, chairpersons and regional health officials. The workshop is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Public Health, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The objectives include assisting midwives to appreciate the need for integrated health services, understanding the domains and essential attributes of IHSDN and creating a plan of action for developing IHSDN. Director of Regional Health Services Dr. Kay Shako, delivering the feature address, emphasised that the IHSDN is the tool that will bridge the gap between deficiencies in the health care delivery system. She revealed that the system is fragmented because the healthcare systems are separated into several classes which include primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services. “We do not want fragmented services because fragmentation, in conjunction with other factors, can lead to difficulty, poor access of
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Kaieteur News
healthcare services, services that are irrational, and utilizes our resources wildly,” Dr. Shako explained. She also noted that the IHSDN will bring everything under one roof so that patients can have holistic healthcare services. It will allow everyone to participate and have an input on how the healthcare system can provide better services to the people. “So, what we have to do as healthcare providers is to implement what is best for the patient and not what is best for us as healthcare providers. We need to move forward with the integrated health service delivery network and have… the services such as prevention, treatment, diagnosis, disease management, rehabilitation…occurring at different levels of the healthcare system” Dr. Shako emphasised. Regional Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley briefly remarked on the importance of understanding that improved healthcare service must be the responsibility of everyone and not just that of health officials. “As leaders, we have the common responsibility to set positive examples to guide our people in a direction that will bring the kind of result that will foster regional development” The Regional Chairman disclosed that representation has been made for persons to
be trained as community health workers in Region One in 2018. The Regional Democratic Council is the process of putting together the budget for the region and the cost factor for such training has already been outlined. He stated that, “So no more must we have community health centres, health huts or health posts manned by one person. We would like to see at the RDC and at central government that we provide for the needs of the people in the health sector”. Health Systems and Services (HSS) Advisor to PAHO/WHO Dr. Paul Edwards speaking the workshop highlighted that the IHSDN encompasses the idea of patients, health official and organisation all coming together for a better healthcare service. Dr. Edwards stated that, “we should be able to have the highest resolution capacity, meaning that all resources whether human, equipment, whether financial to be able to resolve most cases… if you are able to do that persons can be taken care of right here instead of going to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).” He urged the participants to make the most of the twoday workshop emphasising that when it comes to an end, they must be able to provide quality healthcare services to their patients.
GPL gives explanations for recent blackouts The Guyana Power and Light (GPL)’s coastal power supply is returning to normalcy. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), at GPL, Renford Homer explained that a botched tree trimming exercise and a burnt jumper are among the reasons for the recent spate of blackouts. The shutdown to the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) on Sunday was as a result of a generation shortfall from reduced generation reserve. Homer further explained that when the demand was about 84 megawatts, there were 87 megawatts available for generation which left only three megawatts of reserve capacity instead of the normal 20 megawatts. In addition to this, the machines at Skeldon and Garden of Eden were being overhauled, whilst the one at Kingston was undergoing routine maintenance. “The machine at Kingston developed a high exhaust temperature and that activated the generation protection which brought the machine offline. So we could call it a generator trip, because there was not much reserve and we could not unload the feed as quickly as we would’ve wanted to, to keep the system stable, Homer explained.” On Monday at approxi-
GPL’s acting CEO, Renford Homer mately 15:15 hours GPL received a report of a burnt jumper on one of their feeders to which the transmission distribution crew quickly responded. However, while attempting to close that feeder, the system sensed an unusual surge of high current and the protection network was activated, taking the generating system offline. This resulted in sufficient generation to meet the demand at that time, Homer explained. Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning at approximately 8:45 hours, some customers on the DBIS experienced a disturbance when a number of feeders were lost due to a treetrimming exercise conducted by Atlantic Hotel Incorporated on Battery Road, Kingston. Homer pointed out that the trimmed branches fell
across GPL’s primary network causing a severe movement on two of the conductors which became intertwined which resulted in generation at Kingston plant going offline. “However, it was not a total shutdown, we were able to offload a number of feeders and maintain some stability to the system. The two circuits that stayed out for a little bit would’ve been the F8 and the F9 feeders; parts of the F8 mainly.” The F8 feeder covers Woolford Avenue, Battery Road, Kingston, New Market, Hadfield, Robb, Regent, Church and Charlotte streets, Brickdam, Homestretch Avenue, Solomon Place, Middle Street east of Camp street, east of Thomas street, Thomas Road, while F9 feeder covers Kitty. The Acting GPL CEO apologised for the inconvenience. Homer is urging citizens to be careful when carrying out exercises close to GPL’s network since they can cause significant disruption and inconvenience, which in some instances translate to additional costs for the power company.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Several supplementary provisions approved for govt. agencies The National Assembly yesterday went into Committee of Supply where a number of supplementary financial provisions were considered and approved. These provisions were presented in Financial Paper No. 2 of 2017. Supplementary allocations were approved for two constitutional agencies; the Public Service Appellate Tribunal (PSAT) and the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). As it relates to the PSAT, initially, a total of $12,499,000 was voted on for the agency. However, yesterday, an additional $17,553,272 was sought under the Current Estimates to provide for salaries and allowances for the Tribunal’s chairman, two members, a legal assistant, an accounts clerk II, an administrative assistant and one cleaner. It was noted in the remarks on the Financial Paper
that previously, the PSAT did not have a Chairman or members and as a result funds are needed to accommodate the PSAT for the remainder of 2017. Under the Capital Estimates, a total of $5M was approved as capital subvention for the purchase of office furniture and equipment for the 13 members of staff including computers, cubicles and chairs, one server, one photocopier, one fire extinguisher, two air conditioners and four filing cabinets. As it relates to the PPC, a total of $54,173,070 was sought under current estimates. This is to be directed towards the provision of salaries for one chairperson, one deputy chairperson, three commissioners, one assistant accountant, one auditor, one engineer, one Information Technology specialist and one procurement specialist for
the months of August to December. Further, the provision caters for the payment of rent, security, telephone, electricity, water, materials, equipment and supplies, fuel, local travel and subsistence, vehicle spares, janitorial and cleaning supplies, equipment maintenance, cleaning and extermination and training for the months of August to December of this year. It was noted that when the 2017 budget was prepared, the PPC was being established and was not functioning at that time. This allocation was questioned by the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. He queried the monthly rental for the building that houses the PPC. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who has responsibility for the PPC, said that the monthly rental for the building is $1.2M.
Further, under Capital Estimates, a total of $7,946,000 was approved for the purchase of one vehicle, computers, equipment and accounting and payroll software. Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Agriculture, $350M was approved as inflows for the Flood Risk Management Project. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder was asked why the amount was being sought and whether the initial provision of $650M was fully expended. The $650M was previously allocated for the construction of dams for $75M, rehabilitation of irrigation structures for $20M, construction of three pump stations for $453.52M, supervision services for $47M, institutional strengthening for $8M and $46.47M for the Project Execution Unit (PEU) operations. It was stated in the remarks section of the Financial Paper that given the acceleration of the programme, provision for inflows under the World Bank (IDA): Flood Risk Management Project is being sought to facilitate the completion of three pump stations at Lusignan, Buxton/ Vigilance and Hope/Enmore and the continuation of rehabilitation of access dams at the East Demerara Water Conservancy. Holder was asked to provide details as to how much money would have been expended on the specific as-
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo
pects of the project, however, not having the information at his disposal, the Minister committed to providing the information to the National Assembly by the end of today. Further, $180,542,000 was approved for Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development. This will be supplied under inflows from a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan to facilitate supervision consultancy services and the rehabilitation of a pump station at Mocha, East Bank Demerara as the pace of implementation has increased. Under the Sustainable Agriculture Development Project, $200,098,000 was approved to provide for additional inflows under the InterAmerican Development Bank loan to facilitate additional resources associated with the
agricultural census. A number of other supplementary provisions were approved. These were made under the Ministry of Business towards industrial development at the Lethem Industrial Estate. A total of $197,098,592 was approved for this purpose. Sums were also approved for public infrastructural projects such as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of bridges along the Bagotville Main Public Road, Sea and Water Defence works along critical sections of the coastline at Rotterdam-Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara and Cottage, Mahaicony. Funds were also approved for the reconditioning of ferry vessels totalling $100M. Specifically, MV Sandaka will be rehabilitated with this supplementary allocation.
Toronto-based group aims to... (From page 7) Petal Jettoo, explained that for the period of one week, the classrooms of St Stanislaus College will be transformed into laboratories, where practical skills and scientific knowledge will be transferred. “The workshop provides an opportunity to explore a variety of topics in chemistry, physics,
biology, engineering, electronics, and robotics.” “Each day of the workshop will have morning and afternoon session dedicated to a different topic, with breaks. But the common goal is to teach those present how use materials readily available in their environment such as charcoal and potatoes to conduct experiments rather than use the more
expensive techniques.” Jettoo explained too that the workshop is an extension of activities organised by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana. STEM activities are geared towards promoting sustainable developments as well as the Green economy and Initiatives.
The visiting five-member ‘Pueblo Science’ team currently conducting a workshop in Guyana
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“Crab Man’ to face judge and GBTI unveils new Visa chip cards jury for abducting ex-lover Forty-three year-old Shamar Mohamed called ‘Crab Man’, a taxi driver of No 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, will have to face a judge and jury. He has been committed to stand trial in the next sitting in the Berbice criminal court. This was after Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, sitting in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, ruled that a prima facie case has been made out against him. He was on trial for the offence of abduction, contrary to Section 4 of the Kidnapping Act, Chapter 10.05. Particulars of the charge state that on January 5, 2015, at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, he abducted 23year-old Bhartie Udho, a school teacher of No. 70 village, with intent to secretly or wrongfully confine her. Mohammed, who is represented by Attorney at law Chandra Sohan, was refused bail and remanded to jail. He is facing a number of additional charges including two counts of attempted murder committed on the same woman. The two had previously shared a relationship, but that relationship ended after the
Shamar Mohamed called ‘Crab Man’ woman discovered that Mohammed was a married man. However, the man did not give up and continued to bother the woman, and had developed a habit of stalking her and forcing her into his car. He would then drive to bushy areas along the upper Corentyne coastline, where he would keep her against her will. On the day in question at about 12.30hrs, the complainant’s younger sister, had accompanied her to the village bus stop, where she caught a minibus to take her
to school. However, the man, who was hiding nearby, pounced on the woman and pulled her from the back seat of the bus. Despite the intervention of other passengers, Mohammed removed the woman and took her to his backyard which had overgrown bush. He subsequently ordered her to use his cellular phone to telephone the Springlands Police station, and inform them that she had willingly left with him. However the phone credit ran out and the call was disconnected. Mohammed then left to purchase additional credit, during which time the woman used the opportunity to contact her parents, before escaping. The man is also charged with chopping Udho on December 24, 2016, with intent to murder her. The wound severed her left hand. He is also charged with chopping Udho’s mother Amika Udho with intent to murder her. In another charge he is accused of assaulting Alicia Ali, causing her actual bodily harm.
The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) is now giving their customers a safer and easier way to shop with their migration to the VISA EMV (chip cards). Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) “is a global standard for credit cards which uses computer chips to authenticate (and secure) chip-card transactions. The company has progressed with this initiative for its VISA Gold and VISA Classic cards along with the VISA Travel Classic pre-paid card. With this initiative comes numerous advantages to its users which include fraud reduction, hence creating credit card transactions safer and intensifying the customer’s experience. According to the bank, “The embedded microchip on the card stores data more securely, preventing it from being easily copied or altered. The unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) means that only you can use your card and do so securely. These cards are also globally accepted, including in Europe and in the UK.” Instead of swiping your card, the new technology offers a “dip” of the card in the slot to the base of the terminal, which is the only difference customers will notice while using the chip cards to shop at merchants. The bank urges present customers to visit the Card Centre at the Regent Street Branch or any of the branches closest to them to
request the new card and also to experience the security of the GBTI’s Visa Chip Cards. GBTI said that their cus-
tomers’ security is of utmost importance and that they are always exploring new methods of protection.
LIAT, Ogle Airport Inc. agree on Passenger Facilitation Fee On Monday, 24th July, 2017, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority led by Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field hosted a meeting with a team from LIAT led by Chief Executive Officer, Julie Reifer-Jones and representatives from the Ogle Airport Inc. led by Anthony Mekdeci, to discuss concerns relating to the airport Passenger Facilitation Fee which LIAT’s passengers are required to pay for the use of facilities at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (Ogle Airport
- for Sept 1 implementation Inc.) and which is being charged to LIAT. The parties agreed that an airport Passenger Facilitation fee is a normal and legitimate airport charge to the passenger and that, with IATA’s approval, effective 1st September, 2017, this fee will be included in the LIAT ticket price and will appear on the LIAT ticket for any booking on LIAT for international flights departing Guyana from the
Eugene F. Correia International Airport. LIAT committed to working with Ogle Airport’s management to ensure that the Airport is paid on schedule in accord with an agreed payment plan. The airline also expressed that is very proud of its years of service to Guyana. The airport stated that it recognizes LIAT as an important and valued customer.
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‘Bartica Safari 2017’ launched
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with Rainforest Tours, Palm Spring Hotel and MMC Security Force yesterday launched Bartica Safari 2017 - the inaugural Bartica 4x4 Safari - at the Ministry of Business. The Safari, which is slated for August 18-20, aims at satisfying both Guyanese and visitors who are “starved for adventurous activities”. The launch of the event was attended by the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh; Representative of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari and Rain Forest Tours, Lisa Smith; Proprietor of Palm Spring Hotel, Ramcharran Boodhoo; owner of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh and Senior Product Development Officer, Kamrul Baksh who was the Master of Ceremonies. It was disclosed that some of the activities that “‘Safarians’ can expect during this drive include sight-seeing, visiting the Baracara Falls and the water-wheel, tasting the famous Tacoma worm, viewing the amazing wildlife, birds, creeks and streams also viewing the way of life the Amerindians and being greeted by the most hospitable folks”. The registration fee is five thousand dollars per vehicle, and those who just want to go as passengers will pay a small amount of fifty thousand Guyana dollars inclusive of meals, accommodation, transportation and recreation. Baksh explained that this is the fourth Safari route that is being explored and is a follow up on the previous Safaris in the North Pakaraima, Moraikobai, and South
From right, Owner of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh, Senior Product Development Officer, Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh, Representative of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari and Rain Forest Tours, Lisa Smith and Proprietor of Palm Spring Hotel, Ramcharran Boodhoo. Rupununi districts. He noted that, “The Bartica 4x4 Safari offers to the public the opportunity to engage in a life-changing experience. The challenges in overcoming the rugged terrain, the chance to see both historic and natural scenic spots, to enjoy the comfort of a contemporary and luxurious hotel are just a few of the highlights of this safari.” According to Baksh, this Safari is a welcome addition and the Guyana Tourism Authority is happy to support the venture. He informed the public that each of the Safaris is unique in its own way. In addition, he said the company is trying to expand and diversify the tourism offerings. Haralsingh then addressed the gathering, stating that, “I must say that the Guyana Tourism Authority is very proud to be associated with this Inaugural Bartica Safari. We are very committed to promoting and encourag-
ing responsible, affordable, adventure travel, outdoor recreation and short get-a-ways”. He then noted the importance of the authority to develop new routes and attractions which will allow Guyanese and visitors to explore the country. He said, “This year, I must tell you that, there has been a record for safari drives and both for 4x4 ATV and off-road bikes. He explained that the first safari for the year was done in Moraikobai over the Mashramani weekend. This safari was followed by a “Wet Savannah Drive” around the Phagwah season also to Moraikobai, but by a separate organization. The Pakaraima Mountain Safari was done during the Easter weekend and was followed by a PreEmancipation Savannah Drive to several Amerindian villages on the Linden Highway. He said that another “drive” is expected in September to Moraikobai.
Another Safari that is scheduled for November is headed to the South Rupununi while the village will be having its annual Expo. He expounded on the fact that the Safaris give locals an opportunity to view the country’s true beauty. Singh questioned, “How many of you have ever seen a Carib?” He clarified that, “The entire Caribbean is named after the Caribs and today there are no Caribs in the Caribbean, there are however in Region One in Guyana, so the chance is out there for a river Safari.” He is therefore urging “those who love the outdoors and adventure and nature, to join this and the other safaris” that they have planned. He said the event is “ideal for a family” and encouraged the audience to “find a 4x4” and get on board, since there are already twelve vehicles who would have confirmed their participation. The trip is said to include
visits to two waterfalls, which according to Haralsingh, are accessible in the sense that visitors can sit under the falls. Lisa Smith then highlighted the order in which the events are scheduled to run. She said, “We’re scheduled to meet at Rainforest Tours on the morning of the 18th, which is located at the lot 5 Avenue of the Republic on Robb Street and will be departing towards the mining town of Linden at 04:00am, where we will have our very first stop for breakfast, a little bit of relaxation and then we’re heading onward to the Mabura Road, towards Rockstone, home of the ‘Fish festival’.“
“We will then head towards the ‘Sherima Crossing’ and on to the Potaro Issano Road towards Bartica, arriving around lunch time. We will be checking in at the Palm Spring Hotel located at Third Avenue, Bartica. Afterwards, the Safarians are allowed to relax, refresh, take a lime to the beach to see where the famous annual Bartica Safari is held and overnight at the hotel.” “On day two, which is Saturday, 19 August 2017, we will be having breakfast after which we will depart the hotel at 08:00am towards the Baracara Falls. Our activities for that day include nature trailing, outdoor cooking, swimming, enjoying the fresh water falls and recreation and bonding, after which we will come back to the hotel, refresh and then experience the Bartica Saturday night life.” “On the final day which will be Sunday 20th August, 2017, we will have breakfast. Safarians are allowed to go out into the town and do sightseeing, shopping and interact with the people in the town and then we will depart at 01:00pm for Georgetown at which we will be arriving at around 7 or 8 at night.” Interested persons can contact the Guyana Tourism Authority on telephone numbers: 219-0094-6 and Fax: 2190093.
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Air France expands North Korea Large fire rips through no-fly zone after missile miss Dubai’s Torch Tower PARIS (Reuters) - Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) has expanded its no-fly zone over North Korea after one of its jets flew past the location where an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) splashed down 10 minutes later, an airline spokesman said on Thursday.Air France’s flight 293, a Boeing (BA.N) 777 carrying 323
people from Tokyo to Paris, missed North Korea’s latest ICBM as it fell to earth on July 28 by about 100 km (60 miles), the spokesman said, citing flight data provided by Japan. Air France-KLM flies direct to Tokyo and Osaka and the expansion of the no-fly zone could make the flights 10 minutes to 30 minutes
longer, depending on the direction, the spokesman said. North Korea said on Saturday its latest ICBM test proved its ability to strike America’s mainland, drawing a sharp warning from U.S. President Donald Trump and a rebuke from China. France 24 first reported the expansion of the non-fly zone.
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan convoy attack :coalition WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - A NATO soldier was killed and six other personnel were wounded in Afghanistan on Thursday after a suicide bomber attacked their convoy in Kabul province, a coalition statement said. The wounded were being treated at a U.S. military hospital at Bagram Airfield and
were in stable condition, the statement said. The incident occurred in Qarabagh district. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the soldier killed was not American, but provided no further details. A suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan on Wednesday killed two American troops as they were traveling in a con-
voy near the airport in the southern city of Kandahar, the U.S. military said, in a strike claimed by the Taliban insurgency. The attack was seen as a reminder of the dangers posed to the 8,400 U.S. f o r c e s c u r r e n t l y i n Afghanistan as President Donald Trump weighs sending thousands more troops to fight America’s longest war.
China takes control of Sri Lanka’s port ...after country failed to repay loan
A large fire has ripped through a residential skyscraper in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates - for the second time in two years. Footage posted on social media showed flames spreading up the Torch Tower, and burning debris falling down. Civil defence officials have “successfully evacuated” the building and are now working to bring the blaze under control, Dubai’s authorities say. It is not clear what caused the fire in one of the world’s tallest buildings. The Torch was damaged by an earlier blaze in 2015. The 79-storey skyscraper opened in 2011 was the world’s tallest residential building at its opening, but has since been surpassed by six others Is thought to be the 32nd tallest building in the world, according to the Skyscraper Centre It has 676 apartments. A two-bedroom flat starts at more than $500,000 (£381,000) Residents have access to an eight-storey garage and a swimming pool overlooking Dubai’s waterfront
Mercosur trade bloc to evict Venezuela: source
Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port is officially China’s own port, for 99 years. That’s according to a landmark agreement signed early last week, which gives China Merchants Ports Holdings—an arm of the Chinese government—70 percent stake in the Indian Ocean’s prominent outpost. The Hambantota port expansion begun with loans from China. But when Sri Lanka could not pay back the loans, Beijing converted these loans to equity, in essence turning Sri Lanka into a “semi-colony,” as was the case with China’s own Southern ports after she lost a war with European powers— though in a subtle way. The taking over of
Hambantota by Beijing is bad news for both Pakistan and India — for different reasons. For Pakistan, the deal will serve as a model for the future of CPEC (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor), a huge transportation network connecting China to the Arabian Sea at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Like Hambantota, CPEC started with loans that will eventually be converted into equity, as it seems very unlikely Pakistan will ever be in a position to pay them back. This means that Beijing will one day own CPEC, and collect tolls from every vehicle that makes use of it. For New Delhi, the Hambantota deal is bad news because it’s one more step to
encircle and pacify India by Beijing. China’s enormous investment in CPEC, and port infrastructure in the Indian Ocean, serves much more than trade. It advances Beijing’s “String of Pearls” strategy, as well as its unofficial agenda to encircle India through its arch-rival, Pakistan. To be fair, the Hambantota port will make it easier for India to trade with Sri Lanka. But it could also be used as a naval station for China should the two countries ever engage in a full-scale war. Meanwhile, China’s growing presence in Sri Lanka undermines India’s efforts to influence the foreign policy of the country.
BRASILIA (Reuters) South American trade bloc Mercosur will trigger its democratic clause this weekend to suspend Venezuela indefinitely and not allow it back until democracy is restored, a Brazilian government source said on Thursday. The decision will be taken at a meeting of the foreign ministers of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil in Sao Paulo on Saturday, said the official with knowledge of the negotiations. Mercosur suspended Venezuela temporarily from the bloc in December for not complying with the bloc’s regulations, but the deterioration of the political and human rights situation has led it to take a more definitive stance. The bloc had planned to decide on applying the democratic clause at year-end, but brought the decision forward following Venezuela’s controversial election of a constituent assembly on Sunday followed by the arrest of several opposition leaders by President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
“The Venezuelan situation has become intolerable,” Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie told reporters in Montevideo. “For Argentina, it is clear that we have reached a breaking point.” Argentina warned in July that Mercosur would permanently expel Venezuela if Maduro went ahead with the creation of a national assembly. Countries around the world have condemned the vote, calling it a bid to indefinitely extend Maduro’s rule. His government has been accused of inflating turnout numbers. Millions in Venezuela are suffering food shortages, soaring inflation and months of anti-government unrest, making it more unlikely that
such a high turnout was obtained by the government. More than 120 people have been killed in the protests, drawing international condemnation of the security forces’ heavy-handed tactics. Mercosur has no provision for expulsion, but activating the democratic clause adds to the international isolation of the Maduro government because Venezuela can only be readmitted after holding elections that the bloc members view to be democratic. Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassú, additional reporting by Malena Castaldi in Montevideo; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by David Gregorio and Sandra Maler
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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. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966
WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Experienced roti/puri cook, curry cook and waiters. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street. (Day Shift only) Senior Diesel Mechanic to work in G/Town. Call: 2181455 Live in and live out waitress. Call: 643-9007/666-4647 Mature, experienced salesman/driver, able to work flexible hours, apply with reference/police clearance @ Key Food, Mc Doom
LAND FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
MINING BLOCKS FOR SALE @ OMAI & CUYUNI NEAR BUCKHALL GY$2,500,000 EACH. CALL: 622-7563
2012 Nissan Bluebird: reverse camera, low mileage, unregistered. New model Allion coming -$3.3M negotiable. Call: 655-3400
Land @ No.7 Village W.C.B – 86’X317’, roadside -$34M negotiable. Call:622-6473 (Raj), 648-6873 (Bernard), 661-4604 (Veronica)
RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577
Land in Zeelugt new scheme, $2.5M,Providence- $4.2M, land in Tuschen (Phase 1) - $2.5M & La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.7M – 642-1252
Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson -165 -$1.7M, MF-135 - $1.2M, MF-265 -$2.2M, 165 Loader tractor -$2.4M. Call: 6825230/ 615-4414
Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397
2005 Tacoma from Canada bull bar -$2.4M, Ford F150 sport -$1.5M, Ranger sport $1.4M. Call: 682-5230/ 6154414
26 Happy Acres, East Coast, 5,830sq (53X110), 25 Million, negotiable. Call: 614-4358
1 RZ minibus, excellent condition. The price is right, one wooden lathe machine. Call: 616-3288/233-0269/6908247
Land for sale @ Uitvlugt New Scheme, 50X100 feet, 20 feet reserved -$2.6M. Call: 6585897/ 673-2692
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045
Mature maid to work 3 Days weekly, must know to cook . Apply with recommendation @ Key Food, Mc Doom Village.
Elain’s Ville, gated community in Providence, deal- $8.5M. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Contract cars for taxi service -$15,000, $18,000 & $21,000 weekly, according to conditions, also drivers. Call: 683-6645
Uitvlugt New Scheme (100ftX50ft) -$2.8M, First Street (20 feet Reserve). Call: 656-0701/651-1969
Are you troubling with back problems, headaches or joint pains, stress, depression? For therapy call: 231-1284
Ron’s Real Estate seriously pays cash for residential house lots in Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, other areas. Call: 656-0701/651-1969
Vehicle servicing and repair weekdays and weekends @ Reliable Automotive Service. Call: 658-3251 or reliableautomotiveservice @gmail.com.Pickup Available
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Register Now! Summer Courses in cosmetology & nails 7th -18th August; Cost: $20,000. Limited space available. Call: 618-2417 Nail course, hair course. Call: 697-2733
Friday August 04, 2017
Kaieteur News
MASSAGE Train to become a Swedish massage therapist in 6 weeks. Call: 231-1284
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Farm (East Bank next to Herstelling, New Scheme), (100ftX500ft) - $2.8M. Call: 667-1960/ 611-7223 Herstelling New Scheme, 110ftX60ft main road, foundation with 15 columns, deal -$5.5M. Call: 667-1960/ 611-7223
Toyota Premio 2005 with AC, music and alarm, PTT series, price negotiable, good condition. Call: 617-5257/ 6199894 C-T Cummings Engine starter for sale (foreign used). Call: 649-8449/ 615-6683
La Parfaite Harmonie: $3M, $1.7M, $2.5M, $1.2M, Tuschen house & land $2.7M, Eccles - $6M, Herstelling - $3M. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608 La Parfaite Harmonie (main road) - $3M, $1.2M, $1.7M, Eccles -$6M, Tuschen $2.5M, Herstelling -$3M. Call: 666-2326 Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988 Titled land: E.B.D River @ Loo Creek, Linden Highway, 85.6 Acres, water source, farm land, etc. Call: 625-8589/6880882/518-859-5313
Rising Star Academy: Register now for kindergarten & Grades 1-4, build a strong foundation for common entrance. Call: 677-0296 First Aid/CPR Courses available at St. John Ambulance Brigade for morning and evening classes. Call: 225-9082 9 Course, Diploma in computer- office 2016, windows 10 -$20,000 off for CXC students 2017 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057
Nissan Pathfinder jeep, fully loaded, left hand drive. Call: 609-7766
Computerized Accounting, PC Repairs and graphics courses. Register Now @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057/Study in Canada or USA Call Now!
VACANCY Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 One data entry clerk, must be computer literate & have passes @ CXC Maths & English. Apply PO BOX12118
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 600 Amps automatic, transfer switches, switch gears, motors. Call: 666-6046 New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots available. Cash or terms. Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402 E l e v a t o r, g l a s s s l i d i n g door, ceiling fans, metal gates. Call: 231-1284/2239719 Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D - $1200USD. Call 6471773 1-2 Bedrooms bottom flat spacious apartment @ 5th Avenue Diamond, grilled & secured, concrete fence, parking available -$70,000 monthly. Call: 662-9335/6123244 Place to rent @ Republic Park a r e a , r e c e n t l y renovated, hot & cold bath, with air-condition. Call: 671-9283
Summer Computer classes for age 5-14 early registration starting @ $8,500 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057
One pit bull minibus, BTT series, in excellent working condition, with alarm, price – $1.8M negotiable. Call: 625-9204/691-8272/6181828
Amelia’s Ward Linden, concrete fencing, 100X50ft, not too far from police outpost, deal -$2.5M. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969 2 ½ Acres riverside land, 5 Acres land with 5,000 sq.ft building, Brickery, East Bank Demerara. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874
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1 Counter clerk, must have a decent handwriting & passes in Maths & English. Send handwritten application to PO BOX 12118 CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN, MINIMUM 3 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE, FACTORY ASSISTANT 266 4427 Cupboard & panel door maker @ Blair Molding Shop. Call: 686-7306 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm Farm workers, live in can be arranged. Call: 661-1585/ 6172032 2 Professional seamstress salary-$150,000 & 4 heavy duty sewing machine operatorswages - $50,000. Call: 227-8538; Roxie’s Fashion
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 7 Bedrooms house on double lot, fenced, private yard in Georgetown, executive 4 bedrooms new house in Eccles. Call: 609-7766 Transported 2 story with shop ideal for business, E.B.D Soesdyke, Public Road. Call: 625-8589/ 688-0882/518-8595313
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New Magisterial District formally... Media operators voice concerns over... From page 12 the Principal Act dealing with form of application for licences and payment of fees. While Clause five amends the Principal Act to insert four new sections, sections 39A to 39D. Section 39A provides for every broadcasting agency to broadcast public service programmes. Section 39B exhorts nonpublication of programmes containing hate speech and racial incitement or terror threats. Section 39C provides for
audited accounts. Section 39D deals with international agreement for broadcasting any channel or programme as part of our local service. Clause Six of the Bill amends section 40 of the principal Act relating to the payment of fees. The applicant for a licence shall pay the fees provided for in the Second Schedule. Clause Seven in the inserted section 49 empowers the Minister by Regulations subject to negative resolution of the National Assembly to amend the First and Second
Schedules while Clause eight inserts the First and Second Schedules in the Principal Act. Clause nine of the Bill deals with persons carrying on broadcasting services immediately before the commencement of this Act. It states that every person carrying on a broadcasting service immediately before the commencement of this Act has to apply for a broadcasting service licence. Clause 10 provides for the revocation of the Broadcasting Regulations 2014.
‘Hawaii’ remanded for trafficking coke, ganja Residents of Linden, Ituni and Kwakwani will now enjoy ease of access to justice with the constitution of the Upper Demerara Magisterial District From page 8 which they seek remedies. Residents, including victims of domestic abuse are trapped in loveless relationships with their abusers; mothers are denied access to their children because they cannot take their husbands and/or children-fathers to court. “The law should be a great leveler. It should not be a weapon for the strong and powerful against the poor, weak and vulnerable. It emphasises citizens’ basic human right to have legal recourse and redress for wrongs committed against them and their property and for the preservation of public order,” the Head of State explained. The Chancellor informed residents that Magistrate Clive Nurse will be resident in the community and that hearings will now be held five days per week with the exception of the first and third Fridays of each month when sittings will be held in Kwakwani. Prior to this, the Court only sat one day per week in Kwakwani. Apart from the residents, police too have been inconvenienced because to file a case in Linden, they have to travel to Vreed-en-Hoop, while residents in Kwakwani had to travel to Berbice. The Chancellor explained that this created an untenable situation, particularly for single mothers, who were forced incur high transportation costs just to uplift spousal and/or child support payments. “This hardship obtained
because of the issue of jurisdiction. Kwakwani fell in the Berbice District and Linden fell in the Demerara District, but at the opening of this new court three years ago, Justice Carl Singh [former Chancellor] recognised the need for the new District and started the process for its creation,” she explained. Subsequently, a survey was conducted by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to define the boundaries and persons from Linden were trained at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, who will be working in the new District. Attorney-at-law, Ms. Leslyn Charles, who is also a Lindener, said that while the building that once housed the Christianburg Magistrates’ Court held deep historical significance for the residents of Region 10, it has become wholly inadequate for court
proceedings. However, the new Linden Magistrate’s Court, which was constructed on Burnham Drive in 2013 after the Christianburg Court was destroyed by fire, has all the modern amenities which, coupled with the constitution of a new District, will bring tremendous benefits to the residents of the Region. “For one thing, it will provide several new jobs in new career focus areas for young people in a town that still struggles to provide alternatives to the traditional bauxite industry jobs,” she said. The ceremony ended with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of a plaque by President Granger at the Court. The event was attended by members of the Judiciary, residents of the Linden community and officials from the Regional Administration and the Town Council.
Forty-six-year-old Shawn Samuels called ‘Hawaii’ was yesterday remanded to prison for trafficking narcotics after he appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The first charge read that on July 31 at Mowasi Landing, Essequibo, he had in his possession 55 grams of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. It was further alleged that on the same day in question he had in his possession five grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The man was represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-fat. The lawyer told the court that the alleged narcotics were not found in his client’s possession. He went on to tell the court that the alleged narcotics were found in a workshop
party of policemen who took him to the workshop and told him about the offence. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Telford objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. The prosecutor added that the drugs were found in the presence of the defendant and he accepted to ownership of the drugs when the allegation was put to him. Samuels will make his next court appearance on August 9.
Remanded to prison: Shawn Samuels which is owned by the defendant, but he had not visited the location for five weeks. The court heard that the defendant was driving a taxi when he was stopped by a
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Jamaican woman wins court case following detention by immigration authorities PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The court has awarded Sasha Watson – a Jamaican woman. over TT$200,000 (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) in damages following her unlawful detention by immigration authorities here. The Trinidad Express reports that her lawyers said it
was unlawful for police and Immigration authorities to round up foreigners and detain them at the Immigration Detention Centre, Aripo, where they are denied fundamental human rights. Scores of detainees at the centre have pleaded for their freedom in the midst of
injured. The Airport Authority said three had to seek medical attention at Hospital. “On Wednesday 2nd August, 2017 at 9pm, American Airlines Flight 2713 contacted the ATC Tower to advise that they experienced severe turbulence while en route from Miami to Port of Spain and would require medical assistance upon arrival at the
Piarco International Airport as there were injuries on board,” the AATT said in a release on Thursday. The Authority said the aircraft landed safely at 9:33 pm (local time) and emergency response agencies arrived on site immediately to lend support. The Authority said it remains committed to the safety and security of customers.
St. Kitts Nevis to become the first in OECS and CARICOM to eliminate mother to child HIV transmission
Timothy Harris BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris says the federation is on track to becoming the first country in the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), CARICOM, and the Americas, outside of Cuba, to bring an end to mother to child transmission with respect to HIV, as indicated by health officials from the across the region. “This is a most significant achievement and while some work and test are still being finalized, the fact that this information was shared publicly in a setting like that speaks to the confidence
which the authorities have with respect to this development in St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Harris on Wednesday during his monthly press conference. “So we are taking leadership. It doesn’t mean that all is well or perfect in our fight and battle with respect to HIV and other health issues, but it means that on this particular indicator we are top of the class and we hope that this preliminary finding will in fact come to fruition very shortly and so this acclaim, noteworthy as it is, could be another important one for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to enjoy.”
Destra Garcia
squalid and oppressive conditions in which they are being kept. On July 3, the State conceded in the litigation brought against it by Watson. High Court Judge Frank Seepersad ordered judgment in her favour and for the State pay her inclusive of damages, interest and costs.
Thirty passengers injured on Miami-Port of Spain flight PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC. – The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) says as many as 30 passengers on board an American Airlines flight were injured during turbulence as the aircraft approached the Piarco International Airport late Wednesday. Initial reports had indicated that 22 people were
Trinidadian soca star hurt in stage fall
Harris recently attended a forum in New York, geared at promoting partnership for expanding healthcare to Every Caribbean Woman, Every Caribbean Child. He attended in his capacity as lead head in the Quasi CARICOM Cabinet with responsibility for Human Resource Development, Health and HIV. While in New York he met with several donor agencies including the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiatives personalities “to see how we could procure further assistance and support for the CARICOM region as a whole to advance the development of healthcare”. “We had very useful discussions with President Clinton, not only on matters of health but issues of global interest, including the security situation in the region and how he can utilize his considerable clout as a popular 42nd President of the USA to assist the Caribbean, particularly, in the context that 95 percent of all guns and ammunition located in illegal activities are attributed to production in the USA,” he said, adding that the matter of safety and security is one which President Clinton has agreed to “undertake to give study and support”.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Trinidadian soca star Destra Garcia has reportedly broken an ankle after falling from a stage during her performance at a concert here late Wednesday. According to an eyewitness, the 38-year-old performer slipped between the stage and a speaker during
the Summer Splash concert ahead of Bermuda’s twoday national Cup Match holiday. While she had earlier placed a foot on a speaker during the show, she fell attempting to do so again, bringing her performance to a halt, the witness said. “It looked like she might have hit her head as well,” the
witness told the Royal Gazette newspaper. “She was down for about 20 minutes before they took her away on a stretcher. It was scary.” Known as the Queen of Bacchanal, Garcia was joined by a number of other stars at the concert, including Jamaican dancehall artiste Sean Paul.
Chinese national to challenge government’s decision to withdraw passport BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – An attorney for a Chinese fugitive who returned to Beijing last month to face charges of fraud involving at least US$100 million, says he will seek a judicial review of the decision of the St. KittsNevis government not to reissue his client with a local passport. Attorney Chesley Hamilton, speaking on WINN FM radio here said that the judicial review is aimed at addressing the matter of the government not having extended his client, Ren Biao, rights and privileges to continue to use the St Kitts and Nevis passport which he had acquired under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). “The cabinet has made a decision not to re-issue him his passport at the moment and I have instructions to deal with that matter in terms of a judicial review,” he told radio listeners. Ren Biao is accused by the Chinese authorities of swindling US$100 million from a Chinese state company and Beijing had called on the Timothy Harris government to have him extradited to face the charges. He was detained here for three days by police while the discussion for his extradition continued and Hamilton says Ren Biao was very upset by the treatment he received. “Yes he is very upset in terms of the fact that he was
Ren Biao arrested here for three days for no apparent reason and the façade that there was some ongoing investigation about protection money and he is very upset over the treatment that he has gotten from the Harris administration and he continues to be upset that as a citizen they have failed to issue him his passport and offer him the rights and privileges of a St Kitts Nevis citizen.” But Prime Minister Harris told WINN FM that he has received no complaint from Ren Biao or his attorney in that regard. “That is a matter for law enforcement and the law enforcement I am sure has no particular axe to grind, and gone about their activities and their investigation in a very professional matter.” He said the details of any interaction involving the Chinese national and the police “are not matters I can com-
ment upon and indeed, I have never received a complaint regarding the treatment by law enforcement officers with respect to him. “From all accounts the exercises undertaken by the police were very professionally done, they facilitated him to meet with his lawyers and have all queries basically answered. To my knowledge, no complaint has ever been made by anyone in relation to those interactions and so it is unfortunate at this late hour that such complaints would be uttered,” Harris told radio listeners. Ren Biao had hoped to travel to China with his St Kitts and Nevis passport, but had to settle instead for a temporary Chinese document. “The matter of his passport is one which is under part of the investigation that is being conducted by the police. It has to do with those passports and therefore the Commissioner of Police was of the view that at this particular moment in time having regard to the active investigation, that it would not be prudent for the passport be made available at this particular moment in time. We are happy that he has had recourse to other instruments that has facilitated his travel,” Prime Minister Harris said. He told listeners that the matter is part of an active investigation.
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Commonwealth Bank faces fines over anti-laundering laws Australia’s biggest mortgage lender has been accused of massive breaches of anti-
money laundering laws. The country’s financial intelligence agency launched
proceedings on Thursday against Commonwealth Bank for 53,700 alleged breaches.
The proceedings relate to the bank’s intelligent deposit machines (IDMs), which were
allegedly used by criminal syndicates to launder money. The bank could face huge financial penalties over the breaches. The Australian Transactions Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac) said the machines facilitated anonymous cash deposits, because the cardholder’s details are not known to Commonwealth Bank unless he or she is a customer. The machines can accept up to 20,000 Australian dollars (£11,976; $15,845) per cash transaction and there is no limit on the number of daily transactions. The machines count the deposits and instantly credit them to the nominated account, making them available for immediate transfer domes-
tically or overseas. Austrac says that between 2012 and 2015, Commonwealth Bank consistently failed to meet deadlines to report cash transactions of more than 10,000 Australian dollars or more. These 53,506 transactions had a total value of about 624.7m Australian dollars. The agency accused the bank of failing to carry out a money-laundering and terrorism financing risk assessment before it rolled out the machines in 2012, and failing to properly monitor accounts that might have used the machines. The bank faces a maximum penalty of 18m Australian dollars for each of the 53,700 alleged breaches.
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RHTYSC/Busta Champion of Champions
Twenty teams to contest inaugural softball version of tourney Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, since 2004 has hosted the Annual Busta Champion of Champions tournament with sponsorship from the Guyana Beverage Company under the dynamic leadership of General Manager Robert Selman. The tournament over the years had developed into Berbice’s premier cricket competition with unmatched organisation, Radio commentary, play of the highest level, a very attractive financial package and huge crowds at its finals due to quality promotion.
The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and the Guyana Beverage Company after much discussion has agreed to play the 2017 edition of the Busta Champion of Champions using the softball version. A total of 22 teams drawn from across the Ancient County of Berbice would be invited to be a part of this historic tournament which would also be used to promote the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Say No/ Say Yes Message. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the decision was very difficult to make but informed that the
climate in Berbice cricket under the present leadership was not conducive and his club did not want to be caught up in personal vendetta, setting of personal scores and cricket politics. Among the teams that are expected to play in the tournament are Rising Star, Hustlers, Shamie Grocery, Chesney, Rose Hall Canje, Grill Master, Letter Kenny, Tain, Canje Pathfinders, Hard Knock of Alness, Underdogs, Toopoo, Hampshire and Rose Hall Town. The tournament would be played over three different weekends at the Hampshire, Rose Hall Canje and Rose Hall
Bolt on show for final time as London.... (From page 36) championships, it’s a final, so it’s all about who can keep their nerves,” said the threetime Olympic sprint double champion. “If I show up for a championships, if I am here, you know I am fully confident and ready to go. ”The last race I ran 9.95 and it showed I am going in the right direction, so after these two rounds leading up to the final, which always help me, then for me I am going forward.” Jamaican Elaine Thompson and Bahamian Shaunae
Miller-Uibo are two other Caribbean headliners for the meet. The 24-year-old Thompson, the reigning Olympic sprint double champion, will also run only the women’s 100m, which gets going tomorrow. Miller-Uibo, the Olympic Games 400m champion, takes on the 200/400m double but according to her, special focus will be on the one lap event. “I think I am pretty ready. Everything is going well,” Miller-Uibo said yesterday. ”The main thing is the
400m so once I get done with the 400m, the 200m is just there for play. I just want to go out there and have fun with it.” Meanwhile, seven other Caribbean athletes will be in action on today’s opening day. Antigua and Barbuda’s Chavaughn Walsh will be in the preliminaries of the men’s 100m, along with Barbadians Mario Burke and Ramon Gittens, and Bahamian Warren Fraser. They are challenging for a place in the heats, the stage at which Bolt enters later in the evening. In the men’s discus, Jamaicans Fedrick Dacres and Traves Smikle are down to contest the opening round. The 23-year-old is the world number two with a throw of 68.88 metres. Damar Forbes and Ramone Bailey, both Jamaicans, will be the Englishspeaking Caribbean’s representatives in the men’s long jump. The opening day’s activities will end with the men’s 10 000m final.
Town grounds. The first round would be played for 5-overs per side, second round and semifinals 10-overs per side while the 3rd place playoff and the final will be contested using the T20 format. The tournament would only allow round-hand bowling while only Berbice players shall be allowed to play. The prize package would be worth close to $300,000 while the organisers would provide balls and umpires.
Interested teams are encouraged to call RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary Simon Naidu on telephone number 337 4562 or 614 1008 for more information or email: foster_hilbert@yahoo.com. The deadline for entry is Tuesday August 8th, next and entrance forms are available at the RHTYSC Area ‘H’ ground Office. The hardball version of the Busta Cup was first played in 2004 and over the years, the Rose Hall Town Gizmos
& Gadgets First Division Team has won it twelve times while Port Mourant and Albion each won it once. Players who have played in the tournament include Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Brandon Bess, Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergon, Esuan Crandon, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Shemaine Campbelle and Gajanand Singh among others.
Friday August 04, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Travel opportunities should be your first choice. Don't allow personal problems to conflict with professional duties. This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Make a point of working on yourself. Don't get involved in other people's private doings. Socialize with friends, but don't overspend on lavish entertainment. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Short trips to visit others will do the whole family a world of good. Children may be demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot more than you can really afford. Tell them to get out of the mess they are in and then you'll consider getting together with them. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury. Dazzle them with your intellectual conversation. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging romantic connections.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a great day to mingle with people you would like to impress. Try not to be too aggressive or judgmental when talking to your mate. Emotionally you won't see things accurately. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Make changes to your home that will be pleasing to everyone involved. You must get out and mingle. Take work home but be sure to spend some time with your mate. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Keep a lookout for any individuals eager to confront you with unsavory situations. Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. Take a close look at any contracts you've signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass today. Family members will not be happy with the amount of time you are spending away from home. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand. You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. Children may be less than honest with you.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may have more to do with children today; keep an open mind. Arguing won't help. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your ability to come up with good solutions for problems related to work will no doubt help you in getting a promotion. Your temper may erupt if you have allowed others to cost you too much money. Complete those hobbies you started a long time ago.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't confide in any relatives whom you know have a tendency to meddle in other people's affairs. They will jump at the chance to do something without you if it sounds like more fun. Too much too fast will be the attitude surrounding your home environment.
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Russia apologises over country’s doping scandal for the first time Russia has apologised over the doping scandal uncovered by the McLaren report for the first time, but will remain suspended from international athletics. Athletics’ governing body the IAAF banned Russia in November 2015 over evidence of statesponsored doping. Russia athletics boss Dmitry Shylakhtin said the
ban was “correct” and said sorry to athletes beaten by dopers. Rune Andersen, chairman of the IAAF taskforce looking into Russian doping, welcomed the “important” development. But at a vote on whether to readmit the Russian Athletics Federation (Rusaf), 166 members voted to support the country’s ban, with 21 voting to repeal it.
Russia would only have been reinstated had a two-thirds majority voted in its favour. ”I would like to apologise to all athletes who have had gold and silver medals snatched from them at competitions,” Shylakhtin told an IAAF conference in London yesterday. “I can assure you that our new team will fight doping and what happened will never happen
Third Edition of Scotiabank CONCACAF U-13 Champions League Opens in Mexico tomorrow
M i a m i – T h e Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2017 Scotiabank CONCACAF U13 Champions League. The third edition of the c o m p e t i t i o n k i c k s o ff tomorrow and runs through August 12. The invitational tournament, featuring sixteen of the region’s top under-13 clubs representing ten different CONCACAF Member Associations, will be played in its entirety at the Mexican Football Federation Headquarters, in Toluca, Mexico. ”We are very much looking forward to the kickoff of this new edition of the U-13 Champions League, a great event featuring our youngest age category, made possible
through our partnership with Scotiabank and the FMF,” said CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio. ”At CONCACAF, we are working every day to more meaningfully assist in the development of the game across our region. Now entering into the third edition of this competition, the Scotiabank U-13 Champions League has been an unqualified success and model development initiative.” ”Scotiabank aims to support organisations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential,” said John Doig, Executive VicePresident & Chief Marketing Officer, Scotiabank. “We believe this is an investment in the long-term security, stability and growth of our communities. Scotiabank is a proud sponsor of youth futbol in the international
countries where we do business. These sponsorships provide Scotiabank the opportunity to support young people in futbol. We wish all the teams the best of luck!” In Mexico, the sixteen participating U-13 clubs will play in round-robin format for the group stage with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals, third-place match and final. The 2016 edition of the CONCACAF U-13 Champions League was played in Mexico City, Mexico. C.D. Santa Ana (El Salvador) was crowned champion, besting Comunicaciones FC (Guatemala) in the final. All matches of this year’s tournament will be shown live at the official website, which features live broadcasts from the tournament as well as stats, information about the teams, photos and other content. C O N C A C A F , Scotiabank and the FMF will host a kickoff press conference on Friday, August 4 at 9 am local time at the Pepsi Center CDMX in Mexico City. Media are cordially invited to attend. (CONCACAF)
again.” Nineteen Russians will be competing as neutral athletes at the World Championships in London, which begin today. The country could be reinstated in November, by which time it is expected to have met reforms set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada). Andersen said a November return was “in Russia’s hands”, adding: “They could complete the
steps without much further delay.” Russia’s sport leaders have previously promised to improve the country’s record on doping, but the pace of progress has also been criticised. The McLaren report, commissioned by Wada, detailed evidence of an “institutionalised and disciplined medal-winning conspiracy” that operated in Russia between 2011 and 2015. More than 1,000 Russian athletes - including
Olympic medallists - were said to have benefited. As a consequence, Wada recommended banning all Russian athletes from competing at the Olympics in Brazil last summer, but the International Olympic Committee ruled that individual sporting federations should decide. The IAAF was the only governing body to enforce a blanket ban on Russian athletes. (BBCsport)
Australia pay row: Deal agreed ‘in principle’ to resolve pay dispute
Australia play the first of five Tests against England in Brisbane on 23 November. A deal has been agreed “in principle” by Australia’s players to resolve a longrunning pay dispute that could have threatened this winter’s Ashes series against England. Cricket Australia says a deal was struck with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) yesterday. T h e Te s t t o u r o f Bangladesh starting this month is now expected to go ahead. Australia A’s tour of South Africa was cancelled in July amid the row over the scrapping of a revenuesharing model. Australia’s leading 230 players have effectively been unemployed since the previous five-year agreement expired on 30 June. ”We’ve reached a good compromise, one we can both live with and one that will be good for the game and good for Australia’s cricketers,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland told a news conference at Melbourne Cricket Ground. ”In announcing this agreement we are restoring
certainty, beginning to repair relationships, especially with the fans. We want the focus to be back on the cricket.” Australia start a two-Test series in Bangladesh on 27 August, while the Ashes get under way on 23 November. Why did this happen? Cricket Australia produces a memorandum of understanding with the players - represented by the ACA - every five years. The last agreement expired on 30 June. In March, the governing body proposed salary increases for men and women, which removed a clause from players’ contracts guaranteeing them a percentage of the organisation’s revenue. This was rejected by the ACA, which also turned down a further revised pay offer. Australia captain Steve Smith said the players would not “give up” the revenuesharing agreement, while vice-captain David Warner blamed the board for the dispute. ”The players are unemployed and some are
hurting financially but continue to train,” Warner said on Instagram. The opening batsman said in May that Australia “might not have a team for the Ashes” if the dispute was not resolved. After months of public disagreements, a deadline for the ACA to agree new pay and conditions passed without resolution. Sutherland said that if a resolution could not be found, the governing body would propose arbitration. What has now been agreed? Under the new agreement: Players will receive 27.5% of forecast revenue from a player payment pool (PPP) of 459m Australian dollars (£275m). Female player payments will increase from A$7.5m to A$55.2m. Funding for the player development program will increase from A$7m to A$14m. If Cricket Australia revenues exceed A$1.67bn, grassroots funding will receive up to A$30m that would have gone to the PPP under the previous deal. (BBCsport)
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Friday August 04, 2017
Heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko retires from boxing Wladimir Klitschko has retired from boxing, killing any hope of a rematch with heavyweight king Anthony Joshua. The Ukrainian was beaten by Joshua in a heavyweight blockbuster back in April and the Brit was eyeing another colossal bout in Las Vegas on November 11. But the 41-year-old Klitschko has released a video to confirm his decision
to call time on his 21-year career in the ring. Sportsmail columnist Eddie Hearn, J o s h u a ’s p r o m o t e r, confirmed the Brit must now fight his mandatory IBF challenger Kubrat Pulev in his next fight following the announcement. ‘I had a call last night saying he was retiring,’ Hearn told talkSPORT. ‘Contractually Klitschko had to take the rematch
unless he retired or decided against it. We have been working on it with people in Las Vegas two or three months. We were gearing up for an announcement shortly. ‘ We ’ l l f o c u s o u r attention on [mandatory IBF challenger] Kubrat Pulev. When we got the agreement with Klitsckho it was under the provision we’d fight Pulev if it didn’t happen.’
Roach, Chase shine in tame draw
Roach (2nd left) celebrates another wicket with teammates during the final day. (CWI Media)
Chelmsford, England, CMC – Kemar Roach’s impressive five-wicket haul and Roston Chase’s second half-century, highlighted the final day of West Indies’ drawn three-day first class game against English County Essex here yesterday. Right-armer Roach added two wickets to his overnight tally to end with five for 43 as Essex rallied to declare their first innings on 185 for nine at the County Ground. Paul Walter, at number seven, held the hosts innings together with an unbeaten 68 after it tottered at 56 for six in the morning session. Batting a second time, the Windies quickly found themselves in trouble at 30 for three after Walter struck twice with his left-arm seam to leave the innings in strife. But the right-handed Chase carved out his second half-century of the contest with an unbeaten 50 while Shai Hope struck 46, as West Indies ended on 135 for four.
Walter (2-14) and 20-yearold seamer Callum Taylor (220) both finished with two wickets apiece. Resuming the day on 47 for four after the last two sessions of Wednesday’s second day were washed out, West Indies struck in the fifth over of the day when captain and fast bowler Jason Holder removed Taylor for 13 with the score on 52, caught low down at third third slip by Kyle Hope. Three overs later, lefthander Nick Browne followed in similar fashion, nicking Roach to Hope at third slip, after failing to add to his overnight 16 in the 24 additional deliveries faced. However, Walter and Aron Nijjar, who made 30, propped up the innings in a 50-run, seventh wicket stand. Walter struck nine fours and a six off 139 deliveries while Nijjar counted six fours in a breezy 37-ball innings. Pacer Miguel Cummins, who ended with two for 43, broke the stand when he had
Nijjar caught at slip by Kieran Powell and Roach claimed his five-wicket haul when he had Aaron Beard playing on for 10. On 138 for eight at lunch, Essex fared well afterwards as Walter and Matt Dixon put on a defiant 53 for the ninth wicket to hold up the Windies march. Walter returned to haunt the Caribbean side with the ball again, claiming Kraigg Brathwaite caught at the wicket for two in the second over before bowling Kyle Hope first ball without scoring in his next over. When Powell was taken at the wicket off Taylor for 27 off 26 balls, the Windies were slumping badly but Chase and Shai Hope put on an attractive 82 for the fourth wicket to restore order. Chase faced 80 balls and struck eight fours and a six w h i l e H o p e ’s i n n i n g s consumed 59 deliveries and included nine fours. West Indies face Kent on Sunday in their second three-day tour match.
The heavyweight legend hangs up his gloves with the stellar record of 64-5-0. ‘Dr Steelhammer’ ruled the division throughout the 2000s, holding the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles. Klitschko burst onto the scene when he claimed gold in the 1996 Olympics in the super-heavyweight class. He claimed his first professional belt just two years later, knocking out Marcus McIntyre, and set about making his mark in the new millennium. Klitschko retained his IBF belt for a remarkable nine years and seven months between 2006 and 2015, the second-longest of all time behind Joe Louis. But the former heavyweight champ stated he is ready to move on from boxing and is looking to the next stage of his career. ‘I was, and am still capable of doing all this because of the global appeal of sport and boxing, my own talent and most importantly because of you, my loyal fans,’ Klitschko said. ’At some point in our lives we need to, or just want to, switch our couriers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter and chart. Any course towards fresh challenges. ‘Finally instead of just saying thanks and goodbye
Klitschko dominated the division in the 2000s and held his IBF belt for over nine years. I want you to continue to follow me on my new and exciting journey.’ ‘Twenty-seven years ago I started in my sport and it was the best choice of a profession I could have made. ‘Because of this choice I’ve travelled the world, learned new languages, created businesses, built intellectual properties, helped people in need, became a scientist, an entrepreneur, a motivator, a leader, trainer, investor and much else. ’I was, and am still capable of doing all this because of the global appeal of sport and boxing, my own talent and most importantly because of you, my loyal fans. ‘At some point in our lives we need to, or just want to, switch our couriers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter and chart. Any course towards fresh
challenges. ’ Obviously I am not an exception to this and now it’s my turn. ‘I’m honestly doing this with the greatest respect for the new challenges. But also with tremendous excitement, passion, dedication, expecting and hoping that my next career which I’ve already been planning and working on for some years, will be at least as successful as my previous one. If not even more successful. ‘Finally instead of just saying thanks and goodbye I want you to continue to follow me on my new and exciting journey. ‘When we’re together we’re more creative, more efficient, more productive and simply stronger in every way. ‘Together we’re the driving force.’ (MailOnline)
Neymar signs five-year deal to complete world record PSG move Paris (Reuters) Neymar completed his record-shattering transfer from Barcelona to Paris St Germain yesterday, signing a five-year deal with the French club after they triggered his 222 million euros ($263 million) release clause. The 25-year-old Brazil forward, who will be presented to fans tomorrow, is committed to PSG until June 2022, the club said in a statement. Media reports have said he could earn around 550,000 euros per week. ”Today (yesterday), with the arrival of Neymar Jr, I am convinced that we will come even closer, with the support of our faithful fans, to realizing our greatest dreams,” said PSG’s Qatari President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Both Barcelona and Spain’s La Liga questioned whether the move complied
Neymar has signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract from Barcelona.
with UEFA’s financial regulations, with the club saying they would report the deal to European football’s governing body. The transfer doubles the previous world record fee paid when Paul Pogba moved last August from Juventus to Manchester United for a 105 million euros. With the Spanish
giants certain to be in the market for a replacement for the Brazilian forward - and with a hefty budget to invest - the Neymar move could set off a chain reaction of deals at top clubs across Europe. Yet for PSG the signing is a huge coup, bringing them one of the most exciting talents in the world game.
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USA Sports Envoy conducts Basketball clinic in Guyana A two-day Basketball Clinic for 50 young aspiring Guyanese, conducted by American Coach Elvis Valcarcel and Associate Coach Agnus Berenato along with NBA representative Allison Feaster concluded yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The programme, facilitated by United States Embassy here, commenced on Wednesday with a Coaches Clinic and visits by the US Sports Envoy to Sports Minister Nicolette Henry at the her Office and Director of Sports Christopher Jones at the National Sports Commission (NSC). Charge’ d’ Affairs Terry Steers- Gonzalez greeted the youngsters, Jones, other sports officials and the Media on behalf of Ambassador Holloway who is on vacation. Steers-
Gonzalez thanked Minister Henry and the NSC for allowing the use of the Sports Hall for the Clinic. ”I am so pleased to see so many energetic young people here today (yesterday). You are in for a treat since we have three special visitors all the way from America and though they have very difficult jobs, they all have one thing in common…. Basketball “ Gonzalez told the gathering. The American official said the American Embassy is pleased to be able to make this event possible. ”You may be asking yourself what sports have to do with diplomacy. Quite a lot more than you can imagine. When we play sports we learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, learning from mistakes, respect goes far beyond the playing fields. Indeed Sports are among the best tools we have today to
14th Annual Seven Seas Cycle Meet on tomorrow at National Park Regan Rodrigues Memorial set for Sunday
Michael Anthony Exciting action is anticipated this weekend as the 14th annual Seven Seas and Regan Rodrigues Memorial cycle events are set to be held tomorrow and Sunday, respectively. The Seven Seas meet will commence at 09:30hrs at the National Park and according to organiser Hassan Mohamed some eight events are carded for day with the main attraction being the 35 laps Open contest. The other races that will be held are the 10 lap juniors, five laps veteran, five lap mountain bikes, three laps for boys and girls, 6-9, 9-12 and 12-14 years BMX. Michael Anthony is the defending champion in the feature 35-lap race which he won in one hour, 18 minutes, 15.26 seconds while last year’s 10-lap
junior winner is Briton John in a time of 24 minutes, 34. 59 seconds. The 13th edition of the Regan Rodrigues Memorial race will commence at Wales Police Station at 08:00hrs on Sunday, proceed to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo before finishing at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, covering a distance of 50 miles. The top six finishers along with the top three juniors, veterans, mountain bikers and females will receive cash prizes and trophies. Eight prime prizes are also up for the taking. Raul Leal emerged the winner in 2016 which spanned 35 miles in a time of one hour, 27 minutes and 02 seconds. Christopher Cornelius, Ian Jackson and Shawn Boodram are the defending champions for the juniors, veterans and mountain bike segments respectively. Rodrigues was a former President of the Guyana Cycle Federation and Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club as well as a former champion motor racing driver. This event is being sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Ltd.
help children and young people develop positive character traits and life values” Gonzalez informed. Director of Sports, Chris Jones thanked the US Embassy for organising the Clinic which is good for Guyana, United States relationships. Jones said that now that the door is open he hopes he could knock on that door for other such programmes in 2018 and beyond. The all-day clinic saw the Coaches teaching youngsters who travelled from Berbice, Linden and Essequibo for the Clinic at which the fundamentals of the sport were taught. Valcarcel begins his third season with the Pelicans, his second as an Assistant Coach after serving as a Special Assistant to the Head Coach during the 2015-16, season. He joined the Pelicans after s e r v i n g a s t h e Vi d e o Coordinator for the Sacramento Kings from 2013-15. Before joining the Kings, Valcarcel was the Video Coordinator for the Phoenix Suns from 2009-13 after serving as the Assistant Video Coordinator during the 2008-09 season. While with the Suns, Valcarcel also was an Assistant Coach for the Suns’ NBA Summer League squad in 2010 and 2012 and
Coach Agnus Berenato during a session yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. did advance scouting in 2011 and 2012. Valcarcel was also the Video Coordinator for the Phoenix Mercury in 2009 when they won the WNBA championship. Prior to Phoenix, Valcarcel worked two years as an A d m i n i s t r a t i v e Assistant/Video Coordinator for the men’s basketball programme at Seton Hall University. From Union City, N.J., Valcarcel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from
Rutgers University. Berenato has earned a reputation of turning around struggling programs and building them into winners. After one season as the head coach of the Kennesaw State w o m e n ’s b a s k e t b a l l program, Berenato has shown signs of building upon that legacy. In her first season leading the Owls, Berenato guided Kennesaw State to a 10-20 overall record, 8-6 ASUN Conference mark, and the program’s highest s e e d i n t h e l e a g u e ’s
postseason championship. KSU, which won eight of its final 12 games, hosted a tournament game for the first time, defeating NJIT, 62-60, and advanced to the ASUN Championship semifinals for the second time. U n d e r B e r e n a t o ’s leadership, Kennesaw State had four players earn ASUN Conference postseason honors. Carlotta Gianolla was voted freshman of the Year and selected to the AllFreshman team. (Sean Devers)
Hockey Board lays multi-purpose plastic tile surface at Sports Hall With the permission of the Ministry of Sport, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has imported an Indoor Plastic Tile Floor similar to what is used in North America for almost all Indoor Sports. The floor was laid in the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Tuesday August 1st, last The floor is suitable for basketball and many other sports and solves the hockey problem of the an uneven wood surface. The floor is movable, so it can be picked up at any time if the need arise. This much needed development has come at an opportune time as Guyana will be hosting for the first time, the Pan American Hockey Championships form October 14. The tournament, called the
To also benefit Basketball and Futsal Indoor Pan American Cup, will feature two simultaneous competitions for Men and Women and serves as the Pan American Continental Qualifier for FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, scheduled for February 2018 in Berlin, Germany. Yesterday, there was a media encounter at the CASH with the Director of Sport Christopher Jones and President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Phillip Fernandes, to discuss the benefits of the new surface. Fernandes noted that the plastic tile surface is a fantastic initiative and explained that the CASH was once home to hockey but the wooden surface used for Basketball at the facility
had posed some challenges. The first benefit according to the former national player, now the chief administrator for the sport, is that the tiles are much faster than the volleyball mats that are utilised in the National Gymnasium. ”This will help our players to be up to speed when preparing for international tournaments because since the introduction of plastic tiles some 20-25 years ago, it has been the standard surface. And, Guyana has been at a disadvantage when competing internationally, taking about two days to adjust to the pace of the surface,” Fernandes
informed. Director of Sport Christopher Jones reiterated the multi-purpose use of the surface which will be utalised by hockey and basketball. However, he noted that once the Guyana Basketball Federation confirms that the surface is accurate enough for their use, then it will remain at the CASH permanently. Jones also reiterated the Sports Commission’s ready support to assist any association or federation with the hosting of international games. He informed that Regions 2,6, 7 and 10 are currently being looked at to have a similar multipurpose facilities.
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Defiant Sinclair frustrates Barbadians Basseterre, St Kitts, CMC – Kevin Sinclair narrowly missed out on a hundred as Guyana frustrated Barbados to draw their third round game in the Regional Under-19 Championship here yesterday. Resuming the final day at Verchilds on 75 for two, Guyana batted for most of the day before declaring their second innings on 246 for eight, with Sinclair topscoring with 93. Ramnarine Chatura chipped in with 45 while Kevelon Anderson added 35. Raymond Perez made 29 on Wednesday’s second day. Leg-spinner Shavon Brooks claimed four for 49 while left-arm spinner Camarie Boyce supported with two for 40. Set an improbable 192 for victory, Barbados were 19 for one from 12 overs when the game was abandoned. It was Sinclair’s innings which made the difference on the day, however. With Guyana starting the day just 10 runs ahead, Sinclair ensured there was no collapse as he produced an innings lasting 224 balls, a shade over four hours and containing four fours and a six. Pivotally, he put on 102 for the fifth wicket with Chatura who struck four fours in an innings off 114
Kevin Sinclair deliveries. When Chatura became Brooks’s first wicket of the day, Sinclair added 22 for the sixth wicket with Adrian Sukwah (10) and 25 for the seventh with Richie Looknauth (13) to further frustrate the Barbadians. Leewards beat Windwards by 15 runs – 3 r d d a y, 3 r d r o u n d Leeward Islands defeated Windward Islands by 15 runs on the final day of their third round game in the Regional Under-19 Championship at St Paul’s here yesterday. Scores: LEEWARDS 180 (Uri Smith 58, Demari Benta 38, Jamie Cornelius 28; Lee Louisy 6-64, Sealron Williams 3-26) and 174 (Uri Smith 36, Javani Smith 26, Joshua Grant 24; Sealron Williams 4-48). W I N D WA R D S 9 5 (Dillon Douglas 21; Kian Pemberton 2-31) and 244
(Johnnel Eugene 70, Kimani Melius 68, Johann Jeremiah 40; Zawandi White 3-32, Jerome Thomas 2-31). Jamaica drew with T&T - Jamaica drew with Trinidad and Tobago on the final day of their third round game in the Regional Under19 Championship at Molineaux here yesterday. Scores: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 153 (Saiba Batoosingh 76; Kishawn Graham 4-41) and 228 (Christian Thurton 66, Leonardo Julien 54, Sachin Seecharan 38; Andre McCarty 4-36, Brad Barnes 4-48). JAMAICA 251 (Raewin Senior 120, David Bird 35, Shalome Parnell 29; Justyn Gangoo 3-34, Aaron Maniram 2-29, Joshua James 2-50) and 91 for nine (Raewin Senior 32, Andre McCarty 28; Aaron Maniram 4-31, Justyn Gangoo 3-30).
Friday August 04, 2017
11th Pentecostal Fire/Linden Inter Church B’ball Final
South Assembly crowned new champs; MVP is Vibert Benjamin South Assembly of God Church are the 2017 champions of the Linden Inter Church Basketball Championship bouncing past last year’s finalists Pentecostal Fire on Monday last when the final of this y e a r ’s c h a m p i o n s h i p concluded at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Hard Court. Their first title came in the 11th edition of the tournament which was organised by the Pentecostal Fire Church. Vibert Benjamin led the new champions with an awesome performance on the night tallying 30 points to go with 13 huge rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots, a performance which earned him Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive Player awards, respectively. Benjamin had solid support from Emmanuel Archibald with 23 points; he also copped the Most Blocked Shots award with Donnel Benjamin adding 22 points in the win. For Pentecostal Fire, Yannick Tappin was their
Vibert Benjamin – MVP and Best Defensive Player best player with 26 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two assists and was named the runner-up Most Valuable Player. I s r a e l Wa r d e n contributed 18 points and Akeem Powers, 10. In the third place playoff, former champions Mount Carmel bounced past Calvary Temple 52-48 on account of Adrian Webster’s 22 points and Joel Webster’s, 10. For Calvary
Temple, Geoffrey LaRose scored 15 points, Immanuel Larose 11 and Dwight McKinnon, eight. Pastor Corbet Benjamin of South Assembly won the Pastors’ shootout competition while male accolade went to Akini Wilson while the female winner was Telesa Gibbons. Among the Under-9 shootout winners were Kayden Chase (boys) and Gabriela Molenu (girls). Praise Tabernacle carted off the three-points-shootout contest while they were also adjudged the Most Disciplined team. Levar Mc Phoy was named the Most Improved Player from Calvary Temple; Joel Webster the award fro scoring the Most Points (108) in the competition. The Best Supporting Fan was Leon Ellis; Most Assists was picked up by Pentecostal Fire’s Keifer Tappin while Theodore Tappin also of Fire was the winner of the Most Steals prize.
FACC to host Ian Amsterdam farewell and Emancipation Cycle Road Race Ms. Pearl Arokium hands over the cheque to Coordinator Randolph Roberts.
Bolt on show for final time as London showpiece opens London, CMC – The track and field world is set to bid farewell to the greatest
sprinter of all time in Usain Bolt when the IAAF World Championships gets going
Bolt’s character has been essential for the popularity of athletics across the world.
here this weekend. Jamaican Bolt, a legend of the sport, will race for the final time at the August 4-13 showpiece before calling time on a decorated career that has brought him multiple World and Olympic titles over the last decade. A n 11 - t i m e Wo r l d champion, Bolt, despite winning the men’s 200m at t h e l a s t f o u r Wo r l d Championships, will only settle for the 100m this time around. And despite having only three 100m races this season and a season-best of 9.95 seconds, the irrepressible athlete told journalists he was ready and that the headline after tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) 100m final would read “unbeatable, unstoppable Bolt.” ”I am not worried. It’s a (Continued on page 32)
The Flying Aces Cycling Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam is set to host a road race that will be in honour of Emancipation and retiring Assistant Commissioner of Police and former Commander of B Division Ian Amsterdam, the 40-mile event is set for this Sunday. Sponsorship has been garnered from a number of business persons in Berbice and members of the Guyana Police Force, the race will be for Berbician riders only. Ye s t e r d a y , p o p u l a r
businesswoman and long serving member, supporter and cycling fan Pearl Arokium presented a cheque to race Organiser, Randolph Roberts. Race time is 10:00hrs from the junction of Main and Alexander Street in New Amsterdam and will see competitors proceeding to University of Guyana Tain Campus before returning to starting line for the finish. Prizes will go to the top 5 finishers, the first 3 juveniles; first 2 females while there will be six sprint
prizes for the taking. Before the start of the race, cyclists will cruise around the town in honour of retiring Commander, Amsterdam. They will also do a rolling start from Main and Alexander Streets, proceed to Philadelphia Street, Republic Road, Tacama Turn, Stanleytown Public Road and back to New Amsterdam before heading up the Corentyne. Mr. Amsterdam will be on hand to send the cyclists off and will also assist with the presentation of prizes.
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Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association concludes 2nd Annual Exams
Successful participants of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association 2nd annual examinations, display their certificates. The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association concluded their 2nd annual examinations on Saturday last at the New Gove Diamond Primary
School. Students from the Black Cobra Karate Club and Iron Fist Karate Club participated. Master Lloyd Rramnarine congratulated
all the students of both clubs whilst encouraging them to continue training hard and to focus on their academics while continuing their Martial Arts journey.
He noted that Martial Arts teach the value of hard work and discipline and these are skills that will take y o u t h r o u g h o u t l i f e ’s journey.
The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association will now turn attention to the upcoming Martial Arts tournament to be held in Nickerie,
Suriname. It is encouraging persons and entities desirous of sponsoring the team to contact Master Lloyd Ramnarine on 698-6727, 679-0823 or 266-2869.
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Friday August 04, 2017
GuyanaNRA/Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc./IPSC Level 1 Shoot
Dale Hing, Murthland Smith and Surujbali Persaud are A, B & C Class winners The Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Smallbore Captain, Dale Hing emerged winner of the Secure Innovations and Concepts I n c ’s s p o n s o r e d I P S C Sanctioned Level I Match at the refurbished Timehri Rifle Ranges on Sunday last. Hing accumulated 225.6469 match points out of a possible 230 points from the three contested stages. The first stage, a .32 round long stage, was the highlight of the day. Designed by the IPSC Regional Director, Harold Hopkinson who said it was intended to encompass a multitude of IPSC Sanctioned rules. This stage had the competitors place their unloaded firearm on one of the two barrels and all magazines to be used on the other barrel at opposite ends of the stage. On the start signal, the shooter had to run to the barrel of their choosing, while adhering to all the rules of firearm safety to avoid disqualification. After completing the task the competitor had to engage 10 classic targets and 12 poppers and plates from 4 positions on the stage. Gordon Richards won this stage with 160 points in
The top shots from the GuyanaNRA/Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc./IPSC Level 1 Shoot display their trophies following the presentation. 51.04 seconds while second in a blistering time of 48.90 seconds was Hing with 158.3266 points. Dr. Johan Da Silva did enough to claim the third position with 144.4319 points. Hopkinson with 138.4939 points and Terry Milling 128.0507 took the 4th and 5th positions. The second Stage was an 8 round IPSC classifier which comprised of 3 classic t a rg e t s a n d 2 p l a t e s .
Emerging at eh helm of the field was Dr. Da Silva with the fastest time of 5.71 seconds and 40 stage points with the second place going to Murtland Smith 6.52 seconds and 39.151 stage points. Third was Hing in 6.84 seconds and 37.3203 stage points closely followed by Gordon Richards with 37.0779 points and Jermaine Softly took fifth with 35.7322. The Third stage comprised of two IPSC
classic targets and 2 plates, Hing took this stage with 30 points, second was Dr. DaSilva with 24.1889, third Lawrence Layne 20.3359, fourth Lindsay Baird, 19.6171 and Fifth Hopkinson with 19.1105. The overall winner of the A Class was Smallbore Captain Hing followed by Richards, Dr. DaSilva, Hopkinson and Terry Milling in that order. Topping the B Class was Murthland Smith followed by Sherrard
Williams, Lawrence Payne, Gordon Pearson and Jermaine Softly. In the C Class, first was Surujbali Persaud ahead of Jermaine Softleigh, Charles Clayton, Bassu Dawarkha and Lindsay Baird in that order. The GuyanaNRA Smallbore section is extending thanks the IPSC Regional Director Harold Hopkinson and his team comprising of members Clayton Charles, Terry Milling, Mike Tang, Lindsay
Baird and Sherwin Solomon for making the event a reality and success. Hopkinson remarked that he would be happy and pleased to tour with any of the new shooters who completed the three stages. He is meanwhile preparing for the IPSC World Shoot that will be held in France, this month. This IPSC Level 1 event was sponsored by Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., Guyana’s premiere security company.
RHTYSC Patron’s Green Economy Trophy
Nine teams advance to 2nd round as tournament starts in blaze of glory
President David Granger The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club/Kares Engineering Inc Patron’s Green Economy Softball Cricket Tournament got underway on Saturday last in a blaze of glory at the Hampshire Cricket ground. Eighteen teams drawn from across Berbice assembled at the venue to be part of the tournament in honour of the RHTY&SC Patron’s 72nd Birthday and as part of its efforts to educate youths on Climate Change a n d G u y a n a ’s G r e e n
Economy Drive. The tournament was played in brilliant weather and the ground was filled to capacity, over flowing into the surrounding streets around the Hampshire ground. At the end of the day, nine teams advanced to the second round of the tournament and in with a chance of sharing in the $1M prize package. Advancing are Hustlers, Letter Kenny, Grill Masters, Rising Star, Canje Pathfinders, Shamie
Grocery Chasers, Hard Knock and Jai Hind. In the first match, Rising Star sponsored by Prophecy Bus Service defeated Set Up of Rose Hall Town by one run in a thriller get the tournament underway. Set up could only reach 64-3 off their five overs after Rising Star had amassed 656. Canje Pathfinders defeated Force by 10 wickets; Grill Master cruised past Fyrish by 9 wickets; Shamie Grocery created a major upset by beating Toopoo by 5 wickets after restricting Toopoo to 68-1. Shamie Grocery surprised the capacity crowd by blasting their way to 70-5 off 4.5 overs. K. Narinesammy top scored with 20 with three huge sixes. Letter Kenny cruised
past Hustlers 11 by 7 wickets in another upset; Chasers defeated Tain by 8 wickets; Hard Knock of Alness defeated Maida of Central Corentyne by 8 wickets; Jai Hind Cricket Club of Albion hammered Underdogs by 8 wickets while Hustler of Lower Corentyne trounced No. 64 Marines by 9 wickets after restricting them to 35-5 off their allotted 5 overs. Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who is the Chief Coordinator of the event expressed satisfaction in the way the event has come off so far and the work of the Club’s Cricket Development Committee. Foster stated that apart from a late start due to a wet section of the ground, the
event was a huge success and praised the 18 contesting teams for playing to an entertaining standard in a disciplined atmosphere. He noted that it was the club’s first venture in softball cricket and announced t h a t m a n y similar tournaments would be organised in the future as the club was tired of the visionless leadership of the Berbice Cricket Board, which seems more interested in personal vendetta. The tournament would continue next weekend at either the Area ‘H’ or the Hampshire ground. Jai Hind would clash with Letter Kenny in the first match with the feature game between Canje Pathfinder and Grill Master. Hustler I face Hard Knock in the 3rd
match after which Rising Star oppose Shamie Grocery. Chaser which drew the bye would play the winner of Game four to decide the final semifinalist. The winning team is set to pocket $500,000 and the Patron’s Trophy, the losing finalist will receive $300,000 and trophy, third place $100, 000 and trophy and the fourth place, $50,000. The man-of-the-final would pocket $50,000 and trophy. The Tournament is being sponsored by Mr. Radesh Rameshwar of Kares Engineering Inc, Ministry of t h e P r e s i d e n c y, K S M Investment, S. Jagmohan Construction, Annirud Ramcharitar Construction Firm and B.K. International, among others.
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Friday August 04, 2017
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Kares Engineering Inc is title sponsor for Boyce and Jefford Classic 8 By Zaheer Mohamed Sports play an integral role in building a nation, so in order to ensure that the nation’s youths get a fair opportunity to excel, Kares Engineering Inc. has contributed substantially to the 8th edition of the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic. The entity which also consist Bushy Park RediMix and Pre Stressing Inc. and Bushy Park Sawmill Inc. on the East Bank of Essequibo is the new title sponsor for the Meet which is set for August 12 and 13 at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Linden. This was disclosed at a press conference held yesterday at the entity’s new office located at Ervin and Anira Streets, Queenstown. As a result the Meet is now the “Kares Group of Companies Inc. Boyce and Jefford Classic 8.” Speaking at the ceremony, Kares Brand Ambassador Paul Meusa said they are happy to be associated with Guyana’s premier track and field meet. “Sports can put a nation on the map and it also helps to unite people. As we have seen recently from the Carifta Games and other meets, we have the talent and with a little support from the business community we can
Kares Engineering Brand Ambassador Paul Meusa presents the cheque to Edison Jefford in the presence of from left, Mondale Smith, Cheryl Sam and Colin Boyce. do wonders. So we are delighted to be part of this nation building event,” he stated. Chairman of the Boyce and Jefford Classic, Colin Boyce, expressed gratitude to Kares Engineering Inc. for readily accepting the challenges to ensure that the event remains the number one athletics meet in Guyana. He informed that the venue is in the best of shape and athletes can compete unhindered. Boyce explained that they are in the process of ensuring
that their overseas athletes grace the shores of Guyana by next Wednesday and they are still awaiting confirmation from Jamaica in having two of their athletes participating. Among the overseas athletes set to take part are Julius Mutenkanga of Uganda, Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal, Ashton Gill and Joanna Rogers of Trinidad and Tobago. Boyce added “We are hoping that by 2018 Linden will have its synthetic track so when we
will be ready to host our 10th edition in 2019 we can have two renowned athletes competing”. He stated that some 108 local athletes have already registered and among the events carded are the 200m, 800m and long jump for male, 200m and 800m for females. The chairman indicated that cash prizes will be given to the champion male and female athletes. Among the clubs set to vie to a top prize of G$1m are
Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Super and Upcoming Athletes and Upper Demerara Track Club. The runner-up will receive $500,000, third place $300,000 and fourth place $200,000. Kares Engineering Communications Consultant Mondale Smith said they opted to get involved because they care about Guyana’s development and wants to help take care of its human resources.
”We at Kares care about our future leaders and want to get them meaningfully occupied so this is one way of giving back to the society.” He said that they are eager to ensure the nation’s youths get a fair opportunity to grow in their respective disciplines having been on board with Cross Fit and Emancipation day celebrations recently. He called on fans to support the event as an ocean starts with a single drop of water.
GT Beer Keep Your 5 Alive KO Futsal Tourney
Future Stars and West Front Road-Gold is Money for tomorrow’s Finale The battle lines will be drawn tomorrow night at the National Gymnasium when the final of the GT Beer Keep Your 5 Alive KO Futsal Tournament is contested between two sides whom the pundits would not have predicted would meet this far at the commencement of the 32-team competition. Nonetheless, the dust has settled following some riveting nights of combat and its now down to the only two unbeaten teams but one will walk away wounded tomorrow night while the other will be celebrating well into the night and morning having pocketed the top prize of $500,000. Left standing are Future Stars and as the name suggests, it’s a band of future Guyana stars who have combined their skills and
football intellect to advance this far downing some of the best in this format of the game including the famed, Sparta Boss. They will engage West Front Road-Gold is Money, a unit that is led by the tournament’s leading goal scorer Hubert Pedro and his band of experienced gladiators. On their way to the final, West Front Road-Gold is Money defeated Buxton 2-0, trounced Newton Kitty 9-2, squeezed past Tucville 3-2 and in an equally riveting contest, got past Back Circle 6-5. They will be aiming to seal a perfect competition with victory tomorrow night and will be banking on eth leading goal scorer, Hubert Pedro who has blasted 12 goals to date. Pedro will have support
in offense and defense from Carl Tudor, Randolph Wagner, Phillip Rowley, Nathaniel Nagaloo, Omar Jones and Jamal Pedro among others. The never say die Future Stars in their journey to this stage would have hammered Melanie 9-2, defeated Sophia 7-5, their first two casualties. What is very commendable and impressive about this young team is the fact that they didn’t just qualify, but they have done so by toppling two of the best sides in this format of the sport. First up they sent reigning Guinness Greatest of the Streets champion, Dave and Celina All Stars of Linden packing compliments of a 7-4 beating and they topped that off with a classical display of smart
Keep Your 5 Alive leading goal scorer, West Front Road-Gold is Money Hubert Pedro (right) in action. and tactical football when they upstaged the bosses of this format, Sparta Boss in their semi final on Saturday last, 7-6 in an epic dual. Being called into action for the last time in the tournament and expected to
give it their all in marshalling their peers are successful Digicel Schools Football Championship Captain Jeremy Garrett, Curtez Kellman, Akeemo Anthony, Keiron Solomon, Marvin Carter, Jamal Scott, Devon Charles, Dexter
Marshall, Jamal Cozier and Kevin Cummings. It will be experience, determination, tactical assertiveness, tenacity and the likes all on display tomorrow night between two very good sides which has very good fan support.
t r o Sp
Hockey Board lays multi-purpose plastic tile surface at Sports Hall
The Guyana Hockey Board acquired Indoor Plastic Tile Floor at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
To also benefit Basketball and Futsal
USA Sports Envoy conducts Basketball clinic in Guyana From left, Allison Feaster, Christopher Jones, Terry Steers-Gonzalez, Agnus Berenato and Elvis Valcarcel with the participants yesterday at the Sports Hall.
Future Stars and West Front Road-Gold is Money for tomorrow’s Finale
Bolt on show for final time as London showpiece opens
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