Kaieteur News

Saturday August 05, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Media owners see Yellow fever vaccine hassles at the Ministry of Health next morning at 6am. was leaving the country and DEAR EDITOR, Don’t they know that the Broadcast Bill as infringing The next morning, I ar- I told her I would be leaving YFV certificate only become I am writing to let the public know the absurd proce- rived there at 6:25am. I was for the USA in the next two valid 10 days after the vaccion press freedom weeks. dure for ascertaining a Yellow the fourth person. nation is given? DEAR EDITOR, We kindly ask that you publish this letter that has been sent to the Prime minister. The letter follows; Dear Hon. Prime Minister and First Vice President, Re: - Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2017. With reference to the above, we, the undersigned Media Proprietors, Operators and Representatives respectfully seek an audience to engage with you on our related concerns. We believe that the proposed Bill in its current form have serious implications for the sustainability of our operations and, to some extent, infringes on our freedom to determine broadcast content. Our understanding is that the Bill could be passed in the National Assembly before the end of this week leaving us little time for the engagement

proposed for the consideration of our concerns and inputs. In this regard, we respectfully urge for a deferral of the Bill’s passage in the absence of the proposed meeting. We believe that meaningful consultation on this piece of legislation is imperative having not been afforded the opportunity during its preparation. Having looked at the proposed bill, we can see a number of issues to be raised in terms of constitutional matters. Both the meeting and deferral as requested would give us the opportunity to raise these matters. We trust that you will favourably consider this request in the interest of a Bill reached through consensus. Signed – nine media owners

This Region 5 councilor is misleading people DEAR EDITOR, The Office of the Regional Chairman Region 5, wishes to publicly refute claims made by APNU+AFC Councilor, Mr. Abel Seetaram, which was published in the Kaieteur News on Friday, August 4, 2017. Councilor Seetaram deliberately misled readers and by extension, the general public by suggesting that the PPP Councilors of the Regional Democratic Council Region 5 failed to submit projects to be included in the Region’s 2018 Budget proposals. Mr. Seetaram’s utterances are not only untrue and misleading, but it is also a demeaning piece emanating from an elected representative and a sitting member of the Regional Democratic Council of Region 5, since a total of 144

projects from across Region #5 were collectively compiled by the PPP Councillors and submitted to the Office of the Regional Executive Office on June 26, 2017. These submissions were signed for and received by the Secretary to the Regional Executive Officer. We therefore demand an apology from Councilor Abel Seetaram, and calls upon the REO, Mr. Ovid Morrison to issue a similar statement denouncing this irresponsible allegation made by the APNU+AFC Councilor. V I C K C H A N D RAMPHAL Regional Chairman, Region 5 RION PETERS Regional Vice-Chairman, Region 5 Chairman - Works Committee

Time to change this cruelty in the marijuana law DEAR EDITOR, According to a report in the August 02, 2017 edition of the online news magazine ‘News Source’ , a 25-year old father of eight (8) children, Mr. Derick Persaud, was charged and refused bail for the possession of two (2) ounces of Marijuana. Mr. Editor, It is time that we as a nation put an end to this absurdity and rectify this unjust system that disproportionately leads to the incarceration of people from low-income communities. Our citizens and policy

makers need to be bold and creative in formulating and passing appropriate legislation that addresses this cruel and unreasonable chastisement that imposes an enormous cost on human potential, families, taxpayers and our communities. It is time we revisit and hurriedly table the Michael Carrington proposed parliamentary bill to uproot the provisions of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Control Act 1988 and remove all penalties for small amounts of Marijuana possession. Clinton Urling

Fever Vaccine (YVC) here in Guyana. Since I am a frequent flier and my YFV was up in July, I’ve decided to get vaccination again so that I am prepared for future travels. I called the Ministry of Public Health to find out about the procedure (2256785 as printed in the ‘2017 Guyana Directory’). I was redirected to the switchboard 226-7400 who then redirected me to the Vaccination Office 227-3509. I tried calling the Vaccination Office from 8am to 10am but no one answered. I called the first number and the switchboard again and they told me that they are opened up to 12pm and then from 1pm to 4:30pm and just to bring my National ID and Clinic Card. When I arrived there at 11:30pm, I was told by the security guards that they have stopped giving out Yellow Fever Vaccine since an hour ago. I was told to come back

The guard told us nothing but Good Morning and to write our name into the book. There was a notice posted on a window which states, “NOTICE PLEASE NOTE YELLOW FEVER VACCINE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS TRAVELLING OF (sic) OFFICIAL STATE RELATED ACTIVITIES OR THOSE SENT BY THE EMBASSY ORDER BY MANAGEMENT”. I was then given a number and then a visitor badge. At 7:50 am, all the persons who were there for YFV were directed to the Vaccination Office. At 8:10am, a school girl, on work study, came out of the building asking for those with clinic cards to please come forward. She then asked me when I

She handed me back the clinic card and said that I do not need a YFV to go to the USA. I was shocked. I didn’t know that they are issuing the YFV based on “if in two weeks’ time” you are going to a country that requested the YFV certificate. Twice in my life I had YFV and I was never told this. I told her that I am working for a company that sometimes sends people to Suriname and if I needed to go in the next couple of weeks what should I do? She told me to come back then because they have limited amount of YFV. The security guard who was there then asked me for my visitor badge and I was told to come back when I am flying to Suriname. This is so absurd. If my company wants to send me to Suriname next week urgently, only then must I apply for a YFV?

If a family member is dying in Jamaica, must I tell the other family over there not to let the person die until I am there because I have to wait for 10 days for my YFV certificate to become valid? In January when my aunt had to travel to Suriname, the Ministry of Public Health didn’t have any YFV and they told my aunt that she needed to get it from Woodlands’ Hospital and then the Ministry of Public Health will issue her a YFV certificate. I had recently asked Woodlands’ Hospital and Balwant Singh Hospital if they can issue the YFV and they said no, because they are not allowed to. My question is why is the Ministry of Public Health the only place that can issue the vaccine and certificates? If they can’t afford to have adequate amount for the public, then they should allow private entities and Continued on page 6

A precariously dangling GTT pole is in front of my house DEAR EDITOR, Hope this letter can give the result and satisfaction we’ve been seeking for some time now. In front of our residence situated at 126 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden there’s a rotting pole belonging to the GTT which can be GTT’s because that company wires are the only wires on that pole and because of that fact no other company can interfere. The pole looks like it is actually on stilettos and a slight jab can cause it to collapse and if so damage will be done to the house. Numerous telephone calls explaining the situation have been made since May 2016 and nothing has been done. The first call was made when it became obvious that the bottom of the pole looked like it was actually just dried moss. This was explained and it was told that the complaint will be placed on file to be looked into soon as possible. After waiting for a respectable period of time another call was made and given a replay like the conversation before. After both of the calls, a serviceman came to the residence asking about telephone line and both times it was explained that the complaint was about the rotting pole not a malfunctioning line. I continued making calls and asked one day to speak to the person in charge of the Linden Office. In this conversation, I was actually told the individual I was speaking to

wasn’t the person to take care of that problem but would put the complaint on file; it even gave me cause to wonder who really is in charge of the management of the Linden Office. After it became obvious and was also told to me that telephone calls to that office were useless, I decided to visit to produce evidence of what I was complaining about with pictures that were taken on my phone. Once again I was told it would be placed on file and looked into. I thought to myself maybe I should start a business selling stationery especially folders and file papers because GTT sure uses them a lot. The waiting continued until I got fed up and placed another call. This time I was lucky enough to speak with an individual who stated that he was the right person to talk with and that everything will be done to ensure safety and to my satisfaction. I haven’t been satisfied. I received a call at about 7 am or a little after where I was informed two guys were on their way from Georgetown and they needed directions. I asked the question; “why they don’t go into the Linden Office and get someone who knows the area.” The response was that it was too early so directions were given and from their responses it was understood they knew where to come. My guess is they were coming from Georgetown in some foreign country and they’re com-

ing on bicycles. I got tired of the Linden office. I tried Georgetown office and the same annoying repeating was give “put on file” but I kept calling hoping for a difference. I saw some workers doing work by a neighbour. I explained the situation again and asked for some assistance with a name of the person that can definitely help. I was informed to contact a certain official. I called the head office assuming this person works there but was informed he works in Linden and was given a number to make contact which kept ringing out on each and every call I placed. I

later recalled that this same number was given to me before but with the same result. If that pole should fall and cause damages or even injuries is GTT going to tell me I will be compensated. This company cannot compensate me for important documents or a life because if that pole falls it is going to land on an electrical wire that is attached to the house and we don’t have to be scientists to know what the result are going to be. GTT must come and remove your pole in front of my property because it is yours not mine. Takeysia Noble Derrick Mc Calman

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Kaieteur News

Every honest Guyanese will admit; we need a new constitution DEAR EDITOR, Every political party has a main theme that sustains them; a kind of default premise. This government has the theme – A better life for all. (that is yet to be realized, as we see only the Government officials and their family and cronies enjoying that better life). When the current government was in opposition, their theme was that the PPP government was corrupt. The nation can now judge for themselves if, or how much, things have changed. The current theme for the PPP seems to be a mixture of blaming this government for all the mistakes they made during their 23 years in power and the notion that if Jagdeo gets back in, he will right all the wrongs he failed to right during his 12 years as President. The mantra for the United Republican Party (URP) is, A Modern and Safe Guyana. However, I want to go back into history. I remember, in the 80’s, when Dr. Cheddie Jagan, URP and I, with the PCD would sit for hours many days on end discussing the Burnham regime and his dictatorial constitution. We were all a part of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD). It is the PCD that met with President Jimmy Carter and persuaded him to come to Guyana. During those days the theme for Dr. Jagan and the PPP was the need for a reformation of the Burnham Constitution. So we focused our energies on that. We did everything we can to get Burnham out of office, or at least for him to change the constitution so that there would be some modicum of fairness in the governing of Guyana. We all know the history. Desmond Hoyte came in and he did not change the constitution. However, he made some adjustments to the way the PNC operated and a change in the Government of Guyana happened. We who were in the PCD were all excited because we saw in Cheddie Jagan an objective visionary who was so humiliated by the construct of the

Burnham Constitution that he would push with all his powers, to change the oppressive arrangement, called a constitution. But he did not. Rather, like Burnham, he used the very constitution to manage the country the exact way that Burnham did. Then Janet and Jagdeo came into office respectively and they marched in line-step. So we have some 40 years of the enactment of a constitution that has brought Guyana to its knees. The voices calling for a reformation of the constitution is now a clarion call. Even the UN and other members of the diplomatic corp. are calling for the Guyanese administrators to change the constitution. They are suggesting that for the government to do less it amounts to political oppression. I dare say that even as these voices are rising in this world-wind of agitation of the Guyana constitution to be significantly adjusted, I can say proudly that I have been there from the very inception. I was in the trenches lobbying for changes to our badly constructed constitution from the first day it became the law of the land. I was there in the gutters fighting to overturn it ever since Forbes Burnham cloaked himself in it. I was there working to rectify it when the PPP stubbornly embraced it and owned it. And I am here now, still a part of the drumbeat to have the divisive, backwards, autocratic constitution reversed and amended. So for the records, I would publically like to say that I and the URP are willing to lend any support to any group or organization pushing for a revision of the Guyana constitution. And yes, I am very proud to be associated with the fact that every honest-minded Guyanese has now admitted that we need a new constitution. I only hope that the President sees the need to accede to the wishes of the Guyanese and the international community. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu Leader, URP

Saturday August 05, 2017

IS THERE A CONSPIRACY AGAINST THIS MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT? DEAR EDITOR, I write from a perplexed position in respect to a charge put to the Member of Parliament of Region Ten, Jermaine Figueira the only youth in the National Assembly. It is not in any way to suggest that anyone is above the law and youth is an excuse, but rather to put things into perspective and to ask a number of questions. Firstly this youth is arguably one of the best freshman back bench debater in the Parliament. He is the most visible parliamentarian in Region Ten who gets things done and more over, one who grounds with the people. People in the community I would say forget that Region has three MPs. If one is to do “a man on the street” in Linden with regards to likeability of the political figures in the township and region, hands down MP Figueira would stand alone. This youngster I can remember vividly in May of this year hosted one of the biggest distribution event in Lin-

den that catered for over six to seven hundred people. They all received food stuff, clothing, shoes, household appliances and also receive the services of our First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger and Hon Minister Amna Ally. All of this; compliments of MP Figueira and his altruistic partner Mrs Eslene Shockley of Caring For Others Organization. In June he promoted a Father’s Day football competition where he also distributed hundreds of quality leather crafted designer shoes and suits to fathers in attendance. I can continue to list Mr Editor, many other remarkable things this youth MP has done for his people and Region. As I pen this letter Mr editor, I am seeing on Facebook another project this youngster did for the people of his community where he conducted a skilled training program (tie-dying, fabric painting and candle making) for several community groups within the community. Most recently on Emanci-

pation Day August 1st, while all of the other regional leaders may have been out of town or otherwise celebrating their eman c i p a t i o n , t h e young MP organized a grand exhibition and cookup competition in front of the Wismar market, which happened to be the only emancipation activity that took place within the township on that day. The question many in the community are asking is how come this MP finds himself in controversy. They have their speculations and it points to sources within the establishment’s political structure. Mr editor, the charge (playing music without a permit and disturbing the peace) to my knowledge stemmed from an event that formed part of beverage giant Ansa McAl Trading Ltd. country wide “Stag Beer Man Toys” promotion, which was kept at the MP’s father’s premises, so clearly Mr. Editor the charge was misdirected, first of all because it was not the MP’s activity and sec-

ondly because it was not kept at his premises but rather his father’s. The music that was played, I was made to understand was also procured by Ansa McAl Trading Ltd. too. So why would the police institute a charge so minuscule to a government MP in a region without first seeking proper advise? Who would the police call first in the region? Would this have happen under the PPP Administration? Why was this charge administered? Is he doing too much, is he gaining too much love and acceptance from the people? Do the people of this region know if their MP is found guilty, he will be constitutionally required to vacate his seat in parliament? Is this the intention of this political gamesmanship by those involved? To the Young MP Mr Jermaine Figueira, learn that political world is cruel and brutish, but keep doing the good work you are doing for your people and region. Adrian Webster

Why isn’t NICIL trying to recover all these... From page 4 mandates the parties to settle any dispute by arbitration. The arbitration clause provides that the successful party will recover from the unsuccessful party all costs in relation to the arbitration. NICIL has every likelihood of succeeding at the arbitration. However, we are now informed that NICIL is not even possessed of the financial ability to invoke the arbitration clause. This is beyond ludicrosity. Are we to assume that NICIL will forego this debt? NICIL is one hundred per cent Government owned. Is the Government saying that they cannot afford a lawyer to recover this debt of over one billion Guyana dollars? Lawyers are available in Guyana and around the globe who will work on a contingency arrangement and only on the basis of a win. The lawyers in the cabinet are unaware of this? Or, will this be another sweet-heart

settlement, similar to RUDISA, Haag- Bosch, or DDL? Or, worse yet, was a deal already struck and the debt written off and we are now witnessing a series of shenanigans to cover it up? Only a Forensic Audit and a thorough Police investigation can provide satisfactory answers. Last Monday, the PPP/C issued a statement detailing the billions of dollars which NICIL has tied -up in pending legal proceedings. The statement contends that NICIL is deliberately dilating in the prosecution of these matters because many of them involve suits filed by NICIL against financers of APNU/AFC. The statement further alluded to hundreds of millions of dollars of debts which are owed to NICIL, again, by financiers of APNU/AFC, but no steps are taken to recover them. Billions of dollars of properties are unlawfully occupied by certain persons/companies

without the payment of any compensation to NICIL for the occupation of these properties. Yet, no steps are taken either to recover compensation, or to recover possession of these properties. The reason is clear. They are friends and cronies of the Government. Moreover, we are not aware that any Audited Financial Statements of NICIL have been done in respect of the last two years. When these statements

were late under the PPP/C. Administration, Messrs Kemraj Ramjattan and Carl Greenidge moved motions in the National Assembly calling for the same. Where are their voices now? What about Mr. Annand Goolsarran et al and organizations that hold themselves out to be crusaders against corruption and champions of accountability and transparency? Their continued silence is destroying their credibility. Anil Nandlall

Yellow fever vaccine... From page 5 private hospitals to issues them. Plus when someone needs information, they can’t get it. Not even their website is working http:// www.health.gov.gy. One of the reasons that private hospitals had come about in Guyana is because the Guyana Public Hospital could not adequately provide

proper assistance and health care to all the citizens of Guyana. Now that the Ministry of Public Health cannot adequately provide the vaccine to all the citizens of Guyana who request to be vaccinated, then something needs to be done. I am calling on the President of Guyana His Excellency David A. Granger, the Minister of Public Health Honourable Volda Lawrence and the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) to look into this matter. No ONE organization should be responsible for issuing the YFV and certificate, especially if they don’t have adequate amount for the citizens of Guyana. Very Angry Citizen

Saturday August 05, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Nation’s health more valuable than tobacco revenue - Harmon By Kiana Wilburg The nation’s health is much more valuable than the billions of dollars in taxes that the government collects annually from the tobacco sector. As such, the Government says it is willing to deal with the likely financial implications if it means safeguarding the health of the nation. This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. At his post cabinet press conference yesterday, Kaieteur News informed the Cabinet Secretary that the Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO) contends that should the Tobacco Control Bill be assented to as is, it could put the billions in revenue they collect from the sector in jeopardy. With this in mind, Harmon was asked to state what plans government has in place to offset the moneys likely to be lost in this regard. Harmon said, “This Bill was fully debated in the House and once the paperwork is completed it will be submitted to the President for his assent…I think it is a little bit too late for what they want to get done (which is to send the Bill to a select committee).” The Minister of State added, “We would not sacrifice the health of this nation, even if it meant $4B or $5B. The health of this nation is invaluable. In the House, we had a strong debate and a point that was supported by both sides

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon is that the health of the nation cannot be sacrificed on the altar of expediency.” As for the plans to deal with the impact the Bill will have on tobacco revenue, Harmon said that it will now be up to the Ministry of Finance to see how this is going to be done. He said that it will involve a process of consultations with that Ministry as it prepares the budget. “But we have passed the stage of it going to a select committee,” Harmon stressed. In a recent media briefing, DEMTOCO officials said that a Special Select Committee would give them and other

stakeholders, a chance to explain their concerns regarding the Bill, including the domino effect it would have on the company, Guyanese retailers and even the national purse. Speaking specifically to the issue were DEMTOCO’s Managing Director, Mrs Maurlain Kirton and DEMTOCO Director, Raoul Glynn. Kirton explained that the Bill, in its current form, would affect revenue for the government. The DEMTOCO Director said, “Our position is that while we say we need to be regulated, regulate it in such a way that you will still be able to extract the revenue.

Homeless man remanded on simple larceny charge A homeless man was yesterday remanded to prison on a simple larceny charge after he made an appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Forty-nine-year-old Robert Bagenot pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between August 2 and August 3 at Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, he broke and entered Nehemiah Comprehensive School and stole two electrical fans, ten small bottles of water and two stabilizers, all totalling $42,000. The accused, when given a chance to address the court, said that he was walking on the road and he picked up a fan that was in the garbage heap. The unrepresented man said that he was charged and convicted before for cursing a police rank. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh opposed bail being

Remanded: Robert Bagenot granted to the defendant citing that he has no fixed place of abode. The Prosecutor went on to tell the court that if the defendant is granted bail he will not return to court for the trial. According to the prosecutor, the articles mentioned

in the charge were found in the defendant’s possession. The court heard that the items were positively identified by the head teacher as the property of the school. The defendant will make his next court appearance on August 18.

Sometimes we are chastised for saying we are one of the top five companies. But last year we paid $4B in total taxes. That is a fact, not a feeling.” Kirton continued, “So if for whatever reason the Bill goes through as is…somewhere you start to lose that $4B you receive as a government. And we all live here. We understand that revenue is really what keeps your economy buoyant. And so what will happen is that consumption will move from the legal company to the underground (activities)…” Furthermore, the officials were asked to provide an estimate of what could be the possible reduction of taxes paid to the Government based on trends in other countries. Glynn said that in Suriname, it was 70 percent of revenue that was lost. If you look at Guyana’s situation and do the math of 70 percent of $4B, you would see what would happen, added the Director. He added, “In Panama, 75 percent of revenue was lost, but consumption remained the same. The consumption was taking place in such a manner that it was evading the tax net altogether. The government gets no part of that revenue. And what it forces the government to do is to look for taxes in other areas so as to try to make up for the revenue that it has lost.” TOBACCO 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 behavioural 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. 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 Act, 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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Kaieteur News

Mid-Year report reveals…

‘Other crops’ industry grows by 2.5 percent Despite the damaging effects of heavy rainfall during the second quarter of 2017, the “other crops” industry still grew by 2.5 percent for the first half of the year. This is a creditable achievement when compared to the 2.0 percent growth rate for the same period in 2016. According to the Finance Ministry’s mid-year report, the Government, through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), continued its diversification programme as well as the promotion of the development of agriculture in the hinterland region. The Finance Ministry noted that NAREI has continued to play a major role in both initiatives. In the first half of 2017, the Ministry said that projects in Region One included the planting of 600 black pepper cuttings on demonstration farms and the establishment of a turmeric factory at Hosororo. Further, NAREI facilitated the importation of 20,000 hybrid coconuts from Mexico which are expected to yield more coconut water per tree. In addition, the Finance Ministry said that five acres of coconut nurseries were established at Hope, Mon Repos, Wakenaam, and Pomeroon to provide a steady supply of seedlings to farmers, in anticipation of coco-

nut becoming a major export commodity and value added product. With regard to plantain productivity, the Finance Ministry said that this has also improved from an average of 11 kilogrammes per bunch to 18 kilogrammes due to NAREI’s research on the black sigatoka disease, which saw farmers being trained in good agronomic practices to manage the disease. The Ministry in its report said that this initiative saw plantain production in the first half of 2017 increasing by 32 percent, compared to the same period in 2016. In addition, it was noted that NAREI began the promotion of Irish potato cultivation and onions during the first half of 2017. The Finance Ministry said that all of these activities will continue in the second half of 2017, as Government continues its diversification programme. In relation to the livestock industry, the Finance Ministry said that this contracted, by 10.9 percent, in the first half of 2017, due to heavy rainfall severely affecting production, especially in the second quarter. During the second half of the year, the Finance Ministry said that cattle breeding will continue through the artificial insemination

programme in order to improve production traits. It said, too, that the Genetic Improvement Unit will maintain its support to farmers in all five coastal regions. Further, the Ministry said that emphasis will be placed on increasing the production of ducks through the improvement of laying, incubation, and fertility rates. As for the fisheries industry, the Finance Ministry said that this expanded significantly by 33.2 percent, in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. The Ministry said that this growth was mainly driven by a rise in the production of seabob and shrimp along with greater catches for fish species, such as red snapper. It said that these resulted from improved harvesting practices and increased demand for certain fish species. Together, the Finance Ministry said that these led to higher production in the first half of 2017 and growth is anticipated to remain positive and on target.

Saturday August 05, 2017

Economy sees marginal growth for first half of 2017 - Agriculture sector experiences overall growth In spite of criticisms in recent months, the statistics show that the economy actually grew in the first half of 2017. This is according to the 2017 Mid-Year Report. The document was released by the Ministry of Finance yesterday. According to the document, economic growth in the first half of 2017 rose to 2.2 percent, compared to 2.0 percent for the same period last year. The Finance Ministry said that this marginal increase was mainly driven by several factors. These include the expansion of the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector with the manufacturing, construction, and services sectors also making significant contributions. The Ministry said that growth in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector was led by expansion in the rice and fishing industries, attributable to favourable international prices, strong

demand, and entry into new markets. Overall, the Ministry said that the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector grew by 6.4 percent, in the first half of 2017, underpinned by a strong recovery in the rice industry and improved performance in the fishing industry. The rice production in the first half of 2017, recorded 349,867 tonnes, an increase of 31.6 percent over production in the first half of 2016. This noteworthy performance was attributed to a rise in acreage sown in all regions, especially in Region Five, where acreage sown rose by 30 percent to 42,595. In addition to Government, the Ministry said that farmers as well as millers have also been actively engaged in seeking new markets. The Ministry said that the pursuit of new markets has resulted in exports to Mexico of over $1 billion. In fact, Ministry officials asserted that exports to Cuba

of 15,000 tonnes, during the second half, are expected to contribute to the expansion of the industry. They noted that this is the first such shipment in over 40 years. In addition to seeking new markets, the Ministry said that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been promoting valueadded products in the industry. In the first half of 2017, the Ministry said that the Burma Rice Research Station started research on a wheat-rice blend of flour, an initiative in which the private sector has shown keen interest. Given these new developments, the Ministry said that rice production for 2017 is forecast to reach 590,000 tonnes, representing a growth of 10.4 percent over the production in 2016. The major risks to the second crop include persistent untimely rainfall, which, so far, has damaged approximately 339.2 hectares.

Sugar continues to see miserable performance As many predicted, the sugar sector has once again churned out another miserable performance for the first half of the year. This was reflected in the Mid-Year report which was released by the Finance Ministry yesterday. The document reveals that the production of sugar was recorded at 49,606 tonnes at the half year, compared to 56,645 tonnes during the first half of 2016. This represents a decline of 12.4 percent. The Ministry of Finance said that this shortfall was

mainly due to no production at the Skeldon estate, because the boilers were unsafe and required significant repairs. Further, it said that cane yields were 50.2 tonnes per acre in the first half of 2017, up from the 45.2 tonnes achieved in the first half of 2016, but below the targeted 54.3 tonnes for this year. Among other factors that affected sugar production were the late supply of critical operating materials such as fertilizer; pest damage, particularly at the Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates; unfavourable weather; and

strikes and absenteeism. As a consequence, the Finance Ministry said that the industry was unable to reap its entire first crop, with approximately 150,000 tonnes of cane being carried over to the second crop of 2017. The Ministry said that despite weak performance in the first half of the year, production in the second half is expected to be on target. It noted that the sugar industry continues to take measures to address its unsustainable cost structure including the rationalization of existing estates.

In this regard, the Ministry said that preparations will begin for the divestment of the Skeldon estate. It said, too, that Wales and Uitvlugt estates will be amalgamated and farmers reassigned to the Uitvlugt factory. Albion and Rose Hall estates will also be amalgamated. During this process, the Finance Ministry said that the retention of workers will be paramount, with some lands being leased to workers in order to facilitate their engagement in other agricultural pursuits.

Saturday August 05, 2017

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Kaieteur News

A DANGEROUS GAMBIT If broadcast licences issued under the PPPC were illegal, as the APNU+AFC coalition likes to argue, then the government should have taken steps to charge those involved with fraud and to lawfully revoke those licences. But the government over the past two years has not charged anyone with the illegal issue of a broadcast licence. Why did they not do this after making so much noise about illegal licences? Why has the government not approached the courts to annul any of the licences? Why did it not move to the courts to establish the socalled illegality of the licences issued? Why has it not rescinded any broadcast licence? Why was this not done, if as the government claimed, the PPPC acted illegally in the assignment of broadcast channels? The government could have, by now, opted for a legal process to review the li-

cences issued under the PPPC. Such an approach would have placed the government on a firm legal basis to act as it wanted to act. Yet, its spokespersons continue to parrot the view that the licences issued were illegal and that the government has to act and will act. But why did the government choose to act in such a duplicitous manner? Why instead of charging persons, asking the courts to annul licences or themselves rescinding those licences, is the government instead asking broadcasters to reapply? The request for reapplication is like asking the existing broadcasters to be complicit in their own dispossession. Why would any broadcaster do this? What this means is that APNU+AFC will end up being accused of doing exactly what they have been accusing the PPPC of doing, deciding who gets licences and who does not. The government is invit-

ing serious problems for itself. As soon as the Broadcast Act is given assent by the President, it will be subject to legal challenges, including a challenge over this very indecent requirement that existing applicants reapply. If and when the courts rule against the government, it will end up having to pay high damages for dispossession of property without compensation. Taxpayers will have to carry this burden. The government is setting a dangerous and silly precedent. It does not seem to understand what it is doing, and the exposure to which it is subjecting the treasury. It is going to end up having to pay billions in damages as a result of this ill-advised decision. And to what end? One of its contentions, which is not without some merit, is that the licences granted under the PPPC, have effectively hijacked the electromagnetic spectrum. Well, if the best channels on the spectrum have already

Dem boys seh...

Soulja Bai better don’t legalise that BT thing Shakespeare seh that as time change man change. Dem boys slowly grow to accept this saying. When Jagdeo tun a Minister he look like ah innocent pity poor boy come from Mahaica. He tun out to be somebody that people question whether he ever tun a man. When he was president he had no solution to de problems that Guyana had. Now he in opposition he got all de solution to de problems, including fixing de sugar industry which he know is dead. Because of that, dem boys now believe he walking round de place wid he own dead. Like Jagdeo, dem boys also see Soulja Bai got a lot of people who walking round him wid dem own dead. And dem boys ain’t calling names fuh now. All dem boys gun seh fuh now is that couple of dem is Americans who lef Guyana a lang time and come back. Dem boys did over-

hear one of dem last night at Palm Court that when he went to America homosexuality was a crime. Later it became acceptable. De man seh now dem mek it legal. He seh he not going back. He ain’t waiting for America to mek this thing compulsory. But dem got people in Guyana who praying fuh Trump mek it compulsory suh dem can go an live permanently instead of having to live in Guyana prison. Dem boys know a lot of people who committing crime just to go in prison. Some others does do favours; dem don’t have to go to prison. And then you got those wid money. If you got money like Jagdeo you don’t have to commit crime or do favours. You just pay for it. Dem boys ain’t seh Jagdeo does pay for it. Talk half and hope Soulja Bai doesn’t legalise that BT thing.

been assigned, then the solution to this dilemma is not to repossess channels. There are technological solutions which can free up space. The government needs to have technical advice on this matter. But one suspects that the government has its own motives in relation to the electromagnetic spectrum, and is going to refuse to renew licences to some existing licensees. The government is setting a dangerous precedent. It did try, through the CHPA, to repossess house lots administratively, rather than through civil challenges. Those actions were challenged and the court ruled against the government. In other instances, leases

issued for land were cancelled. Some of these cancellations are being challenged before the courts. We are therefore facing a dangerous situation as regards private property in this country. Those who have been lawfully assigned house lots are going to be worried when they see the government doing what it is doing in relation to broadcast licences, land leases and house lots. People are going to be-

come afraid that the properties which they have lawfully acquired from the government can be seized. After all, if there can be such brazen attempts at repossessions of land, house lots and now, possibly, broadcast licences, then the public will remain unsure of their property rights.

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The Hindu wedding ceremony: Time to change If you ever meet my wife, you can ask her and she will tell you that I always insist that we go late to three types of events – Hindu wedding ceremony, the Hindu religious service of jhandi and the Christian funeral service. Those things are unbearably long, to the point where people become restless. My experiences are countless. The most painful one was the service at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, on Church Street, for John Williams from the WPA. The preacher would not stop. It was 5.45 pm and he was stilling sermonizing. There was some slow handclapping. People walked out. How can you enter Le Repentir to bury the dead after 6 pm? I have had to endure many such kinds of Christian services, but not in the Catholic and Anglican denominations. These types of services do not last long. The ones for

Father Andrew Morrison and David de Caires at Brickdam Cathedral were really short ceremonies, as was the one at Saint George’s Cathedral for Professor Perry Mars. The Muslim wedding ceremony and funeral services are the shortest in the three main religions we have in Guyana. It is no point going late for the Muslim wedding or the funeral service. They do not last long. The Muslim priest at a funeral service never takes long in his delivery. Last Sunday, my wife did not agree with me; she always does when I tell her we should go late. She insisted we go to her friend’s Hindu wedding early. This was on the West Coast of Demerara. This was the most impatient wedding service I ever attended in my entire life. That thing lasted two and a half hours. People were fed up. People were walking

about. Young men ignored the ceremony and were doing their own thing. Children became restless. A woman had a young

Frederick Kissoon child right behind me and my wife, and the child began to cry loudly about one hour after the service started. About one hour into the service too, the pandit kept urging the attendees not to speak too loudly because he was being disturbed; he was referring to a group of males at a table. But the pandit didn’t realize the group had become restless. Two hours into the service, I wanted to pee badly (I’ve always had a weak bladder) and I didn’t know where to go.

I walked up the street, saw a mechanic shop with some derelict vehicles on the parapet and went behind one of them. Right where I stepped to relieve myself, I saw a dead rat. I have never seen such a huge rodent in all my life. This guy was not swollen he was just gargantuan. After that never-ending service, it was time to leave, so we left without eating. The question is; hasn’t modern times caught up with this type of affair? Long ago, society in Guyana (and I guess elsewhere) did not have so many things to occupy one’s life. We are living now in the 21st century, where people are crazy about T20 cricket, international football etc. When they attend a fu-

neral service, they want to reach back home to see Messi versus Ronaldo, or Chris Gayle in full force, or Stephen Curry doing miracles with a basketball or some talk show on television. When there was a Hindu marriage in the village long ago, the entire village would drop in. Life was quiet then and there was no internet or smart phone or television. Villagers didn’t mind sitting for 90 minutes, because there was nothing else to do. That was in the early 20th century. Guyana has changed technologically and sociologically in prodigious ways. How can you ask a young man and a young woman to sit down for two and a half hours to watch a wedding

ceremony? It reminds me of five days test match cricket. It is like pushing an open door to argue that the magic of five days test cricket still lives in people’s temperament in the 21st century. With the young population that Guyana has, cricket’s survival is best assured in the shorter format. My opinion is that a changing world has caught up with test cricket. In a fast moving world, why would you want to have a wedding ceremony for two and a half hours? There is a Hindu pandits’ council and I think as a matter of urgency, they should study the possibility of shortening that ceremony. As for me, after last Sunday, I will not be on time for another Hindu wedding.

Drug dealer nabbed after lively chase jailed A 20-year-old drug dealer was yesterday jailed for three years after he was found guilty on the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The man, Vishal Evans called Sham Evans or Sham Paul, of Ross Village, West Coast Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court. The court was told by Prosecutor Corporal Rochelle Mars that on May 31, the accused was among a group of men liming on a bridge at Number 11 Back Street, West Coast

Berbice. They were approached by a police patrol and decided to run. The police gave chase and Evans was nabbed after a lively pursuit through the village. He was searched and a black plastic bag was found in his right side pants pocket. A further check of the bag revealed 10 Ziploc bags which contained 27 ½ grams of leaves, seeds and stems of the marijuana plant. Also found was a cigarette pack with 7 ½ grams of cocaine and $15,380 in his left side pants pocket.

Saturday August 05, 2017

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Kaieteur News

More than 500 matters pass through Legal Aid Clinic annually ...but hinterland reach limited, says Managing Attorney In excess of 500 matters are dealt with by the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic on an annual basis. These matters include: divorce, custody cases, division of property, among several others. This is according to Managing Attorney of the Legal Aid Clinic, Ms. Shellon Boyce, who revealed that since the entity is not confined to defending criminal matters, over the years its attorneys have also been extending their expertise to civil matters as well. The objective of the Legal Aid Clinic is to provide free or subsidised legal advice, and representation to people who cannot afford to pay for an attorney. Among its many clients are children who have come in conflict with the law. On average, 60 cases pass through the Clinic on a monthly basis. Legal representation in this regard has been a keen focus of the entity. But according to Boyce,

despite diligent efforts, there are some limitations. “As it is now, the only major challenge that we have is to access the children who are in courts in hinterland locations. There is a court in Mabaruma; we don’t go there because we don’t go to that district. Unless something is done there, I can’t say what representation they receive,” said Boyce, who has for the past three years taken pride in representing the vulnerable of society. “There is more to being just an attorney, not only to serve as you are mandated to by the oath, but also, because we [at Legal Aid] have the direct interaction with organisations such as the Rights of the Child Commission [RCC], we find that there is more to being an attorney,” said Boyce. She added, “It is by choice, you are not forced to work here, but because you want to embrace that human rights aspect...at least at the end of the day you feel you

Driver of getaway car detained …as cops try to probe linkage in E-Networks robbery The driver of a dark blue Toyota Premio that was used in the robbery of E-Networks Inc. on Thursday, has been arrested as investigators try to determine whether it was the same gang that attacked another branch the previous day. Kaieteur News understands that the vehicle was parked a short distance from E-Networks Inc’s Lot 15 Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara branch around 11:45 hrs on Thursday while the two bandits stormed the facility. The bandits, one armed with a handgun, went into the store and took away the security guard’s gun as they held customers and staffers at gunpoint. After robbing the entity, they ran towards the vehicle and the driver sped away. The car’s registration number was picked up on surveillance camera. A police source said yesterday that the driver reportedly dropped off the robbers at the Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara stelling after which he headed to the West Bank Demerara where he was nabbed in the vicinity of Goed Fortuin. The suspect—the driver of a private car— is claiming that he is a taxi driver and only dropped the men to the location and waited on them a

little. He then claimed that when the men got into the car, and he took them to the stelling. But the police are not buying his story. Now, the ranks are trying to locate the bandits and determine whether they were involved in the robbery which occurred around 15:00 hrs the previous day at another E-Networks outlet at a mall in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. In both robberies, the modus operandi is similar. In the case with the Cornelia Ida robbery, the police said 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. After getting their hands on the valuables, the robbers escaped in a car without firing any shots. No one was injured. In the case involving the robbery a t M o n R e p o s , 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.

are doing a bit more. Of course, those who are willing, who want to be of service to the vulnerable can do so...you are still an attorney, which you have been called to the Bar to do, but you have chosen to represent only a certain section of the society, those who are poor, those who don’t have access to a private attorney because of their financial status.” The Board-operated Legal Aid Clinic is sustained with a subvention from Government and additional support from donor agencies such as USAID, UNICEF and the Canadian Association. The organisation, which first opened its doors in 1994, currently reaches as far as Berbice and Essequibo. “In addition to our staff, we also have volunteers, attorneys who are in private

practice, and who volunteer their services to the clinics. They indicate to the Clinic that they will do work pro bono and we give cases to them,” said the Managing Attorney. Through collaboration with RCC, the Clinic has been adding to its mandate to represent children at no cost. According to Boyce, “the advantage of our partnership with the Rights of the Child Commission is that we physically go to the Sophia Holding Centre to meet and advise youths.” The Clinic also reaches out to youths held at the Timehri prison and the New Opportunity Corps [NOC]. Boyce however noted that “the most we do for NOC is advise them and appeals are done if necessary.” But according to her, “in the event

Richmond pensioner endures early morning burglary - fifth time in four years Police on the Essequibo Coast have launched an investigation into the burglary of the home of a 64-year-old female pensioner. The residence of Evra Nedd, located at lot 2 Richmond Housing Scheme, was broken into by an unarmed individual. The woman is traumatized by the intrusion. Investigations have so far revealed that the suspect gained entry to Nedd’s home, while she was out, through a window in a room at the back of the house. It is believed that the suspect concealed himself in the woman’s home and waited for her to return. The woman, who is usually accompanied home by her friend, was unfortunately alone on the night of the incident. Hours prior, Nedd had left her home to attend a wake in the neighborhood. She returned home at around 9pm, and says she had a feeling that something was odd. “I came in and put on the lamp because there was blackout. But it gotta be that he was in the house already. Probably he hide in the wardrobe in the back room. I sit down in the chair, but no sleep was coming to me. So I went in the front room and lay down on the bed. I was just dropping into a dose when I feel somebody jump on the bed and say ‘shush, me nak gon kill yuh, where the money?’” Nedd said she got confused and tried to keep calm as much as possible. “I didn’t risk to fight back because I am not seeing well in one of my eyes,” the woman said. Nedd said that the ordeal lasted approximately 15 minutes. “I saw the person, because by then the current come on back and the light in the kitchen was on. When he jumped on the bed, I feel he hair and it soft and straight. Then in the light I saw that he had on a three-quarter black pants, but he pull the white vest he had on over he face, so I couldn’t make out his face clearly.” Nedd said that the suspect grabbed her by the throat and took her outside while he searched the home for cash. “He tumble up the bed and find sixty thousand dollars under the mattress. That was the money for my bills and other medical expenses. He then go and tumble up all the drawers,” Upon finding the money, the suspect made his escape through the kitchen door. Meanwhile, the woman’s relatives are claiming that the Police took six hours to respond to the scene - just a stone’s throw away from the Anna Regina Station. Yesterday’s burglary marked the fifth experienced by the woman in her home. Though it’s the first after an extensive period, Nedd believes that “they would be back”.

Ms. Shellon Boyce, Managing Attorney of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic. that a child did not pass through the Sophia Holding facility, their parents can always come in and talk with us.” Through its collaboration with the RCC, the Clinic since 2015 has been gaining finan-

cial support from UNICEF to defend children in conflict of the law. But according to Boyce, “even when the agreement [funding] comes to an end with RCC, we will continue to represent them as we have done in the past.”

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 05, 2017

Murder accused shot dead after starting unrest at Timehri Prison

- reportedly tried to escape, ignored repeated warnings to halt

Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels A 24-year-old remand prisoner was shot dead at around 17.00 hrs yesterday, shortly after instigating a violent clash between himself and other inmates at the Timehri penitentiary. Winston Hinds, called “Town Man,” of Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, was shot in the stomach by a prison officer. He was pronounced dead at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels told Kaieteur News that based on information he received, Hinds and another prison had started a ruckus between other inmates in one of the dormitories. They were then transferred to another dormitory, where they began to break up beds and assault other inmates. He said that some of the prisoners had to

receive medical treatment. Kaieteur News was told that shortly after, Hinds darted past a prison officer and “in a split second” fled into the compound. It was there that he was shot. Samuels said that the rank who shot Hinds “is assisting the police with their investigations.” A Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated that the murder accused had repeatedly ignored all warnings issued by prison officers. According to the release, several prisoners, who were armed with improvised weapons, were involved in “a serious physical altercation.” “Prison officers attempted to restore order by breaking up the violent fracas. During this process, Hinds fled into the prison yard in an at-

Winston Hinds, called ‘Town Man’ was shot dead in a bid to escape from the Timehri prison tempted bid to escape. Clear and repeated efforts were issued for Hinds to desist, but he refused in every instance and continued running,” the

release added. “Prison officers were left with no option but to curtail his escape bid. This necessitated the use of live rounds

as a last resort, after every option had failed. “Hinds was struck by a single round and was taken to the East Bank Demerara

Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. “ The release stated that Continued on page 23

AG, Bar Association discuss development of judicial system Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams recently met with the President of the Guyana Bar Association Kamal Ramkarran, Secretary Ms Pauline Chase and other members in their first meeting. Among the things discussed at the meeting were continuing legal education for attorneys in Guyana; the need for a supervisory authority of Attorneys at Law under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financ-

ing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime; the implementation of a system of transcription in the law courts and the need for a unified Bar. The parties agreed that the meeting was very productive. Top of the agenda for both sides was the urgent need for all courts to be outfitted with voice verbatim transcription systems. The Attorney General noted that in a modern society these systems are important for use in every court. It allows the speedy conclusion of cases and provides for transparency in the court room by allowing lawyers to have verbatim reports during trials.

In a discussion of the structure of the Bar, it was noted that the Bar would be an ideal body to assist with facilitating professional development for Attorneys, as well as function as a mechanism that can regulate disciplinary and accounting regimes. However it was noted that before any system is implemented, there must be consultations held with the entire Bar, so as to ensure that adequate representation is made for all attorneys- atlaw. This consultation will also consider the utility of the model legislation drafted by the Regional Project Director of the IMPACT Justice

project, Professor Velma Newton. The model legislation is a gender-sensitive model Legal Profession Act which contains a revised Code of Ethics, disciplinary and accounting procedures, and provisions for continuing legal professional development. There was also discussion on the need for a supervisory body under the AML/ CFT regime as a requirement for the Fourth Round Mutual evaluation. The parties have agreed to a sensitization meeting for attorneys at law under the AML/CFT regime. The Attorney General and the Bar Council expressed a desire to continue to have regular engagements.

Saturday August 05, 2017

Kaieteur News

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LAND FOR SALE Land @ No.7 Village W.C.B – 86’X317’, roadside -$34M negotiable. Call:622-6473 (Raj), 648-6873 (Bernard), 661-4604 (Veronica) 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 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Are you troubling with back problems, headaches or joint pains, stress, depression? For therapy call: 231-1284 Vehicle servicing and repair weekdays and weekends @ Reliable Automotive Service. Call: 658-3251 or reliableautomotiveservice @gmail.com.Pickup Available Building Contractor: estimates, house plan to be drawn. Call: 216-0671/6928464/622-0267/ FB:K.Lakeram Construction. TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Kaieteur News

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

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Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon $3.5M, BMW 316 $2.7M, Toyota Hilux Vigo $4M, Owner leaving country. Call 222-0675, 699-9214

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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 W.B.D Schoonord -$3M, Uitvlugt 50X100 -$2.8M, La Parfaite 50X100 & foundation -$3.5M, $1.5M, $1.6M, Coglan Dam, Nimes -$2.5M. Call: 231-2199/618-7483

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 First Aid/CPR Courses available at St. John Ambulance Brigade for morning and evening classes. Call: 225-9082

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Saturday August 05, 2017

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Vendor remanded for breaching Rice farmers plead for impounding of animals in Black Bush Polder protection order, assault …as cattle continue to destroy crop

Oswald Wayne Twenty-seven-year-old Oswald Wayne was yesterday remanded to prison after he appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The defendant denied the charge which alleged that on July 31 at Water Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Shawn Sam, so as to cause him actual bodily harm. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, he walked behind Arlene Leacock, breaching a protection order that was instituted by Magistrate Annette Singh. When given a chance to address the court, the defendant said “Me and the man (Sam) had a fight and when he child mother (Arlene

Shawn Sam Leacock) come to part the fight...after the fight she went and tell the police that I walked behind her.” Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted to the defendant, citing that he was ordered not to go within 50 yards of Arlene Leacock, but he did. Based on what the prosecutor said, the magistrate told the court that the protection order was put in place to protect the victim and he (Wayne) had breached the order. For that reason the defendant was remanded to prison. Meanwhile in the same court, Shawn Sam denied the charge which alleged that on July 20, at Stabroek Market, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm

on Oswald Wayne. The defendant said “On the day in question about 10:00hrs I was in the Stabroek Market where I conduct business. “My child mother came to me and told me that Shawn cuff her in her face. I went to Shawn and asked him why he cuff my child mother in her face, and that is when he took a bench and hit me in my face with it.” Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh had no objections to bail being granted to Sam, but asked that it be in a substantial amount. Senior Magistrate Leron Daly then granted bail to Shawn Sam in the sum of $80,000. Both men will make their next court appearance on August 11.

By Malisa Playter Harry Rice farmers along the Upper Corentyne continue to express frustration with the cattle farmers whose livestock have been damaging their crops since the Cookrite Savannah was flooded. The rice farmers stated that they have had enough with millions of dollars incurred in losses. Speaking with this publication yesterday they called on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to remove the ban which he had placed on impounding animals in the area during the flood situation. Cattle farmers who occupy the Cookrite Savannah in Black Bush Polder had highlighted their plight in May and pleaded for relief, since the savannah was heavily flooded due to the heavy rainfall and overflowing of the Canje Creek. The farmers had stated that they had collectively lost several hundred head of cattle, along with several horses, due to the flood. As a result, the Prime Minister, in early July, met with the cattle farmers during a visit to Berbice and made the decision to cease the impounding of the cattle and have them moved to higher ground. Rice farmers, however, are adamant that the cattle farmers have no regard for their

Murder accused shot dead after... From page 12 the slain prisoner’s next of kin was informed and the police are conducting an investigation. “The Guyana Prison Service deeply regrets the loss of Mr. Hinds’ life and extends deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends. The GPS will also reiterate its internal calls for all prisoners to conduct themselves responsibly, to resist any temptation to escape from lawful custody, to obey the instructions of prison officers at all times, and to serve their sentences as mandated by the courts, until such time as they are eligible for release.” Hinds, previously charged with five counts of armed robbery, was remanded in January 2016, for the February 2015 killing of Richard Remington, 43, at Cholmondeley Hill, Wismar. Remington’s decomposing remains were found in a clump of bushes along a track in the vicinity of Matthews Lane in the Christianburg/ Cholmondeley Hill area on February 12, last year. He had been shot three times, including once to the head. The fatal shooting was

the continuation of several weeks of violence at the country’s prisons. The unrest began with the July 9 destruction by fire of most of the Georgetown Prison, the killing of prison officer Odinga Wickham, the wounding of his colleague, Hubert Trim, and the escape of eight dangerous inmates. This was followed by the escape of 13 prisoners from the Lusignan Prison. Last Saturday, security ranks at Lusignan were forced to shoot several prisoners with pellets and rubber bullets after coming under attack. Joint Services raids have unearthed several prohibited items at Lusignan, New Amsterdam and Timehri Prisons. On Thursday, security personnel seized some 180 to 183 grammes of marijuana that was being smuggled into the prison in meals sent to an inmate. A Prison Officer, with some 20 years’ service, was implicated in the find, and remains in custody. Marijuana is said to be a highly valued commodity in the prisons, reportedly selling for as much as three times its

street value. Also, between 09:40 and 12:30hrs, ranks of the Joint Services found eight lighters, seven smoking utensils, 16 improvised weapons, eight 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 at the Timehri Prison. Also on Thursday, security personnel thwarted attempts by a Cevons Waste Management employee, to smuggle over 860 grammes of cannabis and two cartons of cigarettes into the Lusignan Prison. Some 24 grams of can-

nabis were also allegedly found in the pocket of one of the Cevons employees. He was sentenced to three years in jail yesterday. That same day, police and prison ranks found several improvised weapons at the Lusignan holding area. Between 10.30 hrs to 13.30 hrs yesterday, a snap prison search in two dorms, two landings cells at the New Amsterdam Prisons unearthed eight cellular phones, three cell phone batteries, three ear phones and a cell phone display, five cell phone chargers, 16 cigarette lighters, two tattoo machines, five improvised weapons, 20 packs of cigarettes and three grammes of cannabis.

rice crop. Jagdeo Sookcharran, who presently has 60 acres of rice under cultivation argued, “The place flood and dem bring dem animals… awe give in to that, ‘cause the rice did small. Now the rice big, dem animals ah guh eat am out and nobody nah deh behind dem cattle, when dem cattle eat out the rice wha awe guh do?” According to Sookcharran, it has been over a month since the animals were brought to the cultivation land. He suggested that cattle farmers take their animals to the savannah in Number 52 Village, Corentyne, where the flood water has since receded. “Number 52 savannah dry, dem can carry the animals there. We want the cattle to leave our farm immediately.” The irate farmer disclosed that, “If me go report dem, nobody nah want hear. Me fed up, me ah plant meh rice, fuh mine me family, if dem animals eat it out”. Mohabir Ramnauth, of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, who currently has 72 acres under rice cultivation, is annoyed with two cattle owners in the area who have over 300 head of cattle. He is claiming that it is a deliberate act by the farmers, since there are other options to graze their cows. He further explained that, “This stage wha dem rice deh is a bearing stage, when dem cow graze in the rice and you tell dem man anything dem seh ‘Prime Minister say bring dem animals to the highland

which is y’all rice land’… that nah right man”. Over 100 farmers in the area are said to be suffering from the cattle destroying their crops. Ramnauth is of the opinion that the ongoing issue between rice farmers and cattle farmers may lead to serious problems, “This wha ah go on right now might end with a big fight or something, because them a mine animals to live and me a plant me rice to live”. Meanwhile, in an effort to receive some sort of positive word that will benefit them, the rice farmers paid a visit to the Prime Minister’s Office in Region Six. The Prime Minister’s representative Gobin Harbhajan, speaking with reporters, stated that a report of the complaints was sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder. “For the past two weeks, rice farmers have been complaining about some cattle farmers who are taking advantage on the pound restriction, I am waiting on feedback with regard to the restriction,” Harbhajan divulged. He also made mention that the Canje Creek water has receded some 14 – 15 inches as of yesterday, this he noted, means that “the Cookrite Savannah is draining, but not as fast as we would have wanted it to drain, but it is draining presently”. He stated that other areas that were flooded, such as the Number 52 pasture, are out of danger.

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Pharma bro’ Martin US notifies UN of Paris climate deal pullout Shkreli convicted of fraud

Shkreli’s lawyer sought to portray him as a troubled genius (BBC) Former pharmaceutical chief executive, Martin Shkreli, has been found guilty of three counts of securities fraud. A New York City jury cleared him on five other counts after five days of deliberations. He was on trial in relation to a drug company he previously headed, Retrophin, and a hedge fund he managed. Shkreli, 34, was branded “the most hated man in America” in 2015 when his firm hiked the price of a medication used by Aids patients. Despite facing prison after being convicted of two counts of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud, Shkreli professed himself pleased with the outcome. Standing outside the court in Brooklyn, he said: “This was a witch hunt of epic proportions. “And maybe they found one or two broomsticks but at the end of the day we’ve been acquitted of the most important charges in this case and I’m delighted to re-

port that.” FBI investigator William Sweeney praised the conviction saying that Shkreli had “misled investors in his selfindulgent scheme”. Shkreli rocketed to notoriety in 2015 after raising the price of a lifesaving anti-parasite drug called Daraprim by 5,000% upon acquiring rights to the medication. Overnight, the price of the drug soared from $13.50 to $750 per dose. Over the course of a fiveweek trial, jurors heard how Shkreli lied to investors about the performance of two hedge funds, MSMB Capital and MSMB Healthcare. He then stole from Retrophin, his pharmaceutical company, to pay investors back, prosecutors said. “Martin is a brilliant young man,” his lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said after Friday’s ruling. “Sometimes, people’s skills don’t translate well,” he told reporters, adding that his client suffers from “an image issue”. During the trial, the attor-

ney portrayed his client as a misunderstood “nerd” who turned up at work wearing a doctor’s “stethoscope and bunny slippers”. One investor had testified that Shkreli reminded him of the autistic savant played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie Rain Man. His attorney quoted a Lady Gaga song title in telling jurors Shkrel “was born this way”. Shkreli’s negative press was so widely known that it took the court three full days just to find 12 jurors who did not have a pre-existing opinion of him. Several prospective jurors were dismissed after referring to him as “a snake” and “an evil man”, the New York Post reported. Judge Kiyo Matsumoto felt obliged at one point to issue a gag order, after Shkreli surprised reporters during a lunch break by ranting against enemies whom he said were trying to “blame me for capitalism”. The so-called “pharma bro” often vented his spleen on social media, eventually getting himself banned from Twitter after harassing a female journalist. He often appeared to relish in the negative publicity he received. Shkreli was also admonished after refusing to answer questions during testimony to congressmen, whom he later called “imbeciles”. In a bizarre coincidence, another man who is also named Martin Shkreli was arraigned before the same Brooklyn judge on Friday. “There’s another Martin Shkreli in this case. How weird is that?” quipped one lawyer during the court proceedings. Mr Shkreli, 59, who is accused of money laundering, told reporters about his younger doppelganger: “I don’t need that kind of fame.”

(BBC) The Trump administration has issued its first written notification that the US intends to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement. But in the notice to the United Nations the US state department said Washington would remain in the talks process. President Donald Trump drew international condemnation in June when he first announced the US intention to withdraw. He said the deal “punished” the US and would cost millions of American jobs. Friday’s announcement is seen as largely symbolic as no nation seeking to leave the pact can officially announce an intention to withdraw until November 4, 2019. The process of leaving then takes another year, meaning it would not be complete until just weeks after the US presidential election in 2020.

Any new US president could then decide to rejoin the agreement. “Today, the United States submitted a communication to the United Nations in its capacity as depositary for the Paris Agreement regarding the US intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement as soon as it is eligible to do so,” the US statement read. “The United States will continue to participate in international climate change negotiations and meetings... to protect US interests and ensure all future policy options remain open to the administration.” In June, Mr Trump indicated he was open to another climate deal “on terms that are fair to the United States”. However, key signatories to the accord quickly ruled that out. The Paris

Agreement took decades to finalise. The US stance on climate change also caused divisions at the G20 summit in Germany last month. A joint summit statement said it “took note of the decision of the United States of America to withdraw from the Paris Agreement”. However, leaders of the other G20 members agreed the accord was “irreversible”. What was agreed in Paris? Climate change, or global warming, refers to the damaging effect of gases, or emissions, released from industry, transportation, agriculture and other areas into the atmosphere. The Paris accord aims to limit the global rise in temperature attributed to emissions. Only Syria and Nicaragua did not sign up.

US Blackwater guard’s murder conviction overturned (BBC) A US appeals court has overturned a murder conviction for a former Blackwater security guard over the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians in 2007. The court ordered a retrial for Nicholas Slatten, saying he should not have been tried alongside three others. It also ruled that his convicted former colleagues Paul Slough, Dustin Heard and Evan Liberty be resentenced. They were all jailed for 30 years. The killings in Baghdad’s Nisoor Square sparked international outrage. All four men

were convicted in 2014 and sentenced the following year. Slatten received a life sentence for murder while the other three were jailed for m u l t i p l e c o u n t s o f manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and using firearms while committing a felony. “The court concludes that the district court abused its discretion in denying Slatten’s motion to sever his trial from that of his co-defendants and there-

fore vacates his conviction and remands for a new trial,” the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said on Friday. The ruling said that at a retrial Slatten would be able to introduce evidence alleging he did not fire the first shots. Separately, the court said Slough, Heard and Liberty should be re-sentenced because their 30-year prison terms were too long. It overturned one of Liberty’s convictions for attempted manslaughter. The private contractors had opened fire to clear the way for a US convoy. Fourteen civilians died and another 17 were injured. The men claimed they were under fire from insurgents. Dozens of victims and witnesses flew from Iraq to the US for the trial.

Saturday August 05, 2017

Trade unions stage protest march against policies of government and private sector

Workers protesting government and private sector policies (CMC photo) PORT Of SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Hundreds of workers took to the streets of the capital here on Friday as the trade unions flexed their muscle and warned of more action in the future as they protested the policies of both the government and the private sector in Trinidad and Tobago. Unions affiliated to the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) and the National Action Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC) warned that the protest would be the first of many initiatives to get the employers to change their policies that have so far resulted in the retrenchment of more than 4,000 workers since the Keith Rowley government came to office in August 2015. “We can’t sit idly by and allow it to continue,” said the President of the Banking Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU), Vincent Caberra. NATUC President Michael Annisette, who claimed that police had attempted to prevent the unions from having music

trucks as part of the demonstration said the trade union movement “had a sacred responsibility to intervene in what is happening in Trinidad and Tobago. “This march is about intervention and not about mashing up Port of Spain,” he told the workers. “Your support, your resilience, your commitment will determine whether we succeed or whether we fail. “Always remember there is no force in Trinidad and Tobago or in the world that can beat a united labour force,” he said. President of the Public Service Association (PSA), Watson Duke, said that the protest is “really the unions getting together to balance the equation. “The society is moving more towards the conservative and less and less towards the working class. The working class is being taxed almost out of existence while thr ruling class continue to exert force upon them. “Today we are dealing with things like retrenchment, things like freezing of wages which they (employ-

ers) would have done without announcing it, lack of employment opportunities for young people, social security and a number of other issues,” he said. JTUM President Ancel Roget told the rally that he was pleased with the turnout and making it “possible for us to begin this historic journey to wrest power from those who are in control and whose control is not in the interest of all of us “This evening we will send a most powerful and clear message,” he said, adding that the protest today is not a mono event. “It is the first of many initiatives and we will be telling you the way forward,” he said to loud applause. Several trade union leaders representing teachers, prison officers, fire and construction workers as well as those employed in the vital energy sector here addressed the rally warning that they were no longer prepared to tolerate the retrenchment policies of both the government and the private sector. “We say fire,” Caberra warned. “This march is for peace, this march is for bread”.

Thousands of Haitians deported from Dominican Republic in July SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, CMC – More than 13,000 Haitians were deported from the Dominican Republic during July, according to official figures released here. The head of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), Lieutenant-General, Maximo William Muñoz Delgado, said that 13,446 Haitians were deported last month with 6,545 being intercepted at one of the 100 checkpoints established in the border area at various

unofficial crossing points. The official said that the other 6,901 Haitians were arrested during migration controls throughout the country. Haitians arrested are then transferred to a specialized center where they are identified before their repatriation. Muñoz Delgado, acknowledges that this is an unprecedented number of deportees over a single month, indicating that the average number usually varies between 5,000 and 6,000 each month.

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He said that the Dominican migration services will open three new illegal foreigners’ reception centers in Azua, Puerto Plata and Nagua, tourist areas where a large number of illegal foreign nationals, most of whom are of Haitian origin, are found. Haiti’s Defence Minister, Hervé Denis, travels to the Dominican Republic next week as the Spanish speaking country steps up its deployment of troops along the borders between the two countries.

Government will to give second chance to young criminals BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris says his administration is willing to provide a second opportunity to young people to move away from a life of crime and was guaranteeing them a job should they do so. “If there is any young person out there involved now in illegal activity, particularly in relation to guns, and they want to make a turn, I would guarantee them, I repeat, I am guaranteeing them a job if they are seriously committed to turn away from the life of crime,” Harris told reporters. He said, “That is the solemn guarantee I make” adding “I would guarantee you a job that you could at least earn a weekly wage if you are serious about making the turn for the better. “The country deserves fewer criminals than we have on the streets and the cost of maintenance of the peace and security requires us to be open-minded and to even think outside the box if we are to nip this situation in the bud.” Harris, who is also National Security Minister, said there are career opportunities available in St. Kitts and Nevis for young people, particularly school leavers, in the area of law enforcement. “Being in the Police Force is not just about carrying a baton, it’s not just about standing at some beat; it is

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris also about learning a diversified array of life skills that could put you in good stead for life. “The career paths in terms of policing now are so diverse. So for example, as we are building out our [ClosedCircuit Television] CCTV programme we need young men with knowledge in ICT to be part of that particular programme. “As we are developing our forensic department, we need young people with expertise and experience in forensics, so there is a wide range. As we are talking about building and reorganizing our Traffic Department, there is room even in administration,” Prime Minister Har-

ris said. The twin-island Federation has been rocked by brazen criminal activities, including murder, in recent months. Harris said that as his administration moves to implement policies aimed at curbing these activities, job opportunities were also being made available to the unemployed. “The Customs Department has a regular training programme for recruits and we want to build on that cadre of persons and so we are welcoming and encouraging people to get involved. We want our parents not to have their children at home being idle doing nothing when work is going a-begging in the country,” he told reporters.

Haitian law makers vote to ban same-sex marriages PORTAU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Haitian lawmakers have approved legislation prohibiting same sex marriages as well as banning all forms of public demonstrations in support of homosexuality. The Senate earlier this week approved the measure that includes sanctions and specifies that perpetrators, co-perpetrators and accomplices of a homosexual marriage face a penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 Gourdes (One Gourde=US$0.01 cents). When the vote was taken on Tuesday night, 50 per cent of the total Senate was not present. But 12 Senators voted in favour of the bill, while one voted against and another abstained. This bill, in addition to prohibiting marriage, or attempted marriage, between two persons of the same sex in Haiti, also prohibits all forms of public demon-

strations in support of homosexuality and proselytism in favour of such acts and stipulates that “any promotion, in any form or by any means, constitutes an offense of contempt of good morals and public decency”. The bill also includes foreigners on Haitian territory stating “no foreigner can avail himself of his personal status and the provisions of the law of his country to solicit the celebration in Haiti of a marriage between two persons of the same sex”. “All senators are opposed to same-sex marriage so this only

reflects their commitments made at the time of their campaigns,” said Senator Youri Latortue, President of the Senate. President of the “Kouraj” Association, Charlot Jeudy, said that his group which is recognised by the state and defends the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexual (LGBTI), community, said the legislation is “an attack against the LGBTI community in Haiti”. He said it will further divide society, reinforce discrimination and bring much more violence and prejudice against the LGBTI community.

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Saturday August 05, 2017

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US attorney general says four charged in crackdown on leaks The US attorney general has said four people have been charged over leaks as the Trump administration launched a crackdown on embarrassing disclosures. Jeff Sessions said the suspects were accused of divulging classified material or concealed contacts with foreign intelligence officers. America’s top prosecutor said the administration has tripled the number of active leak probes since

January. President Donald Trump has criticised Mr Sessions as “very weak” on leaks. At Friday’s news conference, the attorney general said no government could be effective when its leaders could not talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders. “I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our

U.N. vote Saturday on U.S. bid to slash North Korea exports UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Saturday on a U.S.drafted resolution that aims to slash by a third North Korea’s $3 billion annual export revenue over Pyongyang’s two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests in July. A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was a “high confidence” that North Korea ally China and Russia would support the draft resolution, which was circulated to the 15 Security Council members on Friday. The council is due to vote at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT). A

resolution needs nine votes in favor, and no vetoes by the United States, China, Russia, France or Britain, to be adopted. The draft resolution would ban North Korea’s exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood. It would also prohibit countries from increasing the current numbers of North Korean laborers working abroad, ban new joint ventures with North Korea and any new investment in current joint ventures. “These are export sectors where this money is viewed as a critical, critical source of hard currency that the North immediately turns around into its fantastically expensive war

government to protect this country,” he told reporters. He said there had been a “dramatic” increase in recent months of unauthorised dis-

closures to the media and even foreign adversaries. The attorney general also said he wanted to review policies on media subpoenas -

compelling journalists to reveal sources - to balance the role of the press with protecting national security. The move is likely to send

a chill through US newsrooms that have been breaking almost daily scoops, which have embarrassed the White House.

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Saturday August 05, 2017

Lady Jags getting ready for CONCACAF... (From page 29) Qualifiers. Just a single overseas player is in the line-up which features players from Kwakwani, Lethem Orealla, West Coast Demerara and Georgetown. The GFF had announced that International Goalkeeping Coach, Hope Clarke will be joining the Guyana Technical Staff. Head Coach is Akilah Castello and the team is back in camp from August 1st ahead of next week’s matches having already benefitted from a two-week encampment, last month. The GFF is urging fans and supporters to come out

and support the team next Wednesday and Sunday at Leonora where admission is absolutely free. Guyana is among five nations hosting the group stages of the tournament including St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia. The competition will be hosted in two phases: the Qualifying Group Phase and the Qualifying Final Phase. According to the regulations, the qualifying phase of the Caribbean competition shall be played separately within the Caribbean, thus providing the agreed representation for the 2018

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CONCACAF 2018 Women’s Under-17 Championship. Three teams from the Caribbean zone qualify automatically to the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship, the two finalists and third place winner in the qualifying final stage. Group D Match Schedule GAME 1: Wed, 9th Aug Guyana vs Barbados GAME 2: Fri, 11th Aug Barbados vs Cuba GAME 3: Sun, 13th Aug Guyana – Cuba ADMISSION: FREE GAME TIME: 17:00hrs VENUE: National Track and Field Centre, Leonora

Coe determined to stop athletes using flags of convenience LONDON (Reuters) - The president of athletics’ world governing body the IAAF has vowed to continue efforts to stop athletes switching nationality and competing under ‘flags of convenience’. Speaking ahead of the opening of the World Athletics championships in London, Sebastian Coe said that athletes needed to have a strong connection to the country they are representing, rather than looking around for nations to run for. “We have witnessed in the last few years the changing shape of our sport which at its best is a championship-

based sport (where) the best athletes competing against each other with national identity,” he said on Friday. “I can’t have a situation where I’ve got federation presidents reporting to me that most mornings they are waking up to emails with names of athletes looking for flags of convenience.” Unlike other sports such as football, athletics has allowed its competitors to switch nationalities, even after they have represented one country at international level. Several dozen athletes changed allegiance on the eve of last year’s Olympic

Games in Rio de Janeiro. In February this year, the IAAF placed an immediate stop on changes of nationality by athletes and has set up a working group to come up with new rules. Coe said although there should be some “legitimate and genuine” chances for athletes to switch, he wanted the process to be “a lot tougher”. “It can’t be done on the basis that just two federations agree and an athlete suddenly appears in a completely different uniform to the one they were running in six weeks ago,” he added.

Mo Farah claims 10,000m gold in glorious... Saturday August 05, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. Short trips may be tiring but rewarding. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. Don't expect support from your mate. Sentimental feelings may make it difficult to get much done at work GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Travel should be on your agenda. Don't expect the whole family to be overjoyed. Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Do not let in-laws upset you. Lovers will be demanding. You are best to sign your partner up for activities that will be tiring. You can make gains if you look at long-term investments. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your lover. Nothing can be resolved if you don't want to talk about it. Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Major job changes or opportunities to get ahead professionally are apparent. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you. You will profit from home improvement projects and real estate deals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Someone you live with may feel totally neglected. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. Look into events that you might find interesting, and compromise by doing a few things that you both like to do. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side. You are best to avoid such unsavory circumstances, especially if you're in a group situation. Get on with your life. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can expect changes at your work place. Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. Real estate investments could be to your advantage. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You are best to get out of the house today. Entertain in your home and make aesthetic enhancements that will please those who reside with you. You may find that you're being used. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Money may slip through your fingers. You may have a problem at work with a female coworker. Money problems will be difficult to deal with if you have a partner.

(Form page 27) between an athlete and a coach who remains at the centre of a doping investigation but there is no denying the impact Alberto Salazar has had on Farah’s career. When Farah moved to Oregon at the turn of 2011 to work with Salazar, he was nowhere near good enough at to compete at this

RHTY&SC congratulates members... (From page 28) all represented Guyana this year. We would like to express gratitude to all of our official cricket sponsors who continue to invest heavily into our players and are responsible for our unbelievable success. Bakewell, Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Gizmos & Gadgets, Metro Office Supplies and Pepsi are the foundation of these players’ successes and we look forward to unearthing more talent in the future with their support. We would like to remind each of our members of our simple formula for success - “sheer hard work, faith in the God we serve, dedication, team unity and belief in ourselves. We wish each of our members and the rest of the Guyana team success. We at the Rose Hall To w n Yo u t h & S p o r t s Club are very proud of our players, coaching staff and dedicated Executives and it is very heartening for us as we prove to others that this club would continue to be the best in Guyana. After all, only recently we were described as a Charity Organisation by the Guyana Cricket Board.

level. But since then he has undergone a quite amazing transformation. Victory here – we were told earlier this week – was the product of another Salazar training block that reached its peak at the altitude training camp in Font Romeu 13 days ago. It was after one particular session, revealed Neil Black, that Farah declared himself ready.

He oozed that confidence here last night, waving at the crowd on entering the stadium and bagging yet more precious metal less than half an hour later with his second quickest time over the distance. Another major title is sure to now come next Saturday, and only then will Farah be done. Only then will someone else be allowed to win.

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Usain Bolt recovers from slow start to win 100m heats Jamaican finishes ahead of Brit James Dasaolu

DCC camp set to commence on August 7 Dem e r a r a C r i c k e t Club will be hosting a cricket camp starting on August 7 for males and females between the ages of 7-17. The 15-day camp will commence at 09:00hrs and conclude at 15:00hrs each day. The Programme invol v e s l e c t u r e s o n various topics on cricket, fitness, drills,

Usain Bolt recovered from a slow start to win the 100m with a time of 10.08 seconds. (Andy Hooper/ Daily Mail) Daily Mail - A bad start, an easy finish and that same old burst of beautiful cruelty in the middle. Usain Bolt is up and running in his final World Championships and immediately it is hard to figure out who might be capable of taking him down. It’s not that his firstround run of 10.07sec was impressive because it was actually pretty poor by the J a m a i c a n ’s s t a n d a r d s , given he opened with a stumble and closed with just the eighth quickest time of the qualifiers. Indeed, he was grumbling and chuntering on his way off the track. But the time and the aesthetics are not the point and never are in these early skirmishes. It’s about ease, about giving a little and still winning, about how much room there is to go faster. And Bolt always seems to have room, even now at the end of what has been a troubling season. By the time he crossed the line here, in first place, he was jogging, having looked to be halfway down the pack at 40m and then in front by 60m. Those 20m, he kills them every time, Britain’s James Dasaolu among the fallen. He has the speed that others will never know and only uses it when it’s needed, his best saved for later. It’s what he does. Take a look through his

history in these early rounds. When Bolt broke the world record at the 2008 Olympics, his opening bid was 10.20sec. When he broke it again a year later, he clocked that same slow time. So this was an encouraging start to the last dance, with Bolt due to retire after these Championships. His route here had been distinctly underwhelming, characterised by modest runs, the tragic death of a friend and back problems, but Bolt is all about the big occasion and in this event, with Andre De Grasse pulling out injured, things are already looking good. That’s not to say there aren’t brilliant rivals – but it is notable that they all seemed to work that bit harder than Bolt for similar times. ‘That was very bad,’ Bolt said. ‘I stumbled a bit coming off these blocks. I am not fond of these blocks. They are the worst block I have experienced. It was not a smooth start. I can’t have that. I have to get this together. It’s shakey. It’s not as firm as I’m used to. ‘But the crowd is always wonderful. They always show me so much love and I appreciate it. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to getting to the finals and doing my best.’ Christian Coleman, the fastest man in the world this

year with 9.82sec, was impressive with a 10.01sec run, while Yohan Blake was sluggish in 10.13sec. P e r h a p s m o s t intriguingly, Justin Gatlin, the convicted drug cheat, took his heat in 10.05sec and, like Bolt, was easing up at the end. In the absence of De Grasse, it could yet be an old rivalry that characterises the Bolt farewell. Of the British trio, Reece Prescod ran an impressive personal best of 10.03sec to qualify along with CJ Ujah, the best home hope, who went through in 10.07sec. Desaolu was second behind bolt in 10.13sec. Meanwhile, Laura Muir cantered into the semi-finals of the 1500m, finishing fourth in her heat in 4:08.97 with gas to spare. It was the first of five races she must race in the space of 10 days as she pursues a double assignment of 1500m and 5,000m. Muir said: ‘The reception was brilliant. I’m lucky I’ve got a lot of championships under my belt now, because to have that support now, I see it as a positive rather than a negative.’ Britain’s Jessica Judd, Laura Weightman and Sarah McDonald joined Muir in the semi-finals. Holly Bradshaw needed only one attempt at 4.50m to qualify for the pole vault final.

Zorg to host cricket camp from August 7 As part of cricket development on the Essequibo Coast, Zorg Sports Club will be hosting a camp for U15 males and females from August 7-11.

Students will be tutored on the basics in the various departments of the game and other cricket related topics. On August 12 the club will organsie a T20

fixture, while the following day the students will test their skills in a 50-over game. Interested persons can contact Debra Daniels on 683-7807.

Saturday August 05, 2017

game simulations and matches. Participants will also be exposed to the basics of bat t i n g , b o w l i n g , wicket-keeping, fielding, development of skills, mental skills training, discipline, goal setting, tactical awareness as well as captaincy and leadership skills. Youths will be placed in

groups according to their age and skill level and can contact club captain Dennis Squires on 6657400, Garvin Nedd on 617-9381, Mark Harper on 611-0735, 678-9973 for information on registration. Sessions will be c o n d u c t e d b y Tr a v i s Dowlin, Nedd, Mark Harper, Reon King and Orin Bailey.

Dian Prahalad creates history at RHTYSC - First Female to cop Cricketer of Academy Award History was created last weekend when for the first time, a female cricketer was named Cricketer of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket Academy. Former national Under-19 player Dian Prahalad copped the top award after been n a m e d b y t h e C l u b ’s Coaching Staff headed by Coach Delbert Hicks. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation since 1991 has been hosting the Cricket Academy, with the main aim of producing all rounded cricketers for the Club, Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies. Prahalad, a left arm spinner and a right handed middle order batsman was rewarded for her attendance record, personal discipline, work ethic during the Academy and willingness to learn. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the 2017 Cricket Academy was a success despite been badly affected by the rainy season which did not allow any pitch practice or any matches to be played. Dozens of members between the ages of 8 to 20 years attended the academy and were involved in coaching sessions to improve their batting, bowling and fielding skills, while special emphasis was placed on physical fitness. Several classroom lectures were also hosted during the two weeks academy on topics such as Rules of Cricket, History of the Game, Choosing Friends, Suicide, Drug Abuse, Personal Hygiene and HIV/AIDS. Foster at the Graduation Ceremony urged the Club members to put into practice what they would

Former national Under-19 player Dian Prahalad (right) copped the top award. have learnt during the academy and to develop a culture of discipline, learning, faith in God, dedication and a willingness to keep climbing even when the path gets rough. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, he stated takes pride in its performances on and off the cricket field and informed the attentive youths that they are the ones who have to uphold the high standard in the future. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has produced over a dozen senior Guyana players, five for the West Indies, fifty four national junior and over one hundred for Berbice at all levels. The long serving Secretary/CEO reminded the graduates that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, is the only Club in Guyana that invests in each of its members on and off the cricket field with special emphasis on education. The Club, he stated would continue to do so and would even consider expanding the Personal Development Programme in 2018. Head Coach Delbert Hicks expressed disappointment in the

weather, which affected his plans to do some work on the pitch but described the Academy as successful. He praised the young cricketers for their discipline and dedication. Like Foster, the Cricket Coach urged the Club Members to make sure that they always strive for excellence and to expand their knowledge of the game. The other awardees at the 2017 Cricket Academy were Best Batsman - Mohendra Gopilall, Best Bowler Joshua Wilson and Most Discipline - Matthew Prass. Prahalad receives a trophy and cricket bat, while the others received educational supplies. Each of the youths at the Academy received a school bag and collection of exercise books. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would like to express gratitude to the Management of Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) and Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society (DMLAS) for their support of the Club’s Cricket Programme. Special mention was made of Clarence Perry, Geoffrey Brewster, Sheldon Carew, Latoya Greaves and Phillip Young.

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Thunderstorm brewing for GABBFF Mr. Guyana Senior Championships tomorrow Clarke is man to beat By Franklin Wilson With a number of big names being bandied around that are expected to hit the stage tomorrow night at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, the Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Mr. Guyana Senior’s Championships is shaping up as a thunderous event. Reigning Mr. Guyana Kerwyn ‘Chisel’ Clarke, for the past four years will be the man to beat and all who are having such thoughts will have to bring their A+ game in order to get past the champ who revealed to Kaieteur Sport that he is in great shape despite a major setback. ”First I must give thanks to Almighty God for bringing me through the recovery process. I have been putting in the work and I am very pleased with the way my body has responded during the training, so I am ready to give it my best shot on Sunday night.” ”I would also like to exte n d t h a n k s t o m y training team Ivlaw, Rhon Allicock, my brother

Keron Watson Clarke and Mr. Hugh Ross who has been monitoring my progress, diligently.” Clarke, a member of Space Gym, who won the elusive gold medal in the Light Middleweight division at the 44th Central American and Caribbean Body Building and Fitness Federation Championships last year in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is tipped to win a fifth consecutive title. This newspaper was informed that two USA based bodybuilders are expected to be on stage tomorrow, adding some more spice to the competition for the locals. One of the USA based athletes is Bruce Whatley who won the Masters Over40 category at last year’s CAC and also took silver in the Middleweight division. It will be a case of teacher versus student with Whatley on a collision course against Clarke. The former was the latter’s trainer prior to him winning the Mr. Guyana Novice title back in 2011 which has all the ingredients for an epic showdown

Kerwyn ‘Chisel’ Clarke Bruce Whatley between two knowledgeable athletes. The likes of Godfrey Stoby, Sylvester Andrews, Rhon Lonke and Novice champion, Nolan Smith and veteran gladiator, Linden’s Lindie Sharpe will also be in the mix in the Lightweight, We l t e r w e i g h t , B a n t a m w e i g h t , M i d d l e w e i g h t , Heavyweight and Masters C a t e g o r i e s . The Mr. Physique Class is

expected to provide fierce competition among the likes of old rivals Emmerson Campbell and Yannick Grimes who will be the lead competitors. The females will contest the Ms. Bikini Best Body and Ms. Body Fitness c l a s s e s . GABBFF President Coel Marls disclosed that all systems are in place for what is expected to be a memorable show. He is expressing

Emmerson Campbell gratitude to all the athletes who will be on stage and have been training very hard over the past months. Gratitude is also being extended to the corporate entities that have partnered with eth federation to make the event a success. In the platinum category are Ghan d i ’s G e n e r a l Store, Fitness Express, Atlantic Mining, Ministry o f S p o r t s , Wo r l d o f F l o w e r s a n d C h u n g ’s Global Enterprises.

Yannick Grimes

Gold sponsors are Windjammer International Hotel and Cuisine, Safe Sol, Star Party Rentals, Gizmos and Gadgets and Aruwai Resort. Apart from the attractive incentives on offer, the top performers will no doubt be in contention to represent Guyana at the 45th CAC B o d y b u i l d i n g championships set for Mexico City from September 29 – October 2, 2017.

Mo Farah claims 10,000m gold in glorious return to the London Stadium Daily Mail - This time Sir Mo Farah even found the time and energy to signal to the London crowd with a defiant beat of the chest to raise the decibel level. This time he even saw off what, at times, looked like a concerted effort to unsettle him; not just with some brutal injections of pace but by clipping his heels in the closing laps. More than 15 laps remained of this 10,000m final but clearly sensing the atmosphere was lacking the delirious fanaticism of that extraordinary Saturday evening five years ago, Farah demanded more as he moved effortlessly up the field. With just under a lap to go those gestures turned angry, Farah punching the air in protest as he so nearly tumbled to the ground. By then he had already dealt with some fierce raises in tempo, the Kenyan trio nudging four-minute mile pace for two circuits of the track in the middle of the

Farah poses alongside Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei (left) and Paul Kipngetich Tanui (right) (Andy Hooper/Daily Mail) race in a bid to break the Briton. But a period of dominance unrivalled in the history of distance running continued with aplomb in the end, Farah once again producing the devastating burst of acceleration that has proved so destructive in the closing stages of every major 10,000m race these past six

seasons. Not since August 28, 2 0 11 h a s F a r a h b e e n conquered over 25 laps in a championship final, and he was only beaten then because of tactical naivety. That night in Daegu Farah simply went too early, attacking with 500m to go and draining his legs of the strength required to hold off

Ibrahim Jeilan in the final 60m. Farah learned from that mistake, winning the 5000m final that followed a few days later with an approach that has served him so well ever since. He might still choose to hit the front inside the last two laps. He might raise the tempo of that easy, loping

stride when another athlete dares move on to his shoulder. He might even produce those wild-eyed glances back across each shoulder in a seemingly desperate search to see if anyone is catching him. But not until the last curve flows into the straight does Farah now hit the gas for home, preserving enough energy to reach speeds no other stickthin runner has been able to match. Never had his attempts to control a race been met with such resistance though, the sight of Abadi Hadis barging past him after Farah tried to take the lead 800m from the finish. The size of the achievement should not be diminished by the frequency with which we have seen Farah come out on top against the best Kenya and Ethiopia can assemble. It is truly astonishing that he has now secured a 10th straight global title with an 11th likely to follow next week;

all the more remarkable that it is actually his 13th consecutive major championship gold if we throw in those European titles too. Never mind his third 10000m world crown. No other distance runner, not Haile Gebrselassie, not Lasse Viren, not Emil Zatopek, not even Kenenisa Bekele, has been able to perform with such consistency at the very highest level. Age, it seems, cannot wither Mohamed Muktar Jama Farah. Not until he was 28 did he win that first global title but even at 34, and just a few races from hanging up his spikes, he remains an indomitable presence who somehow manages to steer clear of serious injury and illness when it matters most as well. The performance director of British Athletics, indeed Farah’s own PR advisers, might now be keen to create some distance (Continued on page 25)

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Sponsors continue support for Guyana Cup horserace Meet at Rising Sun August 13 More sponsors have been coming onboard for the Guyana Cup Horserace Meeting on August 13th at the Rising Sun Turf Club on the West Coast of Berbice starting at 11:30am. The 11th edition of the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise and Stables organised Mega event promises exciting horseracing action and sponsors are ensuring that fans witness an entertaining and successful event by providing the requisite funding to ensure same. This past week representatives of Big G Lumber yard, Caricom Auto Sales, Impressive Signs and Graphics, and Soreidom Guyana Inc all handed over various contributions to the organisers. Filling in for Main Coordinator Junior ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohamed was Roy Jafferally who thanked all the sponsors for their generosity in ensuring the meet is a resounding success. Other businesses that are supporting this year ’s meeting are Rambrich Service Station, Poonai’s Pharmacy of Rose Hall Town, Rohan Auto Spares, BM Soat Auto Spares, Muneahwar Hardware Store, Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company, Super Bet, ISG Industrial Supplies of Guyana Inc, D. Telokie & Sons Trucking Service, BM Soat Auto Sales and Anand and Sons Electrical. The meet will see the B Class event as the main attraction. This race is open to all imported and Guyana Bred B class horses and covers a distance of 2000m for a whopping $2M for the

Representative of Soreidom Guyana Inc presents their sponsorship to Roy Jafferally of the organisers.

Impressive Signs and Graphics Proprietor Dave Rampersaud (left) presents their support to Jafferally. winner with second collecting $1M, third $500,000, fourth $250,000 and fifth $125,000. There is the E & lower 1500m race for all imported and Guyana Bred 3 years and

up and those rated E class and lower for a sumptuous $1.2M winner’s purse. The G & Lower Guyana and West Indies Bred racehorses cover 1500m with the winner carting off

Caricom Auto Sales Reps hands over their support to Jafferally.

An official of Big G Lumber yard seals their support for the event by handing over their sponsorship to Mr. Jafferally.

$700,000, the H3 & lower race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses has a $400,000 pay day over a distance of 1100m, the 2 years old Guyana Bred horses will run over a similar

11 0 0 m d i s t a n c e w i t h $350,000 the purse on offer for the winner, while 3 year old Guyana bred and I1 & Lower class racehorses will look to cash in on the $300,000 first prize over

1100m. The J2 & K & Lower class will be battling for a $250,000 purse, while the L& Lower non-winners will collide for a $200,000 winners take, both events also over 1100m.

RHTY&SC congratulates members on National Selection The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, would like to congratulate all of its members who are preparing to represent Guyana or are doing so currently. As a Cricket Club, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club prides itself on a platform of excellence, ability to win tournaments at all levels and our production of cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Founded just twenty seven years ago, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has produced sixteen senior national, fifty two junior national cricketers, over 100 for Berbice and five for the West Indies at all levels. Seven of our female cricketers, Plaffiana Millington, Sheneeta Grimmond, Rushanna Lynch, Mariam Samaroo, Shabika Gajnabi, Aleema Arokium and Una Matadin

have all made us proud by gaining selection on the Guyana National Under-19 Female Team to play in Trinidad. The girls are all members of the Rose Hall Town Metro Team - the only female cricket team in Guyana. Additionally, three of our junior cricketers - Sylus Tyndall, Kevin Sinclair and Kevin Anderson are currently representing Guyana at the Under-19 level, while Anderson along

- Proud of its Cricket Development Programme with Junior Sinclair recently returned after representing our country at the Under-17 West Indies Tournament. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is very proud of each one of our members and even prouder of our internal cricket programmes which allow each of our members to excel and to fulfill their true potential. As a Cricket Club,

we strongly believe in investing in our members’ development on and off the cricket field and in also creating a friendly environment which allows them to strive. A perfect example of rapid development is Ms. Uma Matadin who joined the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, less than a year ago and is now on the

verge of being a national player. Best wishes are also extended to Assad Fudadin and Esuan Crandon (Asst Coach) as they start the campaign to win the 2017 Caribbean Premier League. It must be remembered that Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry and Fudadin (Continued on page 25)

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Lady Jags getting ready for CONCACAF Caribbean Female U17 Qualifiers

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Dependable Spares and Universal Electronics support Enmore CC

Land of Many Waters face Land of Flying Fish next Wednesday at Leonora

The National U-17 Lady Jags. Guyana’s Under-17 Lady Jags will take center stage next Wednesday evening from 17:00hrs at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora when they take on Barbados in the first match of Group D play in the CONCACAF Caribbean Female U17 Qualifiers. The Guyana Football Federation’s Technical Staff would have been putting in the necessary work to get the young ladies in prime shape for the matches that will also

see them taking on Cuba in the three days of qualifying. The young Guyanese lasses will take on Barbados n e x t We d n e s d a y f r o m 17:00hrs and will close out their quest to advance further in the competition when they match skills with Cuba on Sunday August 13, next at the same venue. On Friday,August 11, Barbados and Cuba will go h e a d t o h e a d . When Guyana had qualified for the CONCACAF

Women’s Gold Cup back in 2010, the Lady Jags had rebounded from a 1-0 loss to the Cubans in Havana to beat their rivals 3-1 in the return game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence becoming the first Guyanese team to qualify for a CONCACAF Finals. The make-up of this current team is however more local based players than the team back in 2010 and 2015 in the Olympic (Continued on page 25)

Proprietor of Universal Electronics Adrian Persaud ( left) makes the donation to ECCCC captain Bheemraj Ramkelawan in the presence club members. T h e E n m o r e Community Centre Cricket Club has benefited through a timely donation from Dependable Spares of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Universal Electronics of Enmore, East Coast Demerara in association with Cricket

Zone USA. The entities presented the club with 26 uniforms and caps at a simple ceremony held recently at the Enmore Community Centre. C l u b c a p t a i n Ramkelawan expressed gratitude to the sponsors. “We are very thankful to

Dependable Spares and Universal Electronics in association with Cricket Zone USA for their kindness.” Special thanks were also extended to Ravi Etwaroo of Cricket Zone USA, who once again contributed cricket equipment to the Club.

GAW begins 2017 Hero CPL campaign...

Chris Gayle (From page 32) off-spin to complement Khan and the usually frugal Jacobs. Gayle’s presence should lift the entire team and if he gets going today, the mainly West Indian fans could be in for a treat in what should be sweltering heat and on a good track for batting and fast outfield. Now 37, Gayle is one of only four batsmen with two Test triple centuries and 215 in ODIs, but it is in the game’s shortest format that

Carlos Braithwaite the left-hander has been most destructive blasting 18 t20 centuries. He scored the first ever t20 International ton in 2007 against South Africa, a belligerent 57ball 117 and has the highest score (175), fastest ton and most sixes in t20 cricket. But it will not only be the pugnacious Gayle that the Warriors bowlers will have to worry about. Mohammad Hafeez is very experienced and will

Martin Guptill

want to do well against his former team, while Trinidadian Evin Lewis and Bajan Jonathan Carter have both played for the West Indies and are capable of runs in this format. A f g h a n i s t a n ’s a l l rounder Mohammed Nabi is good enough to have scored an ODI century, while the big hitting Carlos Brathwaite, who hit four consecutive sixes to win the t20 World Cup for the West Indies, is capable of quick runs, while former West

Rashid Khan

Indies U-19 Captain Shamarh Brooks and 22year-old Jamaican Fabian Allen can also bat. The bowling of the SKNP pace attack will be spearheaded by the genuinely quick 20 year-old Alzarri Joseph, left-armer pacer Sheldon Cotterell, Nabi, Braithwaite and Pakistani pacer 23-yearold Hasan Ali made his debut in the ICC Champions Trophy this year. Canadian 22-year-old

leg-spinner Nikhil Dutta, South African left-arm back of the hand spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and leg-spinner Samuel Badree will take care of the spin options with support from Hafeez and Gayle. GAW: Martin Guptill (capt ) , S o h a i l Ta n v i r, Chadwick Walton, Babar Azam, Rayad Emrit, Rashid Khan, Jason Mohammed, Steven T a i l o r , Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul, Roshon Primus, Gajanand Singh, Assad

Sohail Tanvir Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Kemo Paul, Mohammed Ali Khan SKNP: Chris Gayle (Capt), Fabian Allen, Samuel Badree, Carlos Brai t h w a i t e , S h a m a r h Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cotterell, Nikhil Dutta, Hasan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Jeremiah Louis, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammed Nabi, Chris Morris, Tabraiz Shamsi.

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Saturday August 05, 2017

Kendall’s Union Sports Club receives equipment from former members With this being August month the unseasonal rainy weather continues to wreak havoc with outdoor sporting activities in Guyana, as such a number of sporting organisations are making use of the time to do other things, such as replenishing their stocks and holding indoor activities and developmental sessions. One such organisation is the Kendall’s Union Cricket Club (KUCC), which is a part of the Kendall Union Sport Club (KUSC) of East Coast Berbice (No19 Village). The club, which is one of the top second division clubs in Berbice, has been on the receiving end recently from both present and former members who are resident both at home and overseas. The club recently

Aaron Baker (right) making a donation of some cricket gear to the vice captain of KUSC cricket team.

The Ramdass Family hands over gear to the KUSC. President Albert Budhoo stands back left. received a set of cricket gear from two families who were and still are associated with the club. The Ramdass family of

overseas who were former members made a sizable donation of a number of cricket gear and other equipment to the club.

Former all-rounder Aaron Baker who is also overseas did the honours on behalf of his family. Among the donations

Five exhibition games usher tonight’s final between Future Stars and West Front Road

received are cricket bats, pads, batting and wicketkeeping gloves, guards and a quantity of balls and a gear bag. The Club’s President and team Captain, Mr. Albert

Budhoo in brief remarks, expressed special thanks to both the Ramdass family and Baker and his family for remembering the club and their continue assistance and support.

LABA/MSC Open championship bounces off tonight Top ranked clubs battle as Jets face Royals, Raiders collide with Bulls

GT Beer Keep Your 5 Alive KO Futsal Tourney While fans for either finalist in tonight’s final of the Keep Your Five Alive KO Futsal tournament, Future Stars and West Front Road-Gold is Money would be focused on sending the right energy to their side, they are all in for a treat before the main event at the National Gymnasium. Organisers of this tournament has pulled out the stops to serve up what is anticipated to be six mouthwatering exhibition matches that will be sure to entertain the fans. The main supporting clashes though, will showcase non-football

players who are more known for their exploits on the dominos table. The teams met earlier in the tournament and have earned re-matches; Spartans will be matching skills with Goal for Money, while MixUp will take on Thunder. Another grudge affair pits Customs against Wartsila; Broad Street will battle Channel 9, Back Circle come up against Sophia, while Sparta Boss will tangle with North Ruimveldt. Sparta will be seeking to show that despite failing to make it to the finals of this and the Guinness Greatest of

the Streets competitions, they have not lost their shine, the likes of Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Devon ‘Don Don’ Millington and Eusi ‘Bony’ Phillips among others on show. In the championship match tonight, a total of $750,000 is up for the taking with the champion team walking away with $500,000. This is the real business end of the tournament and neither finalist, Future Stars or West Front Road-Gold is Money can afford to slip up. Both sides have both done lots of work in charting their way this far and are gearing

Fans will be out in full force to absorb the action tonight. up to do it again, Keep their Five Alive. While crowning of a champion is sure, equally certain is the fact that one of the two will be disappointed at the end of proceedings. That team will however be receiving, $250,000. Kick off time is 20:00hrs. Corporate support for the tournament came from HJTV, 94.1 Boom FM, Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals, A&J Carpet House, Ravi’s Carwash (Pike Street, Kitty), Cheese Please, Colours Boutique, Confidential Cabs and the title sponsor, GT Beer.

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) will stage its senior tournament, the LABA/MSC Open championship from tonight starting with a double header, involving the town’s four leading clubs. Linden champions Retrieve Raiders, who are ranked number one are down to face second seed Half Mile Bulls at 20:30hrs in the main event, but the action bounces off at 18:30hrs between third ranked Victory Valley Royals and fourth seed Amelia’s Ward Jets. After some discussions between the Mackenzie Sports Club and the LABA it was decided that the Club would assist with this promotion, being convinced of the current challenges facing the sport, reported Lawrence Simon, president of LABA. He said this was a good sign of the interest of the MSC in helping to promote the game by the long standing sports institution

for which LABA was extremely grateful. The immediate thinking Simon said they were to play the matches on Saturdays a n d We d n e s d a y s b u t because of the Boyce and Jeffords Athletics Classics set for next Saturday, at MSC, the plan is to play Friday instead. However, on Wednesday two more games are planned with Block 22 Flames taking on Christianburg Pistons in the first game at 18:30hrs, while at 20:30hrs Victory Valley Royals clash with Bankers Trust Falcons. President Simon explained that a special offer was given to clubs to sell fifty tickets for which they would earn much needed cash. Trophies, replicas and medals are on offer for the winners in this championship which also will affect the ratings of clubs. This therefore means a lot to each club and most important will be the Linden Club championship and bragging rights.

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 05, 2017

PAGE 31

First ever Guinness Cage Indoor Championship set for Aug. 24 start The Guinness / Three Peat Promotions first ever Guinness Cage Indoor Championship is set to commence on Thursday, August 24, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. According to a release from the Organisers, thirtytwo of the leading teams in the indoor format will battle for prize monies in excess of $800,000 in what is anticipated to be an exciting competition featuring teams such as new kids on the block Future Stars, resurgent West Front

Road ‘Gold is Money, Guyana’s most successful futsal team Sparta Boss, Linden champion Dave & Celena All Stars, West Demerara champion Showstoppers, Leopold Street, Tiger Bay, Agricola Champion Boys, Melanie and Plaisance among others. It promises to be eight nights of enthralling action with the winning team set to receive $400,000 and the c h a m p i o n s h i p t r o p h y, while second, third and fourth placed teams take away $200,000,

The action promises to be with the usual intensity when teams the calibre of Sparta Boss and Albouystown among others collide. $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The other playing dates for the championship are August 29 and 31, September 2, 5, 7, 9 with the final set for September 16, at the same venue. Some of the teams

invited so far areGeorgetown Sparta Boss Gold is Money Back Circle Future Stars Leopold Street Broad Street Queen Street Tiger Bay

Albouystown North East La Penitence Tucville Sophia North Ruimveldt East Bank Demerara Agricola Linden Dave and Celena’s All-

Stars West Demerara Showstoppers Hustlers ESPN East Coast BV Melanie Plaisance

National Sports Commission keeps pledge to support young athletes The pair of Claudrice McCoy, who won gold in the 3000m open at the 2017 Carifta Games and Onassha Rogers, who runs the sprint double of 100m/200m, have been granted full scholarships to attend Monroe College in New York, USA. The two student

athletes were part of the 12 athletes who represented Guyana exceptionally at the recently held CARIFTA Games that were all granted full scholarships from the Government to attend the University of Guyana valuing G$230,000 per year for the period of four (4)

years. Now with the fantastic opportunity of attending college in the USA on a full scholarship the National Sports Commission has upheld their promise and the talented athletes will continue to receive G$230,000 per year for four

- Rogers and McCoy to receive G$230,000 yearly

Onassha Rogers receives the scholarship cheque from Christopher Jones.

(4) years to help with any fixed costs they may encounter. At a press brief yesterday morning at the National Sports Commission office on H o m e s t r e t c h Av e n u e , Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, noted that they will have to sign a

memorandum of understanding that stipulates, “if for some reason they fail to complete their studies at Munroe College, the payments will cease and if they continue at the university of Guyana, the payment will continue”. Rogers, who will major in

Criminal Justice, expressed her appreciation to the NSC and Gov’t for their support, “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to further my studies and I pledge my best to make Guyana and my family proud.” The two athletes will depart Guyana on August 18th.

t r o Sp GAW begins Usain Bolt recovers from 2017 Hero CPL slow start to win 100m heats campaign today

Jamaican finishes ahead of Brit James Dasaolu

in Florida Face-off with SKNP from noon By Sean Devers in Florida In association with Carib Beer, Vnet Communications, M i n g ’s S e r v i c e s & Products & Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club

Bolt did not look at his best during the opening day of his final World Championships (Getty Images)

Mo Farah claims 10,000m gold in glorious return to the London Stadium

Farah reacts with delight after crossing the finish line first to win the 10,000m final. (Reuters)

Thunderstorm brewing for GABBFF Mr. Guyana Senior Championships tomorrow

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) arrived here on Wednesday afternoon and while both St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (SKNP) and Jamaica Tallawahs (JT) had practice games against the USA national team, the Warriors had to settle for two practice sessions in scorching heat ahead of their opening game against SKNP today in Fort Lauderdale from 11:00hrs. Finalist in three of the four years (2013, 2014 & 2016) of CPL cricket, the Warriors will aim to go all the way this year but head coach Roger Harper and his assistant, former Guyana pacer Esaun Crandon, wants their changers to focus on one game at a time to ensure they qualify for the ‘final four’ in Trinidad next month. In 2015 they lost in the Semi-finals and today they face-off with a new look SKNP led by the indomitable Christopher Gayle who is making his debut after playing for his home team in the past four tournaments. The Warriors batting, without the injured Chris Lynn, could be their biggest worry and will depend heavily on the New Zealand Skipper Martin Guptill at the top of the order. Wicket-Keeper Chadwick Walton could be destructive if he gets going, while the elegant Pakistani Babar Azam, Jason Mohamed (who had two fifties in the three practice games at Providence) and American left-hander Steven Taylor will depended on for runs. Gajanand Singh did not fire during the practice nor did Assad Fudadin and could

be hard pressed to play today since all-rounder Sohail Tanveer and 18-year-old Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan could contribute with the bat. The 19-year-old West Indies U-19 ViceCaptain Kemo Paul impressed with the bat in the practice games and could force his way into the starting X1 today. American pacer Mohammed Ali Khan could sneak his way into the side, while Tanveer, the Warriors leading wicket-taker last year with 20 scalps, should spearhead the pace attack. Depending on the nature of the track the Warriors could go with the extra pace of Keon Joseph or stick with the three spinners. Off-spinner Steven Jacobs should open the bowling and spin the ball away from Gayle who had not been in the best of form recently and is vulnerable to off-spin, while Khan could be Guptill’s trump card with his leg-breaks and bamboozling goolies. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul could be the third spinner used or they could include Roshon Primus, Rayad Emrit or Joseph and use Mohammed’s (Continued on page 29)

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